Checking in on the current Cardinals catching contingent

Coming away from the St. Louis Cardinals Winter Warm-Up event, there was plenty of buzz among fans about how excited they are to see the young guns get their opportunity to light up Busch Stadium. Even in a season that is sure to be full of growing pains, Cardinals Nation is ready for Spring Training to start so we can get a glimpse at the future of St. Louis.

While Chaim Bloom has provided some clarity on the roster by dealing veterans Sonny Gray, Willson Contreras, and Nolan Arenado, other spots on the team are still unsettled a month before Spring Training. Brendan Donovan remains on the team and his trade picture is still cloudy, Lars Nootbaar does not have a rehab update but is hopeful to grab hold of the left field spot, and Ivan Herrera is expected to be the near-everyday catcher. Surprising to me, at least, was the fact that Herrera announced he had not yet been 100% cleared to throw or hit as of Winter Warm-Up, so his participation in Spring Training and the World Baseball Classic for Team Panama is unclear.

The Cardinals appear ready to stand pat with their current catching set up

There was positivity around Herrera, though, with manager Oli Marmol crediting the catcher’s throwing struggles to the arm injury and Herrera himself sharing his excitement to catch because that was he was brought in to do. Without knowing how far back he was having these arm troubles, it may be too much to suggest that the surgery is going to completely overhaul his command of the running game. His best defensive season came in 2019 in Single-A when he 24 runners stealing, but also had 10 passed balls that season.

Since then, he has kept the ball in front of him better, but he has not had a caught stealing percentage above 25% at any level. Through his major league career behind the dish, Herrera has thrown out a total of six baserunners out of 75 attempts.

Before I get harassed for being too down on Herrera, I am in 100% agreement that he should be the near-everyday catcher next season, grabbing 3-4 starts a week as long as his body can handle it. His value to the team may be highest there, especially if his throwing does improve. Herrera was named a Top 100 player in all of baseball, and that was without a position. If he can solidify the position for 90-100 games and handle the pitching staff, there is little reason to believe he would not be a front runner for the NL Silver Slugger Award as a catcher.

In the scenario that Herrera gets banged up or continues to struggle behind the plate, Pedro Pages has shown he is more than capable to handle a pitching staff as far as receiving and calling a game go. Outside of an otherworldly month of August, Pages’ performance at the plate left plenty to be desired for a team that may continue to struggle offensively this season. Besides his ridiculous 202 wRC+ during August, Pages never had another month above 82, averaging out at an abysmal 49 wRC+, thanks to a July where he put up a -19 value.

For his ability to support pitchers on the base paths, Pages has a career 30.8% caught stealing rate as he improved significantly from his rookie season in 2024. Mix in his ability to play second base (/s), and Pages’ role as a major league backup catcher, with a few extended starting opportunities mixed in, can be solidified for the length of his career.

Providing an unknown level of support to the major league roster is fan favorite Yohel Pozo, who received plenty of fan outcry when the team made what I thought to be an easy choice to non-tender the catcher. He was quickly re-signed on a split major league deal that still provides him with a 40-man roster spot, so his movement throughout the organization is one to keep an eye on as the rest of the catching situation takes shape. Pozo showed value as a clutch bat off the bench, but the 28-year-old may not have much a future in St. Louis beyond settling for that role. For what it is worth, Pozo was aware and accepting of that reality as he re-signed due to enjoying his time playing for the organization that gave him another shot.

The youngster excitement continues behind Pozo, with the Cardinals having multiple catchers falling among the game’s top prospects. Because of the hype surrounding Jimmy Crooks, Leonardo Bernal, and Rainiel Rodriguez, it seemed that the Cardinals could have used this offseason to dangle those prospects in trade talks in an effort to fortify the major league roster. Being years away from contention, though, likely figured into Chaim Bloom’s decision to hold onto all six catchers for now.

This is the best strategy at the current time, in my opinion. Even though there appears to be depth, there are plenty of big question marks around the future of the position. The news that Yadier Molina will be returning to the organization full-time could do wonders to help settle these concerns, but there is no harm in continuing to develop each of Crooks, Bernal, and Rodriguez at their own pace.

If there were a move to be made, I would personally see what Pages could receive on the trade market and use that space as an opportunity to create a mini major league platoon with Herrera and Crooks. Crooks, a left-handed hitter, has been praised for his defense, so he could supplant Pages in a backup role while continuing to get his feet wet at the big league level. The risk level, to me, is low in this type of move, albeit being made earlier than needed. Pages has not shown the offensive potential that would worry Cardinals fans about a post-St. Louis resurgence, but he is definitely a capable big league backstop. With minor league Gold Glove winner Leonardo Bernal progressing through the minors, there is the upper level support if things were to get ugly.

Bernal was pushed into MLB Pipeline’s top-100 prospects, checking in at #98, although Baseball America left the switch hitter off of their 2026 list. FanGraphs was even higher on Bernal, with the Panamanian skyrocketing up to #40 on the outlet’s 2025 updated rankings. That wide range of outcomes narrowed greatly when looking at 19-year-old Rainiel Rodriguez.

All three of those outlets have Rodriguez in the top 100 across the league, with MLB ranking him 37th, Baseball America having him 35th, and FanGraphs plugging him in at #71. As an 18-year-old Rodriguez made a name for himself in A-ball with a .276 batting average a .954 OPS across 84 games. He swatted a total of 20 homers and struck out nearly as often as he walked in his second professional season. The bat is Rodriguez’ most exciting tool, although he has shown enough to forecast him to stick as a catcher long-term.

With pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training in less than a month, we are surely to receive rave reviews about each of these six catchers. Because of how young the entire roster, but especially the pitching staff, is, how the catchers handle the arms could mean more than it would in a rotation full of veterans. Since they figure to be around for the long haul, there will be plenty of time for both pitchers and catchers to have a hand in the development of the next era of Cardinals baseball.

Maple Leafs Need To See More Of Anthony Stolarz Before Declaring Goalie Tandem Back As Joseph Woll Starts Against Avalanache

Anthony Stolarz is healthy again. And for the first time all season, the Toronto Maple Leafs had their ideal tandem in the lineup for a game.

The 32-year-old Stolarz made 25 saves on 30 shots in a 6-3 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday and head coach Craig Berube admitted that Stolarz is still getting adjusted after a long layoff due to injury.

"We still got to get him going," Berube said on Saturday.  "He hasn't had a lot of work yet, right? And, again, it's hard because we don't practice a whole lot. But it's great to have the two guys back playing again."

Stolarz was sent down to the Toronto Marlies for a conditioning stint earlier in the week, but it appears there was never any intent to have the goaltender play some games at the AHL level. 

"A  few days ago I started to feel really good and obviously having the opportunity to go down with the Marlies and get those full practices kind of a little longer than our practices are," Stolarz said on Fridaty. "So just being able to go down there and work and get some reps, I think I felt really good after that. So I thought it was time to get activated and come back."

Stolarz previously played on Nov. 11 against the Boston Bruins and left in the first period with an upper-body injury. What appeared to be nothing serious at first turned into a 73-day layoff between NHL starts. Stolarz explained that he was suffering from a nerve issue, which led to the prolonged layoff. In the meantime, Joseph Woll has been leaned on heavily with Dennis Hildeby serving as his backup.

Hildeby was sent down to the Marlies upon the activation of Stolarz.

With Stolarz back, the hope was that he and Woll could act as a true tandem like they did in 2024-25 when they helped the Leafs finish with the fourth-best team save percentage in the NHL (.905).

But it sounds like the Leafs want to get some more practice reps with Stolarz before giving him another start, opting to go back to Woll when the club hosts the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday afternoon.

'We still got to see where he is, it's just one game," Berube said.

Berube also added that it wasn't his call on if there was any thought to getting Stolarz into an AHL game before coming back.

There was a lot of debate among fans if putting the goaltender up against Mitch Marner and the Knights was the right call. While the stats weren't flattering, Stolarz wasn't the main reason for the team's lack of jump or urgency in the game.

Maple Leafs' Craig Berube Explains Why Scott Laughton's Ice Time Was So Low In Game Against Golden Knights

It was a little less than a year ago when the Toronto Maple Leafs traded away a first-round draft pick and popular Russian prospect forward Nikita Grebenkin to acquire veteran forward Scott Laughton from the Philadelphia Flyers.

Although his tenure got off to a slow start following his acquisition on Mar. 7 of 2025, and a pair of injuries slowed his start to this season, he has since become a reliable bottom-six forward for the Leafs and a quickly become a favourite for his understanding of what the fans' expectations are for the team.

So when his team got off to a slow start and had a worse third period in their game against Mitch Marner and the Vegas Golden Knights, he didn't mince words following the 6-3 loss.

He said the lack of speed and urgency wasn't enough before adding other elements.

"It's simplicity, too. I mean, you're D are tired. You don't need to come back with the puck and make it harder," He said. "You chip pucks in, you fill lanes, you make it easy on your D, and you make it hard. That's how you win at this time of year, and that's how you win in the playoffs."

Laughton scored Toronto's second goal that cut Vegas' lead to 4-2 midway through the second period, but logged a low 9:28 of ice time in the loss. 

"Well, he's been playing 14 minutes a night for the most part. Last night we were down in the game. I went with two lines in that second period for a little bit to get caught up," Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said of Laughton's usage. "That's what happened there."

When injuries have hit the forward group, Laughton has been called to move up the lineup from time to time, but he's been primarily used on the fourth line, which can be hard to digest given what the Leafs gave up to get the popular forward.

Laughton has eight goals and two assists in 33 games. He is in unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.

Nuggets vs Grizzlies Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today’s NBA Game

Two injury-plagued teams meet at FedExForum this afternoon when the Denver Nuggets take on the Memphis Grizzlies.

With Ja Morant sidelined through at least the All-Star Break, my Nuggets vs Grizzlies predictions expect a strong performance from Cam Spencer as a facilitator.

Here are my free NBA picks for this Western Conference matchup on Sunday, January 25.

Nuggets vs Grizzlies prediction

Nuggets vs Grizzlies best bet: Cam Spencer Over 8.5 assists (-112)

Cam Spencer continues to excel as a facilitator, and he'll have plenty of runway to operate as the Memphis Grizzlies' primary playmaker against the Denver Nuggets. 

Spencer has averaged 7.2 assists per game in 27.9 minutes of action with Ja Morant sidelined, compared to just 3.7 assists in 19.4 minutes with Morant in the lineup.

In 11 starts, Spencer has averaged 9.5 dimes, going for at least eight assists nine times and at least nine assists seven times. Denver is middle-of-the-pack in assists allowed, and the team will be without multiple starters and key defenders.

Nuggets vs Grizzlies same-game parlay

Jock Landale should see plenty of run with both Zach Edey and Santi Aldama sidelined against the Nuggets. Over his last nine games, Landale has averaged 22.9 points+rebounds, hitting the Over on this combo line seven times.

Both teams are dealing with multiple key injuries, but the Nuggets have stayed competitive, while the Grizzlies have not. Over the last 10 games, Denver is 7-3 straight up and 6-4 against the spread, while Memphis is 3-7 and 3-6-1 respectively. 

Nuggets vs Grizzlies SGP

  • Cam Spencer Over 8.5 assists
  • Jock Landale Over 21.5 points+rebounds
  • Nuggets +3.5

Our "from downtown" SGP: Picking Pickett 

Jalen Pickett has started nine straight games, averaging 9.3 points across 30.7 minutes. He's scored 11+ in four of his last nine overall, including two of his last four on the road.

Nuggets vs Grizzlies SGP

  • Cam Spencer Over 8.5 assists
  • Jock Landale Over 21.5 points+rebounds
  • Nuggets +3.5
  • Jalen Pickett Over 10.5 points

Nuggets vs Grizzlies odds

  • Spread: Nuggets +3.5 | Grizzlies -3.5
  • Moneyline: Nuggets +130 | Grizzlies -155
  • Over/Under: Over 225 | Under 225

Nuggets vs Grizzlies betting trend to know

The Memphis Grizzlies have only hit the moneyline in 16 of their last 40 games at home (-18.75 Units / -29% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Nuggets vs. Grizzlies.

How to watch Nuggets vs Grizzlies

LocationFedExForum, Memphis, TN
DateSunday, January 25, 2026
Tip-off3:30 p.m. ET
TVAltitude 2, FDSN SE Memphis

Nuggets vs Grizzlies latest injuries

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Today in White Sox History: January 25

CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 16: Bruce Rondon #44 of the Chicago White Sox can't catch a bunt single hit by JaCoby Jones #21 of the Detroit Tigers on June 16, 2018 at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Tigers won 7-5.
Bruce Rondón may have been down during his horrible 2018 season in Chicago, but on this day four years ago, a saved a title-clincher in Venezuela. | (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)

1985
The first Australian ever to play for the White Sox, Shane Lindsay, was born in Melbourne.

Lindsay only had a four-game, 10-day major league career. He was called up as the season spiraled down the drain in 2011, with a solid debut in Detroit on September 4 (one scoreless inning, with a walk and a strikeout). His mother had made an arduous journey from Australia to see his debut — and succeeded, getting to Comerica Park in time after 20-odd hours of flights.

Lindsay’s encore, on September 6, was not so sweet, as he pitched the sixth inning of an 18-2 mauling, giving up seven earned on eight hits. That one outing swelled his ERA from 0.00 to 31.50.

Two much more “normal” outings that year nearly trimmed that ERA by a third, but he would never see the majors again. Not for lack of trying, though: Lindsay pitched in the White Sox, Cubs and Dodgers organizations in 2012 and got roughed up over our winter in 2012-13 pitching with a 10.05 ERA for the Melbourne Aces down in Australia.

Three years later, Lindsay made a comeback with Melbourne, pitching from 2015-17 over two seasons, to a 2.70 ERA over 10 games.


2015
White Sox farmhand Leury García helped the Gigantes de Cibao win their first-ever Dominican League title. In the Game 8 clincher, Cibao won, 12-5, with García scoring three times.

Leury has yet to make his mark in the majors, debuting in 2013 for Texas and getting into 74 games the next year with the White Sox, but at this point he was coming off of a year spent mostly at Triple-A, hitting .298/.340/.395 with the Charlotte Knights.

The next year would provide García more Dominican League World Series heroics, as well as more time spent mostly in the minors, before the superutilityman paused his Winter League play and started making more significant and full-time contributions in the majors.


2022
Just four years after clocking in with an atrocious -1.3 WAR (fueled by an 8.49 ERA in 35 games) for the 2018 White Sox, Bruce Rondón saved the Venezuelan League title for the Navegantes del Magallanes.

Guardians News and Notes: Jose Brings Warmth to Cleveland Cold

Yesterday, Guardians’ fans got another special treat from the reliable source of happiness on their favorite baseball team – Jose Ramirez – as he agreed to an extension to keep him with the Guardians through 2032, his age 40 season.

I found it helpful to listen to Zack Meisel explain the deal, on the Selby is Godcast with T.J. Zuppe, which pays Jose $15M per year, then defers an extra $10M to be paid out over 10 years 10 years from now, then the same thing for 2027-2032. It was encouraging to hear that David Blitzer was heavily involved in negotations as he will, assumedly, be the one paying Jose through 2052. I think it’s also important to note that Jose will very likely be a goodwill ambassador – if not MORE – for the Guardians as long as he lives. Or, as long as the planet/society exists, whichever end comes first. Long live, Jose!

MLB Trade Rumors, as usual, does a good job summarizing the news here. Jose has bonuses built in for MVP’s and MVP voting finishes, Gold Gloves, All-Star Games and LCS or World Series MVP’s. May he collect them all. He also gets a private jet ride per year, and to and from the All-Star game if he makes it, and an extra private hotel room on road trips. Hopefully, he also gets an upgraded Mario Kart set-up in the dugout.

Of course, the responses have ranged from unbridled joy, to performative virtue-signaling that “this doesn’t change the fact that ownership needs to invest in the team” (yes, Captain Obvious. Now, be happy for three seconds), to deranged resentment that Jose will be paid a ridiculously reasonable $15M per year to finish his Hall of Fame Career entirely as a Cleveland Guardian because Miguel Cabrera was paid twice as much and hampered a Tigers’ team whose fans still absolutely loved seeing him play out the last part of his Hall of Fame career in Detroit. Choose unbridled joy, folks.

It’s quite cold outside and snowy, but we only have 18 days until pitchers and catchers report and 27 days until the first Spring Training game. Keep your head up! Jose Ramirez loves you!

Avalanche vs Maple Leafs Prediction, Picks & Same-Game Parlay for Today's NHL Game

We're in for a matinee affair between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Colorado Avalanche. 

We’ve got two offensively driven teams that are struggling to defend, which is why my Avalanche vs. Maple Leafs predictions are all in on the Over.

Read all about it in my free NHL picks for January 25.

Avalanche vs Maple Leafs prediction

Avalanche vs Maple Leafs best bet: Over 6.5 (-125)

The Toronto Maple Leafs rank eighth in NHL scoring, while the Colorado Avalanche lead the league with an average of 3.94 goals per game. 

Conversely, both sides have struggled defending lately, with the Avs losing four of their last five outings — surrendering 23 goals in that span.

As for Toronto, it's allowed 29 over its last six games, going 1-3-2 in that stretch while going Over the total five times.

The Over has been an extremely profitable play for Leafs bettors this season, going 30-20-2, and I anticipate yet another high-scoring affair tonight with the high-flying Avalanche in town. 

Avalanche vs Maple Leafs same-game parlay

Auston Matthews has 11 goals in his last 14 games, and he'll need to step up with William Nylander sidelined.  

Max Domi is starting to gain momentum again alongside Matthews with four points in his last four games — three of which are assists. 

Avalanche vs Maple Leafs SGP

  • Over 6.5
  • Auston Matthews anytime goalscorer
  • Max Domi Over 0.5 assists

Avalanche vs Maple Leafs odds

  • Moneyline: Avalanche -180 | Maple Leafs +155
  • Puck Line: Avalanche -1.5 (+130) | Maple Leafs +1.5 (-150)
  • Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-125) | Under 6.5 (+105)

Avalanche vs Maple Leafs trend

The Leafs are 3-1 on the moneyline in the last four meetings between these two teams. Find more NHL betting trends for Avalanche vs. Maple Leafs.

How to watch Avalanche vs Maple Leafs

LocationScotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
DateSunday, January 25, 2026
Puck drop1:30 p.m. ET
TVAltitude, TSN4

Avalanche vs Maple Leafs latest injuries

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Best NBA Player Props Today for January 25: Leonard Does Damage from Deep

The weather outside might be frightful, but the NBA has a delightful eight-game Sunday slate to enjoy.

My three NBA player props and NBA picks should keep you interested all day long, with plays including Anthony Edwards and Kawhi Leonard.

Best NBA player props today

PlayerPickbet365
Pistons Jalen DurenTo record a double-double<<-115>>
Timberwolves Anthony EdwardsOver 3.5 threes<<-115>>
Clippers Kawhi LeonardOver 2.5 thres<<+105>>

Prop #1: Jalen Duren to record a double-double

-115 at bet365

Jalen Duren is a walking double-double, currently averaging 17.8 points per game and 10.9 rebounds per game. He's cleared 10+ points in every game this month with two double-doubles in his previous six games.

Today, he meets a Sacramento Kings small-ball group that ranks 29th in the NBA in rebounding. With Sacramento playing a more undersized frontline and struggling with its overall efficiency, Duren’s physical presence on both ends makes him a viable play this afternoon.

  • Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: FDSN-Detroit, NBCS-California

Prop #2: Anthony Edwards Over 3.5 threes

-115 at bet365

Anthony Edwards is on a tear. He’s averaging 4.0 made threes on 9.4 attempts over his last 10 games. He recently exploded for nine triples and has cleared the 3.5 mark in 60% of his recent outings. 

Facing a Golden State Warriors defense decimated by injuries and missing perimeter stoppers Jimmy Butler and possibly Jonathan Kuminga, Edwards should see high volume, and his elite 40% shooting from downtown makes this prop a high-value play.

  • Time: 5:30 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: FDSN-North, NBCS-Bay Area

Prop #3: Kawhi Leonard Over 2.5 threes

+105 at bet365

Kawhi Leonard has completely evolved his game this month, leaning heavily into his perimeter shot. He's cleared this 2.5-three line in six consecutive games, averaging a staggering 4.6 makes on nearly 10 attempts per outing during that stretch. 

He’s up against a Brooklyn Nets defense that he just torched for four triples on January 9, and I expect Leonard to see plenty of high-quality looks. With Leonard’s 40 % shooting and increased volume, three makes at plus-money is very realistic.

  • Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: FDSN-SoCal, YES

These props are available now at bet365, one of our best betting sites.

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Dodgers notes: Shohei Ohtani, Yu Darvish, Craig Kimbrel

During last year’s New York Baseball Writers’ Awards Gala, Shohei Ohtani was unable to attend the event despite being awarded his 2024 NL MVP plaque. This time around, in receiving his second consecutive NL MVP and third consecutive MVP, Ohtani was in person to present his acceptance speech. Just as he did when he accepted his second MVP award with Angels, Ohtani decided to present his speech in English with a bit of a comedic twist wrapped within.

“To all the writers who voted for me, thank you,” Ohtani said. “This MVP award is very meaningful, and winning it again means so much to me… To the ‘86 Mets team, I now know the feeling of what it’s like to become a world champion— and it’s great— so congratulations on your 40-year anniversary. Thank you to the Dodgers organization for believing in me and embracing my vision.”

Links

Former Dodger and current San Diego Padres right-hander Yu Darvish is at a crossroads in his playing career. Darvish only made 15 starts with San Diego this past season as he dealt with right elbow inflammation to begin the year. He will miss most, if not all, of the 2026 season after undergoing UCL repair surgery.

Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union Tribune reported that Darvish intended to retire and that he would forfeit the remaining three years and $43 million still left on his extension that he signed back in Feb. 2023. Darvish later refuted Acee’s claim by taking to his Twitter (X) account to announce that his retirement was a premature report. Should Darvish fail to complete his rehab, he will announce his retirement.

“You may have seen an article, and although I am leaning towards voiding the contract, there’s still a lot that has to be talked over with the Padres so the finer details are yet to be decided. Also I will not be announcing my retirement yet. Right now I am fully focused on my rehab for my elbow, and if I get to a point where I can throw again, I will start from scratch again to compete. If once I get to that point I feel I can’t do that, I will announce my retirement.”

Old friend Craig Kimbrel will try to play in his 17th big league season, as the reliever signed a minor league deal with the New York Mets. Jon Heyman of the New York Post was the first to report the signing.

Kimbrel most recently had a short-lived reunion with the Atlanta Braves that last all of an inning before spending the rest of the season with the Houston Astros. Between Atlanta and Houston, he posted a 2.25 ERA across 12 innings of work.

Prep talk: Pete Crow-Armstrong, Jack Flaherty honored at Harvard-Westlake

Chicago Cubs All-Star center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong returned to Harvard-Westlake's baseball field.
Chicago Cubs All-Star center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong returned to Harvard-Westlake's baseball field with his parents on Saturday to see his jersey number hanging on the outfield wall. (Eric Sondheimer / Los Angeles Times)

It was alumni day on Saturday at Harvard-Westlake's O'Malley Family Field, and the Wolverines unveiled a new way to honor their nine former players who made it to the major leagues. They have posted jerseys of the players on the outfield walls. Let's just say they might run out of room the way things are going.

"That's a good problem," coach Jared Halpert said.

Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong and Detroit Tigers pitcher Jack Flaherty joined former major leaguers Nik Turley and Josh Satin in being honored before a winter baseball game.

Youth players were there seeking autographs, and lots of former Harvard-Westlake players showed up.

Jack Flaherty with his mother at O'Malley Family Field on Saturday.
Jack Flaherty with his mother at O'Malley Family Field on Saturday. (Eric Sondheimer / Los Angeles Times)

Halpert said two more former Harvard-Westlake players are close to reaching the majors and first-round draft pick Bryce Rainer of the Tigers will surely see his jersey on the wall one day.

This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports. To submit any news, please email eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.

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Chicago Cubs news and notes — Ballesteros, Horton, Steele, Wiggins

The gloves are still on. But the Cubs are ‘going for it’, and there aren’t so many kids playing. Maybe Kevin Alcantara breaks camp with the big kids. Otherwise, it’s pretty much a veteran squad. Jaxon Wiggins might change that some, but he isn’t expected any time soon.

He’ll be handled with the proverbial sartorial accessory until then. Matt Shaw and Kevin Alcántara likely make the cut — if they do, then they and Cade Horton can be the younger generation and have their say.

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Yankees Potential Free Agent Target: Eugenio Suárez

Not every big move is created equally. Sometimes necessity meets opportunity, and you get the ideal scenario for a deal, something we recently saw with Cody Bellinger and an agreement to return to the Bronx that made too much sense for every party involved. Other times, as a team like the Dodgers has routinely shown, a big market club can and should take advantage of opportunities that present themselves to upgrade their roster with an unexpected maneuver.

The best available bat on the market is Eugenio Suárez, and if we scroll through his likeliest suitors on any number of lists currently out there, the Yankees won’t feature. But if we stop and think about it, should that really be the case?

2025 Statistics: 159 games, 657 PA, .228/.298/.526, 49 HR, 118 RBI, 125 wRC+, -3 Outs Above Average, 3.8 fWAR

2026 FanGraphs Depth Charts Projections: 147 games, 637 PA, .230/.306/.449, 33 HR, 89 RBI, 108 wRC+, 2.6 fWAR

As things currently stand, the Yankees will start the season with Ryan McMahon as the team’s primary third baseman. McMahon is, by all accounts, a solid player and a better defender than Suárez, but still a below league-average hitter—that’s not even contemplating a comparison with Suárez, one of the better power bats in the big leagues over the last five seasons. In the most basic of analyses, there shouldn’t be a situation in which the Yankees completely exclude themselves from checking in on what would be a significant improvement to their lineup.

If we start to peel back the layers a little more, you have the potential advantages of using McMahon as a depth piece, particularly when we acknowledge the Yankees have lacked reliable bench options in the last however many years, with infield depth a particular problem. Beyond that, look no further than the DH role, where you have Giancarlo Stanton as the projected starter—even removed from fielding obligations, Stanton is very likely to not deliver a full season, which will inevitably open up a decent chunk of at-bats to be spread around. Suárez could fill that role occasionally with McMahon at third whenever you want to prioritize defense.

Are the Yankees already a good offense without Suárez? Yes. Do they particularly need him? Not really. Would he make them better right now? Definitely. There is no way you could reasonably argue that the Dodgers needed Kyle Tucker, but they signed him anyway, exercising their position of financial strength, to make it happen. Signing Suárez would have an impact, but it’d hardly represent an unreasonable ask. With his age and a market that isn’t as open with other big names having already signed, Suárez might be more inclined to take a shorter deal with a higher AAV.

When it comes to assessing Suárez the player, he comes with a great track record of health, with 143 games being his single-season lowest mark since establishing himself as an everyday player back in 2016. While Suárez is not necessarily the world beater he seemed to be with the Diamondbacks for the first half of 2025, he is one of the biggest locks to hit 30+ bombs in any given season. Dating back to the start of the 2022 season, Suárez has a 119 wRC+. For the most part, we’re talking about a proven commodity. Why not be aggressive?

Mason Marchment Has Hat Trick, Blue Jackets Stop Lightning's 15-Game Points Streak

Cole Sillinger(6), Mason Marchment(10,11,12-ENG), Adam Fantilli(13), Dmitri Voronkov(17), Charlie Coyle(11-PPG), and Sean Monahan(8-ENG) torched the Lightning for eight goals, and Jet Greaves stopped 25 of 30 Tampa Bay shots to beat the Bolts 8-5 on Saturday night. 

This one wasn't pretty, and there was no better example than when Jet Greaves tried to clear a puck in front of his net and accidentally sent it into Isac Lundestrom's skate and into his own net. 

That play could have been a back breaker, and if we're being honest, a month ago, it probably would have been. But less than a minute later, Mason Marchment would score his first goal of the night to take the lead right back. From there, the game turned into a shootout, with Marchment and the CBJ getting the better of Tampa on this night. 

With the win, Columbus will win the three-game season series against the Lightning since 16-17. 

Team Notes Per CBJ PR

  • Columbus (2-0-0) has won the season series over Tampa Bay (0-2-0) with one game left on the schedule (Mar. 10 at Tampa Bay).  It’s the third time in club history CBJ have won the season series over the Lightning (multiple games) after going 3-0-0 in 2016-17 and 2-1-0 in 2013-14.
  • The eight goals scored by the Jackets tonight were the most tallied in the all-time series against the Lightning, besting the previous seven scored on Nov. 21, 2024 (7-6 OTW).
  • The Blue Jackets snapped the Lightning’s 15-game points streak, the second time the club broke an opposing team’s double-digit points streak this season (Jan. 3 vs. Buffalo, ended 10-game win streak).  According to NHL Stats, it’s the second time in CBJ history in which the club has snapped multiple opponents double-digits points streaks.  The other campaign was 2016-17 (Minnesota’s 13-game points streak; Montreal’s 10-game points-streak and Pittsburgh’s 10-game points streak).
  • Columbus has won six of its past seven games overall since Jan. 11 (6-1-0) as well as collected points in six of its last seven played at Nationwide Arena dating back to Jan. 3 (5-1-1).
  • The four goals scored by the Blue Jackets in the first period was tied for the most tallied by the club in a single period this season (2x before – MR: 2nd period on Dec. 6 at FLA).
  • The club scored the first goal of the game for the 30th time this season and for the 15th time in the past 20 outings.  The Jackets are 20-6-4 when scoring first overall and 12-4-1 when doing so at Nationwide Arena.
  • The Jackets scored in the opening 10 minutes of the game for the fourth-straight game with Sillinger’s goal 5:47 into the first period.  The team has scored in the first 10 minutes in seven of the last nine outings.

Final Stats

CBJ APP
CBJ APP

Player Stats

  • Cole Sillinger scored his 6th goal and had 2 shots. He scored the 200th goal of his NHL career (200-316-516, 1,001 GP) alongside collecting two assists for his fifth performance of at least three points this season (1-2-3). Tonight marked the second three-point game in his last six contests (Jan. 13 vs. CGY, 2-1-3) and he has tallied 5-3-8 in his past seven overall.
  • Mason Marchment scored three goals, an assist, and was a plus-2. He registered the third hat trick in his NHL career and first since Dec. 31, 2023 at Chicago (3-1-4) with his three goals and assist tonight against Tampa Bay (3-1-4). Marchment has picked up points in seven of his nine games as a Blue Jacket since making his debut on Dec. 20 (8-3-11, 3 multi-point efforts) to tie Zach Werenski (9 GP) and Artemi Panarin (9 GP) for the second-fewest games to 10 points with the franchise. He also became the third player in Blue Jackets history to record a hat trick prior to their 10th game (Nylander, 5 GP and Filatov, 6 GP). He has now tallied 7-5-12 in 15 career contests against Tampa Bay, with goals in back-to-back matchups and has posted points in six of his last seven home contests against the club (6-4-10).
  • Adam Fantilli scored his 13th goal and had 2 assists. He has points in four-straight games against Tampa Bay (2-4-6) and has 2-5-7 in six career games overall.
  • Dmitri Voronkov scored his 17th goal. Voronkov scored his first goal since Jan. 11 and has now collected 2-4-6 in eight career matchups against the Lightning, with points in four of his last five contests overall (2-3-5). With 58-54-112 in 199 career games played, he has tied Kristian Huselius for the eight-most goals score by a Blue Jacket prior to their 200th game with the franchise.
  • Charlie Coyle scored his 11th goal, had 2 assists and was a plus-3.
  • Sean Monahan scored his 8th goal. He also has posted 9-7-16 in 21 career games, with points in six of his last eight home games (4-5-9).
  • Kirill Marchenko had two assists. He recorded his third multi-assist – and seventh multi-point – game of the season with two helpers (0-2-2) and has picked up 2-6-8 in his last seven games. He now has points in nine of his 10 career matchups against Tampa Bay (6-7-13) and points in all five career games at Nationwide Arena (2-5-7).
  • Zach Werenski had two assists. He recorded two helpers for his 18th multi-point (8th multi-assist) game of the season and has picked up points in six of his past seven contests (3-6-9) as well as 15 of his past 17 (10-15-25). With 0-2-2 in the second period, he posted his 15th career multi-assist period to tie Rick Nash for the most in franchise history. Werenski improved to 8-15-23 in 26 career contests against Tampa Bay, including posting points in 13 of his last 15 games overall (7-13-20) and points in eight of his last nine played at Nationwide Arena (4-9-13).

Team Stats

  • The Jackets power play went 1/2.
  • The Columbus PK allowed one goal on two Tampa power plays.
  • Columbus only won 39% of the faceoffs - 23/59
  • The Blue Jackets had 27 hits and 15 blocks.

Up Next: Columbus is back at home on Monday to take on the Los Angeles Kings. 

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What the Rockets should do with the absence of Steven Adams

After Steven Adams left the game Sunday versus the New Orleans Pelicans with an apparent ankle injury, fans began speculating on the severity. Well, it was confirmed earlier this week that Adams has a grade-three ankle sprain, so fans should not be expecting him back anytime soon, as a grade-three ankle sprain can take up to nine weeks or more. The nine-week timeline would mean that it is possible Houston would not see Adams return until mid to late March, which would be right before the playoffs. It’s even possible he misses the season.

However, one benefit this Rockets team has is its depth, as Houston would be able to deploy numerous other players at center without even considering Alperen Sengun. If Houston wanted to continue to use the double-big lineup, Ime Udoka could utilize Clint Capela. Afterall, Houston did sign Capela as a way to ensure that with or without Steven Adams, the Rockets would be able to play big and dominate the glass. There is a definite drop-off from Capela to Adams, but Capela can still fill his role nicely.

However, Capela is not the only option, as Houston could turn away from the double big lineup and go for a small ball approach. In this case, two players come to mind as options: Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. Every Rockets fan is unfortunately familiar with the Golden State Warriors dynasty. Durant played a lot of small-ball center when Golden State would roll out their death-ball lineup, especially in the 2017-2018 playoffs. Additonally, Jabari Smith Jr. also has experience playing the five, but his overall skills are much more limited, but perhaps he will receive some opportunities to help aid his development.

Additonally Dorian Finney-Smith, Tari Eason, and Jeff Green could also fill in as centers, but due to Finney-Smith and Eason’s potential lack of ability, I doubt that will be explored as often. As for Jeff Green, so far this season, he has not been getting many minutes at all outside of garbage time, and it is clear Capela has likely supplanted him as that reserve center option.

Houston is back in action Monday at home versus the Memphis Grizzlies for Steven Adams and Reed Sheppard bobblehead night. Tip-off is at 7:00. As always, be sure to check back here at The Dream Shake for pre- and post-game coverage of the game.