1 month ago
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Padres fans and fans across the country.
The San Diego Padres made it through much of the 2026 season with bubble gum and duct tape holding their starting pitching staff together. Michael King and Walker Buehler have been the only two constants in the rotation while other starters like Randy Vasquez, Griffin Canning and German Marquez, who is no longer with the team, have been used as starters and have worked out of the bullpen as a result of their struggles on the mound. The one constant for the San Diego rotation has been inconsistency.
Padres general manager and president of baseball operations A.J. Preller tried to address the rotation at the trade deadline. He went out and got arguably two of the top starters on the market in Casey Mize from the Detroit Tigers and Robbie Ray from the San Francisco Giants. San Diego had to use some of what little capital it has left in the minor league system to make the additions, but the moves by Preller at the deadline were widely praised by MLB pundits and fans alike.
The additions of Mize and Ray could have been foreshadowing what was to come over the remaining months of the season. Starters Joe Musgrove and Nick Pivetta have each been working back from injury throughout the first half of the season. Musgrove has had a much slower rehab process recovering from Tommy John surgery following the 2024 season than was expected by much of the Friar Faithful. Pivetta went down early in the season and has slowly worked back to health and is pitching in various stages of the San Diego minor league system on rehab ****** ignments.
Musgrove and Pivetta have each had setbacks in their processes and it was revealed on Wednesday that Musgrove had another setback with arm soreness following his last rehab start at Triple-A when the El Paso Chihuahuas were in Oklahoma City. Pivetta pitched for El Paso as well and looked good considering the last time he was on the mound in Lake Elsinore he walked off the mound suddenly and did not return to the game. It was revealed later he felt some discomfort, but it turned out to be inconsequential and he threw additional pitches in a bullpen session that same day.
#diego #starters #Padres #much
The San Diego Padres made it through much of the 2026 season with bubble gum and duct tape holding their starting pitching staff together. Michael King and Walker Buehler have been the only two constants in the rotation while other starters like Randy Vasquez, Griffin Canning and German Marquez, who is no longer with the team, have been used as starters and have worked out of the bullpen as a result of their struggles on the mound. The one constant for the San Diego rotation has been inconsistency.
Padres general manager and president of baseball operations A.J. Preller tried to address the rotation at the trade deadline. He went out and got arguably two of the top starters on the market in Casey Mize from the Detroit Tigers and Robbie Ray from the San Francisco Giants. San Diego had to use some of what little capital it has left in the minor league system to make the additions, but the moves by Preller at the deadline were widely praised by MLB pundits and fans alike.
The additions of Mize and Ray could have been foreshadowing what was to come over the remaining months of the season. Starters Joe Musgrove and Nick Pivetta have each been working back from injury throughout the first half of the season. Musgrove has had a much slower rehab process recovering from Tommy John surgery following the 2024 season than was expected by much of the Friar Faithful. Pivetta went down early in the season and has slowly worked back to health and is pitching in various stages of the San Diego minor league system on rehab ****** ignments.
Musgrove and Pivetta have each had setbacks in their processes and it was revealed on Wednesday that Musgrove had another setback with arm soreness following his last rehab start at Triple-A when the El Paso Chihuahuas were in Oklahoma City. Pivetta pitched for El Paso as well and looked good considering the last time he was on the mound in Lake Elsinore he walked off the mound suddenly and did not return to the game. It was revealed later he felt some discomfort, but it turned out to be inconsequential and he threw additional pitches in a bullpen session that same day.
#diego #starters #Padres #much
1 month ago
Photo by Aprilia.
Friday practice at MotorLand Aragon produced the closest top three ever recorded on a MotoGP Friday, with Marco Bezzecchi, Alex Marquez and Marc Marquez trading fastest laps in the final minutes of a session that saw the circuit lap record fall three separate times, according to MotoGP.
Marc Marquez had controlled the running from the outset, exactly the kind of dominance his record at Aragon suggests. He owns seven MotoGP wins at the venue, and for most of the session he sat comfortably ahead of ****** le rival Bezzecchi, with Fabio Di Giannantonio in third after recovering from an FP1 crash. That control held until the final quarter of an hour, however, when time-attack runs turned the timing screens red.
Fermin Aldeguer was the first to unseat the #93 , briefly taking P1 before Jorge Martin, Bezzecchi and Pedro Acosta all fired in quick laps. Marc responded with a 1:45.493 to obliterate his own lap record. But the mark did not stand. Instead, Bezzecchi produced a 1:45.455 to ****** top spot from the home hero by just 0.038s, per MotoGP's timing.
Alex Marquez, on Gresini machinery, had been chasing throughout. He got within a few hundredths of the old record on his first attempt and was 0.273s off P1 heading into the closing minutes. His final effort was enough to leapfrog brother Marc but fell short of Bezzecchi and the top spot, leaving the two ****** le contenders separated by that slender margin at the head of the timesheets. As a result, the Marquez brothers were denied what would have been a perfect homecoming on a circuit that has long favored the family.
#bezzecchi #marquez #marc #aragon
Friday practice at MotorLand Aragon produced the closest top three ever recorded on a MotoGP Friday, with Marco Bezzecchi, Alex Marquez and Marc Marquez trading fastest laps in the final minutes of a session that saw the circuit lap record fall three separate times, according to MotoGP.
Marc Marquez had controlled the running from the outset, exactly the kind of dominance his record at Aragon suggests. He owns seven MotoGP wins at the venue, and for most of the session he sat comfortably ahead of ****** le rival Bezzecchi, with Fabio Di Giannantonio in third after recovering from an FP1 crash. That control held until the final quarter of an hour, however, when time-attack runs turned the timing screens red.
Fermin Aldeguer was the first to unseat the #93 , briefly taking P1 before Jorge Martin, Bezzecchi and Pedro Acosta all fired in quick laps. Marc responded with a 1:45.493 to obliterate his own lap record. But the mark did not stand. Instead, Bezzecchi produced a 1:45.455 to ****** top spot from the home hero by just 0.038s, per MotoGP's timing.
Alex Marquez, on Gresini machinery, had been chasing throughout. He got within a few hundredths of the old record on his first attempt and was 0.273s off P1 heading into the closing minutes. His final effort was enough to leapfrog brother Marc but fell short of Bezzecchi and the top spot, leaving the two ****** le contenders separated by that slender margin at the head of the timesheets. As a result, the Marquez brothers were denied what would have been a perfect homecoming on a circuit that has long favored the family.
#bezzecchi #marquez #marc #aragon
1 month ago
Chicago Cubs star Pete Crow-Armstrong was livid on Wednesday afternoon after their 2-0 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Crew chief Alfonso Márquez ended up backing him up later on, too.
Crow-Armstrong was on third in the sixth inning after kicking off the frame with a double. But as Crow-Armstrong started to work his way down the third base line like he was stealing home, Diamondbacks starter Eduardo Rodriquez threw a quick pitch — but only after he had already started his initial windup and it appeared that he had pulled his left foot off the mound.
Crow-Armstrong thought he had drawn a balk, but Márquez and the rest of the umpire crew disagreed. Crow-Armstrong was furious, and had to be held back by third base coach Quintin Berry.
Crew chief Alfonso Márquez on missed balk call in Cubs-Diamondbacks game, via MegMontemurro:
"We just didn’t see it. After looking at the video [postgame], it looked like he stepped off."
The play is not reviewable.pic.twitter.com/twamk4c0cj
#armstrong #Third #chief #started
Crew chief Alfonso Márquez ended up backing him up later on, too.
Crow-Armstrong was on third in the sixth inning after kicking off the frame with a double. But as Crow-Armstrong started to work his way down the third base line like he was stealing home, Diamondbacks starter Eduardo Rodriquez threw a quick pitch — but only after he had already started his initial windup and it appeared that he had pulled his left foot off the mound.
Crow-Armstrong thought he had drawn a balk, but Márquez and the rest of the umpire crew disagreed. Crow-Armstrong was furious, and had to be held back by third base coach Quintin Berry.
Crew chief Alfonso Márquez on missed balk call in Cubs-Diamondbacks game, via MegMontemurro:
"We just didn’t see it. After looking at the video [postgame], it looked like he stepped off."
The play is not reviewable.pic.twitter.com/twamk4c0cj
#armstrong #Third #chief #started
2 months ago
Having notched 50 wins on Sunday against the Giants, the Colorado Rockies will now take on the NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers in search of more with a three-game series at Coors Field starting tonight.
The roster will look a bit different as the Rockies made some moves earlier on Monday, notably designating starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen for **** ignment and recalling TJ Shook.
Colorado (50-74) will send its winningest pitcher to the mound to face L.A. (74-51). Tomoyuki Sugano (菅野 智, 12-5, 4.43) has the most wins in a Rockies uniform since Germán Márquez posted 12 in 2021. Like many, Sugano has struggled vs. the Dodgers this season. In two starts, he's gone 0-2 with an 8.31 ERA, surrendering three homers with six strikeouts in 8.2 innings.
LHP Blake Snell (0-1, 5.00) will be on the mound for the Dodgers, making only his third start of the season. Snell made one start in May before going on the 60-day IL with loose bodies in his left elbow. In his first game back, Snell was outstanding, giving up one run on three hits with 10 strikeouts and one walk in six innings on Aug. 11 against Kansas City.
The Dodgers enter the season having played 10 games in the last 10 days, going 5-5 over the stretch. The Rockies have also gone 5-5 in their last 10 games, having won two series on the road against Arizona and San Francisco.
#sugano
The roster will look a bit different as the Rockies made some moves earlier on Monday, notably designating starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen for **** ignment and recalling TJ Shook.
Colorado (50-74) will send its winningest pitcher to the mound to face L.A. (74-51). Tomoyuki Sugano (菅野 智, 12-5, 4.43) has the most wins in a Rockies uniform since Germán Márquez posted 12 in 2021. Like many, Sugano has struggled vs. the Dodgers this season. In two starts, he's gone 0-2 with an 8.31 ERA, surrendering three homers with six strikeouts in 8.2 innings.
LHP Blake Snell (0-1, 5.00) will be on the mound for the Dodgers, making only his third start of the season. Snell made one start in May before going on the 60-day IL with loose bodies in his left elbow. In his first game back, Snell was outstanding, giving up one run on three hits with 10 strikeouts and one walk in six innings on Aug. 11 against Kansas City.
The Dodgers enter the season having played 10 games in the last 10 days, going 5-5 over the stretch. The Rockies have also gone 5-5 in their last 10 games, having won two series on the road against Arizona and San Francisco.
#sugano
2 months ago
Luren Márquez's road to Miss Universe 2026 just took a dramatic turn. Only hours after the Miss Peru Organization stripped Márquez of her Miss Peru 2026 ***** le and appeared ready to select another woman to represent the country, the 27-year-old beauty queen received a second chance. She has her ***** le back and is once again preparing to represent Peru at Miss Universe 2026 in Puerto Rico.
The reversal came after Márquez publicly apologized to the Miss Peru Organization and its director, Jessica Newton, while acknowledging that she had made mistakes. "Today I want to speak from a place of responsibility. I made mistakes and I accept the consequences of my decisions," Márquez said in Spanish in a video shared on social media.
Miss Peru 2026 Luren Márquez is back after losing her crown. (@ LurenMarquez)
Now, instead of searching for a replacement, Peru is moving forward with the same queen it crowned four months ago.
The controversy began on August 13, when the Miss Peru Organization announced that Márquez would no longer hold the Miss Peru 2026 ***** le. The organization also said her participation in Miss Universe 2026 had been canceled and indicated that information about a new representative would be announced later. However, it did not publicly explain what led to Márquez's removal.
#miss
The reversal came after Márquez publicly apologized to the Miss Peru Organization and its director, Jessica Newton, while acknowledging that she had made mistakes. "Today I want to speak from a place of responsibility. I made mistakes and I accept the consequences of my decisions," Márquez said in Spanish in a video shared on social media.
Miss Peru 2026 Luren Márquez is back after losing her crown. (@ LurenMarquez)
Now, instead of searching for a replacement, Peru is moving forward with the same queen it crowned four months ago.
The controversy began on August 13, when the Miss Peru Organization announced that Márquez would no longer hold the Miss Peru 2026 ***** le. The organization also said her participation in Miss Universe 2026 had been canceled and indicated that information about a new representative would be announced later. However, it did not publicly explain what led to Márquez's removal.
#miss
2 months ago
When the Dallas Cowboys took the field against the Seattle Seahawks, it would have been hard to imagine Camden Brown leading the team in receiving yards and touchdowns. With veterans like Jonathan Mingo and Marquez Valdes-Scantling on the roster and ahead of him on the depth chart, it was a pleasant surprise. The Cowboys' coaching staff had seen Brown excel during OTAs and training camp, but this was their first chance to see him produce in live game action, and he didn't disappoint.
Brown was Saturday night's player of the game for Dallas, not only for scoring both Cowboys' touchdowns, but for everything else he did on the field as well. His first reception came at the end of the first half, catching a 39-yard bomb off the arm of Sam Howell as part of a two-minute drill, forcing his way to the ball through an interfering defender.
Then, after a quarterback change to Joe Milton at halftime, Brown caught his next two passes. Dallas found themselves behind the sticks thanks to back-to-back penalties on OL Marcus Johnson. The 2nd-and-15 didn't deter, as Milton found Brown for a 21-yard completion. Milton finished his impressive drive with a two-yard toss that Brown reached out and snagged with one hand, his left hand, behind the DB.
He kept the covering cornerbacks on their heels and was able to create separation, ending the game by catching all three of his targets for 62 yards and the two scores.
LOOK: Cowboys Wire's Summer Scouting Profile for Camden Brown
#yard #camden
Brown was Saturday night's player of the game for Dallas, not only for scoring both Cowboys' touchdowns, but for everything else he did on the field as well. His first reception came at the end of the first half, catching a 39-yard bomb off the arm of Sam Howell as part of a two-minute drill, forcing his way to the ball through an interfering defender.
Then, after a quarterback change to Joe Milton at halftime, Brown caught his next two passes. Dallas found themselves behind the sticks thanks to back-to-back penalties on OL Marcus Johnson. The 2nd-and-15 didn't deter, as Milton found Brown for a 21-yard completion. Milton finished his impressive drive with a two-yard toss that Brown reached out and snagged with one hand, his left hand, behind the DB.
He kept the covering cornerbacks on their heels and was able to create separation, ending the game by catching all three of his targets for 62 yards and the two scores.
LOOK: Cowboys Wire's Summer Scouting Profile for Camden Brown
#yard #camden
2 months ago
At the trade deadline, the Phillies traded pitching prospect Ramon Marquez in the midst of a breakout season. Marquez had quickly ascended the Phillies prospect ranks with a strong season split between Single-A and High-A. Over 12 games, he pitched to a 1.68 ERA and struck out 41.9% of batters faced.
With one of the Phillies' top pitching prospects gone, who could be the next to emerge as a future building block? The Phillies have recently drafted pitchers with big strikeout stuff like Marquez, and many have shown flashes of their potential.
Some of these players are still a couple of years away from reaching the major leagues. However, they give the organization solid depth for the future or potential pieces for bigger trades.
Drafted in consecutive rounds in 2025, Cade Obermueller and Cody Bowker have both shown elite swing-and-miss potential. Obermueller (PHI #7 ) got out to a late start due to a bout of mononucleosis. Upon returning, he dominated A ball with a 2.78 ERA over 11 starts, though he never topped four innings in a game. Obermueller struck out 35.3% of batters and picked up ground ****** at a 43.8% clip. However, his promotion to High-A has been a struggle (2 games, 7 innings, 10 hits, 9 runs, 6 walks).
Bowker (PHI #13 ), on the other hand, struggled more at surface level in Single-A. In 12 games, he posted a 5.90 ERA despite an excellent 37.9 K%. Batters struggled to make significant contact against him regularly, holding opponents to an average exit velocity of 84.4 MPH. His 15.5% swinging strike rate and 33.2 Whiff% were above-average for his level, too. His walk rate wasn't particularly strong (11.8%), but where he struggled the most was leaving runners on base. While not a perfect measurement, the MLB average for LOB% is at 72.3%. Bowker, meanwhile, struggled mightily in that regard with a 54.2 LOB%.
#Phillies #batters
With one of the Phillies' top pitching prospects gone, who could be the next to emerge as a future building block? The Phillies have recently drafted pitchers with big strikeout stuff like Marquez, and many have shown flashes of their potential.
Some of these players are still a couple of years away from reaching the major leagues. However, they give the organization solid depth for the future or potential pieces for bigger trades.
Drafted in consecutive rounds in 2025, Cade Obermueller and Cody Bowker have both shown elite swing-and-miss potential. Obermueller (PHI #7 ) got out to a late start due to a bout of mononucleosis. Upon returning, he dominated A ball with a 2.78 ERA over 11 starts, though he never topped four innings in a game. Obermueller struck out 35.3% of batters and picked up ground ****** at a 43.8% clip. However, his promotion to High-A has been a struggle (2 games, 7 innings, 10 hits, 9 runs, 6 walks).
Bowker (PHI #13 ), on the other hand, struggled more at surface level in Single-A. In 12 games, he posted a 5.90 ERA despite an excellent 37.9 K%. Batters struggled to make significant contact against him regularly, holding opponents to an average exit velocity of 84.4 MPH. His 15.5% swinging strike rate and 33.2 Whiff% were above-average for his level, too. His walk rate wasn't particularly strong (11.8%), but where he struggled the most was leaving runners on base. While not a perfect measurement, the MLB average for LOB% is at 72.3%. Bowker, meanwhile, struggled mightily in that regard with a 54.2 LOB%.
#Phillies #batters
2 months ago
Shawn Mendes is making things Instagram official with his girlfriend, Bruna Marquezine.
In a post shared to his Instagram on Tuesday (Aug. 4), the pop singer posted the Brazilian actress to his main grid for the first time to celebrate her 31st birthday.
COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what's next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.
The birthday tribute featured photos and videos of the couple visiting Casa Amarela Providencia, a cultural center in Rio de Janeiro.
"Feliz aniversário my baby [wing and heart emojis]," Mendes, 27, wrote in the caption. "You are a light and a mãe in every room you walk into. Not to be tooooo sappy but you've truly changed my life and I am so so grateful for you. Eu te amo muito muito muitoo!!! We all do amor…"
#mendes #muito #shawn #tuesday
In a post shared to his Instagram on Tuesday (Aug. 4), the pop singer posted the Brazilian actress to his main grid for the first time to celebrate her 31st birthday.
COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what's next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.
The birthday tribute featured photos and videos of the couple visiting Casa Amarela Providencia, a cultural center in Rio de Janeiro.
"Feliz aniversário my baby [wing and heart emojis]," Mendes, 27, wrote in the caption. "You are a light and a mãe in every room you walk into. Not to be tooooo sappy but you've truly changed my life and I am so so grateful for you. Eu te amo muito muito muitoo!!! We all do amor…"
#mendes #muito #shawn #tuesday
2 months ago
Jorge Martin converted pole position into a commanding victory in the British Grand Prix sprint to extend his lead at the top of the MotoGP standings.
The Spaniard nailed the start and then led every lap of the half-distance race at Silverstone, only facing a brief threat from Trackhouse's Ai Ogura during the middle stages before pulling comfortably clear in the final laps.
With Marco Bezzecchi finishing third behind team-mate Martin and Ogura, Aprilia secured its first-ever sprint podium lockout, even as Raul Fernandez crashed out early on.
At the start of the race, Martin made a clean start from pole, with Ogura jumping to second as his team-mate Fernandez slipped to sixth.
Meanwhile, Marco Bezzecchi and Marc Marquez engaged in a close battle for fourth behind Ogura and Fabio di Giannantonio, the pair making contact at Turn 4 before the factory Ducati rider found a way past into Stowe.
#ogura #martin #sprint
The Spaniard nailed the start and then led every lap of the half-distance race at Silverstone, only facing a brief threat from Trackhouse's Ai Ogura during the middle stages before pulling comfortably clear in the final laps.
With Marco Bezzecchi finishing third behind team-mate Martin and Ogura, Aprilia secured its first-ever sprint podium lockout, even as Raul Fernandez crashed out early on.
At the start of the race, Martin made a clean start from pole, with Ogura jumping to second as his team-mate Fernandez slipped to sixth.
Meanwhile, Marco Bezzecchi and Marc Marquez engaged in a close battle for fourth behind Ogura and Fabio di Giannantonio, the pair making contact at Turn 4 before the factory Ducati rider found a way past into Stowe.
#ogura #martin #sprint
2 months ago
NL exec called Giants' Luis Arraez and Robbie Rays trades their 'favorite' of deadline originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The San Francisco Giants conducted a sell-off at this year's trade deadline, parting with Tyler Mahle, Luis Arraez, Robbie Ray, Erik Miller, Caleb Kilian, and Heliot Ramos by the end of the MLB trade deadline.
All of those moves helped the Giants land some intriguing prospect hauls, but of those four deals, two stood out to one National League executive.
According to Jesse Rogers of ESPN, one NL exec called out the Arraez and Ray trades as their "favorite" deals of the deadline, thanks to the pitching prospects the Giants got in those two deals.
"I really liked what the Giants did to get Ramon Marquez and Miguel Mendez in their two deals and build up legitimate starting pitching depth in their system," an NL exec said.
#robbie
The San Francisco Giants conducted a sell-off at this year's trade deadline, parting with Tyler Mahle, Luis Arraez, Robbie Ray, Erik Miller, Caleb Kilian, and Heliot Ramos by the end of the MLB trade deadline.
All of those moves helped the Giants land some intriguing prospect hauls, but of those four deals, two stood out to one National League executive.
According to Jesse Rogers of ESPN, one NL exec called out the Arraez and Ray trades as their "favorite" deals of the deadline, thanks to the pitching prospects the Giants got in those two deals.
"I really liked what the Giants did to get Ramon Marquez and Miguel Mendez in their two deals and build up legitimate starting pitching depth in their system," an NL exec said.
#robbie
2 months ago
Shawn Mendes has marked his girlfriend Bruna Marquezine's birthday with a sweet message.
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, the Canadian singer-songwriter wished his girlfriend a happy 31st birthday.
"Feliz aniversário my baby," he captioned a slideshow of snaps. "You are a light and a mãe (mother) in every room you walk into. Not to be tooooo sappy but you've truly changed my life and I am so so grateful for you. Eu te amo muito muito muitoo (I love you so, so, so much) !!!"
Shawn also included photos of Bruna at the Casa Amarela Providência community centre in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
"We all do amor... & thank you casaamarelaprovidencia for what you're doing!" the 27-year-old added.
Last month, the pair was photographed visiting a farmers' market in Rio de Janeiro.
#shawn #girlfriend #taking
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, the Canadian singer-songwriter wished his girlfriend a happy 31st birthday.
"Feliz aniversário my baby," he captioned a slideshow of snaps. "You are a light and a mãe (mother) in every room you walk into. Not to be tooooo sappy but you've truly changed my life and I am so so grateful for you. Eu te amo muito muito muitoo (I love you so, so, so much) !!!"
Shawn also included photos of Bruna at the Casa Amarela Providência community centre in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
"We all do amor... & thank you casaamarelaprovidencia for what you're doing!" the 27-year-old added.
Last month, the pair was photographed visiting a farmers' market in Rio de Janeiro.
#shawn #girlfriend #taking
2 months ago
Giants prospects 2026: What to know about Ramon Marquez, Henry Lalane, more after Luis Arraez, Heliot Ramos trades originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The San Francisco Giants were expected to be clear sellers at this year's trade deadline, and they did just that with a slew of trades throughout deadline day.
Their first notable move was shipping Luis Arraez and Caleb Kilian to the Philadelphia Phillies. Later, the Giants traded Heliot Ramos to the New York Yankees, Erik Miller to the Boston Red Sox, and Robbie Ray to the San Diego Padres.
After all four of those big trades, who did the Giants get in return? Ramon Marquez and Henry Lalane are two big names, but they hardly scratch the surface of what's coming the Giants' way this summer after their deadline deals.
The first trade worth diving into is the Arraez deal. In exchange for Arraez and Kilian, the Phillies sent Ramon Marquez and Marty Gair, two right-handed pitchers, to the Giants.
#Giants #ramon #marquez #luis
The San Francisco Giants were expected to be clear sellers at this year's trade deadline, and they did just that with a slew of trades throughout deadline day.
Their first notable move was shipping Luis Arraez and Caleb Kilian to the Philadelphia Phillies. Later, the Giants traded Heliot Ramos to the New York Yankees, Erik Miller to the Boston Red Sox, and Robbie Ray to the San Diego Padres.
After all four of those big trades, who did the Giants get in return? Ramon Marquez and Henry Lalane are two big names, but they hardly scratch the surface of what's coming the Giants' way this summer after their deadline deals.
The first trade worth diving into is the Arraez deal. In exchange for Arraez and Kilian, the Phillies sent Ramon Marquez and Marty Gair, two right-handed pitchers, to the Giants.
#Giants #ramon #marquez #luis
2 months ago
The San Francisco Giants did the inevitable and got rid of multiple players in a fire sale during MLB's trade deadline in hopes of salvaging the remainder of the season with a focus on next year.
Six players were shipped out of San Francisco and on to different teams. Those players included Tyler Mahle to the Atlanta Braves, Luis Arraez and Caleb Kilian to the Philadelphia Phillies, Heliot Ramos to the New York Yankees, Robbie Ray to the San Diego Padres, and Erik Miller to the Boston Red Sox.
In return, the Giants got back a couple right-handed pitchers, Ramon Marquez and Marty Gair, from the Phillies. The Padres sent right-hand pitcher Miguel Mendez and infielder Joniel Hernandez to the Bay Area. The Yankees sent back left-hand pitcher Henry Lalane and shortstop Kaeden Kent, son of Giants legend and Hall of Famer Jeff Kent. San Francisco got infielder Marcelo Mayer from Boston. While Anthony Molina, who they immediately ******* igned to their Triple-A affiliate, Sacramento River Cats, came via trade with the Braves.
Notable players that remain on the roster are Matt Chapman, Rafael Devers and Willy Adames. Their names were floated around the trade rumor mill but ultimately stay put in San Francisco.
Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey appeared on Bay Area sports radio station 95.7 FM "The Game" to provide insight and feedback on his approach at the trade deadline and moving forward.
#trade #Padres #boston #area
Six players were shipped out of San Francisco and on to different teams. Those players included Tyler Mahle to the Atlanta Braves, Luis Arraez and Caleb Kilian to the Philadelphia Phillies, Heliot Ramos to the New York Yankees, Robbie Ray to the San Diego Padres, and Erik Miller to the Boston Red Sox.
In return, the Giants got back a couple right-handed pitchers, Ramon Marquez and Marty Gair, from the Phillies. The Padres sent right-hand pitcher Miguel Mendez and infielder Joniel Hernandez to the Bay Area. The Yankees sent back left-hand pitcher Henry Lalane and shortstop Kaeden Kent, son of Giants legend and Hall of Famer Jeff Kent. San Francisco got infielder Marcelo Mayer from Boston. While Anthony Molina, who they immediately ******* igned to their Triple-A affiliate, Sacramento River Cats, came via trade with the Braves.
Notable players that remain on the roster are Matt Chapman, Rafael Devers and Willy Adames. Their names were floated around the trade rumor mill but ultimately stay put in San Francisco.
Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey appeared on Bay Area sports radio station 95.7 FM "The Game" to provide insight and feedback on his approach at the trade deadline and moving forward.
#trade #Padres #boston #area
2 months ago
There were several moves made by the Phillies today, helping us end our long suffering discussion about what they should do and what they shouldn't do. Let's grade them all.
Phillies acquire Luis Arraez, Caleb Kilian from the Giants for Ramon Marquez, Marty Gair
Obviously the doozy of the deals that were completed, there are several layers to this one. First off, addressing their gaping offensive need with a player like Arraez is a solid fit for them. Currently running a 120 wRC+ in San Francisco, he'll be added to a lineup that truly needs what he does at the plate. Arraez's knack for contact hitting and not striking out (a 4.5 K%!!!) is an antithesis to a lineup that is 24th in baseball with a 23.6% strikeout rate. That's probably the greatest ***** et that he can provide the lineup as he doesn't really walk much, something that would be preferable considering that he will likely be batting at or near the top of the lineup. His Savant page has several blue shades in categories one wouldn't really want to be blue in, but there is also the preternatural ability Arraez has at the plate that simply cannot be quantified. He is a player with the skillset of a bygone era, but has made it work all these years he's been in the majors.
You know about the offense. It's the defense.
Some how, some way, Arraez has vaulted himself to the top of the league as a defensive second baseman, a year after he was forced to move his way down the defensive spectrum in San Diego to first base. His work with legendary infield coach Ron Washington with Giants has to be considered the sole reason for this turnaround as Washington has done this with many, many players wherever he has coached. The question is: do you believe in it? With the reports that Arraez will be playing second base with the Phillies, that will force the team into making decisions that will shift at least two players to a new position, creating the chance that the defense will go from an absolute liability to something close to a natural disaster.
#Phillies #Giants #first #plate
Phillies acquire Luis Arraez, Caleb Kilian from the Giants for Ramon Marquez, Marty Gair
Obviously the doozy of the deals that were completed, there are several layers to this one. First off, addressing their gaping offensive need with a player like Arraez is a solid fit for them. Currently running a 120 wRC+ in San Francisco, he'll be added to a lineup that truly needs what he does at the plate. Arraez's knack for contact hitting and not striking out (a 4.5 K%!!!) is an antithesis to a lineup that is 24th in baseball with a 23.6% strikeout rate. That's probably the greatest ***** et that he can provide the lineup as he doesn't really walk much, something that would be preferable considering that he will likely be batting at or near the top of the lineup. His Savant page has several blue shades in categories one wouldn't really want to be blue in, but there is also the preternatural ability Arraez has at the plate that simply cannot be quantified. He is a player with the skillset of a bygone era, but has made it work all these years he's been in the majors.
You know about the offense. It's the defense.
Some how, some way, Arraez has vaulted himself to the top of the league as a defensive second baseman, a year after he was forced to move his way down the defensive spectrum in San Diego to first base. His work with legendary infield coach Ron Washington with Giants has to be considered the sole reason for this turnaround as Washington has done this with many, many players wherever he has coached. The question is: do you believe in it? With the reports that Arraez will be playing second base with the Phillies, that will force the team into making decisions that will shift at least two players to a new position, creating the chance that the defense will go from an absolute liability to something close to a natural disaster.
#Phillies #Giants #first #plate
2 months ago
Aug. 3 (UPI) -- The Philadelphia Phillies agreed to trade for San Francisco Giants All-Star second baseman Luis Arraez, a league source told UPI on Monday.
The Phillies are to to send right-handed pitchers Ramon Marquez and Marty Gair to the Giants in exchange for Arraez and right-handed pitcher Caleb Kilian.
Sources told MLB.com, The Athletic and ESPN that the Phillies also agreed to acquire left-handed pitcher Brooks Raley from the New York Mets in a separate transaction. The Phillies will send outfielder John Spikerman and right-handed pitcher Luke Gabrysh to the Mets in that swap.
Arraez, who led the American League with a .324 batting average, would inject production into a Phillies lineup that has the fourth-worst batting average in the National League.
Arraez, who won batting ****** les in 2022 and 2023, owns a career .318 mark, the best among active players. He hit four home runs, seven triples and 23 doubles, with 43 RBIs, through 105 appearances this season. The 29-year-old infielder is to hit free agency this off-season.
#batting #Giants #METS
The Phillies are to to send right-handed pitchers Ramon Marquez and Marty Gair to the Giants in exchange for Arraez and right-handed pitcher Caleb Kilian.
Sources told MLB.com, The Athletic and ESPN that the Phillies also agreed to acquire left-handed pitcher Brooks Raley from the New York Mets in a separate transaction. The Phillies will send outfielder John Spikerman and right-handed pitcher Luke Gabrysh to the Mets in that swap.
Arraez, who led the American League with a .324 batting average, would inject production into a Phillies lineup that has the fourth-worst batting average in the National League.
Arraez, who won batting ****** les in 2022 and 2023, owns a career .318 mark, the best among active players. He hit four home runs, seven triples and 23 doubles, with 43 RBIs, through 105 appearances this season. The 29-year-old infielder is to hit free agency this off-season.
#batting #Giants #METS
2 months ago
Today is the MLB trade deadline, and the San Francisco Giants wasted no time being active. Early in the morning, news broke that the Giants had traded All-Star second baseman to the Philadelphia Phillies for right-handed pitching prospect Ramon Marquez. The Giants are also sending right-handed reliever Caleb Kilian to Philadelphia, while getting back right-handed pitching prospect Marty Gair.
The Giants held out for a nice return for Arráez, who is in line to win the National League batting **** le this year, and it seems they got exactly that with Marquez. A 20-year old who signed as an international free agent last year, Marquez has wasted no time becoming one of the top prospects in the Phillies organization. In the most recent Fangraphs rankings, Marquez graded out as the team's No. 3 prospect, and the No. 67 overall prospect in baseball.
Marquez was thoroughly dominant in Low-A this year, posting a 1.86 ERA and a 2.65 FIP in six games, with 47 strikeouts in 29 innings, and just 10 walks. That earned him a promotion to High-A, where he's kept the performance up: in six starts at the level, the righty has a 1.50 ERA, a 1.99 FIP, and 46 strikeouts to nine walks in 30 innings. He has a high quality fastball and slider, but his money pitch is a changeup that grades out as one of the best pitches in Minor League Baseball. He should immediately slot right behind the team's No. 4 pick in last month's draft, Jackson Flora, as the second-best pitching prospect in the system.
As for Gair, he was Philly's 13th-round pick in the 2023 draft. The 23-year old is a gaudy strikeout artist but struggles with command. Across 36 innings this year (33 in Low-A and three in High-A), the right-hander has 66 strikeouts and just 20 hits allowed … but has walked 22 batters. He has a 4.50 ERA and a 3.88 FIP on the season, and has worked exclusively in relief.
The Giants have been exposed this year for not having nearly enough pitching. Seen through that lens, the addition of Marquez to pair with Flora, and fellow draftees Carson Bolemon and Kaden Waechter, is a big win. Suddenly, San Francisco's pitching pipeline looks a whole lot better than it did in June.
#year #pitching #high #innings
The Giants held out for a nice return for Arráez, who is in line to win the National League batting **** le this year, and it seems they got exactly that with Marquez. A 20-year old who signed as an international free agent last year, Marquez has wasted no time becoming one of the top prospects in the Phillies organization. In the most recent Fangraphs rankings, Marquez graded out as the team's No. 3 prospect, and the No. 67 overall prospect in baseball.
Marquez was thoroughly dominant in Low-A this year, posting a 1.86 ERA and a 2.65 FIP in six games, with 47 strikeouts in 29 innings, and just 10 walks. That earned him a promotion to High-A, where he's kept the performance up: in six starts at the level, the righty has a 1.50 ERA, a 1.99 FIP, and 46 strikeouts to nine walks in 30 innings. He has a high quality fastball and slider, but his money pitch is a changeup that grades out as one of the best pitches in Minor League Baseball. He should immediately slot right behind the team's No. 4 pick in last month's draft, Jackson Flora, as the second-best pitching prospect in the system.
As for Gair, he was Philly's 13th-round pick in the 2023 draft. The 23-year old is a gaudy strikeout artist but struggles with command. Across 36 innings this year (33 in Low-A and three in High-A), the right-hander has 66 strikeouts and just 20 hits allowed … but has walked 22 batters. He has a 4.50 ERA and a 3.88 FIP on the season, and has worked exclusively in relief.
The Giants have been exposed this year for not having nearly enough pitching. Seen through that lens, the addition of Marquez to pair with Flora, and fellow draftees Carson Bolemon and Kaden Waechter, is a big win. Suddenly, San Francisco's pitching pipeline looks a whole lot better than it did in June.
#year #pitching #high #innings
2 months ago
DENVER (AP) — Tomoyuki Sugano allowed a run over 6 2/3 innings to win for the seventh time in his last eight starts and the Colorado Rockies beat the Kansas City Royals 3-1 on Friday night after a hailstorm delayed the start an hour.
Sugano (11-4) gave up five hits and matched his longest outing this season to help the Rockies end a four-game skid. He left after 83 pitches with Salvador Perez on first base, and Johnny Rave greeted Antonio Senzatela with a single to put runners on the corners. Josh Rojas flied out to left field to keep it 3-1.
Senzatela and Brennan Bernardino each got two outs and Jordan Romano pitched the ninth for his fifth save in five opportunities with Colorado.
Sugano has gone 7-0 since June 1 — tied with the Giants' Robbie Ray for best in the majors over that span. He is the first 11-game winner for Colorado since Germán Márquez went 12-11 in 2021.
Mickey Moniak had a one-out double off Royals starter Michael Wacha (5-8) in the first, and TJ Rumfield added a two-out single for a 1-0 lead.
#Rockies #left #single
Sugano (11-4) gave up five hits and matched his longest outing this season to help the Rockies end a four-game skid. He left after 83 pitches with Salvador Perez on first base, and Johnny Rave greeted Antonio Senzatela with a single to put runners on the corners. Josh Rojas flied out to left field to keep it 3-1.
Senzatela and Brennan Bernardino each got two outs and Jordan Romano pitched the ninth for his fifth save in five opportunities with Colorado.
Sugano has gone 7-0 since June 1 — tied with the Giants' Robbie Ray for best in the majors over that span. He is the first 11-game winner for Colorado since Germán Márquez went 12-11 in 2021.
Mickey Moniak had a one-out double off Royals starter Michael Wacha (5-8) in the first, and TJ Rumfield added a two-out single for a 1-0 lead.
#Rockies #left #single
2 months ago
It has been 14 years since Marc Marquez arrived in MotoGP and began rewriting the record books.
What the Ducati star can do on track has been **** ysed endlessly. From his spectacular saves and his famous block passes, to his impressive racecraft, Marquez has become an important part of MotoGP's folklore.
Injuries have made him more determined than ever before to come back, and his 2025 **** le triumph was further proof of his tenacity. With experience, Marquez has also become less **** e to errors and crashes, leaving his physical condition as the only weak point in his armoury.
The fact that Marquez is still in the championship hunt despite not being fully fit - and missing two races - says a lot about his level in MotoGP.
But Marquez's biggest strengths aren't confined to the track. Few people are better placed to explain what makes him special behind the scenes than his crew chief Marco Rigamonti.
#motogp #become #injuries #marco
What the Ducati star can do on track has been **** ysed endlessly. From his spectacular saves and his famous block passes, to his impressive racecraft, Marquez has become an important part of MotoGP's folklore.
Injuries have made him more determined than ever before to come back, and his 2025 **** le triumph was further proof of his tenacity. With experience, Marquez has also become less **** e to errors and crashes, leaving his physical condition as the only weak point in his armoury.
The fact that Marquez is still in the championship hunt despite not being fully fit - and missing two races - says a lot about his level in MotoGP.
But Marquez's biggest strengths aren't confined to the track. Few people are better placed to explain what makes him special behind the scenes than his crew chief Marco Rigamonti.
#motogp #become #injuries #marco
3 months ago
Marc Marquez won the Germany MotoGP Grand Prix on Sunday as the Spaniard equalled Italian legend Giacomo Agostini's record of 10 premier class wins on a single circuit.
The seven-time world champion started on pole as he glided to a dominant win at the Sachsenring, 1.996sec ahead of Aprilia-Trackhouse's Ai Ogura in second with the **** anese rider's Spanish teammate Raul Fernandez completing the podium.
Marquez, on his Ducati, also won Saturday's sprint race to further cement his reputation as the 'King of the Ring', as he moved to 190 points at the halfway point of the 22-race season.
"(I'm) super, super happy. You know, it was a special weekend," the 33-year-old said.
"I was super concentrated because... if I want to have any chance to win the championship, I need to attack here.
The seven-time world champion started on pole as he glided to a dominant win at the Sachsenring, 1.996sec ahead of Aprilia-Trackhouse's Ai Ogura in second with the **** anese rider's Spanish teammate Raul Fernandez completing the podium.
Marquez, on his Ducati, also won Saturday's sprint race to further cement his reputation as the 'King of the Ring', as he moved to 190 points at the halfway point of the 22-race season.
"(I'm) super, super happy. You know, it was a special weekend," the 33-year-old said.
"I was super concentrated because... if I want to have any chance to win the championship, I need to attack here.
3 months ago
Seven-time world champion Marc Marquez maintained his dominance at the Sachsenring circuit with victory in Sunday's German MotoGP.
The Ducati rider took Saturday's sprint race ahead of younger brother Alex and also qualified fastest for Sunday's race, which he controlled from start to finish.
The Spaniard was 1.996 seconds ahead of the rest of the field with Aprilia-Trackhouse duo Ai Ogura and Raul Fernandez taking second and third.
It is the 33-year-old's 13th victory on the German track, his 10th in Moto GP and it sees him equal two records held by Italian legend Giacomo Agostini for the most wins at a single event and the most victories at the same circuit in the premier class.
"I'm super-happy. It was a special weekend," he said. "I knew I needed to attack here to have any chance of winning the championship."
The Ducati rider took Saturday's sprint race ahead of younger brother Alex and also qualified fastest for Sunday's race, which he controlled from start to finish.
The Spaniard was 1.996 seconds ahead of the rest of the field with Aprilia-Trackhouse duo Ai Ogura and Raul Fernandez taking second and third.
It is the 33-year-old's 13th victory on the German track, his 10th in Moto GP and it sees him equal two records held by Italian legend Giacomo Agostini for the most wins at a single event and the most victories at the same circuit in the premier class.
"I'm super-happy. It was a special weekend," he said. "I knew I needed to attack here to have any chance of winning the championship."
3 months ago
Marc Marquez has defended Marco Bezzecchi from online hate after the Aprilia rider suffered a fracture to his collarbone during the German Grand Prix qualifying.
Bezzecchi was forced to withdraw from Sachsenring midway through the weekend following a nasty highside on Saturday afternoon, dealing another blow to his ****** le hopes in MotoGP this year.
The injury followed just weeks after the Italian was suspended from the Czech Grand Prix for slapping a marshal following the Brno sprint. Bezzecchi also collided with Marquez at last October’s Indonesian GP while trying to recover from a slow start, leaving the Spaniard with a shoulder injury that continues to affect him.
In response to comments about Bezzecchi’s shoulder fracture being payback for his previous actions, the reigning world champion urged MotoGP fans not to pile criticism on his rival.
Instead, he stressed that the focus should be on improving rider safety in MotoGP.
Bezzecchi was forced to withdraw from Sachsenring midway through the weekend following a nasty highside on Saturday afternoon, dealing another blow to his ****** le hopes in MotoGP this year.
The injury followed just weeks after the Italian was suspended from the Czech Grand Prix for slapping a marshal following the Brno sprint. Bezzecchi also collided with Marquez at last October’s Indonesian GP while trying to recover from a slow start, leaving the Spaniard with a shoulder injury that continues to affect him.
In response to comments about Bezzecchi’s shoulder fracture being payback for his previous actions, the reigning world champion urged MotoGP fans not to pile criticism on his rival.
Instead, he stressed that the focus should be on improving rider safety in MotoGP.
3 months ago
Marc Marquez believes he can best hope for a third-place finish in Sunday's German Grand Prix unless he is able to make a step overnight, despite going unchallenged for victory in the sprint.
While Marquez has been the fastest rider so far this weekend at the Sachsenring, setting the fastest lap on Friday before topping both qualifying and the sprint on Saturday, the factory Ducati star believes repeating that result in the grand prix won't be easy.
The Spaniard reckons he wasn't the fastest rider in the half-distance race, believing it was his strategy that allowed him to outfox both his younger brother Alex Marquez and Fabio di Giannantonio.
Marquez has won at the Sachsenring 12 times during his career, including nine in the premier class, but warned he faces a much more difficult situation this time to remain on top.
"That's what happens at Sachsenring, you win and it's considered normal," he said. "Now the question is why the others finished so close.
While Marquez has been the fastest rider so far this weekend at the Sachsenring, setting the fastest lap on Friday before topping both qualifying and the sprint on Saturday, the factory Ducati star believes repeating that result in the grand prix won't be easy.
The Spaniard reckons he wasn't the fastest rider in the half-distance race, believing it was his strategy that allowed him to outfox both his younger brother Alex Marquez and Fabio di Giannantonio.
Marquez has won at the Sachsenring 12 times during his career, including nine in the premier class, but warned he faces a much more difficult situation this time to remain on top.
"That's what happens at Sachsenring, you win and it's considered normal," he said. "Now the question is why the others finished so close.
3 months ago
In a historic celebration of Ducati's 100th Anniversary, MotoAmerica Supersport racer Kayla Yaakov participated in the exclusive Ducati MotoGP Experience at the Misano World Circuit following World Ducati Week 2026. Yaakov made history as the first woman to ride a Ducati MotoGP motorcycle, completing laps on Marc Márquez's Ducati Lenovo Team Desmosedici GP26 as well as Nicolò Bulega's Aruba.it Racing Panigale V4 R WorldSBK bike. Coached by racing legends Casey Stoner and Michele Pirro, the rising American talent fulfilled a lifelong dream while showcasing Ducati's rich racing heritage and commitment to rider development.
The full press release follows below.
Begin press release:
Ducati North America is proud to celebrate MotoAmerica racer Kayla Yaakov's participation in Ducati's exclusive MotoGP Experience following World Ducati Week 2026, where Ducatisti from around the world gathered at the Misano World Circuit to celebrate Ducati's 100th Anniversary. During the experience, Yaakov rode Marc Márquez's Ducati Lenovo Team Desmosedici GP26 and Nicolò Bulega's Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4 R WorldSBK bikes, becoming the first woman to ride a Ducati MotoGP motorcycle.
Yaakov joined Ducati riders, employees, dealers, and enthusiasts from across the globe for World Ducati Week, the largest gathering of Ducatisti in the world. Held every two years at the Misano World Circuit "Marco Simoncelli," the 2026 edition carried special significance as it celebrated 100 years of Ducati. The event featured racing legends, current MotoGP and WorldSBK riders, track activities, and exclusive experiences that showcased Ducati's racing heritage and passion for performance.
The full press release follows below.
Begin press release:
Ducati North America is proud to celebrate MotoAmerica racer Kayla Yaakov's participation in Ducati's exclusive MotoGP Experience following World Ducati Week 2026, where Ducatisti from around the world gathered at the Misano World Circuit to celebrate Ducati's 100th Anniversary. During the experience, Yaakov rode Marc Márquez's Ducati Lenovo Team Desmosedici GP26 and Nicolò Bulega's Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4 R WorldSBK bikes, becoming the first woman to ride a Ducati MotoGP motorcycle.
Yaakov joined Ducati riders, employees, dealers, and enthusiasts from across the globe for World Ducati Week, the largest gathering of Ducatisti in the world. Held every two years at the Misano World Circuit "Marco Simoncelli," the 2026 edition carried special significance as it celebrated 100 years of Ducati. The event featured racing legends, current MotoGP and WorldSBK riders, track activities, and exclusive experiences that showcased Ducati's racing heritage and passion for performance.
3 months ago
The NFL is a here-and-now kind of league. While a league like the NBA may have the time to “trust the process” and MLB may be content with building their respective farm teams year after year, the NFL doesn’t have that sort of patience. For teams like the Dallas Cowboys whose window is open right now, it’s all about 2026 so sacrificing for the future isn’t a luxury they currently enjoy.
When building a 53-man roster the Cowboys have to prioritize the present, which means even high-ceiling developmental prospects need to contribute something to the 2026 campaign. This usually involves mandatory service on special teams and/or the ability to slide into a start role if injuries demand it. But one position group that enjoys a star-studded cast of playmakers at the top of the depth chart may be the exception to the rule this year.
The Cowboys wide receiver room this year is quite possibly the best in the NFL. Big names like CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens headline the marquee but breakout candidate Ryan Flournoy ensures depth across all three starting receiver positions. Even gadget-man KaVontae Turpin ensures immediate depth from a down-roster role.
This unnaturally solid top four means the Cowboys might be able gamble a little in the lower ranks. Instead of forcing in veterans like Denzel Mims and Marquez Valdez-Scantling onto the roster for emergency depth or gifting places for special teams’ standouts who don't much of an offensive future, the Cowboys can gamble on potential and do the unthinkable, which is invest in the future.
Anthony Smith, Dallas’ seventh round rookie out of East Carolina, doesn’t have special teams experience in college. Blessed with size and speed, Smith has all the physical traits to be starter one day, but that day probably isn’t coming in 2026.
When building a 53-man roster the Cowboys have to prioritize the present, which means even high-ceiling developmental prospects need to contribute something to the 2026 campaign. This usually involves mandatory service on special teams and/or the ability to slide into a start role if injuries demand it. But one position group that enjoys a star-studded cast of playmakers at the top of the depth chart may be the exception to the rule this year.
The Cowboys wide receiver room this year is quite possibly the best in the NFL. Big names like CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens headline the marquee but breakout candidate Ryan Flournoy ensures depth across all three starting receiver positions. Even gadget-man KaVontae Turpin ensures immediate depth from a down-roster role.
This unnaturally solid top four means the Cowboys might be able gamble a little in the lower ranks. Instead of forcing in veterans like Denzel Mims and Marquez Valdez-Scantling onto the roster for emergency depth or gifting places for special teams’ standouts who don't much of an offensive future, the Cowboys can gamble on potential and do the unthinkable, which is invest in the future.
Anthony Smith, Dallas’ seventh round rookie out of East Carolina, doesn’t have special teams experience in college. Blessed with size and speed, Smith has all the physical traits to be starter one day, but that day probably isn’t coming in 2026.
3 months ago
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Padres fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
San Diego Padres General Manager and President of Baseball Operation A.J. Preller is known as an uber aggressive front office executive. He seems to live for the trade deadline when he can use the players from the San Diego minor league system to find players to fill holes in the major league roster. Preller will not have the same type of player pool to deal from at the 2026 deadline, but that does not mean he won't have opportunities to make deals, but the question is, "Should he?"
The Padres just completed a miserable eight-game losing streak and followed the win to break up the streak with another lifeless loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, losing 8-0 in the first game of their four-game series to start the week. The loss dropped San Diego two games below .500 and had them on the outside of the playoff picture looking in. The losing streak saw the Padres, who had been the top Wild Card team throughout the majority of the season, slip out of playoff contention while falling behind the division leading Los Angeles Dodgers by double digits.
The offense was the problem for San Diego throughout the season with the team ranking last in MLB in several categories. The thought at the time was the Padres could look to add to the offense at the trade deadline especially after losing Ramon Laureano for the season. In recent weeks, and especially during the eight-game losing streak, the starting pitching for San Diego has become erratic and problematic with multiple starters failing to complete five innings in an outing. The struggles of the rotation accentuated the laundry list of starters on the injured list. Yu Darvish was lost for the season prior to the start of Spring Training. Joe Musgrove landed on the IL before the end of Spring Training and Nick Pivetta joined them both on the IL not long after the season started. Matt Waldron, German Marquez and now Randy Vasquez have missed time with injuries.
Despite all of that, the Padres entered the game against the Diamondbacks on Wednesday night just a game below .500 and were looking to win their second game of the series in back-to-back days. Considering their current record and their current level of play, the trade deadline could prove tenuous for the Friar Faithful. San Diego could go on a run and play itself into the playoffs, but the Padres could just as easily continue to slide and play themselves out of the playoff picture. The Gaslamp Ball Padres Reacts Survey question this week is, "What should the Padres do at the trade deadline?" There is still a lot of baseball between now and the deadline, but it's never too early to start planning for the future. Whether or not that future is in major league talent for this season or in prospect capital for the future remains to be see
San Diego Padres General Manager and President of Baseball Operation A.J. Preller is known as an uber aggressive front office executive. He seems to live for the trade deadline when he can use the players from the San Diego minor league system to find players to fill holes in the major league roster. Preller will not have the same type of player pool to deal from at the 2026 deadline, but that does not mean he won't have opportunities to make deals, but the question is, "Should he?"
The Padres just completed a miserable eight-game losing streak and followed the win to break up the streak with another lifeless loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, losing 8-0 in the first game of their four-game series to start the week. The loss dropped San Diego two games below .500 and had them on the outside of the playoff picture looking in. The losing streak saw the Padres, who had been the top Wild Card team throughout the majority of the season, slip out of playoff contention while falling behind the division leading Los Angeles Dodgers by double digits.
The offense was the problem for San Diego throughout the season with the team ranking last in MLB in several categories. The thought at the time was the Padres could look to add to the offense at the trade deadline especially after losing Ramon Laureano for the season. In recent weeks, and especially during the eight-game losing streak, the starting pitching for San Diego has become erratic and problematic with multiple starters failing to complete five innings in an outing. The struggles of the rotation accentuated the laundry list of starters on the injured list. Yu Darvish was lost for the season prior to the start of Spring Training. Joe Musgrove landed on the IL before the end of Spring Training and Nick Pivetta joined them both on the IL not long after the season started. Matt Waldron, German Marquez and now Randy Vasquez have missed time with injuries.
Despite all of that, the Padres entered the game against the Diamondbacks on Wednesday night just a game below .500 and were looking to win their second game of the series in back-to-back days. Considering their current record and their current level of play, the trade deadline could prove tenuous for the Friar Faithful. San Diego could go on a run and play itself into the playoffs, but the Padres could just as easily continue to slide and play themselves out of the playoff picture. The Gaslamp Ball Padres Reacts Survey question this week is, "What should the Padres do at the trade deadline?" There is still a lot of baseball between now and the deadline, but it's never too early to start planning for the future. Whether or not that future is in major league talent for this season or in prospect capital for the future remains to be see
3 months ago
Rafael Márquez has been confirmed as Mexico's new national team coach, days after their World Cup last-16 exit.
The former Mexico star and ****** istant coach succeeds his mentor Javier Aguirre, the Mexican football federation said in a statement released on Wednesday.
"The appointment of Rafael Márquez is part of an orderly transition," the federation said.
The 47-year-old's promotion to head coach had been planned since he was appointed ****** istant coach two years ago, with the move set for after the World Cup in Mexico, the United States and Canada.
Aguirre, who is 20 years older than Márquez, had prepared him for the role with an eye on the 2030 World Cup.
The former Mexico star and ****** istant coach succeeds his mentor Javier Aguirre, the Mexican football federation said in a statement released on Wednesday.
"The appointment of Rafael Márquez is part of an orderly transition," the federation said.
The 47-year-old's promotion to head coach had been planned since he was appointed ****** istant coach two years ago, with the move set for after the World Cup in Mexico, the United States and Canada.
Aguirre, who is 20 years older than Márquez, had prepared him for the role with an eye on the 2030 World Cup.
3 months ago
Ahead of the highly anticipated Tour de France Grand Départ in Barcelona, motorsport icon Marc Márquez joined forces with cycling superstar Tadej Pogačar for an exclusive training session in Catalonia. Brought together by their shared global ambassador roles for Insta360, the two world champions took to the roads to swap experiences, push their physical limits, and bridge the gap between motorcycle racing and elite cycling. Capturing every moment on camera, this unique meeting highlights a deep mutual respect and a shared passion for life on two wheels, offering fans a rare glimpse into the bond between two of the sporting world's most dedicated athletes. See the video here: https://www.instagram.com/...
Begin press release:
Marc Márquez joined Tadej Pogačar for a training ride on Thursday, taking advantage of Pogačar and his team's presence in Catalonia as they prepare for the upcoming Tour de France.
With the historic Grand Départ of the Tour taking place in Barcelona this year, Pogačar's team has been spending the last few days riding and scouting sections of the route. A huge cycling fan and a regular on these roads as part of his own physical preparation, Marc found time in his schedule to ride alongside one of the biggest names in world cycling.
Begin press release:
Marc Márquez joined Tadej Pogačar for a training ride on Thursday, taking advantage of Pogačar and his team's presence in Catalonia as they prepare for the upcoming Tour de France.
With the historic Grand Départ of the Tour taking place in Barcelona this year, Pogačar's team has been spending the last few days riding and scouting sections of the route. A huge cycling fan and a regular on these roads as part of his own physical preparation, Marc found time in his schedule to ride alongside one of the biggest names in world cycling.
3 months ago
Fermín Aldeguer is hurt, the Sachsenring is this weekend, and BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP is rolling into the German Grand Prix with exactly one bike in its garage. Not two. Not a spare machine hastily prepped for a substitute. One. Alex Márquez rides, his teammate's pit box sits empty, and ***** ody at Gresini is treating that as some sort of crisis. This German round also slots into this weekend's full racing slate, but the story here isn't about who shows up. It's about who doesn't.
That's because MotoGP, unlike the box-ticking world of stick-and-ball leagues, has no rule forcing a team to scramble for a fill-in rider when one of its regulars can't climb aboard. Gresini confirmed the news in a social post on July 6: "Aldeguer54 remains sidelined as he continues his enforced recovery and will miss the Sachsenring round. No replacement rider will be fielded." No committee hearing, no mandated reserve list. Just a team, an empty seat, and a shrug.
The injury traces back to ***** en. Aldeguer crashed during the Dutch Grand Prix weekend in late June, re-aggravating a rider who, in his own words afterward, was "frustrated to suffer another injury just when we were starting to regain positive feelings, both physically and with the bike." Gresini has described the injury as not serious, just significant enough to need real recovery time instead of a rushed comeback that risks turning a minor setback into a season-ending one.
Alex Márquez went down in that same session and somehow still raced. He described the aftermath bluntly afterward: pain "almost everywhere," a collarbone scare that thankfully didn't turn into a break, plus abrasions and a knock to the head. He skipped Q2 to manage the risk, started from the fourth row, and ground his way to fifth at ***** en anyway. Aldeguer didn't start the race at all. The two teammates now sit ninth and tenth in the championship, separated by just two points, 78 to 76, which is exactly why this weekend stings. Aldeguer can only fall further behind, feeding into the growing points gap that decides seasons, because there's no bike for him to score with.
Here's the part that exposes just how optional a replacement rider really is in this sport. In that same paddock, Castrol Honda LCR has spent weeks running Cal Crutchlow in place of Johann Zarco, who tore his ACL in a crash at Catalunya and isn't expected back until September. Crutchlow lines up at the Sachsenring for his fifth appearance of the season standing in for Zarco. Two teams, two injured riders, two completely different responses, and neither one broke a rule, because there isn't one to break.
That's because MotoGP, unlike the box-ticking world of stick-and-ball leagues, has no rule forcing a team to scramble for a fill-in rider when one of its regulars can't climb aboard. Gresini confirmed the news in a social post on July 6: "Aldeguer54 remains sidelined as he continues his enforced recovery and will miss the Sachsenring round. No replacement rider will be fielded." No committee hearing, no mandated reserve list. Just a team, an empty seat, and a shrug.
The injury traces back to ***** en. Aldeguer crashed during the Dutch Grand Prix weekend in late June, re-aggravating a rider who, in his own words afterward, was "frustrated to suffer another injury just when we were starting to regain positive feelings, both physically and with the bike." Gresini has described the injury as not serious, just significant enough to need real recovery time instead of a rushed comeback that risks turning a minor setback into a season-ending one.
Alex Márquez went down in that same session and somehow still raced. He described the aftermath bluntly afterward: pain "almost everywhere," a collarbone scare that thankfully didn't turn into a break, plus abrasions and a knock to the head. He skipped Q2 to manage the risk, started from the fourth row, and ground his way to fifth at ***** en anyway. Aldeguer didn't start the race at all. The two teammates now sit ninth and tenth in the championship, separated by just two points, 78 to 76, which is exactly why this weekend stings. Aldeguer can only fall further behind, feeding into the growing points gap that decides seasons, because there's no bike for him to score with.
Here's the part that exposes just how optional a replacement rider really is in this sport. In that same paddock, Castrol Honda LCR has spent weeks running Cal Crutchlow in place of Johann Zarco, who tore his ACL in a crash at Catalunya and isn't expected back until September. Crutchlow lines up at the Sachsenring for his fifth appearance of the season standing in for Zarco. Two teams, two injured riders, two completely different responses, and neither one broke a rule, because there isn't one to break.
3 months ago
The Dallas Cowboys find themselves right in the middle of the pack in ESPN's projected starting lineup rankings heading into the 2026 NFL season. In their latest rankings, Mike Clay, Aaron Schatz, and Seth Walder recognized the talent on both sides of the football, placing Dallas 14th among all 32 NFL teams.
It's not hard to see why the Cowboys landed where they did. This roster has talent, depth, and plenty of upside. Clay highlighted Dallas' wide receiver room as the biggest strength among the team's projected starters.
The Cowboys led the NFL in passing yards in 2025, thanks in large part to a dangerous receiving group led by CeeDee Lamb. Add in the arrival of George Pickens, the emergence of Ryan Flournoy as the third receiver, and the explosive playmaking ability of KaVontae Turpin; Dallas has the luxury of attacking defenses in different ways. The front office also bolstered the group's depth by signing veterans Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Denzel Mims, adding some insurance should injuries occur. On paper, this receiver room may be even more dangerous than the one that helped lead the league in passing a season ago.
ESPN says cornerback is the team’s biggest weakness; a fair ******* sment for a secondary that struggled to slow down some of the league's weakest passing attacks in 2025. The Cowboys finished last in defensive EPA, allowed a 58.4 QBR to opposing quarterbacks, and managed just six interceptions all season.
There are still questions surrounding the outside cornerback spots as well. DaRon Bland is looking to bounce back after foot injuries slowed his progression, while Shavon Revel Jr. enters the season one year removed from an ACL tear and a poor rookie season. The Cowboys did not ignore the problem this offseason, though, adding players to create competition and more skill in the secondary.
It's not hard to see why the Cowboys landed where they did. This roster has talent, depth, and plenty of upside. Clay highlighted Dallas' wide receiver room as the biggest strength among the team's projected starters.
The Cowboys led the NFL in passing yards in 2025, thanks in large part to a dangerous receiving group led by CeeDee Lamb. Add in the arrival of George Pickens, the emergence of Ryan Flournoy as the third receiver, and the explosive playmaking ability of KaVontae Turpin; Dallas has the luxury of attacking defenses in different ways. The front office also bolstered the group's depth by signing veterans Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Denzel Mims, adding some insurance should injuries occur. On paper, this receiver room may be even more dangerous than the one that helped lead the league in passing a season ago.
ESPN says cornerback is the team’s biggest weakness; a fair ******* sment for a secondary that struggled to slow down some of the league's weakest passing attacks in 2025. The Cowboys finished last in defensive EPA, allowed a 58.4 QBR to opposing quarterbacks, and managed just six interceptions all season.
There are still questions surrounding the outside cornerback spots as well. DaRon Bland is looking to bounce back after foot injuries slowed his progression, while Shavon Revel Jr. enters the season one year removed from an ACL tear and a poor rookie season. The Cowboys did not ignore the problem this offseason, though, adding players to create competition and more skill in the secondary.
3 months ago
We’re almost to the MLB All-Star Break, which means it’s crunch time for our fantasy baseball teams. Some of the hitters that were recommendations to add and stream have turned into reliable players to keep on rosters in most leagues. That’s typically the goal of finding hitters to stream, where we want them to turn into regular pieces.
Last week, we were able to target Marlins, Athletics and Rockies hitters because of their hitter-friendly matchups and ballparks. Though we don’t have that type of boom week, the Dodgers face the Rockies and Diamondbacks — two of the worst pitching staffs. Not that we needed it, but stock up for Dodgers hitters in Week 16.
The Mets project to have mediocre matchups, though the best matchups come late in the week against Red Sox starters Ranger Suárez and Payton Tolle. Meanwhile, the Giants could have sneaky hitters to stream, since they face the Blue Jays and Rockies pitchers. We’ll dive into the Week 16 matchups to monitor before highlighting several hitters to add and stream in various league formats.
Diamondbacks (4 at SD, 3 at LAD
The Diamondbacks project to face seven right-handed starting pitchers in Week 16. It’s more favorable earlier in the week, facing Walker Buehler, Germán Márquez, Michael King and Griffin Canning. However, the Diamondbacks will face Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Emmet Sheehan in the latter part of the week. Max Kepler and Pavin Smith might be the biggest beneficiaries as the main strong-side platoon options, though Kepler recently came back from his suspension and Smith hasn’t been productive in a smaller sample.
Last week, we were able to target Marlins, Athletics and Rockies hitters because of their hitter-friendly matchups and ballparks. Though we don’t have that type of boom week, the Dodgers face the Rockies and Diamondbacks — two of the worst pitching staffs. Not that we needed it, but stock up for Dodgers hitters in Week 16.
The Mets project to have mediocre matchups, though the best matchups come late in the week against Red Sox starters Ranger Suárez and Payton Tolle. Meanwhile, the Giants could have sneaky hitters to stream, since they face the Blue Jays and Rockies pitchers. We’ll dive into the Week 16 matchups to monitor before highlighting several hitters to add and stream in various league formats.
Diamondbacks (4 at SD, 3 at LAD
The Diamondbacks project to face seven right-handed starting pitchers in Week 16. It’s more favorable earlier in the week, facing Walker Buehler, Germán Márquez, Michael King and Griffin Canning. However, the Diamondbacks will face Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Emmet Sheehan in the latter part of the week. Max Kepler and Pavin Smith might be the biggest beneficiaries as the main strong-side platoon options, though Kepler recently came back from his suspension and Smith hasn’t been productive in a smaller sample.
