THE CONTENDERS ARE LINING UP

BY MARK HALPERN

     The Masters, Golf’s Super Bowl is being played this weekend in Augusta. Some years the field is very tight and it comes down to the wire. This year has had some exciting moments and a new crop of golfers some expected some surprising on the standings.

     Right now, if the Masters was to stop and a winner was dawned the Green Jacket, we would be putting it in on Rory Mcllroy who is currently the leader with a -12 and a comfortable 6 stroke lead. A lead like this is not only is a tribute to the golfer himself but almost a slam dunk guarantee, but in this sport it’s not the first day or the last day that will kill you. Black Saturday, The Third Day which a lot of golfers have their worst rounds on this day. Weather always plays a factor but it is going to be a nice 65 degrees and sunny with some wind. This is ideal conditions for golfers just starting out for professional it’s a gift from the golf gods. I want Rory win not only because he is one of my favorite golfers, not because I picked him to win and not because he has a 6 stoke lead. Rory won the Grand Slam last year (winning all 4 major golf tournaments) but I want to continue to see his dominating ways. 

     Even a six-stroke lead can be cut in half after a bad day but, hopefully Rory can keep the yips and the other golfers away.

2027 NFL Mock draft 1.0 (no trades)

BY Mike Rifkin

  1. RAIDERS – FERNANDO MENDOZA- QB – INDIANA – The Heisman trophy winner going first overall has been a long gone conclusion for sometime. What Mendoza brought to the Hoosiers in 2025 is what Raider fans hope he can bring to them for a long time.
  1. JETS – DAVID BAILEY – EDGE – TEXAS TECH – The Jets were at the bottom of the league in sacks last season. While they’ve spent the better part of free agency rebuilding the defense, they need a definitive pass rusher, in comes Bailey to solve that.
  1. CARDINALS – FRANCIS MAUIGOA – OT –  MIAMI – Personally this is the perfect trade down scenario for a team that could use the picks. But the Cardinals, who will eventually need a QB wind up building the foundation for said QB, with Mauigoa at right tackle.
  1. TITANS – JEREMIYAH LOVE – RB – NOTRE DAME – The draft for the Titans needs to be how can we help Cam Ward. What better way than to give him a do it all running back. Love brings size and speed, and along with Tony Pollard the Titans could have a nice running back duo. 
  1. GIANTS – CARNELL TATE – WR – OHIO ST – Like the Titans, the Giants draft needs to be all about helping Jaxson Dart. Darnell Mooney signed a one year deal with the Giants, but drafting Tate to go across from Malik Nabers could be a deadly combo in New York. 
  1. BROWNS – SPENCER FANO – OT – UTAH – When the Browns were at there best a few seasons ago it started with the offensive line. Now they’ve revamped the line through free agency and add Fano, who was outstanding at Utah. 
  1. COMMANDERS – CALEB DOWNS – S – OHIO ST – The Commanders defense really struggled last season, finishing last in yards allowed per game. Downs is a do it all safety, he can help in both the run game and pass game. Dan Quinn might be all in on a safety similar to Earl Thomas, who he had in Seattle. 
  1. SAINTS – SONNY STYLES – LB – OHIO ST – The Saints youth movement is on full display (years too late if you ask me) but Styles can replace longtime vet Demario Davis. Styles is a great playmaking Linebacker.
  1. CHIEFS – RUEBEN BAIN JR . – EDGE – MIAMI – The Chiefs will not be picking this high again, so they need to get this right. Putting Bain opposite George Karaloftis would be a dynamic duo with Chris Jones in the middle. 
  1.  BENGALS – JERMOD MCCOY – CB – TENNESSEE – McCoy is all the way back from his torn ACL. In 2024  McCoy was All- SEC first team. His wingspan is slightly longer than Mansoor Delane, which is why he goes right before him. 
  1.  DOLPHINS – MANSOOR DELANE – CB – LSU – The Dolphins lost their entire secondary in free agency. Delane is coming off a phenomenal season at LSU and gives the Dolphins a true number one Corner. 
  1. COWBOYS –  DILLON THIENEMAN – S – OREGON – The run on defensive backs continue as the Cowboys add a versatile safety to a defense that needs help.
  1. RAMS – MAKAI LEMON – WR – USC – LA was in on Mike Evans during free agency, instead they grab a homegrown kid to pair with Davante Adams and Puka Nacua for an all in season. 
  1.  RAVENS – OLAIVAVEGA IOANE – OT – PENN ST – With Tyler Linderbaum leaving the Ravens need some work on the O-line. Ioane didn’t give up a sack his last two seasons at Penn ST.
  1.  BUCS – JORDON TYSON  – WR – ARIZONA ST. – Mike Evans departed for San Francisco. Even with Chris Godwin and Emeka Egbuka, Tyson will give Baker Mayfield a big target that could replace the future Hall of Famer. 
  1.  JETS – OMAR COOPER JR. – WR – INDIANA – Cooper was awesome this season for the Hoosiers with 937 yards and 13 touchdowns. He will give Geno Smith another weapon opposite Garrett Wilson.
  1. LIONS – MONROE FREELING -OT – GEORGIA – Detroit needs to revamp the line after the retirement of Taylor Decker. Well how about a 6 foot seven 315 pound Bulldog to put on the line. Freeling could play either side with Penei Sewell. 
  1. VIKINGS – EMMANUEL MCNEIL-WARREN – S – TOLEDO – In three seasons at Toledo Warren had five interceptions. He also could be the guy to replace Harrison Smith, who we don’t know will return.
  1. PANTHERS – KENYON SADIQ – TE – OREGON – What a perfect friend for Bryce Young. Sadiq had a phenomenal season with the Ducks and can give the Panthers offense another weapon for defenses to worry about.
  1. COWBOYS – AKHEEM MESIDOR – EDGE – MIAMI- One of the older players in the draft, but a guy who can make the Cowboys edge position much deeper. 
  1. STEELERS – TY SIMPSON – QB – ALABAMA – Hand up I am not a Simpson fan (well I do like the show), but the Steelers need to think about life after Aaron Rodgers. And a QB competition between Will Howard and Mason Rudolph doesn’t excite me. 
  1. CHARGERS – BLAKE MILLER – OT CLEMSON – Miller started for four years at Clemson. The Chargers offensive line had a bunch of injuries last season, so now they add some depth. 
  1. EAGLES – KADYN PROCTOR – OT – ALABAMA – Proctor had some inconsistencies at Bama. But going to Philly should be a blessing learning from future Hall of Famer Lane Johnson and Landon Dickerson.
  1. BROWNS – KC CONCEPCION – WR – TEXAS A&M – A really good receiver, who can also help in the return game. Concepcion averaged 15 yards a reception last season and can add some juice to a Brown offense that has some youth on it.
  1. BEARS CALEB LOMU – OT – UTAH – The Bears continue to surround Caleb Williams with talent along the line. Lomu is still a work in progress, but there’s a ton of upside. 
  1. BILLS – DENZEL BOSTON – WR – WASHINGTON – At some point the Bills will crack through right? Well even though they added DJ Moore, Boston gives them some size and after Mr. Pegula’s comments about Keon Coleman this could be the pick.
  1. 49ERS – MAX IHENANCHOR – OT – ARIZONA ST – This is the 49er insurance policy on Trent Williams, and even if Williams is back he would be a great teacher for Ihenacnhor, who started playing at 13. 
  1. TEXANS – CJ ALLEN – LB – GEORGIA – Azeez Al – Shaair is entering the final year of his deal, and Allen could be a solid replacement. Allen would really benefit in Demeco Ryans’ system.
  1. CHIEFS COLTON HOOD – CB – TENNESSEE- Hood will go into a secondary that lost a lot of talent. But he has big experience stepping up for McCoy who went earlier in the first round. 
  1.  DOLPHINS – TJ PARKER – EDGE CLEMSON – Parker at times can be dominant. Putting him opposite Chop Robinson can give the Dolphins a dynamic duo.
  1. PATS – KEYLAN RUTLEDGE – OT – GEORGIA TECH – Did anyone watch the Super Bowl? The Pats work on the line here with Rutledge to help preserve Drake Maye.
  1. SEAHAWKS – AVIEON TERRELL – CB – CLEMSON – Riq Woolen left in free agency, so Terrell will replace him. Terrell has great instincts.

Swallowing Pride

BY Mike Rifkin

For the first time in a decade the Toronto Maple Leafs will miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs. With the failure of a season the Leafs have had there are always consequences, and those have already begun. Monday night the Leafs fired GM Brad Treliving, who was with the team just shy of three seasons. Now I do have two questions on the timing of the dismissal of Treliving. First, why not let him just finish the season? Is there harm in doing that, it’s not like the team is going anywhere and it’s not like the fanbase didn’t see it coming. The other question is this, if you knew you were going to fire him, why did you let him run the trade deadline? Asset management over the last two trade deadlines should be a reason Treliving is gone. 

Treliving’s firing is a microcosm of what is wrong with the Maple Leafs as a whole. They have mangled what could’ve been a golden era for the franchise, who hasn’t won the Stanley Cup since 1967. After the firing of Treliving the Leafs would be going to their third GM since 2018. The Leafs have won a grand total of two playoff series over the last decade, now we can say it’s coaching or it’s roster management, but at what point is it on the players?

When Keith Pelley, CEO of MLSE spoke earlier this week he claimed that he envisions a “retool” as opposed to a rebuild because the Leafs already have “foundational pieces” in place. There are two foundational pieces the Leafs have in Auston Matthews and William Nylander, but outside of those two who else? Matthew Knies has eight less goals than he did last season (also a -23), Easton Cowan is 20, and still trying to find it, and can you really rely on John Tavares at age 36 to put up big numbers? Their blue line has also had issues, Chris Tanev is out for the season after core muscle surgery, he’s 36. Morgan Rielly is 32 and is not having a good season, Jake McCabe is also 32 and is having a decent season. Oliver Ekman-Larsson has probably been their best defenseman and he is 34. Here’s my point: how many of these guys would you classify as “foundational pieces”? 

Now, back to why Treliving was let go, his asset management over the last two trade deadlines was brutal. Last trade deadline he acquired Defenseman Brandon Carlo from the rival Boston Bruins in exchange for Fraser Minten and a conditional first round pick (top five protected this year). Minten, is 21 years old and has 17 goals and  34 points for the Bruins this season, while playing in a bottom six role, oh and if the Leafs wind up with pick 6-16 that pick goes to Boston. Then there’s the Scott Laughton deals. The Leafs acquired Laughton from the Flyers for prospect Nikita Grebenkin and a 2027 first round pick (top 10 protected). Grebenkin has four goals and 14 points in 55 games for Philly. But the Leafs then flipped Laughton at this deadline to the LA Kings for a conditional third round pick, the condition being if LA makes the playoffs it becomes a second round pick. But here’s a really bad scenario for the Leafs, if they wind up with their own first round pick this year, meaning it’s in the top five, the first round pick going to Boston is in 2027 and is unprotected, and the 2028 first round pick goes to Philly also unprotected. Toronto made other deals as well : Bobby McMann to the Kraken and Nic Roy to the Avalanche all in exchange for draft capital. Now because the Leafs have given up so much over the years they have one of the worst farm systems in the NHL, which leads to a tough decision.

This past summer the Leafs lost Mitch Marner, and because they mishandled the situation they were lucky to get Nic Roy from Vegas. Now is the time whoever becomes the GM of the Leafs goes to Auston Matthews and ask where he wants to go in a trade. Yes, that’s going to be tough for Leafs fans to swallow, but at the end of the day it’s the right call for a few reasons. You cannot let Matthews, who has two years on his current deal to do what they did with Marner. Another factor is that a lot of big names who were going to be on the Free agency market have re-signed with their clubs. Matthews would’ve had a market regardless, but now there could be a lot more teams wanting his services. Another reason to move Matthews would be the division. Keith Pelley may not have seen the Sabres or Canadiens coming, but others did. Also Boston and Tampa aren’t going anywhere, oh and the two time defending champs are going to be back next year, as they were so banged up this season. 

No matter who the President or GM are, I don’t think you can fix all of these issues in one summer. Keith Pelley is going to have to swallow his pride and allow whoever he hires to do what he thinks is best. And listen if they decide to move Matthews, and Nylander decides he didn’t sign up for it, trade him too. These guys won a grand total of two playoff series, and fell on their faces more times than not. From the core four to rock bottom. 

MORE THOUGHTS ON THE SITUATION HERE : 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxQEYpA6kuQ

THIS TIGER’S STRIPES HAVE CHANGED

BY MARK HALPERN

Tiger Woods won’t be driving any golf ball or automobiles for the time being. For the second time in a decade Eldrid “Tiger” Woods flipped his car while driving home heavily impaired by opioid pain medication that, was not only found on his person but also in his system. Woods, who was once the pinnacle of the sport, now has the sport wanting to be distanced from him. But has the sport passed him by?

     Woods the holder of 82 individual wins including Masters, U.S and British Open Championships, Ryder Cup wins and PGA Championship. Woods entered the Tour in late 1996 and winning two tournaments (One being The Las Vegas Classic). He took the sport by storm in 1997 at 21 years old, a feat that has yet to be broken. Woods, did for golf what Jordan did for Basketball and that was revive the sport. The Sport has been played since its first recorded match in 1553 (Yes over 5 centuries and I am not old enough to remember it) Golf has had many ambassadors such as Bobby Jones, Walter Hagan, Sam Snead, Jack Nickalus, Arnold Palmer (Such a great drink) and more recent Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy and of Course Woods. Woods didn’t just change Golf, he changed sports as a whole. Woods, was something to watch at his young age hitting fairway after fairway and then effortless shots to put him with in his own length for a putt. Woods in his prime already was the best and if you were paired up with him it should have been an honor. Woods hasn’t won a major since the 2019 Masters, and at times has struggled to make the cut. 

    Over the past decade Woods has had several surgeries and unfortunately got hooked on the “Pain Killer” Vicodin AKA Hydrocodone. For People who suffer severe pain from everything from arthritis to bone breaks this classification of drugs has been shunned because of how easy it is to become addicted to the medicine and very hard to get away from it. Some other Major athletes have gotten hooked on this medicine. According to NHLPA, hockey is the sport that this drug is most provided for. This shocked me as I thought it would be the NFL but, you learn thing you wish you didn’t by doing some research. 

     Woods will be taking a very long “Sabbatical” from the sport to get himself clean. The area for concern is what effect is this going to do for his children, including his son who is already got heads turning at his young age of 17 (2 years shy of when his dad broke in) and with his last name he will hear the mummers. This will be hard on the Woods family (just like it is for any Family with a member with this addiction) to recover from financially and I say this “IN MY OWN OPINION.” For Tiger Woods now a days it is legacy, face and signature that was bringing in the money. There has been no news of Woods’ three biggest sponsors Nike and Upper Deck Authenticated and Rolex about them cutting ties or even have him take a break from them as no sponsor wants to see one of their top names be severely tarnished and look bad by splitting instead of helping.

     Tiger Woods needs to forget about what he has done and now needs to what he needs to do and that’s be a father to his kids. Charlie, we know will be making the tour sooner than later and it would be great to have someone like his father to be there for him for the support that his sone and family will be giving him now. Tiger Woods captivated us with his play and to watch this fall is really sad. Hopefully Tiger can get himself right, but his Golf career is probably done.

ROLL OF THE DICE

BY MIKE RIFKIN

One thing about the Vegas Golden Knights since they’ve come into the NHL, they’re not afraid of the big move. On Sunday, they made another massive move, firing head coach Bruce Cassidy and replaced him with John Tortorella. Here’s the thing there are EIGHT  games left in the season and the Golden Knights currently sit in third place in the Pacific division.

Cassidy went 178-99-43 in almost four full seasons as the Golden Knights head coach, and led the team to their first  and only Stanley Cup Championship in 2022-23. Tortorella has coached 23 seasons with the Lightning, Rangers, Canucks, Blue Jackets, and Flyers, winning the Cup with the Lightning in 2004. Tortorella most recently was an assistant coach on the United States Gold Medal winning team at the Olympics, where he coached Vegas players Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin. Tortorella’s contract with the Golden Knights is for the final eight games of the season. 

Vegas has struggled after the Olympic break, and with the roster the have it’s shocking to some. But they have a real problem in their goaltending. Just ask the Edmonton Oilers, if you can outscore mistakes. Vegas has played four goalies this season (Akira Schmid, Carter Hart, Adin Hill, Carl Lindbom) and all of them have a save percentage under .900. And only one of them has a GAA under three (Schmid 2.59). But the Golden Knights could’ve had their goaltending situation handled had they had patience. 

At the 2024 draft the Golden Knights traded Goalie Logan Thompson to the Capitals for two third round picks (2024,2025). Thompson, wanted the opportunity to start somewhere and didn’t think it’d be in Vegas. Over the span of four seasons in Vegas, Thompson was 56-32-11 with a 2.67 GAA and a .912 save percentage. Since the move to DC, Thompson has a 57-26-12 record with a 2.45 GAA and the same .912 save percentage. Thompson has become one of the best goalies in the NHL, and I am sure the Golden Knights regret that move.

Here is the other thing about a coaching change this late in the season, how will players respond? We know what John Tortorella will want from his players, how quickly can he establish a system? Vegas has always done things their own way since coming into the league, but this right here is a massive roll of the dice.

DRU IT UP : A GUIDE FOR THE 2026 RANGERS OFFSEASON

BY MIKE RIFKIN

With the Rangers 4-3 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday, the Rangers will miss the playoffs for the second consecutive season. We can look at a lot of reasons that the Blueshirts will miss the playoffs again, but the focus now shifts towards the 2026-27 season. 

While James Dolan can support Chris Drury on radio, but when MSG is chanting for Drury’s job something has to give. If Drury was to come back (and he will) the Rangers will need another guy in the front office. So the first thing this offseason is to hire a President of Hockey Operations. Two names I would watch for are Doug Armstrong in St. Louis and (maybe) Steve Yzerman if the Red Wings decide to move on. 

One thing that Drury and company do have going for them is that they have draft capital. The Rangers will have seven picks in the first three rounds of the 2026 draft ( two firsts, one second and four thirds). So the Rangers will have ammunition to move around the draft or add to their roster or prospect pool. 

The first thing for whoever could come in has to identify what is the core and and building blocks of this team. So here’s how I would identify the core of the New York Rangers entering the summer.

  • IGOR SHESTERKIN – Let’s get the easy one out of the way, Shesterkin is still one of the best goalies in the NHL. Shesterkin this season is 22-16-6 with a 2.59 GAA and .911 save percentage and let’s be honest the season really fell apart when he got hurt. 
  • ADAM FOX – His comments based on the letter not withstanding, Fox NEEDS to be a part of the solution. Number one defensemen don’t grow on trees and Fox is a number one defenseman. Fox is one of the best offensive defensemen in the league and based on what Cale Makar is about to make Fox at 9.5 million is kind of a bargain. Mike Sullivan and Chris Drury’s top priority this summer would be to mend this relationship.
  • MIKA ZIBANEJAD – Weird to say a 33 year old (Zibanejad turns 33 in April) as part of the future, but Zibanejad has had an excellent season with 30 goals. Zibanejad is still so important to Special Teams as well, but most important he has a no movement clause, so he has a say in whatever happens to him. But for now he is a part of the team going forward. 
  • ALEXIS LAFRENIERE – Alright let’s talk about the biggest lightning rod on the team. Has Lafreniere turned into an elite point collector? No, but his 200 foot game has improved, and consider this he’s getting top six minutes on his natural side and his line with Zibanejad and Gabe Perrault (more on him in below) the Blue shirts have a top two line going into next season. Also Lafreniers is still 25 years old, not worth giving up on in my opinion.
  • GABE PERRAULT – Another former first round pick, Perrault is showcasing his talents on broadway and now getting consistent playing time. He has generated great chemistry on his line and continues to get better game by game. 
  • WILL CUYLLE – 24 years old and the true definition of a power forward, Cuylle has 16 goals, a year after hitting the 20 goal mark. Cuylle is a really good player in your top nine. 
  • VLAD GAVRIKOV – He was brought in to be the perfect partner for Fox and he was when Fox was healthy. But what Gavrikov has given this team offensively has been a bonus, he’s a solid, steady defenseman for the Blue Shirts.

HONORABLE MENTION  : NOAH LABA – Laba has had a nice rookie season, he’s contributed 21 points and he’s played well on the PK, so maybe he fits as a third line center, but he’s still very young in his career. 

At the trade deadline this season the Rangers dangled Center Vincent Trocheck, and didn’t get what they wanted and so Trocheck stayed on for the remainder of the season. Trocheck is signed through 2029-30 at a reasonable 5.625 million dollars. Trocheck has a modified no trade clause, so it should be easier to move him over JT Miller or Mika Zibanejad, who have full no movement clauses. But if it were up to me I would explore a Miller trade over Trocheck. The problems facing Drury would be he’d be conceding a loss on what he gave up for Miller, to only give him a year and then move him would be a tough look. The other player rumored to potentially be moved at the deadline was defenseman Braden Schneider. Schneider will be 25 in September and is a restricted free agent. Schneider put up a career high in goals and points last season, but has seen his offense take a hit, which is fine because Schneider is more of a stay at home, physical defenseman. If Schneider is willing to take another bridge deal (1-2 years) then you can make the move, otherwise you may want to see how other teams view him. 

The unrestricted free agent class that was so hyped up, should not be the way of the Rangers’ focus this offseason. All of the major UFA’S have re-signed with their current teams. But the pool of Restricted free agents is deep (restricted – any offer to the player, his current team could match). There are a few players that should interest the Rangers, Jason Robertson (STARS), Cole Prefetti (JETS), Jordan Spence (SENS), Pavel Mintyukov (DUCKS) are a few players to keep an eye on.  

The other thing the Rangers could look at is the trade market and with the draft capital they have they could make a splashy trade. Some players to watch : Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou (Blues), Shane Wright (Kraken),  PIPE DREAM : AUSTON MATTHEWS (LEAFS) 

The Rangers two years ago were two wins away from appearing in the Stanley Cup Final, now they’re sitting at the bottom of the standings with nowhere to go but up. The biggest decision of the offseason isn’t adding or subtracting players, it’s determining if this is a retool or a rebuild. If they stay true to the letter, they’ll have to be aggressive. The problem is the fans can’t trust the guy making the decisions and that within itself is a bad situation to be in.

2026 MLB PREDICTIONS

BY MIKE RIFKIN

The weather is nicer and snow is gone, which means spring is upon us. Which means the 2026 Baseball season is here. Here are my predictions for the upcoming season.

AL DIVISION WINNERS

EAST : RED SOX : The additions of Sonny Gray and Ranger Suarez give the Red Sox a great top three in the rotation after Garrett Crochet. With Alex Cora at the helm I like the Red Sox.

CENTRAL : TIGERS : Detroit might possess the best pitching staff in the game anchored by Tarik Skubal. They added Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander to a solid rotation. If Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson repeat what they did last season look out. 

WEST : MARINERS : Did I say best rotation in baseball, well the Mariners might have something to say about that. Logan Gilbert, Luis Castillo, George Kirby and Bryan Woo are an electric factory of arms. They brought back Josh Naylor to help the offense. And while Cal Raleigh may not dump 60 homers, there’s no reason why he can’t hit 30. Julio Rodriguez will also have a major season. 

WILD CARD 1 : BLUE JAYS : This team is going to be good again. We’ll have to see how Okamoto translates to the big leagues, but they have elite pitching with the addition of Dylan Cease. But Vladdy got a taste of winning last year, and he’s coming back for more. 

WILD CARD 2 : YANKEES : Yeah, they’re running it back with the same team with some reinforcements. Gerritt Cole and Carlos Rodon will be back on the bump. Aaron Judge will do his thing, but will anyone else on this offense step up? That’s a major factor for the Pinstripes.

WILD CARD 3 : ATHLETICS : Call me dumb, or nieve but the Athletics have one of the best nucleus’s in baseball. Nick Kurtz, Shane Langeliers, Jacob Wilson, etc… The Athletics played really good baseball in the second half, if the starting pitching holds up I think they can surprise the world. 

AL AWARDS 

MVP (NOT AARON JUDGE) : JULIO RODRIGUEZ : I’m not going to take the easy way and take Judge (same with Ohtani in NL). If the Mariners are going to do what they almost did last year Julio will be a big reason for it. And he’s motivated after Cal’s season last season.

CY YOUNG ( NOT TARIK SKUBAL) : GARRETT CROCHET – He finished second last year behind Skubal. Crochet was top 10 in ERA, Strikeouts and WHIP, the only thing that could hold him back is injury. 

MANAGER OF THE YEAR : MARK KOTSAY : How can I put the A’s in the playoffs and not have their manager as the manager of the year? Kotsay has done a good and patient job with the Athletics. 

ALCS : MARINERS OVER BLUE JAYS IN 7 – Yeah I flipped on this and have talked myself into the Mariners going to their first Fall classic.

NL DIVISION WINNERS 

EAST : PHILLIES : I’m going with this as simple this is a last dance situation in Philly. They have an elite lineup, good rotation and one of the best closers in the game, if they fail there are no more excuses. 

CENTRAL : CUBS : The Northsiders had a fantastic offseason. Alex Bregman to the lineup, retained Shota Imanaga and added Edward Cabrera to the rotation and eventually will add Justin Steele. The Cubs will end the Brewers three year run as division champs.

WEST : DODGERS : Yeah this one was hard, the Dodgers are the best team in baseball and had another terrific offseason. Adding Kyle Tucker to their outfield and Edwin Diaz to the bullpen, they are once again the team to beat. Once again Dave Roberts has the easiest job in the world.

WILD CARD 1 : METS : The way the offseason started there was no way you’d put the Mets on this list. But adding Bo Bichette and Marcus Siemien to the lineup and Freddy Peralta to anchor the rotation will help in Queens.

WILD CARD 2  : PADRES : We know that if they need something near the trade deadline they’ll get it. But the backend of their bullpen is filled with gas and the offense led by Tatis and Machado will do their thing. 

WILD CARD 3 : BRAVES – Ok hand up I am concerned about this because of the injuries that are already piling up. But the every day guys are back and Chris Sale at the top of the rotation. I think the Braves bounce back this season.

NL AWARDS

MVP (NOT OHTANI) RONALD ACUNA JR. – If the Braves are going to bounce back, they’ll be led by their leader in Acuna. Now with Marcell Ozuna gone, that opens up that DH spot for Acuna some days to keep him healthy and we all know what he can do when healthy.

CY YOUNG : YOSHINOBU YAMAMOTO – Yamamoto’s performance in the World Series was stuff of legend. And now he slots into a rotation behind Ohtani, Glasnow and potentially Blake Snell. Yamamoto will be the guy the Dodgers rely on this season. 

MANAGER OF THE YEAR : CRAIG COUNSELL : The Cubs manager has never won this award somehow, so 2026 will be his first. Counsell always does well with what hes given, and this year he takes the Cubs back to the Playoffs.

NLCS : DODGERS DEF CUBS – 6 GAMES

WORLD SERIES DODGERS DEF MARINERS 6 GAMES

WS MVP MOOKIE BETTS

EMBARASSMENT 

BY MIKE RIFKIN

Monday night should have been a night of celebration at Madison Square Garden, instead it turned into a nightmare, something that has happened far too often. The Rangers lost 2-1 to the Ottawa Senators but that’s not the story. The story was the Rangers were held to NINE shots on goal, tying a franchise record from December of 1955. 

As I said at the top Monday should’ve been a night of celebration, as Center Mika Zibanejad was playing in his 1,000th career NHL game. On July 18th 2016, Zibanejad was acquired from the Ottawa Senators (ironic how the schedule played out) along with a second round pick for Derrick Brassard. Since joining the Blue shirts Zibanejad has put up 279 goals and 655 points.  Zibanejad is top 10 in Ranger history in goals, points, power play goals, and short handed goals. And with the trade of Chris Kreider this past summer, Zibanejad is the longest tenured Ranger. 

Ranger captain JT Miller said after the game “Today you should have a fire lit under your ass to go play for your teammate. A guy that feels like a cornerstone of the organization. We go out and have four shots through two periods at home – a place where we haven’t been desperate enough this season”. Miller is right it should have lit a fire inside of them, but the problem is that fire hasn’t been lit in months and on a game by game basis only a few players stand out. As for the record at MSG, the Rangers are 9-18-7 on the season at home. 

On a night that should’ve been celebrated, the Rangers did what they’ve done all season and that is look awful and lethargic. Yes, this season has been full of embarrassing moments, but this is is the most embarrassing and a sign that changes need to occur this summer. Because Mika Zibanejad and the fans both deserve better.

NOTE : RANGERS ARE NOW CREDITED WITH 10 SHOTS

CARSON BENGE TO START FOR METS

By Mark Halpern

     Just after the Winter meetings the Mets were still filling holes where they were most needed. The biggest question on the Mets roster was who was going to play in the outfield along with Juan Soto? The Mets decided to move Soto to Left and acquired Luis Robert to play Center, but who would be in Right field? The Mets brought in a few guys to compete for the position. They signed Mike Tauchman, gave Brett Baty an extended look, Tyrone Taylor, and top prospect Carson Benge were all given a look. Well, on Sunday it was announced that Tauchman tore his meniscus in his knee, so he won’t be on the opening day roster. Taylor and Baty are going to be utilized in utility roles, which left Benge. But don’t think he didn’t earn it in Spring Training, Benge hit .366 in Spring Training. 

   Benge, has excellent defensive skills, has great speed and a fast bat. What are the only two downsides are injuries and just not preforming on a major league level. Not every rookie that makes a starting lineup as a career first year. It will take time learning but, the key is he has to play every day. 

    Personally, I think this is a bold move for the Mets, which shows you that the games are over and there is pressure to win.  Benge is going to have his ups and downs. Benge isn’t expected to carry the team, and for that they can ease him in a bit, but I have faith in both this bold decision and the youngster.

TEARDOWN

BY MIKE RIFKIN

Jalen Waddle passed his physical with the Denver Broncos, making the trade official with the Miami Dolphins. So, the trade is Denver acquires Waddle and a fourth round pick (111 overall ) for a first round pick (30), third round pick (90) and a fourth round pick (130) all picks are in this year’s draft. This offseason the Dolphins have severed ties with Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Bradley Chubb and Jaylen Waddle. 

New General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has done two things with his roster management so far. The first thing he has done is make the Dolphins the youngest team in Football and the other thing he has decided to do is build his team through the draft. The Dolphins have 11 picks in the draft, which is tied for the most and they have seven picks in the top 94. 

Between the draft picks and the upside on Quarterback Malik Willis, who took more of a team friendly deal to come to Miami, Jon- Eric Sullivan has a massive opportunity to make a quick stamp with the Dolphins. 2026 won’t be about the wins and losses for Miami, it’ll be about setting the foundation up for future success and building a winner for a team that hasn’t won a playoff game in over 20 years.