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Defector

Ray Ratto

Aaron Ashby of the Milwaukee Brewers reacts against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the eighth inning in game one of the National League Championship Series.

Smart Can Win

Kathryn Xu

Jake Bauers #9 of the Milwaukee Brewers hits a two run Home Run during the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

It’s Jake Bauerses All The Way Down

Jose Ramirez of the Cleveland Guardians reacts after committing an error that scored Victor Mesa Jr. #25 of the Tampa Bay Rays during the fourth inning in game two of the American League Championship Series on October 13, 2026. He does not look happy.

Good Baseball Isn’t Necessarily Beautiful

<p>Staff Writer</p>
<p>Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.19</p>


Chris Thompson

William Contreras tosses his bat after drawing a walk.

The Brewers Are Walking Down Their Wounded Prey

The Brewers Will Just Keep Doing This Until Someone Stops Them

Munetaka Murakami #5 of the Chicago White Sox looks on from the dugout during the seventh inning in game five of the American League Division Series against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on October 10, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. He looks frustrated.

The White Sox Lean Into The “Windy” In “Windy City”

Victor Mesa Jr. #25 of the Tampa Bay Rays is unable to make a catch as fans interfere on a ball hit by Anthony Volpe #11 of the New York Yankees.

What Is Wrong With Yankees Fans?

Jackson Merrill #3 of the San Diego Padres celebrates after scoring in the third inning against the Milwaukee Brewers during game three of the National League Division Series in San Diego on October 6, 2026.

Padres-Brewers Has Been The Best Of October Baseball

Jonny DeLuca of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates a double as Jazz Chisholm Jr. #13 of the New York Yankees looks on during the second inning in game two of the American League Division Series.

The Yankees Look Meek And Flubby

Sean Burke #59 of the Chicago White Sox looks on during Game Two of the American League Division Series.

White Sox Touched By God, Or Perhaps Merely Joyful Exuberance

Didier Fuentes of the Atlanta Braves reacts to a play during Game Two of the National League Division Series. Positively, at that. He's in profile, pumping his fist.

Atlanta’s Least Heralded Relievers Did The Most

Tom Ley

Jackson Chourio Was Nails

Drew Rasmussen throws a pitch in front of packed stands.

They Packed The Trop And Were Treated To A Gem

Ty France gestures at the ceiling after his fly ball is caught.

Ty France And The Padres Thwarted By Good Old Reality

Barry Petchesky

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - SEPTEMBER 27: A detail shot of the Wally the Green Monster home run mask in the dugout prior to the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Boston Red Sox at Tropicana Field on Sunday, September 27, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

This Is So Stupid

When Is It OK To Wear The Wally Head?

Lauren Theisen

Grant Taylor #31 of the Chicago White Sox pitches during Game One of the American League Wild Card Series presented by AbbVie between the Chicago White Sox and the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 in Houston, Texas

You Won’t Beat The White Sox Without Beating Grant Taylor

Fernando Tatis Jr. celebrates at home plate after scoring in the seventh inning during Game One of the National League Wild Card Series presented by AbbVie between the Chicago Cubs and the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

These Are The Times That Try Managers’ Souls

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 29: Ben Rice #22 of the New York Yankees celebrates after hitting a grand slam home run against the Boston Red Sox during the eighth inning in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium on September 29, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images)

Rice Guy’s Twinnish Blasts

Yordan Alvarez #44 of the Houston Astros is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after he hit a three-run home run against the Athletics during the fifth inning on September 26, 2026.