Paul DePodesta sits in the Purple Row at Coors Field. | Colorado Rockies
It became a punchline for Colorado Rockies fans.
“That’s the main thing, he wants to be here and be part of the turnaround,” manager Bud Black said of Germán Márquez in 2023 when the RHP signed a two-year, $20 million deal.
Here’s Charlie Blackmon in 2023: “The Rockies want me to be here. Obviously, I want to be here.”
In October 2024 when campaigning for a contract extension, Black told Patrick Saunders, “I’m invested in this team and this organization and I want to be part of the solution to see this through.”
I could go on, but you get the idea. Organizational loyalty was a valued commodity.
Given that Dick Monfort was famous for being loyal to a fault, statements like these suggested fealty on the part of players and staff. This was probably, in part, an effort to ensure no more Arenado-esque defections — because if one thing became clear in 2020 and 2021, Nolan Arenado definitely did not want to be there.
Fans questioned what mattered most to the Rockies as they continued to promote from within and sign marginal free agents: baseball talent and winning or a commitment to the Rockies at all costs?
Here’s the interesting thing: “He wants to be here” is back, but it has a different meaning for DePodesta et al.
This time, wanting to be in Denver isn’t about loyalty or comfort: It’s about embracing challenge and being uncomfortable.
Last weekend, I had the opportunity to speak with pitching coach Alon Leichman. When I asked why he signed on to solve one of the most perplexing problems in baseball, he said, “I think in baseball, especially in the pitching world, you have kind of two schools of thought: either stay away from Denver, or you want the challenge. So I’m when an opportunity was given to me, I definitely wanted to run with it and see what we could do.”
The Rockies are clear that they want players and staff in the latter category, those who want to be here and embrace the challenge.
“He ran toward this challenge. Michael actively wanted to pitch here. He’s done a lot of different things in his career – he was an outfielder, he’s been a reliever, he’s been a starting pitcher. I don’t think he’s afraid of anything. He’s also got some history with some of our staff members, so I think there was some appeal there as well.”
“It feels like there’s a lot of new information to be learned, and that’s kind of right up my alley. I enjoy problem solving. Failure is going to happen; trials are going to happen; you’re going to get your teeth kicked in. But it’s the problem solving and how to make the adjustments that I really enjoy. And Colorado, I feel like, presents that opportunity.”
Here’s what Josh Byrnes, who left the best organization in baseball to join the Rockies, said when asked what made him decide to come to Denver:
The challenge. I think it’s a great challenge. I loved every day with the Dodgers. I mean, part of it, even leaving the Dodgers is like, never complacent about anything, always pushing, pushing, pushing, to be the best version of the Dodgers. So I think it’s totally different here, right? 119 losses. Altitude. There’s a lot, and never going to be that kind of payroll. So it’s going to be a different puzzle, but very exciting: working with Paul again; knowing a lot of people in the organization; knowing the city. So if I were to leave the Dodgers, it had to be like the right people and the right challenge. You know, it wasn’t an easy decision, but I think I’m very glad I did it, and I can feel the challenge.
I want to quote one more player, this time Hunter Goodman:
Last year, we had a super young team — me included. And I think we had a lot of guys, at least from watching games or being in the clubhouse, I think we had a lot of people that were happy to be here.
When I first got called up, it’s like, you’re just happy to be here, and you can’t play like that.
You’ve got to walk on the field and be like, “We’re the best team. I’m the best player on the field.” You got to walk on the field with a different level of confidence.
And I think there were some series and some games last year where you’re walking onto the field as a team looking around, and maybe guys aren’t super confident. Guys aren’t. They’re just happy to be there. So I think bringing a different mentality to the game would be a big step in the right direction.
If a player is “just happy to be there,” then taking on a challenge doesn’t really enter the equation.
And that’s where “He wants to be here” 2.0 comes in.
DePodesta, Byrnes, and Leichman are building a staff and a team that invites problem solving. In other words, this year, it’s not enough to be happy to be there: A player has to embrace the challenge.
In an early morning Rockies Fest panel with season ticket holders, Byrnes stressed that they were looking for players with “curiosity” and “problem solving” skills, the kinds of skills that help players embrace, and not avoid, challenges. In other words, on-field skills aren’t enough. There’s an attitudinal component as well.
And, just to be clear, this attitude isn’t just about players. Every member of DePodesta’s staff I spoke with wanted the challenge. DePodesta has built a team of young and innovative minds willing to model for players the kind of experimentation, tenacity, and courage they will need for a successful rebuild.
After all, a rebuild isn’t just about players; rather, it’s redoing the philosophy and infrastructure of an entire organization.
DePodesta has his staff, a philosophy, and a plan. In a couple of weeks, we can start watching the implementation.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 13: Luis Arraez #4 of the San Diego Padres is congratulated in the dugout after scoring a run on a sacrifice fly by Ramon Laureano #5 during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park on September 13, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On Saturday, the San Francisco Giants made what will likely be their last major move of the 2025-26 offseason, agreeing to a one-year deal with three-time All Star Luis Arráez and his preternatural left-handed contact abilities. It was a move that not many saw coming, but after failing to swing a trade for Nico Hoerner or Brendan Donovan — despite the latter feeling like a lock for much of the offseason — the Giants pivoted.
Arráez is the embodiment of a player that people have varying opinions about, as evidenced by the fact that our newser on the signing is currently sitting at more than 850 comments. He has an old-school skillset that analytics mostly hate, and that means some people love him and some people hate him. He does some things great and some things horribly — it’s not an exaggeration to say he might be both the best and worst player in the Majors in multiple areas — and that means some people think he’s a great signing and some people think he’s an awful one. He represents a notable move the Giants made when none was expected, but not the move that fans were hoping for, and that means that some people are excited by the deal and some people are annoyed by it.
You can read more of my opinions here, but I’m interested in yours. So let me help you out with a very non-comprehensive list of some of the pros and cons of the Giants signing Arráez to be their second baseman.
Some of the good
He has the best bat-to-ball skills on the planet.
It’s not even close.
Like, he’s in the first tier all by himself.
And no one is in the second tier.
Maybe there’s a name or two in the third tier.
Maybe.
He almost certainly makes the Giants offense better.
He provides his offensive value in a way that is otherwise entirely foreign to the Giants roster, and versatility is a good thing.
He annoys the holy heck out of opposing pitchers.
He’s a good clubhouse guy.
He takes the pressure off of Casey Schmitt.
He gives the Giants an honest-to-goodness lineup where they have a starter at every position with no timeshares.
He’s only 28.
The Giants now employ Ron Washington, who works wonders with infielders.
There’s no such thing as an awful one-year deal.
Some of the bad
His defense is almost as bad as hit contact skills are good.
I don’t know how to explain how bad his defense is.
Like, the Padres moved second baseman Jake Cronenworth to first base because he was so bad defensively at second base and then moved him back to second base so they could put Arráez at first base rather than let him play second base.
The Giants have a ground ball-heavy staff, and no pitcher in baseball induces more ground balls to second base than Logan Webb.
You love Logan Webb, and you want him to have good things, and you’re really, really, really, really tired of the Giants finding ways to lose games when he pitches well, which is usually because they can’t score runs but now maybe it will be because they can’t field ground balls and we’ll have to enter “Webbing” into the vernacular as a Caining that occurs through the fault of the infield defense.
Both his raw numbers and underlying metrics have been in a steady decrease for a few seasons.
By the advanced metrics, he was a league-average hitter in 2025.
He has non-existent power, to the point where there’s a decent chance that Rafael Devers might have more home runs in one series at Coors Field than Arráez will have all year.
He doesn’t draw walks.
He is shockingly slow and, as a result, struggles to go first to third on singles or first to home on doubles, and as such scored just 66 runs last year despite leading the league in hits and playing on a team with an above-average offense.
He means you’re going to watch less Casey Schmitt and Christian Koss, though that may end up being a good thing.
There’s more good than I mentioned. There’s more bad than I mentioned. I could do this all day. Your turn, though.
We’ve got a ton of Royals links for today’s Rumblings. Let’s get to it.
The Royals announced yesterday that the broadcast partner for the 2026 season will not be Fanduel Sports Network Kansas City. It will be Royals TV.
The Royals announced their games will be produced and distributed by Major League Baseball on the newly dubbed Royals.TV for the 2026 season. Fans will be able to watch on cable, satellite television and the MLB app.
The team also said that some games will be shown on over-the-air options.
Cullen Maxey, the Royals’ president of business operations, said a handful of the team’s games will be broadcast as an over-the-air option in Kansas City. It’s the second consecutive season that games will air on KCTV (Ch. 5) and possibly KSMO (Ch. 62).
Royals chairman and CEO John Sherman confirmed Saturday that the team’s opener, which is March 27 against the Braves in Atlanta, will air on KCTV. First pitch is at 6:15 p.m.
Fans who live inside the Royals’ home television territory can purchase a Royals.TV in-market streaming package through MLB.com or the MLB app for $19.99 per month or $99.99 per year. Subscriptions for the 2026 season will be available later this month, before Spring Training games begin on Feb. 20.
Matt Quatraro commented on various topics at a press conference (video).
Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro said at a press conference the team expects to be competitive this season as key pitchers return to health. Quatraro also discussed adjustments to the outfield wall, including moving it closer, and how the changes could impact play at Kauffman Stadium.
Salvador Perez was interviewed as well and said he wanted to retire with the organization (video).
Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez agreed to a two-year contract extension that keeps the franchise star in Kansas City through the 2027 season. Perez, who said he wants to retire as a Royal, comes off an MLB season with 30 home runs and 100 RBIs.
I feel like the true news of the day was buried several stories down here. Vinnie Pasquantino was an actor.
Vinnie Pasquantino also has a bit personality: charismatic and animated with a certain gift for delivery and comedic timing. Those traits help explain why the undersized childhood version of him was in demand not yet as a baseball star but as an actor who played hobbit Bilbo Baggins in a “Lord of the Rings” middle school play.
Vinnie, if you’re reading this, my wife, who is intimately involved in the community theater scene in Kansas City, could find you some roles.
He’s also very excited to play for Team Italy in the WBC.
“I get asked about it all the time,” Pasquantino said. “That’s the question that I get asked the most when I meet somebody new. ‘Oh you play for Team Italy, don’t you?’”
But the Royals first baseman is more than happy to wax poetic about the WBC. His passion for it has become impossible to ignore. Pasquantino left the 2023 Classic with newfound appreciation for his ancestry, and he jumped on board for the ‘26 tournament the second he was offered the chance to do so.
Kevin O’Brien at Royals Keep analyzes Noah Cameron’s chances at regression in the upcoming season.
Safe to say, Cameron did everything in 2025 to prove that he belongs in the Royals rotation in 2026 and beyond. That said, there were a couple of minor red flags from the past year that could affect his outlook for the upcoming season, based on surface-level metrics alone.
While he posted a sub-three ERA, which is pretty elite, his xERA was 4.08, his FIP was 4.18, and his xFIP was 4.08. Those aren’t bad metrics by any means, especially for a No. 4 or No. 5 starter in the rotation. At the same time, each of those indicators has a difference of over 1, which is a significant gap. Add that with a .241 BABIP and 84% LOB% (strand rate), and it seems likely that Cameron will be unable to sustain his 2025 numbers into 2026, especially with the new park dimensions at Kauffman Stadium.
Key takeaways: The Royals have had a solid but not spectacular offseason. Their best moves upgraded their outfield depth (with Lane Thomas and Isaac Collins) and improved the left side of their bullpen (Matt Strahm). They also deserve praise for third baseman Maikel Garcia’s contract extension. Extending Matt Quatraro, one of the best young managers in baseball, was another smart move. His stock has risen in the industry. Biggest question: What impact will the Royals’ new outfield dimensions have on their offense? Will it help them win more games, or just help both teams — home and away — hit more home runs? And how will it affect their pitching staff? Season prediction: First place
Proponents say Washington Square Park would be a good landing spot for the Royals in part because the team could strike deals with parking owners in greater downtown — as the team meant to do in the East Crossroads — instead of building costly garages. Thousands of spaces are in nearby garages and surface lots used by Crown Center’s office tenants and retail patrons, meaning the Royals could negotiate with owners the Hall family about game-day use. The team also could work with the Halls on potential mixed-use development of unused lots in Crown Center or on reconstruction needed for The Link pedestrian walkway, part of which runs above Washington Square Park to connect the complex’s buildings and shops.
Caleb Moody at Kings of Kauffman reflects on quotes from Royals brass from Royals Rally.
Daniel Epstein at Baseball Prospectus writes about some tweaks that a certain Royals rookie could make ($).
The Mariners traded for St Louis Cardinals outfielder Brendan Donovan.
Other teams also left their FanDuel deals in favor of MLB for broadcasting.
Punxsutawney Phil emerged and said the US South will continue to receive snow until morale improves.
Elon Musk combines two of his companies, SpaceX and xAI, into one for some reason. Probably so he can eventually combine it with X/Twitter and own the rights to XXX. Or something.
Would you like to watch videos, but from the point of view of a BEAR????
Off Topic
Reports of my bike that I got a few weeks ago were greatly exaggerated. I took it in to get serviced at my local bike shop, and the guy there said it was probably a 2010s bike. Fair enough – the guy I bought the bike from said it was 1990s, but he did not seem like he had the best memory. Either way, the bike’s in great shape now and I’ve got it set up on the trainer in the basement. On the recommendation of one of the commenters here, I did immediately buy a couple pairs of Chamois shorts. A good investment indeed.
Need a break from the Timberwolves rollercoaster? You got it! We’re bringing you our newest edition of Eyes on Iowa Wolves, where you get all the Iowa Wolves updates. You can show off to your coworkers, friends, or nieces/nephews that you know what Rocco Zikarsky’s true shooting percentage is.
Record: 6-2
Player of the Month: Zyon Pullin (27.7p, 3.3r, 6a, .667/.545/.903)
Recap: Iowa was in prime position for a spot in Winter Showcase tournament spot behind the strong play of their backcourt. Pullin, Tristen Newton, and Jules Bernard, all averaged over 20 points each, spearheading a league-best offense.
Record: 5-6
Player of the Month: Tristen Newton (26.4p, 4.6r, 4.9a, .506/.374/.830)
Recap: Iowa stumbled as they lost previous POTM, Zyon Pullin, to a wrist injury. They missed out on the Winter Showcase playoff tournament, but found their form to end the month thanks to Tristen Newton’s outstanding play.
Timberwolves rookie Joan Beringer also made his debut this month with some impressive performances of his own.
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January Overview
Overall Month Record: 8-5
Current Regular Season Record: 11-7 Current Standing: 4th in Western Conference
Just when it looked like the sails were adjusting back in the right direction, the Iowa roster was hit with another gut punch. On January 3rd, the Houston Rockets waived the 33rd pick of the 2024 NBA draft, Tyler Smith, and replaced his two-way spot by snagging Tristen Newton from the Wolves. In case you forgot, Newton was on a two-way contract with the Timberwolves last season and heading into the start of the 2025-2026 season, but Johnny Juzang won the preseason battle for that slot.
Just like that, Iowa lost it’s two leading (and most efficient) scorers who were also their primary ballhandlers (Pullin still out with injury). Not great. It was evident to start 2026, as they dropped two of their first three games in January.
Head Coach Mahmoud Abdelfattah was eventually going to get through the choppy waters though. Jules Bernard and Alize Johnson would adapt to their increased usage, helping Iowa win seven of their next ten games to end the month. Iowa also had a number of other players help fill the void in the backcourt. Nate Santos, a 3&D wing, and newly acquired guards Jalen Crutcher, a veteran G League point, and Dajuan Harris Jr, a defensive-minded guard, have all stepped up as well.
Iowa’s strong finish to January was important for their playoff chances. They rocketed back up to fourth in the Western Conference standings (Top eight make the postseason). The Wolves have failed to reach the playoffs in the past 11 seasons.
The drought could end soon if they keep riding this momentum.
The NBA recently announced the participants of the Castrol Rising Starstournament which included G League players for the fifth time. Former Timberwolves legend, Austin Rivers, was announced as the coach of Team G League, a collection of seven players that have played significant games in the G. Unfortunately, no Wolves made that team, unless you count Tristen Newton.
That said, January did not come and pass without any accolades for Iowa. Alize Johnson was named Player of the Week after averaging a whopping 33 points on 64% shooting from the field. Potential good news also soon followed, as it appears Zyon Pullin could be nearing a return. The Iowa broadcast mentioned during a January 27th game that Pullin’s wrist cast has come off so hopefully he’ll resume basketball activities soon.
Two-Way Wolves (And Joan) Update
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JANUARY 06: Joan Beringer #19 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on against the Miami Heat in the fourth quarter at Target Center on January 06, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Heat 122-94. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The rookie played just the first two games of the month before being reassigned back with the Timberwolves. He made sure to get to work in those games though. In his last game with Iowa, his fellow rookie, Rocco Zikarsky, was unavailable due to an illness.
Beringer went on to have his best professional game of the season.
Going a perfect seven for seven from the field with loads of defensive highlights wasn’t too shabby. As Timberwolves fans have seen during recent stint with the main club, the game is certainly slowing down for the Frenchman. Minnesota Head Coach Chris Finch recently likened Beringer’s tendency to go after things like “a dog chasing a car” which is pretty apt, for better or worse.
Perhaps the most impressive development that Beringer has shown, other than increased game sense, is his touch around the rim. He’s been finishing more plays without needing to dunk the ball, hitting a few soft hooks and dinkers off the glass.
The ceiling remains the sky for Young Joan.
DES MOINES, IA - JANUARY 3: Rocco Zikarsky #44 of the Iowa Wolves handles the ball during the game against the Sioux Falls Skyforce on January 3, 2026 at Casey's Center in Des Moines, Iowa. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jasey Bradwell/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Coming into January, the other 19-year-old rookie was shooting a ridiculous 48.4% mark from beyond the arc. That number caught the eye of numerous observers. Unfortunately, Zikarsky’s three-point percentage has since dropped down to 38.5% after shooting 29.7% from perimeter in January.
There is still reason for optimism for the seven-footer’s shooting development though.
His three-point volume has increased from 1.6 attempts per game in November, to 2.0 in December, to 3.1 in January. His free throw percentage has increased from 64.3%, to 76.9%, to 88.5% on increasing volume each month as well. The Australian’s true shooting percentage (63.9%) is well above league average. In fact, Zikarsky’s 37.1% three-point percentage would rank eighth among all active NBA centers, above the likes of Karl-Anthony Towns, Lauri Markkanen, or Victor Wembanyama.
Zikarsky played in 12 of 14 games in January, averaging a double-double in just 26 minutes per game. If he was on the floor as much as the leaders on his team, his per 36 minutes numbers would include 21.2 points, 13.3 rebounds, 3.1 blocks.
There are still several areas of improvement that remain for the big man. He still gets pushed out of position far too often on both ends of the court. There are times he struggles to get up and down the court at an acceptable pace. Most importantly, he is far too careless with his high and loose handle. Zikarsky’s turnover issues also take shape in his tendency for throwing way too ambitious of passes on plays that just aren’t there.
DES MOINES, IA - JANUARY 3: Enrique Freeman #25 of the Iowa Wolves shoots the ball during the game against the Sioux Falls Skyforce on January 3, 2026 at Casey's Center in Des Moines, Iowa. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jasey Bradwell/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Similar to Zikarsky, Enrique Freeman had a promising month shooting the ball in December. A crucial part of his development was going to be his ability to space the floor. Unlike Zikarsky, the promise has been dissipating. His three-point percentage has plummeted down to well under 30%. It seems that Freeman is falling further into the category of dirty work, garbage bucket getter, and less as a potential versatile stretch big.
It wasn’t all negative for Freeman in January though. His two-point percentage is up, notching his best scoring month of the season. He’s still rebounding at a strong rate and been a consistent force in the frontcourt for Iowa. At 25 years old, it’s reasonable to consider what his ceiling may be and if the use of a two-way contract on him will be wise for the rest of the season.
DES MOINES, IA - JANUARY 3: Jules Bernard #14 of the Iowa Wolves handles the ball during the game against the Sioux Falls Skyforce on January 3, 2026 at Casey's Center in Des Moines, Iowa. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jasey Bradwell/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
One of the primary reasons for the Wolves hanging around in the playoff picture has been the improved play of Jules Bernard. The aforementioned losses of Pullin and Newton have thrust a ton of opportunity onto Bernard’s shoulders.
The most noticeable changes have been his huge scoring uptick and increased efficiency at all three levels. I was skeptical of his ability to be the lead guard due to his tendency to force up tough shots. However, he’s proven to be more than capable. His new found stroke from deep hasn’t stopped him from continuing to punish the paint with his physicality.
When looking at just the regular season, Bernard is second in the G League in total points scored behind just Tristen Newton (Fourth in points per game). The freshly turned 26-year-old has had a couple brief stints in the NBA before, but it looks like he is making quite the case for another shot if he keeps this play up.
DES MOINES, IA - JANUARY 3: Alize Johnson #24 of the Iowa Wolves handles the ball during the game against the Sioux Falls Skyforce on January 3, 2026 at Casey's Center in Des Moines, Iowa. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jasey Bradwell/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Alize Johnson has continued to be a rock for this Iowa Wolves team. You would expect nothing less from the soon-to-be 30-year-old veteran. Often times when things bog down for Iowa, they turn to Johnson to get things going.
The results are usually good.
At this point, we know what Johnson excels at. He’s an aggressive rebounder. A plus passer playing in a point-forward role. An effective paint scorer despite lacking positional size. However, the one thing that should raise the eyebrows of scouts is his developing three-point shot. Johnson’s career history is littered with low to sub 30% seasons on low volume from perimeter.
This season?
November: 0.6 3PM / 2.4 3PA (26.3%)
December: 1.4 3PM / 3.6 3PA (37.5%)
January: 1.8 3PM / 4.3 3PA (42.3%)
Is someone developing a three-point shot like this at age 30 believable and sustainable? Maybe. Was his January numbers boosted by an anomalous eight for eight display? Sure. But this is certainly something to keep track of as Johnson looks to make one final run at landing a NBA contract.
DES MOINES, IA - JANUARY 18: Nate Santos #1 of the Iowa Wolves dribbles the ball during the game against the Long Island Nets on January 18, 2026 at Casey's Center in Des Moines, Iowa. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jasey Bradwell/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
If the Wolves had a “little fish gets eaten by a big fish, eaten by a bigger fish” graphic, it would look something like Nate Santos gets eaten by Jules Bernard, who gets eaten by Zyon Pullin.
They’re all stout, bulky guards who aren’t necessarily elite at any one skill, but can do a little of everything at a mediocre level.
There’s some different shades of skills they possess. On one end, you have Pullin who’s elite in the paint and not as much of a perimeter threat, then you have Santos who’s more of a perimeter threat and not as effective inside the arc.
The 24-year-old stands at six foot, seven inches (Don’t do it) so he has a bit of size to him. Santos was a four year college player for Pittsburgh and Dayton before going undrafted in 2025. He played for the Orlando Magic summer league squad before getting picked up by Iowa. The losses in the backcourt have thrust Santos into a larger role in 2026, and he’s responded.
The Puerto Rican native has been a much needed floor spacer for a Wolves team that is bottom five in the league in both three-point makes and attempts. He’s been in a little bit of a drought in the last three games, but prior to that, he was ripping nets at a crisp 45.6% mark from distance, on volume, in January.
He has potential to be a 3&D prospect to keep an eye on.
Tune in at the end of February for our next Eyes on Iowa update! If you don’t want to truly commit as a sicko by watching full Iowa Wolves games live, you can just follow me on BlueSky for occasional videos and updates.
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 30: Yimi García #93 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches during their MLB game against the Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre on April 30, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Yimi García is a 35-year-old, right-handed relief pitcher.
The Blue Jays signed him to a two-year contract before the 2022 season, but then traded him to the Mariners in July of 2024, getting Jacob Sharp, a minor league catcher who hit .161/.271/.206 for the Fisher Cats last year, and Jonatan Clase, who we talked about a few days ago.
Then, the Jays signed him as a free agent again, in December of 2024, giving him $7.5 million a year for two years.
2025 didn’t go well for him. He went on the IL with right-shoulder impingement at the end of May, returned to the team on July 2nd, and then went on the IL again on July 5th, missing the rest of the season.
In the moments he was on the active roster, he pitched in 22 games, with a 3.86 ERA, 3 saves and 6 holds (he has 58 in his time with the Jays, and 90 in his career).
Yimi is one of those rare relievers who throws a lot of pitches. In 2024 he threw six pitcher:
Four Seamer: 37.3% of the time, 96.5 mph.
Curve: 19.5%
Sinker: 15.8%, 95.8 mph.
Sweeper: 13.1%
Changeup: 9.5%.
Slider: 4.7 %
It seems like a lot of pitches for a guy who has only made one start in his career. Generally, relievers (and their pitching coaches) will pick their two or three pitches most effective pitches and go with those. By wOBA, the Sweeper was his most effective pitch in 2024, in 2025 it was the curve.
Yimi was as good against lefty batters (.162/.279/.270) as righties (.179/.304/.256). In his career he’s been a fair bit better against RHB (.620 OPS, vs .719).
Steamer doesn’t think Yimi’s injury issues are going to carry over to 2026. It expects Garcia to pitch in 60 games, with a 3.60 ERA, 4 saves and 11 holds.
NEW YORK (AP) — Speedskater Erin Jackson and bobsledder Frank Del Duca have been chosen as the U.S. flagbearers for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony on Friday.
Jackson, 33, is the first Black woman to win an individual gold medal at a Winter Games. Del Duca, a 34-year-old Army sergeant, is the first bobsledder in 70 years to carry the flag into an opening ceremony.
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee announced the names on Tuesday. It's the third Olympics for Jackson, the second for Del Duca.
“Being chosen to represent the United States on the world stage is a tremendous honor,” Jackson said. “It’s a moment that reflects far more than one individual — it represents my family, my teammates, my hometown, and everyone across the country who believes in the power of sport. The Olympics remind us of the power of sport to connect and inspire, and I’m proud to carry that forward on the Olympic stage.”
Del Duca, with deep Italian roots, finds the opportunity especially meaningful as the games are in Italy. The opening ceremony will be unique, with events spread across several Italian cities.
U.S. bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor was picked to carry the American flag into the opening ceremony at the 2022 Beijing Olympics but tested positive for COVID-19 — forcing the postponement of her flag-carrying chance until the closing ceremony of those Winter Games. She was replaced at the Beijing opening by speedskater Brittany Bowe, and this time, it’s Jackson’s turn to have that moment.
New Jersey Devils - 28-25-2 - 49 Points - 3-6-1 in the last 10 - Lost 1 - 7th in the Central
Columbus Blue Jackets - 27-20-7 - 61 Points - 9-1-0 in the last 10 - Won 5 - 4th in the Metro.
Team Notes Per CBJ PR
Columbus has won a season-high five-straight games, as well as nine of its past 10 games overall, while outscoring opponents 39-26 since Jan. 11 following its 5-3 victory at St. Louis on Saturday.
CBJ lead the NHL in points pct. (.900) and rank fifth in goals for/game (tied, 3.90), team save percentage (tied, .909) and power play pct. (30.4) as well as sixth in goals-against/game (2.60) over that stretch.
The Blue Jackets finished 10-4-1 (21 pts) in January, tying for the most wins (2014, 2025) and points (2025) in the month in club history.
The club has scored the opening goal in eight of the past 10 games and has scored the first goal in 32 contests, tied or third-most in the NHL in 2025-26.
Columbus leads the NHL in goals by defensemen and ranks fourth in points with 41-97-138 in 54 contests.
CBJ play their 11th of 16 back-to-back sets of the season (12-5-3 .675 pts. pct;) at New Jersey and vs. Chicago.
Player Notes Per CBJ PR
Charlie Coyle has notched 9-5-14 in the last 10 contests and ranks second-T in the NHL in goals since Jan. 11. He has 15 goals, 24 assists, and 39 points.
Adam Fantilli has collected points in three of the last four contests (1-4-5) and is one assist shy of tying his single-season career high (23, 2024-25). He has 13 goals, 22 assists, and 35 points.
Jet Greaves (5-0-0, 2.47 GAA, .914 SV%) and G Elvis Merzlikins (4-1-0, 2.49 GAA, .910 SV%) have each won four games for the Blue Jackets since Jan. 11.
Kirill Marchenko has points in four-straight games (1-4-5) and is tied for the team lead in scoring since Dec. 22, while recording points in 15 of the last 19 contests (9-11-20). He has 19 goals, 27 assists, and 46 points.
Zach Werenski posted the second-most assists and points by a Blue Jacket in a single month (Panarin, 8-17-25, Mar. 2018) with 5-15-20 in 15 games in January. He leads NHL blueliners in goals (tied, 19), points (60), multi-point efforts (20), points-per-game (1.20), even strength goals (16), even strength points (44) and shots on goal (179) this season. He leads all Blue Jackets in goals, assists, and points.
Blue Jackets Stats
Power Play - 20.1% - 17th in the NHL
Penalty Kill - 76.5% - 28th in the NHL
Goals For - 167 - 18th in the NHL
Goals Against - 176 - 22nd in the NHL
DevilsStats
Power Play - 21.4% - 14th in the NHL
Penalty Kill - 78.6% - 20th in the NHL
Goals For - 142 - 28th in the NHL
Goals Against - 169 - 16th in the NHL
Series History vs. TheDevils
Columbus is 30-23-1-3 all-time, and 13-10-1-3 on the road in New Jersey.
The Blue Jackets are 3-9-1 in the last 13 games vs. the Devils.
The Jackets are 1-2-0 against New Jersey this season.
The road team has won the first three meetings of the 2025-26 series and has earned points in eight of last 10 matchups (7-2-1).
The winning team has recorded four or more goals in 10 of the last 15 meetings overall since Jan. 8, 2022, and five of the past six at Prudential Center since Oct. 30, 2022.
The teams have combined for seven or more goals in each of the past three contests at New Jersey.
The teams have combined for 65 shots or less in seven of the last nine matchups overall.
Who To Watch For TheDevils
Nico Hischier leads the Devils with 18 goals and 41 points.
Jesper Bratt leads NJ with 27 assists.
Goalie Jacob Markstrom is 15-12-1 with a SV% of .881.
Jake Allen is 12-13-1 with a SV% of .907.
CBJ Player Notes vs.Devils
Zach Werenski has 11 points in 26 career games vs. the Devils.
Sean Monahan has 27 points in 22 games.
Charlie Coyle has 13 points in 37 games against New Jersey.
Injured Reserve
Brendan Smith - Lower Body - Missed 16 Games IR - Out for the rest of the regular season.
TOTAL MAN GAMES LOST: 151
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NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 18: Francisco Alvarez #4 of the New York Mets looks on from the dugout during the game between the San Diego Padres and the New York Mets at Citi Field on Thursday, September 18, 2025 in New York, New York. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
This post is part of a series of daily questions that we’ll ask the community here at Amazin’ Avenue throughout the month of February. We hope you find the questions engaging and that our prompts can spark some fun conversations in the comments. We’ll see you there and plan to have staff chiming in, too.
Which Mets player could surprise us with a 3-4 win season?
That’s been the feeling around the Florida Panthers this season as the injury issues continue to pile up.
Already missing key forwards Brad Marchand and Anton Lundell, the Panthers saw another one of their vital pieces come out of a game with an injury.
Center Sam Bennett left Monday’s 5-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres after the first period and did not return.
“It seems like somebody is getting injured every night,” said Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk. “I feel for him, that’s not ideal going out with an injury that early (in the game).”
He played seven shifts during the first period, logging 5:11 of ice time and going 2-for-4 in the faceoff circle.
Afterwards, Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice did not have much of an update on Bennett’s injury.
“We’ll just leave it as upper-body,” Maurice said. “We’ll get a better handle on it tomorrow.”
If that sounds familiar, it’s because Maurice has given similar evaluations for many of Florida’s injured players this season.
The good news is that the NHL is about to take a league-wide pause during the 2026 Winter Olympics, giving players who aren’t participating a few weeks to rest and heal for the late-season push toward the playoffs.
The bad news is that Florida picked a horrible time to go on a losing streak and have all but fallen out of contention for a playoff spot.
Following Monday’s loss to Buffalo, the Panthers are now nine points behind Boston for the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, and they’re 11 points back of Montreal for third place in the Atlantic Division, with one game in hand on both.
Florida has played 55 games, meaning they have only 27 remaining to make up all those points.
The next two outings for the Panthers, Wednesday against Boston and Thursday at Tampa Bay, are the only chances the Cats have to make up any ground before the Olympic break.
Adding Bennett to a Florida injured list that doesn’t seem to want to get any smaller is just the latest setback for the league’s back-to-back Stanley Cup Champs.
Without Bennett, the Panthers are now down all of their starting centers: Sasha Barkov, Bennett, Lundell and Tomas Nosek.
Surviving without key injured players is one challenge, but removing all of the center icemen on a team that plays a five-man defensive system like Florida is like trying to skate to the bench after your blade pops off the holder.
We'll see how things play out in the coming days and weeks, but the Panthers need to start piling up the points before its too late.
Photo caption: Nov 22, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (9) moves the puck against the Edmonton Oilers during the third period at Amerant Bank Arena. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)
The Montreal Canadiens were taking on the Minnesota Wild on Monday night in what promised to be a tough task. Both teams were 6-3-1 in their last 10 games and had won their previous three matches. Montreal was seventh in the league while Minnesota was fourth prior to puck drop, but the Wild had been the Canadiens’ pet peeve for a long time, before the Habs finally managed to beat them less than two weeks ago in Montreal.
For a fourth game in a row, Martin St-Louis gave the net to Jakub Dobes, who had won his last six games and was undefeated in regulation in his last nine games. The Czech netminder had played a massive role in the Canadiens’ last three wins, being named the second star of the game in each one.
While some are eager to point out that Brendan Gallagher doesn’t produce as much as he once did and that he gets hunched over on his stick much faster than he did in the past, there’s one thing that has never changed throughout the right wing’s career: his level of effort and dedication. On Monday night, the Alberta native was playing in the 890th game of his career with the Habs, and he decided to celebrate in style.
After the Wild had taken a 2-0 lead in the first frame, Gallagher found himself with the puck high up in the Wild’s zone, and John Hynes’ men didn’t try to close him down. The veteran took the space he was given and used it to beat both Quinn Hughes and Jonas Gustavsson, scoring a beautiful backhand goal, much like Jake Evans’ game-winning goal against the Vegas Golden Knights.
If you don’t respect Gallagher, he will hurt you. That goal gave the Canadiens a much-needed spark and was the first of three unanswered goals by the Habs. The 33-year-old doesn’t panic when his team is down; he keeps on working, grinding away. His combativity is second to none, and that’s the main reason why the coaching staff will hesitate to scratch him. He might have been a fifth-round pick, but his work ethic, effort, and dedication have always been first-class. The goal was point number 480 for Gallagher, who now trails Bobby Smith by two points for the 26th highest scorer in franchise history.
Timely Goals
The Canadiens’ first two goals were scored with less than a minute to go in the first two frames, the kind of goals that are an absolute gut-punch to the opposition. Too often this season, the Habs have given up an early goal that has taken their legs right from under them, and when the Wild scored 38 seconds in, some wondered if the early goal would send them down to the mat, but they got back up.
Better yet, after the Wild dominated the second frame, Montreal scored another late-period goal through Ivan Demidov on an exquisite Lane Hutson cross-zone pass and then followed it up with its own early goal to take its first lead of the game. It took Kirby Dach 12 seconds from the start of the period to get the puck past Gustavsson.
In the end, though, it was the Wild who scored the ultimate timely goal, with the overtime game-winner. While the Canadiens would have liked to see a penalty called on the play, Joel Eriksson-Ek was just standing his ground, and Nick Suzuki collided with him because he didn’t see him, so that wasn’t interference.
With this 4-3 overtime defeat, the Canadiens leave Minnesota with one point and remain in third place in the Atlantic division, one point ahead of the Buffalo Sabres, who beat the Florida Panthers on Monday night to keep the pressure on the Habs. It also means that the Panthers are now nine points out of a playoff spot, just like the Toronto Maple Leafs. As for the Ottawa Senators, they are now trailing the Boston Bruins by seven points, but they have a game in hand. Montreal now has roughly an 80% chance of making the spring dance and finds itself in a much more comfortable position than it was last season when the league entered the 4 Nations Face-Off break.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have won back-to-back games for the first time in almost a month.
It wasn't always pretty, especially as the Calgary Flames cut Toronto's lead to one in the second period. But the Maple Leafs held on to beat the Flames 4-2, winning both games against Calgary this season.
Monday’s win was also the Maple Leafs’ first regulation win since Jan. 10.
William Nylander stole the show. Joseph Woll came up massive when they needed him most. And the defense, which was missing Morgan Rielly — who's out until after the Olympic break with an upper-body injury — held up.
But first, let's discuss the game that was, between the Maple Leafs and Flames:
The William Nylander show
There wasn't a better play on the ice than Nylander.
It was the forward's second game back in the Maple Leafs' lineup after reaggravating a groin injury that forced him to miss seven games. He returned on Saturday night against the Vancouver Canucks and, while he didn't register a point, you could notice glimpses of the Swede returning to full form.
Nylander was in his final form against the Flames. As he always appears to be.
Entering Monday night's game, Nylander had an 11-game point streak against Calgary, the city where he was born. And it didn't take him long to find the 12th straight game with a point.
After John Tavares cut off a pass at Toronto's blue line, he sprang Nylander on a breakaway, with the forward making no mistake. He put it under Dustin Wolf's glove for his 18th goal of the year.
Back at it again was Nylander in the middle frame.
Just over seven minutes in, a loose puck was up for grabs behind Calgary's net. Morgan Frost appeared to have a handle on it before Nylander snuck up from behind, stripping Frost, and finding Matias Maccelli in front for a goal.
It was Nylander's second point of the game and Maccelli's eighth goal (and surprisingly, his first on the road) to put Toronto up 2-0.
And no, Nylander wasn't done there.
After some slick passing from Nylander, Auston Matthews, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, which concluded with a scoring chance for Matthews, the puck popped back out to Nylander. He found Troy Stecher with a great pass, and the defenseman slotted it into the pretty-much wide-open net.
In the third, he hit a post, set up a few scoring chances and, as he was for the entire first and second period, all over the place. Nylander finished with
Joseph Woll is getting a much-needed break
If there's anyone on the Maple Leafs who needs rest, it's Woll — especially after that third period against the Flames alone.
(And sure, the rest of Toronto's players, too.)
But Woll has started in 17 of the Maple Leafs' last 25 games. Zoom in a little further: Woll has been the starting goalie in 13 of the previous 17 games. Only two goaltenders have started in more games than Woll since Dec. 16: the Nashville Predators' Juuse Saros (18) and the Winnipeg Jets' Connor Hellebuyck (19).
On Monday, there wasn't much the 27-year-old could do on Nazem Kadri's goal, Calgary's first of the game. The former Maple Leafs forward went upstairs on Woll's short side.
Later in the period, after Woll couldn't control a rebound, the Flames' continued offensive pressure created another goal. Kadri, again, was involved; this time, finding Joel Farabee heading to the net.
Kadri's pass went off Farabee's skate and in, making it 3-2 for Toronto.
In the third period, Woll made a few incredible stops. None better than the one later in the game, after the puck took a weird bounce off the glass and went towards the net.
Woll, out of his crease, quickly got on his horse to get back and take a swipe at the puck as it approached the net. Luckily, Woll got his stick on it before Adam Klapka, whose swipe of the puck put it over the net.
Woll finished the game, stopping 28 of 30 shots and picking up his 13th win of the season.
Other takeaways
- Bobby McMann's empty-netter was his 18th goal of the year. He's now two goals shy of his career high in goals and three shy of his career high in points. If Toronto decides to move him before the trade deadline, it could bring them some good assets.
- Troy Stecher came up big for the Maple Leafs. He scored a goal and finished with 20:08 of ice time, the third-most among Toronto's players against the Flames. The defenseman continues to come up big for the club since being picked up on waivers in November.
- Easton Cowan should get into Tuesday's game against the Oilers. Not only is it the second half of a back-to-back, but he's got to play eventually, and what better test than against two of the league's best players? Cowan in for Calle Jarnkrok? Who says no?
As the offseason winds down and early-arriving players begin ramping up for the 2026 season, it’s your turn, once again, to ask us at VEB your most pressing questions as we head into spring training. The Cardinals were able to move all of their no-trade-clause-wielding players on the roster and added a couple of veteran pitchers with high-octane stuff, and there were many other small moves in between. What position battles are you most intrigued to watch unfold in spring camp? Who is going to hit lead off for the Cardinals in 2026? Which Cardinals have the most to prove in 2026? We’re eager to hear from you, and we haven’t completed a reader mailbag episode since the end of October, when Cardinals assistant GM and head of player performance Rob Cerfolio joined us to answer your most pressing offseason questions.
Leave your questions in the comments section, and we will be sure to answer them on the next episode of the Viva El Birdos Podcast! This post will also act as an open thread for the day.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - AUGUST 28: Randy Arozarena #56 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates with teammates after hitting a solo home run during the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at T-Mobile Park on August 28, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Mariners won 6-2. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
DRaysBay works best as a place for community and conversation. Accordingly, in the lead up to the new season, we are posting “Daily Questions” in the month of February. I look forward to seeing you in the comment section!
Which player has your unwavering belief? Forget the performance on the field yesterday, you have your eyes set on tomorrow, knowing they can deliver if given the chance.
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA - MARCH 2: Justin Crawford #80 of the Philadelphia Phillies participates in live batting practice prior to a spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles at BayCare Ballpark on March 2, 2025 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images
