Author: Mikesportz
Dominic Smith, a former infielder for the Boston Red Sox, recently exercised his opt-out clause from a minor league contract with the New York Yankees after a productive spring training. During his time with the Yankees, Smith posted a .297 batting average, complemented by an .857 OPS over 37 at-bats. Smith’s tenure with the Red Sox began in May 2024, following his opt-out from a minor league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. He signed a major league contract with Boston, stepping in as a first baseman after Triston Casas suffered a rib fracture. In his 83 games with…
Florida Gators’ edge rusher Tyreak Sapp has been recognized as one of the top returning players at his position for the upcoming 2025 season. In 2024, Sapp led the Gators with seven sacks and 13 tackles for loss, earning a Pro Football Focus (PFF) defensive grade of 90.4—the highest on the team and ninth among edge rushers nationally. Sapp’s decision to return for his senior year was driven by “unfinished business” and a commitment to his teammates. His return bolsters Florida’s defensive line, especially with the departure of several edge rushers to the transfer portal. As Sapp prepares…
In a recent move to assess their outfield depth, the Detroit Tigers started shortstop Javier Báez in center field during a spring training game against the Atlanta Braves. This marked Báez’s first appearance in center field in nearly a decade, with his previous experience limited to a few games during the 2016 Puerto Rican Winter League and spring training with the Chicago Cubs. Báez, primarily known for his infield prowess, has shown willingness to adapt to different positions in the past. In 2016, he expressed openness to playing center field to enhance team flexibility, stating, “All I want to do…
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg recently experienced a lighthearted moment during a visit to a local kindergarten class. As he addressed the young students, one spirited child playfully flashed the “L’s down” hand gesture—a symbol used by University of Kentucky fans to taunt their rivals at the University of Louisville. The “L’s up” gesture, introduced in 1988 by Louisville freshmen Everick Sullivan and James “Boo” Brewer, represents Cardinal pride. Conversely, “L’s down” has become a popular retort among Kentucky Wildcats supporters. This unexpected display of rivalry humor from a kindergartner added a memorable twist to Mayor Greenberg’s school visit, showcasing the…
David Taylor, a former Penn State wrestling standout and Olympic gold medalist, recently embarked on his inaugural head coaching role with the Oklahoma State Cowboys wrestling program. Recognizing the magnitude of this transition, Taylor acknowledges that cultivating sustained success at Oklahoma State will be a gradual process. Drawing from his extensive wrestling career and mentorship under esteemed coaches like Cael Sanderson, Taylor understands that building a championship-caliber team requires time, dedication, and strategic planning. His approach involves instilling a culture of excellence, fostering athlete development, and implementing training methodologies that have proven effective in his own career. Taylor’s commitment to…
Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Ryan Williams was one of the best players in college football in 2024 despite the fact that he spent the entire season as a 17 year old. Williams, who turned 18 in February, caught 48 passes for 865 yards and eight touchdowns. His game-winning touchdown reception against the Georgia Bulldogs was easily one of the top plays of the year (and easily one of the best plays I’ve ever seen on a football field). Despite all the praise for the former five-star recruit, Williams isn’t looking back at his true freshman season as a wild…
Amaree Williams, a versatile athlete from The Benjamin School in North Palm Beach, Florida, joined the Florida State Seminoles football program in 2024 after reclassifying from the 2025 recruiting class. Initially recognized as a four-star prospect, Williams showcased his talents on both offense and defense during his high school career, recording 34 tackles, including 8.0 for loss with 4.0 sacks, and contributing 16 receptions for 424 yards and seven touchdowns in his senior season. Upon joining FSU, the coaching staff faced a decision regarding Williams’ position, given his proficiency as both a tight end and an edge rusher. After evaluating…
Recent reports suggest that Kevin Durant is contemplating a move to the Houston Rockets following his tenure with the Phoenix Suns. According to Shams Charania, Durant is considering requesting a trade due to offensive system issues and a lack of chemistry with teammates Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. The Rockets, under coach Ime Udoka, have emerged as a leading candidate to acquire Durant. Durant holds Udoka in high regard, and Houston’s strong defensive record, coupled with Durant’s scoring prowess, could position them as title contenders. Potential trade scenarios include the Rockets offering players like Reed Sheppard, Jabari Smith Jr., Dillon…
USC football is making significant changes to its coaching staff, bringing in a former Andy Reid special assistant to bolster the program. This move comes as part of a broader effort to revamp the team’s leadership and performance on the field. The new hire, known for his experience under Reid, brings a wealth of NFL knowledge and a winning pedigree to the Trojans. With a background in player development and game strategy, he is expected to play a crucial role in reshaping USC’s approach, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. As for Lincoln Riley, his reaction to the…
The New York Islanders have bolstered their roster by signing top NCAA free agent Gleb Veremyev to a two-year, entry-level contract beginning in the 2025-26 season. Player Profile Veremyev, a 21-year-old center from Monroe Township, New Jersey, stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs 205 pounds. He recently completed his junior year at Colorado College, where he tallied nine goals and eight assists over 37 games in the 2024-25 season. Over his three-year collegiate career, Veremyev accumulated 52 points (26 goals, 26 assists) in 88 games. Pre-Collegiate Experience Prior to joining Colorado College, Veremyev played in the United States Hockey…