Postseason Dose: Heating Up

With the Red Sox holding a commanding two-game series lead over the Dodgers, the Fall Classic shifts from frigid Fenway Park to picture-perfect Los Angeles for Game 3 on Friday Night. Oddly enough, the most compelling pre-game storyline does not involve 24-year-old fireballer rookie Walker Buehler attempting to salvage the Dodgers 'title hopes for a pivotal start, but rather the health of slugger J.D. Martinez' right ankle. Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters on Thursday that no final decision has been made in Martinez playing in the outfield. "We'll see," said Cora. "Actually, he felt better today (Thursday) walking around." He'll get treatment (Friday) morning, "In the afternoon, we'll make a decision."

If Martinez is not healthy enough to play, it would obviously be a huge loss for the Red Sox lineup. However, if it's going to be enough to play the field, it would likely result in Jackie Bradley Jr. starting Game 3 on the bench. In the days leading up to the World Series, the hottest debate on sports talk radio (at least in Boston, anyway) revolved around the feasibility of shifting Mookie Betts to second base in order to get Martinez potent beats into the lineup out in Los Angeles . Cora made it clear that the game will not start at the keystone in Game 3, but there is a chance that it could make an appearance at the position one has a double switch later in the contest. If there's a single storyline worth watching in Game 3, it's how the Red Sox manage their outfielders.

If Los Angeles is going to get into that series, it has to start at home on Friday night. With the Red Sox handing the ball to righty Rick Porcello, the Dodgers Cody Bellinger, Max Muncy and Joc Pederson – who combined for 85 home runs during the regular season – – in the starting lineup. If Buehler, on the heels of an impressive performance against the Brewers in Game 7 of the NLCS, can the Dodgers to a Victory, it would be the stage for veteran southpaw Rich Hill to the series in Game 4 on Saturday.

Meanwhile, there is some uncertainty with Boston's pitching staff heading into the three-game set in Los Angeles. Cora has not committed to a 4 starter game. Hard-throwing righty Nathan Eovaldi, who owns a sparkling 1.65 ERA and 0.86 WHIP in 16 1/3 innings of work this postseason, is the most likely candidate. However, if the Red Sox has a chance to take a three-game lead, there is a strong possibility of winning the game. If Eovaldi, who made it appearances in each of the first two games of the series, then it would be more likely to be up to Eduardo Rodriguez and the bullpen to cover. Dirty, it would not be surprising to see Eovaldi make a relief appearance to preserve a Game 3 lead before getting the nod to start Game 5.

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The Twins officially hired Rocco Baldelli as their new skipper on Thursday. The 37-year-old form major league outfielder, who spent seven seasons between Tampa Bay and Boston, is now the youngest manager in baseball. He served as the Rays' first base coach and field coordinator last year, and spent the last four years working in their front office. "Twins executive vice president and chief baseball officer" Derek Falvey told reporters at Baldelli's "We talked a lot about finding a partner who shared a vision, who looked at things in a way that would push us forward. introductory press conference on Thursday. Given the proximity to the Rays 'decisions concerning the on-field implementation of statistical data and sudden elimination of traditional pitching roles, it is clear the Twins' are eager to trend in a new, progressive, analytical direction moving forward. According to reports, Twins Bench Coach Derek Shelton and Cubs Benchmark Coach Brandon Hyde were thought to be Paul Molitor, who was let go after the conclusion of the season.

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