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Today marks the end of the first half of the 2022 season and as the All-Star Game festivities get underway, it only seems fitting that we look back on the season thus far and highlight some of the good, some of the bad, and some of the ugly that I took away from the season at this point. So put on your best Clint Eastwood grimace, clench that jaw, and get ready to stare down each other, and lets get to it.

With some obvious holes heading into the 2022 season, the Colorado Rockies needed to make some moves in several key areas. In a bizarre twist we arent typically accustomed to, the majority of new additions to the team have turned in fairly adequate to fantastic performances thus far.

Despite injuries taking a toll, we have seen bits and pieces of Kris Bryants offensive potential in the past couple of weeks and he is continually getting more comfortable with the team, and now that he is active on the roster you can tell the difference his leadership on the field makes a difference in the clubhouse. Randal Grichuk hasnt been the powerhouse we hoped he would be, but he is still hitting .250 on the season with nine home runs and 41 RBI and gradually hitting the ball in the air more.

Weve seen Jos Iglesias and his bat become a nice surprise this season and he is one of the best hitters in baseball on the road this season with a .363 AVG which is a welcome attribute for the Rockies. For a guy just meant to warm the seat at his position for prospects, he has gone above and beyond at the plate and has cleaned up his defense even though its still not as good as you want it to be.

Chad Kuhls emergence as the best starting pitcher for the Rockies this season thus far is an unexpected development. He has the lowest ERA in the rotation at 4.11 and a 4.46 FIP. He has filled in nicely for Jon Gray and is now a candidate to be a valuable trade trip or could even be an extension target for the team. In addition, Alex Colom has also settled in nicely in the bullpen, despite being one of the slowest pitchers in baseball, his 2.67 FIP is the best in the ole arm barn currently.

Its difficult for new players to make an immediate impact with the club, but the crop of guys that joined the Rockies this season have done so admirably and Ive enjoyed having them all on the team.

Other Notables: C.J. Cron became an All-Star, Daniel Bard returned to dominance, Tyler Kinley was unhittable, Chuck Nazty is back

Outside of Kuhl, its been a rough season for the Rockies rotation regulars returning in 2022. The egregious difference in 2022 has been Germn Mrquez. After being named an All-Star in 2021, Mrquez completely changed his approach this season. He changed up his pitch arsenal usage and the results did not follow, especially when it came to his fastball, and he has pitched to a 5.47 ERA. Hes begun to return to form in his last few starts to end the first half as he has gone back to what made him dominant in the first place, but they need Mrquez to continue to get back to his ace status.

Much like their teammate, both Antonio Senzatela and Kyle Freeland have taken some steps back in 2022. Both were recipients of long-term extensions with the Rockies and have had similar results this season. They each have an ERA of a little under five while struggling to string together a strong stretch of quality starts. Injuries have hindered Senzatela this season in addition to returning to an old pitching approach that wasnt effective, and Freeland just cant seem to find the magic of his 2018 season again but keeps on chugging along and battling in every start.

Lastly, Austin Gomber just hasnt looked comfortable all season. His 6.11 ERA is the highest on the team and at times his curveball has not been as dominant as it has been before. Much like the rest of the rotation, walks have been a problem and missed locations on pitches have resulted in an abundance of home runs and extra-base hits surrendered.

Other notables: Lack of power, Injuries decimating the roster, Bullpen struggles, We hit too many ground balls

If you look up ugly in the dictionary its just going to show you the Rockies' defensive stats on the season and their offensive road numbers.

Its almost a given nowadays that the Rockies are going to be terrible offensively on the road. They lack power on the road, and despite leading all of baseball in batting average, thats a misleading stat because as a unit the club is quite flawed, especially on the road. They have 344 strikeouts away from Coors Field to just 110 walks and have a .292 OBP. They struggle to get on base and sometimes cant even hit the ball and generate some offense. Its torture to watch the Rockies on the road.

However, what isnt a given is the defensive miscues the team has had this season. Sure, they have cleaned things up quite between the end of June to now, but that still doesnt erase how bad things were the months prior. Their 59 errors are tied for second in all of baseball which has helped lead to a -11.5 Def according to FanGraphs. Sure, the team has turned a ton of double plays, but they have played so much sloppy baseball and given up roughly 43 unearned runs this season. Its been bad, and luckily they have addressed it and hopefully contained it from getting any worse.

So, the Rockies have been a bit more mediocre this season than any of us hoped they would be. There are definitely some highlights and lowlights, but I still see a team with more potential than what they are producing. Hopefully, everyone involved in the decision-making can address all aspects and not just focus on one good thing, but rather on all areas that can help the team reach its potential.

Juan Soto rumors: What it would take for the Colorado Rockies to get him | Rox Pile

So it sounds like Juan Soto is going to be heading to the trading after rejecting a huge offer from the Washington Nationals. Now, we are more likely to see George R.R. Martin finally finish his last Game of Thrones book before the Rockies land a huge star like Juan Soto. However, our pal Noah Yingling tries to answer the question that we are all thinking because playing out hypothetical scenarios in our minds are lot more fun than reality sometimes.

Futures Game: AL Futures 6, NL Futures 4

Zac Veen got the start in left field for the NL Futures in Los Angeles during the Futures Game. He was the only NL Future with multiple hits in the game, going 2-for-3 with a run scored. Notably, Veen showed off his speed on the base paths by swiping both second and third in the same inning. Overall a great showing by the highly anticipated Rockies prospect.

The Isotopes utilized six pitchers on the night to navigate nine innings of one-run ball against Sacramento. Karl Kauffman started on the hill and have up the lone run to the River Cats in 3 23 innings while walking five and striking out four before giving way to the bullpen to carry it the rest of the way. The Isotopes had nine hits come from the top four spots in the lineup thanks to Sean Bouchard, Elehuris Montero, and Carlos Perez each knocking two hits, and Wynton Bernard had three hits. Montero notched a triple in the game, while Bernard blasted his 15th long ball of the season.

Mitchell Kilkenny got the start for Hartford tonight and tossed 6 23 strong innings of work, but was stung for three runs in the seventh as the Yard Goats took home the victory on Saturday. The Hartford offense came alive in the fifth inning as they trailed 1-0, thanks to a pair of home runs from Willie MacIver and Michael Toglia. They would add five more in the seventh to make it a 9-4 final. Toglia provided plenty of offense on the night going 4-for-4 with a three-run homer.

Despite tallying 10 hits as a team, Spokane managed just two runs in the ninth innings as they dropped the game 6-2 to Eugene. Joe Rock started on the hill and delivered 5 23 strong innings, allowing three runs, but the offense couldnt string together hits to back him up. The team went 2-for-12 with RISP, while Braiden Ward, Hunter Goodman, and Colin Simpson each had multi-hit nights.

Victor Juarez has continued to get roughed up a bit over his past few starts after allowing six runs in four innings of work during his loss to Rancho Cucamonga on Saturday night. Fresno also struggled to string the bats together, after they scored four runs in the first two innings but would be held scoreless until adding one in the top of the ninth. Juan Brito had the most notable night for Fresno, going 3-for-5 with two runs and three RBI.

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Colorado Rockies news: The good, bad, and ugly of the 2022 first half - Purple Row

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (12-8)

CAMP SITE: Santa Clara, California

LAST YEAR: The Niners bounced back from an injury-plagued 2020 season to get back into the playoffs and make it all the way to the NFC title game before falling to the eventual champion Rams. San Francisco traded three first-round picks to draft Trey Lance third overall as the future franchise QB but kept the team in veteran Jimmy Garoppolo's hands in 2021. Garoppolo ran an efficient offense taking advantage of do-everything receiver Deebo Samuel but also showed the limitations that led to the move for Lance. A return of a healthy DE Nick Bosa helped revive a defense that had an overpowering pass rush at times but it wasn't enough to get back to the Super Bowl.

IMPORTANT ADDITIONS: CB Charvarius Ward, DE Drake Jackson, DE Kerry Hyder, LB Oren Burks, S George Odum, DL Hassan Ridgeway, WR Ray-Ray McCloud, DL Kemoko Turay.

IMPORTANT LOSSES: G Laken Tomlinson, CB KWaun Williams, DT D.J. Jones, S Jaquiski Tartt, DE Arden Key, RB Raheem Mostert, CB Josh Norman, LB Marcell Harris.

CAMP NEEDS: The Niners have serious questions on the offensive line, especially on the interior. Williams was an All-Pro last season and has Lance's blindside protected but there are questions at the other spots. Mike McGlinchey is returning from a quadriceps injury but should be ready at the start of camp at right tackle. The three interior spots are up in the air with last year's second-round pick Aaron Banks having a shot at one of the guard spots and Jake Brendel getting the first chance at center. Daniel Brunskill played right guard last season but might be better as a versatile backup if second-year player Jaylon Moore can earn a starting spot.

KEY CAMP COMPETITIONS: The Niners didn't use a draft pick at safety even after letting longtime starter Jaquiski Tartt leave in free agency. Instead they are hoping the answer to finding the safety to line up with Jimmie Ward is already on the roster. Last year's fifth-round pick Talanoa Hufanga showed flashes last year and could get a shot at the full-time role. Odom has experience as a starter in Indianapolis and Tarvarius Moore is also in the mix after missing last season with an Achilles injury.

EXPECTATIONS: The Niners are counting on Lance to make a seamless transition as starting quarterback and expect that will make them contenders again in the NFC. The team is filled with stars supporting Lance with Samuel one of the most dynamic playmakers in the game, George Kittle one of the top tight ends and Williams the best left tackle in the league last season. The defense has Bosa, insider rusher Arik Armstead and linebacker Fred Warner leading the way. If Lance can be a slight upgrade on Garoppolo, San Francisco should be one of the top teams in the conference. If he struggles in his first full season since 2019 at North Dakota State, it could be a long season.

FANDUEL SUPER BOWL ODDS: +1600

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49ers turn team over to QB Trey Lance in 2022 - USA TODAY

According to Rick Gosselins 2021 special teams rankings, the Chiefs had the fourth-best special teams squad overall last season. Thats no surprise among the NFL they ranked third in punt returns, fifth in kickoff coverage, first in punt coverage and third in net punting. Butker also had the second-best field goal percentage in the division.

Gosselin ranked the Raiders 11th thanks to Carlsons 93 percent field goal percentage (good for fourth-best in the league) plus Coles first-ranked punt average at 50 yards per punt. The Raiders dont have their returners solidified for 2022 but have some talented options.

Gosselins rankings have Denver at 27th. The Broncos had the worst kickoff return and kickoff coverage units in the league last year, although the addition of Washington as a returner should help Denver in the kickoff return game a bit. Denver also has Martin who was one of the better punters in the league last season.

Gosselin ranked the Chargers all the way down at 31st. L.A. was the best in the division at kick returns last year but somehow was the worst in the league at punting and punt returns. The additions of Scott and Carter should help L.A.s special teams squad climb league rankings.

Continued here:
AFC West Weekly: Ranking the division's defensive, special teams position groups - Chiefs Wire

The All-Star Game is in the books, and just five weeks remain of the 2022 WNBA regular season. And as the playoff race heats up, the best players will continue to have an impact around the league.

Before play resumes Tuesday, ESPN's Mechelle Voepel, Kevin Pelton and Alexa Philippou once again rank the top 25 players in the WNBA. Five former MVPs dominate the top of our update, although No. 1 is now unanimous. Six players who weren't on our preseason list break into the rankings, including Kelsey Plum, who climbed all the way into the top 10. Teammate Jackie Young also makes her debut, putting the entire Las Vegas Aces' starting five on the list.

The league-leading Chicago Sky, No. 1 in the WNBA standings and in Monday's WNBA Power Rankings, have four players featured. Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream is the lone rookie on the list, landing at No. 25.

The New York Liberty's Sabrina Ionescu (No. 10), the Dallas Wings' Allisha Gray (No. 19) and the Indiana Fever's Kelsey Mitchell (No. 24) also break into the rankings.

Forward | 6-foot-42022 stats: 21.0 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 1.9 SPGPreseason rank: 1

Stewart also was No. 1 in the preseason, edging reigning MVP Jonquel Jones, who got one vote. But Stewart was a unanimous pick this time. Our midseason pick for MVP, Stewart is playing perhaps the best basketball of her career after winning the award in 2018 and Finals MVP twice. In addition to leading the WNBA in scoring, Stewart is also second in steals per game, a key reason she was also our midseason pick for Defensive Player of the Year. Despite Stewart's heroics, the Storm started slowly, but they've moved into third in the WNBA standings at the All-Star break and are just 1 games out of first place. -- Pelton

Forward | 6-foot-42022 stats: 18.5 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 2.1 BPGPreseason rank: 3

Wilson was the leading vote-getter for the All-Star Game and is a perennial MVP candidate. Plum and Young have upped their offensive production this season, but it hasn't negatively impacted Wilson's stats. She is shooting 49% from the field and has an effective field goal percentage of 52.0, both career bests. She is also averaging career highs in rebounding and blocks while continuing to be a strong presence defensively. The Aces have cooled after a hot start but as long as they have Wilson, 25, they are a championship contender. -- Voepel

Forward | 6-foot-62022 stats: 14.6 PPG, 8.9 RPGPreseason rank: 2

Jones -- who went off in Sunday's All-Star Game with 29 points -- continues to cement her status as one of the league's best, even as she has assumed a slightly less prominent role on the Sun with Courtney Williams and Alyssa Thomas back into the fold. DeWanna Bonner and Williams are taking the most shots on the team -- Jones' 10.9 field goal attempts per game are her fewest in three seasons -- and Connecticut will need to work on getting her the ball, especially in late-game situations. But her value to the Sun, including on the glass and on the defensive end, cannot be disputed: Jones' plus-13.3 on/off court net rating is comfortably the best on the team. -- Philippou

2 Related

Forward | 6-foot-22022 stats: 18.4 PPG, 7.1 RPGPreseason rank: 14

Ogwumike has had a hell of a past two years on and off the court navigating the demands of leading the players' union, the disappointment of being left off the U.S. Olympic team for the Tokyo Games and difficulties stemming from a knee injury. Finally healthy and in a renewed mental space, Ogwumike has been the bright light in an otherwise tumultuous Sparks season. Los Angeles, which started the season with a brutal schedule and fired coach Derek Fisher midseason, wouldn't be in playoff contention -- the Sparks currently are seventh in the WNBA standings at 10-12, with the best eight teams making the postseason -- without Ogwumike's heroics. Her field goal percentage (.571) would be the second best of her career if the 2016 MVP can keep it up. -- Philippou

Forward/center | 6-foot-42022 stats: 13.3 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 5.0 APGPreseason rank: 9

Parker's numbers are very similar to last year's, when she joined Chicago after 13 seasons in Los Angeles and helped the Sky win a championship. She turned 36 in April and has said she isn't sure how much longer she will play. But she doesn't look near retirement in regard to how good her game still is, and that has Chicago leading the league. Parker's versatility always has been a hallmark, and she has two triple-doubles this season. Her assist average this season is the highest it has been since 2015 (6.3). -- Voepel

0:28

Kelsey Plum is named the 2022 WNBA All-Star Game MVP as Team Wilson defeats Team Stewart 134-112.

Guard | 5-foot-82022 stats: 19.9 PPG, 5.7 APG, 42% 3FGPreseason rank: NR

Unranked when the season began, Plum has played her way into the league's highest echelons after winning the sixth player of the year award a year ago. In a larger role, Plum has literally maintained her efficiency (her .579 true shooting percentage is identical to last year's mark) while pushing her scoring to second best in the WNBA. Plum leads the league in 3-pointers and has become a three-level threat, as she was at Washington, where she finished as the NCAA's all-time-leading scorer. Plum winning MVP in her All-Star debut Sunday only confirmed that she belongs among the league's best players. -- Pelton

Center | 6-foot-62022 stats: 14.9 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 1.2 BPGPreseason rank: 4

Fowles will be 37 in October, and looks as if she easily could play a few more years. But she is ready to move on with her life and pursue other things, and will retire at the end of the season. Fowles is shooting almost 60% from the field for her career (59.9), and with every rebound she adds to her WNBA career record total (3,878). Fowles missed five games because of a knee injury but returned to help the Lynx climb back in the standings. They are 4-2 since her return to the lineup June 23. -- Voepel

0:23

Sylvia Fowles gets a steal and throws down a slam dunk as Team Wilson pads its lead versus Team Stewart.

Guard | 5-foot-82022 stats: 11.3 PPG, 6.4 APG, 4.0 RPGPreseason rank: 7

The Chicago Sky were on a roll heading into the All-Star break, surpassing the Aces as the top team in the league standings, and floor general Vandersloot has a lot to do with that. Vandersloot is No. 2 in the league in assists -- behind only Natasha Cloud -- while continuing to live up to her reputation as a go-to bucket when the Sky need one (see: her winning buzzer-beater 3 to lift Chicago over the Lynx a few weeks ago). The Sky's depth and balance are huge assets, but there's no question that if the Sky are to become the first franchise to repeat as WNBA champions since the Sparks in 2001-2002, Vandersloot's fingerprints will be all over such a run. -- Philippou

Guard | 5-foot-92022 stats: 18.9 PPG, 5.2 APG, 4.0 RPGPreseason rank: 5

Little has gone well for Phoenix on or off the court this season -- that is, aside from the stellar play of Diggins-Smith. With Brittney Griner detained in Russia, the Tina Charles experiment having gone horribly wrong and an aging Diana Taurasi beside her, Diggins-Smith has had to shoulder even more of the offensive load, attempting the second-most shots of her career (15.1 per game) on one of her higher field goal percentages (44.1%) since being drafted into the WNBA. Her on/off court differential is plus-14.4 per 100 possessions, the best mark of any of the Mercury's regular rotation players this season. -- Philippou

0:17

Skylar Diggins-Smith hits a big 3-pointer over Sabrina Ionescu to put the Mercury up by four with just over a minute to play.

Guard | 5-foot-112022 stats: 17.4 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 6.3 APGPreseason rank: NR

As recently as the end of May, it wasn't clear this would be the season Ionescu delivered on the potential that made her the best player in college basketball at Oregon. Ionescu was held to 10 points or fewer in five or her first eight games as the Liberty started 1-7. Since June 1, Ionescu has been as good as anybody in the WNBA, averaging 20.1 points, 8.6 rebounds and 7.1 assists with a pair of triple-doubles -- matching Candace Parker as the first two players in league history to record two triple-doubles in the same season. If Ionescu can lift New York in the playoffs and continue producing at this level, there's a case for her to jump even higher on the list. -- Pelton

Forward/guard | 6-foot-52022 stats: 16.0 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.0 APGPreseason rank: 12

Delle Donne has played 15 of the Mystics' 24 games, and she is coming off her top scoring performance of the season: 26 points in a July 6 victory over Atlanta. The two-time MVP is still one of the league's elite players -- even if she wasn't chosen as an All-Star -- and the most important thing for the Mystics will be getting her to the postseason in the best shape possible. -- Voepel

0:42

Sabrina Ionescu sinks a 3-pointer to seal a win in the 2022 WNBA Skills Challenge for herself and teammate Zoe Brooks.

Forward | 6-foot-32022 stats: 13.5 PPG, 4.8 RPGPreseason rank: 19

Jones -- the only player named an All-Star despite coming off the bench for her WNBA team -- appears poised to take home the sixth player of the year award after winning most improved in 2021. She continues to be an efficient presence on the offensive end (shooting 56.1% from the field), is smart defensively, and her overall impact cannot be overstated: Jones' 4.1 win shares are second best in the WNBA, per Her Hoop Stats, and she ranks seventh in Pelton's WARP/G (.152). -- Philippou

Guard | 6-foot-02022 stats: 17.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 3.9 APGPreseason rank: NR

Young is having the best season of her career, which reflects all the work she has done to improve her shooting mechanics. She is hitting 46.9% from 3-point range, with an effective field goal percentage of 55.9. She is taking nearly three shots more and averaging five points more per game than last season. Young has made 30 3-pointers in 2022, compared to 22 combined in her first three WNBA seasons. Add that to her getting to the foul line more, and you see why she has become a more dangerous offensive player. She has always had the skill. -- Voepel

Guard | 5-foot-102022 stats: 16.4 PPG, 3.9 APG, 38%, 3FG%Preseason rank: 6

As compared to 2022, when she earned All-WNBA first-team honors, Loyd has taken a slight step back inside the arc. She's making a career-low 40% of her 2-point attempts, worse than you'd expect based on her shot profile and historical accuracy. Loyd remains a valuable scorer based on her high-volume 3-point shooting, and is a strong two-way contributor even though she no longer has to take the most difficult defensive assignments with the additions of Briann January and Gabby Williams. -- Pelton

Forward | 6-foot-22022 stats: 13.3 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 5.6 APGPreseason rank: 15

Thomas hit the ground running in her first (full) WNBA season back since tearing an Achilles prior to the 2021 campaign, earning WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month in May. With Jasmine Thomas out for the year (ACL tear), Alyssa Thomas has had to take on even more of a facilitator role, where she's averaging a career-high (and team-best) 5.6 assists per game. Her attacking ability and grit nonetheless remain important for the Sun, as her 23 points helped Connecticut overcome a 17-point, second-half deficit to defeat Washington last week. -- Philippou

Forward | 6-foot-42022 stats: 12.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 3.0 APGPreseason rank: 24

After spending her first seven WNBA seasons in Washington, which included winning the 2019 title and WNBA Finals MVP, Meesseman went to Chicago. She has been a really good fit for a Sky team that lost Diamond DeShields and Stefanie Dolson to free agency. Meesseman is valuable in part because she is so consistent and reliable. She isn't shooting as well from 3-point range as she has in the past but is still at 58.5% from 2-point range. -- Voepel

2:02

Check out some of the best moments from Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard and Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young as they continue to bring the heat to Atlanta.

Guard | 5-foot-82022 stats: 19.5 PPG, 3.6 APGPreseason rank: 10

Arike Ogunbowale continues to do Arike Ogunbowale things, as she's top five in the league in scoring this summer -- as she has been in each of her previous three seasons with the Wings -- while also attempting the most 3-pointers of her pro career (8.2 per game). Dallas floundered a bit after its strong start, holding on to the eighth spot in the standings heading into the All-Star break. Ogunbowale will need to stay efficient offensively and hold up defensively for Dallas to build upon last year's first-round exit. -- Philippou

Guard | 5-foot-82022 stats: 15.0 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 38%, 3FG%Preseason rank: 20

An All-Star for the second consecutive season, Atkins has established herself as one of the league's best all-around guards. Capable both of creating her own offense and posing a threat spotting up, Atkins is also sneaky good in terms of avoiding turnovers (bottom 10 in the WNBA in turnover rate, per Basketball-Reference.com). Having made the All-Defensive second team each of the past three seasons, Atkins is a key part of the Mystics' defensive rating, which ranks second in the league. -- Pelton

Guard | 6-foot-02022 stats: 14.2 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 2.3 APGPreseason rank: 10

Gray is a quiet person, and she's quietly having the best of her six seasons thus far in the WNBA. She is averaging career highs in scoring and rebounding, and is shooting a career-best 41% from 3-point range. Often overshadowed by Ogunbowale's big-time scoring, Gray is third in the league in offensive rating and eighth in offensive win shares. -- Voepel

Guard | 5-foot-112021 stats: 12.4 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 6.0 APGPreseason rank: 17

In her second season in Las Vegas, Gray remains one of the WNBA's most dependable point guards. She is fourth in the league in assist average this season, and she is averaging a career high in steals at 1.6. Like the other Aces starters, Gray has a lot on her shoulders and is expected to log many minutes. But she is the type of player who doesn't have many ups and downs. Her steadiness is one of her talents. -- Voepel

Forward | 6-foot-32022 stats: 11.9 PPG, 7.9 RPGPreseason rank: 21

Las Vegas' Wilson, Plum and Young might capture the majority of onlookers' awe, but Hamby continues to prove herself critical to the Aces' success, as indicated by her 2022 All-Star bid and her recently announced contract extension with the franchise. Her shooting percentage (50.3%) is the best of the Aces' core players, her rebounding numbers rank second (7.9 boards per game) and, finally in a starting role, she's playing the most minutes of her eight-year career. -- Philippou

Guard/forward | 6-foot-12022 stats: 13.8 PPG, 5.1 RPGPreseason rank: 22

The Sky kicked it into high gear once they had all their pieces back, including 2021 Finals MVP Copper, who arrived late due to overseas commitments. Across their past 15 games (around the time that Copper returned), the Sky boast a league-best 12-3 record and 7.7 net rating. Copper's length and quickness as a slasher -- not to mention her ability to hit from deep, where she's taking more shots than all but one other season of her career -- continue to solidify her as one of the most promising young stars of the league, further showcased by her earning her second consecutive All-Star bid this season. -- Philippou

Guard | 5-foot-92021 stats: 8.3 PPG, 5.9 APG, 40% 3FG%Preseason rank: 16

When Bird started the season slowly, including a 1-of-11 shooting performance against Phoenix, observers inevitably wondered whether she might no longer be as effective in what is now officially her final WNBA season. Bird bounced back and is now hitting 40% of her 3s to go along with the second-highest assist rate (8.1 per 36 minutes) of her 19-season career. At age 41, Bird's minutes (26.1 per game) have been limited, but make no mistake: She's still crucial to Seattle's success. -- Pelton

Guard | 5-foot-82022 stats: 19.0 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 4.0 APGPreseason rank: NR

Mitchell is having the best of her five seasons in the WNBA, with her scoring and assist averages being career highs, along with her 42.2 3-point shooting percentage. She is fourth in the league in scoring but didn't get selected to the All-Star Game. That suggests the Fever's struggles as a team can impact the way Mitchell is evaluated individually. But she seems committed to Indiana's attempt to reestablish the franchise, and she's doing her part. -- Voepel

Forward/guard | 6-foot-22022 stats: 15.1 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.5 SPGPreseason rank: NR

The WNBA's first rookie All-Star since Napheesa Collier (an injury replacement in 2019), Howard has delivered ahead of schedule as the No. 1 pick. Carrying a heavy offensive load on an Atlanta team that has played much of the season without veteran guards Tiffany Hayes and Erica Wheeler, Howard has compensated for low shooting percentages (38% from the field) with volume 3-point shooting and few turnovers. And Howard's activity on defense is a factor in the Dream's improvement from ninth to third in defensive rating. -- Pelton

Fell out: Tina Charles, Liz Cambage, DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard, Kayla McBride, Diana Taurasi

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WNBA 2022 - Ranking the top 25 players in the league 2.0 - ESPN

With the additions of Joe Burrow and JaMarr Chase, the Cincinnati Bengals not only improved their performance on the field, but also in the stands.

Among teams that stayed in the same stadium the Bengals had the second-biggest attendance growth in the NFL from 2019 to 2021, per Greg Auman:

The only team the Bengals lost out on in attendance gains just happened to add one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. The Bengals themselves are no slouches with the Super Bowl appearance at the end of last season they should see those numbers continue to rise going forward.

Also, unlike the Buccaneers, the Bengals core players are extremely young, most importantly Joe Burrow, who at this point is one of the most exciting young players in the league.

With better play the Bengals attendance will continue to rise, and as long as Joe Burrow keeps being Joe Burrow, the Bengals should be able to maintain an exciting offense. They took another step in maintaining it this past offseason as well with the additions along the offensive line to protect Burrow.

With better protection in the pocket, Burrow should take fewer hits, get more time, and throw up more Chase and Tee Higgins bombs for touchdowns.

More here:
Bengals had one of the biggest attendance growths in the NFL of the last 2 years - Cincy Jungle

There has been no shortage of roster movement, both outgoing and incoming, for the NC State baseball program this offseason. The latest addition to the team is former Clemson relief pitcher P.J. Labriola, who announced his commitment to the Wolfpack on Thursday.

Labriola made 16 appearances for the Tigers in 2022, striking out 16 and walking five over 10-2/3 innings. He finished the season with a 5.06 ERA. Labriola is draft eligible but I figure theres a pretty good chance hes at NC State in 23 for his redshirt junior season.

Labriola is the second lefthanded reliever the Pack has added through the portal, joining Rio Britton. Based on this fun fact from Labriolas bio, his move to NC State was one of destiny:

Interesting facts about family/parents One of his great-grandfathers played in the minor leagues, and the other was Jim Valvanos godfather

To recap the transfer additions so far, aside from Labriola:

Rio Britton (LHP / Oregon): Had a 3.20 ERA in 34 appearances in 2022. Thirty-five strikeouts and 20 walks over 39-1/3 IP.

Kalae Harrison (SS / TAMU): Slashed .162/.295/.216 in 19 games (13 starts) in 2022. Started all 56 games for the Aggies in 21 but hit only .224/.311/.286. That glove plays, clearly.

Parker Nolan*** (CF / Davidson): Hit .310/.442/.663 with 15 homers this season.

Matt Suggs*** (C / UNCW): Hit .245/.332/.511 with 13 homers in 22.

Carter Trice (2B / ODU): Hit .289/.395/.606 with 17 homers this season.

(*** player is draft eligible this year)

-

Well see how things play out as the MLB Draft gets underway Sunday, but if both Nolan and Suggs make it to Raleigh, the Packs offense will be looking pretty darn good.

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NC State baseball continues to add through the transfer portal - Backing The Pack

1.) New England Revolution is not playing as poorly as they did during their CCL collapse in March/April, but they arent demonstrating a consistent string of results either. How would you categorize the teams form right now?

I think frustrating is the word that comes to mind but I also dont think this Revs season was unexpected to a degree at least as far as the inconsistency. Yes, the CCL collapse against Pumas stung and the Revs have let other results slip away including that 1-1 draw with the Philadelphia Union in late May where the Revs put up a 3.0 xG on 4 of 22 shooting and only scored via a penalty and gave up an equalizer moments later.

The 10-game unbeaten streak was nice however even though it had more draws than wins in it. The Revs were always going to have some sort of transition midseason with their outgoing players and Ive always maintained the Revs were playing a split season in 2022. The first half was all about the CCL run and the second half was getting new players acclimated for a playoff run. New England was never going to maintain their Shield winning form and win every game by one goal, but while I think this is a playoff team, it is a little disappointing for the Revs to currently be on the outside looking in at the halfway mark even if New England is still within striking distance of 4th place and a home game in November.

2.) Without Adam Buksa and Matt Turner, who are the next men up? How is the team adapting without two stars?

Well, I can tell everyone that we are all just wicked excited for Djordje Petrovic in goal. In just a few short weeks the Serbian international signed from Cukaricki already has a highlight reel full of ridiculous double saves and a couple of standout performances against NYCFC in both Open Cup and league play. As far as shot stoppers go, Petrovic is already pretty darn good and is only going to get better. Yes, distribution wise hes made a few mistakes being too aggressive going forward with the ball that have led to costly turnovers but you can see the talent and potential he already has.

Albanian international Giacomo Vrioni is still sorting out his visa paperwork but when he does join up with the Revs as a DP it will be to take over as the #9 in Adam Buksas role. Vrioni already has the resume of an established goal scorer and hes not just an aerial threat either. The other newcomer is Colombian Dylan Borrero as a U22 Initiative signing who is also settling in quite nicely into the starting lineup. Not entirely a like for like Tajon Buchanan replacement, but pretty close, I think Borrero is a little more natural in the middle of the field but the ability to just beat someone in space is something the Revs did miss early in the year. Really excited to see how he and Sebastian Lletget combine tactically in the attacking midfield on either side of Carles Gil in a role that isnt quite a shuttling center mid nor an always stay wide winger but somewhere in between.

3.) What do the Revs look like going into the back half of the season? Are they a playoff contender?

Playoff contender, yes. MLS Cup contender however depends on how much Vrioni adds up front and if the Revs make any other additions. New England did well to secure the Petrovic and Borrero signings before the end of the offseason window and were able to quickly secure Vrioni at the beginning of July to replace Buksa, but if the Revs are going to win that elusive MLS Cup theyll need to spend the next few months building up their chemistry and form for a big playoff run. We saw NYCFC kind of underachieve in the regular season last year but their talent carried them to the Cup and theres no reason to think the Revs couldnt do something similar.

The reigning league MVP in Carles Gil, big time golazo machine Gustavo Bou, a cast of talented newcomers, one of the best fullback duos in the league in DeJuan Jones and Brandon Bye, and veterans like Polster, Farrell, McNamara, and Boateng absolutely have the talent to pull this off. Winning the Shield in record fashion last year was not a fluke, the core of this Revs team is talented and the pieces theyve replaced have already shown to have a lot of potential. Its up to Bruce Arena and the rest of the coaching/front office staff to get this squad to realize that full potential because this championship window is about as open as its going to be but the new look Revs model as a selling team makes it difficult to maintain regular season form if a couple of major pieces get sold every couple of summers. New England is making strides to catch up to the rest of the league as far as DP spending and their new training ground, but the playoffs will always be such a crapshoot so at this point Ill take a meh regular season and a barnstorming Cup run for 2022.

4.) Are there any notable injuries? What are your score/lineup predictions?

No injuries and only Andrew Farrell out on red card suspension so Jon Bell gets the start. Matt Polster came on as a second half sub at Yankee Stadium and could be in line for his first start since his return from injury.

4-2-3-1: Petrovic; Jones, Bell, Kessler, Bye; Kaptoum, Polster; Borrero, Gil, Lletget; Bou

Maybe the best lineup available for the Revs currently though that other CDM spot next to Polster has been in flux this year. The Revs need a rebound game and play the Union well but at best this is a 1-1 draw though with the form Philly is in Petrovic standing on his head might not be enough.

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Talking New England Revolution with the Bent Musket - Brotherly Game

Were only one business day away from SEC Media Days, so that means it must be football season, right? Maybe not, but being out of season has never stopped me from talking about football. With that in mind, I sat down and did my first ever very unofficial SEC season predictions.

For this exercise, I didnt just pick numbers at random, I went through and picked a winner for each game on the schedule, and these are the results.

Not exactly a bold prediction here, but I think the Tide are ready to go on a roll after embarrassingly losing two whole games in 2021. They take their nearly 90% blue chip ratio, finish undefeated and win the West, as is tradition. Eat at Arbys.

Obviously if Bama goes undefeated, that means the Aggies one loss is the Crimson Tides revenge game in Tuscaloosa. In most of my season predictions Ive tried to be more conservative and say that A&M will drop one other game along the way and go 10-2, but when it came down to choosing individual games, I just couldnt resist putting A&M on top in every game but one. The Ags finish second in the West for the third time in five years and set themselves up nicely for a New Years Six Bowl (and a very outside chance at a Playoff spot if some weirdness happens).

Arkansas is a team thats very hard to predict. They had an outstanding 2021 season, but lost a fair amount of production with several super seniors and WR Treylon Burks. They also return QB KJ Jefferson and made some good additions in the portal, including Bama LB Drew Sanders. But the Hogs schedule is brutal, opening the season by hosting Cincinnati before traveling to BYU later in the season, in addition to their SEC West slate. I have them losing to A&M and Bama, and also dropping the game in Provo to BYU (who I think could be a darkhorse playoff contender in 2022).

Ole Miss is coming off a fantastic 2021, but has a lot of turnover entering 2022. They replaced Matt Corral and Jerrion Ealy via the portal with Jaxson Dart (elite QB name) from USC and Zach Evans from TCU. But perhaps more importantly, lost both coordinators (Lebby to OU, Durkin to A&M). I think that lack of continuity could cost them some close games, and the way the schedule falls, I have them starting 8-0 only to drop each of their last four games to A&M, Bama, Arkansas and (miserably for Rebel fans), the Egg Bowl to Mississippi State.

Bulldog fans may end up viewing this as a disappointment, especially since they lead the SEC in returning production. But having a letdown when expectations seem to be highest is vintage Mike Leach. Theyll take down LSU, Auburn and Ole Miss (which may salvage their season emotionally, at least), but lose their remaining SEC games, which includes a pretty brutal stretch that sees them host A&M and Arkansas before road games at Kentucky and Alabama. Oh and throw Georgia in there for good measure.

Brian Kellys first season in Baton Rouge falls about as flat as his attempted southern accent. The Tigers will get off to a promising 4-1 start, including wins over Florida State and Auburn, but an absolute gauntlet looms in the back half of the year: Tennessee, at Florida, Ole Miss, Alabama, at Arkansas, UAB, at A&M. I think they lose a couple and then the snowball effect has them Texas-ing this thing to bowl ineligibility despite a talented roster.

Goodnight, Bryan Harsin. Auburn brings back Tank Bigsby, but outside of that this may be the least talented squad theyve had there in quite some time, especially after losing Bo Nix to the transfer portal and signing the 9th-best class in the conference. At least Vanderbilt is there to keep them from going winless in conference play for the first time since the Gene Chizik era.

Much like Bama in the West, Georgia continues their run of dominance. Especially since their West foes this year are Auburn and Mississippi State, its hard to see anyone posing too much of a challenge, though I think Tennessee and Kentucky have a chance.

Despite losing to Alabama and Georgia, the Vols run the rest of the table and get to their first 10-win season since the Phil Fulmer era. With Hendon Hooker leading Josh Huepels offense, I think Tennessee has the firepower to keep up with almost anyone this season. Hopefully their defense (90th in college football) can improve enough to make that a reality.

The fact that some people in Lexington will view this as a disappointment shows how far Mark Stoops has taken this program since he took over in 2013. I have the Wildcats starting the season 6-1 (dropping the game vs. Ole Miss) before losing two of their final five games (vs. Tennessee and Georgia). The good news? Theyre about to have a two-game win streak over Florida for the first time in almost 50 years.

Florida is one of the harder teams to predict this season. After a very subpar 2021, Billy Napier comes to Gainesville from Lafayette hoping to right the ship. With a 60% blue chip ratio, they still have the talent to compete, and that alone may win them a few games, but I think its too soon to expect them to seriously contend. The Gators will have an inauspicious start to the season, going 1-3 against Utah, Kentucky, USF (W) and Tennessee, but will win six of their final eight games (losing only to Georgia and A&M), capping off the season with a win over rival FSU for the fourth straight year.

I like what Shane Beamer is doing in Columbia, but they probably overachieved a bit when they went 7-6 (including a bowl win over North Carolina). But their schedule is a beast. In addition to the SEC East foes, they get A&M and Arkansas from the West, and of course finish the season with what I believe will be a Clemson teams that returns to contender status. I think they lose those games, as well as to Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia.

I want to believe in Mizzou, but the cards seem to be stacked against them this year, especially after losing QB Connor Bazelak to the transfer portal (now at Indiana). Sadly, the only Power 5 team I see them beating this year is Vanderbilt. Their projected win total this year is around 5.5, so I guess give me the under.

Ah, Vandy. Its just so hard to see them doing anything meaningful in the SEC, even though guys like Derek Mason and James Franklin have gotten them to respectability a few times in the past decade. But the Dores havent won a conference game sine 2019, and I dont see that changing this year.

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Predicting the final 2022 SEC standings - Good Bull Hunting

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Absco Sheds Garden Sheds & Outdoor Structures

ALBANY - A Denver-based maker of pre-fabricated sheds, garages and other structures has opened an outlet in Albany.

Tuff Shed plans a grand opening Friday and Saturday, July 8 and 9 to mark its new sales and design center at 2002 Central Avenue. It is one of three factory-direct Tuff Shed retail locations in New York.

We brought a Tuff Shed sales location to Albany to provide the best in customer service, quality and value in sheds, studios, and garages on the market, District Manager Tim Williams said in a prepared statement. We build onsite and everything is customizable to fit our customers budgets and backyards, something this market has been waiting for.

Tuff Shed has 54 production facilities across the country, and a total of 161 brick-and-mortar retail storefronts. They are also an "installation partner" for The Home Depot stores.

After working with customers to design and accessorize buildings, the company pre-fabricates key building components that are delivered to their final site.

The company started in 1981 in Rexburg, Idaho and later moved to Denver. In 2018, it acquired competitor Sheds USA.

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A new seller of pre-fabricated sheds, garages and other structures has come to Albany - Times Union