Sports News

Michael Brantley is retiring

\n\n”, “providerName”: “Twitter”, “providerUrl”: “https://twitter.com”, “thumbnail_url”:null, “type”: “oembed”, “width”:550, “contentType “:”rich”},{“__typename”:”Markdown”,”content”:”Brantley became a World Series champion that night in a way that reflected his widely recognized status as one of the most respected players of his generation confirmed. It's hard to imagine a more satisfying legacy.\n\nNow Brantley retires with gratitude for his journey – and anticipation of what lies ahead – after a successful career that included ten years of experience batted .298 in Cleveland for five seasons in Houston.\n\n”I have young children, and now it's time to be a father, first and foremost,” the five-time All-Star outfielder said of his Decision to retire. “It's time for me to be home 24/7, watch my kids grow up, and not miss any important milestones.”\n\nIn fact, he won't just be watching. He's already signed up as a Little League coach for Michael III, 8, and Maxwell, 6, the youngest of Michael and Melissa Brantley's four children.\n\nBrantley laughed as he noted the difference in his sons' reactions to the Early in his coaching career, Michael is “just okay with it,” while Maxwell “absolutely loves it.”\n\nMaxwell has earned the nickname “Shadow” in recent years at Minute Maid Park because he follows his father so closely. In this way, Brantley is retiring at the perfect time: He has played long enough for his children to have memories of him, but he is retiring just in time to enjoy a long coaching career in Little League.\n\n “I loved having them around “They would sit in the locker room with me, play on the field and watch me work and practice in the offseason to instill that baseball gene in them,” Brantley said . “They were able to travel to different major league stadiums, which I remember doing with my own father. “It means a lot to us that we had the same experiences.”\n\nMickey Brantley was in the second of his four seasons with the Seattle Mariners when Michael was born in 1987. Michael said the father-son batting sessions over the years were the foundation of his baseball knowledge, education that he continued until his final major league batting games. When the Astros visited Seattle in the final week of the 2023 regular season with a postseason berth on the line, Mickey was there to watch. :”2023-10-23T03:13:39.812Z”,”preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\”preferredPlaybacks\”:\”mp4AvcPlayback\”})”:”https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/ 2023/2023-10/22/8a2c920c-2dcd5e26-11f73a07-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4″, “type”: “video”, “description”: “Michael Brantley makes a nifty sliding catch in left field for the second out from the top of the 8th inning”,”displayAsVideoGif”:false,”duration”:”00:00:16″,”slug”:”bryan-abreu-in-play-out-s-to-jonah-heim- exazfw”,”tags”:[{“__typename”:”InternalTag”,”slug”:”season-2023″,”title”:”Season 2023″,”type”:”season”},{“__typename”:”GameTag”},{“__typename”:”TeamTag”,”slug”:”teamid-117″,”title”:”Houston Astros”,”team”:{“__ref”:”Team:117″},”type”:”team”},{“__typename”:”PersonTag”,”slug”:”playerid-488726″,”title”:”Michael Brantley”,”person”:{“__ref”:”Person:488726″},”type”:”player”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”in-game-highlight”,”title”:”in-game highlight”,”type”:”taxonomy”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”highlight”,”title”:”highlight”,”type”:”taxonomy”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”defense”,”title”:”defense”,”type”:”taxonomy”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”game-action-tracking”,”title”:”game action tracking”,”type”:”taxonomy”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”postseason”,”title”:”postseason”,”type”:”taxonomy”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”alcs”,”title”:”ALCS”,”type”:”taxonomy”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”imagen-feed”,”title”:”Imagen feed”,”type”:”taxonomy”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”fan-duel”,”title”:”Fan Duel”,”type”:”taxonomy”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”eclat-feed”,”title”:”Eclat feed”,”type”:”taxonomy”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”international-feed”,”title”:”International Partner feed”,”type”:”taxonomy”}],”thumbnail”:{“__typename”: “Thumbnail”, “templateUrl”: “https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/{formatInstructions}/mlb/vszgxfttk6yrtzk4sax4″},”title” : “Michael Brantley's sliding catch”, “relativeSiteUrl”: “/video/bryan-abreu-in-play-out-s-to-jonah-heim-exazfw”},{ “__typename”: “Markdown”, “content” : “Michael needed his father’s feedback. After a strenuous rehabilitation from shoulder surgery in 2022, he didn't play in a major league game for 14 months. He was in a sprint to prepare for the postseason – and he knew retirement was probably at any time.” The Astros were playing their last game.\n\n”I hadn't played too many games and was trying to build my momentum to improve,” he recalled. “I had him come over to help me fine-tune it. “\n\nIt worked. After being forced to miss eight straight games because of his sore shoulder, Brantley returned to the lineup on September 27. The Astros' lead over the Mariners had dwindled to a half-game, and Dusty Baker wanted Brantley to remain a steady left-handed hitter in the lineup against rookie right-hander Bryce Miller. Brantley rewarded his manager's faith with four hits in a performance that reminded the baseball world why he has one of the sport's greatest nicknames: Dr. Smooth. The Astros won 8-3 and clinched the division a few days later :02:12.428Z”,”preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\”preferredPlaybacks\”:\”mp4AvcPlayback\”})”:”https://mlb-cuts -diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-09/27 /8d99285d-0ae3e85d-d5ee7303-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4″,”type”:”video”,”description”:”Michael Brantley scores four hits , three singles and a double and collects an RBI in the Astros' win over the Mariners”, “displayAsVideoGif”:false, “duration”: “00:00:32”, “slug”: “michael-brantley-s-four- hit-game-x7341”, “tags”:[{“__typename”:”GameTag”},{“__typename”:”TeamTag”,”slug”:”teamid-117″,”title”:”Houston Astros”,”team”:{“__ref”:”Team:117″},”type”:”team”},{“__typename”:”PersonTag”,”slug”:”playerid-488726″,”title”:”Michael Brantley”,”person”:{“__ref”:”Person:488726″},”type”:”player”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”highlight”,”title”:”highlight”,”type”:”taxonomy”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”in-game-highlight”,”title”:”in-game highlight”,”type”:”taxonomy”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”game-action-tracking”,”title”:”game action tracking”,”type”:”taxonomy”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”hot-streak”,”title”:”hot streak”,”type”:”taxonomy”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”hitting”,”title”:”hitting”,”type”:”taxonomy”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”highlight-reel-offense”,”title”:”highlight reel offense”,”type”:”taxonomy”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”international-feed”,”title”:”International Partner feed”,”type”:”taxonomy”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”eclat-feed”,”title”:”Eclat feed”,”type”:”taxonomy”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”fan-duel”,”title”:”Fan Duel”,”type”:”taxonomy”}],”thumbnail”:{“__typename”:”Thumbnail”, “templateUrl”: “https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/{formatInstructions}/mlb/mivphd0xcjo2j4a1wfrl”}, “title” :”Michael Brantley's Four-Hit Game”, “relativeSiteUrl”: “/video/michael-brantley-s-four-hit-game-x7341”},{“__typename”: “Markdown”, “content”: “Also If While the Astros fell just one win shy of their third World Series appearance in 2023, Brantley provided an indelible moment in his final postseason: He struck out Minnesota starter Joe Ryan in the deciding Game 4 of the Division Series against the Twins a home run :text “https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-10/11/4d1dfe85-f7847669-744f9637-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4”, “type”: “Video “, “description”: “Michael Brantley hits a solo home run to right field to tie the game at 1 against the Twins early in the 2nd inning”,displayAsVideoGif”:false,”duration”:00:00:25″ ,”slug”:”michael-brantley-homers-1-on-a-fly-ball-to-right-center-field-wko8iz”,”tags”:[{“__typename”:”InternalTag”,”slug”:”season-2023″,”title”:”Season 2023″,”type”:”season”},{“__typename”:”GameTag”},{“__typename”:”PersonTag”,”slug”:”playerid-488726″,”title”:”Michael Brantley”,”person”:{“__ref”:”Person:488726″},”type”:”player”},{“__typename”:”TeamTag”,”slug”:”teamid-117″,”title”:”Houston Astros”,”team”:{“__ref”:”Team:117″},”type”:”team”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”hitting”,”title”:”hitting”,”type”:”taxonomy”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”highlight”,”title”:”highlight”,”type”:”taxonomy”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”in-game-highlight”,”title”:”in-game highlight”,”type”:”taxonomy”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”game-action-tracking”,”title”:”game action tracking”,”type”:”taxonomy”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”postseason”,”title”:”postseason”,”type”:”taxonomy”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”alds”,”title”:”ALDS”,”type”:”taxonomy”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”series-b”,”title”:”Series B”,”type”:”taxonomy”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”home-run”,”title”:”home run”,”type”:”taxonomy”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”international-feed”,”title”:”International Partner feed”,”type”:”taxonomy”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”eclat-feed”,”title”:”Eclat feed”,”type”:”taxonomy”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”fan-duel”,”title”:”Fan Duel”,”type”:”taxonomy”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”apple-news”,”title”:”Apple News”,”type”:”taxonomy”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”alexa”,”title”:”alexa”,”type”:”taxonomy”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”imagen-feed”,”title”:”Imagen feed”,”type”:”taxonomy”}],”thumbnail”:{“__typename”: “Thumbnail”, “templateUrl”: “https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/{formatInstructions}/mlb/x4he8hv5kbztroremxng”}, “title” : “Michael Brantley's solo home run”, “relativeSiteUrl”: “/video/michael-brantley-homers-1-on-a-fly-ball-to-right-center-field-wko8iz”},{“__typename”: “Markdown”, “content”: “After more than a year without major league competition, Brantley showed in October that he can still deliver.\n\n”It was huge,” he said. “Back then it was you” in the moment, trying to win a game to move forward. I didn't want to celebrate at that moment, but inside it felt so good to contribute. Jose Abreu hit a huge home run for us, cementing the win. Just having that opportunity meant a I still thank my teammates, coaching staff and our medical staff for putting me back in a position to help the team.”\n\nAfter the Astros' one-loss season In Game 7 against Texas in the American League Championship Series, Brantley turned to his teammates and thanked them for their hard work and support during his five seasons in Houston. He didn't say it during that private meeting, but Brantley knew that it was very possible he had performed in his last major league game. “I didn't have to think that much,” he said this week. “I've talked about it a lot with my family throughout the year. It's been a long season for me. My family was with me during the playoffs. There were just a lot of hugs that evening. “I'm so grateful for the opportunity to play baseball and live the dream that I had.”\n\nBrantley came to Houston after the 2018 season with the encouragement of his friends George Springer and Joe Smith because he wanted a chance wanted to win every season. He certainly had that, helping the Astros reach the postseason in every year of his tenure.\n\nBrantley has been an October fixture over the last decade. He was part of four postseason teams in Cleveland, although he missed playing in the 2016 World Series while recovering from shoulder surgery. He returned to make All-Star appearances in '17 and '18, his final two seasons with Cleveland. Brantley is grateful for his decade in Cleveland, which included his MLB debut in 2009 – after he arrived in the CC Sabathia blockbuster – – and first All-Star Game appearance in 2014, when he worked up the courage to ask for a photo with Derek Jeter. “He signed it for me,” Brantley said. “I have this picture hanging in my office.”\n\nAs well, Brantley played for two managers – Terry Francona and Baker – who are considered certain Hall of Famers after their respective retirements in 2023. Brantley sees a lot There are similarities in how the two supported their players and helped them compete at the highest level.\n\nNow Brantley has the chance to coach his own teams – with the up-and-coming ballplayers who have seen him proudest and most personal moments with the Commissioner's Trophy on November 5, 2022.\n\n”I had my family with me that evening and celebrated with the trophy in our dugout,” Brantley recalled. “I would never touch the trophy until we won it. Experiencing this moment with my family was very special.” :null,”summary”: The Houston Astros huddled joyfully at the podium, newly crowned 2022 World Series champions, and the Commissioner's Trophy quickly made its way to the Hands by Michael Brantley. His teammates made sure of that.\nThe smiles around Brantley told the story: After 1,430 major league games, he has”,”tagline({\”formatString\”:\”none\”})”:null,”tags” :[{“__typename”:”InternalTag”,”slug”:”storytype-article”,”title”:”Article”,”type”:”article”},{“__typename”:”ContributorTag”,”slug”:”jon-paul-morosi”,”title”:”Jon Paul Morosi”,”type”:”contributor”},{“__typename”:”PersonTag”,”slug”:”playerid-488726″,”title”:”Michael Brantley”,”person”:{“__ref”:”Person:488726″},”type”:”player”},{“__typename”:”TeamTag”,”slug”:”teamid-117″,”title”:”Houston Astros”,”team”:{“__ref”:”Team:117″},”type”:”team”},{“__typename”:”TeamTag”,”slug”:”teamid-114″,”title”:”Cleveland Guardians”,”team”:{“__ref”:”Team:114″},”type”:”team”},{“__typename”:”TaxonomyTag”,”slug”:”apple-news”,”title”:”Apple News”,”type”:”taxonomy”}]”type”: “story”, “thumbnail”: “https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/{formatInstructions}/mlb/x76lwynpr7r4njan7m3o”, “title”: “Michael Brantley goes into the Retirement” }},”Team:117″:{“__typename”:”Team”, “id”:117},”Person:488726″:{“__typename”: “Person”, “id”:488726},” Team: 114″:{“__typename”:”Team”, “id”:114}}} window.adobeAnalytics = {“reportingSuiteId”: “mlbglobal08, mlbcom08”, “linkInternalFilters”: “mlb”} window.globalState = { “tracking_title :: “Major League Baseball”, “lang”: “en”} window.appId = '' /*–>*/

Explore the hiking trails and whiz down the slopes of the Chaudière-Appalaches tourist region, which brings together several ski resorts to discover this winter. Here are six that will make you want to play outside!

The southern massif

With its 32 slopes, including 16 that lead through the undergrowth with its trees disguised as snow ghosts, its four high-altitude ski slopes (uphill) and its snow park, the Massif du Sud in Saint-Philémon promises “pleasant days in powder snow”.

Lovers of off-piste skiing can enjoy the newly created area called “5. Explore “Dimension”.

At the top of the mountain, a shelter awaits athletes who want to take a break near the wood stove before descending and admire the beautiful surrounding landscape.

And to ensure they're the first on the slopes, adventurers have multiple accommodations available: condos, studios, chalets, and a new space for “van living.”

►For information: massifdusud.net

Photo provided by Massif du Sud

The Appalachian Sports Club

For almost 50 years, the Club Sportif Appalaches de L'Islet has brought cross-country skiers together on its routes that cross two sectors, the mountains and the Piedmont, each of which also has a marked snowshoe route. This almost 60 km long, single-track ski network (classic and skate) also offers an 800 meter long, floodlit practice track that allows evening skiing. With their cross-country skis, the athletes cross maple groves, pine forests, fir forests and a natural habitat for deer and can then set off for the lake in the resort of Trois-Saumons. The reception pavilion as well as the five shelters renovated over the last five years offer all the necessary services for a wonderful day outdoors.

►The information: clubsportifappalaches.com

Appalaches Sports Club photo provided by Daniel Thibault

Mount Adstock

The ski season at Mount Adstock was inaugurated with the inauguration of a brand new multi-service reception chalet, which cost $7 million to build. It provides a pleasant escape for skiers of all kinds, snowboarders, snowmobilers and hikers and enjoys magnificent 360° panoramic views of the mountain.

Photo provided by Mount Adstock

In addition, this season Mont Adstock has installed access card collection terminals to avoid queues at the checkout. The small mountain appeals to families who can also enjoy tubing and snowshoeing. The large mountain with its 335 meter difference in altitude and 712 meters in altitude attracts several experts who are also enthusiastic about its off-piste area.

►The information: skiadstock.com

Mont Adstock Photo provided by Jérémie Perreault

Mont Original

Less than an hour from Quebec, the Mont-Orignal ski area (300 meters altitude) is a meeting point for winter sports enthusiasts, whether alpine skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing (45 km), cross-country skiing (15 km) or alpine hiking. A detachable six-person chairlift and a Poma lift take skiers to the summit and ensure maximum descents on the 24 snow-covered slopes.

The glades, snow parks and international level boardercross attract the most adventurous. Founded in 1974, Mont-Orignal in Lac-Etchemin is celebrating its 50th anniversary and remains a ski resort where, according to customers, we “feel at home”.

►The information: montorignal.com

Photo provided by Mont-Orignal

Thetford Cross Country Club

The Thetford Cross-Country Ski Club offers access to 30km of dual track trails from the town centre, including 3.6km of skating trails.

Most routes range from easy to difficult and take cross-country skiers of all ages through the forest.

Two shelters, one of which is heated, welcome those who want to recharge their batteries. With city lights and a headlamp, it is possible to experience the pleasure of evening skiing.

The free access and rental program for people under 17 is very popular. To make cross-country skiing accessible to everyone, day tickets and season tickets are also cheap.

►The information: skifondthetford.com

Photo provided by Thetford Cross-Country Ski Club

The hiking trails The walk

In the heart of the town of Lévis lies the Parc de La Rivière-Etchemin, a multi-sports center run by Les Sentiers La Balade where winter sports are popular.

Cross-country skiing (skate and classic) takes place in the forest and along the magnificent Etchemin river.

To access this 32 km network of trails, you must go to the reception building in Saint-Jean-Chrysostome or Saint-Romuald, which has a four-sided fireplace and offers a free slide activity. Bring your sleigh!

And if you're still full of energy after eating in the reception pavilions, you can end the day with a great bike ride, snowshoe trail or hike.

►The information: readtierslabalade.com

The small group will officially present the 2024 squad at the National Stadium.

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This Friday, January 5th, Lima Alliance has published the ticket prices for the Blue and white night 2024, which will take place next Monday, January 15, at the National Stadium. For now, the intimate cast announced that it has started the preferential sale and will make the general sale possible in the next few hours. At the official presentation of the new squad for the coming season, Alejandro Restrepo's team will face Once Caldas from Colombia.

What time does the Alianza Lima game start on Blanquiazul night 2024?

According to the Victorian club's announcement, the match will be played on Monday, January 15, from 9:00 p.m. (Peruvian time). This will be the first presentation game as Alianza Lima has confirmed that there will be a second game in Trujillo.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Communicator. Graduated from UNMSM in Social Communications with a concentration in Journalism. His main interest is cultural, sporting and social issues. Currently editor of the sports section of La República.

Athletes aren't just scrutinized on the field. Some are known to be talked about often, and even in 2023 some stand out for reasons other than their athletic ability.

Here are five athletes who stood out for their strange behavior or clothing.

Image from website dailyhive.com

Eugenie Bouchard's funny costume

The Montrealer has had good times and bad times with a bat in her hand this year. Eugenie Bouchard notably had a chance to win the Billie Jean King Cup with Canada, but her strange Halloween costume earned her the ire of many observers.

In fact, she and her partner Jack Brinkley-Cook decided to dress up as junkies. In a series of photos posted to Instagram (the post has since been deleted), “Genie” wore a tattered dress with several cigarettes stuck in it and had several wounds on his body. There was also a fake syringe stuck to his left arm.

Several internet users complained about Bouchard's lack of judgment towards people with addiction problems.

The legendary speech by William Karlsson

Not everyone wins the Stanley Cup, and Vegas Golden Knights forward William Karlsson understands that. After his team's five-game Finals win over the Florida Panthers, the Swede wanted to celebrate, and no one was going to stop him.

A legendary moment occurred when the fans were presented with the famous trophy. The obviously tipsy ice hockey player gave a memorable shirtless speech in which a few swear words were used. He even rushed on stage just before grabbing the microphone.

Karlsson had every right to seize the moment, however, as he scored 11 goals and six assists during the Golden Knights' playoff run that year.

Jimmy Butler and his “emo” style

NBA players are known for their crazy personalities and Jimmy Butler is certainly part of that group. At media day at the start of the season, the Miami Heat star appeared with long, straight hair that hid his face, as well as “piercings” in his arch and lips.

When asked about his “emo” style, Butler gave an answer that made several people laugh.

“Yeah, yeah, laugh,” he told reporters. I'm very emotional right now. This is my “emo” state and I like it. That’s how I feel right now.”

Still, he quickly reverted to a more traditional haircut.

Victor “Slenderman” Wembanyama

Also in the NBA, the circle's youngest first overall pick arrived at the arena dressed as Slenderman on October 31st to face the Phoenix Suns and the San Antonio Spurs on October 31st. Everything was there and you could almost believe that the real Slenderman was going to face the Suns.

This costume brought him luck, as the Spurs narrowly won by a margin of 115 to 114. The French prodigy finished his night of work with 18 points and eight rebounds.

Nikola Jokic, the man who doesn't celebrate

If we previously talked about Karlsson's antics after the Golden Knights' victory in the Stanley Cup Finals, here is a man who ignored the Denver Nuggets' celebration in the NBA Finals.

Nikola Jokic, who was named the most valuable player in the last series of the best basketball circuit in the world, was completely emotionless after his team's great victory. In an interview with a journalist a few minutes after the decisive 94:89 win against the Heat in game number 5, Jokic caused a stir online with his answers.

“The job is done, we can go home now,” he said coldly. Worse, the 6-foot-10 giant seemed dissatisfied with staying in Denver a few more days for the team's trophy parade, declaring at a news conference that he “needed to go home” in Serbia.

He also justified his lack of excitement by saying that “no one liked his work” and that those who said otherwise were lying.

Jokic asked if he was looking forward to a parade
*looks at PR*
“When is the parade?”
“Thursday”
No…I have to go home” pic.twitter.com/N5HGts3ZxB

– CJ Fogler’s account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) June 13, 2023

Former athlete Oscar Pistorius left Atteridgeville Prison today, Friday January 5, after serving half of his sentence (13 years) for the femicide of his model girlfriendReeva Steenkamp. According to South African authorities, the 37-year-old former athlete is already at home and has been released on probation.

“The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) confirms that Oscar Pistorius has been paroled effective January 5, 2024. He was entered into the community corrections system and is now at home,” the statement said.

Pistorius, who stood out at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, was murdered Reeva Steenkamp in February 2013 and was sentenced to 13 years in prison in 2017.

Oscar Pistorius was one of the most outstanding para-athletes in the world. Photo: El Heraldo.

YOU CAN SEE: Promising young surfer died aged 15 after being attacked by a 4 meter shark

Mother Reeva Steenkamp speaks out

June Steenkamp, ​​​​mother of Reeva Steenkamp, ​​issued a statement on the release of Oscar Pistorius, emphasizing that she will not find justice after her daughter's femicide.

“Almost 11 years later, the pain is still raw and real. My dear late husband Barry and I could never come to terms with Reeva's death or the manner in which she died (…). While we remain grateful to the media, “The intense coverage of Oscar's trial, incarceration and parole was a double-edged sword. The media attention meant the loss of our privacy and made it difficult to mourn in peace,” said the letter published by local media.

“We have always known that probation is part of the South African legal system and we have always said that the law must take its course (…). Was there justice for Reeva? Has Oscar served enough time? There can never be justice if “your loved one never returns. Those of us who remain are the ones serving life sentences,” he concluded.

As the 2023 NFL regular season comes to a close, half of the league will turn its attention to the playoffs, while the other half will focus on who to draft and which players will be available in free agency. No games are played from March to August, but seasons can be lost or won during this period.

Last offseason was pretty wild: Tom Brady left for the second time, Aaron Rodgers was traded to the New York Jets, the New Orleans Saints traded Sean Payton to the Denver Broncos, and the Carolina Panthers made a trade for the No. 1 overall pick Deselect. What will happen this year?

Below we'll break down 10 crazy predictions for the 2024 offseason. Let's start with the backup quarterback market.

10. The backup QB market is exploding

In total, there are 61 different quarterbacks starting this season, which is seventh all-time. Some teams – like the Cleveland Browns – have been able to recover from the loss of their starter at the most important position. But there are other teams that have completely fallen apart, like the Jets. This No. 2 quarterback is clearly important. Just look at the Indianapolis Colts, who lost their starter for the year in Week 5, but free agent pick Gardner Minshew has them in playoff contention.

The managing directors take note of this and plan for it in the budget. This time around, the backup quarterback market will be hot in free agency. Last year, the Washington Commanders' Jacoby Brissett was the highest-paid backup at $8 million, despite being in a position battle with Sam Howell. Perhaps it's fair to say that the highest-paid backup was Taylor Heinicke, a former Commander who signed a two-year, $14 million deal in free agency with the Atlanta Falcons ($7 million AAV).

This offseason, several backup quarterbacks are being paid more than $10 million as their services are wanted by multiple teams. Some quarterbacks who could be attractive options as free agents include Ryan Tannehill, Brissett again, Tyrod Taylor, Sam Darnold, Jameis Winston, Drew Lock, Minshew and Mason Rudolph.

9. In the Chiefs-Bengals rivalry, another player switches sides

Last offseason, we saw Patrick Mahomes' blindside blocker Orlando Brown Jr. switch sides and take his talents to rival Cincinnati. This offseason we will see the opposite. A Bengali apostate.

The Chiefs' 2023 campaign put Mahomes' weapons in the spotlight. Travis Kelce hasn't been as explosive, while Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore are all averaging less than 20 yards per game. Rashee Rice was a nice addition in the draft, but he can't carry the passing game on his own. One of the best wide receivers in this free agency class is currently playing in Cincinnati, and that is Tee Higgins.

With the contracts the Bengals have given to Joe Burrow and are likely willing to give to Ja'Marr Chase, it feels like Higgins will be playing somewhere else in 2024. He's worth good money that Cincinnati may not be willing to pay. I predict the Chiefs will step up and sign the soon-to-be 25-year-old receiver to pair with Mahomes.

Higgins caught 67 passes for 908 yards and six touchdowns in his rookie season in 2020 and has 1,000 receiving yards in each of the last two seasons. Injuries caused him to miss time in 2023, but that shouldn't drastically affect his market.

8. Ben Johnson turns down the Panthers and is hired by the Chargers

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson decided last offseason to postpone his search for a head coaching job to return to Detroit. He was a candidate considered by a handful of teams, including the Panthers. Last January, he was scheduled to interview with Carolina, but canceled the week and decided to stay put. Johnson is expected to be a hot candidate in the head coaching market this offseason.

The 37-year-old was born in Charleston, South Carolina, attended high school in Asheville and attended college in Chapel Hill. Many will be hoping to bring back the “Carolina Kid” to bring the Panthers back to life, but that isn’t happening. Johnson takes one look at the state of the Panthers franchise, says “no thanks” and accepts another chance on the West Coast with Justin Herbert and the Chargers.

7. A real RB revolt begins as some consider position changes

One of the major storylines of last offseason revolved around the running back position and how the league views it in the current era. Six players received the franchise tag last year: a quarterback, a tight end, a defensive tackle and three running backs. The three running backs were the only players who did not agree to long-term contracts before the July 17 deadline. Running backs weren't paid despite impressive campaigns. Colts running back Jonathan Taylor broke through with a three-year, $42 million extension that included $26.5 million guaranteed, but Zack Moss was just as good.

If you think last year was dramatic with the running back position, just wait until this year. Here are some of the players who will be looking for new lucrative deals in free agency: Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, Tony Pollard, Saquon Barkley, Austin Ekeler, JK Dobbins, AJ Dillon and the aforementioned Moss. Will any team step up and pay the money some of these stars want? My guess is no.

This offseason, the running backs will take the next step and attempt to form their own union after failing to find legitimate interest on the open market. Some, like Barkley and Pollard, will even consider moving to receiver. I'd like to see Derrick Henry as a pass rusher, but maybe that's a bit of a stretch.

6. NFL makes big kickoff change

In 2022, the NFL introduced a new fair catch rule for kickoffs, in which returners could claim a fair catch behind their own 25-yard line and the ball would be placed at the 25-yard line. This offseason, the league will make a completely different change, adopting the XFL's kickoff format.

In the XFL, teams start from their own 30-yard line. The kicking team's players, minus the kicker, line up at the receiving team's 35-yard line. On the receiving team, every player except the returner lines up five yards away at their own 30. Only the kicker and returner are allowed to move before the ball is on the field, and the ball must be kicked beyond the 20.

This format not only encourages kick returns, but also prevents violent collisions that occur on kickoffs – or at least before.

Speaking of the NFL borrowing from the XFL…

5. NFL ties in with the UFL

Just last month, the USFL and XFL announced they were merging to form the United Football League. Maybe this will give both former leagues a better chance of survival, but what would really help is if the NFL joins the UFL and takes it over as a sort of “farm league.” This would guarantee the survival of the “Spring League,” but it is more than that.

This potential marriage only makes sense if it makes dollars and cents. At least that's probably how the NFL sees it. But they are convinced by the UFL's stance, which includes the inevitability of an NFL “minor league” that gives NFL decision-makers a big say in how the league is run, and then the simple fact that the UFL could serve as a playground to try out different ideas about the game of football, be it possible rule changes or the way the game is broadcast overall.

4. Michael Penix will be drafted in the top five

Washington's quarterback has been one of college football's best players over the past two seasons. The Indiana transfer was one of the 2022 AP Comeback Players of the Year after throwing for 4,641 yards, 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions and has 4,648 yards, 35 touchdowns, nine interceptions and one appearance in college last season Football Playoffs somehow went one better. In the semifinal against Texas, Penix threw for 430 yards and two touchdowns. Now the 23-year-old has the chance to become national champion.

Penix became the first quarterback since Mahomes to throw for 4,500 yards in back-to-back seasons. As for his calling card as a prospect, everyone will say it's “poor talent.” What is “poor talent”? It's about being able to throw the football virtually anywhere on the field, even off the platform. I say it's the kind of arm talent that can make a good quarterback great.

After two dominant seasons and a college football championship, Penix stock is going crazy.

3. Bill's interim OC gets a head coaching job

When the Bills fired offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey after an embarrassing loss to the Broncos, many viewed him as a sacrificial lamb for larger problems in Buffalo. Considering how the Bills have fared since then, that narrative has lost its power. If you want a good example of a sacrificial lamb, look again at how the Panthers handled Dorsey's eventual successor, Joe Brady, a few years ago.

In 2021, the Panthers fired offensive coordinator Joe Brady after a 5-7 start. It did nothing to cheer up the Matt Rhule-led Panthers, who didn't win another game this season. With Brady, people forget everything that happened before Rhule got rid of him.

As a 30-year-old first-year offensive coordinator in the NFL, Brady helped produce two 1,000-yard receivers while the Panthers struggled with Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback. Carolina didn't have a good offense by any means, but everyone knew who “Brady the Broyles Award Winner” was considering he was part of the greatest offense in college football history at LSU the year before. I'm talking, of course, about the magical 2019 season in which the Tigers went undefeated and Burrow won the Heisman. After his first NFL season, young Brady received interview requests from several teams interested in hiring him as a lead man. A head coach!

There is no doubt that Brady has helped the Bills' offense since his promotion. Entering Week 17, the Bills had averaged 158.4 rushing yards per game since he took over in Week 11, tied for second-most in the NFL. Buffalo also ranks seventh in the NFL, averaging 28.2 points per game since Week 11. My crazy prediction is that the Falcons firing Arthur Smith take Brady away as head coach at 34 years old.

2. Bill Belichick will be traded to Washington

I am not the originator of this theory as this is the first time this possible move has been mentioned publicly Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. But I've been thinking about it for months.

Many expect the New England Patriots to part ways with legendary head coach Bill Belichick this offseason, but it's hard to imagine him being fired, and it doesn't seem like he'll be retiring either consider how close he is to Don Shula's record. That means he's being traded! NFL Media reported a few months ago that Robert Kraft wanted some sort of compensation for Belichick, which makes sense.

No, a 71-year-old Belichick isn't going to land a first-round pick on the market. I don't know what either team will accomplish in terms of a Day 2 or 3 pick, but new Commanders owner Josh Harris will want to make a big move after parting ways with Ron Rivera. That would certainly be lively.

1. Tom Brady and Patriots are in a neck-and-neck race for Jim Harbaugh

Jim Harbaugh has led Michigan to three straight college football playoff appearances and is ranked No. 1 this year. His potential return to the NFL has been rumored for years, and this offseason will be no different. You never know what Harbaugh will do, but I expect he will allow some “wooing.”

Enter the Las Vegas Raiders and the Patriots. Did Antonio Pierce do enough to earn the full-time job in Vegas? Yes. Will the Raiders give it to him right away? Probably not. As for the Patriots, Belichick is expected to be out one way or another, and I've already sent him to Washington above.

Brady's status as a minority owner of the Raiders has not yet been finalized, but it may not come into effect until this offseason. The Michigan graduate will go to work recruiting Harbaugh, but so will Robert Kraft. Brady and the Patriots will face off for the first time off the field in a dramatic recruiting battle that will ultimately be in vain as Harbaugh remains at Michigan.

The Yankees were linked to a free agent yesterday Blake Snell but it seems they are also exploring the trading market. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that the Yankees and Orioles have “genuine” interest Dylan Stop it. The O's were previously linked to Cease and MASNsports.com's Roch Kubatko reported earlier this week that they “remain engaged” to the White Sox. Rosenthal adds that the Dodgers, Cardinals and Red Sox, who have already been reported to be interested in Cease, may still be in the mix, with other clubs potentially involved as well. The Braves and Reds, who once had interest in Cease, appear to have moved on to other targets, trading Atlanta for it Chris Sale and the Reds sign Frankie Montas And Nick Martinez.

Rumors about Cease have been circulating all winter, but he's staying with the White Sox for now. About a month ago, it was reported that the White Sox were “withdrawing” from truce negotiations. This wasn't meant to take him off the market, but rather the Sox wanted to wait Yoshinobu Yamamoto signed to see if clubs that had missed him would switch to Cease as a replacement.

Given the Yankees' interest, that appears to be exactly the case. They were one of the clubs closely linked to Yamamoto before he signed with the Dodgers, so the Yanks looked elsewhere. They considered both Snell and a free agent Jordan Montgomery But I'll also get in touch with Cease.

For the Americans they have it Gerrit Cole have settled into the top spot of their rotation, but after that everything becomes more unclear. Carlos Rodon And Nestor Cortes have the potential to be excellent contributors, but both struggled greatly in 2023, both with injuries and poor performance. Clarke Smith will likely be in play at the back of the rotation, but the club has lost depth as a result Juan Soto Trade, like Michael King, Drew Thorpe, Jhony Brito And Randy Vasquez are now all Padres. The addition of another starting pitcher and the possibility of Rodón and Cortes getting some rest would give the club a very strong front four, with Schmidt likely at the fifth position and pitchers similar Clayton Beeter, Yoendrys Gomez, Luis Gil And Will Warren provides depth.

Cease would improve any rotation in the league, despite a relatively poor year in 2023. He had a 2.20 earned run average in 2022, but that rose to 4.58 last year, despite his underlying numbers paint a less drastic picture. His success in 2022 isn't likely to last anyway, given his .260 batting average on balls in play and his 82.3% strand rate, both of which are on the fortunate side. Those numbers increased to .330 and 69.4% in 2023, resulting in a few additional runs. His strikeout and swinging-strike rates declined slightly, but both were still well above average. His FIP of 3.10 in 2022 jumped to 3.72 in 2023, indicating a far less worrisome change, while his SIERA rose from 3.48 to 4.10.

Looking at the last three years as a whole balances out some of that happiness and color, creating an incredibly flattering portrait. He has made 97 starts since the start of 2021 with a 3.54 ERA and a 29.8% strikeout rate. While the 10.1% walk rate is high, FanGraphs' 12.6 wins above replacement during that time ranks him eighth among all MLB pitchers.

His appeal extends beyond his abilities, as his earning potential is still limited by the arbitration system. MLBTR's Matt Swartz expects Cease to make $8.8 million in salary this year and is due a raise in 2025 before reaching free agency.

According to Roster Resource, the Yankees currently have a competitive balance sheet of $290 million. They are expected to pay the tax for the third time in a row in 2024, which will subject them to increasing penalties. They are already above the third level of $277 million and are approaching the fourth and final level of $297 million. This means they face a 95% tax rate on current spending until they pass the final limit, and then a 110% tax rate on spending from that point onwards.

Signing a player like Snell or Montgomery would likely require the Yanks to pay a salary of around $25 million or more, with taxes virtually doubling that salary. Given that Cease will earn about a third of that salary, that would obviously make him more attractive.

But the flip side of that equation is that Cease also has to send something to the White Sox in return, likely a very significant package of talented young players. The Yanks just sent away a large amount of young pitchers as part of the Soto deal and may not be willing to significantly weaken their talent pipeline again. As for the Sox' expectations, Rosenthal says they're “remaining open-minded” and “not necessarily inclined to favor a team that might have top-notch pitching.”

Since the O's also have “genuine” interest, they could have an advantage over the Yankees when it comes to the talent to make a deal. Despite an increasing number of young players making it to the major leagues in recent years, they are still considered by many evaluators to be the best farm system in the league. Jackson Holiday is almost certainly untouchable, but the club also has people like him Colton Cowser, Coby Mayo, Jordan Westburg, Samuel Basallo, Heston Kjerstad And Joey Ortiz without enough vacancies for everyone.

The club has also shown a bias against making bold moves, both on the trade market and in free agency, which is why it has a busy farm system and almost no money on the books. If they decide now is the time to strike, Cease would fit well in a rotation with plenty of talent but limited experience. Kyle Bradish And Grayson Rodríguez are at the top of the rotation for now after both showed encouraging signs in 2023, but Bradish has less than two full years in the big leagues and Rodriguez has less than one. And then there's John meanswho hasn't pitched much in the last two years due to Tommy John surgery, and guys like him Dean Kremer And Cole Irvin Backend options.

As mentioned, clubs like the Dodgers, Cardinals, and Red Sox may still be involved, and that may not even be the extent of the market. But with Yamamoto no longer in charge, the pitching market in general appears to be heating up and a ceasefire trade could happen at any time.