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Closing out an era: Dodgers reflect fondly on Atlanta-bound Kenley Jansen 

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For many of his time managing the Dodgers, Dave Roberts not often needed to name all the way down to the bullpen earlier than the ninth inning.

If the Dodgers had the lead, he didn’t must say a factor. He knew Kenley Jansen can be getting unfastened, warming up, and getting ready to return in and shut out the sport.

“He would do it naturally,” Roberts mentioned. “I understood him, he understood me.”

Roberts added, appreciatively: “He made my job a lot simpler.”

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That fixed shall be gone this season, after Jansen signed a one-year, $16-million contract with the Atlanta Braves on Friday evening — information was nonetheless sinking in across the Dodgers’ spring coaching facility a morning later.

“He has dominated for a very long time and he was all the time there, yearly,” mentioned Clayton Kershaw, a teammate of Jansen’s going again to their minor league days. “He went on the market and did what he was requested to do. We’re going to overlook him, I’m going to overlook him.”

Added catcher Austin Barnes: “It’ll be bizarre not having him, going to battle with him. However I’m comfortable for him, going to Atlanta, received a great contract and I’m positive he’ll be good over there.”

Although Jansen was coming off one in all his most efficient seasons in 2021, when he posted a 2.22 ERA and transformed 38 of 43 save alternatives, a return to the Dodgers by no means seemed to be within the playing cards.

Jansen was searching for one other profitable contract at age 34. The Dodgers have been seemingly content material with their present crop of relievers, comfy to make use of a closer-by-committee system if wanted.

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Kenley Jansen, left, hugs Austin Barnes after recording a ultimate out in opposition to the Cincinnati Reds in September.

(Aaron Doster / Related Press)

“That’s a part of the hurdles, the enterprise aspect of issues,” Roberts mentioned. “The place he’s received to maximise his earnings and do what’s finest for him and his household, which he’s clearly mentioned. After which, as a corporation, we’ve received form of — timing is necessary. And in order we proceed to maneuver ahead, which we’re accountable to do, it simply didn’t line up with the timing.”

Over his 12 years with the Dodgers, Jansen turned a franchise icon. He has greater than twice as many saves (350) as some other pitcher in group historical past. His 701 appearances are greater than some other Dodgers pitcher, too.

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A 3-time All-Star and two-time Nationwide League reliever of the 12 months, Jansen’s finest seasons have been from 2013-17, when he posted 5 consecutive sub-3.00 ERAs and racked up not less than 40 saves thrice.

Lately, Jansen was inconsistent. He had a 3.01 ERA in 2018, a career-worst 3.71 ERA in 2019 and a 3.33 ERA in 2020, at occasions dropping his place because the membership’s unique ninth-inning weapon.

Though he has glorious profession postseason numbers (a 2.13 ERA, 18 saves and 92 strikeouts in 57 video games), he was additionally on the heart of a number of October disappointments earlier than the group’s 2020 World Sequence title, main some factions of the fanbase to query his function and infrequently even bathe him with boos.

Roberts, nonetheless, put these latest struggles into perspective Saturday, describing Jansen as “a Dodger nice” who was central to one of the crucial profitable stretches in group historical past.

“I believe that over the previous few years, there’s been some sentiment that he wasn’t what he ought to have been, and that’s utterly false,” Roberts mentioned. “I do suppose that as a more in-depth, issues are extra magnified, which they need to be. However this man was as reliable as any within the historical past of the sport. So the numbers don’t lie. They actually don’t.”

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Does Roberts suppose Dodger followers realized how good they’d it?

“Right here’s what I’ll say,” mentioned Roberts, putting a diplomatic tone. “As a fan, you root to your gamers, your group and also you’re in it with them. So I believe that when somebody has been so good, and he’s not so good as you’ve seen at occasions, I believe followers get upset by it. They usually’re entitled to voice their opinions, however I do suppose we’re gonna look again and those self same followers that booed him are going to look again in hindsight and go, ‘Man, he was a heck of a Dodger.’”

Roberts didn’t shut the door on a attainable future reunion with Jansen, noting that his deal in Atlanta is just for one 12 months.

“We’d see him once more,” Roberts mentioned. “However he’s all the time a Dodger.”

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Knicks reunite Mikal Bridges with Villanova teammates in blockbuster trade with Nets: reports

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Knicks reunite Mikal Bridges with Villanova teammates in blockbuster trade with Nets: reports

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There’s just something the New York Knicks love about those Villanova products in the NBA. 

The Knicks have reportedly struck a trade with the Brooklyn Nets to bring Mikal Bridges, a former teammate of Knicks stars, Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo during their time at Villanova, to Madison Square Garden in a blockbuster deal. 

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In this first trade between both teams since 1983, the Knicks will send veteran forward Bogdan Bogdanovic, four unprotected first-round picks, one protected first-round pick via the Milwaukee Bucks, an unprotected pick swap and a second-round pick in exchange for Bridges, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Jalen Brunson #11 and Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks talk to Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets after the game on March 23, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.  (Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Knicks saw exactly what former college teammates could do on the floor together in the NBA last season, as Brunson, DiVincenzo and Hart all had stellar campaigns during the team’s playoff run. 

Now, Bridges reunites with teammates he won multiple NCAA national titles with during his college days. 

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KENDRICK PERKINS CALLS BRIAN SCALABRINE ‘COWARD’ AFTER FORMER TEAMMATE CLAIMS HE’S BANNED FROM CELTICS PARADE

Bridges’ reaction was likely that of all Knicks fans, as he posted on social media. 

“This is crazy lol,” Bridges simply posted on X. 

Bridges, the 10th overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft who was traded by the Philadelphia 76ers to the Phoenix Suns on draft night, has developed into a star with the Nets since he was dealt before the deadline in the 2022-23 campaign. 

He jumped from 17.2 points per game to 26.1 over 27 contests that season as a Net, and last year’s production was solid as well. 

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Mikal Bridges gets rebound

Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats grabs a rebound in front of teammates Donte DiVincenzo #10 and Jalen Brunson #1 against the Providence Friars at the Wells Fargo Center on January 23, 2018, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Bridges averaged 19.6 points per game with 4.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.0 steals, while shooting 43.6% from the field over all 82 regular-season games. 

The Philly native, who was a 2021-22 All-Defensive team honoree, figures to slot right into the starting lineup alongside his Villanova brothers, including the All-Star Brunson who exploded for an All-NBA nod after averaging a career-high 28.7 points per contest. 

The news of Bridges’ addition comes as OG Anunoby, the Knicks’ traded-for wing last season, reportedly opted out of his contract and decided to test free agency. 

Bridges, at 6-foot-6, has the ability to guard just about any player on the floor, and head coach Tom Thibodeau loves players with that extra hustle, which he provides every night. 

New York is clearly a win-now team after going 50-32 last season to earn the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. But they’ve lost in the conference semifinals in back-to-back seasons, so adding another playmaker who can thrive on both ends of the floor was paramount for their squad this offseason. 

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Mikal Bridges runs on court

Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates after making a shot in the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 01, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana.  (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

That box is checked with the addition of Bridges, who shouldn’t have any trouble getting acclimated with his new team.

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Sika Anoa’i, WWE Hall of Famer and father of Roman Reigns, dies at 79

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Sika Anoa’i, WWE Hall of Famer and father of Roman Reigns, dies at 79

WWE Hall of Famer Sika Anoa’i, who won multiple WWE tag team titles with his brother Afa and is the father of current WWE star Roman Reigns, died Tuesday. He was 79.

His death was announced by nephew Jahrus Anoa’i on Instagram.

Jahrus wrote: “It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of Former Hall of Famer, Polaivao Leati Sika Anoa’i. He passed away peacefully on June 25th. He was many things: a hard working father, a caring brother, a supportive uncle, and a proud grandfather. He was a cherished friend to many, a loving family member whose warmth and kindness knew no bounds, and an inspiration to countless individuals. His legacy will continue to inspire and uplift future generations, reminding us of the impact one person’s life can have on so many. Rest in love Uncle Sika.”

Anoaʻi was born on the island of Tutuila in American Samoa on April 5, 1945. He and his family (he had 13 siblings) moved to San Francisco when he was 14 and he joined the Merchant Marines in 1963 before leaving in 1969 at the behest of Afa to become a pro wrestler.

Sika and Afa were known as “The Wild Samoans” and joined the WWE (then known as the WWWF), managed by Lou Albano, in 1980, winning the tag titles just four months after their debut by defeating Tito Santana and Ivan Putski. They lost, then won them again later in 1980, then again in 1983. He had limited success as a singles wrestler, but anyone who saw “The Wild Samoans,” with their wild hair, sarong and wrestling barefoot in the ring, will never forget them. They were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.

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Sika trained wrestlers after retiring and helped launch the careers of many, including Yokozuna, Virgil, Billy Kidman, Batista, Rikishi, Tonga Kid, Virgil, Michael P.S. Hayes and Snitsky.

Anoaʻi’s son, Joseph, better known as Roman Reigns, is the top star in WWE currently and members of his extended family make up the faction known as “The Bloodline,” which has led WWE to renewed success in recent years. Reigns headlined the last two WrestleManias, including the 2023 event at SoFi Stadium.

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Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk jumps in ocean with Stanley Cup as celebration hits the beach

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Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk jumps in ocean with Stanley Cup as celebration hits the beach

The Stanley Cup is back in Florida, as the Panthers won a thrilling Game 7 over the Edmonton Oilers, 2-1, on Monday night. 

The team wasted no time parading Lord Stanley’s Cup around South Florida, as Matthew Tkachuk, Aaron Ekblad and many others were spotted in Fort Lauderdale celebrating their victory less than 24 hours after defeating Edmonton. 

And since it is summer in Florida, what other way would you celebrate than by taking the Cup to the beach. 

Matthew Tkachuk of the Panthers celebrates with the Stanley Cup after their 2-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 24, 2024, in Sunrise, Florida. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

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Tkachuk, surrounded by teammates and fans alike, took the Cup across the street to the beach, where he decided to take it into the Atlantic Ocean. 

Think of it as a sort of baptism for the Cup, as it’s the first time in Panthers franchise history they have won the hardware. 

Panthers fans were screaming as Tkachuk, Ekblad and others held the Cup above their heads, giving it the customary kiss all while the waves came rolling in from the ocean. 

PANTHERS WIN STANLEY CUP IN THRILLING GAME 7 OVER OILERS

Tkachuk said after the victory to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan that winning the Cup was no longer a dream – it’s reality. And it was a grueling two years for the Panthers – they lost in the Final to the Vegas Golden Knights last season in five games – to finally get that inaugural trophy in the team building. 

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So, this celebration is a culmination of tons of hard work, and the Panthers are clearly letting loose now that their names will forever be etched on the precious metal. 

Panthers celebrate Stanley Cup win

Panthers players share champagne after beating the Edmonton Oilers at the Amerant Bank Arena on June 24, 2024, in Sunrise, Florida. (Eliot J. Schechter/NHLI via Getty Images)

Through the Panthers’ 24 games in these playoffs, Tkachuk posted 22 points (six goals, 16 assists) to help Florida get the job done. 

He joined the Panthers last season after the Calgary Flames traded him following six seasons with the squad that drafted him sixth overall in 2016. 

Tkachuk posted a 109-point season in 2023, and though he would have 88 this past regular season, every Panthers fan knows the importance he makes at left wing for this hockey club. 

Matthew Tkachuk raise Stanley Cup

Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers lifts the Stanley Cup after beating the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena on June 24, 2024. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

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The celebration has only begun for Tkachuk and the rest of his Florida teammates, who will have their team parade on Sunday.  

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