Andrew Friedman: Dodgers Ownership Supports 'Aggressive' Approach From Front Office
The Dodgers front office has prioritized maintaining a competitive MLB roster and a top farm system.
Last offseason, they prioritized getting below the luxury tax threshold, but that's not expected to be their approach this winter.
Starting pitching is identified as the Dodgers' biggest need, with players like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto mentioned as potential targets. [ more ]
Patriots coaching staff, front office starting to take shape
The New England Patriots have filled out a significant portion of their coaching staff and front office positions after parting ways with Bill Belichick.
Jerod Mayo is the new head coach, Alex Van Pelt is the offensive coordinator, and T.C. McCartney is the quarterbacks coach. [ more ]
Patriots reportedly adding Alonzo Highsmith as front office executive
The New England Patriots are finalizing a deal with Alonzo Highsmith to join their front office as an executive in personnel.
Highsmith has a background in evaluating prospects and transfers, and has previously worked for the Miami Hurricanes, Green Bay Packers, Cleveland Browns, and Seattle Seahawks. [ more ]
Sources: Panthers eye KC's Tillis for front office
The Carolina Panthers are targeting Brandt Tillis, the vice president of football operations for the Kansas City Chiefs, for a prominent front-office role.
The Panthers are structuring their front office similar to the San Francisco 49ers, giving their general manager the title of president of football operations/general manager. [ more ]
Giants in danger of losing Mike Kafka, Brandon Brown as pair get second interviews for new jobs
Giants' assistant GM Brandon Brown is interviewing for the Chargers GM position while offensive coordinator Mike Kafka is interviewing for the Seahawks head coach position.
If Brown is hired by the Chargers, the Giants will receive compensatory draft picks as part of the expanded Rooney Rule.
Kafka is one of five candidates being considered for the Seahawks head coach position. [ more ]
Report: Commanders, Raiders ask 49ers to interview Peters for GM job
The Washington Commanders and Las Vegas Raiders have requested interviews with San Francisco 49ers assistant general manager Adam Peters for their GM vacancies.
Peters has worked in the NFL for 21 years and previously declined interview requests from the Tennessee Titans and Arizona Cardinals.
The Commanders could have an advantage in pursuing Peters due to his connections with former Golden State Warriors GM Bob Myers and former Minnesota Vikings GM Rick Spielman. [ more ]
'Prominent rival coach' calls out Boston Celtics fans
Boston Celtics fans have been in shambles ever since they watched their team go crashing out of the playoffs at the hands of the Miami Heat.Half the fanbase all of a sudden has cold feet on giving Jaylen Brown a super-max contract extension, after clamoring for him to make All-NBA a month ago, so the team could do just that - pay him.
Bradley Beal could be on the move if the Wizards decide to start over
Bradley Beal has a no-trade clause built into the five-year, maximum contract he signed last year.(Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post)The day after the Washington Wizards' season ended, the organization's cornerstone player was asked whether he expected to be at training camp come fall.After 11 years in D.C., including the past five running in place, Bradley Beal gave an answer that left a sliver of doubt.
Miami Heat 2023 Trade Value Rankings: What is Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson's trade value?
Ranking the nine Miami Heat players under contract for next season in terms of trade value.This is not a list of player power rankings.This is a ranking of the Miami Heat's nine players under contract for next season in terms of trade value.For example, Jimmy Butler comes in at second, behind Bam Adebayo, not because Adebayo is better than Butler but because Adebayo, at 25 and under a team-friendly deal, has way more trade value to the 29 other NBA teams than the 33-year-old Butler.
The 5 O'Clock Club: Commanders trade opportunities in declined fifth-year options
The 5 o'clock club is published from time to time during the season, and aims to provide a forum for reader-driven discussion at a time of day when there isn't much being published.Feel free to introduce topics that interest you in the comments below.CLICK HERE to see the full 5 o'clock club archive Whenever a team declines a player's fifth-year option (as Washington did with Chase Young last month), a flare goes up around the league.
In one word: Extraordinary.Immanuel Quickley's 2022-23 season was, in fact, one (almost) for the ages.So much so, that he got robbed of a Sixth Man of the Year award falling just shorpt of Malcolm Brogdon and the Boston Media Mafia agenda.As Joe Flynn put it, "The writing [had] been on the wall for a few weeks now," and he couldn't have been more right about it.
Versatile Red Sox Infielder Reportedly Suffers Injury Setback
Alex Cora and the Boston Red Sox were hopeful to receive more middle infield depth early this week with the return of Yu Chang.But the versatile infielder won't be rejoining the Red Sox as expected.Chang, who had successful surgery on a broken hamate bone in his left wrist in late April, suffered an injury setback as he is dealing with soreness in his hand while on a rehab assignment, The Boston Globe's Alex Speier reported Monday.
Twitter reacts to Zach LaVine reportedly being shopped by Chicago Bulls
With over half the incumbent roster without guaranteed deals for the 2023-24 season, it was always expected that the Chicago Bulls would experience a good deal of turnover this summer.What no one likely had on their offseason checklist, however, was the Bulls shopping their franchise cornerstone Zach LaVine on the trade block.
Vegas odds for 2024 champion are proof the Bulls are directionless
Following a disappointing 40-42 season and prompt elimination in the play-in tournament, please excuse me if I join many other fans when I say I'm ready to put this year behind us and look forward to the future.The Chicago Bulls' options this summer may be limited, but at this point, standing pat and not making any moves in either direction would be an abject failure for the franchise.
How to watch 2023 NBA Draft with and without cable: Full streaming guide
Just because the Chicago Bulls don't currently own the rights to a pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, doesn't mean that this event is one fans shouldn't tune in for.We've seen a record number of trades occur at both last year's draft and trade deadline, so I fully expect that trend to carry over to this summer as well.
DeMar DeRozan takes Bulls rookie under his wing with intense workouts
After not seeing the court much in his rookie season in the NBA, many Bulls fans were left wanting more from Dalen Terry this past year.While the front office deserves some flak for drafting a long-term project over a player ready to contribute immediately, we won't be able to truly evaluate Dalen until he begins playing meaningful minutes.
Raptors news: Bobby Webster hints at running it back, trade to No. 3 discussed
The Toronto Raptors' fanbase seems to be largely against the idea of "running it back" this offseason, as last year's very disappointing result has some pining for either a complete rebuild or a retool that would include making some lateral moves that keep the squad competitive.With OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam being mentioned in trade rumors and the three-headed monster of Fred VanVleet, Jakob Poeltl, and Gary Trent Jr. all potential free agents that could leave, there are several possible futures in which the roster is upended.
Raptors draft: 1 prospect at every position to target in lottery
The Toronto Raptors still have not given off any indication of what direction they will go in during the 2023 NBA Draft.Masai Ujiri and the rest of the front office continue to be incredibly tight-lipped about what positions and players they may target with their lone selection.Conventional wisdom would suggest that Ujiri and the Raptors could try to fix their lack of terrific shooting by drafting a dynamic guard at No. 13 overall.
Raptors' reported approach to 2023 NBA Draft could doom team
Toronto Raptors executive Bobby Webster has a very important selection to make in the 2023 NBA Draft, as he needs to make sure he adds an injection of youth and long-term upside to a flawed roster that is in dire need of both those traits in quite an alarming way.Raptors fans are hoping that the failures brought on by last year's team and the hiring of new head coach Darko Rajakovic prompt a change in the team's main roster-building philosophy.
Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Addresses LA's Need to Add Starting Pitching
For years the Dodgers have had the luxury of possessing great pitching staffs around Major League Baseball.It helped win them a ton of games over the years but thus far through the 2023 season, things have gone a little haywire.The pitching has been uncharacteristically poor in both the starting rotation and the bullpen.
Bruins Named Potential Candidate For Jets' Pierre-Luc Dubois
Bruins general manager Don Sweeney admitted in the organization's end-of-season news conference that changes likely are coming, and it would not be a surprise if Boston looked at all possible options.The situation in Winnipeg could be one to monitor.Pierre-Luc Dubois's camp informed the Jets he is not interested in signing a one-year deal, according to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun on Wednesday.
While the Miami Heat ultimately came up short in their heroic bid to land the franchise's fourth NBA title against the Denver Nuggets, they can still confidently look back at this season as a relative success all things considered.That being said, extending their championship window will require a lot of front office gymnastics to improve the roster.
4 potential Kyle Kuzma deals if the Wizards decide to sign-and-trade him
There are important decisions waiting for the Washington Wizards front office and its two stars Kristaps Porzingis and Kyle Kuzma.Both players have player options for next season and the deadline to make a decision is only two weeks away.It is still a mystery whether the Washington Wizards are going into full roster teardown mode immediately or if they are planning to keep their core together to start the season.
Washington Wizards: Knicks could be suitors in potential Beal deal
A lot of Washington Wizards fans may not have seen this coming but Bradley Beal's time in the nation's capital could be coming to an end.But some Wizards supporters are pushing for Beal's departure.Quite frankly, the fans in D.C. are tired of the losing seasons.They missed the postseason for a second consecutive year and only made the playoffs once in the last five years.
The history of no.8 picks doesn't bode well for the Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards have the no.8 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, their highest draft pick in ten years.Even though having a higher-than-usual draft pick is obviously a positive, the history of 8th overall selections paints a less-than-rosy picture for the Wizards.An average NBA Draft has about 7 All-Star players and a few All-NBA level players.
Dodgers News: MLB Analyst Praises Dave Roberts Ability to Navigate Analytical Baseball World
Dave Roberts is already one of the winningest managers in MLB history.Roberts has a winning percentage that ranks top five in MLB history.Since he took over the Dodgers in 2016, no team has won more games, and it's not even that close.Also, the Dodgers have made the postseason every season Roberts has been at the helm, and, of course, won the World Series in 2020.
Tis the season for Dodgers prospects!Just as the front office promised, the team has leaned on the young, up and coming core of players this season with guys like James Outman, Miguel Vargas, and Bobby Miller being called on to play big roles for the club.With so many big name prospects joining the active roster this season, it got us thinking about the biggest prospect flameouts of all time.
Bulls News: Recent hire suggests intention to build around young core
For far too long, the Chicago Bulls have been known as a franchise with no advanced analytic department, an inadequate medical team, and perhaps worst of all, little to no developmental personnel.When the Bulls have refused to allocate resources toward improving their young talent, it should come as no surprise when so many former players have found much more success following their departure from the Windy City.
Bulls depth chart heading into free agency: Vucevic decides the future
The 2023 offseason looks to be a time of inner turmoil for the Chicago Bulls.Is this team truly good enough to make a playoff run?Was there any move that would have made this team a championship contender?Is it really realistic to place your faith in a team that still hasn't figured out it needs a legitimate point guard on the roster?
Darko Rajakovic hire could signal a big change for the Raptors
In time for the upcoming NBA Draft, the Raptors have finally filled their head coaching position.The front office settled on Darko Rajakovic, a Serbian coach with experience in Memphis, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, and the NBA G League.Based on his experience on his former teams, this stunning head coaching hire could signal change for the Raptors.
What will Darko Rajakovic be like as Toronto's head coach?
The short answer, as with all coaches who have not been NBA head coaches, is that we simply don't know.There's no way of knowing to what extent an assistant coach has been responsible for different component's of a team's output.But there are always signs, breadcrumbs to follow, to guess at what might be to come.
The RaptorsHQ's Draft Watch is back, and we're here to foolishly figure out who the Raptors' front office will select 13th overall in the next few weeks.This task is a tall order, as President Masai Ujiri and GM Bobby Webster's tandem is putting everyone on a wild goose chase as to who's really in the running to replace Nick Nurse as the new Raptors head coach.
Warriors executive officially joins Atlanta Hawks as assistant GM
Onsi Saleh joins Atlanta Hawks as assistant general manager from Golden State, contributing valuable experience and shared values to the team. [ more ]
Josh Harris hires former NBA and NFL executives to run search for new coach and head of football ops
The Washington Commanders have fired head coach Ron Rivera and are now in search of a new head coach and head of football operations.
Former Golden State Warriors GM Bob Myers and former Minnesota Vikings GM Rick Spielman have been hired to lead the search for a new head coach and head of football operations. [ more ]
Predicting where each Boston Celtics' free agent will play in 2023-24
After coming up just short of making their second consecutive trip to the NBA Finals last season, the Boston Celtics will enter a crucial offseason full of major decisions.Along the way, the front office will have to decide what to do with their impending free agents, which they have three on standard deals and two on two-way deals.
Jon Lester: Red Sox are 'too smart' to 'be down long'
Former Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester acknowledges that current Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow is in a tough spot with the team expected to operate at a lower payroll.
Lester believes that the Red Sox won't be down for long and that their recent status as a cellar-dweller will not continue in the future. [ more ]
Former Steelers Front Office Member Leaves Panthers Organization
Carolina Panthers' VP of Football Administration Samir Suleiman is no longer with the team after the hiring of Dan Morgan as general manager.
Suleiman previously worked for the Pittsburgh Steelers and was seen as a potential successor to lead the team on salary cap and contract matters. [ more ]
The SF Giants have finally fixed their biggest problem
Morry Gash/AP It's June, and the Giants are hovering around .500.A good stretch of games has often been followed by an absolute stinker or two.They're within striking distance of the third wild-card spot.Does any of this excite you?Well, it should.Are the Giants a surefire, bona fide playoff contender?
MLB Considering Limitations On Teams' Off-Field Spending
Major League Baseball officials have discussed the possibility of capping teams' spending in off-field areas such as technology, player development and scouting, report Evan Drellich and Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic.MLB's owners and league officials are convened in New York this week for a quarterly meeting, though they haven't announced any changes to this point.
Back in Seattle with White Sox, Kendall Graveman looks back on surprising trade to Astros
If you wanted to recite all the trades Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto has made since coming to Seattle, you might need to block out a whole weekend to do so.The man has been one of the more prolific dealers in MLB during his eight-year Emerald City tenure, with his moves ranging from masterful to meh and in some cases maddening.
Weak-hitting big-money ex-Yankees OF finds criticism 'hilarious'
What if Andrew Benintendi had decided to stay with the Yankees, signed a large free-agent contract and then started the season the way he has with the White Sox?We know the answer: He would've been given the Aaron Hicks treatment - especially if he had failed to produce with Aaron Judge sidelined, like many others in the Yankees' lineup.
Ken Rosenthal: White Sox 'might be willing' to deal rental players. Here are the names he listed
The White Sox have decisions to make.And soon, for that matter.Do they want to forge ahead with the current core, hoping to win the AL Central and thus earning a playoff berth?Or would they rather sell high on their expiring commodities and bring back long term assets?Here's how MLB insider Ken Rosenthal reported the Sox' situation as the trade deadline nears.
MLB analyst calls Dodgers 'hand-in-glove fit' for White Sox' Tim Anderson
The White Sox and MLB are just under seven weeks away from the Aug. 1 trade deadline.And the South Siders aren't exactly performing up to par this season.They hold a 29-39 record, as of this writing, with a third-place standing in AL Central -- far and away the weakest division in baseball.If the Sox continue their ways as the deadline nears, one MLB analyst sees a perfect fit for Tim Anderson if the Sox pivot to sellers.
The Dodgers might be watching the White Sox closely
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox haven't played each other very much in history.Only a handful of times have these two teams met on the playing field.They are meeting this year as a result of the brand new schedule in which everyone plays everyone.You might remember that they actually did play each other last year as a part of the typical inter-league schedule.
Welcome to the SSS Summary - a little review of what happened this past week in Chicago White Sox baseball, including on-the-field play, the front office jibber-jabber, and everything in between.Even if you don't want to remember what happened, sorry, we will tell you anyway.This time last week, the South Siders were 5 1â2 games behind the first-place Minnesota Twins.
True New Yorker Obi Toppin shows you how to make a chopped cheese
You hungry?If you're in Red Hook, you might want to stop in and buy a chopped cheese from Rahim Mohammed, a.k.aRah Money, a.k.a.General Ock.You might just catch a glimpse of Knicks forward Obi Toppin working the grill, or at least buying a pink lemonade.We've discussed the idea of trading Obi at length on these spaces.
Knicks reportedly discussed potential Bradley Beal deal during the season
It was reported earlier today that the Washington Wizards and Bradley Beal would work together to find a trade if the team elects to rebuild.And many around the league believe that Washington, coming off of a 35-47 campaign, will likely to go down that path.The Knicks, as they so often are with big names, have been closely linked to Beal for a while now.
Islanders & NHL News: Bailey is probably too expensive to keep
Now that we're officially into the offseason, some news is starting to shake loose.Nothing significant has yet happened to the New York Islanders roster, but it's still early in the buyout window-GM and President Lou Lamoriello has until after the draft to make the call about buying out Josh Bailey, so he might as well hold off and see if he can just unload the contract entirely.
NHL & Islanders News: Laviolette joins the dark side; Sens owned; Cup *in* the building
The NHL carries on for what could be its final night of 2022-23 as the Golden Knights look to close out the Stanley Cup final in Game 5 vs. the Florida Panthers.If you're (still?) watching, this can be our late-day news dump and game thread.Plus, a wee bit of Islanders-related reading: Islanders 'News'
Yankees Mailbag: Severino's struggles and auditions for the fill-ins
Good afternoon everyone, it's time to dive back into the mailbag and answer some of your questions.Remember to send in your questions for our weekly call by e-mail to pinstripealleyblog [at] gmail [dot] com.Jesse R. asks: I really like Dominic Fletcher's profile (controllable 25-year-old lefty outfielder stuck in Arizona's AAA team because of their logjam).
New York Post | Mark W. Sanchez: It looks like the Aaron Judge situation is a good news, bad news kind of thing.Aaron Boone said on Saturday that the Captain is "doing a little bit better."That's the good news.The bad news is that there is still no timetable for the reigning MVP's return.Evidently, the swelling has subsided around the injured toe, but not enough for the Yankees to make any kind of forecast for Judge's return.
4 young stars the Wizards should trade Bradley Beal for
It's finally here.After years spent in NBA purgatory, reloading for a playoff push that never came, the Washington Wizards are taking the first steps toward a rebuild.New Team President Michael Winger and his front office are expected to pursue a rebuild and help this franchise accomplish something other than disappointment and low expectations.
Washington Wizards: Heat could be interested in Bradley Beal
Following two very different seasons, the Washington Wizards and Miami Heat are looking to make big changes this offseason.The Heat are reportedly star hunting according to Brian Windhorst while the Wizards are likely looking to rebuild.This makes a deal between the two teams very likely as there are three players fully capable of being top options on a competing team.
Washington Wizards center Kristaps Porzingis will opt-in his player option for the 2023-24 NBA season, according to Keith Smith of Sportrac.Something that is picking up more and more buzz: Kristaps Porzingis opting in for $36M with Washington next season.Under the old front office, the assumption was Porzingis would opt out and re-sign on a long-term deal with Wizards.
The Wizards could be the middleman in a Pelicans/Trailblazers trade
As recently reported by NBA Insider Shams Charania, the New Orleans Pelicans are going to be aggressive in trying to get Scoot Henderson.Since the Charlotte Hornets are unlikely to trade away their second pick, it leaves the Portland Trailblazers.However, they may need a third team to get the deal done.
Pass or Pursue: 3 blockbuster trades that lead to a Wizards rebuild
The last few years have been rough for the Washington Wizards, something that has been noted by everyone around the league.This prompted a changing of the guard in the front office.Now, with an actual plan being put in place, the franchise and the fanbase have hope for the future.One of the most noteworthy changes is the fact that newly appointed president of Monumental Basketball Michael Winger has full authority to decide on any direction he wants to.
How new front office could shape the culture for the Washington Wizards
Since the new front office was brought in, one thing has been repeatedly emphasized.The Washington Wizards need to establish a winning culture and an identity going forward.Now that is something that is far easier said than done.Many have tried and failed to do just that with various teams around the league.
All aTwitter: 15 June 2023 - Commanders help launch football program at Washington DC school
The goal of All aTwitter is to give readers a handy spot to check the Washington Commanders beat writers & bloggers, national sports journalists, and football fans in order to keep up on the latest news and opinions about Washington, the NFL, and sports in general, along with a smattering of other things.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Jason Spezza Joins Kyle Dubas in Pittsburgh
It appeared a forgone conclusion and Chris Johnston reported it today, ex Toronto Maple Leafs forward and assist general manager Jason Spezza signed on with the Pittsburgh Penguins Wednesday morning to work in the front office.The decision comes just weeks after Spezza stepped down as his role as special assistant to the general manager in the Toronto Maple Leafs organization.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Brad Treliving Has Already Made a Huge Mistake
On May 31, the Toronto Maple Leafs made the huge announcement that Brad Treliving was going to be the 18th general manager in the organization's 106 year history.While the Toronto Maple Leafs new GM is still trying to get acquainted with where the washrooms are located in the MLSE offices, he's already made one massive move and it wasn't a good one.
When Lonnie Walker and the Lakers inked a deal with one another this past summer, both parties did so with the understanding that it was a gamble.For Walker, the decision to leave the cozy confines of the San Antonio Spurs ' organization for glitzy Los Angeles was a strategic one.Not only was the aim to make more money if he put up a strong year, but also, reveal previously untapped parts of his game.
These are strange days for White Sox fans.It's totally OK if you're a Sox fan and you're not sure what to think because what we're seeing in the 2023 season is unprecedented.It leads to a really interesting existential question: What is it that you're actually rooting for?Most of the time the objective for a team is very clear.
Adrian Serrano has put together some wonderful merch designs for us at South Side Sox, and he really has tripped on something magical this time.This shirt was designed last August, too late for the Pride celebrations across MLB.And frankly, last year's efforts on behalf of Pride Night inclusivity, left Adrian wanting.
Free Agent Signing Ken Giles Making Progress at Dodgers' AZ Facility
As the Dodger bullpen revolving door continues to spin, more help could be on the way soon enough for the struggling relief staff that has posted the fourth-worst ERA in baseball up to this point in the season.The latest on injured right-hander Daniel Hudson has been well-documented of late.He joined the Arizona Complex League Dodgers last week and has thrown in two games up to this point.
Potential Wizards pick Cason Wallace is a reach at no.8
The 2023 NBA Draft is less than two weeks away and there still is no clear indication of who the Washington Wizards are going to select with their no.8 pick.New team president Michael Winger and general manager Will Dawkins didn't provide any clues regarding how the front office is leaning leading up to the draft.
NBA Draft Grades 2022: Re-grading Bulls' 18th pick one year later
Entering last year's draft, it was abundantly clear that the Chicago Bulls needed to add three-point shooting, rebounding, and size on the low post.Fortunately, there was plenty of that in last year's draft class, and the 18th pick was plenty high enough in the pecking order to get the job done.And yet, Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley decided to take things in another direction in the end.
Potential no.8 pick Jarace Walker's all-around game fits rebuilding Wizards
The NBA Draft is only two weeks away and draft workouts and speculations regarding who the Washington Wizards are going to pick are in full swing.With a brand-new front office, it is hard to tell what the Wizards are going to prioritize with their no.8 pick.Nevertheless, the Wizards need an injection of athleticism and high-end talent.
Looking At Potential Trade Destinations For Flyers Goaltender Carter Hart
Monday saw the Vegas Golden Knights take a 2-0 lead in the Stanley Cup final against the Florida Panthers.The Tuesday after started quiet, but became very frantic very quickly.During the series "off day", Ivan Provorov was traded from the Philadelphia Flyers to the Columbus Blue Jackets in a three team trade.