Yesterday Jonathan Papelbon pitched in a minor league game, in which he gave up two runs to Twins’ Double-A players. His reaction:
“This was exactly what I wanted.”
He’s referring to the fact that he got work in and was focusing on his mechanics, but it’s also worth noting that he has a 12.60 ERA this spring. At some point you’d think that getting dudes out is exactly what he wants.
(thanks to Erik for the heads up)
Red Sox outfielder Jackie Bradley, Jr. was named the Most Valuable Player of the American League Championship Series after his club punched its ticket to the World Series on Thursday night against the Astros.
Coincidentally, the Astros’ Game 5 starter Justin Verlander was ALCS MVP last year en route to a championship.
Bradley went 0-for-3 with a walk in Thursday’s Game 5, but he hit a three-run double in Game 2, a grand slam in Game 3, and a go-ahead two-run home run in Game 4. That’s nine RBI and three extra-base hits across five games. He also drew four walks.
Though Bradley had a solid regular season, he was not near the top of the list most people would’ve expected to win ALCS MVP heading into the series. During the season, he hit .234/.314/.403 with 13 home runs, 59 RBI, 76 runs scored, and 17 stolen bases in 535 plate appearances.
