MLB rumors: Torii Hunter is in the running for Angels' managerial vacancy
Buck Showalter, you've got competition.
According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, Torii Hunter has emerged as a candidate for the Angels' open manager position next season.
Hunter spent five years playing for the Angels in an MLB career that spanned nearly two decades. The five-time All-Star and nine-time Gold Glove winner is reportedly in Arte Moreno's good graces and brings his "leadership and baseball acumen" to the table.
Nightengale notes the Angels were also considering former players Darin Erstad and Tim Salmon for the job.
Hunter appears to favor the idea of returning to Anaheim based on his recent social media history: he liked a tweet of a fan who asked him if he would want to work for the Angels.
The search to replace Phil Nevin continues.
MLB rumors: Randy Johnson, Luis Gonzalez will throw ceremonial pitches in Game 3
For Game 3 of the World Series at Chase Field, Randy Johnson and Luis Gonzalez are set to throw the ceremonial first pitches.
Johnson, a Hall-of-Famer, has already been immortalized two ways: once for his 2001 World Series MVP-winning performance, and once this past Halloween weekend when people across the nation dressed up as him and a bird. The lefty infamously hit a bird on one of his pitches in a spring training game in 2001.
Gonzalez doesn't have a bird hit on his resume but he is considered a hero for his 2001 World Series outing when he bopped a one-out single at the bottom of the ninth to upset the Yankees.
The Diamondbacks-Rangers series is currently tied 1-1. Game 3 is scheduled for 8:03 p.m. ET.
MLB rumors: Orioles are rumored to trade an outfielder this offseason
The Baltimore Orioles are expected to make some changes to their outfielder group in the winter, according to beat writer Roch Kubatko of MASN.
The Orioles have two star prospects -- Colton Cowser and Heston Kjerstad -- who could find their way onto the Opening Day roster in a starting role next season. If that's the case, Baltimore could be looking to part ways with one of their current outfielders. Kubatko names Austin Hays and Anthony Santander as the top two trade chips.
Kutbatko wrote, "The industry speculation is that the Orioles will trade an outfielder to thin the crowd, with the most interest in Santander and Hays among the veteran crew. But only if the right offer comes along, of course."
The 28-year-old Santander is a switch-hitting outfielder who hit 28 homers last season but is set to earn $12.7 million in 2024. Given the Orioles' tendency to carry a light payroll, the team may not value him that high and could be looking for the right suitor.
Hays made his first All-Star team last year and slashed .275/.325/.444 with an OPS of .769.
