Sports
2023 MLB commerce lower-off date strikes, rumors: Astros commerce for familiar face, Dodgers add pitching
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1 year agoon
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The MLB commerce lower-off date is snappy imminent, and the rumor mill is off and running. It could perhaps perhaps be regarded as one of one of the important thrilling and heart-breaking courses of the MLB calendar, as gamers can disappear wherever straight away, teams grow stronger and more ambitious (or scoot down entirely), and followers of promoting teams must command goodbye to their stars and initiate to accept their destiny of a playoff-free October.
Right here is a breakdown of the top 23 gamers doubtlessly available at the ’23 lower-off date.
The MLB commerce lower-off date is 6 p.m. ET Tuesday, Aug. 1
Till then, you would fetch tiny print on and reaction to your whole deals here.
Astros commerce for Kendall Graveman, yet again
For the 2d time in three seasons, the Houston Astros are acquiring Kendall Graveman at the commerce lower-off date.
The team launched a trade with the Chicago White Sox on Friday for the acceptable-handed reliever in exchange for catching prospect Korey Lee.
Graveman will return to the Astros after previously becoming a member of them at the 2021 commerce lower-off date by a address the Seattle Mariners. That came at some stage in a occupation season, with a 1.77 ERA in 56 innings between his time in Seattle and Houston.
Graveman is within the 2d season of a three-yr, $24 million deal he signed with the White Sox the following offseason, so the Astros may perhaps perhaps score him for subsequent yr as properly. He for the time being holds a 3.forty eight ERA and 42 strikeouts in 44 innings and may perhaps perhaps restful join an Astros bullpen that ranks 14th in MLB with a 3.84 ERA.
As for the White Sox, they’ve now traded away five pitchers in a span of three days and may perhaps perhaps send out even more gamers sooner than reaching the lower-off date. In Lee, they accumulate the No. 5 prospect within the Astros’ system by MLB Pipeline and a player who already made his MLB debut closing season.
Dodgers add Lance Lynn, Joe Kelly from the White Sox
After a couple of days of rumors about trades racy the Dodgers, it was as soon as launched Friday that Los Angeles is acquiring some pitching depth from Chicago.
The White Sox are sending starting Lance Lynn and receiver Joe Kelly to the Dodgers and may perhaps perhaps restful fetch starter Nick Nastrini (for the time being in Double-A), reliever Jordan Leasure (Double-A) and OF Trayce Thompson in return.
Also per Bob Nightengale, the Dodgers may perhaps perhaps score the acceptable to catch Lynn’s $18.5 million membership risk or $1 million buyout in 2024.
The Dodgers score been in decided need of fingers for their starting rotation. Clayton Kershaw and Dustin Might perhaps are every injured, Walker Buehler hasn’t fully recovered from Tommy John surgical procedure, and Noah Syndergaard was as soon as factual straight up awful except he was as soon as traded to the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday. Lynn has a 6.47 ERA over 21 begins (119 2/3 innings), which isn’t very any longer what anyone would call correct, but they keep no longer need him to be an ace. They need him to be wholesome and expend innings, that are two issues he can enact.
Kelly, a reliever with a 4.97 ERA in 29 innings, won the 2020 World Series as part of the Dodgers. He’s the 2d member of that team the Dodgers score brought wait on this week, having traded for utility man Kiké Hernandez on Wednesday as part of a commerce with the Boston Crimson Sox.
Marlins rob David Robertson from the Mets
The Contemporary York Mets are officially promoting.
For the time being mired in fourth space within the NL East at 47-54, the team traded nearer David Roberson to the Miami Marlins, it launched Thursday. In return, the Mets will fetch infield prospect Marco Vargas, ranked No. 18 within the Marlins’ farm system by MLB Pipeline, and catching prospect Ronald Hernandez, ranked twenty first.
Robertson for the time being holds a 2.05 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, forty eight strikeouts and 14 saves in 44 innings across 40 appearances this season. His arrival bolsters a Miami bullpen for the time being led in saves by A.J. Puk, who holds a 4.Forty five ERA.
Or no longer it is a rare commerce between divisional competitors but one which makes sense given the relative stations of every team. The 55-forty eight Marlins are restful aggressive within the wild-card jog, sitting 0.5 games wait on from the third and closing playoff space. In actuality, they’re most effective one sport wait on from the San Francisco Giants, who maintain the top wild-card space.
Within the meantime, the Mets are languishing at seven games wait on from that closing wild-card space. Or no longer it is an enviornment few expected them to be on this yr after they went 101-61 closing season.
Padres reportedly listening to offers for Juan Soto, others
Shohei Ohtani as soon as regarded to be the Juan Soto of this yr’s commerce lower-off date. With Ohtani now off the board, that title may perhaps perhaps belong to … Juan Soto?
The San Diego Padres score begun listening to offers for closing yr’s blockbuster commerce acquisition, as properly as starting pitcher Blake Snell and nearer Josh Hader, in holding with Jon Heyman of the Contemporary York Put up.
The Padres reportedly restful hope to fetch but are listening to teams out in case their anxiety extra deteriorates. A Soto commerce is essentially no longer going, provided that the All-Enormous identify outfielder stays under team withhold a watch on by subsequent season, but it be it appears to be like to be a risk. Hader and Snell are every free brokers after this season.
San Diego is experiencing regarded as one of one of the important disappointing seasons in MLB. After staring at for to contend for the NL West with the likes of Soto, Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Xander Bogaerts, the team sits at 49-54, 6.5 games wait on of the closing NL wild-card space. Their +51 dash differential (third within the NL) indicates they’re barely of the victims of unfavorable perfect fortune, but the Padres merely have not been the superteam many were staring at for.
Soto’s upcoming free agency may perhaps perhaps restful play a prime aim in any decision to withhold him. The 24-yr-old is anticipated to impress regarded as one of the most richest contracts in MLB ancient past when he hits free agency in 2024, with numbers likely north of 15 years and $440 million. Few teams score spent as aggressively because the Padres in present years, but the reality that there was as soon as minute critical chatter about an extension may perhaps perhaps additionally camouflage that they are unwilling to meet Soto’s impress. That leaves them with a amount of considering to enact over the following five days.
Brewers add Carlos Santana from Pirates
First baseman Carlos Santana is reportedly heading from Pittsburgh to Milwaukee, in holding with ESPN.
The Pirates will reportedly fetch shortstop prospect Jhonny Severino in return.
Santana fills a prime home of need for the Brewers, whether he stays within the starting up irascible or goes wait on to mainly enjoying designated hitter. Milwaukee is low on gamers at every positions attributable to accidents to the likes of Rowdy Tellez, Darin Ruf and Jesse Winker. Brewers designated hitters are collectively hitting .194/.297/.241 with an MLB-worst .254 wOBA (weighted on-irascible sensible, a gain-all hitting statistic). The first basemen must not critically better, at .231/.290/.354 with a .281 wOBA, 2d-worst in MLB.
Santana hasn’t been critically better this yr, at .235/.321/.412 with 12 homers, but the Brewers will likely steal one thing else shut to league sensible at this level.
Angels nab Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo López in first great pass
The Angels are certainly going for it.
After reportedly deciding to withhold Shohei Ohtani at the commerce lower-off date, the Angels made the first great pass by trading for starting pitcher Lucas Giolito and aid pitcher Reynaldo López from the Chicago White Sox.
Giolito was as soon as regarded as one of the most pinnacle fingers expected to be available at the lower-off date, when reputedly every contender was as soon as expected to be pursuing upgrades for the rotation. López wasn’t a unfavorable addition either, because the flamethrower holds a 4.29 ERA on the yr after a occupation season at some level of which he had a 2.76 imprint in 65 1/3 innings.
The commerce impress the Angels catcher Edgar Quero and pitcher Ky Bush, who are respectively ranked by MLB Pipeline because the No. 2 and 3 possibilities in a thin Angels system.
Learn more regarding the important points here.
What does this point out for the Angels?
If the document Wednesday that the Angels would no longer be trading Shohei Ohtani didn’t persuade followers and rival entrance offices that the Angels aren’t trading Shohei Ohtani, regarded as one of the most first major strikes of the 2023 commerce lower-off date may perhaps perhaps restful. The Los Angeles Angels — house owners of a third-space, 52-49 list, who score no longer made the postseason since 2014 and would no longer this yr if the season ended nowadays — got starting pitcher Lucas Giolito and reliever Reynaldo López from the Chicago White Sox in a definitive declaration of Going For It.
Because the employers of Ohtani for the following three months, the Angels were destined to be one of the important attention-grabbing team at the lower-off date — aquire or sell. Their ambivalence to this level reportedly slowed down the whole market as different teams waited to explore whether or not they would act aggressively one closing time to blueprint a contender across the two-attain well-known person or part with him now for the sake of what undoubtedly would’ve been a ancient haul for a condo. The addition of Giolito, who will be a free agent at the tip of the season, is an emphatic signal of the ragged. Out of doors Ohtani himself, pitching has been a controversy for the Angels. In actuality every team within the traders column may perhaps perhaps revenue from one more starting pitcher, but the Angels’ rotation is bottom-10 in ERA, WHIP, runs allowed, FIP, (and so forth.). Giolito’s 3.79 ERA will straight be 2d-perfect among the many Halos’ starting workers — within the wait on of most effective Ohtani — and his 121 innings pitched will be one of the important.
Whereas the Texas Rangers and reigning Houston Astros duke it out for the American League West, the Angels must originate their attain into October by the crowded AL wild-card enviornment. Factual now, they’re four games wait on of the third wild-card berth, regarded as one of seven teams either for the time being in wild-card space or internal five games. — Hannah Keyser
Angels reportedly must not dealing Shohei Ohtani
The greatest domino of the whole commerce lower-off date reportedly isn’t very any longer going to be falling.
The Los Angeles Angels score decided to steal Shohei Ohtani off the market after days of interior discussions and fielding offers, in holding with Sports Illustrated’s Tom Verducci. As a exchange, the Angels score reportedly decided to be traders at the lower-off date.
The Angels entered Wednesday four games wait on from the closing American League wild-card space, with ragged MVP Mike Trout and different key gamers restful working wait on from accidents. The team hasn’t reached the postseason in eight years, tied for the longest drought in MLB, and restful has a whole lot of flooring to originate up.
Including a starting pitcher and reliever could be the Angels’ lower-off date priority, but they are going to be competing with half of MLB on that entrance, and with regarded as one of the most worst farm methods in MLB as their acquisition war chest.
Ohtani is a free agent after this season and broadly expected to land the richest contract in MLB ancient past. Conserving him for the leisure of the season can no longer hassle the Angels’ odds of re-signing the sleek face of baseball, but the team will be under even more rigidity to explain it would accumulate, one thing Ohtani has spoken about as a priority for his long-time duration future.
Learn more regarding the important points here.
Dodgers add Amed Rosario to their pile of shortstops, deal Noah Syndergaard
The Los Angeles Dodgers have not attain shut this yr to matching the production they purchased from Trea Turner and Corey Seager in present seasons. To repair that, they give the affect of being to be going with a amount-over-quality attain.
The Dodgers agreed Wednesday to a commerce with the Cleveland Guardians for shortstop Amed Rosario, in holding with The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, collectively with one more identify to an already crowded depth chart. In exchange, the Dodgers reportedly dealt struggling starter Noah Syndergaard, who hasn’t pitched since June 7.
The initial concept to exchange Turner, who departed for the Philadelphia Phillies in free agency, was as soon as for ragged top prospect Gavin Lux to pass from 2d irascible to shortstop, with commerce acquisition Miguel Rojas backing him up. That concept fell apart when Lux tore his ACL in spring coaching, leaving Rojas because the starter. To this level, Rojas has hit an uninspiring .225/.283/.273 with zero home runs in 254 plate appearances, making shortstop an even home of need for the Dodgers.
Chris Taylor and, in a pinch, Mookie Betts supplied the leisure of the depth within the wait on of Rojas except earlier this week, when the Dodgers got Kiké Hernández (glimpse under). Hernández can play shortstop but is most treasured as a utilityman, so it be that you just would accept as true with that Rosario and Rojas slash up a amount of the enjoying time at quick.
Rosario isn’t very any longer exactly hitting the cover off the ball either, with a .265/.306/.369 slash line plus three homers and nine steals, but his .303/.345/.477 line in opposition to lefties may perhaps perhaps restful give the Dodgers a much-wanted platoon bat on that facet of the plate. His music list, with a .282/.315/.412 line the four outdated seasons, also offers hope for him as a soar-wait on candidate.
All it impress the Dodgers was as soon as Syndergaard, who was as soon as regarded as one of the most worst pitchers within the majors this season, with a 7.16 ERA, except the Dodgers sidelined him attributable to a blister closing month. Maybe the Guardians, who wanted pitching, score they can fix him, although it be also that you just would think regarding the Dodgers are holding the leisure of his $13 million wage.
Each Rosario and Syndergaard are free brokers after 2023.
Marlins and Twins swap struggling relievers
Each now and then, a commerce isn’t very any longer about filling an whole loads as discovering a sleek initiate.
The Minnesota Twins got reliever Dylan Floro from the Miami Marlins in exchange for reliever Jorge López, the team launched Wednesday.
Floro and López are no longer having what you would call occupation years; López, an All-Enormous identify with the Baltimore Orioles closing season, for the time being holds a 5.09 ERA, whereas Floro has a 4.54 imprint, the worst of his occupation in a season with as a minimum 10 innings. There is clarification for hope for every, between López’s outdated stardom and Floro’s 2.78 FIP, but here is de facto every team rerolling the dice on part of its bullpen.
Mariners add Trent Thornton from Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays traded aid pitcher Trent Thornton to the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday in exchange for minor-league infielder Mason McCoy. McCoy will be assigned to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.
Learn more regarding the deal here.
Dodgers create Kiké Hernández from the Crimson Sox
The Los Angeles Dodgers traded for Boston Crimson Sox utility player Kiké Hernández on July 25, The Athletic reported. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports that the Crimson Sox will fetch accurate-handed aid pitcher Nick Robertson and Triple-A aid pitcher Justin Hagenman in return.
Hernández, 31, previously played six seasons with the Dodgers from 2015 to 2020. He was as soon as a member of the 2020 World Series championship team. In 86 games this season, Hernández is slashing .222/.279/.320 with six home runs, 31 RBI and three stolen bases.
Braves commerce for Pierce Johnson from the Rockies
The Braves got aid pitcher Pierce Johnson from Denver in exchange for minor-league RHPs Victor Vodnik and Tanner Gordon.
Atlanta also added LHP Taylor Hearn from the Rangers in exchange for money considerations.
Learn more regarding the deals here.
Blue Jays create Génesis Cabrera from the Cardinals
Toronto traded 19-yr-old catching prospect Sammy Hernandez to St. Louis in exchange for Cabrera, who was as soon as designated for assignment by the Cardinals on July 17.
Learn more regarding the deal here.
Orioles commerce for bettering A’s reliever Shintaro Fujinami
Trading for a reliever with an 8.Forty five ERA from the worst team in baseball veritably isn’t very any longer the most effective attain to originate a splash at the lower-off date, but you would restful as a minimum hear out why the Baltimore Orioles did exactly that with Shintaro Fujinami and the Oakland Athletics.
The deal was as soon as confirmed Wednesday.
Yes, Fujinami has struggled in his first MLB season after signing a one-yr, $3.25 million address the A’s. He started the season as a starter and racked up a 14.40 ERA and 4 losses in four begins sooner than shifting to the bullpen. He stays the worst player in MLB by bWAR this season at -2.0 attributable to his depraved first two months.
Fujinami has became a corner since then, although, keeping a 3.26 ERA since June 1 with improved dash and a revamped pitch mix. Reliever efficiency in MLB can swap on a dime, and whereas it often appears to be like to be like they’re continually altering for the worse, Fujinami has gave the affect of a reliever great of a contender for weeks now.
The Orioles sent wait on left-handed pitching prospect Easton Lucas on their cease of the deal. Lucas isn’t very any longer in the Orioles’ top 30 possibilities on MLB Pipeline but is for the time being enjoying at Triple-A and may perhaps perhaps provide a snappily bullpen reinforcement for Oakland.
Sahil Sachdeva is an International award-winning serial entrepreneur and founder of Level Up PR. With an unmatched reputation in the PR industry, Sahil builds elite personal brands by securing placements in top-tier press, podcasts, and TV to increase brand exposure, revenue growth, and talent retention. His charismatic and results-driven approach has made him a go-to expert for businesses looking to take their branding to the next level.
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Charles Leclerc Secures Stunning Victory at Italian Grand Prix for Ferrari.
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Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc managed to secure a thrilling victory at his team’s home race in Monza, Italy, skillfully nursing his increasingly worn tires to the finish line ahead of a charging Oscar Piastri. Piastri, who had led for much of the race after overtaking his McLaren teammate and polesitter Lando Norris at the first chicane, had opted for a two-stop strategy due to concerns over tire degradation. As Norris also pitted, Ferrari’s Leclerc and Carlos Sainz took the lead. Despite Piastri’s late surge on fresher tires, he couldn’t close the gap and finished second, with Norris overtaking Sainz to take third.
The win sparked ecstatic celebrations from thousands of Italian tifosi who filled the grandstands, flooding onto the track to witness Leclerc celebrate on the podium, with a massive Ferrari banner and red smoke filling the air. Leclerc, who is third in the driver standings, expressed his joy, comparing the emotions to his 2019 victory and emphasizing the significance of winning at Monza and Monaco, which he considers the most important races of the season. He praised the tifosi and reflected on how special this win was.
Meanwhile, Norris was visibly disappointed, having dropped from first to third after a series of mistakes and a less effective race strategy. Despite this, he managed to close the gap to Max Verstappen in the driver standings and showcased McLaren’s competitive pace. Verstappen finished sixth but remains well ahead in the championship. Piastri, who finished second, expressed his frustration, acknowledging that while the pace was strong, the final result was disappointing. He admitted that the team’s strategy decisions played a role in the outcome, making the close second-place finish particularly painful.
![Carlos Alcaraz Stunned in US Open Second Round Upset](https://levelupmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/gettyimages-2169366965.webp)
Carlos Alcaraz faced a stunning defeat in the US Open second round on Thursday, losing to Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets. The Dutchman, ranked 74th in the world, triumphed over the 21-year-old Spaniard with scores of 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows, New York.
Alcaraz, the world No. 3 who recently claimed an Olympic silver medal and the Wimbledon title, struggled from the start and never found his rhythm, ending the match with 28 errors. Van de Zandschulp sealed his victory with an ace, marking his first win over a top-10 player at a Grand Slam and delivering one of the tournament’s biggest upsets in recent years. The crowd applauded the Dutchman’s remarkable performance as Alcaraz acknowledged him and waved to the audience before leaving the court.
In a post-match interview with ESPN, Van de Zandschulp expressed his astonishment. “It’s been an incredible evening,” he said. “Playing my first night session at Arthur Ashe with such an amazing crowd was unbelievable.”
He admitted to feeling nervous while closing out the match but emphasized the need for composure against top players. “You have to stay unbelievably calm and focused; otherwise, they will take advantage.”
Alcaraz’s defeat ends his 15-match unbeaten streak at the US Open and marks his earliest exit from a major since Wimbledon 2021. Van de Zandschulp, who has only progressed past the fourth round of a Grand Slam once, will face British 25th seed Jack Draper in the third round on Saturday.
Sports
Ballon d’Or Favorite Vinícius Jr Exclusive: ‘I Aim to Make History with Real Madrid’
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1 week agoon
August 28, 2024![20241208-vinicius-junior-interview-gfx](https://levelupmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20241208-vinicius-junior-interview-gfx.jpg)
Real Madrid superstar Vinícius Jr. is aiming for a historic season, revealing in an exclusive interview that he believes Los Blancos have the potential to achieve a historic treble. The Brazilian forward also expressed his desire to follow in the footsteps of his Brazilian idols by winning the Ballon d’Or.
In a conversation at his Madrid home, Vinícius expressed confidence in Real Madrid’s chances of excelling across all major competitions this season as they prepare to defend their Champions League title.
“Every year, our goal is to win every title we can,” Vinícius stated, reflecting on the club’s ambitions before their sixth European Super Cup victory against Atalanta.
Could Madrid Achieve Their First-Ever Treble?
Despite its numerous successes, Real Madrid has never achieved a European treble, comprising the Champions League, La Liga, and Copa del Rey. FC Barcelona remains the only Spanish club to have accomplished this feat, doing so in 2009 and 2015.
Vinícius Jr. explained why the treble has proven elusive, noting, “The Copa del Rey often disrupts our chances because it involves challenging teams throughout January, a period packed with games. This makes the cup competition particularly tricky.” While Vinícius emphasized that winning the club’s 16th Champions League is the squad’s top priority, he is also driven by the desire to “finally secure the treble.”
“The Champions League is the most challenging and prestigious competition, and it’s where Real Madrid always aims to excel,” he said. “Our fans expect us to win it, and so our focus is on achieving success in every competition we enter, with the ultimate goal of securing the treble.”
To truly grasp Vinícius Jr.’s impact over the past season, one needs to look at the numbers. His 15 league goals played a pivotal role in securing another Spanish title for Real Madrid. Additionally, his decisive goal in the Champions League final helped clinch Madrid’s second title in three years with a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.
“I’ve always dreamed of playing for Real Madrid, so I cherish every moment as if it were the last,” Vinícius said. “Everyone wants to win with the best team in the world, and being able to score so many goals in important matches and contribute so significantly… I’m only 24, and I aim to continue this way for many more years, making history with this incredible team. Not everyone gets this opportunity, so I emphasize savoring every moment in this jersey.”
Despite missing two months of the 2023/24 season from November to January, Vinícius ended the campaign as Madrid’s top scorer, with 24 goals and 11 assists.
Dreams of Gold
With his ability to deliver in crucial moments and impressive statistics throughout the season for one of the world’s top clubs, it’s no surprise that Vinícius Jr. is the favorite to win this year’s Ballon d’Or, awarded to the best player in the world.
For Vinícius, claiming the award represents more than just personal achievement; it’s about honoring his Brazilian heritage and joining the ranks of his country’s greatest soccer stars. He aims to follow in the footsteps of legends like Marta, Ronaldo Nazário, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, and Kaká, all of whom have been recognized as the best in the world at various points in their careers.
“Marta is a true icon in women’s football. I deeply admire her for elevating the sport and making women’s football as respected as it deserves to be. She’s a pioneer, much like Pelé and Ayrton Senna are to Brazil,” Vinícius said.
He added, “For the men’s game, Kaká, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Rivaldo are my role models. Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, in particular, are close to me and consistently encourage me to strive for the Ballon d’Or.”
Vinícius also shared that he has recently spent time training with Ronaldo Nazário, receiving personal guidance from the legendary forward.
“I recently trained at Ronaldo’s house in Ibiza, and he advised me, ‘Spend a few more days training here, and you’ll be closer to winning the Ballon d’Or.’ These are players who have achieved extraordinary things, and competing for the Ballon d’Or and winning an award that they have won would be truly incredible.”
The New Galácticos Era
Teammates Jude Bellingham and the newly signed Kylian Mbappé will be Vinícius Jr.’s primary rivals for the Ballon d’Or in October, as this latest version of Real Madrid boasts exceptional talent across the board.
Despite Mbappé being a key contender for football’s top honor, Vinícius is thrilled to have the former PSG star join the Spanish giants. “The team has been very strong for a long time,” he said.
“With Mbappé’s arrival, people are talking about the potential for us to become unstoppable, but for now, we need to focus on having great training sessions and quickly building our understanding on the field.”
Vinícius, who has long admired Mbappé from afar, is excited about playing alongside the World Cup winner. He expressed his admiration for Mbappé’s style and achievements, saying, “I love how he plays and I’m really looking forward to what we can achieve this season. He’s joining us after scoring many goals and winning numerous titles, and he’s coming to the club he has always dreamed of playing for—Real Madrid.”
“God willing, Mbappé will score as many goals for us as he did with his previous team and the national team, and hopefully even more with us,” Vinícius said.
While Vinícius assisted on the opening goal and Mbappé scored in his official debut for Los Blancos during a 2-0 UEFA Super Cup victory, Madrid stumbled in their La Liga opener against a determined Mallorca side, settling for a 1-1 draw away from home. This result highlighted the need for the team to develop better cohesion before reaching their peak performance.
Despite the setback in Son Moix and experiencing some early struggles in their home opener against Real Valladolid—where they eventually secured a 3-0 win—the stage is set for what promises to be an exceptionally successful season for Madrid.
Focused on Achieving Success with Madrid
Recently, there have been rumors suggesting that Vinícius Jr. was offered an astonishing $1 billion to move to Saudi Arabia, similar to speculation about his new teammate Mbappé in July 2023.
Despite the buzz, the Brazilian star made his future intentions clear: “I always strive to be among the best, and with each passing day at Real Madrid, I grow more confident.”
“I’ve already won two Champions Leagues, and I play alongside teammates who have each won six titles—like Dani Carvajal. Their experience motivates us daily to push beyond our limits andshows that anything is possible with our current team shows that anything is possible with our current team.
Achieving two Champions League victories in three years was incredibly challenging. Staying at the top level is even harder, so my goal is to maintain this level of performance for a long time and win as many Champions League titles as Carvajal, Luka Modrić, Nacho, and Toni Kroos, who have each won six.
We might have one of the best teams for the coming decade, and now it’s up to us to demonstrate our capability on the pitch. With each game, my teammates and I are working towards winning even more titles for Real Madrid.”
Sports
Design Unveiled for Grand Stade Hassan II: A Future Mega-Stadium for the 2030 World Cup
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Published
2 weeks agoon
August 23, 2024![grand-stade-hassan- 2030 World cup](https://levelupmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/grand-stade-hassan-ii-08.webp)
The final of the 2030 FIFA World Cup is just under six years away, and the design for the stadium hoping to host the grand event has finally been unveiled.
The Grand Stade Hassan II, located in El Mansouria, Morocco—one of the three co-hosting countries alongside Spain and Portugal—is being hailed as potentially “the largest football stadium in the world.” Designed by Oualolou + Choi and Populous, it aims for a staggering capacity of 115,000.
Set on a 100-hectare (about 247 acres) site north of Casablanca, the stadium’s design is inspired by a “moussem,” a traditional communal tent, with an aluminum lattice covering the stands and tiered gardens. The stadium will feature a botanical garden on the ground floor. According to Tarik Oualalou, design principal and founding partner at Oualolou + Choi, the design is deeply rooted in Moroccan culture, combining traditional elements with modern expressions.
The stadium’s layout is tailored for World Cup events, with nearly 30,000 seats dedicated to general admission fans at each end and the central area reserved for boxes, hospitality, VIPs, and VVIPs.
“This will be a truly iconic venue for Morocco and football, becoming one of the world’s great stadia,” said Christopher Lee, managing director at Populous, EMEA. The Grand Stade Hassan II will face competition from other massive stadiums, such as the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India, which holds 132,000 spectators, and the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in Pyongyang, North Korea, with a capacity of 114,000.
Populous, known for designing the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Emirates Stadium, is behind this ambitious project. After multiple unsuccessful bids, Morocco secured its place as a co-host for the 2030 World Cup. The final decision on which venue will host the final is still pending, though Real Madrid’s renovated Estadio Santiago Bernabéu is a strong contender.
Preparations at the site outside Casablanca are underway, with Oualolou + Choi and Populous working to bring this grand vision to life in the coming years.
Sports
Success at Paris Olympics Sparks Optimism for Men’s College Gymnastics Coaches
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2 weeks agoon
August 22, 2024![2024-07-29t224107z-470550051-mt1usatoday23858243-rtrmadp-3-olympics-gymnastics](https://levelupmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2024-07-29t224107z-470550051-mt1usatoday23858243-rtrmadp-3-olympics-gymnastics.webp)
Men’s gymnastics in the U.S. has been struggling for decades, with numerous high school and college programs shutting down, including notable Big Ten programs like the University of Minnesota and University of Iowa, which were cut in 2021.
However, the U.S. team’s performance at the Paris Olympics, composed entirely of NCAA gymnasts, has renewed optimism among college coaches. The Olympians hailed from Stanford, the University of Michigan, Penn State, and the defunct University of Minnesota program. Despite representing a fifth of all current programs, this is a small fraction of the 15 active programs—12 in Division I and three in Division III.
A bright spot for the sport appeared in the fall of 2021, when Simpson College and Greenville University announced new men’s gymnastics programs. This was a notable development, as no new teams had been added in 60 years. Penn State Head Coach Randy Jepson expressed enthusiasm for this momentum.
Though Simpson and Greenville are smaller Division III schools compared to large Division I institutions like the University of Michigan, their competitive spirit is evident. Simpson Head Coach Colin Payne emphasized focusing on their own performance rather than comparing facilities.
Despite their size, Simpson and Greenville have already shown competitive prowess, with Greenville ranking higher than William & Mary and Army at the end of the past season.
The early success of new gymnastics programs is promising, but historical data suggests that winning alone may not be enough to ensure a program’s longevity. Eleven programs that once won national championships have since been discontinued.
Financial stability often determines a program’s survival. While sports like football and basketball typically generate revenue, gymnastics faces unique challenges. With recent changes in NCAA policy—such as the introduction of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals and student-athletes being treated more like employees—there are new opportunities for gymnastics. This shift follows California’s 2019 law allowing athletes to earn endorsement money and a landmark 2021 U.S. Supreme Court decision permitting education-related payments, which have redefined college sports.
Simpson College Head Coach Colin Payne sees potential in merging this private enterprise model with college athletics. He believes that the specialization and existing privatized model in gymnastics could benefit from NIL opportunities, which are less common in other sports.
The recent Olympic success provides an additional boost. “In my coaching career, this is probably one of the most optimistic points for me,” Payne told CNN. “We have genuine interest now, and we hope to leverage the momentum from the Olympics and the success of athletes like Stephen Nedoroscik.”
Nedoroscik, who won bronze for the U.S. in the team event and on the pommel horse, has already had a significant impact on the sport. His success has sparked unprecedented interest in his hometown gym, with many parents eager to enroll their sons. His recent appearance on the Tonight Show also highlights the growing visibility of gymnastics.
The pommel horse specialist surprised many by making the Team USA squad, given he competes in only one of the six events in men’s gymnastics. However, his selection proved invaluable as his performance was crucial in securing bronze in the team event, alongside his individual achievements.
While Nedoroscik is technically exceptional, it’s his distinctive personality that has truly captivated the public. Known for his thick-rimmed glasses—leading the internet to nickname him the “Clark Kent” of Team USA—he also stands out for his sideline meditation and love for Rubik’s cubes.
His college coach, Randy Jepson, views Nedoroscik as a prime example of a gymnast who thrives in the sport. “There are many boys who might not fit into traditional sports like basketball, football, or soccer. They may see the world differently, be more cerebral, and still seek athletic opportunities,” Jepson said. “Gymnastics offers that chance due to its unique challenges and excitement, providing a fun and fulfilling experience for those who are a bit different.”
Other coaches agree with this perspective, recognizing that gymnastics appeals to a specific type of athlete who needs programs available at all stages of development to nurture their interest.
“Many talented gymnasts, who might not reach Olympic levels but have significant potential, step away from the sport once they reach high school because there aren’t enough opportunities,” Payne noted.
To build on the success of the Olympic team, there must be opportunities for gymnasts from youth through high school and into college. “In gymnastics, the Olympics is essentially the professional level,” Payne added.
While many elite female gymnasts turn professional right out of high school, most members of the U.S. men’s national team are currently in college or recent graduates. This means that fans can see these world-class athletes compete in NCAA meets every weekend without having to travel to Paris.
“The level of gymnastics displayed at NCAA championships, and even at conference meets, is on par with Olympic-level performances,” Jepson said.
Despite competing against one another, teams understand they share the common goal of growing the sport. “Men’s gymnastics is a collective effort, and it’s moving in a positive direction,” Greenville University Head Coach Zach Peters told CNN Sport. “It’s rare to see such strong relationships among head coaches.”
The sport still has room for growth, but the recent success of Team USA offers hope for a brighter future.
“Fans are witnessing the best gymnasts competing every weekend during the collegiate season,” Jepson said. “They’re seeing top-tier performances consistently.”
Sports
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese Set New WNBA Milestones
![](http://levelupmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IMG_9438-e1622831429279-46x46.png)
Published
3 weeks agoon
August 20, 2024![20240819-fjjgjgjg](https://levelupmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240819-fjjgjgjg.webp)
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, both former college basketball stars, are now making significant strides in the WNBA. On Sunday, Clark led the Indiana Fever to a commanding 92-75 victory over the Seattle Storm, while setting a new league record.
Clark scored 23 points and recorded her 225th assist during the game, surpassing Ticha Penicheiro’s long-standing record for the most assists by a rookie in WNBA history. Clark, who tops the league with an average of 8.3 assists per game, expressed her gratitude for breaking the record held by Penicheiro, a revered figure in the sport.
The historic assist occurred in the second quarter, and Penicheiro celebrated the milestone on X (formerly Twitter), praising Clark’s achievement. “Records are meant to be broken…it shows growth and evolution. Can’t think of a better player to break it,” Penicheiro wrote. The Fever also shared a video of Penicheiro congratulating Clark, who ended the game with nine assists and a season total of 232.
In her standout rookie season, Caitlin Clark has already set several WNBA records, including becoming the first rookie to achieve a triple-double and setting a new high with 19 assists in a single game. This past Sunday, Clark added another milestone by surpassing Ticha Penicheiro’s record for most assists by a rookie, finishing with 232 assists and leading the Indiana Fever to a 92-75 victory over the Seattle Storm.
Meanwhile, Angel Reese is making waves of her own. In a game on Sunday, Reese scored 19 points and grabbed 20 rebounds in an 86-68 loss to the Phoenix Mercury, becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to record 20 double-doubles in a single season. Reese reached this achievement in just 27 games and is now only two double-doubles away from tying Tina Charles’ rookie record for the most double-doubles in a season, as noted by ESPN. Earlier this season, Reese also set the record for most consecutive double-doubles.
As the WNBA resumes play after the Olympic break, both rookies are poised to continue their record-breaking performances. Clark’s Indiana Fever (13-15) will next face the Minnesota Lynx, while Reese’s Chicago Sky (11-16) will take on the Connecticut Sun. With their exceptional play, it’s clear that Clark and Reese will keep making history this season.
Sports
Refugee Olympic Team’s Cindy Ngamba Makes History with First Medal, Aiming to Inspire Millions
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Published
3 weeks agoon
August 15, 2024![01-gettyimages-2166236100](https://levelupmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/01-gettyimages-2166236100.webp)
Cindy Winner Djankeu Ngamba’s journey epitomizes resilience and determination. The 25-year-old athlete made history by becoming the first-ever medalist for the Refugee Olympic Team, securing a bronze in the women’s 75kg boxing category at the Summer Olympics in Paris.
Ngamba, born in Cameroon, faced numerous hardships from a young age. At 11, she moved to the United Kingdom seeking a brighter future, only to confront additional struggles with citizenship and endure time in a detention camp due to paperwork issues.
Her life took a transformative turn at 15 when she discovered boxing. “Every day is a learning day in boxing. You have your ups and downs, just like in life in general,” Ngamba shared with CNN Sport’s Amanda Davies. Boxing not only served as a mental refuge but also became a source of empowerment and self-discovery.
Through boxing, Ngamba found solace and strength, overcoming the challenges of her past, including her difficult immigration process. Despite her rising success and training with the Great Britain boxing team, she continues to fight for British citizenship. Ngamba was granted refugee status due to the criminalization of same-sex activity in Cameroon, adding another layer to her inspiring story.
Team of Refugee Athletes
The Refugee Olympic Team Provides a Platform for Displaced Athletes to Shine on the Global Stage. Comprising 37 athletes this year, the team aims to showcase how refugees enrich society.
‘We should embrace refugees as valuable assets to our communities. They have the potential to be outstanding role models, just like the members of the Refugee Olympic Team,’ said Yusra Mardini, former refugee Olympian, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, and subject of the Netflix film ‘The Swimmers,’ in an interview with CNN.
These athletes may have lost everything and had to start anew in a foreign country, building new connections, learning a new language, and finding a sense of home. Sports can offer them an essential escape, aiding in their mental health, overcoming trauma, and rebuilding their self-esteem,’ Mardini continued.
Worldwide Refugee Crisis
Ngamba’s bronze medal is a landmark achievement for the Refugee Olympic Team and a beacon of hope for millions of displaced individuals globally.
‘This medal signifies that I am human, just like everyone else. Despite numerous obstacles, I stood firm and emerged victorious,’ Ngamba shared.
‘I hope that by winning this Olympic medal and representing refugees worldwide, people will recognize us as athletes who aspire to reach great heights.’
As of May 2024, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported a record 120 million forcibly displaced people around the world.
Escalating Tensions
A touching moment followed Ngamba’s bronze medal win when Team GB’s Lewis Richardson draped his Union Jack flag around her during the celebrations in Paris.
‘It meant the world to me,’ Ngamba said. ‘Lewis, the GB boxers, and I have shared the ring and they’ve always treated me like family. Sharing that moment with him, knowing our mutual struggles, was deeply emotional.’
Ngamba’s achievement comes amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment in various countries, including the UK.
The nation is facing its most severe unrest in over a decade, with far-right, anti-immigrant violence surging following a misinformation campaign linked to a stabbing attack that killed three children in Southport, northern England.
In stark contrast to these protests, Ngamba’s Olympic podium appearance highlights the positive impact refugees can have. Her historic medal for the Refugee Olympic Team not only represents her personal resilience but also symbolizes the broader contributions of refugees striving for a better future.
Sports
McDonald’s France Playfully Considers Dropping Classic Curry Sauce After Steph Curry’s Victory Over French Team
![](http://levelupmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IMG_9438-e1622831429279-46x46.png)
Published
3 weeks agoon
August 14, 2024![gallupdate01-gettyimages-2166233959-jpg](https://levelupmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/gallupdate01-gettyimages-2166233959-jpg.webp)
McDonald’s France took a playful jab at the recent men’s basketball final during the Paris Olympics with a cheeky social media post. Following Steph Curry’s stellar performance—where he scored eight three-pointers to propel Team USA to a 98-87 victory over France—the French branch of the fast-food chain shared a tongue-in-cheek message on Instagram.
Their post, which garnered nearly 15,000 likes within just seven hours, humorously suggested they might be “considering removing” their Classic Curry dipping sauce in light of Curry’s outstanding play. The post, accompanied by a photo of the beloved sauce, was a clear nod to Curry’s impressive performance, which included four critical three-pointers in a crucial 2-minute and 13-second stretch during the final moments of the game.
McDonald’s France’s spokesperson clarified to Media that the post was a lighthearted reference to Curry’s remarkable contribution in the game. This defeat was a tough blow for the host nation, which had been narrowly trailing the U.S. by just three points with under three minutes left on the clock. The loss echoed a similar close defeat to the United States in the gold medal match at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where France fell short in a tight 87-82 game.
Sports
France’s Summer of Sport Heats Up with the Launch of the Tour de France Femmes
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Published
4 weeks agoon
August 13, 2024![gettyimages-2165958686](https://levelupmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/gettyimages-2165958686.webp)
The excitement from the Summer Games is still buzzing as the annual Tour de France Femmes began on Monday, following the closing ceremony in Paris. This year’s race, which features the world’s top female cyclists, started with an eight-stage event in the Netherlands due to the logistical demands of the recent Olympics.
In the sunny setting of Rotterdam, 153 riders lined up for the third edition of the race. Dutch cyclist Charlotte Kool of DSM-Firmenich PostNL claimed victory in the opening stage, marking her first-ever stage win and making history as the first stage win outside France for this event.
Charlotte Kool surged ahead of the pack to claim victory in the opening stage of the Tour de France Femmes, finishing more than a bike length ahead with a time of 2 hours, 47 minutes, and 40 seconds. Overwhelmed by her achievement, Kool covered her mouth in disbelief before celebrating with raised arms as the crowd in The Hague cheered.
After dismounting, the Dutch rider sat on the road, covering her face with her hands, and described the win as a dream come true. “This is the best day of my life,” she said, visibly moved.
The field also includes 2024 Olympic road race champion Kristen Faulkner from the US, and defending champion Demi Vollering, who is back to retain her yellow jersey.
The Tour de France Femmes continues with a dynamic schedule starting Tuesday, featuring two stages. Stage 2 will cover 43.3 miles (69.7 kilometers) from Dordrecht to Rotterdam, followed by Stage 3, which is a solo time trial later that afternoon.
Stage 4 will see the race cross into Belgium, from Valkenburg to Liège. Thursday’s Stage 5 will take the peloton into France, navigating through eastern regions with subsequent stages running from Bastogne to Amnéville, Remiremont to Morteau, and Champagnole to Le Grand-Bornand.
The grand finale on Sunday will culminate in the French Alps, with Stage 8 concluding atop the legendary Alpe d’Huez.
The 2022 edition marked a revival of the Tour de France Femmes, a race with a storied history dating back to September 1955.
![image1](https://levelupmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image1-3.jpg)
Prashant Pujar, a visionary in Sports Science and Strength and Conditioning, has transformed the landscape of athletic training in India with his innovative methodologies. His journey, marked by remarkable achievements and groundbreaking inventions, stands as a testament to his expertise and dedication to enhancing athletic performance.
Prashant Pujar’s journey in Sports Science began at a young age, working with college and school-level players. His passion and commitment led him to establish a department dedicated to Strength and Conditioning at the Karnataka State Cricket Association. This foundation paved the way for training young U-16 and U-19 national players at the National Cricket Academy, many of whom now represent India on the international stage. Pujar’s expertise extended to training Indian players in prestigious tournaments conducted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), including the Duleep Trophy, the Irani Trophy, Karnataka Premier League, U-16 Hanumant, Deodhar Trophy, and Vizzy Trophy.
Prashant Pujar’s most significant contribution to sports science is his patented invention, Sports Science Technology, recognized by the Government of India. This innovative system includes the Super Sixes Test, specifically designed to assess and enhance sports performance. His unique approach involves creating new methods of assessments, training systems, and recovery protocols that ensure athletes reach their optimal fitness levels.
Pujar has trained up to 150 athletes who have represented India at the international level and thousands of other athletes. His impact on the sports community is profound, having been instrumental in the success of 17 championship-winning teams, including the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. His dedication to nurturing talent from the U-16 level has seen these athletes rise to represent India, contributing to the nation’s success on the global stage.
Despite facing significant challenges, including massive cyber attacks that delayed the launch of his product, Prashant Pujar remained steadfast in his vision. His resilience and perseverance have inspired many in the field of sports science. By creating a roadmap for athletes’ fitness from the beginning to their peak, Pujar has laid down parameters that ensure sustained excellence in performance.
Prashant Pujar’s vision extends beyond training elite athletes. Through his brand, Strength and Conditioning Powerhouse, he aims to bring his Sports Science Technology to coaches and trainers who can understand and apply these methodologies successfully. His goal is to help athletes and the general population achieve better fitness levels, ultimately contributing to the development of legendary athletes.
What sets Prashant Pujar apart from his peers is the originality and uniqueness of his system. His invention in sports science is a comprehensive approach that integrates strength and conditioning, tailored training methodologies, and recovery systems. This holistic approach ensures that athletes not only achieve peak performance but also maintain their fitness over time.
With all the love and accolades received for his invention, Prashant Pujar acknowledges the existence of forces that may try to suppress and derail his vision. His message to the world is clear: “With all the love and the accolades we received for the invention, there also lies a nexus that wants to suppress the invention, defame, and derail the vision simply because they don’t want you to do it.”
Prashant Pujar’s journey in sports science is a story of innovation, dedication, and resilience. His patented Sports Science Technology has revolutionized the way athletes train and perform, setting new benchmarks in the field. As a pioneer in sports science, Pujar’s vision is to empower coaches, trainers, and athletes, helping them achieve and maintain peak performance. His unique approach and groundbreaking methodologies continue to inspire and transform the world of sports.
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