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Showing posts from August, 2023

The Dodgers Made Quick Work Of Arizona’s Top Trio Of Starters

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(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)   In baseball, we often hear the saying, “good pitching beats good hitting.” Often times, it’s true. Good pitching can truly neutralize a powerful lineup. However, this week, the Los Angeles Dodgers proved to be the exception to the rule. Facing the Arizona Diamondbacks, they made quick work of the team’s top three starting pitchers. In 14.1 innings of work during the recent three-game series at Dodger Stadium, Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, and Brandon Pfaadt allowed 29 hits, 18 earned runs, and 11 walks, while only recording eight strikeouts and posting a ghastly 11.30 ERA. On Twitter, Bob Nightengale of USA Today posted these stats from the three Arizona starters, showing just how badly the Dodgers beat them. The #Dodgers feasted on the #Dbacks top three starters of Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly and Brandon Pfaadt during this 3-game series at Dodger Stadium: 14.1 innings 29 hits 19 runs 18 earned runs 11 walks 8 strikeouts ...

The Twins Are Desperate To End A Shocking Drought

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(Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)   The Minnesota Twins have been mostly competitive since the turn of the millennium. They have nine postseason berths since 2002, which is not bad at all. As of Wednesday afternoon, they are 69-64 and hold a six-game advantage over the Cleveland Guardians for the AL Central top spot. In other words, they are likely to make the postseason again. Despite the relative success they have had in the last two decades or so, they are the MLB team whose last playoff win is the furthest away. Yes, that’s right: Codify Baseball has the entire list. “The last year they won a postseason game: 2022: HOU, PHI, SD, NYY, CLE, ATL, LAD, NYM, SEA; 2021: BOS, SF, CWS, MIL, TB; 2020: OAK, MIA, STL; 2019: WSH; 2018: COL: 2017: CHC, ARI; 2016: TOR; 2015: KC, TEX; 2014: BAL; 2013: DET, PIT; 2012: CIN; 2009: LAA; 2004: MIN,” Codify Baseball tweeted. The last year they won a postseason game: 2022 HOU PHI SD NYY CLE ATL LAD NYM SEA 2021 BOS SF CWS MIL TB 202...

Jayson Tatum Receives Wholesome Gift From Son Deuce

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(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)   Over the last few years, Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics has introduced the world to his son, Deuce. Deuce has become a major part of the Celtics’ culture. He appears courtside or in the locker room during games and has become loved by the media, fans, and other players on the team. And that has led to some very heartfelt moments too. On Instagram, via ClutchPoints, Tatum posted a picture of a trophy that his son gave him. The little trophy read, “You’re the best” with a handwritten inscription: “Deuce (hearts) Daddy.” Even the most intense Celtics hater can’t help but be touched by that. Jayson Tatum's son Deuce gave him a miniature "You're the best!" trophy with the bottom reading: "Deuce 's Daddy" (via @jaytatum0 / IG) pic.twitter.com/HKzqsZLjCo — ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 30, 2023 Tatum’s star has risen quite a lot over the last few years and Deuce has been around for much of it....

NBA Releases Full 2023 Preseason Schedule

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(Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)   The NBA season is right around the corner with training camps set to kick off in September. This upcoming season will be pretty exciting after the plethora of changes made around the league. The first chance we will see many of these new teams play is in the preseason. The NBA just released its preseason schedule and games will begin on October 5. 2023 NBA PRESEASON SCHEDULE pic.twitter.com/HNFteD7kuS — NBA Communications (@NBAPR) August 30, 2023 The Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks will kick off the preseason in Abu Dhabi. This will give a chance for fans around the world to take a look at these NBA teams. Fans all over the world have an interest in the NBA. Some of the best players in the sport are from Europe and other countries around the world. It is no surprise to see the NBA trying to expand its platform by sending some teams to play in different countries. Another game that will be interesting to watc...

Julio Rodriguez Owns An Elite August Mark

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(Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)   Julio Rodriguez, much like the Seattle Mariners as a whole, has been on a roll as of late. The reigning American League Rookie of the Year is hitting for a .286 average with 24 home runs and 87 RBI. He has also stolen 35 bases. However, he owns an elite mark for the month of August. The Mariners’ young superstar has picked up four or more hits in five games during the month of August. In doing so, he has joined elite company. On Twitter, Sarah Langs of MLB.com posted a list of players who had the most four-hit games in a single month, with Rodriguez being tied for second on the list. most 4-hit games in a calendar month, since 1901: May 1921 Ty Cobb: 6 Aug 2023 Julio Rodríguez: 5 Aug 1938 Zeke Bonura: 5 July 1931 Lefty O'Doul: 5 July 1930 Carl Reynolds: 5 July 1922 Bob Meusel: 5 July 1922 Ty Cobb: 5 Aug 1921 George Sisler: 5 JULIO HAS MOST SINCE 1938!!! — Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) August 29, 2023 The record ulti...

Skip Bayless Predicts Trey Lance’s Role On Cowboys This Season

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(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)   The Dallas Cowboys made a big move when they traded for Trey Lance. Jerry Jones could be sending Dak Prescott a message after all the worrisome reports coming from training camp. However, Skip Bayless doesn’t think he’s the guy Prescott should be worried about right now. Per the outspoken pundit — who’s a confessed Cowboys diehard fan — Lance won’t even have a role on the team this season. Instead, he believes Cooper Rush is a much bigger threat for Prescott right now, going as far as to state that he operated the offense more efficiently than Prescott when he was on the field last season. . @RealSkipBayless weighs in on his Cowboys trading for Trey Lance: "Trey Lance will not have a role for the Cowboys this year. He's not better than Cooper Rush." pic.twitter.com/92Wle5Agja — UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) August 28, 2023 Bayless went on to recall every single one of Rush’s performances and he made a case for hi...

The Padres Continue To Be Awful In The Clutch

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(Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)   The San Diego Padres have a +53 run differential, the second best in the NL West division behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Friars, however, have the second-worst record in the division at 61-70. How can we explain that the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Francisco Giants both have positive records, yet negative run differentials? (-3 and -2, respectively). Well, that’s baseball. It’s not always easy to explain. Sometimes, the explanation can be found if we think outside the box. Why are the Padres dropping so many games if they score more runs than they allow? Here is why. “The San Diego Padres are 6-20 in 1-run games this year and 0-10 in extra innings games. It’s crazy,” Codify Baseball tweeted. The San Diego Padres are 6-20 in 1-run games this year and 0-10 in extra innings games. It's crazy. — Codify (@CodifyBaseball) August 28, 2023 That’s incredibly awful. A team with such a potent offense, headlined by several All-...

Lonzo Ball Makes Strong Statement On His NBA Future

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(Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)   The Chicago Bulls have a lot invested in the future of Lonzo Ball. He seemingly found a home in Chicago after signing a four-year $80 million contract. Ball established himself as a quality point guard and great distributor. When on the floor he makes a positive impact on his team. But the problem for Ball is that he is rarely available. Over the past two seasons, Ball has played a total of 90 games. He has needed multiple knee surgeries to try and fix an ongoing issue. Many people question when Ball will be able to return to the court. According to Ball Don’t Lie, Ball said, “I know in my near future that I will be back on the court.” Lonzo Ball is confident he'll be on the court again (via @TheAthletic ) pic.twitter.com/4CyiCpm2QQ — Ball Don’t Lie (@Balldontlie) August 27, 2023 Everyone is rooting for Ball to get back on the court. He is a fun player and can help the Bulls become playoff contenders again. Ball averages...

Cardinals Announcer Discusses Internal Pitching Options Ahead Of Next Season

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(Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)   The St. Louis Cardinals season has officially reached a low point. Heading into Sunday’s series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies, they owned a record of 56-74 after falling to a season-worst 18 games below the .500 mark. However, not all is lost as they look towards 2024. In fact, two starting pitchers in particular have performed quite well when given opportunities. Left-hander Zack Thompson and right-hander Dakota Hudson have both helped the Cardinals out in recent weeks, plugging holes in the rotation after the trade deadline. On 101ESPN, a local St. Louis sports radio station, Cardinals play-by-play TV announcer Chip Caray discussed what he has been seeing from the team’s core of young starters and how they could help the team in 2024. Health and consistency have created some separation for Hudson & Thompson from the other young arms–what is Chip Caray seeing from the #stlcards pool of potential 2024 starters? #...

Video Of LeBron James Dancing Is Going Viral

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(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)   After making an appearance in the Western Conference Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers enter the 2023-24 season as one of the few teams with a legitimate chance to compete for a title. The Lakers added several high-level role players in free agency while retaining several of their young core pieces, giving them depth and talent at nearly every position. However, Los Angeles will still be relying on LeBron James who remains one of the best players in the league even as he enters his 21st season. James was able to lead the Lakers to several playoff victories despite dealing with a foot injury, though the superstar is widely expected to be healthy for the start of training camp. The King is one of the best at keeping his mind and body as healthy as possible, and so there should be little doubt that he’ll be ready to go once the regular season tips off. Until then, though, James knows how to enjoy himself as evidenced by a recent video of...

The Rangers Finally Snapped Their Losing Skid

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(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)   The Texas Rangers have been one of baseball’s best teams this year. For most of the season, they have been dominating the rest of the American League West. However, an eight-game losing skid caused them to lose their grip on the division and fall into a tie with the red-hot Seattle Mariners. On Saturday night, that skid finally came to an end as they beat the Minnesota Twins by a final of 6-2. The win improved their record to 73-56 and prevented them from falling out of first place. On Twitter, Bob Nightengale took note of the Rangers finally ending their losing streak and recalling the last team to win the World Series despite having been through an eight-game losing skid. The Texas #Rangers ’ season-long 8-game losing streak mercifully ends. The last team to win the World Series with an 8-game losing streak was the 2006 St. Louis Cardinals. — Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 27, 2023 The Rangers remain right in the t...

The Braves Are Closing In On Another Banner

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(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)   The Atlanta Braves have been the best team in all of baseball this season. The team currently has a 13.5 game lead over the defending National League champion Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East. The NL East is essentially a done deal at this point, and it won’t be long before Atlanta secures its sixth straight division title. However, the Braves are closing in on yet another banner. The month of September hasn’t even arrived yet, but the Braves now have a magic number of 12 to secure a spot in this year’s postseason, according to MLB writer Bob Nightengale on Twitter. Atlanta’s Magic No: 12 — Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 26, 2023 For several months, the Braves have appeared to be a lock for October. The team hasn’t missed the postseason since 2017 and has turned into a powerhouse. After losing the NLDS in back-to-back years, the Braves made a run to the NLCS in 2020 and reached their first World Series since...

Damian Lillard Reportedly Upset Some Reporters With Recent Interview

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(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)   When Damian Lillard sat down with Marc Spears for an interview recently, most people expected him to speak about the Portland Trail Blazers . But instead of discussing his current trade demand from the team, Lillard refused to discuss things. He said that out of respect and love for the franchise, he wouldn’t open up about where things stand. That simply wasn’t enough for some people tied to the Heat. According to radio host Dusty Harrah, via Dru on Twitter, some people in Miami were upset with the way Lillard handled that interview. “There was literally a columnist in Miami just yesterday who said the best course of action is for Dame to go scorched earth on the Blazers,” Harrah said. “There are people in Miami that are actually upset at the way that [the Dame interview w/ Marc Spears] went down. They are. There was literally a columnist in Miami just yesterday who said the best course of action is for Dame to go scorched earth on...

Graphic Shows How Wild The AL West Has Been This Season

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(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)   The American League West is quickly becoming one of the most compelling divisions to watch in all of Major League Baseball. For most of this season, that division has been dominated by the Texas Rangers, with the defending World Series champion Houston Astros never far behind. However, a new challenger has emerged from the shadows, as the Seattle Mariners are on quite a roll and have actually tied the Rangers for the top spot in the division. Houston sits in third place, one game behind Texas and Seattle. On Twitter, MLB insider Sarah Langs posted a graphic courtesy of FanGraphs which shows just how crazy things have gotten in the AL West. we may need a different word for this kind of wheee! pic.twitter.com/NNO3atTV6W — Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) August 26, 2023 The graphic shows that for much of the season, Houston and Texas have been battling it out for the top spot in the division, with Seattle sitting within striking ...

Mets Legend Thanks Organization For Special Honor

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(Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)   On Thursday, the New York Mets made a special announcement, revealing that two franchise legends in Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry will have their numbers retired at Citi Field next year. This news was met with much excitement and enthusiasm. Gooden and Strawberry were two of the greatest players in Mets history and helped guide the team to a World Series title in 1986. Gooden was especially excited to find out that the Mets would be retiring his and Strawberry’s numbers. On Twitter, the former Mets pitcher posted a message thanking the entire Mets organization for their support over the years. pic.twitter.com/JWKPmzG6ZV — Dwight Gooden (@DocGooden16) August 25, 2023 Gooden first thanked those who reached out to congratulate him on this honor. He also thanked Mets owner Steve Cohen, his former teammates, and everybody he had the pleasure of knowing during his time in New York. Gooden even expressed his gratitude to the fa...

Mets Reveal 2 Legends Set To Get Their Numbers Retired

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(Photo by Rob Tringali/Getty Images)   The New York Mets have witnessed generations of talented ballplayers since their inception back in 1962. Stars such as Darryl Strawberry, Dwight Gooden, Tom Seaver, David Wright, Mike Piazza, and others have graced the franchise. Two of those stars will have their numbers retired next year. Strawberry and Gooden were both key members of the team’s World Series run back in 1986. That team won 108 regular-season games and rallied from down 3-2 in the Fall Classic against the Boston Red Sox to capture their second World Series title. On Twitter, the team announced the news of this upcoming ceremony for 2024, posting a graphic featuring the two stars. No. 16 and No. 18: Forever enshrined in Mets history. Next season, we will retire Doc Gooden and Darryl Strawberry’s numbers. pic.twitter.com/WvgZ0SuxvA — New York Mets (@Mets) August 24, 2023 A date has not yet been announced for this ceremony. However, Mets fans will get a chance...

Stephen A. Smith Claims Michael Jordan Offered His Take On Curry-Magic Debate

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(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)   For the last few days, countless NBA fans have been asking who is the best point guard in all of league history: Steph Curry or Magic Johnson? This all started when Curry himself claimed that he is the best to ever do it, although he praised Johnson and spoke of his great influence. Since then, just about everyone has submitted their own opinions. Now, none other than Michael Jordan is sharing his hot take. Stephen A. Smith said that Jordan texted him to declare his choice. According to Legion Hoops, the text read: “Magic Johnson is easily the best PG of all-time. Steph Curry is very close, but not in front of Magic.” Stephen A. Smith says he received a text from Michael Jordan this morning MJ: “I beg to differ on greatest point guard of all-time. Magic Johnson is easily the best PG of all-time. Steph Curry is very close, but not in front of Magic.” (via @FirstTake , h/t @ClutchPoints ) pic.twitter.com/IOucUsBJWB — Legion Hoop...

Cardinals Writer Discusses Masyn Winn’s Upside

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(Photo by Joe Puetz/Getty Images)   Over the weekend, the St. Louis Cardinals made the decision to promote their top prospect in shortstop Masyn Winn. Winn had been performing well at Triple-A Memphis and many Cardinals fans were looking forward to seeing the young shortstop at the Major League level. Winn has had only 14 at-bats at the Major League level, but he picked up his first MLB hit on Friday night against the New York Mets and had two hits on Sunday. On Monday, Katie Woo, who covers the team for The Athletic, discussed what Winn brings to the table and how he could make an impact on the Cardinals, via 101 ESPN St. Louis. What was your biggest takeaway from Masyn Winn's debut weekend with the #STLCards ? @katiejwoo joined #BKandFerrario to discuss the spark Winn can provide for the team, and why the first road trip is so important for a young player like Winn. PODCAST: https://t.co/apBOZO0Tlj pic.twitter.com/303YBlw3xG — 101 ESPN St. Louis (@101espn) August 2...

Trae Young Shares Video Of Himself Putting In Offseason Work

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(Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)   There has been a lot of talk about Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young recently. A lot of people were shocked to find out that he didn’t make the cut for Team USA, given the fact that he fits their current young timeline and he’s been among the league’s top-notch scorers and playmakers for years now. Young’s ability to put up video-game-like numbers has never been put into question, and plenty of his colleagues were quite disgruntled and surprised about this snub. That’s why he’s taking his offseason preparation to a whole new level this time, and he’s been spotted in the gym working on his craft with plenty of stars over the past couple of weeks. Recently, the former Sooner star shared a clip of himself in the lab, stating that it’s his therapy. My therapy. pic.twitter.com/6hz4Hr2tl4 — Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) August 21, 2023 Young was in the spotlight for most of last season, with reports stating that he didn’t get along with hi...

Kay Adams Suggests A Trey Lance Trade To NFC North Team

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(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)   The San Francisco 49ers need to make a decision about Trey Lance, and they need to make it soon. They’re sold on Brock Purdy, and the fact that they signed Sam Darnold only makes it all the more evident that they’re not that sold on Lance as of now. Darnold could be a very serviceable backup for Purdy, and could even take the reins of the team if he fails to impress. So, as much as Kyle Shanahan has talked about how good Lance could become in the league, maybe it’s time he tries his luck somewhere else. With that in mind, Kay Adams of FanDuel TV made a case for them to trade him to the Minnesota Vikings. Should the @Vikings trade for Trey Lance?? : @FanDuelTV | @heykayadams | @49ers pic.twitter.com/e7aSEYKqbJ — Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) August 21, 2023 For starters, he’d be joining his hometown team, all while getting to play in an environment where he wouldn’t be pressured or rushed to compete and deliver r...

Mike Trout Comments On The Shohei Ohtani Situation

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(Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)   Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani will hit the free-agent market after the World Series. It means he will be free to negotiate and sign with any team of his liking. For now, he is focused on closing out the 2023 campaign as well as he can. The dream, of course, would be making it into the postseason, but with the team at 61-64 and so many games behind the last Wild Card spot, it’s unlikely, even unrealistic at this point. Fellow Angels star Mike Trout referred to the Ohtani situation and his potential future. According to B/R Walk-Off, Trout is optimistic about the Angels retaining his teammate and friend. Mike Trout is staying optimistic pic.twitter.com/ZdJs5RWFgg — B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) August 22, 2023 Trout said he hasn’t really thought about Ohtani’s free agency too much because he “hopes he comes back” in 2024. We might have some bad news for Trout. Ohtani has made it clear in interviews and with his body langua...

Former NBA Sixth Man Claims He Belongs In The Hall of Fame

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(Photo by Jeenah Moon/Getty Images)   For 17 years, Lou Williams was easily one of the greatest sixth men in the entire NBA . In fact, he was so good that he earned Sixth Man of the Year three times. It didn’t matter if he was playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, the Los Angeles Lakers, or the Atlanta Hawks, he was always a powerful force on the floor. And he believes he deserves recognition from the Basketball Hall of Fame because of that. Speaking about himself and Jamal Crawford, via TMZ Sports and NBACentral, Williams opened up about why they both should be inducted: “I definitely think we all Hall of Famers. We contributed to the game. I think the Hall of Fame is what you bring to the table and being the best at what you do in the realm of basketball. I think we all did that.” Lou Will believes he’s a Hall of Famer and says Jamal Crawford belongs in there as well “I definitely think we all Hall of Famers. We contributed to the game. I think the Hall of Fame is wha...

Gerrit Cole Is Clinging To A Top AL Mark

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(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)   Even though New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole was battered over the weekend by the Boston Red Sox, he remains the team’s best pitcher by a whole lot. Not only that, but he managed to hang on to the AL ERA lead by the slightest of margins, per Codify Baseball. American League ERA leaders right now: Gerrit Cole, 3.0312 Kyle Bradish, 3.0313 pic.twitter.com/O3toV5sPti — Codify (@CodifyBaseball) August 21, 2023 Cole is leading the way with a 3.0312 ERA. Baltimore Orioles breakout star Kyle Bradish is second with a 3.0313 mark. That’s a narrow edge right there! Cole hadn’t allowed five runs or more in a start since May 28 this year, when he coughed up that many against the San Diego Padres. On Saturday, however, he conceded six earned runs in just four frames of work, an uncharacteristically high output considering his quality as a pitcher. Overall, Cole has been one of the very few bright spots on the Yanks’ roster. In 160.1 innings...

Heat Could Reportedly Target 2 Veteran Free Agents Besides Damian Lillard

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(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)   The Miami Heat are still trying to get Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers. But just because he is the main prize they are aiming for doesn’t mean they don’t have their eyes on other NBA free agents. According to Grey Sylvander and Five Reasons Sports, per Jeremey Kazieva, the Heat are thinking of adding two more players. “If the Heat do finally ever figure out a Dame trade…watch for both Christian Wood and Kelly Oubre to be on the team’s radar as possible vet minimum additions in free agency,” Sylvander said. “If the Heat do finally ever figure out a Dame trade…….Watch for both Christian Wood and Kelly Oubre to be on the team’s radar as possible vet minimum additions in free agency per league source.” – Greg Sylvander ( @5ReasonsSports ) — Jeremy Kazieva (@jkazieva16) August 20, 2023 This would be quite a trio for the Heat and would really make up for the losses they endured at the start of free agency. Everyone ...

Isaiah Bolden Shares Positive Message After Scary Situation

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(Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)   The NFL world had quite the scare during a recent preseason game between the New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers. After a massive collision, Patriots rookie Isaiah Bolden remained on the ground. He was later taken off the field, and the game was suspended as a result of this traumatic situation. After a brief hospital visit, many reports surfaced that Bolden was okay, and sent home. Bolden later posted an update to fans, saying he is “excited to be back with the guys.” Appreciate the prayers more excited to be back with the guys — I.B (@isaiahbolden23) August 20, 2023 This situation was eerily similar to Damar Hamlin’s injury during the 2022 regular season. Thankfully, both players are now okay, and Boldin will look to contribute to the Patriots, still hoping to make the roster. Adam Schefter also shared an update, which gave more detail into how this situation unfolded. An update from the Patriots’ on the condi...