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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ravens extend receiver Rashod Bateman's contract through 2029 in a $36.75M deal
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (7) works out during an NFL football practice, Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman speaks to media following NFL football practice, Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman speaks to media following NFL football practice, Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (7) works out during an NFL football practice, Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman speaks to media following NFL football practice, Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) The Baltimore Ravens gave out another contract extension to a key offensive player on Thursday, signing receiver Rashod Bateman through 2029. The three-year, $36.75 million extension includes $20 million in guarantees, according to a person with knowledge of the deal who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because terms hadn't been announced. Advertisement 'We've kind of been negotiating since the end of the season. It was something that both parties wanted to do, and it just made sense for both of us, and we worked it out,' Bateman said after practice Thursday. 'I'm happy to be here, blessed and fortunate. So, keep chasing a Super Bowl.' The 25-year-old Bateman is coming off his fourth pro season and easily his best. After some injuries early in his career, he played all 17 games in 2024, catching 45 passes for 756 yards and nine touchdowns. His 16.8 yards per reception was the second-highest rate for a player with at least 40 catches. Last year, Bateman agreed to a two-year extension through 2026, and now the Ravens can keep him around considerably longer. Earlier this offseason, Baltimore extended running back Derrick Henry, who was entering the final year of his deal, through 2027. The Ravens also re-signed left tackle Ronnie Stanley when he was about to hit free agency. ___ AP NFL:
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mark Andrews reflects on his costly playoff drop, looks for redemption with the Ravens
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) works out during an NFL football practice, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) works out during an NFL football practice, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews speaks to media after an NFL team practice, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews speaks to media after an NFL team practice, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) works out during an NFL football practice, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) works out during an NFL football practice, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews speaks to media after an NFL team practice, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — The Baltimore Ravens made plenty of mistakes in their loss at Buffalo in last season's playoffs. The final one belonged to Mark Andrews, who let a tying 2-point conversion pass slip through his hands. Advertisement It's not an easy thing to get over. 'It's tough. This is my life,' Andrews said Wednesday. 'I put a lot of work into this and everything I do is kind of focused on that. Everything I think about is focused on that, and so it wasn't the way that I had planned it, but that's all part of the story.' Andrews didn't talk to local reporters after the season ended, and this was his first post-practice availability. There was some question as to whether he'd be back with Baltimore, given his contract situation and the team's depth at tight end, but the 29-year-old Andrews is still with the Ravens, eyeing his eighth season. Before the drop against Buffalo, it had been another productive season for Andrews, who caught a career-high 11 touchdown passes and played in all 17 regular-season games for the first time since 2021. Like most of Baltimore's core, he has little left to prove in the regular season. The big question looking forward is whether the Ravens can avoid the types of self-inflicted issues that have derailed potential Super Bowl runs in the past — and Andrews is certainly under more scrutiny now. Advertisement 'That's the thing about sports is that it doesn't always fall your way,' he said. "It doesn't always go your way, but it's how you bounce back.' For Andrews, that's meant leaning on family and others in his circle. 'Really just surrounded myself with good people, not look at the outside noise and look myself in the mirror obviously, and just know the type of player that I am, know the type of work that I put in, and, as a professional, it's all about being able to move past it,' Andrews said. "But storing that in the memory bank and understanding that this is not the end. This is something that I'm going to work with, I'm going to get better and improve and move on.' The Ravens didn't have too many significant losses in free agency this offseason, especially once they retained left tackle Ronnie Stanley. A year from now, however, the roster could look a lot different, especially at tight end. Advertisement Andrews, Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar all have expiring contracts this season. With the 25-year-old Likely producing quite a bit himself, Andrews could become expendable. 'I focus on myself and this team and let all the other stuff deal however it's going to be dealt with, but I'm extremely excited to be here,' Andrews said. 'This is an incredible organization. I'm very thankful to be here for my eighth year.' Likely sounds particularly glad to have Andrews back. 'I have to tell everybody, that's big brother. I'm glad everybody's speculation has died down, and I finally have to give him a hug when he came in because we're finally back at it, finally back on the turf together,' Likely said. 'He's been teaching me since I got here, since I stepped foot (into) being a Raven. From run game, pass game, how to watch film, how to take care of my body and really just take care of every moment in the league. So, I'm glad to have him back.' Advertisement At the tight end position and elsewhere, the Ravens still have a wealth of talent. It's a team that hopes postseason failures of the past will finally stay in the past. 'It's learning from mistakes, and the beautiful thing is everybody that's here — we have a lot of guys that are coming back from last year and the year before, and obviously in the years past — so we've been able to learn a lot," Andrews said. "Obviously, I wish we didn't have to go through that again last year, but we've added a lot of guys, too. A lot of guys that are flying around, and this team is incredibly stacked with incredible players." ___ AP NFL:
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Last-place Orioles fire manager Brandon Hyde after falling 13 games under .500
Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde returns to the dugout after making a pitching change during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Monday, April 28, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) BALTIMORE (AP) — The Baltimore Orioles fired manager Brandon Hyde on Saturday after a dismal start to the season by a team coming off two consecutive playoff appearances. The Orioles are 15-28 and in last place in the AL East following a loss to Washington on Friday night. Hyde guided the team through an extensive rebuild and won manager of the year honors in 2023, but Baltimore's performance slipped noticeably during the second half of last year, and the Orioles have put themselves in a significant hole so far in 2025. Advertisement 'As the head of baseball operations, the poor start to our season is ultimately my responsibility,' Orioles executive vice president and general manager Mike Elias said in a statement. 'Part of that responsibility is pursuing difficult changes in order to set a different course for the future. I want to thank Brandon for his hard work, dedication and passion all these years, and for returning the team to the playoffs and winning an AL East championship.' Third base coach Tony Mansolino will serve as interim manager. The Orioles also fired major league field coordinator/catching instructor Tim Cossins. ___ AP MLB:
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Enter Metallica: Sandman has some hard-rocking fans going into the Preakness
Trainer Bob Baffert is seen at Pimlico Race Course ahead of the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes, Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Preakness Stakes entrant River Thames works out at Pimlico Race Course, Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Preakness Stakes entrant Sandman is walked around the barn at Pimlico Race Course, Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Preakness Stakes entrant Sandman, left, works out at Pimlico Race Course, Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Preakness Stakes entrant Sandman is bathed after a workout at Pimlico Race Course, Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Preakness Stakes entrant Sandman is bathed after a workout at Pimlico Race Course, Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Trainer Bob Baffert is seen at Pimlico Race Course ahead of the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes, Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Preakness Stakes entrant River Thames works out at Pimlico Race Course, Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Preakness Stakes entrant Sandman is walked around the barn at Pimlico Race Course, Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Preakness Stakes entrant Sandman, left, works out at Pimlico Race Course, Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Preakness Stakes entrant Sandman is bathed after a workout at Pimlico Race Course, Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) BALTIMORE (AP) — Mark Casse was not a Metallica guy until he began training Sandman. Now he is a big fan. The band has returned the favor. Front man James Hetfield met the horse at Churchill Downs before the Kentucky Derby, and he and the rest of Metallica filmed a video for Casse and Co. wishing Sandman well in the Preakness this weekend. Advertisement 'We're excited to cheer on the people's horse, Sandman, who's heading to Pimlico Race Track in Baltimore this Saturday for the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown,' Hetfield said. 'Metallica would like to wish Sandman and his awesome team good luck for a safe and winning trip at Preakness 150. Enter Sandman!' Metallica also sent shirts to outfit the entire Casse Racing operation. Casse sent a hat signed by Hetfield to a friend and received in return a pair of Metallica-logoed underwear. 'I will be wearing them,' Casse said. 'There'll be no stone unturned.' Sandman could use luck turning in his favor after finishing seventh in the Derby. Accustomed to being in the back of the pack, he struggled in the slop as he had more mud kicked back in his face than normal because of the 18 horses ahead of him. Advertisement 'He just never got comfortable,' Casse said. 'That's why we're here. We're going to throw that one out. Hopefully we get a better track on Saturday, and even if we don't, we're only going to have eight horses throwing mud back at us.' Calm River Thames Todd Pletcher-trained River Thames was one of the latest-arriving Preakness horses, getting to Baltimore on Wednesday. The strapping colt took to the track at Pimlico for the first time Thursday morning, galloping a mile under exercise rider Nick Merritt. 'Just trying to keep him happy for the race, essentially,' Merritt said. 'Chill, chill horse. He's taking it all in.' Advertisement Pletcher has won the Derby twice and the Belmont Stakes four times. A Preakness victory is the last thing missing from his Triple Crown resume, and River Thames opened as the 9-2 third choice on the morning line after 8-5 favorite Journalism and Sandman at 4-1. Baffert and Lukas The far corner of the stakes barn at Pimlico during Preakness week has seen many Hall of Fame trainers, including good friends Bob Baffert and D. Wayne Lukas chatting, telling stories and, often, giving each other and anyone within earshot a hard time. They took their buddy comedy on the road for the annual Alibi Breakfast, roasting and poking some fun at fellow trainers. Lukas said he tried to talk Mike McCarthy out of having Journalism in the No. 40 stall usually reserved for the Kentucky Derby winner. Advertisement 'That's the kiss of death — you can't put him in there,' Lukas said. 'I told him to go over and get him into another stall. Bob said: 'No, no, leave him there. Leave him there.' Don't make him feel comfortable. He's already got the favorite." Baffert responded: 'The best horse wins the race, Wayne. It doesn't matter what stall he's in.' Lukas and Baffert then turned their attention to Casse, who is based in Ocala, Florida, but is the most accomplished trainer at Woodbine Racetrack outside Toronto. 'We've got to watch out for this Mark Casse; he's won the Sovereign Award as leading trainer in Canada about 35 times or something,' Lukas said. Advertisement 'What happens in Canada stays in Canada,' Baffert quipped. 'It's like Vegas, OK?' Lukas chimed back in: 'It doesn't count. Mark, nothing counts in Canada.' ___ AP horse racing:
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lukas looks to 'turn the page' on American Promise in the Preakness after a troubled Derby trip
Preakness Stakes entrant American Promise, right, works out next to Black-Eyed Susan Stakes entrant Princess Aliyah, Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Trainer D. Wayne Lukas sits atop a horse during morning workouts ahead of the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes, Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Preakness Stakes entrant American Promise, right, works out next to Black-Eyed Susan Stakes entrant Princess Aliyah, Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Preakness Stakes entrant American Promise, right, works out next to Black-Eyed Susan Stakes entrant Princess Aliyah, Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Preakness Stakes entrant American Promise, right, works out next to Black-Eyed Susan Stakes entrant Princess Aliyah, Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Trainer D. Wayne Lukas sits atop a horse during morning workouts ahead of the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes, Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Preakness Stakes entrant American Promise, right, works out next to Black-Eyed Susan Stakes entrant Princess Aliyah, Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) BALTIMORE (AP) — American Promise got cut off at the start of the Kentucky Derby, then couldn't get the room to squeeze between horses down the stretch. It added up to a 16th-place finish. 'He's a big horse,' trainer D. Wayne Lukas said. 'He can't stop and start like that. It just won't work.' Advertisement Lukas is hoping things will work out better in the Preakness Stakes this Saturday, bringing American Promise back to race two weeks after the troubled trip in the Derby. No one has saddled more horses in the second leg of the Triple Crown than the 89-year-old Hall of Famer, who is looking to become the first to win the Preakness back to back since good friend Bob Baffert in 2001 and '02. 'When you have a trip that you could analyze and overanalyze or whatever you want to do, I turn the page and concentrate on this here and what we can get done,' Lukas said Tuesday after overseeing American Promise jog a couple of miles in the rain at Pimlico Race Course. 'He did really well. He had good energy and everything.' American Promise is set to be Lukas' 49th Preakness horse over 34 renditions of the race since winning his first try back in 1980 with Codex. If American Promise gets the job done, it will give Lukas an eighth Preakness victory and tie Baffert for the record. Opening at odds of 15-1 — third-longest in the field of nine — he's a long shot to do so. But a deluge of rain this week could factor in, like the muddy track did at Churchill Downs when Sovereignty outdueled Journalism, who is the Preakness favorite with the Derby winner not running. Advertisement Lukas said Journalism 'jumps off the page" and is a worthwhile favorite, but he has reason to believe American Promise could thrive with room to run, even if the surface is a little sloppy. 'I got a hunch that he'll be able to manage it,' Lukas said. Dual-citizen horse Heart of Honor is in a barn by himself this week at Pimlico because he will soon be returning to England, where he was born in 2022. But rather than being an international entrant in the Preakness, the colt is actually more American than British-bred. 'He ended up in the U.K. by accident,' said Jimmy McCarthy, chief operating officer for Jamie Osborne's stable based in Hungerford. Advertisement That is because David Redvers bought his mare, Chilean champion Ruby Love, in November 2021 at Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky, when she was in foal with him, then shipped her to England. In addition to her name, Heart of Honor got his moniker from the white mark on his face that looks a little like a heart. On the track, he has shown some heart, finishing second in his past three races in Dubai at Meydan Racecourse, most recently the Grade 2 UAE Derby on April 5. The Preakness is a step up from that, not to mention an ordeal involving flying the horse first to Louisville, Kentucky, and then to Baltimore for a shot in the $2 million race. Heart of Honor opened at 12-1. 'It's a big risk, and it's a big undertaking,' McCarthy said. 'It is a bit of an adventure. It's something they're willing to take a risk, so we'll see what happens.' Advertisement Local Billy Pay Billy is the Maryland local long shot, an automatic qualifier from winning the Federico Tesio Stakes at nearby Laurel Park last month. Neither jockey Raul Mena nor trainer Billy Gorham has ever had a horse in a Triple Crown race before. "Everyone in the barn's all excited," Gorham said. 'A lot of the guys that work for me have been with me a long time. Everyone's worked hard through the years with just claiming horses and a few stakes horses here and there basically everyday horses. Now we get a chance to go in the Preakness, it's a big deal.' Mena, a 33-year-old from Chile who has been riding in the U.S. for nearly a decade, called it a 'very special moment' for himself professionally, and because few expect Pay Billy at 20-1 to pull off an upset, he's enjoying the experience. Advertisement 'He's not going to be the favorite,' Mena said. 'I don't got the pressure in the race. I know my horse: He's got the talent to be competing with those horses. ... If we win the race, it's going to be awesome. If he doesn't win, I'm still happy.' ___ AP horse racing:
