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The Marblehead High School boys hockey team is having a solid season, rolling along into the second half of the regular season schedule with a record of 8-2-2, and as long as they stay away from teams with Bedford in their names they should continue to succeed.

The Headers lost to Bedford, N.H. on Dec. 23, and then this past Monday afternoon, Jan. 20, the Bedford Buccaneers (8-1-3) from Middlesex County maintained that hex to the tune of 3-1.

Last Wednesday, Jan. 15, the Headers rallied from 3-1 deficit heading into the third period to tie host Winthrop, 3-3 at Larsen Rink.

The Vikings took a 1-0 lead early on in the second period, but the Marblehead boys evened things up on a goal by Eli Feingold. Mike Flaherty and Zach Piersol collected the assists.

After the home team scored twice late in the second, the Headers were looking for a comeback in a very tough place to play. That comeback effort started on a Carter Laramie goal assisted by Colin Hart and Piersol. Marblehead then earned a point, when J.T. Monahan scored an unassisted goal with 2:43 left on the clock. Goalie Peter Santeusanio made 32 saves to help preserve another point in the standings.

Marblehead then went into the third period of Monday afternoons road game in Bedford trailing 2-0, but pulled within one on a score by Piersol with 5:01 left in the third. Chris Locke and Hart had the assists on Harts goal.

Bedford put one into the empty net with just over a minute left to spoil any comeback bid by the Headers.

Co-captain Loch Sheridan said his team did not come out as strong as they should have on Monday afternoon, and now they have to prepare for Thursdays road game at Lowells Tsongas Center against Lowell Catholic. It is the third of six straight road matches, before they return home to Salem States OKeefe Center for a rematch against Winthrop on Saturday, Feb. 8.

"(It) was definitely not our best game. Everyone was flat, and there was no energy on the bench. Bedford was a good, hard-working team, who just beat us to the puck and out-skated us throughout the majority of the game," Sheridan said.

Head Coach Chris Wells echoed his captains sentiments, and the team will be working on being more consistent.

"We have to get back to competing. Its a little disconcerting that weve been inconsistent for some parts of the season. (Monday) we came out flat. We really just didnt have anything," Wells said. "We have to get back to doing the little things like competing. We have to be much more aggressive.

"We have a tough stretch of road games coming up, and we know its not going to get any easier (against Lowell Catholic)," the coach added. "Thursdays a tough game, and then we have Danvers. Theyre playing better, so we have another tough conference game coming up [Saturday night at the Bourque Arena in Beverly at 8:20 p.m.]."

Thursdays game against the Lowell Catholic Crusaders gets underway at 3:30 p.m. in Lowell.

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Marblehead boys hockey team skating smoothly with few hiccups - Wicked Local Marblehead

The Merrimack Valley Conference has always featured wide open battles for supremacy, but this year Central Catholic team appears to be the favorite thanks to good depth throughout its lineup as well as standouts like the Glynn brothers, senior Mike and sophomore Jimmy, leading the way.

But defending champ Haverhill is not about to give up its crown easily, and is paced by standouts Jake Nicolosi, Steven Wise, Ben Davoli and Jay Levy. Also, Chelmsford should be a contender led by standout Evan Goodall, North Andover should be vastly improved if it stays healthy and Lawrence is always dangerous. Methuen looks to be rebuilding a bit, but never discount the Rangers and Andover should remain highly competitive and capable of pulling off an upset or two.

In short, it looks like a typical wild MVC season is ahead of us.

Andover

2018-19 season: 20-8

Returning starters (8): Kelvin Davila, Sr. 152; Brendan Major, Sr., 195; Lukas Kaufman-LaDuc, Sr., 126/132; Elias Maita, Sr., 160 Daonysos Hatzigiannis, Jr., 126/132; Sean Ballou, Jr., 170; Connor Sheehan, Jr., 170/182; Miles Fraser, Soph., 138

Returning lettermen:Quaid Johnson, Jr., 160; James Archambault, Soph., 120; Theodore Krueger, Soph., 120/126; Max McNeeley, Soph., 132; Mahesri Hussain, Soph., 132/138; Jonathan Davila, Soph., 145

Promising newcomers: AJ Heidtke, Jr., 285 Alec OBrien, Soph., 138

Candidates: 26; Captains: Kelvin Davila, Elias Maita

Fast facts: Kelvin Davila is coming off a strong football season. ... Junior and first-year wrestler AJ Heidtke, brother of former football standout Payton, will step in at heavyweight. ... Sophomore Jonathan Davila had an early season-ending injury last year but is back healthy and looks solid.

Assistant coaches: Ken Najem

Coach Mike Bolduc (5th year, 53-49-2): The front end and back end of the lineup is very inexperienced. Well rely heavily on the middle of the lineup early until we can get some mat time for the younger wrestlers. With only a couple days of practice behind us, I am pleased with the tempo of practice and the athleticism of some of the student/athletes on the mat.

Central Catholic

2018-19 season: 21-1

Returning starters (8): Nate Vachon, Sr., 126; Mike Glynn, Sr., 120; Matt Shaw, Sr., 152; Jorge Cosme, Sr., 285; Anthony Mears, Jr., 220; Kyle Hebert, Jr., 145; Brian Buffagna, Jr., 182; Jimmy Glynn, Soph., 106

Returning lettermen: Cody Reuda, Jr., 113; William Derocha, 195/220, Jr.; Aaron Coppeta, 170. Jr. Eddie Ayotte 152, Soph.; Jon Delany, 160, Soph.

Promising newcomers: Stephen Donovan, Jr., 132; Jackie Denehey, 120, Frosh.; James Bohenko, 113, Frosh.; Nick Spero, 106, Frosh; Sean Finneran, 170, Frosh.

Candidates: 37; Captains: Mike Glynn, Nate Vachon

Fast facts: Central is an impressive 40-3 over the last two years. ... Mike Glynn was 46-8 last year and finished 3rd in New England. ... The Raiders return five state placers and seven sectional placers. ... Transfer Stephen Donovan comes in from Westford Academy where he was 3rd in D1 North at 126. ... Freshman sensation Jackie Dehney of Pelham, N.H., comes in as one of the most decorated freshman in recent history (placing in both Fargo and Super 32). She will probably start at 120. ... Freshman Nick Spero is the younger brother of graduated Greg Spero. ... Another freshman, Sean Finneran, could ultimately start at 170 and freshman James Bohenko, who trains at Doughboy, will likely start at 113.

Assistant coaches: Dennis King, Rich Durkin, Matt Armano, Jake Durkin, Trevor Abdallah

Coach Jamie Durkin (4th year, 60-5): We look to be in a solid position to do some good things in both the league and the state level.

Haverhill

2018-19 season: 21-0

Returning starters (6): Jake Nicolosi, Sr., 145; Steven Wise, Sr., 152; Jaydahrius Levy, Sr., 285; Jackson DiFloures, Jr., 138; Israel Tricoche, Jr., 160; Ben Davoli, Soph., 113

Returning lettermen: Dryden Fisher, Sr., 145; Elijah Moncrief, Sr., 126; Joe Meehan, Sr., 195; Dan Toothaker, Jr., 220; JanCarlos Figueroa, Jr., 182

Promising newcomers: Edgar Feliciano Sr., 132; Jaheim Nieves, Sr., 160; Allahborn Canario, Sr., 182; Yacoub Abu Ghoush, Jr., 170; Joel Cordero, Jr., 152; Jordan Damske, Soph., 120; Carlos Picardi, Soph., 160; Gretchen Fieldhouse, Frosh., 160; Jacob Flaherty, Frosh., 152; Roger Trongeau, Frosh., 182; Colin McAninch, Frosh., 285; Jesse Rodriguez, Frosh., 120

Candidates: 45; Captains: Jake Nicolosi, Steven Wise

Fast facts: Haverhill graduated seven starters from last years powerhouse. ... Jake Nicolosi (50-7) led Haverhill in wins last year. ... Edgar Feliciano is a transfer from Whittier Tech. ... Thanks to some heavy recruiting within the school, this years freshman class is the biggest in years.

Assistant coaches: Nick Wormald, Tony Griffin, Bill Mears, Tom Pagliarulo

Coach Tim Lawlor (5th year, 72-26): We have 15 freshman this year, and 27 newcomers altogether. Theyre impressing early on and making for an exciting room. Weve lacked depth the last few years, so were looking to build a strong JV program and continue to grow the sport within the school.

Lawrence

2018-19 season: 22-10

Returning starters (8): Luis Mauricio, Sr., 106; Eric Sanchez, Sr., 182; John Vasquez, Sr., 182; Jaycob Zapata, Jr., 113; Angel Miranda, Soph., 160; Armani Maldonaldo, Soph., 132

Returning lettermen: Carlos Monge, Sr., 182; Freddy Collazo, Jr., 195; Eddy Santos, Jr., 220; Jr., Davidson Theosmy, Soph., 120; Fernando Alvardo, Soph., 113; Brandon Lavasta, Soph., 285; Remy Lefebvre, Soph., 113; Joel Baretto, Soph., 285; Azais David, Soph., 145;, Hezekiah Leonor, Soph., 170

Promising newcomers: Carlos Portela, Jr, 170; Alex Chhy, Jr, 126; Dudley Derival, Soph., 138; Jaden Pich-Nong, Soph., 120; Janir Guzman, Soph., 138; Elijah Cartagena, Frosh., 182; Josiris Gomez, Frosh., 220; Christian Ramirez, Frosh., 220; Domenic Vasquez, Frosh., 113

Candidates: 45; Captains: Luis Mauricio, John Vazquez

Fast facts: The turnout of 45 wrestlers is the smallest in at least 12 years. ... Luis Mauricio returns at 106 after qualifying for New Englands last year and should contend for a state title. ... Luis and Eric Sanchez will compete in the MVC all star meet against the Middlesex league this Thursday at Melrose High.

Assistant coaches: Ozzy Morales, Christian Guzman, Alex Vargas, Hector Reynoso, Ron Portante, Michael Mena

Coach Rob Niceforo (17th year, 285-133-2): We have one of the youngest teams I have coached in a while, but I like the attitudes and the efforts of the team so far.

Methuen

2018-19 season: 22-2

Returning starters (4): CJ Brown, Sr., 160/170; Anthony Romano, Jr., 182; Joe Gangi, Jr., 138; Michael Crowe, Jr., 113

Returning lettermen: Corey Ciccotelli, Sr., 132/138; Adam Rader, Jr., 126; Dom DeMaio, Jr.,145/152

Promising newcomers: Jay Ramos, Sr., 220; Gokay Goktug, Sr., 285; Corey Bard, Sr., 285; Ryan Melo, Jr., 160; Dan Guzman, Jr., 195; Xavier Cordero, Jr., 132; Zachary Tavares, Soph., 152; JeanCarlos Paula, Soph. 138; Bryan Jacinto, Soph., 195; Lex Flores, Soph., 126; Dillon Dao, Soph., 132; Corey Boiselle, Soph., 106; Enrique Binet, Soph., 132; Rhomel Valera, Frosh., 132; Jack Stoddard, Frosh., 106; Wiliam Simmons, Frosh., 138; Osias Rodriguez, Frosh., 182; Alex Peavey, Frosh., 132; Caleb Miguel, Frosh., 126; Jariel Julio, Frosh., 195; Braeden Delaney, Frosh., 138; Dan Warner, Frosh., 285

Candidates: 38; Captains: TBA

Assistant coaches: John Sughrue, Kevin Sughrue, Paul Sughrue

Fast facts: Methuen is an impressive 119-6-1 over the last five years. ... The team returns only four starters from last year after graduation and wrestlers choosing not to return. ... The 38 candidates is the lowest number in over 15 years. ... Anthony Romano is coming off an outstanding football season -- MVC First Team All-Conference and Junior Player of the Year. ... CJ Brown was fourth in the Division 1 state tournament last year at 160. ... Dom DeMaio had 19 varsity wins last year filling in at two different weight classes. ... Methuen will host Division 1 North Sectionals, Division 1 States and the New England Tournament this year.

Coach Bill James (19th year, 346-68-2): We are very young and inexperienced. Most of our lineup will feature wrestlers with only 1 or 2 years experience. The wrestlers we have are doing a good job, but we have a lot of work ahead of us to be able to compete with the teams on our schedule.

North Andover

2018-19 season: 19-12-1

Returning starters (9): Ethan Ford, Sr., 126/132; Sam Mountain, Sr, 145; Will Shimmoeller, Jr., 182; Cam Watson, Jr., 160; Jared Hiller, Jr, 152; Jack Carbone, Jr, 195; Tommy Cox, Jr, 170 Anthony McCann, Soph., 113/120; Carson Milovanovic, Soph.,120/126

Returning lettermen:Chad Rogers, Sr, 152; Kris Rhoton, Jr, 138; Kenlei Milovanovic, Jr, 120;

Promising newcomers: Jack Dalton, Soph 132/138; Kaleb Rhoton, Frosh, 152; Colby Carbone, Frosh., 182; Alex Sutera, Frosh. 132

Candidates: 26

Captains: Ethan Ford, Sam Mountain

Fast facts: Former Knights standout and assistant Larry Coughlin takes over as head coach for Carl Cincotta, who retired after a 152-59-3 record and one Division 2 state title in eight years. Another former Knight and assistant, Mike Wilson, returns as an assistant as does Adrian Polanco. ... Sophomore Jack Dalton returns after missing all of last year with an injury.

Assistants: Mike Wilson, Adrian Polanco

Coach Larry Coughlin (1st year): We are returning a great group of kids and have a large freshman class. Im impressed with the teams effort so far and Im excited to see what we can do.

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MVC Wrestling Preview: Central looks loaded; Hillies try to defend title - Eagle-Tribune

All-stars were plentiful this fall as local standouts made their mark in multiple sports.

Heres a recap:

After a season of resurgence, South Portland placed four players, quarterback/defensive back Anthony Poole, running back/defensive back Keenan Jones, offensive lineman/linebacker Caleb Viola and offensive lineman/defensive lineman Nate Ellington, on the Southwestern Maine Activities Association Class B South football all-star team.

The SMAA Class A all-star offense first-team featured utilityman Jarett Flaker and lineman Max Piispanen.

Scarborough lineman Nathan Mars made the second-team.

The SMAA Class A first-team defense included Scarboroughs Mars (tackle), Zach Alofs (back), Chase Cleary (punter) and Thomas Galekas (linebacker).

The second-team featured Scarboroughs Piispanen (end).

Scarboroughs Mars was also named SMAA Class A Gerry Raymond Lineman of the Year.

In the Western Maine Conference, the Class C all-star team included Cape Elizabeths Matt Laughlin, Finn McQueeney and Gannon Stewart.

Class C all-star honorable mentions included running back/safety Colin Campbell, running back/safety Nick Laughlin and wide receiver/defensive back Ryan McKean.

Cape Elizabeths boys soccer team placed Nick Clifford on the WMC Class B first-team.

Cape Elizabeths Charlie Dall made the second-team.

Cape Elizabeths Jack Dresser, Ben Payson and Jack Sands qualified for the WMC All-Academic team.

In the SMAA, South Portland midfielder Damir Krkic made the first-team.

Scarborough forward Zander Haskell, midfielder Zach Chaisson and back Noah Flagg were named to the second-team.

Scarborough goalkeeper Alex Bachmann and South Portland forward Anthony Perron and back Dillon Ray Bolduc were honorable mentions.

Scarboroughs Benjamin Hatch, Evan Krouskup, Nolan Matthews, Thomas Stratis and Griffin Wedge and South Portlands Homer LaBranche and Anthony Perron qualified for the SMAA All-Academic team.

South Portlands Brkic was also named to the Class A South regional all-star team.

On the girls side, Karli Chapin, Maggie Cochran and Emily Supple of repeat Class B state champion Cape Elizabeth were named to the WMC Class B all-star team.

The WMC All-Academic team included Cape Elizabeths Margaret Brewer, Karli Chapin, Olivia Cochran, Amelia Erickson, Sydney McFarland and Amanda Mikulka.

In the SMAA, Scarborough midfielder Ashley Sabatino and back Emily Johnson made the first-team.

Scarborough forward Ali Mokriski, back Madison Marinko and goalkeeper Nikki Young were named to the second-team.

Scarborough forward Sarah Callahan and midfielder Madison Blanche and South Portland forward Brooklynn Ortiz were honorable mentions.

Scarboroughs Mokriski was also named SMAA Rookie of the Year.

Scarboroughs Blanche and Isabelle Chase made the SMAA Senior All-Citizenship Team.

Scarboroughs Madison Blanche, Samantha Brodeur, Sarah Callahan, Katrina Fowler, Emily Johnson, Madison Marinko, Josephine Patton, Rachel Peterson, Ashley Sabatino and Nikki Young and South Portlands Isabelle Chase and Anna Folley qualified for the SMAA All-Academic team.

Cape Elizabeths Chapin and Scarboroughs Callahan, Johnson, Sabatino and Young played for the South in the Class A/B girls Senior All-Star Game.

Scarboroughs Callahan, Johnson, Sabatino and Young were also named to the Class A South regional all-star team, while Cape Elizabeths Chapin and Maggie Cochran made the Class B South regional all-star team.

The SMAA field hockey first-team included Scarboroughs Hannah Dobecki and Carrie Timpson and South Portlands Lydia Grant.

Scarboroughs Julia Booth-Howe and South Portlands Lauren DiBiase were honorable mentions.

South Portlands Grant was given the Faith Littlefield Player of the Year award.

Scarboroughs Kayleigh York and South Portlands Bonnie Johnston were their teams respective Rookies of the Year.

Scarboroughs Ainslie Allen, Julia Booth-Howe, Jillian Cote, Hannah Dobecki, Natalie McGuire, Abigail Roy and Carrie Timpson and South Portlands Bryanna Alley, Madelyn Drolet, Sarah Folan and Emily Rich qualified for the SMAA All-Academic team.

In the Western Maine Conference, Cape Elizabeths Isabel Berman was a first-team selection.

The Class B second-team included Cape Elizabeths Emily Goulding and Camden Woods.

Cape Elizabeths Berman, Scarboroughs Dobecki and South Portlands Grant were also named to the All-State team.

Scarboroughs Jillian Cote qualified for the All-State, All-Academic team.

Last, but certainly not least, South Portlands Grant was named one of three finalists for the prestigious Miss Maine Field Hockey award.

Scarborough outside hitters Shaelyn Thornton and Maya Brooks, setter Mayne Gwyer and middle hitter Maddie Strouse and South Portland libero Pearl Friedland-Farley and setter Ashlee Aceto were named to the SMAA volleyball first-team.

Scarborough libero Brenna Humpage and South Portland middle hitter Kaleisha Towle made the second-team.

Scarborough middle hitter Gwen Dorsey and South Portland outside hitter Maria Degifico were honorable mentions.

Scarboroughs Maya Brooks, Bella Dickinson, Anna Gardner, Brooke Leeman, Katherine Mueller and Meredith Winslow and South Portlands Kaleisha Towle qualified for the SMAA All-Academic team.

Scarboroughs Kim Stoddard was named SMAA Coach of the Year.

Scarboroughs Strouse and Thornton and South Portlands Friedland-Farley were named to the Class A all-state, first-team.

Scarboroughs Brooks and Gwyer and South Portlands Aceto made the Class A all-state, second-team.

Scarboroughs Dorsey and South Portlands Degifico were Class A all-state, honorable mentions.

Cape Elizabeths Corina Page and Julia Torre made the Class B all-state, first-team.

Cape Elizabeths Abi Bisceglie made the Class B all-state, second-team.

Cape Elizabeths Sarah Boeckel was named Class B Coach of the Year.

Class B individual state champion Lila Gaudrault of Cape Elizabeth headlined the WMC girls cross country all-star first-team.

Cape Elizabeths Lydia Branson and Marcella Hesser made the second-team.

Class B champion Jack Bassett of Cape Elizabeth made the WMC boys cross country all-star first-team, along with teammate Ricky Perruzzi.

Cape Elizabeths Owen Patry made the second-team.

Cape Elizabeths Jack Bassett, Chloe Butzel, Meredith Hetrick, Genevieve Depke, Molly OSullivan and Helen Vaughan qualified for the WMC All-Academic team.

The SMAA boys all-star first-team included Scarboroughs Zach Barry and Tristram Coffin.

Scarboroughs Erik LoSacco and South Portlands Nick Borelli made the second-team.

Scarboroughs Connor Coffin and South Portlands Liam Piper were honorable mentions.

Scarboroughs Justin Castaldo and Nathan Day and South Portlands Thomas DiPhillippo and Oscar Sullivan qualified for the SMAA All-Academic team.

The SMAA girls all-star first-team featured Scarboroughs Megan Randall and Kayla Randall.

Scarboroughs Kristen Werner and South Portlands Isabella Carrier were honorable mentions.

Scarboroughs Isabella Cook, Ryanne Cox and Vanessa DiRisi and South Portlands Grace Caselden and Molly Woodhouse qualified for the SMAA All-Academic team.

Cape Elizabeths Gaudrault and Scarboroughs Kayla Werner also qualified for the Maine Track and Cross Country Coaches Association girls All-State first-team.

Cape Elizabeths Charlotte DeGeorge made the second-team.

Cape Elizabeths Bassett and Scarboroughs Tristram Coffin made the boys All-State first-team.

Scarboroughs Barry was a second-teamer.

The SMAA Northern Division golf first-team included Scarboroughs Peter Malia and South Portlands Lucas Flaherty.

South Portlands Alex Leupold was a second-team selection.

In the WMC, Class B all-stars included Cape Elizabeths Aiden Lee and Shep Smith.

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It was an all-star autumn in Forecaster Country- Southern edition - Press Herald

Thanksgiving is around the corner, and all 30 teams in Major League Baseball have something to cherish. Here is what every National League team should be thankful for.

One could argue that the Braves have the best all-around outfielder under 25 in baseball in Acuna. He has exuberant power, is an intimidating presence in the batters box, and flat-out rakes pitches all around the zone. In his first two years in the big leagues, Acuna has launched 67 home runs. Meanwhile, hes an exceptional defensive center fielder and one of the best baserunners in the sport.

The World Series-champion Nationals have a killer outfield duo in Juan Soto (21) and Victor Robles (22). Soto is a force to be reckoned with at the plate, best exemplified by his postseason heroics (.333 World Series batting average and .927 postseason OPS), and Robles is a speeding bullet who is an elite fielder and has underrated power.

The Mets have a franchise player in Alonso. The power-hitting first baseman blasted an MLB rookie record 53 home runs last season, won the NL Rookie of the Year Award, and appeared in the MLB All-Star Game. Concurrently, hes adept at stretching out for bad throws and keeping groundballs in front of him.

Last season was a bit of a step back for Nola, but he still has elite offerings. The right-hander has control of a high-90s fastball and throws a nasty curveball. He pitches deep into games, totals strikeouts at a high rate, and is one of the most dominant pitchers in the sport when he has his command.

The Marlins have quietly been grooming some compelling young starting pitchers. Sandy Alcantara (24) has a consistent multi-pitch arsenal, gradually improved throughout last season, and finished with a 3.88 ERA; Caleb Smith (28) had an encouraging first half; Jordan Yamamoto (23) and Pablo Lopez (23) have shown potential.

The Cardinals have their ace in the 24-year-old Flaherty. He has command of his offerings, held opponents to a .192 batting average in 2019, and recorded an astonishing 0.93 ERA across his last 16 regular season starts. In the Cardinals NL Division Series matchup with the Braves, Flaherty surrendered just four runs across 13 innings in Games 2 and 5.

Yelich is a complete player and well-versed hitter who won the 2018 NL Most Valuable Player Award and finished second in the MVP voting in 2019. Not too shabby.

Injuries hindered his performance a bit in 2019, but Baez remains one of the preeminent middle infielders in the sport. Hes adept at playing second base and shortstop, turning double plays at each position, and operates quickly. Couple those skill sets with his high-octane bat and Baez is arguably the Cubs most irreplaceable player.

The Reds are on the rise, and their starting pitching is an integral reason for that development. Luis Castillo is coming off a monster season, headlined by a 3.40 ERA and fooling hitters with his off-speed pitches; Sonny Grayrecorded a 2.87 ERA; while he struggled in his two months with the organization, Trevor Bauer is a proven commodity.

The Pirates have one of the best infields in baseball, and the average ages of their starting infielders is 26.8. Josh Bell is a towering left-handed hitter who was in the NL MVP conversation last year; Kevin Newman hit .308 in his first full big-league season; Colin Moran totaled 80 RBIs last season; Adam Frazier is a steady presence at second base.

Buehler may very well be the Dodgers best pitcher just two years into his MLB career. He has an overpowering fastball and gets great movement on his off-speed pitches. Buehler totaled 215 strikeouts in 2019 and, for the most part, has been lethal on the rubber in the postseason.

The D-Backs have one of the best players in the sport in Marte. He has played both center field and second base on a consistent basis, been a pain to get out, and had a case for being the 2019 NL MVP. In said year, Marte hit .329, posted a .981 OPS, and totaled 32 home runs and 92 RBIs.

A great deal of uncertainty clouds the Giants future, but they have a diamond in the rough in Mike Yastrzemski. The late bloomer came on the scene and dazzled the Bay Area in 2019, blasting 21 home runs and posting an .852 OPS across 107 games. Yastrzemski gives the Giants a power bat in the middle of their order to build around moving forward.

Nolan Arenado and Trevor Story remain one of the elite infield duos in baseball. Theyre vacuums and human highlight reels at their respective positions and power machines at the plate. Arenado and Story combined for 76 home runs and 203 RBIs in 2019.

The Padres infield is filthy. Manny Machado is slick at the hot corner and a potent force at the plate; Fernando Tatis may be the best shortstop in baseball in a couple years; Eric Hosmer is a source of power and has considerable defensive range; Luis Urias will improve with reps.

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MLB Thanksgiving: What Every National League Team Should be Thankful For - Baseball Essential

GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS.

NEW: POLITICO'S ELECTIONS FORECAST Massachusetts Democrats are likely to extend their dominance over the states congressional delegation in 2020, according to a new elections forecast put together by my excellent colleagues at POLITICO.

Story Continued Below

POLITICO rated every House, Senate and gubernatorial race in the nation next year, along with the Electoral College, and offered an early forecast of all the contests.

In Massachusetts, every race is rated "solid Democratic" except for Rep. Bill Keating's seat, which is rated "likely Democratic." Unless something drastic happens, most of the Massachusetts action will be on primary day in September.

Few other states are this blue. Maryland, which has eight House seats, is in the same ballpark as Massachusetts, every race is rated "solid Democratic." The other thing the two states have in common: extremely popular Republican governors. Check out all the race ratings here.

FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: CLARK'S BABIES BILL Rep. Katherine Clark and Georgia GOP Rep. Buddy Carter are rolling out a new bill today. The BABIES Act would expand access to freestanding birth centers for Medicaid recipients.

Over half of the counties in the United States don't have a hospital maternity unit, according to Clark's office. To bridge the gap, stand-alone birth centers can make it easier for women and families to get medical care in less affluent areas. A number of existing licensed birth centers don't accept Medicaid, but Clark and Carter's bill would create a program that uses a new payment model for Medicaid recipients.

We have seen clear evidence that birth centers have positive outcomes for mothers and babies. By enabling innovation to guide the critical work that birth centers do every day, we can extend essential care to moms where they are," Clark said in a statement.

Freestanding birth centers resulted in lower rates of pre-term birth, low birth weight and fewer C-section procedures, according to a report from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services that studied CHIP beneficiaries from 2013 to 2017. Families who used the centers saved an average of $2,000, according to the report.

POLL: VOTERS DON'T BLAME TRAFFIC ON UBER AND LYFT Massachusetts voters are opposed to higher fees on ride sharing services like Uber and Lyft, according to a new poll commissioned by the companies, and say they dont blame ride shares for the states mounting traffic problem.

Fifty-eight percent of those surveyed opposed a ride share fee increase from 20 cents to $1, according to the poll. More than half 54 percent of those surveyed said they had used ride sharing services, and 60 percent said they have a favorable view of them.

While 94 percent of people surveyed said they view traffic congestion as a problem in Massachusetts, 57 percent disagreed that ride sharing services were to blame. Global Strategy Group surveyed 640 likely 2020 general election voters in Massachusetts from Nov. 1 to Nov. 6.

IMPEACHMENT WATCH Ahead of Gordon Sondlands testimony before Congress today, someone distributed fliers to homes in Boston yesterday encouraging people to boycott his hotels. Sondland, the ambassador to the E.U., founded the Provenance Hotels chain. Pic sent to me by a source.

Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: smurray@politico.com.

TODAY Gov. Charlie Baker attends a Republican Governors Association conference in Florida. Acting Gov. Karyn Polito attends farewell addresses by outgoing state Sens. Vinny deMacedo and Don Humason in the Senate. Polito makes a MassWorks funding announcement in North Andover. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh speaks at the Turn Off the Red Light Summit in Roxbury. Rep. Katherine Clark is a guest on WGBHs Morning Edition. The Senate meets in formal session. The House meets in formal session.

Agreement reached on ed funding bill, by Michael Jonas, CommonWealth Magazine: LAWMAKERS HAVE REACHED agreement on a long-awaited education funding bill, setting the stage for the most significant update to the formula for financing Massachusetts school districts since the landmark 1993 Education Reform Act. The bill, which emerged after less than three weeks of closed-door negotiations by House and Senate members, would steer $1.5 billion in new state aid to local school systems, with those educating lots of low-income students poised to see the largest increases in funding.

Police chiefs back bill cracking down on distracted driving, by Travis Andersen, Boston Globe: Police officials in Boston and West Bridgewater, a community thats made headlines in recent years for crackdowns on distracted driving, on Tuesday backed a bill pending on Beacon Hill that would ban the use of handheld devices behind the wheel. Any effort to enhance the safety of motorists and pedestrians is supported by the Boston police, Boston Police Commissioner William G. Gross said in a statement. His words were echoed by West Bridgewater Police Chief Victor Flaherty, who said in a phone interview that the measure is definitely going to save lives if it becomes law.

Tribal leaders seek changes to state flag, by Christian M. Wade, The Salem News: Native Americans say the imagery on the Massachusetts state flag is symbol of the brutal suppression of the region's indigenous people at the hands of colonial governments. On Tuesday, members of the Legislature's Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight heard testimony from tribal leaders, lawmakers and others who want to create a commission to consider changes to the emblems of government.

Rodrigues Shrugs Off House Chair's Criticism, by Matt Murphy, State House News Service: After being accused by one House Democrat of setting a "dangerous precedent" by circumventing the committee process to advance a plastic bag ban bill, Senate Ways and Means Chairman Michael Rodrigues on Tuesday dismissed the House's concerns. "We are comfortable with the process and look forward to the Senate debating and voting on this very important issue tomorrow," Rodrigues told the News Service on Tuesday in a statement. Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee Co-Chair Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli on Monday expressed "grave concern" with the Senate's complete disregard towards the legislative process.

Were hooked on cars, despite the gridlock. Only powerful incentives will change that, but major employers make it too easy to drive. Boston Globe Spotlight Team: Its become a persistent refrain for the booming biotech companies of Kendall Square. Yet, sit in traffic is what many of their employees do, fighting their way through some of the countrys worst rush-hour congestion to get on with the work of changing the way we live, and maybe saving lives. They are miserable about it miserable, fed up, and increasingly tempted to give up. A recent state survey from the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council found that 60 percent of biotech workers were so unhappy with their commutes that they would change jobs for a better one, with nearly a quarter considering moving out of state because of the problem.

DOC launching unit for young inmates who are fathers, by Sarah Betancourt, CommonWealth Magazine: THE MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION is planning to open a special unit for incarcerated fathers between the ages of 18 to 24, with the goal of helping them straighten out their lives and become better parents while in prison and once they are released. Similar units have been launched at some of the county jails, but this is the first time the state prison system has decided to separate young fathers, who account for about a quarter of inmates ages 18 to 24, from the rest of the prison population.

Study Finds Mass. Worst In Nation For Elder Economic Security, by Adrian Ma, WBUR: Single, older people in Massachusetts are more likely to face economic insecurity than their peers in any other state, according to a new UMass Boston report. The study estimates that 61.7% of state residents older than 65 and living alone do not have enough income to cover basic expenses such as housing, food, health care, transportation, clothing and household supplies.

Southie pols call for affordable housing as project lands at Gillette property, by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: A developer specializing in pricey high-end apartments and condos is planning more than a million square feet of housing, offices and labs on land bought from Gillette in South Boston as Southie pols say what the booming area needs is affordable housing. Related Beal filed a letter of intent with the Boston Planning & Development Agency on Monday to build on the 5.5-acre parcel it paid $218 million in May to shave off of Gillettes South Boston headquarters. The project comes as Gillette considers selling off more land.

40 Ambitious Ideas to Save Transportation in Boston, Boston Magazine: Once upon a time, Bostons transit system was the envy of every metropolis from Chicago to DC: The subway running between Park and Tremont streets, unveiled in 1897, was the first in the United States; 3,500 miles of railroad track, meanwhile, once stretched across the state, connecting the hinterlands to the big city. Flash-forward more than a century, and commuting by car from the exurbs can take upward of two hours, the commuter rail is pretty much never on time, and many of our T cars are so old that the MBTA cant even order parts anymore.

By 2022, highways, routes across Massachusetts will have new exit numbers, MassDOT says, by Aram Boghosian, Boston.com: Over the next two years, exit numbers along Massachusetts highways and routes will change under a federal mandate, MassDOT officials said Monday. Exits, which currently use sequential numbering, will shift to mileage-based numbering, according to Neil Boudreau, the departments assistant administrator for traffic and safety. The switch comes as the commonwealth adopts federal policies that spell out required uniform traffic features, he said. So far, all but three states have begun to put those changes in place: Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Delaware, Boudreau said at a MassDOT board meeting.

Kennedy holding Senate fundraiser in RI next month, by Ted Nesi, WPRI: Massachusetts Congressman Joe Kennedy III will cross state lines next month to raise money for his U.S. Senate primary bid against incumbent Democrat Ed Markey. Kennedy will be in Providence at noon on Dec. 3 for a lunch reception featuring former Rhode Island Congressman Patrick Kennedy, his cousin, as a special guest, according to an invitation obtained by WPRI 12.

MARKEYCHUSETTS: Sen. Ed Markey's reelection campaign just rolled out three new endorsements from state lawmakers. Sen. Pat Jehlen, Sen. Mike Barrett and Rep. Natalie Higgins and announced they are backing Markey yesterday.

Shack Exploring Run for Congress in 4th District, by Matt Murphy, State House News Service: Former state Comptroller Thomas Shack announced Tuesday that he was forming an exploratory committee to run for Congress in the 4th District, taking a step toward joining a Democratic field that already includes six candidates vying to succeed U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy III in the House. Shack left his position as comptroller earlier this year after more than six years working in the office, including four years as the comptroller overseeing more than $60 billion and government spending and other funding each year.

T notes: Commuter rail on-time performance takes dive, by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: THE ON-TIME PERFORMANCE of the commuter rail system took a sharp dive in late September and October, particularly on the Fitchburg, Franklin, and Providence lines. According to statistics released at a meeting of the Fiscal and Management Control Board on Monday, the system as a whole was on-time (defined as within five minutes of the scheduled arrival time) 84.6 percent of the time in October, the lowest level in at least a year. The worst-performing line was the Franklin Line, with 79.2 percent on-time performance, followed by the Fitchburg and Providence lines, both at 80.2 percent.

Will Deval Patrick's ties to drug companies help or hurt his 2020 bid? by Ron Leuty, San Francisco Business Times: As former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick last week entered the race to be the Democratic Party's nominee for president, his experiences with two Bay Area drug companies could prove to be a boost or a drag. Patrick still serves on the board of Global Blood Therapeutics Inc., whose sickle cell disease drug could be approved by the Food and Drug Administration by late February. The South San Francisco company (NASDAQ: GBT) has't publicly set a price of the drug, called voxelotor, but Patrick's involvement on the board could give him additional insight into the national debate on drug pricing.

Deval Patrick finds voters across US receptive to his campaign, but they say he has little chance of getting nominated, by Laura Krantz, Boston Globe: As Deval Patrick sprinted around the country the past few days on a hastily assembled trip kicking off his presidential campaign, he discovered something both encouraging and disheartening: People liked him. But at this eleventh hour in the Democratic race, they dont think he has a chance to win. At a veterans home in Las Vegas, a bakery in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and a county Democrats meeting in Des Moines, voters said they found the former Massachusetts governor funny, relatable, and experienced. They described him as a moving orator and a good listener with a bad sense of timing.

Warren's private equity crusade faces resistance at House hearing, by Zachary Warmbrodt, POLITICO: A high-profile House hearing Tuesday designed to showcase the dangers of private equity instead revealed that the industry enjoys bipartisan backing in Washington despite a wave of attacks from Sen. Elizabeth Warren and other critics. The tone of many members at the Financial Services Committee hearing titled "America for Sale?" suggested that the Massachusetts Democrat will struggle to rally her party against the industry in the 2020 presidential campaign.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren issues plan to combat white nationalism stoked by President Donald Trump, by Benjamin Kail, MassLive.com: Citing more than 7,000 hate crimes logged by the FBI last year and hundreds of thousands more that go unreported, Democratic presidential contender and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren on Friday released a plan to combat the rise of extremism and white nationalism. Warren, who mentioned a series of violent attacks since 2015, including shootings of black worshippers, Jewish worshippers and immigrants, called for an interagency task force to combat white nationalist crime.

A Mass. politician is fighting MLBs proposal to split the Lowell Spinners from the Red Sox, by Hayden Bird, Boston.com: In the wake of a new proposal from Major League Baseball to cut down its minor league system, a U.S. representative from Massachusetts is trying to help lead a bipartisan response. The MLB proposal, which first became known in October, would cut the Major League affiliation with 42 minor league teams (out of 160 in total). The teams in question would become independent after the current Professional Baseball Agreement between MLB and MiLB expires in 2020, and possibly join the Dream League (with rosters composed of un-drafted players and free agents).

Mass. lawmakers decry SNAP rule change, by Colin A. Young, State House News Service: The entire Massachusetts congressional delegation signed a letter urging the Trump administration to reconsider a proposed regulation that the lawmakers said would result in Massachusetts losing about 9%, or about $100 million, in annual nutrition funding. The administrations proposed rule would remove flexibility around how states set the Standard Utility Allowances, based on local utility costs, for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps.

House Democrat discusses impeachment inquiry, MSNBC: House Dem Caucus Vice Chair, Rep. Katherine Clark, D-Mass., discusses a letter from House Speaker Pelosi to Democratic leadership on Trump's actions.

Herald: CANCEL CULTURE," "AWAY GAME, Globe: LATE, AS ALWAYS," "Deal is reached on school funding.

Worcester colleges offer free tuition for 3 children of fallen Worcester Fire Lt. Jason Menard, by Melissa Hanson, MassLive.com: Residents, restaurants, organizations and sports teams around Massachusetts, and in Worcester especially, have stepped up to help out or make donations to assist the family of fallen Worcester Fire Lt. Jason Menard in the days since tragedy struck the citys fire department once again. Some Central Massachusetts colleges and universities have extended that offer of support. Nine institutions have offered to pay tuition for Menards three children -- Joshua, Hailee and Morgan -- if they are accepted into the schools programs.

Owner says hes turning controversial Weymouth billboard back on, by Jessica Trufant, The Patriot Ledger: With no alternative plan in place, the owner of a controversial digital billboard on Route 3 plans to turn the two-faced billboard back on, cut down trees blocking it and begin building a second further south on the highway. Ed OSullivan of Cove Outdoor LLC said in a memo to officials that he has been working with the town to come up with a plan that will satisfy neighbors infuriated by the digital billboard on the northbound side of Route 3 and generate the revenue the company is entitled to.

MAZEL! to Hanna Switlekowski, legislative director to state Sen. Paul Feeney, who was elected to the Sharon Select Board last night.

ALSO MAZEL! to UMass Amherst grad Jackson Cote, who joins MassLive.com as a reporter in Springfield. Cote just finished an internship at CNN. Tweet.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Rep. Jim McGovern, who is 6-0; state Rep. Jack Patrick Lewis, community organizer and political operative Samuel Gebru, and Ethos CEO Valerie Frias (I was a day early on her birthday yesterday).

DID THE HOME TEAM WIN? Yes! The Bruins beat the Devils 5-1.

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Big day for EDUCATION on Beacon Hill 2020 FORECAST CLARK'S new bill - Politico