Oh, this isn’t a good sign. Talking tenacity and grit? In training camp? This is the NHL. Tenacity and grit are minimum standards. How about talent? How much talent was on display?

And 200 against the Mariners.

Tonight, everything is pretty great for the Mariners.

Yes, the tweet has an error in it, but the story — and the story it tells — is truly superb ballwriting.

I remember having a conversation years ago with a good friend who is a long-time NFL reporter and saying, “One of the great things about the NFL is you never know what is going to happen week to week.” He said, “Unless you’re a Jets fan. Then you know. You always know.”

So far.

Clay Dalrymple

If the Heidi game had been between the current Raiders and the current Jets, would anyone have complained when the network cut away from the game early?

BREAKING: First baseman Josh Naylor and the Seattle Mariners are finalizing a five-year contract, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN. The first major free agent to sign this winter goes back to Seattle, where he was beloved after joining the Mariners in a deadline trade.

League source confirms the #Mariners are finalizing a 5-year deal with 1B Josh Naylor. Source tells me the deal is in the $90-100 million range.

Naylor, Josh Mariners $92.5M Signing Bonus - $6.5M $10M - 2026 $16M- 2027 $18M - 2028 $20M - 2029 $22M - 2030 Plus: $50K for All Star ($25K Selection) $150K for MVP $100K for WS/MVP $50K for LCS/MVP $50K for SS/GG Full No Trade

Redzone didn’t have audio issues when it was ad free. 🤷 NFL

Working as a ballwriter is the greatest of jobs, and anyone who’s done it over the last 40-plus years will tell you that Hoynsie represents the best of us.

You’d think the xz* - Seattle Seahawks, of all teams, would know to run the ball when inside the 2 in a big game.

It could have been though and, man, what it could have been.

Maybe the most absurb thing about this, is Indiana now has the most recent undefeated seasons in major college basketball (1976) and football (2025).

It’s not just that he made the catch, which is notable in itself. It’s that he made it look easy.

The Mariners are indeed getting Brendan Donovan from the Cardinals in a three-team trade that will include third baseman Ben Williamson going to the Rays and pitching prospect Jurrangelo Cijntje going from Seattle to St. Louis, according to a source.

If/when physical review is completed: Mariners receive Brendan Donovan Rays receive 3b Ben Williamson Cardinals receive outfielders Tai Peete, Colton Ledbetter, pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje and a Comp B draft pick.

Over the last three years … Player A: 366 games, .282/.351/.420, 117 wRC+, 7.5 fWAR Player B: 355 games, .291/.333/.445, 116 wRC+, 8.0 fWAR Player A is Brendan Donovan. Player B is Bo Bichette. Seattle got a very good, underappreciated player who can fill a number of roles.