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Hernández: Will Arte Moreno prove to Shohei Ohtani he’s fully invested in winning?

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The Angels can’t have one other yr like every of the earlier seven, not with a significant crossroads approaching.

Shohei Ohtani will likely be eligible without cost company after two extra seasons.

Ohtani is as near reaching the open market as Mike Trout was when the Angels locked him as much as a six-year, $144.5-million deal in 2014 and a 12-year, $426.5-million extension in 2019.

Complicating the trouble to signal baseball’s biggest attraction to a long-term contract is that his worth went up, or even perhaps skyrocketed, during the last month.

Ohtani didn’t launch any balls out of a stadium to extend his price. He didn’t pitch an entire recreation. He didn’t should.

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Main League Baseball applied a common designated hitter.

The Angels will profit, as Ohtani will be of their lineup for each recreation.

The identical rule change, nonetheless, additionally might result in his departure after the 2023 season. Ohtani’s potential free-agent market nearly doubled in dimension in a single day. With the DH in place in each leagues, Ohtani wouldn’t should play the outfield if he indicators with a Nationwide League crew.

This may very well be the alternative of a blessing in disguise.

Locking up Ohtani at this stage would require the Angels to position a major wager on his sturdiness. Final season was Ohtani’s first during which his well being permitted him to be a two-way participant for your complete yr. His medical historical past might restrict how a lot the Angels are prepared to decide to him.

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On the similar time, what if Ohtani’s predictions are proper? What if he performs higher than he did final yr in profitable AL most dear participant? What may he be price then? 5-hundred million {dollars}? Six-hundred million? Extra?

The monetary calculus is barely a part of the equation.

Angels star Shohei Ohtani, proven in coaching camp on March 14, could be a free agent after the 2023 season.

(Matt York/Related Press)

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Possible extra essential is whether or not the Angels can persuade him he can win a World Sequence with them.

The Angels have a succesful entrance workplace, led by well-regarded executives generally supervisor Perry Minasian and assistant normal supervisor Alex Tamin.

However additionally they have Arte Moreno as their proprietor.

The issue isn’t that Moreno doesn’t spend. The Angels’ payroll was within the high 10 in baseball final yr. The crew figures to spend much more this yr, with the determine used for luxury-tax functions projected to be greater than $200 million.

The issue is that Moreno interjects himself in main roster selections and doesn’t present his entrance workplace with the assets to outspend his errors. Over time he has pushed for, or not less than signed off on, main investments in Albert Pujols, Vernon Wells, Josh Hamilton and Justin Upton.

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The result’s a constant scarcity of pitching that has set the group again over the higher a part of the final decade and wasted historic seasons by Trout. The final time the Angels reached the postseason was in 2014.

“You possibly can’t get to the dance, you’ll be able to’t get to the final recreation and win it, until you’ve gotten pitching,” supervisor Joe Maddon mentioned. “The groups which can be within the playoffs and ultimately win, their pitching staffs are all the time on the high of the checklist in all of the related classes.”

Final season, in Minasian’s first yr as normal supervisor, the Angels purchased mediocre arms in bulk to attempt to stability a roster that was disproportionately invested in offense. After ending 18 video games out of first place, Minasian has taken a special method.

The Angels have bought numerous lottery tickets in recent times, however none as costly as hard-throwing right-hander Noah Syndergaard, whom they signed to a one-year, $21-million contract. Elbow issues restricted Syndergaard to 2 begins during the last two years, however the Angels are hopeful he can recapture the shape that made him one in all baseball’s most intimidating pitchers.

Minasian additionally upgraded the bullpen, re-signing nearer Raisel Iglesias and buying Aaron Loup, Ryan Tepera and Archie Bradley.

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Angels manager Joe Maddon, right, talks with team owner Arte Moreno during spring training in February 2020.

Angels supervisor Joe Maddon, proper, talks with crew proprietor Arte Moreno throughout spring coaching in February 2020.

(Darron Cummings / Related Press)

Tepera mentioned he was conversant in how the Angels’ pitching employees was thought of a legal responsibility.

“As a league, I believe everyone noticed that,” Tepera mentioned. “This lineup has all the time been actually good. I assume you would say that’s the notion.”

After all, none of this may matter if the lineup can’t keep wholesome. Trout was restricted to 36 video games final season and fellow slugger Anthony Rendon 58. Ohtani, Trout and Rendon mixed to make up a few third of the crew’s payroll however had been within the lineup collectively solely 17 instances.

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“The extra you’ll be able to maintain your elite gamers on the sector, the higher off you’re,” Minasian mentioned. “Having these three gamers — together with Noah, these 4 — are essential.”

How the season unfolds might decide whether or not the Angels can safe the providers of the game’s solely transcendent participant for the foreseeable future. Greater than a season is at stake.

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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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