october madness

They call Tampa Bay’s Joe Maddon a “mad scientist” for his unorthodox approach to managing. One of his go-to concoctions is Desmond Jennings, a blend of power and speed. The former Itawamba Community College standout, playing with a troublesome hamstring, had two hits, including a two-run double, for the Rays in Wednesday’s 4-0 Wild Card Game win over Cleveland. Jennings is, plain and simple, a run producer, no matter where Maddon sticks him in the lineup. He scored 82 runs and drove in 54 in 139 games this season. His speed has been compromised a bit by his injury, but the longer the Rays stay alive in the postseason, the healthier Jennings figures to get. And to think, this one time Alabama football recruit almost went to that other sport. … Having been left off the National League Division Series roster by Atlanta, Mississippi State product Paul Maholm may be wondering about his future with the Braves. The left-hander went 10-11 with a 4.41 ERA in 2013, and the Braves likely will have an abundance of starting pitchers in camp next spring. … Ole Miss alumnus Lance Lynn will start Game 2 of the NLDS for St. Louis. Lynn was 15-10 with a 3.97 this year, finishing strong after a wobbly stretch. Only in his third MLB season, Lynn already has pitched in 16 postseason games, with two starts, and won a World Series ring in 2011. His postseason ERA is 4.50. … Former Rebels star Seth Smith didn’t have a great year — .253, eight homers, 40 RBIs — with Oakland, but he figures to get some at-bats in the American League Division Series against Detroit. Smith is a lefty hitter, and the Tigers’ rotation consists of all right-handers. Smith also has postseason experience, batting .231 with a homer over 14 games dating to his rookie year with Colorado in 2007. … The Houston Astros, following their abysmal season, announced they won’t bring back first base coach Dave Clark, the former Shannon High and Jackson State star who briefly managed the club in 2009. … Another JSU alum and former big leaguer, Wes Chamberlain, is being inducted into his alma mater’s Hall of Fame on Saturday.