Posts

Posted on

Red Wings Back In Contention This Season? Pavel Datsyuk Says Yes

The Detroit Red Wings have faced an arduous rebuilding process under the tutalege of GM Steve Yzerman, who didn't have much to work with upon his return to the organization to take over from Ken Holland in April 2019. 

Detroit hasn't played beyond the 82nd game of the regular season since three years prior that point in April 2016, which was the rookie campaign of current team captain Dylan Larkin.

It was also the final NHL season for Hall of Famer Pavel Datsyuk, who was only a fresh-faced rookie on the legendary 2001-02 Red Wings roster. 

Datsyuk, who would return to his native Russia to finish out his playing career in the months that followed Detroit's most recent postseason appearance, believes that the Red Wings' rebuilding efforts may have been hampered from the get-go thanks to their 25-year run of playoff hockey.

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

“The Red Wings were at the top for a long time, winning many titles, so it’s understandable that their rebuild is taking more time than usual,” Datsyuk recently explained to RG.org. “They say a rebuild takes about seven years, but since Detroit was so high up, the road back to the top takes even longer."

"Now Detroit has a great arena, which is already a big plus," Datsyuk continued. "Perhaps what the team lacks is standout leaders – but that’s true not only for Detroit, it applies to hockey in general. Players are maturing more slowly these days, and some never mature at all, staying teenagers forever."

The good news for the Red Wings is that their core players consisting of Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider have not only matured, but have blossomed into bonafide NHL players. Additionally, the Red Wings are now getting key contributions from the likes of Marco Kasper, Simon Edvinsson, and Albert Johansson. 

While multiple NHL Insiders have expressed doubt on whether the Red Wings will ultimately experience postseason hockey at Little Caesars Arena for the first time this season, Datsyuk has a far more optimistic outlook. 

In Datsyuk's mind, not only will the Red Wings break out of their playoff drought this spring, but will return to the Conference Final for what would be the first time in 16 years. 

"Here’s my prediction – Detroit will reach the conference final," Datsyuk said. 

Detroit last reached the Conference Final in 2009, facing current Red Wings forward Patrick Kane and the Chicago Blackhawks, and defeating them in five games to punch their ticket to a second straight trip to the Stanley Cup Final against the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

Hockeytown is hungrier than ever for postseason hockey, and it would be nothing short of an unbeatable atmosphere in the Motor City if the Red Wings not only secured a playoff berth, but also won multiple rounds.

Fans could proudly say they heard it first from the Magic Man himself.

Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites!

Posted on

Divisional Focus: Red Wings Look to Shock Lightning Yet Again

The Red Wings aim to win four crucial divisional games over the Tampa Bay Lightning next season

The Red Wings will be battling this upcoming season to end their nine-year playoff drought and one of the biggest things they'll need to do to ensure that they make the postseason is win crucial games. The Atlantic Division is tougher than ever and with only three available spots plus a pair of wild card spots, they need to win these games. 

One of their key divisional opponents is the Tampa Bay Lightning, who will be looking to claim a playoff spot for 11 of the past 12 years including four trips to the Stanley Cup Finals with a pair of championship wins. Despite their longstanding success, the Red Wings surprised the Bolts during their season series last year with a split after four games. 

Detroit AHL Coach Says Cossa Will Be Firmly in the Mix for Red Wings Backup RoleDetroit AHL Coach Says Cossa Will Be Firmly in the Mix for Red Wings Backup RoleDetroit AHL head coach Dan Watson notes goalie prospect Sebastian Cossa will be in the conversation for the Red Wings backup goalie spot

Tampa Bay and Detroit have faced off 83 times with the Red Wings holding the upper hand historically with a 41-32-2-8 all-time record in the matchup. Detroit loves this matchup with a 11-7-2 record over their last 20 matchups.

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

The Bolts will be returning with their league-best offence that features recent newcomers Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand plus adding the highly sought-after Pontus Holmberg from Toronto. Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy and defenceman Victor Hedman help anchor the Lightning's fourth-best backend in the league.

Detroit has managed to grind out wins against Tampa by tightening up defensively and limiting their opponents’ scoring chances, something that should become more consistent with the addition of All-Star goaltender John Gibson. They’ve also bolstered their depth by bringing in forwards James van Riemsdyk and Mason Appleton, along with taking a low-risk chance on the blueline with former first-round pick Jacob Bernard-Docker.

Dan Cleary’s Crystal Ball: What’s Ahead for Two Top Red Wings ProspectsDan Cleary’s Crystal Ball: What’s Ahead for Two Top Red Wings ProspectsThe cupboards were nearly bare when Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman arrived back in town in April of 2019 to take over from Ken Holland, owing mostly to the latter's penchant for trading prospects for older veterans. 

The Red Wings are reportedly exploring several other moves as well, including the possibility of acquiring restricted free agents like Mason McTavish and giving some of their top prospects a shot at cracking the NHL roster. 

The battles between the Red Wings and Steve Yzerman's former team will prove to be must-see once again with their first matchup of the 2025-26 season landing on October 17th at home. They will play host again on November 28th before traveling South to Tampa Bay on March 12th and April 13th.

Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites!

Posted on

Ex-Penguins Defenseman Signs PTO With New Team

The Minnesota Wild have announced that they have signed former Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Jack Johnson to a professional tryout (PTO). 

Johnson, 38, is among the most recognizable unrestricted free agent (UFA) defensemen who do not have a contract for the 2025-26 season. However, after landing this PTO with the Wild, he now has a golden opportunity in front of him to try to change that. 

Johnson played the 2024-25 season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, which was his second stint with the club. In 41 games with the Blue Jackets in 2024-25, he had zero goals, six assists, and a minus-13 rating. 

During the 2018 NHL off-season, the Penguins signed Johnson to a five-year, $16.25 million contract. However, he did not stay in Pittsburgh for the entirety of his contract, as he was bought out by the Penguins following the 2019-20 season. In 149 games as a Penguin from 2018-19 to 2019-20, Johnson recorded four goals, 20 assists, 24 points, 416 hits, and a minus-5 rating. 

After being bought out by the Penguins, Johnson would go on to sign a one-year deal with the New York Rangers. Since his time with the Penguins ended, he has also played for the Colorado Avalanche (twice), Chicago Blackhawks, and Blue Jackets. Now, he will be looking to earn a contract with the Wild for the season after landing this PTO. 

Penguins Prospect Should Become Important PiecePenguins Prospect Should Become Important PiecePittsburgh Penguins prospect Ville Koivunen certainly left a strong first impression during his full professional season in North America this past campaign.
Posted on

Minnesota Wild Sign Long-Time NHL Veteran To PTO

Mar 20, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Jack Johnson (3) during the second period against the Florida Panthers at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images.

The Minnesota Wild made a move on Monday. The Wild have announced they have signed defenseman Jack Johnson to a professional tryout (PTO).

Johnson, 38, played in 41 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets last season. He recorded six assists, 35 blocked shots, 21 hits and was a minus-13.

The 6-foot-1 defender has played 19 seasons in the NHL with six different teams. He has recorded 77 goals, 265 assists, 342 points, 1,831 blocked shots, 1,931 hits and is a career minus-127 in 1,228 games.

He won a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022. Johnson is one of six players from the 2005 NHL Draft that are still playing today. Sidney Crosby, Anze Kopitar, Kris Letang, Jonathan Quick, and Ryan Reaves are the others.

Why Johnson?

The Wild have Jake Middleton, Jonas Brodin, and Zeev Buium under contract as left-shot defensemen.

In the AHL they have, Carson Lambos, Stevie Leskovar, Matt Kiersted, Ben Gleason and Jack Peart under contract as left-shot defenders.

We know that Brodin had off-season surgery and could miss the start of the season. The next available left-shot defensemen would be Lambos or Kiersted.

On the right-side, the Wild have Jared Spurgeon, Brock Faber, Zach Bogosian and David Jiricek. One of either Bogosian or Jiricek could play their off-sides to start the season but the Wild elected not to do that during the regular season when they had injuries.

If they don't view Lambos as an NHLer and Brodin could miss more time than expected, the Wild could sign Johnson to an NHL contract as insurance. Right now, he comes into training camp on a tryout.

Other Wild News

Wild Defenseman Jonas Brodin Had Surgery, Could Miss Start Of SeasonWild Defenseman Jonas Brodin Had Surgery, Could Miss Start Of SeasonST. PAUL, Minn - The Minnesota Wild could be without its top defenseman for the start of the 2025-26 season.  Revisiting My 2024-25 Minnesota Wild Bold PredictionsRevisiting My 2024-25 Minnesota Wild Bold PredictionsBefore the 2024-25 season started I wrote some bold predictions for the Minnesota Wild. I think it is time to look back on them and see what was correct, if any and what came close. Where Wild's Zeev Buium Ranks In Calder Trophy VotingWhere Wild's Zeev Buium Ranks In Calder Trophy VotingMinnesota Wild rookie defenseman Zeev Buium burst onto the scene in the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs in the first round. He had just finished his sophomore season at the University of Denver where he was up for the NCAA's Hobey Baker Award as the top player in College Hockey.
Posted on

Ex-Blackhawks Defenseman Signs PTO With Rival

Former Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Jack Johnson is another step closer to playing in his 20th NHL season. 

This is because the Minnesota Wild have announced that they have signed Johnson to a professional tryout (PTO).

Johnson spent this past season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he recorded six assists, 21 hits, 35 blocks, and a minus-13 rating. This was after he posted three goals, 13 assists, 16 points, and a plus-15 rating in 80 games with the Colorado Avalanche during the 2023-24 season. 

Johnson was signed by the Blackhawks during the 2022 NHL off-season to a one-year, $950,000 contract. In 58 games for the Blackhawks in 2022-23, the left-shot defenseman recorded four assists, 75 hits, 96 blocks, and a minus-25 rating. His time with the Blackhawks ended at the 2023 NHL trade deadline when he was traded to the Avalanche.

Now, Johnson will be looking to impress the Wild at training camp to increase his odds of landing a contract for the 2025-26 season. In 1,228 career NHL games over 19 seasons, the 2005 third-overall pick has recorded 77 goals, 265 assists, and 342 points. 

Blackhawks Exciting Forward Set To Smash Career Highs Blackhawks Exciting Forward Set To Smash Career Highs Chicago Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar certainly took a nice step in the right direction with his development this past season with the Original Six club. In 53 games with the Blackhawks on the year, he set new career highs with 12 goals, 14 assists, and 26 points. With this, he certainly demonstrated that he can provide solid offense at the NHL level already. 
Posted on

Yankees' Gerrit Cole begins throwing program

Gerrit Cole took a big step on his road to recovery on Monday, throwing 20 pitches off of flat ground.

Manager Aaron Boone confirmed the news, which was first reported by YES Network's Meredith Marakovits.

"He’s done a good job with rehab," Boone said. "This is one of those cool markers along that way that’s significant to hit, so excited for him."

The Yankees ace underwent Tommy John surgery on March 11, opting for the internal brace procedure that could potentially shorten his recovery time.

The 34-year-old appeared in two spring training games for the Yankees this year, and it was clear something wasn’t right, as the former Cy Young winner allowed seven earned runs on seven hits over 6.0 innings of work. Cole ended up having season-ending surgery just five days after his final spring start.

"It’s a big one, first day throwing," Cole told reporters on Monday. "Been building up to it for a few weeks so it’s nice to get outside and get it accomplished and have it go well."

The right-hander also mentioned that it "felt really good" to be out there and that he was "fairly accurate."

While it's great to see Cole throwing again, he still has a long way to go before pitching for New York once again. Nevertheless, he'll continue his throwing program through the rest of the season before shutting it down again entering the offseason phase.

"This initial progression should take at least a few months so we’re right at the beginning of it," Cole said.

With Cole missing the entire season, free agent addition Max Fried has stepped into the ace role nicely, pitching to a 2.94 ERA with a 1.10 WHIP. It’s clear, however, that the Yankees have missed Cole, who has pitched to a 3.12 ERA and made three All-Star Games in a Yankees uniform.

The Yankees currently find themselves in third place in the AL East, and hold just a half-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians for the third and final Wild Card spot.

Posted on

Why Mike Sullivan And The Penguins Parted Ways Leading To Rangers Hire

Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The New York Rangers were able to hire one of the most highly regarded coaches in the NHL this offseason, Mike Sullivan. 

Why was Sullivan even available in the first place? 

Sullivan coached the Pittsburgh Penguins for 10 seasons and won two Stanley Cups, as most of his tenure was greatly successful. 

However, toward the end of his time in Pittsburgh, the Penguins began to struggle. 

The Penguins have failed to reach the playoffs over the past three seasons and haven’t even won a playoff round since 2018. 

While Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas didn’t necessarily feel that the recent lack of success was Sullivan’s fault, he felt it was time for both the Penguins to have a fresh face behind the bench and for Sullivan to find a new coaching destination. 

“He and I met last Tuesday — just about where we’re at, where we’re going, the road that we see to get there, the challenges that lie ahead,” Dubas said in April. “In my mind, and there had been a few stretches during the year where I (felt) this as well … where maybe someone could be a great coach and it was just time for them to go elsewhere.

“Use whatever analogy you want: Sometimes the class needs a new professor; sometimes the professor needs a new class.”

There were rumblings throughout the 2024-25 campaign that the Penguins and Sullivan could part ways, and Dubas admitted he had that possibility in his mind for months before the end of the season.

“There were times throughout the year that I thought it just may be time,” Dubas said of Sullivan. “It’s a lot to ask of somebody, when they’ve done such a long and successful job here, to be managing that and continue to transition the team, too. Off the top of my head, I don’t know that there’s an NHL coach that’s done that.”

Longtime NHL Reporter Believes There's One Clear Option For The Rangers' CaptaincyLongtime NHL Reporter Believes There's One Clear Option For The Rangers' CaptaincyThere’s one player who’s beginning to gain momentum for the New York Rangers' captaincy. 

Shortly after parting ways with the Penguins, Sullivan signed a five-year, $32 million contract with the Rangers, making him the highest-paid coach in NHL history. 

Meanwhile, the Penguins hired Dan Muse to replace Sullivan, who served as a Rangers assistant coach for the past two seasons under Peter Laviolette.

Posted on

Projecting Sabres Trade Cost – Tyler Bertuzzi

The Buffalo Sabres should be in the market for an impact top-six forward after dealing winger JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth for defenseman Michael Kesselring and winger Josh Doan. The opening weeks of free agency did not provide GM Kevyn Adams with an opportunity to replace Peterka’s production, and with the two-year deal signed last month with defenseman Bowen Byram, Adams will have to try to acquire a scoring forward with younger players, prospects, and/or draft picks. With just over a month before training camp, the odds are that an addition like that will have to happen during the season. 

Winger Tyler Bertuzzi is a veteran of the Atlantic Division, playing his first seven seasons in Detroit, a short stint with Boston, and one year with Toronto. The 30-year-old is in year two of a four-year, $22 million contract with Chicago, and scored over 20 goals for the second season in a row last season, but the Hawks attempt to build a veteran support group around wunderkind Connor Bedard was a dramatic failure.

Other Sabres Stories

Projecting Sabres Trade Cost - Bryan Rust

Six Former Sabres Who Signed Elsewhere

Bertuzzi is one of the few forwards on the Chicago roster that has term remaining, and by the time the Hawks are ready to contend for a playoff spot, he will be past his prime. GM Kyle Davidson or his successor may be looking at a complete reset if the club continues to struggle and could be willing to move out the veteran winger while he still can garner a good return, but his 10-team no trade clause may complicate matters.  

What Would It Cost?

Adams would definitely be attracted by a veteran with years remaining on his deal, especially with the cap going up significantly and Bertuzzi locked in at a $5.5 million AAV. The Hawks are loaded with draft capital, so it is likely that they would prefer a player with some NHL experience or a prospect close to being ready to make the jump. That would mean names like Zach Benson, Devon Levi, Noah Ostlund, or Konsta Helenius.  

 

Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo

Posted on

MLB Power Rankings: Brewers and Mariners streaking, reeling Mets fall out of top 10

Featured in this week’s MLB Power Rankings, the final "ace-off" between Clayton Kershaw and Max Scherzer, the Astros, Padres, and Reds are all getting help down the stretch, the Red Sox keep locking up their young core, the waiting game continues for top prospects for the Pirates and Orioles, and A's rookie Carlos Cortes unlocks the new achievement of "switch-fielder."

(Please note these power rankings are a combination of current performance and long-term projected outlook)

Let’s get started!

Note: Rankings are from the morning of Monday, August 11.

1) Milwaukee Brewers

Last week: 1

The Brewers can do no wrong right now. Capped by a walk-off homer from Isaac Collins against the Mets on Sunday, Milwaukee has won nine straight games and currently find themselves on pace for a 101-win season.

I could show you the walk-off homer from Sunday, but it doesn’t get much better than this picture perfect throw from Blake Perkins to seal Friday’s win.

2) Philadelphia Phillies ⬆️

Last week: 6

The Phillies have won six out of seven to build a 5 1/2 game lead over the Mets in the NL East. Jhoan Duran has been exactly what the doctor ordered as the team’s new closer, as he’s gone 4-for-4 in save chances with just one hit allowed through his first four appearances since the trade from the Twins.

3) Los Angeles Dodgers

Last week: 3

With this blast, Shohei Ohtani became the fastest player in Dodgers history to reach 40 homers in a season. He now has four 40-homer seasons to his credit, which leads all active players. Of course, Aaron Judge is just three homers away from joining that club.

4) Toronto Blue Jays

Last week: 4

One last time for the road? Max Scherzer and Clayton Kershaw squared off on Saturday for likely the final time in their respective Hall of Fame careers. Scherzer did his part with two runs allowed over six innings, but Kershaw was just a little bit better six innings of one-run ball. What a treat.

5) Detroit Tigers

Last week: 5

Kerry Carpenter is one of the most aggressive hitters in the majors, but it’s working for him. Despite the lowest walk rate among players with at least 300 plate appearances, he’s hitting .361 (13-for-36) with five homers and a 1.313 OPS since returning from the injured list late last month.

6) Chicago Cubs ⬇️

Last week: 2

Rookie Matt Shaw is beginning to find his footing in the big leagues. He’s slashing .328/.349/.770 with seven homers, 15 RBI, three steals, and 12 runs scored over 20 games since the All-Star break.

7) Houston Astros ⬆️

Last week: 9

Can the Astros hold off the red-hot Mariners? At least they have help en route. After Spencer Arrighetti made his first start in four months last week, Christian Javier is set to make his return from Tommy John surgery on Monday. Luis Garcia, also on his way back from Tommy John surgery, is currently rehabbing in Triple-A.

8) Seattle Mariners ⬆️

Last week: 11

The Mariners are rolling. With a sweep of the Rays over the weekend, they’ve now won seven straight and sit just a half-game behind the Astros in the AL West. Cal Raleigh crushed his 45th homer on Sunday as he continues to chase history and perhaps the AL MVP Award.

9) San Diego Padres ⬆️

Last week: 10

The Padres made all sorts of improvements at the deadline, but they also got Michael King back from the IL on Saturday after he missed nearly three months with a throracic nerve issue in his right shoulder. He lasted just two-plus innings his his return, but remains capable of providing a big lift down the stretch.

10) Boston Red Sox ⬇️

Last week: 7

Roman Anthony has shown that he belongs during his short time in the majors and the Red Sox are making sure he sticks around for the long haul. The 21-year-old inked an eight-year, $130 extension last week, which ensures that he will be part of a long-term core which also includes long-term agreements with Garrett Crochet, Brayan Bello, Kristian Campbell, and Cedeanne Rafaela.

11) New York Mets ⬇️

Last week: 8

Losers of seven straight and 11 out of 12, the Mets have been more bad than good for an extended period. They are 18-31 dating back to June 12, with the starting rotation being the biggest issue of all.

On a more positive note, with his next homer, Pete Alonso will pass Darryl Strawberry for the Mets' all-time record.

12) New York Yankees

Last week: 12

Including Sunday’s loss against the Astros, Max Fried holds a 6.00 ERA with 15 walks in 36 innings in his last seven starts dating back to the start of July. Not the best timing for the scuffling Yanks.

13) Cincinnati Reds ⬆️

Last week: 14

The Reds are mostly hanging around in the Wild Card race by virtue of the Mets struggling, but they’ll happily take advantage of the opening. Hunter Greene has a chance to be a major difference-maker for the stretch run as he makes his return from the injured list on Wednesday. The 26-year-old had a 2.73 ERA through 11 starts before going down two months ago with a groin injury.

14) Cleveland Guardians ⬆️

Last week: 15

The Guardians won five straight before falling to the White Sox on Sunday, but still find themselves very much in the mix in the AL Wild Card race. Gavin Williams, who carried a no-hitter in the ninth inning against the Mets last week, owns a 1.63 ERA over his last six outings.

15) Texas Rangers ⬇️

Last week: 13

I’ve watched this play at least 10 times and I still think Adolis Garcia caught this ball. Perhaps in the multiverse, he did?

16) Kansas City Royals

Last week: 16

The Royals opted against selling at the deadline after going 15-9 in July, but they’ve lost five out of their last eight games. They have a chance to make some hay this week with series against the Nationals and White Sox.

17) St. Louis Cardinals ⬆️

Last week: 19

Even after trading their closer, Ryan Helsley, as well as Steven Matz and Phil Maton, the Cardinals are still within striking distance in the NL Wild Card race. They get the Rockies to begin the week before a series against the scuffling Yankees, so there’s opportunity this week.

18) San Francisco Giants

Last week: 18

While the Giants lost to the Nationals on Sunday, Justin Verlander became just the 10th player in MLB history to reach the 3,500 strikeout plateau. Just another accolade in his Hall of Fame resume.

19) Arizona Diamondbacks ⬆️

Last week: 22

The Diamondbacks set a new franchise record with nine consecutive hits in Sunday’s 13-6 win over the Rockies. It helps to face bad pitching staffs like the Rockies and the home Athletics, but the D-Backs are tied for fourth in the majors in runs scored this month.

20) Miami Marlins ⬇️

Last week: 17

It’s probably a little too early to call Jakob Marsee the next Mr. Marlin, but he’s well on his way. The 24-year-old rookie is hitting .419 (13-for-31) through 11 games since his call-up.

21) Tampa Bay Rays

Last week: 21

With four homers in the span of three games last week, Junior Caminero is now up to 32 home runs in his age-21 season. He’s on pace to be the second-ever player on the Rays to reach 40 homers. The only other was Carlos Pena, who slugged 46 homers in 2007.

22) Los Angeles Angels ⬇️

Last week: 20

If you are planning what to watch this week, be sure to tune in on Wednesday, as Shohei Ohtani will face the Angels for the first time as a pitcher. Another Ohtani-Trout showdown? Yes please.

23) Baltimore Orioles

Last week: 23

With the Orioles out of contention, the big question at this stage is when we’ll see prospects like Samuel Basallo and Dylan Beavers.

24) Athletics ⬆️

Last week: 25

Carlos Cortes being a member of the “Athletics” is a little too on the nose. The 28-year-old entered Sunday’s game as a left-handed outfielder before serving as a right-handed second third baseman in the ninth inning.

25) Minnesota Twins ⬆️

Last week: 27

The Twins unloaded a good chunk of their roster at the trade deadline, but they’ve swung the bats well in recent days, most notably from rookie Luke Keaschall. The 22-year-old is hitting .455 (10-for-22) with two homers and 10 RBI since coming off the injured list, highlighted by this walk-off blast on Sunday.

26) Atlanta Braves ⬇️

Last week: 24

The Braves won four out of five from the Marlins, so they are picking up some steam just in time to potentially play spoiler against the floundering Mets this week.

27) Pittsburgh Pirates ⬇️

Last week: 26

We’re all waiting for top prospect right-hander Bubba Chandler, but he’s sporting a 6.94 ERA with 11 walks and five homers allowed in 23 1/3 innings over his last five starts. Is the frustration beginning to take a toll on his performance? It would be understandable if it was.

28) Washington Nationals

Last week: 28

It’s been a struggle for James Wood since the All-Star break, but he delivered back-to-back multi-hit games in victories against the Giants this weekend after hitting just .111 (6-for-54) with one RBI over his previous 14 games.

29) Chicago White Sox

Last week: 29

This might just be a Colson Montgomery space moving forward. His 452-foot homer against the Guardians on Sunday was the longest at Rate Field this season.

Would you believe that the White Sox are third in the majors in runs scored over the past 30 days?

30) Colorado Rockies

Last week: 30

Kyle Karros delivered an RBI single in his first major league at-bat on Friday against the Diamondbacks. Yep, that's Eric Karros' son. Yep, you should be questioning your own mortality.

Posted on

Rick Pitino speaks on coaching future, eventual retirement plans

Rick Pitino is entering the 37th season of his career as a head coach in college basketball. However, in turning the age of 73 next month, retirement naturally continues to come up with Pitino. Pitino addressed his future in coaching and eventual retirement in an interview with Jon Rothstein on ‘Inside College Basketball Now’ on […]

Posted on

Marcelo Balboa on MLS Growth Since Its Inception + Can USMNT Recreate the World Cup Hoopla of 1994?

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros welcome USMNT and MLS legend Marcelo Balboa to discuss his soccer journey, including his decision to return to the U.S. to help launch Major League Soccer in 1996. They also revisit his experience during the 1994 World Cup and ask if the 2026 tournament can compare. Marcelo weighs in on criticism from former USMNT players and shares why Christian Pulisic deserves some grace.