During the 8th inning of NBC's Sunday Night Baseball broadcast, former Cincinnati Reds great Joey Votto was asked why he's never visited the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York."Well, I've been busy playing baseball, first and foremost," Votto responded. "Second of all, it's just not something that - I don't know I almost feel presumptuous going there to take it all in. I don't know. I don't have an answer for you. But I can tell you that the thing that -""Would you go if you're inducted?" Votto was asked."Let's not get ahead of ourselves," Votto replied. "I want to say this: I'm a fan of stars. And I love the Baseball Hall of Fame. And it's almost like a sacred ground to me. As I get to watch Paul Goldschmidt tonight, who's gonna be ... probably (a) first-ballot (Hall of Famer). Bryce Harper, across the way, a clear Hall of Famer. What did I miss without getting to see Aaron Judge tonight? It's the thing I love the very most about this game."Votto added that his favorite players to watch as he grew up were Nolan Ryan and Pedro Martnez (when he thought he was going to be a pitcher) and later Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Bonds (as a left-handed hitter)."I learned from Todd Helton," Votto added. "I tried to copy Manny Ramrez and Albert Pujols. And then when it all came down to it, once you get to the league, you end up finding yourself. And I hit like myself. But I was always in awe of every great hitter in the league."Earlier in the broadcast, Bob Costas asked Votto whether he might be underappreciated having played in Cincinnati without winning a World Series."Any Philly fan knows the Cincinnati Reds because we were no-hit on this field vs. Roy Halladay in 2010," Votto responded. "So they may know me, but not for the right reasons.""That was really fun," Votto tweeted after the game, his Sunday Night Baseball debut as NBC analyst.This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Joey Votto explains why he's never been to Cooperstown, Hall of Fame

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 08: Manager Will Venable #1 of the Chicago White Sox looks on against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Rate Field on April 08, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) GettyThe Chicago White Sox secured a 12-3 victory over the Houston Astros on Sunday to improve to 55-49.Just hours later, the White Sox landed a former Astros World Series champion in a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates.White Sox Make Trade With PiratesFanSideds Robert Murray reported Sunday that the White Sox, who have been searching for pitching help, acquired seven-year veteran Jos Urquidy from the Pirates in exchange for relief pitcher Felix Doroteo.The Pirates designated Urquidy for assignment just two days ago, but because he remained within the seven-day window, he was still eligible to be traded.The Chicago White Sox are acquiring pitcher Jose Urquidy from the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to sources familiar with the deal. Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) July 26, 2026What to Know About UrquidyWhile Urquidy has had some bright spots throughout his career, particularly during his first four seasons with the Astros, he has struggled since 2023 while also dealing with injuries.From 2019 to 2022, Urquidy never posted an ERA higher than 3.95. In 2022, he started 28 games across 164.1 innings and finished with a 13-8 record and a 3.94 ERA.However, in 2023, his final season with the Astros, Urquidy battled injuries and finished with a 5.29 ERA. He missed the entire 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery and has yet to return to his previous form.He spent the 2025 season with the Detroit Tigers, appearing in just two games out of the bullpen and posting a 7.71 ERA. This season, he has appeared in four games as a reliever for the Pirates and currently owns an 8.53 ERA.Urquidy, however, has been effective in the minor leagues, posting a 5-4 record across 17 starts with a 3.66 ERA and 73 strikeouts over 83.2 innings pitched.MLB World Reacts to Trade@ColtJohnson67: Decent move.@ElijahEv8: Urquidy has been good in Triple-A this season and profiles as a potential back-end starter for the Sox or could be used in a bulk bullpen role.@Julian4948: I mean this has to be bullpen arm. Hes not been what he use to be years before his TJ injury.@NotCease: Likely just a depth arm, Urquidy has been pretty solid in AAA this year. Has posted a 35% Chase% while only walking 5% of batters en route to a 3.66 ERA over 83.2 IP.Like HEAVY's content?Be sure to follow us.This article was originally published on HEAVYThe post TRADE: White Sox Acquire Former World Series-Winning Pitcher From Pirates appeared first on HEAVY.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield. GettyFor all the talk about Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield getting a new contract in 2026, 1 thing people havent considered very much is him getting a contract in 2027.While Mayfield would prefer a long-term deal, hes not afraid of the franchise tag, which would cost Tampa Bay at least $47M in 2027, ESPNs Jeremy Fowler wrote on his official X account on Sunday.Thats an intriguing option for Mayfield, who is in the final season of a 3-year, $100 million contract but is coming off a season in which the Buccaneers went 8-9 and missed the playoffs for the 1st time since 2025.Baker has made $131.8 million already in his career & hell make $40 million this season, Damage Inc. wrote on X on Sunday. Getting tagged at $47 million at age 32 wont faze him at all. Im sure he would like another nine-digit contract, but hes going to make over $200 million in his career regardless.Baker Mayfield Loses Spot Among NFL EliteThe Buccaneers looked like 1 of the NFLs best teams, and Baker Mayfieldlooked like 1 of the NFLs best quarterbacks through the 1st 6 weeks of the 2025 regular season.The reality of the rest of the season did some damage to Mayfields reputation in the eyes ofNFLexecutives, coaches, and scouts, who bumped him out of the Top 10 inESPNs annual position rankings.Mayfield landed among the honorable mention picks in this years rankings after the Buccaneers went 8-9 and missed the postseason for the 1st time since 2019. He also didnt make the Pro Bowl after earning a spot in each of his 1st 2 seasons in Tampa Bay in 2023 and 2024.Buffalo BillsquarterbackJosh Allentook the No. 1 spot for the 1st time in his career, unseatingKansas City Chiefsquarterback and 3-time Super Bowl championPatrick Mahomes.Mayfield was the only quarterback from the NFC South Division to receive votes.Mayfield is a winner, one anonymous NFL coordinator told ESPNs Jeremy Fowler. He can make every throw. Fearless. Teammates seem to love to play for him.Biggest Story for Bucs: Will Baker Mayfield Get Paid?When it comes to his next contract with theBuccaneers or any other team Mayfield is taking a hard stance and relayed as much at his annual football camp in June.(Contract extension talks) not anywhere close to what we were thinking,Mayfield told Tampa Bay Times NFL reporter Rick Stroud. Would love to be here long term, but as of right now thats not exactly the case. But Im under contract for 2026. The guys in that locker room, the staff know that Im still gonna be me. Im still going to do everything I can to help this team win a Super Bowl. To me, thats the priority. Everything else will take care of itself.In Tampa Bay, Mayfield brought his career back to life after stints with theCleveland Browns,Carolina Panthers, andLos Angeles Rams, coming to the Buccaneers on a 1-year, $3 million contract after Tom Bradys 2nd retirement following the 2022 season.Mayfield signed a 3-year, $100 million contract before the 2024 season thats been reworked to a 1-year, $27 million contract for 2026 that could be worth up to $32 million with incentives.Like HEAVY's content?Be sure to follow us.This article was originally published on HEAVYThe post NFL Insider Gives $47 Million Update on Bucs QB Baker Mayfield appeared first on HEAVY.

MikeDavis has issued an apology to NurulloAliev for lashing out after their clash in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.They locked horns in a lightweight matchup at UFC Abu Dhabi. Aliev imposed his will on Davis on the groundfor 15 minutes to earn a unanimous decision victory, marking theformers fourth straight decision inside the Octagon.Mike Davis addresses his comments after Nurullo Alievs UFC AbuDhabi victoryThe lackluster loss left Davis visibly frustrated. Beast Boysubsequently lashed out in a now-deleted Instagram video.For the UFC, I thought you were cutting wrestlers, bro, all theydo is suck d*ck for 15 minutes, Davis said. What are we doing?You have been cutting people on undefeated streaks all the time forwrestling. This isnt RAF. This is g*y, bro G*y people in the UFC,get them the f*ck out of here. Stand with me, I just want to bang,bro.However, Davis (12-4) has since apologized to Aliev (12-0). He wasadmittedly frustrated with the loss, even more so as he wasallegedly sick going into the fight.[NurulloAliev], hopefully you see this. I understand you were being anice guy in the end- amazing sportsmanship, Davis wrote on X. Inthe heat of the moment, I was/am severely disappointed in myself.In what I went through to help the @ufc by flying out here, whilesick and injured. Disappointed in what I was told before the fight,Disappointed that I wasnt able to give them what they wanted andsecure my dream. I hope you never have to experience the pain of aloss. Its not your fault, you did what you are extremely good atand it worked. I respect that. I respect you. I appreciate you fortaking the fight and being present in it all. I apologize for whati said. Im a damn good fighter and my frustration took over and myfear of not being able to help my family made me act out. Wish yougreat success brother.However, Davis has still not changed his opinion about the fight.He doesnt think it was a dominant win for Aliev, as the undefeatedTajik barely landed any damage.If I did nothing and he did nothing who the f*ck got dominated,Davis wrote in a later X post. Its embarrassing that you can win afight by stalling. You can't even call that wrestling. He just heldonto me from bell to bell. Even gave him option to break off andstrike me free of charge and he just keep holding on. We are in theentertainment industry. We get paid when we make the crowd scream.Were you genuinely entertained by that? I would seriously like toknowDavis has now dropped two of his last three fights. Meanwhile,Aliev has finished only two of his 12 career wins so far.Mike Davisis NOT happy after his loss to NurulloAliev earlier today "[UFC] I thought you were cutting wrestlers bro, all they do issuck d*ck for 15 minutes. What are we doing? This is g y bro.G y people in the UFC, get them the f*ck out of here. Stand withme, I just pic.twitter.com/ulJ8F8OGVWChampionship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 25, 2026@NurulloAliev,hopefully you see this. I understand you were being a nice guy inthe end- Amazing sportsmanship.In the heat of the moment, I was/am severely disappointed inmyself. In what I went through to help the @ufc by flying outhere, while sick and injured. Disappointed Mike Beast Boy Davis(@MikeDavisMMA) July 25, 2026If I did nothing and he didnothing who the fuck got dominated. Its embarrassing that you canwin a fight by stalling. You can't even call that wrestling. Hejust held onto me from bell to bell. Even gave him option to breakoff and strike me free of charge and he just keep Mike BeastBoy Davis (@MikeDavisMMA) July 26, 2026

Vinyl Flooring Factory products continue to receive attention from distributors, contractors, and renovation companies looking for practical decorative materials for residential and commercial environments. Material selection has become an important part of purchasing decisions because it influences appearance, durability, maintenance, and installation efficiency. Pvcfloortile provides...

Credit: Gisela Schober/Ezra Shaw via Getty ImagesLos Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson shared kind words with LeBron James after the 41-year-old decided to leave LA for the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason.Johnson recruited James to join the Lakers in 2018, and has shown his support to LeBron as he joins the 76ers in whats expected to be the final chapter of his career.However, Magic made it clear that two major questions will follow the 76ers all of next season that they need to answer to be legitimate title contenders.Magic Johnson wants the 76ers to figure out how LeBron James fits Johnson shared a message on X where he praised the 76ers for acquiring Jaylen Brown via trade and then signing LeBron as a free agent, calling the revamped team the biggest threat to the Knicks in the East.LeBron makes the Sixers one of the best teams in the NBA and the biggest threat to the World Champion Knicks in the Eastern Conference.Phillys starting lineup will have four All-Stars, LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey, and offensively, they will be great. But all four are used to having the ball in their hands, so Im interested to see what type of offense Coach Nurse draws up.I have two big questions for Philly: one is on the defensive end, and the other is their team chemistry. If they answer those two Watch out!Can the 76ers and LeBron James answer Magic Johnsons concerns?Johnson isnt the only one who believes the offensive fit might be a little clunky with four starters at their best with the ball in their hands. However, with Embiids injury history and LeBrons age, it seems Maxey and Brown will be the primary scoring options in the regular season.Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty ImagesLeBrons skills as the best playmaker on this roster might have him be the de facto point guard on offense at times, setting Maxey and Brown up into their spots to simplify the offense for them and the other role players.Defensively, James proved in the 2026 Playoffs that he can be an above-average frontcourt defender when motivated. With fewer offensive responsibilities, James might be able to hold his own defensively in the Playoffs, but this will be a tangible regular season concern for the 76ers.But Edgecombe and Brown are two high-level perimeter defenders with Embiid being an above-average rim protector. With high-energy defensive pieces like Dean Wade, Justin Edwards, and Adem Bona off the bench, the franchise could still be a top-10 defense in the NBA.Read more:The real reason LeBron James didnt get a no-trade clause in his new 76ers contractNYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani slammed by former NBA Champion on social mediaThe reason why LeBron James cant actually sign a two-year contract with Philadelphia 76ers (yet)

Rams quarterbacks Ty Simpson, left, and Stetson Bennett take part in throwing drills during training camp at Loyola Marymount on Sunday.(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)Ty Simpson did not make any jaw-dropping plays.He also did not make any major errors.So call it a quiet, workmanlike beginning for the 13th player taken in the NFL draft, a quarterback the Rams ostensibly chose to become Matthew Staffords heir apparent.On Sunday, in the Rams first training camp practice, Stafford was held out as part of the plan to limit his reps, putting all eyes on Simpson and fourth-year pro Stetson Bennett as they began their competition to back up the reigning NFL most valuable player.With Stafford, 38, back for an 18th season, the Rams are favored to win the Super Bowl.Read more:Swanson: Everything about Aaron Donald's past and Rams' present point to him coming backBut with Jimmy Garoppolo enjoying retirement probably until an NFL team in desperate need comes calling the Rams require a capable backup should something befall Stafford, who remains the most important player on a star-studded team favored to win Super Bowl LXI at SoFi Stadium.Nate Scheelhaase, the Rams first-year offensive coordinator, praised Bennett and Simpson.We require so much of those guys, from what we do with formations with motions, with adjustments that theyre going to make before the ball is even snapped, Scheelhaase said. And so, if you cant get that right, its going to be hard to get anything right post snap.So thats the starting point. Thats the foundation.Rams quarterback Ty Simpson prepares to take a snap in training camp at Loyola Marymount on Sunday.(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)Last season, with Stafford sidelined throughout camp because of a back issue, Bennett took second-team reps behind Garoppolo.Bennett has never taken a regular-season snap for the Rams, who selected him in the fourth round of the 2023 draft after he led Georgia to two national titles.He competes, Scheelhaase said. And I think anybody enjoys playing with a quarterback who competes, whos going to throw it all in there, and thats the mentality he has. ... Thats something thats been kind of his calling card.Bennett completed several passes to receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams and running back Kyren Williams.He also was on the wrong side of the play of the day.Bennetts deep pass for Adams along the left sideline was tipped by new cornerback Jaylen Watson and intercepted by safety Kamren Kinchens.Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett, left, twirls a football in front of quarterback Ty Simpson at training camp on Sunday.(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)Simpson started only 15 games for Alabama, but the Rams apparently saw enough to determine he was worthy of using their highest pick since selecting quarterback Jared Goff No. 1 overall in 2016.On Sunday, Simpson completed several short passes. His deepest attempt, for tight end Terrance Ferguson, was broken up by cornerback Cam Lampkin.Bennett and Simpson will continue to compete during 10 more training camp workouts, preseason practices including joint practices with the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints and preseason games against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Saints and the Chargers.On Monday, in keeping with coach Sean McVays stated plan to have Stafford practice in the second and fourth practices of each four-day block, the quarterback will practice for the first time.Etc.Offensive lineman Justin Dedich was placed on the non-football injury list. Dedich, a third-year pro who played at USC, started six games last season. ... Second-year running back Jarquez Hunter broke off a run for a long gain.Read more:News Analysis: Despite what Sean McVay says, definition of Rams' success hinges on Super Bowl titleGet the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

ValterWalkers teammates love him, and for good reason.Walker (16-1) has a loud personality that would put many extrovertsto shame. However, the boisterous Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweights teammates, whoarent men of too many words, absolutely adore him. Walkersteammate MuhammadSaidov (10-0) recently revealed a heartwarming story about TheFoot Hunter.Valter Walkers Gor MMA teammate Muhammad Saidov shares storyof fighters generositySaidov claims Walker snuck money into his kit bag multiple timeswhen he was going through financial hardship. Walker also boughtprotein for Saidov, never letting anyone know about his small actsof kindness. The unbeaten Russian wholeheartedly loves histeammate, regardless of his antics.I love Valter very much, Saidov told Red Corner MMA. Althoughhis mentality differs from us; hes a very good-natured guy He isnot selfish at all. He is a very kind and straightforward person Afriendly and vibrant person, he is always there to help. Even whenI have some financial troubles, he secretly puts cash in my bag. Iwould come home from training, take my stuff out to do the laundry,and find some money in there. Once he bought some protein for me.And he does those things quietly I have only got very warmfeelings towards him.Walkers team, GorMMA, had a lot of representation at UFC Abu Dhabi. Saidov started the night well for the team witha second-round stoppage win over DustinJacoby. Walker followed immediately after, making ThomasPetersen tap to a calf-slicer in hardly over 90 seconds.This was Walker's fifth consecutive submission win. Meanwhile,Bodgan Guskov led the charge for their gym in a main event clashagainst MagomedAnkalaev. Guskov had stepped up to fight on 14 days notice butfell short in a last-round stoppage loss."ValterWalker used to secretly put cash in my gym bag when I neededmoney."UFC newcomer MagomedSaidov, who scored a TKO over DustinJacoby in his debut, shares how ValterWalker quietly helped him during difficult times, revealing theUFC heavyweight would secretly put money pic.twitter.com/2rmXtzLBOO RedCorner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) July 26, 2026

The offseason seems to be stabilizing for the Phoenix Suns, as roughly two months remain until the team enters training camp in preparation for a highly anticipated 2026-27 season.The transaction that will continue to shape the months ahead is the trade for former Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges. This bold proposition adds a former 20 point per game scorer to the table, but also brings numerous questions to the table in conjunction - including in the on-court fit.However, the talent Phoenix possesses in the starting five remains undeniable, and frankly seems to be getting underrated by the rest of the league. In this case, Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report ranked Phoenix's starting unit as the 20th best in the NBA.Phoenix's projected starting five of Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Bridges, and Mark Williams ranks below teams such as the Utah Jazz, inherently stirring up debate about the Suns' standing relative to the rest of the league.Lineups such as the Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers may provide more offensive upside and high-end talent collectively, but it is challenging to identify a true "weak spot" in Jordan Ott's projected starting group. Sure, Green and Bridges are limited defensively, while Williams owns a tag of being injury prone. Still, the Phoenix lineup feels like it possesses a floor that is on more solid foundation compared to the others.Booker has been a battle-tested floor raiser across multiple seasons of his career, with marked growth as an all-around playmaker highlighting what he is able to do with respectable talent surrounding him. Green has another gear that he can still reach despite playing just 32 games, although time is running short on the former number two overall pick to make a leap into true stardom.Brooks is coming off of a career season, with the wing bringing hard-nosed defense and a consistent offensive floor to the table - particularly as a tough shot maker. Williams provides quality rebounding and a lengthy rim protector to the floor, although one may wonder if Khaman Maluach is destined to start by season's end - this possibility opens up many more avenues for the Suns in the grand scheme of the upcoming campaign as well.All in all, Phoenix being in the bottom third of the league's starting lineups seems to be a harsh conclusion - expect Phoenix to once again outperform the projections that are facing them ahead of the onset of the season in late October.Join The SunsRoundtableHead over to theSunsRoundtable pageand hit the "Join" button at the top of the page... it's completely FREE! You'll have the opportunity to engage with other Suns fans who live and breathe the team, share your thoughts on the organization, and more. If you're asked to sign up or download the Roundtable app... that's free too.Kevin Hicks is a contributing writer to SunsRoundtable. He can be reached on X @khicks_21.

Caitlin Clark gets candid about working with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert as the league continues to grow.WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert spoke with the media before Saturdays All-Star Game, but, interestingly, nobody asked her about Caitlin Clark, the leagues biggest and hottest draw.When it was Clarks turn to face the reporters after helping Team Spoon to a 129-122 win, the Indiana Fever guard almost inevitably had to respond to questions about her relationship with the leagues top executive.Fever Star Caitlin Clark Offers Honest Assessment of WNBA Commissioner Cathy EngelbertEngelbert was under even more heavy scrutiny heading into the All-Star break. ESPNs Alexa Philippou reported on Friday that Engelberts stint as commissioner has been questioned. According to Philippou, some within the WNBA do not see her as the right person to navigate the demands the league faces and what its stakeholders need.With doubts looming over Engelbert, Clark responded when asked to give insight into her relationship with the former Deloitte CEO.Relationships are really important to me, and I think we can always improve in that area. I think that can improve a lot of things. I think communication can improve overall. Me and Adam (Silver) have a great relationship. And like I said, communication and relationships solve a lot of issues and a lot of problems, Clark said.And WNBA leadership has created a lot of positives for this league too, and that should be celebrated. And Cathy (Engelbert) has also brought a lot to this league and helped us reach new milestones. But theres always room for improvement.The contrast in how the three-time All-Star emphasized her relationship with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, compared to Engelberts, wasnt lost on anyone.There seems to be a gap between Clark and Engelbert, which Philippou gave more context in her report.Multiple team sources told ESPN they find it curious Engelbert hasnt prioritized developing a closer relationship with Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, the leagues most high-profile player and the one widely credited with helping supercharge the leagues popularity, Philippou wrote.DONT MISS:Dumb, Selfish Thing To Say WNBA World Blasts Diana Taurasis Terrible Take on Officiating StandardsClark wasnt the only WNBA superstar whose relationship with Engelbert is far from ideal. Aja Wilson, the reigning and four-time MVP, had an even moredamning verdict on how working with Engelbert has been.My only relationship with Cathy is when she hands me awards, which is great. I love to see her in that light. But I think when it comes to leadership, Im always big on bonds. Im always big on connection on a deeper level, Wilson said in the All-Star Game presser.The WNBA is enjoying unprecedented popularity, but at the core of some of its biggest issues seems to be Engelberts relationship with the players. As Clark said, there is always room for improvement.However, when the 61-year-old spoke to reporters, she deflected questions about her future as WNBA commissioner. Engelbert may have very little wriggle room left to improve her management and interpersonal skills before the 2026 season ends, which could be her last at the helm.