over there

Anthony Alford wrapped up a strong season in the Korean Baseball Organization with a strong finish for one of the league’s best teams. Now the former Mississippi Mr. Baseball (and Mr. Football) from Petal and his KT Wiz teammates await the start of their postseason later this week. Alford, once a highly rated outfield prospect in the Toronto system, never really took off in the U.S. big leagues (.209 in 220 at-bats) but has been a standout the past two seasons in the KBO. Alford, 29, batted .289 with 15 home runs, 70 RBIs, 83 runs and 17 steals in 133 games this year for the Wiz, who finished 79-62-3, good for second in the league. Alford hit safely in eight of his last 10 games with 14 hits all told. The Wiz received a bye into the second round of the playoffs. … Former Southern Miss star and erstwhile big leaguer Kirk McCarty went 9-5 with a 3.39 ERA this season for SSG Landers, which also made the KBO playoffs. McCarty, in his first year in Korea, has not pitched since Sept. 23; it is unclear if he is injured. SSG Landers is the defending league champion.