On Wednesday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman appeared on the Fan Hockey Show and addressed the latest on Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin, whose trade list has reportedly grown to ten teams. Friedman said the Red Wings don't appear to be any closer to a deal than they were before, but the expanded list gives them more options.
The previous version of the list drew heavy scrutiny, with holes poked in many of the destinations. The new group of teams offers more promise that something could get done.
Many of the clubs still lack the cap space, prospects or other assets to land the 30-year-old Michigan native, including the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, New Jersey Devils and Vegas Golden Knights. The four remaining teams on the list, however, have some path towards a potential deal.
Carolina Hurricanes
The defending Stanley Cup champions have a surprising $8.67 million in cap space and what they lack in prospects, they could make up for in NHL-ready talent. Carolina likely has little incentive to make this move, since they already have a stable second-line center in Logan Stankoven and may not want to break up a group that has proven it can win.
If the Hurricanes did take a shot at Larkin, they have some options with restricted free agent defenseman Alexander Nikishin, who could be part of a package, though Detroit would have to see whether he would sign an extension or not. The best prospects they could offer are new NHLers Felix Unger Sörum and Bradly Nadeau.
Anything more meaningful would likely cost a young forward Carolina considers too valuable, like Seth Jarvis, Jackson Blake or Stankoven. Larkin would fit under the cap, but a deal would likely force the Hurricanes to dismantle their roster elsewhere or offer a futures-heavy package built around draft picks, Unger Sörum and Nadeau.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning are looking to get back into the top tier of the league, and a move for Larkin makes sense. They have $3.082 million in cap space and a blue-chip prospect in Sam O'Reilly to offer.
Tampa doesn't need a second-line center with Brayden Point and Anthony Cirelli, but the team could always use depth. One of its centers could move to the wing, as has happened before in their careers, forming an even more dominant top-six.
They could part with a current roster piece like Ilya Mikheyev or Pontus Holmberg to give Detroit a top-nine player, and they hold first-round picks in two of the next three years. Sending Larkin within the Atlantic Division is something the Red Wings likely don't love, but a compelling enough offer could make it happen.
Utah has started the season red-hot, with seven wins in its first ten games as the Mammoth have a strong mix of young talent and veterans that have them inline for a second straight playoff berth.
Their top six of Clayton Keller, Vincent Trocheck, Nick Schmaltz, Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther has quietly established itself as one of the league's best, and adding a player of Larkin's caliber would make it better.
Utah could move Schmaltz from center, back to the wing and send Detroit a top-nine option in Lawson Crouse, along with one of their many blue-chip prospects in Tij Iginla, Caleb Desnoyers and Ethan Belchetz. Any of them would likely entice the Red Wings to part with their former captain.
The Mammoth also have the cap space and four first-round picks over the next three seasons, making them a serious contender to land the two-way center.
Washington Capitals
Alex Ovechkin enters the final season of his legendary career, and the goal-scoring legend would love to ride off into the sunset with a second Stanley Cup. General manager Chris Patrick has moved quickly to make Washington a Cup contender once again.
He acquired St. Louis Blues winger Jordan Kyrou in exchange for middle-six forward Connor McMichael and made an aggressive free-agent addition in sharpshooting winger Alex Tuch. The Capitals' offense is elite again, and the they still have $3.12 million in cap space.
Washington has NHL players it could part with, as well as marquee prospects like Cole Hutson, Ivan Miroshnichenko, Ryan Leonard and Ilya Protas, some already at the NHL level. It also holds all of its first-round picks for the next three seasons. If the Capitals decide the move is right as they push for one more Cup under Ovechkin's leadership, they could get a Larkin deal done.
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PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 16: Brandon Lowe #5 of the Pittsburgh Pirates rounds the bases on his two-run home run in the fifth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park on September 16, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The current state of the Washington Nationals’ offense, especially after the trade deadline departures of Luis Garcia Jr. and Curtis Mead, is heavily driven by the dynamic duo that is James Wood and CJ Abrams.
The lineup does include a handful of decent complementary pieces, including Keibert Ruiz and Daylen Lile, but is lacking both consistency and depth. Financial frustrations have led to Abrams and Wood’s names being floated in trade discussions, both hypothetical and legitimate, and their long-term futures with the team remain uncertain. Prospects like Eli Willits and Seaver King will look to break into the big leagues and give the MLB roster a boost, but relying on minor leaguers to carry the weight of a lineup that hopes to play in October is far from a sure thing.
The trade market could help, but Washington’s low payroll gives them no excuse not to add offensive pieces in free agency. The roster’s need to bolster the pitching rotation indicates that much of the front office’s offseason focus will be directed toward arms, but President of Baseball Operations Paul Toboni could lean on his growing pitching pipeline and be more aggressive with free agent hitters.
If, and that’s a big if, they choose to play ball with some of the bigger bats available, former Pittsburgh Pirate Brandon Lowe is a player that could really intrigue the Nats’ brass.
Lowe is coming off his best statistical season to date based on bWAR, cruising past his previous high of 4.6 with an impressive 5.4 in 2025. The 9-year veteran absolutely raked after being traded to Pittsburgh, appearing in 150 games and putting up a .260/.331/.493/824. slash line and mashing 35 home runs with 96 RBI.
Washington has solid power output if all of their big-time hitters are clicking at the same time, but adding a bat like Lowe could instantly raise both the ceiling and floor of the offense. He’s eclipsed the 30-HR mark in every season he’s played over 110 games in, and has been a 110 OPS+ bat in all but one year. His 3rd percentile Whiff% wouldn’t do much to improve the Nats’ strikeout issues, but he has the pop to out-slug any concerns in that area.
Addressing the position fit with Lowe, the 32-year-old has the ability to play 2B, fill in at 1B, or become the primary DH to maximize his offensive output. If Washington fully moves Abrams off of SS, Lowe could be the primary DH with smaller stints at 1B and 2B to increase the roster’s positional flexibility.
As with just about any above-average free agent in today’s MLB, Lowe will certainly not come with a low price tag. He won’t break the bank, but to secure his services, the Nats will have to commit multiple years and a good chunk of cash.
Spotrac has his market value listed at 4 years, $91,240,000, and it could get even higher with the lack of impact bats available. It will be remarkably difficult for the Nats to reach a contending level without getting things done in free agency, especially if one (or both) of Abrams and Wood leave via trade, and Lowe fits their window perfectly as a bat who can anchor the lineup as their contending window looks to open in the near future.
With the careers of at least three Australians either in the balance or kaput after a dismal day in Gqeberha against South Africa, Australian coach Andrew McDonald conceded the nation’s batting order was far from a perfect one.
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Angels have fired manager Kurt Suzuki after he lost 100 games in his only season in charge of the long-struggling club.
Baseball operations consultant John Mozeliak announced Wednesday that the Angels declined the option on Suzuki’s contract and would open a search for a new manager in 2027. Suzuki has been offered the opportunity to stay with the organization as a special assistant.
“Kurt has earned tremendous respect in our clubhouse, and I’ve seen firsthand how much he cares about our players,” Mozeliak said in a statement. “I do not believe our record this year was a true reflection of his true abilities as a manager.”
Mozeliak indicated he made the decision in coordination with Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, which reached a deal to purchase controlling ownership from Arte Moreno on Sept. 1. The sale is not expected to close until next year, but the sports conglomerate run by Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke is already making significant changes to its beleaguered baseball team.
The Angels went 62-100 — the first 100-loss season in franchise history — and finished last in the AL West in their only season under Suzuki, who ended his 16-year major league playing career as a catcher for the Angels in 2021-22. Suzuki had never been a manager at any level before he was given the job by general manager Perry Minasian, who had employed Suzuki as his special assistant for the previous three seasons.
Minasian was fired by Moreno last June, and longtime St. Louis Cardinals GM Mozeliak stepped in on a temporary basis to run the front office while leading the search for a permanent GM to replace him. That transition plan has been thrown into flux by Moreno’s decision to sell, and Mozeliak didn’t indicate whether he has a long-term future in his own job, although he said he had been looking “toward 2027 and beyond” while reaching the decision to fire Suzuki.
Mozeliak also indicated that Suzuki’s entire coaching staff is not expected to return in its current positions, but some members had been offered staff positions in the organization.
Mozeliak already fired Suzuki’s pitching coach, Mike Maddux, and two staffers in August because he felt the team wasn’t making sufficient use of the technology and analytics available to its pitchers. Mozeliak promoted Tim Leveque, the Angels’ Double-A pitching coach, to the major league staff at the time.
Suzuki’s replacement will be the seventh manager, including interims, to lead the team in nine seasons since it parted with Mike Scioscia after the 2018 season. The Angels have had 11 consecutive losing seasons and 12 straight non-playoff seasons, both the longest active skids in the major leagues.
The Angels now have MLB’s third current managerial vacancy, all in the AL West. The Seattle Mariners and the Houston Astros also parted ways with their managers after the season.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 14: Jonathan Kuminga #24 of the Minnesota Timberwolves prepares to shoot a free throw during the game against the Detroit Pistons during a 2026 NBA Preseason game on October 14, 2026 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The 2026-27 NBA season is officially underway! A new season kicked off on Tuesday with a trio of exciting games, and tonight the Golden State Warriors begin their campaign when they take on the Los Angeles Lakers.
It goes without saying that the most intriguing players for Warriors fans to watch this year are … well … Warriors. But there are a lot of other players around the NBA to keep an eye one. Here are nine players on other teams that Warriors fans will want to be watching closely.
Jonathan Kuminga
The Warriors and Kuminga tried for years to form a fruitful pairing, and it simply never worked out. I don’t think anyone is to blame in that situation, and even if Kuminga goes on to materialize his potential elsewhere, it won’t necessarily mean that Golden State messed up.
But it’s worth keeping an eye on. After a brief stint with the Atlanta Hawks last year following his departure from the Dubs, Kuminga signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves this offseason. On paper, it’s a great fit: the Wolves are a team that is dependent on athleticism, have a clear spot on their roster for him to fill, and have two players (LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards) who like to make audacious passes. Kuminga should be flying to the rim every other possession, hoping to catch a highlight-reel lob.
Warriors fans still have some investment in Kuminga. For some, it’s a matter of believing in his talent. For others, it’s a curiosity as to whether that talent can blossom in a different environment, and with a new coach. And for some, it’s simply a matter of rooting for a player who, despite having a complicated history with the team, was always very likable.
Klay Thompson
It’s still weird to see Klay in a different jersey, and it should delight no one that his tenure with the Dallas Mavericks didn’t pan out. But Thompson is on the Miami Heat now, reunited with Andrew Wiggins, and things are primed to go better. Sure, Klay had a rough preseason, but an Erik Spoelstra-coached team that stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo should play right into Klay’s strengths, and give him a chance to compete for a deep postseason run. And let’s be honest: South Beach seems on Klay’s wavelength in a way that inland Texas never was.
I’m still holding out hope that Thompson will return to the Bay, but for now, it will just be fun to see if he can resuscitate his career with the Heat.
James Wiseman
As long as we’re talking about former Warriors, it will be fun to track Wiseman’s progress. After looking like he might have to go outside of the country for opportunities, the Dubs’ former No. 2 overall pick signed on with the defending-champion New York Knicks, and with Mitchell Robinson now playing in New England, there should be an opportunity for Wiseman to get reps. The lefty didn’t play in New York’s season-opening loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, as he’s firmly behind starter Karl-Anthony Towns and backup Andre Drummond on the depth chart. But those two won’t both stay healthy all year, and Wiseman should get his chance at some point. After injuries and poor play limited him to just five games over the last two seasons, it will be fun to see if Wiseman can secure his spot as a quality NBA role player.
LeBron James
The big news for the Warriors this offseason was someone who didn’t actually join their team. The Dubs went all in on James, trying — certainly not for the first time — to acquire the league’s all-time leading scorer. Ultimately, James chose to sign with the Sixers, and had a decent debut on Tuesday, with 14 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists.
After many years, the dream of teaming LeBron with Steph Curry is officially dead, and we’re left to wonder what it would look like. It’s always fascinating to follow the paths of players that the Warriors almost acquired; based on how James looks in his league-record 24th season, we’ll get a chance to see whether the Warriors narrowly missed out on a franchise-changing signing, or if they got fortunate that he gave another team a rose.
Brayden Burries
It’s repeated every year: the draft is a crapshoot. There’s certainly a lot of scouting skill involved, but so much rests in the hands of chance and fate. The Warriors, for example, had their entire franchise changed by drafting Curry seventh overall in 2009. But what if another team drafted him first? Or what if they had a higher selection; would they still have taken him? Golden State maintains that Curry was No. 2 on their draft board, and even if you take that at face value — and I don’t — it means that they would have drafted Blake Griffin had they won the draft lottery that year. And while you can certainly do worse than drafting a six-time All-Star with highlight reel dunks and SNL-level comedic chops, it’s safe to say that if the Dubs had drafted Griffin over Curry in 2009, they would not have four titles, a dynasty, and a league-leading valuation.
All of that is to say: you need to draft well, but sometimes the situation matters more than the scouting. And that was very relevant in June’s draft, when the Dubs used the No. 11 pick on forward Yaxel Lendeborg. Golden State was always high on Lendeborg, and the fit seemed perfect, but reports came out that the team was enamored with Arizona guard Brayden Burries. We’ll never know exactly how they felt, but it certainly appears as though the Warriors were hoping Burries would fall to them, and were exploring options to trade up and nab him.
Ultimately, Burries went one spot ahead of the Dubs, to the Milwaukee Bucks. And so far, that looks fortuitous: Lendeborg was one of the stars of the preseason, prompting Draymond Green to anoint him the next face of the franchise, while Burries struggled to find offense in his preseason games, averaging 14.0 points but shooting just 41.3% from the field and 11.8% from deep. Watching the rookie progression of Lendeborg and Burries — who both figure to play prominent roles on their respective teams — will be fascinating.
Cooper Flagg
In many ways, the Warriors and Mavericks are polar opposites. The former is trying to maintain their recent highs, while the latter is trying to climb the mountain. The Dubs are built around a player in his 18th season, while the Mavs are constructed around a teenager.
But there’s something tying the two franchises together. Both are hoping to be competitive this year, while also building a strong future for years to come. And Flagg is at the heart of both timelines for Dallas.
Last year’s No. 1 pick certainly didn’t disappoint in his first year — he won Rookie of the Year honors and averaged 21.0 points per game — but it’s not yet clear whether he’s a really good player or a superstar. If he’s merely the former right now, it makes Golden State’s path to the playoffs this year much smoother; no one is counting on Dallas being a standout team, but a leap from their cornerstone player could change that. And as the Dubs look to build a consistently competitive team in the post-Curry era, one of their primary adversaries could be the Mavs, depending on how Flagg develops.
Kevin Durant
As with James, the Warriors have tried a few times over recent years to acquire Durant, who of course had a wildly-successful three-year stint with the team during the dynastic days. They were close to a reunion at the 2025 deadline, but stopped pursuing a trade when it was made clear that KD did not want to return to the Bay Area.
That could eventually change. Durant tends to bounce from situation to situation, and he maintains a stellar relationship with Curry, and a strong one with Draymond Green, despite their prior drama. We know the Dubs always want to go deep sea fishing to add a star, and if the situation with the Houston Rockets sours, it seems like a safe bet that they’ll poke around a reunion. And if not … well, Durant is worth paying attention to anyway. Who doesn’t love watching an all-time great bucket-getter who loves to be petty online?
Nikola Jokić
This one’s a bit of a stretch, but again: we know that Joe Lacob always wants to make a splash and acquire a huge star. The Warriors failed in their pursuits to land Antetokounmpo and James, but it won’t slow them from fishing in the deepest depths of the ocean.
It seems highly unlikely that Jokić, who has stunningly finished as the MVP or the runner-up in each of the last six seasons, will be leaving the Denver Nuggets anytime soon. But there have been a few whispers and murmurs, and he could elect to test free agency next summer. It would be very difficult for the Warriors to swing an in-season trade for the eight-time All-Star, as matching his salary will be hard, and Denver is highly unlikely to consider any offers. But it’s worth monitoring his situation with the Nuggets: if it’s not a great year for Denver, and rumors persist that Jokić isn’t convinced his future is in the Mile High City, then it could open the door for the Warriors to try to make a seismic splash next summer.
Myles Turner
They haven’t played their first game yet, but the Warriors already have a bit of a center situation on their hands. On Wednesday morning, news broke that the Dubs are already exploring options to trade Kristaps Porziņģis, who reportedly is reconsidering his NBA future as he continues to deal with health issues.
Porziņģis figured to be the team’s starting center, while Al Horford — who is 40 years old, played just 45 games last year, and doesn’t play back to backs — is the primary backup. That means that the team is desperately lacking in options at the five, barring a huge turnaround in the Porziņģis situation.
It seems likely that the Dubs will try to replace KP at some point, and who better than Turner? The Bucks’ center does all the things that made Porziņģis so attractive to Golden State: he’s a physical force who plays strong defense (he’s led the league in blocks twice), fits the system well on both ends, and stretches the floor (he’s shot 38.9% on threes over the last two years, on high volume). The only difference between Turner and Porziņģis is that the former has a reliable bill of health, having played in over 70 games in each of the last three years.
The Bucks already seemed to regret signing Turner even before they traded Antetokounmpo, and now that they’re likely in rebuild mode, it seems as though they’ll be shopping their center. So keep your eye on Turner: if he has a good season and Milwaukee does not, he could be starting for Golden State by the end of the year.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 20: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks inspects his ring during the Ring Ceremony prior to the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on October 20, 2026 in New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Madison Square Garden waited 53 years to hand out championship rings, and what a glorious celebration it was. Knicks fans were losing their minds, Spike Lee looked like he was finally vindicated, and the ring/banner combo was luxurious.
You ever seen a championship ring that turns into an arena, son??
And it took the Philadelphia 76ers about two and a half hours to make the whole thing feel like the beginning of the end. Knicks legends handed out the jewelry, the banner went up, and then Philly walked into the building and won 106-100.
Roughly 1,600 miles southwest, the reigning Western Conference champion Spurs were preparing for a revenge tour after fumbling a title away to the Knicks a few months ago. But while the Knicks raised a championship banner, San Antonio raised nothing and got the smackdown laid on them by the previous NBA champion, the Oklahoma City Thunder. OKC came into San Antonio and beat them 116-104, a defeat so sound even the greatest Spurs fan apologist would have to hang their head in shame.
So the two teams that met in June’s Finals both started 0-1. If you’re a Warriors fan, you’ve seen this movie. Hell, you’ve starred in it. But let’s give the Knicks their rightful due as champs and focus on them for this exercise.
Deep breath….how come nobody warned the Knicks that ring night ain’t no joke?!
Here’s what makes the L especially sting: it was Philly. The Knicks swept the Sixers in the second round last spring on the way to a 16-3 playoff run, and a sweep like that usually tells a team it’s a few levels short of contending. Philly didn’t treat that sweep like a minor setback. They treated it like a demolition order, went out and added LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, and came back looking for revenge. Those moves turned a team New York had already handled into a team built to beat New York specifically.
Tyrese Maxey had 28 while the newly acquired Brown had 19 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. LeBron put up a chill 14-9-7 and then told reporters that winning on somebody else’s ring night was “pretty special”. Twenty-four seasons in and the man still collects other people’s celebrations like trophies. And don’t get it twisted, HE’S AN OHIO BABY!
LeBron goes OFF on a Knicks fan:
“Ain’t nothing soft in the Midwest…I’m not from the West Coast, I’m from Ohio, baby. I’m an Ohio baby, fu*k is you talking about?”
Dub Nation knows what it’s like to fumble an emotional ring night, like on October 17th, 2017. Oracle Arena. The Warriors were raising the banner from the Kevin Durant revenge tour, Durant was getting his first ring, the rings themselves had more diamonds than any championship ring in the history of the four major American sports, and the Houston Rockets showed up with Chris Paul playing his first game in red. The Warriors led by 17 but Houston clawed back to steal a one-point win.
Houston to the Warriors was as the Philly is to the Knicks of this era, and not just because they were mad at the Dubs. Daryl Morey built that roster as an answer key to the Warriors’ switching defense. Golden State’s whole identity was switching everything, so Houston loaded up on two of the best isolation guards on earth and spent possession after possession hunting Steph on switches until the defense broke.
It nearly worked. Seven months after ring night, Houston had the Warriors down 3-2 in the Western Conference Finals, and if Chris Paul’s hamstring holds up, Houston fans would argue the Warriors lose that series. Hilariously crazy hypothetical since that era of Rockets basketball was literally incapable of eliminating the Warriors from the playoffs, but that opening night game proved just how intense the rivalry was and how close the margins were.
So when I watch Philly celebrating on the Knicks’ own ring night, I see potentially more than a regular-season win. I see a team that rebuilt itself around one opponent telling New York exactly where it plans to be in May. That’s why the ring night loss isn’t the scary part. It’s about the full season of taking everyone’s best shot while all your rivals gain more and more intel on your strengths, weaknesses, and emotional temperature.
The Warriors have won six Western Conference titles since 2015, and no other team in the West has more than one in that span. That’s four championships in eight seasons and four ring nights. And for all that dominance, the Warriors successfully defended their title exactly once.
Funny how that works. Steph said that night in 2022 that ring night is never an easy game. He was talking about the nerves of one evening, but I think it describes the whole year after. When you’re climbing the first time, you’re preparing to beat everybody. The second time up, everybody has spent the summer preparing to beat you. Houston built a roster to attack our switches. Philly went out and got LeBron and Jaylen to get past the team that swept them. And the Knicks are going to see that same energy from Miami, Cleveland, Boston and whoever else circled the Garden on their schedule.
Brunson told the crowd before tipoff that the joy the city felt this summer was something the team would love to replicate. Every champion says some version of that on ring night, including the dynasty Dubs. New York got its nemesis on opening night. Now it gets to find out whether it can survive the six months that follow.
CHICAGO, IL - CIRCA 1990: George Bell #11 of the Toronto Blue Jays bats against the Chicago White Sox during an Major League Baseball game circa 1990 at Comiskey Park in Chicago, Illinois. Bell played for the Blue Jays from 1981-90. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Today marks George Bell’s 67th birthday.
Born in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, George Bell comes from a baseball family. His brother Juan Bell played seven seasons in the majors as a utility infielder, and two other brothers also played professionally. George signed with the Phillies as an amateur free agent in 1978 before the Blue Jays acquired him in the 1980 Rule 5 draft—one of the best Rule 5 acquisitions in history.
Because Rule 5 draft picks must remain on the major league roster or be returned to their original team, George spent the strike-shortened 1981 season with the Blue Jays. Although he was a bit overmatched, appearing in 60 games and hitting .233/.256/.350, he still managed to receive a couple ofRookie of the Year votes.
Believing he had earned a roster spot the following year, George was disappointed when the Jays sent him to Syracuse. It turned out to be a tough season: he contracted mononucleosis in April, injured his left knee in June, and, upon returning, suffered a broken jaw after being hit by a pitch. Perhaps as a result, George became especially sensitive to being hit and charged the mound multiple times. He began 1983 in the minors once more but was called up for good in July.
In 1984, Bell became a full-time player for the Blue Jays. Manager Bobby Cox used a complex platoon system in the outfield: Bell played left field against left-handed pitchers and right field against right-handers, swapping with Jesse Barfield and Davey Collins. As a young outfielder, Bell possessed a decent arm and adequate range, though Barfield’s arm was superior.
That season, George played 159 games and hit .292/.326/.498, tallying 39 doubles, 26 home runs, 87 RBI, and 11 stolen bases. He received MVP votes, finished 8th in the American League in total bases, and 3rd in doubles.
After the season, the Jays traded Dave Collins to Oakland, paving the way for Bell, Lloyd Moseby and Jesse Barfield to play full-time—which became the best outfield in Blue Jays history. They played together until Barfield was traded early in 1989. All three were outstanding offensively and had strong arms; Moesby and Barfield excelled defensively, while Bell’s range declined over time due to knee issues from injuries and playing on Toronto’s hard artificial surface. He also struggled with errors.
In 1985, Bell had another stellar year, hitting .275/.327/.479 with 28 home runs, 95 RBI, and a career-high 21 stolen bases. He won the Silver Slugger Award and finished 8th in MVP voting, just behind Barfield. The Jays reached the postseason for the first time, with many remembering Bell catching the final out to clinch the AL East title and collapsing to his knees in celebration. In the seven-game ALCS, Bell batted .321 with nine hits and three doubles, but the Jays ultimately lost to the Royals.
Bell’s offensive numbers improved further in 1986: he hit .309/.349/.532, with 31 home runs, 108 RBI, 101 runs, and another Silver Slugger Award. He finished 4th in MVP voting—one spot ahead of Barfield—while Roger Clemens took home the award.
Bell’s breakout season came in 1987, when he hit .308/.352/.605 with 47 home runs, 134 RBI, and 111 runs. He won another Silver Slugger Award, made his first All-Star team, and became the first player from a Canadian team to win the league MVP, edging out Alan Trammell of the Tigers. The vote stirred controversy after the Jays suffered a late-season slump, losing their final eight games and allowing the Tigers to capture the AL East. Bell struggled in those final games, hitting just .111, while Lloyd Moseby was the only Jay to avoid a slump.
The next season brought changes for Bell and the Jays. Manager Jimy Williams moved Bell to designated hitter and gave top prospect Sil Campusano a spot in the outfield. The plan quickly unraveled: Bell was vocal about his displeasure with DH duties, and Campusano struggled. Williams’ tenure was short and turbulent, partly due to Bell’s unhappiness. Despite this, Bell became the first major leaguer to hit three home runs on opening day, though his overall numbers declined significantly.
Bell rebounded in 1989, hitting .297/.330/.458 with 18 home runs, 41 doubles, and 104 RBI. He finished fourth in a close MVP race, with Robin Yount taking the award. The Jays returned to the playoffs, but Bell struggled in the five-game series loss to the A’s, batting just .200 with one home run.
1990 marked Bell’s final season with the Blue Jays, and it was a disappointing one—he hit .265/.303/.422 with 21 home runs and 86 RBI. Afterward, he signed with the Cubs as a free agent, enjoyed a solid season, and was then traded to the White Sox for Sammy Sosa—a deal that favored the Cubs. Bell played two seasons with the White Sox before being released in 1993 following critical comments about manager Gene Lamont after being replaced in the playoff lineup by Bo Jackson.
Bell finished his impressive 12-year career with 265 home runs, 1,002 RBI, and a .278 batting average. He was an aggressive hitter who rarely walked, and his defense declined over time—though his arm was underrated. From 1984–1987, only Barfield and Glenn Wilson recorded more outfield assists. Early in his career, Bell was a capable outfielder, but playing on artificial turf took a toll on his knees and reduced his range. He also resisted a move to designated hitter, seeing it as an affront to his pride.
Bell was a fearsome hitter, holding the Jays’ single-season home run record (47) until Jose Bautista hit 54 in 2010. Angels manager Gene Mauch called him “the most intimidating hitter in baseball.” Bell was known for aggressively attacking the first pitch, especially fastballs.
Baseball historian Bill James once ranked Bell as the 62nd-best left fielder of all time, though he may have slipped a few spots since then. Rob Neyer named him the Blue Jays’ best left fielder ever, and Bell is honored on the Rogers Centre’s Level of Excellence.
Bell was also known for his fiery temper. Many recall his flying kick at pitcher Bruce Kison after being hit by a pitch. He was ejected from 13 games and often clashed with the media and managers. Notably, he once invited Canadian fans to “kiss my Dominican ass.” I think the word purple was in there somewhere. While some of his confrontations stemmed from cultural differences, much was attributed to his hotheadedness. His reputation may have shortened his career, but by all accounts, he was a loyal teammate and friend.
Bell later assisted the Dominican Republic’s World Baseball Classic team and developed into a skilled golfer. He is married and has four sons.
Happy birthday, George. Wishing you all the best.
Today marks the 71st birthday of Jerry Garvin, the original left-handed pitcher for the Blue Jays.
Garvin was selected as the Blue Jays’ fourth pick in the 1976 expansion draft, coming over from the Minnesota Twins.
Garvin started the Blue Jays’ third-ever game as a rookie in 1977, delivering eight strong innings in a 3–1 win over the White Sox. He allowed five hits and four walks, striking out two. Pete Vuckovich earned the save, while Canadian Dave McKay drove in two runs and Gary Woods added another.
That year, Garvin started 34 games, finishing with a 10–18 record and a 4.19 ERA. Remarkably, he logged 244.1 innings and completed 12 games as a 21-year-old rookie. For perspective, no Blue Jay has thrown more than 240 innings in a season since David Price in 2014, and Garvin’s total still ranks 17th in franchise history. Unfortunately, arm issues caused him to miss significant time over the next few seasons.
Garvin was renowned for his exceptional pick-off move, famously recording 26 pick-offs at first base in 1977—a feat noted on his Wikipedia page.
In 1978, Garvin appeared in 26 games (22 starts), posting a 4–12 record with a 5.54 ERA across 144.2 innings. His workload diminished in 1979, as he pitched in only eight games.
By 1980, Garvin transitioned to a full-time bullpen role, appearing in 61 relief outings with a 2.28 ERA and eight saves over 82.2 innings.
In 1981, he pitched in 35 games (four starts), posting a 3.40 ERA over 53 innings.
Garvin’s final season came in 1982, when he made 32 appearances (four starts) with a 7.25 ERA in 58.1 innings.
Over six seasons, Garvin compiled a 20–41 record and a 4.43 ERA in 196 games, including 65 starts.
Happy birthday, Jerry.
Today, Danny Barnes celebrates his 37th birthday.
Barnes was selected in the 35th round of the 2010 draft.
He worked his way gradually through the minor league system but broke out in 2016, posting a stellar 0.73 ERA across 61.1 innings between New Hampshire and Buffalo.
Barnes received his first major league call-up in August and returned in September, appearing in 12 games with a 3.95 ERA.
In 2017, Barnes joined the Blue Jays in mid-April and remained with the team all season, pitching in 60 games with a 3.55 ERA, a 3–6 record, and 11 holds.
The 2018 season was more challenging, as Barnes posted a 5.71 ERA over 47 games, though he managed eight holds, most of which came early in the year.
Barnes was designated for assignment and outrighted to Buffalo before the 2019 season, spending much of that year on the injured list.
Happy birthday, Danny.
Today marks Gabe Gross’s 47th birthday.
Gross was the Blue Jays’ first-round pick in the 2001 draft.
He was ranked among Baseball America’s top 100 prospects prior to both the 2002 (#75) and 2004 (#72) seasons.
Gross appeared in 44 games for the Blue Jays in 2004, hitting .209/.311/.310 with three home runs, and 40 games in 2005, hitting .250/.324/.348 with one home run.
Following the 2005 season, he was traded to the Brewers along with Dave Bush and Zach Jackson in exchange for Lyle Overbay and Ty Taubenheim.
Gross spent two and a half seasons with the Brewers, hitting .251/.357/.440 with 16 home runs over 226 games. He was then traded to the Rays, where he played two seasons and hit .235/.333/.396 with 19 home runs in 242 games. He finished his MLB career with a season in Oakland.
In total, Gross played seven MLB seasons and 657 games, compiling a .239/.330/.385 batting line with 40 home runs. While he didn’t quite live up to early prospect expectations, he put together a respectable career.
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Would you believe that Kristaps Porzingis graded out as one of the better players in the NBA last season? It’s true. Porzingis ranked No. 50 in the league in Estimated Plus-Minus and nearly cracked the top-25 in LEBRON, which are a pair of metrics that measure a player’s impact with some luck adjustments and player tracking data built in. Every all-in-one stat is going to have blindspots and needs to be taken with a large grain of salt, but both teams Porzingis played for last season — the Atlanta Hawks and Golden State Warriors — were much better with him on the court in his 32 total games, and that’s no coincidence.
Porzingis showed the whole world how good he could be on the Boston Celtics’ run to the 2024 NBA championship, when his combination of outside shooting and rim protection made him the rare center who could space the floor to the max without giving much back on defense. Porzingis’ effectiveness hasn’t been much of a question since his career-defining season in Boston, but his availability has been. Unfortunately, Porzingis remains out for the Warriors as they begin the 2026-27 season, and now the team appears ready to move on without him.
The Warriors are exploring trade packages for Porzingis as he deals with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), a nervous system disorder that causes dizziness, brain fog, chronic fatigue, and other unwanted symptoms. Porzingis is “contemplating his future in basketball” according to ESPN insider Shams Charania.
Speculation on Porzingis’ rampant health problems dating back to the Celtics’ 2024 playoff run had grown so out of control that the 31-year-old felt obligated to put out a pair of statements clarifying that doesn’t have AIDS or HIV last week. Now his NBA career might be over as the Warriors scramble for a backup plan.
Hello people, I'm working with doctors and experts to figure out how to be fully back to good health asap. Honestly, I'm getting better and better. I just have to stay patient, and I believe I'll be feeling great again soon.
It has definitely been frustrating dealing with some…
I appreciate all the internet doctors trying to diagnose and help, but I'm in the best hands. So everyone can relax now 😄🙏🏼 and I don’t have hiv or aids.
The biggest story here is the premature end of Porzingis’ career for health problems entirely out of his control. It’s an incredibly sad development for such a talented player who had so much promise early in his career, and appeared to find renewed value after being dumped to the Washington Wizards in 2022. This is also deeply disappointing news for the Warriors, because it’s going to be tough to find another player who can approximate his skill set without adding the type of valuable future assets Golden State has resisted including in other deals.
What team would trade for a player who might be finished? Porzingis’ contract could still make him valuable around the league depending on a few factors. He only has $3 million guaranteed for next season, but counts for $20 million in a trade. If another team was looking to dump a player they don’t want around anymore with long-term money on the books, they might be incentivized to trade for Porzingis and then just cut him while stomaching the $3 million next season.
Let’s say the Milwaukee Bucks decide that they just want Myles Turner off the books as he enters the second season of a four-year, $109 million deal. The Warriors could take Turner, the Bucks could take Porzingis, and then Milwaukee could waive him to save some money. The Chicago Bulls could build a similar trade around Patrick Williams, who has three years remaining on his contract as this season begins.
The Turner idea in particular could sound good in theory, but it takes two sides to make a deal, and the Warriors don’t have much leverage. Golden State’s only real backup center is Al Horford, who is 40 years old. Charles Bassey is around too, but he’s never been counted on for more than a small role. Losing Quentin Post to the Memphis Grizzlies over the summer in free agency was a tough blow, and now the Warriors seem like they’re totally out of options in the front court unless they want to part with a meaningful asset.
Warriors lead executive Mike Dunleavy is already on the record saying fixing the team’s center problem is “not as simple as hey, let’s go find someone new” with 15 players already on the roster. Golden State is already without Jimmy Butler as he recovers from a torn ACL, and Moses Moody as he tries to come back from a ruptured patellar tendon. That’s $90 million in salary not in the lineup to start the year.
This is no way to build around Stephen Curry in his age-38 season. Rookie forward Yaxel Lendeborg looks amazing, but it’s hard to win without a reliable center, and the Warriors are being immediately put in a compromising position.
This is a bummer of a story. Let’s hope Porzingis can find peace after basketball if this really is it for his career.
The Golden State Warriors have grown increasingly concerned about Kristaps Porzingis's availability and are exploring other options for the 31-year-old center, according to a new report.
Golden State has begun to search for trade partners to part ways with Porzingis, according to ESPN. Porzingis is reportedly contemplating his basketball future as he continues to deal with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) autoimmune symptoms.
USA TODAY Sports reached out to the team, but the Warriors were not available to comment on the matter.
Head coach Steve Kerr told reporters after practice Tuesday that he and Porzingis spoke recently, exchanging phone calls "a couple days ago" and text messages throughout the last couple of weeks.
"Other than my concern for him and his own well-being, I don't think of it," Kerr said when asked how he's handling the situation. "When we come to practice, I don't think of it because I have to focus on the guys who are here. That's my concern."
"When we come into the building, it's 'how are we going to play? How are we going to start? Who's going to back up the 5s? If Al (Horford) doesn't play, does (Ike) Graham play? Do we use one of the two-way games that he has? Those are all the basketball thoughts," Kerr added. "But as I've mentioned to you guys out first order of business is to support Kristaps and help him through this."
The team said the details of that meeting would "remain private," but Porzingis posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he was working with medical professionals to figure out how to get back to full health.
"I'm working with doctors and experts to figure out how to be fully back to good health asap. Honestly, I'm getting better and better. I just have to stay patient, and I believe I'll be feeling great again soon," Porzingis wrote. "It has definitely been frustrating dealing with some health stuff that you can't exactly pinpoint, on top of injuries throughout my career, so it has added up for sure, but we will get through it. Health is wealth. Thank you for all the support at the Warriors practice facility"
He's heard the jokes and seen the Internet trolls who have had think-pieces about Porzingis's health.
"I appreciate all the internet doctors trying to diagnose and help, but I'm in the best hands," Porzingis wrote on social media. "So everyone can relax now and I don’t have HIV or Aids."
The Golden State Warriors have begun exploring trades of center Kristaps Porziņģis, who remains away from the team and is "seriously contemplating his future in basketball," ESPN’s Shams Charania reports.
Porziņģis has been away from the Warriors since before training camp, and Charania's report confirms he is still dealing with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS. People with this condition see their heart rate race for a minute or more after standing up from sitting or lying down (as part of the disorder, more blood stays in your lower body even after a person stands, causing the heart rate to race as it tries to get blood flowing again). This condition has limited Porziņģis' ability to play for a couple of seasons.
Porziņģis signed a two-year, $40 million contract extension with the Warriors last offseason, but only $3 million of the 2027-28 season is guaranteed, essentially making him an expiring contract. Golden State is looking into packaging Porzingis (mostly as salary ballast) with players or picks to bring in someone of value in a trade. Teams that acquire Porziņģis would very likely waive him next summer, as they'd get the financial savings plus the real draw of whatever the Warriors add to the trade package.
Porziņģis came into the Warriors' practice facility last week to discuss his situation with team doctors and management. Afterward, he posted this on X.
I appreciate all the internet doctors trying to diagnose and help, but I'm in the best hands. So everyone can relax now and I don’t have hiv or aids.
Golden State acquired Porziņģis at last year's trade deadline, envisioning him as a stretch big who can protect the rim and fit very well next to Stephen Curry. Porziņģis played in 15 games for Golden State last season and averaged 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. Based on that, the Warriors bet on Porziņģis this summer and gave him an extension.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 13: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before a preseason game against the Golden State Warriors at T-Mobile Arena on October 13, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Warriors defeated the Lakers 101-89. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Despite owning four top-five finishes and six All-NBA First Team nods, Luka Dončić has never been all that close to winning MVP. Through eight years, his best chance has come in 2023-24, when he finished third behind Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. But even then, Dončić only received four first-place votes as Jokić ran away with his third MVP trophy in four seasons.
As he continues his prime, the 27-year-old is open about wanting a distinguished honor like that while still making clear the ultimate goal is hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy alongside his teammates.
“It would definitely mean a lot,” Dončić told Melissa Rohlin of the New York Post. “Obviously a championship, that’s what you play for every game. That’s what you train for everyday. But obviously it would be nice to win the MVP also. Not everybody can say they have an MVP, so obviously that would be nice.”
Dončić understands individual and team-wide accolades are intertwined. If he and the Lakers are competing for a championship because he’s performing at a high level, his likelihood of finally winning MVP is much higher than if they’re sitting well below title contention. As such, his priority is team success.
“But that comes with the team first. If you don’t play good, you’re never going to win championships or MVP,” Dončić said. “So, we’ve got to play good. I’m very excited to go to war with these people. I think we had a great training camp and we’re ready to go.”
As I see it, the key for Dončić to win MVP is sustaining the MVP-caliber peaks he seemingly reaches for extended stretches every season (well, duh). Too often, he’ll have a month or prolonged period in which the decision-making and/or shot-making are underwhelming and the defense is a glaring issue. Other months, he’s an ethereal scorer and offensive engine whose defense perks up (and can even be a positive!) to look like the best player on the planet.
Now, he doesn’t have to average 38-8-7 on 63% true shooting featuring impactful defense for a full season like he did last March but 31-8-7 on 57% true shooting with 71 assists to 47 turnovers like last December cannot happen either. He has to elevate his floor to better complement his ceiling. And if he does that, the elusive MVP might be his as he leads the Lakers near the top of the Western Conference.
3 Nov 2001: Luis Gonzalez #20 of the Arizona Diamondbacks swings at a pitch during game 6 of the World Series against the New York Yankees at Bank One Ballpark in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks beat the Yankees 15-2 to force a game 7. DIGITAL IMAGE Mandatory Credit: Jeff Gross/ALLSPORT | Getty Images
With the 25th anniversary of the Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2001 World Series title approaching, MLB Network Presents will debut Destined: The 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday, October 29th at 5 p.m. Arizona time. Marking the 50th film in the MLB Network Presents series since its launch in 2015, the 90-minute documentary recounts the remarkable rise of the Diamondbacks from expansion franchise to World Series Champions in four seasons, culminating in their unforgettable seven-game victory over the three-time defending champion New York Yankees in 2001.
Among those interviewed are World Series co-MVPs Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling, former Diamondbacks general manager Joe Garagiola Jr., 2001 manager Bob Brenly, and championship players Jay Bell, Steve Finley, Luis Gonzalez, Mark Grace, Damian Miller, Reggie Sanders, Matt Williams and Tony Womack. Together, they provide firsthand perspectives on the organization’s beginnings, the construction of the championship roster and the experiences that defined the 2001 season.
“When you put the right people in the right room, there is no unachievable goal. …I think the 2001 season was the perfect baseball season for that team … everything about it was perfect,” said Schilling during the film.
MLB Network Presents – Destined: The 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks features past-and-present-day interviews, along with extensive archival footage from the Diamondbacks’ historic 2001 season. The film revisits the decisions, personalities and performances that shaped one of the fastest championship ascents in MLB history, from the organization’s creation to the arrival of Johnson and the credibility he brought to the franchise.
Destined: The 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks details Gonzalez’s leadership and career year as well as big-game pitcher Schilling joining forces with Johnson to form a historic combination atop Arizona’s starting rotation. Featured in the film, Schilling shares original notes he took with him to the dugout during his playing career, offering a look at the preparation and attention to detail behind his performance during Arizona’s championship run.
The film also explores how Brenly proved to be the right manager for a veteran roster largely united by a common goal: winning the first World Series championship in franchise history. Destined: The 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks reflects on the 2001 World Series against the backdrop of the September 11th attacks, including the emotional return of World Series baseball to New York, a series of dramatic late-inning finishes and Arizona’s comeback against Mariano Rivera in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 7, capped by Gonzalez’s championship-winning hit.
The film features new footage and exclusive access captured during the Diamondbacks’ 25th anniversary ceremony for the 2001 championship team this past September, as former teammates reunited to commemorate their historic season.
Destined: The 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks marks the 50th film in the series and will re-air following its premiere at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT on MLB Network.
On Sunday, the Montreal Canadiens will visit the Winnipeg Jets at Princess Auto Stadium for their fifth outdoor game. To date, the Habs are 2-2-0 outdoors, and while some fans and media have grown somewhat jaded because these events have become so frequent, the players haven’t. Speaking ahead of the Canadiens tilt with the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday, Kaiden Guhle explained:
When I first moved to Edmonton, we lived in a house with a little lake behind it. My brother, myself and a couple of his buddies on his team when they were bantam, we’d just all go out there and mess around. We brought out a couple of nets; it was fun. It was always good to get outside and mess around at the outdoor rink. There’s one year we forgot to bring the net out, and the ice melted, and we lost the net in the water, so…[…] I’m excited. I’ve never played an outdoor game; I’ve always wanted to, and I’ve always thought we should have gotten one as an original six team, but it will be fun to get out there in Winnipeg. Hopefully it’s not too cold, but it will be fun. It will be a lot of atmosphere, a lot of family. I think the guys will have fun; I know my parents are coming, and they’re nice and close, so that will be fun.
Veteran Chris Kreider took a different approach when asked how enjoyable outdoor games are: "They’re only enjoyable if you win. I mean, it’s like a dog-and-pony show, and if you lose, it's an even bigger letdown."
In other words, for him it’s a lot of fanfare around what they normally do, which is compete for two points.
As for Cole Caufield, he’s looking forward to the game, especially since he hasn't scored against the Jets yet. Something he put forward himself, and when he was asked if he kept track of that, he chuckled and said, " Of course! The sniper should be pumped on the day; then, as for what he’s going to do on Saturday night, since there won’t be a game, the Wisconsin native replied that the Milwaukee Brewers are playing in the World Series, so he may just go and watch that, before realizing that would be somewhat unrealistic with the travel time. Still, the baseball fan in Caufield looked very happy to follow his boyhood team on the biggest stage of them all.
After sending David Reinbacher and Owen Beck back to the Laval Rocket, one might wonder if that means Mike Matheson and Florian Xhekaj are nearing a return. Still, it could also be to let them suit up for the AHL outfit tonight and be called up again afterward. Time will tell, but the Canadiens won't take off on their road trip until Thursday afternoon, so they could still recall them after seeing a game of action. It will likely depend on what we see at practice tomorrow.
One thing’s for certain, though: Martin St-Louis will have a tough decision to make. Who to give the start to in net? Had Jakub Dobes played lights out on Tuesday night, I think he would have had it in the bag, but given how the game ended, the coach may reconsider. Expect to see Jacob Fowler in net on Friday night, and if the young netminder stands out, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get the Heritage Classic start. Interestingly, when the Habs had Carey Price in net for outdoor games, they lost both meetings. They dropped the first 4-0 to the Calgary Flames, and the second, in 2017, to the Ottawa Senators 3-0. Whoever is in net should have better offensive support than Price did.
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 13: Kurt Suzuki #8 of the Los Angeles Angels watches the game in the second inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 13, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Anaheim Angels have announced that manager Kurt Suzuki will not return as the team’s manager in 2027.
In my much younger days, I regularly watched the HBO stand up comedy specials. One that I watched probably dozens of times was the 13th Annual Young Comedians Special, which came out in 1989. Dennis Miller hosted the special, and the young comedians were Jann Karam, Drake Sather, Rob Schneider, David Spade, Fred Stoller, and Warren Thomas. Stoller, now a character and voice-over actor, wrote a book about the experience, and how each of their lives and careers progressed afterwards, which is a really good read.
Sather had a particular line that stuck with me:
People get so weird when celebrities die. I was watching this documentary on Fred Astaire. They said “Friends and family were shocked at the death of the 88-year-old.” Yeah, I was shocked, too: I thought he died 10 years ago.
Similarly, my first reaction was, damn, I thought the Angels canned Suzuki well before now.
Actually, my first reaction to reading this was, “Wait, isn’t Ron Washington the Angels’ manager?” before remembering that he was fired in the middle of the 2025 season. But then after that it was, oh yeah, they hired Suzuki, and I thought he was cut loose already. That’s probably because general manager Perry Minasian — who, like Suzuki, was under contract only through the end of the 2026 season — was fired four months ago, and while I knew Suzuki was not fired at the same time as Minasian was, I think in my mind I had just already consigned Suzuki to the ranks of former managers.
Suzuki appeared to be brought in as a caretaker manager. He was hired as the manager exactly one year ago after the Angels failed to convince Albert Pujols to take the job. Suzuki had been in the front office as a special assistant to the general manager since 2023, after spending the previous two seasons as part of the Angels’ active roster. The announcement today indicated Suzuki had been offered the opportunity to return to his previous role.
Suzuki is now the second A.L. West manager who is a former major league catcher to be fired this month, with the Mariners’ having terminated Dan Wilson already. Another A.L. West team, the Astros, fired their manager, Joe Espada, though he was never a major league catcher. I don’t think the Rangers’ other divisional rival, the Sacramento A’s, have fired their manager this year, though honestly, I’m not really sure they have a manager. They may just pick a random fan from the stands every game to fill out the lineup card and make pitching changes.
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 13: Charles Bassey #28 of the Golden State Warriors dunks the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 13, 2026 at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors are already missing center Kristaps Porzingis to start the 2026-27 NBA season, and head coach Steve Kerr will have even thinner front court depth on opening night. According to Danny Emerman of The SF Standard, the Dubs have ruled center Charles Bassey out for Wednesday night’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Bassey was listed as questionable on the injury report with knee tendinitis heading into the day. It seems Bassey was unable to make enough progress to play.
In 17 games (16 starts) with the Santa Cruz Warriors last season, Bassey averaged 20.4 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks in 29.1 minutes per game on 61.0%/40.5%/.65.9% shooting. In eight NBA games, he averaged 2.9 points and 2.6 rebounds on 62.5% shooting from the field in 6.6 minutes per game (15.6 points, 14.3 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, and 1.4 steals per 36 minutes).
Given his impressive G-League line, and a positive impression he made with Golden State down the stretch last season, Bassey re-signed a one-year deal with the Warriors. During the preseason, with Porzingis out, Bassey was the clear third center behind Al Horford and Draymond Green. With Bassey sidelined, rookie two-way big man Graham Ike will likely crack the rotation. Rookie first-round pick Yaxel Lendeborg may also see a few minutes as the small-ball five.
