Major League Baseball reloaded its foot-shootin’ gun. Also: Technology destroyed morale, golf got too drunk, and can the NIT and NCAA T*urnament coexist?
Stu’s Notes: What Does ‘Comeback Player of the Year’ Mean?
Is it about the comeback? Or do you have to be a player? Also: Chekhovian doinks, Joe Barry chaos, and MLB vs. Flopping.
Stu’s Notes: The Other Reasons Trevor Bauer Hasn’t Signed
It’s more than the assault allegations. Also: The Bears try to get softer, Nick Saban inches towards professional wrestling, and a study on Target Field’s target.
Joe’s Notes: Trade Deadlines and Inefficient Markets
The odd economics of trades in professional sports. Also: Ranking the Boras Four, the Bulls’ empty deadline, and looking towards Opening Day.
Joe’s Notes: Dartmouth Basketball, a Union, and Employment in College Sports
What to make of yesterday’s ruling. Also: Is Tony Bennett a good coach? Are the Packers winning the offseason? And why the Cubs’ projections are, unfortunately, not wrong.
Stu’s Notes: The Risky Thing About Nepotism
Florida State has made an interesting accusation. Also: What’s up with the Kelces, Doc Rivers is 0–1, and we have thoughts on wheelchair pickleball.
Joe’s Notes: Why Is the NCAA Trying to Enforce NIL Rules?
Tennessee’s under investigation. Also: Ben Johnson chooses happiness, Kelvin Sampson might be the offense problem, and the Big 12 football schedule has arrived.
Stu’s Notes: Tom Brady Is Bailing Out Greg Olsen
Greg Olsen is getting moved to the best position in sports. Also: We address the UNC issue, we explore Villanova history, and we ask whether we should care about the 24-hour race at Daytona.
Joe’s Notes: Understanding Brock Purdy
The quarterback is the same as he was as a freshman in college. He’s also, paradoxically, still getting better. Also: The fourth down calls, LMU cuts six sports, and Washington State should focus on basketball.
Stu’s Notes: Is Ed Cooley Even a Good Coach?
Being good with people is only part of the job. Also: Joe Kelly’s Nobel Prize candidacy, Yasiel Puig’s innocence, and when do the Jared Goff chants get old?
Joe’s Notes: What Luka’s 73-Point Night Says About Our Children
The three-point shot is generational. Also: The NFL’s next great QB debate, Iowa State hosts Kansas, and the Big Ten’s new tournament format.
Stu’s Notes: Yet Another Massive College Football Transition
They’re replacing the hedges in Athens. Also: Luka vs. Zion vs. food, a coed idea for Team USA, Nick Dunlap Bust Watch, and a potential Game of the NITe of the Year.
Stu’s Notes: The Hall of Fame Is Doing Just Fine
Cooperstown will eventually admit steroid users. For now, enjoy what we have. Also: Hockey Canada clarity, more court storming, Chicago vs. Hiroshima, and—as always—the Game of the NITe.
Joe’s Notes: Mike McCarthy Is Not a Bad Coach
Firing McCarthy would be like hiring Rodney Terry. Also: What each remaining team needs to do to make this year a success, and Alabama’s talent flow.
Stu’s Notes: Michigan Needs to Make Jim Harbaugh Know He’s Loved
Michigan’s effort to retain a champion, plus: Ohio State is losing too fast, Texas can’t read, Bulls fans got the wrong Jerry, and we can’t not love Dan Campbell.
Joe’s Notes: Wild Card Weekend Desperation Rankings
Who needs this Super Bowl the most, and…Washington’s DeBoer replacement, what FSU did, load management and baseball, and the Australian Open.
Stu’s Notes: An NIT Renaissance in Spokane?
Also: Arch Manning Bust Watch, Matthew Stafford vs. the moon, home-field by latitude, and Oregon likes cheese.
Joe’s Notes: Who’s Next for Alabama?
A congratulation to Nick Saban, then: speculation on his replacement, speculation on the new college football power structure, bracketology thoughts, and the Cubs’ big day.