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Fantasy Baseball Alternate Deadline Tracker: Paul Sewald to Diamondbacks, nonetheless the categorical winner is Andres Muñoz

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Fantasy Baseball Alternate Deadline Tracker: Paul Sewald to Diamondbacks, nonetheless the categorical winner is Andres Muñoz

The commerce time limit (Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET, to be exact) is readily drawing come, and the largest chips are flying off the board.

What could perchance very well be the largest of all is Max Scherzer following Jacob deGrom to Texas, successfully to change him as the team’s ace. For appropriate kind measure, even supposing, they furthermore acquired Jordan 1st viscount montgomery of alamein from the Cardinals Sunday. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks became the most contemporary team so as to add a more in-depth Monday, becoming a member of the Marlins and Blue Jays.

Yow will detect all my reactions to the most contemporary time limit offers here.

Jeimer Candelario traded to Cubs

Leaving aside the shortened 2020 campaign, Candelario is having a profession season, nonetheless in a contrivance that’s no longer completely backed up by the info. Soundless, the Nationals were able to cash in, touchdown two provocative nonetheless flawed possibilities in pitcher D.J. Herz and shortstop Kevin Made. The Cubs must own a fairly appropriate kind thought what they’re getting seeing as they’re these who first brought Candelario to the majors in 2017. He’s a disciplined hitter whose energy manifests more as doubles than dwelling runs. Fittingly, he fares greater in aspects leagues, rating ninth at third putrid in these formats compared with 15th in 5×5. He’s at possibility of rush some from there, nonetheless no longer because he’s becoming a member of the Cubs. Meanwhile, that it’s essential ignore Patrick Wisdom having a Fantasy affect the relaxation of the contrivance.

Paul Sewald traded to Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks own driven us loopy with their ninth-inning picks this one year, biking between Andrew Chafin, Miguel Castro, Scott McGough and Kevin Ginkel for build possibilities with minute endurance for any missteps alongside the contrivance. Sewald ought to level-headed support to stabilize things, serving as the last word kind nearer he’s been for the Mariners for the explanation that center of ultimate season. His stock holds current with this pass, presumably ticking up a minute bit since there are fewer threats to his role.

What I mean by that is there’s no Andres Munoz in Arizona. The exact-hander is the certain winner of this deal for Fantasy Baseball capabilities. He’s a bat-misser extraordinaire with a fastball that peaks at 103 mph, and loads of notion he became as soon as poised to overtake Sewald this one year if no longer for a shoulder stress early on. It be it’s essential perchance imagine supervisor Scott Servais goes support to mixing and matching, as he did earlier than deciding on Sewald final one year, nonetheless I suspect the Mariners easiest observed fit to pass Sewald because they had Munoz ready in the wings.

As for what the Mariners secure support, Josh Rojas is a identified amount with minute Fantasy enchantment. Dominic Canzone and Ryan Bliss own every reach out of nowhere to place up impressive numbers in the upper levels of the Diamondbacks system, that are identified to be hitter-pleasant. Each and every own long odds to changing into day to day mountainous-leaguers, doubtlessly, nonetheless the 25-one year-extinct Canzone had only currently stepped exact into a segment-time role for the Diamondbacks and can originate the equivalent for the Mariners.

Aaron Civale traded to Rays for Kyle Manzardo

Every time the Rays originate a head-scratcher of pass, it be sensible to shock what they know that the relaxation of us originate no longer (with Zach Eflin’s franchise document contract this offseason being the most contemporary instance). By the appears of this deal, they gave up an distinctive minor-league hitting skills for an overachieving starting pitcher who now we own long identified to be a support-pause innings-eater. It be appropriate kind that Civale has pitched to a 2.34 ERA this one year, nonetheless his 6.8 Okay/9 and a pair of.6 BB/9 are every profession-worsts. He’s never been principal of a bat-misser, and while he’s carried out a appropriate kind job avoiding the barrel to this level, that’s no longer the stickiest metric. It be easiest been appropriate kind for a 3.67 xERA because it’s, and assorted ERA estimators love xFIP (4.58) and SIERA (4.69) don’t appear to be any kinder. Regression became as soon as doubtless coming for Civale either diagram, nonetheless he’l. a.minimal of own a bigger likelihood of gathering wins for the Rays.

What makes this commerce in actual fact wild is the caliber of prospect going to the Guardians. While it be appropriate kind Manzardo has had a down one year at Triple-A, the underlying metrics paint a more promising image, revealing excessive exit velocities and even increased contact charges. And lest you imagine that’s a bunch of hocus pocus, Manzardo dominated the earlier two levels final one year with a .327 batting moderate, 22 dwelling runs and a 1.043 OPS. The Rays never give their possibilities a straightforward direction, so the 23-one year-extinct is doubtlessly greater off with his contemporary group, profiling for an day to day job as rapidly as subsequent one year. It be appropriate queer that the Rays would prefer to make boom of this commerce chip on this model.

C.J. Cron, Randal Grichuk traded to Angels

It became as soon as a appropriate kind trudge for Cron, nonetheless the very fact is that Coors Self-discipline became as soon as the source of his strength, a minimal of with regard to him being a fixture in Fantasy. He’s a profession .307 hitter with a .977 OPS there compared with .251 and .758 in each place else. Indubitably, he in actual fact got his start with the Angels in 2014, and while he set up first price numbers there in four seasons, they weren’t enough to originate him a participant of exact final outcome. And seeing as he bats exact-handed and has minimal on-putrid skills, it be no longer even particular he’ll secure day to day at-bats, namely as soon as Brandon Drury and/or Anthony Rendon are wholesome.

The pass could perchance very well be even worse for Grichuk. He had in the damage begun to take to his hitter-pleasant dwelling, batting .350 (21 for 60) with six dwelling runs in July, nonetheless he, love Cron, became all over again of a one-imprint role participant earlier than arriving in Colorado. And as soon as Mike Trout is off the IL, Grichuk could perchance desire to settle for the lesser half of of a platoon with Mickey Moniak. If there is a silver lining to this deal, it be that Cron’s and Grichuk’s departure from Colorado ought to level-headed pause the uncertainty over Nolan Jones‘ playing time to boot to creating more alternatives for Michael Toglia and Elehuris Montero, no longer that either is notion to own significant upside.

Jordan 1st viscount montgomery of alamein traded to Rangers

1st viscount montgomery of alamein has been his current current-nonetheless-unspectacular self since coming over to the Cardinals when they were traders in the damage one year’s time limit, then again it hasn’t translated as well to their shedding programs this one year, attributable to this fact the 6-9 document. Going to an offensive juggernaut love the Rangers ought to level-headed support with rush give a steal to a minimal of, and since wins are the single most worthwhile pitching statistic in most scoring formats, that’s aim to elevate him in Fantasy. It helps that he’s carried out a bigger job working deep into games this one year, going six-plus innings in eight of his final 9 begins.

There could be the question of who gets bumped from the Rangers rotation with 1st viscount montgomery of alamein and Max Scherzer now in the fold. Nathan Eovaldi (forearm) is on the IL for no longer no longer up to the following couple weeks, and I’m guessing Dane Dunning would fit greater in the bullpen than, affirm, Martin Perez. Fantasy Baseballers could perchance prefer it the assorted diagram, even supposing, even with Dunning showing signs of fading.

Jordan Hicks traded to Blue Jays

The Blue Jays needed some unhurried-inning aid support after only currently shedding nearer Joran Romano to support inflammation, and they landed one in all the most coveted exact-handers on the market in Hicks. The 26-one year-extinct has continuously gotten outsized attention as a more in-depth candidate because he throws exceptionally laborious, his fastball peaking at 103 mph, nonetheless his numbers are more pedestrian than you would bid brooding about. Presumably, he’ll be the one filling in for Romano appropriate because he has more closing trip than, affirm, Erik Swanson, nonetheless he’s no possibility to retain the role as soon as Romano is wholesome and can in actual fact lose some Fantasy imprint with this deal. Left-hander JoJo Romero got the first build in Hicks’ absence Sunday, nonetheless Giovanny Gallegos has closing trip as well. Query the Cardinals to mix and match except Ryan Helsley (forearm) is decided to reach support.

Max Scherzer traded to Rangers

The Rangers pitching personnel has held its agree and not using a topic shedding ace Jacob deGrom to Tommy John surgical treatment, nonetheless with Nathan Eovaldi carrying down and Dane Dunning starting to illustrate cracks, they needed one thing harder and genuine. Enact these words level-headed accurately picture Scherzer at age 39? It be easy to nitpick given his music document and contract, nonetheless even supposing the decline has begun to position in, he fits that description greater than anybody else in the Rangers rotation.

The strikeouts own begun to pattern up a minimal of. Over his previous eight begins, he has 10.8 Okay/9 nonetheless furthermore a modest 3.fifty three ERA thanks to 13 dwelling runs at some level of that stretch. The long ball has been his largest field this one year, and it be no longer going to secure any greater at his contemporary dwelling. He’ll own the finest offense in baseball backing him now, then again it be no longer love wins were a order to this level, judging by his 9-4 document. His stock remains the equivalent, more or less.

How does this pass commerce the rotation image for the Rangers and Mets? Dunning has some aid trip and can very well be greater served as a long man. It would successfully kill his Fantasy Baseball imprint, nonetheless any one harm would doubtless welcome him support into the rotation. While the Mets own some provocative up-and-coming fingers, the rotation opening would doubtless be stuffed by either David Peterson or Tylor Megill, every of whom are of minimal hobby.

Lance Lynn traded to Dodgers

As principal as could perchance very well be stated for any group, the Dodgers know what they’re doing, so the exact fact they traded for Lynn serves as validation for a Fantasy author who has endured to retain out hope at some level of a profession-worst season, person that entails a 16-strikeout effort, a one-hit, 11-strikeout effort and, hmm … no longer principal else. Even I have to admit I had mostly soured on Lynn after seeing him allow 13 earned runs over 11 1/3 innings in his final two begins, nonetheless this commerce does rekindle soft optimism. It be been hard to pinpoint what precisely has gone grisly for Lynn this one year. Certain, he’s 36, nonetheless continuously age-connected declined is reflected in the stuff itself. Lynn has the finest swinging-strike price of his profession, and his 26.9 percent strikeout price ranks 15th among qualifiers, sooner than Shane McClanahan and Corbin Burnes.

Per chance the Dodgers know one thing. Per chance they’ve identified some tweak that could perchance click everything support into place. Or presumably appropriate hunting down Lynn from a stale surroundings and inserting him exact into a playoff scuttle will ignite his competitive fire. In spite of everything, he’s deserving of a minute bit more endurance in Fantasy.

David Robertson traded to Marlins

The Marlins were regarded as on the verge of making a more in-depth commerce anyway, given A.J. Puk’s most modern struggles. Robertson brings trip and balance to the role and ought to level-headed claim it with out principal drama. My one hesitation is that every Puk and the Marlins’ assorted excessive-leverage arm, Tanner Scott, throw left-handed, which could perchance abet particular assorted golf equipment to deploy the exact-handed Robertson in a more order model. However supervisor Skip Schumaker has held to weak bullpen roles for the most segment, and it be laborious to mediate him stopping now.

The largest question is what the Mets now originate with the ninth-inning role. Adam Ottavino has been their backup nearer dating support to final one year, nonetheless he’s an impending free agent, too, which could perchance mean he’s following Robertson out the door. Left-hander Brooks Raley got the build Thursday and can very well be the greater replace if it be crucial to originate one.

Carlos Santana traded to Brewers

Santana is a shell of the participant he as soon as became as soon as, nonetheless he’s having his finest season in four years and now gets a possibility to proceed it for a contender. American Family Self-discipline is the most hitter-pleasant park he’s even had the pleasure of calling dwelling, so this pass opens the door for even greater numbers transferring forward. He’s no longer a priority pickup by any skill, nonetheless namely in leagues that reward walks, he has some fringe enchantment. You originate desire to shock what his arrival skill for Rowdy Tellez, who’s currently sidelined by a lacerated finger nonetheless has had a disappointing season to this level. The DH space permits the Brewers to self-discipline every, if they so prefer.

Lucas Giolito traded to Angels

With the Angels committed to 1 final gasp with Ohtani, they needed a pitcher to pair with him at the highest of their rotation. They landed one in all the finest on the market in Giolito, who has adopted up a disappointing 2022 with a fascinating performance this one year. Indubitably, the come is ceaselessly confined to his ERA. He hasn’t returned to being the bat-misser he became as soon as pre-2022, and most ERA estimators affirm he’s overperforming consequently.

Nonetheless, there is no longer principal aim to imagine a pass to the Angels will affect his fate. On the one hand, he never looked namely fond of pitching at Guaranteed Price Self-discipline, striking collectively a profession 4.60 ERA there compared with three.94 in each place else. On the assorted, he’s becoming a member of a team that tends to follow a six-man rotation to create in enough relaxation for Ohtani. Unless the Angels originate an exception for Giolito, keeping him on traditional relaxation, he could perchance no longer own many two-start weeks sooner than him.

The White Sox are furthermore giving up reliever Reynaldo Lopez in the deal, nonetheless for a pair leases, the likelihood return is solid. Edgar Quero is a consensus top-100 man as a bat-first catcher who became as soon as hurried to Double-A, preserving his agree with there at age 20. Ky Bush is a mountainous left-hander and outdated skool 2nd-round opt who could perchance change into a rotation part if he can reach up with one thing that pairs well with his slider.

Amed Rosario traded to Dodgers for Noah Syndergaard

The Dodgers own carried out well for having Miguel Rojas (with a pinch of Mookie Betts) as their shortstop to this level, nonetheless that adjustments with the acquisition of Rosario, a 27-one year-extinct who became as soon as regarded as a first-rate-division traditional as only currently as a one year ago. He’s been caught in the doldrums this one year, nonetheless he’s continuously been a bigger 2nd-half of performer. Indubitably nobody will doubtless be shocked if this commerce of surroundings turns him exact into a .300 hitter with a fairly appropriate kind stolen putrid total down the stretch.

Curiously, the Guardians acquired Syndergaard in the deal, meaning they’re no longer waving the white flag yet. It be an alternate of one expiring contract for any other, so presumably they bid Syndergaard will doubtless be of some boom down the stretch. He’s been out since early June with a blister nonetheless is nearing a return. It be appropriate laborious to mediate he has one thing else left after the contrivance his previous two seasons own gone. Per chance they behold it as a mighty gamble given all of their young shortstops on the verge of breaking by means of. Gabriel Arias and Tyler Freeman are already on the major-league roster while Brayan Rocchio offers a Rosario-love skill place down at Triple-A.

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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Charles Leclerc

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.

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Carlos Alcaraz Stunned in US Open Second Round Upset

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Carlos Alcaraz Stunned in US Open Second Round Upset

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.

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Ballon d’Or Favorite Vinícius Jr Exclusive: ‘I Aim to Make History with Real Madrid’

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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.”

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“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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.”

 

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Design Unveiled for Grand Stade Hassan II: A Future Mega-Stadium for the 2030 World Cup

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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.

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Success at Paris Olympics Sparks Optimism for Men’s College Gymnastics Coaches

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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.

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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.

 

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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.”

 

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Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese Set New WNBA Milestones

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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.

 

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Refugee Olympic Team’s Cindy Ngamba Makes History with First Medal, Aiming to Inspire Millions

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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.

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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.’

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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.

 

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McDonald’s France Playfully Considers Dropping Classic Curry Sauce After Steph Curry’s Victory Over French Team

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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.

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France’s Summer of Sport Heats Up with the Launch of the Tour de France Femmes

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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.

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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.

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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.

 

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An Invention in Sports Science Applied Successfully

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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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