Wednesday Open Thread

Once again, I’m posting the daily open thread a little early because there is a postseason game this afternoon. Before I get to the playoff schedule, I want to pass along this Players Tribune piece by pinch-runner Rico Noel. It covers a lot — the art of stealing a base, the relationships in the clubhouse, and Noel’s family life — and I highly recommend it. It’s really hard not to root for Noel after reading that.

Okay, now here is today’s postseason schedule:

• Rangers at Blue Jays (Hamels vs. Stroman): 4pm ET on FOX Sports 1 (series tied 2-2)
• Astros at Royals (McHugh vs. Cueto): 8pm ET on FOX Sports 1 (series tied 2-2)

So yes, two Game 5s. The winners will meet in the ALCS and the losers go home. You can talk about those games, Noel’s article, or anything else right here. Just don’t be a jerk.