Snake Bytes 10/7: Evil Exists

National League Wild Card

[MLB.com] Taylor-made! Dodgers walk off into NLDS - ...[Chris] Taylor clobbered a walk-off two-run homer to send the Dodgers to the National League Division Series with a dramatic 3-1 win over the Cardinals in the NL Wild Card Game on Wednesday. It was the fourth postseason game in Dodgers history to end on a walk-off homer.

[MLB.com] Cardinals support Reyes after tough ending - The scene was far too familiar for Alex Reyes. Pitch out of his hand, bat connected upon ball, all he could do was watch it sail well beyond the reach of his teammates in the outfield. Reyes turned, took a few steps towards St. Louis’ dugout and placed his face into the webbing of his Cardinal-red mitt — mind racing, thoughts private, adversity palpable. For someone who’s been through so much in his career — on the field searching for his top-prospect pedigree, off the field with injuries and personal hardship — finding himself in that spot Wednesday, pitching with his team’s season on the line, is inspiring. But that doesn’t help alleviate its crushing result: A 3-1 walk-off loss to the Dodgers in the National League Wild Card Game.

ALDS

[MLB.com] Rays Way: How the AL’s best team was built - The Rays used 61 players, each of them contributing to Tampa Bay posting the AL’s best record for the second straight season. The club’s front office and scouts left no stone unturned in pursuit of talent. Manager Kevin Cash and his coaching staff understood and maximized each of those players’ skills while deftly balancing playing time. The Rays recognized that their second consecutive division title was a result of all the work done at Tropicana Field, of course, but also all the Triple-A players and staff. So after accomplishing their top regular-season goal, Neander said they wanted to make sure those in Durham knew their efforts were appreciated.

[MLB.com] Lynn, Giolito to start ALDS Games 1 and 2 - The White Sox officially announced Lance Lynn as their Game 1 starter for Thursday’s American League Division Series opener in Houston, with Lucas Giolito getting the ball for Game 2 at Minute Maid Park. Manager Tony La Russa said Game 3 was to be determined, with Dylan Cease and Carlos Rodón being candidates. Rodón’s shoulder soreness and fatigue, issues that affected him down the stretch, could still play a factor in the final decision.

NLDS

[MLB.com] ‘Super excited’ Webb, Gausman set for G1, 2 - Logan Webb rose to the occasion in the biggest start of his young career on Sunday, firing seven strong innings to help the Giants clinch their first National League West title in nine years. An even bigger assignment now awaits the 24-year-old right-hander: Leading San Francisco into the postseason. Manager Gabe Kapler announced Wednesday that Webb will start Game 1 of the National League Division Series on Friday against the rival Dodgers, with Kevin Gausman following in Game 2 on Saturday.

Around the League

[MLB Trade Rumors] Rockies Extend Antonio Senzatela - The Rockies announced [Tuesday] afternoon they’ve agreed to a five-year contract extension with right-hander Antonio Senzatela. He’ll be guaranteed $50.5MM, and the deal also contains a club option for the 2027 season. Senzatela, a client of Republik Sports, was headed into his second trip through the arbitration process and had previously been under club control through the 2023 season... According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, Senzatela can increase his annual salary by meeting thresholds of innings pitched. By reaching 200 innings in 2022, he will add $1MM to his salary in each season from 2024 to 2027, and the same applies for 2023. That means Senzatela has the potential to add $8MM to his payout.