The Falcons hired Jeff Ulbrich as their new defensive coordinator on Saturday night, bringing back their former assistant coach.
Ulbrich, who served as the New York Jets’ interim coach for most of last season, will now take over a Falcons defense that faced criticism from first-year head coach Raheem Morris after the team finished 8-9. The previous defensive coordinator, Jimmy Lake, was fired a week ago.
The Falcons’ defense ranked 23rd in total defense and points allowed, and was last in sacks through the first nine games. Although there was a late-season improvement, it wasn’t enough to stop the team from suffering a seventh consecutive losing season.
Ulbrich had his interview with the Falcons on Wednesday, just four days after Lake and defensive line coach Jay Rodgers were let go.
Jeff Ulbrich watches from the sidelines
During his time as the Jets’ interim coach, Ulbrich had a 3-9 record after the Jets fired Robert Saleh. He had also interviewed for the Jets’ full-time head coaching position on Monday. Ulbrich had been an assistant with the Falcons from 2015 to 2020.
This hiring marks a reunion with Morris, as Ulbrich had worked with him during his six seasons in Atlanta. Ulbrich was the linebackers coach from 2015 to 2019 and became assistant head coach/linebackers coach in 2020. When Morris was the interim head coach for the last 11 games of 2020, Ulbrich was promoted to interim defensive coordinator.
The Falcons’ announcement came shortly after they confirmed an interview with former Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus.
Eberflus was part of the Falcons’ rapid one-week search for a new defensive coordinator, which also included interviews with former San Francisco defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, Pittsburgh Steelers secondary coach Grady Brown, Green Bay passing game coordinator Derrick Ansley, former Cincinnati assistant Lou Anarumo, and Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale.
Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson suffered an elbow injury on the second snap of the Washington Commanders’ offense and had to walk off the field in tears during Saturday night’s divisional playoff game.
Robertson was ruled out for the rest of the game after getting hurt while tackling receiver Terry McLaurin.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff was evaluated for a concussion after taking a hard hit while trying to stop a pick-6 and missed one possession. Backup Teddy Bridgewater stepped in and helped lead a touchdown drive.
Commanders guard Sam Cosmi hurt his knee when running back Brian Robinson scored a go-ahead touchdown early in the second quarter. Cosmi’s right leg bent awkwardly, and he limped off the field. He was later ruled out for the rest of the game.
Robertson’s injury added to the challenges for a depleted Lions defense, which was already struggling to contain rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Amik Robinson leaves the field after an injury
Robertson had been playing well in Detroit’s previous game, where he helped limit Minnesota Vikings All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson.
Washington receiver Olamide Zaccheaus left in the second quarter with a groin injury.
In the third quarter, Lions safety Ifeatu Melifonwu suffered a hamstring injury.
Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders shocked the top-seeded Detroit Lions, sending them home with a quick playoff exit.
Daniels threw two touchdown passes and rookie Mike Sainristil had two interceptions, helping Washington secure a 45-31 victory on Saturday night and earn a spot in the NFC Championship game for the first time in 33 years, since winning their third Super Bowl.
“It’s a surreal moment,” Daniels said.
The Commanders, seeded sixth with a 14-5 record, entered the game as significant underdogs against the Lions (15-3), who were considered favorites for the Super Bowl. Washington had overcome doubts throughout the season with a new quarterback, coach, and general manager.
“I always believed that we could achieve more than people give us credit for,” Daniels said.
Detroit’s playoff hopes were crushed by five turnovers, ruining their chance of meeting expectations.
“This isn’t the time to talk about what a great year we had and all the wins,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “We’re here to get to the show and we fell short. That hurts.”
Sainristil, who won a national title with Michigan last season, intercepted his second pass on a trick play in the fourth quarter. Jameson Williams attempted a pass into coverage on a reverse, which Sainristil easily picked off.
Dan Campbell watches in the 1st half
“Mike is somebody that he’s hard to fool,” Commanders coach Dan Quinn said.
In the second quarter, Quan Martin returned an interception 40 yards for a touchdown, giving Washington a 24-14 lead.
Jared Goff had a rough game, throwing three interceptions and losing a fumble, with all his turnovers happening in the first half. He finished 23 of 40 for 313 yards, with one touchdown pass to Sam LaPorta that gave the Lions their last lead midway through the second quarter.
Daniels finished the game with 299 yards passing and 51 rushing, and, most importantly, didn’t turn the ball over.
“He has a different poise,” Quinn said. “He’s a rare competitor.”
Daniels became the second rookie quarterback in history to beat a top-seeded team in the playoffs, joining Joe Flacco, who led Baltimore to a win over Tennessee in 2009.
“Nothing surprises me with him,” said receiver Terry McLaurin, who turned a short pass from Daniels into a 58-yard touchdown.
Dan Quinn led Washington to their first playoff win in 19 years last week. The Commanders have now won six comeback games this season, with five of them coming on the final play in regulation or overtime.
Washington, who converted 3 of 4 fourth downs, didn’t let Detroit keep it close for long.
“Give them credit,” Campbell said. “They earned that game and we didn’t.”
In the second quarter, Washington outscored Detroit 28-14, marking the highest-scoring quarter in NFL playoff history, and took a 31-21 lead into halftime.
Daniels had 242 passing yards in the first half, setting a rookie record just one week after becoming the first rookie to lead his team in both passing and rushing yards in a playoff win.
The former LSU star, who was drafted as the second overall pick, was 22 of 31 passing, including the long touchdown pass to McLaurin and a 5-yard touchdown to Zach Ertz in the second quarter.
Running back Brian Robinson ran for 77 yards and two touchdowns.
Detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs ran for 105 yards and two touchdowns, while Amon-Ra St. Brown had eight receptions for 137 yards.
Craig Reynolds and Jared Goff in the 1st half
In the first quarter, Goff fumbled the ball on third-and-1 from the Commanders’ 17-yard line. Washington took advantage of the turnover, and Daniels converted a fourth-and-3 from the Detroit 9-yard line, extending a drive that ended with Robinson’s 2-yard touchdown run.
Three plays after Daniels’ touchdown pass to McLaurin, Goff overthrew his intended receiver, and Martin intercepted the ball and returned it for a touchdown, putting Washington ahead 24-14. Goff was hit hard during the return by linebacker Frankie Luvu and was later evaluated for a concussion.
Detroit’s defense struggled to stop Washington all night, and the Commanders set a season-high in points scored.
The Lions did start the second half strong, forcing Washington to punt for the first time. Detroit responded with a 76-yard drive that took 11 plays, capped by Gibbs’ 8-yard touchdown run, which made it 31-28.
But Detroit’s defense couldn’t hold off Washington for long.
The Commanders put together a 15-play, 70-yard touchdown drive, which was extended when Detroit was penalized for having 12 players on the field on fourth-and-2 from their own 5-yard line. Robinson scored his second touchdown to give Washington a 38-28 lead, and the Commanders never looked back.
Detroit Lions players celebrates after his touchdown in the 2nd half
The Detroit Lions had everything they wanted this time around.
After losing the NFC Championship game last season to the San Francisco 49ers, the Lions had a strong 15-2 record this year, securing the top seed in the NFC. They earned a first-round playoff bye, meaning they wouldn’t have to leave Ford Field until the Super Bowl.
But it didn’t matter.
The Lions fell apart against the Washington Commanders, committing five turnovers in a 45-31 loss that ended their chance to reach the Super Bowl again. Coach Dan Campbell, who struggled to hold back tears at his postgame press conference, expressed frustration.
“We just didn’t complement each other,” he said. “We didn’t get a stop when we needed one, and when we got a stop, we turned the ball over. With five turnovers — even if one was at the end and it was really four, that’s too much.”
Quarterback Jared Goff took much of the blame. He threw three interceptions and lost his first fumble of the season. One of the interceptions was returned 40 yards for a touchdown by Quan Martin, giving the Commanders a 24-14 lead.
“If I play better, do we win? Quite possibly,” Goff said. “I cost us points by not taking care of the ball, and that’s something that’s going to hurt for a long time.”
Despite his struggles, Goff wasn’t the only issue. Washington’s rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels, played exceptionally well, throwing passes that gave his receivers the chance to gain yards after the catch. Of his 299 passing yards, 188 came after the catch.
“We knew what the tape said about him,” Campbell said. “We knew we were going to have our hands full and we didn’t handle it as well as we wanted.”
But that wasn’t the only problem. Detroit’s already injury-plagued defense gave up 481 yards, their third-highest total of the season. The Commanders ran for 182 yards, with Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler combining for 124 yards on 21 carries. Daniels also added 51 yards on the ground.
Detroit was unable to sack Daniels at all, a continued issue since losing star defender Aidan Hutchinson to a broken leg in October. Hutchinson had hoped to return in time for the Super Bowl, but his injury left a noticeable gap in the defense.
The Lions also lost cornerback Amik Robertson to a broken arm early in the game, adding to the long list of injuries for a struggling defense.
Dan Campbell speaks at a news conference
“That hurt us a bit, but (Kindle Vildor) came in and played well,” Campbell said. “He competed for us.”
However, the injuries couldn’t explain all the mistakes. Detroit had a chance to change the game early in the fourth quarter when they were down 31-28. The Commanders faced a fourth-and-2 from the Lions’ 5-yard line, and a stop could have kept them in the game.
But the Lions were penalized for having 12 players on the field. On the next play, Robinson ran it in for a touchdown, pushing the lead to 38-28.
Campbell took responsibility for the mistake, but there was still time to fight back. However, another baffling decision sealed their fate. With the Lions still trailing by 10, coach Campbell called a play where wide receiver Jameson Williams was supposed to throw a pass to running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
Williams hesitated, rolled right, and threw an ill-advised pass into coverage. Rookie Mike Sainristil intercepted the ball for his second pick of the night, and Washington took over, running down the clock before scoring another touchdown to make it 45-28.
“Obviously, I wish he had run the ball,” Campbell said.
Last year, Campbell had discussed how difficult it was to put a team in a position to reach the Super Bowl. He had pointed out that their loss to the 49ers might have been their best chance. But this time, Campbell couldn’t bring himself to talk about it.
“This isn’t the time — this hurts too much,” he said. “This isn’t the time to talk about our great season and all our wins. The whole point of playing is to get to the biggest game and we didn’t make it.”
Isaac Paredes steps into a crucial role for Houston after a trade, boosting the team's infield depth (Houston Astros)
The Astros have confirmed agreements with all eight of their arbitration-eligible players, including All-Star pitcher Framber Valdez, who will earn $18 million for the 2025 season, according to a source.
Valdez played a pivotal role last season, posting a 15-7 record and a 2.91 ERA over 28 starts. He led the team in both wins and innings pitched, with 176 1/3 frames.
Framber Valdez shines bright as he leads the Astros with an $18 million contract for the 2025 season (Houston Astros)
His second-half performance stood out, as he relied more on his curveball, resulting in a 10-2 record, a 2.19 ERA, and a 1.03 WHIP across his final 16 starts. During those games, the Astros won 14 of 16.
Thursday marked the final opportunity for teams to submit salary figures for arbitration-eligible players. By finalizing contracts with all eight players, Houston has successfully avoided arbitration hearings this year.
Other Players Who Reached Agreements
SS Jeremy Peña ($4.1 million)
Peña maintained a .266 batting average with 15 home runs, 28 doubles, and 20 stolen bases last season. He contributed 70 RBIs and registered a .701 OPS over 157 games as Houston’s starting shortstop.
RHP Bryan Abreu ($3.45 million)
Abreu excelled as a setup man, appearing in 78 games with a 3.10 ERA over 78 1/3 innings. He held opponents to a .207 batting average and achieved 11.83 strikeouts per nine innings, leading MLB with 38 holds.
3B Isaac Paredes ($6.625 million)
Paredes, acquired last month in a trade involving Kyle Tucker, played 153 games with the Cubs and Rays, hitting .238 with 19 home runs and 80 RBIs. An All-Star last season, he is expected to replace Alex Bregman at third base.
OF Jake Meyers ($2.3 million)
Meyers contributed 13 home runs and 61 RBIs, posting a .646 OPS across 148 games. While his first-half OPS peaked at .736, including a standout May with a .924 mark, his second-half performance dropped to a .526 OPS. Meyers also earned recognition as a Gold Glove finalist in center field.
OF Chas McCormick ($3.4 million)
After a strong 2023 campaign, McCormick’s performance declined in 2024, with a .211 batting average, five home runs, and a .576 OPS over 94 games. He is positioned to start in right field for the Astros in 2025.
INF/OF Mauricio Dubón ($5 million)
Dubón showcased versatility by playing seven different positions in a single season, excluding only catcher and pitcher. He hit .269 with four home runs and 47 RBIs last year.
RHP Luis Garcia ($3.75 million)
Garcia, recovering from Tommy John surgery performed in May 2023, missed the entire 2024 season.
Before his injury, he made six starts in 2023 following a 15-8 record and a 3.72 ERA in 2022. His 2025 salary matches his 2024 earnings.
Red Sox hustle to finalize salary agreements with key players before the arbitration deadline (Boston Red Sox)
The Red Sox were under pressure to finalize 2025 salary agreements with four key players before the arbitration deadline, managing to reach deals with three pitchers while outfielder Jarren Duran’s contract remains unresolved.
Sources indicate that Boston successfully negotiated one-year contracts with three starting pitchers. Meanwhile, discussions with Duran have not yet resulted in an agreement.
Garrett Crochet’s standout contract showcases the team’s confidence in his potential (Boston Red Sox)
Although a soft deadline of 1 p.m. ET was in place, talks may continue until 8 p.m. ET, when both sides are required to submit arbitration figures to the league.
If no resolution is reached, the team and Duran will exchange proposed salary figures, setting the stage for an arbitration hearing before an independent panel.
Both parties are eager to avoid this outcome, particularly following Duran’s outstanding 2024 performance. The contract with Garrett Crochet stands out among the agreements.
Acquired last month in a major trade with the White Sox, Crochet’s value was challenging to determine due to his unique career trajectory, which included a breakout year as a starter in 2025.
Boston awarded him $3.8 million, exceeding MLBTradeRumors’ projection of $2.9 million, possibly signaling confidence in his future contributions.
Duran’s Future and Arbitration
Tanner Houck, coming off a career-best season and entering arbitration for the first time, secured $3.95 million, slightly below the $4.5 million projection.
Both Duran and Kutter Crawford, designated as Super Two players, are eligible for a fourth arbitration year.
Crawford’s $3.5 million projection exceeded the final deal, while Duran’s $4.9 million projection remains pending.
These one-year deals leave room for potential long-term extensions. Crochet appears to be a priority, but Houck, Crawford, and Duran could also see new contracts before spring training.
Boston remains open to renegotiating terms, as such extensions could reduce luxury tax impacts by spreading out the financial burden over multiple years.
Dodgers trade catcher Diego Cartaya to the Twins for Minor League pitcher Jose Vasquez (Dodgers)
The Dodgers announced on Thursday that catcher Diego Cartaya has been traded to the Twins in exchange for Minor League pitcher Jose Vasquez.
Once regarded as the Dodgers’ top prospect by MLB Pipeline in 2023, Cartaya was designated for assignment on January 3 to make room on the 40-man roster for Hyeseong Kim.
A new chapter for Diego Cartaya as he joins the Twins organization (Dodgers)
Cartaya’s Journey in the Minors
Cartaya’s baseball journey began in 2018 when he was signed as an international free agent from Maracay, Venezuela.
Previously considered one of the most promising prospects in the sport, his performance dipped following his 2022 Minor League Player of the Year honor with the Dodgers.
Last season, split between Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City, he posted a .221 batting average, an OPS of .686, and hit 11 home runs over 95 games.
At 23 years old, Cartaya has yet to make his Major League debut. During his time in the Dodgers’ Minor League system from 2019 to 2024, his cumulative stats include a .236 batting average, a .340 on-base percentage, and a .435 slugging percentage across 363 games.
The Dodgers’ catching depth chart left limited opportunities for Cartaya’s advancement. Will Smith remains the team’s starting catcher under contract until 2033, with Austin Barnes and Hunter Feduccia also occupying roster spots.
Additionally, Dalton Rushing, the organization’s current top catching prospect, is nearing a Major League call-up.
The Future for Vasquez
On the other hand, Vasquez, a 20-year-old right-hander from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, joined the Twins as an international free agent in 2022.
Over two seasons in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League, he has recorded a 5-2 record with an 8.05 ERA in 22 appearances, including nine starts.
Strengthening the offense becomes the Giants' offseason mission (The Giants)
The Giants approached free agency with a focus on strengthening the team around Daniel Jones, aiming to create better conditions for the young quarterback as he enters his third NFL season.
The front office clearly sees Jones in a more promising situation than ever before.
Giants aim to create ideal conditions for their franchise quarterback (The Giants)
General manager Dave Gettleman emphasized the importance of building around a franchise quarterback, stating, “When you draft the guy you believe is your franchise quarterback, the first priority is protecting him, followed by giving him playmakers. There are several ways to support him.”
To ease Jones’ burden, the team made strategic offseason moves, beginning with the acquisition of Kenny Golladay, a physically imposing wide receiver.
Kyle Rudolph Brings Professionalism and a Decade of Experience
Additional signings included veteran tight end Kyle Rudolph, running back Devontae Booker, and speed receiver John Ross.
“We felt the need for a bigger wide receiver, and Kenny was available, so we made the deal,” Gettleman explained. “That’s a boost for Daniel.
Kyle Rudolph brings professionalism and a decade of experience in the league, which benefits not only Daniel but also our running game, particularly Saquon [Barkley]. It all ties together.”
The decision to sign Booker to a two-year, $5.5 million contract raised questions, given Barkley’s potential return from knee surgery.
However, Gettleman defended the move, noting, “You can never have too many good players at a position. Devontae appealed to us because we see him as a true three-down running back, a valuable piece in our backfield.”
After securing Rudolph on a two-year, $12 million deal, the Giants discovered he needed foot surgery.
Despite having the option to alter the contract terms, the team upheld their agreement, trusting the medical team’s assurance of Rudolph’s eventual recovery.
“We’re the Giants,” Gettleman said. “We operate with integrity. Ronnie [Barnes] and Dr. Rodeo approved his return to health, so we honored the contract.”
Committing $63 million over three years to Leonard Williams meant the team couldn’t retain Dalvin Tomlinson, who signed a $21 million deal with the Vikings.
“Dalvin is an exceptional person and a former captain,” Gettleman said. “Of course, we’ll miss him, but financial limitations force tough decisions. I’m glad he found success with a great organization like Minnesota.”
Jace Jung joined the Tigers as a first-round pick, but his career has often been overshadowed by others, especially with Jackson Jobe and Max Clark being part of the same draft class. Jung, an advanced college hitter, was the first of the three to reach the major leagues. His initial stint in the majors didn’t impress much, but it was a small sample size, so it’s hard to judge his potential based on that alone.
Nationally, Jung hasn’t always received the same level of praise as some other top prospects, particularly MLB Pipeline, which ranks him 62nd overall. While he has a strong ability to draw walks and hit home runs in the minor leagues, his numbers may be somewhat misleading.
He doesn’t always make hard contact, which is a concern. He has some solid skills, like his plate discipline and ability to work deep into counts, but there’s still no clear standout trait that can make him a star at the major league level.
Jung’s offensive game hasn’t changed much since his college days. He entered professional baseball as a pull hitter, drawing more walks than strikeouts during his college career. After a rough start to his pro career in West Michigan, he bounced back in 2023, making slight adjustments to his swing and dominating at Double-A.
For the 2024 season, Jung played for the Toledo Mud Hens in Triple-A and had a solid year. Even though the league is known for high offensive production, he was 19% better than the average hitter, mainly due to his strong walk rate. However, his power numbers didn’t match what he had done in previous seasons, which means his performance against experienced pitchers will need to improve in the future.
Jace Jung’s 2024 stats:
415 plate appearances in Triple-A with a 119 wRC+ (19% better than league average)
A walk rate of 16.1% and a strikeout rate of 22.4%
A .198 ISO (measuring isolated power), hitting 14 home runs and stealing 2 bases. In his brief time in the MLB, Jung had 94 plate appearances with a 102 wRC+ (just slightly above average), a 16% walk rate, and a 30.9% strikeout rate. His isolated power was very low at .063, and he didn’t hit any home runs or steal any bases.
During the 2024 season, Jung showed that he’s still a strong hitter against fastballs, posting a .262 batting average and a .477 slugging percentage in at-bats ending with a fastball. He made some improvements against high-velocity pitching compared to 2023, which was important given his average bat speed.
Jace Jung fields in the 1st half
He’s very selective with fastballs in the middle-high part of the strike zone, where he typically hits the ball well. However, he tends to get too eager at times and sacrifices contact in exchange for power, leading to some strikeouts and pop-ups.
Going for power may be his best option because his pure contact ability isn’t that great. He’s unlikely to hit for a high average in the majors and has only average power. To be an everyday player, he will need to focus on hitting for more power, especially to the pull side of the field.
The key question is whether he can avoid becoming a player who walks and strikes out a lot, with only occasional power. If he can hit 15-20 home runs per year and keep drawing walks, he could have a solid role against right-handed pitchers.
In his limited MLB action, Jung did show signs of adjusting his approach, hitting more balls to the opposite field than he had before. This might be a sign of how he can improve. If he can stay focused on fastballs early in the count and hit home runs while also adjusting his approach later in the count, using his excellent eye to take pitches and make solid contact, he could succeed in the majors. His ability to adjust with two strikes might be the key to his career.
It’s also important to note that Jung played through a wrist injury that required surgery after the season. This injury likely affected his performance in the majors, so his stats should be viewed with that in mind.
While Jung’s development has been promising, there is a challenge for the Tigers. His future with the team is uncertain because he doesn’t seem to fit perfectly into their plans. Originally a college second baseman, Jung’s bat was expected to be his way to the majors. He even won a minor league Gold Glove at second base in 2023. However, the Tigers tried him at third base in the Arizona Fall League, and though he showed some improvement, he still looks more natural at second base.
I’ll always remember the excitement in my seventh-grade teacher’s voice when she asked, “Oh my gosh! Are you reading ‘Catcher in the Rye’?”
“Yes!” I proudly responded.
“Wait … who’s that on the cover?” she asked.
I showed her my copy of Bob Uecker’s book: “Catcher in the Wry.” She seemed disappointed and walked away. I couldn’t understand why. Uecker was my hero, and his book was funnier than anything J.D. Salinger had ever written.
I grew up in Milwaukee, where Uecker wasn’t just a Hall of Fame broadcaster for the Brewers—he was a star. He appeared on “The Tonight Show,” had a role in “Mr. Belvedere,” stole the show in “Major League,” hosted WrestleMania, and delivered an unforgettable line in a Miller Lite commercial: “I must be in the front row!” During the 2020 pandemic-shortened season, the Phillies even placed a Uecker cutout in the last row of the third deck at Citizens Bank Park.
Uecker was beloved by Brewers fans in the same way Harry Kalas was cherished by Phillies fans, making his passing at 90 on Thursday even more heartbreaking.
In September 2021, I had the chance to get a photo with Uecker at American Family Field. I promised to keep it brief because so many people wanted a moment with him. But when I entered the Brewers’ radio booth, Uecker greeted me warmly. I introduced myself, and he responded, “Oh, I know who you are. How are ya?” He asked me several questions about the Phillies and even inquired about a few longtime Phillies staff members.
After we took the photo, I shook his hand and left. Immediately, I texted everyone in my family to share the moment.
A tribute to Mr. Baseball: Classic Ueck stories
In 2008, when I wrote a book about the Phillies, I had the chance to interview Uecker, who had played for the team in 1966-67. I found part of the transcript from that interview and wanted to share some highlights:
Uecker on the trade that sent him, Dick Groat, and Bill White from St. Louis to Philadelphia on October 27, 1965, for Pat Corrales, Art Mahaffey, and Alex Johnson:
“Of course, I was the main player in the deal. I didn’t want to go, but I thought, ‘Well, if I don’t go, it’s going to be the end for Dick Groat and Bill White.’ So that was the only reason I agreed to go to Philadelphia.
Bob Uecker poses with the Stanley Cup
“It actually gave me one of the great thrills of my life, which was playing for Gene Mauch. I liked it over there. I liked Gene. I had never been around him all that much, but he was a unique individual. He was an outstanding manager.
“Gene took me around during Spring Training, my first spring when I got there. He took me around and showed me the pitchers. ‘See that guy over there, that’s Ray Culp. That’s Fergie Jenkins. I don’t think [Jenkins] can win in the big leagues. We don’t think he can win in the big leagues as a starter.’ I don’t even know him. That’s OK with me. I don’t think he can win with me as a starter, either.”
Uecker on Philly:
“I enjoyed my time in Philadelphia. We lived out at the Presidential apartments on City Line Avenue. Philly still is one of my favorite towns. It really is. The fans there are totally fanatic about baseball.
“I [completely fabricated a story] about being in Philadelphia: The only fight I ever had with a fan was in Philadelphia. The Philly fans get a little tough sometimes. This particular fan was on me for about four nights in a row. I don’t know why I was playing four nights in a row in the first place, but I was in the on-deck circle and they were really on me, so I dove into the seats and started throwing punches and everything.
I was happy I got it out of the way. The only problem with that was a lawsuit. I can remember walking into the courtroom, and she was sitting there with her attorney and still pretty well marked up.”
Uecker on Dick Allen:
“He’s one of my favorite people of all time. Dick and I used to hang around a lot. Richie was into horses. He loved horses. He told me that he was going to bring his horse down to the Presidential on a day off. I don’t know how he did it, but he did. He rode that horse down there.
Bob Uecker (MLB)
He went through yards and everything else, but he got that horse down there to the Presidential apartments. I went outside and there he was, sitting on that horse. It was great. He’s one of my all-time favorite people. I have nothing but fond and great memories of Dick Allen.
“A couple of years ago I was in Philly. Richie came up to the booth to see me. He told me he’d come back in the seventh. So he did. He came back and shot the breeze for a while. Richie was more comfortable hanging around the grounds crew in Philadelphia.
They were having a reunion dinner. Richie’s wife was at the table, and he wasn’t around. So [former vice president of public relations] Larry Shenk asked me, ‘Have you seen Richie?’ I said I haven’t seen him for a while. But he was down there with the grounds crew guys, shooting the breeze with them, which is the way he always was. We used to sit in the back of the plane and harmonize, sing songs, me and Richie.
“We could sing, yeah. We were good. We’d sing those barbershop songs and harmonize. We were good. Nothing ‘American Idol,’ but some kind of idol. Buddha Idol.”
The Atlanta Braves have signed right-handed pitcher Jackson Dannelley to add some depth to their minor league system. The 23-year-old has been assigned to the rookie-level FCL Braves.
Dannelley, a reliever from Texas, spent part of the 2024 season playing independent league baseball with the Chicago Dogs in the American Association. He pitched in five games and threw 7 2/3 innings, posting a 10.57 ERA. While the American Association is a respected independent league, it still operates outside the Major League Baseball system. However, the league has a partnership with MLB.
Dannelley began his college career at Panola College, a community college in Texas. Over two seasons, including one shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, he made 16 appearances, recording a 6.44 ERA and a 1.53 WHIP in 29 1/3 innings pitched.
Atlanta Braves (MLB)
He then moved on to play Division I baseball, spending time with both the Houston Cougars and the Purdue Boilermakers. Throughout his three seasons at the D-I level, he made 59 appearances, all out of the bullpen. His collegiate stats show a 6.46 ERA, a 1.25 WHIP, and 89 strikeouts in 92 innings.
Now, Dannelley has earned an opportunity to pitch in affiliated minor league baseball after spending time in both college and independent leagues. Given his career so far, it’s not surprising that he is starting at the lowest level. But with the right development, he could surprise and climb the ranks. Sometimes, all it takes is the chance to prove oneself.
As baseball fans eagerly await the Hall of Fame results for former Houston Astros players Billy Wagner and Carlos Beltran, one current Astros player is already a strong candidate for Cooperstown: second baseman Jose Altuve.
Altuve, who has spent his entire 14-season career with the Astros, has built an impressive resume that puts him in line for a Hall of Fame induction. Over the years, he has accumulated more than 2,200 hits, 400 doubles, 300 stolen bases, and 50 WAR (wins above replacement).
A career .306/.363/.468 hitter, Altuve has won three batting titles, two World Series championships, nine All-Star selections, and seven Silver Slugger awards.
Entering his age-35 season, Altuve shows no signs of slowing down. Recently, he was named the No. 2 second baseman in baseball by MLB Network, trailing only Ketel Marte of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Altuve is coming off another All-Star year in which he hit .295/.350/.439 with 20 home runs, 22 stolen bases (his most since 2017), 94 runs scored, and 3.4 WAR.
Even if Altuve were to retire today, he’s already earned his place in Cooperstown. His career achievements place him among the greatest hitters at second base in MLB history. Among players with over 3,000 career plate appearances, where at least 40% of their games have been played at second base, Altuve ranks seventh with a 130 wRC+ (weighted runs created plus), a statistic that measures hitting performance. The six players ahead of him are all Hall of Famers.
Jose Altuve runs to the first base after hitting a single
Similar to Derek Jeter’s role with the New York Yankees in the 1990s, Altuve has been a key figure in the Astros’ success, helping them make nine playoff appearances in the last 10 seasons. Despite changes in the roster, Altuve has remained a consistent leader, playing a crucial position and often leading off, setting the tone for the entire lineup.
The 2017 American League MVP has also been one of the best postseason performers in MLB history. In 105 playoff games, Altuve has hit 27 home runs, driven in 56 runs, scored 89 runs, and posted a .271/.337/.505 slash line. Only Manny Ramirez, with 29 postseason home runs, has more.
Altuve still has plenty of time to further cement his legacy. He’s signed through the rest of the decade on a five-year, $125 million extension that begins this season, ensuring he’ll likely finish his career in Houston.
So, while Altuve’s Hall of Fame plaque may be far from certain for now, his accomplishments suggest that it’s all but inevitable. His sustained excellence over more than a decade, coupled with his impact on both the regular season and playoffs, makes him one of the top players in the history of the game.
