Craig Stammen at his first press conference in Peoria, AZ | Getty Images
The San Diego Padres season ended on a sour note in 2025. Losing two out of three to the Chicago Cubs in the Wild Card series, the team then lost its manager when he retired 11 days after the season ended. Citing mental, physical and emotional exhaustion, manager Mike Shildt left the team and subsequently took a job with the Baltimore Orioles in their player development department.
After his retirement from managing, news came out about several issues that were common between Shildt’s two opportunities to manage in the major leagues. His temperament with his coaches and front offices was portrayed as volatile and there wasn’t anyone who watched the team closely that didn’t notice his short temper with media during his press conferences.
Despite these issues, Shildt was a successful manager and won 90 games or more in his two seasons with the Padres. Players cited their good relationships with him and how they felt he had their backs throughout his time with the organization. But the tensions and constrained environment could not have been good for the overall vibe with the team. It isn’t hard to assume that the choice of Craig Stammen as manager by president of baseball operations A.J. Preller was partly a reflection of wanting someone whose temperament and personality he knew well.
A different approach
So what will be the new philosophy for the team be going forward?
What will Stammen bring to the environment that takes a talented group of players and helps them take the next step that is needed to win a World Series championship?
During his first presser of Spring Training on Tuesday, Stammen was asked about his organizational philosophy for the team. His response shows his sense of humor as well as his desire to build on what the team has already accomplished and then add his own contributions.
“Score as many runs as possible, that would be a good philosophy,” Stammen said, with a big grin. “We’re going to talk about hard work, we’re going to talk about togetherness and we’re going to talk about, you know, adding days together that add up to a big picture. So, being really good at the small things, being ‘extraordinary at the ordinary’ – if you want some buzz words. Those are the things I believe in and the things I’m going to try to impart on the team.”
This does sound a little similar to Shildt’s ‘winning on the margins’ philosophy but if you add the comments of new hitting coach, Steven Souza, to what Stammen stated you get a more complete picture of what they want the offense to be like.
Steven Souza outlines his goals
“First of all, it’s nice to have a talented roster like this. You’re only as good as the players you have and the culture you create,” Souza said. “There’s a lot of really good players in this offense that do a really good job at a lot of different things.”
“Controlling the zone, hammering mistakes, being able to make the pitcher do something different out there,” Souza said.
Souza went on to expand on his thoughts by adding, “create traffic, when that happens, is a huge part of the success going forward.”
He acknowledged that slug was an issue last season but emphasized having a dialogue with the hitters to give them a different creative avenue.
“The offense needs to be able to play the game that we need to play,” Souza said, stating that hitting in Petco Park might mean spraying the ball around, but a different environment would call for more slug.
“Not limiting this roster to one type of team, I think that’s what I want to do. Controlling the zone is part of that.”
He also said that he wants the hitters to feel free to do what works for them. The dialogue and communication will stress that the hitters need to feel free to be themselves.
An optimistic clubhouse
Communication and relationships are the two words most often heard from both Stammen and the players who spoke to the media at Padres FanFest on Jan. 31 at Petco Park. Many of the guys he will manage this season also played with Stammen when he pitched for the Padres.
Jake Cronenworth wasn’t shy about his feelings for Stammen, as quoted in the San Diego Union Tribune – “What an amazing guy… a mentor and an incredible human to be around. I couldn’t be more excited.”
The other telling quote from that same article came from Padres pitcher and clubhouse leader, Joe Musgrove.
“The manager’s biggest goal is to have a happy clubhouse and a good relationship with the players,” Musgrove said. “He’s coming in already ahead of the game in that aspect, having played with us. I think the communication is going to be a lot freer and a lot more open, a little bit of honesty. And I think Craig’s the kind of guy that’s not looking for praise, you know, he’s not looking to be the hero that comes in and always makes the right decision.”
Read into that what you will but just from the tone at FanFest, this team seems happier.
There is a long way to go before we get to Opening Day, but the next six weeks will hopefully show signs of what the personality of this team will be, both on offense and defense. If Stammen and his coaches do their jobs well, the Padres should give the Friar Faithful more reasons to fill Petco Park in 2026.
The Cleveland Cavaliers will look to roll into the All-Star break on a five-game winning streak. The only thing standing in their way is a less-than-stellar Washington Wizards team.
Wednesday will be James Harden’s first game in Cleveland as a Cavalier. He’s made a great first impression with the team as he’s come up big in the clutch against the Sacramento Kings and Denver Nuggets. We’ll see if that continues on Monday.
The Wizards aren’t exactly trying to win games at this point in the season. Their midseason trades for Anthony Davis and Trae Young were done with next year in mind.
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, FanDuel Sports Network App, NBA League Pass
Point spread: Cavs -18.5
Cavs injury report: Dean Wade – OUT (ankle), Evan Mobley – OUT (calf), Max Strus – OUT (foot), Emanuel Miller – OUT (G League)
Wizards injury report: Bilal Coulibaly – QUESTIONABLE (heel), Anthony Davis – OUT (finger), Kyshawn George – QUESTIONABLE (ankle), Anthony Gill – QUESTIONABLE (hand), D’Angelo Russell – OUT (not with team), Cam Whitmore – OUT (shoulder), Trae Young – OUT (knee)
Cavs expectedstarting lineup: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson, Jarrett Allen
Kyle Wright was the Braves’ first-round pick (seventh overall) in 2017 out of Vanderbilt and was a Top 100 prospect three years in a row (2018, 2019, 2020). He made his MLB debut with the Braves in 2019 and joined their rotation full-time in 2022, when he had an outstanding season: 21-5, 3.19 ERA, 1.159 WHIP, 174 strikeouts in 180.1 innings, 3.7 bWAR and 10th place in Cy Young voting.
A serious shoulder injury cost Wright most of the 2023 season and he had surgery on the shoulder in October 2023. A month later the Braves traded him to the Royals. Wright missed the entire 2024 season and made eight rehab starts in the Royals system with a 6.97 ERA and 1.565 WHIP in 23 innings. He became a free agent at the end of the 2024 season.
Wright turned 30 in October. There’s really no way of knowing whether he could get back to his 2022 form after that shoulder surgery, but this is a depth signing. Wright most likely starts the year at Triple-A Iowa (perhaps with an opt out) and will see some time during Spring Training. Seems a worthwhile NRI signing.
As noted by Jon Heyman, Wright is MLB’s most recent 20-game winner. Also, Wright and Dansby Swanson were Vanderbilt teammates in 2015. Here’s some video of Wright from a game April 28, 2022 against the Cubs:
The Lakers continue to struggle containing quick guards, and that’s a problem against De’Aaron Fox’s downhill game. His usage and shot volume remain consistent, and with a projection of 18.9 points, the Over at plus money is simply priced too low.
Julian Champagnie continues to benefit from consistent minutes and a clearly defined catch-and-shoot role, especially against defenses that collapse inside. With the Lakers allowing clean perimeter looks and his projection pushing close to double digits, 8.5 feels a step behind his current usage.
Devin Vassell’s scoring floor remains intact thanks to steady shot volume and a usage rate that doesn’t fluctuate much game to game. This is a modest number for a player projected north of 13 points, and in a matchup where points are expected, the Over makes sense before this line creeps higher.
Marcus Smart’s offensive role has expanded, and the projection reflects a noticeable bump in shot volume and production compared to where this line is set. At just 10.5 points, this number doesn’t fully account for his usage or minutes, making the Over playable as long as his role stays intact.
Deandre Ayton continues to benefit from reliable minutes and easy scoring opportunities around the rim, especially against teams that struggle with interior coverage. With a projection north of 12 points, 10.5 feels light for a player whose role doesn’t depend on hot shooting.
Rui Hachimura’s offensive role is largely finish-oriented, not playmaking, and his assist chances remain limited within the Lakers’ half-court sets. With usage skewed toward spot-up looks and cuts rather than initiation, the projection landing near one assist makes the under appealing at plus money.
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
BERLIN, Germany (AP) — Freiburg advanced to the semifinals of the German Cup after a 5-4 penalty shootout win at Hertha Berlin on Tuesday.
Freiburg goalkeeper Florian Muller saved Pascal Klemens’ sudden death spot kick in the Olympiastadion in Berlin to secure his team’s place in the last four of the competition. Yuito Suzuki’s strike had put the visitors 5-4 in front, meaning Klemens had to score to keep the shootout going.
After the game ended goalless in regulation time, Yuito Suzuki fired Freiburg ahead in the 96th minute. Eight minutes later the game was level again when Fabian Reese struck with a shot into the top corner.
Muller denied Michael Cuisance earlier in the shootout, but Freiburg’s Johan Manzambi then saw his spot kick saved by Hertha keeper Tjark Ernst.
The Tar Heels knocked off the Blue Devils 71-68 following a game-winning shot from Seth Timble, resulting in UNC fans rushing the court to celebrate, on Saturday, Feb. 7. While fans in the arena certainly seemed to appreciate the instant class, so did viewers watching at home.
According to ESPN, the game averaged 3.5 million viewers and peaked at 4.8 million. That is a 53% spike from the first time the teams faced off in 2025. The game was the most-watched men’s basketball game in the last four years.
Duke and UNC are scheduled to conclude their regular seasons with their second matchup of the season on March 7, from Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina.
NAPLES, Italy (AP) — Como advanced to the semifinals of the Coppa Italia for the first time in 40 years after beating Italian champion Napoli in a penalty shootout on Tuesday.
Stanislav Lobotka’s sudden death spot kick was saved by Como goalkeeper Jean Butez to spark wild celebrations on the field in Naples as Cesc Fabregas’ team won 7-6 in the shootout.
The game had ended 1-1 in regulation time.
Martin Baturina fired Como ahead from the penalty spot in the 39th minute, but Antonio Vergara leveled just after the break.
Napoli came close to a winner when Amir Rrahmani saw a header cleared off the line in the second half.
Romelu Lukaku failed to score for Napoli earlier in the shootout and Maximo Perrone also missed for Como.
Napoli is a six-time winner of the Coppa Italia, most recently in 2020.
A position often considered weak, second base has built up some legitimate depth.
The top tier consists of two elite yet injury-prone options in Ketel Marte and Jazz Chisholm Jr. Each (predictably) missed some time last year which allowed Brice Turang to lead the position in a breakout season. Otherwise, even an aging Jose Altuve remains highly productive while Nico Hoerner has proven his consistency.
Past that group, veterans Ozzie Albie, Brandon Lowe and Gleyber Torres offer different types of profiles along with youngsters Jackson Holliday, Luke Keaschall and Ceddanne Rafaela who could be ready to take a step forward.
Marcus Semien has a chance to rejuvenate his career after landing with the Mets and Jorge Polanco may just be their clean-up hitter. Matt McLain is another year removed from injury and don’t forget about Xavier Edwards, Bryson Stott, or José Caballero for stolen bases. There are a lot of options at this position and each fits a different archetype.
Below you’ll find what the Rotoworld staff forecasts for second base heading into spring drafts, along with profiles and projections for all the top options. More fantasy baseball draft prep content is on the way in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!
2026 Outlook: For the first shock of the Mets’ offseason, they signed Polanco in mid-December with the expectation that he’d replace Pete Alonso as their primary first baseman. Polanco has appeared in exactly one game at first as a pro, but reportedly got work there with the Mariners’ coaches last year and the Mets have given every indication he can not only handle that position defensively, but possibly even excel. Gaining eligibility there will be great for his fantasy profile. Joining a lineup with Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor, and Bo Bichette in it won’t hurt either. There’s a decent chance Polanco hits clean-up behind those three stars and with that, 30 home runs and 100 RBI are in play should he stay healthy. That’s always been the hold up with him though as he’s played over 120 games just twice in the last five seasons.
2026 Outlook: After a rollicking close to the 2024 season, Edwards came out of the gate with a .263/.337/.291 slash line and just four stolen bases over the first six weeks last year. At that point, he was placed on the injured list with a back strain and replaced at shortstop by Otto López. When Edwards came back, he was installed as the Marlins’ second baseman and closed the season with a .292 batting average and 16 stolen bases over his final 97 games. That’s not quite the level of production we saw to conclude 2024, but one that was good enough to be among the top-10 second basemen by year’s end. He profiles to be in that same range once again.
2026 Outlook: Speed and defense will always keep Stott’s floor relatively high. His production at the plate also trended up last season, but more so because the Phillies have begun to hide him a bit more from left-handed pitchers rather than any true skill improvements. He did seem to make an adjustment to be a bit more passive at the plate. This allowed him to drop his chase rate and work deeper counts. However, pitchers responded by simply throwing more pitches in the zone, unafraid of the damage Stott could do. He’s a good bet to be a near league-average hitter who will hit 10 to 15 home runs and steal around 30 bases with a middling batting average in a touch less than a true full-time role.
2026 Outlook: Evaluating McLain is a “beauty in the eye of the beholder” situation. He had a phenomenal 89-game sample in 2023 with 16 homers, 14 stolen bases, and an .864 OPS as a 23-year-old. It felt like he was one of the game’s ascending stars before a left labrum tear in spring training the following year forced him to miss the entire 2024 season. He returned last year, but was statistically one of the worst hitters in the league with a .643 OPS over 147 games. Funny enough, his profile as a hitter wasn’t extremely different in these two vastly different stretches production wise. His contact rates and the quality of his swing decisions were nearly identical. His batted ball quality dropped some, just not enough to constitute how much less damage he did. Perhaps another year removed from serious shoulder surgery helps that power come back and makes McLain a diamond in the rough after pick 200.
2026 Outlook: Players like Rafaela are so fun to watch. Defensively, he’s one of the game’s best centerfielders and routinely makes catches that seem impossible on contact. Yet, he found himself pushed to second base for 24 games last year because of the Red Sox’s logjam in the outfield. He was formidable there, but significantly less valuable in a real-life sense. Especially because he’s an agent of chaos at the plate. He steps in the box without much of a plan besides wanting to do damage and take war hacks. In doing so, he chased pitches out of the zone at one of the highest rates in the league. That approach led to an extreme feast or famine profile. For example, he put up a .647 OPS over the first two months of the season, then caught fire with an .861 OPS through June and July before faltering to a .622 OPS in August and September. That all led to a poor 91 wRC+ by season’s end and it’s anyone’s guess as to whether he’ll ever become a more consistent hitter. Yet, 20 homers and 30 stolen bases are well within reach and that alone could make him a highly valuable second base eligible player.
2026 Outlook: Is a career revival possible for Semien? After a five-year run as one of the game’s best second basemen, age began to catch up with him in 2024 as his .699 OPS was a ten-year low (2020 notwithstanding). Then, he was even worse last season and it’s fair to ask whether or not he could ever be a plus hitter again. That being said, an abysmal first 56 games with a .173 batting average and shockingly low .485 OPS destroyed his full-season line past the point of no return. In his final 71 games, Semien slashed .270/.338/.464 with 14 home runs before a foul ball fractured his foot and ended his season in late-August. That looked more like the Semien of old and maybe a trade from the Rangers to the Mets could help him get back on track.
2026 Outlook: The Mariners swung a trade for Donovan late in the offseason that will likely increase his fantasy value. Without much power or speed, Donovan’s greatest assets as a player are his great hit tool and on-base ability. With the Mariners, there’s a decent chance he hits lead-off ahead of Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodríguez, Josh Naylor, and Randy Arozarena which would help him score more runs than he ever has. It’s also possible he hits behind that quartet in the meat of the order, which could drive up his RBI total. Again, it’s still not a sexy profile without many homers or stolen bases to speak of, but he’ll be productive elsewhere.
2026 Outlook: A popular breakout pick last year after a strong 2024, García flopped hard. He couldn’t keep his on-base percentage above .300 and played more like a replacement-level player than a starting caliber one. That’s called his role into question a bit as the Nationals front office underwent a regime change and there are rumblings he will get time at first base this coming season because of his inconsistent and mostly poor defense at second. Extra versatility and eligibility help his profile because it’s hard to project how productive he’ll be with a career .709 OPS. Yet, he still makes tons of contact, has slightly above average power, and is a willing base stealer. So, a 20-20 season is in play. He may lose his green light though with a shifting organizational philosophy and a poor track record of efficiency on the base paths.
2026 Outlook: Edman has continued to trend in the wrong direction over the last year. A legendary run during the 2024 postseason gave way to a dreadful 2025 campaign that was overshadowed by a nagging ankle injury. The Dodgers didn’t acquire anyone to challenge him for playing time at second base heading into the season, but that same ankle injury hasn’t gone away and there are murmurs that he will miss Opening Day as we enter camp. Hyeseong Kim and Miguel Rojas will both get a chance to siphon off reps at second given the uncertainty surrounding Edman. Those two aren’t much competition for a healthy Edman though.
2026 Outlook: Baty entered last season as a bit of an afterthought for fantasy managers after the emergence of Mark Vientos in 2024, but the former top prospect ended up being the more productive player while showing maturity and growth defensively. The 26-year-old put himself back in the fantasy conversation with a strong month of May, but he really took off in the second half, slashing .291/.353/.477 with nine homers over 55 games while seeing time between second and third base. His improved selectivity at the plate showed up in a major jump in barrel percentage. Baty always flashed good power in the minors, so it’s very possible things are beginning to click for him. He’ll enter spring training as a bit of a question mark after the addition of Bo Bichette at third base, but there’s still plenty of opportunity for at-bats between first base, the DH spot, and left field. If the playing time is indeed there, he’ll be mixed league relevant as a multi-positional eligible player.
DENVER, COLORADO – FEBRUARY 9: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talks to referee Zach Zarba #15 during the fourth quarter of the game against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on February 9, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Swann/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers‘ thrilling last-minute victory over the Denver Nuggets on Monday night had two controversial calls. According to the NBA’s Last Two Minute report, both were called correctly on the floor.
First, the referees didn’t call a foul on James Harden’s three-pointer to tie the game with 33 seconds left. Tim Hardaway Jr. took away Harden’s landing space on the jumper, which usually is called a defensive foul.
The foul didn’t come, and that was supposedly the correct call.
The Last Two Minute Report states: “Harden (CLE) abnormally extends his leg as he returns to the floor to create the marginal lower body contact with Hardaway Jr. (DEN).”
I’m not sure if I agree with that one. Harden does extend his legs out when he’s shooting, but Hardaway is landing exactly where Harden took off from.
Moving on, the NBA also agrees that Donovan Mitchell was fouled by Jamal Murray on his shot attempt with less than a second left. These two free throws led to the Cleveland victory.
The Last Two Minute Report states: “Murray (DEN) is late to the spot and turns into Mitchell (CLE), initiating illegal body contact.”
Murray was late to the spot, but I’m not sure if he initiated contact. A no-call would’ve seemed acceptable given the time and score.
The NBA did confirm that there was one missed call in the final two minutes.
Jaylon Tyson should’ve been whistled for a three-second violation on a late Nikola Jokic turnover. From the replay, it’s clear that Tyson was camped out in the lane, and you can hear someone on the court yelling out that it should’ve been a three-second violation.
All in all, the Cavs don’t have much to complain about here, especially after they got the win.
The Rays have announced the promotional schedule for the 2026 season. Each item will be made available to the first 10,000 fans in attendance.
As is tradition: The first is a schedule magnet presented by Orlando Health at the Rays Home Opener at Tropicana Field (April 6) against the Chicago Cubs.
a Jonathan Aranda Devil Rays Bobblehead presented by RIPA (May 16 vs. Miami Marlins)
1. Devil Rays Windbreaker presented by Orlando Health (August 29 vs. San Diego Padres) – 10/10 would wear to a boat parade
Still to be released is a City Connect button up, and there are always surprises in-store for the season, as well as various theme nights throughout the year, some of which include bobbleheads, hats, or shirts.
