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MLB dynasties: Why the late-'90s Yankees ruled and why it’s so hard to replicate today

(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.)

On the latest episode of "Baseball Bar-B-Cast," hosts Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman sat down with ESPN’s Buster Olney to dig into the question: Where did all the dynasties go? Their conversation offers a look at the legendary New York Yankees dynasty of the late 1990s — and why today’s superteams struggle to achieve similar levels of dominance.

Buster Olney quite literally wrote the book on the Yankees’ dynasty years: "The Last Night of the Yankee Dynasty: The Game, the Team, and the Cost of Greatness." As he explains in the episode, the late-’90s Yankees weren’t just a collection of high-priced free agents; they were a product of patience, clever management during a brief George Steinbrenner suspension and a homegrown core that included Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte and Bernie Williams. Veterans and stars such as David Cone and Roger Clemens rounded out the roster, but the key ingredients were sustainability and in-house talent.

Olney frames the 1998-2001 Yankees as the last “true” MLB dynasty, or as he puts it: “maybe the last dynasty that's going to win four World Series in five years.” 

What made the Yankees so special? Olney emphasizes the “combination of homegrown players and great stars that they added through free agency,” plus, crucially, a culture that made outside stars want to join: “Because they were so successful, they have what the Dodgers have now, which is a lot of players coming in from the outside saying, 'I want to be a part of that.'”

So what has changed? Olney, Mintz, and Shusterman point to several big reasons dynasties have become nearly impossible in MLB.

  • Roster turnover and free agency: With player movement so much more common today, keeping a championship core together is extremely difficult.

  • Injuries and luck: As Olney notes, “it’s also about luck, it’s about injuries, it’s about players who decide to depart.” Maintaining excellence over multiple MLB seasons is just brutally difficult.

  • The psychological toll: Olney makes a great point: Today’s social media era means players face far more noise, scrutiny and pressure than Ken Griffey Jr. ever did in the clubhouse. “I do think it takes a toll … players get worn down by the constant feedback.”

  • Expanded playoff fields: More rounds mean more opportunities for upsets — a dynasty killer. As Mintz notes, “The playoffs are longer by one round … just another roll of the dice.”

Every few years a team emerges — think the Dodgers, Astros or the earlier 2010s Giants — and gets branded with the “dynasty in the making” label. But as the Bar-B-Cast crew explains, none has repeated the Yankees’ level of sustained postseason success. Olney praises the current Dodgers as, “on paper, the best team I've ever seen,” but even he acknowledges that it’s far from a given that they’ll embark on a pinstripes-level run.

The Astros’ frequent postseason trips and the Giants’ trio of even-year titles are impressive, but Mintz still contends, “I would probably argue against both of those [being true dynasties].”

All signs, according to the podcast trio, point to “maybe, but don’t hold your breath.” The hosts agree that because of all the factors named above, a four-titles-in-five-years run looks like an artifact of another era.

But as Mintz points out, that isn’t a reason to stop believing: “For those of us who love the drama, there’s always a chance … and that’s what keeps baseball compelling.”

For more deep dives into baseball’s dynasties and other debates, tune in to "Baseball-Bar-B-Cast" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

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Fantasy Football: Colston Loveland or Tyler Warren — who's the real TE1 of the 2025 NFL Draft?

(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.)

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As tight end prospects get ready to hear their names called in the 2025 NFL Draft, the big debate in draft circles — and on this week’s Yahoo Fantasy Forecast — is whether Michigan’s Colston Loveland or Penn State’s Tyler Warren is the best tight end in this year’s class.

Hosts Matt Harmon and Charles McDonald dove deeply into both prospects, and if you’re wading through pre-draft rankings, their conversation makes one thing clear: this debate is anything but settled.

McDonald kicked things off by praising Warren’s athleticism, movement skills, and size. At 6-foot-6, 256 pounds, Warren is a “mismatch nightmare” for NFL linebackers and safeties. He broke out with a massive production year, not just catching passes but showing up as a runner — 26 carries, 218 yards and four TDs on the ground. Penn State clearly saw him as their top playmaker and schemed up plenty of touches.

Yet, Harmon noted, Warren isn’t the classic in-line tight end. Most of his production came on designed touches, rather than overpowering defenders in traditional fashion. Still, as McDonald made clear, that’s not a knock, it’s a creative use of a unique skill set. Teams that put Warren in the “Sam LaPorta role” (think: creative schemes, space-creation, YAC opportunities) could really unlock something special.

Loveland, meanwhile, has quickly become a favorite among some draft analysts who see his “dynamite” receiver skills and imagine a player who could survive — and even thrive — as a big slot or genuine mismatch. McDonald raved about his hands, fluid route running and ability to hang with actual NFL corners and safeties. While he needs to develop as a blocker (and could stand to add bulk), you can’t coach the kind of movement Loveland flashes at 6-6, 248 lbs.

Loveland’s best football is almost certainly ahead of him. His college production is a bit harder to parse, partly due to Michigan’s offense and a nagging shoulder injury, but the film suggests a player ready to make an immediate impact as a receiving threat — if his new team is willing to scheme him open and let him develop as a blocker.

Both Harmon and McDonald agreed the gap between Warren and Loveland is close — and depends heavily on what a team wants out of the position. Warren is an out-of-the-box “finishing piece” for an offense seeking YAC and creative deployment (the Jets or Bears were floated as ideal landing spots). Loveland, on the other hand, might rate higher as a traditional route-running, hands-first mismatch and carries a “high ceiling/high floor” projection if he can round out his blocking.

In McDonald’s words, “If you’re just painting a broad picture of both ... you come away with some similar takeaways,” but Loveland might be “a little bit stronger at the catch point ... some more real-deal receiver skills,” while Warren is an “explosive receiving option” with upside and rare versatility.

For fantasy and NFL fans, the key might be fit. As Harmon put it, most NFL offenses aren’t built to flow through the tight end — even the best ones get upstaged by true perimeter WRs in high-powered offenses. That actually makes landing spot even more crucial for these prospects. A team willing to scheme up touches, commit to a versatile game plan, and be patient with development will benefit the most, whichever way they go.

So, who’s the TE1? The Yahoo Fantasy Forecast guys see it as a matter of taste:

— Want explosive, versatile athleticism, and a player ready for heavy manufactured production? Tyler Warren’s your guy.

— Want a pure receiver with starter-level mismatch upside and long-term all-around potential? Colston Loveland is a compelling bet.

Both should hear their names called early in the draft’s second half of the first round — or perhaps even earlier, if one team falls in love.

Who’s your pick to be the best tight end in the 2025 class? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to follow Harmon, McDonald and the entire Yahoo crew for live coverage throughout the NFL Draft!

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What gives with the No. 7 Warriors being favored over the No. 2 Rockets?

(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.)

As the NBA playoffs approach, one of the more surprising storylines has been the betting odds favoring the seventh-seeded Golden State Warriors over the second-seeded Houston Rockets.

On the most recent episode of "The Kevin O’Connor Show," guest Esfandiar Baraheni and host Kevin O'Connor examined the playoff matchup and why oddsmakers are favoring Golden State — and whether the Warriors deserve that status.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 15: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a basket against the Memphis Grizzlies in the second half of the NBA play-in tournament game at Chase Center on April 15, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Are Stephen Curry and the seventh-seeded Warriors deserving favorites over the second-seeded Rockets? (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Ezra Shaw via Getty Images

While playoff intensity and game-planning do tend to favor experienced teams, and that might explain why Golden State is a -190 favorite to win the series at BetMGM, Barahini suggests that Houston’s defensive versatility and depth might give it more than a puncher’s chance — especially when it comes to slowing Steph Curry.

“I'm a little surprised that Golden State's so heavily favored as a 7 over 2," Baraheni says. "I feel like Houston has played Golden State very well this season.” 

But a number of reasons for the Warriors’ favored status are laid out: their reputation for playoff poise, the clutch brilliance of Curry and, now, Jimmy Butler, and their much-improved defense since acquiring Butler midseason.

“You have a guy [Curry] who you can rely on every single time," O'Connor says. "I think this will be one of those series where every game is going to go down to the wire. Every game is going to be very close.”

There’s a certain comfort in betting on established champions, especially in late-game situations.

The discussion didn't shy from the reasons to be bullish on the Rockets, either. Houston finished the year as one of the NBA’s best defenses, with plenty of size in Alperen Şengün and Steven Adams and disruptive perimeter players in Amen Thompson, Dillon Brooks and Fred VanVleet. In fact, Baraheni specifically mentions Thompson as someone who has "shut the water off" on Steph in previous matchups and Houston’s team defense as capable of supporting its big men on the perimeter — unlike some of Golden State’s previous opponents.

O’Connor also highlights Houston's rebounding advantage.

“If you look at the way those Şengün/Adams [lineups] perform, the reason that thing works offensively is because they generate so many offensive rebounds," O’Connor says. "They crash the glass.”

With Golden State’s relative lack of size on the interior, this presents a crucial potential swing factor.

What tips the scale for those picking the Warriors? According to O’Connor and Baraheni, it’s the question of late-game offense and experience. 

Golden State has thrived in the clutch this season, while Houston, for all its defensive prowess, has struggled to create clean looks and score consistently in fourth quarters.

“I just trust Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler more than I do Jalen Green or Şengün or Fred VanVleet,” O’Connor says.

While O’Connor picks the Warriors in seven and Baraheni slightly favors Houston in six, it's going to be a closer matchup than many believe. “I think people are discrediting the Rockets a little bit too much,” O’Connor says.

Both agree that Houston might be underrated, not just for its defense and rebounding but also for its potential to disrupt Golden State’s offensive flow with its physical style.

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

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Are you a believer? Assessing the surprising hot starts of the 2025 MLB season

(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.)

On the latest episode of "Baseball Bar-B-Cast," hosts Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman engaged in a fun discussion about breakout performances so far this season by creating a unique belief scale to rate their faith in players.

The concept was inspired by Kyren Paris and his impressive early-season performance, with both hosts pondering whether they believe Paris and others can maintain their current pace.

Here are the five levels of belief:

  • Atheist: Total disbelief, firm conviction that the player's early success is fleeting and won't hold up in the long run

  • Skeptic: Doubtful but open, acknowledging that the player might continue their performance but unconvinced until more proof is presented

  • Agnostic: Neutral territory, neither believing nor disbelieving in the player's potential to sustain their performance

  • Believer: Optimistic belief, confident that the player's performance is meaningful and will continue

  • Evangelist: True conviction, so certain about a player's success that they're willing to proclaim it loudly and widely

Now let's run through some of the players highlighted and how much Mintz and Shusterman believe in them.

Shusterman: Skeptic

"For how bad he was last year and for what his struggles, for what his limitations were as a hitter before, I need to see so much more to believe that he is an above-average hitter now."

Mintz: Skeptic

"I might be a little closer to agnostic just because the physical changes are so drastic, but I'm not someone who ever prefers to opt out of a conversation ... so I will say skeptic."

Shusterman: Believer

At this point, I think he's probably a little too flawed to become a top-five first baseman in baseball. But I'm a believer that he can be a very important, good part of this Tigers lineup."

Mintz: Believer

"I think next spring we enter the season being like, that dude's the first baseman for the Detroit Tigers. He's a good player. He hits fifth, and everyone's happy."

Mintz: Skeptic

"I remain a skeptic because I need to see him fail and rebound again. I need to see him get cold. I need to see pitchers adjust to his new approach, as they will, as they always do. And I need to see him readjust before I become a believer."

Shusterman: Believer

"Here's a very simple way to put it: I think he will absolutely be a top-three hitter on this team by the end of the season, maybe even top."

Shusterman: Evangelist

"Everybody was overthinking Pete to a ridiculous degree. ... We know what Pete is going to be at the floor. And if he is now reminding us of the ceiling, which we have seen at other points in his career, that should make a lot of teams, who should have paid this extremely low price for a very good first baseman, feel extremely foolish."

Mintz: Believer

"I'm just a believer, and partially that's because I want to give you space to evangelize."

Mintz: Evangelist

"All in, all in. Scream it from the mountaintops. Tell your friends, and tell their friends, even if they don't want to hear it. Hunter Green looks so freaking good."

Shusterman: Believer

"What he's looking like right now, it's like, yeah, of course. This is like what he's supposed to be. He's been working toward this, and he looks awesome."

Mintz: Believer

"I now think that Ben Rice is a big-league DH, for sure. His bat is going to play in the big leagues. Is he a star? I don't know. I don't know if I'm ready to call him a star."

Shusterman: Agnostic

"I do not want to say that this guy is a fraud. But it's so over the top right now that I also do not want to catch myself falling for it almost again."

Mintz: Evangelist

"I'm, like, beyond evangelizing like for him. I'm a zealot for him. I'm willing to shed blood. I'm willing to put my life on the line. ... He's going to get Cy Young votes."

Shusterman: Believer

"He is just the perfect story of everything you would bet on for that late-blooming superstar."

To listen to the full episode and hear more from the hot start belief scale, tune in to "Baseball-Bar-B-Cast" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

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2025 NFL Draft: Who will be the most shocking 1st-round pick and other bold predictions

(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.)

Subscribe to Yahoo Fantasy Forecast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listen.

In a recent episode of the Yahoo Fantasy Forecast, Matt Harmon and The Ringers’ Danny Heifetz discussed some potential surprises awaiting all of us during next week's NFL Draft. Amidst an array of bold predictions, here are some of the highlights.

As they explored possibilities, Heifetz put forward the idea of the New Orleans Saints taking Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart ninth overall pick. Heifetz emphasized how this move would be a shocker, but one that aligns with the Saints' need for a long-term QB solution given Derek Carr's shoulder injury and uncertain standing with the team.

Further adding to the surprise element, Harmon entertained the notion of the Los Angeles Rams trading into the top 10 to select Penn State tight end Tyler Warren. The Rams have previously shown an interest in adding offensive weapons, and Warren could fill a critical tight end role, easing the burden off their wide receivers.

Heifetz also shed light on the possibility of Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe going in the first round, specifically mentioning the Pittsburgh Steelers. If Aaron Rodgers were to retire, the desperate need for a young quarterback could push the Steelers toward the surprise move.

Lastly, Harmon and Heifetz discussed the Denver Broncos' potential move for Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. Under the helm of head coach Sean Payton, the Broncos might pursue Jeanty aggressively — likely needing to trade up from the 20th overall pick — adding another dimension to their offense.