Hot Button: Diamondbacks DFA ineffective Bumgarner ... NFLPA insists grass is 'significantly safer' than turf ... Bet on it: A's making move to Las Vegas

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BUM DEAL: D-BACKS
RELEASE LAGGING LEFTY

Thursday, April 20: The Diamondbacks are out of ideas. They’ve designated three-time World Series-winning southpaw Madison Bumgarner for assignment, owing him over $34 million over the rest of this season and next. 

Arizona signed Bumgarner, 33, to a 5-year, $85-million contract in 2020, but never got the pitcher who dominated for the Giants over 11 seasons. The former World Series MVP has a 15-32 record and a 5.23 ERA in 69 starts with the D-Backs, never fully regaining form after a dirt-bike accident in his first season caused him back problems and limited him to just 9 starts. 

Bumgarner’s trademark durability returned the next two seasons, making 26 and 30 starts respectively, but his velocity and spin rates dipped each season and he won just 14 games in that time with ERAs near 5.00.

This season, Bumgarner’s 0-3 with a 10.26 ERA and a 2.400 WHIP over 16.2 innings.

My take: Well, no one is going to trade for him, so this is definitely a release. If some pitching guru out there thinks they can fix him, he can be had for major-league minimum this year and next. He’s only 33, having made his first MLB appearance at age 19 in 2009. He also could just be done. There’s nothing there on his pitches and he admitted himself he’s out of ideas after a dreadful start Wednesday night. -- Bob

NFLPA CHALLENGES NFL
ON GRASS VS. TURF

Thursday, April 20: The National Football League Players Association is challenging the league’s assertion that there is no significant difference in non-contact injuries between artificial surfaces and grass. 

NFLPA president JC Tretter said a new report proves “grass is a significantly safer surface than turf.” The data set Tretter is referencing shows the occurrence of NCIs on turf is higher than grass in 10 of the last 11 seasons and accused the NFL of using “an outlier year [2021] to engage in a PR campaign to convince everyone that the problem doesn't actually exist."

The league responded through Jeff Miller, executive vice president of communications, who insisted, "The committee, including the NFLPA's experts, believe that simply playing on natural grass is not the answer to this complex challenge. … Our goal is to decrease injuries on all surfaces. There are no simple answers, but we are committed to the substantial, ongoing work with the players and their expert advisors to make the game safer."

My take: I really don’t think this is debatable. The data bear out what the NFLPA alleges. However, I’m not sure an all-grass solution is even feasible, considering the number of indoor stadiums. The differences in the data analyses are a bit subjective, too. The two sides need to agree on an objective data set for analysis to make a final determination, instead of taking contrary positions on the same report. — Bob

A’S GAMBLING ON VEGAS
AS NEW HOME

Thursday, April 20: After 55 years, the Athletics have decided to move from Oakland, entering a binding agreement to purchase a 49-acre plot of land near the famous Strip, approximately one mile from the Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium, to build a 35,000 seat stadium which will have a partial retractable roof.

Team president Dave Kaval made the announcement Thursday and said the cost of the stadium will be $1.5 billion, with a projected opening in 2027. The intention is to fund the stadium through the State of Nevada, Clark County and private partnerships. The team’s current lease at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum expires after the 2024 season. No mention was made of whether the Athletics will extend that lease until their new stadium is complete or if they will move to Vegas and play in Las Vegas Ballpark, home of their Triple-A affiliate Las Vegas Aviators. Capacity there is 10,000.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred released a brief statement, saying: "We support the A's turning their focus on Las Vegas and look forward to them bringing finality to this process by the end of the year." 

This ends a 20-year effort by the organization to get a new stadium in Oakland. Built in 1966, the Coliseum is the fifth-oldest baseball stadium in operation (Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium and Angel Stadium), but a lack of facility upgrades and strained relationships with Oakland’s city council and stadium management forced the Athletics to explore potential relocation sites. Oakland did present and approve a waterfront stadium proposal, but the project was reliant on the Athletics owning only a portion of the stadium outright and paying for low-income housing in the area adjacent to the stadium from their revenues in a mandatory development deal. The team rejected the proposal outright when it was passed.

My take: Anyone who’s ever read my comments on the Coliseum knows I believe the original in Rome is better suited as a relic and ruin to host baseball over that Eastern Bloc-architectural monstrosity they currently lease. Good riddance. Time to go somewhere they can make money. — Bob

SCHERZER EJECTION
GETS STICKY

Wednesday, April 19: Max Scherzer was ejected Wednesday after the third inning when he allegedly failed a sticky substance check after coming out to pitch the fourth inning against the Dodgers. Umpire Phil Cuzzi seemed to question Scherzer’s pitching hand and glove after the bottom of the third inning, and he had forced Scherzer to change gloves ahead of that third inning. Cuzzi asked crew chief Dan Bellino to help check Scherzer as he exited the dugout in the fourth.

The Mets' ace was seen arguing with the umpire and lip-reading indicates he was making his case by emphatically repeating, “It's rosin! It’s just rosin!”

Scherzer's faces a potential 10-game suspension for violating the sticky substance rule.

The Mets did go on to win, 5-3.

My take: The suspension is automatic but can be appealed. Rosin is legal, though there is a provision for an excess of it. This is controversial, to say the least. 

Saturday, Twins manager Rocco Baldelli was ejected after umpires let Yankees starter Domingo German stay in the game after an extensive look at his hand, which was sticky but ruled OK because it was determined to be rosin. Baldelli argued the decision because of the excess-rosin provision. The rule clearly needs clarification. There can be no subjectivity in play with a 10-game suspension on the line. — Bob

CUT OR GET CUT FOR
MIXON IN CINCY?

Wednesday, April 20: A report today in the Athletic said running back Joe Mixon is likely to get cut from the Bengals' roster if he does not accept a pay cut. Mixon has two years remaining on a 4-year, $48-million contract, but only $10 million – the signing bonus – was guaranteed, so he would cost 5.5 million in dead cap if he’s released. 

Spotrac’s calculations have Mixon out-performing his contract and his market value as 7th best in the National Football League. The 26-year-old battled injuries in 2022, rushing for 814 yards and 7 touchdowns on 210 carries over 14 games, and catching 60 passes for 441 yards and 2 scores. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2021. In six seasons, all with Cincinnati, he has 5,378 yards rushing and 1,763 yards receiving with 50 total touchdowns.

Mixon does have a misdemeanor menacing charge awaiting adjudication from a February road-rage incident, when he is alleged to have pulled out and pointed a gun at another motorist. 

My take: Not sure if the Bengals want to be finding a feature back at this point, but they have to clear cap space with Tee Higgins and Joe Burrow about to cash in, with Ja’Marr Chase on deck. Still, the market's down on running backs and a good one can be found in the draft during the middle rounds. — Bob

HAMLIN CLEARED FOR
FULL FOOTBALL ACTIVITY

Tuesday, April 18: Damar Hamlin has been fully cleared for all football activity, according to Bills general manager Brandon Beane.

What seemed impossible on February 6, as Hamlin lay lifeless on the Cincinnati turf needing to be revived after cardiac arrest, has come to pass. Hamlin is at the team facilities and is participating in all activities, following full medical clearance Friday. Hamlin addressed the media later Tuesday, saying the official diagnosis is commotio cordis -- cardiac arrest from a sudden impact to the heart which interrupts the regluar rhythm, causing arrest. Hamlin explained that it is the leading cause of death among youth athletes and he is dedicating an effort for prevention, as well as CPR training and AED device accessibility. Each method was used to revive Hamlin.

The two-year veteran out of Pitt played in 15 games for Buffalo last season, starting 13, totaling 91 tackles, 2 passes defensed and 1 interception, participating in 86 percent of defensive snaps.

The Bills will work Hamlin back at his pace but hope to see him get regular playing time in 2023. Head coach Sean McDermott said Tuesday that "He's moving forward one step at a time here. He's been cleared from a physical standpoint, and we'll provide all the mental help we can from a mind, body and spirit standpoint."

My take: What a triumph. Such a remarkable ending to such a stunning and near-tragic event. All the best to him in his training and continued good health and progress. — Bob

MLB TESTING POTENTIAL
NEW RULES IN INDY LEAGUE

Tuesday, April 18: Major League Baseball announced Tuesday it is testing three potential new rules in the independent Atlantic League, with which it has a formal affiliation. Rules being tried out:

• A team loses its designated hitter if the starting pitcher does not throw five innings. In such instances, a pitcher or pinch hitter would hit in DH spot
• A designated runner could be used at any time during a game. The runner would be eligible to play in the game after his turn on the bases and the person he subbed for could continue in his regular spot on the field and in the lineup.
• Pitchers only get one step-off or throw to a base per plate appearance.

The next steps, if MLB decides to move forward, would be to test the potential rule changes in the lower minors.

My take: There’s nothing wrong with the pitch clock that should require more limitations on the pitcher. I hate the designated runner rule — this isn’t beer-league softball. The DH rule is interesting, but impractical. It forces a manager to put the DH lower in the order, eliminates an “opener” pitcher and is anti-competitive — if a manager has to replace a pitcher under five innings, it's likely because he's ineffective, plus pitchers are on stricter pitch counts early in the season. The team's already losing and now he’d additionally be saddled with hitting his pitcher or wasting his bench early. Dumb. — Bob

GARRETT DONE WITH PRO
BOWLS AFTER TOE INJURY

Tuesday, April 18: National Football League players would do well to consider their “Edge” vote in future Pro Bowls after Myles Garrett announced Tuesday he is “retired” from the Pro Bowl after suffering a toe injury during February’s events.

In the first season with a modified format of skills competitions and a flag football game, Garrett dislocated his big toe after jamming it into a wall in the Gridiron Gauntlet event, an obstacle-course relay competition.

Though the Browns star, a four-time Pro Bowl player, did not have surgery to repair the injury, it is still not completely healed. Garrett said it still hurts to plant and cut, but added “I don't think it will be an issue," by the time the season starts. 

My take: The Pro Bowl is stupid. So many drop out to begin with and after what happened to Garrett, I’m sure a bunch more will next season, too. Just not worth it. There’s always a risk of injury, but in the old format one at least got injured playing actual football. The first ACL tear during a dodger-ball game ends the event forever. — Bob

EAGLES SIGN HURTS
TO NFL RECORD DEAL

Monday, April 17: The Eagles believe they have their man after quarterback Jalen Hurts led the franchise to the Super Bowl in February. Monday, they made Hurts the highest-paid player in National Football League history with a five-year, $255-million extension. $179 is fully guaranteed. The AAV of $51 million per season is a record and there is a no-trade clause, the first in Eagles history.

Hurts led Philadelphia back to the Super Bowl in his third season, going 14-1 in his 15 starts and complete3ing 66.5 percent of his passes for 3,701 yards and 22 touchdowns, while rushing for 13 more. He threw only six interceptions. Hurts backed it up with an MVP-worthy performance in the Super Bowl, setting a record with three rushing touchdowns by a quarterback and throwing for over 300 yards and a score in the 38-35 loss to the Chiefs.

My take: He earned it, I guess. The market price for franchise QBs keeps going up. Lamar Jackson probably did a few backflips hearing the news. The longer that goes on, the more I think the Ravens are going to cut bait, trade Jackson and draft a QB. — Bob

TATIS JR. RAKING IN AAA WHILE BIDING
TIME FOR SUSPENSION TO END

Sunday, April 16: Fernando Tatis Jr. is punishing Triple-A pitching as he readies himself to return to the Padres after his PED suspension ends on April 20.

The 24-year-old Dominican is savaging minor-league hurlers and is currently on a 10-for-12 streak with 6 home runs over three games and was slashing .515/.590/1.212 with 7 home runs and 15 RBIs in 33 at-bats over 8 games for the El Paso Chihuahuas.

Tatis Jr. has not played in MLB since 2021. He was recovering from an injury when he tested positive for a banned substance in 2022 and was forced to miss the remainder of the season and three weeks of this one. 

My take: Truly a man among boys down there. He’s forever a cheater, but a heck of a player. The Padres will welcome him back gladly, as they’re off to a sluggish 8-9 start. — Bob

BLUE JACKETS LATEST
TO FIRE HEAD COACH

Saturday, April 15: There’s been a lot of change in the Metropolitan Division since the season ended Thursday, with the Penguins firing top management and the Capitals firing head coach Peter Laviolette. The Blue Jackets got in on the action Saturday, firing head coach Brad Larsen after two seasons.

Larsen, 45, was hired in 2021 to replace John Tortorella, but he could not get Columbus to the playoffs, posting sixth- and eighth-place finishes in division, the latter last in the Eastern Conference. This was Larsen’s first head-coaching position after spending seven years as an assistant with the Jackets.

Larsen leaves with a record of 62-85-16.

My take: The Bruins almost had more points this season than the Jackets over the last two combined. Deeper problems in Columbus than the head coach, but someone has to take the fall. Not sure who’s going to be the next head coach there but the franchise has never gotten past the second round of the playoffs with its best rosters. It sure would help if they win the Connor Bedard sweepstakes. One of the challengers for him will be the Ducks, who fired late Friday head coach Dallas Eakins after four seasons. — Bob

BELLINGER BLUES: NO UMP LOVE
ON RETURN TO DODGER STADIUM

Saturday, April 15: Cody Bellinger is no Andrew McCutchen, at least not in the eyes of umpire Jim Wolf. One of the most cherished moments for Pirates fans was the return of McCutchen for the home opener this season. Anticipating the tremendous ovation, the umpire gave McCutchen some grace and let him soak in the moment, allowing Cutch the time he needed to enter the batter’s box when ready, then start the pitch clock.

Bellinger got no such consideration when he returned to Dodger Stadium for the first time Friday night, now a member of the Cubs. The 2019 MVP received a rousing ovation from the home crowd and as Bellinger took time to acknowledge the gesture, plate umpire Wolf stepped out and called strike one on him for a pitch-clock violation. 

Bellinger eventually grounded out. The two-time All-Star joined Chicago this season after struggling through injuries and confidence to find again that MVP form over the last three sub-par seasons.

My take: What a jerk Wolf is. Bellinger was a hero in L.A., despite his struggles. Former MVP returns home the next season with a new team? Have some awareness and consideration. This was completely unnecessary. MLB has given umps some wiggle room in enforcing situations like these, Wolf should have used some. — Bob

LAVIOLETTE OUT AFTER
THREE SEASONS WITH CAPS

Friday, April 14: The Capitals fired head coach Peter Laviolette Friday after three seasons at the helm. The Capitals failed to make the playoffs this season, following first-round exits in 2021 and 2022. 

Laviolette was hired to replace current Penguins assistant Todd Reirden, who was fired after two first-round playoff exits. Laviolette went 115-78-27 with Washington, his fifth NHL head-coaching job. He previously coached the Islanders, Hurricanes, Flyers and Predators.

My take: Hardly a surprise. The Capitals have a Penguins problem, struggling in the playoffs since their Cup win in 2018, and failing with very talented rosters, including the greatest goal scorer in history. Round and round we go.  — Bob

VANOVER RELEASED FROM
HOSPITAL AFTER HEAD INJURY

Friday, April 14: Major League Baseball umpire Larry Vanover was released for the hospital Friday, two days after being hit in the head by a relay throw during the Yankees-Guardians game Wednesday

Vanover left the field of play immediately after and was taken to the hospital immediately. He was diagnosed with a concussion and was kept for observation to ensure there were no complications. 

My take: Good news on that front. That was pretty scary to watch. — Bob

BAEZ PULLED, BLAMES
BATTING ORDER FOR GAFFE

Thursday, April 13: Javier Baez has seen better days. The Tigers’ shortstop was pulled in the third inning after a baserunning gaffe in the second caused an inning-ending double play.

Baez had doubled — his first extra-base hit of the season in 41 at-bats — and was on second base with one out. Thinking there were two outs, he raced past third on a line drive to center field by Akil Baddoo, which was caught and Baez was easily doubled off second.

Manager AJ Hinch said the decision to bench Baez was “to send a message” to his club, claiming the players have made too many mental mistakes in the team’s 3-9 start.

Baez, for his part, claimed he thought there were two outs because he was batting sixth, lower in the order than usual, confusing him on the out total when he doubled, combined with the fact he was more focused on his at-bat and plate approach. His season slash is .122/.182/.146 through 12 games. 

The Tigers did win, 3-1, over the Blue Jays.

My take: Inexcusable to not know how many outs. Not sure what it has to do with where one is in a batting order — he just flat out was not paying attention. Good for Hinch, but now he has to deal with a brooding-pouting Baez for a week. Have fun with that. — Bob

TOEWS TIME ENDS
WITH BLACKHAWKS

Thursday, April 13: Jonathan Toews’ storied career with the Blackhawks came to an end Thursday night, as the 15-year veteran and team captain scored in a 5-4 overtime loss at home to the Flyers. General Manager Kyle Hutchinson confirmed to reporters Thursday that the franchise will not re-sign Toews, who will now become a free agent after playing the last year of an 8-year contract signed in 2014. Toews will be 35 years old when next season begins.

The franchise ends up not getting anything in losing the three-time Stanley Cup champion. Toews was forced to take time away from the team in February, as he struggled with fatigue related to long COVID and an immune disorder. Toews did not return to action by the trade deadline and Chicago could find no takers on a rental deal, not knowing when Toews might be well enough to play. He finished the season with 15 goals and 16 assists in 53 games.

The Blackhawks had hoped to stockpile some draft picks in moving booth Patrick Kane and Toews, but were only able to move Kane to the Rangers.

My take: Toews will get too much money from someone out there. He’s still a very good player, especially as a 3C and on the PK, but no one can know how many games he will play. — Bob

SNYDERS HAVE TENTATIVE DEAL
TO SELL COMMANDERS

Thursday, April 13: Commanders owners Daniel and Tanya Snyder have reached an agreement in principle to sell the franchise to the Josh Harris Group for a reported $6.05 billion. The agreement is non-exclusive, so this offer can be altered and other offers could be accepted.

This is, however, the first significant movement in selling the beleaguered franchise, beset in recent years by league, municipal and congressional investigations related to the team’s workplace culture, sexual harassment claims and cover-ups and fraud.

Last week, the franchise settled with the city of Washington, D.C. for violating the rights of season-ticket holders through fraudulent accounting practices which were not properly shared with the NFL. Another suit is still pending, representing the season-ticket holders themselves.

The Snyders have been controversial since the beginning of their ownership, and Daniel Snyder was stripped of his front office responsibilities by the league, unable to perform any day-to-day duties, after an investigation revealed sexual harassment cover-ups and a hostile workplace environment. At that point in 2021, Tanya Snyder assumed her husband’s duties with the team. 

Recently, many owners have been encouraging the Snyders to sell before the league is forced to take unilateral action based on the current congressional investigation and the ongoing controversies and lawsuits pending. Snyder hired a firm in Fall 2022 to investigate the potential for a sale. If the sale is finalized at the above terms, it will be the biggest sale ever of a North American sports franchise, eclipsing the Broncos, who sold in 2022 for $4.65 billion.

My take: Good riddance, whenever they’re gone. Hard to believe one man could be such a menace on stain on the league — there are some pretty awful people as NFL owners, to boot —  so hopefully this gets done and we can put them in the rearview quick. —  Bob

MLB TEAMS REACTING TO CONCESSIONS
SALES DUE TO SHORTER GAMES

Wednesday, April 12: So far this young season, the average Major League baseball game is shorter by 31 minutes over 2022, primarily due to the pitch clock. However, a side effect is that concessions are being affected and some MLB teams are beginning to experiment with longer beer sales. 

Though there is no league requirement, as a general policy most teams do not sell alcoholic beverages after the 7th inning. But the reduction in game times has the Brewers, Marlins, Mets, Rangers, Diamondbacks and Twins extending alcohol sales through the 8th, with most on a trial basis to see if there are any negatives to the switch.

A few teams are also piloting programs to have beverages brought directly to fans in their seats to avoid long lines, during which a spectator could now miss a full inning or more.

My take: The games are now the shortest they’ve been since 1984, the year I graduated high school. The biggest difference is that MLB concessions then were primarily done by vendors walking the stands — not too many options, either. With the expansion of concessions into gourmet foods and craft beers, it can be quite a challenge to get what you want without missing considerable game action. I don’t know if extending an extra inning will mean much, but getting things to fans in their seats is a better solution. Personally, I'm there for the game. I get anything I might want beforehand, but once I hit my seat, I'm not budging. — Bob

RAYS STAY UNDEFEATED, ARRAEZ
AND MOUNTCASTLE POUND AT PLATE

Wednesday, April 12: The Rays are still undefeated this season, crushing the Red Sox 7-2 on Tuesday, using the strength of four home runs to run their record to 11-0 — the best mark to start a season since the Brewers went 13-0 in 1987.

With the four home runs, the Rays now have 29 for the season and have scored 83 runs (7.5 per game) while giving up just 20 (1.8 per game), winning on average every game by a score of … 7-2.

• Luis Arraez became the first Marlin to ever hit for the cycle, when he went double, triple, home run, single in five at-bats. In the process, he’s slashing .537/.596/.732 through 12 games.

• Ryan Mountcastle tied an Orioles franchise record with 9 RBIs against the Athletics in a 12-8 win. Mountcastle had a three-run home run in the fifth and a grand slam in the seventh to go with a sac fly and an RBI groundout to tie Eddie Murray (1985) and Jim Gentile (1961).

My take: The Rays are just dominating, but it’s the AL East so it’s only a four-game lead over the Yankees and Blue Jays. Though one might wonder what the Twins were thinking in trading Arraez, the reigning AL batting champ, to the Marlins, remember they got Pablo Lopez in return. Lopez is 1-0 over three starts with a 1.35 ERA, 0.65 WHIP and 26 strikeouts in 20 innings pitched. Meanwhile, Mountcastle’s in good company, and that emerging O’s team is hanging tough at 6-5 in the early going. Baseball. Love it. — Bob

BRUINS SET ALL-TIME
POINTS MARK

Wednesday, April 12: The Bruins defeated the Capitals Tuesday night, 5-2, to become the National Hockey League’s all-time leader in single-season points with 133, passing the 1976-77 Canadiens, whose 132 points stood for 46 years.

Boston, which already set the single-season wins mark Sunday, also set a franchise record Tuesday for home wins with 34. It has one game remaining on the schedule, at the Canadiens on Thursday night. 

However, the highlight of the night went to Caps goalie Charlie Lindgren:

My take: 64-12-5. What else is there to say? Remember when things were doom and gloom in the offseason? Patrice Bergeron had retired. Brad Marchand could have been out with injury into February, Charlie McAvoy well into December and Matt Grzelcyk mid-November. Well, Bergeron unretired and Marchand returned in late October, playing 72 games to date. McAvoy missed just 15 games and Grzelcyk 7. All stayed healthy throughout the season. Luck is a part of it, for sure. — Bob

NFL FANS MAY HAVE TO DIG
DEEPER FOR ‘SUNDAY TICKET’

Tuesday, April 11: YouTubeTV announced its pricing Tuesday for NFL Sunday Ticket and it’s going to cost subscribers more than it did on DirecTV.

The cost is $349 for the season, up from $293.94, and there is an NFL RedZone bundle for $389. YouTubeTV subscribers can purchase either plan right now at a $100 discount in a special presale. There is no information about when the presale will end. 

The cost, however, is $100 more for each package to those who do not subscribe to YouTubeTV and will have to subscribe on YouTube Primetime Channels, though the $100-discount presale is currently running for those packages, too.

Here’s the full breakdown:

• YouTubeTV subscriber, NFL Sunday Ticket only: $349 ($249 presale)
• YouTubeTV subscriber, NFL Sunday Ticket w/RedZone bundle: $389 ($289 presale)
• YouTube Primetime channels, NFL Sunday Ticket only: $449 ($349 presale)
• YouTube Primetime channels, NFL Sunday Ticket w/ RedZone bundle: $489 ($389 presale).

YouTubeTV is promising enhanced features for subscribers, including multiview (four games on the screen at once), the ability to block scores from showing on selected games, real-time stats and NFL Fantasy scoring, and a “key plays” feature. Unlimited cloud DVR storage is also included. 

YouTube Primetime channels will only have the multiview and key-plays options.

YouTube purchased the streaming rights for NFL Sunday Ticket for $14 billion. The contract is for seven years.

Two weeks ago, the NFL created a new media and entertainment company with RedBird Capital Partners to distribute NFL Sunday Ticket to businesses, which will allow them to purchase the subscription through their current cable or satellite providers. 

My take: Wow. I would have assumed the price would have been more reasonable now that it was available to everyone through a streamer. If you are a YouTubeTV subscriber, the cost is somewhat reasonable in the presale. This, of course, could also be a strategy to get new and existing cord-cutters to select YouTubeTV as their primary streaming provider to get the savings. Otherwise, that’s pretty steep at full price for non-subscribers. — Bob

KARLSSON SIXTH-EVER
D-MAN TO CENTURY MARK

Tuesday, April 11: Erik Karlsson became the sixth defenseman in NHL history to score 100 points in a season and he did it in classic Karlsson style with a goal, his second of the night, in the Sharks’ 6-2 loss to the Jets:

Karlsson is the first blueliner to hit the century mark since Brian Leetch had 102 points (22 G, 80 A) for the Rangers in 1991-92. Bobby Orr, Paul Coffey, Denis Potvin and Al MacInnis are the other four defensemen to do it. Orr’s 139 points in one season is the NHL record and he had six 100-point seasons, the most all time. Coffey had five, his last with the Penguins in 1989-90. 

Karlsson, 32, is the oldest to accomplish the feat and has two games remaining to build on his 25 goal, 75 assist campaign.

My take: It’s quite an accomplishment, stick-taps to him. I always wondered what kind of numbers Letang would put up in a season if he had a shooter’s mentality and wasn’t deferential to 87 and 71 on the power play. — Bob

MASTERS CALL AT BASEBALL
GAME? OH, MY!

Monday, April 10: West Michigan Whitecaps announcer Dan Hasty has gone viral after it was discovered that he announced an at-bat Saturday like it was The Masters. Has to be seen to be believed:

The Whitecaps are a High-A affiliate of the Tigers, who make their home in Grand Rapids.

My take: The music. The tone. Perfection. What a stroke of brilliance. That was hilarious. — Bob

BRUINS SET SINGLE-
SEASON WINS MARK

Sunday, April 9: The Boston Bruins have set the National Hockey League’s single season win mark, netting their 63rd win with a 5-3 victory over the Flyers on Sunday night, besting the previous mark of 62 set by the 1995-96 Red Wings and the 2018-19 Lightning.  

Boston tied the record Saturday night in New Jersey and never trailed in Philadelphia, with David Pastrnak scoring a hat trick to give him 60 goals on the season. He's the second player in franchise history to score 60 goals in a season, with Phil Esposito holding the four highest (76, 68, 66, 61).

Next on the to-do list is the single-season points record. The 1976-77 Canadiens hold the record with 132 points. The Bruins (63-12-5) now have 131 with two games remaining.

Boston will try to break the curse of holding the wins record and not winning the Stanley Cup the same season. The Red Wings were eliminated in the conference finals by the Avalanche the year they set it and the Lightning were ousted in the first round by the Blue Jackets the season they tied it.

My take: This team is a machine, as was recently witnessed by the locals when the Penguins played them. Patrice Bergeron returned for this one, as he’s been rested down the stretch to keep him fresh for what they hope is a long playoff run. Pastrnak is in the shadow of McDavid’s monster season, but his season has been spectacular with 108 points, and he only trails McDavid by four goals for the Rocket Richard Trophy with two games remaining. Stay tuned. — Bob

OBJ AGREES TO ONE-YEAR
DEAL WITH RAVENS

Sunday, April 9: Odell Beckham Jr. is a Raven. The eight-year veteran returned to the AFC North on a one-year, $18-million contract Sunday, joining Baltimore’s receiving corps while its quarterback situation remains in flux.

Beckham Jr., did not play in 2022, recovering from an ACL injury suffered in Super Bowl LVI with the Rams. He had 44 catches for 537 yards and five touchdowns in 2021, mostly with the Browns before forcing his release and signing with L.A. The 30-year-old is a three-time Pro Bowl player, but is seven years removed from his last selection.

My take: That’s a lot for OBJ at this point in his career. I’m sure he wasn’t going to take less than that, but it’s hardly a “prove-it” contract beyond the short term. Now, who will be throwing it to him, and if it’s Lamar Jackson, how will he react when he's not getting targets or is missed when open?  — Bob 

RAHM OUTPACES FIELD
TO WIN MASTERS

Sunday, April 9: Spaniard Jon Rahm won The Masters with a closing round 69, passing playing partner Brooks Koepka, who began the final round with a two-shot lead, but finished with a 3-over 75 to finish in a tie for second with Phil Mickelson who, at 52, became the oldest player ever with a top-5 finish at Augusta National. 

It was a grueling day as the leaders had to finish their third rounds, then tee off for the final round after a short break. In total, Rahm and Koepka played 30 holes Sunday, reminiscent of days gone by, when many majors had 36-hole final rounds.

Rahm played methodically, hitting fairways and greens, carding four birdies against one bogey.

The PGA rivalry with LIV was well represented atop the leaderboard. Rahm is on the PGA Tour and Mickelson and Koepka left for LIV last season. The PGA’s Russell Henley and Jordan Spieth tied LIV’s Patrick Reed for fourth at seven-under. Reed, Spieth and Mickelson are former champions.

My take: No one made a real run. Mickelson and Spieth were a great pairing, with the former shooting 65 and the latter 66, with Mickelson finishing within two of Rahm’s lead before Rahm carded two birdies on the back nine for a four-shot win. Koepka faltered, as did many on the back nine. No news there. — Bob