Detroit Tigers scouting director Mark Conner evaluates top picks from 2025 MLB Draft
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New York Post
a few seconds ago
- New York Post
Cameron Maybin doesn't want the ‘manufactured shakeups' of Rob Manfred's MLB realignment idea
Realignment in baseball stirred up some sour feelings. When commissioner Rob Manfred pointed out that Major League Baseball expansion could also mean realigning the divisions and conferences, the baseball world had itself a tizzy, speculating that it would ruin decades-long rivalries, among other traditions of America's Pastime. Advertisement MLB analyst and former Yankee Cameron Maybin was one of those firmly in the anti-realignment camp. 'Manfred's realignment talk isn't just about moving teams around, it tilts playoff balance. Some divisions get watered down others overloaded and rivalries that drive October storylines we love, vanish. Baseball needs competitive integrity, not manufactured shakeups,' former Yankee and Mets outfielder Cameron Maybin posted on X. In the speculated potential realignment, the Yankees, Mets, Phillies and Red Sox – four teams that have won a combined six World Series since the start of the 2004 season and are constantly near the top of MLB in payroll – would be in the same division due to their proximity. 3 Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred discussed MLB realignment as a possibility. Getty Images Advertisement With 28.6% of the last twenty World Series winner potentially being in the same division, Maybin speculated that these changes would dramatically affect competitive balance within the league as well. Meanwhile, the new-look South Division, which could in theory feature an expansion team in Nashville, Tenn., as well as the Atlanta Braves, Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins, would feature zero current teams with records above .500 and just one World Series win since 2004. Advertisement 3 Cameron Maybin isn't a fan of MLB realignment. Getty Images In the proposed revamped Central division, the Cardinals, Reds and White Sox all have payrolls in the bottom half of the league, with only the Cubs (eighth in payroll) having the look of a team ready to spend big to win. Baseball has already changed quite a bit in recent years, with the National League instituting the designated hitter and both leagues have expanded postseasons in recent years. 3 Rob Manfred's realignment plan eliminate the two-league system for geographic conferences. NY Post Advertisement Mets broadcaster Howie Rose called the potential realignment 'total destruction' if the American and National League cease to exist. Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay was among the more open-minded about it, saying its 'worth a try.'
Associated Press
2 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Cubs slugger Kyle Tucker gets some rest as he tries to break out of a prolonged slump
CHICAGO (AP) — Kyle Tucker is trying to break out of a prolonged slump, and the Chicago Cubs are doing whatever they can to help the All-Star outfielder. Nothing is working at the moment. Tucker was out of the starting lineup for the opener of a split doubleheader against Milwaukee on Tuesday. He is batting .148 (8 for 54) in August, and he has just two extra-base hits — both doubles — in his last 24 games. A day after manager Craig Counsell said they were 'going to have to take a little step back' with Tucker and give him some days off to reset, the plan for the slugger seemed unclear. Tucker said he might get into the doubleheader opener at some point, and Counsell left open the possibility of him playing on Tuesday. 'We talked Sunday night a little bit and, you know, we put a lot on the table and then we'll see where that goes,' Counsell said. Tucker has some company. Going into Tuesday's action, the Cubs were averaging 3.6 runs per game since the All-Star break, compared with 5.3 in the first part of the season. The slumping offense has played a role in Chicago falling nine games behind surging Milwaukee in the NL Central. The 28-year-old Tucker jammed his right ring finger during an awkward slide in a victory over Cincinnati on June 1. He missed one game and then made a pinch-hitting appearance before returning to the starting lineup on June 5. 'I'm fine,' Tucker said Tuesday. 'I mean, I've played, you know, for the most part every game this year. So I'm fine going out there.' Tucker was acquired in a trade with Houston in December. He is eligible for free agency after this season, but he said that isn't a factor in his trouble at the plate. He got off to a terrific start in his first season with Chicago, batting .290 with 17 homers, 52 RBIs and a .923 OPS in his first 85 games. He made the All-Star Game for the fourth time. But he hasn't been the same player since the break, hitting .182 (16 for 88) with one homer, six RBIs and a .572 OPS in his last 26 games. Asked if he could recall a similar slump at the plate, Tucker responded: 'Probably not this long.' 'But, I mean I think everyone's had stretches where they have, you know, not done that great or whatever,' he continued. 'I don't know. I'm just trying to figure it out.' While Tucker is known for his reserved, steady demeanor, there are signs that the slump is taking a toll on him. He was slow getting out of the box on a grounder that was momentarily bobbled by Milwaukee first baseman Andrew Vaughn in the fourth inning of Monday's 7-0 loss to the Brewers. He had a similar moment in the sixth inning of Sunday's 4-3 victory over Pittsburgh, leading to some boos from the crowd at Wrigley Field. 'I mean it's kind of exhausting. I don't know how many times I've rolled over to first or second,' Tucker said. 'Regardless you still got to run down the line whether you're out by 50 feet or not. But I mean it's just a little tough right now.' While explaining what Tucker is working on at the plate, Counsell pointed to his first at-bat of Sunday's game against Pittsburgh, when the slugger bounced to first on a 3-1 fastball right over the plate. 'There's separation from what he wants and what's happening, what he thinks he feels and what's happening,' Counsell said. 'And you just, you try to just keep working on that and it's a little thing that puts it back in place. It's probably a simple thing that puts it back in place. It's a swing, doesn't have to be like a successful swing even. Could be a foul ball that puts it back in place.' ___ AP MLB:
New York Times
2 minutes ago
- New York Times
First look at NASCAR's 2026 Cup Series schedule, from Daytona to Homestead
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule features a new race at a military base, a return to a track once thought lost to time, a new All-Star Race host and a new site for the championship finale, according to a copy obtained by The Athletic and confirmed via multiple sources briefed on the league's plans. Advertisement The 38-race season (36 points races and two non-points races) opens with the Clash exhibition on Feb. 1, 2026, followed by the Daytona 500 on Feb. 15 and concluding with the championship finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Nov. 8, 2026. Homestead returns as the host track for the championship for the first time since 2019, replacing Phoenix Raceway, which is now slotted elsewhere in the 10-race playoffs. NASCAR announced the switch this spring, beginning a rotation of its championship race to different tracks on an expected yearly basis. In addition to Homestead returning as the championship venue, the other three big changes to the 2026 schedule are a temporary street circuit constructed at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, the return of Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill., after a six-year absenceO To make room for San Diego and Chicagoland, NASCAR won't return to Mexico City or the Chicago Street Course, a temporary circuit built in downtown Chicago that's held Cup races for the past three years. In June, Mexico City hosted the first international Cup points race since the 1950s, but logistics and finding a spot on the calendar that fit for both the city and NASCAR prevented an encore visit next year. NASCAR hopes to return to both Mexico City and Chicago in 2027. Other notable changes to the 2026 schedule include: Although some reports had Iowa Speedway at risk of being dropped, the short track is again on the schedule for a third consecutive year, slated for Aug. 9. There was never any consideration that Iowa would not have a date, according to sources briefed on NASCAR's thinking. Iowa has sold out each of the last two years and has strong sponsorship in place. NASCAR intends to release the 2026 Cup Series schedule this week. The full schedule below is the final version, according to those sources briefed on the league's plans. (Photo of Cup Series driver Christopher Bell celebrating his win in May's All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway: David Jensen / Getty Images) Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle
