Summing up a noisy week in WSU/OSU news. Then: Pitchers and catchers, home-court advantage, and why now for Ohio State and Chris Holtmann.
Stu’s Notes: The Latest MLB Fiasco – Fanatics Made Bad Uniforms
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?
Joe’s Notes: What Don’t Power Conferences Like About Charlie Baker’s Proposal?
The Baker Proposal evidently needs refining. Also: That NCAA Tournament expansion talk, the CFP’s game of chicken, and Bill Self’s five years without a bench.
Stu’s Notes: John Calipari Isn’t Bringing Championships to Kentucky
Once a national champion at Memphis, Calipari’s performance in Lexington has never matched the promise of 2013. Also: Patrick Mahomes’s kids names, the world vs. Caitlin Clark, and Morgan Rielly didn’t want to fight.
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.
Stu’s Notes: The Big Ten’s Big NIT Hopes
The dream of Midwestern NIT prominence is not yet dead. Also: Kelvin Sampson is a baseball coach, Armando Bacot and the grind, and a women’s basketball question we promise is earnest in its nature.
Stu’s Notes: Will Wade’s Buyout – The Man Has Done It Again
Hahahahahahahahaha. Also: Tylor Perry’s repeat MVP quest, Joel Embiid’s on midlife crisis watch, and Las Vegas doesn’t want the A’s.
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: Hey NFL. The NIT Was There First.
Holding your championship in Las Vegas? *Yawn.* Also: College sports should have a World War, the Bulls should be allowed Hope Bankruptcy, and we play a round of NIT or NOT.
Stu’s Notes: Damian Lillard and Blazers Fans Need to Settle Down
At some point, you have to say goodbye. Also: Saleh vs. Hackett, Sean Miller saw the devil, and Lane Kiffin’s had another busy week.
Stu’s Notes: The Jets Might Be Dumb
A shocking twist. Also: Can Netflix make people like sports? Does F1 hate America? And what is going on with figure skating’s math?
Joe’s Notes: It’s a Good Time to Be an Orioles Fan, But…
There’s an inconvenient timing to The Prevailing Angelos Narrative. Also: The latest NCAA lawsuit is not going to calm things down, the PGA investment news seems small, and we compare coaching salaries between the NFL and college.
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.