Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips and Nathan Smith stood out for the visitors as they came from behind to win the series
Ben Stokes: 57 runs at 14.3; seven wickets at 21.9
He retired when he was England’s best bowler, best captain and a century away from being worth his place as a batter alone. But, as he acknowledged himself, when the air goes out of the balloon it deflates very quickly – as anyone who has ever retired from any job will tell you.
The NHL’s annual free agency period begins tomorrow, the Penguins enter the official start of the 2026-27 league year with a ton of cap space. They’re not expected to be overly-aggressive by targeting players who will command significant salaries and term on those contracts, per their very own general manager making the decisions.
However, they can still use the signing period to their benefit. Pittsburgh signed some under the radar players last summer like Parker Wotherspoon and Justin Brazeau who were instrumental to their success. They found the player who would lead them in goal scoring during 2025-26 in Anthony Mantha for just a $2.5 million guaranteed salary. Last year proved the possibility to find quality adds at decent costs to the team, just because it’s not one of the flashier or bigger signings of the summer doesn’t mean it can’t serve up some importance.
With that in mind, here are some potential targets for the Pens. For this list, we will not consider players in-line for expected contracts of three years or more, since Pittsburgh hasn’t signed an outside free agent for 3+ years since the summer of 2023. Most of those decisions (including the Ryan Graves contract) did not work out and the team doesn’t look like they’re going to try that again at this point. That means the best of the free agent class, like Mason Marchment, Jacob Trouba, Mario Ferraro, Ryan Shea, heck even Andrew Peeke and Logan Stanley are pushed off to the side as options that would require more of a contractual commitment than it seems the Pens will be looking to make.
AFP Contract Projection: $1.934 million AAV for two years
The Penguins don’t really need any more forwards, but that’s never stopped them from loading up on depth in the past in similar situations. Regenda has a lot of intriguing elements going for him: he’s young as far as free agents go (26), he’s a big winger (6’3″, 215 pounds), he’s showed a little bit of scoring touch at the NHL level (nine goals, one assist in 24 games last year with San Jose), he’s physical (59 hits last year for a 11.0 hits/60 rate). He’s played in the Olympics with Slovakia. A lot within his profile to like, the Pens have the space and opportunity to offer that maybe others can’t. The team wouldn’t turn down a Mantha-esque type of replacement, not that Regenda would or should be expected to score 30+ goals and 60+ points next year.
AFP Projection: $2.36 million AAV for two years
van Riemsdyk turns 35 next month, not sure how much appetite the Penguins would have with a two-year contract for him but he’s got some size (6’3″, 210 pounds) and 751 games of experience that would add some depth to shore up the right side of their defense with skating ability and a history of strong defensive impacts. The Penguins don’t currently have that many defenseman in a ‘5/6’ type of role that could shade more into being used as a ‘5’, van Riemsdyk could be a nice short-term patch and insurance if 20-year old Harrison Brunicke needs more AHL developmental time.
AFP Projection: $2.15 million AAV for two years
A player like Soucy, turning 32 soon, works as a potential good fit for the Pens as a stay-at-home left shot defender who might help the team out similar to the way Brett Kulak briefly did last season. The issue might be that Soucy isn’t quite the caliber of a matchup defender, using him with someone like Kris Letang could be a bigger ask than what Soucy can deliver at this point. Still, Soucy could add size (6’4″, 211 pounds) and some PK and provide the type of legitimate NHL caliber depth that has been lacking for the Pens on the blueline these days, though his puck moving deficiencies might not align with team preferences for the spot they’re looking to fill.
AFP Projection: $1.36 million AAV for one year
Bean, 28, is a former first round pick whose career has been riddled with injuries. His 2025-26 season ended with an undisclosed injury leading to surgery in December that limited him to 16 games. In the six seasons that he’s been a full-time NHL player he’s appeared in: 42, 67, 12, 72, 64 and 16 games in each year. Availability has been a major concern, but it’s also a player whose trajectory with defensive impact has been trending up when he’s been able to play.
Bean is a smart puck mover and would represent a risk but could fill in nicely on a third pair for a team like the Penguins. The risk of being on IR for a significant stretch of the season is real, but also reflected in a very manageable contract.
AFP Projection: $1.2 million AAV for one year
Talked a lot about Reilly recently, his profile does fit for the types of players that the Pens have brought in recently. However, he’s also turning 33 next month and has failed over the past few years to establish himself firmly in a niche of keeping a consistent lineup spot with several different teams. The ceiling might be what it is for him at this point as more of a swing player and depth rather than a regular third pair option the team would truly be looking for.
AFP Projection: $866k AAV for one year
If the Pens are searching for the next Wotherspoon, Jordan Harris might fit the profile in this free agent cycle. The soon-to-be 26 year old had a lost season in 2025-26 after a fractured ankle in October limited him to just eight NHL games. Harris is a player, who earlier in his career with Montreal in the 2022-24 timeframe looked intriguing.
Harris has decent puck moving ability but has a falling stock – he hasn’t been given a qualifying offer the last two years. He would probably be in a position to need to compete for a spot and prove it, rather than being penciled into a huge role like Wotherspoon was, but this is another case where the lack of quality options at the bottom of the depth chart could find an answer with enough pieces thrown in the mix to see what happens. Sign Harris and if worst comes to worst that he doesn’t outshine someone like Ilya Solovyov, he can be waived. That course wouldn’t solve the need that comes along with it, making Harris more of a complimentary shot than a sole target.
AFP Projection: $850k AAV for one year
Saving perhaps the best for last, Carlile gives off some young Ryan Shea vibes with a similar size (6’3, 190) and being a late-bloomer who spent a handful of years toiling in the AHL before getting a chance with Tampa last year in a depth role (42 games and two more in the playoffs) and making a decent accounting on the PK. Carlile might be redundant for Pittsburgh, since they have a similar player in Ilya Solovyov as a depth option, but this could be a projection along the Shea/Wotherspoon area. At only 26 years old, Carlile’s future might be worth taking a low-risk flyer on at a position of need if the Pens think he potentially could stick on their third pair next season if given the opportunity to grow, just as a player like Shea did in recent years. Shea has graduated into big money now, targeting Carlile would reset the cycle back to a younger and less expensive option.
–
As one can tell, we spent the majority of time on defensemen since that appears to be the biggest need for a team that looks likely to lose Shea and lacks a natural internal replacement for the important role he filled last season as one of the team’s steadier players. Going shopping in the bargain bin comes with inherent acceptance of dealing with flaws and limitations, but there is enough quantity to pick through that a team like Pittsburgh should be able to find a decent enough option or two to help round out their team in an affordable and relatively low cost manner.
Happy Tuesday, Predators fans.
If you spent the week settling into summer mode and getting out on the golf course, or were on vacation, you missed a busy stretch of Nashville Predators news. From early trade rumours to high-profile roster shakeups, the front office is wasting no time reshaping the lineup for the coming season.
Grab a coffee, settle in, and catch up on everything you may have missed.
Nashville Predators Goalie Pekka Rinne Elected To Hockey Hall of Fame The 18-season veteran becomes the first lifelong Predator to join hockey’s legends, cementing a legacy defined by a Vezina Trophy and Nashville's historic 2017 Stanley Cup run.
Predators 2026 NHL Draft Targets: Malte GustafssonStanding 6-foot-4 with a game mirrored after Mattias Ekholm, this towering Swedish blueliner offers the Nashville Predators a defensive anchor defined by elite reach and deceptive mobility.
THN Archive: The Blue Paint Is Going GreyThe vast majority of starting goalies are into their 30s, and there isn’t a deep wave of replacements in the pipeline. What’s the NHL crease going to look like in five years?
THN Archive: No Knocks On WoodDuring another difficult season in Nashville, Matthew Wood has been a bright spot. Blessed with a sense of wisdom well beyond his years and a plethora of veteran mates to learn from, Wood looks poised to be a staple for the Predators for the long haul.
Nashville Predators Trade Fedor Svechkov, Zach L’Heureux to Colorado AvalancheNashville secures veteran depth by landing elite face-off specialist Jack Drury and prospect Chase Bradley in a bold swap sending two former first-round picks to the Avalanche.
MacFarland Makes Second Straight Deal With Avalanche, Here's Another He Can MakeAs Colorado’s cap crunch intensifies, Nashville GM Chris MacFarland is capitalizing on his former club's desperation. Targeting Valeri Nichushkin could provide the Predators a high-impact, top-line offensive spark.
THN Archive: Looking The PartMolendyk is already dressed like an NHLer. And his game isn’t too far away from being at that level, either
Predators' 2026 Preseason Schedule Released Nashville faces a condensed four-game slate against the Lightning and Hurricanes as the NHL shifts its calendar, marking a pivotal first step toward the upcoming 84-game season.
THN Archive: 2005 Draft Revisionist HistoryImagine Carey Price in Carolina and Anze Kopitar anchoring Anaheim. We wield a crystal ball to reorder the legendary 2005 class, transforming franchise failures into hypothetical dynasties.
Nashville Predators' 2026 Draft GuideArmed with 11 total picks and a new GM, Nashville faces a pivotal crossroads. Discover the full draft order as the Predators decide between a retool or rebuild.
Nashville Predators Hoping 'To Grab A Good One' With 10th Overall Pick In NHL DraftArmed with a rare top-ten selection, new general manager Chris MacFarland targets elite depth down the middle to bolster a roster hungry for a franchise-altering defensive spark.
Nashville Predators Select forward Wyatt Cullen With 10th Overall Pick In NHL DraftThe Smashville legacy continues as playmaking forward Wyatt Cullen joins the ranks, bringing a hard-nosed offensive style and deep NHL roots to the Predators’ promising young core.
Nashville Predators Select Defensemen Tommy Bleyl After Acquiring Pick 31 From HurricanesNashville bolstered their thin prospect pool by trading back into the first round, securing a high-scoring, mobile playmaker poised to become the future anchor of their blue line.
THN Archive: Roman EmpireThe latest in a long line of superb Predators defensemen, Rosi arrived in Nashville a decade ago as a virtual unknown from Switzerland. But he’s gone country, and now the team’s unassuming all-star captain rules the ice in Tennessee
Predators Select Dmitri Borichev In The Third-Round Of The 2026 NHL DraftNashville bolsters its goaltending pipeline by snagging Europe’s top-ranked netminder, a poised 6-foot-3 standout defined by technical control, elite puck-tracking, and a dominant glove hand for the future.
Predators Acquire Adam Edstrom From The New York RangersNashville adds massive size to its bottom six, landing the 6-foot-7 forward in a low-risk draft day trade to bolster depth and physical presence for the future.
Here Is Every Pick, Trade The Nashville Predators Made On Day 2 Of The NHL DraftNashville bolstered its future by drafting top-ranked international talent and adding massive size to the roster through a strategic trade for forward Adam Edstrom in Buffalo.
THN Archive: Predators Take Shape General Manager David Poile navigates the 1998 expansion draft, securing David Legwand and prioritizing speed to build a foundation for Nashville’s future from the ground up.
Nashville Predators Release 2026 Development Camp RosterTop prospects and hungry invitees descend on Smashville this week for high-stakes practices, culminating in the Future Stars Game as the next generation of talent fights for notice.
Nashville Predators Sign Jack Drury To 5-year, $22.5 Million ContractGeneral manager Chris MacFarland secures a defensive anchor for his new roster, betting big on the former Avalanche center’s elite shutdown capabilities and veteran locker room presence.
Predators Complete Trade With Canucks Nashville gambles on 25-year-old winger Nils Höglander, acquiring the relentless forechecker for a distant draft pick to revitalize his scoring touch and bolster their middle-six depth.
Supporters And Doubters Have Propelled Predators Prospect Tommy Bleyl Early Throughout CareerAfter silencing critics of his undersized frame, the award-winning defenseman is showcasing elite skating and an explosive physical evolution as he prepares for life at Michigan State.
THN Archive: Trading PlacesShock for Jones and relief for Johansen turned into good times for both as two of the NHL’s best young players crossed paths at the airport after being dealtThings are only going to get busier in Smashville as free agency officially opens this week. Stay tuned as we continue to track every roster move, contract signing, and trade rumour surrounding the Predators throughout the rest of the summer.
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Here is the Summer League schedule for Duke’s NBA rookies for those who need a hoops fix and a break from World Cup play. We formatted it for our purposes, but credit to @BeardedBlueDevl for pulling it together over on X.
Don’t read too much into these games, though. Look at what ESPN said about Cooper Flagg’s debut last season.
California Classic (July 3–6)
Fri., July 3 • 7:00 PM CT
Sun., July 5 • 6:00 PM CT
Mon., July 6 • 6:30 PM CT
Salt Lake City Summer League (July 4, 6–7)
Sat., July 4 • 2:00 PM CT
Mon., July 6 • 8:00 PM CT
Tue., July 7 • 6:00 PM CT
Las Vegas Summer League (July 9–19)
Thu., July 9 • 2:30 PM CT (Prime Video)
Thu., July 9 • 3:30 PM CT (ESPN2)
Fri., July 10 • 7:00 PM CT (Prime Video)
Sat., July 11 • 5:00 PM CT (ESPN)
Sat., July 11 • 6:30 PM CT (Prime Video)
Sun., July 12 • 8:00 PM CT (ESPN)
Mon., July 13 • 6:00 PM CT (ESPN)
Mon., July 13 • 10:00 PM CT (ESPN2)
Timberwolves vs. Trail Blazers (Isaiah Evans)
Tue., July 14 • 6:00 PM CT (ESPN)
Wed., July 15 • 2:30 PM CT (Prime Video)
Wed., July 15 • 8:30 PM CT (Prime Video)
Thu., July 16 • 7:00 PM CT (Prime Video)
Go to the DBR Boards to find Blue Healer Auctions || Drop us a line
When Ja Morant jumps into the air, he levitates past the natural apex of his arc, as if gravity decided to give him an extra half-second of respite. Men a foot taller or with 50 lbs more muscle don’t have as much spring as is packed in his 6ft 2in frame. He can end up almost fully horizontal when he dunks. He is hardly a one-dimensional player though: he sees the game in higher definition than his peers too, zipping passes to teammates a beat before his opponents process the situation. Morant is rarely the best player on the floor at a given moment, but he often seems to be having the most fun. His highlights invite smiles. What could be cooler than a little guy outperforming giants with craft? Imagine if, in the NBA finals, Jalen Brunson had dunked over Victor Wembanyama. Morant knows what that would feel like, because he’s done it.
The Memphis Grizzlies drafted Morant second overall in 2019. They watched him blossom into 2020 Rookie of the Year and a two-time All-Star as the franchise player on a semi-reliable playoff team. In 2022, he scored 47 points in a playoff win against the Golden State Warriors, the eventual champions that year. As a young star with such a particular style, Morant figured to reach even greater heights, on the Grizzlies and as one of the faces of the league.
On Monday, the Grizzlies unloaded him to the Portland Trail Blazers for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray (Grant’s contract is clunky, Murray’s shot is worse). “Flagrantly available,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said of Morant a few days before the trade. “Couldn’t be more available.” A few months prior, Windhorst said Morant had “negative value” in the league, meaning teams demanded draft picks on top of the player himself. The Grizzlies desperately wanted to get rid of the face of their franchise. Nobody wanted him. What went so wrong?
Morant has struggled with arm injuries; this past season he played in just 20 of 82 games thanks to a hurt elbow. (You imagine those tendons straining and popping as he torques to dunk before Earth can reclaim him.) But his fall from grace is also self-inflicted.
Morant cannot get enough of guns. Waving them like flags on not one but two livestreams in 2023 earned him lengthy suspensions. Later, he took to firing imaginary guns after hitting shots – in fairness to him, he was never the best shooter, and perhaps felt the splashes deserved punctuation. But he kept at it after warnings and a $75,000 fine. He experimented with miming a bazooka, then a grenade. Off the court, Morant’s resume of shame is long. While the antics didn’t have a direct correlation with his play, the Grizzlies were clearly frustrated with his off-court behavior. It made for a frustrating blend with Morant’s telegenic basketball style – outside the contained spectacle of a colossal two-handed block or the mother of all contested layups, he far too often made his own problems other people’s inconvenience or harm.
Morant now finds himself in a mid-career purgatory. At 26, he’s too old to be called young, but has failed to show he has the maturity to lead a team. Portland may be an easier environment than Memphis, who had already shed Morant’s co-stars, Jaren Jackson Jr and Desmond Bane.
With foul-drawer extraordinaire Deni Avdija as the centerpiece of the Blazers’ offense, Morant’s passing ability and bursts towards the rim could prove complementary. But Portland were already flush with point guards before the trade, furthering the impression that the exchange happened primarily because the Grizzlies wanted to dump their fading star.
On top of that, the sport is evolving away from players like Morant. The name of the game is shooting and physicality. Morant lacks the former, and despite his explosive talent, isn’t durable or defensively strong enough to keep up with the attrition of the league. His size and passing skills make for a helpful Trae Young comparison. Though Young is a better shooter, much more reliant on drawing fouls, and much less springy, the onetime Atlanta Hawk was once effective but can’t find an easy niche in the league these days. (Wish the Washington Wizards luck as they navigate Young’s hopelessly bloated contract.) In Morant’s case, once age makes him more susceptible to gravity, he won’t have a midrange jumper or three-point shot to compensate for the decline.
It’s all made for one of the more spectacular nosedives in the NBA. Each season sees a few notable players struggling with their stock – see Fox, De’Aaron, and Duren, Jalen – but few have suffered as steady and prolonged a slide as Morant. So call it rock bottom for Morant, at least relative to his time in the league so far. Gravity gets everybody in the end. For Morant’s career, it came sooner than anybody could have expected when his feet left the ground.
Monday evening brought the deadline for all 32 NHL clubs to tender qualifying offers to their restricted free agents.
The New York Islanders did not qualify either Marc Gatcomb or Max Shabanov, setting both players up to hit unrestricted free agency on July 1.
The Islanders qualified three Bridgeport players in Alex Jefferies, Joey Larson, and Henrik Tikkanen.
Outside of New York, plenty of intriguing options were not retained by their previous clubs, giving the Islanders a new set of potential depth targets.
Option #1: Bobby Brink
Brink, 24, was not qualified by the Minnesota Wild, who aquired him from the Philadelphia Flyers ahead of the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline in exchange for defenseman David Jiricek.
In 55 games with Philadelphia, Brink recorded 26 points (13 goals, 13 assists) but recorded only four points (two goals, two assists) in 13 games for his hometown Wild.
With the Wild, he played mostly alongside Vladimir Tarasenko and Danila Yurov.
Bring is a skilled, playmaking winger whose hockey IQ helps him overcome his 5'8, 169 lb frame.
In 2024-25, Brink recorded 12 goals with a career-high 29 assists for a career-high 41 points, playing mostly alongside Owen Tippett and Morgan Frost.
Option #2: Paul Cotter
Cotter, 26, could make a lot of sense for the Islanders as a new depth center. With Casey Cizikas getting older, and Kyle MacLean making a stronger impact on the wing, the Islanders could use a depth center.
This past season, as the New Jersey Devils struggled mightily, so did Cotter. In 79 games, Cotter posted just nine goals and 15 points, a career low in points.
In the previous season, Cotter netted 16 goals and 22 points, playing a speedy, physical game with the ability to kill penalties.
Cotter made his NHL debut under current Islanders' Head Coach Peter DeBoer during the 2021-22 season, when both were a part of the Vegas Golden Knights.
Options #3: Phillip Kurashev
Kurashev, 26, has not been qualified by his NHL team for a second straight year.
Despite decent offensive output (7-13-20 in 43 games), the San Jose Sharks opted to let Kurashev walk, with a special note to the fact that the Sharks have seemingly unlimited young forwards breaking through.
Following the 2024-25 season, the Chicago Blackhawks did not tender Kurashev a qualifying offer.
Kurashev peaked in the 2023-24 season, when he posted 18 goals and 54 points in 75 games, but has not scored more than 7 goals in the previous two seasons, nor has he played more than 51 games.
In 2023-24, Kurashev played with Bedard, which may have contributed to his offensive explosion. He hasn't topped 25 points in any other season.
Defensively, Kurashev has improved recently, but that is not the shiniest part of his game.
He could be worth a flier in case of injuries for the Islanders.
Option #4: Matias Maccelli
Macelli, 25, had a bumpy season with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2025-26. After arriving from the Utah Mammoth, expectations were that Maccelli could fit well in their middle six.
Instead, he spent time as a healthy scratch, missing 11 games total.
In those other 71 games, he had solid enough production, posting 14 goals and 39 points, all while receiving what amounted to third-line minutes and limited special teams opportunities.
Maccelli's also got some good analytics under the hood, with strong defensive metrics to boot.
Depending on price tag, he could be a worthwhile option for the Islanders to consider.
After trading back in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft, the Philadelphia Flyers got their guy in 6-foot-7 defenseman Maksim Sokolovskii, and he's already turning heads after just one day with the team.
Sokolovskii, 17, took the ice in a Flyers jersey for the start of development camp Monday, skating in Group 3 with the other defense prospects and camp invitee defensemen.
The tall, heavy blue liner literally stands out due to his size, but his stunning mobility was another trait of his that jumps off the page with every practice rep, too.
"He's quite big, especially beside me. It doesn't make me feel too good about myself," the 5-foot-8 Denver Barkey said of Sokolovskii after his on-ice session. "I only watched two games [during the season], but obviously he's a big boy, throws his body around. I think he's got a lot of raw skill. When I watch, it seems like he moves really well, moves the puck well for being six-eight (sic) at that age. It's pretty impressive, and I think he's got a really high ceiling."
Barkey, 21, is now a "veteran" of 53 NHL games, including the playoffs, but he went back to his London Knights to see his old junior team over the Olympic break.
Obviously, it was hard to miss Sokolovskii on the ice playing for the Knights.
Jack Nesbitt, who played in the OHL for the Windsor Spitfires against Sokolovskii and the Knights this season, also believes Sokolovskii to be a fearsome defender, even while scoring a point in each of his five games against the Knights last year and being 6-foot-5 himself.
"Oh, he's pretty big. What's he, around 240 [pounds]? Yeah, he definitely looks like that. He's also a nice guy, really nice, talked to him quite a bit. We're gonna get to know each other even more," said Nesbitt. "Definitely a big boy, and he can hit alright. Try to stay away from him a little bit."
Flyers Explain Jett Luchanko's Early Absence from Development CampTop Philadelphia Flyers center prospect Jett Luchanko is nursing another lower-body injury.Flyers director of player development Riley Armstrong didn't get to see Sokolovskii much throughout the season leading up to the draft, but was quick to name the first-round pick one of his Day 1 standouts from development camp.
The size sticks out for everyone, but the skating quickly dismisses any preconceptions about that size.
"I felt when we were doing the power skating out here, there were some parts that got exposed, but then we went over there and he was doing the puck retrievals and his deception with his feet and moving, I was actually surprised of how fluid he was with that at his size," Armstrong said of Sokolovskii.
"I think he has a lot of upside to him. And when you're that tall, you got a lot of growth to grow into that body at such a young age."
With Sokolovskii, the main critique of his game, both in the short- and long-term, is his offensive potential, passing, and puck movement.
The passing needs further refinement, and the hulking Kazakh scored only two goals in 44 games with the Knights despite having a fairly powerful shot that is buoyed by his size and strength.
Armstrong believes those elements will start to come along in short order.
"I think once he gets more experience, I would probably guess in London next year, once he has the ability to start joining the rush more, and now they know that he can defend, and he's good at it. You see some of the bone-crushing hits, and a couple of fights he was in," Armstrong continued.
"I think he's gonna have more space next year. I think guys are gonna probably be a little bit more scared of him going into the season. I think that's going to open up the offensive side of his game as well. And, I'd like to see him put a couple in the back of the net as well, add to his toolbox."
Sokolovskii is expected to return to the Knights in the OHL for the 2026-27 season before making the jump to the collegiate ranks with the University of Maine in 2027-28.
The Penguins started out the franchise’s annual prospect development camp by splitting up the Ruck twins.
First-round pick Liam Ruck and second-round pick Markus Ruck were separated onto different squads when the three-team camp kicked off Monday in Cranberry.
Penguins director of player development Tom Kostopoulos said Monday that was a deliberate decision to give the WHL linemates a chance to skate with new teammates.
“It’s very important for us to play apart. I think it’s good for us,” Markus Ruck said Monday. “I think we play better together, when we’re working off one another, but it’s for sure important to play off one another, too.”
The twins come to the Penguins after ranking first and second in WHL scoring last season, during which Markus (21 goals, 87 assists) and Liam (45 goals, 59 assists) both played for Medicine Hat.
As Liam summed up the difference between the two players when speaking to reporters Monday: “He’s a bit more of a passer, I’m a bit more of a shooter.”
About what the Penguins want to see from the twins in their next WHL campaign, Kostopoulos said he is seeking more strength from Liam and more speed from Markus.
“I think Liam can get up and down the ice a little bit quicker. He’s got some speed. He’s got some separation speed,” Kostopoulos said Monday. “Just building the strength— I think he’s got a tremendous shot, and he’s able to find space in the o-zone, and finish plays, and score goals. So building the strength, I think, as the strength and power come, his skating will get even better.
“Markus, on the other hand, from what I’ve seen, is an incredible playmaker, really intelligent out there. He probably needs a little more work in the skating department, and as he builds the strength, and works on the technique of the skating, I think he’s going to really come along. Just to add that separation speed, and be able to get to areas and win a few more races.”
Liam, who is listed at 6-foot-0 and 177 pounds, said Monday the Penguins had been talking with him about a food plan even before the draft in an effort to help him add weight while navigating another 68-game WHL season.
“I want to play a lot. I don’t want to rush it into college and play a lesser role or anything like that,” Liam said about returning to the WHL. “So, go back and play a big role, and I think I can put weight on with working with the nutritionists from Pittsburgh and people that can help me out. I think it won’t be easy, with a 70-game schedule, but I’ll find a way to do it.”
The Penguins also got looks at other new draft prospects including second-rounder Tomas Galvas and third-rounder Pierce Mbuyi.
Mbuyi, a 2027-28 Penn State commit, is set to return to the OHL’s Owen Sound Attack next season, while Galvas is expected to play another season in Czechia.
“I’m looking to even out my game a lot more… I think another year in the O will help me develop my game and get me ready for Penn State,” Mbuyi told reporters.
A few notable prospects are missing from camp this week, including recent fifth-round pick goaltender Matvei Nikonovich and defensive prospect Harrison Brunicke.
Brunicke’s ability to step up onto the Penguins’ blue line in the near future could be even more crucial now that the team has traded Jack St. Ivany to the Winnipeg Jets.
Kostopoulos said Monday the Penguins are “very happy” with Brunicke’s development last season, during which he spent time in the WHL and AHL in addition to making his NHL debut.
“He took everything that was told to him, and really took it to heart, and worked on it,” Kostopoulos said about Brunicke. “He’s defending better. I think, if you guys walked the playoffs in Wilkes-Barre, his competitiveness was right up there with some of the veteran players in the playoffs. He was a go-to guy for the team there at a really young age.
“There are still things he can work on, but I think his willingness, competitiveness, engagement level were great.”
Development camp will continue Tuesday, starting with a 9 a.m. goaltending session. The camp wraps up Friday when a tournament between the three prospect teams kicks off at noon in Cranberry.
Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders: Offday (but it didn’t stop the injury bug that’s crushed the majors to hit them, too; recently-promoted and red-hot Garrett Martin hit the IL with an undisclosed injury)
Double-A Somerset Patriots: Offday
High-A Hudson Valley Renegades: Offday
Low-A Tampa Tarpons: Offday
Florida Complex League Yankees:W, 5-2 at FCL Blue Jays
3B Richard Matic 2-5, 2 K
DH Wilberson De Pena 3-5, HR, 2 RBI, K — just keeps raking, 12th homer and 1.051 OPS in 39 games (.352/.407/.667)
C Queni Pineda 1-3, 2B, 2 BB, RBI
2B Leni Done 0-4, 2 K
CF Jose Castro 1-3, BB, K, 2 SB
LF Francisco Vilorio 0-4, 2 K
SS Dexters Peralta 0-4, 3 K
RF Estivenzon Montero 0-4, K
1B Justin Capellan 0-3, K, HBP
Jerson Alejandro 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K, balk — only his third appearance of the season (first was in May) after missing 2025 with an injury
Anthony Mena 2.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 1 K
Edinzo Marquez 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K — very nice (win)
Alexander Almonte 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 3 K
Dominican Summer League Yankees:W, 12-4 vs. DSL Twins
SS Stiven Marinez 0-4, BB, K — one of just two Yanks without a ribbie yesterday
CF Yostin Pena 0-1, 4 BB, RBI, SB, CS — walk-a-palooza
2B Juan Torres 2-4, 3 RBI, K, SF
C Juan Martinez 2-5, 2B, RBI, throwing error — RBI knock to tie it in third after Twins’ early 4-0 lead
1B Cesar Lopez 1-3, 2 BB, RBI, SB
DH Manuel Aguilar 0-4, RBI, 2 K, GIDP, HBP
3B Abrahan Pichardo 0-1, 3 BB, RBI, SF, SB — another walk-a-palooza (10 total for Yanks)
RF Eliezer Adames 1-2, 2B, 2 BB, K
LF Kendry Diaz 3-4, 2 2B, 2 RBI, CS — go-ahead double in the fourth
Hector Moreno 1.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R (4 ER), 4 BB, 1 K, HR, WP
Fredy Penuelas 5.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K (win) — picked up Moreno’s tough day was outstanding long relief
Luis Rodriguez 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Dominican Summer League Bombers:L, 4-15 at DSL Colorado
CF Alfiery Matos 2-4, HR, 2 RBI, 2 K, SB, HBP — leadoff dinger was first career pro homer
2B Carlos Bello 0-4, RBI, 2 K, SF, throwing error
C Alessandro Rodriguez 1-2, 2 BB, picked off
RF David Carrera 1-2, RBI, K, SF
RF Sebastian Pinto 0-1
SS Germayhoni Beltre 1-3, BB
DH Poly Ojeda 1-2
PH-DH John Rosillo 0-2, 2 K
1B Stalen Ramirez 1-2, 2B
PH-1B Jesus Guerrero 0-1, K, HBP
3B Adrian Feliz 0-2, 2 BB, K, CS
LF Eddison Charles 1-4, 2B, 2 K, SB, 2 fielding errors and a throwing error — bad day in the field
Randy Angomas 1.2 IP, 3 H, 5 R (5 ER), 3 BB, 2 K, HBP (loss) — ’twas not a day for Bombers pitching
Diego Carrillo 3.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R (2 ER), 0 BB, 4 K, HBP
Andre Avila 1.1 IP, 3 H, 6 R (3 ER), 2 BB, 3 K, HR
Josue Silvestre 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
The Detroit Tigers opened up their three-game series against the New York Yankees in the Bronx with a 7-3 win on Monday night. Casey Mize tossed an absolute gem and the offense, powered by two-hit efforts from Kevin McGonigle, Hao-Yu Lee and Zach McKinstry, had no trouble producing runs to take Game 1.
On Tuesday, the Motor City Kitties can clinch the road series behind left-hander Tarik Skubal, who will make his fourth start since returning from cutting-edge nanoscope surgery to clean up his elbow. In his three games since coming back, the 29-year-old has struggled to the tune of an uncharacteristically high 4.96 ERA and 5.85 FIP over 16 1/3 innings of work, surrendering a whopping six home runs over that stretch — four more than he allowed in the 43 1/3 frames he threw before his IL stint.
Skubal’s last start also came against the Bronx Bombers, in which he allowed four runs on four hits (three home runs) and no walks while striking out nine over six innings for his fourth loss of the season in a 4-2 final at Comerica Park. The two-time Cy Young Award winner had not allowed three dingers in a game since 2021, when it happened five times.
For the Yankees, right-handed ace Cam Schlittler will take the mound amidst a Cy Young-worthy season of his own this summer. The 25-year-old second-year hurler has posted a microscopic 0.76 ERA and a tidy 2.46 FIP over his last four games, though his most recent outing saw him surrender four unearned runs to the Boston Red Sox for his fourth loss of 2026 in a 6-3 final.
Here is a look at how the two top-tier pitchers match up on Tuesday night.
Time (ET): 7:05 p.m.
Place: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
SB Nation Site:Pinstripe Alley
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Game 86: LHP Tarik Skubal (3-4, 3.32 ERA) vs. RHP Cam Schlittler (8-4, 1.62 ERA)
| Player | G | IP | K% | BB% | GB% | FIP | fWAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skubal | 10 | 59.2 | 28.2 | 3.4 | 45.8 | 3.14 | 1.4 |
| Schlittler | 17 | 100.0 | 29.9 | 5.1 | 43.5 | 2.22 | 3.7 |
SKUBAL
SCHLITTLER
Back in 1949, Violet Bidwill had remarried after her husband, Charlie Bidwill, passed away in 1947. It was just months before his Chicago Cardinals captured the 1947 NFL Championship title.
Violet wed Walter Wolfner, who was then named the franchise’s managing director, but Violet was the sole owner of the Cardinals club and made all team decisions. She did not stay home and bake pies, but was present for the owner’s meetings, and after some time, she volunteered and was placed on various league committees.
RELATED: ORIGINS OF THE MISSOURI GOVERNOR’S CUP
Wolfner simply wanted to make money from owning their NFL franchise. He wanted lots of fans and to finally be in the black at the end of each season. Discussions between him and Violet determined that, instead of relocating to a whole new city and state, the Cardinals could remain in the Chicagoland area, where Violet’s entire world had evolved, and Wolfner could please his wife.
By playing their home games at Dyche Stadium, located on the campus of Northwestern University, the venue was much nicer than their current stadium, Comiskey Park, home of the Chicago White Sox baseball team, and located in a much better part of Chicago. The thought process was that the Cardinals could perhaps finally build a decent fanbase and regain their financial stability.
The move was brought up and discussed at the January 1959 league meeting with the other owners. During the discussion regarding the move, Chicago Bears’ owner George Halas pulled out a contract.
It was identified as the “Madison Street Agreement.”
This was a document dated 1931 and signed by Halas and Dr. David Jones, owner of the Chicago Cardinals. It stated the two clubs would adhere to strict boundaries regarding the City of Chicago.
The agreement was put in place so that the Bears would have control and access to the northern portions of the City of Chicago, and the Cardinals would have control and access to the southern portions of Chicago; and they wouldn’t infringe upon the other team’s ability to gather fans, attend grand openings of new businesses, sell sponsorships and ads, and basically get in each other’s way.
The dividing line was Madison Street, which runs along a long stretch that travels east and west. The Cardinals had every opportunity regarding the southside, while the Bears could go after anything in the northern portion. This prevented the other team from stealing clients who might buy program ads or offer sponsorships. The agreement also prevented the other from playing home games in each other’s protected area.
It was later renewed and signed by Charlie Bidwill after he purchased the Cardinals.
Does this sound like something mobsters would do? Of course it does. Claiming territories and setting boundaries. Chicago is famous for this type of self-regulation. According to Halas, with this signed contract, the Cardinals were prevented from moving their home games north into Evanston, Illinois, and begin play at Dyche Stadium.
The Cardinals filed a lawsuit in Superior Court in Chicago on September 26. The Wolfners also asked NFL Commissioner Bert Bell to intercede.
Why would Halas care? For one, Dyche Stadium was a lot nicer than Wrigley Field, where his Bears played their home games. For one, Wrigley Field was built as a baseball stadium. The Bears owned the majority of fans in the city as far as being the kingpin NFL team, while the Cardinals, although a lot older, were always considered the big brother who couldn’t find success in life, while their younger sibling ruled the region.
The courts threw out the petition because it wasn’t a real contract. After all, it was never a recorded instrument. Bell ruled that the contract was valid, but was between two member clubs and had nothing to do with the league. It was basically regarded as a “gentleman’s agreement.”
Instead of pressing forward, the Wolfners did not pursue the Northwestern venue. A year earlier, a young Texas oilman named Lamar Hunt approached the Wolfners about selling the Cardinals, to which they made a counteroffer of selling him 20%, but the club would remain in Chicago. Hunt intended to relocate the franchise to Dallas. He turned down their counter, then started the “American Football League.”
In 1959, the Cardinals played four home games at aging Soldier Field on the Chicago lakefront, plus two more home games in Minneapolis, MN. The Minnesota Vikings came along as an expansion team in 1961.
Five years earlier, the Cardinals began playing an annual preseason game in St. Louis called the “Cardinal Glennon Charity Game” at Sportman’s Park, a baseball field that was home to the St. Louis Browns and later the St. Louis Cardinals pro baseball clubs.
With the tie-in to the annual charity game, the fact that Wolfner had his business located in St. Louis, and the flux with the stadium situation back in Chicago, the Cardinals relocated to St. Louis beginning in 1960.
And who knows? If the Cardinals had been able to move to Dyche Stadium, they might still be there. Or at the very least, perhaps have remained in the Chicagoland area.
Barry Shuck is a pro football historian and a member of the Professional Football Researchers Association
Happy Tuesday, Camden Chatters! Did you watch the game last night? It was not great. There were a few good things, like Shane Baz’s seven-inning, two-run start. Colton Cowser played good defense in center field and walked twice. Birthday boy Gunnar Henderson had two hits and a walk.
Other than that, it was another bad night. The run scoring was limited to two Adley Rutschman sac flies, and the team went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position and left six runners on base. Pete Alonso struck out three times. The bullpen fell apart, giving up six runs over the final two innings. And they got an assist from another Blaze Alexander error that allowed two runs to score when the inning should have ended. If you yearn for more details of last night’s 8-2 loss, check out Tyler Young’s game recap.
Honestly, what is there to even say about these guys anymore? They are now eight games under .500, which ties their season low. They were also eight games under back on May 20th. This is just a bad baseball team.
Now, I’m no stranger to bad baseball teams. In my 47 years on this earth, the Orioles have had winning seasons in just 21 of them. And seven of those were the first seven years I was alive, so they don’t really count from a baseball consciousness perspective. As far as my baseball fan lifespan goes, there have been three stretches of good baseball: 1995-1997 (they were a touch under .500 in ’95, but 2131 made up for it), 2012-2016, and 2022-2024. That’s it. Other than that, a whole lot of losing.
The early aughts were rough, but then it got easy to settle in as fan of a terrible baseball team that everyone knew would be terrible. We got a little bit of hope with your Miguel Tejadas and your Javy Lopezes and the like, but we never got too far into the excitement. 2005 was fun until it crashed, and I was reminded of what it’s like, for a minute, to like a good baseball team. But then the real losing started. Jay Payton. Kevin Millwood. Jeff Fiorentino. César Izturis.
There was so much bad baseball that I can’t account for it all. Those players were bad, but that’s all they were ever going to be. No one expected otherwise. So put the Orioles game on in the background, hon, while we have crabs.
Then, they got good again. And it was incredible. 2012 was amazing. 2014, even better. After 2018, we were told we had to embrace the losing for just a few years in order to build a team that would become a powerhouse. That powerhouse? It lasted two seasons. And now here we are again. And it’s so much worse than 2010. The process failed, the hyped talent isn’t performing. The Orioles are bad again, but this time it’s worse. This time, we were told it would be different. A terrible team that is forced to play Félix Pié every day? Eh, what are you gonna do? A terrible team with Gunnar Henderson looking lost? Unbearable.
We’ve been saying around these parts for a while that they just need to go on a hot streak. And we believed they could do it because these players are supposed to be good enough for that. But maybe it turns out that they’re not. And that we watched them lose on purpose five years ago for nothing. And that’s a tough pill to swallow.
Links
Orioles GM Mike Elias wants to hold on to Adley Rutschman. He’s actually right – The Baltimore Banner
Kyle Goon lays out the argument to not trade Rutschman. I don’t want him traded either.
Akin to Injured List – MASN Sports
If you missed the news, Keegan Akin has been placed on the IL with left elbow discomfort. He was replaced the Josh Walker, who would have had a decent night last night if not for an error by Blaze Alexander. Welcome to the team, Josh! This is what they do.
Déjà vu? Cowser robsDéjà vu? Cowser robs 2nd HR in as many days with spectacular grab 2nd HR in as many days with spectacular grab – MLB.com
Might as well enjoy this homerun robbery from Colton Cowser, there wasn’t much else to like about the game.
Birthdays and History
Is today your birthday? Happy birthday! You have just one Orioles birthday buddy. Jesús Aguilar turns 36 years old today. Aguilar played in 16 games for the Orioles in 2022, a blip in his 10-year career.
On this day in 1997, Mike Mussina won his 100th career game. He pitched eight innings with one run and nine strikeouts. He got some run support from teammate Cal Ripken, who hit a grand slam in the 8-1 win over the Phillies. On the same day, Ripken was elected to his 15th All-Star game with the second-most votes of the year, after only Ken Griffey Jr.
In 2009, the Orioles completed the biggest comeback in team history. Down 10-1, they scored five runs in the seventh and five runs in the eighth, with Jonathan Papelbon giving up the go-ahead double by Nick Markakis. Pitcher Jeremy Guthrie, pinch running for Matt Wieters, scored the tying run. It was a fun one.
In 2012, the Phillies traded future Hall of Famer Jim Thome to the Orioles for a few minor leaguers who never panned out. I had long wanted Thome to be on the Orioles, and he was a little past his prime. But it was exciting all the same as the Orioles went to the playoffs for the first time since 1997.
And on this day last year, the Orioles defeated the Texas Rangers 10-6 on the road. The game was tied 3-3 at the end of the ninth. The Orioles scored three runs in the top of the 10th on homers from Gunnar Henderson and Colton Cowser, but Keegan Akin blew it in the bottom of the 10th. The Orioles scored four more in the top of the 11th and Andrew Kittredge pitched a 1-2-3 11th to lock it down.
The second half of the minor league season is officially underway, which means it’s time for my first-half awards for each Brewers affiliate. As a result, this week’s roundup looks a little different.
Instead of briefly touching on nearly every notable prospect, I’m taking a (slightly) deeper look at the standout performers from each Brewers affiliate. Below are my picks for MVP, Cy Young, and Most Improved, along with a couple of news items from the past week.
Current record: 42-34
Record this week: 3-3
This week: vs. Gwinnett Stripers
Next week: vs. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
Standout performances:
Jeferson Quero: 8-for-19, 2 3B, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 1 BB, 3 K
Luis Lara: 10-for-21, 2 2B, 6 RBI, 6 BB, 4 K
Tyler Black: 5-for-19, 1 3B, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 3 BB, 7 K
Reiss Knehr: 4.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 4 BB, 2 K
Craig Yoho: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
News this week: RHP Logan Henderson made a rehab start in Nashville this week, throwing three scoreless innings while striking out seven. Per Curt Hogg, Brewers manager Pat Murphy said Henderson will make one more rehab start before rejoining the Brewers prior to the All-Star break.
MVP: No player has been more valuable to Nashville this season than Luis Lara. He leads the Sounds in hits, batting average, on-base percentage, and OPS. His .326 batting average as a 21-year-old in Triple-A is impressive on its own, but what’s been even more remarkable is his ability to reach base. While the home runs have slowed since his torrid start to the season, Lara’s .438 on-base percentage leads the International League. Add in his elite defense in center field, and it’s hard to argue anyone has had a bigger impact on the Sounds this season.
Cy Young: After struggling to begin the year in Double-A, Tyson Hardin has posted a 3.20 ERA in eight starts since joining Nashville. He’s the latest in a long line of Brewers pitching prospects who don’t light up the radar gun but still miss bats and consistently get outs. With Milwaukee’s pitching staff finally getting healthier, Hardin probably won’t get a chance in the majors anytime soon — he’s also not on the 40-man roster — but if an opportunity does come, don’t be surprised if he looks like he belongs.
Most Improved: It’s cheating a little bit because he’s only played thirty-two games, but Luke Adams has the highest OPS (.956) and slugging percentage (.574) of his career. He needs one more home run to reach his career high of eleven. Adams doesn’t get talked about as much because the Brewers have five other highly-regarded infield prospects, but he’s the Brewers No. 12 prospect and would be higher than that in a lot of organizations.
Current record: 41-33
Record this week: 4-2
This week: @ Montgomery Biscuits (away, Jun 23-Jun 28)
Next week: vs. Chattanooga Lookouts (home, Jun 30-Jul 5)
Standout performances:
Mike Boeve: 9-for-20, 1 2B, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 3 BB, 3 K
Jacob Hurtubise: 9-for-21, 1 2B, 1 3B, 5 RBI, 1 BB, 3 K
Josh Adamczewski: 9-for-22, 3 2B, 4 RBI, 3 BB, 4 K
Blake Burke: 7-for-21, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K
Dylan O’Rae: 5-for-19, 1 3B, 1 RBI, 4 BB, 1 K
Tanner Gillis: 9.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 4 BB, 6 K
Bishop Letson: 7.0 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 8 K
Jaron DeBerry: 5.0 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
News this week: Technically last week, but the Shuckers won the first-half title in the Southern League, guaranteeing them a playoff spot.
MVP: Late last season, Blake Burke made mechanical adjustments designed to get the ball in the air more consistently. The results have more than validated the experiment. Burke leads Biloxi in OPS (.874), home runs (18), and RBIs (54), answering one of the biggest questions originally surrounding his prospect profile.
There was never much doubt that Burke could hit, but his newfound power has taken him from being a solid prospect to one worth prioritizing a spot for. With Luke Adams in Triple-A and Jake Bauers and Andrew Vaughn on the major league roster, Burke may not have a clear path to Milwaukee just yet, but he probably won’t be in Biloxi much longer.
Cy Young: The Brewers challenged Bishop Letson by assigning him to Double-A for his age-20 season, and the transition was far from seamless. Over the past month, though, he’s looked much more like the organization’s No. 10 prospect. Letson has posted a 2.35 ERA over his last four starts (23 IP) while continuing to miss bats at a solid rate, and — more importantly — he’s been limiting the big innings that plagued him earlier in the season.
Most Improved: Mike Boeve. Injuries derailed much of his 2024 season, and he entered this year with plenty to prove after posting a .630 OPS in Triple-A. Since returning to Biloxi, Boeve has looked much more like the hitter who reached Double-A in the first place, pairing his usual plate discipline with considerably more extra-base impact compared to last year.
As I mentioned with Burke, the Brewers have a ton of quality infield prospects. Boeve doesn’t have the upside of a lot of them, and a lot of those guys are also better defenders, so he might end up as an odd man out. Still, he’s quietly put together an excellent first half and showing that he belongs at the Double-A level.
Current record: 41-29
Record this week: 5-1
This week: vs. Cedar Rapids Kernels
Next week: @ Peoria Chiefs
Standout performances:
Josiah Ragsdale: 10-for-24, 5 2B, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 5 BB, 4 K
Eric Bitonti: 10-for-25, 1 2B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 3 BB, 6 K
Marco Dinges: 7-for-20, 2 2B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 5 BB, 5 K
Daniel Dickinson: 5-for-15, 1 2B, 3 RBI, 4 BB, 4 K
Garrett Hodges: 4.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
Ethan Dorchies: 7.0 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Wande Torres: 6.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Braylon Owens: 10.0 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 11 K
Josh Knoth: 5.0 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
MVP: Andrew Fischer outgrew High-A immediately, slashing .298/.443/.675 with 20 home runs before earning his promotion to Biloxi. In his first ten games in Double-A, he has a 1.150 OPS with four home runs. If he keeps hitting like this, it won’t matter much how often he strikes out. Fischer was widely viewed as one of the most pro-ready bats in the 2025 draft, and so far, he’s looked exactly like that.
Cy Young: Josh Knoth hasn’t thrown as many innings as some of the other candidates, but when he’s been healthy, he’s looked like the best pitcher on the staff. Per MLB Pipeline, the Brewers’ No. 22 prospect has a 55-grade fastball and a 60-grade curveball and slider. If he hadn’t missed all of last year after undergoing Tommy John surgery, he’d probably be ranked higher than No. 22.
Most Improved: Braylon Payne
Few players in the Brewers’ system this year have raised their stock more than Braylon Payne. After posting a .736 OPS in his first full professional season, Payne’s hitting .288 with a .982 OPS and 15 home runs — already almost double last year’s mark (eight) The strikeout rate (29.6%) is still higher than you’d like, but the overall offensive profile looks dramatically different than it did a year ago. Payne was drafted for his speed and defense with the idea that he would hopefully grow into power. If he’s hitting like this at 19 years old, watch out.
Current record: 40-35
Record this week: 3-4
This week: @ Fredericksburg Nationals
Next week: vs. Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
Standout performances:
Handelfry Encarnacion: 12-for-27, 4 2B, 3 RBI, 5 BB, 6 K
Brady Ebel: 7-for-18, 2 2B, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 9 BB, 2 K
José Anderson: 7-for-21, 2 2B, 3 RBI, 3 BB, 7 K
Alexander Frias: 8-for-24, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 3 BB, 4 K
Juan Ortuno: 6-for-20, 2 2B, 5 RBI, 5 BB, 2 K
Hayden Robinson: 4.0 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
Andrew Healy: 6.0 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
News this week: Alexander Frias was promoted from the Arizona Complex League on June 22 after dominating the ACL. The 18-year-old outfielder slashed .441/.518/.678 with 18 extra-base hits and 12 stolen bases in 32 games before earning a spot in Wilson.
MVP: Handelfry Encarnacion has put together the best all-around offensive season on the Warbirds. He leads the club in OPS while ranking second in both batting average and home runs, all while playing nearly every day. Encarnacion doesn’t get talked about as much as some of the Brewers’ higher-ranked prospects, but he’s been Wilson’s most consistent hitter and is someone to keep an eye on moving forward.
Cy Young: José Meneses gets the nod despite not making a single start this season. Instead, the Warbirds have deployed him as a multi-inning reliever, and they’ve been rewarded with by far the best numbers on the pitching staff. Meneses owns a 1.95 ERA with 11.92 strikeouts per nine innings over 22 appearances, covering an inning or two at a time while consistently shutting down opposing lineups. As someone who spent far too much time arguing that Josh Hader deserved serious Cy Young consideration, I have no problem giving this award to a reliever.
Most Improved: José Anderson’s stat line is one of the strangest in the Brewers’ farm system. He’s batting below the Mendoza Line and owns an astronomical 38.9% strikeout rate. The case for Anderson can be distilled into one sentence: he’s 19 years old and has already hit 17 home runs in just 251 at-bats.
You can’t teach power like that.
Anderson has also added 11 doubles, and while his batting average and on-base percentage leave plenty to be desired, his .442 slugging percentage pushes his OPS to a respectable .732. He’s a fascinating player because the massive raw power is tantalizing, but he’s clearly still a project. Like Encarnacion, he’s worth keeping an eye on. If he can trim the strikeouts and improve his on-base ability — easier said than done, I know — he’ll quickly become a prospect that people are talking about as a player with big-league potential.
C’mon, it was Father’s Day recently, humor me! Max Rajcic has done an admirable job coming out of the Cardinals’ bullpen in the exact role I spoke about earlier this year. I think it’s time the Cardinals elevate another young arm that’s “changing” things up on AAA hitters this year. Sorry, I seem to be in a very pun-oriented mood today.
Luis Gastelum has been awesome over the last month plus! Since May 17th, Gastelum has pitched to a 0.45 ERA and a 1.41 FIP over 20 IP in that span, with a K/BB% of 34.8%. Opponents are batting .121 against, and he’s striking out batters at a 37.7% pace in that time as well. So, whats giving him all this success?
Remember that changeup I alluded to earlier? It’s a true plus-plus offering. He uses it almost 39% of the time and generates a staggering 45.2 Whiff% on the pitch. Opponents have an xBA of .129 and an xSLG of .145! But that’s not all!
Gasetlum also features a 4SFB, Slider, and Sinker that rate out as 100 or better according to stuff+ models.
I think Gastelum could have a profile similar to long-time reliever Tommy Kahnle. Remember in the playoffs when he threw like 45 straight changeups, and nobody could hit it? That’s a similar impact type reliever capable of pitching in high leverage situations, posting a 90.9 LOB% in his last 20 IP, for example.
The one unanswered question seems to be how he would find himself in the big leagues. First, they would have to clear a 40-man spot for his contract to be selected. Then you start to ask, whose spot would he take? Gordon Graceffo has done a solid job this season, and while the underlying data is scary, the surface-level performance is what matters in the here and now, so he probably wouldnt be a candidate without a few consecutive blow-ups. Matt Svanson could be another option. While he has been better as of late, he still hasn’t been the same guy he was a year ago, and that 9th inning against the Diamondbacks was yet another reminder that pitchers who regularly don’t miss bats are subject to weird, fluky snowball innings.
The other might be Max Rajcic himself. His spot in the bullpen, specifically, not his performance, dictates that a demotion is necessary. Rajcic has been solid and a certain upgrade from the Chris Roycroft experience. You can see the bulldog attitude he brings to the mound, and he shows no fear against any batter who steps in the box. His command has been a little shaky at times, but for a young guy trying to establish himself in the big leagues, that’s not all that uncommon. When he’s in sync with his mechanics, the mid-90s fastball plays, and so does the big hammer curveball. There’s certainly still a long runway left with his opportunity to show what he can do.
The most likely outcome, barring injury, would seem to be a trade of a current veteran bullpen arm, and I don’t see that taking place any time soon, for someone like Ryne Stanek, for example. It can still happen at any time, but we just spoke with Chaim Bloom a couple of days ago, and the way he described the industry and its focus is on the amateur draft side of things in the immediate future, and once that and the All-Star break conclude then we should start to hear chatter on such topics start to pick up before the inevitable deals begin to trickle in up to the August 3rd deadline.
We may have to wait a little while longer to see Gastelum, with a lack of immediate openings or opportunities, but make no mistake about it, he’s proven he’s ready for the next level, and it’s just a matter of opportunity opening up for him to seize it, and Cardinals fans will enjoy it when that time comes.
-Thanks for reading