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Game Thread: Wanna Seymour strikeouts today
GUARDIANS AT MARLINS: Cantillo vs. Phillips, discussion
Here’s the Guardians’ lineup:
Here’s the Marlins’ lineup:
Let’s go, Guardians!
Rangers put Martin on i.l., call up Teodo
The Texas Rangers have placed righthanded pitcher Chris Martin on the injured list with a right shoulder impingement, the team announced today. To take his place on the active roster, the Rangers have recalled righthanded reliever Emiliano Teodo.
This is the third trip to the injured list this season for the 40 year old Martin, and its possible he will not be activated again. Martin, who planned to retire after 2025 but opted to return for one more season, has a 9.00 ERA in 14 innings over 16 appearances this season, and has battled a shoulder issue throughout. It would be great if rest and rehab can get him back to being a semblance of the pitcher he was previously, the reality is that he may simply be done.
To replace him the Rangers are turning to righthanded flame thrower Emiliano Teodo. Teodo can reach 100 mph on the radar gun, but has had a challenging relationship with the strike zone in his career. It was hoped that he would be able to step up in 2025 and be a meaningful part of the Rangers’ bullpen, but he instead had an awful year plagued by injury and ineffectiveness.
Teodo is up now less because he’s shown he’s ready and more because the Rangers need arms and their options are limited. He has a 3.76 ERA in 40.2 innings over 35 games, with 35 walks, 8 hit batters, and 10 wild pitches to go with 52 strikeouts. He’s allowed just 4 earned runs in 15.2 IP since the beginning of June, but has walked 16 batters in those 15.2 innings. He’s also struck out 16 batters in those 15.2 innings, but having a 1:1 K:BB ratio isn’t generally a good thing for a pitcher.
White Sox select OF Clay Burdette in the seventh round of the 2026 MLB draft (No. 195 overall)
It was a back-to-back, strong-armed outfielders move from the White Sox in the seventh round, nabbing Clay Burdette from Xavier University with the No. 195 pick in the 2026 MLB draft.
Just three years ago, Burdette was regarded as one of the three best shortstops in Ohio, but blossomed as a right fielder after a transfer from Ohio State to Xavier. Ranked No. 248 on MLB’s board, the White Sox had fears that Burdette would be gone by their eighth-round pick and nabbed him despite his lower overall rank.
It’s not immediately apparent why Burdette was so slightly regarded in the MLB rankings. He boasts a strong arm for right field and the speed to see time in center. Burdette also has a proven combination of raw power and top-notch bat speed, with exit velocities among the best in Division I.
Playing in a more minor conference, as the Big East is regarded in baseball, Burdette doesn’t have a big track record of plate appearances against top-notch pitching. He also has some selectivity and swing-and-miss issues that could rear up, with 50 Ks in 2026 against just 23 walks.
For you Xavier fans, Burdette’s selection in the seventh round makes him the highest-drafted Musketeers position player ever.
On the surface, Burdette kills it with his scouting ratings, particularly for an seventh-rounder, with his running ability leading the way at 60. But a hit tool of 40 drags his overall evaluation down to 40. Seems like a chip Burdette needs to put on his shoulder.
Expect Burdette to hit the ground running and get some time in a Kannapolis later this summer, as a player who’s been overlooked of late trying to prove his mettle.
The 2026 White Sox draft storystream contains all of our draft content.
Longtime coach Frank Vogel agrees to join Steve Kerr's Warriors staff, per Shams
Longtime coach Frank Vogel agrees to join Steve Kerr's Warriors staff, per Shams originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The Warriors have finally added a former Laker.
Well, probably not the one that Golden State fans were hoping for, at least not yet. As the NBA world sits and waits for 21-time All-NBA selection LeBron James to decide where he will play next season, Steve Kerr and the Warriors reportedly added his former head coach to the staff.
Former Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns head coach Frank Vogel is set to join the Golden State staff as an associate head coach, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported, citing sources.
While Vogel is as well-traveled as any coach in the NBA, he is best known as the head coach of the 2019-20 Lakers, who won the NBA Finals. However, even coaching the team to a title wasn’t enough to prevent his eventual firing two seasons later.
Across his 12 seasons as a head coach, Vogel has compiled a 480-422 record. He spent this past NBA season as an assistant for the Dallas Mavericks on Jason Kidd’s staff.
Although he brings another coach with experience, the big question surrounding this hiring is whether or not this helps or hurts the Warriors’ chances of landing James.
Gonzaga basketball loses starting point guard Mario Saint-Supery to EuroLeague club
Gonzaga basketball suffered an unexpected loss from its starting lineup ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Starting point guard Mario Saint-Supéry officially signed with Valencia, a Spanish club in EuroLeague, on Saturday, July 11. The move leaves the Bulldogs without an established point guard next season, and they can't get an experienced replacement with the transfer portal closed.
The All-WCC freshman team honoree averaged 8.6 points with 2.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game last season on 41% shooting as a true freshman, starting 17 of Gonzaga's 35 games. He's reportedly signing a four-year deal with the club.
"Zag nation, thanks for everything," he wrote on Instagram.
It's the second tough break for the program this offseason, as fellow European guard Jack Kayil was drafted in the second round by the Houston Rockets and subsequently traded to the New York Knicks after initially committing to Gonzaga.
👑 El principito hará del @RoigArena su nuevo palacio 😎🧡
— Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) July 11, 2026
Cas 👉 @M_SaintSupery, talento nacional para Valencia Baskethttps://t.co/RelGjy0Esj
Val 👉 Mario Saint-Supéry, talent nacional per a Valencia Baskethttps://t.co/qVZnfFA2if
Eng 👉 Mario Saint-Supéry, a Spanish… pic.twitter.com/1fC4PUWTLZ
It's unclear why Saint-Supéry is leaving, although it's a return home for the former Liga ACB guard. He previously played for Málaga, a Liga ACB club like Valencia, his new team.
Gonzaga returns 6-foot-10 forward Braden Huff, who averaged 17.8 points with 5.6 rebounds per game this season, and replaced leading scorer Graham Ike with highly touted Arizona State transfer Massamba Diop. It'll have to rely on projected backups in its backcourt, though, which could change the dynamic for a team expected to be in the national conversation next season.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Gonzaga basketball loses starting point guard Mario Saint-Supery to EuroLeague club
Morant on trade: 'I get to show the fans in Portland a different Ja'
For Portland, trading for Ja Morant was a high-upside play. The Trail Blazers land a former All-Star point guard at a minimal cost (Jerami Grant, Kris Murphy), and if it works out, it's a home run. If not, no big setback. Think of it like Portland owner Tom Dundon: They bought a distressed asset and are trying to turn it around.
For Ja Morant, it's a chance to change the narrative and prove he's still that All-Star player and a more mature one off the court. He was honest about that speaking to reporters at NBA Summer League (quotes via Ben Golliver of ESPN).
"What would I like cleared up? I think you know the answer to that. My image. [That] I'm a bad guy. I'm Ja. I've done what I've done in the past, but it's been addressed and handled already. I don't see why, years later, that's still the topic when nothing's happened since. If I was that guy, y'all wouldn't be talking to me now. I wouldn't be here...
"New home. New team. New organization. I get to show the fans in Portland a different Ja. It's like starting all over again. ... Over the years, I've grown a lot and learned a lot. My mindset changed. I go into things differently now. I feel more mature, and I'm ready to work."
Morant is going to get his chance, playing in a backcourt with trusted veterans in Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday. There is athleticism on the wing around him and a center in Donovan Clingan who sets a big screen. He's working under an offensively-minded coach in Micah Nori.
This is a great opportunity for Morant. What he does with it, what level of athleticism remains, and how much the craft of his game has grown are what we will find out next season. Can he seize the opportunity?
In Las Vegas, Morant was saying all the right things, he was hanging out with his new teammates on the sideline of Trail Blazers Summer League games. It's a promising start and there is reason for optimism in the Pacific Northwest. This is going to be an interesting season for the Trail Blazers.
Mariners Game #97 Preview and Discussion, Seattle at Tampa Bay
The Mariners will play today to try to avoid going 0-6 on this road trip and being swept into the All-Star Break. Honestly? Things don’t feel great.
Lineups:
Dear Rays, you are in first place, I know things are tight around there with the stadium and all but surely you can make a gameday lineup graphic.
News:
Can you tell from the tone here Shannon is over it?
Today’s game information:
Game time: 10:40 PT
TV: Mariners TV
Radio: Old Reliable
Programming note: It’s also the MLB Draft and ALSO the Futures Game today, because MLB remain unable to market their product nor its future. You can find separate threads for those events on the site.
New York Yankees @ Washington Nationals: Will Warren vs. Cade Cavalli
The Yankees’ fight back in the first two games of this series has been nothing short of admirable. They overturned late two-run deficits on both days, scoring three runs in the ninth in the opener and four in the eighth yesterday. The home runs are starting to fly again against a Nats bullpen that is seriously holding the rest of its team back. The Yankees are hoping to close out their first half in the best way possible: with a sweep.
Will Warren will have to be miles better than his last time out against the Rays, when he coughed up six runs on three home runs in four innings. The league is starting to figure out his fastball and he needs to find a way to vary his pitch mix more. I am surprised he has barely thrown the changeup and curveball given the above-average raw characteristics of each pitch — perhaps they can help him become less predictable. In 18 starts, Warren in 7-4 with a 4.15 ERA (101 ERA+), 3.96 FIP, and 94 strikeouts in 93.1 innings.
Cade Cavalli was the hot-head pitcher involved in the bases-clearing brawl with Willson Contreras and the Red Sox last week, making his first start after serving his five-game suspension for his inflammatory remarks. The former top pitching prospect for the Nationals, Cavalli missed all of the 2023 and 2024 seasons to Tommy John surgery. He has faced the Yankees once and it was by far the worst start of his major league career — eight runs on eight hits including four home runs in 2.1 innings at the end of last August. He’s a different pitcher this year with a four-seamer that averages 97 and tops out at 100 and a knuckle curve that’s gotten whiffs on almost 40-percent of swings. In 19 starts, Cavalli is 5-4 with a 3.88 ERA (110 ERA+), 3.35 FIP, and 105 strikeouts in 92.2 innings.
The Yankees make several changes to the lineups that have faced lefty openers in the last two games. Austin Wells celebrates his 27th birthday with a return to the lineup after homering in two of his last three appearances. Ryan McMahon’s bat is heating up and his glove at third is a welcome return following Amed Rosario’s mishaps. José Caballero replaces Anthony Vople at shortstop. Max Schuemann comes in to play right, moving Jasson Domínguez to DH to give Paul Goldschmidt a day off.
The Yankees haven’t shown they can handle superstar James Wood — 3-for-5 with a home run in each of the first two games — so it’s a matter of silencing the rest of the Nationals lineup. They also make a handful of changes from the starting nine yesterday. Abimelec Ortiz plays DH, moving Luis García Jr. to first and Curtis Mead to the bench. Keibert Ruiz starts over Drew Millas behind the plate while José Tena replaces Nasim Nuñez at second.
How to watch
Location: Nationals Park – Washington, DC
First pitch: 1:35 pm ET
TV broadcast: YES, Nationals.TV
Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280 (NYY) | WJFK 106.7 The Fan (WSN)
Streaming: Gotham Sports App, MLB.tv (out-of-market only)
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Texas Rangers Day Two Draft Picks
Day two of the 2026 MLB Draft: The Texas Rangers will be selecting sixteen players today, in Rounds 5 through 20. We will be updating through the day as each selection is made.
As a reminder, if a team selects a player in the first ten rounds, but doesn’t sign the player, they lose the bonus pool money referable to that pick. Thus, the players in the first ten rounds are almost certainly going to sign, and players taken in the back half of the first round are often less-heralded players who will sign for less than the slot value, which allows teams to apply the savings elsewhere (such as, in the case of the Rangers, Brody Bumila, their third round pick who has indicated he’s been offered first round money).
Players taken after the tenth round are less likely to be signed, since a team doesn’t lose any of their bonus pool money if they don’t sign those players. A player taken after the tenth round can sign for up to $150,000 without it counting towards the bonus pool.
5th Round— Michael Anderson Jr., DH/RHP, Penn State.
Ranked #263 on the Baseball America top 500, Anderson is a 6’3”, 230 lb. righthanded hitting and throwing senior who spent two years playing for Rhode Island, then transferred to Arkansas, where he went 0 for 8 in four games. He transferred from Arkansas to Penn State for his senior season, slashing .358/.470/.742 in 232 plate appearances with 20 homers, 23 walks and 30 Ks. He has big power and bat speed, but there are concerns about his ability to make contact and his tendency to chase. Anderson is slow and while he’s played first base in the past, he was just a DH for Penn State this year.
Anderson was announced as a two way player, and pitched in 8 games (8.2 IP) as a freshman for Rhode Island, as well as appearing in two games for Penn State. He’s hit 97 mph on the mound, and when he was in the transfer portal there were some who thought he had more potential on the mound than as a hitter. He presumably will get a chance to work out of the bullpen as well as hitting.
6th Round — Aidan Brainard, RHP, University of Nevada
Brainard is a 6’3”, 210 lb. righthanded senior who played for Northeast Community College in Nebraska and then Regis University in Denver before spending his senior season at Nevada-Reno. Between his junior year at Regis and his senior year at Nevada he put up a 6.77 ERA in 115.2 IP, striking out 125, walking 71, and hitting 22. It would appear that control is something he needs to work on.
Here’s an article about Brainard from Nevada Sports Net. I also noticed he went to high school at Columbine High in Colorado, giving him something in common with Rangers first rounder Gio Rojas.
7th Round — Caden Aoki, RHP, University of Georgia
Aoki is a 6’0”, 185 lb. righthanded throwing pitcher for the University of Georgia. He just finished his fifth year of college ball, having appeared in four games for Notre Dame as a freshman, then been part of the USC starting rotation for three years before transferring to Georgia for his fifth season. In 9 starts and 11 relief appearances for the Bulldogs he logged 86 innings, striking out 110 and walking 27, though also allowing 14 homers.
Here’s a “three things to know” piece from the Athens Banner-Herald about Aoki, who turns 24 later this year. It would appear he has no eligibility remaining, which means he’s almost certainly signing for somewhere in the $10-25K range. He also has a sweet mustache:
8th Round — Kolby Branch, SS, University of Georgia
Branch is a 23 year old, 5’11”, 202 lb. righthanded hitting infielder born in Allen, Texas, who graduated from Lovejoy High School and spent his freshman year at Baylor before transferring to Georgia, where he just finished his senior year. I guess the Rangers are buying Bulldogs in bulk. Branch was #43 on the BA top 100 senior sign list. 5th round pick Anderson, as a point of reference, was #4.
As a senior he slashed .291/.394/.628 in 234 plate appearances, with a whopping 72 Ks and 40 walks. For his college career, he has a .296/.397/.555 slash line.
9th Round — Kaden Carpenter, OF, Utah Valley State
Carpenter is a 6’4”, 225 lb. left handed hitting and throwing outfielder from Provo, Utah, who spent his first three years as a starter for Utah before transferring to Utah Valley State for his senior season. He’s #48 on the BA list of the top senior signs. I’m a big fan of his song “Rainy Days and Mondays.”
Carpenter had his best season as a senior, slashing .338/.467/.706 with 17 homers, 44 walks and 58 Ks in 255 plate appearances. Of course, he also was playing in the WAC, rather than the Pac 12 and then Big 12. His career slash line in college was .308/.421/.554.
10th Round — Evan Morrison, SS, Grand Valley State
Morrison is a 5’11”, 200 lb. lefthanded hitting shortstop who turned 23 in April. He’s from Ontario and was at the University of Waterloo, then McPherson College in Kansas, and then, for the past two seasons, at Grand Valley State, part of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, which includes such powerhouses as Davenport, Wayne State, and Wisconsin-Parkside.
As a senior, Morrison slashed .410/.476/.590 with, according to B-R, 28 walks against 7 strikeouts in 288 plate appearances, and was 27 for 35 on stolen base attempts. He’s also pitched in the past. He did not make the B-R top 100 senior sign list, and is probably a guy getting a $10K signing bonus and who will be plugged in to play whatever position is needed wherever they need somebody.
2026 Home Run Derby Odds: Schwarber Favored in Philly
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The 2026 MLB All-Star Game festivities kick off at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies, with tonight's Home Run Derby.
Kyle Schwarber (+344) tops the field of eight in the MLB odds, but he has company in the form of Junior Caminero (+456).
Let's dive deeper into the Home Run Derby odds for Monday, July 13, and don't miss Colby Marchio's Home Run Derby predictions!
Odds to win the 2026 Home Run Derby
| Player | 2026 HRs |  |
|---|---|---|
 Kyle Schwarber | 32 | +344 |
 Junior Caminero | 28 | +456 |
 Munataka Murakami | 20 | +488 |
 Jac Caglianone | 15 | +669 |
 Jordan Walker | 22 | +681 |
 Ben Rice | 29 | +809 |
| Bryce Harper | 20 | +826 |
 Willson Contreras | 20 | +1199 |
Odds as of 7-13.
2026 MLB Home Run Derby field and favorites
Kyle Schwarber currently holds the lead in the season-long home-run race, so it makes sense that he's favored in this competition, especially in his home stadium. Ben Rice is his next-closest competitor, yet he sits third from the bottom in this market.
Junior Caminero is in close pursuit following a recent power surge that saw him hit 11 dingers between June 23 and July 4. He was the Home Run Derby runner-up to Cal Raleigh in 2025.
Junior Caminero goes yard AGAIN 🔥
— MLB (@MLB) July 11, 2026
He belts an opposite-field shot, giving him homers on back-to-back days! pic.twitter.com/KjnEEXxpD1
Munataka Murakami would probably have more homers by now but for a multi-week injury. He is one to watch for on Monday night.
2026 MLB Home Run Derby rules
The Home Run Derby timer that's been in place since 2015 has been abolished, and a new format has been put in place. Here's a quick breakdown of how it works:
- Round 1: 20 swings for each batter.
- Round 2 & Finals: 15 swings for each batter.
- Each swing, homer or not, counts. There are no "outs."
- If a player homers on his final swing in any round, he may keep going until he does not homer.
- No bonus rounds.
- No "bracket" for the first round.
- Tiebreakers: home run distance in Round 1, three-swing "swing-offs" in Rounds 2 & Finals.
Recent Home Run Derby winners
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2025 |  Cal Raleigh |
| 2024 |  Teoscar Hernandez |
| 2023 |  Vladimir Guerrero Jr. |
| 2022 |  Juan Soto |
| 2021 |  Pete Alonso |
| 2020 | Canceled - COVID-19 |
| 2019 | Pete Alonso |
| 2018 | Bryce Harper |
| 2017 | Aaron Judge |
| 2016 |  Giancarlo Stanton |
Popular MLB futures markets
Home Run Derby trends
- Only six players have won the Home Run Derby and recorded the most home runs in the regular season in the same year. Cal Raleigh (2025) was the last to pull it off.
- The Home Run Derby title has been shared by two players twice in the event’s history (1986, 1989).
- Ken Griffey Jr., Yoenis Cespedes, and Pete Alonso are the only players to successfully defend their Home Run Derby title in back-to-back years.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.
Washington Nationals vs New York Yankees Game Thread
After back to back bullpen meltdowns, the Nats look to get off the mat yet again and try to avoid the sweep. Staying above .500 going into the All-Star Break feels big for the morale of this team. On paper, this pitching matchup should be favorable as well.
The Nats are going with a lefty heavy lineup against righty Will Warren who historically has lefty issues. Dylan Crews is the only true righty in the lineup. Abimelec Ortiz will be making his MLB debut and hitting third. Jose Tena will be in the field today at second base. Jorbit Vivas will get the start over Curtis Mead and Keibert Ruiz will be behind the plate. Cade Cavalli is back from suspension and gets the start today.
The Yankees are making a couple changes as well. Trent Grisham will move up to the leadoff spot with a righty on the mound. Ryan McMahon will start at third base and Jose Caballaro will be at short. Max Schuemann will start in right field and Austin Wells is back behind the plate. As mentioned, Will Warren is on the mound.
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Game Info:
Stadium: Nationals Park
Time: 1:35 PM EST
TV: Nationals.TV
Radio: 106.7 The Fan
This is a big game as we enter the break. The difference between being over and under .500 is massive. To prevent a sell off, this team needs to get off the mat and perform. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats.
Braves Select Tyson Grulkowski in 6th Round of 2026 MLB Draft
With the 112th pick in the 2026 MLB Draft the Atlanta Braves have selected Wisconsin prep right hander Tyson Grulkowski. Grulkowski is a cold weather arm with a mix of frame and stuff where he is an intriguing add for the Braves system.
Bio
Name: Tyson Grulkowski
Position: Right Handed Pitcher
Hometown: Muskego, WI (Muskego HS)
School: South Florida
Height: 6’5
Weight: 225
Bats/Throws: R/R
Rankings
Baseball America: 217
Perfect Game: 206
Pipeline: N/R
ESPN: 222
Overslot: 333
My Own: 263
Consensus: 227
Fastball 50/55
It’s presently an average to above average pitch up to 95 MPH but he sits more low 90’s. Grulkowski will have a chance to grow into more strength on his large frame and add to that velocity.
Slider 60
His best pitch is a slurvy breaking ball that is a legit plus offering for him.
Changeup 45
The change is very lightly used, but he has shown enough that it’s not hard to project it to at least become a fringy pitch for him with continued work.
Command 50
The command will need to continue to be refined but I believe it could get to future average grade for him.
Overall Thoughts
This feels like another arm like Cole Dennis, a possibly overslot prep arm with traits for growth that won’t break the bank as the Braves continue to fill the system. Grulkowski is years away and may need to start out in the FCL, but he will have middle of the rotation ceiling if things really work out, and will have a chance for backend starter/reliever otherwise.
Knicks Bulletin: ‘That’s why I went into the draft’
It looks like the Knicks are so good that they have the worst Summerteam.
Conversely, the Spurs are doomed as they reached the Finals but then beat the SummerKnicks by 21 in Las Vegas. Not good news for San Antonio.
Anyway, here’s the latest to cap the weekend from Sin City.
TJ Saint
On Tyler Nickel’s shooting, defense and preparation:
“He’s been shooting all right. His defense has actually been impressive in the camp. When we were in the airport the other day, I went over to talk to him, and he was studying our playbook, so I already like where he’s at, getting ahead of the game.”
On his first impressions of Jack Kayil:
“Really liked him. Started watching him on film after the draft. Thought he could get in the paint. Thought he had a quick burst.”
Jack Kayil
On not wanting to go back overseas:
“My goal is to play in the NBA. That’s why I went into the draft.”
On whether he will remain with the Knicks or return to Europe:
“It’s not my decision, so I’m just trying to show myself in the best way, and it is what it is. I’m super happy I also got drafted, and we’ll see what happens in the next days, weeks, whatever.”
On the reported contractual issues with Alba Berlin delaying his Summer League debut:
“There were things going on that I don’t want to get into.”
On adjusting from basketball in Germany to the NBA Summer League:
“It’s difficult to say [what the differences are from the German league]. It’s only one game. For me, it still feels like basketball, and [I] try to play the right way. And everywhere, it’s kind of the same. It’s obviously different players to play against and a different kind of speed and everything. But I’m used to different systems, so it wasn’t difficult to adapt to that. So for me, it wasn’t that big of a difference.”
Jose Alvarado
On looking up to his father:
“I just looked up to my dad… I saw somebody that I really love struggle and still work hard every day and continue to grind it out.”
Jose Alvarado Sr.
On the championship gear his son gave him:
“He gave me his whole uniform, his jersey, shorts, sneakers, headband, the champion shirt… He said, ‘Pa, hold this. It’s wet, but put it on.’”
On watching his son win a championship with the Knicks:
“He’s from New York and to win in New York with his team, it was just amazing.”
On keeping his son away from trouble while growing up:
“Williamsburg now, it’s not the same, but when I was growing up, it was drug-infested, gang-infested, a lot of killing. So I was trying to keep him out of the streets.”
On traveling from Brooklyn to Staten Island for his son’s football games:
“I came out of work at 1:30 p.m., got home at 3, got on the bus to the R train, and then back on a bus to go over the bridge, and then walk from Hylan Boulevard.”
On getting his son into Christ the King’s basketball camp:
“I said, ‘Yeah, how much is it?’ He goes, ‘It’s about $225 a week.’ I said, ‘Alright, I’ll take a week.’ When I went to pick him up for the last day, Coach Joe Arbitello came to me and was like, ‘Can we keep him here for another two weeks?’ I said, ‘As long as it’s free.’ He said, ‘I’ll take care of it.’”
On taking his son to Knicks games at Madison Square Garden:
“When I had enough money to take him to the games [at MSG] … we were sitting all the way on top … And I remember him saying, ‘I can’t wait to be one of these players,’ and I said, ‘You just got to work hard.’”
On the sacrifices required to support his son’s AAU career:
“I used to hope at times they lost. I was like, ‘I gotta go to work tomorrow. I can’t drive at 12 o’clock at night and get to work at 4 in the morning.’ The first person that came to me was Georgetown. And then, after that, it just started flooding. Then, one day, Coach Pastner [of Georgia Tech] came by and rang my bell.”
On supporting his son during his career at Georgia Tech:
“So I supported him through the TV. I texted him before the game, after. I was his hype man.”
On his son’s reaction to being traded from New Orleans to New York:
“He had mixed emotions, because he loved the Pelicans; he’s a loyal kid.”
On why he believed the Knicks would win Game 5:
“He got traded on the fifth. His daughter’s birthday is on the fifth. He’s representing the five boroughs. We live on the fifth floor.”
On his son’s new contract with the Knicks:
“He can take care of his family forever now.”
On Patrick Ewing joking with him:
“He sits right next to me, and he looks at me and goes, ‘Who you with?’ I said, ‘With Alvarado.’ He goes, ‘Who?’ I said, ‘GTA 5, the small guy on the team.’ He goes, ‘I’m only messing with you man, I love that kid.’”
On seeing children react to his son at the championship parade:
“They were like, ‘Don’t touch my hat, he signed it!’ That’s when I was like, ‘This kid could change people’s lives.’ It was beautiful.”
Austin Reaves
On the Knicks’ chemistry and selflessness leading them to the title:
“They care for one another. They play for one another.”
On Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges:
“I got to know some of those guys when I played with the USA team—with Mikal, Josh and JB. Great dudes. You couldn’t ask for better humans. I think that shows on the basketball court. They care for one another. They play for one another. And that’s, like you said, something you want to build.”
The Hockey News Sunday Recap: Columbus Blue Jackets
2 Blue Jackets RFAs File For ArbitrationThese two Blue Jackets have filed for arbitration.Two Columbus Blue Jackets are among 15 players who have filed for arbitration on Sunday.
According to the NHLPA, Jet Greaves and Cole Sillinger have both filed for arbitration.
Loading The Cannon: Pheonix CopleyCopley was undrafted out of North Pole, Alaska.Undrafted - North Pole, Alaska
NHL Debut - February 17, 2016 (St. Louis)
Career NHL Record - 44-17-8 - .898% sv% - 2.85 GAA - 70 Career Starts
NHL Playoff Experience - 1 Relief Appearance
Career AHL Record - 169-104-30-18 - .909% sv% - 2.52 GAA
AHL Playoff Experience - 10-10-0-1 - .933% sv% - 2.13 GAA
Blue Jackets Sign Veteran Defenseman Colton WhiteWhite was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in 2015. The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed defenseman Colton White to a two-year, two-way, per the team.
White has played 107 NHL games and has 14 career points. White has played 345 AHL games and totaled 98 points.
Is Adam Fantilli Philadelphia's Next Target?Fantilli was drafted third overall in 2023. The thought is that the offer sheet given to Carlsson wouldn't be all that much more than Fantilli would get if pursued by another team. But there's no way Don Waddell is offering Fantilli $15-plus million during their contract negotiations.
How bad does Adam Fantilli want to stay in Columbus? I guess we'll find out if the Flyers decide to send him an offer sheet. Is it possible he'd turn down the Flyers to stay in Columbus?
Yes, The Columbus Blue Jackets Should Match Any Offer Sheet On Adam FantilliThe Columbus Blue Jackets and GM Don Waddell need to get center Adam Fantilli signed, but with the threat of an offer sheet out there, can they do it without having to match another team's offer?
The Columbus Blue Jackets and GM Don Waddell need to get center Adam Fantilli signed, but with the threat of an offer sheet out there, can they do it without having to match another team's offer?
If the CBJ and Adam Fantilli were presented with an offer sheet, should the Blue Jackets match any offer given? The answer should be a resounding YES!
Loading The Cannon: Ryan LombergLomberg was undrafted out of Richmond Hill, Ontario. Undrafted - Richmond Hill, Ontario, CAN
Scouting Report - Physicality & Grit: Despite his smaller frame, he plays with a heavy edge. He consistently finishes checks, battles along the boards, and is a frequent team leader in hits and fighting majors.
NHL Debut - January 25, 2018 (Calgary)
Career NHL Stats - 394 Games - 35 goals - 37 Assists - 72 Points - 475 PIMs
NHL Playoff Experience - 32 Games - 3 Goals - 0 Assists - 3 Points - 1 Stanley Cup
Career AHL Stats - 219 Games - 49 Goals - 60 Assists - 109 Points
AHL Playoff Experience - Stockton Heat - 1 Game
Blue Jackets Goalie Prospect Sergei Ivanov Signs Contract With ColumbusSergei Ivanov was drafted in the 2022 NHL Draft as the 138th overall pick. The Blue Jackets have announced the signing of goalie prospect Sergei Ivanov. It felt like it would never happen, but here we are. They have signed Sergei Ivanov to a two-year ELC. Ivanov is expected to spend the 2026-27 season in the Kontinental Hockey League before playing in North America, per the CBJ. His ELC runs through the 2028 season.
Zach Werenski Could Break Several More Records Next SeasonWith every record Werenski breaks, he adds more ammo to his arsenal when he hits the negotiating table for a new contract. Total Points - The record is 547, set by Rick Nash. Werenski currently has 465, which is 82 off the mark. Zach has 82 and 81 points in the last two seasons, respectively, so it's highly probable that he breaks it, or comes very close.
Overtime Goals - The record is 8 and owned by Seth Jones. Werenski currently sits at 7, so this one should fall pretty quickly. He already owns the record for most OT assists with 14.
The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta Has Great News For The Columbus Blue Jackets Today, the Anaheim Ducks decided to keep Leo Carlsson, matching Philadelphia's $18 million per year offer sheet. Now everyone is wondering what the Flyers will do. Will they go big game hunting again with another offer sheet? Or will they just stand pat and go about their business?
After the news, The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta offered this quote to The Sheet's Jeff Marek. "No plan B is my understanding; they're not gonna pivot and go after Adam Fantilli or Connor Bedard or whomever else."
Jet Greaves & Cole Sillinger Have Arbitration Hearing Dates SetAs first reported by Aaron Portzline of The Athletic, Jet Greaves and Cole Sillinger have had their arbitration hearings set.
Being held in Toronto, Jet Greaves will have his hearing on July 23rd, and Cole Sillinger will have his on July 27th.
Today In Columbus Blue Jackets History: Brandon DubinskyDubinsky was drafted 60th overall in 2004 out of Anchorage, Alaska.Brandon Dubinsky signed what would be his last NHL contract on this day in 2014. He signed a six-year deal that would keep him in Columbus until 2021.
Blue Jackets Promising Prospect Is Player To Watch Next SeasonLuca Pinelli is a prospect who Blue Jackets fans should watch closely next season. Pinelli was also rewarded for his strong play in the AHL, as he appeared in his first three career NHL games last season with the Blue Jackets. Now, he will be looking for more chances on Columbus' roster next season.
Blue Jackets Young Forward Needs Big Bounce-Back YearWill Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kent Johnson turn things around next season? The 2025-26 season was a tough year for Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kent Johnson. In 76 games with the Metropolitan Division club, he posted just seven goals and 22 points. He was also healthy scratched multiple times during the season.
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