“craig” tag's highlights of related matches, posts & more...
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
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.
San Diego Padres vs. St. Louis Cardinals Live Streaming Score, Play-By-Play & Highlights
Today, Andrew McFarland is back with another watchalong where the Padres BETTER play better than the last two streams or Andrew will rage quit LIVE on stream... --- Padres Digest is a YouTube channel dedicated to covering all the latest news, trades, reports, and rumors about the San Diego Padres. We provide in-depth coverage of game highlights, player performances, and analysis of team strategies. Our channel features discussions on key players like Fernando Tatis Jr., Jackson Merrill, Manny Machado, and Xander Bogaerts, along with insights from Manager Craig Stammen and General Manager A.J. Preller. Stay connected for exciting updates and engaging content on everything Padres! Have you ever wanted to break into sports media as a write or content creator? Apply to join the Digest Media team today here: https://digestmedia.ca/join-us/ for_digest_redistribution --- Unchanged --- MLB Trade Rumors, MLB Free Agency, MLB Draft, World Series Predictions, Fantasy Baseball Tips, MLB Betting Odds, MLB Jersey Review, Player Performance Breakdown, DraftKings MLB Picks, FanDuel MLB Strategy, Baseball Analytics, MLB Highlights, MLB News Update, MLB Stats, MLB Roster Moves, MLB Predictions
POSTGAME INTERVIEWS: Counsell, Brown, Hoerner and Suzuki | Cubs Locker Room Sound (5/8/26)
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell, starting pitcher Ben Brown, second baseman Nico Hoerner and outfielder Seiya Suzuki talk to the media after the Cubs' 7-1 win over the Texas Rangers. SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE: YouTube ►► https://bit.ly/41Tgb7Q Marquee App ►► https://bit.ly/48hGTdY Cubs Now Podcast ►► https://bit.ly/3OPmy90 FOLLOW US: https://www.instagram.com/watchmarquee/ | https://www.tiktok.com/@watchmarquee | https://www.facebook.com/WatchMarquee | https://twitter.com/WatchMarquee Marquee Sports Network is your official home for Chicago Cubs baseball! POSTGAME INTERVIEWS: Counsell, Brown, Hoerner and Suzuki | Cubs Locker Room Sound (5/8/26) #cubs #chicagocubs #mlb #media #baseball
Cincinnati Reds lose 8TH STRAIGHT GAME, SHUTOUT by Houston Astros | MLB Postgame Recap Highlights
0:00 Watching the 9th 11:51 Post Game Show Craig and Mike will be live in the 9th inning! The Cincinnati Reds (20-18) return to ...
First Time? No. Not Our First Time | 32 Thoughts
In this edition of 32 Thoughts, Kyle Bukauskas and Elliotte Friedman break down Thursday night's Game 3 tilt between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Philadelphia Flyers. ---------------------------------------------- 0:00 - Show start 2:05 - Thursday night's Game 3 15:55 - John Chayka's upcoming meeting with Leafs Head Coach Craig Berube 24:03 - Vancouver Canucks front office search 27:48 - An update on Nashville's search 34:19 - The Thoughtline 53:25 - Wednesday night's action between the Sabres and Canadiens 59:05 - Ducks and Golden Knights 1:05:55 - An interview between Elliotte, Shane Doan, and Josh Doan Email the podcast at 32thoughts@sportsnet.ca or call the Thought Line at 1-833-311-3232 and leave us a voicemail. This podcast was produced and mixed by Dominic Sramaty and hosted by Elliotte Friedman & Kyle Bukauskas. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. ---------------------------------------------- 📺 http://sportsnetplus.ca - Stream live on Sportsnet+ 💻 http://www.sportsnet.ca - More news & highlights on Sportsnet.ca https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhibwHk4WKw4leUt6JfRLg https://www.youtube.com/@MLBxSPORTSNET https://www.youtube.com/@NBAxSPORTSNET https://www.facebook.com/sportsnet https://twitter.com/sportsnet https://www.instagram.com/sportsnet/ https://www.tiktok.com/@sportsnet https://www.snapchat.com/@sportsnet.sc ---------------------------------------------- First Time? No. Not Our First Time | 32 Thoughts #NHL #Hockey #Podcast
GO BOLD: Why Craig Conroy and the Calgary Flames Should PURSUE Auston Matthews After Lottery Drop
Calgary Flames face a franchise-altering decision: should they trade for Auston Matthews and accelerate their rebuild? We explore the bold possibility of landing the Toronto Maple Leafs superstar, assessing Calgary’s draft capital and roster strengths following their lottery slide. With the team holding the sixth overall pick, the episode spotlights Matthews’ elite scoring, Toronto’s uncertainty, and the Flames’ aggressive options as they eye a return to contention. Key discussions include Carson Carels as Calgary’s projected top draft candidate, the long-term fit alongside Zayne Parekh, and whether patience or bold moves serve the Flames’ future best. We break down the strategies of teams picking ahead, like the San Jose Sharks, Vancouver Canucks, and Chicago Blackhawks, including the ripple effects for draft positioning and potential trades. Could Calgary’s stockpile of picks finally net the generational talent they crave, or is another wait-and-see season on the horizon? Timestamps 00:00 Flames: Matthews Trade Boldness 11:27 Mock Drafts: Carels & Parekh 22:04 Draftees & Team Reactions Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-flames/ Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LockedOnNHLPods Everydayer Club Join the Everydayer Club for ad-free audio, access to our group chat on Discord, and more. Use code DEADLINE ahead of the trade deadline for one month free. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonflames.supercast.com/ Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. 5-Hour ENERGY The Cotton Candy flavor is HERE on https://5hourEnergy.com or Amazon, crack open Cotton Candy 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today! Rugiet Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men. Quo Make this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnhl. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) #NHL #CalgaryFlames