3 hours ago
It's trade deadline season, and though this has been a tame deadline period so far, the continuous swirl of rumors and (eventually) actual transactions will be the focus of much of the baseball world in the coming days. Yesterday, we discussed which players the Yankees were most likely to move, and today, we ask: what weakness do the Yankees most need to address, and which one are they most likely to address?
The answer to this question has been fluid throughout the year. Early on, it seemed obvious to most that the Yankees would need to make big additions to their bullpen, yet here we are at the end of July, and the Yankee relief corps has the second-best ERA in the majors. Paul Blackburn has proven to be the second coming of Luke Weaver, Brent Headrick almost never allows runs, David Bednar has been the top-tier closer the team envisioned, and Matt Blake's latest reclamation project, Angel Chivilli, has looked dynamite since his most recent call-up. Add in the fact that players like Will Warren and Ryan Weathers (and perhaps Carlos Lagrange?) could get shifted to the bullpen if they're not traded, and the unit looks like an area of strength, not weakness.
At other times, the matter of the infield appeared to be most pressing. Ryan McMahon and Jazz Chisholm Jr. each got off to nightmarish starts, and the shortstop duo of Anthony Volpe and José Caballero has had its ups and downs. But even on the dirt, things don't look nearly as shaky as they did two or three months ago. Since seeing his OPS bottom out at .498 on April 22nd, Chisholm has played exactly as expected, with a .239/.309/.463 slash line and 16 homers plus 21 steals. McMahon has run a roughly .750 OPS over the last two months while bringing his usual quality defense at third base. And despite his penchant for high-profile miscues, Volpe's combination of high-OBP and good range at short has made him a valuable contributor.
Then, there's the most obvious need now, at catcher, with Yankee backstops having combined to "hit" .181/.261/.284. But even adding a catcher comes with major complications, as most teams are loath to make significant changes to their caching room midseason. For as awful as Austin Wells and Co. have been with the bat this year, a catcher's primary job is to catch, to field his position, to manage his pitching staff. The Yankee backstops have done that portion of their job with aplomb this year (it's probably not a coincidence that the Yankees prioritize defense at catcher and have the best team ERA in baseball), and it's not trivial to just add a plus bat to that room without shaking things up on the run-prevention front.
Add it all up, and it leaves the Yankee roster in a weird spot heading into a crucial deadline. The roster has been slammed by injuries and has some seemingly clear places to upgrade, but actually making those upgrades is less straightforward than it might appear. What do you think? Where are the Yankees most likely to make moves in the next four
The answer to this question has been fluid throughout the year. Early on, it seemed obvious to most that the Yankees would need to make big additions to their bullpen, yet here we are at the end of July, and the Yankee relief corps has the second-best ERA in the majors. Paul Blackburn has proven to be the second coming of Luke Weaver, Brent Headrick almost never allows runs, David Bednar has been the top-tier closer the team envisioned, and Matt Blake's latest reclamation project, Angel Chivilli, has looked dynamite since his most recent call-up. Add in the fact that players like Will Warren and Ryan Weathers (and perhaps Carlos Lagrange?) could get shifted to the bullpen if they're not traded, and the unit looks like an area of strength, not weakness.
At other times, the matter of the infield appeared to be most pressing. Ryan McMahon and Jazz Chisholm Jr. each got off to nightmarish starts, and the shortstop duo of Anthony Volpe and José Caballero has had its ups and downs. But even on the dirt, things don't look nearly as shaky as they did two or three months ago. Since seeing his OPS bottom out at .498 on April 22nd, Chisholm has played exactly as expected, with a .239/.309/.463 slash line and 16 homers plus 21 steals. McMahon has run a roughly .750 OPS over the last two months while bringing his usual quality defense at third base. And despite his penchant for high-profile miscues, Volpe's combination of high-OBP and good range at short has made him a valuable contributor.
Then, there's the most obvious need now, at catcher, with Yankee backstops having combined to "hit" .181/.261/.284. But even adding a catcher comes with major complications, as most teams are loath to make significant changes to their caching room midseason. For as awful as Austin Wells and Co. have been with the bat this year, a catcher's primary job is to catch, to field his position, to manage his pitching staff. The Yankee backstops have done that portion of their job with aplomb this year (it's probably not a coincidence that the Yankees prioritize defense at catcher and have the best team ERA in baseball), and it's not trivial to just add a plus bat to that room without shaking things up on the run-prevention front.
Add it all up, and it leaves the Yankee roster in a weird spot heading into a crucial deadline. The roster has been slammed by injuries and has some seemingly clear places to upgrade, but actually making those upgrades is less straightforward than it might appear. What do you think? Where are the Yankees most likely to make moves in the next four
1 day ago
The White Sox (55-51) waited until the bottom of the ninth to score any runs, and ironically ended up outhitting the Yankees (61-46), but they couldn't make the full comeback and fell just short, 3-2. Chase Meidroth saved the day from a 3-0 shutout, mashing a homer with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, but the bats were mostly quiet and couldn't provide run support for their pitching staff.
Giving the White Sox bullpen a bit of a reprieve from Monday night, Anthony Kay labored through 5 1/3 innings, looking sharp outside of his 29-pitch second inning. The lefty started the game on a high note by striking out the side in the top of the first — the first three of seven Ks during today's outing — but we can't say the same about the next frame.
Back-to-back singles from Jasson Domínguez and Trent Grisham led off the second frame and kicked off their three-run rally. Kay uncorked a wild pitch to move both runners into scoring position before Anthony Volpe lined a double off the top of the wall in right, scoring Domínguez. The southpaw worked around Jazz Chisholm Jr. with a strikeout, but Max Schuemann doubled to left to score another two runs to give the Yankees a 3-0 lead.
Kay was otherwise solid, and when a batter did reach base, he was able to work around it. The main issue, however, is that he received zero run support from the offense, which mustered only three hits while Kay was in the game. It helped that Kay gutted through five-plus innings, but without any run support, it hardly mattered.
Kay put Domínguez on for the second time to lead off the sixth, hitting his 20th batter of the season, and his 10th batter in his last nine starts. Though there was some weird communication between Tristan Peters and Braden Montgomery in right-center, Braden was able to snow cone the ball at the last second for the out.
#three #yankees #anthony
Giving the White Sox bullpen a bit of a reprieve from Monday night, Anthony Kay labored through 5 1/3 innings, looking sharp outside of his 29-pitch second inning. The lefty started the game on a high note by striking out the side in the top of the first — the first three of seven Ks during today's outing — but we can't say the same about the next frame.
Back-to-back singles from Jasson Domínguez and Trent Grisham led off the second frame and kicked off their three-run rally. Kay uncorked a wild pitch to move both runners into scoring position before Anthony Volpe lined a double off the top of the wall in right, scoring Domínguez. The southpaw worked around Jazz Chisholm Jr. with a strikeout, but Max Schuemann doubled to left to score another two runs to give the Yankees a 3-0 lead.
Kay was otherwise solid, and when a batter did reach base, he was able to work around it. The main issue, however, is that he received zero run support from the offense, which mustered only three hits while Kay was in the game. It helped that Kay gutted through five-plus innings, but without any run support, it hardly mattered.
Kay put Domínguez on for the second time to lead off the sixth, hitting his 20th batter of the season, and his 10th batter in his last nine starts. Though there was some weird communication between Tristan Peters and Braden Montgomery in right-center, Braden was able to snow cone the ball at the last second for the out.
#three #yankees #anthony
1 day ago
Welcome to another show at BCB After Dark: the grooviest spot for night owls, early risers, new parents and Cubs fans abroad. Come on in out of the heat. Everyone is welcome here. There's no cover charge. We still have a few tables available. Bring your own beverage.
BCB After Dark is the place for you to talk baseball, music, movies, or anything else you need to get off your chest, as long as it is within the rules of the site. The late-nighters are encouraged to get the party started, but everyone else is invited to join in as you wake up the next morning and into the afternoon.
Last night, I asked you what you'd give up for Padres reliever Adrián Morejón. The plurality of you, 31 percent of you to be exact, wouldn't give up any of my suggested prospects for Morejón. Thirty percent of you were willing to part with last year's first-round pick, Ethan Conrad.
On Tuesday night, I don't do movie stuff. But I will say, in reference to what I said about The Odyssey last night, I was in a Barnes & ******* le today and there were a couple of big Ancient Greek/Homer displays. But in any case, I always have time for jazz and that time is now.
Tonight I have pianist Robert Glasper performing Radiohead's "Everything in its Right Place" in Paris last month.
#night #dark
BCB After Dark is the place for you to talk baseball, music, movies, or anything else you need to get off your chest, as long as it is within the rules of the site. The late-nighters are encouraged to get the party started, but everyone else is invited to join in as you wake up the next morning and into the afternoon.
Last night, I asked you what you'd give up for Padres reliever Adrián Morejón. The plurality of you, 31 percent of you to be exact, wouldn't give up any of my suggested prospects for Morejón. Thirty percent of you were willing to part with last year's first-round pick, Ethan Conrad.
On Tuesday night, I don't do movie stuff. But I will say, in reference to what I said about The Odyssey last night, I was in a Barnes & ******* le today and there were a couple of big Ancient Greek/Homer displays. But in any case, I always have time for jazz and that time is now.
Tonight I have pianist Robert Glasper performing Radiohead's "Everything in its Right Place" in Paris last month.
#night #dark
1 day ago
Former Utah Jazz wing Johnny Juzang has left the NBA – at least, for now – and will continue his career in Turkey next season.
Juzang has signed with EuroLeague side Fenerbahce, whose name gets almost invariably attached to all fringe NBA players at some point, yet who have already officially announced this deal. It gives the 25-year-old swingman an opportunity to further establish himself overseas following four NBA seasons, three of which came with the Jazz – including by far his best one as a professional to date.
Johnny Juzang Fenerbahçeâde! ðð
Fenerbahçe Erkek Basketbol Takımımız, Amerikalı forvet Johnny Juzang (2.01cm – 2001) ile 1 yıllık anlaÅmaya varmıÅtır.
Amerika Kolej Ligiânde Kentucky (2019-20) ve UCLA (2020-22) formaları giyen Johnny Juzang, 2021 yılında UCLA formasıyla⦠pic.twitter.com/1lfXtvCToV
#jazz #utah
Juzang has signed with EuroLeague side Fenerbahce, whose name gets almost invariably attached to all fringe NBA players at some point, yet who have already officially announced this deal. It gives the 25-year-old swingman an opportunity to further establish himself overseas following four NBA seasons, three of which came with the Jazz – including by far his best one as a professional to date.
Johnny Juzang Fenerbahçeâde! ðð
Fenerbahçe Erkek Basketbol Takımımız, Amerikalı forvet Johnny Juzang (2.01cm – 2001) ile 1 yıllık anlaÅmaya varmıÅtır.
Amerika Kolej Ligiânde Kentucky (2019-20) ve UCLA (2020-22) formaları giyen Johnny Juzang, 2021 yılında UCLA formasıyla⦠pic.twitter.com/1lfXtvCToV
#jazz #utah
2 days ago
Once again on Monday night, New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe came under immense scrutiny regarding his defensive miscue. However, the Chicago White Sox failed to make a comeback out of it.
In the ninth inning with one out remaining and the Yankees leading by five runs, Volpe dropped a routine fly ball off Colson Montgomery. As a result, White Sox's leading runner, Sam Antonacci, came around to score as the game continued. Yankees reliever Camilo Doval was taken out of the game, and David Bednar had to walk in to get the final out. In the end, the Yankees won 9-5.
Despite Volpe's error not impacting the result of the game significantly, the Yankees shortstop received harsh treatment from fans.
"The never ending proof of why he should be nowhere near the majors. HE IS NOT FIT FOR THIS LEVEL OF BALL Yankees!!!" one fan wrote. "Can somebody, ANYBODY, send him down for good or trade him already?!?!? What's it gonna take?!?!?"
"He had no business trying to catch that. Jazz [Chisholm Jr.] should've been there or an outfielder. This is ridiculous," another added.
#game #volpe #ball #leading
In the ninth inning with one out remaining and the Yankees leading by five runs, Volpe dropped a routine fly ball off Colson Montgomery. As a result, White Sox's leading runner, Sam Antonacci, came around to score as the game continued. Yankees reliever Camilo Doval was taken out of the game, and David Bednar had to walk in to get the final out. In the end, the Yankees won 9-5.
Despite Volpe's error not impacting the result of the game significantly, the Yankees shortstop received harsh treatment from fans.
"The never ending proof of why he should be nowhere near the majors. HE IS NOT FIT FOR THIS LEVEL OF BALL Yankees!!!" one fan wrote. "Can somebody, ANYBODY, send him down for good or trade him already?!?!? What's it gonna take?!?!?"
"He had no business trying to catch that. Jazz [Chisholm Jr.] should've been there or an outfielder. This is ridiculous," another added.
#game #volpe #ball #leading
2 days ago
The Yankees (60-46) continue their four-game series at Rate Field tonight looking to build on last night's come from behind 9-5 win over the White Sox (55-50). New York remains 2.5 games behind the Rays in the AL East and comfortably atop the Wild Card standings. Thanks to the Guardians' loss last night, the Sox remain two games up in the AL Central.
Last night, the Sox jumped Max Fried early scoring three times in the first inning, highlighted by RBI hits from Colson Montgomery and Braden Montgomery. New York rallied in the fourth. The Yankees plated four runs. Ben Rice drove in a run with a groundout before Jazz Chisholm Jr. delivered the biggest hit of the inning, a two-run double to tie the game. Spencer Jones closed the scoring that inning with an RBI groundout. Chicago tied it in the fifth before the Yankees blew it open with a run in the seventh and four more in the eighth. Backup catcher Alí Sánchez delivered the knockout blow with a three-run homer to left in that decisive eighth inning.
Chicago managed 10 hits, matching New York's total, but defensive miscues proved costly. The White Sox committed three errors which extended rallies and certainly did not help Chicago's comeback efforts.
Tonight, the Yankees are expected to hand the ball to veteran ace Gerrit Cole (3-5, 3.92 ERA). Cole's last outing was against the Pirates last Wednesday. He threw a season-best seven innings allowing four hits and three runs while striking out 11. Two of the four Bucs' hits were home runs. Cole has now served up 11 home runs over his last 9 starts. Chicago is expected to counter with left-hander Anthony Kay (7-4, 4.21 ERA), who has been consistently good for much of the season. In July, Kay has given up seven runs in 18.1 innings of work. The issue has been stamina for the southpaw as Kay has not pitched more than 5.1 innings in any of his last 5 starts and has not reached the fifth in three of those five.
Lets dive further into tonight's game and find a sweat or two.
#yankees #runs #hits #innings
Last night, the Sox jumped Max Fried early scoring three times in the first inning, highlighted by RBI hits from Colson Montgomery and Braden Montgomery. New York rallied in the fourth. The Yankees plated four runs. Ben Rice drove in a run with a groundout before Jazz Chisholm Jr. delivered the biggest hit of the inning, a two-run double to tie the game. Spencer Jones closed the scoring that inning with an RBI groundout. Chicago tied it in the fifth before the Yankees blew it open with a run in the seventh and four more in the eighth. Backup catcher Alí Sánchez delivered the knockout blow with a three-run homer to left in that decisive eighth inning.
Chicago managed 10 hits, matching New York's total, but defensive miscues proved costly. The White Sox committed three errors which extended rallies and certainly did not help Chicago's comeback efforts.
Tonight, the Yankees are expected to hand the ball to veteran ace Gerrit Cole (3-5, 3.92 ERA). Cole's last outing was against the Pirates last Wednesday. He threw a season-best seven innings allowing four hits and three runs while striking out 11. Two of the four Bucs' hits were home runs. Cole has now served up 11 home runs over his last 9 starts. Chicago is expected to counter with left-hander Anthony Kay (7-4, 4.21 ERA), who has been consistently good for much of the season. In July, Kay has given up seven runs in 18.1 innings of work. The issue has been stamina for the southpaw as Kay has not pitched more than 5.1 innings in any of his last 5 starts and has not reached the fifth in three of those five.
Lets dive further into tonight's game and find a sweat or two.
#yankees #runs #hits #innings
2 days ago
Magic Johnson is optimistic about the Los Angeles Lakers' summer rebuild following LeBron James' departure.
The Lakers have signed seven new players, including two draft picks, to build around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
These include former Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler and ex-Toronto Raptors forward Sandro Mamukelashvili.
However, Johnson appears most pleased with the Lakers' one-year, $3.3 million signing of Matisse Thybulle.
Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images
#Lakers #johnson #Magic #lebron
The Lakers have signed seven new players, including two draft picks, to build around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
These include former Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler and ex-Toronto Raptors forward Sandro Mamukelashvili.
However, Johnson appears most pleased with the Lakers' one-year, $3.3 million signing of Matisse Thybulle.
Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images
#Lakers #johnson #Magic #lebron
2 days ago
It wasn't a pretty opening to the series, but the Yankees found their way Monday night in Chicago. Max Fried struggled mightily in his second start returning from the IL, putting them in a big hole early with an offense that hasn't been ****** e to exploding lately, but a pair of big innings turned this game from a deficit to a 9-5 win.
Last time out Fried was extremely sharp, going five strong despite a low pitch limit blanking the Pirates with just a single hit and walk going against him. Randal Grichuk greeted him with a leadoff double, and the wheels fell off from there. Munetaka Murakami followed up with a single to put runners on the corners, and after Fried struck out Miguel Vargas for the first out of the inning Colson Montgomery ripped a single to the right side that Jazz Chisholm Jr. barely couldn't corral scoring Grichuk. Chase Meridoth was up next and lifted a sacrifice fly to bring in a second run, and then Braden Montgomery lined a triple over the head of a diving Max Schuemann that brought in a third. It looked like Schuemann might've gotten messed up leaping for the ball, which would've complicated things for a Yankees team that is already down two of their starting outfielders, but thankfully he shook it off and stayed in the game.
View Link
Fried calmed down from there, working two straight clean frames, but the Yankee offense wasn't getting anything going at first against the rookie Noah Schultz, who entered the game with a gaudy 6.04 ERA. Paul Goldschmidt managed a two-out single in the top of the first, but the lineup otherwise went down in order the first time through. The fourth inning finally saw them break though, starting off with a pair of walks from Ben Rice and Goldschmidt to set up a rally. Jasson Domínguez singled to left but it was hit hard enough to prevent a run from coming in, bringing Anthony Volpe up with the bases loaded and no outs. Volpe managed to bring in a run, hitting a soft grounder to short that Luisangel Acuña was just barely able to scoop up and throw to first in time to convert an out from the play.
That would be all for Schultz, as the White Sox went to their 'pen and brought in Chris Murphy. The tide was turning though, and Chisholm provided the big blow of the inning with a double out to center to tie the game at three. Chisholm then stole third base on a head's up play noticing that the catcher was lazily flicking the ball back to the pitcher, and José Caballero walked to pass the baton over to Spencer Jones. Jones managed to convert, fighting off three foul ****** before grounding a ball in front of Caballero who was running on the pitch to prevent a double play opportunity and give the Yankees a 4-3 lead.
#fried
Last time out Fried was extremely sharp, going five strong despite a low pitch limit blanking the Pirates with just a single hit and walk going against him. Randal Grichuk greeted him with a leadoff double, and the wheels fell off from there. Munetaka Murakami followed up with a single to put runners on the corners, and after Fried struck out Miguel Vargas for the first out of the inning Colson Montgomery ripped a single to the right side that Jazz Chisholm Jr. barely couldn't corral scoring Grichuk. Chase Meridoth was up next and lifted a sacrifice fly to bring in a second run, and then Braden Montgomery lined a triple over the head of a diving Max Schuemann that brought in a third. It looked like Schuemann might've gotten messed up leaping for the ball, which would've complicated things for a Yankees team that is already down two of their starting outfielders, but thankfully he shook it off and stayed in the game.
View Link
Fried calmed down from there, working two straight clean frames, but the Yankee offense wasn't getting anything going at first against the rookie Noah Schultz, who entered the game with a gaudy 6.04 ERA. Paul Goldschmidt managed a two-out single in the top of the first, but the lineup otherwise went down in order the first time through. The fourth inning finally saw them break though, starting off with a pair of walks from Ben Rice and Goldschmidt to set up a rally. Jasson Domínguez singled to left but it was hit hard enough to prevent a run from coming in, bringing Anthony Volpe up with the bases loaded and no outs. Volpe managed to bring in a run, hitting a soft grounder to short that Luisangel Acuña was just barely able to scoop up and throw to first in time to convert an out from the play.
That would be all for Schultz, as the White Sox went to their 'pen and brought in Chris Murphy. The tide was turning though, and Chisholm provided the big blow of the inning with a double out to center to tie the game at three. Chisholm then stole third base on a head's up play noticing that the catcher was lazily flicking the ball back to the pitcher, and José Caballero walked to pass the baton over to Spencer Jones. Jones managed to convert, fighting off three foul ****** before grounding a ball in front of Caballero who was running on the pitch to prevent a double play opportunity and give the Yankees a 4-3 lead.
#fried
2 days ago
CHICAGO (AP) — Ali Sánchez hit a three-run shot for his first career homer and the New York Yankees beat the Chicago White Sox 9-5 on Monday night in the opener of a four-game series between playoff contenders.
Ben Rice hit a tiebreaking single in the seventh inning, and New York put away the game with four more runs in the eighth. Sánchez had the big blow, a two-out drive to left field on a 3-2 fastball from Sean Newcomb.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. had two hits, two RBIs and two steals for New York. Jasson Domínguez also had two hits and scored twice.
The Yankees (60-46) won for the sixth time in eight games and pulled within 2 1/2 games of idle Tampa Bay for the AL East lead.
Colson Montgomery had three hits for Chicago (55-50), which committed three errors in its third loss in four games. Noah Schultz allowed three runs in 3 1/3 innings for the AL Central leaders.
#three #four #game
Ben Rice hit a tiebreaking single in the seventh inning, and New York put away the game with four more runs in the eighth. Sánchez had the big blow, a two-out drive to left field on a 3-2 fastball from Sean Newcomb.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. had two hits, two RBIs and two steals for New York. Jasson Domínguez also had two hits and scored twice.
The Yankees (60-46) won for the sixth time in eight games and pulled within 2 1/2 games of idle Tampa Bay for the AL East lead.
Colson Montgomery had three hits for Chicago (55-50), which committed three errors in its third loss in four games. Noah Schultz allowed three runs in 3 1/3 innings for the AL Central leaders.
#three #four #game
2 days ago
The Yankees overcame Max Fried's season-low-tying start of three innings with four-run frames in the fourth and eighth to take Monday's series-opening game at the American League East-leading Chicago White Sox, a 9-4 win, rebounding from Sunday's 11-4 loss at the Philadelphia Phillies.
Fried's second start back from injury mirrored his season-worst outing May 13 at the Baltimore Orioles, a 7-0 loss, in which he allowed three runs on five hits in three innings. This time, Fried -- after returning from a two-month absence due to a left elbow bone bruise with one hit in five innings during last Wednesday's 5-3 10-inning loss against the Pittsburgh Pirates -- also allowed three runs on five hits and exited following three frames. Pulled after 39 strikes on 66 pitches while fanning four and walking two, Fried (4-3, 3.23 ERA) fell victim to a three-run first inning in which he started slow, allowing four of his five hits. Fortunately for Fried, the Yankees' bullpen and offense picked him up, but this was a step back from how he looked in his debut last week.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. was chief among New York's reinforcements, tying the game with a two-run double in the fourth inning that scored Paul Goldschmidt and Jasson Domínguez. Chisholm subsequently stole third base and scored when Spencer Jones grounded out to second with one out. When the Yankees led the White Sox (55-50) by a run in the eight inning, Chisholm's RBI single to score Domínguez padded the 6-4 lead and eventually break the game open. Chisholm's 2-for-4, two-RBI effort from the sixth spot in the order was the type of performance that New York needed to avoid a series-opening dud as he brought his slash line to .226/.299/.414 with 45 RBI and 29 steals through 99 games this season.
Between Chisholm's highlights, Ben Rice's go-ahead RBI single in the seventh inning with two outs to score Amed Rosario gave the Yankees the much-needed push after the White Sox tied the game at 4-4 with one out in the fifth. Rice, whose 2-for-4 evening included a leadoff walk that sparked New York's fourth inning, need to be the guy in this lineup without Aaron Judge and met the moment as the second-batting designated hitter Monday. Through 101 games, Rice is slashing .275/.363/.585 with 73 RBI.
With Cody Bellinger out for the next month and change due to a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, Max Schuemann's second start in left field saw him also lead off but underwhelm. Schuemann's two-game glimpse is an 0-for-7 sample size after Monday's 0-for-5 result out of the No. 1 spot in the order, which only adds to questions for Aaron Boone and the Yankees with the MLB trade deadline around the corner.
#game
Fried's second start back from injury mirrored his season-worst outing May 13 at the Baltimore Orioles, a 7-0 loss, in which he allowed three runs on five hits in three innings. This time, Fried -- after returning from a two-month absence due to a left elbow bone bruise with one hit in five innings during last Wednesday's 5-3 10-inning loss against the Pittsburgh Pirates -- also allowed three runs on five hits and exited following three frames. Pulled after 39 strikes on 66 pitches while fanning four and walking two, Fried (4-3, 3.23 ERA) fell victim to a three-run first inning in which he started slow, allowing four of his five hits. Fortunately for Fried, the Yankees' bullpen and offense picked him up, but this was a step back from how he looked in his debut last week.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. was chief among New York's reinforcements, tying the game with a two-run double in the fourth inning that scored Paul Goldschmidt and Jasson Domínguez. Chisholm subsequently stole third base and scored when Spencer Jones grounded out to second with one out. When the Yankees led the White Sox (55-50) by a run in the eight inning, Chisholm's RBI single to score Domínguez padded the 6-4 lead and eventually break the game open. Chisholm's 2-for-4, two-RBI effort from the sixth spot in the order was the type of performance that New York needed to avoid a series-opening dud as he brought his slash line to .226/.299/.414 with 45 RBI and 29 steals through 99 games this season.
Between Chisholm's highlights, Ben Rice's go-ahead RBI single in the seventh inning with two outs to score Amed Rosario gave the Yankees the much-needed push after the White Sox tied the game at 4-4 with one out in the fifth. Rice, whose 2-for-4 evening included a leadoff walk that sparked New York's fourth inning, need to be the guy in this lineup without Aaron Judge and met the moment as the second-batting designated hitter Monday. Through 101 games, Rice is slashing .275/.363/.585 with 73 RBI.
With Cody Bellinger out for the next month and change due to a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, Max Schuemann's second start in left field saw him also lead off but underwhelm. Schuemann's two-game glimpse is an 0-for-7 sample size after Monday's 0-for-5 result out of the No. 1 spot in the order, which only adds to questions for Aaron Boone and the Yankees with the MLB trade deadline around the corner.
#game
2 days ago
It's another week here at BCB After Dark: the hippest hangout for night owls, early risers, new parents and Cubs fans abraod. Come on in out of the heat. There's no cover charge. We promise not to trade you. We still have a few tables available. The hostess will seat you now. Bring your own beverage.
BCB After Dark is the place for you to talk baseball, music, movies, or anything else you need to get off your chest, as long as it is within the rules of the site. The late-nighters are encouraged to get the party started, but everyone else is invited to join in as you wake up the next morning and into the afternoon.
Last week I asked you which Angels' starter you'd rather the Cubs trade for: José Soriano or Reid Detmers? The vote was reasonably close, but a clear majority of 56 percent of you said you'd rather the Cubs acquire Soriano.
Here's the part where we listen to jazz and talk movies. You're free to skip ahead if you want. Or you're free to read whatever parts you want. It's your call.
Tonight I'm just not going to play around. Here's some classic John Coltrane playing "Impressions" with his quartet: McCoy Tyner on piano, Jimmy Garrison on bass and Elvin Jones on drums.
#soriano
BCB After Dark is the place for you to talk baseball, music, movies, or anything else you need to get off your chest, as long as it is within the rules of the site. The late-nighters are encouraged to get the party started, but everyone else is invited to join in as you wake up the next morning and into the afternoon.
Last week I asked you which Angels' starter you'd rather the Cubs trade for: José Soriano or Reid Detmers? The vote was reasonably close, but a clear majority of 56 percent of you said you'd rather the Cubs acquire Soriano.
Here's the part where we listen to jazz and talk movies. You're free to skip ahead if you want. Or you're free to read whatever parts you want. It's your call.
Tonight I'm just not going to play around. Here's some classic John Coltrane playing "Impressions" with his quartet: McCoy Tyner on piano, Jimmy Garrison on bass and Elvin Jones on drums.
#soriano
2 days ago
The Golden State Warriors have been linked to the biggest names in basketball for years now ... and the only star-level players they've been able to pair with Stephen Curry of late are Kristaps Porzingis and Jimmy Butler.
Both Porzingis' and Butler's Golden State have been injury-riddled, and now that LeBron James opted against a move to the Bay Area, the Warriors' blockbuster options are running thin.
After missing out on Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jaylen Brown on the trade market, could the Warriors be eying a deal for a key member of the Utah Jazz's young core?
Bleacher Report believes it's possible.
Andy Bailey put together a package Golden State could offer Utah for former All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen, and while the Jazz shouldn't make any major moves this summer, the offer is ... intriguing.
#porzingis
Both Porzingis' and Butler's Golden State have been injury-riddled, and now that LeBron James opted against a move to the Bay Area, the Warriors' blockbuster options are running thin.
After missing out on Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jaylen Brown on the trade market, could the Warriors be eying a deal for a key member of the Utah Jazz's young core?
Bleacher Report believes it's possible.
Andy Bailey put together a package Golden State could offer Utah for former All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen, and while the Jazz shouldn't make any major moves this summer, the offer is ... intriguing.
#porzingis
6 days ago
MANHATTAN — Folks, it really was a great year in sports, even for those of us who aren't regularly paying attention: The underdog New York Knicks won the NBA Finals, Shohei Ohtani defied baseball physics, and the Olympics introduced the masses to our new national treasure, Alysa Liu.
I spent a soggy, smoky night celebrating it all with some of the tallest and most talented people in the country at the 2026 ESPY Awards, hosted by comedian Marcello Hernández at Lincoln Center.
As someone who observes sports more from a cultural angle than a technical one, I admit I find most of the fun of televised competition to be the emotion and drama of it all (besides the whole "who's going to win" element). I also only learned that "ESPY" stands for "Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly" last night. I still had an amazing time.
Here's what I observed as an in-person attendee at the ESPYs that you might not have picked up during the televised broadcast on ESPN.
When I arrived at the theater for the red carpet, the air was heavy with wildfire smoke and the humidity of an impending deluge. Sure enough, it poured. The nasty summer storm cost everyone about an hour of interview time, but fortunately, I got to spend that time indoors chatting with Yahoo's correspondent for the night: Jazzy, a delightfully brilliant 16-year-old journalist. We spent a while fantasizing about the snacks we wished we had brought, and she recommended I try putting Flamin' Hot Cheetos in the freezer for 15 minutes, which I will be doing next time I anticipate being grumpy and impatient.
#espy #televised #folks
I spent a soggy, smoky night celebrating it all with some of the tallest and most talented people in the country at the 2026 ESPY Awards, hosted by comedian Marcello Hernández at Lincoln Center.
As someone who observes sports more from a cultural angle than a technical one, I admit I find most of the fun of televised competition to be the emotion and drama of it all (besides the whole "who's going to win" element). I also only learned that "ESPY" stands for "Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly" last night. I still had an amazing time.
Here's what I observed as an in-person attendee at the ESPYs that you might not have picked up during the televised broadcast on ESPN.
When I arrived at the theater for the red carpet, the air was heavy with wildfire smoke and the humidity of an impending deluge. Sure enough, it poured. The nasty summer storm cost everyone about an hour of interview time, but fortunately, I got to spend that time indoors chatting with Yahoo's correspondent for the night: Jazzy, a delightfully brilliant 16-year-old journalist. We spent a while fantasizing about the snacks we wished we had brought, and she recommended I try putting Flamin' Hot Cheetos in the freezer for 15 minutes, which I will be doing next time I anticipate being grumpy and impatient.
#espy #televised #folks
6 days ago
Welcome back! The Brewers are following today's regular game with what they're calling an Alumni Legends Game, a very fun concept after the success of last season's Alumni Home Run Derby. Stick around after the game to see franchise legends like Ryan Braun, Geoff Jenkins, Jeff Bianchi, and Brad Boxberger!
In all seriousness, this should be a great time as we see some of our favorite Brewers from the 21st century, including a few who we don't often see in Milwaukee. Personally, I'm jazzed to see Richie **** son, Bill Hall, Dan Kolb, and Doug Davis. Full rosters below.
If you're looking for today's game recap, find that here.
#welcome #home #derby #ryan
In all seriousness, this should be a great time as we see some of our favorite Brewers from the 21st century, including a few who we don't often see in Milwaukee. Personally, I'm jazzed to see Richie **** son, Bill Hall, Dan Kolb, and Doug Davis. Full rosters below.
If you're looking for today's game recap, find that here.
#welcome #home #derby #ryan
7 days ago
Darryn Peterson wanted to send a message during NBA Summer League with the foul limit originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
During the 2026 NBA Summer League, Darryn Peterson committed nine personal fouls during his debut for the Utah Jazz. It was clear that he was having fun with the unique rule at Summer League, where players are allowed up to 10 fouls before they are forced to sit on the bench.
Considering he was still impressive on offense with his 20.7 points per game average across the three games, he was still quite solid at Summer League. However, he wanted to make a point with his fouls, as he does not want his opponents to see him as a "weaker" player when it comes to physicality.
Ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft, scouts were worried about Peterson's strength, especially when it came to physicality. Some people also saw his injury struggles at Kansas as red flags for his future in the league. Like most players, Peterson became aware of that, so he wanted to make a point at NBA Summer League.
Since the scouts believe he struggles when the pressure goes up, he wanted to make sure that Summer League put a stop to those narratives. He was extra physical, which a lot of people did not expect, but it showed that he is ready for the league.
#players #still
During the 2026 NBA Summer League, Darryn Peterson committed nine personal fouls during his debut for the Utah Jazz. It was clear that he was having fun with the unique rule at Summer League, where players are allowed up to 10 fouls before they are forced to sit on the bench.
Considering he was still impressive on offense with his 20.7 points per game average across the three games, he was still quite solid at Summer League. However, he wanted to make a point with his fouls, as he does not want his opponents to see him as a "weaker" player when it comes to physicality.
Ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft, scouts were worried about Peterson's strength, especially when it came to physicality. Some people also saw his injury struggles at Kansas as red flags for his future in the league. Like most players, Peterson became aware of that, so he wanted to make a point at NBA Summer League.
Since the scouts believe he struggles when the pressure goes up, he wanted to make sure that Summer League put a stop to those narratives. He was extra physical, which a lot of people did not expect, but it showed that he is ready for the league.
#players #still
7 days ago
Pirates rookie Bubba Chandler entered this game with a 4.77 ERA and the highest walk rate (13.1-percent) of any starter in baseball. Of course, that means the Yankees got blanked and drew just one walk in his 6.1 innings of work. Fortunately, Max Fried was even more dominant in his first start back from injury in over two months, the two starters trading zeroes long enough for the Yankees to strike against the Bucs’ bullpen. A Jasson Domínguez RBI double and Anthony Volpe RBI single in the seventh proved the decisive blows as the Yankees did just enough to win, 2-0, to split the doubleheader and win the series.
Fans of sharp defensive execution were in for a treat in the first inning. Fried looked to have given up a surefire double down the line in left to leadoff batter Nick Gonzales, but Cody Bellinger played the carom off the sidewall perfectly and fired an inch-perfect throw to Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second, who barely had to move his glove to apply the tag to Gonzales’ foot. The next batter Jared Triolo got down a decent bunt to the left, but the four-time Gold Glover Fried was quick off his mound to field it and fire a strike to first. Fried finished the inning with a swinging strikeout of Bryan Reynolds on an elevated 98.3 mph four-seamer, his fastest pitch of the season. That high water mark wouldn’t last long, as the next inning he punched out Marcell Ozuna looking on a 99 mph four-seamer.
Perhaps a side effect of Fried being on a pitch count of just 60 pitches — the amount planned for a second rehab start that got scrapped in lieu of him starting this game — Fried’s fastball was coming out hot the whole outing. It averaged over 96 mph this afternoon, which is almost two mph above his season average. It is particularly encouraging given that the bone bruise Fried suffered manifested itself as significantly reduced pitch velocity in the May 13th start against the Orioles that he was forced to depart after three innings. That’s a roundabout way of saying that Fried now appears fully healthy.
Fried’s day was finished after five scoreless innings allowing just one hit and one walk with seven strikeouts on 57 pitches, efficiently using nearly all of those 60 pitches he was allotted for this start. The four-seamer was as good as I’ve seen from him in pinstripes, and it wasn’t just the velocity. He was able to consistently paint the top ledge of the zone with the pitch, creating ample opportunity for chase and swing-and-miss against the secondaries which resulted in a 37-percent whiff rate on the day.
View Link
#fried #yankees #inning
Fans of sharp defensive execution were in for a treat in the first inning. Fried looked to have given up a surefire double down the line in left to leadoff batter Nick Gonzales, but Cody Bellinger played the carom off the sidewall perfectly and fired an inch-perfect throw to Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second, who barely had to move his glove to apply the tag to Gonzales’ foot. The next batter Jared Triolo got down a decent bunt to the left, but the four-time Gold Glover Fried was quick off his mound to field it and fire a strike to first. Fried finished the inning with a swinging strikeout of Bryan Reynolds on an elevated 98.3 mph four-seamer, his fastest pitch of the season. That high water mark wouldn’t last long, as the next inning he punched out Marcell Ozuna looking on a 99 mph four-seamer.
Perhaps a side effect of Fried being on a pitch count of just 60 pitches — the amount planned for a second rehab start that got scrapped in lieu of him starting this game — Fried’s fastball was coming out hot the whole outing. It averaged over 96 mph this afternoon, which is almost two mph above his season average. It is particularly encouraging given that the bone bruise Fried suffered manifested itself as significantly reduced pitch velocity in the May 13th start against the Orioles that he was forced to depart after three innings. That’s a roundabout way of saying that Fried now appears fully healthy.
Fried’s day was finished after five scoreless innings allowing just one hit and one walk with seven strikeouts on 57 pitches, efficiently using nearly all of those 60 pitches he was allotted for this start. The four-seamer was as good as I’ve seen from him in pinstripes, and it wasn’t just the velocity. He was able to consistently paint the top ledge of the zone with the pitch, creating ample opportunity for chase and swing-and-miss against the secondaries which resulted in a 37-percent whiff rate on the day.
View Link
#fried #yankees #inning
8 days ago
A group of former Tigers have wrapped up their summer in Sin City.
Five players who finished their college careers with Missouri basketball saw playing time in the NBA Summer League, which ran July 9-19 in Las Vegas. The event is an opportunity for players to compete for free agent deals for the upcoming season.
Mark Mitchell played for the Denver Nuggets after signing an Exhibit 10 deal, Tamar Bates is on a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz, Sean East II was with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jevon Porter featured for the Memphis Grizzlies and Caleb Grill played for the Boston Celtics.
Ex-Tigers Trevon Brazile and John Tonje, who each spent a season in Columbia in their college careers, played for the Nuggets and Celtics, respectively.
Former Mizzou center Shawn Phillips Jr. initially signed a Summer League contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, but he did not appear in any games after he was named in an eligibility injunction filed in Ohio against the NCAA. Porter is part of a similar lawsuit in California.
#played #celtics #former #college
Five players who finished their college careers with Missouri basketball saw playing time in the NBA Summer League, which ran July 9-19 in Las Vegas. The event is an opportunity for players to compete for free agent deals for the upcoming season.
Mark Mitchell played for the Denver Nuggets after signing an Exhibit 10 deal, Tamar Bates is on a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz, Sean East II was with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jevon Porter featured for the Memphis Grizzlies and Caleb Grill played for the Boston Celtics.
Ex-Tigers Trevon Brazile and John Tonje, who each spent a season in Columbia in their college careers, played for the Nuggets and Celtics, respectively.
Former Mizzou center Shawn Phillips Jr. initially signed a Summer League contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, but he did not appear in any games after he was named in an eligibility injunction filed in Ohio against the NCAA. Porter is part of a similar lawsuit in California.
#played #celtics #former #college
8 days ago
After a stormy Tuesday kept the tarp on the field at Yankee Stadium, the Pirates (52-49) and the Yankees (56-44) will take the field today twice in the form of a day-night doubleheader. The Yankees sit atop the Wild Card standings and two games behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East while the Pirates sit 11 games back of the Brewers in the NL Central and tied for the final Wild Card spot.
As a refresher, New York won the series opener Monday night, 8-5, thanks in large part to a pair of home runs and five runs batted in by Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Game 1 today pits two veteran right-handers Mitch Keller (6-7, 5.14 ERA) and Gerrit Cole (3-5, 3.93 ERA) against one another. Keller has been bad for about the last six weeks allowing 26 earned runs over just 35 innings. In his two July starts he has been even worse allowing eight runs in nine innings. In his last start Keller gave up three home runs. Well, the Yankees hit more home runs than anyone. Cole is beginning to look more like himself following his return from Tommy John surgery in late May. He was special against the Dodgers in his last start…until his last pitch. Max Muncy took him to the second deck in the seventh inning in a 2-1 Yankees loss. In July, Cole has thrown 17.1 innings and allowed seven earned runs, walking two and striking out 21.
The nightcap features a matchup of power arms at very different points of their seasons. Bubba Chandler (3-8, 4.77 ERA) remains one of Pittsburgh's most talented young pitchers, possessing high-end strikeout stuff, but command issues have led to inconsistency. He has struggled recently, posting a 6.60 ERA over his last three starts. Chandler was better in his most recent start, though, allowing two runs over 4.2 innings. Great? Hardly but better than his previous two starts in which he allowed a combined nine runs in 10.1 innings of work. For the Yankees, all eyes will be on Max Fried (4-3, 3.21 ERA), who is being activated from the injured list for the nightcap. The left-hander has been sidelined since May with a bone bruise in his elbow and was originally expected to make another rehab start before joining the rotation. Instead, the rainout accelerated his return. Expectations are he will throw a max of 60 pitches tonight.
Lets dive further into today's doubleheader and find a sweat or two.
#last #starts
As a refresher, New York won the series opener Monday night, 8-5, thanks in large part to a pair of home runs and five runs batted in by Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Game 1 today pits two veteran right-handers Mitch Keller (6-7, 5.14 ERA) and Gerrit Cole (3-5, 3.93 ERA) against one another. Keller has been bad for about the last six weeks allowing 26 earned runs over just 35 innings. In his two July starts he has been even worse allowing eight runs in nine innings. In his last start Keller gave up three home runs. Well, the Yankees hit more home runs than anyone. Cole is beginning to look more like himself following his return from Tommy John surgery in late May. He was special against the Dodgers in his last start…until his last pitch. Max Muncy took him to the second deck in the seventh inning in a 2-1 Yankees loss. In July, Cole has thrown 17.1 innings and allowed seven earned runs, walking two and striking out 21.
The nightcap features a matchup of power arms at very different points of their seasons. Bubba Chandler (3-8, 4.77 ERA) remains one of Pittsburgh's most talented young pitchers, possessing high-end strikeout stuff, but command issues have led to inconsistency. He has struggled recently, posting a 6.60 ERA over his last three starts. Chandler was better in his most recent start, though, allowing two runs over 4.2 innings. Great? Hardly but better than his previous two starts in which he allowed a combined nine runs in 10.1 innings of work. For the Yankees, all eyes will be on Max Fried (4-3, 3.21 ERA), who is being activated from the injured list for the nightcap. The left-hander has been sidelined since May with a bone bruise in his elbow and was originally expected to make another rehab start before joining the rotation. Instead, the rainout accelerated his return. Expectations are he will throw a max of 60 pitches tonight.
Lets dive further into today's doubleheader and find a sweat or two.
#last #starts
8 days ago
MANHATTAN — Folks, it really was a great year in sports, even for those of us who aren't regularly paying attention: The underdog New York Knicks won the NBA Finals, Shohei Ohtani defied baseball physics, and the Olympics introduced the masses to our new national treasure, Alysa Liu.
I spent a soggy, smoky night celebrating it all with some of the tallest and most talented people in the country at the 2026 ESPY Awards, hosted by comedian Marcello Hernández at Lincoln Center.
As someone who observes sports more from a cultural angle than a technical one, I admit I find most of the fun of televised competition to be the emotion and drama of it all (besides the whole "who's going to win" element). I also only learned that "ESPY" stands for "Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly" last night. I still had an amazing time.
Here's what I observed as an in-person attendee at the ESPYs that you might not have picked up during the televised broadcast on ESPN.
When I arrived at the theater for the red carpet, the air was heavy with wildfire smoke and the humidity of an impending deluge. Sure enough, it poured. The nasty summer storm cost everyone about an hour of interview time, but fortunately, I got to spend that time indoors chatting with Yahoo's correspondent for the night: Jazzy, a delightfully brilliant 16-year-old journalist. We spent a while fantasizing about the snacks we wished we had brought, and she recommended I try putting Flamin' Hot Cheetos in the freezer for 15 minutes, which I will be doing next time I anticipate being grumpy and impatient.
#time #televised #folks
I spent a soggy, smoky night celebrating it all with some of the tallest and most talented people in the country at the 2026 ESPY Awards, hosted by comedian Marcello Hernández at Lincoln Center.
As someone who observes sports more from a cultural angle than a technical one, I admit I find most of the fun of televised competition to be the emotion and drama of it all (besides the whole "who's going to win" element). I also only learned that "ESPY" stands for "Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly" last night. I still had an amazing time.
Here's what I observed as an in-person attendee at the ESPYs that you might not have picked up during the televised broadcast on ESPN.
When I arrived at the theater for the red carpet, the air was heavy with wildfire smoke and the humidity of an impending deluge. Sure enough, it poured. The nasty summer storm cost everyone about an hour of interview time, but fortunately, I got to spend that time indoors chatting with Yahoo's correspondent for the night: Jazzy, a delightfully brilliant 16-year-old journalist. We spent a while fantasizing about the snacks we wished we had brought, and she recommended I try putting Flamin' Hot Cheetos in the freezer for 15 minutes, which I will be doing next time I anticipate being grumpy and impatient.
#time #televised #folks
9 days ago
Jacob Crews is the latest Missouri basketball alum to earn a professional opportunity this summer, as the wing signed to play for Donar Groningen in the Netherlands on Tuesday, according to a news release from the team.
Two Tigers from the 2025-26 team are now set to play overseas, as guard Jayden Stone signed a deal with the Sydney Kings earlier this summer.
Mizzou had multiple players participating in the NBA Summer League in July. Mark Mitchell signed an Exhibit-10 deal with the Denver Nuggets, Tamar Bates signed a two-way deal with the Utah Jazz and Caleb Grill (Celtics), Sean East II (Cavaliers) and Jevon Porter (Grizzlies) all appeared in Summer League games.
Former MU center Shawn Phillips Jr. briefly had a Summer League deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, but, like Porter, he is involved in litigation against the NCAA's age-based eligibility rule change and appears to be seeking an avenue back into college athletics.
Crews spent six seasons in college, including the past two years at Mizzou. He appeared in 66 total games for the Tigers, averaging 8.4 points, 3.7 rebounds and a 43.5% mark from 3-point range last season.
#signed #mizzou #mark
Two Tigers from the 2025-26 team are now set to play overseas, as guard Jayden Stone signed a deal with the Sydney Kings earlier this summer.
Mizzou had multiple players participating in the NBA Summer League in July. Mark Mitchell signed an Exhibit-10 deal with the Denver Nuggets, Tamar Bates signed a two-way deal with the Utah Jazz and Caleb Grill (Celtics), Sean East II (Cavaliers) and Jevon Porter (Grizzlies) all appeared in Summer League games.
Former MU center Shawn Phillips Jr. briefly had a Summer League deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, but, like Porter, he is involved in litigation against the NCAA's age-based eligibility rule change and appears to be seeking an avenue back into college athletics.
Crews spent six seasons in college, including the past two years at Mizzou. He appeared in 66 total games for the Tigers, averaging 8.4 points, 3.7 rebounds and a 43.5% mark from 3-point range last season.
#signed #mizzou #mark
14 days ago
MANHATTAN — Folks, it really was a great year in sports, even for those of us who aren't regularly paying attention: The underdog New York Knicks won the NBA Finals, Shohei Ohtani defied baseball physics, and the Olympics introduced the masses to our new national treasure, Alysa Liu.
I spent a soggy, smoky night celebrating it all with some of the tallest and most talented people in the country at the 2026 ESPY Awards, hosted by comedian Marcello Hernández at Lincoln Center.
As someone who observes sports more from a cultural angle than a technical one, I admit I find most of the fun of televised competition to be the emotion and drama of it all (besides the whole "who's going to win" element). I also only learned that "ESPY" stands for "Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly" last night. I still had an amazing time.
Here's what I observed as an in-person attendee at the ESPYs that you might not have picked up during the televised broadcast on ESPN.
When I arrived at the theater for the red carpet, the air was heavy with wildfire smoke and the humidity of an impending deluge. Sure enough, it poured. The nasty summer storm cost everyone about an hour of interview time, but fortunately, I got to spend that time indoors chatting with Yahoo's correspondent for the night: Jazzy, a delightfully brilliant 16-year-old journalist. We spent a while fantasizing about the snacks we wished we had brought, and she recommended I try putting Flamin' Hot Cheetos in the freezer for 15 minutes, which I will be doing next time I anticipate being grumpy and impatient.
I spent a soggy, smoky night celebrating it all with some of the tallest and most talented people in the country at the 2026 ESPY Awards, hosted by comedian Marcello Hernández at Lincoln Center.
As someone who observes sports more from a cultural angle than a technical one, I admit I find most of the fun of televised competition to be the emotion and drama of it all (besides the whole "who's going to win" element). I also only learned that "ESPY" stands for "Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly" last night. I still had an amazing time.
Here's what I observed as an in-person attendee at the ESPYs that you might not have picked up during the televised broadcast on ESPN.
When I arrived at the theater for the red carpet, the air was heavy with wildfire smoke and the humidity of an impending deluge. Sure enough, it poured. The nasty summer storm cost everyone about an hour of interview time, but fortunately, I got to spend that time indoors chatting with Yahoo's correspondent for the night: Jazzy, a delightfully brilliant 16-year-old journalist. We spent a while fantasizing about the snacks we wished we had brought, and she recommended I try putting Flamin' Hot Cheetos in the freezer for 15 minutes, which I will be doing next time I anticipate being grumpy and impatient.
15 days ago
Today in Boston Celtics history, in 2014, the storied ball club re-signed guard Avery Bradley to a four-year contract valued at $32 million, which was fully guaranteed and included no player or team options.
Bradley was picked up by the Celtics as the 19th overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft, following his collegiate career at the University of Texas. He remained with the team until the final season of that same contract. One of the last remaining players from the team's previous era of contention, at the start of that final season with Boston, he was traded to the Detroit Pistons, along with draft ******* ets, in exchange for small forward Marcus Morris Sr.
Bradley's trade was necessitated by the signing of former Utah Jazz All-Star forward Gordon Hayward in the summer of 2017. He averaged 12.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.7 ******* ists per game while with the team.
It is also the anniversary of Abdel Nader signing a four-year, $6 million deal with Boston in 2017. Nader was also drafted by the Celtics, with the 58th pick of the 2016 NBA Draft, and would play one season with the team before being dealt to the Oklahoma City Thunder, in which he logged 3 points and 1.5 rebounds per contest.
Phil Pressey was waived on this date in 2015, after two seasons with the team. The Dallas native was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Missouri in 2013, and he recorded 3.1 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.9 ******* ists per game. Demetrius Jackson was also waived today in 2017, having been drafted by the team in 2016 out of Notre Dame with the 45th overall pick. He was with the Celtics for just five games, over which he averaged 2 points per tilt.
Bradley was picked up by the Celtics as the 19th overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft, following his collegiate career at the University of Texas. He remained with the team until the final season of that same contract. One of the last remaining players from the team's previous era of contention, at the start of that final season with Boston, he was traded to the Detroit Pistons, along with draft ******* ets, in exchange for small forward Marcus Morris Sr.
Bradley's trade was necessitated by the signing of former Utah Jazz All-Star forward Gordon Hayward in the summer of 2017. He averaged 12.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.7 ******* ists per game while with the team.
It is also the anniversary of Abdel Nader signing a four-year, $6 million deal with Boston in 2017. Nader was also drafted by the Celtics, with the 58th pick of the 2016 NBA Draft, and would play one season with the team before being dealt to the Oklahoma City Thunder, in which he logged 3 points and 1.5 rebounds per contest.
Phil Pressey was waived on this date in 2015, after two seasons with the team. The Dallas native was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Missouri in 2013, and he recorded 3.1 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.9 ******* ists per game. Demetrius Jackson was also waived today in 2017, having been drafted by the team in 2016 out of Notre Dame with the 45th overall pick. He was with the Celtics for just five games, over which he averaged 2 points per tilt.
15 days ago
After the Los Angeles Lakers agreed to trade two first-round draft picks and two pick swaps to the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade for center Walker Kessler, they jettisoned Deandre Ayton, their starting center last season, to the Washington Wizards. That meant they needed a true backup center.
On Monday, they officially signed veteran Kevon Looney to a one-year contract. He will presumably serve as the main backup behind Kessler, with big man Sandro Mamukelashvili playing some minutes at the position with the Lakers go small.
In an interview with Mark Medina of Fadeaway World, Looney said he couldn't resist the opportunity to come to L.A.
“I knew I was going to be a free agent,” Looney said. “I looked at the landscape of free agency and where there was an opportunity where I could play. A few teams called looking for a backup big. LA is a place that I come to all the time. I’m here a lot of the times. I got a lot of friends and family. So to have the opportunity to join the Lakers, I couldn’t turn that down.”
The 30-year-old played his college basketball at the University of California, Los Angeles and recently got married in nearby Santa Barbara. After he was the No. 30 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, he spent his first 10 seasons with the Golden State Warriors, where he won three championships.
On Monday, they officially signed veteran Kevon Looney to a one-year contract. He will presumably serve as the main backup behind Kessler, with big man Sandro Mamukelashvili playing some minutes at the position with the Lakers go small.
In an interview with Mark Medina of Fadeaway World, Looney said he couldn't resist the opportunity to come to L.A.
“I knew I was going to be a free agent,” Looney said. “I looked at the landscape of free agency and where there was an opportunity where I could play. A few teams called looking for a backup big. LA is a place that I come to all the time. I’m here a lot of the times. I got a lot of friends and family. So to have the opportunity to join the Lakers, I couldn’t turn that down.”
The 30-year-old played his college basketball at the University of California, Los Angeles and recently got married in nearby Santa Barbara. After he was the No. 30 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, he spent his first 10 seasons with the Golden State Warriors, where he won three championships.
15 days ago
Caleb Wilson is finally a winner in Las Vegas after leading the Chicago Bulls to a victory in his third NBA Summer League game.
A former star for UNC basketball and the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft by the Bulls, Wilson has been a stat-stuffing star throughout his time at UNLV's Thomas & Mack Center. The 6-foot-10 forward continued that individual success in Chicago's 99-87 win against the former teammate Seth Trimble and the Washington Wizards on Tuesday, July 14. It was the Bulls' first win in Vegas.
Wilson had 19 points on 7 of 15 shooting, including 2 of 6 from 3-point range, scoring 11 points before halftime. He had a buzzer-beating 3-pointer at the end of the third quarter, adding eight rebounds, two blocks and two ***** ists in a summer-league low 23 minutes.
The rookie also took advantage of NBA’s one free-throw attempt rule for summer league, making his lone free throw after being fouled on a 3-point attempt in the first half. He was 2 of 12 from the stripe in his first two games.
DEFENSE: Caleb Wilson stats in NBA Summer League game for Chicago Bulls vs Utah Jazz
A former star for UNC basketball and the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft by the Bulls, Wilson has been a stat-stuffing star throughout his time at UNLV's Thomas & Mack Center. The 6-foot-10 forward continued that individual success in Chicago's 99-87 win against the former teammate Seth Trimble and the Washington Wizards on Tuesday, July 14. It was the Bulls' first win in Vegas.
Wilson had 19 points on 7 of 15 shooting, including 2 of 6 from 3-point range, scoring 11 points before halftime. He had a buzzer-beating 3-pointer at the end of the third quarter, adding eight rebounds, two blocks and two ***** ists in a summer-league low 23 minutes.
The rookie also took advantage of NBA’s one free-throw attempt rule for summer league, making his lone free throw after being fouled on a 3-point attempt in the first half. He was 2 of 12 from the stripe in his first two games.
DEFENSE: Caleb Wilson stats in NBA Summer League game for Chicago Bulls vs Utah Jazz
16 days ago
Through his first two NBA Summer League games, former UNC basketball star Caleb Wilson is putting the league on notice.
In his July 10 debut, Caleb Wilson scored a record 35 points. On Monday night, Wilson led all players with 19 points and five blocks.
Wilson's play is also drawing the attention of prominent sports journalists. In a Tuesday morning episode of ESPN's Get Up, ******* yst Seth Greenberg and ESPN NBA Senior Writer Vince Goodwill delivered massive praise for the former Tar Heel.
“If you look at upside, someone’s potential, not right now but two three years from now, he has the greatest upside of all these rookies," Greenberg said.
Wilson, the fourth overall pick in this year's NBA Draft, already faced off against third overall pick Cameron Boozer back on July 10, out-dueling him in the Chicago Bulls' 97-96 loss to the Memphis Grizzles. Wilson played against the Utah Jazz Monday night, but second overall pick Darryn Peterson didn't play.
In his July 10 debut, Caleb Wilson scored a record 35 points. On Monday night, Wilson led all players with 19 points and five blocks.
Wilson's play is also drawing the attention of prominent sports journalists. In a Tuesday morning episode of ESPN's Get Up, ******* yst Seth Greenberg and ESPN NBA Senior Writer Vince Goodwill delivered massive praise for the former Tar Heel.
“If you look at upside, someone’s potential, not right now but two three years from now, he has the greatest upside of all these rookies," Greenberg said.
Wilson, the fourth overall pick in this year's NBA Draft, already faced off against third overall pick Cameron Boozer back on July 10, out-dueling him in the Chicago Bulls' 97-96 loss to the Memphis Grizzles. Wilson played against the Utah Jazz Monday night, but second overall pick Darryn Peterson didn't play.
16 days ago
Walker Kessler understands the expectations that come with being a Los Angeles Laker.
After the Lakers made a major investment to acquire the 24-year-old center from the Utah Jazz, Kessler met with the media for the first time in Las Vegas on Monday and expressed his excitement about joining L.A.
The Lakers acquired Kessler in a blockbuster offseason trade on July 1, sending two unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and two first-round pick swaps in 2028 and 2030 to Utah in a sign-and-trade deal.
Shortly after the deal, Kessler agreed to a four-year, $130 million contract extension, showing how highly the organization views his future.
Kessler said knowing the Lakers' belief in him has motivated him even more entering this next chapter in his career.
After the Lakers made a major investment to acquire the 24-year-old center from the Utah Jazz, Kessler met with the media for the first time in Las Vegas on Monday and expressed his excitement about joining L.A.
The Lakers acquired Kessler in a blockbuster offseason trade on July 1, sending two unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and two first-round pick swaps in 2028 and 2030 to Utah in a sign-and-trade deal.
Shortly after the deal, Kessler agreed to a four-year, $130 million contract extension, showing how highly the organization views his future.
Kessler said knowing the Lakers' belief in him has motivated him even more entering this next chapter in his career.
16 days ago
Washington Wizards rookie and No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa is done for the remainder of NBA Summer League. The BYU product was shut down by his team on Tuesday, July 14. According to The Athletic, Wizards Summer League coach T.J. Sorrentine informed Dybantsa that he will not play in the team's final two games.
This is a normal situation for highly-touted prospects. Many first-round picks are shut down after two Summer League games as a precaution to ensure no injuries are sustained before their rookie season.
Dybantsa has drawn a good amount of hype heading into the 2026-27 season, with even veteran teammates like Trae Young attending the team's Summer League games in Las Vegas for an early glimpse at the up-and-comer. And Dybantsa didn't disappoint.
In just two games, Dybantsa averaged 25.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.0 ***** ists per game, helping lead the Wizards to wins over both the Utah Jazz and Sacramento Kings.
More: The Wizards set the table nicely for AJ Dybantsa to thrive right away
This is a normal situation for highly-touted prospects. Many first-round picks are shut down after two Summer League games as a precaution to ensure no injuries are sustained before their rookie season.
Dybantsa has drawn a good amount of hype heading into the 2026-27 season, with even veteran teammates like Trae Young attending the team's Summer League games in Las Vegas for an early glimpse at the up-and-comer. And Dybantsa didn't disappoint.
In just two games, Dybantsa averaged 25.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.0 ***** ists per game, helping lead the Wizards to wins over both the Utah Jazz and Sacramento Kings.
More: The Wizards set the table nicely for AJ Dybantsa to thrive right away
16 days ago
Bulls' Caleb Wilson goes viral for what he did in Las Vegas originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Summer League is the time for rookies and newer players to prove themselves in the NBA. Chicago Bulls rookie Caleb Wilson is in prove it mode, even though he comes to the NBA with plenty of experience and healthy status. Still, taking the leap from college to the pros is never easy, and Wilson is out to make sure the Bulls know they did the right thing by selecting him at No. 4 in the draft.
Well, Wilson did that and more when he and the Bulls took on the Utah Jazz on Monday. Chicago was behind by a landside when Wilson popped off in the fourth quarter. He scored seven straight points and basically took over. By the end of the contest, Wilson chipped in 19 points, and he shot 8-for-17 with five blocks. The Bulls still lost, but that didn't take away from Wilson's showing.
Wilson showed that he has the stamina and aggression to make it in the NBA. Now, his best moment from the night is going viral.
In the fourth quarter, Wilson had a dunk that was nothing short of spectacular. The NBA took to X to share the moment, and it's up to nearly 3 million views.
Summer League is the time for rookies and newer players to prove themselves in the NBA. Chicago Bulls rookie Caleb Wilson is in prove it mode, even though he comes to the NBA with plenty of experience and healthy status. Still, taking the leap from college to the pros is never easy, and Wilson is out to make sure the Bulls know they did the right thing by selecting him at No. 4 in the draft.
Well, Wilson did that and more when he and the Bulls took on the Utah Jazz on Monday. Chicago was behind by a landside when Wilson popped off in the fourth quarter. He scored seven straight points and basically took over. By the end of the contest, Wilson chipped in 19 points, and he shot 8-for-17 with five blocks. The Bulls still lost, but that didn't take away from Wilson's showing.
Wilson showed that he has the stamina and aggression to make it in the NBA. Now, his best moment from the night is going viral.
In the fourth quarter, Wilson had a dunk that was nothing short of spectacular. The NBA took to X to share the moment, and it's up to nearly 3 million views.
16 days ago
Jul. 14—➜ The former Illini and Los Angeles Clippers rookie scored 23 points and was 4 of 7 from three-point range during the Clippers' 104-82 win against the Utah Jazz on Sunday night in an NBA Summer League game from Las Vegas.
➜ during their 104-85 victory on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings from Las Vegas.
➜ Defensive specialist and setter will represent the Illini.
baseball players selected in this year's MLB draft before the Los Angeles Dodgers took Illinois left-handed reliever with the 613th and final pick of the 20-round draft on Sunday evening. Bates earned All-Big Ten Third Team honors during the 2025 season before missing the 2026 season because of an injury. He went 2-2 with a 2.83 earned run average, 34 strikeouts and 16 walks in 28 2/3 innings in 2025.
➜ Two former Illinois teammates — with the Bucks and with the Hornets — could guard each other in this NBA Summer League game that tips off at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday from Las Vegas.
➜ during their 104-85 victory on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings from Las Vegas.
➜ Defensive specialist and setter will represent the Illini.
baseball players selected in this year's MLB draft before the Los Angeles Dodgers took Illinois left-handed reliever with the 613th and final pick of the 20-round draft on Sunday evening. Bates earned All-Big Ten Third Team honors during the 2025 season before missing the 2026 season because of an injury. He went 2-2 with a 2.83 earned run average, 34 strikeouts and 16 walks in 28 2/3 innings in 2025.
➜ Two former Illinois teammates — with the Bucks and with the Hornets — could guard each other in this NBA Summer League game that tips off at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday from Las Vegas.
16 days ago
July 14 (UPI) -- Utah Jazz guard Trey Alexander injured his side and left on a stretcher during an NBA summer league game against the Chicago Bulls in Las Vegas.
The injury occurred in the final minutes of the Jazz's 80-63 triumph Monday at Thomas & Mack Center. Alexander was 0 for 5 and totaled one point, six rebounds and three ****** ists for the Jazz.
Jazz summer league coach Steve Wojciechowski did not provide an update on Alexander's status.
"I actually didn't see what happened," Wojciechowski said. "I don't have an update for you, other than he is being cared for by our medical staff."
The Jazz led 70-58 with about 2:30 remaining when Alexander dribbled near half court. Bulls forward Caleb Wilson picked up Alexander as he dribbled down the right flank.
The injury occurred in the final minutes of the Jazz's 80-63 triumph Monday at Thomas & Mack Center. Alexander was 0 for 5 and totaled one point, six rebounds and three ****** ists for the Jazz.
Jazz summer league coach Steve Wojciechowski did not provide an update on Alexander's status.
"I actually didn't see what happened," Wojciechowski said. "I don't have an update for you, other than he is being cared for by our medical staff."
The Jazz led 70-58 with about 2:30 remaining when Alexander dribbled near half court. Bulls forward Caleb Wilson picked up Alexander as he dribbled down the right flank.
