Sports

How the Magic Johnson-led Lakers’ Showtime dynasty nearly never happened

Published

3 years ago

March 7, 2022

How the Magic Johnson-led Lakers’ Showtime dynasty nearly never happened

Sunday evening marks the launch of the HBO sequence “Profitable Time,” which relies on Jeff Pearlman’s e-book “Showtime” in regards to the eponymous Lakers’ dynasty of the Eighties. The muse for one of many trendy NBA’s most storied championship runs was laid in 1979, when Jack Kent Cooke bought the franchise to Dr. Jerry Buss. Earlier than the Magic of the Showtime years, nevertheless, the Lakers wanted somewhat luck.

Earvin Johnson wished a hamburger.

He was a 19-year-old child, keen on burgers and pizza and French Fries and every other delicacies assured to dam the arteries. Positive, he occurred to be sitting within the presence of Lakers proprietor Jack Kent Cooke, maybe the world’s least possible man to ever order a burger of any kind. However, hey, Johnson was hungry.

Scratch that. Ravenous.

It was a heat Could afternoon in Los Angeles, and probably the most dynamic participant to grace faculty basketball since Louisiana State’s Pete Maravich a decade earlier was on the town to determine whether or not he ought to return to Michigan State College for his junior season or soar to an expert sports activities league that had been crippled by poor TV rankings, participant indifference and a dwindling fan base. On the one hand, in East Lansing, Michigan, Johnson — an area child out of Everett Excessive College — was a king. He had been nicknamed Magic as a fifteen-year-old highschool freshman and now, having simply led the Spartans to their first NCAA males’s basketball title, he couldn’t stroll the streets with out being mobbed. “He actually was past reproach,” stated George Fox, his highschool coach. “Earvin may do no improper.”

There was, nevertheless, the siren name of the NBA and particularly the siren name of Jack Kent Cooke’s thick pockets. On April 19, 1979, the Lakers and Chicago Bulls had engaged in a coin flip to find out which staff could be gifted with the primary decide within the upcoming draft. Coming off of a 47–35 season, Los Angeles was in such a place as a result of, three years earlier, the New Orleans Jazz dedicated one of many worst free-agent acquisitions in league historical past. The staff signed thirty-three-year-old Gail Goodrich, a long-ago star on his final legs.

On the time, league guidelines mandated that the Jazz needed to compensate Los Angeles with gamers, draft picks or cash. After a lot haggling between the Lakers and Jazz common supervisor Barry Mendelson, New Orleans agreed to half with its first-round picks in 1977 and 1979, in addition to a second-rounder in 1980. “Gail was nice,” stated Invoice Bertka, the Jazz vice chairman of basketball operations. “However he was older, and he got here to us and instantly tore his Achilles. That didn’t make us look so good. Particularly once we misplaced nearly each stinkin’ recreation in 1978–79.” (The Jazz went a league-worst 26-56.)

When Larry O’Brien, the NBA’s commissioner, ready to flip the coin contained in the league’s New York Metropolis headquarters, the Bulls and Lakers felt their futures momentarily hovering in midair. Executives from each groups listened to the toss through speaker cellphone from their respective places of work.

Magic Johnson stands together with his mother and father and NBA Commissioner Larry O’Brien after being chosen No. 1 general by the Lakers on June 26, 1979.

(Marty Lederhandler / Related Press)

“Chicago, do you need to make the decision?” O’Brien requested.

“We’d like to,” replied Rod Thorn, the Bulls’ common supervisor, who was sitting contained in the staff’s places of work on the thirteenth ground of a Michigan Avenue constructing.

“Is that OK with you, Los Angeles?” O’Brien stated.

“Positive,” stated Chick Hearn, the announcer, who additionally labored as an assistant common supervisor with the staff.

“We name heads,” stated Thorn. A pause.

“OK, gents, right here we go,” boomed the deep voice of O’Brien. “The coin’s within the air.”

One other pause. One other pause. One other pause.

“Tails it’s!” O’Brien stated.

Hearn let loose a triumphant whoop.

“I used to be taking part in basketball at Venice Seaside,” stated Pat O’Brien, on the time a reporter for KNXT-TV in Los Angeles. “The information came visiting a transistor radio, and folks began screaming. ‘Sure! Sure! We’re getting Magic! We’re getting Magic!’ ”

Johnson was equally euphoric. The final place he wished to go was Chicago, what with its terrible winters (he was by no means one for the snow) and perennially dreadful basketball groups. The Bulls performed in dumpy Chicago Stadium, and put forth an uninspired roster highlighted by the likes of Andre Wakefield and Wilbur Holland. Los Angeles, in the meantime, was however a dream to Johnson, who rightly envisioned a paradise of palm timber and 80-degree days and beautiful ladies in wallet-size bikinis. Had the coin landed heads, Johnson would have returned to Michigan State for an additional season.

“There was a robust perception, for a short time a minimum of, that Moncrief, not Magic, would wind up a Laker.”

Wealthy Levin, who coated the Lakers for the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner

So right here now, a mere few weeks later, the child was itching for a hamburger, befuddled by what was positioned earlier than him. Sitting at a desk contained in the Discussion board’s Trophy Room, Johnson was on the town for lunch, certain, however actually to really feel out Cooke and the Lakers. The draft was nonetheless two months away, and each side wished to know whether or not a partnership might be reached.

Accompanying Cooke and Johnson had been Hearn and Earvin Johnson Sr. Two of the participant’s representatives, George Andrews and Dr. Charles Tucker, additionally attended. “Gents,” Cooke bellowed, “I’m going to order lunch for you! We’re going to have some marvelous fish!”

Moments later, the plates arrived. The very first thing Johnson observed was the terrible odor. He regarded down and noticed one thing bland and crusty.

Cooke noticed Johnson’s bewildered expression. “They’re sand dabs!” he stated. “Sand dabs!”

Lakers' Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, left, and Magic Johnson cover Philadelphia 76ers' Caldwell Jones

Johnson glanced at his father, leaned shut and whispered, “I don’t know what a sand dab is.”

Cooke was nonplussed. “Younger man, are you aware how a lot a sand dab prices?”

Johnson shook his head.

“Effectively, they’re very costly,” Cooke stated. “It’s a really effective fish. Now eat.”

Johnson stabbed the listless sand dab together with his fork. Nudged it round a bit. Pushed it left. Pushed it proper. “I can’t eat this,” he stated.

Cooke was outraged. “What are you speaking about?” he stated. “Have you learnt how a lot that fish prices?”

“If it’s OK with you, Mr. Cooke, I feel I’d moderately have a hamburger and a few French fries,” Johnson stated softly. “Would that be OK?”

This was not the best way to make an excellent impression. Cooke was a proper man with formal tastes. If he wished sand dabs, dammit, everybody was consuming sand dabs. On this explicit case, nevertheless, Hearn — one of many few males who had the proprietor’s ear — intervened. “The man’s solely nineteen,” he stated. “The one factor he is aware of is hamburger and pizza.” A resigned Cooke sighed, then yelled towards the kitchen, “Can we’ve got a hamburger?”

Nothing.

“A hamburger!” he screamed. “Get the person one!”

Inside minutes, Earvin Johnson was gripping a burger. The accompanying smile was that of an eight-year-old securing a Completely happy Meal.

“You understand,” Jerry West later stated to Johnson, “no person has ever completed what you simply did to Jack Kent Cooke.”

Starting with that very second, gazing a peppy teenager biting some meat, Hearn knew one thing about Johnson sparkled. As spectacular as he was on tape, hovering previous defenders, connecting on unattainable no-look passes, spinning left, driving proper, he was considerably extra dazzling in particular person. At 6-foot-9 and 215 kilos, Johnson was a mountain of a person, the largest, strongest level guard anybody had ever seen. But it was his charisma, particularly at his precocious age, that floored individuals. On the time, the face of the Lakers was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a moody soul who brooded 100 occasions for each pressured smile.

Johnson, then again, was a ray of sunshine. He regarded individuals within the eye, shook fingers, talked about basketball as if he had been describing an exquisite lady. Oh, and that smile — that blinding, all-glowing smile. “He was only a magnet,” stated Claire Rothman, former supervisor of The Discussion board. “You wished to be round him. You wished to see him smile. You wished to have lunch with him. Earvin Johnson was completely nicknamed. He had … it.”

Magic Johnson raises his arms as he interacts with the crowd

Cooke, nevertheless, wasn’t one to be swayed simply. Although he and Buss had already agreed in precept to the sale, Cooke insisted — with out a lot argument from the soon-to-be proprietor — that the primary decide within the 1979 draft be his name.

As he watched Johnson munch on his burger, Cooke requested what the child was looking for as compensation. Conscious that Abdul-Jabbar, arguably the NBA’s greatest participant, was making $650,000 yearly, Johnson confidently uttered, “Someplace round $600,000 could be ideally suited — plus, I would like an schooling allowance so I can end at Michigan State.”

Cooke was not amused. “Let’s get one factor straight proper off,” he stated. “I’m not paying in your schooling. I put myself by way of college, and if I may do it, you actually can. Now, we are able to give you $400,000. It’s not what you’re asking for, nevertheless it’s a hell of some huge cash. And let me remind you that the Lakers have made the playoffs seventeen occasions within the final nineteen years. We’d like to have you ever, Earvin, and I hope you’ll play right here. However the staff has completed simply effective with out you.”

The one factor Johnson didn’t know on the time (and wouldn’t know till greater than 20 years later) was that, in Cooke’s thoughts, he was merely one other good faculty participant in an ocean of fine faculty gamers. Why, instantly after the draft, Cooke instructed these inside his small circle of confidants that the staff may have gone with Sidney Moncrief, the high-scoring guard from the College of Arkansas. That was the recommendation offered to him by Jerry West, the outgoing coach, who wasn’t totally satisfied a 6-foot-9 level guard would perform within the fast-paced NBA. Of all of the ex-basketball gamers working for the Lakers, West was the one Cooke trusted most.

“Jack believed in star energy. He deserves credit score for that.”

Former Former supervisor Claire Rothman on Jack Kent Cooke

“West wished Moncrief, and he made it very clear to Jack Kent Cooke,” stated Wealthy Levin, who coated the staff for the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner. “There was a robust perception, for a short time a minimum of, that Moncrief, not Magic, would wind up a Laker.”

Even when he weren’t the neatest basketball man round, Cooke understood that sports activities had been as a lot about salesmanship as on-court success. Regardless of successful 47 video games and reaching the playoffs in 1978–79, the Lakers bought out solely as soon as, and averaged 11,771 followers in an area that seated 17,505. The child sitting earlier than him was a 100,000-foot-high neon signal screaming see the Lakers! His roster, then again, was composed of standout gamers who appeared both detached (level guard Norm Nixon), shy (ahead Jamaal Wilkes) or downright offensive (Abdul-Jabbar). Cooke had waited a very long time for Abdul-Jabbar to activate the attraction. He now appeared to appreciate it will by no means occur. “Jack believed in star energy,” stated Rothman. “He deserves credit score for that.”

So, when Johnson met Cooke’s rebuff with a fair stronger one — “I suppose I’ll be going again to highschool” — the proprietor cracked. He invited Johnson and his entourage to remain the evening in Los Angeles and return to the Trophy Room the next morning. On the drive to the lodge that night, Earvin Sr. lit into his son. He was a person who’d spent years working a number of blue-collar jobs, struggling alongside his spouse, Christine, a faculty cafeteria employee, to feed their ten youngsters. Now his nineteen-year-old son was insulting sand dabs?

A statue of Magic Johnson resides outside Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles.

“I’ve labored in a manufacturing unit my complete life for what he’s providing you for one 12 months!” Earvin Sr. stated. “And for one thing you like doing! Don’t be grasping, son.”

The following day, Cooke and Johnson negotiated forwards and backwards till, lastly, a deal was reached. The $500,000 contract made Johnson the highest-paid rookie in league historical past. With smiles throughout, Cooke let his new celebrity select lunch.

“Pizza!” Johnson stated. “Let’s order pizza.”

Cooke agreed, and earlier than lengthy, one in all America’s richest males was munching on his first-ever slice of pepperoni. “These items,” he stated, “is fairly good.”

From “SHOWTIME: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the Eighties,” revealed by Avery, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random Home, LLC. Copyright © 2014 by Jeff Pearlman. You should purchase the e-book right here

Sports

Predicting where the top 15 remaining MLB free agents will sign: Who lands Sasaki?

Published

5 hours ago

January 6, 2025

Press Room

Predicting where the top 15 remaining MLB free agents will sign: Who lands Sasaki?

The Mets signed Juan Soto to a record-breaking $765 million deal, the Yankees landed Max Fried with a $218 million deal, and the Diamondbacks once again shocked the baseball world, adding ace Corbin Burnes on a $210 million pact.

However, there are still several teams — including the Royals, Twins, Padres, Mariners and Cardinals — that haven’t spent a single penny in free agency, although that could change soon. The free-agent market is still filled with talent. So where will these players sign?

Here are the top 15 remaining free agents and my predictions on where each will land.

(WAR is according to Baseball Reference. All statistics are from the 2024 season unless otherwise noted.)

1. Roki Sasaki, RHP

Age: 23
WAR: N/A
ERA: 2.35 IP: 111 SO: 129 (NPB stats)
Agent: Wasserman

Seven teams have reportedly met with Sasaki and his agent, Joel Wolfe of Wasserman, in Los Angeles, including the Dodgers, Padres, Cubs, Yankees, Mets, Rangers and Giants. Other teams still could be added to the list, but in all probability Sasaki is probably going to sign with one of those seven.

Of that group, most in the industry believe he’ll end up signing with the Dodgers. However, I’m not in that camp because I think endorsement deals with Japanese companies are going to be important for him financially since he won’t be eligible for arbitration for three years or eligible for free agency for at least six years. In Los Angeles, he’d be in the shadow of both Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, lessening his endorsement ceiling. And there are other reasons I don’t believe he’s destined for the Dodgers.

(Sasaki can only be signed through each team’s international bonus pools, which range from roughly $5.1 million to $7.5 million.)

I don’t think the Giants make a lot of sense for him based on their weak farm system and mediocre major-league roster. I view the Rangers as a long shot, though they would be a good fit because of their strong pitching room and leadership group. The Cubs also seem like a stretch to me. That leaves both New York teams and the Padres.

Wolfe recently provided an update on the 23-year-old star’s unusual free agency, but none of us know how this ends or what exactly Sasaki is thinking. His favorite player growing up was Masahiro Tanaka, which would lead me to guess he was at least somewhat of a Yankees fan. He considers Yu Darvish a godfather-type influence, and the Padres veteran mentored Sasaki during Japan’s championship run in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Therefore, for no other reason, I’ll predict he signs with either the Yankees or San Diego.

Prediction: Yankees or Padres

GO DEEPER

What’s next for Roki Sasaki? Agent provides update on coveted free agent

Houston pivoted away from Alex Bregman. Where will he end up? (Alex Slitz / Getty Images)

2. Alex Bregman, 3B

Age: 30
WAR: 4.1
OPS+: 118
Agent: Boras Corporation

I was surprised Bregman reportedly turned down six years and $156 million to stay in Houston, because I thought he and his family were happy there and I didn’t think he’d necessarily take the most money and years in free agency. However, when he spurned the Astros’ offer, they pivoted, trading for third baseman Isaac Paredes and signing first baseman Christian Walker, which closed the door on a possible return to Houston.

I think Bregman would fit nicely at third base with the Mets, who could move Mark Vientos to first base. But there doesn’t seem to be much traction there. The Mariners could really use him at third base, but they don’t seem to want to spend any money. I also think the Phillies — and their ballpark — could work well for him, but they’d have to trade Alec Bohm first, and by all indications they never came close to making a swap.

That leaves the Tigers and Blue Jays as the most likely landing spots for Bregman, but neither one seems ideal. So he might want to sign a shorter deal with a higher average annual value and opt-outs, then look to go back on the free-agent market next offseason or after the 2026 season.

That said, Boston is my favorite spot for Bregman, who will turn 31 in March. They need a right-handed power pull hitter, and he would do significant damage to the Green Monster in left field. They could move Rafael Devers to first base and put Triston Casas at DH or they could just put Bregman at second base full-time. His leadership and ability to grind at-bats would help this young roster. He could be the final piece in getting the Red Sox back to the postseason.

Prediction: Red Sox

3. Anthony Santander, RF

Age: 30
WAR: 2.9
OPS+: 134
Agent: GSE Worldwide

The Santander market has been strangely quiet, but all indications are he’ll end up on a non-contending team and get his long-term contract. There is a lot of buzz in the industry about the Blue Jays being all-in on him, and they definitely need his 44-home run power in between Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette in their lineup. The Angels and Giants have also been said to have some level of interest.

Prediction: Blue Jays

4. Pete Alonso, 1B

Age: 30
WAR: 2.6
OPS+: 123
Agent: Boras Corporation

The staredown between the Mets’ brass and Scott Boras over an Alonso contract is starting to become epic. Who blinks first — owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns or the superstar agent? The Mets do not want to move beyond their last offer and don’t think they have to because the first-base market has dried up. There are not a lot of options left for Alonso after the Yankees traded for Paul Goldschmidt, the Guardians signed Carlos Santana, the Diamondbacks traded for Josh Naylor and the Astros inked Christian Walker.

The Mariners would be a great fit, but they’re not in on any of the big free agents. The Angels have been mentioned as a possibility, but does anyone think they’d do another big — and potentially bad — contract for a 30-year-old power hitter after the Anthony Rendon, Josh Hamilton and Albert Pujols contracts all failed?

The Giants might be the only other viable option. Signing Alonso to a three-year deal with a high AAV and opt-outs might make some sense for them if they can stomach losing the draft pick compensation. (Alonso was one of 12 players to turn down the qualifying offer.) Maybe Alonso would go that type of route and prove a point to the Mets in the process.

However, at the end of the day, I just can’t see the Polar Bear in another uniform — at least not this year.

Prediction: Mets

GO DEEPER

Mets mailbag: What’s the holdup with Pete Alonso? Are the Mets done in the rotation?

5. Jack Flaherty, RHP

Age: 29
WAR: 3.1
ERA: 3.17 IP: 162 SO: 194
Agent: CAA Sports

He’s the best starting pitcher left on the market, apart from Sasaki, and a potential difference-maker for a contending team. But Flaherty’s medical reports are going to determine whether he gets a long-term contract or has to take a similar deal to that of Walker Buehler, who signed a one-year, $21 million contract with the Red Sox.

I haven’t heard about Flaherty being connected much with the Braves, but I think that would be an ideal match for him. They lost Max Fried and Charlie Morton in free agency. Spencer Strider, who is recovering from internal-brace elbow surgery, won’t be ready for Opening Day. They have a lot of strong young arms for the back of their rotation but could really use another veteran.

I’ve heard a reunion with the Tigers is not out of the question. Flaherty pitched well for them last season, posting a 2.95 ERA over 18 starts before the trade deadline deal to the Dodgers. Other teams that have been linked to him include the Cubs, Giants and Blue Jays.

Prediction: Braves

6. Tanner Scott, LHP

Age: 30
WAR: 4.0
ERA: 1.75 SV: 22 IP: 72 SO: 84
Agent: MVP Sports Group

The most-impactful closer on the market has yet to sign and teams are lining up for him but waiting for the asking price to drop. The Red Sox are the clear front-runners for Scott. Their chief baseball officer, Craig Breslow, was a left-handed reliever in his playing days and seems obsessed with corralling lefty pitchers: He’s already signed three of them in free agency (Patrick Sandoval, Aroldis Chapman, Justin Wilson) and acquired two more via trades (Garrett Crochet, Jovani Moran). Red Sox manager Alex Cora prefers a single closer and Scott is the best one available.

The Blue Jays and Giants are also strong candidates to sign Scott as both could use an upgrade at the closer position. Other possible destinations include the Dodgers, Rangers and Diamondbacks.

Prediction: Red Sox

Jurickson Profar had a career year for the Padres, but is a reunion in the cards? (David Frerker / Imagn Images)

7. Jurickson Profar, LF

Age: 31
WAR: 3.6
OPS+: 134
Agent: MVP Sports Group

Profar was one of the best under-the-radar signings last offseason, when San Diego inked him for a base salary of $1 million. He rewarded them by slashing .280/.380/.459 with 24 home runs, 29 doubles and 10 stolen bases and made his first All-Star team. He’d like to return to San Diego but wants a three-year deal and I’m not sure if that will fit in the Padres’ tight budget.

I think the Braves would be a great match for Profar, but for some reason they seem satisfied with the combination of Jarred Kelenic and Bryan De La Cruz competing for time in left field. The Red Sox have been mentioned as a possibility too. But, to me, the Padres are by far the best fit for both the player and team, though he’ll likely have to drop his expectations and agree to a deal that works for both sides if he wants to remain in San Diego.

Prediction: Padres

8. Kirby Yates, RHP

Age: 37
WAR: 3.3
ERA: 1.17 SV: 33 IP: 61 2/3 SO: 85
Agent: Beverly Hills Sports Council

Yates might have to wait until Scott signs, then get with one of the teams that misses out on him. A return to the Rangers is possible, a move north of the border to Toronto makes sense, and the Dodgers are always looking for high-leverage relievers. The Braves really missed him last year, the Reds could use him to replace Fernando Cruz, whom they traded to the Yankees, and the Royals could surprise here too.

However, I like Arizona for Yates. After the splash signing of Burnes and trading for All-Star first baseman Josh Naylor, why not ink Yates to bookend their offseason?

Prediction: Diamondbacks

9. Ha-Seong Kim, SS

Age: 29
WAR: 2.6
OPS+: 96
Agent: Boras Corporation

After season-ending shoulder surgery, Kim has discovered his free-agent value isn’t what he had hoped. He’ll need to sign a short-term deal, show that he’s healthy next year and try to replicate his 5.8 WAR season from 2023.

The Giants had interest in Kim until they were able to land Willy Adames in free agency. Now, I think he’d fit great with the Red Sox, who could then keep Trevor Story at second base, allowing Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell another year of development at Triple A.

However, the best team for Kim, without a doubt, is still the Padres. They also are a much better team with him at shortstop and Xander Bogaerts at second base than if they have to play Bogaerts at shortstop.

Prediction: Padres

10. Carlos Estévez, RHP

Age: 32
WAR: 2.1
ERA: 2.45 SV: 26 IP: 55 SO: 50
Agent: Premier Talent Sports and Entertainment

Like Yates, Estévez probably has to wait until Scott signs before he can find his next team. I think the Cubs, who need to build up their bullpen, are the best fit for him. They could use the strike-throwing power righty in high-leverage spots late in games. Teams such as the Blue Jays, Rangers, Red Sox and Giants also make sense for Estévez, who logged 26 saves between the Phillies and Angels last year.

Prediction: Cubs

11. Jose Quintana, LHP

Age: 35
WAR: 2.5
ERA: 3.75 IP: 170 1/3 SO: 135
Agent: Wasserman

Quintana still knows how to win and keep hitters off-balance. He gave the Mets 170 1/3 innings last season, going 10-10 with a 3.75 ERA over 31 starts. His results have always been better than his raw stuff thanks to his command in and out of the zone.

He’d be a solid signing for the Royals as a rotation replacement for Brady Singer, whom they traded to the Reds in November. Although the Royals claim they’re fine moving Kris Bubic to the rotation to replace Singer, they don’t have much starting pitching depth and they’ll miss the 179 2/3 innings Singer provided last year. Quintana, who turns 36 in January, is the perfect fit. The Giants, Tigers and Padres have also been linked with him.

Prediction: Royals

Jeff Hoffman made the All-Star team in 2024. Will he be a starter or reliever this year? (Tim Heitman / Imagn Images)

12. Jeff Hoffman, RHP

Age: 31
WAR: 2.0
ERA: 2.17 SV: 10 IP: 66 1/3 SO: 89
Agent: CAA Sports

Hoffman wants to follow in the footsteps of Clay Holmes, who is attempting to transition from the bullpen to the rotation. Holmes signed a three-year, $38 million deal with the Mets and that’s what Hoffman thinks he deserves. However, he hasn’t been offered that yet.

I’m told several teams like the idea of signing him and making him a starter, while other teams would prefer to keep Hoffman, who has 50 career starts, in the pen if they acquire him. Hoffman, who turns 32 this week, is coming off two stellar seasons for the Phillies. He posted a 2.41 ERA over 54 appearances in 2023 and backed that up with a 2.17 ERA over 68 appearances last year. A return to Philly would probably be best for Hoffman, but he would not get a chance to start with them. The Braves, Red Sox, Rays, Royals, Tigers, Astros and Nationals would all be solid landing spots.

Prediction: Nationals

13. Nick Pivetta, RHP

Age: 31
WAR: 1.8
ERA: 4.14 IP: 145 2/3 SO: 172
Agent: CAA Sports

I was shocked when Pivetta turned down the $21.05 million qualifying offer from the Red Sox, for two reasons: 1) I don’t think he’ll get close to that on the open market, and 2) tying himself to draft pick compensation weakens his value even more.

Because of that, he’s one of the players who might have to wait a while before finding his next home. The New York Post reported in December that the Reds had checked in on him, but after they signed Nick Martinez to the qualifying offer and traded for Singer, I can’t imagine them actually playing on Pivetta. One team that could make sense to salvage his offseason is the Blue Jays, who have struggled to find players willing to take their free-agent offers. Pivetta, who has a career 4.76 ERA over eight seasons, will turn 32 in February.

Prediction: Blue Jays

14. Alex Verdugo, LF

Age: 28
WAR: 0.8
OPS+: 83
Agent: MVP Sports Group

Verdugo was the starting left fielder for the American League champion Yankees but had a subpar year, batting just .233/.291/.356 with 13 home runs. He’s a good defender in left field, grinds day in and day out, and is respected in the clubhouse because of the edge with which he plays. If the Padres aren’t able to bring back Profar, they could pivot to Verdugo. Otherwise, he might have to accept a role as a fourth outfielder somewhere. The Giants, Pirates and Diamondbacks could make a depth play for him.

Prediction: Padres (if they don’t re-sign Profar)

15. Justin Turner, 1B/DH

Age: 40
WAR: 1.5
OPS+: 114
Agent: Vayner Sports

Turner turned 40 in November and wants to keep playing — and based on last year’s performance, he still has something left in the tank. He slashed .259/.354/.383 (114 OPS+) with 11 home runs. His leadership qualities are particularly valuable on a relatively young team. The Mariners, Guardians, Pirates and Diamondbacks are all logical fits for Turner to improve their benches. A return to Seattle might make the most sense based on the positive impact he had on the clubhouse after being traded by the Blue Jays at the deadline.

Prediction: Mariners

(Top photo of Roki Sasaki: The Yomiuri Shimbun via Associated Press)

Sports

Rob Gronkowski rips Patriots' decision to fire Jerod Mayo after 1 season

Published

5 hours ago

January 6, 2025

Press Room

Rob Gronkowski rips Patriots' decision to fire Jerod Mayo after 1 season

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Rob Gronkowski appeared to be upset with how the New England Patriots handled Jerod Mayo’s first season as head coach, which ended with his dismissal Sunday following a win over the Buffalo Bills.

Mayo was hired to replace Bill Belichick last year after the legendary head coach and the organization parted ways following six Super Bowls and two dynastic periods.

New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo looks at the scoreboard during the Buffalo Bills game at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, Dec. 22, 2024. (Mark Konezny-Imagn Images)

The Patriots struggled in Mayo’s first season, finishing 4-13. But Gronkowski expressed that he didn’t believe Mayo had enough time to develop as a head coach.

“I was shocked by that. And to happen that soon was a shocker to a lot of people,” he said on FOX. “Especially here at the desk, I think we were all surprised by that. I think it was unfair to coach Jerod Mayo. He had never had the chance to develop as a head coach.

“He was just a rookie himself in that department. If you judge a coach by their first year, that’s really not appropriate.”

TYREEK HILL SUGGESTS HE WANTS TO LEAVE DOLPHINS AFTER FINAL GAME OF 2024 SEASON: ‘I’M OUT’

Rob Gronkowski at Fox Sports media day at the Phoenix Convention Center in Arizona, Feb. 7, 2023. (Kirby Lee-USA Today Sports)

Mayo and Gronkowski were teammates for a few years with the Patriots.

The Patriots were far from playoff contenders entering the season. New England drafted rookie quarterback Drake Maye in the first round and didn’t start him until a few weeks into the regular season.

New England was 30th in points scored and 31st in yards gained, while finishing 22nd in points and yards allowed.

Patriots team owner Robert Kraft announced the Mayo decision after the Patriots’ win.

New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo shakes hands with Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

“After the game I informed Jerod Mayo that he will not be returning as the head coach of the New England Patriots in 2025. For me, personally, it was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made,” Kraft said in a statement. “Unfortunately, the trajectory of our team’s performances throughout the season did not ascend as I had hoped.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Sports

High school football transfer tracker: Which top players are switching schools?

Published

6 hours ago

January 6, 2025

Press Room

High school football transfer tracker: Which top players are switching schools?

The 2025 high school football transfer tracker is officially up and looking for top players switching schools in Southern California.

There were more than 17,000 transfers statewide last school year, and football produces plenty of transfers.

According to CIF rules, players who transfer and physically move along with their family are eligible immediately at the new school. If a player transfers and his family doesn’t move, there’s a sit-out period of close to 50% of the season. The date athletes become eligible after sitting out is Sept. 29, 2025 for the Southern Section and Sept. 25, 2025 for the City Section.

Listed players are confirmed as having switched schools through social media or from coaches, parents or players. Their transfer eligibility remains uncertain until paperwork is submitted to the Southern Section or City Section. Names will be updated each week, with the latest at the top.