The fun of this World Series -- in addition to the gorgeous stadiums, historic franchises and rabid fan bases -- will be in its stars. This feels like one of those Fall Classics that we'll look back on in 30 years and marvel at how many legends played in it.

• World Series presented by YouTube TV, Game 1: Tuesday, 8:09 p.m. ET/5:09 PT on FOX

:: World Series schedule and results ::

So we thought: If we had the opportunity to put together a team just picking the best players from both the Red Sox and the Dodgers, to win one game, how would we do it? Thus, we got together MLB.com analyst Mike Petriello and MLB.com national correspondent Will Leitch to make them face off against each other. They each get to pick any player from the World Series roster for this one game.

The parameters: Eight position players, one designated hitter, one starter and three relievers for 13 roster spots total. Leitch got the first pick. Who has the better team? One thing is for certain: There are almost too many great players to go around.

1. Will Leitch: Mookie Betts, CF, BOS

The first pick strikes me as a reasonable spot to pick the best all-around player in the postseason. I might play him in center field or I might play him in right … but I won't be playing him at second base.

2. Mike Petriello: Justin Turner, 3B, LAD

The Dodgers had a .612 winning percentage this season with Turner in the lineup and .483 without him. We're now a full half-decade into his tenure as one of the most dangerous hitters in baseball.

Video: Turner on World Series return, matchup with Red Sox

3. Leitch: Chris Sale, SP, BOS

I know this is early, but he's the guy I want. Just don't get anything pierced, Chris.

4. Petriello: Manny Machado, SS, LAD

Including the postseason, Machado has 40 homers this year and seemingly as many controversies. He plays a better shortstop than you think he does, and along with Turner, I've locked down a huge advantage on the left side of the infield.

5. Leitch: J.D. Martinez, DH, BOS

This theoretical one-game playoff is at Fenway Park, so I don't have to hide him in the field.

Video: J.D. Martinez on Red Sox's approach to hitting

6. Petriello: Cody Bellinger, OF/1B, LAD

Perhaps a risky choice here given his postseason struggles and the fact that Will will start the lefty Sale, but the talent is undeniable. And besides, how many players do you know who regularly play first base and center field? Who does that?

7. Leitch: Max Muncy, 1B, LAD

Roy Hobbs Muncy: Look out Fenway light poles.

8. Petriello: Clayton Kershaw, SP, LAD

In what almost seemed like a "down year" given another disabled list trip and much discussion about his declining velocity, Kershaw still managed a 2.73 ERA and two outstanding postseason starts in three tries -- not to mention closing out Game 7 of the NLCS.

Video: Kershaw on the possibility of winning a World Series

9. Leitch: Xander Bogaerts, SS, BOS

We expected him to be a superstar so quickly that we've totally slept on how quietly great he has become.

10. Petriello: Andrew Benintendi, LF, BOS

The familiarity with the Green Monster helps, but Benintendi mainly feels like he does everything well, if nothing particularly great.

11. Leitch: Yasiel Puig, RF, LAD

For some reason, it feels like I need to keep him and Sale on the same team. (And probably still separated.)

Video: NLCS Gm7: Puig smashes 3-run homer to center in 6th

12. Petriello: Kenley Jansen, RP, LAD

We need three relievers apiece, so I'll start by grabbing the one who certainly looks like he's shaken off his season-long struggles to resemble his formerly great self again. In 19 games since Sept. 1, including the postseason, Jansen has a 1.89 ERA, a .152 batting average against and a 25:4 strikeout-to-walk ratio. That'll play.

13. Leitch: Rafael Devers, 3B, BOS

He turns 22 on Wednesday. He's going to be in this league so long it will someday seem impossible to imagine him this young.

14. Petriello: Craig Kimbrel, RP, BOS

Kimbrel and the Red Sox insist that he's fixed a pitch-tipping issue that led to some of his problems this month, and if that's true, then I have two of the best closers who ever lived at near full strength on my team.

Video: Braun talks with Kimbrel on MLB Tonight

15. Leitch: Yasmani Grandal, C, LAD

It has been a rough postseason so far … but the breakout is coming.

16. Petriello: Enrique Hernandez, UT, LAD

Hernandez is my second baseman almost by default -- Ian Kinsler hasn't hit in two years, Brian Dozier has been totally forgotten and Brock Holt won't play against lefties -- but that undersells him, since he can play all over and finally hit righties this year.

17. Leitch: Pedro Baez, RP, LAD

Probably time to start grabbing some relievers. You'll notice my pattern here: I like veterans.

18. Petriello: Jackie Bradley Jr., CF, BOS

With Bellinger, Benintendi and now Bradley, my outfield defense is outstanding, and Bradley has started to slug, too. He's hitting .260/.344/.489 since the All-Star break, postseason included.

Video: ALCS Gm5: Bradley Jr. named MVP of the ALCS

19. Leitch: Matt Barnes, RP, BOS

Putting my faith here in the lifelong New Englander.

20. Petriello: Steve Pearce, DH/1B, BOS

Pearce has long been one of the better lefty-mashers in the game, which I like against Sale, and he's a perfectly capable first baseman, too.

21. Leitch: Eduardo Rodriguez, RP, BOS

Gotta have a lefty specialist … so I'll go with the qualified starter.

Video: ALCS Gm3: Rodriguez strikes out Springer to end game

22. Petriello: Ryan Brasier, RP, BOS

Now I have a bullpen of Jansen, Kimbrel and the rookie who has allowed eight runs in 49 2/3 innings (postseason included) this year. Good luck with that.

23. Leitch: Joc Pederson, LF, LAD

He may go 0-for-4 to start the game and then blast me a three-run home run when I need it most.

24. Petriello: Chris Taylor, UT, LAD

Along with Hernandez and Bellinger, I now have the flexibility to cover any spot on the field, and Taylor can slug a bit as well. With Pearce likely playing DH in the American League park, I might end up with Hernandez at first and Taylor at second. It doesn't matter. No one stays put at one spot for long.

Video: NLCS Gm7: Taylor robs Yelich to save a run

25. Leitch: Ian Kinsler, 2B, BOS

This is a seasoned vet who surely has one big postseason moment left in him.

26. Petriello: Austin Barnes, C, LAD

That's right, I picked the nominal "backup" Dodger catcher instead of any Boston catcher, but that's because no Red Sox catcher can hit and I'm not convinced Grandal is actually going to start ahead of Barnes anyway.

Tweet from @mike_petriello: So @williamfleitch and I drafted teams of #RedSox & #Dodgers for a hypothetical one-game playoff. Who did a better job?https://t.co/cvvnmUwwEp

Leitch's team

Catcher: Grandal
Infielders: Muncy, Kinsler, Bogaerts, Devers
Outfielders: Pederson, Betts, Puig
Designated Hitter: Martinez
Starting Pitcher: Sale
Relief Pitchers: Baez, Rodriguez, Barnes

Petriello's team

Catcher: Barnes
Infielders: Machado, Turner, Taylor, Hernandez
Outfielders: Bellinger, Benintendi, Bradley
Designated Hitter: Pearce
Starting Pitcher: Kershaw
Relief Pitchers: Jansen, Kimbrel, Brasier

Two of baseball's most historic teams -- the Red Sox and Dodgers -- are set to meet in what should be a thrilling World Series. The fun starts tonight at Fenway Park, with a classic pitching matchup on tap for Game 1.

Clayton Kershaw, a three-time National League Cy Young Award winner and seven-time All-Star, takes the ball for the Dodgers. The Red Sox counter with Chris Sale, who is also a seven-time All-Star and finished in the top five in the American League Cy Young Award voting the last five seasons. Kershaw and Sale are widely considered to the best lefties in their respective leagues for the last several years. Can it get any better than that to start a World Series?

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• World Series presented by YouTube TV, Game 1: Tonight, 8:09 ET/5:09 PT on FOX

:: World Series schedule and results ::

"Chris is a very good pitcher," said Kershaw, who beat the Astros in Game 1 of the World Series last year. "He was dominant this year. He's been dominant for a long time. I enjoy watching him compete. I have nothing but good things to say about him and the way he competes and the way he's pitched the last few years. I don't take much [stock] in the fact about the matchup, I don't really care too much, other than I'd like him to not be as good so we have a better chance of winning, for sure."

In another intriguing subplot, managers Alex Cora and Dave Roberts are good friends and former teammates. In fact, both Cora and Roberts played for the Red Sox and Dodgers. Look for Roberts to get a nice ovation when he is introduced at Fenway prior to Game 1. His stolen base in Game 4 of the 2004 AL Championship Series against the Yankees will never be forgotten.

Here is a primer to get you ready for a Fall Classic that features two star-studded rosters and solid role players on both sides.

What might the starting lineups look like?
Dodgers: Roberts used a different leadoff hitter in each of the last four games in the NLCS. He confirmed on Monday that David Freese will start and Matt Kemp will be the designated hitter. Yasiel Puig generally doesn't start against left-handed pitching, but he's coming off three hits, including a three-run homer, during a Game 7 clincher and the other right-field candidate, Enrique Hernandez, was 1-for-14 in the NLCS. Brian Dozier has four doubles and three homers in his career against Sale. Austin Barnes is expected to catch again after starting the final four games of the NLCS. Whether all of those right-handed hitters can avoid the temptation of trying to pull Sale pitches over the Green Monster is one of the keys for the slug-happy Dodgers.

1. Chris Taylor, LF
2. Justin Turner, 3B
3. David Freese, 1B
4. Manny Machado, SS
5. Matt Kemp, DH
6. Brian Dozier, 2B
7. Cody Bellinger, CF
8. Yasiel Puig, RF
9. Austin Barnes, C

Video: WS2018 Gm1: Dodgers on facing Sox in World Series

Red Sox: The most balanced lineup in MLB takes its act to the World Series with the clear mission of continuing to set the tone. The Sox are 7-0 this postseason when they score first and 0-2 when they don't. It was also a trend in the regular season, when Boston was 74-15 when scoring first. With Kershaw starting for the Dodgers in Game 1, Cora will likely stack the deck with right-handed hitters, as he's done against other lefties this postseason. This means that Steve Pearce will start at first base instead of Mitch Moreland, and Eduardo Nunez could be at third base instead of Rafael Devers, who belted a three-run homer in the clinching Game 5 of the ALCS against the Astros. Though Cora has more or less turned the catching reins over to Christian Vazquez of late, the slumping Sandy Leon caught Sale the majority of the time this season and will do so again in the World Series opener.

1. Mookie Betts, RF
2. Andrew Benintendi, LF
3. J.D. Martinez, DH
4. Xander Bogaerts, SS
5. Steve Pearce, 1B
6. Eduardo Nunez, 3B
7. Ian Kinsler, 2B
8. Sandy Leon, C
9. Jackie Bradley Jr., CF

Video: WS2018 Gm1: Cora, Red Sox on Game 1 of World Series

Who are the starting pitchers?
Dodgers: Kershaw makes his first Fenway Park start in Game 1 after convincing management he didn't need extra rest in the wake of throwing the final 15 pitches on Saturday night in Milwaukee. Kershaw lost his Game 1 start in the NLCS, lasting only three-plus innings, but won Game 5 with a masterful seven innings then closed out the clincher. Hyun-Jin Ryu, Walker Buehler and Rich Hill will follow Kershaw in Games 2-4, respectively.

Video: Debating which team has the pitching advantage in WS

Red Sox: Sale, who has a lot of adrenaline even for starts in Spring Training, will be extra fired up for his World Series debut. He did have issues down the stretch, pitching just 17 innings from July 28 through the end of the regular season due to left shoulder inflammation. After Sale had an impressive showing against the Yankees in Game 1 of the AL Division Series, his velocity and command were lacking in his no-decision in Game 1 in the next round against the Astros. Sale had a stomach virus right after that start against Houston and will be on nine days' rest when the World Series starts. Extra rest has generally been a good thing for Sale. He made 11 starts on five or more days' rest during the regular season, going 6-2 with a 1.41 ERA. Sale doesn't have much history with the Dodgers. He last faced them on June 15, 2012, taking a no-decision at Dodger Stadium. Sale's only other appearance against them was in relief in 2011.

Video: ALCS Gm1: Sale strikes out 5 over 4 innings in Game 1

How will the bullpens line up after the starter?
Dodgers: The Dodgers' bullpen had a 1.45 ERA in the NLCS. Not only is Kenley Jansen back, Pedro Baez remains unexpectedly dominant and Ryan Madson is the calm in a storm. Kenta Maeda hasn't been the impact setup man as expected, but with Dylan Floro, Scott Alexander and Alex Wood, Los Angeles' bullpen is deep and versatile. Of course, the Dodgers thought they had a superb relief corps going into last year's World Series, when Jansen and Brandon Morrow appeared to wilt under a heavy workload.

Video: NLCS Gm7: Madson K's 2 over 1 2/3, earns Game 7 win

Red Sox: Boston's bullpen, much-maligned despite finishing fourth in the AL in ERA this season, had a strong showing in the ALCS. Pitchers have found their roles, and Cora has gained confidence in them. Matt Barnes and Ryan Brasier are the two relievers Cora trusts the most in the setup role. In the postseason, Barnes, Brasier, Heath Hembree and Joe Kelly have a combined 0.81 ERA and a .122 opponent's batting average over 22 1/3 innings.

Closer Craig Kimbrel had struggled in this postseason until the Game 5 clincher against Houston, when he fixed an issue of tipping pitches that former Dodgers closer Eric Gagne pointed out to him, and he was dominant in closing out the Astros. Steven Wright, who missed the first two rounds of the postseason due to a right knee injury, was left off the World Series roster as well.

Video: ALCS Gm5: Red Sox win the American League pennant

Are there any relievers who are unavailable?
Dodgers: No.

Red Sox: Everyone is available.

Any injuries of note?
Dodgers: None known. Joc Pederson started Game 7 after being hit by a 96-mph fastball on the right wrist in Game 6 but had only one at-bat, a groundout, before he was replaced after a pitcher change. But on Monday, he said he was fine.

Video: NLCS Gm6: Pederson stays in after getting hit on hand

Red Sox: Nunez has been bothered by right ankle issues since the regular-season finale, so the rest between rounds will likely do him some good. Moreland injured his right hamstring in Game 2 of the ALDS and has only started once since then. He still isn't running at full speed but will probably start against right-handed starters in the World Series.

Who is hot and who is not?
Dodgers: Taylor hit a quiet .364 against the Brewers and Puig hit .333, including his crucial three-run home run in Game 7. But even in the clincher, the Dodgers went 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position, so there are still chinks in the offensive armor, but the one hit was Puig's blast. Max Muncy and Hernandez really struggled in the NLCS, Muncy with 13 strikeouts in 22 at-bats and Hernandez going 1-for-14 with eight strikeouts. The bullpen has been nearly untouchable, but the starting rotation unpredictable.

Video: NLCS Gm7: Puig smashes 3-run homer to center in 6th

Red Sox: Considering Bradley hit .200 in the ALCS, it's hard to classify him as hot. But he has made his hits count. The three he had against the Astros added up to nine RBIs and led to the center fielder earning ALCS MVP honors. Betts has shown flashes of brilliance in the postseason, but he hasn't gotten hot yet. This probably means he will. In 39 postseason at-bats, Betts is hitting .205 with no homers and three RBIs. The Dodgers have a rotation that is lefty-dominant, so it will be interesting to see how Cora deploys left-handed hitters Devers and Moreland, who have both swung the bat well when they've played this postseason. In fact, Devers is one of five players in history to hit three or more postseason homers before the age of 22. The others? Mickey Mantle, Andruw Jones, Miguel Cabrera and Bryce Harper, with four each. Leon continues to be close to an automatic out. Since Aug. 25, the switch-hitter has two hits in 52 at-bats and a .149 OPS.

Video: ALCS Gm5: Bradley Jr. named MVP of the ALCS

Anything else fans might want to know?
• There's some rain in the forecast in Boston tonight, but it is expected to clear before the game. The temperature is expected to be in the mid to high 40s.

• The distance between Fenway Park and Dodger Stadium (approximately 2,588 miles) is the longest between World Series opponents.

• Fenway Park, which opened in 1912, is easily the oldest venue in the Major Leagues. Dodger Stadium is the third oldest, opening in 1962.

• This is the first time the Dodgers have played at Fenway Park since 2010. The last time the teams met was 2016, when Los Angeles took two out of three.

• These iconic franchises have met just once in the World Series, in 1916, when the Dodgers were still in Brooklyn and known as the Robins. The Red Sox won in five games for the second of three World Series titles won from 1915-18 prior to a drought that lasted until Boston again won the World Series in 2004.

• The Red Sox hope to continue their dominance against NL opponents. During the regular season, the Sox went 16-4 in Interleague Play. In their last three World Series appearances, Boston combined to go 12-2 against the Cardinals (2004 and '13) and Rockies ('07).

• Cora is the third rookie manager in the expansion era (1961-present) to lead his team to the World Series. The others were Ralph Houk (1961 Yankees) and Bob Brenly (2001 D-backs). Houk and Brenly both went on to win the Fall Classic.

BOSTON -- In a somewhat surprising move, the Red Sox chose not to put knuckleballer Steven Wright on their World Series roster but instead added lefty Drew Pomeranz, who was inactive for the first two postseason rounds.

Wright became a weapon out of the bullpen for Boston in September, posting a 0.66 ERA in 10 outings. Heading into the playoffs, manager Alex Cora said multiple times that Wright could play a pivotal role.

• World Series presented by YouTube TV, Game 1: Tonight, 8:09 ET on FOX

The righty was on the American League Division Series roster for one day, but he had to be taken off when he experienced discomfort in his surgically repaired right knee in the hours leading up to Game 1 against the Yankees.

:: World Series schedule and results ::

By rule, that made Wright ineligible for the AL Championship Series, but he remained in play for the Fall Classic. Wright tried to prove his health by throwing to hitters and participating in fielding drills on Sunday, but it proved not to be enough for the Red Sox to trust he could stay healthy for the World Series. Wright is scheduled to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his knee in the near future.

For the third straight round, the Sox are going with 11 pitchers and 14 position players. Pomeranz replaces Brandon Workman, who got belted around in Game 1 of the ALCS and didn't pitch again in the series.

• World Series G1: Lineups, bullpens, FAQs

Pomeranz gives the Red Sox an extra left-hander in the bullpen in addition to Eduardo Rodriguez. Pomeranz could match up against Los Angeles' lefty bats or provide some length out of the bullpen.

• Dress for the Fall Classic: Shop AL Champs gear

Here is a look at Cora's 25-man unit for the World Series.

Starting pitchers
Chris Sale's stomach no longer hurts. David Price is no longer winless as a postseason starter. Nathan Eovaldi has been dominant in these playoffs. Rick Porcello has been steady and versatile. The Red Sox are feeling confident about their rotation entering the World Series. The only question is the order Cora deploys Eovaldi and Porcello for Games 3 and 4 in L.A. It will depend on if Cora utilizes them out of the bullpen in the first two games.

Video: WS2018 Gm1: Cora on Sale starting Game 1

Relievers
Looked at as the team's glaring weakness entering the postseason, Boston's bullpen has held up rather well in the first two rounds. The pitcher who has struggled the most is closer Craig Kimbrel. But in a funny twist, it was a former Dodgers great (Eric Gagne) who diagnosed a pitch-tipping problem and texted Kimbrel about it. After making the fix, Kimbrel looked dominant while closing out the Astros in Game 5 of the ALCS. In high-leverage setup situations, Cora will most often turn to Matt Barnes and Ryan Brasier. If those two are running on fumes, Cora might tap into the rotation and ask Porcello or Eovaldi for some outs.

• One Red Sox player can't recognize beardless Brasier

As for Pomeranz, the left-hander could give the Red Sox something of a platoon advantage against the Dodgers, who hit righties much better than lefties this year (as did the Red Sox, notably). Los Angeles had a .796 OPS against right-handed pitching this season -- second best in MLB behind only the Red Sox (.817) -- compared to a .733 OPS against left-handed pitching, which ranked 13th.

Video: Cora on confidence in Kimbrel

Catchers
As they've done for most of the season, the Red Sox will go with three catchers in the World Series. Sandy Leon will again be paired with Sale despite generating just two hits in his past 52 at-bats. Christian Vazquez is likely to catch the other starters. Blake Swihart is more of a utility player than a catcher, as he can also play first base and the corner outfield spots if need be. The presence of three catchers allows Cora to be aggressive with his pinch-hitters.

Video: BOS@NYY Gm4: Vazquez slugs a solo home run to right

Infielders
The only constant for Cora in the infield is shortstop Xander Bogaerts, who will likely play every inning of every game. The other spots will rotate. Steve Pearce will likely play first against lefties Clayton Kershaw, Hyun-Jin Ryu and Rich Hill. Mitch Moreland will get the nod against righty Walker Buehler. Moreland has been an effective pinch-hitter in this postseason and over the past couple of seasons. Third baseman Rafael Devers has re-emerged as a weapon in the playoffs, but his left-handed bat could leave him in more of a reserve role in this World Series. That would leave significant playing time at third base for Eduardo Nunez, who has been spotty on both sides of the ball.

Video: Bogaerts discusses embracing World Series pressure

In the ultimate subplot, there's a chance Mookie Betts will join the infield when the festivities shift to Los Angeles for Game 3. He played second base in the Minors, and a move back to that position would allow the Red Sox to keep Jackie Bradley Jr. and Andrew Benintendi in the outfield along with J.D. Martinez. Ian Kinsler has been the club's primary second baseman in the playoffs, and Brock Holt has also seen time there.

Video: Betts on reaching World Series, playing second base

Outfielders
Without question, this unit is the strength of the team. There were no roster dilemmas here. Betts was arguably the best all-around player in the game this year. Benintendi is in a power drought (his last homer was Aug. 31), but he remains a force in just about every other way. Bradley only had three hits in the ALCS, but they accounted for nine RBIs and he was MVP of that round.

Video: WS2018 Gm1: JBJ on hitting, having gas in the tank

Here is the complete roster:

PITCHERS (11)
Matt Barnes
Ryan Brasier
Nathan Eovaldi
Heath Hembree
Joe Kelly
Craig Kimbrel
Drew Pomeranz
Rick Porcello
David Price
Eduardo Rodriguez
Chris Sale

CATCHERS (3)
Sandy Leon
Blake Swihart
Christian Vazquez

INFIELDERS (7)
Xander Bogaerts
Rafael Devers
Brock Holt
Ian Kinsler
Mitch Moreland
Eduardo Nunez
Steve Pearce

OUTFIELDERS (4)
Andrew Benintendi
Mookie Betts
Jackie Bradley Jr.
J.D. Martinez

BOSTON -- All eyes were on Yasiel Puig last Saturday at Miller Park, and he loved every second of it. It was showtime in Milwaukee.

Puig flipped his bat, danced around first base, flexed his biceps on the basepaths and pretended to shoot a basket at home plate after his three-run homer in the seventh inning in Game 7 of the National League Championship Series. The homer helped the Dodgers secure a 5-1 victory that sent them to the World Series, and it provided Puig another signature moment.

• World Series presented by YouTube TV, Game 1: Tonight, 8:09 ET/5:09 PT on FOX

:: World Series schedule and results ::

This wasn't the good Puig. It was the great Puig. The showman, the slugger and the baseball hero, all in one.

And while it's impossible to predict which Puig will show up in the World Series, what's certain is that the Dodgers' biggest personality is back on the biggest stage and you won't be able to take your eyes off him.

"There is certainly a lot of upside with Yasiel. There's a lot of energy," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "There's some recklessness, so my job, the coaches' job, is to continue to embrace it to some extent but also harness it. So, there is a balance, but certainly with Yasiel the net is certainly a positive."

It's been easy to track Puig's movements throughout the years.

The sky-high bat flips on home runs -- and sometimes on singles or doubles -- along with his tongue wagging are just as famous as his laser-like throws from the outfield. Puig being Puig means having the unique ability to exhilarate a fan base with a game-changing feat and then frustrate them with a baserunning gaffe or puzzling effort on defense all in the same game.

"Sometimes, I do my stuff like a kiss or crazy stuff and sometimes people don't like it, but that's the way I play," Puig said. "That's the way I feel good and play better. Every day and in every moment and every opportunity, I am growing up a little bit and playing baseball the way people want to. I just have to focus and do the best I can."

Video: NLCS Gm7: Puig notches 3 hits, cranks 3-run home run

Puig's postgame celebrations during the postseason have also been, shall we say, notable. A champagne-soaked Puig is always the center of the party. He dances and sprays everyone in sight, and after Game 7 of the NLCS, his targets included a few unsuspecting media members who ended up with 20-gallon trash cans of freezing ice water dumped on their heads.

It was a shirtless Puig who guaranteed the Dodgers would win the World Series after clinching the NL West title in Game 163, and now, he's four victories away from being right. The outfielder is hitting .333 with a .429 on-base-percentage in 11 games this postseason. He's also slugging .533 with a .962 OPS. Last year, Puig hit two home runs and drove in four runs in seven games during the World Series against the Astros, but he had more strikeouts (five) than hits (four) in 27 at-bats.

It was not the good Puig. He expects to be better this time around.

"I want to take [the World Series] as another game and try not to do too much," he said. "I think last year in the World Series, myself and couple of teammates tried too much, and that's why the results were not like we wanted. Now, I'll try to play against Boston -- in my first time at Fenway Park -- and just do the best I can. All I can do is play good defense and be the best I can."

Video: Puig and Bellinger join MLB Tonight after Game 7 win

The best of Puig can be rewarding. He was greeted by most of his teammates after his three-run home against the Brewers, a sign the unpredictable star is beloved in the clubhouse, warts and all.

"He's an awesome teammate," NLCS MVP Cody Bellinger said. "He cares about everyone. He's going to do some stuff on the field that makes people question what he does, but we understand where he's coming from and that's just how he plays the game. If he's playing like that, it means he's having fun and that's when he is playing the best. I got nothing bad to say about him, I really don't."

Puig and Bellinger have grown closer in the last few weeks, in part because of their daily competition to outdo each other at the plate. It was Bellinger's two-run home run in the second inning of Game 7 that gave the Dodgers a lead they would never relinquish. Puig's homer put it away a few innings later. The pair later celebrated the victory on social media, and even joked about which player had the better game.

The question remains: Which of the two had the best at-bats in Game 7?

"I would say Puig ended the game, basically, so I would say Puig," Bellinger said. "I just wouldn't say it to his face."

BOSTON -- Though Mookie Betts is generally considered to be the best right fielder in MLB, he continues to prepare for the possibility of being moved to second base when the World Series shifts to Los Angeles for Games 3-5.

"Obviously, I'm going to do whatever I can if the opportunity presents itself to make sure I take care of everything," said Betts. "I think safety is the most important thing."

• World Series presented by YouTube TV, Game 1: Tonight, 8:09 ET on FOX

Red Sox manager Alex Cora is still weighing the pros and cons with his analytics department of shifting Betts to a position he played regularly in the Minors. At Dodger Stadium, without the designated hitter, Cora has said he will start star slugger J.D. Martinez in the outfield for all three games.

:: World Series schedule and results ::

The unflappable Betts has worked out at second base during team workouts the last three days, in addition to his regular work in the outfield.

"I think I won't worry about that until the situation comes," Betts said. "Right now, I just have to take care of playing right field, catching the ball there and scoring some runs for the guys behind me. If that situation comes, it comes. If not, I'm not going to worry about it."

• Dress for the Fall Classic: Shop AL Champs gear

Another wrinkle for Cora to consider is that the Dodgers will start right-hander Walker Buehler in Game 3. It was believed Los Angeles would start lefties Hyun-Jin Ryu, Rich Hill and Clayton Kershaw in the series' three games at Dodger Stadium, which would have given Cora the option of sitting the left-handed-hitting Jackie Bradley Jr., while keeping the right-handed-hitting Ian Kinsler at second base. In that scenario, Andrew Benintendi (LF), Betts (CF) and Martinez (RF) would comprise the starting outfield. Betts made 13 starts in center field during the regular season.

But with Buehler going in Game 3 in L.A., Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has essentially forced Cora's hand: If he wants Betts in the lineup, it makes the most sense to start him at second base and leave the left-handed-hitting Bradley in center field. 

Though Bradley is slashing just .177/.255/.290 with two homers and eight RBIs in 137 plate appearances against lefties this season, he has been in the lineup all three times Boston has faced a southpaw starter in this postseason.

• World Series Game 1: Lineups, bullpens, FAQs

Cora loves the athleticism that Betts, Benintendi and Bradley display on all sides of the ball, and he tries to keep them all in the lineup when possible.

"I read something before, that in the playoffs that when the three are together, our record is like unreal. We're playing .750 baseball," Cora said. "Obviously, they're not going to be together in L.A., at least to start the game. It's always good to have them."

Video: Cora on defensive alignment, Betts at second base

In the regular season and postseason combined, the Red Sox are 72-25 when Benintendi, Bradley and Betts started in the outfield together.

Betts did play six innings at second base after Kinsler was injured on Aug. 3 against the Yankees. Aside from that, the Red Sox have used him exclusively in the outfield the last four seasons.

Video: NYY@BOS: Betts takes over at 2B after Kinsler injury

If Cora does move him, it wouldn't be the most radical move a manager has ever made in this regard during a World Series.

A player getting a World Series start at a position he doesn't play is rare, but it's not unprecedented. The Indians were in a similar situation in 2016, when they wanted to get Carlos Santana's bat in the lineup against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Santana, who was the Indians' primary DH that year, got two World Series starts in left field. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, he became the first player since Jake Flowers in 1931 to start a World Series game at a position where he had never previously started. Flowers was primarily a middle infielder, but he started four games of the Fall Classic at third that year for the Cardinals.

Leon will stick with Sale
Christian Vazquez has emerged into Boston's primary catcher during the postseason, but the heavily slumping Sandy Leon has continued to start every game that ace Chris Sale has. That trend will continue in Game 1 of the World Series, Cora confirmed.

Including the postseason, Leon has caught 20 of Sale's 29 starts this season.

"I think just throwing to him, it's easy," said Sale. "He's very levelheaded. He studies hard. He works hard. Obviously, throwing out runners, he's good at that. And even just coming out for mound visits, there's never any panic. There's no sense of urgency. He's just coming out there either calming me down or going over a game plan.

"And for me, personally, I rely on my catcher for basically everything -- for scouting report, for pitch calling. And it's easier when you have guys like that back there that you can trust in and just kind of go out and follow their game plan, and we'll be good to go."

Video: 2018 WS Gm1: Cora on Chris Sale starting Game 1

The Red Sox are again expected to carry three catchers on the roster, including Blake Swihart, so Cora can be aggressive about pinch-hitting for Leon, who has two hits in his last 52 at-bats.

Roster decision still looms
The main roster decision for the Red Sox revolves around knuckleballer Steven Wright. The right-hander was on the initial American League Division Series roster but was taken off after one day due to his problematic right knee, which will require arthroscopic surgery during the offseason.

Wright had a strong showing in Sunday's workout, going through fielding drills and throwing to hitters. Rosters are due this morning.

"He was OK. He's moving well," said Cora. "We're going to meet after the workout today to make the decision and to see where we're at roster-wise. And we'll announce it tomorrow."

• Wright making case to be on Sox's WS roster

If Wright makes the roster, one of Brandon Workman or Heath Hembree will likely be taken off the roster. Workman got rocked for four runs in one-third of an inning the last time he pitched, which was Game 1 of the AL Championship Series. Hembree hasn't given up a run the three times he's pitched in the postseason, though he also hasn't been used since Game 1 of the ALCS.

Bittersweet World Series for Pedroia
Though Dustin Pedroia, proud owner of two World Series rings, has been reduced to spectator status for this Fall Classic, he continues to be a positive force around his teammates.

Pedroia, who hasn't played since May due to complications from a right knee injury, is doing what he can do lend his experience. On Sunday, that included working with Betts on turning double plays.

"It's hard not playing, but that's it," Pedroia said. "Just watching how the guys go about everything, that part is actually fun.

"It's all right. Seeing how these guys play, I'm proud of every single one of them. I bring some energy."

Fashion police
Sale's sarcastic assertion that his stomach illness during the ALCS was caused by a belly-button ring continues to be a humorous topic around the Red Sox.

Brock Holt went so far as to say he would get a belly-button ring and a nipple ring if the Red Sox win the World Series. What does Sale think about setting fashion trends for the Red Sox?

"Hey, that's what I do," quipped Sale. "Fashionista, I guess."

As the years pass, we forget so much of the postseason experience. We forget the debates over who should be the 25th man on a particular roster. We forget the name of the umpire who called that borderline pitch a ball in a big spot. We forget which form of snack food we consumed while stress-eating in the late innings. We forget the final scores and, heck, some of us even forget actual series outcomes.

What we're more likely to remember are single, signature moments -- huge hits, dramatic dingers, dazzling defensive gems that make us jump or fall out of our chair -- or vague-but-vivid tableaus from the overall experience.

That's the stuff that survives.

So just before the start of another enthralling October, we asked a bunch of active Major Leaguers -- 85 in all, from a wide variety of teams -- for their favorite postseason moment of their lifetime. We got a lot of different answers, from commonly cited moments like the Derek Jeter "Flip Play" for the Yankees against the A's in the 2001 ALDS ("Such a weird, instinctual play," Rockies shortstop Trevor Story said) to not-so-commonly-cited ones like Carlos Guillen's walk-off push bunt to advance the Mariners past the White Sox in the 2000 ALDS ("That one I remember, because I was there with my dad, top deck, right behind the foul pole, with our backs against the glass at Safeco," Tigers pitcher Matthew Boyd said) to more general takes on title runs ("Every single night growing up, we were tuned into Channel 23, TBS, to watch the Braves, so it was sick seeing them win it [in '95]," Red Sox pitcher David Price said).

:: World Series schedule and results ::

We can't list every single answer here, so we picked out 10 that elicited either the most or the best responses.

2011 World Series, Game 6: The David Freese Game

No surprise that Freese's elimination-game glory has a special place in the hearts and minds of many current players, though it is a little jarring to note how long ago -- in baseball years, at least -- this night really was.

"I was in high school in Venezuela," said Marlins right-hander Pablo Lopez, emphasizing that point.

Texas was up, 7-5, one strike away from its first World Series title with two aboard and Freese at the plate. But when Freese lifted a fly ball over the head of a leaping Nelson Cruz in right field to bring home both runners, it was a brand-new ballgame.

"I remember I had a big test the next day," Lopez continued. "I said I was going to go to bed early, but I was like, 'I'm going to watch the ninth inning.' Then it was a tie game, and I stayed up like two extra hours, because I couldn't stop watching that game. To me, that game was just, like, mind-blowing."

With sleep-deprived fans watching every second, Josh Hamilton's two-run homer in the 10th put the Rangers back ahead, but the Cardinals came roaring back again with Lance Berkman's two-out, two-strike, game-tying single in the bottom of the inning. And in the 11th, Freese permanently cemented his place in postseason lore with the leadoff, walk-off winner off Mark Lowe to set up Game 7.

Video: Freese's walk-off homer sends Series to Game 7

"He's pretty humble about it," said Pirates starter Jameson Taillon, who was a Minor Leaguer at the time but later became teammates with Freese. "But that type of moment can change your life. We were in St. Louis [recently], and they were interviewing people at the Ballpark Village across the street, asking, 'What's your favorite postseason moment?' Every person from age 20 to 80 said David Freese's home run. That's cool."

Nine players we surveyed picked Freese's heroics as their favorite postseason memory, so it "won" this poll.

Although, in the interest of full disclosure, one of those players was Freese himself.

"I'll tell you what," he said, "I enjoyed the triple more. People always talk about the homer, but that triple was sweet. Down to the last strike, last out, got it done. More importantly, the Game 7 finish to cap it off. Game 6 isn't as cool if we don't get it done."

2001 World Series, Game 7: The Luis Gonzalez Game-Winner

At a time when America needed a healthy diversion and distraction most, the World Series certainly delivered, with the D-backs and Yankees going the distance.

"There was a lot of stuff wrapped up in post-9/11 playoff baseball that year," said Nats reliever Sean Doolittle, one of three players to pick this moment. "So, I feel like the whole country was super invested in the playoffs and World Series, because the Yankees were in it and all of the storylines and everything. It was just such an emotional World Series, emotional playoffs."

And it all came down to the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 7, with the score knotted at 2, the bases loaded, one out and arguably the greatest closer in history -- Mariano Rivera -- on the mound. Luis Gonzalez swung at Rivera's 0-1 offering and hit the flare that found the outfield grass.

Video: Must C Classic: Gonzalez walks off, wins World Series

"Infield pulled in, Luis Gonzalez blooper base hit," Tigers catcher James McCann said. "I remember that one pretty vividly."

2004 ALCS: The Red Sox Comeback

Think about the gift this Sox team gave not just to Bostonians desperate to end an 86-year World Series title drought, but to a generation of ballplayers who now know nothing on the postseason stage is impossible. Because if a long-cursed club can come back from a 3-0 hole in a best-of-seven series against the juggernaut Yankees, why should anybody roll over?

That's why five players surveyed picked not just any one moment of this comeback (such as Johnny Damon's Game 7 grand slam), but the comeback itself.

"It was just so historic in that rivalry," Padres catcher Austin Hedges said. "I always loved the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry, and that comeback, I've watched the [ESPN '30 for 30' documentary] on it like five times."

Video: ALCS Gm7: Damon extends the lead with a grand slam

Added Angels pitcher Justin Anderson: "If it's on TV, I'll always stop to watch it."

For Dodgers pitcher Rich Hill, a Boston native, that series was personal both then and now.

"Red Sox winning, with our manager [Dave Roberts] stealing second base," Hill said.

2005 National League Championship Series, Game 5: The Albert Pujols Homer

Back in that prehistoric era in which the Astros were still in the NL Central, they played two epic NLCS rounds against the Cardinals in 2004 and '05. The Cards prevailed in a seven-game thriller in '04 that, with the Red Sox and Yankees doing their aforementioned thing over in the AL, didn't get the eyes it deserved. In '05, the Astros got their revenge, but not before Pujols hit a home run bigger than the great state of Texas.

It was 4-2 Astros in the top of the ninth, two on, two out, with Brad Lidge on the hill and Pujols at the plate. Lidge got ahead 0-1, and then "The Machine" flipped on. Pujols hit the ball -- or what was left of it -- to the train tracks at Minute Maid Park to give the Cards the go-ahead run in a 5-4 win.

Video: NLCS Gm5: Pujols jacks a mammoth three-run shot

"People that were there say you could hear a pin drop, that it was dead silence," Brewers first baseman Eric Thames said. "Lidge was the most dominant closer in the game at that time."

That the Astros went on to win Game 6 feels almost trivial here, because, for a couple of surveyed players, the memories of the homer have somehow exceeded the memories of the ultimate series result.

"The swing," Thames said. "Bam! Smell ya! I can imagine being a player on that [Astros] team, and it was like your heart was ripped out."

Taillon -- who, yes, was already quoted earlier in this piece, but couldn't limit himself to just one memory -- was watching on TV from his Houston-area home and can attest to that feeling.

"I was, like, a fan fan, bigtime Astros fan," he said. "That one hurt."

2002 World Series, Game 2: The Barry Bonds Homer

The Giants lost this game. The Giants lost this Series. The "Rally Monkey" and his cohorts on the Angels would have the last laugh.

But when the game's most feared slugger hits a ball an estimated 485 foot for a solo shot in the ninth inning off one of the game's best closers in Troy Percival, people remember.

Video: 2002 WS Gm2: Bonds hits a monster shot to right field

Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez remembered.

"It disappeared in the sky," he said of Bonds' blast.

Actually, it went through a tunnel halfway up the right-field bleachers at Angel Stadium, bouncing off a concession stand.

"That was so impressive," Gonzalez continued. "The Giants are down in the ninth inning, and the guy just silenced the entire stadium when he hit that homer. That's a homer that I'll always remember."

2006 NLCS, Game 7: The Endy Chavez Catch

Back in the days before catch probabilities, the eye test was all we had to evaluate the difficulty of an outfield defensive gem. But we're pretty sure, all these years later, that our eyes did not deceive us on the night of Oct. 19, 2006.

What we thought then is still true now: Chavez's catch, which robbed Scott Rolen of a two-run home run in a 1-1 tie in the sixth, was incredible.

Video: NLCS Gm 7: Chavez makes a spectacular catch

Even though the Mets went on to lose that game after Yadier Molina's uncatchable homer in the ninth, Mets fans will always appreciate Chavez's great glovework and his throw to double up Jim Edmonds at first. And nobody in Shea Stadium that night was more appreciative than the man on the mound, Oliver Perez.

"You ask anybody, and they say it's one of the best moments in baseball," a present-day Perez said. "The way he jumped to the ball, that was amazing, because he's a shorter guy [5-foot-11]. To get that ball and get the double play was amazing."

2013 NL Wild Card Game: The Pittsburgh Crowd

When the Pirates advanced to the postseason for the first time in 21 years, it was an occasion fit for a party. But the sold-out crowd at PNC Park was dressed for a funeral, with all-black attire as the go-to garb. Between that intimidating attire and the sheer sound of a crowd expunging two decades of sub-.500 finishes from their memory, it was an atmosphere, from the introductions onward, that those who were on hand won't soon forget.

"Andrew McCutchen kind of led that team to the playoffs," then-Pirates reliever Jared Hughes said. "That moment when they called his name and he tipped his hat to the crowd and they went nuts is what I remember most."

Johnny Cueto had the unfortunate assignment as the starter for the visiting Reds, who never had an answer for the Pirates or the crowd in a 6-2 loss.

Video: NL WC: Pirates fans cause Cueto to drop the ball

"The crowd was electric," then-Pirates catcher Russell Martin remembered. "They were chanting Cueto's name, and Cueto ended up fumbling the ball on the mound and kind of started laughing. The next pitch, I hit a home run to extend our lead, 2-0. … The energy and the sound of the crowd as I was rounding the bases? I'll never forget that. It felt like the ground was shaking beneath me."

2015 ALDS, Game 5: The Jose Bautista Bat Flip

The Blue Jays and Rangers had staged a scintillating series, and it was 2-2 in the top of the seventh of the Game 5 finale, when the Rangers took the lead in the weirdest way imaginable (or, really, unimaginable). Martin, at catcher, was throwing the ball back to pitcher Aaron Sanchez, and the ball hit Shin-Soo Choo's bat and rolled toward third. Rougned Odor hustled home from third, and, after an 18-minute review of the situation, the umpires ruled it was, indeed, a live ball and the run counted.

"Just to think about the way they scored the go-ahead run," said Blue Jays center fielder Kevin Pillar. "I had never felt lower on a baseball field."

But in the bottom of the inning, Bautista hit the three-run home run that they'll be talking about in Toronto for an eternity, with a bat flip that would both cause future fracases and cement his legend up north.

Video: Must C Clutch: Bautista's blast puts Blue Jays ahead

"Then, I had never been higher," Pillar added.

Heck, even at least one member of the losing team still gets goosebumps over this one.

"You felt the crowd, and it was special," then-rookie Ranger Nomar Mazara said. "We lost, but I had a great time."

2010 NLDS, Game 1: The Roy Halladay No-Hitter

Sometimes the thing that's not supposed to happen happens. Lineups that advance to October are, by default, good, and they have ample time to prepare for an opposing pitcher or, at the least, adjust to what he's doing in-game. It was one thing when Don Larsen, of all people, was perfect in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series. But given the increasingly sophisticated video and statistical scrutiny of the opposition in the modern day and the overall decline of the complete game itself, an October no-hitter in more modern times just felt pretty impossible.

Until Roy Halladay did it on Oct. 6, 2010.

Video: CIN@PHI Gm 1: Halladay's historic 27 up and 27 down

"I was watching that game, and that was, like, unbelievable," Marlins third baseman Brian Anderson said. "I was watching that one all the way, watching how he attacked each hitter. I think that was really special to watch."

Halladay's gem has taken on added gravity in the wake of his tragic death last winter.

"I just remember him being part of so many underperforming teams and never being able to shine in the spotlight," Mets reliever Jerry Blevins said. "Then he gets a chance in the postseason and really proves what type of pitcher he is and on what level he is."

2016 World Series, Game 7: The Rajai Davis Homer, and the Cubs' Curse-Breaking 10th

Take a World Series matchup that features both 108-year and 68-year championship droughts, add a Game 7 that goes to extra innings, sprinkle in a little recency bias and it's no surprise that what happened at Progressive Field on the night of Nov. 2, 2016, garnered eight votes in our survey, including a few votes even from players who had nothing to do with it.

"I was in San Diego, sitting outside, and it was like 75 degrees," Pirates pitcher Steven Brault said. "Sitting outside on my parents' patio with a group of my family and a few of my friends watching the game, then the game was just incredible."

No moment from that game was more incredible than Davis' game-tying, did-that-really-just-happen dinger off Aroldis Chapman in the bottom of the eighth. End result aside, that's still the moment that best defines the insanity of that evening.

Video: WS2016 Gm7: Davis ties game with clutch two-run homer

"That was a good pitch, 100 [mph] down and in, and he turned on it for a homer," White Sox pitcher Jace Fry said.

Added Twins catcher Chris Gimenez, who was with the Tribe then: "Everyone in the dugout blacked out. Nobody remembers it. I mean, we remember it, but next thing you know, we were on the field celebrating like we won the World Series."

In a true "fish in a barrel" situation, we asked Davis for his favorite postseason moment of all-time.

"That's my best one," he said with a smile. "I'm not being biased. It's just my favorite moment. If I told you how many times I've watched it, it wouldn't look good for me."

Knowing Davis' homer was bound to be the pick of every Indians player who was around in 2016, we thought we might get a little variety by posing our question to rookie pitcher Shane Bieber, who was still in the Minors back then.

Nope.

"Raj's home run," he said, beaming. "I was losing my mind that game. I was in San Jose at my buddy's house. I was just absolutely losing my mind between that homer and then the back and forth and the rain delay. The whole thing was crazy."

And of course, we surveyed a few Cubs, too. So… care to guess which moment 2016 World Series MVP Ben Zobrist went with as his postseason pick?

Video: WS2016 Gm7: Zobrist grinds out hit for go-ahead run

"Getting that hit down the line [to score the go-ahead run in the 10th]," Zobrist said. "They play it at Wrigley on the video before we run out on the field, and, every time I see it, I still get chills from that moment. It still reminds me of rounding first and getting to second and not being able to contain yourself, feeling the elation. I always think of that when I see it."

That's why we watch. And that's why we remember.

The Rays have an agreement in place to sign 16-year-old Cuban pitching prospect Sandy Gaston, who will get a $2.6 million bonus, a source confirmed to MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez on Tuesday.

Gaston is ranked baseball's No. 16 international prospect by MLB Pipeline. The right-hander has a fastball that sits in the mid-90s and has been clocked as fast as 97 mph. The belief is Gaston will develop his secondary pitches, currently a slider and changeup, once he enters an MLB organization and receives daily instruction in an academy.

The Rays had $3,621,500 remaining for this international signing period, which was second only to the Orioles' $6,563,500. According to El Nuevo Herald's Jorge Ebro -- who first reported the Rays' deal with Gaston late Monday night -- the Rays and Orioles had been in competition to sign Gaston.

The Marlins previously had the most money available, $6,569,500, but they used most of that when they signed the Mesa brothers on Monday. Per Sanchez, $5.25 million of the Marlins' international bonus pool money went to 22-year-old Victor Victor Mesa, the No. 1 overall international prospect, and about $1 million went to his younger brother, 17-year-old Victor Mesa Jr.

BOSTON -- The Dodgers switched left-handed relievers on the roster submitted Tuesday morning for the World Series, adding Scott Alexander and subtracting rookie Caleb Ferguson.

• World Series presented by YouTube TV, Game 1: Tonight, 8:09 ET/5:09 PT on FOX

The sinker-throwing Alexander was on the roster for the National League Division Series but was replaced by Julio Urias for the NL Championship Series. The hard-throwing Ferguson made four appearances in the NLCS without allowing a run or hit in 1 1/3 innings with a strikeout and a walk.

The Dodgers again went with a 12-man pitching staff, and the bullpen has three lefties -- Alexander, Urias and Alex Wood. Urias pitched more than Ferguson (3 1/3 innings) but also was hit harder.

:: World Series schedule and results ::

No changes were made to the 13 position players that were on the roster for the NLCS victory over the Brewers.

Starting pitchers
Despite the delay in the announcement, the Dodgers wanted Clayton Kershaw to start Game 1 all along; they just wanted to make sure that Saturday night's 15-pitch ninth inning didn't take too much out of him for a quick turnaround. Even though he will start, he probably will be on a shorter leash because of the relief work in Game 7.

Then comes the decision for Game 2. Walker Buehler pitched Saturday night, and he wasn't coming back on short rest, so the decision was between Hyun-Jin Ryu and Rich Hill. Ryu will get the ball, even though he's a far better pitcher at home (1.15 ERA), further demonstrated by an 8.59 ERA in two starts in Milwaukee during the NLCS. Nonetheless, management believes Ryu is the better pitcher at this point and preferred him to make two starts in the series over Hill. So, Ryu starts Game 2, Buehler gets Game 3 in Los Angeles, followed by Hill in Game 4.

This alignment also makes Hill available out of the bullpen in Games 6 and 7, something Hill has done in the past. Ryu, because of his arm history, is not a relief option.

Relievers
With no slight meant to winner Cody Bellinger, Austin Barnes said the Dodgers' bullpen deserved the NLCS MVP Award, and he's probably right. Kenley Jansen is back to dominating, which is mandatory for Dodgers success, but his support staff out-pitched the celebrated bullpen of the Brewers. The depth was so impressive that Kenta Maeda wasn't automatic like last year and it didn't matter because Pedro Baez's renaissance has continued and Ryan Madson flipped the switch to be an October star again. Dylan Floro and Wood provide depth and length. Alexander's sinker was chosen over Ferguson's heater for lefty situations. Chris Taylor's catch avoided disaster for Julio Urias.

Video: Jansen on 2nd straight World Series, Red Sox

Infielders
In the infield, third baseman Justin Turner and shortstop Manny Machado play every day. Then it gets complicated. Against left-handed starters, veteran David Freese starts at first base with Max Muncy taking over against right-handers. At second base, manager Dave Roberts used four different starters -- Muncy, Enrique Hernandez, Brian Dozier and Taylor. Machado seemed rattled by the fan reaction in Milwaukee to his dustup with Jesus Aguilar. Even though he seems intent on swinging for the fences (when he's not dropping prefect bunts on 3-2 pitches), he still hit .296. Turner's numbers were down from his postseason norm, but his homer won Game 2. Muncy and Hernandez slumped throughout the series -- Muncy with 13 strikeouts in 22 at-bats, Hernandez 1-for-14 with eight strikeouts -- combining for one RBI.

Video: Turner on World Series return, matchup with Red Sox

Outfielders
As they showed with run-saving catches in the NLCS, Bellinger and Taylor give the Dodgers a pair of outfielders with center fielder skills, and when Hernandez is out there, he makes three. During the regular season, Yasiel Puig usually started in right field against right-handed pitching and yielded to Matt Kemp against lefties. Puig still overthrows cutoff men with the best of them as he shows off his arm and allows runners extra bases, but that arm also discourages most runners. Puig's focus wanders, but he's a game-changer and you can't take your eyes off him. Joc Pederson was a star last October, but he was hit on the right wrist with a pitch in Game 6 and that could be an issue.

Kemp didn't start any of the final five games of the NLCS, but, depending on matchups, he should at least be in the mix for designated hitter. Offensively, Bellinger has been boom-or-bust, while Taylor is remarkably dependable. Hernandez is in a deep funk.

Video: MLB Tonight: Bellinger's immediate impact for Dodgers

Catchers
Yasmani Grandal's Willie Davis moment in Game 1 of the NLCS -- two errors, two passed balls -- brought Barnes out of the shadows. Barnes started five of the next six games, and the Dodgers won four of them. Offensively, Barnes' bat can't match Grandal's pop, and he was only 2-for-18 against the Brewers, but one was a big RBI in Game 5. He also drew an equally vital bases-loaded walk. As for Grandal, he really has had trouble catching the ball this year, but the Dodgers often get contributions from the most unlikely sources, and Grandal qualifies.

Video: Dodgers' path to their second-straight NL pennant

Here is the complete roster:

PITCHERS (12)
Scott Alexander
Pedro Baez
Walker Buehler
Dylan Floro
Rich Hill
Kenley Jansen
Clayton Kershaw
Ryan Madson
Kenta Maeda
Hyun-Jin Ryu
Julio Urias
Alex Wood

Video: WS2018 Gm1: Dodgers on facing Sox in World Series

CATCHERS (2)
Austin Barnes
Yasmani Grandal

INFIELDERS (6)
Brian Dozier
David Freese
Enrique Hernandez
Manny Machado
Max Muncy
Justin Turner

OUTFIELDERS (5)
Cody Bellinger
Matt Kemp
Joc Pederson
Yasiel Puig
Chris Taylor

BOSTON -- Manny Machado was offered an opportunity to apologize. Or to, you know, set the record straight. On the eve of his first World Series, that would seem to be a nice little "kick the storyline down the road" way to go.

The Dodgers shortstop -- acquired from the Orioles at the All-Star break -- could have acknowledged what pretty much everyone in the game knows: At times, he has let his raging competitive fire get the best of him.

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On the other hand, why bother? Is there anything that could change the narrative at this point? Besides, Machado seems to be holding up just fine as the designated villain of this postseason. What's a few boos compared to playing in a World Series?

:: World Series schedule and results ::

"It's unbelievable to be here," Machado said. "Everyone dreams about this. It's not easy getting here. Lot of obstacles. Lot of hard work. I'm truly blessed. It can't come any quicker."

That said, he also knows what's coming. When the Red Sox and Dodgers are announced before Game 1 of the World Series tonight at Fenway Park, Machado is going to get the loudest boos, and he's fine with that.

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That's a reaction to a hard slide into Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia in April 2017 and to a string of plays this postseason in which Machado -- and let's phrase this gently -- could have used better judgment, especially in his kicking of Brewers first baseman Jesus Aguilar in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series.

Can fans in Boston boo any louder than Brewers fans did at Miller Park last week in Games 6 and 7 of the NLCS?

"We're going to get booed no matter what," Machado said. "We're not in our territory. We're going to go out and try to compete as well as we can and leave it on the field and come out with a victory tomorrow."

Video: BOS@BAL: Pedroia exits game after collision at second

Back to that chance to apologize. When Machado was asked on Monday if he sometimes does things in the heat of the moment that he regrets, he was blunt.

"You know what?" he said. "When you're on the field, things stay on the field. You play hard for your ballclub. You're trying to win games. You're trying to get to the World Series. I got here. I'm trying to win the World Series. Whatever happened on the field, happened on the field. There's really nothing more to say."

• World Series Game 1: Lineups, bullpens, FAQs

So there.

"The game's changed," Machado said. "We're unfortunate that we have social media, Twitter, you know, Instagram and all that stuff. Just going to keep playing the game. Going to keep worrying about my team, keep worrying about winning a World Series."

Video: NLCS Gm7: Machado on win over Brewers, reaching WS

Some of the people who know him best swear by his character. One of those is Red Sox first baseman Steve Pearce. He and Machado were teammates for three-plus seasons in Baltimore, and Pearce calls him "the best person I know in the game" while acknowledging he does occasionally cross lines.

"He plays hard," Pearce said, "and sometimes, emotions get the best of him. But I know what kind of guy he is off the field. He's a great guy."

Has anyone tried to fix Machado's ways?

"Players talked to him," Pearce said, "but that's just who he is. He's a great player. It's just who he is. He's not trying to hurt anybody."

Video: Looking at Machado's tenure with Dodgers since trade

In other words, to have Machado on your team, you have to accept every part of Manny. In the last five seasons -- all but three months with the Orioles -- Machado established himself as a dazzling talent. Not only did he average 34 doubles and 28 home runs, but he also played third base at such a high level that he became the first player who fans in Baltimore compared favorably to Brooks Robinson, which is the highest compliment an Orioles player can receive.

This season, Machado asked to move back to shortstop, his original position, and has proven himself all over again in recent weeks.

He has an .813 OPS in 11 postseason games for the Dodgers, and it was a full-count bunt single in Game 7 of the NLCS that opened the door for Cody Bellinger's two-run home run on the way to a 5-1 Dodgers victory and second straight World Series trip.

Video: NLCS Gm7: Bellinger belts 2-run homer, scores Machado

At 26 years old, Machado is expected to be one of the two most sought-after free agents this offseason, along with Bryce Harper. Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp said anyone who thinks Machado is a dirty player should sit back and watch the offers pour in over the winter.

"Years ago, you slide like that into second base, it's a normal play," Kemp said. "Flipping guys, taking them into left field, that used to be normal. Go Google it. It's baseball. I'm not going to tell him how to play the game. He plays the game the way he wants to. He's a grown man. He loves to play the game. He's passionate about the game. He wants to win.

"That doesn't say anything about the character of the teammate. He's a great teammate. The guys love him in the clubhouse. Manny's gonna be Manny, and he's gonna play hard. In the offseason, it's really going to show how much of an impact player he is. Teams are going to be paying a lot of big bucks for that, and he deserves it."

As the postseason concludes, Hot Stove season begins. MLB.com is keeping track of all the latest free agent and trade rumors right here.

• Complete list of free agents this offseason 

Eovaldi hasn't talked new deal with Red Sox yet
Oct. 23: Nathan Eovaldi is open to returning to the Red Sox when he enters free agency after the World Series, but he hasn't discussed a new contract with the club yet, according to weei.com.

"I'd love to be back," Eovaldi said on Monday. "But nothing's popped up yet."

Eovaldi has significantly boosted his stock since the Rays traded him to the Red Sox for prospect Jalen Beeks on July 25. After the deal, the right-hander recorded a 3.33 ERA with a 2.88 FIP over 12 appearances (11 starts) in the regular season. He's gone on to record a pair of wins and a hold in his three appearances (two starts) during the postseason, helping the Red Sox reach the World Series.

While the flamethrowing Eovaldi has tantalized onlookers with his potential throughout his career, he has struggled to find consistency, posting a lifetime 4.16 ERA. He has also made just 46 appearances since the outset of 2016, as he underwent Tommy John surgery that season, missed all of '17 and didn't debut until May 30 this year. But if he continues his recent surge in the Fall Classic, he'll hit the open market as one of the top available starters.

Astros to focus on starting rotation, catching in offseason
Oct. 23: Although the Astros' 2018 season ended in disappointing fashion with a 4-1 loss to the Red Sox in the ALCS, Houston won't need a major overhaul to be serious contenders for a World Series title again in '19. However, that doesn't mean the club is preparing for a quiet offseason. President of baseball operations and general manager Jeff Luhnow pinpointed the starting rotation and the catcher position as priorities.

Of the four Astros who made 30-plus starts this past season, two -- Charlie Morton and Dallas Keuchel -- are set for free agency. So is backstop Martin Maldonado. And catcher Brian McCann will likely be joining them, as Houston isn't expected to pick up his $15 million club option for 2019.

MLB.com's Brian McTaggart does not expect the Astros to re-sign Keuchel, but Houston could bring back Morton, who has pondered retirement but said after the ALCS that he would like to return to the Astros in 2019. Both hurlers are eligible to receive one-year, $17.9 million qualifying offers.

The club also has a number of internal candidates for the rotation, including Brad Peacock, Collin McHugh, Josh James and top prospect Forrest Whitley, so they won't be left scrambling if Keuchel and Morton both depart. However, the Astros may need to fill more than two rotation openings if Lance McCullers Jr. is forced to miss any time with a right elbow injury, which manager AJ Hinch indicated is a possibility in an appearance on MLB Network Radio.

Tweet from @MLBNetworkRadio: "There's some concern there."#Astros manager AJ Hinch on the status of Lance McCullers' elbow injury, and the potential for a lost 2019: pic.twitter.com/R6z4hq1ppq

The Astros may look elsewhere for a catching upgrade, and they'll have several options, with Yasmani Grandal and Wilson Ramos available as free agents and the Marlins' J.T. Realmuto potentially on the trade block.

"We need to have three or four more catchers we can rely on that can catch this pitching staff," Luhnow said. "They'll be working for a manager who was a catcher and the demands are pretty high for our catchers. It's definitely an area of focus for us this offseason, no question." More >

Video: Luhnow on free agent market, starting rotation

Rockies expect Oh to remain in MLB next season
Oct. 23: Although Seunghwan Oh told reporters in South Korea last week that he wants to return to pitch in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich said Monday that the club expects the right-hander to be back in 2019, according to the Denver Post.

"From what we have been told, it was much ado about nothing regarding Oh," Bridich said. "His comments to the Korean media were not specifically about 2019. It was more about ending his career there.

"Our understanding is that he has every intention of honoring his current contract."

Oh, 36, recorded a 2.53 ERA over 25 appearances for the Rockies after being acquired from the Blue Jays in a July trade. His $2.5 million option (with a $250,000 buyout) vested for 2019 when he reached 70 games this past season.

Despite investing considerable resources in the bullpen over the past few years, the Rockies have received underwhelming results from many of their signings, including Wade Davis, Bryan Shaw, Jake McGee, Mike Dunn, Jason Motte and Chad Qualls. And with Adam Ottavino potentially departing as a free agent, it makes Oh an even more important part of Colorado's 'pen for 2019.

How does Escobar's contract impact third-base market?
Oct. 22: Eduardo Escobar was expected to be one of the top third basemen available this offseason, but he won't be hitting the open market after agreeing to a three-year deal with the D-backs on Monday.

With Escobar signed, Manny Machado potentially looking to stay at shortstop long term and Adrian Beltre likely to return to the Rangers if he opts to continue his career, Josh Donaldson and Mike Moustakas (if his $15 million mutual option isn't picked up) are shaping up to be the most attractive free-agent options at third base, by far. Another factor working in their favor? Neither player is eligible to receive a qualifying offer.

Beyond Beltre, Donaldson and Moustakas, the third-base market will include players such as Pablo Sandoval, Chase Headley, Danny Valencia, Jose Reyes and Luis Valbuena.

Of those five, Sandoval led the way with 0.1 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), per Fangraphs. The other four produced negative WAR totals, and Headley and Valencia were released before the season concluded.

Donaldson played just 52 games in 2018 due to injury problems, but he is one year removed from recording 33 homers with a .944 OPS in 113 games, and he has an American League MVP Award under his belt.

As for Moustakas, he has belted 66 home runs over the past two years, which ranks fourth in that span among those who have played at least 50 percent of their games at third base, behind Nolan Arenado, Machado and Jose Ramirez.

Even if Machado is willing to move back to third base, not every team can afford him, and only one can sign him, which means Donaldson and Moustakas could be in high demand as fallback options or lower-cost alternatives to the big prize.

World Series presents last chance for impending free agents to shine
Oct. 22: The World Series gets underway tonight, with the Red Sox hosting the Dodgers in Game 1 at Fenway Park. The bicoastal showdown features plenty of interesting subplots, including the looming free agency for a number of key free agents.

Manny Machado is the biggest name among them, though his free-agent case is already cemented. Regardless of how he does in the World Series, he's going to break the bank this offseason. The same goes for Clayton Kershaw, if he decides to opt out of his deal.

But several players have a lot riding on how they perform on baseball's biggest stage.

Red Sox right-hander Nathan Eovaldi has already improved his free-agent value over the first two rounds. If he can thrive against the Dodgers, it may only increase the number of teams willing to give him a lucrative multi-year offer.

On the other end of the spectrum are Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel and Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal, with both players looking to put their struggles over the first two rounds in the rearview mirror.

The Red Sox think they pinpointed the root of Kimbrel's woes -- with an assist from Eric Gagne, who reportedly texted manager Alex Cora during the ALCS to let him know that Kimbrel was tipping his pitches. A dominant World Series from Kimbrel would go a long way toward convincing clubs he is worth a deal similar to those given to big-name closers such as Wade Davis (three years, $52 million), Aroldis Chapman (five years, $82 million), Kenley Jansen (five years, $80 million) and Mark Melancon (four years, $62 million) in the past few offseasons.

Grandal, meanwhile, has notably struggled on offense and defense this postseason. Given the dearth of quality catching options in the game, there shouldn't be a shortage of suitors for the backstop. But Grandal's performance in the World Series -- especially against the Red Sox, who might be in the market for a catcher -- may be a factor when it comes to the size and length of his contract offers. Of course, it's fair to wonder how much Grandal will actually play in the Fall Classic after Austin Barnes started the final four games of the NLCS behind the plate.

And then there's David Price, who can opt out of the final four years and $127 million remaining on his deal. When asked by masslive.com in September if he planned to take that route, Price replied, "Why would I leave here to go to a team that's not as good as this team? I came here to win. I don't worry about all the other stuff. Just come here to win. We're going to have a really good chance to do that."

But if Price follows up his stellar showing in ALCS Game 5 with another gem or two in the World Series, emphatically closing the book on the narrative that he can't pitch in playoffs, it would increase his chances of opting out in search of a longer deal.

Video: ALCS Gm5: Price leads Sox to pennant with 6 scoreless

Report: Seibu Lions will post Kikuchi if left-hander wants to pursue MLB opportunity
Oct. 22: Yusei Kikuchi wasn't ready to discuss his future after the Seibu Lions' season came to an end with a loss in Game 5 of the Pacific League Climax Series on Sunday, but many expect the Japanese left-hander to make a move for Major League Baseball this offseason.

According to a report from the Japan Times, the Lions said Sunday that they would make Kikuchi available to MLB clubs via the posting system if that is the route the southpaw wants to take.

As MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi noted in August, multiple MLB scouts believe Kikuchi has the ceiling of a No. 2 starter in the big leagues.

The 27-year-old has recorded a 2.77 ERA with 903 strikeouts over 1,010 2/3 innings during his career in Japan. He spent some time on the disabled list with left shoulder stiffness in 2018, but still finished with a 3.08 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP over 163 2/3 frames.

After Sunday's loss, Kikuchi said there were no plans yet to sit down with the Lions to discuss his future, and he declined to speculate on his next step.

"The season just ended," Kikuchi said. "I'll spend some time with my family. That's all I'm thinking about."

Pollock shaping up to be best option among available center fielders
Oct. 22: While the corner-outfield market is flush with free-agent options, including Bryce Harper, Michael Brantley, Andrew McCutchen, Nick Markakis and Carlos Gonzalez, A.J. Pollock will likely be the most attractive center fielder available this offseason.

As a result, there should be heavy competition for Pollock's services, even though the veteran is set to turn 31 years old this December and has played fewer than 115 games in each of the past three years due to injuries.

Pollock is eligible to receive a $17.9 million qualifying offer from the D-backs, though it's not a foregone conclusion that the club will extend one his way. If he receives a qualifying offer from Arizona and subsequently rejects it, other clubs would need to forfeit one or more Draft picks to sign him, which could give some teams pause.

But Pollock ultimately shouldn't have a problem finding a home, with the Indians, Mariners, Giants, Mets and Rangers among those in obvious need of a center fielder. The Rockies could also be in that mix if they opt to move Charlie Blackmon to a corner-outfield spot and aren't comfortable with David Dahl as the everyday center fielder.

Is Girardi waiting for managerial position to open up in Chicago?
Oct. 22: Joe Girardi was believed to be a frontrunner for the Reds