Should Will Benson get a shot at HITTING LEADOFF for the Cincinnati Reds | Analysis, Breakdown
Should Will Benson get a shot at HITTING LEADOFF for the Cincinnati Reds | Analysis, Breakdown

Craig Sandlin and Greg Kuffner discuss if Will Benson could be an option to hit leadoff for the Cincinnati Reds given his patience at the plate and high on base percentage this year. ------------------------------------ Check out our partners ⤵️ Get 20% off sitewide at Homage with promo code CHATTER at checkout: homage.com/CBOX The Anthony Muñoz 78 Cigar! Get your box today: https://www.anthonymunoz.com/anthony-munoz-78-cigars Apply today at Sharefax Credit Union: Sharefax.org or call 513-753-2440 Learn more about our friends at QC Kinetix! Call (513) 655-3356 or visit qckinetix.com It’s OK not to be OK! Need Help? Call or text 988 DAY OR NIGHT or visit mantherapy.or ----------------------------------- As the Cincinnati Reds look to optimize their lineup for the 2026 season, Will Benson presents a high-risk, high-reward option as the lead-off hitter, blending elite speed with a penchant for high-variance offensive production. His viability stems from a 2023–2024 profile that suggested top-tier talent, tempered by significant 2024 regressions and a 2025 season filled with demotions, high hard-hit rates, and, ultimately, poor luck. Previous Leadoff Experience and Performance Benson has served as a leadoff option in various capacities since joining the Reds, though he has not solidified himself as the exclusive table-setter. In 2024, he hit the first leadoff home run of his Major League career on May 16th against Tyler Glasnow, a 439-foot blast. His 2023 form was particularly promising, where he hit \(.275\) with a \(.365\) on-base percentage (OBP) across 108 games, showing the patience and discipline often required of a leadoff hitter. Reds Metrics and Career Path Benson’s tenure in Cincinnati has been streaky. After a breakout 2023, he fell to a \(.187\) batting average in 343 at-bats in 2024, while his strikeout rate remained high. However, his underlying, or expected, stats often paint a brighter picture. In early 2025, despite a low batting average, he was among the league leaders in barrel rate, average exit velocity, and hard-hit percentage (top 15%), suggesting a significant positive regression was on the horizon. As of May 9, 2026, he has struggled early, with a \(.207\) average in 31 games, but maintaining high power and on-base potential, including 13 walks. Viability for 2026 Benson's main strength as a leadoff hitter is his ability to get on base (.352 OBP in 2026) and his 94th-percentile speed, which provides run-scoring potential. His 2025 season showed a refined approach, reducing his strikeout rate to 26.5% and swinging more in the zone. However, his inconsistency and inability to consistently produce against left-handed pitchers make him a specialized option, often best used when he is in a hot streak. His 2026 outlook under Manager Terry Francona is that of a "streaky" player who can carry the offense when hot, but who must be managed carefully regarding his playing time against tough left-handed matchups. If he can match his 2025 Statcast metrics—where he ranked in the top 15% in expected slugging (\(xSLG\)) and hard-hit rate—with better fortune on balls in play (\(BABIP\)), he could finally provide the consistent speed-and-power lead-off combo the Reds have needed since his breakout 2023.



Have the Cincinnati Reds found their NEW CLOSER in Pierce Johnson | MLB Analysis, Breakdown, Podcast
Have the Cincinnati Reds found their NEW CLOSER in Pierce Johnson | MLB Analysis, Breakdown, Podcast

Craig Sandlin and Greg Kufner (RedsDaily4) discuss the decision to use Pierce Johnson as the closer for the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday. ------------------------------------ Check out our partners ⤵️ Get 20% off sitewide at Homage with promo code CHATTER at checkout: homage.com/CBOX The Anthony Muñoz 78 Cigar! Get your box today: https://www.anthonymunoz.com/anthony-munoz-78-cigars Apply today at Sharefax Credit Union: Sharefax.org or call 513-753-2440 Learn more about our friends at QC Kinetix! Call (513) 655-3356 or visit qckinetix.com It’s OK not to be OK! Need Help? Call or text 988 DAY OR NIGHT or visit mantherapy.org ----------------------------------- Following his acquisition by the Cincinnati Reds, veteran right-hander Pierce Johnson enters the 2026 season as a highly viable candidate for the closer role, bringing a high-octane, curveball-heavy approach to the ninth inning. While often utilized as a setup man throughout his career, Johnson's previous experience and recent metrics suggest he has the high-leverage pedigree required to anchor the Reds' bullpen. Previous Experience and Save Success Johnson has extensive late-inning experience, culminating in a breakout 2023 season split between Colorado and Atlanta, where he set a career-high with 13 saves. During his stint with the Braves that same year, he posted an impressive 0.76 ERA across 24 appearances, proving he can dominate in high-stakes environments. While primarily a setup option in 2024 and 2025, Johnson continued to garner save opportunities. His reliability is underscored by his ability to maintain high strikeout numbers, with a career-high 90 strikeouts in 2023, showcasing his ability to generate swings-and-misses in crucial moments. Metrics and Performance as a Red Early in the 2026 season, Johnson has demonstrated solid performance, solidifying his role in the Reds' late-inning mix, often working alongside Emilio Pagán. He has shown an ability to limit damage and maintain a strong presence in high-leverage spots. His 2026 metrics highlight continued elite strikeout capability. In early May 2026, he was noted for having a 0.00 ERA over his previous 7 days, and even picking up saves. His 2025 season with Atlanta saw a 3.05 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP over 65 appearances, demonstrating consistency. Why He is Viable as Closer Johnson's viability is anchored in his unique arsenal, specifically his curveball, which he throws at a very high rate—sometimes over 70% of his pitches, among the highest in MLB. This breaking ball, paired with a four-seam fastball that averages around 94–96 MPH, allows him to create significant movement and miss bats frequently. In 2023, his strikeout percentage ranked in the 96th percentile league-wide. While he can be prone to the long ball at times, his ability to generate swing-and-miss (91st percentile whiff rate in 2023) makes him an ideal candidate to close out tight games for Cincinnati. His veteran presence, especially having been a key piece in the Braves' bullpen, provides the composure needed for the ninth inning. Johnson brings a proven track record of handling pressure, a high strikeout rate, and a reliable arsenal, making him arguably the best candidate to secure saves for the 2026 Reds.



O Fim do Esporte Olímpico? A Luta do Flamengo Contra a Taxação da Injustiça
O Fim do Esporte Olímpico? A Luta do Flamengo Contra a Taxação da Injustiça

O esporte brasileiro está em uma encruzilhada. Enquanto as SAFs podem ser beneficiadas com impostos reduzidos, clubes associativos como o Flamengo enfrentam uma carga tributária que pode triplicar, ameaçando diretamente modalidades como ginástica artística, basquete e natação. Neste vídeo, detalhamos o abismo fiscal de 6% vs. 15,5% e como a liderança de Luiz Eduardo Baptista (Bap) em Brasília busca proteger o futuro dos nossos atletas olímpicos. Leia o artigo completo no Blog: https://www.boladeouro.blog/artigo-modelo Inscreva-se no Canal: https://www.youtube.com/@andrademattos Entre no nosso grupo do Telegram: https://t.me/+UB-3V7GwfgI0MDg5 Roteiro do Vídeo: [Cena 1: Gancho Inicial] "O Brasil pode se tornar um 'monocultor' esportivo, focado apenas no futebol. Uma nova ameaça fiscal em Brasília coloca em risco o financiamento de medalhistas como Rebeca Andrade e Jade Barbosa. O motivo? A Taxação da Injustiça." [Cena 2: O Problema Fiscal] "A disparidade é alarmante. No âmbito da Reforma Tributária, as SAFs devem pagar cerca de 6% de impostos. Já clubes associativos como Flamengo, Palmeiras e Corinthians podem enfrentar uma carga de até 16%. É o triplo da tributação para quem mantém o compromisso social." [Cena 3: O Impacto no Flamengo] "Para o Flamengo, o prejuízo estimado é de até 200 milhões de reais anuais. Esse valor não é apenas o custo de um jogador de elite; é o orçamento que sustenta o remo, o vôlei e a base do esporte nacional. Sem o pulmão do futebol, o esporte amador sufoca." [Cena 4: A Luta em Brasília] "Enquanto muitos clubes se calam, Luiz Eduardo Baptista, o Bap, lidera a resistência no Congresso Nacional. O Flamengo está na linha de frente para garantir que quem investe no cidadão e no esporte olímpico não seja penalizado por não ser uma empresa." [Cena 5: Conclusão e Call to Action] "Se a lei passar como está, o incentivo será para abandonar o social. A resistência em Brasília é a última barreira. O que você acha dessa taxação? Deixe seu comentário, se inscreva no canal Andrade Mattos e acompanhe os detalhes no nosso blog." #Flamengo #EsporteOlimpico #ReformaTributaria #Bap #FutebolBrasileiro #BolaDeOuro #AndradeMattos #BrasilOlimpico #gestaoesportiva



🔴 Washington Nationals vs Miami Marlins | MLB Baseball May 9, 2026 Live SCOREBOARD EN VIVO
🔴 Washington Nationals vs Miami Marlins | MLB Baseball May 9, 2026 Live SCOREBOARD EN VIVO

"National League East rivalry under the lights! The Washington Nationals host the Miami Marlins in a game that features elite ...



Teddy Allen leads Sea Bears past Stingers in CEBL season opener | #CBCSports
Teddy Allen leads Sea Bears past Stingers in CEBL season opener | #CBCSports

Teddy Allen scored a game-high 24 points and Mason Kraus sealed the win at the free throw line as Winnipeg defeated Edmonton 77-75 in the Canadian Elite Basketball League 2026 season opener. Watch Live sports on CBC Sports' website or CBC Gem: https://www.cbcsports.ca https://gem.cbc.ca/ Check out all the latest Olympic news and video here: https://www.cbc.ca/sports/olympics



CEBL Target Score | Stingers, Sea Bears Go Down To The Wire in Season Opener | May 9, 2026
CEBL Target Score | Stingers, Sea Bears Go Down To The Wire in Season Opener | May 9, 2026

The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) is Canada’s professional basketball league, featuring 10 member clubs across six provinces. Powered by elite talent, a fast-paced game format, and deep community connections, the CEBL delivers high-level basketball and unforgettable summer experiences for fans nationwide. The league boasts the youngest fan base in Canadian professional sport, half under age 34, and one of the fastest-growing audiences in the country, now reaching nearly 4.1 million Canadians. This momentum reflects the CEBL’s ability to deliver dynamic, thrilling gameplay while connecting deeply with a new generation of fans and expanding basketball’s cultural footprint across Canada. The CEBL is where elite performance meets homegrown talent. In 2025, 17 players with NBA experience hit the court, while nearly 70% of the league’s roster was Canadian, the highest concentration of domestic talent in any professional sports league in the country. Running from May through August, the CEBL’s season is a showcase of top basketball talent and a summer hub for fast-paced, high-energy fan excitement.



CEBL: Winnipeg Sea Bears at Edmonton Stingers | #CEBL #Basketball
CEBL: Winnipeg Sea Bears at Edmonton Stingers | #CEBL #Basketball

The 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League season tips off with the Winnipeg Sea Bears and the Edmonton Stingers going head-to-head from the Edmonton EXPO Centre. Watch Live sports on CBC Sports' website or CBC Gem: https://www.cbcsports.ca https://gem.cbc.ca/ Check out all the latest Olympic news and video here: https://www.cbc.ca/sports/olympics




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