MORE FROM Ryan Fagan

Junk wax and me: First experience behind card show table was exciting, but not fulfilling

From my earliest times attending baseball card shows, I wondered what it would be like to be the person on the other side of those tables. My itch has been scratched, and I kind of doubt I’ll do it again.

Ryan Fagan

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MLB All-Star voting 2021: How it works, updated vote totals for Midsummer Classic

Everything you need to know about voting for the 2021 MLB All-Star Game in Denver.

Ryan Fagan

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Thrilling Women's College World Series deserves better than Thursday afternoon winner-take-all start time

The best, most consistent source of sporting drama the past week has been Oklahoma City, home of the 2021 Women’s College World Series.

Ryan Fagan

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Sometimes, a moment in June feels like the key to playing in October

A huge plate appearance by St. Louis' leader opened the door to a much-needed win. Maybe it will get the Redbirds back to playing like one of the best teams in baseball.

Ryan Fagan

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What to know about MLB's 'crisis' with pitchers and foreign substances

Chances are, you’ve heard a lot about baseball’s sticky issue lately. Rumors of "crackdowns" and mentions of "foreign substances" and "cheating" have been common on social media. But what’s it really all about? Let’s take a look.

Ryan Fagan

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Yankees' Gerrit Cole fumbles over answer to sticky Spider Tack question

The Yankees ace put as much movement on his answer as he reportedly puts on the ball.

Ryan Fagan

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TSN Archives: 'La Russa goes loco' and other stories from the start of a Hall of Fame manager's career

With his 2,764th victory, La Russa moved into sole possession of second place on the list of all-time managerial wins. With the help of The Sporting News archives, let’s take a look back at the beginnings of what turned out to be a legendary career as a big league manager.

Ryan Fagan

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Will the Cubs be buyers or sellers?

Contending in 2021 was a bit of an afterthought for the Cubs this past offseason. But here we are, a few days into June, and the club sits alone in first place in the NL Central, one-and-a-half games ahead of the Cardinals and three up on the Brewers.

Ryan Fagan

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MLB 2021 award races: These stars are leading Cy Young, MVP and rookie races

Two months into the season should be way too early to start talking about MVP races or Cy Young conversations, but that’s never stopped baseball fans before. So let’s take a look.

Ryan Fagan

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How Lou Gehrig described his weakening condition, end of streak to TSN in 1939

Lou Gehrig played what would be his final big-league game on April 30, 1939, at 35 years old. A few days later, the Yankees legend known throughout his playing days as “Laruppin’ Lou” sat down with The Sporting News for an honest, in-depth look at the days and months leading up to the end of his historic streak of 2,130 consecutive games played.

Ryan Fagan

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'You have gotta be kidding me!' Cubs score on massive mental miscue by Pirates

Every once in a while, something happens on the baseball field that makes you stop and say, “Wait, what?”

Ryan Fagan

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Young lefty Ryan Weathers has been an overlooked success story for Padres in 2021

Don’t equate Weathers’ relative lack of attention with a relative lack of impact for San Diego.

Ryan Fagan

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Five Yankees who've fueled the team's surge

The Yankees were once alone in last place in the AL East, five games behind the Red Sox. Now, they’re only a half-game out of first place, a spot shared by the Red Sox and Rays.

Ryan Fagan

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Breaking down what's next for trading card sales at Target, Walmart and elsewhere

The same question is on pretty much every card collector’s mind: “OK, what now?”

Ryan Fagan

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La Russa's old-fashioned criticism is outdated

La Russa called Yermin Mercedes' 3-0 count home run a "learning experience." But it’s not the lesson La Russa thinks is being taught.

Ryan Fagan

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Who's to blame for Target's decision to halt trading card sales? Everyone.

Heading into the summer of 2021, the trading card hobby is stronger than it has been in decades. Where strength resides, though, conflict often follows. How did we get to this point? There is plenty of blame to go around.

Ryan Fagan

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Why Target's decision to suspend trading card sales isn't too shocking

What happens next? The trading card market cannot possibly continue to grow at the same rate it has this past year. Is a bubble bust coming?

Ryan Fagan

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Extra-innings home runs are disappearing. Is MLB's Magic Runner rule the reason?

In 2019, there were 129 home runs hit after the ninth inning in 208 extra-inning games. Since 2020, there have been only 35 homers hit after the ninth in 123 extra-inning games.

Ryan Fagan

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Slugger Luke Voit returns as surging Yankees erase memories of slow 2021 start

The 2021 season hasn’t exactly played out how the Yankees expected, but they seem to have weathered the early storms. And now, help — in the person of Luke Voit — is on the way.

Ryan Fagan

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‘It’s just a mindset’: Why 39-year-old Adam Wainwright is MLB’s complete-game king

In an era of new-school approaches to pitching, the Cardinals' righty has become a king of an overlooked — but still very valuable — aspect of the game.

Ryan Fagan

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Pujols' best fit after release probably isn't with Cardinals or White Sox

At 41, Albert Pujols is not the player he once was. But these five teams (mostly in the AL) could be a potential landing spot after the future Hall of Famer was designated for assignment by the Angels.

Ryan Fagan

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Albert Pujols released by Angels: What's next for the future Hall of Fame slugger?

Is a St. Louis reunion in the cards for Albert Pujols? Or maybe old manager Tony La Russa brings him to Chicago to play for the White Sox.

Ryan Fagan

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Jacob deGrom's scratched start is reminder to savor each masterful performance

Watching deGrom in person right now is watching greatness, an artist at the peak of his craft.

Ryan Fagan

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Why is the NL East so blah? A team-by-team look at division struggles

Here we are, in early May and the entire division is in a collective funk.

Ryan Fagan

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Mike Trout's career-best start has us wondering what's possible in 2021

Could Trout top 50 homers for the first time? Set a career high for doubles? Crack the 11-bWAR club? Those things are all possible in his Age 29 season.

Ryan Fagan

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Umpire Marty Foster makes awful interference call during Marlins-Brewers game

The most mind-boggling call of the 2021 season happened Wednesday afternoon in the second inning of the Marlins-Brewers game in Milwaukee, and umpire Marty Foster has some explaining to do.

Ryan Fagan

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Ties in baseball would be better than MLB's extra-inning silliness

We’re really going to determine full Wins and full Losses by the result of a five-pitch home run derby? Seriously?

Ryan Fagan

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Sorry, MadBum: A 21-out no-hit effort isn't the same as a 27-out no-hitter

Historical context is important. Madison Bumgarner's no-hit game isn’t the first time a pitcher finished a game without allowing a hit and didn't get credit for an “official” no-hitter.

Ryan Fagan

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Contenders or pretenders? Are these five hot-starting MLB teams for real?

The best part of the first month of any baseball season is the surprises, whether it’s the feel-good comebacks or the out-of-nowhere stars.

Ryan Fagan

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Panic or Patience?: What to think of five MLB players and teams with concerning slow starts

We’re back to the long-haul MLB season, so what should we make of unexpected slow starts in 2021?

Ryan Fagan

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Topps NFT baseball cards, explained: What to know as trading card company enters crypto craze

We have come a long way from sorting baseball cards by team and wrapping them together with rubber bands, folks. So what does all this NFT stuff mean and how can you collect the Topps products? Here's what you need to know.

Ryan Fagan

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Don't ditch MLB replay, just fix it — with these simple solutions

It's a flawed system, but some of the fixes are pretty obvious.

Ryan Fagan

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Adam Wainwright says Nolan Arenado texted videos while with Rockies about potential trade to Cardinals

Trade rumors connecting Nolan Arenado and the Cardinals have bounced around for years, long before the Cardinals and Rockies finally agreed upon a deal that was finalized Feb. 1.

Ryan Fagan

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Arenado HR in St. Louis debut caps day where normalcy felt even closer

Thousands of Cardinals fans and one writer were at Busch Stadium for the first time in a long time as the team opened its 2021 home schedule. A post-COVID world felt that much closer.

Ryan Fagan

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Baseball movie bliss: Happy birthday to 'Major League,' 'The Sandlot' and 'The Bad News Bears'

We thought we’d celebrate that trio by looking at the three best quotes from each movie.

Ryan Fagan

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For Jacob deGrom, new Mets bullpen same as old Mets bullpen in loss to Phillies

This are not the same old Mets, but this is very familiar problem for the team from Queens, a problem that’s plagued the king of the Mets’ rotation for far too long.

Ryan Fagan

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Breaking down the 96-second stretch that ended Gonzaga's title hopes

The Bulldogs were starting what would have been an epic second-half comeback in the national championship game. Until they weren't. The relentless Bears put an end to it in a hurry.

Ryan Fagan

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Akil Baddoo joins Keith McDonald (who?), Jason Heyward and Will Clark on list of unforgettable first-AB homers

Detroit Tigers rookie Akil Baddoo popped an opposite field home run in the third inning against Cleveland on Sunday, joining pretty select company. He’s the 126th player in MLB history to hit a home run in his first at-bat. It’s a very cool accomplishment.

Ryan Fagan

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Ohtani hits triple digits with arm, bat in same inning

Fans were treated to the full Shohei Ohtani on "Sunday Night Baseball" as he showed power on the mound and at the plate.

Ryan Fagan

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Moving All-Star Game, draft out of Georgia is rather surprising move by MLB

Major League Baseball announced Friday afternoon that it’s pulling the 2021 All-Star Game and MLB Draft out of Atlanta in response to recent voting legislation passed by the Georgia legislature and signed by Gov. Brian Kemp.

Ryan Fagan

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Cody Bellinger sees 'exciting … fun season' as Dodgers, Padres battle for NL West crown

If the Dodgers are going to make it two titles in a row in 2021, their toughest competition is the team two hours south, down Interstate 5 along the California coast.

Ryan Fagan

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Pablo Sandoval — yep, he's still in the league — hits game-tying homer vs. Phillies ace Nola

Admit it. You didn’t even know Pablo Sandoval was on a big league roster this year.

Ryan Fagan

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Ranking the 21 best Opening Day performances in the past 100 years

Let’s look at the 21 most impressive individual performances over the past 100 years of baseball’s Opening Day.

Ryan Fagan

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Panini baseball cards 2021: Set release dates, autograph, relics, Target and Walmart options

Here’s a look at what Panini currently has out, and the release dates and information on future products.

Ryan Fagan

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Five reasons we're very excited for Opening Day 2021

It’s baseball week! Opening Day will be here in a matter of days and hours, not months and weeks. It’s wonderfully wonderful, isn’t it? Here are five things I’m most excited about for Opening Day.

Ryan Fagan

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Mets pitcher Taijuan Walker blazing NFT trail for MLB players

Taijuan Walker, the Mets right-handed starter who just might be the most underrated free-agent signing of the offseason, is the first MLB player to create and release his own NFT.

Ryan Fagan

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How many 12 seeds have won in March Madness? History of 12 vs. 5 upsets, statistics for NCAA Tournament

Here's a complete breakdown of the history of 12 vs. 5 upsets in the NCAA Tournament, including the most memorable underdog runs and important numbers to know while filling out your March Madness bracket.

Ryan Fagan

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How many 15 seeds have won in March Madness? History of 15-vs.-2 upsets, statistics for NCAA Tournament

Here's a complete breakdown of the history of 15-vs.-2 upsets in the NCAA Tournament, including the most memorable underdog runs and important numbers to know while filling out your March Madness bracket.

Ryan Fagan

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March Madness predictions 2021: Ryan Fagan's expert NCAA Tournament bracket picks

Sporting News' Ryan Fagan makes his predictions for the 2021 NCAA Tournament.

Ryan Fagan

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March Madness upset predictions 2021: Which 12 seed is most likely to win in first round?

Sporting News breaks down the 5-12 line to see if there is a potential upset in the first round of the Big Dance?

Ryan Fagan

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Meet these five potential Cinderella stars for 2021

The NCAA Tournament is a time when the rest of the country gets to meet outstanding players who have been playing at a superstar level outside of the spotlight. Here are the most likely small-school stars to join the list of famous Cinderellas in 2021.

Ryan Fagan

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March Madness: Ranking the 13 best quotes from 'Hoosiers,' the classic Indiana basketball movie

The entire 2021 NCAA Tournament is being played in the state of Indiana, a state where basketball is a way of life. And so it’s only natural to think about the movie “Hoosiers,” right?

Ryan Fagan

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Who is the only 16-seed to win in NCAA Tournament? Remembering UMBC's unprecedented upset of Virginia

There has been only one 16-seed in the 81 years since the NCAA Tournament began to beat a 1-seed. UMBC, over Virginia.

Ryan Fagan

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How many 14 seeds have won in March Madness? History of 14 vs. 3 upsets, statistics for NCAA Tournament

Here's a complete breakdown of the history of 14 vs. 3 upsets in the NCAA Tournament, including the most memorable underdog runs and important numbers to know while filling out your March Madness bracket.

Ryan Fagan

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How many 13 seeds have won in March Madness? History of 13 vs. 4 upsets, statistics for NCAA Tournament

Here's a complete breakdown of the history of 13 vs. 4 upsets in the NCAA Tournament, including the most memorable underdog runs and important numbers to know while filling out your March Madness bracket.

Ryan Fagan

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Will there be fans at MLB games in 2021? Team-by-team attendance rules to start the season

Opening Day will be here soon. How many fans will be in the stands? That’s a complicated question, and we have the answers right here.

Ryan Fagan

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Cutch 'getting really excited' about Phillies' new 'pen, team's potential

Why is McCutchen excited about a few shutout innings in spring games? If you’re a Phillies fan, you already know the answer to that question.

Ryan Fagan

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Projecting the Field of 68 for 2021 NCAA Tournament

Selection Sunday is, well, Sunday. How cool is that?

Ryan Fagan

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Five MLB players we're excited to see break out in 2021

These guys could put it all together in 2021, which would be quite exciting.

Ryan Fagan

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Projecting the Field of 68 for 2021 NCAA Tournament

It’s March. That’s as much of an intro to this week’s Field of 68 NCAA Tournament projections as you need, right? Cool. Let’s go.

Ryan Fagan

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Seven things we're excited to watch during 2021 spring training games

Spring training is well underway, and the first games will start in just a few days. Here are seven things we are very much looking forward to watching as the sport ramps up for the start of the 2021 season.

Ryan Fagan

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March Madness bracket predictions 1.0

Sporting News breaks out its first NCAA Tournament bracket predictions for the field of 68. Who's projected to make March Madness in 2021?

Ryan Fagan

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Tatis' contract groundbreaking but probably not trendsetting

Make no mistake: This Tatis contract is groundbreaking. But is it trendsetting? Probably not.

Ryan Fagan

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Minor leaguers' salary bump welcomed, but MLB still must do better

Minor league baseball players will receive a long-awaited pay bump, starting with the 2021 regular season.

Ryan Fagan

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Five interesting rules from MLB's 2021 health and safety protocols

MLB released its COVID-19-influenced health and safety protocols for the 2021 season on Tuesday.

Ryan Fagan

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With seventh Super Bowl title, Tom Brady's resume rises to level of elite Yankees superstars

It's not an equal comparison, of course, but it's a fun discussion. Brady has seven Super Bowl titles, and he’s the only NFL player with more than five, but 12 baseball players have at least seven World Series titles and 55 have at least five rings.

Ryan Fagan

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Dodgers’ signing of Trevor Bauer sends clear message to Padres, rest of MLB

There’s a long way to go, but the Dodgers' chance of repeating as World Series champion looks pretty good right about now.

Ryan Fagan

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Is Cardinals' corner-infield combo of Nolan Arenado, Paul Goldschmidt the best in baseball?

The Cardinals, as you may have heard, made a significant addition this week.

Ryan Fagan

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Mickey Callaway allegations show that baseball is still willing to protect predatory creeps

Callaway's behavior was "the worst-kept secret" in the industry because those in the industry determined that it was acceptable for it to remain a secret. That’s inexcusable.

Ryan Fagan

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Dustin Pedroia's Hall of Fame resume is probably better than you think

Dustin Pedroia will only be 41 years old when he makes his debut on the Hall of Fame ballot for the class of 2025.

Ryan Fagan

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'A bit more hesitant' has been NL Central's unofficial slogan this offseason

Is anyone actually trying to win the Central? The answer, at least to this point, is clearly no.

Ryan Fagan

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Sporting News supports proposal to remove J.G. Taylor Spink name from BBWAA award

Under Spink, The Sporting News was known around the world as “The Bible of Baseball,” a title no one challenged. In reality, though, Spink’s Sporting News was “The Bible of White Baseball” for far too long.

Ryan Fagan

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Hall of Fame class of 2022: Will A-Rod and Ortiz's ballot debut affect votes for Bonds, Clemens?

Let’s start with what we know about the ballot for the Hall of Fame class of 2022: One way or another, it’s the last hurrah for Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and Sammy Sosa.

Ryan Fagan

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'Sensation': Hank Aaron's baseball beginnings, from the pages of The Sporting News

Let's take a look at the start of Aaron’s remarkable baseball career.

Ryan Fagan

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Five Tommy Lasorda stories from his playing days that you probably haven't heard

The longtime Dodgers manager spent his career filling up pages of The Sporting News. Here are just five of countless highlights.

Ryan Fagan

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Francisco Lindor trade grades: Mets land superstar face of franchise; Cleveland cries poor

Cleveland traded franchise icon Francisco Lindor on Thursday, and absolutely zero people in baseball were surprised.

Ryan Fagan

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Baseball Hall of Fame 2021: SN's Ryan Fagan explains his ballot

Here are the nine player who got my vote this year, in alphabetical order by last name: Bobby Abreu, Barry Bonds, Mark Buehrle, Roger Clemens, Tim Hudson, Manny Ramirez, Scott Rolen, Curt Schilling and Gary Sheffield.

Ryan Fagan

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Padres' aggressiveness shines in offseason of complacency for other MLB clubs

A Padres rotation that includes Blake Snell, Dinelson Lamet, Chris Paddock and Zack Davies and possibly Yu Darvish will put other MLB contenders on notice.

Ryan Fagan

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25 athletes and sports personalities on Cameo who could come in clutch as a last-minute holiday gift

Everyone listed here either has an average response time of one day or less, or is part of the “1-day delivery” promise on the site.

Ryan Fagan

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Pandemic inspired creativity, charity, reflection among card collectors

Not everyone who got into card collecting this year was fueled by nostalgia or money.

Ryan Fagan

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These stars' stats will get a major boost from change in Negro Leagues' status

MLB announced Wednesday that seven distinct Negro Leagues will be given official "major league" status, a long-overdue correction related to the leagues that produced some of baseball’s greatest Hall of Famers.

Ryan Fagan

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How did the Cleveland Indians get their name?

From the Jan. 21, 1915, issue of The Sporting News: "The choice is but temporary, however, but will be made permanent if no better cognomen is thought of before the season is over, it being the wish that the team would go out and make a name for itself."

Ryan Fagan

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Minor league baseball restructuring: Full list of 119 affiliate invites sent out by MLB teams

MLB’s desire to reshape, restructure and rearrange the minor leagues hasn’t been much of a secret for a long time.

Ryan Fagan

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The 15 MLB batting stances we’ve imitated most in the backyard since 1975

Even now, as we’ve grown into adults and forgotten some of the simple joys of youth, there’s an overwhelming sense of nostalgia in picking up a baseball bat.

Ryan Fagan

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Five things we want to see happen during MLB's Virtual Winter Meetings

It’s hard to know what to expect from MLB's Virtual Winter Meetings. But it's fun to hope and speculate.

Ryan Fagan

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The seven most intriguing MLB free agents from record crop of non-tendered players

These players will find new teams, though some (many?) will have to wait a long time to find that opportunity.

Ryan Fagan

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The Bill Walton Experience: Listening to ESPN's resident hippie call college hoops as only he can

The Bill Walton listening experience is unique, no doubt about that.

Ryan Fagan

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COVID-related cancellations, adjustments wreaking havoc on start of college basketball season

The college basketball season starts on Wednesday. That much we know for sure. But, folks, questions abound.

Ryan Fagan

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Sporting News' 2020-21 college basketball preseason All-Americans

Here are the first, second and third-team preseason All-Americans, as chosen by Hall of Fame basketball writer Mike DeCourcy.

Ryan Fagan

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How the Mets could spend the $20M they'll save from Cano's PED ban

The Mets will have a new second baseman for the 2021 season, but they also just got even more money to play with.

Ryan Fagan

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NBA Draft delays forced Panini to adjust on the fly to make 2020-21 basketball cards

It’s hard to produce a set of basketball cards for the 2020-21 season with a release date of sometime in October when the NBA Draft isn’t even being held until November.

Ryan Fagan

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What to know about 2020 Baseball Hall of Fame vote

Here’s everything you need to know, from the players on the ballot to how they’re voted on to when the results are announced.

Ryan Fagan

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Who is Kim Ng? Marlins' new GM becomes first woman in MLB history to hold the role

In a sport where retreads are so often the default answer, it is incredibly refreshing to see teams look for new people to fill leadership roles within their franchises.

Ryan Fagan

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Freddie Freeman is the NL MVP, so can we please stop calling him underrated?

Over the past eight years, Freeman has received MVP votes every time he’s played at least 75 percent of his team’s games. That’s a decent amount of love.

Ryan Fagan

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MLB free agent tracker 2020: Full list of signings for the 75 best available players

With the lost revenues in 2020 and the plethora of questions about the 2021 season, this offseason has more uncertainty than any offseason since baseball was on strike in the winter of 1994-95.

Ryan Fagan

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'Baffling on all measures': What if Marcus Stroman isn't only free agent crossing White Sox, La Russa off his list?

There were lots of opinions bandied about on social media after news broke of Tony La Russa's DUI arrest, including one that mattered more than most — free-agent starter Marcus Stroman.

Ryan Fagan

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Red Sox quietly rehire Alex Cora amid election chaos, prove again that MLB doesn't care about Astros scandal

Announcing the hire within a half-hour of the biggest election news of the past few years sure makes it seem like the Red Sox were trying to avoid criticism that might have normally come their way.

Ryan Fagan

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Francisco Lindor trade rumors: Four teams that could trade for shortstop, three that won't

Ask anyone in baseball to compile a list of the players they’d want to build a franchise around, the players who are stars on and off the field, and Francisco Lindor is sure to make pretty much every short list.

Ryan Fagan

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MLB Hot Stove: Seven teams with reasons to be aggressive in potentially slow offseason

This, baseball fans, is going to be the strangest offseason in decades.

Ryan Fagan

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With Tony La Russa hired, here's what the White Sox need to do this offseason

Now that Chicago owner Jerry Reinsdorf has his manager, what’s next?

Ryan Fagan

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White Sox hire Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa, following owner's orders

Two questions are fair to ask. The first: Wait, what? Also: Why?

Ryan Fagan

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MLB free agency 2020-21: Ranking the top 10 free agents for next season

The 2020 offseason, like the 2020 regular season, is full of uncertainties. And one of the biggest questions is how teams and players will approach the free-agent market.

Ryan Fagan

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MLB hammers Justin Turner in statement, but it deserves blame for this debacle, too

The statement released by Major League Baseball on Wednesday afternoon — noticeably unsigned by anyone, it should be noted — was stunning, for a couple of reasons.

Ryan Fagan

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Cash pulling Snell from Game 6 is bad look for baseball

Baseball is eternally trying to develop stars, to develop personalities that will attract a larger, younger audience. But depriving fans of watching what could've been a truly special performance is not a good approach to the game.

Ryan Fagan

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Five early storylines as MLB's offseason of uncertainty arrives

The MLB free-agent and trade markets should fascinating to follow over the next few months.

Ryan Fagan

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Ranking the four most bizarre moments in crazy final day of MLB season

Baseball was this close to ending this strange campaign without the postseason being hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Then a key player tested positive during the clinching game.

Ryan Fagan

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Dodgers at crossroads of dynasty and disappointment heading into Game 6

How history ultimately judges these Dodgers won’t be known for a while.

Ryan Fagan

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Keep Game 5 start more about '20 World Series than Kershaw legacy

The Dodgers left-hander has another opportunity to change the narrative about his pitching in October. More importantly, he can help LA regain control of this year's Fall Classic.

Ryan Fagan

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With Film Room, MLB finally embraces benefits of letting fans share highlights: 'Our philosophy has evolved'

It’s no secret that MLB used to take a rather heavy-handed approach to controlling the sharing/distribution of its highlights. Not anymore.

Ryan Fagan

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With Rays, Dodgers tied at 1-1, history shows Game 3 winner has huge advantage

The 2020 World Series is tied, with the Dodgers and Rays each owning a single, very important victory. It’s the 17th time in the past 40 years that the World Series has been tied 1-1, so we thought we’d take a look at how those other series played out.

Ryan Fagan

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Dodgers could sweep World Series if Rays don't fix these two things

Clayton Kershaw has never had a swing-and-miss rate higher than he did in Game 1 of the World Series against Tampa Bay.

Ryan Fagan

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Dodgers vs. Rays: Four factors that could determine who wins the 2020 World Series

The Rays, both No. 1 seeds, quickly took care of business in the Wild Card Series, then used their superior depth and strength to outlast spirited challenges to reach the World Series.

Ryan Fagan

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The oral history of the most epic World Series swing-and-miss ever

Perhaps the most incredible, jaw-dropping moment of 1990 World Series was one that does not show up in the box score.

Ryan Fagan

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World Series predictions

Nobody really has any idea what’s going to happen between the Rays and Dodgers, but here are a few things to keep in mind as the Fall Classic gets underway.

Ryan Fagan

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If Dodgers fall short of World Series, it's probably time to move on from Dave Roberts

For a franchise that hasn’t won a World Series since 1988, bringing a title home to Los Angeles is the only goal.

Ryan Fagan

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Braves bounce-back brewing? How other teams with lopsided playoff losses responded

There have been an even 20 postseason games in MLB history decided by a dozen runs or more. Let’s take a deeper look.

Ryan Fagan

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How the trading card industry has boomed during the pandemic

There's only so much Netflix a sports fan can watch to fill time. Enter a rejuvenated trading card market.

Ryan Fagan

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How the Braves can beat the Dodgers in the NLCS

The Dodgers are the heavy favorite, but this is October and anything can happen. Braves fans and Dodgers fans both know this well.

Ryan Fagan

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Padres fell short in 2020, but franchise playoff window is propped wide open

San Diego will be back — and better.

Ryan Fagan

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Braves have ridden aces to brink of NLCS; can others finish the task?

We're four games deep into the NL postseason, and the Braves are 4-0 with three shutout victories. Were those fears about Atlanta's rotation unfounded?

Ryan Fagan

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Found family: Mike Henneman, former MLB closer, connects with seven long-lost siblings after DNA tests

Former MLB pitcher Mike Henneman has quite an amazing family story.

Ryan Fagan

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MLB's expanded playoffs, explained: Everything to know about the 2020 bracket, format & more

Like everything else in this bizarre calendar year, the MLB playoffs will be different in 2020. Here's what to know about the expanded 16-team postseason bracket and how it will work.

Ryan Fagan

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How MLB can improve on excitement of playoff schedule

Wednesday was the kind of day a baseball fan could get used to, the type of excitement MLB should strive to replicate every year — just not this exact format.

Ryan Fagan

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MLB playoff bubbles, explained: A complete guide to the rules, locations, schedule & more for 2020 postseason

Here's everything you need to know about MLB's bubble cities, including the rules, locations, COVID-19 testing protocol and the full 2020 playoff game schedule.

Ryan Fagan

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MLB playoff scenarios 2020: Updated standings & more to know for regular season's final day

Things could get crazy as the shortened MLB season comes to a close.

Ryan Fagan

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MLB standings 2020: Updated playoff bracket, magic numbers as of Sept. 26

The first three MLB playoff seeds (1-3) in each league will go to division winners, ordered by record. The second trio of seeds (4-6) goes to the second-place finishers in each division, ordered by record. The final two seeds (7-8) go to the two wild-card teams.

Ryan Fagan

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MLB awards picks, predictions for 2020 MVP, Cy Young and Rookie of the Year

During a normal baseball season, any 60-game stretch would be considered a relatively small sample size when it comes to voting for postseason awards. But 2020 is not a normal season.

Ryan Fagan

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Almost impossible: MLB has only had three players named Aurelio, and they all died the same way

Baseball often produces amazing moments and improbable occurrences. And sometimes it produces things that are nearly impossible to believe.

Ryan Fagan

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If MLB permanently adopts the 16-team playoff field, here's how it should look

Let’s endeavor to make a 16-team MLB playoff scenario as strong as possible.

Ryan Fagan

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Mets, Angels vying for title of 2020's Most Disappointing Baseball Team

Sixteen of baseball’s 30 teams will make the postseason this year. That’s good for the 16, but a special type of disappointing for the 14 clubs that fall short of the cutoff, especially the clubs that hoped/expected to contend for October berths.

Ryan Fagan

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'My mother forgot my birthday once': Baseball cards reveal personal bonds with players

When you have a life event in common with a baseball player, it makes for an instant connection — and some interesting stories.

Ryan Fagan

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Red Sox 'reset' tweet showcases fundamental flaw in baseball's priorities

When a franchise with the resources and history of Boston is content not to compete, baseball has a problem.

Ryan Fagan

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With trade deadline passed, Astros face big decisions with stars approaching free agency

They’ve had a lot of success over the past three years, but there are a lot of questions looming — and how those questions are answered will determine what the club looks like over the next few years.

Ryan Fagan

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MLB trade deadline winners, losers: Padres, Blue Jays upgrade as Braves, Yankees sit still

The 2020 MLB trade deadline day was surprisingly chock full of news, notes, rumors and deals. And, for at least a little while, things felt normal.

Ryan Fagan

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Revamped Padres should only worry about Dodgers in October, not regular season

Despite what rumblings on social media might try to tell you, this flurry of activity in San Diego isn’t about the Dodgers.

Ryan Fagan

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7 players most likely to be traded

Once upon a time, the 2020 trade deadline had the potential to be a lot of fun. That is no longer the case.

Ryan Fagan

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What to know about the MLB trade deadline in 2020

Here is a complete guide to the 2020 MLB trade deadline, including the new date, time and rules to know.

Ryan Fagan

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Comment: Listen to players for once instead of raging at them

Athletes are people, not just performers. They sure won't be shouted down by people who live to make pointless, self-serving arguments online.

Ryan Fagan

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Fernando Tatis Jr.'s five most thrilling moments of his joyous 2020 season

Fun fact: You can't spell "statistics" without "Tatis."

Ryan Fagan

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There's a simple solution to the unwritten rules controversy

There is a very simple solution to this stupid unwritten rules controversy involving Chris Woodward and Fernando Tatis Jr.

Ryan Fagan

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Zach Plesac and Mike Clevinger deserve every bit of their teammates' anger

Turns out, the big, bad, mean media folks in Cleveland and around the country were not the only ones upset by the reckless actions of Zach Plesac and Mike Clevinger.

Ryan Fagan

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Surprises, disappointments and standouts after one-third of the bizarro 2020 MLB season

Let’s take a look at where we stand, one third of the way through a very bizarre season.

Ryan Fagan

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Hi, Orioles fans! It's OK to believe your team has a shot at the 2020 playoffs

Can Baltimore stick around the .500 mark for the next seven weeks? It’s 2020, and anything is possible.

Ryan Fagan

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What should MLB do with the Cardinals amid COVID-19 outbreak? Here are some options.

The perfect answer for what to do with the St. Louis Cardinals does not exist.

Ryan Fagan

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Who are these makeshift Marlins and how are they leading the NL East?

Even though the Marlins lost 105 games last year and were picked to finish last in the NL East by pretty much everyone, there were reasons for optimism this year.

Ryan Fagan

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Cardinals' COVID-19 outbreak is a needed wake-up call

Despite what you may have read on social media, the MLB season is not on the verge of collapse. It’s really, really not.

Ryan Fagan

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Three new slow-pitch softball-esque rules MLB should adopt for bizarro 2020 season

Why not really go all-in with the new and unusual?

Ryan Fagan

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MLB has opportunity to show Americans how to navigate through a COVID world

What matters now is not how MLB got to this point, no matter how foolish the decisions seem. What matters is how MLB handles this predicament going forward.

Ryan Fagan

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The A's will stop paying minor league players; will they become free agents? Nope.

The A's essentially have said to their minor-leaguers, "We’re not going to pay you, but you can’t seek employment elsewhere."

Ryan Fagan

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Mike Trout autographed rookie card sells for nearly $1 million at auction

We’re used to seeing staggering numbers from Mike Trout, but this one is insane.

Ryan Fagan

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Ranking Bo Jackson's 11 best baseball cards

To the kids who grew up collecting baseball cards in my era, Bo Jackson was special. So were his cards.

Ryan Fagan

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Minnie Lee’s scorebooks: A two-decade love letter to Reds baseball

Nearly every summer night, this baseball-loving grandma settled into her recliner and listened to Cincinnati broadcasting legends Marty Brennaman and Joe Nuxhall call Reds games on her radio. But nobody really knew the extent of what she was doing.

Ryan Fagan

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A guide to MLB's 82-game season: What to know about the schedule, rosters & expanded playoff field for 2020

It’s a long journey from proposal to playing, largely because so many things that have to happen are out of MLB’s hands.

Ryan Fagan

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MLB quarantine questionnaire, Part 2: Players, broadcasters, journalists on life without baseball

A thousand thanks go out to all of those who humored me by answering these questions. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading their responses, and I hope you do, too.

Ryan Fagan

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Baseball owners, MLBPA cannot stupidly allow money squabbles to halt momentum toward 2020 restart

A dead end between sides could hold massive consequences for the sport.

Ryan Fagan

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'The Last Dance' shines spotlight on Scott Burrell, whose athletic career is much better than you might remember

"The Last Dance" shows only a snippet of Scott Burrell’s fascinating athletic career.

Ryan Fagan

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Michael Jordan's best — and worst — baseball moments

Looking at the best moments of Jordan’s time on a baseball field — with a couple of not-so-great moments, too.

Ryan Fagan

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MLB coronavirus schedule updates: What to know about rumored plans, start dates for 2020 season

We’re going to recap some of the previous MLB schedule reports and keep track of new ones — and, hopefully, eventually concrete details — as they happen.

Ryan Fagan

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Quarantine Questionnaire: MLB Network's Kevin Millar on karaoke, 'Tiger King' and missing baseball

Sporting News reached out to folks all across the baseball spectrum — players, writers, broadcasters, MLB front-office types — to see how they’re dealing with our current national quarantine situation. Here is Kevin Millar’s contribution.

Ryan Fagan

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Baseball and coronavirus: How MLB folks are handing their quarantine

I knew I wasn’t alone in missing baseball, so I reached out to people all across the sport with 10 quarantine-related questions and asked for their thoughts.

Ryan Fagan

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Live baseball reportedly returning to ESPN with KBO deal

ESPN will air one game per day, starting with a 1 a.m. ET first pitch on Opening Day. Not ideal timing, but late-night live baseball is better than no live baseball at all.

Ryan Fagan

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Remembering the Mars Blackmon-Air Jordan baseball commercial with Musial, Mays, Griffey and Buckner

When talking about Michael Jordan’s impact on American pop culture, the Mars Blackmon commercials take up a large part of that conversation.

Ryan Fagan

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Ohio State's Tattoo Gate, Alabama's T-Town and other scandals that would be legal under new NIL rules

The new name, image and likeness rules for college athletes are a frustrating change for certain fan bases that have seen their favorite programs dragged through the NCAA mud for violations that were ridiculous when they happened and would be fully legal in a couple of years.

Ryan Fagan

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Michael Jordan's legacy wasn't complete at Age 28, and neither is Mike Trout's

Just because Trout doesn’t yet have a big October pedigree doesn’t mean he won’t when ESPN finally airs its 10-part documentary on him in 2049.

Ryan Fagan

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Red Sox sign-stealing scandal: Fans might not be happy, but MLB got what it wanted

Even though the results won’t sit well with everyone, the powers that be are certainly satisfied with how the investigation played out.

Ryan Fagan

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Starving for baseball? Here's what you need to know about the KBO, which starts May 5

The Korean Baseball Organization, the KBO, started its preseason on Monday, with no fans in the stands, and the regular season is set to start in a couple of weeks.

Ryan Fagan

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Ranking Michael Jordan's five best baseball cards

When Michael Jordan took a break from basketball, he added a wonderful spark into the baseball-card world.

Ryan Fagan

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Ranking the 13 best sets of the Junk Wax Era of baseball cards

The late '80s and early '90s produced a ton of now-worthless baseball cards, but some sets remain priceless for nostalgia reasons.

Ryan Fagan

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Ranking the 11 worst sets of the Junk Wax Era of baseball cards

These cards were my childhood, and I still cherish them. So what you’re about to read comes from that place of love. Please remember that. I’m not really angry, just disappointed.

Ryan Fagan

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Tiger Woods' timeline at The Masters: From 1997 breakthrough win to 2019 comeback

Few golfers have pulled off more magical rounds at The Masters than Tiger Woods.

Ryan Fagan

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'MLB The Show 20' Players League: How to watch MLB players compete

One player from each team will compete in a tournament to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs in MLB cities.

Ryan Fagan

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Yankees slugger Luke Voit on his new book, 'Luke's Baseball Story'

The idea for the book originated with a trip to a Bronx elementary school last year.

Ryan Fagan

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Missing March Madness: Dayton voted champions of 2020 NCAA Tournament poll

You voted, we tallied, and we now have a champion of Sporting News' "Missing March Madness" poll: the Dayton Flyers.

Ryan Fagan

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Three ideas better than MLB playing the 2020 season in Arizona

Like the NBA’s H-O-R-S-E competition, MLB can make these ideas a reality quickly.

Ryan Fagan

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Missing March Madness 2020: Final Four voting results of NCAA Tournament bracket

Which two teams are playing for Sporting News' mythical "Missing March Madness" title? Read on and find out.

Ryan Fagan

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April 3, 1996: When Brian Mazurek nearly hit for the cycle in one inning of a 71-1 rout

The extremely lopsided affair between St. Francis of Illinois and the upstart Robert Morris still holds a special place in NCAA baseball history.

Ryan Fagan

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With MLB season paused, strength and conditioning coaches forced to modify workout programs

The coronavirus-mandated shutdown of the baseball season has thrown a wrench into teams' fitness plans.

Ryan Fagan

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MLB cancels Cubs-Cardinals series in London because of coronavirus pandemic

The move follows the cancellation of MLB games that had been scheduled in Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Ryan Fagan

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Toronto's ban on public events through June 30 casts doubt on NBA, NHL, MLB seasons

There may not be any games played in front of fans in Toronto until at least July. That's a sobering thought.

Ryan Fagan

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Who is the worst person on the Netflix series 'Tiger King?'

If ever there was a show that capitalized on America’s love of stupidity, obsession with absurdity, infatuation with celebrity and the bizarre ability to overlook blatant selfish cruelty, it's the Netflix series "Tiger King."

Ryan Fagan

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Missing March Madness 2020: Elite Eight voting results of NCAA Tournament bracket

Sporting News breaks down the voting results from our Sweet 16 Missing March Madness brackets:

Ryan Fagan

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Duke vs. Butler, 2010: Three misconceptions about the unforgettable NCAA championship game

Butler nearly upset of Duke a decade ago, but a Bulldogs win wouldn't have been a total shock. Here's why.

Ryan Fagan

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Missing March Madness 2020: Sweet 16 voting results of NCAA Tournament bracket, Day 2

Sporting News breaks down the Sweet 16 voting of our Missing March Madness bracket.

Ryan Fagan

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'MLB The Show 20' tournament: Live results, how to watch

It’s no secret that baseball players love video games, and what better video game for baseball players to play as they wait out the delayed start to the season than the newest version of "MLB The Show"?

Ryan Fagan

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Missing March Madness 2020: Sweet 16 voting results of NCAA Tournament bracket

Sporting News breaks down the Sweet 16 voting of our Missing March Madness bracket.

Ryan Fagan

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Opening Day memories: Tuffy Rhodes takes Doc Gooden deep three times, Cubs still lose

April 4, 1994, was the day Karl "Tuffy" Rhodes etched his name into baseball lore.

Ryan Fagan

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30 MLB players we'll miss watching most on what should have been Opening Day

Here’s one player from each team who we were especially looking forward to seeing perform.

Ryan Fagan

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MLB Opening Day schedule: How to watch classic baseball games on MLB Network, FS1 & more

There are no live games, obviously, but there’s still plenty of baseball to watch.

Ryan Fagan

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Hey, MLB! When baseball returns, more mic'd-up broadcasts, please

Players say the intimacy helps grow the sport, so in-game mics are welcome — with limits.

Ryan Fagan

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Ranking the top 20 sports moments of 'The Office'

No comedy blended sports into the show quite like "The Office." Here are some of the best sports-related moments from the mockumentary.

Ryan Fagan

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Thanks, sports fans: Your photos provided a nice lift during uncertain times

SN's Ryan Fagan had a thought: "Why not see what favorite sports photos other people have on their phones?" He has been floored by the responses.

Ryan Fagan

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Missing March Madness 2020: Day 4 voting results of NCAA Tournament bracket

Sporting News breaks down the Day 4, second-round voting of our Missing March Madness bracket.

Ryan Fagan

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Missing March Madness 2020: Day 3 voting results of tourney bracket

Sporting News breaks down the Day 3, second-round voting of our Missing March Madness bracket. This time, the chalk held.

Ryan Fagan

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Missing March Madness 2020: Day 2 voting results of tourney bracket

The actual NCAA Tournament was canceled, but we’re still offering the chance to pick upsets and virtually watch your favorite teams advance, round-by-round to the Final Four.

Ryan Fagan

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Missing March Madness 2020: Day 1 voting results of tourney bracket

The actual NCAA Tournament was canceled, but we’re still offering the chance to pick upsets and virtually watch your favorite teams advance, round-by-round to the Final Four.

Ryan Fagan

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Quarantine question: Which MLB player would teach your dream hitting/pitching lesson?

This dream scenario was something that resonated with a LOT of baseball fans.

Ryan Fagan

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Neutral-site MLB playoffs wouldn’t be ideal, but might be necessary in 2020

Most anything you’re hearing right now about the 2020 MLB season is just speculation. Informed speculation, maybe, but speculation nonetheless.

Ryan Fagan

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Missing March Madness bracket predictions: What 2020 NCAA Tournament field would have looked like

In lieu of an actual bracket, Sporting News presents its final Field of 68 for the 2019-20 college basketball season — what might have been revealed on Selection Sunday.

Ryan Fagan

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Five questions for MLB, with spring training suspended and Opening Day delayed

Delaying the season creates a plethora of questions, though. Let’s take a look at a few of them, while keeping the proper global perspective, and also knowing there are no perfect answers in a situation like this.

Ryan Fagan

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With spring training suspension coming, MLB should delay decision on regular-season start

Chances are, things will continue to get worse with the coronavirus before they get better.

Ryan Fagan

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