Snake Bytes 10/6: Missing Mad Max

ALDS

[MLB.com] Cole (15 K’s) puts Astros on cusp in historic gem - It is not fun to be the Tampa Bay Rays right now. First, they were shut down by Justin Verlander over seven innings in game one only to have to turn around and face Gerrit Cole for game two. He carved them up like a pumpkin on Halloween tallying an eye popping fifteen strikeouts. The going will hardly get any easier for Tampa who will be opposed by future Hall of Fame pitcher and former D’back in game three, the beloved Zack Greinke. Greinke if you remember is coming off of a near no-hitter from his last start in the regular season.

[ESPN] Yankees shell Twins rookie and ex-Uber driver Randy Dobnak - Meanwhile, the Minnesota Twins were overwhelmed by the New York Yankees offense dropping game two in the Bronx. Twins starter Randy Dobnak, a former Uber driver, failed to record a single out beyond the second inning allowing four runs, six hits, and two walks. Didi Gregorious capitalized the third inning with a grand slam to the short right field porch giving the Yankees a commanding seven run lead.

NLDS

[Bleacher Report] Anibal Sanchez Replaces Max Scherzer Hours Before Dodgers vs. Nationals Game 3 - Max Scherzer’s availability for game three today against the Los Angeles Dodgers was questionable after he threw an inning of work during game two. Now we know for certain that Anibal Sanchez will be taking his place for the start instead. This means that Mad Max will be available during a series deciding game four or five if needed.

Around the League

[MLB Trade Rumors] John Gibbons Hopes To Interview For Managerial Vacancies - There are almost too many names to keep track of in the MLB manager carousel, and you can include John Gibbons in the mix. His last season managed was 2018 with the Toronto Blue Jays.

[Forbes] Chicago White Sox Owner Jerry Reinsdorf’s Comments Raise Questions - Fans have an illusion that the owner of their favorite sports teams are solely focused on winning championships and nothing else. The reality is that the chances of doing so are slim to none, and many of the businessmen who own these teams see it as another investment opportunity and nothing else. And why shouldn’t they? With some occasional dumb luck they may have a championship fall into their lap, but there is no benefit for an owner who is driven by money to pour more of it into a team to marginally increase the chances of winning. Butts in the seats hardly make them as much money as broadcasting an marketing deals which have skyrocketed in value since the new millennium.

“Here’s my best advice to you: Finish in second place every single year,” [David] Samson claims [Jerry] Reinsdorf told him. “Because your fans will say, ‘Wow, we’ve got a shot. We’re in it.’ But there’s always the carrot left. There’s always one more step to take.”