seasoning

As usual, there are sprinkles of Mississippi flavor all over the MLB playoffs. Former Mississippi Braves aplenty dot the Atlanta roster, including Brian McCann, Jason Heyward and Tommy Hanson. Plus, there’s ex-Jackson General Billy Wagner, who famously struck out the side in the ninth in Sunday’s crucial victory. And don’t forget pitching coach Roger McDowell (ex-Jackson Mets hurler) and third-base coach Brian Snitker (M-Braves manager in 2005). San Francisco has Eli Whiteside (Delta State) as its backup catcher. Roy Oswalt (Holmes Community College) is a key piece of the strong rotation for Philadelphia, which has ex-JaxMets manager Sam Perlozzo coaching third. Cliff Lee (Meridian CC), Mitch Moreland (Mississippi State), Julio Borbon (Starkville native) and Jeff Francoeur (former M-Brave) are with Texas, where ex-JaxMet manager Clint Hurdle serves as hitting coach. Former Generals pitching coach Jim Hickey oversees the staff at Tampa Bay, as he did during the Rays’ World Series run in 2008. Minnesota is managed by ex-JaxMets player Ron Gardenhire, and his pitching coach is former OJMs pitcher Rick Anderson. Matt Tolbert (Ole Miss) has a chance to make the Twins’ roster as a utility man. The New York Yankees feature Marcus Thames (East Central CC) and Lance Berkman (ex-General), who usually share DH duties. All stirred together, this is gonna be good.
P.S. Matt Maloney (Ole Miss) got the win for Cincinnati in its season finale, but it’s unlikely he’ll make the postseason squad.