MLB’s ‘Manfred Man’ extra-innings ghost runner is here to stay

Rob ManfredPhoto: Getty Images The start of the World Series always means that whichever ghoul is the commissioner of MLB is going to emerge from the damp and dark dwelling in which he inhabits. That’s the rule for every league of course, so it’s not to single out baseball. A Super Bowl, a Stanley Cup … Read more

2022 World Series: Phillies’ J.T. Realmuto showed why he’s MLB’s best catcher

Jake Mintz FOX Sports MLB Analyst HOUSTON — In between the two biggest swings of his life, J.T. Realmuto got drilled in the face. Fortunately, the Phillies catcher was, you know, wearing a mask at the time. But when that sixth-inning foul ball ricocheted off Chas McCormick’s bat, it clocked Realmuto’s jaw so squarely that the … Read more

2022 World Series: Phillies’ J.T. Realmuto showed why he’s MLB’s best catcher

Jake Mintz FOX Sports MLB Analyst HOUSTON — In between the two biggest swings of his life, J.T. Realmuto got drilled in the face. Fortunately, the Phillies catcher was, you know, wearing a mask at the time. But when that sixth-inning foul ball ricocheted off Chas McCormick’s bat, it clocked Realmuto’s jaw so squarely that the … Read more

Fans don’t care about MLB’s expanded playoffs, it seems

Photo: Getty Images The concepts of “parity” and “fairness” in sports were exposed as fig leaves long ago. The idea that fans would care more, i.e. buy more tickets and watch more games on TV, if more teams had a chance at playoff berths and championships was never as important to owners. What was important … Read more

Pitching Ninja’s Filthiest Pitches: L.A. Dodgers have MLB’s best staff

By Rob Friedman, aka “Pitching Ninja”FOX Sports MLB Analyst With 106 wins through Sept. 26, the Dodgers have been the best team in baseball this season. Despite their pitching staff being bitten by multiple injuries, losing ace Walker Buehler and navigating injured list stints for many others, including Clayton Kershaw, Tony Gonsolin, Brusdar Graterol and … Read more

Dodgers, Cardinals lead list of MLB’s top position player trios

By Rowan KavnerFOX Sports MLB Writer The most powerful offense in baseball begins at the peak. Mookie Betts, Trea Turner and Freddie Freeman have sparked the top of a deep Dodgers lineup that leads the majors in every slash-line category (.261/.337/.452). Freeman and Turner rank first and second, respectively, among MLB‘s hit leaders this season, … Read more

Julio Rodríguez’s wild 2021 was perfect training for MLB’s newest star

By Jake MintzFOX Sports MLB Writer Julio Rodríguez could probably upgrade you to first class. While nowadays the effervescent outfielder travels from city to city with his teammates on the Seattle Mariners’ charter, his 2021 season was a much different story. As a 20-year-old prospect, Rodríguez spent most of last year either lighting up a … Read more