NL Notes: Former batboy Baker drafted 15 years after near-collision in World Series

Dusty Baker’s son, Darren, made national headlines in 2002, when the then-batboy for the Giants was almost run over in a play at the plate in that season’s World Series between the Giants and Angels.

Fifteen years later, the younger Baker is ready to write his own baseball story —one he actually has control over.

Baker was drafted by the Nationals in the 27th round of the MLB Amateur draft this week, which pits Baker in the same organization where his dad manages at the major-league level. Here’s to hoping Baker can dispel the constant batboy stories, and make his talent worth something big.

Here’s what else is happening around the National League:

After the ugly year the Braves had in 2016, many fans are surprised that their managerial search was not more extensive. At this point in the season, the Braves have improved over last year from a statistical standpoint, but there’s admittedly still work to be done in Atlanta. Should the Braves have called in more names for interviewing? Find out in the linked article above.

Have a week, Eric Thames! The slugging Brewer went walk-off twice in two days to lift Milwaukee to two big wins. Thames knocked homers on both walk-offs, adding to his strangely large total for the year (don’t worry, he’s been drug tested more than once). Thames’ offense pads Milwaukee’s slim lead in the NL Central, a lead no one saw coming.

Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images

The curious tale of Edwin Jackson continues. The 33-year-old journeyman is headed to the Nationals on a minor-league deal. Jackson was originally with Baltimore, but is now headed to Washington’s Triple-A affiliate in Syracuse after the team decided depth was needed on the mound. If Jackson gets a shot in the bigs this year, it could be beneficial for the Nats —if there’s one thing this guy has a lot of under his belt, it’s innings pitched.

Folks, this one is news-worthy, but for all the wrong reasons. St. Louis’ Adam Wainwright suffered through the shortest outing of his career on Saturday against the Orioles, lasting just 1.2 innings before being pulled in what turned out to be a 15-7 romp for Baltimore. Wainwright, obviously, was tagged as the loser, allowing seven runs in the second inning and nine overall across less than two innings of work. What a strange blemish for the ever-consistent Wainwright.