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Did Austin Wells win first dibs to be the Yankees 2024 catcher with a strong last two weeks?  Recalled at the beginning of September, the club's 1st round pick from 2018 started slowly before hitting the gas in his last 11 games, batting .317 with four homers, 10 RBI and an OPS of 1.065.  Do I hear the names Kevin Maas and Shane Spencer ringing in my memory bank?  Or is he the right player in the right situation, with organizational lifer Kyle Higashioka eligible for free agency and 2022 All Star Jose Trevino recovering from hand surgery (and never holding offensive potential like Wells)?
(Below) Is Weston Wilson about to win the 2023 Cinderella Award? After a breakthrough AAA season with 30 homers and 30 steals as he turned 29, the career minor leaguer -- who'd made waves by homering in his first big league at bat for the Phillies in August -- has apparently jumped past Rodolfo Castro to be a reserve player in the Wild Card round.  He only helped his chances Sunday with another hit and run scored in a 9-1 win over the Mets.

Did Buck Showalter get a raw deal in New York?  Handed a flawed and aging opening day roster, his 2023 Mets wilted once May arrived and dropped under .500 for good in June.  But did that negate the positives of 2022, when the team won 101 games, but were overtaken by the Braves down the stretch?  

Maybe owner Steve Cohen is right -- Showalter is leaving because the Mets incoming baseball CEO David Stearns deserves to name his own staff.

I wouldn't worry about Buck.  Having previously worked for MLB Network and YES, there are broadcasting jobs waiting him should he want one.

(Below) The Astros rushed out of the gate Sunday as they claimed the AL West title, overtaking the Rangers one last time.  Alex Bregman (seen here in 2019) belted a two-run top of the 1st to ignite a four-run rally as Houston put the game away early.



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