Morning Marquee: Royals name James Shields Game 1 starter

Ahead of Tuesday’s opening bout of the 2014 World Series, the Kansas City Royals announced their starters for the first two games – James Shields, who will look to impress as he likely heads toward a payday via free agency this winter, and Yordano Ventura, respectively.

The series kicks off next week in Kansas City, before shifting to the West Coast for Game 3. The late-inning trio of Kansas City relievers consisting of Kelvin Herrera, Wade Davis and Greg Holland have staked a claim as one of the best bullpens ever in the postseason and will no doubt be a key factor in the best-of-seven series as Ned Yost‘s club looks to keep the San Francisco Giants from winning their third championship in the last five years.

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In non-World Series-related news, the Texas Rangers, just days after announcing the hiring of a new manager, are looking to wrap up a contract extension with general manager Jon Daniels before the month is up, the Chicago Cubs are continuing the renovation of Wrigley Field as construction crews remove the outfield bleachers and the Minnesota Twins’ managerial vacancy – the last in the big leagues – could be filled soon.

Here’s more from around the league:

“Royals relief trio makes claim as best ever” – MLB.com

“Bleachers torn down as part of Wrigley Field renovation” – Cubbies Crib

“Royals announce World Series starters” – Call to the Pen

“Dodgers reached out to Josh Byrnes” – ESPN Los Angeles

“Billy McKinney, Cubs an ideal fit moving forward” – Cubbies Crib