The Royals have a stadium to sell, a payroll to explain, and a lot of confidence about both. The numbers have not exactly gotten the memo. Jacob Milham and Jeremy Greco go through John Sherman’s latest answers on spending and the stadium timeline, and the gap between the pitch and the math is where this episode lives.
Jeremy brings the skepticism, starting with why the stadium district report feels more like a sales job than a breakthrough. Then he turns it on J.J. Picollo’s first four years, where he spots a pattern that keeps repeating: the Royals hold on to players long after the value is gone. Jacob counters with the labor angle, and a TV rights window that may make a lockout far less likely than the doom talk suggests.
October gets its turn too. The Padres’ supposedly elite bullpen cracked under pressure, and the Brewers, Braves, and Dodgers have made some decisions that deserve a second look. It is a good reminder of how often playoff theater and playoff truth are two different things.
If you want the version of the Royals offseason that comes with receipts, this one is for you. Stream the full episode, then tell us whether the stadium math adds up for you.
For the reporting on the 60-game threshold regarding MLB broadcasts, check it out here.
NEW YORK, NY -- New York Islanders goaltenderSemyon Varlamov is expected to make his first NHL start since Nov. 29, 2024, when he takes the crease against the New York Rangers on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.
He did not take part in the Islanders' morning skate as he took his option. Ilya Sorokin and emergency backup netminder Tom Sullivan hit the ice this morning.
Varlamov, 38, has missed the last year and a half while recovering from two partial knee replacements.
With one season left on his $2.75 million-per-year contract, the grizzled veteran wasn't ready to hang up his skates, undergoing grueling physical therapy after a risky surgery to return to NHL form.
In two preseason games, Varlamov turned aside x of x. He backed up starting netminder Ilya Sorokin in the Islanders' 2-1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs last Wednesday and their 6-0 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Saturday.
Varlamov has owned the Rangers at MSG over his career:
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 09: Foster Griffin #22 and Patrick Bailey #16 of the Cleveland Guardians take the field before the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 9, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For game three in Chicago, I’d like to see the Guardians try a bullpen game with an all-hands on deck approach.
By including Foster Griffin and Tanner Bibee on the roster, the Guardians indicated a willingness to throw the kitchen sink at the White Sox. So, let’s do it.
It’ll be a wild atmosphere to open the game, so you want to open with a steady hand. I wouldn’t be opposed to Shawn Armstrong in this role given his excellent performance in game 2. People are going to hate this, but I also wouldn’t oppose Erik Sabrowski or Tim Herrin in the role. Give them a clean inning and see if Venable will put in his Grichuk and Pham pieces before going immediately to a right-hander at the first sign of trouble or to start the second if Sabrowski or Herrin get through a clean first.
So, say, Herrin for the first. Then, Daniel Espino for one, Foster Griffin for one, Tanner Bibee for one, Joey Cantillo for two. Then, you have Shawn Armstrong, Hunter Gaddis, Erik Sabrowksi and Cade Smith to finish off the game. You also have each arm available to plug in as need be if someone listed above gets in trouble. I would be willing to give Griffin a couple innings (centered against a heavily LHH-portion of the White Sox lineup), but I would give Bibee the bottom of the order in a middle inning and nothing more. I think this set-up has the best chance at keeping the White Sox off balance for a game.
In regards to the hitters, I don’t expect this to happen, but I’d like to see Daniel Schneemann get the start over Angel Martinez. Aside from the fact that Angel is chasing disastrously (as might have been predicted looking at his season rates), I am afraid this is a vibes move. Schneemann has been great at being plugged into a lineup and getting a random hit or home run. I want to see White Sox fans tweeting “SCHNEEMANN? WHO THE BLEEP IS SCHNEEMANN?” Also, Schneemann provides some defensive excellence in left field.
Give me this lineup: 1. Kwan CF 2. Jose 3B 3. DeLauter RF 4. Lowe 1B 5. Adell DH 6. Bazzana 2B 7. Schneemann LF 8. Bailey C 9. Rocchio SS
And bullpen chaos/all-hands on deck and let’s try to push this thing to game four.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 22: Seth Johnson #52 of the Athletics pitches in the fifth inning of the Los Angeles Angels and Athletics game at Sutter Health Park on September 22, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Heather Diehl/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to Tuesday everyone!
The Athletics suffered massive injury issues this year with the majority of their starting lineup spending time on the injured list. No team can survive the onslaught of bumps and bruises that the team had this year and it showed in the final standings. If the team can’t stay healthy next year we’re looking at a repeat of 2026.
The right-hander’s first look with the A’s didn’t go all that well. He pitched in 12 games for the A’s after his mid-season trade from Philadelphia and allowed a whopping 12 runs in just 17 1/3 innings of work. Not what the team was hoping for when they acquired him for Colby Thomas at the trade deadline. Johnson has yet to really have any sort of success at the big league level since making his one-game big league debut in 2024, with a total of 39 appearances over the past three years.
Still, he was highly regarded enough for the A’s to trade Thomas, who was only two years ago considered one of the top prospects in the Athletics’ system. His numbers in Triple-A indicate that he could have success in the big leagues if he’s able to really put it together. Maybe the knee was holding him back this year. It is the one he plants on when he pitches after all. Either way, next season will be a big one for the 28-year-old, who will have an excellent chance to make his first Opening Day roster if he has a big spring training. For now, he’ll be focused on rehabbing that knee and getting as strong as possible before camp.
As for today’s playoff slate, we’re back in the National League after watching the AL matchups last night. The #2 seeded Dodgers let Game Two slip through their fingers and now head to Atlanta with the series tied 1-1. This Dodgers squad has looked old and beatable at times this year and Atlanta is giving it their best shot. This could end up going the full distance.
The Brewers meanwhile, even though they’ve had plenty of regular season success, have only made the NLCS once in that same time period. In fact, the last time they made the NLCS was in 2018, when they lost to…. the Dodgers. Milwaukee would love to avenge that loss nearly a full decade ago. It’s the matchup baseball wants and the one the fans need to see. Unless the Braves have something to say about that. It’ll be Yamamoto versus Sale in the Dodgers-Braves game, and Dustin May against Nick Pivetta in the nightcap between the Brewers and Padres.
First pitch between the Dodgers and Braves is at 6 PCT. Have a good one A’s fans.
The Yankees are the first MLB team to have more players commit an error (4) than they had get a hit (3) in a postseason game since the Reds did it when they were no-hit by Roy Halladay on October 6, 2010.
Mike Brown played the Knicks’ regulars sparingly their first time out, creating an opportunity for the reserves to showcase what they can do.
While he only saw nine minutes off the bench, Wiseman took advantage.
The former No. 2 overall pick made his presence felt on both ends of the floor, knocking down three of four shots and a pair of free throws for eight points while also pulling in five boards.
One of those buckets came on a nice alley-oop feed from Jordan Clarkson, and another on a putback layup after cleaning up a missed shot on the offensive glass.
Wiseman finished the night a -13, but also recorded a block.
“It felt good just contributing to the team,” he said. “I’m just focused on taking things one day at a time, building on each game and each practice, and doing the simple things.”
If Wiseman can carry this strong start into the Knicks’ next three preseason matchups, perhaps he can earn himself a deal and the third center spot to start the year.
The big man does already have a fan in head coach Mike Brown, who was on the Warriors' coaching staff during his first two NBA seasons.
"When you’re that long and athletic with skill, there’s a place for you in this league," Brown recently said. "Sometimes it takes the right moment, the right team, the right situation, all of that to be able to fit someplace and grow -- he’s one of the many guys that we’re excited about.”
Wiseman hasn’t quite fit in just yet during his NBA career, but perhaps he’ll be able to while reuniting with Brown.
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 04: Luis Perales #43 of the Washington Nationals pitches during the game between the Washington Nationals and the Los Angeles Dodgers at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Friday, September 4, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Nicole Vasquez/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Despite only being in the job for a year, Paul Toboni has already made plenty of moves. He is an active GM who leaves no stone unturned when it comes to trying to make his team better. However, there is one trade I will discuss that has not aged well so far.
Back in Mid-December Paul Toboni made a rare prospect for prospect swap. He made a deal with his old boss Craig Breslow that sent LHP Jake Bennett to the Red Sox in exchange for RHP Luis Perales. It was a fascinating trade because of the one for one nature and the fact that Perales and Bennett are such different pitchers.
Pitching-prospect trade: The Boston Red Sox are acquiring left-hander Jake Bennett from the Washington Nationals for right-hander Luis Perales, sources tell ESPN. A 1-for-1 deal.
The Red Sox went after a polished lefty with great command in Bennett. Meanwhile, the Nats got a high upside flame-thrower in Perales. It was a classic case of stuff vs command. In year one, the command specialist easily won the day.
While Perales was the more well-known name, Bennett was the one who burst on to the scene in 2026. Entering the year, it was difficult to see how Bennett could break into a crowded Red Sox rotation. However, things changed after Garrett Crochet went down and Bennett dominated in AAA.
Bennett was impressing Red Sox fans as early as Spring Training with improved velocity to go with his already elite execution. He did not make the team out of camp, but after a few starts in the minors, it was clear that the lefty was big league ready. Bennett posted a 1.60 ERA in nine AAA starts.
Once injuries hit the Red Sox rotation, he was the next man up. When he arrived, Bennett made the most of his opportunity. In 113.1 innings, Bennett posted a 3.65 ERA with 91 strikeouts to just 21 walks. He became a stabilizing force in the Red Sox rotation and played a key role in turning their season around.
Jake Bennett in his Rookie Season:
🔺20 G 🔺113.1 IP 🔺9-7 🔺3.65 ERA 🔺3.51 FIP 🔺1.10 WHIP 🔺91/21 K/BB
Nobody knew who he was when Boston traded for him in December. Now he looks like a key member of the Red Sox rotation for years to come. pic.twitter.com/BMk2Gek3Pf
In fact, Bennett was so good that the Red Sox were willing to trade the more highly touted Connelly Early for offensive help, ironically to the Nats. That 3.65 ERA was no mirage either. Bennett’s FIP was 3.51, his xERA was 3.42 and his xFIP was 3.81. He is tracking like a quality number 3 starter for years to come.
Jake Bennett does not have electric stuff, but he makes up for it with phenomenal command and deception. Bennett only walked 4.6% of hitters and generated a 37.4% chase rate. Those are both extraordinary numbers. His fastball and changeup were absolute weapons this season.
It is worth noting that Bennett posted a 4.66 ERA in his last 7 outings. However, his strikeout and walk numbers were actually better in that time. I think that 3.65 ERA number is pretty representative of his true talent. The lack of dominant stuff holds him back from being a top of the rotation guy, but Jake Bennett is rock solid.
In exchange for Bennett, the Nats got Luis Perales, who could not be any more different as a pitcher. While Bennett throws in the 92-94 MPH range, Luis Perales averages 99 on his heater. To go with that heater, Perales has a 93 MPH cutter and a nasty splitter that just falls off the table.
If you are just looking at pure stuff, Perales is world’s better than Bennett. His fastball gets a lot of carry and his splitter drops a lot. However, there is more to pitching than just raw stuff and the Nats are learning that the hard way in this trade.
Like Bennett, Luis Perales started the season in AAA. However, he did not have the same success early on. He really struggled with command out of the gates, and that became a trend. While things got better, and the ERA was not bad, there were some red flags in his profile.
Speaking of that ERA, if that was the only thing you looked at, his AAA season would seem pretty strong. He posted a 3.64 ERA in Rochester over 96.1 innings. However, the underlying numbers told a different story. Perales had a FIP of 4.63, almost a full run higher than his ERA. His xERA was 4.12 and his xFIP was 4.86. Perales walked over 13% of hitters in the minors this year.
While his strikeout numbers were good, they were not elite. A 23.5% K rate is not enough to make up for all those walks. The reason his ERA was so low is due to a .243 BABIP, which is very low. Perales was getting lucky in Rochester.
As the season finished, Perales was moved to the bullpen so he could get a shot in the big leagues. He actually looked good in that role in Rochester. Perales made three relief appearances in the minors and dominated. In 6 innings, Perales allowed 0 runs, struck out 12 and only walked two batters. That relief role seemed like a great fit for him.
However, things took a turn for the worst once he reached the majors. In his first outing, Perales allowed a grand slam, and that really set the tone. Perales made 6 appearances and tossed 11 innings. In those outings, Perales allowed 14 runs, walked 13 hitters, gave up 15 hits and surrendered 5 homers. It was a complete disaster and Perales did not look big league ready in the slightest. Despite throwing over 100 fewer innings, Bennett walked just 8 more hitters than Perales.
There were some major problems that were easy to identify. The first one is just the command. So many of Perales’ pitches are either uncompetitive misses or right down the middle. He just does not execute at an MLB level, especially with his fastball. In a lot of outings, Perales just had to abandon his triple digit heater because he can’t command it.
Perales’ best pitch is his splitter. When he actually finds a way to get ahead in the count, the pitch is filthy. It generated whiffs at a 48.9% clip and batters hit just .063 on the pitch. However, his splitter is a chase pitch. Unless he is ahead in the count, hitters can just lay off the pitch.
The one pitch he can consistently throw in the zone is his cutter. Unfortunately, his cutter is the one pitch that just is not very impressive stuff wise. Hitters just teed off on his cutter and 4-seamer. Perales’ pitch mix and command just does not work in the MLB right now.
I still believe in the raw stuff and I think he has a chance to be a good reliever with further development. We will see how that development goes because there is a dark cloud looming. Right now, Perales is out of options meaning he will have to stick on the big league roster moving forward. However, there is a strong chance he could get an extra option year due to missing almost all of last season with Tommy John.
Luis Perales just isn’t even close unfortunately. Gotta hope he gets that option year due to injury. If he is out of options and has to stay on the roster the whole season, he could legitimately be a DFA candidate if things don’t get a lot better in a hurry
We better hope Perales gets that option year because he is not big league ready right now. It would be tough to carry a pitcher this raw on an MLB roster and it would also be a disaster if he were DFA’d.
On the season, Perales posted -0.5 fWAR while Bennett compiled 2.3 fWAR. So far this has been a story of command being more important than stuff. The funky lefty who knows how to pitch is way better than the flamethrowing righty with bad command.
It is worth noting that this was Perales’ first year back from Tommy John. As he gets further removed from the surgery, I hope he regains some sharpness. The stuff is all the way back, but the command still has a long way to go. Control had always been a question for Perales, but prior to the surgery he was headed in the right direction. This season has been a big step in the wrong direction though.
We will continue to go over some of Paul Toboni’s moves as we get deeper into the offseason, but so far this looks like the worst one. Right now, Bennett looks like a mid rotation starter while Perales needs a lot to go right for him to even become an effective reliever.
There is a chance this trade looks better after another year, but so far this has been a big swing and a miss. Toboni’s old boss seems to have got one over on him here. This trade gives us an important reminder that while stuff is very important, it is not everything. Pitchers still need to be able to execute and throw quality strikes. Jake Bennett is a master in that regard while Luis Perales is well below average. Let’s hope Perales can figure it out moving forward because this is not looking good right now.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 3: Ben Kindel #81 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates in the second period during the game against the Montreal Canadiens at PPG PAINTS Arena on October 3, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Let’s talk about some first impressions from the 2026-27 Pittsburgh Penguins.
After playing a nearly flawless 60 minutes in the season opener against the Philadelphia Flyers, the Penguins won a 6-5 overtime game against the Montreal Canadiens that saw them let a 5-1 slip away, and then played what was easily their sloppiest and ugliest game of the season on Monday night in a 3-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets.
It has only been three games.
Everybody’s story for the 2026-27 season is still in it prologue, especially as everybody tries to deal with the shortened preseason and training camp. It is going to make one of the noisiest and most random parts of the season even noisier and more random. But it is still a first impression, and sometimes a first impression can tell you a lot.
So let’s look at three things to like so far from the Penguins, and three things to not like so far.
Things to like so far
You should like Ben Kindel’s start. Not only in the sense that he looks bigger, stronger and faster, but also with the way he looks offensively. He has played two games, he has scored two goals, both of them by going to the front of the net and getting his stick on the puck, and added an assist. We know he can shoot, we know he can skate, and we know he can see the ice. But if he is going to start scoring dirty goals from the front of the net you are really going to have something here. His play to set up Declan Carlile on Monday night was also one of the bright spots in the game for the Penguins. He knew exactly what he was doing with that puck, and where he was going with it, before he even had it. As promising as all of that is, I thought one of his best plays over the first two games was a scoring chance he generated on the penalty kill in his first game against the Canadiens. It did not result in a goal, but it showed off the speed and strength we have been hearing about all training camp. We know he is an NHL player. The question is the upside and how good of an NHL player he can be. We might be underselling it.
You should like Declan Carlile’s start. Parker Wotherspoon and Ryan Shea were very pleasant surprises for the 2025-26 Penguins, and when they let Shea go without even so much as a serious offer, and then traded Wotherspoon for Kaedan Korczak, there was some confusion, and maybe even concern among Penguins fans. I still like Korczak (even with an up-and-down start), but I really liked the Carlile signing and saw him as not only a potential Wotherspoon replacement, but perhaps even an upgrade next to Erik Karlsson. While I do not expect offense to be a big part of his game, already scoring two goals and adding two more assists in three games is an unexpected surge offensively. He has, quite literally, already set a new career high in scoring. And both goals were fantastic shots as well. I still wouldn’t expect big offensive numbers this season from him, but I do expect a good player.
You should like Evgeni Malkin’s start. He did not have a great game on Monday, but who did other than Kindel and, for the most part, Sergei Murashov? He did, however, have two outstanding games against Philadelphia and Montreal to start the season. I do not know how he is going to hold up over 84 games and what the April version of Malkin will look like, but through the first week of the season there is still some juice to squeeze here.
Things to not like so far
You should not like seven third period goals against in two games. I realize it might be a little odd to put a defensemen in the “things to like” category given some of the goal prevention issues over the past two games, but I’m not going to put that entirely on just the defense. It has been a very collective effort across the board, and continuing what was a big problem a year ago. The good news? They mostly figured it out last season as the season went on. Right now it’s been four shaky periods (the third period against Montreal, and the bad game against Winnipeg). The positives have still outweighed the negatives. But the negatives are something we saw a little too much of a season ago.
You should not like Connor Dewar’s start. Since being acquired at the 2024-25 NHL Trade Deadline, Dewar has been a very pleasant surprise as a fourth-line forward and penalty killer, and even played his way into a contract extension. It was justified given his play. But the past two games have been shaky for him in terms of making simple plays with the puck, and the type of plays you should be counting on him to make in tough, defensive situations. He has had some egregious turnovers in the defensive zone. I understand the Penguins probably want him in the lineup due to his penalty killing, but given the forward depth they have accumulated, including players that are more than capable of playing a fourth-line role when everybody is healthy (Hendrix Lapierre, Elmer Soderblom) he should not have a lock on a lineup spot every night.
You should not like how the Penguins power play responded to an aggressive penalty kill. This is not a commentary on the power play’s overall performance through three games, because they scored four goals in the first two games. This is simply related to how they looked on Monday night against a Winnipeg penalty kill that was extremely aggressive and did not give them any room to operate or set up. Even when the Penguins power play is going well it has always been vulnerable to chances against, and can at times look a little sloppy. That is especially true against teams that do not just passively sit back and let them set up. Winnipeg’s two PK’s on Monday were highlighted by an aggressiveness they did not see from Philadelphia and Montreal, and the Penguins did not seem to know how to handle it. Maybe it was just an extension of the sloppy game they played. Maybe it is a thing other teams will try to exploit. Either way, it was something that stood out to me.
If the Flyers wanted to wake up their underperforming team, they’ll try to do it with Michael Bunting.
The Flyers signed the veteran winger to a one-year, $1.2 million contract Tuesday.
This could be a message of sorts to the club’s roster. The Flyers are off to an 0-2-2 start in which they’ve been outshot a staggering 158-77. Their forwards have produced just three goals.
When Bunting is at his best, he’s playing with some bite and providing secondary scoring. The Flyers will be the 31-year-old’s seventh NHL team.
To make room for Bunting, we’ll see if the Flyers decide to put Garrett Wilson on waivers for the purpose of sending him to AHL affiliate Lehigh Valley. Carl Grundstrom could also be an option; he already cleared waivers last month. What about Alex Bump? The young winger was a healthy scratch Monday night and the Flyers don’t want young players sitting for too long, so keep an eye on him, as well.
Last season, Bunting put up 33 points (14 goals, 19 assists) in 74 games between the Predators and Stars.
Rick Tocchet knows him a little bit from their days with the Coyotes. Bunting played 26 games for Arizona over two seasons when Tocchet was the head coach.
Bunting’s best season came with the Maple Leafs in 2021-22. He recorded 23 goals, 63 points and a plus-27 rating. He had 23 goals for Toronto the next season, too.
In 16 career games against the Flyers, Bunting has scored five goals and collected six assists.
It’s uncertain when he’ll make his Flyers debut. The team will have to get him up to speed. The Flyers play Thursday on the road against the Senators (7 p.m. ET/NBCSP). Then they have a back-to-back set when they visit the Bruins on Saturday (1 p.m. ET/NBCSP) and host the Hurricanes on Sunday (7 p.m. ET/NBCSP).
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MAY 06: New head coach Taylor Jenkins of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during an introductory press conference at Milwaukee Art Museum on May 06, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Bucks fans and fans across the country.
Hey Brew Hoop family… NBA basketball is officially back this week, and with a new coach and (basically) a new team, there is so much to monitor. One of the main things I’mwondering is how coach Taylor Jenkins approaches the preseason and what he hopes to accomplish. Jenkins could prioritise either of the following two options and be well within his rights to choose either one:
Experimentation: Trying heaps of combinations to increase the chance of discovering who works well with who; using a large playbook to see which sets work and which don’t; throwing as many young guys in the deep end as possible to get their feet wet. However, you risk trying to achieve everything and end up achieving nothing.
Continuity: Heavily use predetermined lineups you’re more sure you will use in the regular season, and stick with them until they operate the way you want; limited playbook and aim for quality over quantity. However, you may throw away the chance to test certain combinations and sets that may actually be your most effective.
In last night’s game, Jenkins did play 14 guys, but the rotation was tighter in the first half, so I guess he went with a bit of both. In any event, if you had to choose one option, which would you choose? Please share your rationale in the comments too.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 5: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks looks on against the Philadelphia 76ers during a preseason game at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 5, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Knicks 120-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The New York Knicks officially unofficially played basketball yesterday, and I can’t be happier about an opponent’s win.
As Russell said in his Scenes, we’ll give them belt when it counts, but for now, all I needed was some Orange and Blue hoops in my screen.
Here’s the latest from NYK world coming off Monday’s loss. Get well soon, Huk.
Mike Brown said he was bothered with the Knicks' lack of physicality in their preseason opener loss to the 76ers pic.twitter.com/ooACUyyDdK
On playing everyone available in the preseason opener:
“Everybody’s been busting their behind in camp. Everybody’s good people, and it’s our first game. So I’m gonna play everybody. Twenty guys. Jose’s not playing.”
On the Knicks’ lack of physicality in the preseason loss to Philadelphia:
“Most of it, I was okay with (the performance). I just listed things that I saw that I know we can be better at. What bothers me is our lack of physicality throughout the ballgame, and that’s the whole roster, up and down. We weren’t great on the ball physically, and we weren’t great with our defensive positioning physically.
“That I’m concerned about, and I don’t wanna see it happen (again). The rest of the stuff, it’s coach-talk. It’s real, but it’s coach-talk that we’ll clean up watching film and all that stuff. I can’t help with the physicality. That they got to find it individually, which will then turn into collectively. That’s how you find minutes. That’s how you make the team. That’s how you contribute.”
On evaluating the Knicks’ options at center:
“I think just it’s just kind of gut feel. And then we’ll look at production because they’re gonna probably give us different levels of protection in different areas. Tony is just a really smart guy that has a great feel for the game, and when you watch him play, they’re not necessarily sexy, but he’s extremely efficient, and then there are times when it’s like, ‘Oh, my God, he kicked our ass [in the past].
“When you look at Wiseman, he’s younger, he’s a little more raw, he’s a vertical threat. He’s one of the best runners I’ve been around. You can see and feel his length and his athleticism and his potential.
“Then when you look at Drew, just a toughness about him, and you know what you’re gonna get, not tonight, but every fricking night that you go out there, ’cause he’s got a great feel, a great sense of toughness about him, and again, he’s not afraid to do anything against anybody, and his belief is at a pretty high level.
“So they’ll all initially bring something a little bit different, and we’ll just see, at the end of the day, if any of them, in terms of the center spot, fit well enough to be on our team.”
On Mikal Bridges attacking the rim:
“It’s great. He’s long, athletic and smart. He can finish at the rim. He’s capable of playing off of two feet and making a spray because he has a tremendous feel for the game.”
On creating more offensive opportunities for OG Anunoby:
“We have to try and put him in those positions a bit more, but he also has to have a good feel of what he wants and get to his spots. With him being in the system for a year, he’s got a better feel. … We also have a better feel on how to use him. I don’t call a lot of plays, and now he can find the small areas where he can be aggressive offensively. … His natural ability, especially with how hard he works, is showing.”
On wishing Ariel Hukporti a speedy recovery:
“We hope Ariel — whatever is wrong with him — he has a speedy recovery and he’s back on the floor. You hate to see anybody go down with an injury, but especially somebody who is a caliber person who Ariel is.”
On the 76ers’ roster and their status as an Eastern Conference contender:
“You look at their roster, man, it’s just loaded: multiple-time All-Star, multiple-time All-Star, multiple-time All-Star, MVP candidate, MVP candidate, MVP candidate. I remember back in the day, Pop said — when I was an assistant for him — there is a change from having two All-Stars on your team to having three. He brought it to our attention as a staff. He was like, you made at least three NBA All-Stars, and not just one-offs, but perennial All-Stars to go win a championship.
“And this is when we were going against Kobe [Bryant] and Shaq[uille O’Neal] and their [Lakers] team and all that.
“You look at this [Philly] team here, and they’ve got as many All-Stars or guys of that nature as they had in Miami when LeBron was down there. So they’re definitely a deep team, a talented team. Nick Nurse does a phenomenal job. He’s a championship-level coach, and they’re definitely going to be one of the teams that are contending in the East.
“In my opinion, it just got harder for everybody with the team that they assembled here.”
On LeBron James reaching his 24th NBA season:
“The first thing, I guess like year 24 is insane. It’s unheard of. It’s not human. People talk about Wemby being not human because of what he can do for his size. You got to throw LeBron in that category because of his durability and still doing it at the age that he has at a high level. It’s amazing to watch, but if there’s anybody that’s going to do it, he’s going to do it because even when he was young, he was really diligent about taking care of his body and he was not afraid to ask the vets, like Zydrunas Ilgauskas, who was one of the best in terms of taking care of his body, he was not afraid to ask him what he does daily and then follow his lead. So just an amazing, amazing run for one of the all-time greats.”
On the championship-level upgrade to his travel toiletries kit:
“Something has changed: This is kind of cool. So, our equipment guys are great, Kyle, Steve, Will, shout out to them. One of the best in the league, and they give me a toothbrush and toothpaste, mouthwash, and lotion, and all that. And they put it in my locker area, and they usually just carry it in a paper bag or a plastic bag.
“[Now] they put it in one of those travel things. And they set it really nice on my desk, and I go in there today, and these freaking guys, they made a travel case. Like this is where my lotion is. This is where the Kleenex goes. The two travel Listerines, the deodorant, and Sensodyne toothpaste in the back.
“And, it’s foam. It’s in a case, and not only that, you can’t see it, but right here, it says lotion. Right here, it says deodorant. So this is what championship level coaches get, right? I guarantee Nick [Nurse] has this s–t, too.”
Karl-Anthony Towns is not "anywhere close" to agreeing to an extension with the Knicks@IanBegley reports with more on the negotiations after Towns' public comments: pic.twitter.com/5H2ozpbTkE
On what he wants from a Knicks contract extension:
“Simply put, I want to do something that can keep the team together and that can work with the Knicks, but also values me. And none of those things have come close to happening.”
On wanting to be paid according to his value after winning a championship and not making concessions:
“No s–t, Sherlock. I just got a championship, you thought it’d be pretty easy… unless you guys think I got anything else to prove?”
On the outlook for reaching an extension before the regular season:
“It don’t look good. I mean in my experience, you just appreciate the moments right now and let it go where it goes.”
On how he is handling the lack of an extension:
“Best as anyone could.”
Jalen Brunson on the Knicks' preseason opener:
"It's a good first step. Not a great first step, but as long as we're making strides in the right direction, it's something to be happy about. Still a lot for us to learn and be better at early" pic.twitter.com/fFjwAL9SY5
“It’s a good first step. Not a great first step, but as long as we’re making strides in the right direction, it’s something to be happy about. Still a lot for us to learn and be better at early”
On Ariel Hukporti’s injury:
“Definitely heartbreaking. When I came back in the locker room, I went to go check on him. Sad to see. Obviously, we’ll pray for him.”
"It felt good just trying to contribute to the team"
(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
No player in NBA history has ever played 24 seasons before. LeBron James is about to change that. James signed with the Philadelphia 76ers in the most shocking move of the NBA summer to chase his fifth championship. He’s already the eighth oldest player in league history to start the season, and he’ll turn 42 years old in December. James has been remarkably durable throughout his career, but nagging injuries started to pop up during the end of his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers. As the Sixers go through training camp, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin detailed one injury James isn’t going to get over.
James has chronic arthritis in his left foot, according to McMenamin, which requires special attention from the Sixers’ medical staff. The superstar also dealt with sciatica in his lower back that caused him to miss a month last season, which is another area that continues to get treatment in Philly.
The Sixers might have the most dubious recent injury history in the NBA, though there are a few teams (the Pelicans, the Grizzlies) who would challenge that claim. Ben Simmons’ career fell apart at age-24 because of injuries after making three All-Star teams. Markelle Fultz’s career never got off the ground in part because of injuries after Philly made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 draft. Joel Embiid has dealt with seemingly hundreds of different maladies over the years. That’s just the tip of the iceberg, as any Sixers fan will tell you.
James played 60 games last year, 70 and 71 games the two years before that, and 55 and 56 games the two years before that. How many will he play this season? LeBron no longer has to carry the scoring load for his team, and the Sixers should be well equipped offensively with Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey even when he and Embiid miss games. Philly could really use James’ signature playmaking component, but that’s more important in the playoffs than the regular season. The goal for the Sixers’ training staff will be to get LeBron in peak shape come playoff time. Can they do it?
It’s easy to imagine the frustration from Sixers fans if James deals with more injuries this year. Just remember: he’s about to 42, and he already has chronic arthritis in his foot. It’s remarkable that he was still so good in the first-round playoff series against the Rockets last season despite that, averaging 23.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game as he helped the Lakers advance without Luka Doncic.
LeBron made the NBA Finals in eight straight years the last time he was in the East. That was also nine years ago. James could still have some magic left in his body, but there’s no doubt the end is near. Having chronic arthritis is just one sign of that.
Qatar frontrunners of bidders, with India and Hungary
Turkey, Germany and Korea to present to IOC next month
South Africa is in the hunt to stage Africa’s first Olympics after it was named as one of seven countries that will formally present its case to host the 2036 Games in November.
However its bid, which would probably be spread across Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, is seen as a distinct outsider, with Qatar widely regarded as the frontrunner ahead of India and Hungary.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 05: Empty seats before the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park on September 05, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Hello and happy Tuesday, folks. Hope your week’s off to a good start.
Believe it or not, there’s no Red Sox game on today. Or tomorrow. Or any day for the foreseeable future, actually. That means we’ve got a good amount of free time on our hands.
My question to you: How have you been spending that time over the last few nights? It’s almost been a week since the Sox got bounced by the Yankees. Have you been locked into the rest of the MLB playoffs? Are you and baseball on a break? Something in between? Catch any good movies lately? Gotten into pottery or another art/craft? Let us know in the comments below. God, writing this instead of watching the Sox sucks.
FORT MYERS, - MARCH 16: Isaiah Drake #39 of the Atlanta Braves attempts to make a diving catch during the 2024 Spring Breakout Game between the Atlanta Braves and the Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park on Saturday, March 16, 2024 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Kelly Gavin/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Yesterday saw another Atlanta Braves prospect show up in the Arizona Fall League, as Isaiah Drake got the start in left field for the Glendale Desert Dogs.
Isaiah Drake had four at bats in this game, which ended with a walkoff in the ninth. In the second inning he reached base because of an error by the second baseman, and went on to steal second base – already his second stolen base of the AFL season. Then there was a fly out in the fourth and a strikeout in the sixth for his next two at bats. He came back up in the eighth and hit an infield single to the third baseman. Drake would be the only Braves prospect to appear in this one.
Apr 6, 2017; Columbia, SC, USA; A general view of the the Columbia Fireflies logo on a seat during batting practice before a game against the Augusta GreenJackets at Spirit Communications Park. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Royals’ Single-A affiliate, the Columbia Fireflies finished the season with a record of 64-65, almost winning the division in the first half of the season. There was plenty of good and bad throughout the season, so let’s dive into it.
The good from the position players:
Josh Hammond, the Royals’ first round pick in the 2025 draft out of Wesleyan Christian high school in North Carolina, was great in his first season of pro ball. He just turned 20 two weeks ago, young for his level. In 437 at bats, the shortstop slashed .286/.354/.389 with 24 doubles, 3 triples and 5 homers. He walked 46 times and stole 25 bases in 30 attempts. He moved between shortstop and third base, and had 24 errors on the season, so that’s something he can work on, but again, for a guy that was 19 all season, I think it was a good first step.
Sean Gamble, the Royals’ other first round pick in 2025, finished strong in the second half. The 19-year-old outfielder got off to a very slow start, and was hitting just .114 by May 21. He was able to turn it around after that, hitting .254/.375/.398 over his last 75 games, finishing at .203/.315/.310. On the season, he hit 17 doubles, 3 triples and 7 homers. He stole 38 baseas and was really good in centerfield defensively.
JC Vanek is a lesser heralded guy, he was a 14th round draft pick in the 2025 draft, out of Chipola Junior College. The now 22-year-old first baseman hit .255/.399/.446 over 298 at bats this season, with 14 homers and 20 stolen bases, mostly playing first and left field. Vanek is someone who could be a late bloomer throughout the organization and someone to watch.
Yandel Ricardo is a 19-year-old shortstop who the Royals signed out of Cuba in January of 2024. He hit .266/.351/.398 in his first full season in Columbia, with 17 doubles, 7 triples and 7 homers, with 27 steals. He also worked 48 walks in 109 games. He played a good mix of second base and shortstop defensively and was good at both.
Brooks Bryan, the Royals’ eighth-round pick in the 2025 draft out of Troy University, was phenomenal in 119 at-bats. Battling through injuries, Bryan slashed .319/.406/.496 and hit three homers. He’s another guy I think might be a late bloomer who is worth keeping an eye on in the organization.
The good from the pitching staff:
Jose Gutierrez, a 23-year-old right-hander from Venezuela, was probably the most consistent starter for the Fireflies this season. He went 9-4 on the season, with a 3.62 ERA in 114.1 innings pitched. He struck out 98 batters, with a 1.32 WHIP and .256 opponents’ batting average. He grinded through the Royals DSL systems and is coming into his own now, and could start in Quad Cities next season.
Michael Lombardi, the Royals’ second round draft pick in 2025 from Tulane, had a good season. Lombardi threw 88 innings this season, posting a 3.68 ERA, but striking out 124 hitters. He did walk 52 batters in those 88 innings, but opponents hit just .223 off him.
Michael Lombardi was on fire this season! He became just the 7th Fireflies pitcher to reach 100 career strikeouts. As well, he posted a 3.68 ERA with 124 Ks in 88 IP 🔥 #LetsGlow#LetsGlow@KCRoyalsPDpic.twitter.com/4B0S16TfLA
Randy Ramnarace is a 22-year-old right hander from New York that the Royals selected the 16th round of the 2025 draft. He posted a 3.68 ERA in 44 innings pitched this season. He struck out 41 batters, but did walk 44, so that’s something he will have to work on, but opponents hit just .206 this season.
Darwin Rodriguez is a 23-year-old left-hander, from Venezuela who threw 115 innings, allowing a 3.83 ERA. He struck out 114 hitters. He posted a 1.37 WHIP, opponents did hit .262 off him.
Hiro Wyatt dealt with injuries but was solid when healthy. The Royals’ 3rd round pick in 2023, now a 22-year-old right-hander, started 7 times, going 28 innings, posting a 3.21 ERA. He struck out 24 hitters, with a 1.46 WHIP and .248 opponents’ batting average. If healthy next year, easily a guy that could be at Quad Cities and Northwest Arkansas.
The pitching list isn’t as long, but a good amount of those guys ended up in Quad Cities, who we will talk about next week, so don’t fret. Overall, the Royals Single-A affiliate, the Columbia Fireflies had a lot of positives.
