The New York Rangers’ offense has looked much improved through the first seven games of the season, but the last thing left to do is unlock Pavel Dorofeyev.
During the offseason, the Rangers went out and acquired Dorofeyev from the Vegas Golden Knights and signed him to a seven-year, $77 million contract, with the hopes of adding an elite goalscorer.
Through his two previous seasons in Vegas, Dorofeyev scored 35 and 37 goals, respectively, as he was emerging into one of the more promising young goalscorers in the NHL.
Over his first seven games with the Rangers, the 25-year-old forward has just recorded one goal and three points, not being able to get going despite the team’s recent offensive success.
Dorofeyev may be snake-bitten right now, but he’s certainly generated chances, indicative of his team-leading 21 shots on net.
Throughout training camp and to kick off the season, Dorofeyev played on a line with J.T. Miller and Oliver Bjorkstrand/Tye Kartye.
That line struggled to score goals, but they were matched up against the opposing team’s top lines at certain points, and Mike Sullivan praised the way they were able to generate offense.
“J.T. 's line analytically was strong,” Sullivan said. “They just weren’t scoring goals, but they were generating offense.”
In an effort to try and unlock Dorofeyev’s scoring potential, Mike Sullivan put him on a line with Mika Zibanejad and Gabe Perreault, two players who are known for their playmaking abilities.
“Both Mika and Gabe have the ability to see the ice well, and if they get him the puck, potentially he can score goals for us,” Sullivan said.
In his first game playing with Perreault and Zibanejad on Sunday night against the Vancouver Canucks, Dorofeyev took two shots on net, but he failed to record a point.
Dorofeyev also specializes on the power play, with his shot from the flank proving to be one of the most lethal in the NHL, which was directly shown during the 2025-26 season, as he scored 20 power-play goals, ranking him second in the league, only behind Wyatt Johnston.
However, Dorofeyev hasn’t scored a power-play goal for the Rangers, and Sullivan opened the third period of Sunday night’s game with Gabe Perreault on the first power-play unit in place of Dorofeyev.
“I thought Pav was fighting it a little bit, and sometimes players have those nights,” Sullivan said of his decision to take Dorofeyev off the first power-play unit to start the third period against the Canucks. “We thought we'd make a little tweak and see if we could get it going a little bit. Obviously, Gabe was a part of the goal, so we were happy about that. But it was just situationally based on how we thought guys were going throughout the course of the night.”
All elite goalscorers go through hot and cold stretches, and for Dorofeyev, he is just in the midst of a cold stretch.
Sometimes it just takes one puck to go in the net for the floodgates to open, and in Dorofeyev’s case, that might be all he needs to get going.
SAN ANTONIO - 1973: George Karl #22 of the San Antonio Spurs of the ABA looks to pass circa 1973 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1973 NBAE (Photo by NBA Photos/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It’s a not a new season without new alternate uniforms in this day and age, and the Spurs have released their new Classic Editions: a retro throwback to their ABA origins in honor of the 50th anniversary of the American Basketball Association’s merger with the National Basketball Association back in 1976.
“Honoring our ABA roots through this Classic Edition uniform gives us an opportunity to celebrate the history that helped shape the Spurs and our city,” said Jordan Mandelkorn, vice president of marketing, creative and retail at Spurs Sports & Entertainment. “From the original design worn at HemisFair Arena to the special court with the ABA 50th anniversary logo, this season-long celebration will connect generations of fans to our past while carrying that legacy forward into the future.”
The uniform features a silver base, grounding the team in a core color that reflects the early identity of the franchise. The arched Spurs wordmark returns in its original form on the jersey, worn by the first players to ever represent the city in the early ‘70s and now carrying forward their legacy. Directly above the jock tag, a special ABA anthem tag honors the league that brought the Spurs to the NBA. The shorts will feature the original black diamond backdrop framing the Spurs logo. The team’s patch partner, Ledger, appears on each jersey, symbolizing the commitment they share with the Spurs to build upon past greatness as the next generation forges forward into the future.
Each thread tells a story, and every detail carries us forward.
The Dallas Chaparrals of the ABA first came to San Antonio in 1973. They were initially going to be renamed “The “Gunslingers” before it was changed to the Spurs (probably a good idea), although there is debate as to whether the change was the result of a contest or one of the owners being from the small town of Spur, TX. They soon joined the NBA as part of the ABA-NBA merger in 1976, along with the Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers and then-New York Nets. The Spurs saw early success in the ABA and NBA, led by George Gervin and James Silas, and although it would take until 1999, they because the first former ABA team to win an NBA title — five, to be specific — and held that distinction until the Nuggets won it all in 2023.
The Spurs will sport their new Classic Edition uniforms and court nine times during the 2026-27 regular season, beginning on November 4 when they fittingly host the Dallas Mavericks. What do you think of the new unis, Pounders? It’s far from their first grey/silver uniform, but these are pretty slick, and the extra meaning behind them definitely adds some significance. Plus, there couldn’t be a more rad duo for rolling them out than Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant.
Lead an NBA team in scoring one day, find yourself looking for work less than a week later.
Such is the tough-luck life on the fringes of NBA rosters, which Miles Kelly experienced this week.
The 6-foot-5, second-year guard out of Auburn dropped 28 points in the Warriors’ preseason loss to the Trail Blazers last Wednesday. He came off the bench, drained six 3-pointers and posted a team-high plus-14 — the second-best on/off margin of any player — despite Golden State losing the game 123-118.
And, on Sunday, he was unceremoniously released.
Miles Kelly (26) of the Golden State Warriors arrives to the arena before a game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NBAE via Getty ImagesGolden State Warriors guard Miles Kelly (99) reacts after making a three-point basket during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Portland, Ore., Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026. AP Photo/Ali Gradischer
Golden State opted to free up a roster spot to bring in Tyler Burton on a non-guaranteed deal — known as an Exhibit 10 — that can be converted into a two-way or minimum contract. Burton, a 6-foot-7 wing who went undrafted out of Villanova after a five-year college career, averaged 10.8 points and 4.2 rebounds in 10 games with the Grizzlies last season.
Burton provides more depth at a position of need for the Warriors, who are stocked full in the back court but will be without their top two wings, Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody, for the first portion of the season.
Still, the move may have come as a surprise for Warriors fans who watched Kelly’s impressive performance. Then again, anybody who tuned in would have been aware that Golden State was on the second night of a back-to-back and playing without seven of their typical rotation pieces.
Kelly scored six points in six minutes off the bench the previous night against the Lakers. He sank both his 3-point attempts and shot 8-for-15 from deep in three preseason games.
However, coach Steve Kerr apparently saw all he needed and left Kelly on the bench in the Warriors’ 111-106 exhibition win over the Kings on Saturday.
The next day, they cut bait.
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr gestures during the second half of a preseason basketball game against the Sacramento Kings at Chase Center on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, in San Francisco. Getty Images
ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Wild (3-1-1) returns home Monday night to face the Vegas Golden Knights (5-1-0), and defenseman Quinn Hughes will look to continue his impressive start to the 2026-27 season.
Hughes has recorded at least one point in each of Minnesota’s first five games, collecting two goals and five assists for seven points. His five-game point streak is tied for the longest active streak among NHL defensemen entering Monday’s action, alongside Wild captain Jared Spurgeon.
The 26-year-old defenseman has been a significant part of Minnesota’s early offensive production, particularly on the power play, where the Wild have converted on 37.5 percent of their opportunities (6-for-16), tied for the second-best mark in the NHL.
Hughes has also taken on an increased workload following Brock Faber’s injury. In Minnesota’s 3-2 overtime loss to Buffalo on Oct. 6, Hughes logged 29:30 of ice time before playing a season-high 32:36 against Tampa Bay two nights later.
Despite the heavy minutes, his offensive production hasn’t slowed down. Hughes recorded a goal and an assist against the Lightning before adding another assist in Minnesota’s 4-1 victory over the Florida Panthers on Saturday.
Monday’s matchup also presents an opportunity for Hughes to continue his success against Vegas.
In 17 career games against the Golden Knights, Hughes has recorded five goals and 11 assists for 16 points. His 16 points are the third-most among current Wild players against Vegas, trailing Blake Coleman (21) and Joel Eriksson Ek (18).
Beyond his current point streak, Hughes is approaching another significant career milestone.
The former Norris Trophy winner has accumulated 492 points (68 goals, 424 assists) in 512 career NHL games, leaving him just eight points shy of reaching 500.
According to the Wild’s game notes, Hughes could become the second-fastest American-born defenseman in NHL history to reach the milestone, trailing only Brian Leetch, who accomplished the feat in 496 games.
Hughes has already made an impact on Minnesota’s franchise record books. Since making his Wild debut on Dec. 14, 2025, he has collected 53 assists and 60 points in 53 games, ranking second among NHL defensemen in both categories during that span.
His presence has also coincided with an offensive improvement for Minnesota. Since Hughes’ debut, the Wild rank seventh in the NHL in goals per game (3.51) and are tied for second in power-play goals with 47.
With Minnesota looking to extend its three-game winning streak against Vegas, Hughes will once again be counted on to generate offense from the blue line.
And with Faber still sidelined, Hughes’ ability to drive play, create scoring opportunities and contribute on the power play will remain especially important as the Wild face one of the Western Conference’s hottest teams.
Wild vs. Golden Knights — October 12, 2026
Game Information
● Puck drop: 7 p.m. CT
● Location: Grand Casino Arena — St. Paul, Minnesota
● Minnesota Wild: 3-1-1 (7 points)
● Vegas Golden Knights: 5-1-0 (10 points)
● Wild starting goalie: Jesper Wallstedt
● Golden Knights starting goalie: TBD
How to Watch
● TV: Wild+
● Play-by-play: Anthony LaPanta
● Color analyst: Ryan Carter
● Reporter: Kevin Gorg
How to Listen
● Radio: KFAN FM 100.3
● Play-by-play: Joe O’Donnell
● Color analyst: Tom Reid
● Studio host: Kevin Falness
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The 52-year-old reflects on the pain of being sacked after two decades turning Red Bull into an F1 powerhouse, questioning his purpose in life and dealing with panic attacks
Christian Horner should be in steamy Singapore, preparing for another grand prix victory, but here he is, at home on an autumnal morning in genteel Highgate as his wife, Geri Halliwell-Horner, welcomes me with a cheerful hug. Horner smiles as the former Spice Girl produces an impressive imitation of my South African accent which echoes her old headteacher at Watford Girls.
After the most controversial man in the recent history of Formula One says hello, Halliwell-Horner and I discuss the fact that my two daughters also went to her school and that one of their history textbooks had her name printed on the inside page – while the ex-Ginger Spice talks about gritty old Watford, grammar school education and Nelson Mandela.
On this week’s episode, the guys are all back together! The return of Scott Plaza (again), and the guys were joined by special guest AJ Stone. AJ writes for Just Baseball Media and Redbird Rants. He is also a current University of Missouri student and is pursuing a career in journalism.
We will have some VERY interesting guests coming up throughout the remainder of the month of October! Be sure to keep an eye out for the podcast episodes; we have a front office member, a fan-favorite media personality, and ANOTHER Cardinals minor leaguer (an award winner, no less!) We are also searching for Podcast sponsorships. If you or someone you know owns a business, big or small, and wants to advertise with the show, we’d love to have a conversation to see what we can work out!
00:00 Introduction to Viva El Birdos Podcast 00:12 Meet the Hosts: Jake, Gabe, and Scott 00:23 Introduction and Guest Introduction 02:13 Value of Offense vs. Defense in Baseball 04:25 The Importance of Well-Rounded Players 06:48 Team Identity and Player Roles 09:27 Assessing Player Performance and Potential 15:18 Chase Hampton Acquisition and Its Implications 18:47 Depth in the Minor Leagues 22:06 Analysis of the Lars Nootbaar Trade 26:00 Building a Competitive Bullpen 28:19 Identifying Missing Ingredients for Contention 33:12 Future Steps for the Cardinals 34:56 The Rays’ Unique Approach to Player Development 37:40 Cardinals’ Future Strategy and Identity 39:42 Center Field Options for the Cardinals 44:51 Balancing Internal Development with External Acquisitions 52:32 Lineup Optimization and Player Roles
YouTube:
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No Transcript this week. There should be one available for our next episode when we meet with our front office member!
DENVER, CO - JUNE 10: Sterlin Thompson #30 of the Colorado Rockies celebrates with teammates after the Colorado Rockies defeated the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Casey Paul/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Welcome to the 2026 edition of Ranking the Rockies, where we take a look back at every player to log playing time for the Rockies in 2026. The purpose of this list is to provide a snapshot of the player in context. The “Ranking” is an organizing principle that’s drawn from Baseball Reference’s WAR (rWAR). It’s not something the staff debated. We’ll begin with the player with the lowest rWAR and end up with the player with the highest.
No. 45, Sterlin Thompson (-0.3 rWAR)
2026 was simultaneously a breakout season and a disappointing one for Sterlin Thompson.
The 2022 31st overall draft pick had spent the previous three seasons slowly working his way up through the minor leagues one level at a time. In 2025 he spent the entire season at Triple-A Albuquerque where he hit well (118 wRC+) but not so well that he earned a call up the Major Leagues given his defensive limitations.
This season, Thompson put up the best numbers of his professional career in 92 games at Triple-A… but failed to have those results translate in a month long stay on the Major League roster.
Early season dominance
Thompson started off the year absolutely raking in his return to Triple-A. By mid-May, he had hit .344/.491/.496 with four home runs and eight stolen bases in 38 games for the Isotopes.
Thompson made sure the front office could not ignore his performance in the early goings of 2026.
Through his first 38 games both Thompson’s walk rate and strikeout rate had improved from where they had been the year prior. His walk rate in particular had jumped from 10% in 2025 all the way up to 18% in the first couple months of 2026. Thompson’s plate discipline had gone from solid to elite and it elevated his entire offensive profile.
On May 15, Thompson made his Major League debut as a pinch-hitter against Merrill Kelly of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Kelly induced a one-pitch groundout to first in what would be indicative of Thompson’s short first stint with the Rockies big league club.
Four days after his debut, Thompson would be temporarily sent back down to the minors when Tyler Freeman returned from the paternity list.
The Rockies announced today that INF/OF Tyler Freeman has been reinstated from the paternity/restricted list and OF Sterlin Thompson has been optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque.
— Rockies Club Information (@RockiesClubInfo) May 19, 2026
That demotion was only a temporary setback, however, as he was clearly at the top of the minor league depth chart for the front office. Three days after being optioned to Triple-A, Thompson was once again called up to the Rockies after an injury to Mickey Moniak opened up a roster spot.
Thompson’s second stint in the Major Leagues lasted a full month and allowed him an extended chance to settle into life as a big leaguer.
Having spent the early part of his minor league career being tried out at all of second base, third base, and the outfield corners it was an open question whether Thompson would be able to find a position where his glove would not be a liability. He managed to hold his own in the field with the Rockies and recorded only -1 Out Above Average in 86 innings split between left and right field.
At the plate, however, Thompson struggled to make an impact against big league pitching.
In total, Thompson hit for a .232/.312/.377 slash line in 27 games for the Rockies. Most concerning was that the plate discipline which had gotten him the call-up seemed to evaporate as soon as he arrived in the Majors. His 18% Triple-A walk rate fell to just 6.5% for the Major League club, and his strikeout rate jumped up to 27.3%.
Under the hood, however, it wasn’t hopeless for Thompson’s bat. His power numbers ticked upwards in June with a great 50% hard-hit rate on the month, which translated to a slugging percentage that spiked from .185 in May up to .500 in June.
Ultimately, Thompson was not able to fully capitalize on that power due to a 52% ground ball rate paired with just a 16% line drive rate. Essentially, when Thompson was making contact, he was hitting it hard but on the ground.
For some players, a return to the minor leagues can discourage and demotivate them. Thompson, however, picked up right where he left off with the Isotopes. Thompson’s OPS climbed in each of the final three months of the season at Triple-A from .912 in July all the way up to 1.194 in September.
It would be easy to write off 2026 as proof that Thompson has been surpassed on the Rockies outfield depth chart. Players like Cole Carrigg and Zac Veen managed to make a larger splash and then stick with the Major League team longer than he did.
Thompson has, however, done enough at the Triple-A level to remain firmly in the Rockies’ crowded outfield conversation heading into 2027. Going into spring training, he will simply need to prove that he can elevate the ball and maintain, against Major League pitching, the plate discipline strides he showed off in Triple-A all season.
If he’s able to do those two things, he would force his way back onto the Major League roster, at least in a depth or platoon role, next season. If he isn’t, however, the future will be very uncertain for him as he already has nothing left to prove at Triple-A.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 22: Isaiah Collier #8 of the Utah Jazz handles the ball during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on January 22, 2026 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Alex Goodlett/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
After splitting their first two preseason games against the Nuggets, a new opponent is rolling into Salt Lake City. The San Antonio Spurs, runner-ups from last season and my pick for the eventual 2027 NBA champion, are coming to town, and will bring match-up problems that I can’t wait for the Jazz to try to solve. If Victor Wembanyama plays (and that is a big “if”), this preseason game will give us a unique opportunity to watch the Jazz, in a low-stakes environment, attempt to solve the player who seems destined to rule the West for the foreseeable future.
I’m particularly interested to see how what lineups the Jazz roll out in this one. Preseason is a time for experimentation, so I would not be shocked to see a starting lineup against the Spurs that Will Hardy has no intention of starting once the regular season comes around. Will Josh Okogie get his chance with the starters? Will Keyonte sit, giving Darryn Peterson some point guard reps? Will Hardy give Blake Hinson a shot with more established players? If ever he wanted to try these scenarios out, now is the time.
Once again, all eyes will be on Darryn Peterson. After he struggled in game 1 against the Nuggets, his shotmaking popped in the rematch. How will he fare against the notoriously physical Spurs backcourt? This is, once again, assuming that he plays – I would not be surprised if the injury report before this game looks eerily similar to what we became accustomed to during March and April of last season.
Utah Jazz vs San Antonio Spurs—How to Watch:
Who: Utah Jazz vs San Antonio Spurs
Where: Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
When: 7pm Mountain Daylight Time
How to Watch: KJZZ, Jazz+ (in market) or NBA League Pass (out of market)
Green Bay Packers DE Micah Parsons (knee) is not expected to return to practice this week, according to sources. The team hopes that Parsons will be able to return at some point this month but there is no definite timetable.
MILWAUKEE –– Pressed on Monday morning about his glaring 1-for-19 slump at the plate to begin this year’s playoffs, Dodgers catcher Will Smith did his best to downplay the narrative.
“It’s been five games,” the three-time All-Star said. “Obviously, want the results to be a little better. But at the end of the day, it’s five games at the plate. No panic from me.”
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith strikes out during the fifth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park in Cumberland, Georgia, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The same can’t be said of the Dodgers’ fan base, where frustrations once focused on Shohei Ohtani’s injury-hampered form suddenly shifted to Smith’s even more dire struggles during a Game 1 loss in the National League Championship Series on Sunday, in which he went 0-for-3 and hit into a first-inning double-play.
Evidently, Smith’s slump has raised concerns among the team’s decision-makers, as well, as he was dropped from the No. 3 to No. 5 spot in the batting order for Game 2 on Monday.
“He’s not swinging the bat well,” manager Dave Roberts acknowledged Sunday night.
“Just [have to] do what I do, continue to work, try to grind it out in the cage, and figure it out,” Smith added.
Only, Smith insisted he doesn’t feel as bad as his numbers indicate –– even though he has the second-lowest average (.053) of all hitters with at least 10 at-bats this postseason.
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) pops out to first at the bottom of the first inning during a baseball game against the Texas Rangers at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Friday, April 10, 2026. Carlin Stiehl for CA Post
He believes he has been “just barely missing some pitches” and played the “pitchers are making good pitches to me” card while explaining his cold spell.
“I still feel good up there,” he said. “Swinging at the right pitches, taking good pitches.”
All three of the balls he put in play were hit 95 mph or harder; a threshold he had only eclipsed once during the NL Division Series against the Atlanta Braves. He didn’t strike out, snapping a previous three-game streak with multiple punchouts (seven total). His last time up, he even drew a walk, earning his first free pass of October.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Will Smith hits into a double play against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026. Getty Images
“I feel like I’ve earned everyone’s trust here,” Smith said when asked about his place in the order. “It’s the postseason. It’s five games, so it’s a little more elevated. I really don’t think there’s much to it.”
Dodgers pitchers have praised Smith’s defensive work behind the dish, where he has shepherded the team’s staff to a 2.05 ERA in the playoffs.
“I don’t even know how he’s performing offensively, to be honest,” Game 1 starter Tarik Skubal said. “That’s not where my focus is with Will. My focus is what he’s doing behind the dish. He’s very important to calling games.”
Still, the Dodgers will need to his Smith’s bat going.
He was one of their most consistent producers in last year’s playoffs, collecting at least one hit in 12 of his 15 games (he batted .276 overall) while belting two home runs in the World Series (including, memorably, a go-ahead blast in extra innings of Game 7).
Right now, they will need that version of him again, especially against a Brewers pitching staff that limited the Dodgers to one run in Game 1 while stranding nine runners on base.
“I think it’s more so just the game of baseball,” Smith said of his sudden struggles. “There’s highs. There’s lows. When you’re not performing the way you want to, just continue to work, continue to try to get out of it quicker, and not stay hitting poorly.”
“The Warriors say they don’t know where Kristaps Porziņģis is, exactly what he’s dealing with health-wise, or when he might be able to return to the court,” Danny Emerman of The San Francisco Standard wrote Sunday.
This puzzling update arrives just a few days after Warriors head coach Steve Kerr admitted that the 31-year-old forward wasn’t at Golden State’s practice on Friday and added, “Yeah, we’ve texted. Seems to be doing okay, but we haven’t gotten into into depth… He’s got to take care of his health, and again, we’ll support that and keep moving forward with the team.”
Golden State Warriors do not know where their forward Kristaps Porziņģis currently is as he takes care of his health. Getty Images
Kerr admitting that Porziņģis isn’t with the team for one practice is one thing. The fact that the organization doesn’t know where he currently is, now that’s another matter entirely.
Porziņģis was diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in 2025. Scott Kirkland/ShutterstockThe Warriors were aware of this diagnosis when signing Porziņģis to a two-year, $40 million extension this offseason. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
Porziņģis was diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS, in 2025. The belief is that his absence from the team is a byproduct of his health, but that has not been confirmed by the org.
The Warriors and the rest of the NBA were aware of this diagnosis when signing Porziņģis to a two-year, $40 million extension this offseason, yet they surely were hoping to have some more clarity about his status than they’ve received at this point.
Porziņģis is sure to turn up eventually. The Warriors don’t appear to know when that will be.
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CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 10: Cleveland Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti and Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt (12) celebrate following the Major League Baseball American League Division Series Game 5 between the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians on October 10, 2026, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
As Guardians fans, we invest a lot into this team and the team has rewarded those who have kept the faith this season.
In 2025, through 100 games, the Guardians were 50-50. They were busy trying to undo a 15.5 game lead the Tigers had managed at one point. And, of course, we all know they did it. The biggest comeback in MLB history was accomplished on the last game of the regular season, winning the Guardians the AL Central and a playoff berth.
Cleveland then lost a three-game series to Detroit, undoing some of the goodwill they’d managed to acquire in their comeback. Yet, they still had the experience to fall back on… this is the kind of manager and team that finish strong and can overcome immense odds. Fans could reasonably hope that the relentless and resilient mindset established last season would continue in future difficult circumstances.
The 2026 team didn’t make this easy. The difference for me, come 100 games and a 51-49 record, was that I had little doubt the Guardians would make the playoffs but had seen nothing to make me think they would be able to complete another comeback to take a 5.5 game lead from the White Sox. Additionally, I was firmly on team “Get a new hitting coach from another successful organization.”
I believed in common punching bags like Stephen Vogt as a strategist, Hunter Gaddis, Matt Festa, Foster Griffin, Brayan Rocchio and Travis Bazzana. I defended the organization for signing Rhys Hoskins and acquiring Craig Yoho, Jo Adell, Nathaniel Lowe and Griffin as they kept aggressively promoting prospects and giving them a run at improving the team. I never wavered that given time Jose would recover hand/wrist strength and be his old self again and it was worth keeping him in the top of the order and on the field if he felt he was healthy enough to manage it (I wrote a piece saying he should feel frew to take an IL stint in August if he felt it would help). I even reluctantly understood not promoting Ralphy Velazquez and riding with their guys. But, it turns out even that level of faith was not enough for this memorable Guardians team.
They somehow managed to do just enough to secure the AL.Central from the upstart White Sox, Pope Superfan and all, on the second-to-last day of the season. This time, they secured the second seed in the AL and a first-round bye. And, obviously, they overcame a 0-2 hole from losing two home games to come back and win the ALDS from the White Sox. Since 2005, Chicago has been my second-least favorite team aside from the Yankees. Their fans are seemingly universally obnoxious on social media and maybe it’s their Yankee pinstripes that make me just despise playing them. The only way this playoff run would be a disappointment to me is if the Guardians had again besmirched an amazing comeback with a loss to a division rival in the playoffs.
Instead, here we are… in the ALCS. Jose Ramirez put up a 211 wRC+ against the White Sox in a playoff performances that will be a highlight in his Hall of Fame montage. Gavin Williams was absolutely nails to end game four and to start game 5. Cade Smith was a force of automation unknown to man. There were heroes up and down the roster who redeemed their poor home start with a win at Progressive Field that sold-out crowd and fans at home will remember the rest of their lives.
Do I still wish ownership would have gone nuts and signed Pete Alonso? Yes. Do I think it would have been reasonable to sign another more high leverage proven arm to accompany Shawn Armstrong? Of course. But, give credit where credit is due. This organization has made the smart decisions to get back to a doorstep away from the World Series. They deserve our faith and loyalty.
That’s a good feeling to be able to say that. It doesn’t feel like there are many public entities left who deserve our faith. It certainly doesn’t mean that the Dolans, Antonetti, Chernoff and co. aren’t capable and guilty of big mistakes (see: Junior Caminero statting tonight for the Rays). But, overall, they have 100% proved they have the ability to do, consistently, the hardest thing in professional sports- field a competitive baseball team annually in a small market. I am so happy I root for an organization like that and I am going to remember that when I feel compelled to offer criticism in the future.
I am very glad life allows me to write about the baseball team I love. It’s a privilege to oversee this community. But, it is important before we embark on this next part of the 2026 baseball journey to pause for a second and remember how fortunate I am to root for the Cleveland Guardians. We can acknowledge that we have a nearly 80-year title drought that we can justly wish ownership to show more urgency to end while also acknowledging that the entire baseball ops group has done everything in their power to give these guys a chance to do what the 1995, 1997 and 2016 teams BARELY missed the chance to do.
Now, bring back GuardsFest and don’t make us lose games during the lockout and promote Ralphy for Opening Day and sign Ty France and extend Steven Kwan and… Ope, my bad, I know you guys know what you’re doing (on the field – GuardsFest canceled and the lockout are undoubtedly stupid) and I hope you know my wishes and suggestions come from a place of trying to guess how you’ll do the magic of playoff baseball again in 2027. Thanks, Guardians! You are the best. Now, whaddya got for us next?
Sometimes, Dave Roberts likes to mess with Pat Murphy a little bit.
The Los Angeles Dodgers manager said he might, from his own dugout, keep an eye on Murphy in the Milwaukee Brewers dugout, see what he’s doing – and mirror him.
“I study and watch, and we’ll kind of look at each other across the field when he’s giving his numbers to the catchers,” Roberts said on Sunday, Oct. 11 before Game 1 of the National League Championship Series.
“And I’ll kind of mirror that – when it doesn’t even matter – just to see him watching me. We have kind of little interactions.”
He laughed a little. This game within the game happens only because the two managers seem to have great respect for each other, and the way they run their teams.
Murphy, who was named NL manager of the year in 2024 and 2025 – over Roberts – got the Brewers to 103 wins this year (the Dodgers had 100), despite the 19th-ranked total MLB payroll.
“I think the organization is fantastic,” Roberts said of the Brewers. “They do a great job of drafting, developing. Murph does a fantastic job with their team, their coaching staff.
“They play baseball the way it was intended. They value 90 feet. They take extra bases. They defend well. They’re athletic. They prevent runs with really good pitching and then with the defense layered in. They don’t give pitches away.”
Roberts believes the best strategy to beating Milwaukee is to make the Brewers play from behind – a curious statement given how many times the Brewers have rallied this season.
But Roberts feels that way because he does know Murphy well enough in another way.
“With Pat, it is very clear that there’s certain players that he trusts in certain moments,” Roberts said. “It’s not a matchup thing. That’s knowledge that I have versus going on with the numbers.
“That’s kind of his default – just going with the players that he trusts, which I love. He’s going to do things, get guys running, he’s going to bunt. He’ll do things a little bit more unconventional in the modern day of baseball.
“But that goes with being tied, or having the lead.”
So, Roberts said the best way to combat the Brewers is to take the lead early: “And have them play from behind.”
The Dodgers indeed took the lead early in Game 1, but Roberts’ words ended up being prophetic.
After second baseman Brice Turang homered to tie the game, the Brewers got creative. Garrett Mitchell worked a leadoff walk and Cooper Pratt sacrifice bunted him to second. Then rookie Luis Lara smashed a ball right back up the box to spot Milwaukee a 2-1 lead.
That's the margin − and the final score − the Brewers had to end up winning.
"In a vacuum, they're hungrier than us because they haven't done it," Roberts said but added he felt confident in the Dodgers' ability to withstand the Brewers in the best-of-seven series.
Despite a winless, rudderless 0-5-2 start that is the worst start to a season in franchise history, the Philadelphia Flyers are reportedly not considering making a coaching change just yet.
On Monday, a day after the Flyers' franchise record-setting seventh loss in a row to begin a campaign, Daily Faceoff NHL insider Anthony Di Marco reported that Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet "isn't in trouble."
"Tocchet's job isn't in trouble, I'm told.
Don't expect an imminent coaching change for PHI," Di Marco posted on his X account.
A coaching change would be a jarring move so early in the season, at least given the context that Tocchet, in his first season at the helm of the Flyers, guided the team to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Although a small group of fans began to rally against Tocchet in the dying minutes of Sunday's 4-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, chanting for his firing, viable options to replace the 62-year-old bench boss.
For instance, some of the best available external options with meaningful NHL experience would include former Flyers head coach John Tortorella, Bruce Cassidy, Kris Knoblauch, Jay Woodcroft, and Gerard Gallant, who resigned from the KHL's Shangai Dragons on Jan. 12.
Tortorella can't be considered a legitimate candidate for obvious reasons, and Woodcroft is currently an assistant coach with the Anaheim Ducks, so that could be a slippery slope, too.
Gallant might be done coaching, which leaves Cassidy, who coached very strong Boston and Vegas teams, and Knoblauch, who has just two full seasons of experience as an NHL head coach with the likes of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard at his disposal.
If the Flyers replaced Tocchet, they'd be on their third head coach in three years. Would Cassidy want to sign up for a floundering team like the Flyers, who look incapable of winning a game? Probably not.
Knoblauch might, but for the Flyers, there's a good chance that ends up being a lateral move at best.
Something can also be said for candidates like Pat Ferschweiler and Jay McKee, but at the end of the day, it's all moot.
Tocchet joined the Flyers on a five-year contract that reportedly pays him $5.25 million a year, and that alone makes it nearly impossible to cut ties with him, especially so soon into just his second year.
Additionally, Trevor Zegras, an integral part of the team's future, expressed his outright support of Tocchet after Sunday night's game, saying he and the Flyers are "fully behind Tocc."
So, while Di Marco's report, combined with the comments from players like Zegras, may come as a disappointment for Flyers fans, the reality is that Tocchet is here to stay for the foreseeable future, and that is the path of least resistance moving forward at the moment.
MILWAUKEE, WI - JUNE 18: Brayan Rocchio #4 of the Cleveland Guardians talks to Jackson Chourio #11 of the Milwaukee Brewers and Travis Bazzana #37 of the Cleveland Guardians during the game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on Thursday, June 18, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Kylie Bridenhagen/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Accustomed to the role of the favorites throughout their history, the Yankees were not favored against Tampa Bay in the ALDS and indeed bounced out early from the 2026 postseason, leaving the Rays, Guardians, Dodgers, and Brewers as the four clubs still battling for a championship.
Finding a rooting interest after your team is eliminated can be a tricky thing, and everyone has their process. Opting out is perfectly reasonable in its own right if it’s just time for you to begin the offseason baseball hiatus. But for those who watch, the Yankees left their fans in the role of cheering for the underdog on either side of the bracket. Generally, that’s the case for most people, but here it ties into the specific relationships with each of these teams, not because of who they are, but because of who they’re facing.
Before getting to the specific points regarding the Brewers and Guardians, it hit me just now that they represent the two other organizations one of the more recently honored Yankee legends played for in CC Sabathia. Inducted into Monument Park in September, Sabathia started his career with Cleveland before a brief and incredibly successful period in Milwaukee, ultimately signing with the Yankees and being an integral part of that 2009 championship-winning squad. (CC’s son, Carsten, was also drafted by the Brewers this past July.) The Hall of Famer has already stated his obvious enthusiasm for his two former clubs who are still contending for a title.
Nothing would make me happier than a Cleveland vs. Milwaukee World Series 🙏🏾 And no I wouldn’t pick a side 😂
Interestingly, although the Rays are a division rival, one could argue the rivalry with the Guardians would be even more latent—after all, no teams from the same league have played each other in the postseason as often as these two. Nevertheless, the seven playoff meetings between New York and Cleveland—five of them finishing with the Yankees advancing, including the last four—haven’t built as much animosity as you’d expect between these two franchises.
It’s kind of hard to hold a grudge against a team they’ve been able to beat three times in the playoffs since the 2020 campaign and once more not so long ago in 2017. One might even argue some of the best Yankee memories in the postseason since winning their last World Series have come against Cleveland. Furthermore, this is such an odd Cleveland team that’s confusing, reminding you of the University of Iowa football team, continuously finding ways to win despite excelling in very few areas, far from overpowering on either side of the ball.
On the other side, the resentment towards the Rays could not be higher, spending nearly the whole year trailing them in the fight for the AL East—a fight that was more theoretical than put into practice, only to lose the ALDS excruciatingly. It’s not just about what the Rays did, but what the Yankees did and did not do. So it’s easy to root against them the same way most Yankees fans cheered against Toronto in the ALCS last year, when they narrowly beat Seattle for the pennant.
When it comes to the National League, few teams can claim such lengthy periods of success in the 21st century without a World Series title to show for it. As much as a title from anyone apart from the Dodgers might further expose Yankee management and its blown opportunities to compete for the ultimate trophy because it shows it could easily be done—even now, it’s far easier for a fan to sympathize with the low-profile Brewers. The City of Milwaukee hasn’t seen a World Series champion since 1957, when the Brewers didn’t exist and the Braves had not yet moved to Atlanta. That’s not as long as Cleveland’s drought, but it’s not far off.
Although the Brewers and Yankees have been common figures in the postseason over the last 10 seasons or so, they haven’t come close to facing each other in the World Series during this period. Whenever one was on the LCS, the other wasn’t. The playoff track record between them comes from when the Brewers were a part of the AL East; they met the Yankees in the 1981 postseason due to a midseason strike creating a split season. New York advanced in a best-of-five (3-2) and eventually lost the World Series to … the Dodgers. It always comes back to them, doesn’t it?
Who would Yankees fans pick if both underdogs prevailed and made it to the Fall Classic? It’s hard to say. But honestly, most would probably be content if they were told that even one of the Dodgers or Rays got knocked out to create an easy Fall Classic rooting favorite.
