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MLB Opening Day 2025 overreactions: Adley Rutschman for MVP? MacKenzie Gore for Cy Young?

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

Opening Day in baseball brings with it a fresh season of hope, excitement and, of course, wild overreactions. 

On the latest episode of "Baseball Bar-B-Cast," hosts Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman dive into a couple of their nuclear overreactions from the first slate of games on Thursday.

In the clash between the Nationals and Phillies on Thursday, Washington starter MacKenzie Gore was nothing short of electric, recording 13 strikeouts in six scoreless innings. Unfortunately for Gore, once he was out of the game, the Phillies quickly took the lead en route to a 7-3 victory.

Gore's dominant performance Thursday inspired two bold declarations from Shusterman.

"Not only will MacKenzie Gore win the NL Cy Young unanimously, [but] I think the Philadelphia Phillies will strike out more than any team in Major League Baseball history," he forecast. "They're on pace for over 3,000 strikeouts after striking out 19 times in the opener."

The record, in case you're wondering, is 1,654 strikeouts in a season, set by the 2023 Minnesota Twins.

[Read more: The top 50 people who will impact the 2025 MLB season]

In the Orioles' emphatic 12-2 victory over the Blue Jays, catcher Adley Rutschman looked every bit the superstar many believe he can be. With two home runs showcasing his explosive power, the Orioles’ catcher might even be sparking some way-too-early MVP chatter. 

For Mintz, Rutschman's performance brought back memories of the catcher's college days and reminders of why he was so highly touted coming out of Oregon State. 

"It was the way that he moved, the power, the force, the zip, the freaking feeling of that guy," Mintz said, "and my nuclear overreaction is that that dude is freaking back. Adley Rutschman, MVP season, is upon us."

Could this really be the start of an MVP campaign? Rutschman's two home runs Thursday certainly offered a promising start.

"It looked right," Mintz said. "He looked explosive. He looked athletic. There was verve. The 'it' was back."

In baseball, every game provides a new narrative, but the season is a marathon, not a sprint. As we settle in for the long haul of 162 games, only time will tell whether these early overreactions have a ring of truth.

To listen to the full episode and more, tune in to "Baseball-Bar-B-Cast" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

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Are the Boston Celtics the favorites to win the 2025 NBA Finals? | Kevin O'Connor Show

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

The NBA landscape is currently awash with powerhouse teams jockeying for playoff positioning, but one team seems to be emerging as a favorite: the Boston Celtics. On a recent episode of "The Kevin O'Connor Show," NBA analyst Ben Taylor sparked a conversation about the Celtics being potential NBA Finals favorites. This take wasn't just about their current win-loss record, but a deep dive into the intricacies that make this team uniquely potent.

Look at the Celtics' numbers. In March, they went 12-1 despite Jayson Tatum missing a few games. Kristaps Porzingis had a breakout stretch, averaging over 24 points in a mere 29 minutes per game with impressive shooting splits. As O'Connor put it, "KP, when he's playing at the level that he is now, makes the Celtics feel like the absolute Finals favorites on a tier of their own."

The magic of the Celtics isn't just in individual performances; it's about versatility. Taylor highlighted that both the Celtics and teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder are versatile, often throwing different lineups and coverages to keep opponents on their toes.

But is this surge sustainable? O'Connor voiced concerns over Porzingis’ mysterious illness. "He sat on the bench with an illness that he supposedly couldn't shake," he remarked, dipping into conspiracy theories about possible load management. With the Celtics being cautious about player health, maintaining this pace isn't guaranteed.

Even with their spate of injuries, the Celtics are duking it out in a league where other giants like Oklahoma City and Cleveland are battling for supremacy. 

As the season noses toward the playoffs, the Celtics' journey may hinge more on health than heft. Can they keep their stars in peak form?

To hear the full discussion, tune into "The Kevin O'Connor Show" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

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Ohio State's Donovan Jackson showcased strong versatility that should bolster his NFL Draft stock

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

Based on the insights shared by Yahoo Sports' Nate Tice and Mike Tice in the "Football 301 Podcast" episode, Donovan Jackson emerges as a notable NFL Draft prospect for several compelling reasons.

Firstly, Jackson boasts versatility in his play, having shown proficiency at guard and tackle during his time at Ohio State. His experience playing multiple positions on the offensive line makes him a valuable asset for any NFL team looking for depth.

Secondly, Jackson's athleticism stands out. Even though he shifted to tackle following Josh Simmons' injury, it was the later tackle tape that highlighted his movement skills, making him even more appealing as a guard. The Tices appreciated his athleticism and ability to perform in space, which suggests that Jackson has the potential to excel in various offensive schemes.

"How do you miss on the player like this?" Mike Tice asked. "This player is going to be a good player in the league for. For quite a while. ... 

"I would definitely have Jackson ahead of [Alabama guard Tyler] Booker." 

Moreover, Jackson's pedigree and physical attributes are hard to ignore. As a player who started multiple games and demonstrated solid performance at a high level of competition, he has the experience and background that scouts often look for in a draft prospect.

Finally, his length (33-inch arms), combined with the athleticism noted by Nate and Mike Tice, positions him as a strong candidate to contribute effectively at the next level.

To hear more NFL discussions, tune into "Football 301" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

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Is Bulls' Josh Giddey about to get paid this offseason?

(This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

With the Bulls buzzing after Josh Giddey's game-winning, half-court shot on Thursday night, Kevin O’Connor discussed the 22-year-old's potential trajectory to stardom on Friday's episode of "The Kevin O’Connor Show" with guest Tom Haberstroh.  

O'Connor marveled at Giddey's second-half leap this season — he's averaging 22.8 points, 10.5 rebounds and 9.2 assists since the break, and shooting over 51% from 3. Giddey’s confidence on the court has provided a significant boost to the team — the Bulls have won eight of their past 10 games — and his budding chemistry with teammate Coby White has only strengthened their attack. 

Expectations around Giddey are sky high. Haberstroh sees Giddey as a perennial All-Star if he can develop a reliable 3-point shot, and the Bulls might soon “throw the bag” at him. O'Connor wonders if Giddey could receive a $100 million contract this summer. His value has never been higher. 

The implications for both Giddey and the Bulls are significant. If Giddey continues to mature and expand his game, he could become the face of the franchise. Will we see Giddey return the Bulls to relevance? His journey is one worth watching.

Tune into "The Kevin O'Connor Show" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube for more insightful discussions, as the NBA season heats up.