ATLANTA — As Collin Sexton tries to find his groove with the Lakers, coach JJ Redick has reiterated a sentiment during conversations with the veteran guard.
Patience.
“He can want it so bad,” Redick said of Sexton.
Collin Sexton brings intensity to the Lakers. AP Photo/Mike Stewart
That competitive fire, and sense of urgency, is what drew the Lakers and the 27-year-old guard to each other during the offseason when Sexton signed a two-year, $19 million contract with the franchise.
But Sexton is learning that it’s going to take time for him to get where he wants with the Lakers.
Especially when factoring in the time he missed during the preseason and training camp as he recovered from a strained right calf.
The Lakers are starting to get a better, healthier version of Collin Sexton. NBAE via Getty Images
So after having one of his best games of the season in the Lakers’ win over the Hawks on Monday, the former Alabama guard was once again reminded of the importance of patience.
“That’s one word I’ve been using each and every day,” Sexton said. “I’ve been praying to God every day to give me patience and allow me to continue to work my way into a role that I like but also work my rhythm and get back to where I feel like you know what I’m back. So I would say each and every day is going to have its ups, have its downs but I’m blessed to be able to go out there and healthy enough to go out there.”
Sexton’s been up more than down lately as he gets his rhythm back.
He had 18 points and 6 assists in the win over the Hawks, which marked the first time he scored in double figures and finished with a positive plus/minus in back-to-back games this season after having 17 points in Sunday’s win over the Pistons.
“Maybe another week and a half, two weeks and I’ll be back [to normal],” Sexton said. “Right now, these last two games felt really good. So I’m moving in the right direction.”
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick has emphasized patience with Collin Sexton. Getty Images
It’s notable that Sexton’s best games of the season have come when with either Luka Dončić or Austin Reaves sidelined.
He scored a season-high 21 points in the Oct. 28 win over the Clippers, which Dončić was sidelined for.
“He gets a little sped up, or defensively for us right now he’s kind of just everywhere,” Redick said. “And not like in a good way. So that’s just some stuff going back to being able to practice and show film and just clean some stuff up at the end of the week. But clearly, we won two road games [now three after Monday’s victory] with him having a big role. We we wouldn’t have won those games if he wasn’t part of that. So he’s been great for us.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 10: Nate Ament #15 of the Milwaukee Bucks brings the ball up the court during the second quarter of the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on November 10, 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 Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Milwaukee Bucks flashed some nice stretches, but simply weren’t on the same level as the New York Knicks, going down 117-85. Without Tyler Herro, the Bucks struggled to get open looks against a slew of elite Knicks defenders, which let the Knicks play freely and get whatever they wanted. There’s really not much more to it; at times, the teams looked like they were playing a different sport. Shrug. We move. Read our full summary of the game here and catch a six-minute audio recap on the Bucks+ podcast, Bucks In Six Minutes, below.
Rollins played one of his best games of the season, frankly. Shot the ball with confidence when he was open, and I loved his ability to probe off pick-and-rolls and get deeper into the paint. There has been some criticism of Jenkins, saying he should have played Rollins more, and I agree; Rollins should have gotten around 30 minutes, given how well he was playing. Now, garbage time starting early may have impacted that, but still.
Jaquez was solid. He got off the chain in the third, scoring 12 of his 16 points in the period, including an instinctual backcourt steal after he sensed Karl-Anthony Towns was going to casually drop it off to Brunson without looking. Too many turnovers, though, which has been a theme lately.
Just a dud game from Kuzma, who made very little impact on either end and, at times, looked like he wanted to be anywhere else. Namely, there was a play where the shot clock was winding down, and he had multiple chances to at least chuck something at the rim, only for the shot clock to expire while the ball was in his hands. And to be clear, the defender wasn’t smothering him and making it impossible to shoot; he just… chose not to. Very odd.
Unfortunately, it was the same old story with Turner. He nailed the game’s first bucket on a pick-and-pop three, but could not get his jumper to fall from that point forward. When I watch Turner, I see him doing a lot right in terms of positioning, but he seems to have lost a considerable amount of mobility, so guys can jump over and around him. That said, not having Herro there as a reliable pick-and-roll partner (and someone who demands attention) did Turner no favours.
An encouraging performance from Ware. He looked more active and “into the game.” I thought it was notable that he didn’t take a three; it seemed like there was a directive to roll instead of pop, since his jumper hasn’t been going in recently (or at all, really). Needs to build on that now.
Still not shooting the ball terrificly, but there was a lot to like from Jakucionis’ game. He made consecutive great reads in the third quarter getting downhill, drawing multiple defenders and, without getting too deep and risking a turnover, throwing cross-court dimes to Ament and Jaquez for threes. Had a few nice finishes in that same quarter as well. I also thought KJ’s defensive intensity, especially guarding Brunson, was solid.
An off game for Burries, which are going to happen. He really struggled to navigate New York’s long, tough defenders. This grade may seem harsh, but my expectations for Burries have risen considerably.
Grade: D+
AJ Green
8 minutes, 0 points, 0/1 FG, 0/1 3P, -14
Respectfully, I don’t remember one thing Green did.
The rook just keeps building. Ament is clearly trusting his three-ball on offence—and he’s already started using the Pat Connaughton “catch-high, keep-high” shooting form—but the headline from this game was his defence. I mean, they put him on Brunson and, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but he did a really good job! Basically, if Ament could prevent Brunson from getting his shoulders past him—which did happen a few times—he was able to get great contests on the Knicks superstar’s shots. That said, Ament did mess up on two switches in the first half; his off-ball awareness remains a work in progress.
Dieng is starting to trust his jumper, which is good to see. Frankly, he could be a bit more aggressive at the rim. Try to use his size more effectively.
Grade: C+
Taylor Jenkins
I do think Jenkins needs to work on his rotations a little bit, and he said as much postgame. I’ve seen some folks go a bit over the top about this, but yes, there’s merit to the argument that seemingly as soon as guys find a rhythm, they can often end up on the bench. And in general, few units play consistently together for long stretches. For example, the Bucks’ starters played a total of 10:47 together last night and posted a net rating of +18.0 in those minutes, per Hoops Junkie. At the same time, the point of this season isn’t necessarily to max out on veterans playing together; it is to discover which pieces are worth keeping for the future.
Grade: D+
Garbage Time: Bogoljub Markovic, Gary Trent Jr., Jericho Sims
DNP-CD: Caris LeVert
Inactive: Kam Jones, Cormac Ryan, Pete Nance, Tyler Herro
What We Learnt
The Bucks badly, and I mean badly, need Tyler Herro to look like a functioning team.
Bonus Bucks Bits
The Bucks lost the second and fourth quarters 64-26 combined. They also got destroyed on the boards, 59-32, and lost the possession game, 89-79.
Karl-Anthony Towns didn’t shoot well from the field (5/14), but he attempted an absurd 14 free throws. Myles Turner’s inability to provide any resistance was a major reason for that.
Jenkins does seem to have quite a short leash with Ware. He had a stint last night where he came in, made a defensive mistake on Towns, and got taken right back out, with Jenkins deep in conversation with him after he was pulled. I don’t really know what to think of that, quite honestly. You could argue it’s unfair that Turner seemingly gets way more leash despite playing “equally as bad.” That said, I do think Turner does a lot of intangible things that don’t show up on the stat sheet and that, despite his poor form, he is needed for 25-30 minutes per game for the Bucks to look like a functional basketball team. I do not necessarily feel that way about Ware.
Not sure if it’s even worth mentioning, but did anyone else catch Ament stay on the ground a little longer after his and-one in the first quarter? It looked like he might have tweaked his ankle a bit. Clearly, it wasn’t too bad since he played the rest of the game, but I guess there could be some lingering soreness. I’ll be monitoring the injury report over the next week.
A nice dime from Bogi to end the game:
Bogoljub Markovic tips it to himself and throws the no-look pass to Dieng for the dunk pic.twitter.com/I9RL8ApkPV
Taylor Jenkins said "what we're doing right now is not working" and "I got to find something that's going to build consistency for us… starters, off the bench, sub patterns." On rebounding: "we've had this struggle the last couple of games. It's really hurt us."
DENVER, CO - JUNE 22: General Manager Josh Byrnes of the Colorado Rockies speaks to the media prior to a game against the Boston Red Sox at Coors Field on June 22, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Kyle Cooper/Colorado Rockies/Getty Images)
Good morning, Purple Row!
Here’s what’s going on with the Colorado Rockies and the rest of Major League Baseball.
Kevin Henry is down in Las Vegas at the GM meetings and caught up with Josh Byrnes. The Rockies GM mainly talked about the team being ready to be busy over the next few weeks before the expected lockout.
Despite some financial freedom and many obvious needs, Laura Lambert laments the fact that Sports Illustrated’s free agent predictions didn’t include the Rockies at all.
Charlie Condon (No. 2 PuRP) is listed as the Rockies’ best option for a Rookie of the Year candidate next season, and if he can tap into his power and be productive, that may get him some buzz.
This week, Evan Lang and I discuss the news that came out from DNVR about the disconnect that led to Alon Leichman’s dismissal. We also dive into the hiring of Ethan Katz before rounding things out with some Arizona Fall League talk!
Baseball lost another one of its storied players with the passing of Bob Boone. Regarded as one of the best defensive catchers of his generation, Boone won seven Gold Gloves and had four All-Star Game selections over his 19-year career.
Was there really any doubt that Pat Murphy wouldn’t win another Manager of the Year award? After leading the Brewers to the best record in baseball (and subsequently a World Series victory), Murphy becomes the first manager in MLB history to win three times in a row.
Meanwhile, Will Venable won Manager of the Year for the American League. Venable guided the White Sox to a playoff appearance, breaking a streak of three consecutive 100-loss seasons for Chicago, returning to the postseason for the first time since 2021.
Mike Axisa has a nice roundup of rumors from the day. Among the news is that the Mets and Padres are interested in Tarik Skubal; both Chicago teams want to add starting pitchers, and the Red Sox are quite ready to make a commitment to Trevor Story at shortstop next season.
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 27: Kevin McGonigle #7 of the Detroit Tigers looks on prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Comerica Park on September 27, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. The Pirates defeated the Tigers 4-2. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Happy Wednesday, everyone. MLB Awards season is in full swing. Kevin McGonigle netted the Rookie of the Year Award for the AL, to no one’s surprise, though there is the question of the two voters who gave him a second-place selection…. side-eyeing them. Then on Tuesday night we got the Manager of the Year Awards, and Pat Murphy three-peted, not a shock. We’ve also got some hot stove rumors to get into, specifically about Tarik Skubal and which teams are showing the most interest in the ace.
LAS VEGAS — A clouded haze hung over the first tentpole event of the MLB offseason, and no, it wasn’t the cigarette and cigar smoke on the casino floor of the ARIA Resort and Casino, where the league’s annual general managers meetings continued Tuesday.
The GM meetings rarely offer anything more than an appetizer for the rest of the winter. But the anticipated lockout means there will be no winter meetings, the typical main course. If a new CBA hasn’t been ratified by 11:59 p.m. ET on Dec. 1, teams will be barred from making any major-league transactions or even contacting players or their representatives.
In other words, the stove will hardly have time to heat up before the gas gets shut off.
Posey possesses a minority ownership stake in the Giants, in addition to his title as the team’s top baseball official, but said that he would “not [be] a part of any of the bargaining.”
He is more focused on turning around a team that lost 97 games last season. In the next three weeks, he will try to add pitching, pitching and more pitching. The Giants’ 4.34 ERA as a staff ranked 23rd out of 30 teams, while their strikeout-to-walk ratio was fourth from the bottom.
“Obviously the bullpen for us was a big talking point with our struggles last year,” Posey said. “So our focus is going to be trying to improve the rotation.”
San Francisco Giants President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey speaks with the media on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, at the Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Getty Images
With only Logan Webb, Landen Roupp and Adrian Houser in the fold, the Giants are expected to target at least one free-agent starting pitcher. And after going most of last season without a defined closer and their most electric late-inning option, Randy Rodriguez, returning from Tommy John surgery, at least one high-leverage reliever is also on their shopping list.
But can Posey realistically get anything done before hitting the pause button?
“I don’t know yet,” he said. “Maybe it is; maybe it isn’t. I wish I could say definitively, but I can’t.”
The Giants have had about six weeks to evaluate their roster and the upgrades available to them in free agency, which officially kicked off last Monday. They have a list of priorities.
Given the circumstances, those talks could move more aggressively than in other winters.
“Probably, yeah,” Posey said. “But there’s a lot of variables that go into before you get to a final yes or no. … It’s interesting having different conversations. You get some agents that are much more direct with what their expectations are and what their players’ expectations are, versus some [who] are just a little bit more guarded and not going to give you as much.”
San Francisco Giants pitcher Logan Webb throws a pitch during the second inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
When it comes to bullpen help, Posey said his “preference would be more than one.” However, Posey added that the Giants may shy away from free agents with a qualifying offer attached, which would require them to part with a draft pick, potentially limiting their late-inning options.
Eight players received qualifying offers, including arguably the two best relief arms on the market in Adrian Morejon and David Bednar. The Orioles also extended one to Trevor Rogers, one of the starting pitchers who might have piqued the Giants’ interest.
“I think it’s gonna be harder for us” to sign anyone from that group, Posey said.
Posey, a three-time world champion, knows better than anyone that the Giants’ results weren’t up to snuff last season. He’s now on the clock to turn it around for 2027.
And this winter, time only seems to be ticking faster.
“I think we have to be realistic with where we are right now,” Posey said. “I do think we underperformed. … I do think we can contend. I’m also realistic in knowing we lost 97 games last year, and we have to be willing to do some things differently.”
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
I don’t think we can pretend there aren’t still holes in Caglianone’s game. We don’t really know where his long-term defensive home will be. The eye test and the metrics showed he was a much-improved right fielder early in the year, but when he shifted to first base for a bit while Vinnie Pasquantino was hurt, he struggled there and then struggled again in the outfield upon his return. Does that suggest the improved defense was a small sample, or that if they left him alone, he’d figure it out? He’s not a bad athlete. He doesn’t have great sprint speed, but his arm is such a weapon that it almost feels like a shame to waste it at first base.
But his positional ambiguity certainly makes him a tougher case when looking at comps. I’ll tell you right now that Caglianone’s team will want to market him as a right fielder while the Royals would save money if they viewed him as a first baseman. Since this would be a negotiation between team and player, I don’t think it’ll get to a point where they need to present that, but the numbers are different for a corner outfielder vs. a first baseman.
It’s always exciting when recent first-round picks or international signings make early-career appearances in the Arizona Fall League. The Royals have provided prospect hounds following the Fall League with a double dose, thanks to Angeibel Gomez and Zion Rose. The latter had his best week of the AFL season, as he reached base 12 times in 20 plate appearances and stole six bases without being caught. Rose has stood out for his ability to get on base and put pressure on the defense with his speed. He’s struggled against velocity at times in AFL play but, overall, he’s been highly productive, hitting .328/.494/.517 with two home runs in 15 games. Rose ranks sixth in on-base percentage, eighth in OPS and fifth in steals. In many ways, those marks perfectly encapsulate Rose’s strengths as a player.
Braun’s stuff is never going to wow anyone, but he’s spent the past three years at the upper levels and is ready for a shot. He scuffled a bit after getting dealt from the Braves to the Royals at the Trade Deadline, but he’s been a very durable starter, topping 140 IP twice in the last two years (over 130 IP this past season) and could be a very solid inning-eating back-end starter in 2027.
When hitters did manage to put the ball in play against him, they struggled to lift it, as shown by Soto’s 46.1% ground-ball rate. The Royals have a highly capable defensive infield backed by Maikel Garcia, Bobby Witt Jr., Michael Massey and Vinnie Pasquantino, who are all built to maximize a ground-ball pitcher’s effectiveness. Putting a heavy sinker lefty in front of Kansas City’s talented defensive infield is a great recipe for quick, efficient outs.
While premier closing pitchers and late-inning bullpen arms demand high-dollar contracts, Soto sits in a sweet spot as an impactful yet realistic target. Soto will likely fetch a multi-year contract somewhere in the range of $8-$10 million per season this winter. If the Royals want the opposite of what happened to them last season with the bullpen, making Soto an offer would be a step in the right direction.
The point I was trying to make isn’t the specific values; it’s that the biggest change in Wacha’s home run suppression was not his home park but the change in contact allowed relative to what you’d expect from the shape and location of his pitches.
There’s no reason to expect anyone to be as good at this skill as Wacha was in 2024 and 2025. For example, he wasn’t nearly that good at the skill in the previous years of his career, when his xbotHR and actual home runs allowed were roughly equal. So if you’re forecasting how many homers Wacha will allow next year, you probably shouldn’t ascribe some kind of outlier contact suppression value. And in fact, Steamer projects him for 28 homers allowed in 2027, and it projected him for 26 this year. Maybe I was wracking my brain for reasons Wacha was beating the odds when the real reason was just random variation and short-term swings that don’t stick in the long run; both my breakdown and Steamer’s projections sure seem to think that way, at least.
“Our outfield hasn’t been as productive as we needed it to be over the last two or three years,” Picollo said ahead of the 2025 GM Meetings. “We’re back at it again, trying to figure things out.”
Well, a year later and Picollo and the Royals find themselves in the same position. The team’s outfield graded out as one of the weakest aspects of the entire roster this year. Outside of Jac Caglianone, the Royals’ outfield offered the team very little in terms of offensive production throughout the 2026 season. That doesn’t mean that Picollo didn’t try to make changes last offseason. He just didn’t make the right changes.
His changeup has elite vertical separation from his four-seamer and doesn’t sacrifice zone rate in doing so. In 2025, it had a 39% whiff rate and a 68% ground-ball rate. He mixes that with an ability to create depth at velocity on his breaking balls. He’s throwing both his sweeper and short slider ~1 mph harder than the average for a lefty starter and generating 2-4” more drop. Neither of those pitches has performed as well as the underlying shapes indicate, but they’re both good offerings.
It’s going to take a risk-tolerant team to pay Bubic, but there are several of those in MLB. Teams like the Dodgers and Rays have shown a tendency to embrace variance with past deals. The “what do you get when you win” with Bubic is better than many of the arms priced below $15 million per year. That said, I do think Clemens’ $17 million per year is a bit inflated for a pitcher with his health track record. A 110-inning, 3.50-ERA season with strong peripherals will create surplus value. Anything better could pay off this contract in one season.
Despite last appearing in a game in 2022, infielder Adalberto Mondesí is attempting a comeback. Mondesí, 31, recently started playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic. Over the past few years, lower-body injuries played a role in derailing his career.
Today’s song of the day is Frostbite by Waylon Wyatt.
My note on today:
As you read this on November 11, 2026, today marks Veterans Day. The day falls on this date each year to remember the end of World War 1, 108 years ago. “The war to end all wars” formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the Armistice of Compiègne. That time period and the people who shaped it feel so far away, but people around the world still recognize Veterans Day or an equivalent holiday to mark the end of this war.
There is a difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day; just remember. Veterans Day recognizes the living and deceased among us who served in wartime or peacetime. I remember in elementary school, there at St. George Elementary, old World War II veterans would come and talk to the class or help us with remembrances in the days leading up to Veterans Day. Like many children, I imagine, I thought those veterans would always be around. I knew World War II was bad, so they could make it through anything. But I think of veterans from that era, including the Korean War, and none are still here. All taken by old age despite dodging the reaper on foreign shores decades before. That feeling has some reality, as of the 15.8 million veterans the U.S. Census Bureau reported back in 2023, only 0.6%, or 94,800, were from World War II.
I remember them so vividly not because of medals or scars or what rank they were. There was a light in their eyes when they spoke about what they could to young ears, trying to paint a grim and deadly scene through PG-rated lenses. To them, I think Charles Dickens’ opening to A Tale of Two Cities is appropriate. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. The light I talked about illuminated the parts they may have taken for granted: the brotherhood they never found again, the life purpose that they never quite reached, or the sanity and well-being they had before going into a war-torn setting.
I wonder if that will ever be me one day. This Veterans Day marks my last of active-duty service, after joining the Navy in January 2015 and separating this month. It is an uncertain time, but one that I am willing to enter and happy to find who Jacob Milham is outside MC1 Milham.
Will I be the one who sits in the diner booth, letting my coffee go cold as I reminisce about my days at Diego Garcia? How will I remember my destroyer days, from earning my sea legs to telling the stories of Sailors from all walks of life? Will I be the plankowner who returns to CVN 79 long after the PCU title is swapped for USS, that of a commissioned vessel? The answer is that I don’t know. But I do know that I ponder this and already know I am not the only one out there who has faced this uncertainty or these questions.
Being able to look on the calendar and see when I will move from one side of the aisle to another, I know this: talk to a veteran you know. Don’t assume anything; don’t expect a star-spangled story that is akin to a Prime Video show. Just ask them what they remember the most from service, and listen. Have a conversation with them. Let that light come back to their eyes for a moment, and you just might learn a thing or two about a thing or two.
To all the veterans out there, may you feel seen, heard, and cared for this Veterans Day. You have come from all walks of life to serve a purpose, while facing adversity and strife both abroad and at home. Reach out to your battle buddies, shipmates, squadmates, and those you served alongside, no matter the setting.
This day can be emotionally charged. If today or ever veterans in your life need help, call 988, then press 1, or text 838255 for free, confidential support 24/7, 365 days a year. You can find more information at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/.
Sep 17, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Kevin McGonigle (7) tries to throw out Chicago White Sox center fielder Brenton Doyle (7) at first base during the sixth inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Good morning.
Awards season has started and Brewers manager Pat Murphy won the National League Award for the third season in a row. That’s a record. White Sox manager Will Venable took home American League honors.
Before we get to all the speculation about the Hot Stove market, the Tigers have signed reliever Emilio Pagan to a one-year, $11 million deal. I think that’s the first major league deal of the season. Or at least the first major, major league deal. But not that major.
There is this problem with the trade market, however:
Hearing MLB trade candidates with 1 year of control left — Logan Gilbert, Steven Kwan, Joe Ryan, Sandy Alcántara, et al — are unlikely to be moved for prospects this month, because teams aren’t sure what kind of 2027 season to expect.
Braves team president Alex Anthopolous said Atlanta will not trade star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. There have been lots of rumors that they’d consider it, and he said he doesn’t know who came up with that. It always seemed far-fetched to me as well.
Yankees pitcher Max Fried had surgery to remove some bone spurs from his elbow. The team says he should be ready for Spring Training which to tell you the truth, doesn’t tell us much about Fried’s recovery schedule.
One of the new Padres’ owners said that the Padres are about “inclusion.” But then he added “not in a woke sort of way,” which just means everyone is likely to take offense to his statement. Kurt Badenhausen with the story.
Sad news as former All-Star catcher Bob Boone has died at 78. Boone was one of three generations of major leaguer players as his dad Ray and his sons Bret and Aaron were all major leaguers. Our condolences go out to Boone’s friends and family.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 27: A general view of the "Atta Babe, Kruck" sign in the outfield as the San Francisco Giants honor Mike Krukow before a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oracle Park on September 27, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Scott Marshall/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning, baseball fans!
With today being a holiday, I thought we could take a look at the behind the scenes footage from Mike Krukow’s final broadcast for the San Francisco Giants.
The 2026 season was hard to watch, quite literally in multiple ways. But there was always one saving grace, as there always has been for the team in my lifetime. And that was the wonderful broadcasts from Mike Krukow and Duane Kuiper.
Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever. And eras have to end, even when we don’t want them to. And we had to say goodbye to Mike Krukow on the call at the end of this season. That hurt way more than anything else the organization did to us this year. Because Krukow has always felt like part of the family. Like part of every family that enjoyed Giants baseball broadcasts. We’ve filled our homes with his familiar voice and enjoyed his sense of humor and anecdotes for decades.
So today, let’s watch the behind the scenes of his final broadcast.
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 21: Andrew Kittredge #39 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on after pitching against the Tampa Bay Rays during the eighth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 21, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Orioles’ decision to reacquire Andrew Kittredge from the Chicago Cubs was their first attempt at reshaping the 2026 O’s into a contender. And, like many of the Orioles’ efforts in 2026, it turned out to be a little misguided as Kittredge’s second run in Baltimore had more lows than highs.
Baltimore purchased Kittredge’s contract from the Cubs on November 4th, 2025. The move brought the veteran reliever back to Baltimore just over three months after Mike Elias sent him to Chicago at the 2025 trade deadline.
At the time, it looked like a stroke of genius from the Orioles front office. In sending Kittredge to Chicago, the Orioles brought back teenage SS propsect Wilfri De La Cruz (now Baltimore’s No. 30 prospect). To be able to buy the 36-year-old right-hander back for cash considerations just months later gave the Orioles a way to bolster their bullpen at virtually no cost.
With the Orioles also adding veteran closer Ryan Helsley last offseason, the assumption was that Kittredge would slot into the 7th/8th inning role for Baltimore. That plan was put on hold to begin the year, as he started on the IL with right shoulder inflammation. When he finally made his 2026 debut on April 24th, he slotted right back into that set up role, working a scoreless 7th inning in a win against the Red Sox.
Over the next month, eight of his 13 appearances came in the 7th or 8th innings. If you ignore a May 3rd blow up against the Yankees that saw him give up seven runs while only recording one out, Kittredge pitched to a 1.74 ERA over his first 12 appearances of the season. Over those same outings, he racked up 12 Ks across 10.1 innings while allowing a .179 batting average against. By all accounts, his return to the Orioles as a set up man was going according to plan.
Kittredge’s role changed as it became clear that Helsley couldn’t stay healthy. Though the Orioles would-be closer first landed on the IL on May 1st, it wasn’t until June that Kittredge started consistently getting the call in the 9th inning. From the beginning of June until the All-Star break, the veteran righty made nine of his 16 appearances in the 9th inning. Across those 16 outings, Kittredge continued to shine, posting a 1.88 ERA and .218 BAA while picking up three saves and three holds.
The veteran continued to lead the Orioles bullpen in the second half as the O’s pushed to get back in the playoff race. Kittredge earned a save in the Orioles’ most topsy-turvy game of the season, coming in for the final out of a 12-inning affair against the Tigers when Baltimore completed a comeback from a 7-0 deficit. From July 17th to August 29th, he continued to keep runs off the board, posting a 1.56 ERA while adding five more saves and five more holds. Even his bad nights didn’t cost the Orioles, as his only two blown saves during that stretch both ended in Baltimore extra-inning victories.
However, there were signs that Kittredge’s strong performance was heading toward a regression. After his BAA hovered around .200 for most of the first half, his first 19 second-half outings saw him give up an opponent’s avearge of .284.
That regression finally bore real consequences during the Orioles’ three-game road set against the Rockies. In the first game of the series, Kittredge should have taken the blown save and loss, but for Colton Cowser making the defensive play of the season with a walkoff home run robbery. Two days later, Kittredge entered in the 9th with the Orioles up 3-2 and looking to secure a series win. After starting the inning with a strikeout and flyout, Kittredge allowed back-to-back two-out doubles to blow the save, with the Rockies going on to win the game in extra innings.
The Orioles’ inability to secure a series win vs. the Rockies was seen as the first death knell for their playoff chances. Manager Craig Albernaz also seemed to lose faith in Kittredge down the stretch, as that blown save vs. the Rockies was one of only six appearances he made in September. Across those six outing, Kittredge had a 7.20 ERA and .318 BAA as he potentially ended his Orioles career with a whimper.
Kittredge finished the season with -0.4 bWAR after compiling a 3.54 ERA, 11 saves and 40 Ks over 48.1 innings in 55 appearances. His 1.37 WHIP was his worst since 2018, while his 7.4 K/9 was his worst since 2022. He also became the first Orioles closer since 2021 to lead the team in saves with 11 or fewer. Sure, the Orioles went 36-19 in games Kittredge pitched. And yet, his negative WAR, negative Win Probability Added and mediocre stats across the board paint the picture of a pitcher whose appearances felt like he was just accumulating service time instead of consistently making a difference.
As of two weeks ago, Kittredge is officially a free agent. With Rico Garcia, Grant Wolfram, Yennier Cano and the hopefully healthy Helsley and Félix Bautista leading the back end of the bullpen, there’s little reason to think Kittredge will return to Baltimore. And yet, with the organization prioritizing starting pitching and outfield depth this offseason, maybe a cheap deal could see the Orioles reunite with Kittredge a second time.
LAS VEGAS – The Dodgers could re-sign Tarik Skubal.
They could inject youth in their lineup.
They could improve their bullpen.
None of that will matter if Shohei Ohtani isn’t healthy in October, and based on what general manager Brandon Gomes said on Tuesday, there should be serious concerns that he won’t be.
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani watches from the dugout during the ninth inning of Game 4 of baseball’s National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers in Los Angeles, Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. AP Photo/Gregory Bull
While Gomes refrained from saying how Ohtani would be managed in 2027, every indication was that Ohtani will be permitted to attempt what he failed to do this year, which was to be a two-way player from the start of the season to the finish.
“It doesn’t mean that if he goes wire to wire, [next] year plays out in the same way,” Gomes said.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani reacts after striking out during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in Los Angeles, Oct. 15, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
But Gomes didn’t sound as if the Dodgers were thinking of delaying the start of Ohtani’s season as a pitcher to control his workload.
Gomes said Ohtani would have a “normal” offseason.
Their plans for his winter throwing program?
“Leave it up to him,” Gomes said.
Leave it up to Ohtani and he will almost certainly prepare himself to be ready to pitch when the Dodgers open their season.
And once he does that, why wouldn’t he want to pitch from the start?
“I think the competitor in everybody is always that they’re gonna play 162 [games],” Gomes said. “Knowing Shohei, that’ll be his mindset.”
And that could be trouble.
Wagering on Ohtani to deliver in the batter’s box or on the mound is entirely defensible.
Wagering on him to remain healthy as a full-time two-way player at this stage of his career borders on reckless.
The last time Ohtani was a hitter and pitcher for an entire season was in 2022.
He turns 33 next year.
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani walks to the dugout after striking out in Los Angeles, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. AP Photo/Gregory Bull
By now, the Dodgers have to know that Ohtani can’t be trusted to recognize his own physical limitations.
A person’s strengths and weaknesses spring from the same well, and in the case of Ohtani, he has an extraordinary tolerance for pain as well as a drive to win. The qualities have shaped him into the No. 1 player in the world, but they were also responsible for him blowing out his elbow with the Angels in 2023 and for what happened this year.
The responsibility to protect Ohtani from himself will be that of the Dodgers, who can’t be as passive with him as they were this year.
“I think it’s just making sure that we are taking all of the information into account and trying to set up a system that allows him to pitch and be successful and be healthy towards the end because we know how dominant he can be on the run,” Gomes said.
Gomes offered a couple of examples of what the Dodgers could do. They could start him less frequently early in the season. They could give him more days off as a hitter.
Ohtani will be consulted.
“I think for us to unilaterally decide that doesn’t make sense,” Gomes said. “So, it’s really bringing him into the conversation and figuring out how to navigate a full season.”
Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes speaks with the media Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, at the MLB General Managers Meetings in Las Vegas. Getty Images
That arrangement produced disastrous results this year, as the Dodgers listened to Ohtani when he said he believed he could play through injuries to his knee and arm.
His condition worsened to where he couldn’t make his final pitching start before the All-Star break. By mid-July, his physical problems were starting to affect him in the batter’s box.
The Dodgers were able to win their division with a limited version of Ohtani, but the playoffs were a different story.
Gomes made it sound as if Ohtani would be given the chance to have his dream season – to be a dominant two-way player from opening day to the final game of the World Series. By granting him that opportunity, however, they will be exposing themselves to the possibility of reliving their worst nightmare.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
Whatever Jaylen Brown and the Sixers dreamed up for their first matchup against the Celtics soon flew out the window on Tuesday night.
Brown was whistled for two early fouls, the Sixers fell behind and their early-season flaws were on full display in a 123-101 loss at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
“We’ve just got to get better,” Brown said. “Tonight was humbling. We got outplayed, out-executed. So we go back to the drawing board and get ready for the next one.”
Over 26 minutes, Brown had 13 points on 4-for-9 shooting and five rebounds against the team that traded him away this summer.
As for the endless dissection of his relationship with former co-star Jayson Tatum, Brown didn’t have much to add Tuesday. There was no public reconciliation, no obvious on-court animosity and generally nothing to satisfy fans hoping for some kind of fireworks on that front.
The pregame moment between Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
“I’m just focused on doing what’s best for my team,” Brown said. “Everything else … to be honest, I wasn’t paying attention. But credit to Jayson; he played well tonight. Credit to the Celtics. They executed, they shot the hell out of the ball and they were the better team tonight.”
Tatum scored 21 points, two of which came on a third-quarter slam over LeBron James. Paul George continued his fantastic start as a Celtic by dropping 36 points and draining six three-pointers.
The Celtics dominated from beyond the arc, shooting 22 for 49 (44.9 percent). The Sixers went just 11 for 37 (29.7 percent) on another night of underwhelming offense. The team sits 22nd in the NBA in offensive rating, 24th in three-point makes per game and 21st in three-point percentage.
“I think that we’ve got some guys that are obviously shooting much lower percentages than their last season or their career average — almost a handful of guys,” Sixers head coach Nick Nurse said. “And I don’t think it’s because they’re shooting fallaway, totally contested ones. I think they’re shots we want them to take. So I think they’ll continue to take ‘em and I’m pretty sure those will even out into their career averages.”
Joel Embiid is at 37 percent from the floor and 4 for 33 from three-point range (12.1 percent).
The Sixers’ seven-time All-Star center got through an injury scare when he rolled his ankle late in the second quarter and hit a three early in the third. It was his first long-range make since the Sixers’ home opener back on Oct. 22.
“It’s a work in progress,” Embiid said. “I think the biggest thing is just not thinking. I’m probably overthinking it. The rhythm of the game is different. I’m so used to having to create for myself, so it’s a little bit different.
“But I think I’m slowly getting better. You could see as soon as I made a three, the next shot in the short corner … I didn’t even think about it. I just shot it and let it fly, and I made it. … I think it’s just about taking what’s in front of you. Make or miss, keep working on your game. It’s going to get there at some point.”
Even with the Sixers second in the Eastern Conference standings at 9-3, Embiid believes the team’s defense has “slacked off a little bit” in recent games.
“I don’t really look at the record,” he said. “I just look at the process of, ‘Are we getting better every day?’ We can always do a better job at all phases of the game.”
Boston’s now first in the East at 9-2.
“They’re one of the top teams in the league and they’ve been together for a while,” Brown said. “We’ve got a lot to work on over here, so we’ve got to get to work.”
The Sixers will face the Raptors on Thursday night in Philadelphia.
They’ll have to wait until Jan. 21 in Boston to see the Celtics again.
“I was looking forward to this,” Brown said. “I was looking forward to playing well, but s— happens. Just get ready for the next one.”
The Vancouver Canucks organization is well-represented in the Hockey Hall-of-Fame. 17 current and former members of the organization, ranging from players to builders, have been inducted into the HHOF since the team’s inaugural season back in 1970. Brian Burke is the most recent former Canuck inducted into the HHOF, having been honoured this past weekend in Toronto.
Here are 17 current and former Canucks who have been inducted into the Hockey Hall-of-Fame.
10 Current And Former Canucks Inducted As Players
Cam Neely (2005): Drafted ninth-overall in the 1983 NHL Draft by Vancouver but only played in three seasons with the Canucks before being traded to the Boston Bruins. Established himself as one of the league’s best power forwards with the Bruins, putting together back-to-back 90+ point seasons in 1989–90 and 1990–91.
Mark Messier (2007): Best known for his time with the Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers, the latter of which saw him win a Stanley Cup against Vancouver in 1994. Posted 694 goals (9th in NHL history) and 1193 assists (3rd in NHL history) throughout all 1756 games played (3rd in NHL history) through his NHL career. Played for Vancouver from 1997–98 to 1999–2000.
Igor Larionov (2008): An 11th-round pick by Vancouver in the 1985 NHL Draft who was finally permitted to play in the NHL four years after being drafted. Spent the first three seasons of his NHL career with the Canucks starting at the age of 28, putting up 51 goals and 92 assists in 210 games. Spent the bulk of his career with the Detroit Red Wings, but also skated for the San Jose Sharks, Florida Panthers, and New Jersey Devils.
Cammi Granato (2010): Inducted for her time as a player, during which she won Olympic Gold (1997–98) and Silver (2001–02) for Team USA. Also won nine medals — one Gold, eight Silver — at the IIHF World Championship. Was the all-time leading scorer in women’s international hockey at the time of her induction (54 goals, 42 assists in 54 games). Joined the Canucks as an Assistant General Manager in 2021–22 and now serves as a Senior Advisor.
Pavel Bure (2012): Made a big impression in his first game with the Canucks and went on to become one of the franchise’s most exciting players to watch. Awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy in his rookie season (1991–92) with 34 goals and 26 assists in 65 games played. Amassed 254 goals and 224 assists in 428 games as a Canuck, ranking in the club’s top-five in goals all-time. Had his jersey retired by the team back in 2013 and remains one of the most notable players in franchise history.
Mats Sundin (2012): Spent four years with the Québec Nordiques (1990–01 to 1993–94) and 13 with the Toronto Maple Leafs (1994–95 to 2007–08) before heading to Vancouver for one season. Scored nine goals and 19 assists in 41 games as a member of the Canucks, with this being his final season before NHL retirement. Now a Senior Advisor for the Maple Leafs.
Daniel Sedin (2022): Vancouver’s current leader in goals (393) and power-play goals (138) scored all-time in 1306 career games played. Awarded the Ted Lindsay Award (2010–11), Art Ross Trophy (2010–11), and King Clancy Trophy (2017–18). Currently one of two Presidents of Hockey Operations for the Canucks.
Henrik Sedin (2022): Vancouver’s current leader in assists (830), points (1070), power-play assists (308), power-play points (369), and games played (1330). Served as the Canucks’ captain for a total of eight seasons. Awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy (2009–10), Art Ross Trophy (2009–10), and King Clancy Trophy (2015–16, 2017–18). Currently one of two Presidents of Hockey Operations for the Canucks.
Roberto Luongo (2022): Spent eight seasons with the Canucks (2006–07 to 2013–14) and two as captain. Holds the franchise’s record for wins (252) and shutouts (38), as well as the second-best GAA (2.36) and SV% (.919%). Has the fourth-most wins (489) and third-most games played (1044) in NHL history. Won the William M. Jennings Trophy alongside Cory Schneider in 2010–11.
Alexander Mogilny (2025): Split his NHL career with the Buffalo Sabres (1989–90 to 1994–95), Canucks (1995–96 to 1999–2000), Devils (1999–00 to 2000–01, 2005–06), and Maple Leafs (2001–02 to 2003–04). Put up 139 goals and 169 assists in 312 games with Vancouver.
Dec 14, 2023; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Robert Luongo and Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin are shown on the overhead screen during an on ice presentation prior to a game against the Florida Panthers the Vancouver Canucks celebrate and honour the career of the former Vancouver goalie. During the ceremony Luongo was inducted into the Vancouver Canucks Ring of Honour at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports.
Six Former Canucks Inducted As Builders
Jake Milford (1984): Spent nine seasons as an NHL General Manager, four of which were with the Los Angeles Kings (1973–74 to 1976–77) and five of which were with the Canucks (1977–78 to 1981–82). Helped Vancouver to their first Stanley Cup Final appearance as GM. Also served as Vancouver’s Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations from 1982–83 to 1983–84.
Norman ‘Bud’ Poile (1990): Served as the Philadelphia Flyers’ General Manager from 1967–68 to 1969–70 before becoming the first GM in Canucks history in 1970. Spent three years as Vancouver’s GM. Also took roles with the Edmonton Flyers (1952–53 to 1961–62) and San Francisco Seals (1962–63 to 1965–66) of the WHL-Sr.
Roger Neilson (2002): Helped coach Vancouver to their first Stanley Cup Final appearance in 1982, a playoff run that saw the birth of his infamous ‘Towel Power’ moment. Served as the Canucks’ Head Coach from 1981–82 to 1983–84. Also served as a Head Coach for the Maple Leafs (1977–78 to 1978–79), Sabres (1980–81), Kings (1983–84), Chicago Blackhawks (1985–86), Rangers (1989–90 to 1992–93), Panthers (1993–94 to 1994–95), and Flyers (1997–98 to 1999–2000).
Pat Quinn (2016): One of the winningest Canucks Head Coaches in franchise history with 141 victories as a bench boss (4th-most in club history). Was a member of the organization as a player (1970–71 to 1971–72), General Manager (1987–88 to 1997–98), President (1987–88 to 1997–98), and Head Coach (1990–91 to 1993–94, 1995–96). Also previously a franchise owner of the Vancouver Giants (WHL).
Jim Rutherford (2019): Vancouver’s President of Hockey Operations from 2021–22 to 2025–26. Transitioned to Senior Advisor for the Canucks at the end of the 2025–26 season. Served in various executive roles for the Hartford Whalers/Carolina Hurricanes organization from 1994–95 to 2014–15. Also spent nearly six seasons with the Pittsbrugh Penguins as GM.
Brian Burke (2026): Known for his bold moves as a GM, including making draft-day moves to select both Daniel and Henrik Sedin during the 1999 NHL Draft. Served as both Director of Hockey Operations (1987–88 to 1991–92) and GM (1999–2000 to 2003–04) for the Canucks during two separate stints. Also formerly the GM of the Whalers, Anaheim Ducks, Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames, and Penguins.
One Former Canucks Head Coach Inducted As A Referee
Bill McCreary (2014): Inducted into the HHOF as a referee but played in the NHL with the Rangers, Red Wings, Montréal Canadiens, and St. Louis Blues. Served as Vancouver’s Head Coach for 41 games in 1974, during which the team posted a record of 9–25–7.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
Finally, Carey Price got his long-overdue goodbye from the Montreal Canadiens fans. After taking Toronto by storm over the weekend, the netminder returned to his own stomping ground to say farewell to those who watched him become the legendary goaltender he became over his 15-year career. Before the game, the Anahim Lake, BC, native fielded questions from the local media, but that will be the topic of another article because it deserves its own space, not just a passing mention.
As expected, Price received a roaring welcome from the crowd after a tribute video, and he had to wait quite some time before the crowd finally let him speak. By then, the man who was never rattled when he stood between the posts was on the verge of tears on the ceremonial carpet. True to himself, the former netminder gave a short but heartfelt speech with plenty of thanks to go around. When he turned to the Habs players and said, “To the boys, this is your time; enjoy it,” the crowd erupted in yet another cheer, and the goaltender gave a final thank you, this one in French, to the crowd who cheered him on the ice for years but still adore him off the ice.
Given that the evening was dedicated to Price, it was fitting that the fans were treated to a goaltending battle between two of the league’s best young netminders. There weren’t many shots, but there were certainly some big ones and big scoring opportunities. After 40 minutes, the score was 0-0, and the Wild had 14 shots while the Habs had 17.
Still, Fowler made numerous saves with a Minnesota Wild player alone with him, and whenever that happened in the first 40 minutes, the Canadiens netminder shot the door quick as a cat and stayed calm. On one particular sequence, the goaltender stopped a first shot and then frustrated Michael McCarron on the rebound, stretching his leg just enough to touch the puck. In the second frame, Ryan Hartman benefited from a couple of lucky bounces to get in all alone on Fowler, and the result was the same.
As for Jesper Wallstedt, he stopped Texier one-on-one as the Frenchman turned on the Jets to overtake a defenseman, but he couldn’t beat the keeper. Nobody beat the goaltenders until Josh Anderson mishandled the puck, handing Bobby Brink a breakaway that he buried. As for the Canadiens, they tied the game with less than two minutes left as Suzuki jumped on a rebound to push it in. Fowler stopped 22 of the 24 shots he faced, while Wallstedt stopped all but one of the 28 shots he faced.
While the Canadiens dominated the faceoff circle, winning 65.5% of the draws, the Wild mastered shot-blocking, with 23 to the Habs’ 12. While the Habs were good at establishing possession off the faceoffs, Minnesota was good at recovering the pucks either with blocked shots or sound defensive play.
When the Wild scored on the breakaway, the Canadiens had been cycling the puck in their zone for a good long while, but couldn’t find free shooting lanes, and as often happens, when you can’t capitalize at one end, the puck finishes in your own net.
When Montreal got power play opportunities, it was the same story: the Habs were cycling the puck, and Minnesota wasn’t giving them the shooting lanes they wanted. They were kept to the outside, looking for a certain type of opportunity that didn’t come.
Frustrated Room
While Montreal managed to tie the game with barely any time left, there was enough time for Cole Caufield to be assessed a two-minute slashing call after battling for the puck and the defenseman’s stick exploded. The Habs held off the Wild for the final 57 seconds of regulation; the four-on-three overtime was fatal. It took 21 seconds for Kirill Kaprizov to find the back of the net from a slap shot in overtime.
Needless to say, the Canadiens weren’t best pleased with some of the penalties called, not only Caufield’s but also Anderson’s hooking call in the third. Martin St-Louis in his post-game scrum explained:
It’s a shame we didn’t get a chance to take the game to overtime at even strength; it’s disappointing. It was two good teams tonight; it’s a shame that it ended that way.
On the Caufield penalty, St-Louis added:
I thought Hughes sold the penalty; he created the broken stick.
It’s quite rare that the Canadiens’ coach comments on the referees without saying that the referees have a tough job, but he did say it’s a fast game on a follow-up question.
As for Anderson, he was clearly trying to hold back as he spoke to the reporters:
“You kind of look at the stat sheet. You know, we’re the most penalized team. We talk about it all the time. I mean, some of them, it’s…I’ll leave it at that, honestly. It is what it is.”
In 18 games, the Habs have now been assessed 73 penalties; that’s not quite the highest total in the league; the Florida Panthers have 80, but it’s not that far off either. The broken sticks are quickly becoming a plague on the game. The number of times sticks break on the ice is quite concerning, especially since a stick can have some wear on it and break even more easily when there is contact. Still, that’s a reality all teams must deal with.
The 2-1 overtime loss at least allowed the Habs to take one point from what was a very good game, a battle between two top teams. Montreal’s next game is Thursday night against the Boston Bruins, and given how well Fowler played, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him back in net in the city where he played college hockey.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 10: President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias for the Baltimore Orioles speaks with the media during the 2026 MLB Gerneral Managers Meetings at Aria Resort & Casino on November 10, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning Birdland,
The GM Meetings are underway in Las Vegas, which gave reporters a chance to chat with the Orioles front office duo of president of baseball operations Mike Elias and brand new general manager Jared Banner. Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner provide a wrap up of the answers that Elias and Banner provided.
First, Banner confirmed that Mike Shildt will return as upper-level coordinator of instruction. That’s noteworthy since that sort of thing falls directly under Banner’s defined purview. Seems like he was satisfied to maintain some continuity there. On top of that, the entire major league coaching staff is expected to return unless they are poached. That is somewhat surprising, at least on the offensive side of things.
Elias said that he has already told a few current infielders that they may see time in the outfield during the spring. He stopped short of naming those players. It has long been speculated that Coby Mayo would fit better in a corner outfield spot than he does at third base, and some have suggested that Jackson Holliday’s speed would be useful out on the grass.
Jordan Westburg is on track to be a “normal citizen” to begin spring training, which seems to be Elias-speak for being 100% recovered from his elbow surgery. The same is true for Holliday and his wrist. Let’s see if that ends up being true come February.
The back of the bullpen is a question mark, and the Orioles are being honest about it. Ryan Helsley and Félix Bautista will factor in but, as Elias says “With both having injured 2026s, I don’t know if that’s entirely what we can rely on. We’ll see what moves we make over this winter.” That is good to hear.
And finally, Elias essentially confirmed the report from earlier this offseason that everyone on the roster is available, but provided additional clarity. “A lot of our key, core players are very unlikely to go anywhere…We’re talking to everybody about everything right now. … It’s part of our job, especially if a guy is not on a big, long-term contract, we’ve got to listen. But it doesn’t mean we’re motivated to trade players.”
All of this sounds perfectly reasonable on November 11. Elias is admitting to the team’s flaws in the bullpen and outfield. He also talked about how they want Trevor Rogers back but will have other avenues if he signs elsewhere, so the rotation is supposed to get some love as well. The guy understands where the weaknesses are.
Addressing those weaknesses and bringing in the correct players to fill those holes is where the struggles have been in recent years. The outfield will be a particularly tough problem to solve since the free agent market is thin, and the internal solutions are all huge variables. But they have to do something because it is probably the team’s most glaring need.
Mountcastle feels good and is waiting to find out which team might benefit from it | Roch Kubatko It was a bummer to see Ryan Mountcastle’s time with the Orioles come to such an unceremonious end. He was a fun personality and had been quite productive prior to 2025. He will get a job somewhere this offseason, likely a one-year, prove-it deal, where he can get back to hitting home runs somewhere other than the now-cavernous left field at Camden Yards.
Orioles retain ex-MLB manager to lead on-field education | The Baltimore Banner This is a deeper dive in Shildt’s role and how he is sticking around. It makes sense for Banner to keep things somewhat steady. It’s so early in his tenure that he doesn’t know what he doesn’t know. Might as well learn how things function before you start poking too many holes.
Orioles birthdays
Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!
Vinny Nittoli turns 30 today. He pitched in two games for the Orioles during the 2024 season.
J.R. House is 47 years old. During the 2007 season he played in 19 games as a reserve catcher for the O’s.
The late Ike Delock (b. 1929, d. 2022) was born on this day. The right-handed pitcher wrapped up his 11-season career with a seven-game stint on the Orioles in 1963. He had spent the prior decade with the Red Sox.
This day in O’s history
1953 – Jimmy Dykes is named manager of the Baltimore Orioles, succeeding Marty Marion in the role.
1970 – Boog Powell is named AL MVP. Although he did not lead the league in any one statistic, his entire stat-line of a .297 batting average, 35 home runs, and 114 RBI was impressive enough to beat out Tony Oliva, Harmon Killebrew, and Carl Yastrzemski beneath him.
1982 – The Orioles name a new manager for the first time since 1968. Joe Altobelli is tapped to replace legendary skipper Earl Weaver.
2014 – O’s boss Buck Showalter wins his third career Manager of the Year award
San Antonio TX, - SEPTEMBER 15: San Antonio Spurs Victor Wembanyama, Keldon Johnson, David Robinson, and George Gerivin attend the Red McCombs Community Court reveal on September 15, 2025 at Town Park at Hemisfair in San Antonio Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The NBA is known for its ties to community service. In each city where a team resides, numerous non-profits, businesses, and youth organizations receive support via the local franchise. When it comes to supporting local entities, the San Antonio Spurs go above and beyond. From the contributions of individual players (talking about you Harrison Barnes) to the Spurs organization as a whole, there is a balance of year round outreach and support.
Per a Spurs press release:
“Spurs Give and Frost Bank (Frost) are inviting local organizations to apply for the 2026–27 Operation Renovation grant program, which supports facility improvements that create safe and inspiring spaces for youth to learn and play. Online applications for the 2026-27 Operation Renovation Grant are now open through Friday, Dec. 18 at 11:59 p.m.”
Julie McCarty, Associate Vice President of Community Investments for Spurs Sports and Entertainment stated,
Spurs Give and Frost have awarded over $1.3 million since 2018-2019. Every year, applicants are eligible to receive up to $100,000 for facility renovations.
Applications can be accessed HERE. Deadline to apply is Friday, December 18th. 2026.
Welcome to the Thread. Join in the conversation, start your own discussion, and share your thoughts. This is the Spurs community, your Spurs community. Thanks for being here.
Our community guidelines apply which should remind everyone to be cool, avoid personal attacks, not to troll and to watch the language.
