Major League Baseball decided to do away with repeated pickoff attempts over to first base a few years ago and hasn't looked back. Under the current rules, if a pitcher disengages with the rubber more than three times during an at-bat, it results in a balk and the runners are able to move up a base. In practice, this is most apparent when there have already been two pickoff attempts during an at bat and runners are able to take enormous leads knowing that if there's a third try all they have to do is make it back safely and they'll get to advance. Or they can just take off with a huge headstart toward the next station.
The rules tweak has made games move quicker and inspired more action on the bases. But no single moment more exciting and bizarre than the one during yesterday's Tampa Bay Rays-Los Angeles Angels game.
Chandler Simpson, who is as fast as anyone in baseball, elicited two throws over from Angles lefty Tyler Anderson in the top of the first inning, then broke for second base on the third.
And then, well, let's let the video take it from there.
All of this resulted in a balk and Simpson was able to jog to second base unimpeded after avoiding several defenders and finding safe harbor back on first.
Now that's baseball in 2025. Anderson could have saved everyone a lot of time by just flinching or dropping the ball and it would have had the same effect. But Simpson did get to show off his athleticism and get his steps in.
Cal Raleigh put an exclamation point on what has been arguably the greatest offensive season by a catcher in Major League Baseball by blasting his 60th home run on Wednesday night as his Seattle Mariners clinched the American League West with a victory over the Colorado Rockies. The feat is downright astounding when one considers the physical toll it takes to play baseball's most grinding position, how hard it is to be productive from both sides of the plate as a switch hitter and that he plays 81 games in a very pitcher-friendly ballpark.
As the team was in its opening minutes of celebration, Raleigh got on the loudspeaker via an interview with Root Sports and reflected on the moment. The man affectionately know as "Big Dumper" showcased the duality of man by being open with his emotions and also working blue.
"I love the city, I love my parents," Raleigh said. "Thank you for being here. I'm so happy for our guys. We're gonna celebrate tonight and we're not done yet."
Asked about the idea that the Mariners have more work to do, Raleigh directed people to his previous comments.
"I think most people heard what I said last night: might as well win the whole f—ing thing."
Nothing says October baseball like a player trying to get a catchphrase off the ground. It'll likely have plenty of time to catch on as Seattle will be awarded a by into the divisional round barring a sudden losing streak that would allow either the Cleveland Guardians or Detroit Tigers to catch them.
Middlesex coast to chase of 256 as visitors left light at Lord’s
ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay10-Aug-2025Middlesex 256 for 5 (Robson 89, Cracknell 79) beat Sussex 255 for 9 (Carson 73, Hudson-Prentice 58) by five wicketsSam Robson and Joe Cracknell shared a blistering stand of 144 in 111 balls as Middlesex sped to victory over Sussex in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup at Lord’s.Robson, in his benefit year with the Seaxes struck a run a ball 89, with 14 fours and a six, while Cracknell also cleared the ropes and hit 12 boundaries in his 78 as the hosts chased down a target of 256 with 25 balls to spare, despite 3 for 48 for Henry Crocombe.Earlier, Sussex’s total of 255-9 was built around half centuries from Jack Carson (73 from 58) and Fynn Hudson-Prentice (58 in 73). Noah Cornwell returned 3-50 while 18-year-old Jamie Feldman, making his List-A debut took a wicket with his second ball on route to figures of 2-36.Middlesex seized the initiative early thanks to Toby Roland-Jones’ double strike, Tom Haines caught at mid-on before Danial Ibrahim was trapped in front.Hudson-Prentice’s innings got off to a bizarre start when a quick single saw a shy at the stumps which hit the non-striker Tom Clark, the ricochet carrying the ball to the fence.The all-rounder almost played on to a ball from Cornwell, swatting the ball away from danger, but a lovely off-drive soon had him motoring, a Roland-Jones delivery nonchalantly flicked over the short boundary for six.Feldman then made a dramatic entrance, having Clark caught by skipper Ben Geddes and he struck for a second time to cut short Sussex skipper John Simpson’s breezy 22.Hudson-Prentice passed 50 in 61 balls, sharing a stand of 52 with Oli Carter before being superbly caught by Jack Davies and when Cornwell ended Carter’s promising innings three runs later the visitors were 152-6.The fact they batted out their overs was down almost entirely to Carson’s splendid innings. The all-rounder ruthlessly exploited the short boundary, endangering occupants of the Mound Stand on four occasions as he sprinted to 50 at more than a run a ball before finally perishing caught at cover in the penultimate over.By then Feldman had unfurled another party piece, brilliantly running out Danny Lamb with a direct hit.Middlesex lost De Caires lbw to Ari Karvelas early in the chase, but Robson and Cracknell responded with a boundary blitz, the former clubbing one from Hudson-Prentice over the ropes as well as creaming several fours effortlessly through the covers.Carson relieved the quicks only to be swept twice to the ropes by Cracknell, who followed that by dispatching one from Crocombe into the stands as 93 came from the powerplay.Cracknell’s ninth four took him to 50 in 33 balls and Robson’s half-century took only three more as the pair forged on.The Durham University graduate took a liking to the spin of Archie Lennon too, cutting successive balls behind square, and it needed Lamb to end his revelry courtesy of Haines’s catch on the square leg fence.While Robson became more circumspect, Geddes picked up the baton, clearing the ropes and driving Lamb to the cover fence, reaching 30 before Crocombe pegged back his off stump.When Robson followed him to the pavilion seven balls later courtesy of a magnificent diving catch by Lamb at mid-on there were jitters in the home dressing-room.Davies cleared the ropes only to perish to the next ball and with the visitors employing three slips runs slowed to a trickle.Hollman though steadied the ship with a mature unbeaten 30 to see the hosts over the line.
Leeds United are in a dire situation. The Whites continue to lose games in the Premier League consistently, with their most recent defeat coming away to Manchester City, 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium.
Indeed, bagging two goals away to Pep Guardiola’s side was impressive, and the performance going forward was slightly better.
The Whites managed nine shots at Gianluigi Donnarumma’s goal, with four of those finding the target. They were more clinical, too, scoring two out of the three big chances they created.
Yet, with another loss, the pressure continues to mount on Daniel Farke, and the underlying numbers are evidence as to why.
Leeds' underlying numbers this season
Many people expected the West Yorkshire side to be in a relegation fight by the end of the season, including ESPN pundit Bill Connelly, who predicted them to finish 18th. Well, they are now in that exact position in the Premier League, with 11 points to their name.
Goalscoring has been a real issue for the Whites this term. Farke’s side have only bagged 13 goals. That is better than one side, bottom-place Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have only scored seven times.
Leeds are drastically underachieving on their expected goals, too, a metric which currently stands at 16.96 xG. That is almost four goals more than what they have managed, the third biggest underachievement in the Premier League this season.
The spread of goals in their squad is perhaps concerning, too. Summer signing Lukas Nmecha is their top scorer in the Premier League with four, and only three players have found the back of the net multiple times. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is one of those, after he scored his second of the season against City at the weekend.
Looking at those numbers, it might not be a surprise that Leeds are struggling as much as they are. It is why Farke’s job is under pressure, although an alternative could have been identified.
Leeds' Farke alternative
A recent report from talkSPORT suggests that the Whites are ‘admirers’ of former Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou.
Of course, he hasn’t long been out of the game, having left the East Midlands a few months ago, but could already return to the Premier League if Leeds approach.
His first season in North London showed exactly how good he can be. Described as a “highly entertaining” manager by former Spurs star Graham Roberts, Postecoglou played high-octane football, which helped the Lilywhites qualify for the Europa League.
That is a style the Elland Road faithful might be used to. Marcelo Bielsa, one of their best managers in recent years, was famed for his energetic brand of football, a style Anthony Hudson said is “a really positive approach.”
In fact, former Chelsea and Arsenal defender William Gallas has even said that “demands remind me a little bit of Bielsa” because of how “physically exhausting” it can be. Remember Bielsa’s famed murder ball? Well, that could be back at Thorp Arch before too long.
In Postecoglou’s first campaign in the hot seat at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, the Australian won 21 games in 41 that he coached. His side were fluid going forward, bagging 79 times across all competitions.
It is interesting to look at a comparison between the numbers that Postecoglou’s Spurs put up in their first 13 games in the Premier League, compared to Farke’s side from this season. Indeed, they stack up well and hint at the attacking football he could bring to Elland Road.
For example, Spurs had scored 25 goals in those opening 13 matches in 2023/24. They were overachieving slightly when it came to expected goals, too. The Lilywhites racked up 23.83 xG, a steady pace along with their actual total.
Postecoglou vs Farke first 13 games
Stat
Postecoglou (23/24)
Farke (25/26)
Points
26
11
Expected points
20.66xPTS
17.88xPTS
Goals
25
13
Expected goals
23.83xG
16.96xG
Goals conceded
17
25
Expected goals conceced
21.28xGA
18.52xGA
Stats from Understat
It is easy to see how Postecoglou could be an upgrade on Farke. The Australian manager might play risky football with a high line, but it has proven to be entertaining and a good source of goals.
Nottingham Forest managerAngePostecoglouarrives inside the stadium before the match
The numbers highlighted show what fans can expect to see if the Whites execute Postecoglou’s game plan well. He could certainly bring an exciting brand of football to Elland Road and would ultimately be an upgrade on Farke.
Fewer touches than Perri: Farke must bin Leeds star who lost the ball 14x
Daniel Farke must drop one player after Saturday’s defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad.
Sources have described an incoming Chelsea starlet as another potential superstar, as BlueCo prepare to welcome another Estevao-like talent.
Estevao rise leads Chelsea youth transfer revolution
Estevao has announced himself as one of world football’s brightest young talents since joining Chelsea this summer, producing performances that suggest the Brazilian teenager could become a generational superstar at Stamford Bridge.
The 18-year-old has enjoyed a sensational start to life in English football, scoring five goals and providing one assist in just 740 minutes across all competitions.
Statistically, he’s already surpassed legendary figures at similar stages of their careers, with his goal contributions eclipsing what Lionel Messi and Ronaldo managed in their first seventeen appearances for Barcelona and Manchester United respectively.
Estevao’s finest hour yet came against Barça in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
His breathtaking solo goal left top-level defenders trailing in his wake before the ex-Palmeiras sensation fired into the roof of the net, making him only the third teenager in history to score in each of his first three Champions League starts alongside Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé and Man City’s Erling Haaland.
Estêvão’s game v Barça
Minutes
83′
Expected Goals
0.13
Goals
1
Expected Assists
0.35
Big Chances Created
1
Key Passes
3
Long Balls
1/1
Shots
2
Touches
47
Recoveries
4
All Stats via Sofascore
Estevao’s Premier League performances have shown similar promise, with the South American’s dramatic last-gasp winner against Liverpool in October sending Enzo Maresca into raptures on the touchline.
Chelsea’s investment in young talent continues to shape their long-term recruitment strategy, with Estevao representing just the beginning of an exciting wave of arrivals.
Ecuadorian midfielder Kendry Paez, who is currently on loan at sister club Strasbourg, has been tipped for an exciting future, with Kairat Almaty forward Dastan Satpaev and Corinthians left-back Denner also set to arrive in 2026 — alongside Strasbourg striker Emmanuel Emegha.
As well as the aforementioned quartet, Chelsea will welcome Sporting CP sensation Geovany Quenda to London next summer.
Maresca’s side struck a £44 million deal for the winger in March, and he’s already been described by some as one of the most exciting young talents in world football.
Quenda has been on fire this term with five goals and eight assists in 20 appearances, with Chelsea signing Quenda for half of his release clause earlier this year in what could turn out to be a bargain move.
Chelsea have already signed 'the next Cristiano Ronaldo' in Geovany Quenda
That is according to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol, who also says that those in Portugal are describing Quenda as ‘the next Cristiano Ronaldo’ in very high praise.
Speaking in a video down at the bottom of a Sky Q&A, Solhekol also reports that there are ‘more Estevaos on the way ‘— referencing Quenda as chief among them.
Commenting on his move to Chelsea, Sporting boss Rui Borges did have a word of caution for the Portugal Under-21 international — namely that this hype could ‘affect his mental state’.
Being compared to Ronaldo brings its own pressure, but from what Quenda has shown already, Chelsea could indeed be about to welcome yet another Estevao to Maresca’s ranks.
يواجه الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد نظيره سيلتا فيجو ضمن منافسات الدوري الإسباني للموسم الحالي 2025/2026.
ومن المقرر أن يخوض ريال مدريد مباراته أمام سيلتا فيجو مساء غدٍ، الأحد، ضمن منافسات الجولة الـ 15 من بطولة الدوري الإسباني “لا ليجا”.
ويستضيف ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” مباراة ريال مدريد وسيلتا فيجو في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، الحادية عشر بتوقيت مكة المكرمة.
اقرأ أيضًا | ألونسو يوضح التشابه بين مبابي وكريستيانو.. ويؤكد: أفرح عندما أرى ابتسامة فينيسيوس
كانت آخر مباراة لريال مدريد أمام أتلتيك بلباو في بطولة الدوري وانتهت بفوز رجال ألونسو بثلاثية نظيفة، كما قدم أداءً مميزًا للغاية.
وأسند الاتحاد الإسباني لكرة القدم إدارة مباراة ريال مدريد وسيلتا فيجو، تحكيميًا إلى أليخاندرو كوينتيرو، بينما سيتولى خورخي فيجيروا مسؤولية تقنية الفيديو المساعد (VAR).
يُذكر أن ريال مدريد يحتل المركز الثاني في جدول ترتيب الدوري الإسباني برصيد 36 نقطة بفارق نقطة واحدة عن برشلونة المتصدر.
Opener shines with 84 at No.4 but seeks conversion inspiration from England’s new leading runscorer
Matt Roller09-Oct-2024Ben Duckett was at the non-striker’s end when Joe Root; hit the boundary that made himEngland’s highest-ever Test run-scorer and, after his dismissal for 84, is intent on following Root’s lead in converting his starts into match-defining hundreds. But Duckett was grateful to be batting at all after a dislocated left thumb briefly threatened to rule him out of this series.He suffered the dislocation when taking the catch – off Root’s bowling – that ended Pakistan’s first innings on the second evening of the first Test in Multan. England’s doctor Glen Rae quickly put the thumb back in place, but Duckett was unable to open the batting and feared that it would become “quite sore” overnight.In practice, it healed enough that he was able to come in at No. 4 with his thumb strapped up and he batted with characteristic aggression, hitting 40 off the 31 balls he faced from Abrar Ahmed. Duckett looked to be cruising towards a fourth Test hundred when he was trapped lbw by Aamer Jamal for his fourth score between 70 and 90 since his most recent century, in Rajkot earlier this year.”I’d done the exact same thumb in the same way a couple of years ago,” Duckett said. “When I looked at it, I knew exactly what was wrong with it. We made the decision of giving it as many hours as we could, icing it a couple of times and seeing how it was in the morning. The worry was it was going to stiffen up… thankfully, it didn’t really change too much.”I’d have certainly taken that [84] last night when it happened… I’m obviously really happy with the form that I’ve had. I’m always very critical of myself, and I know we’ve had an incredible day, so it can be looked past, but I’ve got myself in a few times in the last however many Tests, and I’m the first person to know that.”I pride myself on scoring hundreds, and today it felt like it was going to be one of those days until I missed that ball. It’s something that I’m very aware of, and that’s maybe the different side of things now: the mental side of the game of getting yourself into those positions, and really kicking on and going big.”Duckett was unable to open the batting on day two because of his injury•Getty ImagesIt is not long since there was a similar narrative around Root’s own conversion rate: from 2017-20, he passed 50 on 28 occasions but only converted six of those innings into hundreds. But since 2021, he has become a relentless run-scorer, with 15 scores of 50-99 and 18 hundreds in that time – and Duckett believes he can learn that trait from his team-mate.”The one thing now is kicking on and getting those big scores,” he said. “If I ever have that problem, I’d be pretty happy. But these things happen and for Rooty, with the amount of cricket you play, you’re going to go through periods where you don’t get over the line and you’re going to have periods – right now – where he’s cashing in and scoring hundreds for fun.”It’s just a pleasure to share the dressing room with him. You wouldn’t know that he’s achieved what he’s achieved, how he is in the dressing room: he’s such a good man to have and he’s probably still working as hard as he ever has, always grinding away in the nets. We make jokes that he says he’s out of form when he’s getting Test hundreds, so it is probably a good place for him to be.”Duckett has not had his thumb scanned, but is confident that he will be fit to play in Tuesday’s second Test. “I want to say 100 percent,” he said. “Obviously, today went well, and I’m hoping each day is going to get easier and easier… It seems like there’s no clean break, so I think it’s one of those ones where it’s going to be a bit sore for a couple of weeks.”More immediately, his focus is on helping England to win the first. “I would imagine we’ll probably try to bat for quite a lot of tomorrow,” Duckett said. “We’ve got to earn the right to do that and start well in the morning – try to limit the damage, and hopefully get ourselves in a position where, after lunch, we can really push on, and try to score as quick as we can.”[We have to] hope that there’s going to be 10 more chances. The pitch isn’t doing loads, but you’ve seen a little bit of variable bounce and a fraction more spin today… It depends how quickly we score and how well we start in the morning, and then we will be doing absolutely everything to try and take 10 wickets.”