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Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb.

Fred VanVleet signs historic max deal with Rockets

An All-Star and NBA champion, Fred VanVleet has come a long way since going undrafted in 2016. On Friday, VanVleet's remarkable rise continued, as he agreed to a historic deal with the Houston Rockets hours after the kick-off of NBA free agency on Friday. 

Blazers' big signing might not be enough to keep Damian Lillard?

With two years remaining on Lillard's four-year contract, time is running out for the Trail Blazers to build a championship-caliber team around him.

Kyrie Irving's new deal with Mavs makes unique NBA history

Despite rumors he may go elsewhere, Kyrie Irving is returning to the Dallas Mavericks, agreeing on Friday to a three-year, $126 million contract, which made unique NBA history.

Warriors re-signed Draymond Green for one simple reason

Only minutes into free agency, the Golden State Warriors did what most expected, re-upping mainstay Draymond Green. While some may view the lucrative four-year contract given to Green as a massive overpay, the Warriors brought back the four-time champion for one simple reason.

Former Home Run Derby winner cautions star rookie against participating in event

A former Home Run Derby winner cautioned star Reds rookie Elly De La Cruz about participating in baseball's premier All-Star break event.

Jim Edmonds shares troubling opinion on teams named after Native Americans during broadcast

During a broadcast of a Cardinals game, color commentator and studio analyst Jim Edmonds defended using racist tropes to name professional sports teams.

Mike Trout climbs up impressive list with another All-Star nod

Three-time MVP Mike Trout doesn't need any more accolades, but they keep coming for the future Hall of Famer. As they do, he continues to join elite company.

Josh Jung and Corbin Carroll to make unique All-Star history

Major League Baseball revealed the 2023 All-Star Game starters on Thursday and some history was made with the inclusion of two rookies.

Former Cy Young winner believes Yankees and Mets could be trade partners ahead of deadline

Former Cy Young winner David Cone believes that the New York Yankees and New York Mets might be ideal trade partners despite their ostensible rivalry.

Guardians' Jose Ramirez makes baseball history with dazzling steal of home

Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez recorded a straight steal of home plate Thursday against the Kansas City Royals, making impressive MLB history in the process.

Watch: Mariners farmhand attempts 'and 1' to avoid tag-out

Seattle Mariners minor leaguer Robbie Tenerowicz attempted a unique way to avoid a tag, mixing up his sports along the way.

Chicago Bears ceiling and floor for 2023

The Bears finished 3-14 in 2022 but have a decent shot at improving and maybe even surprising in the NFC North, which is seemingly up for grabs.

Green Bay Packers ceiling and floor 2023

Here's our best guess at the best- and worst-case scenarios for the Packers in 2023. 

Flyers first-round pick rocks epic mullet topped only by his father, a former longtime NHL player

The 18-year-old defenseman walked onto the draft stage Wednesday in Nashville rocking a sweet mullet, much like his father did 29 years ago. 

Will Shohei Ohtani enter the Home Run Derby?

Addressing the possibility while speaking with reporters this week, Ohtani didn't commit to the home run showcase but also didn't rule it out. 

Connor Bedard chastised for blowing off roller hockey game to be No. 1 pick

Connor Bedard drew a little bit of light-hearted ribbing for missing his roller hockey game in order to attend the 2023 NHL Draft, where he was selected first overall.

Minnesota Vikings ceiling and floor for 2023

After winning their first NFC North title since 2017 last season, the Minnesota Vikings hope to repeat behind a dynamic offense and an improved defense in the second year under head coach Kevin O'Connell. 

Detroit Lions ceiling and floor for 2023

Entering the third season of head coach Dan Campbell's era, expectations are high for the Lions following improvements in 2022 and offseason additions to the roster. Here's our best guess at the best- and worst-case scenarios for the Lions in 2023. 

Angels make history in lopsided rout of Rockies

Saturday was not the Colorado Rockies' night.  In front of a stunned Coors Field crowd, fans watched the Los Angeles Angels hand the Rockies an unmerciful beating, winning 25-1.

West Virginia names interim replacement for Bob Huggins

The West Virginia Mountaineers named Josh Eilert interim head coach following Bob Huggins' resignation last weekend.

Watch: Mariners star homers before robbing a long ball in CF

Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez showed off with both the bat and the glove during Saturday's showdown with the Baltimore Orioles.

Dalvin Cook appears interested in this AFC East squad

Free-agent running back Dalvin Cook seemed to show social media interest in the New England Patriots.

Arena football team plans to take legal action against Antonio Brown

Antonio Brown is facing potential legal issues from the alleged nonpayment of players on the Albany Empire.

Reds rookie becomes youngest player in half-century to record a cycle

What can't rookie sensation Elly De La Cruz do?  On Thursday night, the Cincinnati Reds' electric third baseman continued to impress, becoming the youngest player in over half a century to hit for the cycle.

Reds fans backing turnaround with hard-earned dollars

The Cincinnati Reds are seeing attendance numbers that would even impress Rob Manfred.