If you avail yourself of the many baseball blogs or websites, you’ve probably seen stories suggesting “likely” scenarios for the upcoming LCS’s and World Series. Most of the stories are pretty predictable. There are only so many iterations to calculate.
If you haven’t figured it out, the press will dictate the popular storylines-whether they do or not. If you watch the games TBS and FOX will devote most of their energy and cameras to their favorite players. Some will be heroes and others will be the roues. They’ll definitely know who is wearing the white hat.
What I enjoy the most when I don’t have a horse in the race is how some relative unknown will have big moments. Although I love watching the best compete against the best.
Historically, catchers have come up big in the postseason and I see no reason that 2023 be any different. J.T Realmuto is the obvious, sexy pick. The cameras love him, and he’s come up big. However, I’m thinking more of the four backup catchers. Mitch Garver of the Rangers has produced before in the regular season, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he pulled a Gene Tenace. I’m less certain of Martin Maldonado of the Astros but wouldn’t be completely surprised if his offense matched his defense. I think Garrett Stubbs of the Phillies won’t have as many shots to shine. Of the four, Jose Herrera is the one I have the longest history. He had the best of his three, partial seasons with Kane County in 2019. He showed a little pop that year-the last of Kane County’s in affiliated ball. He has yet to hit a ML homer.