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Game Thread: Limping to a day off
MARINERS AT GUARDIANS: Williams vs. Hancock, discussion
Here’s the Mariners lineup:
Here’s the Guardians lineup:
Let’s go, Guardians!
Mariners Game #85 Preview and Discussion, 6/28/26: SEA at CLE
A three-run homer from Randy Arozarena wasn’t enough for the M’s to overcome the Guardians last night, but they’ll look to both clinch the season series against Cleveland today and avoid setting a franchise record for consecutive games of scoring three or fewer runs.
Lineups:
Dominic Canzone unsurprisingly has the day off due to his hamstring acting up, and Luke Raley has the day off, so Víctor Robles will round out the lineup in right field. Mitch Garver will be behind the plate while Cal Raleigh DHs, and the Cole/Colt duo moves up to the sixth and seventh spots.
Chase DeLauter, who you may remember terrorizing the M’s in the first series of the season, was activated from the IL this morning. DeLauter has a fractured rib and was placed on the injured list on the 17th. These guys are not human, I tell you. Gavin Williams gets the ball, and he has scuffled a bit after a scintillating start to the year. Let’s hope that trend continues today.
Game Info:
First Pitch: 10:40am
TV: Mariners.TV
Radio: Ol’ Reliable
The best Jaylen Brown solution is the most uncomfortable for the Celtics
In the blink of an eye, the Boston Celtics went from rumored “front runners” in the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes to the unknown aftermath of tossing franchise star Jaylen Brown into the spotlight of trade rumors.
Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens was willing to part ways with Brown alongside two future first-round picks, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, before the Miami Heat swooped in and landed the Greek Freak instead. Since then, Stevens expressed his empathy for Brown during his NBA Draft press conference on Tuesday, acknowledging the national attention the 2024 NBA Finals MVP has drawn in recent weeks.
It’s become a situation the organization itself created. Stevens did his due diligence as the front office’s head honcho by peeking into the cost of bringing Giannis to Boston. That’s fine. The issue is that the Celtics got so deep into the negotiations that they put themselves in a must-win race against Miami. Taking the possible ramifications into consideration should’ve been enough to ensure Antetokounmpo would become a Celtic this offseason.
Yet, while Giannis gets settled in South Beach with Pat Riley and Bam Adebayo, Stevens and the Celtics can only watch as Brown deals with the spotlight that remains on him. The optics of another Boston pursuit with a superstar, in which Brown is the centerpiece of a Celtics offer, don’t bode well for the franchise from an outside perspective.
Last season, Brown did his job — really, really well actually. Even without the assistance of Jayson Tatum for the first 62 games of the season, Brown turned doubt into fuel in two ways: first, by becoming a league MVP finalist and then by turning the unproven Celtics into a 56-win contender. Brown made the ultimate best of Boston’s yard sale last offseason, all without any complaints. He took the likes of Hugo González, Neemias Queta, and Jordan Walsh all under his wing and filled the entire locker room with confidence after their 0-3 start.
Brown led the Celtics to the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, turning a roster viewed as a team built to tank into the NBA’s third-best.
At every turn imaginable, whatever the Celtics have needed from Brown, he’s delivered. From coming off the bench as a lottery selection his rookie year, to playing selfless basketball with Kristaps Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday in exchange for a championship. Brown has always been a team player, despite his vented frustrations throughout the years.
Therefore, it’s time the Celtics do the same in the aftermath of their failed run at acquiring Giannis.
Brown hasn’t escaped the rumor mill. Each day, another report surfaces with all signs pointing toward the Celtics still fielding offers. According to HoopHype’s Michael Scotto, the Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Atlanta Hawks, and Los Angeles Clippers are among those interested in Brown. The New Orleans Pelicans, Houston Rockets, and Orlando Magic, too, had expressed previous interest but are no longer viewed as teams “in the mix.”
Stevens was already weighing enough risk in pursuing Giannis — like durability and committing to Boston — and that was for a two-time MVP. But of the six teams reportedly linked to Brown, including the three no longer viewed as suitors, none bring anything to the table like the Milwaukee Bucks did with Giannis. So realistically, any Brown swap would be a downgrade from what the Celtics could’ve had with Giannis, making the best route simple: clean up whatever feelings may or may not exist with Brown and stand pat.
Trading Brown for a Giannis-like haul headlined by future first-round picks doesn’t help the Celtics get the most out of Tatum’s prime or extend their title window. For the Bucks, it made sense. For the Celtics, it’s a head-scratcher. Boston and Milwaukee are, by no measure, in the same position this offseason. Therefore, the Celtics should operate accordingly.
If Brown is undervalued by the trade market, then there’s no point in parting ways for the sake of avoiding a difficult conversation. Brown has been a member of the Celtics and an invested fixture in Boston’s community for the past decade. Stevens coached him as a rookie and has been by Brown’s side every step of the way throughout his career. This isn’t a Kyrie Irving situation, as there’s a relationship worth going the extra mile to salvage.
Brown and Tatum — at the very least — keep the Celtics competitive when together. That’s the baseline. Depth and playstyle are adjustments that can be made without splitting the two up, so what’s the case for doing so? Unless Brown forces the situation similar to Antetokounmpo’s with Milwaukee, the Celtics are better off staying neutral and signing Brown to the two-year, $142 million extension he’s eligible to ink in July.
It’s up to Stevens to make sure that by the time the Celtics suit up and open the season in October, they do so better than they did last season. For the time being, nothing suggests that trading Brown leads the team to that destination.
Colorado Rockies vs. Minnesota Twins game discussion: Ryan Feltner vs Connor Prielipp
Thanks to the incredible power of Hunter Goodman and the purple coat, the Colorado Rockies came away with a win last night in the Twin Cities despite yet more late game drama from the bullpen. With a win this afternoon in the series finale, the Rockies can come away with a series win against the Minnesota Twins before heading back to Denver.
Making his 11th start for the Rockies this season is the right-handed Ryan Feltner. Since returning from the injured list in late May, Feltner has pitched three quality starts in five outings. He’s given up more than two earned runs just once in that stretch.
Feltner pitched six innings his last time out against the Boston Red Sox. Despite not having his sharpest stuff–giving up four hits and four walks with just two strikeouts–he gave up just two earned runs and threw 93 total pitches.
The Rockies will face their second straight Twins rookie today with left-handed pitcher Connor Prielipp on the mound. Through his first 11 career starts, Prielipp has an ERA of 5.17 with 55 strikeouts in 55.2 innings. His 3.93 FIP indicates he’s pitching better than advertised, but opposing hitters are still slashing .262/.336/.416 against him this season.
Prielipp runs a five pitch arsenal and his predominant combo is a mid-90s four-seam fastball paired with a mid-to-high 80s slider. He also throws a curveball–his best whiff and put-away pitch–a changeup, and the occasional sinker.
First Pitch: 12:10 p.m. MDT
TV: Rockies.TV
Radio: 850 AM/94.1 FM KOA Rockies Radio Network; KNRV 1150 AM (Spanish)
Twins SB Nation Site:Twinkie Town
Lineups:
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Washington Nationals vs Baltimore Orioles Game Thread
The Nats got a much needed win to stop the bleeding last night. Now, they will look to get back to their series winning ways this afternoon. The boys have a rubber match with the Orioles. Both teams could really use this win, so this should be a hard fought contest.
Blake Butera is making a few changes to his lineup. Curtis Mead, Keibert Ruiz and Jacob Young are back in the lineup. With Mead at third, the red hot Jorbit Vivas slides over to second to give Nasim Nunez the day off. Young will be in center, with Daylen Lile and Dylan Crews manning the corners. James Wood will be in the DH spot. Zack Littell will get the ball and look to tame this O’s offense like Foster Griffin did.
The O’s are getting two players back in their lineup from the injured list. Adley Rutschman is back, and will be catching. Dylan Beavers also returns for the O’s, and he will be in right. Samuel Basallo will be at first, giving Pete Alonso DH duties. We will also see Colton Cowser for the first time in this series. Kyle Bradish has been very good lately, and gets the call for the Birds.
Game Info:
Stadium: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Time: 1:35 PM EST
TV: MASN and Nationals.TV
Radio: 106.7 The Fan
As mentioned, this is an important game for both teams. Hopefully the weather can hold up so we can get this in. The vibes are not fully back for the Nats yet, but things would be back on track with a win to get over .500. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats.
Anaheim Ducks Free Agency Preview
The 2026 NHL Draft has come and gone, and the Anaheim Ducks, a team who took a massive step forward in their build in 2025-26 by making the playoffs and advancing to the second round, are even younger and have even more cap space than they did on Friday morning.
Friday’s Day 1 of the draft is one of the bigger organizational shifts in the history of the Ducks franchise, as they parted with two pieces that had become NHL regulars in Mason McTavish (3rd overall in 2021) and Olen Zellweger (33rd in ’21) in exchange for two first-round picks (15th overall and 29th overall) in the 2026 draft, a second-round pick (45th overall) in the 2026 draft, and forward prospect Anton Wahlberg (39th in ’23).
2026 Anaheim Ducks Draft Grades, Analysis
Ducks GM Pat Verbeek on McTavish/Zellweger Trades, 2026 Draft & More
As it stands, the Ducks have nine NHL forwards, four defensemen, and two goaltenders under contract for the 2026-27 season, with four RFAs in need of new deals. One of their NHL forwards is Troy Terry, who will miss approximately 25-35 games to start the season as he recovers from hip surgery.
A glance at the depth chart will reveal the Ducks have holes up and down their lineup with NHL Free Agency set to begin in just three days, on July 1 at 9 AM PT. With two of their most valuable roster trade chips already moved, the Ducks may have to find a trade partner who covets futures if they intend to improve their roster via the trade market.
That brings us to Free Agency.
The Ducks currently have a projected $44.6 million in cap space, and the biggest items presumably on their shopping list are one or two top-four defensemen to play alongside Jackson LaCombe and Pavel Mintyukov, a middle-six center upgrade, and one or two complementary wingers to balance out the depth chart.
The 2026 Free Agency class is notoriously barren, especially at Anaheim’s two biggest areas of need: right-shot defense and center.
Defense
Two of the top three UFA right-shot defensemen are former Ducks Jacob Trouba and John Carlson (though the Carolina Hurricanes traded for his signing rights), who are both reported to be heading to market and unlikely to return to Anaheim. Another player seemingly heading to market is Radko Gudas, which leaves Rasmus Andersson, Andrew Peeke, Troy Stecher, and Vincent Desharnais as the only available RHDs who played top-four minutes a year ago and who aren’t former Ducks.
An unorthodox, but perhaps necessary, approach if the Ducks intend to improve their blueline this offseason would be to target players who shoot left and deploy a lineup with one or two left shots on the right side. Doing so would open up countless options on the trade and free agency markets, as left shots are in far less demand league-wide. It’s a proven viable strategy, as each of the last four Stanley Cup-winning teams (2023 Vegas Golden Knights, 2024 Florida Panthers, 2025 Florida Panthers, 2026 Carolina Hurricanes) iced a lineup that featured four left shots and two right shots on their blueline, which should increase confidence in the strategy for teams.
In terms of the free-agent class, opting to target left-shot defensemen would allow the Ducks to pursue a higher number of players who fit their depth chart, such as Mario Ferraro, Ryan Shea, Jeremy Lauzon, Jamie Oleksiak, and Logan Stanley.
Forwards
If they can’t improve through trade, the Ducks may be forced to enter the season with what they currently have in the organization down the middle. The only projected UFA forwards capable of playing middle-six center minutes are Boone Jenner and Erik Haula. Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek stated after the first round of the NHL draft that the Ducks have organizational options at the position, and mentioned specifically Mikael Granlund, along with the potential of prospect Roger McQueen or Cutter Gauthier filling in down the middle in the upcoming season.
If improving down the middle is too tall an order, there are several useful wingers available on the market. As mentioned, Terry will miss the opening stretch of the upcoming season, and veterans like Alex Killorn and Chris Kreider aren’t getting younger and will be lucky to maintain their output from the 2025-26 season.
Sophomore Beckett Sennecke may be rendered as the only bona fide top-six winger on the Ducks’ current roster. The hope of a bounce-back season from Frank Vatrano or breakouts from younger players like Nikita Nesterenko, Sam Colangelo, or another from the San Diego Gulls of the AHL are possible, but less likely outcomes.
The trade market will likely feature several quality available wingers, but in the UFA market, wingers like Mats Zuccarello, Ilya Mikheyev, Mason Marchment, Jaden Schwartz, Eeli Tolvanen, Kasperi Kapanen, Anthony Mantha, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Anders Lee each offer differing, yet intriguing potential for the Ducks. Perhaps even a reunion between former Chicago Blackhawks superstar Patrick Kane and former Hawks head coach Joel Quenneville could offer an interesting storyline.
Moving Forward
Though the Ducks may not be able to directly fill needs in the next week or even between now and training camp, there are options available for them to improve the roster as a whole. There’s a real possibility that adding along the wing and bringing in a left-shot or two to solidify their blueline could keep the Ducks afloat in the 2026-27 standings long enough for Terry to return to the lineup and/or allow a potential breakout campaign from a younger player who could become a big piece of the team’s future like Jackson LaCombe did a couple of seasons ago.
Relying on a breakout season isn’t a recommended strategy, but one wouldn’t be too surprised to see a player like Roger McQueen or Tristan Luneau immediately contribute, or even see a player like Sam Colangelo or Ian Moore elevate their game if afforded the opportunity to do so.
Anaheim Ducks Select Nikita Klepov with 15th Overall Pick
RailRiders notes: Team ranks among attendance risers in first half
In June, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders have been road warriors and living out of suitcases. The Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees played just six games at the friendly confines of PNC Field in northeastern Pennsylvania during the month while logging week-long trips to Syracuse, Columbus and Indianapolis.
The good news is that when they return to begin a six-game series against the Norfolk Tides on Tuesday, 39 of their final 69 games are at home. Even better news: When the team was home during the first half of the season, fans were coming out to see it.
According to a recent article published by Baseball America, the RailRiders ranked fifth among the fastest-growing attendance markets in all of minor league baseball.
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre is behind the Chattanooga Lookouts, Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, Asheville Tourists and Tampa Tarpons in attendance increases this season. Chattanooga’s numbers are largely due to the fact it is playing in a new ballpark. Jacksonville is coming off winning the International League championship last season — coincidentally beating the RailRiders in the final. Asheville has made upgrades and renovations to its historic HomeTrust Park. Tampa, the Yankees’ Single-A affiliate in the Florida State League, is back playing at George M. Steinbrenner Field after the Tampa Bay Rays used the stadium as its home in 2025 while repairs were made to Tropicana Field following damage caused by Hurricane Milton in October 2024.
Overall, the Baseball America reports the average attendance in Minor League Baseball is 3,551. That’s an increase of 12 fans from this point last season (3,539). Through 3,329 dates this season, MiLB teams have drawn 11,820,181 fans. That’s an increase of 119,742 from this time last season (11,700,439 in 3,306 dates).
Through 33 home dates, the RailRiders have drawn 132,903 fans or an average of 4,027. That is a year-over-year growth of nearly 20 percent and has produced the best turnstiles numbers since 2019. That doesn’t include the two sold-out nights of Banana Ball at PNC Field in May.
Their largest crowd of the first half was 8,451 on April 28 against the Buffalo Bisons. The second largest was 7,814 on May 16thagainst the Syracuse Mets. That’s the night Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole made his final rehab start.
RailRiders president and general manager Shawn Reilly attributes the attendance increase to several things: the upgrade to the video scoreboard, changes in the promotional schedule and an increased emphasis on the ballpark experience.
“Fans are seeing improvements nightly, and that is drawing everyone back,” Reilly said in a press release. “We have barely even scratched the surface on key promo nights, fireworks and appearances. There is still so much more to come in 2026!”
About a decade ago, when they had the likes of Aaron Judge, Gary Sánchez, and Gleyber Torres playing for them, the RailRiders adopted the nickname Baby Bombers for certain games. It made sense. The Baby Bombers would grow up at Triple-A and go on to become Bronx Bombers in the big leagues with the Yankees.
Now, with top prospects George Lombard Jr., Elmer Rodríguez, Carlos Lagrange on the roster — plus Spencer Jones and Jasson Domínguez when they are here — the RailRiders recently announced they are bringing back the Baby Bombers alternative identity.
For each of the remaining Sunday home games this season, they will play as the Baby Bombers and wear a special uniform. It is a baby-blue vest jersey with Baby Bombers in navy script and the iconic emblem — a man-baby with a five-o’clock shadow and a pacifier in its mouth, holding a bat and wearing a pinstriped diaper and a Yankees red-white-and-blue top hat.
They wore the uniforms and played as the Baby Bombers for the first time June 14 and defeated the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, 6-5.
A pair of RailRiders reached milestones during their victory over the Indianapolis Indians on June 25th.
Tyler Hardman hit two home runs in the game — a solo shot in the second inning and a three-run blast in the third inning. The second homer was the 100th of his minor-league career.
Carlos Lagrange, who is being converted from a starting pitcher to a reliever, recorded the final four outs for his first career save. He came out of the bullpen with two outs in the eighth and the bases loaded. Although he threw a wild pitch to allow a run to score, he got Ronny Simon to fly out and end the inning. Then in the bottom of the ninth, the first two Indians reached on a single and a hit-batsman. But Lagrange retired the next three batters, two on strikeouts, to end the game.
Sunday afternoon Orioles game thread: vs. Nationals, 1:35
Adley Rutschman and Dylan Beavers will both return to the field this afternoon as the Orioles look to win the series against Washington. Baltimore activated Rutschman and Beavers earlier today. They optioned Jeremiah Jackson to Triple-A Norfolk and designated Sam Huff for assignment.
Rutschman missed over a week after taking a ball to the head, and Beavers had been on the shelf since suffering a strained oblique on May 11. Their presence should provide some additional credibility to the middle of the order. Rutschman will bat third, while Beavers will bat sixth and play right field.
Jackson appeared in 66 games this season. Originally labeled as a utility player, the 26-year-old made almost all of his starts at second base. The righty provided crucial depth to the Orioles after they lost Jordan Westburg and Jackson Holliday at the beginning of the year. He holds a .251/.267/.397 slash line with seven homers and 32 RBIs. It’s easy to picture Jackson returning and contributing again at some point this year.
The Orioles decided to keep Chadwick Tromp on the active roster over Huff. It remains to be seen how long the club will be willing to carry three catchers. Samuel Basallo will slide to first base this afternoon.
Taylor Ward will leadoff and play left field. He’ll be joined in the outfield by Beavers and Colton Cowser. Pete Alonso will serve as the designated hitter. Coby Mayo will play third, Gunnar Henderson will take short, and Holliday will handle second base.
Kyle Bradish will start the rubber match for Baltimore. The righty kept LA off the board for eight innings his last time out.
Washington will start RHP Zack Littell. Littell is 6-6 but holds a 5.40 ERA through 16 appearances (11 starts).
Orioles lineup
- Taylor Ward LF
- Gunnar Henderson SS
- Adley Rutschman C
- Pete Alonso DH
- Samuel Basallo 1B
- Dylan Beavers RF
- Coby Mayo 3B
- Colton Cowser CF
- Jackson Holliday 2B
Starter: RHP Kyle Bradish
Diamondbacks @ Rays discussion
While Jose Cabrera did everything possible to continue earning opportunities to start for the Diamondbacks, once again, the Arizona offense was flat, unable to break through against Tampa Bay’s elite starter (*checks notes*) Bullpen Game. Bullpen allowed only two runs on seven hits and struck out eight while not walking anyone. As a result of yesterday’s game, the Snakes have now dropped back down to .500. The Rays have already won the weekend series. Meanwhile, Arizona will turn from Cabrera and hand the ball off to Merrill Kelly to try and stave off the serries sweep.
In Kelly’s last five outings, he has alternated between quality start and flaming dumpster fire of a start. As his last outing on the 22nd was one from the quality start column, hopefully Kelly can break the pattern today and double up, going back-to-back with quality starts. Given the injury crisis that has plagued the Arizona pitching staff, the Diamondbacks could certainly use some quality length from their starters for the next few weeks.
Things don’t get any easier for Arizona’s struggling offense. After having come up short against the Rays throwing a bullpen game, they now get to face off against right-handed co-ace of the Tampa Bay staff, Drew Rasmussen. Rasmussen enters today’s game with a sterling 2.62 ERA with 89 strikeouts against 15 walks in 86 innings of work. That’s good for an ERA+ of 165.
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Tracking The Suns Through the World Cup’s History: Part II
Welcome back to our series connecting the Phoenix Suns and the FIFA World Cup. Last time, we explored the franchise’s origins: from its first steps to its first moments of glory, and the players who laid the foundations of one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises. Today, we’re traveling back once again to dive into a pivotal decade in Suns history: The 1980s.
1982: A Franchise Stuck in Limbo
In 1982, the Suns were coming off a stretch where they had flirted with greatness without ever truly establishing themselves among the league’s elite. Their 46-36 record reflected a solid, competitive team that simply couldn’t take the next step. Phoenix was good — sometimes very good — but rarely spectacular. It was the story of the franchise at the time: three consecutive trips to the Conference Semifinals ended in three straight eliminations, despite posting the two best regular-season records in franchise history (55 and 57 wins).
On the floor, the team still revolved around its star duo: Dennis Johnson and Alvan Adams. Johnson remained Phoenix’s go-to scorer, an elegant, smooth offensive weapon capable of catching fire at any moment. Adams, meanwhile, continued to redefine the center position with his intelligence and creativity, orchestrating the offense from the high post. Averaging 4.5 assists per game as a center was almost unheard of at the time.
The Suns reached the playoffs once again but were swept out of the Conference Semifinals by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and the Lakers. Another frustrating ending, perfectly symbolizing a team trapped in basketball’s gray area: too good to collapse, not quite good enough to contend, yet consistently among the league’s strongest regular-season teams.
Meanwhile, the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain marked a turning point in football history. It was the first tournament to feature 24 teams, the first to introduce a second group stage, and one of the most emotionally memorable World Cups ever.
It featured Zico, Falcão, and Sócrates’ legendary Brazil side — widely regarded as one of the greatest teams never to win the World Cup. It also showcased Paolo Rossi’s Italy, which went from struggling in the group stage to lifting the trophy after an incredible run.
And then there was France – West Germany in Seville: a heartbreaking semifinal that became one of football’s greatest classics. France would have to wait two more years before winning its first major international trophy at Euro 1984.
The tournament was also remembered for one of football’s biggest scandals: West Germany vs. Austria. With the result benefiting both teams, they effectively eliminated Algeria despite Algeria’s remarkable campaign. The infamous “Disgrace of Gijón” remains one of the darkest moments in World Cup history.
1986: Rock Bottom
By 1986, the Suns were living through one of their darkest chapters in franchise history.
The decline had been gradual. Key veterans had left over the previous years (Robinson, Johnson), while Alvan Adams was no longer the player he once was. Head coach John MacLeod appeared to be losing control of the locker room, and Phoenix’s record kept getting worse season after season. After nearly a decade of consistent success, the Suns would miss the playoffs for three straight seasons.
Their 32-50 record summed up a miserable campaign that was plagued by injuries, internal tension, and a year later, the franchise would be shaken by a major scandal involving players connected to illegal drugs and sports gambling. It became one of the controversies that damaged the NBA’s reputation during the decade.
On the court, Walter Davis remained the face of the franchise, but he was largely on his own. Larry Nance was the other bright spot: an explosive power forward, elite defender, and one of the league’s most spectacular finishers above the rim. Around them, however, the roster lacked depth, stability, talent, and direction.
The Suns predictably missed the playoffs and entered a forced rebuilding phase. The organization needed to rebuild not only its roster, but also its identity and public image. Funny how, regardless of the era, history always seems to repeat itself in one way or another…
Meanwhile, the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico belonged to one man: Diego Maradona.
His tournament was nothing short of legendary. The Goal of the Century. The Hand of God. Complete domination from start to finish. Argentina captured its second World Cup title behind a player who transcended football itself to become one of the greatest sporting icons of all time.
A legendary World Cup. Maradona’s World Cup.
1990: The Rebirth Begins
1990 marked a turning point for the Suns. After years of struggling, Phoenix was finally back. Their 54-28 record reflected a team that had undergone a complete transformation over the previous two seasons — ambitious, exciting, and ready to become one of the Western Conference’s top contenders throughout the decade.
The reason? A brilliantly executed rebuild, a front office making all the right moves, and above all, the arrival of head coach Cotton Fitzsimmons, who completely changed the franchise’s trajectory.
On the court, Phoenix featured one of the league’s deepest and most balanced rosters with their backcourt, wing, and paint talent.
Kevin Johnson led the backcourt alongside the reliable Jeff Hornacek, while Dan Majerle provided a major spark off the bench. Johnson earned an All-Star selection, All-NBA Second Team honors, and posted the best playmaking season of his career: 11.4 assists per game, a 3.16 assist-to-turnover ratio, a 44% assist percentage, and just a 15.6% turnover rate. He also delivered several unforgettable performances, including games with over 20 assists, multiple 40-point outings, and two triple-doubles.
Off the bench, Eddie Johnson finished third in Sixth Man of the Year voting after averaging 17 points and four rebounds per game, bringing instant scoring and physicality on the wing.
Then there was Tom Chambers, Phoenix’s undisputed star, entering the new decade. He averaged 27 points and seven rebounds per game, finished in the Top 10 of MVP voting, earned another All-Star selection, and was on the All-NBA Second Team. His explosiveness, elite finishing ability, and devastating transition game made him one of the league’s most dangerous forwards.
Meanwhile, the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy became one of the most defensive tournaments in football history. Only 115 goals in 52 matches, a cautious style of play that would force FIFA to change certain rules, including banning goalkeepers from picking up a deliberate back-pass from a teammate with their hands, in order to make the game more attacking.
Goals were scarce, tension was everywhere, but the tournament had a unique charm: unforgettable Italian atmospheres, iconic jerseys, and some of the game’s biggest stars.
Matthäus, Vollër and Kohler led West Germany to its third World Cup title, while a battered Diego Maradona somehow carried Argentina all the way back to the final.
A gritty, contrasting World Cup that helped shape modern football.
The decades keep passing, and yet the story often feels familiar. Phoenix is still a young franchise by NBA standards, but it continues to make a strong impression. The championship still isn’t there, but the level certainly is. The cycles come and go, and each rebuild is carefully managed, allowing the team to remain competitive year after year. The future looks bright…or does it? We’ll find out in Episode 3
Game #84 GameThread: Rangers at Jays
Time to rally to avoid the sweep. Not that I have great confidence after the last three days. I’d settle for Shane Bieber giving an indication that he might be watchable the rest of the way.
We had a minor transaction last night. Hayden Juenger, who was DFA’d to clear a 40-man roster spot for Bieber earlier this week, has been traded to the A’s for A ball catcher Owen Carapellotti. Juenger, a sixth round pick in 2021, looked promising in the low minors as a multi-inning reliever but has stalled out at AAA for the past three seasons. He did get a cup of coffee in Toronto earlier this year, allowing three runs over 2.0 innings pitched. He gets his share of Ks, but walks and too many hard hit balls have prevented him from establishing himself. Carapellotti was an undrafted free agent out of Georgetown last year. He’s hit for loads of power in 90 PA so far as a pro, but again, 23 year old UDFA in A ball. Most likely he’s organizational depth. Welcome Owen, and happy trails Hayden.
Here are the lineups:
Rangers:
- Joc Pederson, DH
- Josh Jung, 3B
- Corey Seager, SS
- Brandon Nimmo, RF
- Jake Burger, 1B
- Ezequiel Duran, 2B
- Evan Carter, CF
- Elias Diaz, C
- Alejandro Osuna, LF
- Kumar Rocker, RHP
Blue Jays:
- George Springer, DH
- Nathan Lukes, RF
- Vladimir Guerrero jr., 1B
- Kazuma Okamoto, 3B
- Daulton Varsho, CF
- Ernie Clement, 2B
- Alejandro Kirk, C
- Yohendrick Pinango, LF
- Andres Gimenez, SS
- Shane Bieber, RHP
Go Jays Go!
Mets vs. Phillies: Lineups, broadcast info, and open thread, 6/28/26
Mets lineup
- Carson Benge – RF
- Juan Soto – LF
- Bo Bichette – SS
- Eric Wagaman – 1B
- Francisco Alvarez – DH
- Mark Vientos – 3B
- Tyrone Taylor – CF
- Brett Baty – 2B
- Luis Torrens – C
Kodai Senga – RHP
Phillies lineup
- Trea Turner – SS
- Kyle Schwarber – DH
- Bryce Harper – 1B
- Alec Bohm – 3B
- Brandon Marsh – LF
- J.T. Realmuto – C
- Bryson Stott – 2B
- Derek Hill – RF
- Justin Crawford – CF
Jesus Luzardo – LHP
Broadcast Info
First pitch: 1:40pm EDT
TV: SNY
Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App 92.3 HD2
Game 84 Game Day Thread – Texas Rangers @ Toronto Blue Jays
Texas Rangers @ Toronto Blue Jays
Sunday, June 28, 2026, 12:37 PM CDT (105.3 The Fan / Rangers Sports Network)
Rogers Centre
RHP Kumar Rocker vs. RHP Shane Bieber
Go Rangers!
Game Discussion: Milwaukee Brewers (50-30) vs Chicago Cubs (45-38)
It’s time for the rubber match between the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs on a beautiful, sunny afternoon at American Family Field. The Brewers are looking for the series win and a chance to secure a 7.5 game lead over the Chicago Cubs as we reach the mathematical halfway point of the season. This is the Brewers 81st game out of 162.
On the mound, the Brewers will have their veteran leader Brandon Woodruff. Woodruff made a strong return to the rotation on the last road trip after dealing with dead arm and a six week IL stint. Woodruff will be looking to repeat that success against the Cubs, a team that knows him very well and vice versa.
The Cubs, meanwhile, will have a former first round pick in Ryan Rolison on the bump. Rolison was drafted by the Rockies, struggled there upon making his MLB debut last year and bounced around and was a member of the Braves and White Sox on paper over the offseason before landing with the Cubs. He’s having a solid season, with a 1.82 ERA in 25 appearances, though this is just his second start. It’ll largely be a bullpen game for the Cubs this afternoon as they try to piece together their rotation after dealing with a number of injuries.
The Brewers will have nearly all of their regulars in the starting lineup despite it being a Sunday afternoon. Christian Yelich, Jackson Chourio, and Brice Turang make up the top of the order as they generally do. William Contreras gets the day off however with a day game after a night game. Gary Sanchez will be behind the dish and batting sixth. Garrett Mitchell is also out of the lineup after exiting last night with a cramp, but it doesn’t appear to be anything serious. Chourio slides over to center and Jake Bauers is in left field, allowing both Bauers and Vaughn to fit into the lineup.
The Cubs will be rolling out a similar lineup as they have all series. Pete Crow-Armstrong leads off, followed by Alex Bregman, Michael Busch, and Seiya Suzuki.
After the bullpen struggled last night, the Brewers will be looking for a vintage Brandon Woodruff start to shut the Cubs down and do it efficiently. The Cubs bullpen has had some struggles so if the Brewers can get to Rolison and the rest of that group early, things can line up very well for the Crew.