For the last 20+ years, there has been an interesting debate amongst coaches, managers and athletic performance professionals. The question is: do athletes respond to more structure and team rules? Or, do they flourish more, only restricted by the rules of the game they are playing? Should coaches let athletes "be themselves" or should athletes "conform" to the team they play for? Believe it or not, this question goes ascends to the major leagues.
Aaron Boone and the New York Yankees would rather forget this past weekend. Yes, losing two of three to a team that you handled at their place last weekend stinks. But, that certainly wasn't the worst of it for the Yankees manager. When your weekend is filled with questions about your team involving Tommy John surgery, struggling closer, blown saves and a racial comment, it's easy to forget that you have a 5 game lead in the American League East.
Leury García and Yasmani Grandal homered, and Grandal’s borderline baserunning helped the Chicago White Sox top the Houston Astros 12-6 to stay alive in their AL Division Series.
Lance McCullers Jr. pitched scoreless ball into the seventh inning and Yordan Alvarez homered to lead the Houston Astros to a 6-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox.
Oakland pitcher Chris Bassitt was carted off the field after he was struck on the side of his head by a line drive. The Athletics went on to lose 9-0 to José Abreu and the White Sox.
Jose Altuve homered for the fourth time in three games, Michael Brantley and Abraham Toro also connected, and the Houston Astros beat the Chicago White Sox 10-2.
It's opening day and 30 fanbases are filled with hope at the prospects of what could be for their team this season. But, how does the betting world feel about your favorite team?