Good morning, all! It’s hump day!
As promised, I begin my look at MLB’s teams and how they will perform in the 2026 season, which launches three weeks from today. The first video examines the western division clubs in both the American and National Leagues. There is one correction I would like to make. In passing, I stated the Seattle Mariners lost to the Detroit Tigers in the ALCS in seven games. That, of course, was incorrect. The Mariners lost to the Blue Jays in seven, in what was an exciting championship series.
Here are some other thoughts on the first Wednesday in March:
The NFL’s deadline to slap a franchise or transition tag on players arrived at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday and the Colts QB Daniel Jones snagged $37.83M for being listed with a transition tag. Jones becomes the first QB to receive a transition tag since Jeff George of the Falcons in 1996.
So what’s the difference between a franchise or transition tag? Glad you asked. Jones can still negotiate a contract with other teams, but the Colts get the chance to match that offer. Had Jones been franchise tagged, any team that wanted to sign him would have to give up two first-round draft picks to the Colts.
Not surprised the Cardinals parted ways with QB Kyle Murray. Could the New York Jets be in Murray’s future?
What is it with these ballplayers? Reports indicate that Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas has tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs and faces an 80-game suspension. Where are the agents for these players? I know you cannot be with these guys 24/7, but it amazes me how much of this nonsense still happens.
Then there is Jurickson Profar. The Atlanta Braves outfielder is staring at a 162-game suspension for a second PED violation, according to sources. Profar missed 80 games in 2025 for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.
It just didn’t work out for New Britain, CT native Tory Verdi. The University of Pittsburgh fired their women’s basketball coach Tuesday. Verdi had landed the high-profile Pittsburgh job, after turning around the University of Massachusetts women’s hoops program. Verdi was nothing but gracious to me in the two years I broadcast the UMass women’s games. Here’s wishing him nothing but the best.
In case you are wondering, the World Baseball Classic gets underway tomorrow. Here is the schedule:
Enjoy!
That is going to do it for today’s newsletter. Have a wonderful Wednesday and thank you for being a subscriber!
DAN
