Dansby Swanson needed only one game to understand how “Go, Cubs, Go” hits differently when the tune resonates at Wrigley Field while wearing the home pinstripes. Swanson’s Chicago Cubs debut Thursday encompassed exactly what the organization expected in the all-around shortstop when they signed him to a seven-year, $177 million contract in the offseason. He became the first Cub to have three hits in his team debut since, fittingly, Nico Hoerner on Sept. 9, 2019. The duo teamed up to turn an inning-ending double play in the top of the third inning to help right-hander Marcus Stroman escape the bases-loaded jam. Swanson also drove in a run, the Cubs’ first of the season, to spark a four-run third en route to a 4-0 opening-day win against the Milwaukee Brewers. A day that began with an early wake up and prayer ended with Swanson putting a rough offensive spring performance behind him to lead the Cubs to a complete win in front of contingent of supporters that included his parents and … [Read more...] about Dansby Swanson stars in his Chicago Cubs debut, a 4-0 opening-day win: ‘I’m really soaking up these moments’
Pedo guy
Veteran-heavy Mets ready to roll with the punches after Justin Verlander injury news
MIAMI — It’s not exactly uncharacteristic of the Mets to drop big news during big moments of the season. Yet when the club announced that Justin Verlander would start the year on the injured list with a shoulder (teres major) strain just hours before Thursday’s season opener, it was a shock to everyone — even his teammates. “It caught all of us off guard,” right-hander Max Scherzer said Thursday night at LoanDepot Park. “I didn’t realize he was dealing with something.” Verlander himself didn’t even realize he was dealing with something until he threw his bullpen Wednesday night. The thought occurred to him that something might be wrong after his last Grapefruit League start, but he attributed some minor soreness to some mechanical adjustments. Losing a key pitcher like that could have had a ripple effect on the clubhouse, especially since the team is without All-Star closer Edwin Diaz for the season and left-hander Jose Quintana until at least July . But the Mets didn’t … [Read more...] about Veteran-heavy Mets ready to roll with the punches after Justin Verlander injury news
How can The Sun dare to hold O’s ownership accountable? How can we not? | COMMENTARY
Journalism is not a profession given to pleasing the rich and powerful on a regular basis. One certainty of the trade — at least if you are doing it correctly — is that not everyone appreciates seeing the truth about themselves in print for all the world to read (or at least the Baltimore metropolitan area). In its nearly two centuries of following the promise of “Light For All,” The Baltimore Sun’s reporters, photographers, editors and others have received their share of bluster, threats and legal filings thrown at them from influential politicians, public figures, business people and, yes, even the owners of sports franchises inconvenienced by objective reality. You think your job has its annoyances? Try getting in a shouting match with Baltimore Colts’ owner Bob Irsay as he blatantly lied about his plans to move the NFL franchise out of Charm City three decades ago. Was The Sun wrong to challenge his false narrative? To press for answers? To look out for the interests of all … [Read more...] about How can The Sun dare to hold O’s ownership accountable? How can we not? | COMMENTARY