McDavid was announced as the winner of the Ted Lindsay Award. Fellow players vote on the award for "the most outstanding player in the NHL."
He beat out the San Jose Sharks' Macklin Celebrini and Tampa Bay Lightning's Nikita Kucherov. The NHL Players' Association doesn't release vote totals.
McDavid is also a finalist for the Hart Trophy, the MVP award voted on by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association. The winner will be announced later.
McDavid won the Ted Lindsay Award for the fifth time, tying Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky for most times. It was known as the Lester B. Pearson Award when Gretzky won it.
Why Connor McDavid won Ted Lindsay Award
He led the NHL with 138 points in 82 games to earn his sixth career Art Ross Trophy, tied for the second-most in league history. He recorded his eighth season of 70 or more assists. He helped the Oilers reach the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season.
Connor McDavid surprised with Ted Lindsay Award
The NHL has stopped holding the annual awards show, so the recipients are surprised with the trophies in unexpected settings.
McDavid was golfing when he received the award. His parents, wife and friends were there.
“This award, coming from the guys that you play against every single night and battle against every single night, to have them recognize me with an award like this, means so much," McDavid said.
Other NHL awards winners
Vezina Trophy (goaltender): Tampa Bay Lightning's Andrei Vasilevskiy
Norris Trophy (defenseman): Columbus Blue Jackets' Zach Werenski
Calder Trophy (rookie): New York Islanders' Matthew Schaefer
Jack Adams Award (coach): Lightning's Jon Cooper
Selke Trophy (defensive forward): Montreal Canadiens' Nick Suzuki
Lady Byng Trophy (sportsmanship): Canadiens' Cole Caufield
Alexander Zverev finally secured his first grand slam title with a 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7, 6-1 victory over Flavio Cobolli
Our players, in the locker room together, are ready … and here comes Cobolli. This is the biggest moment of his life: he’ll never have experienced anything like this.
Five weeks ago, Cobolli beat Zverev 3 and 3 in the semis at Munich. It’s true that, subsequently, the outcome was reversed in Madrid, but that was on a much faster court than Chatrier – which is more similar to the one in Germany.
ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 06: Dominic Smith #8 of the Atlanta Braves reacts to a two run home run with Matt Olson #28 in the fifth inning during the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on Saturday, June 6, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Good afternoon, folks! How’s the first week of June treating you?
So far, so good for the Braves. Having been to three (3) games this week, I can confirm it’s getting to be hot and humid in a way that home run balls particularly like. To my inexpert eye in the upper deck, it looked like Austin Wynns was having a rough time acclimating to the weather. Worry not, sir – Drake Baldwin is tracking to return this month, potentially next homestand.
A fun fact from the game notes: after yesterday’s win, Atlanta’s improvement to 23 games over .500 is a new high-water mark. The last time the club was this far over .500 was at the end of the historic 2023 season, where the team finished 46 games over .500.
ICYMI: This week on Battery Power
Pitching preview for Bryce Elder vs. Bubba Chandler (Pirates announced Mason Montgomery as the starter/opener around 10:30 am ET)
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - JUNE 03: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks reacts during the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in Game One of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on June 03, 2026 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. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
“You’re gonna have a dude. You have to have a 1A dude. And they’re missing that.He too small.
“I have a philosophy: If your best player is small, you’re not winning. John Stockton, Allen Iverson, Steve Nash, you can go down the list… Steph Curry is the only—he’s in a different class.” — Becky Hammon (Dec. 2023)
Sometimes, revisionist history sucks. Sometimes, revisionist history is facts.
And these days, having just wrapped up the first week of the sixth month in the Gregorian calendar, facts tell you Mrs. Hammon—or at the very least her take on New York Knicks point guard, captain, and franchise player Jalen Brunson—sucks.
Jalen Brunson wins the Eastern Conference Finals MVP 🏆🔥
I’m not here to retell the whole Brunson story once more—from Rick, to Mark Cuban by way of Dallas, to the Eastern Conference Finals MVP award and the current NBA Finals 2-0 lead.
We’re past that. Way past that.
See, life’s a thing of highs and lows. Brunson, in the eyes of any and every New Yorker and Knickerbocker fan, is a franchise savior. But past miseries surely played in the big-headed’s favor.
By the time Brunson arrived in Manhattan, thanks both to his connection to the Knicks organization—one that started nearly 25 years earlier—and a rekindled relationship in the summer of 2022, New York had gone through their fair share of wretchedness.
Seven trips to the playoffs in the prior 23 years, starting in 2000 and following a five-game NBA Finals loss to the San Antonio Spurs in 1999. 19 postseason wins to 33 losses. 771 regular-season wins to 1,073 losses. Six seasons above .500 to 17 with a losing record.
In the four seasons under Brunson’s guidance at the point, the Knicks have won 61.2% of their regular-season games, advanced to the conference semis twice, made the conference finals two more times and, in this the fourth year of the JB Era, finally clinched the long-chased NBA Finals berth.
Only the 94-98 Knicks and the 71-74 Knicks have put together better runs than the current Knicks. Only the latter won one title. The 2026 Knicks could match that following Brunson’s four-year run in town.
All of the above to get to the point of the article before it’s too late and I found myself having written more words about stuff unrelated to it than the actual thing.
Where does Brunson rank among New York’s all-time guards?
It’s inevitable to fall for the sugar rush these Knicks are giving us, considering Brunson the one and only man in history to save the franchise from relocating out of utter dysfunction, and crown him King Knicks Guard. Hell, even FanDuelstill considers JB the favorite candidate to end up winning the NBA Finals MVP at +115 over the actual, leading MVP candidate in everybody’s mind and boxscores, Karl-Anthony Towns at +165.
Even if the Knicks end up bottling this thing and losing the Finals in hellaciously historic and astonishing fashion (spoiler: not happening), Brunson has already secured his place as one of the bona fide Knicks greats. Do a quick search, and you’ll find a million boards. Here’s one from KD’s platform, just to make the post fancier.
As things stand, there is no debate in placing at least two or three names above Brunson in the all-time leaderboard—it is obvious that nobody is touching Patrick Ewing or Clyde for starters. Keywords: As things stand.
In a matter of days, likely no later than Wednesday night, Brunson will write his name in golden letters in the history books of the New York Knicks organization.
How many players can actually say that? Not a lot. How many of them played an important role at the guard positions for the Knickerbockers while at it? Fewer, if not just a handful.
There are plenty of ways to cut straight to the chase and get rid of plenty of no-names, as great as some of them might have been. Quickest pathway? Knicks’ retired numbers, a graveyard where Brunson’s No. 11 is already destined.
That’s it, that’s the list (with the omission of coach Holzman’s No. 613).
Within that list, Frazier, Dick Barnett, Dirk McGuire, and Earl Monroe played guard throughout their careers.
No. 1 — Walt “Clyde” Frazier
Frazier spent 10 seasons with the Knicks, made seven All-Star teams, earned seven All-Defensive First Team selections, won two NBA championships for New York and ultimately made the Hall of Fame. Not only that, but he even had a game worth replaying forever in his Game 7 performance in the 1970 NBA Finals, when he put up an extraordinary 36-point, 19-assist, seven-rebound performance to send the Los Angeles Lakers packing. No debate here.
No. 2 — Earl “The Pearl” Monroe
Monroe is probably where the debate starts, as silly as that sounds. For now (now meaning before Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals), The Pearl remains ahead. Monroe came to New York already established as one of the league’s great guards, and he simply took his game further in Manhattan, helping the Knicks win their 1973 title. He made four All-Star teams in his career, earned a place in the Hall of Fame, and started his career by being named the 1968 Rookie of the Year. That said, he didn’t rack up trophies as Clyde did, with no real personal awards in his resume.
No. 3 — Jalen “Captain Clutch” Brunson
Consider this placement just a stopgap toward greater heights, fellas. Brunson has already led the Knicks to the NBA Finals, he’s won multiple playoff series as the franchise’s No. 1 player and offensive engine, and once and for all put an end to the long and nonsensical drought at the point guard position in New York. Yes, Brunson is not really a man for awards outside of new-era crafted titles such as Cluth Player of the Year and all this flashy stuff, but he’s already earned three All-NBA call-ups and has won something no other lead guard in NYC ever did: the NBA Cup (lol). Anyway. Two more wins this month, and I’m moving JB up to No. 2, with all due respect to the elders and path-pavers.
No. 4 and 5 — Dick Barnett & Dick McGuire
McGuire, at the very least, belongs in the conversation, having made five All-Star teams as a Knick and later joining the Hall of Fame.
The same goes for Barnett, who was more of a taker than a giver and a legit shooter more than he ever was a passer. Even then, he was a guard and he makes the top-5 cut. An All-Star nod and two titles in his resume (he only played four games in the 1973 run, though) and his near-17 PPG only second to Willis Reed’s 24 in the 1970 playoffs, are more than enough.
The Rest — Mark Jackson, Michael Ray Richardson, Derek Harper, Charlie Ward, Stephon Marbury
Action Jackson won Rookie of the Year with the Knicks in 1988, made the All-Star team in 1989, and led the league in assists later in his career. Sugar Ray made three All-Star teams with New York and led the NBA in assists and steals in 1979-80. Harper helped steady the 1990s Knicks and started on the 1994 NBA Finals team. C-Ward won the 1994 Heisman Trophy before becoming a long-term Knicks starter and part of the 1999 Finals team. Starbury stole my heart from the get-go. That’s it, that’s the reasoning there—always remember the tough days.
Where do you rank Jalen Brunson among all-time Knicks guards? Is he already a top-3 all-time Knicks, no positions considered? Let us know in the comments section below!
The San Francisco Giants (26-39) play the Chicago Cubs (34-31) in the finale of their three-game series. The teams split the first two games. The Cubs are favored with a -120 moneyline compared to the San Francisco Giants' +100. Starting pitchers are scheduled to be Trevor McDonald for San Francisco (4.50 ERA) and Jameson Taillon for Chicago (5.13 ERA).
How to watch San Francisco Giants vs. Chicago Cubs
The Los Angeles Angels (24-41) will try to avoid a three-game sweep at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers (42-23). The Dodgers won the series’ first two games 1-0 and 9-2. The Dodgers are favored with a -211 moneyline compared to the Los Angeles Angels' +175. Scheduled starting pitchers are José Soriano for the Angels, with a 2.72 ERA, and Emmet Sheehan for the Dodgers, with a 4.50 ERA.
How to watch Los Angeles Angels vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
Date: Sunday, June 7
Time: 4:10 p.m. ET / 1:10 p.m. PT
Where: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
TV Channels: SportsNet LA, ABTV, presented by Pechanga Resort Casino, KCOP 13
The New York Mets I28-36) take on the San Diego Padres, who are second in the NL West at 33-30. The game is essentially a pick'em, with San Diego at -110 and New York at -109. Starting pitchers are Huascar Brazobán for the Mets, with a 2.25 ERA, and Randy Vásquez for the Padres, with a 3.31 ERA.
How to watch New York Mets vs. San Diego Padres
Date: Sunday, June 7
Time: 4:10 p.m. ET / 1:10 p.m. PT
Where: PETCO Park, San Diego, CA
TV Channels: Padres.TV Presented by UC San Diego Health, SNY
CHICAGO — When Greg Vitello watches on television and the camera pans to the Giants’ dugout, he notices an expression on his son’s face. Or, more accurately, a lack of one.
“I think he’s done a really good job of controlling his emotions,” Greg Vitello told The California Post. “At this level, you can’t go berserk in the middle of a game. Grab somebody and shake them or any of that stuff. Because you just can’t do that at this level. I know he’d like to.”
Tony Vitello’s tenure as Giants manager hasn’t started the way he envisioned, but he enjoyed visiting Wrigley Field. Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Safe to say, Tony Vitello’s tenure as Giants manager hasn’t started the way he envisioned.
It has made it a little harder to enjoy the journey as the former University of Tennessee coach attempts to blaze the trail as the first to go straight from college to the major leagues’ managerial ranks.
There’s been few opportunities to stop and smell the roses while trying to right the ship after a disastrous start that left the Giants in last place through their first 60 games.
So, on the Giants’ visit to the most seminal ballpark of Vitello’s baseball upbringing, the first-year manager was all business.
“Need to be on a mission today just to win today’s game,” the childhood Cubs fan said before his first time at Wrigley Field as a big-league manager. “I get what you’re saying. I think more for my family it’ll be cool.”
It was more than cool for Greg Vitello and a dozen family members seated behind home plate.
“It’s mind-boggling,” the proud papa said. “It really is.”
Where it began
Watching his fully grown son manage a big-league team from the visitors’ dugout down the first base line brought back memories of a young Tony’s first time in a Wrigley Field dugout.
He was 8 years old.
Growing up, Tony was a second baseman and would try to emulate Ryne Sandberg. His favorite player, though, was Andre Dawson. Greg, by chance, was friendly with one of the Cubs’ pitchers, Al Nipper, who arranged for Tony to come onto the field.
And who else was sitting in the dugout but the Hall of Fame slugger whom Tony idolized.
For once, the gregarious manager was at a loss for words.
“He got to sit I think for a couple seconds with Andre. He signed a ball for him,” Greg recalled. “We were sitting somewhere [behind third base] and he looked at that ball the entire game. It was just one of those moments where you don’t say anything.”
Vitello’s dad, Greg, grew up about 4 miles from Wrigley Field. Tony visited the iconic ballpark many times in his youth. Getty Images
Full circle
Greg grew up about 4 miles from Wrigley Field and attended seminary school in Chicago. As a kid, he would hang out on Waveland Avenue, waiting for batting practice home run balls.
Ushers allowed the kids to trade a ball for free admission to the bleachers for that day’s game.
“Or we’d grab an usher and turn him and four guys would run in behind him,” Greg laughed.
Many years ago, the Cubs actually brought him in for a tryout. Turns out his playing prospects weren’t any better than his son’s, who famously never made it to pro ball.
“I think it was kind of a goodwill thing,” he said. “You know, I wasn’t 6-2, 190 pounds so nobody was interested.”
Nowadays, Tony is a runner and made sure to get to the stadium early before Friday’s series opener. As he jogged the warning track, he scanned the empty seats and processed the memories jogged to life of sitting in all areas of the ballpark with his dad and his three sisters.
Although he grew up in St. Louis, “I came here more than Busch Stadium,” Vitello said. Greg would bring the family for weekends at their grandmother’s “and try to do like three years worth of work in three days” in molding them to bleed Cubbie blue.
“I’ve sat about everywhere,” Tony said, a few hours before Willy Adames provided what would have been a free ticket back in the day with a home run that left the stadium in an 18-3 rout.
Hate losing
There haven’t been many wins like those to celebrate this season, which has made it a little harder for Tony — and vicariously, the rest of his family — to soak it all in.
“I think there’s some parts where it’s really, really neat. There’s other parts where if we would’ve done this, if we would’ve done that, if that guy would’ve done that — but that’s part of being a manager,” Greg said. “He knew coming in that this was what it was going to be.”
Greg, a Hall of Fame high school coach in Missouri, can empathize with his son.
Neither of them likes to lose.
“There’s a number of ballparks he’s never been in. You’re just in awe, so you don’t know what to say,” he said. “But you’ve got a job to do. You’ve got to win some ballgames.”
When this win was over, the Vitello clan gathered at Pequad’s, a locals’ favorite for caramelized crusted deep dish. A veteran move from a family with deep roots in Chicago.
The next morning, Tony was served a reminder of his rookie status in his current job.
Along with a few lattes.
The first-year manager joined the team’s rookies in a Wrigleyville tradition to make a coffee run for the team at the Starbucks just outside the ballpark.
“I felt a little more in place than maybe you normally would,” Vitello said. “Fortunately Starbucks is close.”
Jun 6, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Ernie Clement (22) is doused with ice water as he celebrates a win over the Baltimore Orioles at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images | Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Game #66.
Davis Schneider has walked 22 times in 52 PA in Buffalo. Generally, I’d think that was a good thing. But he’s hitting .185. I really think he needs to swing more. I don’t think MLB pitchers will walk a guy 43% of the time. On the flip side, Triple A pitches should be able to throw strikes.
Today’s lineups. Brandon Valenzuela plays again, in a day game after a night game. It is looking fairly certain that he’ll be staying when Alejandro Kirk comes back. The team will need to open up a 40-man spot for Kirk and DRAing Heineman would do that.
President Donald Trump’s scheduled attendance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals in New York on Monday — at the invitation of Knicks owner and governor James Dolan — will mean added security at the venue and fans going to the game need to plan accordingly.
There will be a strict "no bag" policy, and fans should arrive two hours before the 8:30 p.m. tip-off to get through the TSA-style screening, the Knicks announced in coordination with the Secret Service.
Trump has attended a number of major sporting events while in office, including the 2025 Super Bowl, the 2025 U.S. Open tennis tournament, and the 2026 College Football Playoff championship game.
"I was at the U.S. Open when [President Trump] was there just this past September. I don't think it took away from the play on the floor at all," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver told a group of reporters at an NBA Cares event in San Antonio, referencing the U.S. Open tennis grand slam in Queens, New York. "I think, of course, for fans who will be attending the games... there's extra security, as there should be extra security for the President of the United States to be at a game. But I think the fans are very understanding of that. I think they recognize that it adds to the bigness of the event. As far as I know, we've never had a sitting president of the United States at an NBA finals game."
Silver, also a long-time proponent of the soft power of sports as a unifying force, said that Trump is another New Yorker excited to see the Knicks back at the top of the NBA.
"Donald Trump, before he ever ran for office, he was a big Knicks fan..." Silver noted, adding that he even had a spot in the "I Love This Game" series of advertisements in the 1990s. "I think sports, in particular, is something where we can emphasize what we have in common, not what pulls us apart, that it creates a sense of belonging. We're seeing that in New York, and I think President Trump is very much a New Yorker, and I'm thrilled that yet another New Yorker wants to participate in the enthusiasm and the joy around this Knicks team."
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 02: Bubba Chandler #36 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on June 02, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Pittsburgh Pirates are on the road today against the Atlanta Braves looking to grab a win.
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BD community, this is your thread for today’s game. Enjoy!
Bo Bichette is red hot, and Shohei Ohtani is facing his old team. That means the possibility of fireworks for both batters on a busy Sunday of baseball.
The Chicago Cubs also need a long start in the worst way, and Jameson Taillon is ready to take the ball, even if it ends up being "the worst."
The Chicago Cubs need a long outing from Jameson Taillon, effective or otherwise. And with a 5.13 ERA and 1.260 WHIP, there’s a good chance he won’t be.
After giving up 18 runs to the San Francisco Giants on Friday and playing extras on Saturday, the Chicago bullpen is spent. Cubs relievers have pitched 17 1/3 innings in the last three, posting a 5.19 ERA. So, Taillon is going to wear one.
He pitched 6 1/3 innings in his last start, and has gone at least six in half his starts this year. So our MLB picks expect length and hits in abundance.
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NBC
Bo Bichette Over 1.5 total bases (+121)
New York Mets infielder Bo Bichette has been on a tear, picking up seven hits in 12 at-bats with two extra-base hits since Wednesday.
Bichette is turning things around after a slow start. He’s hitting .368 with a .526 slugging percentage over the first week in June. He also hits 27 points higher on the road with 73 more points of slug.
San Diego Padres starter Randy Vasquez has a 1.62 WHIP over his last five starts, and the bullpen has given up five runs in 11 innings pitched over the last three days.
He’s hitting .480 with 1.312 OPS over the last week, posting a 254 OPS+ (154% over league average). For the last month, he’s at .378, 1.139, and 218.
Angels starter Jose Soriano has imploded over the last month, with a 5.34 ERA in May. His sinker is down 1 mph from April, and his four-seamer has also lost velocity, while his offspeed stuff isn’t finding the strike zone. That could mean throwing a heater to Ohtani, who already has eight fastball homers this year, after falling behind in the count.
Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: ABTV, SportsNet LA
Shawn Krest's 2026 Transparency Record
Prop picks: 4-6, +1.39 units
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The Rockies’ Tyler Freeman took the brunt of Brewers star pitcher Jacob Misiorowski’s record-setting night on the mound Saturday.
In the sixth inning of the Rockies’ 7-1 loss to Milwaukee, Freeman absorbed a 98.2 mph cutter that knocked off his batting helmet. He doubled over for a moment before a trainer promptly came out of the dugout to check on him.
Freeman was immediately removed from the game, but manager Warren Schaeffer and his Rockies teammates assured that the utility player was fine.
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 7, 2026
“They were talking about amputating his head, but I think they advised against that,” outfielder Troy Johnston joked to reporters. “Other than that, he’s fine, seems in good spirits.
At Coors Field, Misiorowski set a new record with 45 pitches reaching at least 101 mph. His 52 pitches of at least 100 mph was exceeded in this era only by the 57 he unloaded on May 25 against the Cardinals.
Misiorowski, a 24-year-old in his second MLB season, is an early candidate for the National League Cy Young with his 1.50 ERA. He’s played a key role in the Brewers’ considerable lead at the top of the NL Central.
Rockies outfielder Tyler Freeman gets hit in the head by Brewers starter Jacob Misiorowski’s 98 mph pitch on June 6, 2026. AP Photo/David ZalubowskiTyler Freeman (c.) is tended to by a trainer after getting hit in the head by a pitch on June 6, 2026. AP Photo/David Zalubowski
Hitting Freeman seemingly rattled Misiorowski, who went on to walk Hunter Goodman and load the bases. The Rockies, however, were not able to capitalize on the opportunity.
Freeman was still being evaluated postgame and was not made available to the media.
“Obviously I don’t want that to happen … lost the ball, lost grip on it,” Misiorowski told reporters. “Obviously, not aiming for him. There’s also the moment, I’m standing behind the mound trying to pray for him a little bit.”
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JULY 12: Hunter Brown #58, Jeremy Peña #3, Isaac Paredes #15 and Josh Hader #71 of the Houston Astros pose with their 2025 MLB All-Star jerseys during a pregame ceremony before a game against the Texas Rangers at Daikin Park on July 12, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Astros fans, where are you on your frustration level with General Manager Dana Brown and this year’s team?
There is no denying that injuries have played a significant role in the Astros’ disappointing season to this point. It’s impossible to ignore the impact of losing key contributors for extended periods of time. Many of us entered this season expecting another division championship run and another successful year for one of baseball’s premier franchises. Instead, we’ve watched a team struggle to meet those expectations.
Both things can be true. The injuries are real, but they also can’t be used as the only explanation or the only solution moving forward.
The bigger question now is what happens when these players return. Will the Astros simply rely on getting healthy, or will they aggressively pursue moves that can improve this roster before it’s too late?
Despite digging themselves into an early hole, the Astros remain within striking distance. Their climb back to relevance has been steady, and they continue working toward getting back above .500, re-entering the Wild Card race, and eventually challenging for the top spot in the American League West. Considering they remain within single digits of first place, the division is far from out of reach.
However, Dana Brown can ill afford to wait until July to begin addressing this roster’s shortcomings.
With players such as Jose Altuve and Josh Hader back in the lineup and others like Yainer Diaz, Christian Javier, and Hunter Brown expected back sometime between now and the end of the month, the Astros will certainly receive a boost. The question is whether that boost alone will be enough.
I don’t believe it will.
When you look at the inconsistencies in the starting rotation, though better of late, and the struggles we’ve seen from Bryan Abreu, it’s clear that adding pitching should be a priority. Another arm or two could go a long way toward stabilizing a staff that has been far too unpredictable.
Beyond pitching, the outfield remains a glaring concern. While the infield possesses plenty of offensive firepower and talent, the outfield continues to lack the production and power needed to support a legitimate postseason run. If the Astros expect not only to make the playoffs but also do damage once they get there, additional offensive help in the outfield feels necessary.
The reality is that the clock is ticking for Dana Brown.
As he traverses the final year of his contract, Brown faces increasing pressure to prove he is the right person to lead this franchise moving forward. If he wants to save his job and remain in the good graces of owner Jim Crane, now is the time to be proactive rather than reactive.
The recent addition of LaMonte Wade Jr. is just the latest example of Brown attempting to find value on the margins and catch lightning in a bottle. Sometimes those moves work, but this team may require something much bigger than a low-risk gamble.
Astros fans aren’t accustomed to mediocrity. This city, this fan base, and this organization have spent the better part of the last decade expecting excellence. Championships, playoff appearances, and division titles have become the standard.
Because of that, simply sitting back and hoping health alone fixes everything is not a strategy.
Dana Brown needs to be exploring every possible avenue to improve this roster. The Astros still have time to turn this season into something special, but that window won’t stay open forever. Waiting until the trade deadline may ultimately be waiting too long.
The message is simple: the Astros still have a chance, but action needs to happen now.
A big subtraction from the Philadelphia Flyers roster feels inevitable at some point this summer, as does an addition. An oft-discussed name on defense appears to be the place to start.
With the addition of David Jiricek and the emergence of Oliver Bonk, it would benefit the Flyers to move on from aging veteran Rasmus Ristolainen at some point, regardless of whether or not they add John Carlson in free agency to bolster a miserable power play.
Daily Faceoff NHL insider Anthony Di Marco reports that the Flyers are very much willing to deal Ristolainen, 31, at the right price, and the big Finn still has plenty of suitors.
"According to team sources, the Flyers are still open to trading Ristolainen this summer – but are still holding firm on their asking price," Di Marco wrote.
"Among the teams who could have interest in Ristolainen, the Ottawa Senators have shown interest in him in the past. The Montreal Canadiens could be an option. Sources have suggested that they were among the closest of teams that almost acquired Ristolainen ahead of the trade deadline."
The Canadiens being one of the frontrunners for Ristolainen is interesting, considering they had a trade in place for Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies, only to have the NHL reject the late paperwork after the buzzer.
Considering Alex Zharovsky was on the table for Knies, the Flyers may have been targeting prospects like center Michael Hage or defenseman David Reinbacher.
Given a deal never came to fruition, the Flyers likely pivoted to David Jiricek as an alternative to Reinbacher.
Ristolainen's situation will be one to watch throughout this summer; his injury history appears to be behind him for now, and teams know it would be in the Flyers' best interest to trade the veteran defenseman away.
Any kind of trade that keeps Ristolainen in the East with the Flyers comes with inherent potential to backfire, but so long as the Flyers stick to the guns and get what they want, it should be worthwhile in the end.
Jameson Taillon
Bo Bichette
Shohei Ohtani
