PORT JEFF, NY – Greetings, I hope you’ve all enjoyed a your 4th of July weekend. With that let’s jump into today’s topics: Diaz Returns, Yankees Snap Out Of It, NBA Free Agency
Diaz Returns
The Mets continue to be the streakiest team on planet earth. After a stretch that saw them get over .500 for the season, they subsequently dropped three straight before winning yesterday in Pittsburgh. Notably, Edwin Diaz returned from his ten game suspension and looked dominate in his return. The Mets badly missed Diaz during his suspension that really highlighted how weak this bullpen is without him. I really have no idea what to make of this team, and I’m not sure the front office will either. They’re certainly not bad enough to sell off major pieces like Alonso, however they’re clearly not good enough to compete with the Phillies and Dodgers of the world. In all likelihood they’ll stay put at the deadline and try to compete for a wildcard spot down the stretch and to be frank that’s all we can really hope for at this point.
Yankees Snap Out Of It
The Yankees offense finally came to life, exploding for 14 runs against the Red Sox. Similar to the Mets, I’m not sure what to make of this team. They’ve been brilliant at times this year, however this lineup is flat-out not good after Soto and Judge. They almost certainly need to make multiple trades to beef up the back-end of the order. As for the pitching, after an incredible start Gil, Stroman and Rodon have all come crashing down to earth. In addition to that, Gerrit Cole doesn’t look quite right. It seems we see the Yankees do this every year, win 100 plus games, sweep the Twins or Guardians in the ALDS and have zero chance of beating one of the superior teams in the ALCS whether it be Baltimore, Houston, or whoever.
NBA Free Agency
Knicks
Isiah Hartenstein signed a 3-year, $87 million contract with the Thunder. It does sting a bit to lose Hartenstein, though I still believe in the talent of Mitchell Robinson and think he can be one of the top interior defenders in the NBA. Meanwhile, the Thunder continue to build an incredible roster, while maintaining their stock of first round picks.
Demar DeRozan
The Kings pulled off a sign and trade with the Bulls to acquire Demar DeRozan. This is a very eh move in my eyes. DeRozan is a fine player and should compliment Sabonis and Fox well, however in a stacked Western Conference this makes them at best the 7th or 8th best team.
