FOR THE WIN VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2 MAY ISSUE

https://latinosports.com/2019/05/18/urshela-hands-the-yankees-keys-to-first-place-on-top-the-al-east-with-walk-off-against-rays/ Letter from the editing staff:

Here’s one for the road. Enjoy this walk off-issue just like Gio Urshela’s walk off against the Rays.

Sincerely, FTW Editors

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VOLUME 5 | THE MAY ISSUE 3

THE STAFF EDITORS-IN-CHIEF SCHUYLER RB BEN METZNER MARK FERNANDEZ ROBBIE WERDIGER MANAGING EDITOR ROBBIE WERDIGER ROHAN BHATIA CREATIVE DIRECTOR SCHUYLER RB MARK FERNANDEZ ROBBIE WERDIGER FACULTY ADVISOR MR. ECKELS

STAFF WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS DAANYAL AGBOATWALLA BRADLEY BENNET STEVEN BORODKIN MARK FERNANDEZ YOTAM HAHN AVI KAPADIA JULIAN KEPNES SURAJ KHAKEE JONATHAN MONG MAXWELL RESNICK ROBBIE WERDIGER SURAJ KHAKEE Why James Harden is the MVP The MVP race between James Harden in the league in win shares and box plus-minus, and Giannis Antetekoumpo is one of the greatest, which estimates the number of points per 100 pos- and most hotly contested, in recent memory. A sessions that a player adds compared to a replace- 7-foot freak who can dunk with ease from near- ment-level player. He even improved his defense, ly the line, Giannis ran the East with which had been his one weakness that people freakish athleticism, dominance in the paint, and continued to at when trying to knock his a brilliant display of passing that is rare for some- greatness. Not only did he average 2 steals per game, body that tall. Meanwhile, James Harden came which was third best in the league, and ranked top- back from his MVP season in 2018 and somehow 15 in defensive win shares. That’s one spot ahead of got better. He raised his points-per-game average defensive stalwart Joel Embiid. from his league-leading 30.4 last season to 36.1 At the end of the day, the fact that Harden this year, while dishing out 7.5 assists per night. could put up historic, mind-blowing stats while He even brought his rebounds up to just over 6.5 leading an injury-riddled roster that featured per night and, despite increased responsibility, stretches of games with Daniel House, Austin maintained a percentage around 44% Rivers, Kenneth Faried, and James Ennis starting and a three-point percentage around 37%. Gi- alongside Harden, to a fourth seed in the West is annis had an MVP-caliber season, but there are monumental. Sure, Giannis led the league in PER levels to this. James Harden made history this (Player Efficiency Rating). But he leads Harden in year and to simply push that to the side because that stat by .3. Compare that to all of the areas where his style is boring or because you feel that he Harden blew Giannis out of the water and that slight holds the ball too much is not what MVP voting advantage seems far less impressive. Both players should be about. had historic years and I do believe that Giannis will Let’s start with what we all know. We all win MVP in the end. But just know that if his name saw James Harden’s streak of 32 straight 30-point is read at the NBA Awards in June, it’s the wrong games. That’s the longest streak since Wilt Cham- choice. Harden isn’t very fun to watch and, yes, he berlain, who as you may remember, averaged 50 did win the award last year. That doesn’t make any- points per game in a season. Harden scored at thing he did this season less special and it certainly least 50 points 9 times this season, including at doesn’t make him undeserving of one the greatest least 60 twice. These numbers weren’t him just honors in sports. trying to stat pad. The team needed him. , Eric Gordon, and all missed large chunks of time early in the season after the Rockets had fallen to 14th in the Western Con- ference standings. Harden carried the Rockets all the way to 4th in the stacked West by season’s end, and a lot of the heavy lifting was done by him alone. He had eight -doubles, includ- ing a pair of 50-point triple-doubles that have become somewhat commonplace when we see the highlights on Sportscenter. The man averaged over 43 ppg during the month of January and went on a streak of 302 consecutive points with- out being assisted on any of them. That’s almost unheard of. Harden did all of this while sporting a true shooting percentage (61.2) that was by far the best of any player who averaged more than 35 points per game, and wass 5 full percentage points better than Michael Jordan’s in 1986- 87. Players with usage ratings such as Harden’s (39.3), which was tops in the league by over 7%, aren’t supposed to shoot so efficiently, as his true shooting percentage is almost 9 points better than the league average as well. All of these factors together create an intricate yet clear statistical argument for why Harden is the MVP. His VORP (Value of a Re- placement Player) was calculated to be 9.9, 2.3 higher than the second-place finisher Giannis. https://www.nba.com/rockets/news/james-hard- To give some context to that difference, Giannis’ en-named-western-conference-player-month-january VORP is just .3 higher than Nikola Jokic- the third-place finisher. Harden also finished as first

6 FOR THE WIN https://www.theringer.com/nba-playoffs/2018/4/16/17241860/rockets-timberwolves-game-1

VOLUME 5 | THE MAY ISSUE 7 AVI KAPADIA

Trae Young for Rookie of the Year Early in the season, Luka Don- demonstrate how Young is a unique cic was considered the sure-fire and rare talent in the context of the Rookie of the Year. However, after entire league and its history. the All-Star break, put up extraordinary numbers, closing Now, let’s compare some head- the gap on Doncic. The following is to-head stats for this season. Young why Young should take home the has higher offensive and defen- award. sive ratings, despite being consid- ered a “defensive liability”. Young Doncic averaged 21.2 points, earned six more -doubles 7.8 rebounds, and 6 assists, while than Doncic and shot 11.6% better Young averaged 19.1 points, 3.7 from the free throw line. Young also rebounds, and 8.1 assists. While possesses a higher offensive win Doncic’s statistics may seem bet- share. His scoring streak to end the ter at first glance, Young’s more de- season put him first among all rook- tailed statistics placed him among ies in total points. the best players in the league--and the best rookies of all time. Young After the All-Star break, Young had seven 30-point and 10- erupted, averaging 24.7 points, 9.2 games, while Doncic did not re- assists and 4.7 rebounds per game. cord any such combination. This This is an improvement of nearly is the most by any rookie ever, eight points from before the All-Star besides . Young break. While Young’s three-point also had a 40-plus point and 10- percentage improved by more than plus assist performance in March. three percent, Doncic’s efficiency The other two rookies to do this: dropped by over eight percent to LeBron James and Michael Jor- a weak 26.4%. Young’s noticeable dan. Young was third in the league improvement in such a short time in assists in the entire league out span was remarkable. of all players who competed in at least 60 games. He also ranks top As a leader of a young and inex- five all-time in total assists in a perienced team, Young’s outstand- rookie season. Young was award- ing play guided the Hawks to place ed the Conference Player of the second in the league in points per Week award not once but twice game and three-pointers per game to Doncic’s zero. Lastly, Young after the All-Star break. Young’s recorded three of the top five rookie season has shown what a highest scoring games by rookies unique talent he is, especially in his this season, while Doncic record- facilitating and passing abilities. ed none. Young also recorded all top five highest assist games by a rookie this season. These stats

8 FOR THE WIN https://hoopshype.com/2019/03/19/atlanta-hawks-trae-young-floater-teardrop- rookie-of-the-year/ https://www.wsj.com/articles/giannis-antetokounmpo-nba-re- cord-slam-dunks-1544110275 VOLUME 5 | THE MAY ISSUE 9 DAANYAL AGBOATWALLA

Luke Doncic for Rookie of the Year On June 21st, 2018, the an sensation, who, according to I love Trae Young, and I think that night of the 2018 NBA , a many fans and analysts, would this Rookie of the Year storyline trade was made that would de- become the next face of the NBA. was great for the fans and for the fine the careers of two young Luka was running away with the league. Trae is an excellent player, men forever. The first is Luka NBA’s Rookie of the Year trophy, but this Rookie of the Year “race” Doncic, the 20-year old Slove- and while some other rookies was never close. Recent bias has nian Euroleague MVP. The sec- were having impressive seasons, unfortunately swayed many peo- ond, Trae Young, was a college Luka was unmatched and un- ple’s opinions, but the facts are superstar who led the nation in questionably the favorite. That is simple: Trae did for 3 months es- both points and assists while until Trae Young showed up to the sentially what Luka had been doing carrying to the NCAA party. After a tough start to the all year, and did it arguably worse. tournament. In fact, both these season in terms of his three-point His performance on the court is players share a special con- shot, Trae began to his shots simply inferior to Luka’s, which is nection as they were traded for more consistently and averaged emphasized by Atlanta’s lack of each other on draft night. Luka 18 points in the month of January. victories throughout the year. Un- was originally taken with the It would only get better from there like the Hawks, the Mavericks won third pick by the , for Trae, as he would average 35 games this year and were in se- whereas Trae was originally above 23 points per game in the rious playoff consideration, mostly taken by the Mavericks with the months of February, March, and due to Luka’s contributions. sixth pick. After both players April. People quickly took notice The NBA’s awards races were drafted, the respective of Trae’s offensive explosion, the should not be popularity contests; organizations agreed to a deal Mavericks struggles, and Luka’s they should be decided based on that brought Trae to the Hawks decrease in efficiency and began who had the better season. How- and Luka to the Mavericks. Ear- to question whether the Rookie ever, whether we like it or not, a ly on in the year, Luka showed of the Year race was really over. player’s popularity plays a signifi- immense potential as a leader Trae essentially swapped plac- cant part in how many votes they on the court and as a future es with Luka in terms of being accrue, and Luka Doncic was eas- all-star while Trae struggled. in the spotlight for much of the ily one of the most popular rookies Trae was shooting under 40% latter part of the season. Almost we have ever seen. As I mentioned from the field, while Luka set every night, NBA highlight pages earlier, for much of the season, the the league on fire by averaging were obsessed with “Ice Trae’s” league was enveloped in “Luka Ma- around 20 points, seven as- incredible vision, handles, range, nia.” Luka was on a highlight reel sists, and seven rebounds right and clutch shot-making ability. every single night, and almost in- out of the gate. The Mavericks Their comment sections began stantly became the new face of operated as a potential play- to be filled with statements like, the Mavericks franchise. Everyone off team with Luka impressing “Trae is better than Luka,” and was talking about him. Luka hit a fans with highlight-reel plays “Trae is the real Rookie of the few stepback threes in a game, and every night. One night, Luka hit Year.” Even so-called NBA ex- people put videos of him next to a nearly impossible three-point perts went on TV and proclaimed James Harden and compared the buzzer beater fadeaway to that Trae Young had pulled ahead two. Luka also received the sec- beat the Trailblazers. Everyone of Luka in the race. ond-most fan votes for the All-Star was talking about this Europe- Now don’t get me wrong, game in the Western Conference

10 FOR THE WIN behind only Lebron James. Trae Young was definitely very popular in a similar fashion this season, but “Luka Mania” was on a completely different level. Statistically speaking, Luka outperformed Trae in every category but assists. I know that these stats don’t tell the whole story, but they do play a large role in determining the winner of the race, especially when considering that Luka led his team to a better record than Trae did, while having far less help from his teammates. This is partially because the Mav- ericks traded away their entire starting lineup for an injured Kri- staps Porzingis midway through the season. Nevertheless, Luka is averaging more points, rebounds, blocks, and steals than Trae, and is shooting more efficiently from the field and from three-point range. Many people look at Luka’s field goal percentage and say that he is not the most efficient scorer either, but Luka was shooting at around a 37% clip from three before many of his teammates were traded and defenses became completely fo- cused on stopping him. While many argue that this year’s Rookie of the Year race is a lot than it seems, it really is not. Luka has been superior to Trae in almost every aspect of the game. Luka has simply had one of the best rookie seasons in recent memory and definitely deserves to win the award at the end of the year.

https://theathletic.com/731292/2018/12/25/have-we-ever-truly-seen-a- player-like-luka-doncic-we-searched-for-the-closest-comparisons/

VOLUME 5 | THE MAY ISSUE 11 YOTAM HAHN The Future of The

s the 2018-2019 Also, in a big trade before Knicks the number one pick season came to a the trade deadline this win- which is unfortunate con- A close for the New ter, the Knicks were able sidering they had the best York Knicks, fans to trade away Kristaps Por- odds, but they could have were left with an- zingis and Tim Hardaway been worse off. Instead, other disappointing season Jr and receive talent like they will wind up picking at without a playoff appear- Dennis Smith Jr. Although number three. That high up ance. With an atrocious re- it may not seem obvious, in the draft there will still cord of 17 wins and 65 loss- that trade was beneficial be lots of talented players es this season, the Knicks to the Knicks. Even though available like RJ Barrett, were able to secure the they might have gotten rid De’Andre Hunter, and possi- highest odds to receive the of their most talented play- bly . These young number 1 draft pick, which ers, those two definitely and talented rookies will all everyone expected to be 18 did not have the talent or help the Knicks attract the year old Duke star Zion Wil- intangibles to lead a team interests of big-name play- liamson. However, this was to a championship. While a ers in free agency this sum- not the case as the Knicks championship for the Knicks mer. This summer could de- ended with the third pick in may seem overly ambitious cide the prosperity or failure the lottery. Throughout the at this point, that is the goal of the Knicks for the next season there has been lots for every team, whether it decade or so and it will all of talk of the Knicks acquir- is in the near future or far depend on landing big free ing big names in free agen- down the road. In addition to agents. If the front office cy this summer, such as their lack of abilities to lead continues to take steps in Kyrie Irving, , the team, Hardaway was on the right direction the way and/or Kemba Walker. With a huge contract that com- they have this season, there the addition of these stars pletely oversold his actual is a very good possibility the in free agency along with a capabilities on the court Knicks could end up with high draft pick, the Knicks and Porzingis was very in- two or three superstars on could possibly have a star jury prone, did not seem to their roster next season, but studded team with the po- have the drive to work on his there is always the fear that tential of making a playoff body, and also began to be the Knicks organization will push. Along with the possi- the focus of issues off the go back to its old ways and bilities of these big named court with rape allegations. find a way to mess up gold- players coming to play in Porzingis made it clear that en opportunities. Only time New York, the Knicks front he did not want to play in will tell. office has finally made a few New York anymore so there sensible moves during the was no reason to keep him season. For example, they around. were able to stack up a lot Up to this point, the of inexpensive young play- Knicks have done many ers with leadership quali- things right in the last year ties that have the potential in terms of front office deci- to be influential role players sions. The recent draft lot- on a team with a few stars. tery ended up not giving the

12 FOR THE WIN The Future of The New York Knicks

https://www.reddit.com/r/NYKnicks/comments/amfy6y/the_future_knicks/

VOLUME 5 | THE MAY ISSUE 13 STEVEN BORODKIN Dave Gettleman Is The Worst General In The NFL fter Jerry Reese got After the trading away Harrison, the Haskins was considered by everyone fired during the 2017 Giants defense clearly regressed, es- (except David Gettleman) to be the A season, I thought that pecially against the . Gettleman best left in the draft. To the Giants would fi- was able to make it through the rest make matters worse, Haskins ended up nally get a competent general man- of the season without any more bad getting drafted by the Redskins, so the ager. I could not have been more moves, but things picked up again Giants will be reminded of Gettleman’s wrong. Not only is Gettleman in- in the offseason. He started by let- mistake twice a year for years to come. competent, but he is somehow ting star safety walk Jones would have assuredly been avail- worse than Reese. In just one year, in free agency, only to see him sign able for the Giants second first-round Gettleman managed to derail the with the Giants’ rival: the Washing- pick, and has been described by scouts entire Giants franchise by making ton Redskins. Then, in arguably his as having “pedestrian talent,” and being one head-scratching decision after worst move, he traded away one of a career backup at best. another. First, Gettleman complete- the best wide receivers in the NFL, ly overpaid for left tackle Nate Sol- Odell Beckham Jr, to the Cleveland The Giants will never be successful der, making him the highest-paid Browns for next to nothing--safety under Gettleman because of his phi- offensive lineman at the time. Jabrill Peppers, a first-round pick, losophy and lack of a plan. Gettleman Solder is a fine player, but he has and a third-round pick. They would does not value defensive backs, a very never made a or All-Pro use the first-round pick to take important position on defense. He re- team and is not close to worth the run-stopping defensive tackle Dexter fuses to pay them. As the Panthers GM, amount of money that the Giants Lawrence, essentially a worse version he let Josh Norman walk and ended up are paying him. Gettleman then of Damon Harrison. So basically, losing his job because of it. Now he took running back Saquon Barkley Gettleman gave up Beckham, Harri- has done the same for the Giants. One over quarterback Sam Darnold with son, and Collins for a worse player in would think he would have learned the second pick in the draft. While each position and their third-round from his mistakes. He believes a team Barkley is a phenomenal player by pick, Oshane Ximines, a defensive can be rebuilding and trying to win any measure, franchise quarter- end from Old Dominion. Addi- at the same time. He cannot be more backs are much more valuable and tionally, Gettleman seemed to put wrong. If he keeps trying to win with harder to find than running backs. no effort into getting a better offer a bad team, the Giants will continue to While both of these moves seemed for Beckham, which he easily could be stuck with five-win seasons, and will pretty bad at the time, it would only have. He views Jabrill Peppers as never get that top draft pick they need go downhill from there. After a bad the same value as a first-round pick, to reach the next level. Finally, although start to the season, Gettleman start- which is completely wrong. He was he claims he has a plan, he clearly does ed his purge of the Giants’ roster. He unable to even get the Browns better not. He stated multiple times that the started by trading Eli 3rd round pick. Then draft day came, Giants did not sign Beckham to trade Apple to the Saints for a 4th round and pass-rusher Josh Allen, consid- him, but his plan obviously changed, pick, which was not actually a terri- ered to be one of the best players in and the Giants ended up eating $16 ble trade, as Apple struggled on the the draft, fell to Giants at the 6th pick. million in dead money because of it. field and was also considered to be a But in typical Gettleman fashion, he He has also stated multiple times that cancer in the locker room. The next instead took Daniel Jones, a quar- you have to take the best player avail- day, though, things went from bad terback from Duke. Football is not able in the draft. He evidently changed to worse. Gettleman traded away the sport where you take a guy from his mind on this belief, as Jones was not defensive tackle Damon Harrison, Duke with a top-ten pick. Not only even a top 30 player in the draft. the best run-stopping defensive was Jones far from the best prospect tackle in the NFL, to the Lions for available, but he wasn’t even the best a 5th round pick. A 5th round pick! quarterback available, as Dwayne

14 FOR THE WIN https://nypost.com/2019/03/05/just-how-badly-did-dave-gettleman-blow-the-landon-collins-exit/ JULIAN KEPNES NFL 2019 With Explosive Potential In This Upcoming Season field. Even trying new things. who I refuse to believe is human. While the 2019-2020 NFL Different drops, how your His freakish athleticism not only season seems a light-year movement is.” He added, “I’m earned him the number one away, right now, many willing to do whatever. What- overall draft pick of the 2019 quarterbacks are deep in ever they say, I’ll do.” Jimmy NFL Draft but it also earned him thought during this offsea- is motivated to have a come- the ninth overall pick in the 2018 son. Instead of looking for- back year that will propel him MLB Draft. He is the first player ward, they are looking back, to the playoffs with help from to ever be selected in the first no doubt reflecting on their an underrated roster. round of the NFL and MLB drafts. 2018 season; specifically, Also, he earned himself the 2018 on the opportunities they Heisman Trophy for his colossal missed to take their skills to If you thought that a three- performance at the University the next level. Whether due year, $84 million deal of- of Oklahoma. He was selected to injuries or the disappoint- fered to former the Redskins by the , who ment on the stat sheets, quarterback would fuel this dumped their 2018 first-round here’s my list of quarter- star-studded Minnesota Vi- pick Josh Rosen after being backs I believe are motivat- kings team to the playoffs, put under an offensive line that ed to have their defining sea- you would be wrong. Soon offered no protection. But the son, either driven by a chip after a disappointing playoff Cardinals are hoping that, con- on their shoulder, or the be- miss, partly due to the emer- sidering their new quarterback- lief that their jobs are on the gence of the ’ mightalready be the fastest in line. powerhouse defense led his position, they won’t have to by , the memes worry as much about the O-Line Jimmy Garoppolo started flowing in. The topic issue. Kyler’s extraordinary abil- The 2018-2019 season of these memes explored the ity to throw on the run will pro- came to an abrupt end for fact that Case Keenum, a no- vide hope and a new dynamic the San Francisco 49’ers’ name quarterback who had for this Cardinals offense. My Jimmy Garoppolo. Formerly led the Vikings on a Cinder- prediction is that Kyler will be a the backup for New England ella story-esque playoff run top 15 quarterback in the NFL Patriots’ , Garop- all the way to the NFC Cham- by the end of this year. polo suffered a torn ACL pionship, had been forced to during a game against the pack his bags and depart to Baker Mayfield Kansas City Chiefs. What the Mile-High City. And who If you follow football this is makes this injury particular- did they get in return? Cous- probably the quarterback you ly brutal is that Garoppolo ins - who got mopped by the have been waiting to see includ- was just three games into , a team which ed in this list. If Baker’s talent his first season as a starter was at their season low after and work ethic were not clear for the 49’ers. Expectations one of their players retired enough in the 2018 season, you were set high for Garop- at halftime earlier in the sea- are definitely going to see it shine polo this past season. His son. While his stat sheet says this year. The new acquisition brief 2017 performance for otherwise, there were clear of Odell Beckham Jr., the wide the 49’ers had earned him a moments in big games where receiver with arguably the best 5-year, $137 million deal. He he could’ve stepped up but hands in the league, is bound to took the title of highest paid he didn’t deliver. Hopefully, fit perfectly with Baker’s simi- player in the entire league he’ll take this offseason to lar fiery passion for the game. after winning just five re- further learn his new offense, Baker, being the rookie with the maining games of the 2017 and with his clear work ethic, most passing , is season. During rehab for we should expect some big bound to put on a show this up- his knee, he told the web- changes this upcoming sea- coming season. Don’t sleep on site “Bleacher Report”, “It’s son. the dangerous sophomore who been a very productive off- only has one thing in his sights, season. Whether it was in Kyler Murray the Lombardi Trophy. the film room or out on the Kyler Murray is an athlete

16 FOR THE WIN https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/ct-jimmy-garoppolo-better-than-adver- tised-20171218-story.html

VOLUME 5 | THE MAY ISSUE 17 https://bsndenver.com/trevor-story-shunned-as-bbwaa-nl-rookie-of-the-year- finalist/

18 FOR THE WIN BOLD MLB Award Predictions Paddack, , Fernando Ta- Last season, nobody would have ex- MAXWELL RESNICK tis Jr., and Nick Senzel, Soroka has pected to win NL the potential to be among the best of MVP or Blake Snell to win AL Cy K/9. Once again, Morton has been them all. So far this season, Soroka has Young. While these are purely bold overlooked due to the success of last earned a 1.21 ERA, and has not given predictions, each of these players or year’s winner, Blake Snell up more than one in any managers has the potential to create and the breakout performance of start this season. If he keeps this up, it a compelling case for their respec- phenom Tyler Glasnow. will be hard to deny him of the award. tive award. Honorable Mentions: Matthew Honorable Mentions: Victor Robles, Boyd, Mike Clevinger Keston Hiura Most Valuable Player: George Springer Cy Young: Hyun- American League Manager of the Conversation regarding the plethora Jin Ryu Year: Terry Francona of talent in the Astros’ lineup often While few predicted this type of Few teams in recent memory have suf- revolves around Jose Altuve, Alex breakout for Ryu, he did provide us fered from injuries as badly as the In- Bregman, and , un- with signs of improvement at the dians have this season. It started when fairly excluding Springer. No Astro end of last season. Ryu only made franchise player be- hitter, however, is performing better 15 starts last season, but he man- gan the year on the , then this season than George Springer. aged an impressive 1.97 ERA. This budding superstar Mike Clevinger Not only is Springer a longshot for season, Ryu has arguably been the went on the 60-day Injured List with the American League MVP award, biggest surprise in baseball. Recent- a back injury. To top it off, two-time he’s far from a safe bet to win the As- ly termed “the new Greg ”, Cy Young award winner tros’ MVP award. However, Ryu has gotten better as this season fractured his arm. Additionally, 2018 leadoff in a potent lineup creates has progressed. He currently owns AL MVP third-place finisher Jose more at-bats, causing his counting a 1.72 ERA, along with 21 consecu- Ramirez has been very disappoint- stats to potentially be inflated for tive scoreless innings, and an absurd ing thus far. And yet, the Indians find his own benefit. If Springer is able 18:1 to walk ratio. If inju- themselves three games ahead of .500. to sustain this production for an ries don’t hold him back, it’s actually In a very weak AL Central, it is pos- extended period of time, he has the plausible to believe the 32-year-old sibly a healthy Indians pitching staff ability to compile a compelling case breakout star could take home this could lead a division title. Francona for the most prestigious individual award. probably will not win, but it is unfair honor in baseball. Honorable Mentions: , to rule him out so far. Honorable Mentions: Tommy Luis Castillo Honorable Mentions: Brad Ausmus, Pham, Tim Anderson Rick Renteria American League Rookie of the National League Most Valuable Year: Brandon Lowe National League Manager of the Year: Player: Trevor Story Before the start of the season, ESPN Clint Hurdle Ever since Story burst on the scene released a poll for the public, asking Every year, the Pirates get off to an with 7 home runs in his first 6 career who they believe will win the AL abnormally hot start. And every year, games, he’s fallen under the shadow Rookie of the Year award. Lowe was they falter and return to their medi- of teammate . Many not even an option. The debate was ocre ways. Perhaps this year could be believe Arenado, a top-five MVP limited to Triple-A phenoms and different. Josh Bell looks like a break- finisher each of the past three years, prospect ranking headliners Vladi- out candidate. When healthy, James- is due for his share of the trophy. mir Guerrero Jr., and Eloy Jimenez. on Taillon and have the However, Story quietly put together While the hype around those pros- potential to be a dominant one-two a spectacular season last year. pects is deserved, no AL rookie has punch in that rotation. Unfortunately Honorable Mentions: Marcell Ozu- been more surprising than Brandon for the Pirates, they play in an incredi- na, Anthony Rendon Lowe, who won AL Rookie of the bly tough division, but if they can sus- Month in April. While it is possible tain this level of play for an extended American League Cy Young: Char- that Guerrero will go on a tear and period of time and sneak into a wild lie Morton win the award, Lowe’s made quite a card spot, it is very possible Hurdle de- Last year with Houston, Morton compelling case for himself so far. velops a strong case for the award. was often overlooked due to the star Honorable Mentions: Yusei Kikuchi, Honorable Mentions: , power of the Astros’ rotation. Mor- Michael Chavis Mike Shildt ton quietly pieced together a nice season for himself, however, with a National League Rookie of the Year: 3.13 ERA, a 15-3 record, and over Mike Soroka 200 . This season, Mor- Five starts into the season and ten ton has actually improved, with a into his career, Mike Soroka looks sub-three ERA and an even higher promising. In a race featuring Chris

VOLUME 5 | THE MAY ISSUE 19 MARK FERNANDEZ MLB Standings Predictions American League wild card chase. Polanco until they are 30. Byron Bux- ton will also look to bounce back as he AL EAST 4) Toronto Blue Jays had a season full of injuries in 2018; If 1) This year seems to be a healthy Buxton can be one of the best The Yankees definitely throwaway year for the Blue Jays as center fielders in the game and could didn’t get worse this offseason. they seem to have not put togeth- potentially be the star that the team Adding key reliever Adam Otta- er a very competitive team as they craves. If Kepler and Buxton can finally vino and bringing in veteran ex- lost Marco Estrada in free agency step into what they have been made perience in and and traded away Josh Donaldson out to be and Polanco continues what D.J. Lemahieu to fill in the gap at the end of last season. The one he did last year than this team could for the first two months for the bright spot for the team this year be the surprise team of the AL. injured . The team will be the debut and development also brought back all star starter of the highly touted rookie Vlad 3) Chicago White Sox J.A. Happ to complete their start- Guerrero Jr. They missed out on Machado ing rotation.Last year the team and Harper, but definitely improved. won 100 games even with Aaron 5) The addition of Alonso should be a Judge missing a month due to in- The Orioles seem to be good power bat to pair with Abreu jury. Pending another huge injury, heading to a record setting year on a daily basis. Along with the addi- this team looks to bring havoc in of losses as they have no immedi- tion of Alonso, the team has bolstered 2019. ate plan for success. All the team their bullpen with Alex Colome and can hope for is a “tank” in hopes Kelvin Herrera. Both players are strong 2) of getting a high draft pick as they relievers and should help close games. The Cham- wait out the dominance of the Red Even with all the additions through pions seemed to regress this off- Sox and Yankees. trades and free agency, the team’s season as they lost their two best greatest addition will be number one relievers in and Joe prospect in the system, Eloy Jimenez. Kelly to free agency making their AL CENTRAL bullpen one of the worst in the 4) league. Even with the abysmal The Royals are an interesting team bullpen, the Sox will look to re- 1) as they have veered away from the idea peat this year behind Mookie Bet- It seems that the Indians were from power and have instead opted for ts, J.D. Martinez, and their stellar going to blow it all up this off- speed-spotlighted by the addition of pitching. If they can add an arm season by trading either Kluber or Billy Hamilton. The biggest brightspot or two to their bullpen, than they Baur. Instead Kluber and Baur sit will most likely be Adalberto Mondesi could push their way to another on the roster at the start of spring who will be the everyday for 100 win season. training and are looking to wreak the club; Mondesi will bring speed and havoc this year. Losing Michael all around great defense to the team. 3) Brantley, , Cody Al- This team will feel the loss of Salva- The Rays seemed to be len, and the rented Josh Donald- dor Perez who will be recovering from the biggest, yet quiettest surprise son will bring the team down a peg Tommy John Surgery from a injury in of 2019. Tampa mustered up 90 or two this season. The indians are . wins and kept themselves in the also resting easy as no other team wild card race until the last sec- seems to be competing for their 5) ond.. The team will have to have number one spot. The Tigers will probably be better another surprising year to get to than the Royals in the up and coming 90 wins, but its not out of the 2) years, but they don’t seem to have any question. The team will rely on AL The Twins will need this year to big prospects close to the big leagues. cy young winner Blake Snell and be a success as all of their young The team lacks star power with Miguel hope for a bounce back season talent is getting to the point that Cabrera being on the final part of his for Tommy Pham. Look for the they need to start producing. The career and the team trading away the team to regress by a few games, offseason was good to the twins rest of their good players in the last but still be competitive in the AL as they signed ,and few years. locked up Max Kepler and Jorge 20 FOR THE WIN https://www.pinstripealley.com/2019/4/16/18411280/yankees-game-score-recap- james-paxton-mike-tauchman-shutout-red-sox

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2018/10/28/red-sox-win-world-series-champi- onship-beat-dodgers/1803801002/

VOLUME 5 | THE MAY ISSUE 21 them to turn some heads. another year

AL WEST 4) 3) 1) Shohei Ohtani proved to ev- If healthy this team can compete The Astros look to be a lock eryone that he could pitch and hit in with anyone, but that’s a big if. The for another AL West Pennant after the MLB, unfortunately he will only Mets had an interesting offsea- winning 100 wins last year. The hit this. With Ohtani on the DL with son with trading for Robinson Cano team will definitely feel the loss- tommy john, the pitching staff for the and Edwin Diaz, while also signing es of Keuchel and Char- Angels looks very questionable. The and Jed Lowrie. In a lie Morton, but still have the two team did makes some good moves time where teams are looking to headed beast of this offseason as they signed Matt get younger and not older, the Mets and Gerrit Cole leading their rota- Harvey to a one year deal, signed seem to be going against that trend tion. The Team also had the most slugger Justin Bour, and locked up to become a winning team again. underrated signing of the offsea- for 12 years and 426.5 With Cespedes out, the team will son with the acquisition of Mi- million dollars. This might not be rely on its younger bats like rookie chael Brantley, who when healthy the Angel’s year as their pitching Pete Alonso who will be the every- is an all star. Don’t forget that the resembles a group of leftovers, but day starting and in my core of this team is still young they are on the up and coming. opinion will be a top 10 one at that. and will be better than last year. This team is an interesting team to The hole in this team that might 5) Rangers keep an eye on and could reke havoc stop them from getting to another The Rangers seem like the if the stars align correctly World Series is their bullpen. runt of the AL West as their team lacks components of a champi- 4) 2) onship team. The Team’s pitching The Nationals lost to Last year’s team felt like seems to be part of the worst rota- a division rival and it seemed over Moneyball 2.0. The team filled tions in the MLB and they also lack for them. That is not the case as with rookies, unproved players, a steady among other posi- star studded prospect Victor Robles and a few great players made an tions. Even with Joey Gallo, Rougned will be taking over in centerfield for incredible push and finished way Odor, and Shin-Soo Choo, the team the team this year and will be a sta- above expectations at 97 wins. will end up at the bottom of the pack ple in the lineup for years to come. The team did lose key players in once again. Along with Robles, a new addition to Jed Lowrie and to the team will be Patrick Corbin who free agency. The team did make signed for a 6 year, 140 million dollar a trade for over NL EAST contract. Corbin could be the third the offseason and he could fill the starter in this stacked rotation that roll that lowrie has left open. The 1) could help the Nationals go over the team could miss their ace Sean Probably the biggest off- top. Like the Angels, this may not be Manaea for the whole 2019 sea- season out of any of the teams, the their year, but look for them to be on son as he is still recovering from Phillies will look to reek havoc on the rise come 2020. shoulder surgery in September. the rest of the MLB. With additions Expect this team to still be really of Bryce Harper, , and J.T. 5) good, but take a step back from Realmuto, the Phillies might be fa- Sorry Marlins fans, but this is go- last year. vorites to win the World Series. While ing to be another dreary season in the World Series might not happen, Florida. Miami had one star in J.T. 3) a NL East Pennant is extremely pos- Realmuto last year and they traded The Mariners seemed to sible. him away this offseason. With most give up this offseason as they people not being able to name most traded 3 of their best players in 2) of their starting 9 players, the team Robinson Cano, Edwin Diaz, and The Braves had an amazing is looking to continue its slow re- James Paxton. This doesn’t mean 2018 winning the NL East with their building process under new owner they don’t have anyone. The team big breakout rookie Ronald Acuña . comprises of veterans like Jay Jr. What did they do to improve this Bruce, Dee Gordon, Kyle Seager, offseason, just added a former AL and Felix Hernandez who can still MLP in Josh Donaldson. Donaldson NL CENTRAL produce. They also have good will bolster their lineup, but the real young players like Tim Beckham concern is their starting pitching 1) who will look to break out this which lacks a star studded ace. If The brew crew looks to repeat season. WIth little to no expecta- the team can somehow land Dallas their outlook from last year and with tions meant for this team, look for Keuchel than they might be set to the NL MVP Christian Yelich, they repeat being NL East champions for might just do it. While pitching looks 22 FOR THE WIN looks to be the weakness of the at Yankee Stadium, he boasted an years, this might be a World Series Brewers, they are filled with stars all above average ERA and was some- team. throughout their lineup and have a what dominate; with a new change lockdown closer in . With of scenery to the NL, Gray will face 4) a full year of and a platoon of teams that have never It would be a great storyline for the , along with anoth- seen him pitch which will help him Giants to win the division of Manag- er year of dominance from Christian throughout the season. Besides that, er Bruce Bochy’s last season, sad- Yelich, Lorenzo Cain, and Jesus Agu- Puig will bring energy to the club- ly it most likely won’t happen. The ilar, the Brewers could be trouble for house and team. Once Scooter Gen- team contains good pieces in Evan anyone who steps in their way. nett comes back, this team will be Longoria, , and Madison dangerous. Bumgarner, but it doesn’t seem as 2) St.Louis Cardinals that will be enough to push the team is now a St. Lou- 5) to the finish line. The pitching has is Cardinal. He finally gives them a Pittsburgh is going to need been a disappointment in the past, star hitter to plug into the lineup to rely on its pitching staff if it wants and will number 2 rotation everyday, while also giving the Car- to win games this year. The team being out the entire dinals their first steady first base- has two aces in Jameson Taillon and year, it doesn’t seem to getting bet- man since . The cardi- Chris Archer who can give them 35 ter. The Giants had a dynasty, but nals also bolstered their bullpen by wins combined. This team has a now they are just hanging on by a adding lefty reliever Andrew Miller. Tampa Bay Rays-esque feel to it, but thread. While this may sound like a broken then again they could finish last in record, their problem will be starting the NL Central 5) pitching. This rotation doesn’t con- sist of a star ace, with Mike Mikolas Arizona lost its three best play- holding down the spot. Hopefully NL WEST ers in AJ Pollock, Patrick Corbin, and can stay healthy and Paul Goldschmidt this offseason, but help lead this team to another post- 1) that doesn’t mean they don’t have season birth. They went to the world se- anyone left. The team still has Ace ries last year and they only improved Zack Greinke and young third base- 3) this year. This offseason, the Dodg- man Jake Lamb. Look for the team The cubbies did not finish out the ers lost , but gained to have surprise players pop out and season well last year as they blew AJ Pollock and Joe Kelly to bolster for the team to at least be competi- their lead in the NL Central, lost the their roster. Along with Corey Sea- tive this season. one game playoff for the NL Cen- ger coming back, the Dodgers seem https://www.usatoday.com/ tral lead, and then lost the wild card to be the deepest team in the NL story/sports/mlb/2017/11/13/ dodgers-cody-bellinger-nl- game. The scary part is they didn’t and have a real shot of winning the rookie-year/859891001/ add anyone to their team to fix this league this year. mistake from last year.While they still have stars and Anthony 2) Rizzo along with what is a starting Locking up Nolan Arenado rotation with three aces in Jon Les- this offseason was a smart move ter, , and Jose Quintana for the Rockies. Along with Are- and two above average nado, the team is rocking a strong in and Yu Darvish, lineup that includes All Star Charlie their problem is their bullpen. The Blackmon, and sluggers Mark Reyn- pen for the Cubs is atrocious and olds and Daniel Murphy. The biggest doesn’t have one standout pitcher question for the team will be their that comes in and lets you believe pitching which seems to have a lot that they can get the job done every of untapped potential and skill. time. 3) 4) Speeding up the rebuild, the The Reds finally look like a signing of Manny Machado will pay major league team. The Reds went off right away for the Padres. Mach- out and got better this season by ado will provide a star to San Diego adding pitching and hitting to their and another experienced veteran to team. The most underrated trade of the clubhouse. Along with Machado, this offseason in my opinion was the rookies Fernando Tatis Jr. and Chris Reds acquiring Sonny Gray from the Paddack with dramatically change yankees. When Gray was not pitching the outlook of the team. In a few VOLUME 5 | THE MAY ISSUE 23 JONATHAN MONG FREE AGENT FREEZE he last two MLB sea- ally hear their case and award the bad because in MLB (and every other sons have shown a player one of the two salaries. This North American major league) teams T quite alarming trend— occurs until the player has played are rewarded for being horrible. While teams simply aren’t six years in MLB, or when his team I’m not arguing for Miami to be rele- spending money anymore. Besides decides that they don’t want him gated to AAA like in soccer, because Boston’s J.D. Martinez deal, Phil- anymore and cut him, at which that’s a bad idea, I do think there adelphia’s Harper deal (which, at point he will become a free agent. should be some way to stop teams 13 years/330 million, was some- However, here’s the interesting from trying to be so ridiculously bad how a lower average annual value, part. Teams are simply non-ten- that they don’t have 10 wins by May. or AAV, than his potential 10/300 dering (cutting) arbitration-eligible (Miami did that.) But as long as teams Washington extension), and San players who were rather produc- are rewarded for being bad, they will Diego’s Machado deal, which was tive. For example, Billy Hamilton try to be bad. Maybe drop the draft reportedly the only one to even (1.3 WAR in 2018) was non-ten- pick 10 spots if a team loses more surpass $250 million, the majority dered by Cincinnati last winter. than 100 games. Something to stop of free agents are quite honestly Hamilton, a known speed freak teams from deliberately losing. being stiffed. As I write this, Dal- with about zero batting skill (he hit So teams aren’t playing to win and las Keuchel, a man who has won .236 and doesn’t walk); after be- teams want players who have low sal- a Cy Young not too long ago, and ing cut, he signed a $4.25 million ary commitments. How do we stop it? Craig Kimbrel, a very, very good deal with Kansas City, where he is A salary floor of at least $120 million. closer, remain unsigned. currently projected for a 0.7 WAR. If you aren’t at that level, the remain- Minor leaguers literally make Cincinnati has since replaced him der gets paid directly to each player- below minimum wage, but that’s with Nick Senzel, who is projected so if you’re $4 million under $120 mil- another story for another issue. for a slightly worse 0.3 WAR. This is lion, like Atlanta is as of now, then $4 However, when a minor leaguer a trend. Jonathan Schoop (0.5 WAR million gets paid to each player. That comes up to the majors, he is paid in 2018) was non-tendered by Mil- way, teams are really incentivized to the fraction of $545,000 propor- waukee. He signed an $8.5 million not run a $62 million payroll like Tam- tional to how many days out of deal with Minnesota and has al- pa is doing (not that it isn’t working, 172 he was on the 40-man roster. ready outdone his entire campaign because Tampa is weird that way). At So if a player spends 86 days on last year; he is currently at 1.1 WAR $120 million, 11 teams would be un- a major league roster, he is paid and projected for 3.9 WAR, a very der the floor: Atlanta, Detroit, Toron- $272,500. For the following two good season. His replacement is to, San Diego, Kansas City, the White years (if the player is called up Keston Hiura, who is projected for Sox, Oakland, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, before a certain date, just the fol- a below-replacement -0.3 WAR. Miami, and Tampa Bay. Of these, only lowing year) he is on a roster, his It’s clear that teams would rather Tampa, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, and San team can pay him as much as they not pay the few million in arbitra- Diego are near a .500 winning per- want, but no less than $545,000, tion and instead take less produc- centage. The rest of these teams are and for every day the player is not tion from a cheaper source. . So you’d force them not to on the Injured List (IL), the 25-man This extends to free agents. As- run bare-bones payrolls and actually roster, or the 40-man roster, he suming 1 WAR = $5 million, Aar- do stuff with their money. Of course, loses a percentage of his salary. on Judge actually deserves to be Tampa has a $219 million total reve- So , who is in his third paid $25.5 million this year. (For nue, so this may not be remotely fea- year, is earning $622,300. For comparison, Mike Trout deserves sible, but it’s a way to stop players comparison, by-no-means-MVP to be paid $49 million.) While ob- from being out of jobs. candidate but still solid-to-great viously the team has to pay 25+ free agent signing D.J. LeMahieu guys a non-insignificant amount is making $12,000,000. of money, there is still absolutely Next year, however, Judge will no reason that teams who clearly enter arbitration. Essentially, the need a starter, for example, can’t Yankees will have a salary idea for sign Keuchel. Boston needs re- Judge, and he and his agents will lievers, what’s wrong with signing have a salary idea as well. Their Kimbrel? goal is to get to an agreement Here’s yet another issue. Teams on either a one-year contract or are tanking. Miami is literally pro- a long-term deal before a certain jected to lose 115 games this year. date, at which point they simply Kansas City is projected to lose submit their ideas to an indepen- 107. Baltimore is projected to lose dent arbitrator, who will eventu- 109. These teams are trying to be 24 FOR THE WIN https://www.mlbdailydish.com/2017/10/4/16364362/mlb-rumors-worst-free-agent-signing-2017

https://section215.com/2019/04/02/philadelphia-phillies-bryce-harper-shines-return-nationals-park/

VOLUME 5 | THE MAY ISSUE 25 https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/french-open-2018-mens-final-rafael-nad- al-dominic-thiem-preview-prediction-a8391316.html

26 FOR THE WIN TEDDY KA- FRENCHPLAN OPEN

PREDICTIONS ROBBIE WERDIGER

Favorites: regained his groove with a win in ic, and Nadal and is very comfortable Dominic Thiem-Thiem is my pick Madrid, one of the biggest tourna- on the clay, having won a title in Es- to win Roland Garros this year. The ments leading up to the French. The toril and beaten Nadal in the semis clay offers Thiem time to execute tennis world believes that Djokov- of Madrid before falling to Djokovic. his notoriously exaggerated wind- ic will regain his motivation at the Look for Tsitsipas to make it through up on the forehand, which results second of the year, but to the second week of Roland Gar- in one of the fastest shots in tennis. doubts exist due to his inconsistent ros, and potentially make a run to the Having already made a Roland Gar- performance this year. quarters or semis. ros Final and beaten both Federer and Nadal on clay this year, it is Dark Horses: Fabio Fognini- Fognini is an ul- without question that Thiem, when Roger Federer-Federer has had a tra-talented Italian who has been at his best, can take down anyone solid season so far, racking up two on tour for a while, currently ranked on the red dirt. titles in Dubai and Miami. Roger twelfth in the world. Fognini beat Na- would normally be a favorite for any dal in the final of Monte Carlo to win Rafael Nadal- It is blatantly obvi- tournament, but this is a peculiar his first masters 1000 title. Fabio has ous that the 11-time French Open situation. Federer skipped the clay all the skills needed to compete to the champion is the Las Vegas favorite court season the last two years and later rounds of a slam, but the ques- to win Roland Garros. Nadal is fully has not played the French Open tion remains if his effort level will be healthy, yet has had a few hiccups since 2015. This clay season, Fed- at full strength. this clay season, failing to win Bar- erer was a point away from beating celona, Monte Carlo, or Madrid, Thiem in Madrid, but couldn’t pull Daniil Medvedev-This Russian with where he has had unprecedent- through. In recent years Roger has a wicked two-handed backhand has ed success in previous years. The become more aggressive to short- made his mark on the tour this year. question remains if Nadal can find en his matches, and I’m not sure Medvedev beat Djokovic to reach the his top game, at which he is invinci- how well Roger’s body can hold up semis at Monte Carlo and fell to Ni- ble on the clay. if he plays some tight and long ear- shikori in the final of Barcelona. Al- ly round matches. However, Roger though Medvedev will most likely not Novak Djokovic- Djokovic is the is arguably the second-best clay win the tournament, look for him to number one player in the world court player in the world and has push through to the later rounds. and had a tremendous comeback shown us countless times that he’s season in 2018 followed by a win still got some magic left and can Christian Garin- This-22-year old in Australia to achieve an astound- achieve a Federer miracle. has jumped to 33 in the world in what ing 15 grand slam titles. Howev- seems like only a month. The Chilean er, Djokovic has been a complete Stefanos Tsitsipas-The 6’4” has already won two ATP 250 titles mess since Australia, losing early Greek freak of tennis, is headlining on clay in the last few weeks, beating to lower-ranked players in a variety the Next Gen players and challeng- players such as Zverev, Schwartzman, of tournaments. Despite a short ing Zverev’s fame. This year, Ste- and Cecchinato. I am looking forward slump, Djokovic might have just fanos has beaten Federer, Djokov- to seeing how Garin competes in the

VOLUME 5 | THE MAY ISSUE 27 best-of-five format.

Busts: Alex Zverev-Zverev has been plainly terrible this season and seems to be in a confused men- tal state. He has yet to defend any of his points this clay sea- son and will drop in the rank- ings. On top of this, Zverev has failed to breakthrough at the slams and live up to expecta- tions. Look for him to be upset in the early rounds.

Nick Kyrgios-Kyrgios is the most talented player on tour but resorts to tanking and show- boating during most of his matches. Kyrgios has not been focused this season and I don’t see anything changing heading into the French Open. Howev- er, he did win a tournament in Acapulco earlier this year af- ter beating Nadal, Zverev, and Isner, which shows that he can break out at any moment.

Grigor Dimitrov-Dimitrov has fallen to 46 in the world, out of seeding range for the grand slams. If he gets matched up with a seed or clay court spe- cialist early, I don’t see him pull- ing through.

Denis Shapovalov-Viewing Denis for the first time on clay, it has become apparent that Sha- po is not a clay court player. He has failed to win a match on clay thus far and is a good bet to get http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Novak+Djokov- ic/2018+French+Open+Day+Ten/HRRZxdBzzGr upset.

28 FOR THE WIN BRADLEY BENNET The Top 25 ATP in 2025

The last decade of men’s tennis has been dominated by three players: Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Na- dal. Although it has been entertaining to watch these three masters of the game compete at a high level for an extended period of time, it is time to ask the ques- tion: who is part of the next wave? We have started to see signs of young play- ers rising up the rankings in the last few years, so it is now time to predict who will sit atop the rankings when the “Big Three” can no longer play their best tennis. Here is my projected top 25 male tennis players in the year 2025.

1) Stefanos Tsitsipas, Greece 2) Dominic Thiem, Austria 3) Alexander Zverev, Germany 4) Borna Coric, Croatia 5) Felix Auger-Aliassime, Canada 6) Kyle Edmund, Great Britain 7) Daniil Medvedev, Russia 8) Alex de Minaur, Australia 9) Karen Khachanov, Russia 10) Denis Shapovalov, Canada 11) Hubert Hurkacz, Poland 12) Christian Garin, Chile 13) Lucas Pouille, France 14) Nikoloz Basilashvili, Georgia 15) Frances Tiafoe, United States 16) Nick Kyrgios, Australia 17) Laslo Djere, Serbia 18) Marton Fucsovics, Hungary 19) Filip Krajinovic, Serbia 20) Jaime Munar, Spain 21) Lorenzo Sonego, Italy 22) Taylor Fritz, United States 23) Casper Ruud, Norway 24) Andrey Rublev, Russia 25) Hyeon Chung, South Korea https://www.pinterest.com/ pin/464855992784093407/

VOLUME 5 | THE MAY ISSUE 29 BERK BALKIR Life for Real Madrid and Ron- aldo After the Transfer Nearly everybody in the world tremely apparent thus far. Real Madrid knows the name Cristiano Ronaldo, has struggled to score goals as they have regardless of whether or not they fol- only scored 12 goals in eight games and low soccer - a superstar athlete who have been shut out for the past 400 min- in recent years is as famous for his utes of play during one point of the sea- commercials as he is for his abilities son. Their lack of goal-scoring has also on the field. But what many may not hurt the performance of the team in the know about CR7 is his undoubted im- standings, as Real Madrid currently sits portance to a club’s offense, especially in third place. The team is playing as a to Real Madrid. Arriving in Madrid set of individuals, instead of as a unified in 2009, Cristiano brought a level of team, with everybody attempting to play sophistication and undeniable talent to the way Ronaldo did, but to no avail. Al- the Los Blancos lineup. Madrid would though many would argue that this is di- immediately reap the benefits of hav- rectly correlated to the fact that Real Ma- ing a player like Ronaldo, as they drid has also lost their , Zinedine scored the most goals in the league Zidane, the fact that Zidane’s brilliance that year and would finish second to could not make up for ronaldo’s absence Barcelona by only three points. In the in the few months he coached the team following seasons, Ronaldo contin- this year weakens this argument. While ued to be a menace, racking up 311 Madrid has tried a couple of different goals in 292 games, and winning 16 strikers as replacements for Ronaldo, trophies for them in only eight years. none can replicate the explosiveness and On July 10, 2018, the improbable hap- wicked finishing that Ronaldo brought pened when Ronaldo was bought by to the pitch every single game. As Real the Turin-based, Italian club, Juventus. Madrid relies on the talent of their high- Ronaldo has gone on to continue his paid superstars, losing the centerpiece marvelous play with the Italian club, al- of this trophy machine affected the team ready scoring 21 goals, third in the Se- dynamics present in the squad and gave rie A, trailing only Fabio Quagliarella way to the current Real Madrid team. and Duvan Zapata. Additionally, Ron- While many think that coach will be aldo has been the cornerstone to an- able to change the play of the team in other Juventus championship and has order to score more goals, a lingering ef- had a good season in the Champions fect of Ronaldo’s transfer will be visible League, with Juventus advancing into for years to come. the quarterfinals only to be eliminated by Ajax. While the transfer news was great for Juventus and Ronaldo, Real Madrid felt rather displeased with the thought of losing their top goal scorer, and Cristiano’s absence has been ex- 30 FOR THE WIN https://tribune.com.pk/story/1972853/7-ronaldo- tells-juventus-sign-three-players-win-champions- league/

VOLUME 5 | THE MAY ISSUE 31 #FTW

https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/sports/college/alabama/2019/04/25/new-york- jets-select-alabamas-quinnen-williams-third-overall-pick/3552331002/