Outside The Confines: Let the games begin!

The 2024 World Series begins tonight, and it will be a clash of titans.

The World Series is here! And depending on who you ask, it’s either the most boring (but TV-friendly) match-up possible, or a veritable clash of titans with some of baseball’s greatest sluggers duking it out.

However you feel about it, most of us will be tuning in and enjoying the last week of baseball, and as is often the case, baseball can be fun even when you’re not invested in the stakes.

Plus, with both Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani in one series we’re bound to see some incredible dingers.

So, first and foremost, who do you want see win the series?

Let’s get into today’s links!

• Sweeny Murti brings us some memories from members of past Dodgers-Yankees matchups.
• Nick Selbe ranks all the previous 11 Dodgers/Yankees World Series match-ups.
• The Dodgers’ press box has included touching nods to Fernando Valenzuela. Story by Patrick Andres.
• The Dodgers will also honor Valenzuela with a patch on their uniform during the series. (ESPN)

• Tyler Kepner eulogized Valenzuela. (The Athletic subscription required.)
• Ben Clemens explains how he voted in the Fielding Bible Awards.
• Jeff Passan explains why the Dodgers/Yankees is a dream World Series matchup.
• Jim Bowden looks at the top free agents for this offseason and tries to make some predictions. (The Athletic subscription required.)
• Luke Weaver doesn’t know what he’d be doing if he wasn’t playing baseball. Story by Ryan Phillips.
• Brian Cashman proved he’s not the forgive-and-forget type with a jab at the Astros. Story by Tim Capurso.
• Anthony Rizzo’s broken fingers will be ready to go for the World Series. Story by Jesse Rogers.
• Chris Kirschner and Brandon Kuty look at how this Yankees’ team are not only the best in years, but also the most bonded. (The Athletic subscription required.)
• Anthony Castrovince determines how many players in this World Series are future Hall of Famers.
• Davy Andrews gets into the mythos of Aaron Judge: Dodger Killer.
• Brian Murphy shares expert predictions for the World Series.
• Dan Szymborski tries to determine if Home Field Advantage disappears in October.
• Dave Roberts has confirmed (or dashed dreams) that there is no possibility of Shohei Ohtani pitching in the World Series.
• Davy Andrews offers three very compelling reasons to watch the World Series.
• Andrew Simon shares the World Series power ranking.
• Stephen Douglas reports the insane price tag attached to Shohei Ohtani’s 50th home run ball.
• Footage from inside Tropicana Field shows just how devastating the damage really is, and certainly raises questions about whether the Rays will ever be able to return. Story by Ryan Phillips.

And tomorrow will be a better day than today, Buster. Make it so.