Morning Briefing: World Series Set to Commence
Good morning, Mets fans!
The Sporting News has announced its 2024 MLB awards and All-Star teams, with standout names like Shohei Ohtani and Chris Sale among the honorees. Ballots were sent out to all 30 teams in mid-September, and the results reflect top performances across the league.
Notably, two first-year skippers took home Manager of the Year (Pat Murphy & Stephen Vogt), a designated hitter was recognized as Player of the Year (Ohtani) and one of the Comeback Players of the Year (Sale) is also a strong Cy Young contender. It’s worth mentioning that no Mets players were included in this year’s selections.
Furthermore, the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees will begin the 120th rendition of the World Series on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. Gerrit Cole will start for New York while Jack Flaherty is set to take the mound for Los Angeles.
Now onto the morning briefing.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Latest Mets News
J.D. Martinez has joined “The Fort,” a new pickleball venue set to open this winter in South Florida. The venue aims to debut the world’s first pickleball stadium. During an interview following the Mets’ playoff exit, Martinez hinted at his interest in the sport.
Latest MLB News
The Cincinnati Reds announced that they have named Chris Valaika as the Director of Hitting & Major League Hitting Coach.
The Colorado Rockies announced that they have hired former catcher Dustin Garneau as their bullpen coach.
Mark Carlson will lead the 2024 World Series umpire crew, joined by first-time Fall Classic umpires Andy Fletcher, Mark Ripperger, and Carlos Torres. Torres will work the plate for Game 1 between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees at Dodger Stadium, with Carlson at first. Doug Eddings, Chad Fairchild, and Todd Tichenor round out the field crew, with Fletcher as the reserve. Cory Blaser and James Hoye will handle video reviews from New York.
According to John Dreker, the Pirates have signed pitcher Yohan Ramirez to a minor-league contract. The 29-year-old pitched for the Mets, Orioles, Red Sox, and Dodgers in 2024, posting a 5.97 ERA, 1.54 WHIP, and recording 38 strikeouts over 37 2/3 innings. Previously, Ramirez had a 3.67 ERA across a combined 61 1/3 innings with the Pirates during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
The Atlanta Braves announced they hired Tim Hyers to the major league coaching staff as hitting coach.
According to ESPN’s Dan Hajducky, Ohtani’s 50th home run ball sold for $4.392 million at auction, breaking the record for any sports ball sale. The previous high was Mark McGwire’s 70th home run ball from 1998, sold for $3 million. Ohtani, the first MLB player to hit 50 homers and steal 50 bases in a season, reached the milestone on Sept. 19. The ball, authenticated by MLB and listed by Goldin Auctions, was one of the most anticipated sports memorabilia items in recent years.
Latest on MMO
David Melendi writes about Drew Gilbert becoming the first player to utilize the check swing review system in the Arizona Fall League.
Mathias Altman-Kurosaki highlights the growth of Sean Manaea throughout 2024 along with the hopes of the Mets retaining him long-term.
On This Date In Mets History
1986: In one of baseball’s most legendary games, the Mets spark an incredible comeback, with three consecutive singles from Gary Carter, Kevin Mitchell, and Ray Knight. A wild pitch then brings in the tying run. Mookie Wilson battles through a tense at-bat, eventually hitting a slow grounder down the first-base line that slips past Bill Buckner, propelling the Mets to an iconic game six victory.
Born On This Date: Pedro Martinez (1971)
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