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.
NBA LIVE! LAKERS vs THUNDER | NBA Full Game 3 Highlights | MAY 09, 2026 | NBA 2K26 | 🎮 DISCLAIMER: This content is a fan-made simulation created using NBA 2K26 🎬 for entertainment purposes only. It is not an official NBA production. 🏀 🎮 Welcome to the stream, NBA fans! 🏀 We’re kicking off the NBA 2K25-26, featuring the latest rosters, fresh matchups, and nonstop virtual action! 🔥 Get ready for highlight plays, breakout performances, and clutch moments — all simulated with next-level realism in NBA 2K26. 💬 Jump in the chat — rep your team, call out your favorite plays, or just vibe with fellow hoopheads! 👍 LIKE the stream if you're feeling the energy 📢 SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss future games 🔔 Tap that NOTIFICATION BELL to get updates for every new stream drop! 🌱 This is a growing channel built by fans, for fans — your support means everything. Every LIKE, COMMENT, and SHARE helps fuel more awesome content. 🎥 Let’s bring the NBA 2k26 Regular Season to life — one simulation at a time! 📌📌 #NBA #NBA2K26 #NBA2KSim #NextGenBasketball #NBA2K26Gameplay #NBAregularseason #NBA2KHighlights #SimSeason #NextGen2K #BasketballGaming #NBA2K26Simulation #NBA2KRealism #VirtualNBA #BasketballHype #MyNBA #2KCommunityStrong #NBAGameplay #DigitalArena #NBAFansUnite #2KNextGenShowtime#NBA2KCommunity #MyNBA #2KRealism #VirtualBasketball #NBALiveSim #NBA2KNextGen #NBA2KAI #ClutchMoments #FullGameSim #BasketballFans #NBA2KClassic #2KShowdown #NBAFullGameHighlights #2025-26NBASeason #NBARegularSeason #NBALiveToday #NBALive #NBAToday #NBA2025-26 #NBAHighlights #NBAHighLightsToday #nbagametoday NBA LIVE LOS ANGELES LAKERS VS OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER NBA Playoffs Game 3, Live Game 3 NBA LIVE OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER VS LOS ANGELES LAKERS NBA Playoffs Game 3, Live Game 3
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.
The Montreal Canadiens answered back in a big way in Game 2. After dropping the opener, the Habs exploded out of the gate with a dominant first period and never looked back in a convincing 5-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres to even up their second-round Stanley Cup Playoff series at 1-1. Alex Newhook led the charge with two goals, Jakub Dobes rebounded with a strong performance in goal, and Montreal’s defense corps stepped up offensively in a statement win before the series shifts back to Montreal for Game 3. Join us LIVE as Shaun and Marco break down everything from the Canadiens’ huge Game 2 victory over Buffalo. We’ll discuss Newhook’s breakout night, Dobes bouncing back under pressure, the physical edge in this series, Lane Hutson’s impact, Nick Suzuki continuing to lead by example, and what this result means heading into Games 3 and 4 at the Bell Centre. Can the Canadiens take control of the series on home ice? How should Buffalo respond after getting overwhelmed early? We’ll break it all down and take your questions live in chat! #montrealcanadiens #buffalosabres #nhl
In the 69th College Football with Sam live show, Sam discusses why there is no "Next Indiana" for the foreseeable future. He also predicts breakout players on Miami's offense and Nebraska's defense, discusses a special breakout player for Ohio State, and considers whether Texas A&M is overrated in 2026. College Football with Sam's goal is to give you joy and mold you into the most educated fan. Make sure to LIKE the video, SUBSCRIBE to the channel, and CLICK THE NOTIFICATION BELL so you can help yourself by being notified when we release new content and go live. Comment your thoughts so we can have a fun and productive conversation! My email (for sponsorship opportunities or questions): collegefootballwithsam@gmail.com Special thanks to Brycen Moore (contact: bam1229.bm@gmail.com ), Jacob Schnieder (contact: jaketheosch17@gmail.com ), and Jack Williams (contact: jackwilliamsg@gmail.com ) for helping with graphic design! Discord: https://discord.gg/tZVaUJ3WhZ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CFBwSam TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@collegefootballwithsam Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegefootballwithsam/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/CFBwSam Merchandise Store: https://cfbwithsam.threadless.com/ Spotify Page: https://open.spotify.com/show/4yYwJCRbhqTmyst5howpAM?si=c326220726014c90 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/college-football-with-sam/id1692426655 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3486a0b3-4706-43bf-95c2-01ccb3a16343/college-football-with-sam 0:00 Introduction 2:40 Breakout Players On Nebraska's Defense 14:15 Breakout Players On Miami's Offense 25:00 There Is No "Next Indiana" 37:45 Why Devin Sanchez Will Be An All-American Corner 46:00 Buying or Selling: Texas A&M's Season #collegefootball #nebraskafootball #indianafootball #ohiostatefootball #miamihurricanesfootball #collegefootballwithsam
Tampa Bay Lightning face a pivotal offseason as Darren Raddysh's breakout 70-point season sparks contract uncertainty. Can the ...
In the 68th College Football with Sam live show, Sam discusses his theory that the Oregon football program has a different type of team entering 2026. He also predicts breakout players on Michigan's offense and Georgia's defense, discusses how well Lincoln Riley has done at USC, and looks at a bold prediction involving the Trojans and the Ohio State Buckeyes. College Football with Sam's goal is to give you joy and mold you into the most educated fan. Make sure to LIKE the video, SUBSCRIBE to the channel, and CLICK THE NOTIFICATION BELL so you can help yourself by being notified when we release new content and go live. Comment your thoughts so we can have a fun and productive conversation! My email (for sponsorship opportunities or questions): collegefootballwithsam@gmail.com Special thanks to Brycen Moore (contact: bam1229.bm@gmail.com ), Jacob Schnieder (contact: jaketheosch17@gmail.com ), and Jack Williams (contact: jackwilliamsg@gmail.com ) for helping with graphic design! Discord: https://discord.gg/tZVaUJ3WhZ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CFBwSam TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@collegefootballwithsam Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegefootballwithsam/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/CFBwSam Merchandise Store: https://cfbwithsam.threadless.com/ Spotify Page: https://open.spotify.com/show/4yYwJCRbhqTmyst5howpAM?si=c326220726014c90 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/college-football-with-sam/id1692426655 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3486a0b3-4706-43bf-95c2-01ccb3a16343/college-football-with-sam 0:00 Introduction 3:15 This Oregon Team Is Special 28:35 Breakout Players On Michigan's Offense 45:30 Breakout Players On Georgia's Defense 1:06:00 Lincoln Riley Report Card 1:20:00 How Texas Tech Reloaded This Year 1:28:30 Is Arch Manning Overrated Or Underrated? 1:37:30 How Much Does Ohio State's 2026 WR Class Contribute? 1:45:30 Viewer Bold Prediction About Ohio State vs USC #collegefootball #oregonfootball #ohiostatefootball #indianafootball #michiganfootball #uscfootball #georgiafootball #texastechfootball #collegefootballwithsam
Gage Lattimore emerged as one of the top returning guards in HBCU basketball after a breakout season at North Carolina Central ...