Featured Columnist IVOctober 23, 2023
A playoff legend offered to take the ball for the Texas Rangers in Monday's Game 7 of the American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros.
The only problem?
He's not on the Rangers.
ESPN's Buster Olney reported Madison Bumgarner texted Rangers manager Bruce Bochy ahead of Monday's game and offered to pitch. While the offer was surely in good fun, few know how effective Bumgarner has been in these moments throughout his career better than Bochy.
After all, he managed the southpaw for 11 seasons with the San Francisco Giants.
All Bumgarner did was build a resume that includes three World Series titles, a World Series MVP and a National League Championship Series MVP. In 16 playoff games, the 34-year-old has a 2.11 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 87 strikeouts and three complete-game shutouts.
While Bumgarner has been excellent in the playoffs throughout his career, Texas will turn toward a likely future Hall of Famer in Max Scherzer with the season on the line.
The veteran has three Cy Young awards and a World Series title of his own, although he may not be at his best at this point considering he allowed five earned runs in four innings in Wednesday's Game 3.
It was his first appearance since Sept. 12 because of a right shoulder strain.
Perhaps he can channel his inner-Bumgarner and deliver in the biggest moment.
