MESA, ARIZONA - MARCH 23: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees warms up on deck during the first inning of the spring training game against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park on March 23, 2026 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Tomorrow is Opening Day. But tonight is baseball. Regular season baseball.
MLB is debuting Opening Night this year, with the Yankees and Giants opening their seasons against each other, all streamed through Netflix. It’s a double-blow to the traditionalists; not only are we getting a game before the proper start of the season, but it’s an interleague game, no less. It’s not exactly unprecedented— various international games have been played prior to Opening Day, and counted in the regular season standings. Still, it’s a change of pace.
In the days to come, we’ll have plenty of more serious, more pressing, more controversial questions to ask about the Phillies as their season takes shape. So let’s have a more casual question to end the offseason. What do you think about Opening Night?
BUFFALO, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 27: Michael Kesselring #8 of the Buffalo Sabres battles for position to screen Joonas Korpisalo #70 of the Boston Bruins with Hampus Lindholm #27 during an NHL game on December 27, 2025 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
Just the facts
When: Tonight, 7:30 PM
Where: KeyBank Center – Buffalo, NY
How to follow: TNT, HBO Max, NESN, 98.5 The Sports Hub
Tage Thompson: 36G-36A-72PTS; Rasmus Dahlin: 15G-50A-65PTS; Alex Tuch: 29G-30A-59PTS
Alex Lyon: 20-8-4, 2.64 GAA, .912 save percentage
Game notes
After what was probably their worst team-wide effort of the calendar year at home against the Maple Leafs on Tuesday, the Bruins are right back at it on Wednesday night, visiting the Atlantic-leading Buffalo Sabres.
Yes, the “Atlantic-leading” Buffalo Sabres! After some fits and starts at the beginning of the season, the Sabres have been on an absolute tear of late. Prior to the weekend’s games, they were on a near-historic run of 32-6-2 in their last 40 games and they’re 8-1-1 in their last ten.
The last of those games, however, was a loss, a 6-5 OT loss in Anaheim on Sunday night. That game wrapped up Buffalo’s West Coast trip, so tonight’s home game will be their first in Buffalo since March 14.
It feels like it’s been forever since these two teams played, with the last match-up coming shortly after Christmas, a 4-1 Sabres win in Buffalo. Prior to that, they played twice at TD Garden in the span of three weeks in October, both of which ended up Bruins wins.
For the Bruins, they’ll be looking for a far better effort than the one we saw at TD Garden Tuesday night. That game saw the Bruins disconnected, discombobulated, dysfunctional, dis-whatever else you can think of. They managed to stay in the game mostly because the Leafs are bad, but if they play that way tonight, it’ll be over before the end of the second period.
Josh Doan, acquired from Utah in the JJ Peterka trade last June, has been excellent for Buffalo this season. The 24-year-old has 23G-24A-47PTS in 71 games, far eclipsing his previous best output for Arizona/Utah. Doan is one of a handful of Sabres who have contributed invaluable depth scoring this season, along with guys like Noah Ostlund (11G), Josh Norris (10G), Sam Carrick (9G), and Logan Stanley (9G).
Alex Lyon has started the majority of Buffalo’s games this season, including their last game in Anaheim. He’s 6-0-1 in his last seven starts.
Barring a change of heart from Marco Sturm, Joonas Korpisalo will start tonight for the Bruins. He started two of the three games against Buffalo this season, winning at TD Garden and losing in Buffalo.
For a team with such a potent offense (4th in the NHL in GF/G), the Sabres have a surprisingly average power play, just 16th in the league.
With last night’s loss, the B’s margin of error in the playoff push has essentially evaporated. They’re still in the first wild card spot, one point ahead of Ottawa. However, they’re also just one point ahead of the New York Islanders and two points ahead of Detroit, so…buckle up!
On the other side of the coin, they’re only two points behind Montreal too, so who knows.
There won’t be any schedule-watching tonight, as the only other game on tap is between the Maple Leafs and the New York Rangers. Let’s hope the Leafs make it two wins in a row.
A broadcast note: while this game will be broadcast on TNT, it should also be shown locally on NESN, per both the NHL website and a NESN broadcast schedule. While the Celtics are playing tonight as well, they got bumped to 105.7, so the B’s will be on The Sports Hub.
Nov 24, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) drives against Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner (3) in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images | Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
The Milwaukee Bucks wrap up their four-game West Coast road trip against the Portland Trail Blazers tonight at Moda Center. Embarrassed by Brook Lopez and Los Angeles Clippers on Monday, the Bucks look for better fortune against another former franchise icon, Jrue Holiday. But the task will be anything but easy against a Trail Blazers team that has won four out of its past five. The Bucks and Blazers have played once already this season, with the Blazers claiming a 115-103 victory behind 35 points—including 16/19 free throws!—from Jerami Grant.
Where We’re At
Prior to the Clippers game, I likened the Bucks’ season to Cormac McCarthy’s TheRoad. As it turns out, I may have been too kind. Down by as many as 46 points against the Clippers, things looked bleaker than ever. Ryan Rollins and Ousmane Dieng, saviours against the Phoenix Suns, tied for a team-worst—and personal season-worst—plus/minus (-37), while committing five and four turnovers, respectively. And after several minutes-long stretches where the Bucks couldn’t buy a basket, Cam “I’m a bucket” Thomas’ waiving just hours earlier seemed cruelly poetic. On the plus side, Pete Nance’s conversion to a standard, multi-year NBA contract is well deserved and a testament to the work he’s put in all year long (and prior to that). Additionally, Gary Trent Jr. (20 points, six threes) had his most prolific outing since dropping 20 points against the Brooklyn Nets in December.
The Blazers, meanwhile, have put themselves in the thick of play-in action. Currently sitting ninth, just half a game behind the Clippers, Portland has benefited from a career-year from Deni Advdija (24.1 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 6.7 APG), internal growth from the likes of Donovan Clingan (12.4 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 1.7 BPG), and the steady veteran presence of Holiday (15.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 6.7 APG). Most recently, they demolished the Brooklyn Nets 134-99 behind 35 points (9/11 from three) from 2024-25 All-Defensive Second Teamer Toumani Camara and 15 rebounds and a season-high seven blocks from Clingan.
Injury Report
For the Bucks, Giannis (Left Knee; Hyperextension; Bone Bruise), Kevin Porter Jr. (Right Knee; Synovitis) and Gary Harris (Left Groin; Contusion) are out. Kyle Kuzma (Right Achilles; Soreness) and Bobby Portis (Right Wrist; Sprain) are questionable.
For the Blazers, Damian Lillard (Left Achilles Tendon; Injury Management), Shaedon Sharpe (Left Fibula; Stress Reaction), and Yang Hansen (G League – On Assignment) are out. Jerami Grant (Left Foot; Soreness), Vit Krejci (Left Calf; Contusion), and Robert Williams III (Left Knee; Injury Management) are all questionable.
Player to Watch
Hours after the world discovered Pete Nance’s contract conversion, he put up a career-high-tying 12 field goal attempts (in a team-high 32 minutes). Granted, the game was over early, and it’s not within Nance’s character to suddenly become a gunner. Still, it will be interesting to see how Nance’s new contract—and the security that comes with it—impacts his overall play. Even more interesting is how Nance’s role evolves moving forward. Does Nance remain in his current role, handy but often out of the rotation when everyone is healthy, or do the Bucks envision him as something more and look to simulate that for the remainder of the season? Either way, Nance has earned his spot, making the most of the minutes he has played—13.3 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.1 APG, and 1.4 stocks per 36 minutes, while shooting 55% from the field and 47% from three.
How To Watch
Tune in at 9:00 p.m. CDT on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin.
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - MARCH 12, 2026: Connelly Early #71 of the Boston Red Sox looks on during the third inning of a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at Lee Health Sports Complex on March 12, 2026 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
The Red Sox rotation is set. Garrett Crochet will start the season opener on Thursday in Cincinnati, Sonny Gray will then take the hill for game 2 on Saturday, and in what was a pretty significant announcement today, Connelly Early will get the ball for the series finale on Sunday. From there, Ranger Suarez, the biggest signing of the offseason will start game 4 in Houston on Monday, and Brayan Bello will round out the first swing around the carousel on Tuesday.
Because of a combination of factors, including Suarez’s schedule for Team Venezuela in the WBC and certain matchups in Cincinnati and Houston, the bottom two slots in the rotation were actually filled in before the game 3 starter was determined for Sunday. But this morning, Rob Bradford broke the news that filled in the final piece of the puzzle:
Connelly Early will start Game 3. Oviedo will be in the bullpen.
So this is the part of the proceedings where I have to admit I was completely wrong and give my “mea culpa.”
As recently as this month, I was convinced the Red Sox were going to give this rotation spot to Johan Oviedo and send Connelly Early down to Worcester for at least 35 days to start the season to squeeze an extra year of control out of him. This is what a team operating as a “good business” would do. And quite frankly, the Red Sox have operated too much like a good business and not enough like a good baseball team over the last five years.
But I’m happy to report, I was completely wrong! Connelly Early came into camp ready to be a major leaguer, forced the issue by looking great every outing, and the Red Sox, to their credit, rewarded him with the rotation spot on Sunday. Good on everyone (except me)!
This is so refreshing on multiple levels. First of all, there are few things better in life than when young guys on your team enter the mix and prove they can be legit pieces on a potential future championship core. Early is in the process of doing that right now, and I can’t wait to see what he looks like on Sunday as he continues on that journey.
Secondly, and this might be even more important in the grand scheme of things, the Red Sox are acting like a baseball franchise concerned with winning baseball titles immediately. For years, there’s been this eye on tomorrow, and an overall general sense of trying to accumulate as many assets as possible that will eventually be turned out on the world someday.
Well, finally, that someday is today! The Red Sox are putting their best possible rotation on the mound from day one. The Red Sox are trying to get in first place in the division race as quickly as possible and put pressure on everybody else. The Red Sox are acting like a team that knows they have Garrett Crochet in his prime and if they post one of the two best records in the AL they get to go straight to the LDS round where he can pitch twice in five games. This is the type of stuff winning baseball teams do.
Even more impressive might be their decision to not start Oviedo in the rotation. Remember, the Red Sox traded Jhostynxon Garcia (The Password) for Oviedo just three months ago. It would have been so easy for them to say “well, this is the guy we liked in December so this is the guy we’re going to roll with out of the gate now.” Instead, they treated the outings between him and Early like a real competition, and awarded the job based on merit. And yes, I know this is exactly what they’re supposed to be doing, but in a world where things like this are increasingly not the case, it just so refreshing to see it play out this way.
Here’s another benefit for the Red Sox in handing the ball to Early: I’m now specifically extra pumped up to watch Sunday’s game to see him pitch — And I can’t imagine I’m alone in this position either. If that’s true, the Sox have just created a whole additional layer of buzz around this team and really turned Opening Day into Opening week.
Just think about what we’ve got on tap now: Opening Day and Garett Crochet in the Thursday game, our first look at Sonny Gray in a Red Sox uniform in the second game on Saturday, Connelly Early and the newfound buzz in the third, and then the big winter signing in Ranger Suarez in the fourth. After that, Crochet, is coming around again for game 6 in Houston, and the home opener is slated for game 7. That’s a tremendous lineup, and it makes me more excited for the start of a Red Sox season than I’ve been in a long, long time.
The Mets' fortunes have swung wildly over the last four seasons, taking their fans on a roller coaster ride of emotions.
In 2022, the team was dominant until it wasn't, faltering just enough late to squander the NL East title before bowing out with a whimper in the Wild Card Series at Citi Field after winning 101 games.
The 2023 squad struggled to the point where there was a midseason sell-off, with Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander among those shipped out.
In 2024, the Mets went on a somewhat miraculous run to the NLCS, sneaking into the playoffs before beating the Brewers in the Wild Card Series, vanquishing the Phillies in the NLDS, and ultimately falling to the mighty Dodgers in the NLCS.
Then came 2025, when New York went from having the best record in baseball on June 12 to out of the playoffs, after a slow burn of a collapse that culminated with them being eliminated on the final day of the season because they couldn't beat the Marlins
It's possible the Mets would've broken up their core even if the 2025 club snuck into the postseason, but their clear flaws and ultimate failure helped give president of baseball operations David Stearns cover to truly transform the roster -- putting his stamp on it in the process.
With the dust settled, Pete Alonso, Edwin Diaz, Brandon Nimmo, and Jeff McNeil are no longer in New York.
The new faces include Freddy Peralta, Bo Bichette, Devin Williams, Jorge Polanco, Luis Robert Jr., and Marcus Semien.
Stearns adding Peralta, Bichette, and Robert late in the offseason gave a serious jolt to a team that was very much incomplete until their arrivals. And, to this writer, resulted in the 2026 Mets having a better roster than the one they opened the 2025 season with.
How will that play out on the field?
Here is our preview and prediction for the 2026 season...
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) throws a pitch during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. / Reinhold Matay - Imagn Images
There are some question marks in the middle and back end, including the health/effectiveness of Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea (who will start the season in a piggyback role). But Senga's stuff was eye-opening in spring training, with his fastball regularly hitting the high-90s. Meanwhile, Clay Holmes and David Peterson should again be solid contributors.
What could help set the 2026 rotation apart from the 2025 one that faltered badly is the quality depth, which includes Christian Scott, Jonah Tong, and Jack Wenninger, and could eventually include Jonathan Santucci.
Stearns said shortly after the 2025 campaign ended that he wasn't aggressive enough in addressing the rotation's shortcomings during the season, so it shouldn't be a surprise if he turns to one of New York's intriguing depth options quickly should someone in the majors falter.
The offense should be formidable, though a bit different without Alonso's game-changing power.
However, while the Mets might not hit as many homers as they did in 2025, they should be better when it comes to making contact (with Bichette and Polanco helping to lead the way there).
A potential top-four of Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, Bichette, and Polanco could give opposing pitchers fits. And while the rest of the lineup isn't as established, both Brett Baty (111 OPS+ in 2025) and Francisco Alvarez (122 OPS+ in 2025) are coming off career years.
A wild card is Carson Benge, who looked the part in spring training and will likely be eased in by hitting in the bottom of the lineup.
The New York Mets' Carson Benge rounds the bases after hitting a home run against Israel in a spring training game, March 4, 2026, at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie. Mets won 5-2. / CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Mets should also be better defensively, due in large part to Gold Glover Semien at second base and Gold Glover Robert in center field.
Yes, Polanco is learning first base and Bichette is learning third base.
In the case of Bichette, he's a tireless worker and just the latest shortstop to make the transition to third. As far as Polanco, he is a former shortstop and has been getting acclimated to his new position since late last season. He's also replacing Alonso, who was near the bottom of the league last season when it came to both range and arm strength.
If there's one area of the roster that is a bit of a question mark, it's the bullpen.
Without Diaz, it will be Williams closing games. He's coming off a relatively down 2025, but his underlying metrics and stuff last season suggest his struggles were fluky.
Helping anchor the back end of the 'pen will be Luke Weaver and Brooks Raley, and the return of A.J. Minter (perhaps in the beginning of May) should be a big help.
Still, it feels like the relief corps might be one late-inning arm short. Maybe that arm arrives in the form of hard-throwing prospect Ryan Lambert sooner rather than later.
The Mets will make the playoffs if...
New York has all the pieces to not only make the postseason, but win a tough NL East over the Phillies and Braves.
The prediction here is that the Braves will rebound after a rough 2025, but will be held back a bit by their injury-riddled rotation. When it comes to the Phillies, their hopes could hinge on the health of Zack Wheeler, who is working his way back from thoracic outlet surgery.
Getting back to the Mets, it's easy to envision their starting rotation being a strength, especially at the top. If it is, the wins should follow.
Meanwhile, the offense should be very good, and could go up a notch if Robert finds his stroke and/or Benge makes an immediate impact.
The Mets will also be in very strong position if their top arms in Triple-A excel and force their way up, with two of them -- Tong and Scott -- having tantalizing upside.
New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) celebrates withright fielder Juan Soto (22) after hitting a solo home run during the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citi Field. / Vincent Carchietta - Imagn Images
The Mets will miss the playoffs if...
For a team like the 2026 Mets that has undergone so many changes, it's always possible things simply don't mesh.
Injuries could also play a factor. Even this early, it's fair to keep an eye on the diminished velocity of Manaea.
Beyond that, while McLean has some of the best stuff in the league, a lot is being put on him to help lead the rotation this soon. A scenario exists where he doesn't perform quite as well as expected, which would put a crimp in the rotation.
Then there's the bullpen, which seems a bit light and is relying on a bounce back from Williams.
In a National League that should have the Mets, Phillies, Braves, Cubs, Reds, Brewers, Dodgers, Padres, and others fighting for six playoff spots, some good teams will miss out.
Final record and playoff prediction
93-69 First place in NL East
The Mets will finish with the second-best record in the NL (behind the Dodgers), earning a bye to the NLDS.
In the NLDS, New York will defeat the Cubs.
In the NLCS, the Mets will beat the Padres.
New York's run will come to an end in the World Series, where they'll fall to the Mariners.
The lab is first and foremost a place where we get to learn more about baseball. As much as I would love to pass myself off as an expert in all things, that would be the height of hubris and would deprive all of us the opportunity to avail ourselves of genuine expertise. As most of you know, Jimmy Price has been contributing here at the Crawfish Boxes for some time. He also has his individual venture called Astros Future. I wanted to learn more about the process of evaluating younger players and how statistics are used to predict which minor leaguers will make it and which ones won’t. Jimmy seemed like the perfect resource to tap into.
The Crawfish Boxes: Most dedicated fans know about the five tools. Has there ever been consideration of adding plate discipline as a sixth tool or should it be folded into the hit tool?
Jimmy Price: Great question. I think it is built into the hit tool right now. If a guy has big power but poor pitch selection, his hit tool will falter. But if someone has great plate discipline and selection, their hit tool could still fall if they don’t make enough contact. I love the idea of rating on just plate discipline.
TCB: As a scouting expert, how do you integrate in person scouting accounts with statistical or empirical evidence?
JP: Definitely no expert here.. but in person you get to see more and hear more. The sound of the bat, pitches, etc. You get a better feel for movement defensively. I think it’s important to look at both. What you see in person and what the statistics say.
TCB: As someone that focuses on minors and amateur baseball, which numbers do you trust the most in predicting future success?
JP: A few numbers I like to look at… for pitchers, I like to look at BAA. We see prospects have poor command but that is something that can be improved. If your pitches are hard to square up, that’s a good trait to have. For hitters, I’m a big fan of plate discipline. I like to look at BB/SO ratio but then look at their swinging strike percentage. Plate discipline is good but when you decide to swing, you have to be able to make contact.
TCB: The current regime seems to be collecting toolsy guys that have some swing and miss issues. Is this by design or is it a function of picking lower in the first round and limited bonus pool money?
JP: I think this might just be the preference for Dana Brown and his crew. Power is hard to teach but I am sure the Astros feel with some tweaks they can make adjustments to help prospects make more contact, or make better swing decisions. Raw tools are a gift that can’t be replicated.
TCB: Who are three or four names you are excited to see this year in the Houston system?
JP: I would start with Cole Hertzler. I think he is a breakout candidate and may win pitcher of the year in the system. Anthony Huezo is another who had a solid 2025 season and will now be a full-season player. Xavier Neyens will get some actual in-game action which will be great to watch. Lastly I would say Ethan Frey. Great numbers last year and I think he has a chance to be a fast riser.
I definitely want to thank Jimmy for joining us here In The Lab. It probably won’t be the last time we tap into him. I know it is shameless cross promotion, but this is an important year for the Astros in terms of their minor league system. The Astros received an extra pick because Hunter Brown finished in the top three in the Cy Young vote and they received a compensation pick because Framber Valdez signed with the Detroit Tigers. Those extra picks also bring extra bonus pool money that will give the Astros some flexibility in signing their draftees. As we get closer to June, make sure to keep tabs on what Jimmy is doing so that you can be plugged into the Astros draft.
JUPITER, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 27: Freddy Peralta #51 of the New York Mets throws a pitch during a spring training game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium on February 27, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Meet the Mets
The Mets will be wearing a memorial patch on their jerseys for Davey Johnson this season.
The New York Transit Museum will be running a vintage 7 Line train to Mets-Willet Point Thursday morning in honor of Opening Day.
Carson Benge had an excited (and colorful) reaction to being called up to the major league roster.
Mike Puma of the New York Post has predicted that the Mets will triumph over the Mariners in this year’s World Series, and hopefully he has the same success as last season’s predictions.
In fact, the whole New York Post staff made their various 2026 predictions.
The SNY staff made their own predictions for 2026 playoff teams, postseason results, and more.
Laura Albanese paid tribute to her love of baseball, which is deeper than the usual reasons, and graded the Mets’ positions ahead of the start of the season.
Freddy Peralta might be the glue guy the Mets have desperately needed.
A few years ago, Brooks Raley would’ve never believed New York to be his long-term home, but he enters 2026 as the longest-tenured Mets reliever.
After years of criticism about paying too much homage to the former Brooklyn Dodgers and not enough to the history of the team it homes, Citi Field has finally come into its own as the home of the New York Mets.
Around the National League East
The Braves have already run into a roster issue before the season has even started: they might have run the well dry on major league pitching before a single regular season game has been played.
The Marlins have signed outfielder Austin Slater to a major league contract.
The Yankees traded infielder Zack Short to the Nationals for cash.
Around Major League Baseball
After praising employees for speaking up about misconduct, the Detroit Tigers forced a whistleblower out of the organization.
ESPN has a full 2026 offseason chaos guide, to help fans prepare ahead of the start of the season.
The Brewers have traded minor league pitcher K.C. Hunt to the Rays for pitcher Jake Woodford.
Former Met Joey Lucchesi has signed with the Angels and is expected to make their roster.
The new rules for first and third-base coaches has them standing potentially in harm’s way.
Pete Crow-Armstrong has officially signed a six-year, $115 million extension with the Cubs, buying out the rest of his years of team control and then some.
The so-called “robot umps” are coming, and they’re cool, but they’re certainly not perfect.
Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue
The staff here at Amazin’ Avenue made some bold predictions for the upcoming 2026 season.
Linda Surovich wrote about the potential of Luke Weaver to dominate in the Mets’ remade bullpen this season.
Linus Lawrence brought us the Final Four of Mets Madness and previewed the championship matchup.
Linus also asked the question most Mets fans are worrying about in the bullpen: which Devin Williams is the one the Mets signed to a three-year deal this offseason?
Brian Salvatore previewed Brooks Raley’s 2026 season.
This Date in Mets History
Today is the birthday of two well-known Mets, one whose Mets tenure was famous and another’s whose tenure was more infamous.
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 10: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros looks on during a spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on March 10, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Sweet 16 is in the air in Houston.
It’s with the Houston Cougars at Toyota Center.
It’s with Jose Altuve stepping into the batter’s box on Opening Day as he embarks upon his 16th year. Many fans will recall his homer on Opening Day five years ago against the A’s.
Of course, every organizational great is rightfully judged by the likes of Craig Biggio, who would represent the city for two decades. In the icon’s 16th campaign, Biggio would post respectable numbers with 14 homers and 55 RBI, though the Astros would fall a game short of winning the old NL Central to the Chicago Cubs.
Speaking of Chicago, Ryne Sandberg was a model of consistency. His 16th season would be his last in the majors. One wonders what Ryno’s final career totals would’ve been had the last several weeks of the 1994 season and all of 1995 not been wiped out from the lockout.
Even more Hall of Famer second basemen would patrol the heart of the diamond in the Midwest, with careers of at least 16 years.
By year 16, Joe Morgan was in sharp decline. One of the main cogs of the Big Red Machine in Cincinnati was a shell of his former shelf by 1978, producing 57 less RBI than his 76′ campaign.
Lou Whitaker, separated from Morgan by some 250 miles in Motown, had a respectable 19 HR and 71 RBI in his 16th season with the Tigers. Sweet Lou played his entire 19-year career with Detroit, playing 1,918 games together with Alan Trammell.
Roberto Alomar collected Gold Gloves like Super Mario collects gold coins. An all-around player in his career, there was a three-year span in which Alomar would steal 157 bases. Along the way, he also played for seven clubs. If you can name all seven teams he played for, you’re better than most. In his 16th season, he had diminished power and speed, but he still had some decent at bats.
Robinson Cano’s 16th campaign was a nightmare. He’d appear in only 49 games, as suspensions would rain down for PED’s.
When #27 comes to the plate, take a moment to recognize his place among the greats, even at this stage of his amazing career. One day, he’ll join many of them in Cooperstown.
WEST PALM BEACH, FL - MARCH 12: Houston Astros outfielder Yordan Alvarez (44) smiles during a MLB spring training game against the Washington Nationals at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on March 12, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Astros fans, the wait is finally over. The long offseason has come to an end, and with it arrives something that never goes out of style, hope.
As Opening Day approaches, there’s a noticeable shift in the air. Months of dissecting roster flaws, questioning decisions, and wondering whether this team has done enough suddenly give way to something far more powerful: belief. It’s the annual reset button that baseball provides, where every team starts fresh and every fan dares to dream again.
Despite all the concerns that have been raised about this roster, the start of the season flips a switch. Suddenly, it’s easy to envision this lineup as a force, one capable of producing runs in bunches and carrying the team through tough stretches. There’s renewed confidence that the starting rotation, even with its heavy right-handed lean, can go deep into games and deliver consistent results.
In many ways, the Astros enter this season in a different and somewhat refreshing position. For years, they’ve been the hunted—the team every opponent circled on the calendar. Now, they find themselves among the hunters in the American League. The spotlight isn’t quite as harsh. The expectations, while still present, aren’t suffocating. Doubters and prognosticators have placed them squarely in the middle of the pack, creating an opportunity to exceed expectations rather than merely meet them.
That shift could prove valuable. Without a constant target on their backs, the Astros can focus on simply playing their game. And if they find success early, the narrative can quickly change, from overlooked contender to rising force.
No, this team may not match the dominance of the 2019 roster. But it doesn’t have to. What it does have is enough talent to compete, enough to stay in the mix for a playoff spot and potentially challenge for another division title. This isn’t a rebuilding club or a team destined for 100 losses. Far from it. With a solid foundation already in place, even a couple of key moves by general manager Dana Brown between now and the trade deadline could elevate this group into one of the better teams in baseball.
That’s the beauty of the sport. That’s why baseball endures. It offers something simple yet powerful: hope. The belief that, no matter the questions or uncertainties, there’s always a chance this could be the year.
And now, with first pitch drawing near, that feeling is back where it belongs.
As Thursday afternoon approaches, the excitement builds. The rhythms of daily baseball life return, from checking lineups, to following box scores, tuning in to broadcasts, and living and breathing every pitch. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, but it’s one fans are more than ready to run.
NEW YORK - CIRCA 1982: Lee Mazzilli #24 of the New York Yankees bats during an Major League Baseball game circa 1982 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. Mazzilli played for the Yankees in 1982. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) | Getty Images
While it is certainly common for players to play for multiple franchises in their career, more often than not, they are generally associated with one team. In the case of today’s birthday boy, that association is not with the Yankees. Lee Mazzili played 14 seasons in the majors, less than one of which came with the Yankees, but he did put together some good runs among the game’s best and later came back to coach.
Mazzilli celebrates his 71st birthday on Wednesday (no doubt delighted that it coincides with Opening Day), and though he is not necessarily remembered for his time in pinstripes, the former All-Star is the subject of today’s entry into the series. A long-time big league contributor and a World Series winner, Mazzili’s career is certainly worth recognizing.
Lee Louis Mazzilli Born: March 25, 1955 (New York, NY) Yankees Tenure: 1982 (also coached 2000-03, 2006)
Lee Mazzilli was a New Yorker through and through. He was born there, he was drafted out of Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, and is most known for his time with the Mets, while also, of course, dabbling with the Yankees.
He was selected by the Mets in the 1973 Draft, who had enough interest to take him in the first round, with the 14th overall pick. Three years later, Mazzilli was making his MLB debut with the ’76 squad. Although his 24 games that season weren’t anything to write home about, it was the beginning of a decade-and-a-half run in the Majors for Mazzilli, much of which would come with the team that drafted him.
The 22-year-old switch-hitter got his first chance at a starting job in 1977, taking the opportunity given to him by new player/manager Joe Torre and running with it. His production with the bat was forgettable, but he provided solid value as the Mets’ everyday centerfielder. A year later, Mazzilli would begin playing the best baseball of his career and saw his national profile grow — assisted by some natural good looks, to boot. It was just a shame for him that his prime came when the Mets were downright lousy.
From 1978 to 1980, Mazzilli put up three seasons of legitimate All-Star level play while manning one of the more important positions on the diamond. In each of those seasons, the budding star posted a 123 or better OPS+, hit at least fifteen homers, while slashing a combined .286/.374/.437. ‘79 would prove to be the best season of his career, as he posted career-bests with a 137 wRC+ and 4.7 fWAR, as he was elected to his lone All-Star team.
1981 saw a downturn for Mazzilli, as he played in just 95 games due to injury trouble, and when he was on the field, he produced at a below-average rate with the bat. Just before the start of the ’82 campaign, the Mets had decided it was time to move on, as they shipped him off in a trade to the Rangers. He played in 58 games, at roughly the same disappointing level he just had with the Mets, before being traded once again, this time to the Yankees in exchange for former fan favorite Bucky Dent.
Thus began Mazzilli’s Yankees run, though it would not be a particularly long or memorable run. He amassed 144 plate appearances with the Bombers, doing a nice job with them, homering six times and hitting to the tune of a respectable (and much improved) 113 OPS+. Those “Bronx Burner” Yankees were doomed from the jump however, cycling through three managers and finishing under .500 despite making it to Game 6 of the World Series the previous year. That would be the end of Mazzilli’s time playing in the Bronx, as he was traded to the Pirates in December, though not the end of his Yankee story entirely.
Mazzilli spent three decent seasons with Pittsburgh from 1983-85, before being released mid-season in 1986. it was a stretch that also included involvement in a cocaine-related controversy and trial. What likely seemed like a curse quickly turned into a blessing, as he was picked back up by the Mets and played some terrific baseball down the stretch. During the revitalization, he even added a pair of hits in five at-bats during the Mets’ victorious World Series that season. Mazzilli had endured some tough teams, but he was a champion at last.
Mazzili would play the next two seasons in Queens, to highly-varying degrees of success, with the ’88 season showing serious signs of decline. 1989 was ultimately the final season of his playing career, a year in which he played some solid ball split between time with the Mets and a final stop with the Blue Jays.
The above single capped off an up-and-down, but nonetheless impressive 14-year run in the majors. Mazzilli retired with 1,068 in his career, including 191 doubles and 93 homers, as well as 197 stolen bases.
Mazzilli had a few jobs away from baseball in the early 1990s, even appearing in an Off-Broadway show, Tony ’n’ Tina’s Wedding. But the game—and more specifically his old Mets skipper Joe Torre—called him back. Torre had just managed the Yankees to a World Series title in his first season and had the pull to recommend Mazzilli for a minor-league managerial opening in 1997. He accepted and spent two years running High-A Tampa and one with Double-A Norwich.
Soon, Mazzilli was on his way to join the big-league staff, as first-base coach José Cardenal departed Torre’s staff after 1999 due in part to a contract dispute. So Mazzilli took over at first and stayed in the position from 2000 to 2003, winning a World Series over his old Mets in that first year.
Mazzilli became a familiar face to young fans watching the dynasty’s final years of World Series glory, but he’d also built a name for himself as a possible managerial candidate. The Orioles chose him for the job in 2004, but his MLB managerial career lasted only a year and a half. Following a sub-.500 debut, Baltimore had an out-of-nowhere surge to 42-28 at the start of ’05, leading the AL East over the Yankees and Red Sox. From there, they went into an absolute tailspin, going 9-28 to tumble back to irrelevance. Mazzilli was fired on August 3rd after the O’s dropped their eighth in a row.
Mazzilli returned as the bench coach for Torre’s Yankees in 2006, only to be replaced the next year when the Yankees decided to hire Kevin Long as hitting coach and slide Mattingly to Torre’s side on the bench. He’s since worked for SNY and remained a presence in the New York sports scene, making some Old-Timers’ Day appearances as well. Mazzilli will be honored by the Mets in 2026, as he was voted into their most recent Hall of Fame class.
Although Mazzilli’s overall time with the Yankees was brief, his continued his involvement with the club went well beyond his playing days. Mazzilli was, at times, a very good big-league player, and though he won’t be remembered primarily as a Yankee, he certainly made his mark as a New York City native.
The only thing keeping the Golden State Warriors in the Play-In is the absolute trash heap beneath them in the standings.
They look for back-to-back wins for the first time in the Steph Curry injury run as they host the Brooklyn Nets, a team that’s lost eight straight and is already eliminated from playoff competition.
However, my Nets vs. Warriors predictions and free NBA picks have Brooklyn taking advantage of all those extra points against a Golden State team that is lost without Curry on Wednesday, March 25.
Moses Moody suffered a torn patellar tendon in a non-contact injury during the Dubs' OT win in Dallas on Monday, joining Jimmy Butler in the out-for-the-year gang.
Meanwhile, Steph Curry will miss his 23rd straight game. Golden State has gone 7-15 without Curry, and is just 8-14-0 against the spread in those games. The Warriors have also failed to cover in 10 of their last 11 home games.
The Brooklyn Nets aren't exactly a clean bill of health, with Noah Clowney, Danny Wolf, Michael Porter Jr., and Nolan Traore all out tonight.
Despite losing eight in a row, the Nets have gone 4-4-0 ATS.
The Warriors are just a shell of themselves without Curry, though, scoring just 111.4 points per game in the last 22 sans their star, the seventh-worst mark in the league.
The Dubs only have one win by 12 points or more during Curry's extended leave. Yes, Brooklyn is bad, but Golden State is not the team to bet on to exploit that.
Nets vs Warriors same-game parlay
Quite literally, where is the offense going to come from for the Warriors? Brandin Podziemski is the only player left standing who can create offense for himself or others, and is coming off a 20-point game against the Mavericks.
Kristaps Porzingis has hit at least two triples in four of his last six games, including last time out against Dallas. The other two games he missed the Over were by one make each.
Nets vs Warriors SGP
Nets +11.5
Brandin Podziemski Over 15.5 points
Kristaps Porzingis Over 1.5 made threes
Our "from downtown" SGP: Cobbling Together Points
It was a forgettable one against Dallas for De’Anthony Melton, who failed to score on 0-for-6 shooting, including 0-for-3 from downtown. But he’s shot well from distance against BK, nailing at least two in six of nine career games.
Ziaire Williams rounds out this SGP, and he’s been on one of his best scoring stretches this season, averaging 17 points in his last three games. He’ll top his 11.5 scoring line.
Nets vs Warriors SGP
Nets +11.5
Brandin Podziemski Over 15.5 points
Kristaps Porzingis Over 1.5 made threes
De'Anthony Melton Over 1.5 made threes
Ziaire Williams Over 11.5 points
Nets vs Warriors odds
Spread: Nets +11.5 (-105) | Warriors -11.5 (-115)
Moneyline: Nets +450 | Warriors -600
Over/Under: Over 215.5 (-110) | Under 215.5 (-110)
Nets vs Warriors betting trend to know
Golden State has failed to cover the spread in 10 of its last 11 home games. Find more NBA betting trends for Nets vs. Warriors.
How to watch Nets vs Warriors
Location
Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
Date
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
YES, NBCSBA
Nets vs Warriors latest injuries
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Mar 19, 2026; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) singles during the fourth inning against the New York Yankees at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
With the 2026 coming up on us quickly, let’s have our prediction thread.
1. Give us your guess for the winners in each division.
2. Wild Card teams?
3. Who makes it to the World Series, and who wins?
4. Who gets the major awards in each league? MVP, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year?
5. Pick a breakout Blue Jays player of the year.
6. Who is the biggest disappointment (can be a team or player)?
Los Angeles, CA - March 15 : Los Angeles Dodgers second basemen Miguel Rojas (72) seen in the dugout prior to the start of a MLB spring training game between the Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers at Angel Stadium on Sunday, March 22, 2026 in Anahiem , CA. (Photo by Ronaldo Bolaños/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Over a career spanning 12 seasons, Miguel Rojas has gone from an overlooked bench player in 2014 to hitting one of, if not, the most important home runs in Dodgers history.
Rojas’ legacy as a Dodger icon is now cemented, his ninth inning home run against Jeff Hoffman in Game 7 will be remembered for generations, and he can end his career knowing that his name will be attached to a pair of the most triumphant plays in baseball history. As Rojas enters the 13th and final season of his playing career, he has a lot to be grateful for.
Rojas spoke with Jack Oliver of Jomboy Media, known on social media as Jolly Olive, during the early parts of spring training as to how the veteran infielder feels about his final season. Rojas noted that he is eager to get every opportunity to play, not wanting to have his playing time reduced solely because of his age.
“This year, I have a different perspective, because I’m not afraid to empty the tank anymore. I’m going to have a conversation with Doc, and I’m going to tell him not to be afraid to put me in spots that he always kind of took care for me in the past… I’m going to tell him, ‘Hey, use me as much as you can. Don’t feel bad because I’m one of the veterans…’ I want to take every single opportunity, every single at-bat that I can, and help the team in any capacity.”
Rojas is coming off a remarkable spring where he slashed .362/.380/.532 with two home runs and eight RBI over 48 plate appearances, and with the recent demotion of Hyeseong Kim to Triple-A, he is the most likely candidate to get the starting nod at second base on Thursday.
Links
From one Japanese right-hander on the mound on Monday to another on Tuesday, Shohei Ohtani was masterful against his old team, pitching into the fifth inning while striking out 11 hitters in the Dodgers’ 3-0 loss to the Angels.
After his first full offseason to recover on both sides with the Dodgers, the benchmark for a healthy season is 25 starts for the two-way superstar, notes Courtney Hollman of MLB.com. Should he stay healthy as a part of a six-man rotation, he’s on pace to make 27 starts.
“I do see that as an important benchmark as a starting pitcher,” Ohtani said following his Arizona debut. “Ideally in a situation where everybody makes 25 starts. That’s the ideal situation.”
To little surprise, Ohtani was named as the early season favorite to win his third consecutive NL MVP award by Theo DeRosa of MLB.com.
Max Ralph of MLB.com writes about Kyle Tucker getting used to how the Dodgers celebrate hits, needing a quick 101 lesson from Miguel Rojas on the “hip-lock” celebration.
Welcome to this edition of the Vancouver Canucks post-game analytics report. This recurring deep dive breaks down the analytics behind each Canucks game as recorded by Natural Stat Trick. In this article, we look back on Vancouver’s most recent 5-3 loss to the Anaheim Ducks.
Despite falling on the scoresheet, the Canucks did win the analytics battle on Tuesday. Vancouver held a 32-25 even-strength scoring-chance advantage and won the even-strength high-danger scoring-chance battle 14-13. In the end, though, it wasn't enough as the Ducks skated away from Rogers Arena with a victory.
Looking at the heatmap, the Canucks struggled to protect the front of Kevin Lankinen's net. As for the offensive zone, Vancouver threw the puck at the net from everywhere. Overall, it was a high-event game with both teams testing the goaltenders as much as possible.
Vancouver Canucks vs. Anaheim Ducks, March 24, 2026, Natural Stat Trick
To wrap up Tuesday's loss, Jake DeBrusk had a strong night from an analytics perspective. During his 12:07 of even-strength ice time, the Canucks had a 7-2 shots advantage and won the even-strength scoring chances battle 8-4. DeBrusk also scored Vancouver's first goal and finished the game with four shots on net.
The Canucks wrap up their homestand on Thursday when they battle the L.A. Kings. Vancouver and L.A. will play three more times this season, with two being played at Rogers Arena. Game time is scheduled for 7:00 pm PT.
Mar 24, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Linus Karlsson (94) and forward Drew O'Connor (18) battle with Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas (7) in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 23: A general view of play between the Bay FC and the Washington Spirit at Oracle Park on August 23, 2025 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/NWSL via Getty Images) | NWSL via Getty Images
Good morning, baseball fans!
Today is Opening Day for the San Francisco Giants! And that is the best sentence I’ve both written and read in a long time. Every year, it feels like the season takes longer and longer to get here. But today, the long winter is over and baseball returns to Oracle Park.
As a reminder, today’s game will only be available on Netflix. And while that is a sentence I have written before, it was only in jest as a satirical statement on the state of streaming services nickle-and-diming us out of our regularly scheduled baseball broadcasts. Kind of a sour note to start the season on, in my opinion, but I guess that’s what we get for playing the New York Yankees in the first series. And also being the only game scheduled for today.
Regardless, we’ve got Giants baseball at Oracle Park today and that feels great!
If you’re heading to the game, make sure to keep us posted down in the comments! Also, to keep us occupied until first pitch, what are some of your favorite Opening Day traditions/memories?
What time do the Giants play today?
The Giants and Yankees play tonight at 5:05 p.m. PT.
