Joshua Valdez Articles - Page 20

The New England Patriots looked to be in danger of getting into contract disputes with two core veterans, but the organization can take a deep breath for now. Defensive linemen Matthew Judon and Davon Godchaux are both looking for extensions as they enter the final years of their deals, but they won’t be holding out. […]

The Texas Rangers are unlikely to repeat as World Series champions this season, as the Lone Star State’s squad has sputtered to a 47-52 record. However, the team got positive injury news before its clash with the Chicago White Sox on Monday, giving it a glimmer of hope. Tyler Mahle, Cody Bradford, and Evan Carter […]

The New York Yankees had a much-needed blowout victory over the Tampa Bay Rays Monday, defeating their division rival 9-1 in a home laugher to split the series. However, they played mind games within the game, as Juan Soto and Jose Siri each took elongated home-run trots. Soto sounded off on Siri’s 30-second jog around […]

Jalen Brunson is easily the most generous superstar the New York Knicks front office has ever dealt with. Former franchise player Carmelo Anthony even admitted that he never would have taken a $113 million pay cut for the good of the team. Anthony sat down with Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George to discuss Brunson’s unprecedented […]

The Washington Wizards completed their fifth and final NBA Summer League game on Saturday, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 91-79. No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr sat out, but fellow 2024 first-rounders Carlton “Bub” Carrington (13 points, 15 rebounds) and Kyshawn George (9 points) turned in solid days at the office, with G-Leaguer Taylor Funk being […]

“Nasty Nestor” Cortes hasn’t been very nasty recently. The 29-year-old has allowed 11 runs in his last two starts for the New York Yankees, including Saturday’s 9-1 home loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. Cortes admitted that the outing was unacceptable, via YES Network. "Just gotta be better when I'm out there" Nestor Cortes reflects […]

The Pittsburgh Steelers have learned the hard way that life after a future Hall-of-Fame quarterback’s retirement can be a sobering road. Three years after Ben Roethlisberger’s final season, Pittsburgh replaced the legend with another declining star in Russell Wilson, who has plenty to prove after two turbulent seasons with the Denver Broncos. The 35-year-old posted […]

The Washington Wizards are finally headed in the right direction after shedding the Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis contracts. However, 2024 No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr hasn’t been lighting up the scoreboard in his first NBA Summer League. Sarr finished with zero points on 0-for-15 shooting in Tuesday’s loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, […]

At some point, someone other than Aaron Judge and Juan Soto is going to have to step up in the New York Yankees’ lineup. Manager Aaron Boone still thinks Alex Verdugo is the best option to protect Judge, despite the outfielder’s recent struggles. Boone admitted he’s “counting on” the former Boston Red Sock to heat […]

After a forgettable start to the season, the arrow was finally pointing up for the Houston Astros. That was until their superstar Kyle Tucker went down with an injury, which could wreck their playoff hopes. Tucker may not be back for a while, via The Juice Box Journal’s Michael Schwab. “[General manager] Dana Brown said […]

Although the initial wave of headlining NBA offseason transactions is over, teams are still working the phones as they try to upgrade in any way they can ahead of the preseason. The Brooklyn Nets and Memphis Grizzlies agreed to a trade on Friday that will impact both teams’ benches. The deal is headlined by forward […]

The Cleveland Guardians are in the coveted position of being present-day contenders while simultaneously building an exciting future. 2024 No. 1 draft pick Travis Bazzana may be the perfect fit for the club, and he’s saying all the right things to endear himself to the fanbase. Bazzana explained what impresses him about the Guardians, via […]

Alabama football is not usually associated with the “underdog” status, as the program has 18 claimed national titles and 46 Bowl wins. However, former Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban still liked to find ways to feel like David over Goliath. Saban clarified controversial comments he made about Alabama not getting picked to play in the […]

LSU football is coming off a couple of quality seasons after the arrival of head coach Brian Kelly. Now, the Tigers have landed another headlining recruit to add to its elite 2025 class. Cornerback DJ Pickett picked LSU over two other Power 5 candidates, via On3’s Hayes Fawcett. “BREAKING: Five-Star Plus+ CB DJ Pickett has […]

The entire New York Jets organization will be under pressure in 2024, as the current regime will most likely get canned if they do not make the playoffs. However, veteran wide receiver Allen Lazard will be especially under the microscope. Lazard had several issues with his game last season that caused him to flounder, via […]

It comes as no surprise that Team USA handled Serbia 105-79 in a pre-Olympics exhibition on Wednesday. What is surprising, though, is who LeBron James anointed as “the new Splash Brother” after the game. “The King” bestowed the honor upon Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo. “The new Splash Brother! Bam Bam Splash right there.” LeBron […]

With the big free agents off the board, the San Antonio Spurs went bargain-bin hunting the last few days. Their search was fruitful, as they brought back Georgian-American forward Sandro Mamukelashvili as well as another veteran reserve. Mamukelashvili is returning to San Antonio on a one-year minimum deal, via ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. “Free agent F […]

The Detroit Tigers are not going anywhere this season, as the team sits at a mediocre 47-50 record, seven games out of the final Wild Card spot. However, star pitcher Tarik Skubal could find himself on a contender sooner rather than later. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles are gearing up to offer prospects […]

The Milwaukee Bucks have not made any blockbuster moves this summer after an injury-ravaged playoffs last season. However, star guard Damian Lillard will now get to play with his former teammate again. Free-agent guard Gary Trent Jr. is headed to Milwaukee, via ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. “Free agent G Gary Trent Jr. has agreed on a […]

The San Francisco 49ers were already on the last legs of their Super Bowl window, and it may have shrunk even more. Star wideout Brandon Aiyuk has been asking for a contract extension, but the team hasn’t budged. Now, the 2023 second-team All-Pro is asking out, via NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. “Source: #49ers All-Pro WR […]

It’s only a matter of time before the Chicago Bears come to terms with their first-overall pick. However, there are conflicting reports on the Caleb Williams contract saga. Williams claims that he is not involved in the negotiations, via NBC Sports’ Mike Florio. “Over the weekend, Williams said regarding his rookie deal, ‘I’m not handling […]

The New York Knicks are adding so many wings this summer that they might as well get sponsored by Red Bull. After adding Mikal Bridges and re-signing OG Anunoby, the Blue and Orange snagged another backup for Jalen Brunson on Monday. The Knicks signed former Philadelphia 76er Cameron Payne, via The Athletic’s Shams Charania. “Free […]

The Washington Wizards have had an exciting offseason this summer, adding second-overall draft pick Alex Sarr and free-agent Jonas Valunciunas to bolster the frontcourt. However, waiving shooting guard Landry Shamet was an ill-advised move that weakened the backcourt depth for no good reason. Shamet is now being looked at by several different squads, via HoopsHype’s […]

Fresno State football has been on the upswing despite multiple coaching changes in recent years. Coach Jeff Tedford experienced more success in his second stint with the team, but his run with the program is over once again. Tedford has stepped down, via 247 Sports’ Matt Zenitz. “Jeff Tedford is stepping down as the head […]

After a flurry of moves this NBA offseason, Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen is now the biggest name being thrown around in trade rumors. The Golden State Warriors have aggressively pursued him, but what will it take to get the 2022-23 Most Improved Player in a Dubs uniform? The Warriors like Markkanen, but not for […]

Ja Morant has had a rough last couple of years. After getting suspended multiple times for detrimental conduct in 2023, the Memphis Grizzlies star went down with a season-ending shoulder injury last season. However, Memphis head coach Taylor Jenkins said Morant is now fully ready to go, via SiriusXM NBA Radio. Ja Morant was cleared […]

England, the inventor of soccer, has been using the slogan “It’s coming home” for many years amidst its quest to win a trophy for the first time since the 1966 World Cup. The Three Lions will have to wait even longer, though, as Spain defeated them 2-1 in the 2024 UEFA Euro final. X user […]

Baseball can be a humbling game, and a New York Yankees outfielder received a sobering reminder of that fact on Sunday afternoon. The Bronx Bombers were just one out away from completing a three-game sweep of the Baltimore Orioles, but Alex Verdugo could not flash the leather when it counted the most. Verdugo misplayed a […]

As a former Cy Young Award-winner, Dallas Kuechel is a part of an elite club that most MLB pitchers will never be a part of. However, the southpaw’s glory days are long gone after a rough stint with the Milwaukee Brewers. Kuechel only lasted four starts at the big league level for the club, via […]

The New York Yankees are embroiled in a tug-of-war for first place in the AL East with the Baltimore Orioles heading into the All-Star Break. Meanwhile, Juan Soto is cracking jokes as he plays through pain in his right hand, as New York can’t afford to have him out of the lineup. Soto commented on […]

Much of the Detroit Tigers’ season has showcased forgettable baseball, with some standout players like Tarik Skubal being rare bright spots. However, rookie Colt Keith delivered a memorable moment Saturday, belting a game-tying two-run homer with two outs in the bottom of the ninth against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Keith sounded off on the comeback […]

Pirates ace pitcher Paul Skenes couldn’t have gotten off to a better start to his MLB career, as he’s just the fifth rookie in history to start the All-Star Game. However, Pittsburgh’s newest star will have his work cut out for him. Skenes admitted that the top of the American League’s lineup might give him […]

The powerhouse that is Alabama football was not built overnight and was the product of years of commitment. While former head coach Nick Saban has finally retired after 22 years with the program, he’s still ready to run practice with his former players whenever they’re ready. Saban joked about still having that coaching itch when […]

The New York Yankees have been suffering from a case of invisible bats recently, as the offense has been mostly dormant since Giancarlo Stanton went down with a hamstring strain in June. The Bronx Bombers, who can hardly afford more injuries had another scare in Wednesday night’s 2-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. Infielder […]

After losing a franchise-record 12 straight games to start the season, the Washington Mystics are finally turning it around. The squad is 6-5 over its last 11 contests, with the last one being a gritty road win against Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever on Wednesday. While five players scored in double-digits, star guard Ariel Atkins was […]

Pittsburgh Pirates rookie pitcher Paul Skenes continued his sensational campaign Thursday, tossing a no-hitter through seven innings against the Milwaukee Brewers. However, Pirates manager Derek Shelton pulled Skenes after 99 pitches, much to the ire of baseball fans. Pittsburgh sports talk radio personality Andrew Fillipponi couldn’t believe the decision, via X. “OTHER THAN AN INNING […]

The Atlanta Hawks have been at the center of attention this offseason. After drafting French big man Zaccharie Risacher first overall and trading Dejounte Murray, the basketball world has been speculating when and if the franchise will deal star guard Trae Young next. While rumors have been swirling around Young’s name for months, Atlanta is […]

The United States is slated to face their neighbors in the north in the Olympics on Wednesday, but they’ll be shorthanded. While the majority of Team USA’s roster will play in the exhibition match, head coach Steve Kerr is holding out one key chess piece. Star forward Kevin Durant will be out with a calf […]

Spain right winger Lamine Yamal can’t stop dazzling football fans worldwide. As if being a 16-year-old wonder kid isn’t enough, the baby-faced superstar scored an equalizer against France in the 20th minute of the Euro 2024 semifinal, becoming the youngest goalscorer in the tournament’s history. Yamal dribbled a few times before teeing up a sensational […]