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Erling Haaland and Phil Foden fire Manchester City to win at Crystal Palace

Even in a week when they have beaten the mighty Real Madrid in the Santiago Bernabéu, this must rank as one of Pep Guardiola’s most satisfying victories of the season.

It was Oliver Glasner who condemned the Manchester City manager to his first season without a major trophy since his first year in English football when Crystal Palace enjoyed the greatest day in their history at the FA Cup final back in May. So outsmarting one of the Premier League’s shrewdest operators would have provided Guardiola extra contentment, not to mention helping City move back to within two points of leaders Arsenal.

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Red Wings Laud "Complete Game" Effort vs. Blackhawks To Cap Successful Road Swing

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The metal of the Detroit Red Wings was put to the test as they embarked on a season-high six-game road trip. 

The road trip, which just concluded on Saturday evening, yielded extremely encouraging results, as the Red Wings won four of six games while claiming nine of a possible 12 points. 

The Red Wings defeated the Chicago Blackhawks by a 4-0 final score at United Center thanks to multiple contributions from former Blackhawks players Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat, helping Detroit maintain a tie for the first place position in the Atlantic Division. 

Not only that, but John Gibson picked up his second shutout in three games, and won his fifth straight start, something he attributed to a complete team effort. 

“I thought it was a complete game top to bottom, from the drop of the puck to the finish," Gibson said. "We stuck to our game plan and played really well. A total team effort.”

DeBrincat scored just 55 seconds into the contest, while Kane picked up the 498th goal of his NHL career in the venue in which he wowed legions of Blackhawks fans during his 15 and a half seasons as a Blackhawk. 

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Rookie Emmitt Finnie increased the lead to 3-0 in the second period, while DeBrincat capped the scoring with an empty-net goal late in the third period, his second of the night and team-leading 18th goal. 

Afterward, head coach Todd McLellan, who is closing in on his one-year anniversary since being hired, lauded Detroit's efforts not only against Chicago but on the overall road trip.

“When you look at it from a points perspective, it’s a really good trip for us, we had to win in a lot of different ways," he said. "To finish six games in 10 nights with a shutout, that’s something we should be proud of."

McLellan has repeatedly spoken about the importance of mental fortitude and game management, which he saw plenty of over the course of the trip. 

Red Wings' Patrick Kane on Coming Back to Chicago: “It’s Always Fun”Red Wings' Patrick Kane on Coming Back to Chicago: “It’s Always Fun”On Saturday evening, longtime Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane will suit up for the Detroit Red Wings for the third time at United Center, the venue he called home for so manyyears.

When we started Training Camp three months ago, we talked about being mentally stronger, physically stronger, and improving (our) in-game management," he said. "I thought we saw all three of those elements on the trip, especially here tonight.”

The Red Wings return home to play consecutive games on Tuesday and Wedesday evening against the New York Islanders and Utah Mammoth. 

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Are Knicks gearing up for a Mitchell Robinson trade?

December 15th is the unofficial start of NBA trade season, as free agents that were signed this offseason become eligible to be dealt. The rumor mill is already hard at work, with the Knicks a headliner in multiple rumors.

In recent days, Kris Pursiainen of ClutchPoints reported New York is interested in acquiring Donte DiVincenzo or Jose Alvarado, and ESPN1320’s James Ham reported they have shown interest in Dennis Schroder. DiVincenzo remains a fan favorite from maybe the best single-season Knick career in franchise history, while the other two are reliable, defensively stout guards, making for a natural group of targets.

What’s notable are their salaries: DiVincenzo earns $12 million and Schroder $14 million. If the Knicks are truly aiming to acquire one of them, in order to match salaries they’ll have to ship out half of their bench or one key player. 

Mitchell Robinson has been the longest tenured Knick throughout the Leon Rose era, making a huge impact on multiple playoff runs. But this is the final year of his contract, they didn’t agree to an extension, and historically the Knicks have traded players in similar situations before allowing them to walk in free agency.

Maybe this time is different, but Robinson’s health has been a major concern, his defense has dropped off dramatically, and his contract just so happens to be the only one that aligns with these reported trade targets. Are the Knicks gearing up to trade Robinson, and if so, should they?

If the former is true, it can’t be gleaned from reports of trade interest. On the rare occasion the Knicks have made a midseason trade, they weren’t pre-linked to their targets, and a report from an opposing team’s beat can easily be juicing the local player’s value for future talks. 

It’s possible New York wants the offseason flexibility and still re-signs Robinson this summer. He was immensely effective in the postseason and even with his struggles this year has been a beast on the offensive glass. 

Nov 5, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) controls the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden.
Nov 5, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) controls the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The fact that his salary happens to match potential trade acquisitions means little, as complicated as combining salaries or roping in third and fourth teams are it still happens, and is an alternative route to secure these names. They could also just be interested yet not willing to move on from Robinson.

Should they be? The concerns about his health are legitimate, not having played a 60-game season since 2022 and being restricted this year. 

When he has played, he hasn’t looked the same defensively, with his mobility taking a big hit. With Robinson on the court, the Knicks are allowing 114.2 points per 100 possessions compared to 110.3 with him off, when historically he’s had the opposite impact.  

He’s been the same monster on the glass as usual, and is still their best option at backup center. Without Robinson, the Knicks are down to Guerschon Yabusele, Ariel Hukporti, and Trey Jemison III.

That’s one concern about trading him, though the Knicks could theoretically fill that gap in another move. Does moving Robinson and a Yabusele/ Pacome Dadiet/picks package for DiVincenzo/Schroder and a new backup five provide enough extra value to shake up team chemistry and avoid losing a free agent?

The answer likely depends on who New York can acquire on both ends. If DiVincenzo is actually in play, it’s hard for the Knicks not to consider this pattern of moves.

DiVincenzo would provide a jolt of shooting and creation in a system he’s especially equipped for, not to mention the narrative and aura surrounding such a reunion would take the city by storm. Schroder ironically may be the even better fit as a reliable ball handler and nosier defender. 

But if New York can’t backfill Robinson, it gets tougher. Perhaps they believe in Yabusele and Hukporti enough, or can somehow swindle a Daniel Gafford or JalenSmith. 

Even then, the upside and game-breaking impact Robinson can deliver in the Playoffs makes it hard to justify even a marginal on-paper improvement during a championship hunt. What’s more realistic is the Knicks are doing their due diligence on every front and exploring all avenues to maximize these upcoming playoff runs.

What that actually materializes in vis-a-vis a trade will more than likely be nothing from what we’ve seen. New York is especially low on chips and flexibility here, and won’t want to upset a 17-7 rolling Knicks team headed for the NBA Cup Championship. 

Still, anything is possible in this wild league and with this unforgiving franchise desperately pursuing its first title in 50 years. We’re sure to hear plenty more between now and February, but don’t read too much into it unless something finally happens. 

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Following Jorge Polanco signing, Mets' David Stearns could have eyes on blockbuster trade with Padres

If you were hoping for an immediate big-splash response to losing Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz that would make you feel better about this Mets’ offseason, well, it’s clear by now that David Stearns just isn’t wired that way. 

Which is to say, Jorge Polanco is a solid player coming off a good season with the Seattle Mariners that included a few electric postseason moments. He’s just not a guy who’s going to send anyone running to buy season tickets. 

And that’s fine if he helps the Mets win a lot of games next season. Which remains to be seen, of course. 

For the moment, the timing of Polanco’s signing seemed to indicate that Stearns won’t be pushed into going big-game hunting no matter how outraged the fan base is by the events of this past week.

On the other hand, a potential trade with the San Diego Padres that has been reported -- most heavily by The Athletic -- in recent days could be of blockbuster quality, even if it apparently wouldn’t include Francisco Lindor or Fernando Tatis Jr.

More on that to come. 

As for Polanco, it’s not exactly a bargain contract, as $20 million a year seems to be pushing the envelope on value, given his inconsistent track record. But it’s only a two-year deal, or $40 million total, which is $115 million less than Alonso is guaranteed with the Baltimore Orioles. 

There is also the little matter of whether Polanco can play first base, which is where Mets’ people are saying they see him getting most of his at-bats. It’s notable because he’s virtually never played first base at the big-league level (one career game at first base, which came this past season), and though most middle infielders are a good bet to adapt well to the new position, it still adds some risk to the equation. 

It’s also thinking outside the box, to a degree, which is kind of what you want to see from Stearns after all the bloodletting this past week. Yet Polanco, whose 26 home runs last season was the second-highest total of his career, is hardly a guy who’s going to fill the power void left by Alonso’s departure. 

However, Stearns may think he can build an effective offensive team without big power. Consider what his old team, the Milwaukee Brewers, did last season, finishing third in the majors in runs scored despite ranking only 22nd in home runs. 

Of course, the Brewers also finished second in the majors in stolen bases and had the fifth-fewest total of strikeouts, so they were a fast, contact-hitting team that would be hard for the Mets to emulate. They also were completely shut down in the postseason by the Los Angeles Dodgers, and indeed they’ve had little success in October in recent years.

Oct 20, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Seattle Mariners second baseman Jorge Polanco (7) warms up before game seven of the ALCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Oct 20, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Seattle Mariners second baseman Jorge Polanco (7) warms up before game seven of the ALCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images / © Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Perhaps Stearns also had an eye on the Toronto Blue Jays, who had great success with a high-contact offense, including the second-fewest total of strikeouts. Polanco struck out only 84 times last season, which ranked in the 83rd percentile of all major league hitters last season.

“What you’re seeing is David wants to build a team that is solid in all facets of the game,” one person who has worked for Stearns in the past told me. “He’s a sum-of-the-parts guy. I think he’d rather have grinders than stars.”

Polanco fits that mold. So does outfielder Ramon Laureano, who could be coming to Queens as well if the Mets make that multi-player trade with the Padres that has been reported in detail by The Athletic as being in the talking stages.

There is no indication that Lindor or Tatis Jr. would be part of such a deal, yet it could still fill a lot of holes for the Mets, as it reportedly could include starting pitcher Nick Pivetta, reliever and strikeout monster Mason Miller, as well as lefty reliever Adrian Morejon, who was dominant last season, and Laureano too.

Laureano isn’t the contact hitter that Polanco is, striking out 119 times last season in 132 games, but he hit .281 last season and he’s got some pop, as evidenced by his 54 extra-base hits and a .512 slugging percentage. Last year he ranked in the 93rd percentile of all MLB hitters in expected slugging percentage, based on his quality of contact.

At age 31 he’s coming off his two best offensive seasons since 2019, and while he has very limited range in the outfield, according to Statcast, he does have one of the strongest arms in the game.

And Laureano is making $6.5 million on a team option in 2026 before reaching free agency next winter, which means he would come a lot cheaper than Cody Bellinger, not to mention Kyle Tucker.

Likewise, Pivetta could be a short-term answer to upgrading the starting rotation, coming off the best season of his career at age 32, with a 2.87 ERA over 31 starts and 181 innings. The righthander is due to make $19.75 million in 2026 and can opt out of the final two years of his contract (worth $33.5 million) after next season.

For the Mets to also get Miller, perhaps the hardest thrower in the game, in the same deal, it would take a huge package, but baseball people say the two teams do match up in terms of needs.

That is, the Padres are desperate for pitching, after losing Dylan Cease and (presumably) Michael King to free agency, as well as Yu Darvish to injury, and while the Mets would get Pivetta they could send back Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat, as well as David Peterson and perhaps Kodai Senga as well, in addition to a Mark Vientos or Ronny Mauricio.

It’s an intriguing possibility and, perhaps more to the point, it would fill some key needs for the Mets without dipping heavily into free agency.

“I’d bet on Stearns making some version of that trade (with the Padres) before I could see him giving (Framber) Valdez or (Ranger) Suarez a long-term deal,” said the person who once worked for Stearns.  “That’s just who he is. (Juan) Soto was the exception, and that was probably more (Steve) Cohen anyway. David wants to build something without committing to long-term contracts as much as he can.”

That’s becoming more obvious by the day.

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European football: Real Madrid relieve pressure on Xabi Alonso with crucial win at Alavés

  • Rodrygo keeps Real within four points of Barça at top

  • Inter win 2-1 at Genoa, as Milan draw and Napoli lose

Rodrygo secured a crucial 2-1 victory for Real Madrid at Alavés in La Liga, ending a dismal run of form and keeping them within four points of the leaders, Barcelona.

Real, under pressure after two successive defeats in all competitions, broke the deadlock through Kylian Mbappé’s stunning first-half strike. However, a resilient Alavés levelled in the 68th minute through Carlos Vicente. The visitors restored their lead eight minutes later, courtesy of a counterattack led by Vinícius Júnior, whose assist was converted by Rodrygo.

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Maple Leafs’ Craig Berube Explains Why William Nylander Logged His Lowest Ice Time In Over Two Years

William Nylander did not skate for the final 6:07 of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 6-3 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday, resulting in the star forward logging a season-low 13:46 of ice time.

The second line, comprised of Nylander, Bobby McMann, and John Tavares, was ineffective on Saturday. The trio was on the ice for two of Edmonton’s even-strength goals and failed to score themselves. Nylander finished the game as a -3.

Nylander did not take part in the morning skate due to illness, and Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube explained why he limited the forward's usage in the third period.

“He played tonight. But obviously he wasn't even close to 75 percent,” Berube said. “He was sick, but he played. But I didn't feel there was any reason to keep playing him.”

With the game out of reach, it is hard to classify the move as a benching, but Nylander hasn’t recorded an ice time that low since posting 13:32 in a 2-1 overtime loss to the Boston Bruins on April 6, 2023.

Dakota Joshua, who also missed the morning skate due to illness, was not healthy enough to play. Joshua's absence affected Toronto’s second and third lines, necessitating McMann's return to the lineup following a one-game suspension.

William Nylander leads the Leafs with 34 points in 27 games and is coming off a two-point night in a 3-2 overtime loss against the San Jose Sharks on Dec. 11. It is clear the Leafs took a bet on playing a less-than-75-percent Nylander over a player like Matias Maccelli, who hasn’t played since Nov. 28. Given the underlying numbers, it may have been the wrong decision.

Ultimately, what cost the Leafs the game on Saturday was a late second-period goal that gave Edmonton the lead. Toronto followed that by getting caught standing around as the Oilers took over with three more goals, chasing Dennis Hildeby out of the net and forcing Artur Akhtyamov to make his NHL debut in a relief situation.

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Blue Jackets Blow Multiple Leads, Drop Fifth Straight

Charlie Coyle(5) and Yegor Chinakhov(3) scored the only goals against the Vegas Golden Knights, while Jet Greaves made 22 saves in a 3-2 loss on a snowy Saturday night in Columbus. 

They had this one. It really felt like they had this one. Instead, after blowing multiple leads in the game, they would lose to the Golden Knights to seal their 5th straight loss. 

When Adam Fantilli left the game pouring blood after taking a high stick from Brayden McNabb, giving the Jackets a power play for the duration of regulation, and then came back patched up and ready to finish, you just knew they were going to score. But that didn't happen, and the Blue Jackets were left frustrated once again. 

Almost 17,000 fans braved the snowstorm that hit Columbus midday to watch their team lose a fifth straight game. 

Charlie Coyle said after the game: "The effort was there. Just because you do the right things and give the right effort doesn't guarantee you win. It was a step in the right direction. We need to compete and play the right way. I think defensively was definitely better. It's not perfect, but it's a work in progress."

This loss brings much frustration to a fan base that is desperate to see some wins. Losing five in a row is tough to swallow, especially after all of the positivity surrounding the team coming into the season. 

The Blue Jackets need to right this ship quickly, or the season will end early yet again. 

Final Stats

CBJ APP

Player Stats

  • Charlie Coyle scored his 5th goal. He also had 4 shots on goal.
  • Yegor Chinakhov scored his 3rd goal. It was his first goal since Oct. 28 at Buffalo.
  • Zach Werenski recorded his 24th assist of the season. He now has a home points streak of 10 games.
  • Cole Sillinger picked up his 11th assist.
  • Kent Johnson tallied his 5th assist.
  • Dante Fabbro recorded his 4th assist.
  • Jet Greaves made 22 saves.

Team Stats

  • The Jackets power play went 0/4.
  • The Columbus PK stopped 2 of 3 Vegas man advantages.
  • Columbus won 58.1% of the faceoffs - 36/62
  • The Blue Jackets had 19 blocked shots.

Up Next: The Jackets are back at home to play the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night. 

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Flyers Never Made Serious Offer to Hijack Quinn Hughes Trade

As it turns out, the Philadelphia Flyers were never one of the serious players involved in executing the Quinn Hughes trade and were ultimately behind two Metropolitan Division rivals in the hunt.

On Friday night, Hughes, 26, was traded to the Minnesota Wild by the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for prospects Zeev Buium and Liam Ohgren, center Marco Rossi, and a 2026 first-round pick, and the immediate (and correct) reaction was that the Flyers were never going to beat that offer.

The Flyers themselves must have known this, because, according to a recent report from The Athletic and TSN NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, Philadelphia was never a true contender for Hughes.

"The New Jersey Devils, Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers are among those six teams confirmed to have made legitimate offers. The Devils feel they made a strong first offer. I can also confirm that the Buffalo Sabres and Carolina Hurricanes showed interest," LeBrun wrote for The Athletic.

"The Philadelphia Flyers were among the teams that kicked tires but didn’t get to the next level. The Flyers weren’t willing to give up the assets the Canucks wanted, so that took Philadelphia out of being a major player in it."

Flyers Miss Out on Egregious Quinn Hughes TradeFlyers Miss Out on Egregious Quinn Hughes TradeIt's official: the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers">Philadelphia Flyers</a> pulling off a Quinn Hughes trade is not going to happen, and they should be thankful it won't.

The fact that, as LeBrun reported, the Flyers weren't ready to part with assets the Canucks wanted means that Vancouver asked for a blue-chip prospect akin to Buium, which implies that Porter Martone or Matvei Michkov would have needed to be on the table.

Of course, the Flyers could have drafted Buium outright in 2024, but traded down with the Wild to instead select center Jett Luchanko.

Much can and will be made about the Flyers' management of assets, especially as it relates to how and why they use their draft picks, and there is nothing we know that suggests the Canucks would not have taken the Flyers' offer had they ponied up.

Yes, the Flyers do not have a center like Rossi aside from savant Trevor Zegras, but it would also be disingenuous to say that a Hughes trade was impossible.

Truthfully, the Flyers are probably better off not going for that kind of a deal anyway, but there is a point to be made regarding the rebuild.

3 Flyers Defense Targets With Quinn Hughes Off The Board3 Flyers Defense Targets With Quinn Hughes Off The BoardQuinn Hughes is officially no longer a potential option for the Flyers. Due to this, let's look at three defensemen who the Flyers should consider targeting instead.

If you're rebuilding, trading away players, and stockpiling young players and draft capital, and you can't trade for a superstar when they are actively available on the NHL trade market, what is the point?

The Flyers certainly would have had a better case for the trade had they drafted Konsta Helenius or Buium and Jackson Smith ahead of Luchanko and Jack Nesbitt, respectively, but instead, the current result is a prospect pipeline that inspires little confidence in fans whose faith in the organization is already shaken.

With Hughes off the table and seemingly no big additions coming to Philadelphia anytime soon, only time will tell if that malaise will grow or fade.

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Canadiens: You Must Shoot To Win

After enjoying a day off in New York on Friday, the Montreal Canadiens were back on the ice on Saturday night to take on the New York Rangers. For a second game in a row, Jacob Fowler was in the net, Samuel Montembeault was backing him up, and Jakub Dobes was in the press gallery.

After a solid first game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the American netminder had earned an opportunity to play another game. Still, he had a tall task since the Canadiens had struggled against the Rangers in the last couple of years.

Canadiens: Demidov Needs To Be Selfish
Canadiens: The Goalies Dilemma Is Far From Over
Ex-Canadiens First-Rounder Has Big Moment With New Team

Weathering The Early Storm

When the puck dropped in the first period, the Rangers tested Fowler quite a few times while the Canadiens were looking for the perfect play at the other end, repeatedly passing the puck instead of unleashing a shot on legitimate scoring chances. Ivan Demidov made that same mistake quite a few times tonight. It’s all well and good to be an elite playmaker, but that’s not a reason for not even shooting when you have a golden opportunity.

Still, thanks to Fowler weathering the early storm, the Habs stayed in the game, and when they finally took a shot, it went in. And they did it again a minute and a half later. With shots up to 5-2 Rangers, the score was 2-0 Canadiens, and the Sainte-Flanelle even added another goal to take a 3-0 lead. When the goaltender holds the fort, he gives the team a chance to overcome a tough start.

Had the Canadiens been able to take that lead into the intermission, things might have worked out differently, but after a penalty to Lane Hutson, the Rangers got on the board through Noah Laba. Both Arber Xhekaj and Mike Matheson tried to get the puck on the play, but they missed it; Laba didn’t. Then, with Artemi Panarin heading on a breakaway, Noah Dobson spun him around, and he was awarded a penalty shot, which he buried.

Stuck Inside

While the Canadiens do not normally struggle to launch their attack, tonight, they had trouble getting out of their own zone. The Rangers were both proactive and aggressive, quickly shutting down the young Habs and making it hard not only to attack but to defend, as the quick turnovers allowed New York to come back and attack in waves.

Stuck in their own zone, the Canadiens panicked and repeatedly gave the puck back to the Rangers. No matter who’s in net, if you play nervously and on your heels, you will make mistakes, and it’s only a question of time before they cost you.

Speaking to the press after the game, Martin St-Louis maintained the Habs weren’t giving much to the Rangers early on, but that stupid mistakes were their downfall. He was clearly annoyed by the outcome, but said he was happy that his men would have the opportunity to get right back on the saddle when they host the Edmonton Oilers.

Pucks On Net

In the first frame, the Canadiens got seven shots on net; in the second, they managed only four, before putting up five in the third and one in overtime. Scoring three goals on seven shots on Igor Shesterkin is a miracle; you shouldn’t have beaten him that often, and you certainly won’t fool him again in that game if you don’t give him a real test.

The Habs went 10 minutes in the middle frame without taking a single shot; that can’t happen, and it’s a significant reason they are struggling in the second period. Montreal has scored 32 goals in the second stanza this season and has allowed 44; that’s a minus-12 differential. When they scored a goal 3:17 into that period, I thought they might have turned a corner, but they didn’t.

As Michael Gary Scott once said, 100% of the shots you don’t take don’t go in (don’t worry, I know Wayne Gretzky said it first, and I fancied a wink to The Office), it was never as evident as it was in the first period. St-Louis may say he’s not worried about the number of shots, but the shots are so few and far between and so often that it is a trend and one that needs addressing. This was a 5-4 overtime loss that should have been a win.

After the game, the coach said he didn’t know who would be in the net on Sunday night, but given that Montembeault has been the backup for the last two games, I’d put money on him being in.

The Canadiens flew right back home after the game, and there won’t be a morning skate because of the back-to-back, but it will be in their best interest to play a much better game against the Oilers.

Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains.

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Plaschke: Edwin Díaz's magical trumpeter leaps to top of Dodgers' iconic walk-up hit list

New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz (39) reacts after a win against the Arizona Diamondbacks in a baseball game, Sunday, April 17, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)
The Dodgers acquired not only closer Edwin Díaz but also the coolest entrance song in the big leagues. (Jessie Alcheh / Associated Press)

Proving yet again that nobody combines excitement and entertainment like these guys, this week the Dodgers made baseball’s most important winter deal.

They acquired Timmy Trumpet.

In real life he’s an Australian impresario who, surprise, plays the trumpet. But in the breathtaking world of ninth-inning baseball, he’s the game’s most popular soundtrack.

It is Timmy Trumpet who plays the chillingly inspiring solo from “Narco” that accompanies closer Edwin Díaz from the bullpen to the mound. For the seven seasons Díaz played for the New York Mets, it was the coolest entrance song in the big leagues, creating the most intimidating scene in any ballpark anywhere.

And now it’s coming to Dodger Stadium, as the Dodgers and Díaz agreed this week to a three-year, $69-million contract that will include Timmy Trumpet rattling the bejeezus out of visiting teams who must be asking, do the Dodgers really have to buy everything?

Was it not enough for them to sign the best reliever in baseball? Did they also have to bring in the best ninth-inning atmosphere in baseball?

Yes, they do, and yes, they did, and if you haven’t witnessed the Edwin Díaz/Timmy Trumpet duet, Google it once and you’ll be hooked.

Upon his signing, the social media of Dodgers fans was filled with trumpet emojis. Even the venerable Dieter Ruehle posted a video of him playing the trumpet solo on the keyboard.

In the pantheon of Dodgers entrance and walk-up songs, this immediately moves to the top of a playlist that has become ingrained in the hearts of fans who have come to associate the brief clips of music with the enduring heroics of their players.

From the late great organist Nancy Bea Hefley playing “Master of the House” for Orel Hershiser … to Kenley Jansen revving up the crowd with “California Love” … there is a rich history of Dodgers being identified by their accompanying music.

Read more:Analysis: Could Dodgers’ Edwin Díaz signing portend more big moves later this offseason?

This team is no different, with several songs reaching iconic status simply based on the splendid feats that spring from their chords.

One man’s nine best songs, in order of impact.

1. ”Narco” for Edwin Díaz

It is already the best Dodgers song and he hasn’t even shown up yet. Trust me.

Díaz chose it in 2018 when he played for the Seattle Mariners. When that became his 57-save breakout season, his wife advised him to keep it. After being traded to the Mets, he became so loyal to the song, he even asked it to be played in an empty Citi Field during the 2020 pandemic season.

In ensuing seasons the scene went viral, highlighted by an actual performance by Timmy Trumpet last summer. Expect the Dodgers to invite Mr. Trumpet to Chavez Ravine, maybe even for the opening series. Like so many things they have staged during these consecutive championship seasons, it will be an event.

2. ”We Are Young” for Clayton Kershaw

The pitcher is retired, but the song still warrants celebration on an emeritus basis.

Quick question: Has any Dodgers entrance hymn endured as long as this one? Dodgers fans have adult children as old as this song.

Another quick question: When you heard this song for the last time in the final months of this past season, did you surprisingly feel tears?

The perfect anthem for the perfect pitcher.

3. ”Bailalo Rocky” for Roki Sasaki

It’s not really a song, it’s a chant, bailalorocky, bailalorocky, bailalorocky with the “Rocky” sounding like, “Roki.”

It was chosen for the famously unhip Sasaki by Miguel Rojas in spring training and, by the time the kid pitcher returned from the disabled list to save playoff games, the fans were chanting it and dancing to it like few celebration songs in Chavez Ravine history.

“You can see it in Dodger Stadium … it was amazing,” Rojas told reporters before the World Series. “So electric, dancing on the bleachers in left-center field … I’m hoping everybody starts dancing to that song when Roki comes to pitch.”

4. ”Feeling Good” for Shohei Ohtani

Thank you, Michael Bublé, for singing what everybody is thinking every time Ohtani comes to the plate.

And thank you, Mamiko Tanaka, for making it happen.

“The coach of the Dodgers was nice enough to introduce me to Shohei, and I said to him, ‘Why did you choose my song?'” Bublé explained in an interview on "The Today Show." “And very quickly he just turned to his wife … and it was his wife that chose it.”

Bublé added, “I’ll take it!”

He and about 4 million others.

5. ”Baila Conmigo” for Freddie Freeman

It played before Freeman’s game-winning grand slam in Game 1 of the 2024 World Series.

It played before Freeman’s game-winning home run in the 18th inning of Game 3 of this year’s World Series.

The horn solo at the beginning of this catchy tune has come to represent two words to Dodgers fans who now bounce to its beat.

Greatness coming.

6. "La Leche Materna” for Kiké Hernandez

Just like Hernandez’s Dodgers contributions, this tune saves its best for last.

The final 30 seconds of the song sound like, “Kiké, Kiké, Kiké” over and over again.

It’s weird, but also as powerfully effective as, say, a double play fly ball to end a World Series game.

7. A rotation of songs for Mookie Betts

Betts has walked out to a varied playlist, but his selections are included here because he can boast of one walk-up tune unmatched in baseball history.

He steps to the plate accompanied by an unreleased song written by Snoop Dogg just for him.

8. ”Amen” for Max Muncy

The chorus of this country song that accompanies Muncy to the plate appropriately begins, “Somebody say a prayer for me … ”

Considering all of his injury issues during his eight-year Dodgers career, fans have heeded that call.

Considering he holds the Dodgers record with 16 career postseason homers, those prayers have been answered.

9. ”Squabble Up” for Will Smith

His current Kendrick Lamar song is cool, but Smith is on this list in honor of a previous walk-up song that endeared him to Dodgers fans as that rare player who can laugh at himself.

This Will Smith once walked up to the theme from “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”

Sign up for more Dodgers news with Dodgers Dugout. Delivered at the start of each series.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Fantasy Basketball Week 9 Schedule Primer: Gearing up for the pre-Christmas rush

The latest installment of the Emirates NBA Cup will conclude on Tuesday, with the Knicks and Sprus meeting in Tuesday's final. As a reminder, the game will not count toward official league records or statistics, which also removes the contest from fantasy basketball leagues. As for the rest of the NBA, things will pick up on the back end of Week 9, with Thursday and Saturday being the busiest days. Let's look at the Week 9 schedule breakdown and some key storylines.

Week 9 Games Played

4 Games: HOU, MIA, TOR

3 Games: ATL, BOS, CHI, DAL, DEN, DET, LAC, MEM, MIN, NYK, SAC, SAS, UTA, WAS

2 Games: BKN, CHA, CLE, GSW, IND, LAL, MIL, NOR, OKC, ORL, PHI, PHO, POR

Week 9 Back-to-backs

Sunday (Week 8)-Monday: None

Monday-Tuesday: None

Tuesday-Wednesday: None

Wednesday-Thursday: None

Thursday-Friday: ATL, MIA, NYK, OKC, SAS

Friday-Saturday: BOS, PHI

Saturday-Sunday: HOU, SAC, TOR, WAS

Sunday-Monday (Week 10): None

Week 9 Storylines of Note

- Both Emirates NBA Cup finalists have good fantasy schedules for Week 9.

Obviously, none of the four teams that advanced to Las Vegas will be in action on Monday. As for the Knicks and Spurs, who advanced to Tuesday's final, they'll have busy Week 9 schedules. Tuesday's contest will not count toward official statistics or fantasy basketball, but it is the first of four games that both teams will play in Week 9. New York and San Antonio get back to "regular" NBA play with back-to-backs on Thursday and Friday, followed by games on Sunday to end their respective weeks.

The back-to-backs are notable for two players in particular: San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama and New York's Mitchell Robinson. While the latter has not been an impactful fantasy option this season, the former ranks among the best in the NBA regardless of position or league format. Two of San Antonio's three games will be against the Wizards (Thursday at home, Sunday on the road), so Wemby could be looking at a two-game week (not counting Tuesday's final) as he returns from a strained calf.

- Cleveland and Oklahoma City have the worst Week 9 schedules.

Not only do the Cavaliers and Thunder have two-game weeks, but both will play their final Week 9 game on Friday. The good news for Cleveland is that they won't have a back-to-back, and their first game is on Tuesday, the lightest game night of the week (two games). With Evan Mobley expected to miss two to four weeks after suffering a strained calf on Friday, the light schedule comes at a good time for Kenny Atkinson's team. Jarrett Allen could be back as soon as Sunday after missing time with a finger injury, and his fantasy ceiling may be raised as the solid post player in the Cavaliers' starting lineup. That said, he does not offer the same upside as Mobley.

As for the Thunder, Isaiah Hartenstein returned to action on Saturday after missing six games with a strained calf. He played 20 minutes against the Spurs, and expecting him to play both games of a back-to-back so soon feels a bit unrealistic. Oklahoma City hosts the Clippers on Thursday before visiting the Timberwolves on Friday, so it could very well be a one-game week for the 7-footer. Cason Wallace was the replacement in the starting lineup when Hartenstein was out, and he would likely move back into that role if iHart is given a night off.

- Monday, Tuesday and Friday are the light game days of Week 9.

A lot of the action in Week 9 will take place from Thursday onward, with Thursday (12 games) and Saturday (10) the busiest days. On the other end of the spectrum is Tuesday, with only two games on the schedule. Cleveland visits Chicago, and Memphis will visit Minnesota. As noted above, the Cavaliers don't have a good Week 9 schedule, but the other three teams in action will all play three games. Minnesota and Chicago end their slates with games on Sunday, which should enhance the fantasy values of some of their more unheralded options.

And all three teams have dealt with injury concerns recently. Chicago's injury report has finally thinned out after a wild Week 8. As for Memphis, the Grizzlies lost Zach Edey right as they were welcoming back Ja Morant, while the Timberwolves were without Anthony Edwards and Mike Conley for Friday's win over the Warriors.

The Monday and Friday schedules each have five games, while Sunday has six.

- Houston, Miami and Toronto have the best schedules for managers focused on games played.

Those are the only teams that will play four games in Week 9. All three are active on Monday, and they'll play three games over the final four days of the week. While Miami has a Thursday/Friday back-to-back against the Nets and Celtics, Houston (at Denver, at Sacramento) and Toronto (Boston, at Brooklyn) have Saturday/Sunday back-to-backs.

The lingering question for the Raptors is when RJ Barrett will be available after being sidelined by a sprained MCL. He received a PRP injection last week, and an update should be provided early in Week 9. With the back-to-back, Barrett managers may be looking at three games tops if he's available immediately. Ja'Kobe Walter was the replacement in the starting lineup until Toronto's NBA Cup quarterfinal loss to the Knicks, with Jamal Shead receiving the nod.

- Fantasy managers are likely looking at a one-game week for Philadelphia's Joel Embiid.

The 76ers play two games in Week 9, and they're part of a Friday/Saturday back-to-back. After visiting the Knicks, Philadelphia will host the Mavericks the following night. Given Embiid's injury history, it would be stunning if he were available for both games. But which one will take priority? One can certainly argue for the game against the Knicks, since it's a divisional matchup that could influence tiebreakers at the end of the regular season. Paul George would also be a player to watch heading into the 76ers' Week 9 back-to-back due to his injury history.

- In total, eight teams will play three games between Thursday and Sunday.

Atlanta, Sacramento and Washington are three teams that won't play at all before Thursday, but they'll make up for lost time with busy schedules to wrap up Week 9. The Kings are dealing with injuries to two of their three centers. Domantas Sabonis was already out with a knee injury, and Drew Eubanks suffered an avulsion fracture of his left thumb on Thursday. That leaves Maxime Raynaud and Precious Achiuwa to handle the center position. A second-round pick out of Stanford, Raynaud is worth rolling the dice on simply because of the opportunity in front of him.

Atlanta and Washington are also dealing with key injuries. Trae Young is still working his way back from the knee injury he suffered in late October, while the Wizards have been without Alex Sarr for the last six games, if you count Sunday's matchup with the Pacers. Both situations have been easy to read from a fantasy standpoint; Nickeil Alexander-Walker is a must-roster player while Young sits, while Marvin Bagley III is worth a dice roll at best in deep leagues.

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Giants, Mariners front-runners to trade for All-Star Brendan Donovan, per report

Giants, Mariners front-runners to trade for All-Star Brendan Donovan, per report originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

While the Giants have been quiet on the free-agent market, they could look to upgrade their roster via trades, and they have their eyes on an All-Star National League second baseman.

The Giants and Seattle Mariners have emerged as the front-runners to acquire Brendan Donovan from the St. Louis Cardinals, The Athletic’s Katie Woo reported, citing sources familiar with negotiations.

The 28-year-old Donovan has been a solid contributor for the Cardinals during his four-year MLB career, and he earned his first All-Star nod last season.

In 118 games last season, Donovan slashed .287/.353/.422 with 32 doubles, 10 homers and 50 RBI. In 2024, he recorded career highs in doubles (34), home runs (14) and RBI (73).

While Donovan primarily played second base in 2025, he predominantly played left field in 2024, so he would provide first-year manager Tony Vitello with a versatile option.

Per Woo, the Giants and Cardinals have discussed several top prospects who could be part of a potential Donovan deal, including left-handed pitcher Carson Whisenhunt and 2025 first-round draft pick Gavin Kilen, who played for Vitello at Tennessee.

Whisenhunt, 25, made his long-anticipated MLB debut last season and struggled over 23 1/3 innings with the Giants. He posted a 5.01 ERA and just 16 strikeouts in five starts. But MLB Pipeline still had him ranked as San Francisco’s No. 7 prospect to end the season.

Kilen, a middle infielder who ranks as the Giants’ No. 3 prospect, hit .205 in 10 games with Low A San Jose after being drafted No. 13 overall.

But Woo also reports, citing multiple team sources, that the Cardinals won’t trade Donovan unless they are “blown away by the return.”

So the Giants will have to come to the table with a strong offer and beat out the Mariners, who have one of baseball’s best minor league farm systems.

Donovan wouldn’t be a one-year rental, as he is arbitration-eligible in 2026 and 2027. MLB Trade Rumors projects that Donovan will earn $5.4 million in arbitration next season.

At the moment, Casey Schmitt is slated to get most of the reps at second base in 2026, but he underwent left wrist surgery this offseason and won’t start camp on time in February. He should be ready for spring training, though.

“We don’t think he’ll be slowed during spring training at all. He should be fine,” general manager Zack Minasian said on the “Giants Talk” podcast earlier in December. “I thought Casey made a lot of positive strides last year: At-bat quality, learning a new position, there’s still some upside there, and I’m excited to see what he can do going forward.”

If the Giants acquire Donovan, he could split time at second base with Schmitt, while both players move around the field, making use of their versatility.

Download and follow the Giants Talk Podcast

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Wembanyama returns to help Spurs to NBA Cup final

Victor Wembanyama
Wembanyama stands at 7ft 4in tall and was drafted by the Spurs with the first overall pick of the 2023 NBA draft [Getty Images]

Victor Wembanyama made his return from injury for the San Antonio Spurs and helped them reach the NBA Cup final with a win against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The French sensation, who missed 12 games with a left calf issue, scored 22 points as the Spurs dramatically beat the NBA champions 111-109 in Las Vegas.

Wembanyama also registered nine rebounds, two assists and two blocks during his 21 minutes on court as the Thunder lost for only the second time in 26 games this season.

"I knew I had limited minutes so I had to make the most out of it," said 21-year-old Wembanyama, whose team-mate Devin Vassell scored 23 points.

"Winning against a team like this, it might seem like it's just a game but it's a collective effort and it's not an easy thing.

"It's only their second loss of the season. It means something."

The NBA Cup is the competition's annual in-season tournament, with all matches except the final also counting towards the regular season standings.

The Thunder were beaten in last year's final by the Milwaukee Bucks and had a 16-game winning run ended by the Spurs as they exited this season's competition.

Oklahoma City had equalled the best 25-game start to a season when they went 24-1 by beating the Phoenix Suns in the quarter-finals, but they have now made the second best start to a campaign after 26 games as the Golden State Warriors were 25-1 at the same stage in 2015-16.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA's reigning Most Valuable Player, top scored for the Thunder against the Spurs with a game-high 29 points.

San Antonio will play the New York Knicks in the final after they beat the Orlando Magic 132-120.

Jalen Brunson scored a season-high 40 points to inspire the Knicks to victory, while team-mate Karl-Anthony Towns added 29 points.

"We came out here and did exactly what we said we wanted to do, which was play Knicks basketball," said Towns.