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Zack Wheeler signs contract extension with Phillies

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Zack Wheeler signs contract extension with Phillies

\n\n”, “providerName”: “Twitter”, “providerUrl”: “https://twitter.com”, “thumbnail_url”:null, “type”: “oembed”, “width”:550, “contentType “:”rich”},{“__typename”:”Markdown”,”content=”And none of this takes into account Wheeler's historically great postseason numbers.\n\nThe Phillies star lived up to that claim on the game's biggest stage, with an ERA of 2.42 over the last two postseasons. This postseason ERA of 2.42 is the sixth-best in MLB history (at least 10 starts).\n\nWheeler was particularly dominant during the club's most recent postseason run and walked a 1.95 ERA in five appearances (four starts) in 2023 with a 3-0 playoff lead. He had 35 strikeouts with just three walks over 27 2/3 innings.\n\nAnd as if all that wasn't enough , Wheeler is working on improving his arsenal this spring with a changeup. Although it's a pitch he's had in his repertoire, it's one he's rarely thrown.\n\nWheeler hopes this one will help him Change will help take the next step on the mound. The Phillies, meanwhile, are hoping their latest move will help them secure their first World Series title since 2008.

Zack Wheeler Phillies Career So Far:

Regular season:
3.06 ERA in 101 starts
1.06 whip

Off season:
2.42 ERA in 11 games (10 starts)
0.73 whip

— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) March 4, 2024

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24 minutes ago

CLEARWATER, Fla. – When the Phillies signed Zack Wheeler to a five-year contract before the 2020 season, not even they could have imagined how well the move would work.

Now they hope his new deal works out just as well. Wheeler and the Phillies finalized an extension Monday that will take effect in 2025 and run through the 2027 season. The three-year deal is worth $126 million, a source told Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, and has the highest average annual value for an extension in MLB history at $42 million per year.

According to the source, there are no options in extension and Wheeler's 10-and-5 rights will kick in at the end of this season, giving the right-hander full no-trade protection.

Wheeler's extension caps an eventful period for the star after he and wife Dominique welcomed their third child earlier this week. He only rejoined the club on Saturday after spending a few days on paternity leave.

“Hopefully it does [happen]” Wheeler said of a possible extension when he first arrived at Spring Training in mid-February. “I love it here. We're happy here. It's a good organization. We're winning. Everything looks good and right. That's why I'd like to be here.”

Wheeler's first contract – a five-year, $118 million deal – has proven to be the best free agent pitching signing in franchise history. But he has also proven to be one of the best pitchers in Major League Baseball since joining the Phillies.

“What a great contract,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said of the original deal in September. “I mean, really, with what he gave us? … All the wins, all the innings he's logged in that time. All the big games he has officiated. He was worth every penny.”

Wheeler is 43-25 with a 3.06 ERA over 101 starts with Philadelphia. That ERA ranks fourth in the majors since the start of 2020, trailing only Corbin Burnes (2.86), Max Scherzer (2.94) and Shane Bieber (2.98).

Meanwhile, Wheeler's 675 strikeouts during that span are tied with Scherzer for seventh-most in the MLB. (Teammate Aaron Nola — who signed a seven-year, $172 million contract to stay with the Phillies in November — is third on this list with 756 strikeouts.)

Wheeler's 19.6 bWAR and 19.3 fWAR in those four seasons are the best in the majors among pitchers.

And none of that takes into account Wheeler's historically great postseason numbers.

The Phillies star has lived up to that standard on the game's biggest stage, posting a 2.42 ERA over the last two postseasons. This postseason ERA of 2.42 is the sixth best in MLB history (at least 10 starts).

Wheeler was particularly dominant during the club's most recent postseason, going 3-0 with a 1.95 ERA in five appearances (four starts) in the 2023 playoffs. He had 35 strikeouts with just three walks over 27 2/3 innings.

And if all that wasn't enough, Wheeler is working on improving his arsenal with a change this spring. Although it is a throw that is part of his repertoire, it is one that he rarely threw.

Wheeler hopes the move will help him take the next step on the mound. The Phillies, meanwhile, are hoping their latest move will help them secure their first World Series title since 2008.

Zack Wheeler signs contract extension with Phillies Read More »

Nobody wants Evgeny Kuznetsov

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In the American League, forward Evgeny Kuznetsov will continue his 2023-2024 season.

No team in the National Hockey League (NHL) has claimed the Russian. The Washington Capitals made the announcement on Sunday, a day after placing the player's name on waivers.

The club made the decision hours after the NHL and players' association indicated that Kuznetsov could resume training with the team in the American capital.

The 31-year-old striker has had to take a break since joining the player support program at the beginning of February.

This is not the first time that the 31-year-old ice hockey player has used this program. In 2019, he joined after failing a cocaine drug test during the Ice Hockey World Cup. He was subsequently banned from the Russian team for four years.

“Most importantly, this is a fresh start for Kuzy,” general manager Brian MacLellan said Saturday, as Monumental Sports Network reported his comments. He wanted a change in the environment and this could set things in motion to make that happen.”

This change of environment will therefore take place with the Hershey Bears, the Capitals' farm club in the development circle.

Kuznetsov had a difficult season before applying for the player assistance program. The Caps' first-round pick (26th overall) in the 2010 draft collected 17 points in 43 games, including six goals. He also has a differential of -11.

Additionally, Kuznetsov will set an American League record in his first game for the Bears. With annual earnings of $7.8 million, he becomes the highest-paid player in the circuit's history.

Nobody wants Evgeny Kuznetsov Read More »

How the Patriots view Drake Maye, Ben McAdoo's role and more – NBC Sports Boston

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INDIANAPOLIS – After five days at the NFL Scouting Combine, during which I picked the minds of league sources at every level, here are some of the most notable takeaways related to the Patriots:

Maye gets the first impression

During combine week, a mess of quantifiable information is collected that can impact a player's standing in the eyes of teams. Forty times. Vertical jumps. Medical degrees. But one of the most important events for the aspiring pros in Indy was their interviews with the teams.

Of course, there are no publicly available results for these, nor for the sports tests that are broadcast on NFL Network. But it's worth noting that the Patriots felt it was North Carolina's Drake Maye who led the most impressive quarterback meeting of the week, thanks to the energy and intelligence he displayed in his 20 minutes of back-and-forth with the top players of New England.

Maye has prototypical size (he measured 6-foot-10 and weighed 223 pounds this week) coupled with a big arm and good athleticism. He has shown a penchant for making rash throws, and on tape alone he would likely rank third in this year's class behind USC's Caleb Williams and LSU's Jayden Daniels. Scouts fault Maye for poor decision-making, inconsistent mechanics and apparent confusion when it comes to protection schemes.

🔊 Next Pats Podcast: Big Drake Energy – Maye impresses NFL with combined interviews | Listen and Subscribe | Watch on YouTube

But Mayes' supporters believe a change in UNC's offense last year did the young passer no favors and that the best indicator of what he will be as a pro is his 2022 record, when he completed 66 percent of his passes and threw 38 touchdowns. If Maye can clean up some of his recurring mistakes, the 21-year-old is widely believed to have the skills to be a top-notch starter at the next level.

Although his combine interview was just a first impression, the Patriots won't dismiss his personality as an unimportant attribute. At the quarterback position, if you want your teammates to play for you, you better bring some enthusiasm.

It's still early days of getting to know each other, but with a strong interview last week, Maye showed New England he has a chance to check that box as a pro.

Daniels attracts major competitions

Jayden Daniels is considered to be a much more relaxed personality compared to Maye. How does the kid from San Bernardino, California get players to play for him? Through plays.

He had a whopping 90 plays of 20 yards or more for the Tigers last season, and his reserved but determined demeanor won over players and coaches alike in his second season in Baton Rouge.

For a team in transition, a special talent could be the catalyst for a quicker rebuild, and Daniels is considered that quarterback. Multiple evaluators told NBC Sports Boston this week that Daniels was a more polished passer than Lamar Jackson when Jackson was drafted out of Louisville in 2018.

There are questions among NFL coaches about how Daniels — a California native who played at Arizona State and LSU — would adapt to playing conditions in New England. I understand there are some in his camp who would prefer Daniels not end up in the Northeast.

But the choice isn't his, and whether he'll be available with the third overall pick? He could be driving down Route 1 in full heat in about eight months.

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels talks about what he would think about being drafted by a team that is rebuilding and what it would mean to be drafted by the New England Patriots.

PThe Atriots are still working on the QB process

It's not rocket science: If the Patriots are confident in the quarterback they get at No. 3 overall — likely Maye or Daniels — then that's their choice. But they're still figuring out where their persuasion lies for the top passers in the draft after meeting them for the first time in Indy last week.

What if the Patriots don't have the confidence in Maye or Daniels to take one of them at No. 3? Then you could see them make a trade, move back, and continue to build by acquiring additional draft capital. Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy has fans in the building – he appears to be the fourth quarterback in the class from everyone I've spoken to – and could be in play in a trade-down situation if he's not already off the board is.

It's worth noting that if Eliot Wolf brings the “Packer Way” to Foxboro, that could mean choosing a lineman over a wide receiver in a trade back scenario. Some of the best wideouts in Packers history — Davante Adams, Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, Greg Jennings — were selected in the second round. The Packers haven't taken a receiver in the first round since Javon Walker in 2002.

Wolf assumed he would stay

Although Wolf still holds the title of director of scouting, it is believed by sources within the team and executives at other clubs that Wolf will remain the leader of a collaborative front office – including contributions from Mayo and his staff, Matt Groh, Pat Stewart, Alonzo Highsmith, Steve Cargile, Cam Williams and others – even after the draft.

Sources say the Patriots plan to conduct post-draft interviews and there will be highly qualified general manager candidates interested in the managerial position in Foxboro. But the 41-year-old Wolf himself is generally considered qualified.

Robert Kraft gave him final say on the 53-man roster in case there were disagreements over front office decisions, and he was allowed to retain Highsmith (who worked with Wolf in Green Bay and Cleveland) as senior personnel manager to engage.

Wolf will also be making key roster decisions — the team has about $100 million in cap space and three picks inside the top 70 — which is why those on the outside looking in assume something drastic would have to happen for that to happen Wolf does not He will lead the Patriots' personnel department in the fall.

The decisions he will oversee over the next few months will set the franchise's course for the next few years.

Tags are still in play

The Patriots have a decision to make. Will they use the franchise or transition tags on either Kyle Dugger or Mike Onwenu? Those are the two players worth considering, and to my knowledge the tag hasn't been ruled out as a possibility to keep either player.

The safety franchise price is expected to be $17.1 million this year. The transition price – which would give the Patriots the right of first refusal to match an offer for their tagged player – is around $13.8 million.

The franchise price for linemen this year is just under $21 million. The transition price, meanwhile, will be $19 million.

Onwenu is representing himself after recently parting ways with his representatives. If he isn't acquired, the Patriots would likely be looking for answers at three starting positions on the offensive line. David Andrews at center and Sidy Sow at defense are considered the only healthy starting players under contract. Otherwise, they still have a lot to do to strengthen this unity.

There is optimism in Foxboro that some of the team's lesser-known free agents can be acquired. Tight end Pharaoh Brown could commit to a return in the near future. Linebacker Mack Wilson is another player who still has fans in the building.

Patriots scouting director Eliot Wolf discusses the team's desire to re-sign impending free agents Mike Onwenu and Kyle Dugger.

McAdoo's role in focus

Ben McAdoo will handle various duties for the Patriots as a senior offensive assistant. He will be involved in personnel. Due to his diverse background, he is able to assist in coaching various positions. It also looks like he's coordinating the team's running game.

Offensive coach Scott Peters is considered one of the best in the league when it comes to teaching technique. But in today's NFL, it's common to employ both an offensive line coach and a run game coordinator. The Patriots considered tapping longtime NFL offensive line coach James Campen for the role, but there are signs that McAdoo will take on that responsibility and help new Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt.

McAdoo has served as assistant offensive line coach (49ers, 2005), tight ends coach (Packers, 2006-11), quarterbacks coach (Packers, 2012-13; Jaguars, 2020) and offensive coordinator (Giants, 2014-15; Panthers, 2022 ) and head coach (Giants 2016-17) during his time in the NFL.

How the Patriots view Drake Maye, Ben McAdoo's role and more – NBC Sports Boston Read More »

A difficult ordeal for the Gallagher family

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Brendan Gallagher's mother Della suffers from glioblastoma, a devastating brain tumor with a poor prognosis.

This brain tumor is known for its virulence and very high recurrence rate. According to the Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada, the median survival time for such a pathology is 14.6 months.

  • Listen to the sports section with Jean-François Baril via QUB :

Inspired by his mother's story, Brendan's sister Bree Gallagher launched an online campaign to raise funds for cancer research in Canada. The goal is $2000.

“We were fortunate enough to send our mother to KECK Medical Center at the University of Southern California,” Bree Gallagher said. I cannot express how grateful we are for the incredible care she was able to receive at this facility. […] A patient in Canada simply does not have access to the treatments my mother receives. This experience made me realize the complexity of the healthcare system.”

The campaign runs until May 6th. You can make a donation by clicking the link below.

A difficult ordeal for the Gallagher family Read More »

Zack Wheeler and Phillies agree to three-year, $126 million contract extension: sources

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When Zack Wheeler first joined the Phillies, he sat on the club level at Citizens Bank Park and declared his intentions. “I want to be at the top,” he said in December 2019. He had never received a vote for the Cy Young Award. He wasn't considered an ace.

He is now one of the top tier of pitchers in the sport, and he has a contract extension to reflect that. Wheeler and the Phillies agreed to a three-year, $126 million contract Monday morning, major league sources told The Athletic, that will prevent him from becoming a free agent after the 2024 season.

Wheeler's annual salary will be the highest ever for a Phillies player and the fourth-highest annual average ever for a player.

Wheeler's extension begins in 2025. Wheeler has one season left on his original five-year, $118 million contract, which is arguably one of the best free agent contracts for a pitcher in recent history. Back then, it was a risky business for a pitcher who hadn't yet proven he was a consistent force.

But Wheeler has left no doubt about it since arriving in Philadelphia.

His 3.06 ERA with the Phillies ranks ninth among starters with at least 350 innings pitched since 2020. Only three pitchers — Gerrit Cole, Sandy Alcantara and Aaron Nola — have logged more innings than Wheeler over the last four seasons. According to FanGraphs' version of the metric, no pitcher has accumulated more WAR than Wheeler during that period.

By extending Wheeler, the Phillies are betting on a pitcher who hasn't logged as many miles as the typical top starter of his age. Wheeler, who turns 34 in May, missed significant time due to injuries early in his career with the Mets. He has amassed 1,378 2/3 innings in the majors. In comparison, Cole Hamels had 2,362 innings in his age-33 season. Roy Halladay had logged 2,297 innings.

According to major league sources, Wheeler may not want to pitch beyond this new contract. Both sides were ready for a shorter-term agreement. The Phillies now have their top two starters, Wheeler and Nola, locked into the rotation for the foreseeable future. At the start of the offseason, they signed Nola to a seven-year, $172 million contract.

Wheeler made 101 starts for the Phillies. If healthy in 2024, he will pass Halladay and Cliff Lee in games started as a Phillie.

And if he continues on his current path, Wheeler will be remembered as one of the club's biggest additions since free agency began.

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(Photo: Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

Zack Wheeler and Phillies agree to three-year, $126 million contract extension: sources Read More »

NFL: Nathan Rourke stays with the Patriots

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Canadian quarterback Nathan Rourke is part of the plans for the New England Patriots.

The footballer has signed a new contract with the NFL club. On Sunday, he re-shared a post from the @NFLCanada account on X about the topic.

Rourke joined the Pats last December after being claimed off waivers by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Victoria native signed with the Florida team in January 2023 after a stellar 2022 season in the Canadian Football League (CFL).

However, Rourke was unable to make the Jags' training camp roster, but agreed to join their practice squad.

• Also Read: The 50 Best Catches on the NFL Free Agent Market

• Also read: Tom Brady runs faster today than he did when he was 22

With the British Columbia Lions of the CFL, Rourke played 23 games in two seasons, including 11 as a starter. He completed 307 of the 406 passes he attempted, gaining 4,103 yards and 28 touchdowns. He also rushed for 415 yards and 12 majors with his legs.

During his final round in his country, he was named MVP of the Ambrosie Tour.

The Patriots are in the midst of a major shakeup after parting ways with head coach Bill Belichick. The latter had been in office since the 2000 season.

NFL: Nathan Rourke stays with the Patriots Read More »

The Boston Celtics embarrass the Golden State Warriors with a 52-point victory, winning their 11th straight game

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Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports/Portal

Jaylen Brown throws down a dunk in a dominant Celtics win.

–

The Boston Celtics won theirs 11th game in a row on Sunday with a stunning 52-point win (140-88) over the Golden State Warriors.

In a rematch between the two teams competing in the 2022 NBA Finals, the Celtics came away early. All-Star winger Jaylen Brown scored 19 points in the first quarter alone to push Boston to a 44-22 lead after the first quarter.

The Celtics' lead had grown to Boston's 44 points by the end of the first half Largest halftime lead in franchise history.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was naturally unimpressed by what he had seen and pulled the plug in the second half, not giving the Big Three of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green any more minutes after halftime.

It was a nightmare night for Curry – the two-time MVP scored just four points, shot 2 of 13 from the field and, uncharacteristically, missed all nine of his three-point attempts while Golden State's offense was completely stagnant.

The Celtics extended the lead past 50 points in the third quarter before Boston head coach Joe Mazzulla also sat on his bench for the remainder of the game.

The 52-point winning margin was the third-largest in Celtics history. Boston also became the first NBA team ever to win three games by at least 50 points in a single season. per StatMuseafter demolishing the Indiana Pacers and Brooklyn Nets earlier in the season.

Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Boston's Jayson Tatum drives to the bucket during the game.

“It feels great, but at the same time it’s always humble,” said Brown, who finished the game with 29 points, three rebounds and three assists.

“That can be us at any time and we don’t take the game for granted. We didn't come out and mess around and that's just the way we show our respect to the game.
We do business and we take care of it, but we don't do it arrogantly. We do it with humility. And it means a lot of respect to the Golden State Warriors, but we feel like now is the time.”

MVP candidate Jayson Tatum scored 27 points for the Celtics his 26th birthdaywith Payton Pritchard contributing 19 off the bench.

Sunday's win was Boston's 11th straight – according to the organization, the C's have outscored their opponents by an average of 22.1 points per game during that winning streak.

The Warriors, meanwhile, scored a season-low 88 points and recorded their worst loss of the current season and the third-worst loss in franchise history.

Despite the one-sided result, Kerr wasn't worried about the loss and was determined to see his team move on.

“That's a 'flush down the toilet,'” Kerr said after the game. “We had a great road trip, 3-1, we had a million games. Boston was great, we didn't beat them today. We’ll go home and get ready for Wednesday.”

Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

For Curry and Co. it was a game to forget.

Lester Quiñones, whose two-way contract was converted to a standard NBA contract last month, led the Warriors with 17 points off the bench.

Boston's dominant offensive performance left four-time champion Curry reminiscing after the game.

“They hit 10 three-pointers in the first quarter, which is what we used to do as teams,” Curry told the media.

“They're the best team in the league at the moment and they played like that… that was hard to watch from the other side.”

The Dubs fall to 32-28 on the season and face another Eastern powerhouse in the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday. The Celtics, who have the best record in the NBA at 48-12, visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday.

The Boston Celtics embarrass the Golden State Warriors with a 52-point victory, winning their 11th straight game Read More »

Blue Jackets: Kent Johnson's season is over

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Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kent Johnson is under evaluation and will miss the remainder of the season.

The club announced this on Sunday and stated that the 21-year-old ice hockey player was suffering from a left shoulder injury.

The Blue Jackets' first-round pick (fifth overall) in the 2021 draft was injured last Wednesday against the New York Rangers.

He ends his season with a harvest of six goals and 10 assists and 16 points in 42 games. He also played 10 games for the Cleveland Monsters of the American League. In the development round he collected 15 points.

Additionally, the Blue Jackets stated that goaltender Elvis Merzlikins has an upper body injury and that his health will be evaluated daily. The Ohio organization urgently recalled Jet Greaves from the Monsters.

Columbus will be in action on Monday night against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Blue Jackets: Kent Johnson's season is over Read More »