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2026 Willie McCovey Memorial Community Prospect List No. 32

Diego Velasquez throwing a baseball on the run.

Don’t look now, but pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training is really and truly right around the corner. In less than three weeks, San Francisco Giants will be descending upon Scottsdale, ready for a new season and all the hopes, dreams, and platitudes that come with it. We won’t be done with our Community Prospect List by then, but we’ll be getting fairly close.

We’re into the 30s now, and the next name on the list is someone who is likely in consideration to be a non-roster invitee next month: it’s second baseman Diego Velasquez, who has been named the No. 31 prospect in the system. That’s a drop of 15 spots for Velasquez, who was No. 16 in last year’s CPL.

Velasquez’s fall is less about his 2025 performance, and more about the increasing strength of the system … after all, a full third of the 30 names above him are new to the organization, while a sizable handful are players who weren’t even in consideration for last year’s CPL before breakout campaigns. While the Giants handled those breakouts and welcomed in those newcomers, Velasquez simply held serve with a full season at AA Richmond.

A switch-hitter who was signed out of Venezuela in 2021, Velasquez showed off his outstanding contact skills and control of the zone in 2025 with the Flying Squirrels, as he struck out just 14.3% of the time, while sporting a 12.4% walk rate (for context, those rates were ninth and 24th, respectively, out of the 58 Giants prospects with at least 200 plate appearances last year). Despite the strong contact skills, Velasquez’s batting average took quite a tumble in 2025, which he can’t really afford given his lack of power. He ended the year with a .256/.362/.315 line, for a .677 OPS and a 107 wRC+, while hitting two home runs and stealing 19 bases in 128 games.

It was a bit concerning seeing Velasquez move in the wrong direction statistically, after he ended 2024 with a late season promotion, and posted a .763 OPS and a 127 wRC+ in 42 games with Richmond. But adjustment periods have funny trajectories, and the positive side is that Velasquez remains on the young side. He turned 22 after the season ended, and spent the season playing in the Eastern League, where he was two-and-a-half years younger than his average peer.

One of the notable things about Velasquez’s season was that the Giants finally committed to him having a spot on one side of the bag only. Velasquez had spent most of his prospect career splitting time between second base and shortstop, with evaluators pegging him strictly as a second baseman. Perhaps the Giants took until 2025 to agree, or perhaps it was a logistical matter (Velasquez had a natural shortstop partner in Richmond in Aeverson Arteaga), but he played just one game at the six last year, while manning second base 123 times.

He’s a decent enough defender at second that a path exists for him to make the Majors … albeit a slim path, given his lack of positional versatility and, more damning, his almost complete lack of power. If his profile remains as an all-contact, no-power player, he’ll need everything to go right to have a sustained MLB career. But he is young, so maybe there’s a little extra power hiding in there somewhere.

Given his so-so season, and that the Giants should have Tyler Fitzgerald and Osleivis Basabe manning the middle of the diamond in Sacramento, I’d guess that Velasquez is slated for a return to Richmond in 2026, though a promotion isn’t out of the question. It could prove to be a critical year for him.

Now let’s add to the list! As a reminder, voting now takes place in the comment section.

The list so far

  1. Bryce Eldridge — 1B
  2. Josuar González — SS
  3. Jhonny Level — SS
  4. Bo Davidson — CF
  5. Dakota Jordan — CF
  6. Luis Hernandez — SS
  7. Gavin Kilen — SS
  8. Carson Whisenhunt — LHP
  9. Blade Tidwell — RHP
  10. Keyner Martinez — RHP
  11. Jacob Bresnahan — LHP
  12. Trevor McDonald — RHP
  13. Argenis Cayama — RHP
  14. Luis De La Torre — LHP
  15. Trevor Cohen — OF
  16. Jesús Rodríguez — C
  17. Parks Harber — OF/3B
  18. Carlos Gutierrez — OF
  19. Drew Cavanaugh — C
  20. Daniel Susac — C
  21. Gerelmi Maldonado — RHP
  22. Josh Bostick — RHP
  23. Lorenzo Meola — SS/2B
  24. Will Bednar — RHP
  25. Yunior Marte — RHP
  26. Joe Whitman — LHP
  27. Joel Peguero — RHP
  28. Alberto Laroche — RHP
  29. Trent Harris — RHP
  30. Carlos De La Rosa — LHP
  31. Diego Velasquez — 2B

Note: Clicking on the above names will link to the CPL where they were voted onto the list.

No. 32 prospect nominees

Maui Ahuna — 23.10-year old SS — .871 OPS/144 wRC+ in High-A (52 PA); .802 OPS/122 wRC+ in Low-A (168 PA); .842 OPS/108 wRC+ in ACL (54 PA)

Rayner Arias — 19.8-year old OF — .173 OPS/-42 wRC+ in Low-A (30 PA); .699 OPS/87 wRC+ in ACL (178 PA)

Reggie Crawford — 25.1-year old LHP — did not pitch in 2025; 1.04 ERA/4.07 FIP in AAA in 2024 (8.2 IP); 4.66 ERA/4.93 FIP in AA in 2024 (9.2 IP)

Lisbel Diaz — 20.6-year old OF — .725 OPS/96 wRC+ in Low-A (561 PA)

Cam Maldonado — 22.2-year old OF — .691 OPS/92 wRC+ in Low-A (71 PA)

Reid Worley — 19.6-year old RHP — yet to debut

Note: Each player’s first name links to their Baseball-Reference page, and their last name links to their Fangraphs page. All stats are from the 2025 season.

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2026 Topps Series 1 Rookie Rankings: Base Bowman Chrome Auto Analysis

2026 Topps Series 1 Rookie Rankings: Base Bowman Chrome Auto Analysis

With 2026 Topps Baseball Series 1 releasing on February 11, 2026, I took a look at its rookie cards and ranked them by their 1st Bowman Chrome Auto prices using recent eBay sold listings. The Series 1 base set contains 350 cards. Of those, 69 are rookie cards featuring players with the RC designation. I found 1st Bowman Chrome Auto sales data for 50 of those rookies. The remaining 19 do not have a 1st Bowman Chrome Auto or had no valid sales data available. All prices come from verified eBay sold listings for raw, ungraded 1st Bowman Chrome Autos. Graded cards, color parallels, and numbered parallels are excluded to keep comparisons consistent.

Below are the top 20 rookies ranked by their 1st Bowman Chrome auto prices. For the full list of the top 50 rookies, subscribe to my substack. 

1. Roman Anthony (Red Sox) | $664 | 2023 Bowman

Roman Anthony entered the 2025 season as one of the most highly touted hitting prospects. He began his season at Triple-A, where he slashed .288/.423/.491 with 10 HR before making his MLB debut in June 2025. He slashed a .292/.396/.463 line with 8 HR over 71 games before landing on the IL in early September with a Grade 2 oblique strain. Prior to being placed on the IL, Anthony won AL Rookie of the Month for August.

2. Jacob Misiorowski (Brewers) | $223 | 2022 Bowman Draft

Misiorowski had an electric start to his MLB career in June 2025, going 4-1 with a 2.81 ERA over his first five starts and throwing triple-digit heat with a plus curve. He cooled off big time in the second half, however, posting a 5.40 ERA over his final 12 outings, and hit the IL in early August with a left tibia contusion from a comebacker. If he can refine his command and maintain consistency through a full season in 2026, he has frontline starter potential with that fastball-curve combo.

3. Jac Caglianone (Royals) | $221 | 2024 Bowman Draft

Caglianone tore through the minors in 2025, hitting .322/.389/.593 between Double-A and Triple-A with massive power numbers, but he struggled badly when he got to the majors, slashing just .157/.237/.280 with 7 HR in 41 games. He went on the IL in late July with a left hamstring strain, then came back and raked during his rehab stint (.385 with 5 HR in 16 games at Triple-A). His raw power is elite and exit velocities are solid, but he needs better plate discipline and a defined defensive position to stick as an everyday player.

4. Nolan McLean (Mets) | $218 | 2023 Bowman Draft

McLean absolutely dominated in 2025, posting a 2.45 ERA across Double-A and Triple-A with 127 strikeouts in 113.2 innings before getting called up in mid-August. He made an immediate impact in the majors, going 5-1 with a 2.06 ERA and 57 strikeouts in 48 innings, showing a rare combo of high strikeout rates (30%) and ground balls (60%+). Since 2026 will be his first full year in the majors, the big question is whether he can handle 150+ innings and keep lefties from exploiting him.

5. Bubba Chandler (Pirates) | $196 | 2021 Bowman Draft

Chandler had a tale of two seasons in 2025, dominating early at Triple-A (2.03 ERA through his first 11 starts) before struggling badly from June on, finishing with a 4.05 ERA and 53 walks. He got called up in late August and was solid in seven MLB appearances (4-1, 4.02 ERA, 31 strikeouts in 31.1 innings), including five perfect innings against Washington. The fastball is legit, sitting 98-101 mph and touching triple digits, and he led the International League with 121 strikeouts, but the command and control issues are real.

6. Cam Schlittler (Yankees) | $181 | 2025 Bowman Chrome

Schlittler debuted in July 2025 and posted a nice 2.96 ERA over 14 starts with a fastball that averaged 98 mph and held hitters to a .178 average. He looked great in the Wild Card round (8 shutout innings vs. Boston), but his overall postseason was more mixed, including a rough ALDS start against Toronto. His biggest issue is pitch mix; he leans way too heavily on the fastball (55% usage), and his breaking stuff hasn’t caught up. The Yankees will likely keep him in the rotation to start 2026, but he needs to develop an off-speed pitch and improve command of his breaking balls to avoid becoming too predictable against good lineups.

7. Samuel Basallo (Orioles) | $142 | 2023 Bowman Chrome

Basallo crushed Triple-A in 2025 (.270/.377/.589 with 23 HR in 76 games) and got called up in mid-August, but he struggled at the plate in the majors (.165 with 4 HR in 31 games). He made some noise with a walk-off homer against the Dodgers and became the youngest catcher in Orioles history to go deep. His defensive tools are mixed (elite power and arm strength, but shaky receiving and blocking), so the Orioles might manage his workload by rotating him between C, DH, and 1B. If he can make adjustments against MLB breaking balls, the raw power gives him middle-of-the-order upside.

8. Dylan Beavers (Orioles) | $135 | 2022 Bowman Draft

Beavers won the International League MVP in 2025 after slashing .304/.420/.515 with 18 HR and 23 SB at Triple-A, showing excellent plate discipline (68 BB, 76 K). He got called up in mid-August and flashed promise (.240/.383/.423 with 4 HR in 33 games), though he faded badly in September (going 5-for-43 with 14 K over his final 12 games). The power-speed combo and plate discipline are legit tools, and he can play all three outfield spots. He keeps rookie eligibility for 2026 and could be a Rookie of the Year candidate if he stays healthy and builds on the late-season experience.

9. Chase Burns (Reds) | $84 | 2024 Bowman Draft

Burns dominated at Double-A in 2025 (6-1, 1.29 ERA, nearly 12 K/9 over 42 IP) and got the call to the majors in late June, where he showed electric stuff but struggled with results (0-3, 4.57 ERA in 8 starts). He struck out the first five batters he faced in his MLB debut and finished with 67 strikeouts in 43.1 IP. The fastball-slider combo is legit, and he had great control in the minors, but MLB hitters adjusted to his patterns, and he gave up too many walks and mistakes over the heart of the plate.

10. Colson Montgomery (White Sox) | $83 | 2022 Bowman

Montgomery had a wild 2025, struggling badly in Triple-A early (.149 average through his first 103 PA), getting reset in Arizona, bouncing back briefly, then slumping again before finally getting called up in July. He made an immediate impact in the majors, hitting .239 with 21 HR and 55 RBI in 71 games, and finished 5th in AL Rookie of the Year voting. The power is undeniable (21 HR in 71 games), and he has the tools to stick at shortstop despite being 6’3″ and 225 pounds.

11. Jonah Tong (Mets) | $80 | 2025 Bowman

Tong absolutely dominated the minors in 2025 with a 1.43 ERA and 179 strikeouts in 113.2 innings across Double-A and Triple-A, posting the best K/BB% in full-season minor league ball at 29.9%. He got called up in August but struggled in five starts (7.71 ERA, though his 3.96 xFIP suggests he was unlucky), showing that his stuff can still miss bats but his command needs work. His fastball sits mid-to-upper 90s with elite vertical break, and his changeup is a legit weapon, but he leans too heavily on the heater, and his slider needs development.

12. Owen Caissie (Marlins) | $68 | 2020 Bowman Draft

Caissie crushed Triple-A in 2025 (.286/.386/.551 with 22 homers and a .937 OPS) before getting called up to the Cubs in August, where he hit just .192 in limited action across 12 games. In January 2026, he got traded from the Cubs to the Marlins in the Edward Cabrera deal, which changes his path to the majors and could give him more playing time opportunities. The power is real and his plate discipline improved down the stretch in the minors, but he needs to prove he can make consistent contact against big-league pitching and stay healthy. His strikeout rate is still high, and 2026 will be about whether he can translate his Triple-A dominance into MLB success with his new organization.

13. Payton Tolle (Red Sox) | $60 | 2024 Bowman Draft

Tolle had a strong 2025 in the minors, posting a 3.04 ERA with 133 strikeouts in 91.2 innings across High-A and Double-A before getting called up in late August. He made his MLB debut against the Pirates and looked good (5.1 IP, 8 K, fastball near 99 mph), but finished with a 6.06 ERA in 7 games (3 starts) as MLB hitters adjusted. The big lefty (6’6″, 250 lbs) stayed healthy all year with no reported injuries, which is encouraging given his size and workload. His fastball sits 95-98 mph and touches higher, and he has a slider, changeup, and curve/sweeper to work with, though the changeup is seldom used and his command in the majors was shaky.

14. Kyle Teel (White Sox) | $44 | 2024 Bowman

Teel earned White Sox Minor League Player of the Month in May 2025 after hitting .333/.444/.613 at Triple-A, then got called up in early June and posted a solid .273/.375/.411 line with 8 HR and 35 RBI in 78 MLB games. He showed excellent plate discipline (high walk rates) and good defensive tools behind the plate, including a strong arm and solid blocking and framing. The power is decent but not elite, so developing more pop will be key to raising his ceiling.

15. Carson Williams (Rays) | $43 | 2021 Bowman Draft

Williams is the best defensive prospect in baseball according to MLB Pipeline (70 grades for both glove and arm), but his bat is still a major work in progress after hitting .213/.318/.447 with 23 HR at Triple-A in 2025. He got called up in August when Ha-Seong Kim went on the IL and struggled badly (.172 average with a 41-42% strikeout rate in roughly 100 plate appearances), though he did hit 5 HR. The strikeout issues are real and got worse as he moved up levels (35% K rate at Triple-A), and his contact problems against breaking balls are a major concern. If he can cut down the strikeouts and improve his pitch recognition in 2026, he has 20/20 potential.

16. Cole Young (Mariners) | $34 | 2022 Bowman Draft

Young crushed Triple-A in May 2025 (.366/.467/.673) and earned a promotion to the majors, but he hit just .211 with 4 HR in 77 games before losing playing time in September. The plate discipline is legit (strong walk rates, low strikeouts in the minors) and he has speed (23 steals at Double-A in 2024), but the power hasn’t translated to the majors yet. He can play both second base and shortstop, which helps his versatility.

17. Jakob Marsee (Marlins) | $32 | 2022 Bowman Draft

Marsee won NL Rookie of the Month in August 2025 after slashing .352/.430/.629 with 4 HR and 9 SB following his debut on August 1, though he faded in September (.231/.292/.327). Before his call-up, he hit .246/.379/.438 at Triple-A with 14 HR and 47 SB in 98 games, showing elite plate discipline and speed. His strengths are his elite eye at the plate (he walks more than he strikes out at times), plus speed, and solid center field defense, but his power ceiling is limited by lower exit velocities.

18. Brice Matthews (Astros) | $30 | 2024 Bowman

Matthews put up big numbers at Triple-A in 2025 (.260/.371/.458 with 17 HR and 41 SB), then got called up in July and hit just .167/.222/.452 with 4 HR in 42 AB. The power-speed combo is real, and he has positional versatility since he can play second base and center field. The strikeout rate balloons as he moves up levels, and his .167 average in the majors shows he needs to make better contact and improve his plate approach against big-league pitching.

19. Jhostynxon Garcia (Pirates) | $30 | 2025 Bowman

Garcia posted solid numbers at Triple-A in 2025 (.271 average, .498 slugging, 18 HR in 88 games) and made his MLB debut with the Red Sox in late August, though he went just 1-for-7 in 5 games. After the season, he got traded to the Pirates in the Johan Oviedo deal. The power potential is clearly there (21 total HR across Double-A and Triple-A), and he can play all three outfield spots, but his strikeout rate is a problem at around 30%.

20. Alex Freeland (Dodgers) | $29 | 2022 Bowman Draft

Freeland hit .263/.384/.451 with 16 HR and 18 SB at Triple-A Oklahoma City in 2025 (115 wRC+), then struggled in his MLB debut with a .190 average and 36% strikeout rate in 29 games. As a switch-hitter, he is much stronger from the left side against righties, and his plate discipline (high walk rates) is a real strength.

For the full list of the top 50 rookies ranked by Bowman prices, subscribe to my substack here. 

Which rookies in 2026 Topps Series 1 Flagship are you chasing? Let us know on Mantel. 

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NBA star who makes $11 million is sued for $28,000 after allegedly damaging his rental condo with improper laundry techniques

Golden State Warriors shooting guard Moses Moody is facing a lawsuit from his former landlord, who claims the NBA player racked up thousands of dollars in damage to a San Francisco condominium he rented early in his career allegedly due to his poor laundry skills.

The lawsuit, filed this week in small claims court by property owner Amir Tabarrok, alleges that Moody’s failure to use the required ventilation during laundry caused extensive water damage to the Mission Bay unit’s hardwood floors, ceilings, walls and carpeting.

The complaint also cites damage to electrical switches and window frames, which the landlord says resulted from holes drilled into the surfaces.

According to the filing, Moody rented the 7th-floor condo from 2021, when he was drafted by the Warriors, until October 2025, and paid $6,495 per month. After he moved out, Tabarrok said he discovered damage that he estimated at $28,053.90.

Because of the limits of small claims court, the landlord is seeking $12,500, the maximum allowable, plus about $870 in unpaid rent.

The former San Francisco landlord of Moses Moody (right) alleges that the NBA player’s improper laundry ventilation caused extensive water damage and that holes were drilled into the condo’s window frames and electrical switches (Getty Images)
The former San Francisco landlord of Moses Moody (right) alleges that the NBA player’s improper laundry ventilation caused extensive water damage and that holes were drilled into the condo’s window frames and electrical switches (Getty Images)

The Warriors’ 2021 first-round pick, 14th overall, now lives in downtown San Francisco’s Millennium Tower, a 419-unit luxury building. Each unit features hardwood floors, and marble or quartzite countertops. Leases range from about $3,200 per month for studios to over $18,000 for high-floor luxury units.

Moody is playing in this year’s NBA season and won the National Championship with the Warriors during his rookie year.

This year, Moody is set to pocket $11.57 million under his contract as the Warriors hold a 25‑21 record, sitting 8th in the Western Conference.

Moody rented the 7th-floor Mission Bay condo from 2021 to 2025 for $6,495 per month, according to the lawsuit (Google Images)
Moody rented the 7th-floor Mission Bay condo from 2021 to 2025 for $6,495 per month, according to the lawsuit (Google Images)

Moody also has a growing interest in real estate, having interned with San Francisco’s Shorenstein Properties in the summer of 2024 and invested in the real estate tech company Drafted, the suit noted.

The Independent has contacted representatives for Moody, the Golden State Warriors and the condo owner for comment.

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Preview: Wizards play Hornets on the road before winter storm

The Washington Wizards play the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday. Here is the preview.

Game info

When: Saturday, Jan. 24 at 12 p.m. ET

Where: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC

How to watch: Monumental Sports Network, League Pass

Injuries: For the Wizards, Bilal Coulibaly (back) and Tristan Vukcevic (rest) are questionable, while Trae Young (knee, quad) and Cam Whitmore (shoulder) are out.

For the Hornets, Mason Plumlee (groin) is out. Grant Williams, KJ Simpson and Tre Mann are questionable because they missed yesterday’s game against the Orlando Magic.

What to watch for

The Wizards will look to do two things tomorrow afternoon. First, they need to snap this eight-game losing streak. And the Hornets are a team Washington could defeat. They are coming off a 124-97 win against the Magic yesterday. And the Hornets also had some impressive road wins against the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets!

Charlotte is now on a two-game homestand and may be looking to feel a bit comfortable at home before an ice storm hits Saturday evening. But for the Wizards, they may be a bit excited about winter weather, because the same storm will dump at least 6 inches of snow locally. The less …. distracted team will win this one in my opinion. Hopefully, Washington comes out on top.

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Pelicans vs Grizzlies Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

The New Orleans Pelicans are rebuffing most trade conversations despite being in the Western Conference cellar. That is a choice.

Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies are atop most trade conversations in the NBA, though the traction in those conversations is quite debatable.

My Pelicans vs. Grizzlies predictions and NBA picks assume these rosters may not remain as they are, but one New Orleans shooter should be trusted on Friday, January 23.

Pelicans vs Grizzlies prediction

Pelicans vs Grizzlies best bet: Trey Murphy III Over 21.5 points (-105)

Only two teams have given up more 3-point attempts in the last 10 games than the Memphis Grizzlies have, opponents pulling up from deep 42.0 times per game.

That has been survivable because opponents are hitting only 34.5% of those looks, but here comes Trey Murphy III.

No one on the New Orleans Pelicans roster is more equipped to take advantage of that defensive choice than Murphy, taking 11.9 shots from long range per game in his last nine games, helping him average 27.8 points since New Year’s.

He has made 39.3% of those 3-point attempts. No wonder the Pelicans refuse to entertain trade overtures for Murphy.

Pelicans vs Grizzlies same-game parlay

Murphy has scored at least 22 points and hit at least four 3-pointers in six of his nine games since New Year’s, a data set chosen only to align with Memphis’s defensive trend in the last 10 games.

And yet New Orleans is just 3-6 against the spread in those nine games. 

Pelicans vs Grizzlies SGP

  • Trey Murphy III Over 21.5 points
  • Trey Murphy III Over 3.5 threes
  • Grizzlies -6

Our "from downtown" SGP: Treys!

Adding Herbert Jones’s made threes prop is entirely a reflection of Memphis’s defense and very little a reflection of Jones’s shooting.

He has taken 4.2 threes per game this season and hit just 33.3% of them, but against the Grizzlies, Jones could easily take six, at which point there is a reasonable chance he hits multiple shots from deep.

Pelicans vs Grizzlies SGP

  • Trey Murphy III Over 21.5 points
  • Herbert Jones Over 1.5 threes
  • Trey Murphy III Over 3.5 threes
  • Grizzlies -6

Pelicans vs Grizzlies odds

  • Spread: Pelicans +6 | Grizzlies -6
  • Moneyline: Pelicans +185 | Grizzlies -225
  • Over/Under: Over 239.5 | Under 239.5

Pelicans vs Grizzlies betting trend to know

Despite Murphy’s hot shooting, New Orleans has gone 3-6 ATS in his last nine games. Find more NBA betting trends for Pelicans vs. Grizzlies.

How to watch Pelicans vs Grizzlies

LocationFedExForum, Memphis, TN
DateFriday, January 23, 2026
Tip-off8:00 p.m. ET
TVGCSEN, FDSN SE-MEM

Pelicans vs Grizzlies latest injuries

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St. John's vs. Xavier basketball game time changed ahead of winter storm

As winter storm warnings continue to reshuffle college basketball schedules, one particularly high-profile matchup is going to tip off an hour earlier than expected.

Rick Pitino's St. John's Red Storm and Richard Pitino's Xavier Musketeers will now play at 1:30 p.m. ET on Jan. 24 from the Cintas Center in Cincinnati as the father and son face off for the fifth time in their respective coaching careers.

REQUIRED READING: Winter Storm Warning: Which college games are affected by weather?

The patriarch Rick enters the matchup with a 3-1 record against his son.

The Big East released a statement on the schedule change on Jan. 23, which read, in part:

"Due to the impending winter weather warning throughout the BIG EAST footprint, tipoff for Saturday's game featuring St. John's at Xavier has been moved forward one hour to 1:30 p.m. ET.

St. John's vs Xavier will air on TNT and can be streamed on Sling TV.

St. John's is entering the game 14-5 (7-1 Big East) while Xavier comes in 11-8 (3-5). St. John's has won five consecutive games after dropping a game to Providence, whereas the Musketeers are looking to build on a two-game winning streak after dropping the previous three.

Cincinnati weather forecast

Cincinnati is projected to have a high of 14 degrees and a low of 11 degrees on Jan. 24, with snow expected to start around 3 p.m., per Weather.com. The winter storm warning is in effect from 10 a.m. Saturday to noon Monday.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Winter storm changes St. John's vs Xavier basketball game time

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Phillies announce list of non-roster invitees for Spring Training

Ah yes, the dream of spring. With a major winter storm barreling down on the Philadelphia area this weekend, thoughts of Clearwater are most welcome. The Phillies have obliged by giving us their list of non-roster invitees that will make the trek to spring training.

Lots of interesting names here. Justin Crawford and Aidan Miller stand out (note: Crawford is not on the 40-man, hence the invite) as ones that have a shot at making the major league team, Crawford a near lock to be in the Opening Day lineup.

Here is the full list of names:

Pitchers: Génesis Cabrera, Tucker Davidson, Tim Mayza, Andrew Walling, Andrew Bechtold, Jonathan Hernández, Michael Mercado, Trevor Richards, Bryse Wilson

Catchers: Kehden Hettiger, Mark Kolozsvary, Paul McIntosh, René Pinto, Caleb Ricketts

Infielders/Outfielders: Keaton Anthony, Christian Cairo, Carson DeMartini, Aroon Escobar, Aidan Miller, Liover Peguero, Bryan Rincon, José Rodríguez, Felix Reyes, Dylan Campbell, Justin Crawford, Bryan De La Cruz, Dante Nori

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Raptors vs Trail Blazers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

You may not realize it, but the Portland Trail Blazers have been one of the best teams in basketball since the calendar hit 2026.

Tonight, they’ll be home underdogs against a scrappy Toronto Raptors team that sits in fourth place in the Eastern Conference.

One of the reasons Toronto is favored here is that Immanuel Quickley is playing great basketball again.  

My Raptors vs. Trail Blazers predictions and NBA picks highlight a player prop for IQ in what should be an entertaining nightcap on Friday, January 23.

Raptors vs Trail Blazers prediction

Raptors vs Trail Blazers best bet: Immanuel Quickley Over 17.5 points (-110)

The Toronto Raptors 27-19 record is more impressive when you consider the rash of injuries they’ve dealt with. Even tonight, Jakob Poeltl is out while RJ Barrett and Collin Murray-Boyles are questionable.

Luckily for the Raps, Immanuel Quickley has picked up his game. IQ is averaging 19.1 points with a 50.5 eFG % over his last 15 games.

The Portland Trail Blazers are playing great ball in 2026, going 9-2 SU/ATS. But they play at a high pace (seventh in the NBA) and foul a lot (sixth most opponent free throw attempts). 

Quickly averages 5.1 free throws per game during this stretch.

Raptors vs Trail Blazers same-game parlay

The Raptors will also need good ball movement against a solid defensive team like the Trail Blazers, and that’s something Brandon Ingram has provided lately.

Ingram averages 3.8 assists per game this season, and that’s up to 4.8 over the last seven games, topping 3.5 six times over that stretch.

Both teams enter this game playing well, and are Top 10 defenses, but the Raptors have slightly more offensive punch, so I like them to pull out the win.

Raptors vs Trail Blazers SGP

  • Immanuel Quickley Over 17.5 points
  • Brandon Ingram Over 3.5 assists
  • Raptors moneyline 

Our "from downtown" SGP: Mamu!

Let's switch the Raps moneyline to covering the spread, and a red-hot Sandro Mamukelashvili should get another big run going against Donovan Clingan. 

Raptors vs Trail Blazers SGP

  • Immanuel Quickley Over 17.5 points
  • Brandon Ingram Over 3.5 assists
  • Raptors -3.5
  • Sandro Mamukelashvili double-double 

Raptors vs Trail Blazers odds

  • Spread: Raptors -3.5 | Trail Blazers +3.5
  • Moneyline: Raptors -140 | Trail Blazers +120
  • Over/Under: Over 225.5 | Under 225.5

Raptors vs Trail Blazers betting trend to know

The Raptors have covered the 1Q spread in 28 of their last 40 away games (+14.30 Units / 31% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Trail Blazers.

How to watch Raptors vs Trail Blazers

LocationModa Center, Portland, OR
DateFriday, January 23, 2026
Tip-off10:00 p.m. ET
TVTSN, KUNP

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Catching up with baseball history of pitchers & catchers

Henry Chadwick, who is often referred to as the “Father of Baseball”, pioneered statistics and overall was a huge proponent of the game of baseball. He is credited with some of the first journalistic covering of the sport, as well as the first database of statistics of the sport. Chadwick was an outspoken critic of the ‘bound rule’ – if a batted ball bounced once and a fielder caught the bounce, it was recorded as an out. In 1864 this rule was changed for fair territory, but it took until the 1880’s for it to change with foul balls.

In addition to all of these advancements, he also used the word ‘battery’ to mean the duo of catcher and pitcher for the offensive team. It later evolved to mean a pitcher and their favorite catcher.

There have been many famous batteries throughout baseball history, and some cool facts about those duos.

The record for most games together belongs to Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada. Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina have the most team wins together, with 213 of their 328 games started as a battery.

Max Scherzer and Willson Ramos had two no-hitters together in 2015 for the Washington Nationals. One duo had already done them one better, however.

In 1938, Johnny Vander Meer and Eddie Lombardi orchestrated back-to-back no hitters with no runs allowed in a five-day span. The second of those was against the Brooklyn Dodgers and happened on the night of the first ever night game at Ebbets Field. Vander Meer somehow managed to complete the second no hitter despite walking three (!) batters in the ninth inning. For a more complete look at that crazy game, ESPN has a great article covering it here.

Madison Bumgarner and Buster Posey were the first battery mates to each hit a grand slam in the same game when they both did it on July 13, 2014, against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The first battery comprised of all Black players was that of George Stovey and Moses Fleetwood Walker in 1887. The duo played for the Newark Little Giants. Over their first 10 starts together, Stovey went 10-0. On July 15th of that year, the players from the Chicago White Stockings refused to take the field if Black players were allowed to play, an incident which helped usher in the league’s segregating baseball again.

As far as the Dodgers go, both Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale had over 200 starts with catcher John Roseboro. Roseboro took over backstop duties for the Dodgers after Roy Campanella was involved in an auto accident that ended his career. Roseboro went on to catch four World Series, with the Dodgers winning three of those.

In 1965, Roseboro was involved in a game in which Juan Marichal took things too far in retaliation, and was hit in the head at least twice by Marichal’s bat. Roseboro sustained a huge gash on his head which required 14 stitches.

The Dodgers had the first all Jewish battery in MLB history in brothers Larry and Norm Sherry. Larry was on the mound for all four of the Dodgers wins in the 1959 World Series and was the winner of record in two of them.

The most recent favorite battery in Dodgers history was of course that of Clayton Kershaw and A.J. Ellis. The duo had 64 regular season starts together, including Kershaw’s no-hitter in 2014. Both players were devastated when their careers together came to an abrupt end when the Dodgers traded Ellis to the Philadelphia Phillies in August of 2016.

Who is your all time favorite pitcher-catcher pairing?

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SNY’s popular Mets director leaving network over ‘different creative direction’

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Director John Marisco holding a baseball in the SportsNet New York (SNY) production truck

There will be a significant change concerning Mets broadcasts this season on SNY.

Longtime director John DeMarsico is departing the network after 17 seasons at the helm of the game broadcasts featuring the popular booth trio of Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling.

“This wasn’t easy to write. Thank you for taking a moment with it,” DeMarsico wrote on X. “After 17 seasons with the Mets on SNY, my time directing games there has come to an end.

4:37 Director John DeMarsico inside the SNY production truck outside of Citi Field as the Atlanta Braves take on the NY Mets on June 26, 2025. Michael Nagle

“I was incredibly fortunate to help tell the story of this team for nearly half my life, after a lifetime of fandom that made the opportunity feel almost impossible when it began. From the very start, I believed deeply in the idea that baseball is cinema. I poured myself into that belief, grateful for the trust to take creative risks in service of the game and the fans who embraced them.”

Without specifics, the Emmy-winning director cited “the broadcast moving in a different creative direction” as one reason for his departure. DeMarsico added that he’s unsure of his next professional move.

“Coming to terms with that hasn’t been easy, especially when the work mattered this much, and I felt so deeply tied to who I am,” he wrote. “Mets baseball and the community around it became part of my identity in ways I’m still processing. That doesn’t disappear just because a chapter ends.

“I’ve never been a free agent before. I’m taking a breath, looking ahead, and carrying a lot of pride and gratitude with me, While remaining open to the next place where that same care, curiosity, and belief in storytelling can live. I love this game, this art form, this crew, and the fans who made it matter, and I’ll miss it all more than I can put into words. Thank you for watching.”

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Borthwick’s task is to strike the right balance with thriving England ready for takeoff | Robert Kitson

Head coach is excited by what his team could achieve as the Six Nations opener against Wales looms into view

Precise formations, instant decision-making, absolute synchronicity. It is not hard to grasp why Steve Borthwick and his assistants spent an instructive day with the Red Arrows last month in preparation for a Six Nations campaign in which they would love to soar even higher and leave their rivals gazing at their vapour trails.

Squadron leader Borthwick was particularly struck by the clarity of the Red Arrows operation – “They were so clear and to the point about what they must do better” – and how the world-renowned air display team choose their elite personnel. “The lead pilot basically said: ‘Every one of these pilots is a great pilot. What we’re going to select on is the character of these people.’ I thought how great that is and how consistent that is with what we do.”

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NBA Power Rankings Watch: The Dallas Mavericks refuse to quit

The Dallas Mavericks may be the hardest playing team in the NBA. They certainly play the hardest among teams not currently in the playoff picture. They’ve accumulated their fair share of dumb losses this season — and stolen several eye-catching wins — but one guarantee every time the ball is tipped is that Jason Kidd’s group is going to give effort. Maybe that says more about the state of the team, that they play hard and still lose a considerable amount, but it’s worth applauding while they ride a win streak amidst the deepest darkest parts of the NBA season.

It is that season best four-game win streak (winners of five of their last six) that highlights this week’s power rankings watch. These next two weeks may tell us a lot about the future direction of this team, with the trade deadline looming. For now, it’s a waiting game.

ESPN

Ranking: 24

Last week: 24

Will Anthony Davis return to the Mavs’ lineup?

The team announced that Davis would be sidelined six weeks because of ligament damage in his left hand. And while the Mavs’ interim co-general managers continue to engage in trade discussions involving Davis, sources said that ownership does not feel pressure to make a deal if Dallas doesn’t get offers that it deems as good value. If Davis remains on the roster past the Feb. 5 deadline, expect discussions about whether it’s in the franchise’s best interest for the star forward to return at all this season. — MacMahon

The Athletic

Ranking: 24 (Tier 4: Not the Tier to Fear)

Last week: 24

All-Star Weekend rep: Cooper Flagg, Rising Stars

Flagg is the No. 1 overall pick, so this one is easy. But some thought that Flagg may have had a shot at being a rare rookie All-Star. Not happening. The Mavericks had a decent week overall, aided by two home games against a Jazz team sitting Lauri Markkanen. But Dallas is squarely in the bottom five in the West, and that should keep them from having an All-Star for the first time since Luka Dončić’s rookie season.

NBA

Ranking: 24

Last week: 25

Coming up: Thompson has shot 22-for-48 (46%) from 3-point range in his five games against the Warriors over the last two seasons. He’ll face his former team again on Thursday as the Mavs continue a stretch where they’re playing 10 of 13 at home.

Bleacher Report

Ranking: 23

Last week: 26

The Dallas Mavericks are on a four-game winning streak. And although two of those came against the sub-.500 Utah Jazz, and another was over a Golden State Warriors team reeling from the loss of Jimmy Butler to a torn ACL, Monday’s was over the New York Knicks. And wins are wins.

Now, there may be a contingent of fans who’d prefer those not add up right now. The idea of adding one of this upcoming draft class’s top prospects to Cooper Flagg is intriguing. But he might already be too good to tank.

For the season, Flagg is averaging 21.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.9 assists per 75 possessions when Anthony Davis (who’s out for the foreseeable future and could be traded ahead of the deadline) is off the floor.

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"Dream Come True": Danny Zhilkin Reflects On Time With Jets After Being Sent Back To AHL

The Winnipeg Jets have reassigned forward Danny Zhilkin to the AHL on Friday afternoon following the 22-year-old’s NHL debut earlier this month.

The Russian winger appeared in four games with the Jets, averaging seven to ten minutes of ice time per game. While he did not record a point, he finished plus-two and showed promise in a bottom-six role. Zhilkin will now look to carry that momentum back to the AHL with the Manitoba Moose ahead of a challenging matchup against the league-leading Grand Rapids Griffins.

Speaking to media shortly after the news of his demotion, Zhilkin was reflective but positive about the experience. “It was awesome,” he said, calling his two weeks with the team “an unbelievable experience.”

He added that the opportunity was meaningful, noting that it was rewarding to see his hard work pay off. “It was a dream come true,” Zhilkin said.

Zhilkin also spoke about forming a quick bond with fellow Russian forward Vladislav Namestnikov, who guided him before his NHL debut. “Yeah, he was awesome, gave me a couple tips before my first game, to just go out there and play and just enjoy, you have one first NHL game,” Zhilkin explained on his relationship with Namestnikov. “He was a good help for sure, he's an amazing guy, and a good player.”

The young winger said that adjusting to the NHL game was not as difficult as he had anticipated. He found certain aspects easier, thanks in part to the quick thinking of his NHL teammates.

“Whenever I wanted to put in the puck in certain spot that teammates could always get into the right spots,” he said, adding he was impressed with the speed and precision of puck movement at the NHL level.

Zhilkin also enjoyed playing in front of larger crowds at Canada Life Centre. “It's cool, they provide so much energy, and it's good to play in front of that crowd,” he said, laughing about one game where he caught the crowd doing the wave. He admitted that playing in front of Jets fans gave him goosebumps.

As he returns to the Moose, Zhilkin will face a tough challenge against the Grand Rapids Griffins, who have tied for the best start in an AHL season through 35 games. He hopes to bring confidence and new skills to the Manitoba lineup.

Zhilkin and the Manitoba Moose return to the ice Friday night at Canada Life Centre to host Grand Rapids. Tickets for the matchup are available at moosehockey.com/tickets/single-game-tickets/

Single Game TicketsIf you have any questions, please contact your Manitoba Moose Ticket Sales Representative: Single Game Sales Staff
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Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube suffers horrible gash in gym accident

Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube was one of the NHL's toughest characters during his playing days.

He looks like he has gone a couple rounds.

Berube, 60, was sporting a major black eye when he addressed the media on Friday, Jan. 23, before his team took on the Vegas Golden Knights that evening.

He said it was from an accident in the gym on Thursday.

"The other guy looked way worse," he joked. "There were three of them."

He then lifted his cap to show a major gash on his forehead that had been stitched up.

"It was stupid," he said. "It was this bad accident. It's all on me. It's my fault, and I'm fine."

He said he's going to be behind the bench for the game.

Friday marks the return of Mitch Marner, the longtime Maple Leafs star who signed with the Golden Knights in the offseason.

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube suffers horrible gash from gym accident

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Highlights: Fox and Wembanyama combine for 57 points in win versus Jazz

Coming off a tough loss against the Houston Rockets, the Spurs traveled to Salt Lake City to take on the Utah Jazz. Luke Kornet did not play due to an adductor injury, and Lauri Markkanen did not play due to reconditioning. After a back-and-forth first quarter, the Spurs started the second quarter on a 15-0 run. They outscored the Jazz 34-22 in the quarter and took a 12-point lead into halftime. The Jazz mounted a comeback and tied the game, but the Spurs still held a seven-point lead going into the fourth. That lead quickly dissipated, and the game was tied once again with 10:28 remaining. Then, the Spurs finally locked in on both ends to shut the Jazz out. After a 9-0 run by the silver and black, the Jazz countered with bits of scoring. However, the lead kept growing, and De’Aaron Fox caught fire from three. The Spurs outscored the Jazz 29-17 in the quarter, closed the game on a 9-0 run, and ultimately won 126-109.

De’Aaron Fox led the way with 31 points (10-13 FG, 6-9 3PT, 5-6 FT), five rebounds, five assists, and a block. D-Fox dropped his highest scoring game since December 3rd versus Orlando, and most of his damage came in the fourth. The former Clutch Player of the Year cashed in 11 points in the quarter, including swishing three three-pointers in the span of two minutes. Without his clutch heroics, this young Spurs team may have once again struggled to close out a game in which they held a double-digit lead.

D3’AARON! D-Fox knocks down the corner three early in the first!

Victor Wembanyama dropped a double-double: 26 points (9-14 FG, 4-7 3PT, 4-4 FT) and 14 rebounds to go along with five blocks and three assists. After struggling against Houston, Vic shot efficiently from the field and was even better defensively. He recorded his first five-block game since December 27th against the Lakers. As far as the buckets go, Vic scored in the paint, from the midrange, from the three, and even converted all four of his free throws. Because of Kornet’s injury, Wemby played 33 minutes, which is the most he’s played since November 14th versus Golden State.

W3MBY! Vic gets his early scoring going with a three in the first!

AND-ONE! Wemby secures his own missed shot and fights through two defenders for the and-one!

AND-ONE: FOUR-POINT PLAY EDITION! Wemby drains the corner three and gets fouled by Jusuf Nurkic for the four-point play!

ALIEN BLOCK! Wemby barely has to jump to not only block Nurkic’s shot, but pin it off the glass for a corralled rebound all in one motion!

DEJA VU! Wemby snatches Kyle Filipowski’s shot out of mid-air for the block and rebound! He pulled out the NBA Street Vol.2 turbo block!

FROM THE OTHER CORNER! Wemby drains the transition three in front of the Jazz bench!

Keldon Johnson dropped 21 points, five assists, a rebound, a steal, and a block. KJ attempted a season-high 19 shots and drained nine of them. There was a stretch in the fourth quarter where Mitch Johnson deployed a small-ball lineup where KJ played center and guarded Nurkic. KJ held his own and drained buckets by cutting off screens and using his patented spin move, driving in the post. He is currently one of the favorites for Sixth Man of the Year.

KJ BIG BODY AND-ONE! After the block by Dylan Harper, the Spurs pushed the ball up the court in transition to a leaking KJ who fights through the contact from Cody Williams for the and-one!

Give that guy a map! Speaking of spin moves, KJ uses his spin move on Filipowski and drains the hook shot over him!

Julian Champagnie dropped 17 points (6-10 FG, 5-9 3PT), three rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block. After catching fire in Houston with 27 points on eight threes, Julian continued his hot shooting against the Jazz. He provided the Spurs with a scoring boost in the first quarter, swishing most of his threes. He has done an excellent job since Devin Vassell’s injury, and it looks like he may receive an invite to the 3-Point Contest during All-Star Weekend.

On the board! Julian scores the first points for the Spurs on a sniper three from the wing!

Corner Specialist! Ju knocks down his third three of the game from the corner!

Stephon Castle dropped 16 points, eight assists, six rebounds, and two steals. Steph played a season-high 38 minutes and filled the stat sheet. Despite struggling from the field, he did a decent job limiting Utah’s guards from having an explosive game. Steph also got his money’s worth at the free-throw line, making seven of 10 attempts. It is clear Steph is still trying find consistency on his shot, but this team’s shooters will continue to give him assists.

Keeping them honest! Steph knocks down the three-pointer after the defender left too much space!

DAGGER TOMAHAWK! Steph leaks out for an explosive tomahawk jam!

Carter Bryant dropped seven points, four rebounds, an assist, and a block in just 13 minutes. The game is slowing down for Carter, as he showed a solid 3&D performance in a short burst. No matter who was in front of him, he showed no fear defensively. As far as the offense goes, he drained a three and pulled out this eurostep move on a fastbreak layup!

This was a nice bounce-back win for the silver and black. Even when it looked like the Spurs might blow another game in which they held a double-digit lead, the team buckled down defensively in the fourth and used their two best players on offense down the stretch. The Fox/Wemby pick-and-roll was deadly, and it might spark more usage for the rest of the season, especially in the fourth. Remember the cold streak of games where the Spurs could not buy a bucket from three? Well, 18 made threes against the Jazz has cemented a hot streak of at least 14 made threes in the last week.

Finally, here are the full game highlights.

The Spurs return home to take on the New Orleans Pelicans this Sunday at 6:00 P.M (CST) on FDSN-SW.