NIAGARA Falls, NY – Happy Monday. Man, this weekend felt long. The wife was busy being a big shot at the state PTA conference, so it was just me and the kids. I’m exhausted—they ran me ragged. Anyway, let’s get to this week’s topics: Mets Update, WNBA All-Star Game, Commanders/Skins Drama.
Mets Update
The Mets came out of the break this weekend and lost two of three to the Cincinnati Reds. It was painful—they stranded a ton of runners and made a couple of errors that should’ve ended innings but instead extended them. I caught the ninth inning Saturday, and the umpires were horrible: a missed check-swing strikeout, no clock violation call, and an inexplicable timeout granted. It was terrible way to end David Wright day. Congrats on retiring #5 and to David Wright and his family.
The Mets did manage to win Sunday behind David Peterson, who continues to be a bright spot. It looks like they’ve got the rotation depth chart set up, but I’d still love them to add two reliable arms—someone to pair with Reed Garrett and Ryne Stanek, plus one more innings-eater. I don’t know what veteran starter fits that mold (in my head, I keep picturing Bartolo Colón, but he’s been retired for years). They need a true #5 who can soak up innings and shift to the bullpen come playoff time.
The WNBA All-Star Game
The growth of the WNBA was on full display during All-Star weekend. Held in Indianapolis, there was a solid turnout for Friday’s skills challenge and youth game, plus a packed crowd for the actual All-Star Game.
The WNBA followed the NBA’s format, with two team captains selecting squads. Napheesa “Phee” Collins and Caitlin Clark were fan-voted captains. Clark was forced to sit it out due to a lingering season long hamstring issue (she’s getting a second opinion), but Collins dominated, leading her team to a 151-131 win.
If you haven’t watched Phee Collins yet, you’re missing out—she’s a monster. Play her close and she’ll drive on you; Give her space and she’ll shoot over you. Double her, and she’ll dish. Plus, she’s elite on defense. Right now, she’s the most complete player in the league, and she put it all on display.
These are pivotal times for the WNBA—between pay disputes, the upcoming CBA negotiations, and skyrocketing viewership. Here’s hoping they make smart decisions to keep the momentum going.
The Commander/Skins Drama
The Washington Commanders are pushing to move back to DC from Northern Virginia, which will require federal funding (since the District’s budget is dependent on federal approval). But under the current administration, there’s also a weird push to rename them the Redskins again.
Look, I thought we were past that insensitive name, but apparently it’s up for debate. The same administration pushed Cleveland to drop “Guardians” (though they’re holding firm). No clue what Washington will do, but personally? I hope they stay the Commanders. Keep an eye on this—but let’s hope common sense wins
Final Thoughts
For more takes you could have died happy never hearing, come back tomorrow for Ben Whitney. #OhSnap
