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March’s Monthly Juventus Thoughts: Good enough

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Here we are in the last two months of the 2025-26 season.

The title race completely passed us by months ago, and unfortunately that has become standard procedure in the last few years. After the tremendous run of results in January had us thinking of a comfortable spot in the top four in Serie A, the crushing reality of February and, to some extent March, made us realize that today’s Juventus team is barely/merely good enough to hang around the outskirts of the fourth, fifth and sixth positions.

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Last month had a little bit of (almost) everything — dramatic comebacks, last-minute goals, crushing victories, penalty misses, and corto muso performances.

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Let’s get started.

Falling into the Europa League?

We started the month with a blockbuster 3-3 draw away at Roma. After a tight first half, the hosts took the lead just before the break when Brazilian wingback Wesley cut inside from the edge of the box and curled a lovely right-footed shot into the top corner and just past Mattia Perin’s fingertips. We equalized immediately after the break when Conceição scored with an incredible half volley that almost ripped the net in half.

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A 10-minute spell then turned the game firmly into Roma’s favor. Evan Ndicka barged his way past Andrea Cambiaso and volleyed home from Lorenzo Pellegrini’s corner kick. Then, the reborn Donyell Malen received an incredible pass from Manu Kone, beat the offside trap, and chipped the ball over Perin who was too slow to come off his line. (And I thought sweeper-keepers were overrated …) Jeremie Boga brought us back into the game when he scored with a tremendous volley after Edon Zhegrova’s deflected cross fell to him. His goal was the beginning of a great run of games he had in March.

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The game had a dramatic conclusion in the 93rd minute thanks to our beloved bricklayer Federico Gatti. Once again, Zhegrova was the catalyst as his cross from the free kick created havoc in the box. Gatti pounced (ha!) on the loose ball and smashed in the half volley to deny Roma the victory in a brilliant game of football.

We returned to winning ways with a big 4-0 home win against Pisa. Remarkably, all goals came in the second half and, curiously, after Spalletti switched to a 3-4-3 with Boga/Yildiz as a false 9. Cambiaso scored the first goal when he headed in from a great chipped cross from Yildiz. The second came quickly afterwards: Manuel Locatelli’s pinpoint shot hit the post and the rebound fell to Khephren Thuram who tapped the ball into an open goal.

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The goals kept coming. Yildiz collected a pass from Conceição, slipped past the defender, and blasted the ball into goal. Boga put the cherry on top with a goal in stoppage time after he received a perfect through ball from Locatelli, rounded the goalkeeper, and scored in the empty net: 4-0!

Boga continued his great month by scoring the game’s only goal in a tight 1-0 victory over Udinese. Kelly played a fantastic long ball to Yildiz, who charged into the box and crossed low to Boga. The Ivorian held his run excellently and, as a result, was in the perfect position for the easy tap-in. The Bianconeri controlled the rest of the game and probably should have scored more to put the game to bed, but in fairness Udinese posed such little offensive threat that the victory was never in doubt.

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The final game of the month against Sassuolo was the one that, in my eyes, ended our chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League. Remarkably, goalkeeper Perin created the first goal when his excellent long outlet pass released Conceição on the counterattack. He dribbled his way into the box and squared the ball for Yildiz, who scored with a low, accurate shot.

As has happened time and time again this season, Juventus conceded from its first (and only!) shot on target. Sassuolo played a nice bit of one-touch passing on the edge of the box and the ball came to Berardi on the right wing. The winger squared the ball for Andrea Pinamonti who, after bullying Gleison Bremer of the ball in the buildup to the goal, ghosted past the Brazilian defender to poke the ball into goal from Berardi’s low cross. The Bianconeri won a very soft penalty after Jonathan David’s cross hit a defender’s arm, but goalkeeper Arijanet Muric caught Locatelli’s incredibly weak penalty kick. It ended 1-1 and we fell further behind in the race for Top 4.

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Juventus Women

Juventus Women opened the month with a solid 2-0 victory over Fiorentina in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal. Chiara Beccari scored in the ninth minute thanks to a nice assist from Ana Capeta. The Portuguese forward then capped a match-winning performance with a goal in the 51st minute after latching onto Viola Calligaris’s great through ball and scoring with a shot at the near post.

It wasn’t a great month of results in the league, though.

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AC Milan beat the Bianconere 1-0 thanks to Thea Kyvag’s goal early in the second half, but the deciding moment came just a few minutes earlier in stoppage time of the first half. Kay-Lee de Sanders fouled Capeta in the box but goalkeeper Sandra Estevez saved Emma Stolen Godo’s penalty, resulting in a disappointing 1-0 loss. We followed that loss with a frustrating goalless draw against bottom-of-the-table Genoa.

Thankfully, Juve ended the month on a high note with a 2-1 victory over Fiorentina in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal. Capeta ended a fantastic month with two goals in this game. The first was a wonderful curled shot from the edge of the box that went in off the post and the second a header from a corner kick. Iris Omarsdottir scored from a rebound after a corner kick resulted in Katla Tryggvadottir hitting the post. Juventus cruised to a 2-1 victory (4-1 on aggregate) over Fiorentina and will meet Roma (who else?) in the final!

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New starts with false 9s?

During the winter transfer window, the big story was Juventus’s attempt to get another striker, likely on a short-term deal. Dusan Vlahovic has since only recently returned from injury and still hasn’t extended his contract that expires in a few months, Arek Milik has risen from the dead after missing nearly two seasons due to injury, and Loïs Openda and Jonathan David haven’t worked out the way we thought they would.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, and Spalletti has tinkered accordingly to find a solution while his strikers find their purpose in life form. He has tried two solutions: playing Weston McKennie as a striker and playing a false nine. Remarkably, McKennie was actually quite good in that position — is it still a surprise that McKennie plays well everywhere on the pitch? — but we need him more urgently in other areas.

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The false 9 experiment began catastrophically when the attack was terrible in the first half of the first game against Napoli. But the experiment has caught fire recently as a combination of Yildiz and, more importantly, Boga have done quite well as false 9s. The Ivorian, in particular, seems to be a good fit for the position as he is faster and more physically dominant than the Turkish forward and more comfortable with his back to goal.

But as I mentioned earlier, Milik and Vlahovic are now (fully?) fit, which means that Spalletti has another problem on his hands: who do you play/drop? Boga is in fantastic form, Yildiz is the team’s top contributor in attack, and McKennie is one of the most important players in the team. Conceição is hot and cold, but we don’t have many players comfortable on the right wing.

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It’s an important question to ask because, despite having the third-best attack in the league, we are remarkably wasteful in attack. We have 12 shots per game compared to Inter’s 13 shots per game, but the league leaders have scored 14 goals more than us, highlighting the significant difference in the teams’ effectiveness in front of goal. To emphasize this even further, the two teams have essentially the same number of shots per target (185 for us, 184 for Inter).

So what is the new power ranking for the Bianconeri’s attackers? Let’s find out after the international break.

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Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals LIVE Score, IPL 2026: Abhishek Sharma Slams Unbeaten 135, Gets Standing Ovation From Kavya Maran

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SRH batting-first XI: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan (capt), Heinrich Klaasen, Salil Arora (wk), Aniket Verma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivang Kumar, Harsh Dubey, Sakib Hussain, Eshan Malinga

SRH bench: R Smaran, Praful Hinge, Liam Livingstone, Dilshan Madushanka, Harshal Patel

DC bowling-first XI: Pathum Nissanka, KL Rahul (wk), Sameer Rizvi, Axar Patel (capt), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Nitish Rana, Lungi Ngidi, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar

DC bench: Tripurana Vijay, Ashutosh Sharma, Karun Nair, Dushmantha Chameera, Auqib Nabi.

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McLaughlin: Does Utah Football Have a Playoff Roster?

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ncaa football logoThe NCAA cabinet is considering a rule that would create a blanket 5-year eligibility window with very few exceptions.

An even more exciting idea is flying around to start College Football sooner.

On today’s episode of Locked On College Football, I’m joined by ‘Locked On Utes’ host JT Wistrcill to discuss the top questions for first-time HC Morgan Scalley.

Utah Utes logoDoes his roster look like one that will compete in the Big 12 for a Playoff spot?

Tennessee’s QB battle is one of the most interesting, with 5-star freshman Faizon Brandon competing against former blue-chip prospect George MacIntyre.

What are the Vols’ biggest questions outside of that position room?

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00:00 Proposed college football calendar change
03:40 Adjusting the transfer portal timing
06:21 Revising college football schedule
12:26 Utah’s offensive line transition
13:07 Offensive line depth analysis
17:25 Discussing Devon Dampier’s potential
22:50 Evaluating Tennessee’s defensive improvements
24:59 Tennessee football player updates
30:33 Analyzing Tennessee’s quarterback options

/ @lockedoncollegefootball  

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Banned for playing in Goa! ECB blocks Peter Siddle, Samit Patel from T20 Blast | Cricket News

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Banned for playing in Goa! ECB blocks Peter Siddle, Samit Patel from T20 Blast
Peter Siddle and Samit Patel (GettyImages)

Peter Siddle and Samit Patel have been ruled out of this summer’s T20 Blast after falling foul of ECB regulations linked to their participation in an unsanctioned tournament earlier this year, as reported by ESPNcricinfo. Both players featured in the World Legends Pro T20 League held in Goa during January and February, a competition deemed “disapproved cricket” as it did not have the backing of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Under ECB rules, any cricketer who has taken part in such events within 12 months of the domestic season is barred from county competitions. Siddle, 41, had been lined up as an overseas signing for Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club in the Blast, but the deal has now been scrapped. The club confirmed the development on Tuesday, citing his “personal circumstances”. Director of cricket Mick Newell admitted the decision was a setback, saying Nottinghamshire were “naturally disappointed” and would now seek a replacement. The county had already bolstered their squad with additions like Benny Howell and George Munsey. However, they could also be without another overseas recruit, George Linde, at the start of the tournament. Linde is currently tied up with Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL and may miss the opening matches if the franchise progresses to the playoffs. Meanwhile, Patel’s situation is more definitive. The 41-year-old all-rounder, who has been without a county contract since leaving Derbyshire County Cricket Club after last season, confirmed that he has accepted the ECB’s directive and abandoned hopes of playing in this year’s Blast. Patel’s absence marks the end of a remarkable streak. Alongside Ravi Bopara, he is one of only two players to have appeared in every edition of the T20 Blast since its inception in 2003. Neither will feature this season, with Bopara having already stepped away from county cricket last month to focus on coaching and media commitments.

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Ilya Kovalchuk takes over as president of KHL’s Shanghai Dragons

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The Shanghai Dragons are turning to a pair of former NHLers to reshape the franchise’s future.

The club announced Tuesday that Ilya Kovalchuk has been named team president, while Evgeny Artyukhin will take over as general manager.

“This is a very exciting challenge for me,” Kovalchuk wrote in a press release. “I am grateful for the opportunity to become part of the Shanghai Dragons and to help build a competitive team that fans can be proud of.”

Kovalchuk, who officially retired from professional hockey in 2025, steps into an executive role for the first time after a decorated playing career that included starring roles in both the NHL and KHL.

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He spent 13 seasons in the NHL with the Atlanta Thrashers, New Jersey Devils, Los Angeles Kings, Montreal Canadiens and Capitals, recording 443 goals and 876 points over 926 career games. With Russia, Kovalchuk won two gold medals at the world championship and an Olympic gold medal in 2018.

“I understand the responsibility that comes with this position,” he added. “We have important work ahead of us, and I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Artyukhin, meanwhile, transitions into management after a lengthy pro career of his own and replaces Igor Varitsky as GM.

“It’s an honour to take on this role,” Artyukhin said. “Our goal is to build a team that can compete at a high level and represent Shanghai with pride.”

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The Dragons struggled this past season, finishing outside the playoff picture and prompting a reset.

Former Capitals assistant Mitch Love, who was fired last fall after a team investigation, led the Dragons as head coach after replacing Jack Adams Award winner Gerard Gallant, who stepped down in January over health issues.

“With new leadership, we are confident the club will take the next step forward,” the team said in a statement.

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Carlos Alcaraz Wins Laureus Sportsman of the Year

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Carlos Alcaraz has been named Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, following a standout 2025 season.

The 22-year-old won eight titles during the year, including Grand Slams at Roland Garros and the US Open. He also finished the season as world No. 1 after a close battle with Jannik Sinner.

Speaking after receiving the award, Alcaraz reflected on what it means to be recognised alongside some of the sport’s biggest names.

  • Sabalenka ins Laureus Sportswoman of the YearSabalenka ins Laureus Sportswoman of the Year

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“Three years ago, I received the Laureus Breakthrough Award in Paris and met one of my heroes, Lionel Messi, who won the Laureus Sportsman Award. At the time, I dreamt that maybe one day I would join the great Messi on the Sportsman list, and today, I have.

“Messi, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Usain Bolt, and of course the great Rafael Nadal. I am following in the footsteps of giants. That makes this moment so special.”

He also acknowledged the role of his rivalry with Sinner.

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“I truly understand why these Awards mean so much to the best athletes in the world… I especially would like to thank Jannik Sinner. If we hadn’t been across the net from each other, pushing the other one so hard, I don’t think either of us would have found the levels we did.”

Alcaraz becomes just the fourth ATP player to win the award, joining Federer, Nadal and Djokovic.

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Freddie Woodman on surprise Liverpool Premier League debut that capped remarkable family weekend

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Freddie Woodman found his enjoyment of the Merseyside derby abruptly interrupted by an unexpected Premier League debut for Liverpool, capping a remarkable 24 hours for his family.

The 29-year-old’s appearance in Sunday’s last-gasp 2-1 victory against Everton, followed a day of celebration for his family, as his father Andy’s team, Bromley, clinched promotion to League One on Saturday.

Woodman’s return to Premier League action, his first since four appearances for Newcastle in 2021, came under unforeseen circumstances.

His season with Preston had been prematurely ended by injury a year earlier, and he admitted to initial reservations about joining Liverpool, anticipating limited opportunities behind established keepers Alisson Becker and Giorgi Mamardashvili.

However, with Alisson still recovering from a hamstring issue and Mamardashvili stretchered off after conceding the equaliser, Woodman was thrust into the spotlight.

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Andy Woodman has led Bromley into League One
Andy Woodman has led Bromley into League One (Lee Keuneke/PA Wire)

“I was actually enjoying this Merseyside derby at the new (Hill Dickinson) stadium and then I was chucked into it at the deep end, so it was a good weekend for the family,” Woodman remarked, reflecting on his only previous Liverpool appearance in October’s Carabao Cup defeat to Crystal Palace.

He confessed to the surprise of the moment: “Did I ever think I was going to be playing for Liverpool in the Premier League? Probably not but, you know, when I’m called upon I just wanted to do my best.”

Woodman acknowledged the pressure, adding, “it’s a little nerve-racking but I think the nerves sort of fuel you, to want to do well and not to let people down. You come on and you think about the eight months that have gone past where you’ve worked every day really for this one moment.”

After a career that included numerous loan spells at clubs such as Crawley, Kilmarnock, Aberdeen, Swansea, and Bournemouth, Woodman had found a long-term home at Deepdale, making nearly 140 appearances.

Despite finishing last season injured with his contract expiring, he harboured doubts about signing for Liverpool.

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“It’s tough. I am new to this role. When the opportunity came along I was a bit unsure whether to do it and as a third choice I am still learning on the job,” he explained.

“I quickly realised my game time is going to be limited and I would probably be called upon for 10, 20 minutes, and when that time comes, I just wanted to be prepared.”

Woodman has embraced the often-overlooked importance of a third-choice goalkeeper.

“Being third choice is, from what I’ve seen, more important than what I thought coming in. You are trying to have a relationship with the lads, so like if Dom (Szoboszlai) wants to do extra free-kicks, I want to be there to help him.

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Woodman could face Crystal Palace if Mamardashvili does not recover from his injury
Woodman could face Crystal Palace if Mamardashvili does not recover from his injury (AP)

“If Mo (Mohamed Salah) wants to do extra shooting, I want to be there to help him. So it’s just trying to find a different role within the team and realising how important it is.”

Given the nature of his role, Woodman could find himself back on the bench for Saturday’s visit of Crystal Palace, the club he joined as a 14-year-old, should Mamardashvili recover from his gashed knee.

“It would be unreal, incredible, to get another game in the Premier League and for Liverpool. I grew up supporting Palace, I was a ball boy and played against them in the Carabao Cup,” he said.

Despite the personal opportunity, Woodman maintains a professional outlook: “I want Giorgi to be fine and then Ali, the best goalkeeper in the world, I want him to come back fit. I will just go about my stuff this week and prepare as if I am playing.”

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Andoni Iraola gives glowing verdict on Marco Rose as his Bournemouth successor

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Outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola believes the club is in “very good hands” following the confirmation that Marco Rose will succeed him as manager.

The Cherries announced last week in between impressive Premier League away victories at Arsenal and Newcastle that the Spaniard will leave at the end of the season, and confirmed on Monday that he would be replaced by former RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund manager Rose.

Iraola said: “I’ve said the club is in very good hands in the past week, and I think this is a great manager. You’ve already got that I did an interview some years ago where I praised him.

Marco Rose will join Bournemouth in the summer (Nick Potts/PA)
Marco Rose will join Bournemouth in the summer (Nick Potts/PA) (PA Archive)

“I’ve always liked his teams and I hope he continues and does amazingly. He’s a very good manager with a lot of European experience and it looks exciting.

“They should be happy because he’s someone who can definitely improve the team. I’m sure the players are happy they know what’s happening.”

Iraola will hope to hand on a club looking forward to a first taste of European competition – they currently lie in eighth place, level on points with Chelsea in sixth, and are unbeaten in 13 league outings.

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They face Leeds United on Wednesday evening in what will be his third-last home outing at the Vitality and is convinced his players will give him everything in his final five games in the quest to secure continental qualification.

Andoni Iraola will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season
Andoni Iraola will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season (PA)

“But I’m sure the players are happy that they know what to expect, what’s happening. I’ve always said I’m very thankful to this group of players. They are the ones who have allowed me to be now in this position and I’m sure they will give everything in these five games.

“I don’t know if we will win (or) if we will lose, but I have no doubts about their willingness, about their attitude. I’m looking forward to these five games and more motivated than ever, probably.”

Additional reporting from PA

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MLB Betting Picks Today: Two Expert Picks for Tuesday’s Slate

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Mar 15, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Luis Gil (81) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn ImagesMar 15, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Luis Gil (81) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

OK, we’re above .500, hopefully we’re rounding into midseason form! Now, let’s get that money into the green!

Season Record 10-9-1, -0.02 Units

Twins at Mets

The Mets offense will likely not remain this bad forever. But right now that can’t hit their way out of a paper bag. They’ve slashed a pathetic 204/.245/.288 over their 11 game losing streak, good for a league worst 52 wRC+ over that span. It doesn’t matter lately whether they’re facing Dodgers aces or mediocre A’s starters, they make them all look like peak Pedro Martinez. But fwiw they face their one-time prospect Simeon Woods-Richardson today as the Twins bumped him up a day to replace the injured Mick Abel. SWR seemed to have discovered something in the middle of 2025 as he pitched to a 3.00 ERA and 1.06 after June 15th. Well whatever he discovered, he seems to have lost it again as he sits at 0-3 with a 6.00 ERA and 1.60 WHIP through 4 starts with a hideously low 12% K%.

Getting good pitching has not been a particular problem for the Mets lately, certainly not when Nolan McLean takes the ball. 

Through four starts, he has a 2.28 ERA and 0.78 WHIP with a 31.8% K%. He’s yet to yield more than 2 ER or four hits in any start. It’s also going to be on the chilly side tonight, so I really just don’t see a scenario where there’s much offense. The Mets should finally end their two week winless drought…I mean it’s tough to get a more one-sided pitching matchup. But it’s probably on the back of McLean, so I’ll roll with the under.

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Yankees at Red Sox

Under 7.5 (-110 FanDuel)

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Yankees ML (-108 FanDuel)

Going to run counter the pitching matchup here as it’s kind of a mismatch that favors Boston at first glance. Connerly Early has a 2.29 ERA which sounds fantastic and is really helpful for a struggling team that hasn’t hit well and is getting scary bad results from ace Garrett Crochet. But that ERA is a little misleading as Early has a .4.25 SIERA and 5.24 xERA. He’s just walking too many as his 11.9% BB% will attest and yielding way too much dangerous contact with a 92 EV against. His K% is 23.8% which is above average, but not exceptional enough to consistently offset his other flaws.

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He’s facing Luis Gil, who has pitched every bit as bad as his 7.00 ERA indicates. His 4.9% K-BB% is likely not a very small sample size fluke as he had a 3.3% K-BB% in 57 IP last year. If he can somehow get through the order twice and the Yankees are in range, they’ll take it.

So why ride with the weak pitcher? Well it gives us a rare chance to back the Yankees at a good price and there is a big gap in offense here. The Yankees have a teamwide 110 wRC+ and have mashed 32 homers, vs. an 87 wRC+ and league worst 13 bombs for the Sox. It’s debatable Boston can fully take advantage of Gil, so give me NY.

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4 Takeaways from the Vikings’ Pre-Draft Presser

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Kevin O’Connell addresses media at the Vikings’ facility during the start of the offseason program.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell speaks with reporters, outlining early priorities and roster outlook as offseason work begins April 20, 2026, at the TCO Performance Center in Eagan, Minnesota, with players returning for the start of the 2026 program and coaches setting the tone for the months ahead. Mandatory Credit: YouTube

In two days, the Minnesota Vikings begin selecting for the 2026 draft class, the first such event without Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in charge in five years. And thanks to the team’s leaders, along with Justin Jefferson, the masses learned a little bit more about the Vikings on Monday.

The Vikings’ pre-draft press conference offered insight into QB plans, roster priorities, and the front office’s views on key veterans heading into the 2026 draft.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell, interim boss Rob Brzezinski, and Jefferson spoke to the media in Eagan and provided some insightful intel.

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McCarthy, Greenard, and Murray Took Center Stage Monday

The draft is in Pittsburgh, and the Vikings have nine picks to start.

Harrison Smith warming up at midfield before Vikings vs Buccaneers game. Vikings pre-draft presser.
Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) warms up near midfield before a matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at U.S. Bank Stadium, on Sep 10, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, going through pregame drills as Minnesota prepared to open its regular season at home in front of a packed crowd. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

1. Harrison Smith’s Return Remains a True Mystery

Smith completed his 14th NFL season in 2025; the Vikings even have a retirement party for him during Week 18. But since that moment, the communication on Smith’s retirement or return has hit radio silence.

Reporters asked O’Connell about Smith, and he comically replied, “Now that you remind me, I’ll probably bug him today.”

“We’re trying to give Harrison as much space as possible,” O’Connell added while insinuating that Smith is more than welcome back for Year No. 15.

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Meanwhile, Minnesota could draft Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman or Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren at Smith’s position. In fact, the betting favorite for the Vikings’ first draft picks is — you guessed it — a safety.

Smith’s retirement-or-return situation still has no clarity.

2. J.J. McCarthy’s Back Is against the Wall

In a weird twist, the McCarthy comments came from his top playmaker, Justin Jefferson.

Jefferson said about his young quarterback, “And then for J.J., for somebody to enter that room with that type of ability, that type of talent, he’s got to step it up a little bit.”

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“So it’s good for him to feel that type of pressure and to really lock in a little bit and say, ‘It’s either now or I’m going to take that back seat again.’ So it’s all a competitive mindset when it comes to these type of things. So it’s all about who’s ready for that moment and who’s ready to step up and take that initiative.”

“Taking that back seat again” caught some listeners off guard. Jefferson must’ve been referring to 2024 when McCarthy was sidelined by a torn meniscus and Sam Darnold took the reins of the offense.

Regardless, with Kyler Murray in the house, Jefferson point-blank told the public that McCarthy must show up to training camp this summer with his game face on. And while that’s common knowledge by now, Jefferson confirmed it.

3. Vikings Don’t Want to Trade Jonathan Greenard, but He Is Not Untouchable

Greenard trade rumor smoke has billowed since the start of March.

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O’Connell said Monday, “I had a conversation with him last week. We’re trying to keep our conversations and dialogue going. I have such a good relationship with Jonathan. He’s been so impactful on me personally, one of our leaders. He knows exactly how I feel about him, how we feel about him as an organization.”

“I’ll continue to have that dialogue and ongoing dialogue as we move forward. But it’s been good, and I think Jonathan’s really respected at least the point of view that our dialogue brings and the clarity, and he knows that I’m always a phone call away.”

Jonathan Greenard partying after a sack against Bears at Soldier Field. Vikings pre-draft presser
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) celebrates after recording a sack against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, on Nov 24, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois, reacting with visible energy during the second quarter as the Vikings defense generated consistent pressure in a key NFC North divisional matchup. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

More importantly, Brzezinski added on Greenard, “I mean, JG’s a great player. I expect JG to be here. There’s been speculation. There’s conversations that take place with respect to players all the time on rosters.”

“And for some reason, sometimes some things get public and other times they don’t. But he’s a really good player and a special person and a leader. And we’re really happy he’s a part of our team.”

This is a textbook answer for a player on the trade block. The Vikings must decide if they can afford Greenard’s extension price, which may be upward of $35 million per season, especially after his former teammate, Will Anderson, just grabbed $50 million annually in Houston last weekend.

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4. The Kyler Murray Excitement Is Palpable

Jefferson explained that the Vikings’ brass kept him abreast of the quarterback plan in March. He sounded pretty fired up about Murray.

“I’m definitely looking for those big, exciting plays from Murray. I’m definitely looking forward to his speed, his quickness, his arm strength that he’s shown countless times over the years,” Jefferson opined.

“It’s really good to get some good talent in the room to give a little spark in that room to see a competitive edge and from those guys to really lock in and to do what we’re expecting them to do, which is to come in and to be that guy. And we need that one guy for this team. So I’m definitely excited for that room, excited to see what those guys have in store for us in training camp.”

Kyler Murray chats with the media after signing with Vikings in 2026. Vikings pre-draft presser.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray speaks with reporters after signing with the franchise during 2026 NFL free agency, addressing the media in Eagan, on March 12, 2026, as the team introduced its new starting quarterback and outlined expectations for the upcoming season. Mandatory Credit: YouTube

Down the stretch last season, Vikings fans were not fixated on a postseason chase because the club had been eliminated by mid-December. Instead, everyone counted Jefferson’s receiving yards, hoping he’d maintain his 1,000-yard streak.

Perhaps this year, with Murray in charge, the Vikings can cross Jefferson’s yardage off the to-do list in November and embed themselves in an honest-to-goodness postseason hunt. That’s the goal.

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WWE star Danhausen talks debut, Danhausenettes

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Danhausen made his debut at Elimination Chamber in February when he appeared out of a mysterious box that was set up on the stage.

The pro wrestling star’s entrance came with a puzzled fan base and questions about who this guy was and how he was going to fit on a crowded roster filled with talented wrestlers all vying for championships and time on the major premium live events, “Monday Night Raw,” and “Friday Night SmackDown.”

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Danhausen performing in WWE at the United Center in Chicago

Danhausen made his WWE debut during the Elimination Chamber event at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on Feb. 28, 2026. (Craig Melvin/WWE)

Danhausen came out with his faced painted and several women, known at the time as the Danhausenettes. It was his first appearance since he left All Elite Wrestling, where he had the same gimmick – putting a “curse” and emerging as more of a comedy act than anything.

In the weeks leading up to WrestleMania, Danhausen caught on with the fans. He “cursed” The Miz, Kit Wilson, Dominik Mysterio, the New York Mets and Stephen A. Smith in between his debut and WrestleMania 42. In Las Vegas, his T-shirts were everywhere and dozens of fans painted their faces to match the “very nice, very evil” superstar.

“I’ve only been here for about two months, and look at the impact Danhausen’s made,” he told Fox News Digital before WrestleMania Night 1. “He’s got a merchandise stand at WrestleMania. He’s going to be at WrestleMania. And his face is on everything. Gotta get it on the side of the truck still. But what was your question? I was talking about how great I am.”

Danhausen performing in WWE at the United Center in Chicago

Danhausen made his WWE debut during the Elimination Chamber event at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on Feb. 28, 2026. (Craig Melvin/WWE)

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Danhausen also provided an update on the Danhausenettes, who haven’t been seen since they were dancing and performing on the stage at Elimination Chamber.

“Well, we gave them a vacation,” he said. “A great reception. We gave them their human monies to go off and do whatever they want for the time being. Perhaps we’ll see them again. Perhaps we won’t. I don’t know. It’ll be a surprise.”

Danhausen appeared at WrestleMania Night 2 – his first WrestleMania.

He came out to a huge reaction in a segment that involved John Cena, The Miz and Wilson. He was accompanied by pro wrestlers rom Micro Wrestling. They also got involved as Danhausen struck The Miz in the groin. The Micro Wrestling performers carried The Miz out of the ring.

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Danhausen and John Cena celebrating at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas

Danhausen and John Cena celebrate during WrestleMania 42: Night 2 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 19, 2026. (Andrew Timms/WWE)

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It was one of the funniest moments of the weekend. One thing is for sure, Danhausen is in WWE to stay.

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