RADIO
Kurt Busch Goes Off Third At Foxwoods Resort Casino 301
3 days agoGanassi Racing driver Kurt Busch posted a speed of 136.238 mph in qualifying on Friday, and he will start from the third spot in Sunday's Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Busch, who punched his ticket to the playoffs with a win at Kentucky last week, has three career wins with eight top-5 showings, 15 top-10 finishes and 635 laps led in 35 Cup starts at NHMS with an Average-Finish Position of 16.0.Source: NASCAR.com - Reid Spencer
Kyle Busch Edged Out For Pole At New Hampshire
3 days agoJoe Gibbs Racing driver Kyle Busch posted a speed of 136.311 mph in qualifying on Friday, and he was just edged out by Penske Racing's Brad Keselowski for the pole for Sunday's Foxwoods Resort Casino 301. Rowdy has picked up three checkered flags at the Magic Mile, and he has registered 11 top-5 finishes, 15 top-10 showings and 1,010 laps led in 27 career Cup starts with a 12.78 Average-Finish Position. Busch is the highest-priced DFS driver at both DraftKings and FanDuel this weekend.Source: NASCAR.com - Reid Spencer
Brad Keselowski On Pole For Sunday's Race At NHMS
3 days agoPenske Racing driver Brad Keselowski is on the pole for Sunday's Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway after turning in a speed of 136.384 mph. It's the fourth time Keselowski has been on the pole at NHMS, and he holds the track qualifying record at 20.090 seconds at 140.598 mph back in 2014. That's the only time he picked up a win at the Magic Mile, starting from the seventh position. In 18 career Cup starts at the track he has seven top-5 finishes, 11 top-10 showings and an 11.06 Average-Finish Position.Source: NASCAR.com - Reid Spencer
Jakub Vrana Receives New Two-Year Deal
3 days agoWashington Capitals left wing Jakub Vrana signed a two-year, $6.7 million contract extension earlier this week. "Jakub is a highly skilled player with a tremendous upside and is a big part of our future," senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan said. "We are pleased with his development the past two season and are looking forward for him to continue to develop and reach his full potential with our organization." Vrana registered career bests with 24 goals, 23 assists and 47 points across 82 games in 2018-19 while posting a plus-20 rating and four game-winning goals. He is worth targeting in the middle rounds in most fantasy pools heading into the 2019-20 season.Source: NHL.com/Capitals
Tyler Beede Has Career Start Friday
3 days agoSan Francisco Giants starting pitcher Tyler Beede turned in the best start of his young career in Friday's 1-0 extra-inning win over the Mets. Beede pitched eight scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and a walk with five strikeouts. Despite the great start, the 26-year-old still has a 4.70 ERA with 55 strikeouts and 29 walks in 59 1/3 IP this season. His lack of command keeps him from being fantasy relevant at this time.Source: ESPN.com
Anthony Santander Hits Three-Run Home Run Friday
3 days agoBaltimore Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander went 2-for-4 with a single, a three-run home run, and a walk in Friday's 11-2 rout of the Red Sox. Santander got the party started, taking David Price deep in the first inning for his fifth long ball of the season. The 24-year-old has shown promise and now owns a .280/.336/.439 slash line with 21 RBI in 147 plate appearances. There are plenty of other options in better offenses at this time, but Santander is worth keeping an eye on for deep dynasty leagues at this time.Source: ESPN.com
John Means Rebounds In Start Friday, Earns Win
3 days agoBaltimore Orioles starting pitcher John Means rebounded after a rough start in Friday's 11-2 win over the Red Sox. Means pitched six innings, allowing two runs on four hits (including a two-run home run) and two walks and one strikeout to earn his eighth win of the season. The 26-year-old has been a huge fantasy value and now owns a 2.95 ERA with 74 strikeouts and 24 walks in 94 2/3 IP. He will face a decent matchup in his next start at the Diamondbacks.Source: ESPN.com
Padres Calling Up Prospect Adrian Morejon
3 days agoThe San Diego Padres will call up left-handed pitcher Adrian Morejon on Saturday, per The Athletic’s Dennis Lin. Morejon, the team’s No. 4 prospect and No. 49 in baseball, is expected to work out of the bullpen. Morejon has 16 starts under his belt in Double-A with a 4.25 ERA and 11.0 K/9 but will bolster a horrendous Friars relief corps. Signed out of Cuba in 2015, the 20-year-old possesses strong mechanics with a mid-90s heater and solid complementary pitches. As a middle reliever, Morejon carries minimal value in redraft leagues but with a chance to become a starter down the line, he’s surely an interesting dynasty piece.Source: Twitter - Dennis Lin
Tyler Myers Turns Over New Leaf In Vancouver
3 days agoVancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers will get to work with his new team after signing a five-year contract with an Average Annual Value (AAV) of $6 million. The veteran rearguard led all Winnipeg Jets defensemen with nine goals while tying for second on the team with 31 points during the 2018-19 campaign. He also registered 156 shots on goal, as he isn't afraid to jump into the offense early and often. "Tyler is a proven competitor and an important addition to our roster," general manager Jim Benning said. "His experience, character, and size are qualities that will help our team. We are expected to have Tyler and his family join our team."Source: NHL.com/Canucks
Micheal Ferland Begins Anew In Pacific Northwest
3 days agoThe deal unrestricted free-agent forward Micheal Ferland signed with the Vancouver Canucks is good for four seasons with an Average Annual Value of $3.5 million. Ferland posted 17 goals in his only season with the Carolina Hurricanes, and he posted career highs with 23 assists, a plus-13 rating and 13 power-play points while also registering three game-winning goals. Ferland gives the Canucks a little grit and veteran leadership, something they can use in the Pacific Northwest. He has the potential to be a top-six forward in Vancouver, and he can be a good source of hits and penalty minutes, too.Source: TSN.ca - Darren Dreger
Zack Smith Headed For The Windy City
3 days agoThe Chicago Blackhawks traded for center Zack Smith earlier this week in exchange for forward Artem Anisimov, who was shipped to the Ottawa Senators. He managed nine goals with 28 points across 70 games for the Sens in 2018-19 while posting a minus-6 rating. After a career-best 25 goals and 36 points in 2015-16 with the Sens, he has tailed, averaging just 26.3 points per season over the past three campaigns. Perhaps a change of scenery will do the 31-year-old pivot some good, but he is only worth a look in the deepest of fantasy formats at this point.Source: The Athletic - Mark Lazerus
Mike Leake Flirts With Perfection Friday
3 days agoSeattle Mariners starter Mike Leake was three outs away from making history against the Los Angeles Angels Friday evening. Carrying a perfect game into the ninth inning, he gave up a leadoff single to Luis Rengifo, shattering the dreams of a perfecto. Leake walked the next batter, but managed to finish off the complete-game shutout by striking out Mike Trout to end the game capping a 98-pitch effort. The veteran struck out six on the night and lowered his ERA from 4.60 to 4.27 while equalizing his record to 8-8. This terrific night on the mound will significantly boost his trade value as it seems inevitable the M’s will deal him away prior to the trade deadline. Leake isn’t consistent enough to carry standalone fantasy value, but the right trade destination could land him back on the mixed league radar in deeper formats. The right-hander will look to keep his hot streak going in his next scheduled start against the Rangers next week.Source: MLB.com
Artem Anisimov Ready For New Chapter In Ottawa
3 days agoThe Ottawa Senators acquired left wing Artem Anisimov from the Chicago Blackhawks earlier this week in exchange for center Zack Smith. Anisimov was good for 15 goals and 37 points across 78 games during the 2018-19 season. He provides an upgrade for the Senators, although his fantasy value is likely to take a huge hit for the rebuilding Sens due to a big drop in the plus/minus category. Anisimov is signed through the 2020-21 season with a $3.25 million Average Annual Value (AAV).Source: The Athletic - Mark Lazerus
Jacob Trouba Signs Seven-Year Deal With Rangers
3 days agoThe New York Rangers and restricted free-agent defenseman Jacob Trouba agreed to a seven-year contract with an Average Annual Value (AAV) of $8 million on Friday. He was expected to have an arbitration hearing next Thursday. Trouba is expected to be the team's new No. 1 rearguard, and they paid dearly for him. He registered eight goals while posting a career high 50 points with a plus-8 rating and 18 power-play points during the 2018-19 season with the Winnipeg Jets across 82 games. He is still just 25 years old, and worth a look early on draft day in most fantasy leagues since his upward trajectory is expected to continue.Source: NHL.com - Dan Rosen
Daniel Vogelbach Blasts Two Homers In Rout
3 days agoSeattle Mariners first baseman Daniel Vogelbach cleared the fences twice in the team’s 10-0 victory over the Angels Friday. He finished the night going 2-for-4 with six RBI as he now has 23 homers, 57 RBI, and a .239/.372/.512 slash line on his All-Star season. Vogelbach continues to show excellent plate discipline numbers (23.2% K%/17.3% BB%) to go along with his power skillset hinting that his average has some room to grow. His bat is more valuable in OBP and points leagues, but he remains an asset across all fantasy formats for his power bat. Vogelbach is enjoying a fine breakout year with the M’s and will continue to produce batting in the meat of the lineup for the duration of the 2019 campaign.Source: MLB.com
Kaapo Kakko Inks Entry-Level Deal With Blueshirts
3 days agoThe New York Rangers signed right wing Kaapo Kakko to an entry-level contract. The Finnish forward was picked with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. He posted 22 goals and 38 points in 45 games with TPS of Liiga, the Finnish Elite League, in the 2018-19 season. He is the highest European-born player ever selected by the Rangers. Kakko should make an immediate impact in New York, and he is a must-have in long-term keeper fantasy pools while he should be a decent middle-round pick in redraft formats.Source: NHL.com/Rangers
Connor Carrick Re-Signed To Two-Year Contract
3 days agoThe New Jersey Devils re-signed defenseman Connor Carrick to a two-year contract worth $1.5 million earlier this week. Carrick was acquired from the Dallas Stars on Feb. 23, 2019 in a deal for defenseman Ben Lovejoy. He managed two goals with 11 points and a minus-13 rating across 34 games splitting time between the Stars and Devils during the 2018-19 season. The rearguard's fantasy appeal is mostly limited to the deepest of pools.Source: NHL.com/Devils
Jack Hughes Signs Deal With New Jersey Devils
3 days agoThe New Jersey Devils signed center Jack Hughes, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, to a three-year, entry-level contract. He registered 34 goals and 112 points across 50 games with the United States National Development Team, and he recently attended the team's development camp last week. The top overall selection is expected to challenge for a top-six forward spot during training camp, and he should make a huge impact right off the bat for the Devils in 2019-20. That being said, he is more of a middle-round pick in standard fantasy pools, and a must-have in long-term keeper leagues.Source: NHL.com/Devils
Hunter Renfrow Will Battle For Slot Receiver Job
3 days agoJoining the new offensive formula for the Oakland Raiders this season, wide receiver Hunter Renfrow hopes to be a part of it in a big way in 2019. The fifth-round rookie has his eyes on the job for the team’s starting slot receiver, sandwiched on the field between fellow newcomers Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams. Battling Ryan Grant and JJ Nelson for the position, Renfrow has a dynamic skill set that forced GM Mike Mayock to trade up for him at this year’s draft. His 5’10” frame, reliable hands, and excellent route-running abilities give him the proper skill set, but he’ll have to prove he’s the right man for the job during training camp and the preseason. Renfrow is a name to watch out for in the buildup to the regular season and is solely on the dynasty league radar until we know more about his role going forward.Source: Clutch points.com
Andre Burakovsky, J.T. Compher Ink Deals With Avs
3 days agoThe Colorado Avalanche signed left wing Andre Burakovsky to a new one-year contract worth $3.250 million earlier this week, while right wing J.T. Compher agreed to a four-year, $14 million deal with the Avs on Friday. He registered 16 goals with 32 points across 66 games in Colorado during the 2018-19 season. Both players are likely ticketed for lower-six jobs in Denver during the 2019-20 season, so their fantasy appeal is likely to be rather minimal.Source: Sportsnet.ca - Elliotte Friedman
Bowen Byram Signs His Deal With Colorado Avalanche
3 days agoThe Colorado Avalanche signed defenseman Bowen Byram to a three-year, entry-level contract on Friday. The rearguard was plucked with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft on June 21. He registered 26 goals with 71 points in 67 regular-season games with the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League in 2018-19. The Avalanche will likely take it slow with Byram, who will likely return to the WHL or the AHL level in 2019-20 barring an extremely impressive training camp. For now, his fantasy value is mostly limited to long-term keeper pools.Source: NHL.com/Avalanche
Trio Ink Deals With The Carolina Hurricanes
3 days agoThe Carolina Hurricanes signed forward Clark Bishop, defenseman Haydn Fleury and defenseman Gustav Forsling on one-year deals this week. Bishop will receive $700,000 at the NHL level, and $65,000 at the AHL level with an $80,000 guarantee. Fleury's deal is a one-year, one-way deal worth $850,000, while Forsling's contract is a one-year, two-way contract which pays $874,125 at the NHL level and $70,000 at the AHL level. Each of the three players have rather minimal fantasy value heading into the 2019-20 season.Source: Carolina Hurricanes PR
Ryan Dzingel Joins Hurricanes In Underrated Move
3 days agoThe Carolina Hurricanes landed free-agent forward Ryan Dzingel (Blue Jackets) on a two-year contract worth $3.25 million in 2019-20 and $3.5 million in 2020-21. "Ryan has proven that he can be an impact player offensively, putting up bigger numbers of each of his first three full-time seasons," president and general manager Don Waddell said. The 27-year-old Illinois native is entering the sweet spot of his career. He registered a career-high 26 goals and 56 points splitting time between the Ottawa Senators and Columbus Blue Jackets in 2018-19 while also posting five power-play goals and 11 points on the man advantage. He'll be a nice middle- to late-round pick in most fantasy pools heading into the 2019-20 draft season.Source: Carolina Hurricanes PR
Josh Archibald Lands With Edmonton
3 days agoThe Edmonton Oilers signed right wing Josh Archibald (Coyotes) to a one-year contract earlier this week. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. Archibald posted 12 goals and 22 points across 68 games for the surprising Arizona Coyotes, who did not offer him a qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent. The 26-year-old Regina, Saskatchewan native is worth keeping an eye on, as he could be a deep fantasy sleeper if he is able to land a top-six forward job in Edmonton. He and James Neal will be competing for a spot skating with either Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl or, perhaps, both.Source: Edmonton Journal - David Staples
James Neal Shipped To The Edmonton Oilers
3 days agoThe Calgary Flames shipped right wing James Neal to the Edmonton Oilers on Friday for veteran left wing Milan Lucic. Neal registered just seven goals and 19 points with a minus-5 rating across 63 games in Calgary, his lowest point production across a full NHL season. It was a far cry from the 25 goals and 44 points he posted in 2017-18 with the expansion Vegas Golden Knights. He is still just 31 years old, so Neal has plenty left in the tank. Perhaps a change of scenery will do him some good, and if he is able to skate alongside Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, he might be able to get back into the 50-60 point neighborhood, or even higher.Source: Sportsnet.ca
Milan Lucic Acquired By The Calgary Flames
3 days agoThe Calgary Flames acquired left wing Milan Lucic from the Edmonton Oilers on Friday in exchange for right wing James Neal. Lucic was extremely unproductive for the Oilers in 2018-19, posting a career-low six goals while tying a career worse with 20 points. He also managed just four power-play points, his lowest production on the man advantage since 2012-13 with the Boston Bruins. He is still just 31 years old, and gives the Flames a little bit more sandpaper. Expect Lucic to see a bounce-back season, perhaps into the 40-50 point range. In his previous two times moving to a new team, he produced 50-point seasons (55 points in L.A. in 2015-16 and 50 points in Edmonton in 2016-17).Source: Sportsnet.ca
Two-Year Extension For Danton Heinen
3 days agoThe Boston Bruins avoided arbitration with forward Danton Heinen, inking him to a two-year contract extension with an annual salary cap hit of $2.8 million. He was one of just two arbitration-eligible Bruins players this offseason. The other, Peter Cehlarik, signed a one-year, two-way deal worth $700,00 earlier in the month. Heinen posted 11 goals with 34 points and a plus-13 rating across 77 games, and he is averaging 40.5 points per season over the past two campaigns.Source: NBC Sports Boston
Jose Martinez Drives in Three Runs on Friday
3 days agoSt. Louis Cardinals infielder/outfielder Jose Martinez had a strong offensive game on Friday, driving in three runs in a 12-11 win over the Reds. Martinez went 2-for-3 with a walk, a home run, and a single. He also scored two runs of his own, bringing his slash line up to .277/.346/.422. He's had an up-and-down season with inconsistent playing time, but he's been mostly solid in the batter's box when he starts. He's a strong DFS option but a tricky piece in standard formats.Source: MLB.com
Kyler Murray Takes Charge Early On
3 days agoArizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Kyler Murray was impressive during offseason workouts, and he is getting ready for his first training camp with practice starting July 25. He is expected to get the starting nod in Week 1 ahead of veteran journeyman Brett Hundley, and he has impressed early on. "I was impressed with how smart he is, how determined he is. His future is extremely bright," future Hall of Fame wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald said after the rookie's minicamp showing. Murray is already moving up the pre-draft cheat sheets, and he is considered a borderline low-end QB1 or top-end QB2 in most fantasy formats, while having considerably higher value in long-term dynasty formats.Source: MMQB - Robert Klemko
Carlos Martinez Gives Up Two Runs but Earns a Save on Friday
3 days agoSt. Louis Cardinals closer Carlos Martinez picked up his seventh save of the season on Friday despite not throwing his best inning. He closed out a 12-11 win for the Cardinals, but he allowed two runs on two hits and two walks. Martinez hasn't been great in his last few outings, but he should have a long enough leash to hold onto his job, especially if he's still able to lock down the wins for St. Louis.Source: MLB.com
