Trouble On The Bay?

Things got off to such a fantastic start at the Trop. They got off to the best start in team history, losing only six games the entire first month of the season. Now they've come back down to reality, and hard. For the first time all season, as of this writing, the Tampa Bay Rays are not in first place in the American League East (Baltimore is by a game as of this writing).

They won 25 games by the end of April, then hit the 40 win mark by the end of May. Once June hit, things started to balance out. July, the wheels started falling off. By the time of this writing the Rays are just 3-12 in the month, having lost their grip on first place in the East to the O's. They're on a five game losing streak and have lost seven of their last ten games.

What's wrong with the Rays?

Well for one thing is the bullpen. Not clue what exactly to put my finger on, or if we can even point a finger at one or two specific players. But as a unit, it looks like the pen is lost, not being able to really hold leads as of late. The starting pitching has been holding up fine, its just the pen can't hang onto the lead some nights.

Then there's what's going on at the plate. The offense just isn't clicking. too many strikeouts and way too many left in scoring position. The big hits aren't there as they were at the beginning of the season. Randy Arozerana isn't connecting with the power the way he was to start the year off.

Time to hit the panic button?

Not just yet. The Rays got off to such a hot start that they built a big enough pad. Now that pad has gone away and they need to get back to work. They've got a little over two months left in the season before we hit the playoffs. Barring a major drop off, the Rays should be there. If the Rays have to be hitting a slide, it's better for the team to be hitting it and working the kinks out now then hitting a slide right at the end of September rolling into playoff baseball. Not really worried too much, but its starting to creep into the back of people's minds.

Not all of this falls on Kevin Cash. There's only so much he can do, so many moves and lineup juggling he can do. he can't make the players hit, he can't make the players hustle. I can't see Cash going anywhere but between now and the August 1st trade deadline, I wouldn't be surprised if the Rays start making moves to better this team

MLB Midseason Lookback

We have hit the halfway point of the 2023 Major League Baseball season and boy has it been an entertaining one at that. We've had a combined now hitter in Detroit and a Yankee toss a perfect game. There's been quite a few surprises, and disappointments, as the season has gone along. So lets get into it for the first half of the 2023 season.

Surprises:

Rays

Tampa Bay turned out to be a big surprise, getting off to a perfect 13-0 start. Sure they've come down as of late, dropping 7 of the final 8 heading into the all star break. But the Rays offense through most of the first half of the season had been head and shoulders above the rest. They had gotten way ahead of the rest of the division, allowing them the breathing room before coming down to earth going into the break. They've got six guys that have more than ten home runs, and five guys with more than 40 RBI.

Rangers

If you had Texas leading the AL West at the halfway mark raise your hand. Adolis Garcia has gone off, driving in 75 runs and clubbing over 20 homers. There was four other Rangers with over 50 RBI's and seven hitters with double digits in home runs. They've been getting balanced hitting and great staring pitching, even without Jacob deGrom in the rotation.

Reds

Speaking of balanced offense, that's what your starting to see more of in Cincinnati. They're atop the NL Central and killing it.

Disappointments:

Mets

After spending all the money they did in the offseason. They tried to build off the 101 win season last year and so far its fallen flat on its face. This has been the furthest back of first place the Mets have been at the break in the last 20 years. Yes, Alonso and Lindor have been driving in runs, but there averages are low. They have a plus side in Francisco Alveraz, but the rest of the team has been a letdown, at least by comparison to last year and the standards that the owners have tried to set.

Padres

This was a team that just a season ago, was three wins away from the world series. Now, they're four games under .500 and eight and a half back at the break. Yes, you're getting production from their big guns in Soto, Tatis and Machado, but the rest of the supporting cast isn't there.

Best Rookie:
AL: Josh Jung (Texas) NL: Corbin Carroll (Arizona)

What Jung is doing at the hot corner in Texas is amazing. He's playing quality defense at 3rd. And he's holding it down in the middle of the Texas lineup, hitting .280, and driving in 56 runs in 88 games. What Carroll is doing in Arizona is downright impressive. He's the heart and soul of a lineup that's got 52 wins on the year and is the 2nd best team in the AL West behind only the Dodgers. Can he keep it up? Only time will tell, but for the time being he's been powering that team.

Best Manager:
AL: Bruce Bochy (Texas) NL: Tory Lovuello (Arizona)

With the NL, you could make an argument for Brian Snitker in Atlanta, who have the best record in baseball at this point. But that's expected of the Braves. With Lovuello, this is an Arizona team that wasn't expected to be this far above .500. They have the 2nd best record in the NL West and the 3rd most wins in the NL. You can also make a case for Skip Schumaker for what he's doing over in Miami. As for the AL its a two horse race. Kevin Cash in Tampa can be one argument for getting the Rays to the best record in the AL at the break. But I have to give it to Bochy in Texas with that young lineup and no deGrom he's got them to the best record in the AL West.

Cy Young:
AL: Shane McClanahan (Rays) NL: Spencer Streider (Braves)

Shane leads the AL with an 11-1 record and is second in ERA. He's in the top 20 in strikeouts, but the fact that he's only at 96 innings may hurt his case later. But still when he's on his game, he's ON his game and there's few better. For Streidxer, he's been so dominating on the Braveas mound its scary. I know he hasn't worked as hard as Gullen in Arizona, but he's just been as if not more dominating.

MVP:
AL: Shohei Otani (Angels) NL: Ronald Acuna Jr (Braves)

This race for both isn't even that close. Otani has been one of the best hitters in the AL this year and is the only hitter in the majors at the break to have clubbed 30 dingers. Acuna has been doing it all for the Braves and has been head a shoulders above the rest of the league.

Play Like An All Star

We are one week away. The best of the best in the game of baseball gathering at T-Mobile Park in Seattle for the 93rd Midsummer Classic. This marks the third time that Seattle has hosted the game. First was at the Kingdome in 1979 (a 7-6 National League win) and then in 2001 at the same ballpark (a 4-1 American League win).

Here's who's playing in this years all star game.

American League:
Starters:
Catcher: Jonah Heim Rangers (1st)
1st Base: Yandy Díaz Rays (1st)
2nd Base: Marcus Semien Rangers (2nd)
3rd Base: Josh Jung Rangers (1st)
Shortstop: Corey Seager Rangers (4th)
Outfilders: Randy Arozarena Rays (1st), Aaron Judge Yankees (5th), Mike Trout Angels (11th)
Designated Hitter: Shohei Ohtani Angels (3rd)

Reserves:
Catchers: Salvador Pérez Royals (8th), Adley Rutschman Orioles (1st)
1st Base: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Blue Jays (3rd)
2nd Base: Whit Merrifield Blue Jays (3rd)
3rd Base: José Ramírez Guardians (5th)
Shortstop: Bo Bichette Blue Jays (2nd)
Outfielders: Yordan Álvarez Astros (2nd), Adolis García Rangers (2nd), Austin Hays Orioles (1st), Luis Robert Jr. White Sox (1st)
Designated Hitters: Brent Rooker Athletics (1st)

Pitchers:
Félix Bautista Orioles (1st), Yennier Canó Orioles (1st), Luis Castillo Mariners (3rd), Emmanuel Clase Guardians (2nd), Gerrit Cole Yankees (6th), Nathan Eovaldi Rangers (2nd), Sonny Gray Twins (3rd), Kevin Gausman Blue Jays (2nd), Kenley Jansen Red Sox (4th), Michael Lorenzen Tigers (1st), Shane McClanahan Rays (2nd), Shohei Ohtani Angels (3rd), Framber Valdez Astros (2nd)

National League:
Starters:
Catcher: Sean Murphy Braves (1st)
1st Base: Freddie Freeman Dodgers (7th)
2nd Base: Luis Arráez Marlins (2nd)
3rd Base: Nolan Arenado Cardinals (8th)
Shortstop: Orlando Arcia Braves 1st)
Outfielders: Ronald Acuña Jr Braves )4th), Mookie Betts Dodgers (7th), Corbin Carroll Diamondbacks (1st)
Designated Hitter: J. D. Martinez Dodgers (6th)

Reserves:
Catchers: Elías Díaz Rockies (1st), Will Smith Dodgers (1st)
1st Base: Pete Alonso Mets (3rd), Matt Olson Braves (2nd)
2nd Base: Ozzie Albies Braves (3rd)
3rd Base: Austin Riley Braves (2nd)
Shortstop: Dansby Swanson Cubs (2nd)
Outfielders: Nick Castellanos Phillies (2nd), Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Diamondbacks (1st0< Juan Soto Padres (3rd)
Designated Hitter: Jorge Soler Marlins (1st)

Pitchers:
Alexis Díaz Reds (1st), Camilo Doval Giants (1st), Bryce Elder Braves (1st), Zac Gallen Diamondbacks (1st), Josiah Gray Nationals (1st), Josh Hader Padres (5th), Mitch Keller Pirates (1st), Clayton Kershaw Dodgers (10th), Justin Steele Cubs (1st), Spencer Strider Braves (1st), Marcus Stroman Cubs (2nd), Devin Williams Brewers (2nd)

So, did the roster get picked correctly? Well, one spot for debate comes to shortstop in the American League. Nothing against the two who were selected to be there in Corey Seager or Bo Bichette. Bichette should have gotten the start, he got the most hits in baseball. Sure Seager has the higher average, but he's played in 54 games, compared to the 80 starts by Bichette. Oh and lets not forget about Wander Franco who's got solid number s in his own rights at the plate. But what I feel kept Wander on the outside looking in was his attitude. Rays Manager Kevin Cash had to sit him for a few games because of that issue, and the GM's who select the reserves took that into consideration I feel. That's the only thing I can think of that kept Wander out of the game. Also kind of surprised that Rafael Devers, the leading RBI man among 3rd Baseman in the AL isn't at the game this year. The low batting average may have something to do with it but still, its worth noting.

NHL Schedule Released

Well, we can start circling the dates right now. The National Hockey League has released its schedule for the 2023-24 season. There's already some excitement in the air for the games on the schedule. Don't worry, we will drop the full schedule for the three teams we focus closely on here on the show, the Islanders Rangers and Lightning. First things first, here's some of the key dates and matchups from the rest of the league.

Opening Night triple header on ESPN:
October 10th: Predators @ Lightning 5:30, Blackhawks @ Penguins 8PM (Bedard vs Crosby), and Kraken @ Golden Knights (Cup Banner raising in Vegas)

October 24th: All 32 teams playing on the same night at the same time.

October 30th: Panthers @ Bruins (first meeting since Florida major playoff upset)

December 12th: Chicago @ Edmonton (Bedard vs McDavid)

December 23rd: Vegas @ Florida (Cup Finals Rematch)

Outdoor Games:
January 1st: Winter Classic Golden Knights @ Kracken (T-Mobile Park in Seattle)
NHL Stadium Series February 17th: Flyers @ Devils (Metlife Stadium)
NHL Stadium Series February 18th: Rangers @ Islanders (Metlife Stadium)

Now here's the schedule for the teams we cover on this show

OCTOBER
Oct 14 vs Buffalo7:30 PM
Oct 17 vs Arizona 7:30 PM
Oct 20 vs New Jersey 7:30 PM
Oct 21 @ Buffalo 7:00 PM
Oct 24 vs Colorado 8:00 PM
Oct 26 vs Ottawa7:30 PM
Oct 28 @ Columbus 7:00 PM
Oct 30 vs Detroit 7:30 PM

NOVEMBER
Nov 2 @ Washington 7:00 PM
Nov 4 vs Carolina 7:30 PM
Nov 7 vs Minnesota 7:30 PM
Nov 9 @ Boston 7:00 PM
Nov 11 vs Washington 7:30 PM
Nov 13 @ Edmonton 8:30 PM
Nov 15 @ Vancouver 10:30 PM
Nov 16 @ Seattle 10:00 PM
Nov 18 @ Calgary 7:00 PM
Nov 22 vs Philadelphia 7:30 PM
Nov 24 @ Ottawa 7:30 PM
Nov 25 vs Philadelphia 7:30 PM
Nov 28 @ New Jersey 7:00 PM
Nov 30 @ Carolina 7:00 PM

DECEMBER
Dec 2 @ Florida 6:00 PM
Dec 5 vs San Jose 7:30 PM
Dec 7 vs Columbus 7:30 PM
Dec 9 vs Los Angeles 7:30 PM
Dec 11 vs Toronto 7:00 PM
Dec 13 vs Anaheim 7:30 PM
Dec 15 vs Boston 7:30 PM
Dec 16 @ Montreal 7:00 PM
Dec 19 vs Edmonton 7:30 PM
Dec 20 @ Washington 7:30 PM
Dec 23 @ Carolina 7:00 PM
Dec 27 vs Pittsburgh 7:30 PM
Dec 29 vs Washington 7:30 PM
Dec 31 @ Pittsburgh 6:00 PM

JANUARY
Jan 2 @ Colorado 9:00 PM
Jan 4 @ Arizona 9:00 PM
Jan 6 @ Vegas 10:00 PM
Jan 9 vs Vancouver 7:30 PM
Jan 11 vs Toronto 7:30 PM
Jan 13 @ Nashville 8:00 PM
Jan 15 @ Minnesota 5:00 PM
Jan 16 @ Winnipeg 8:00 PM
Jan 19 @ Chicago 8:30 PM
Jan 21 vs Dallas 7:30 PM
Jan 23 vs Vegas 7:30 PM
Jan 25 @ Montreal 7:00 PM
Jan 27 vs Florida 7:30 PM

FEBRUARY
Feb 5 @ Toronto 7:00 PM
Feb 8 vs Tampa Bay 7:30 PM
Feb 10 vs Calgary 1:00 PM
Feb 13 vs Seattle 7:30 PM
Feb 18 vs Rangers 3:00 PM (Stadium Series @ Metlife)
Feb 20 @ Pittsburgh 7:00 PM
Feb 22 @ St. Louis 8:00 PM
Feb 24 vs Tampa Bay 12:30 PM
Feb 26 @ Dallas 8:00 PM
Feb 29 @ Detroit 7:00 PM

MARCH
Mar 2 vs Boston 3:00 PM
Mar 5 vs St. Louis 7:30 PM
Mar 7 @ San Jose 10:30 PM
Mar 10 @ Anaheim 8:00 PM
Mar 11 @ Los Angeles 10:30 PM
Mar 14 @ Buffalo 7:00 PM
Mar 16 vs Ottawa 12:30 PM
Mar 17 @ Rangers 1:00 PM
Mar 19 vs Carolina 7:30 PM
Mar 21 @ Detroit 7:00 PM
Mar 23 vs Winnipeg 1:00 PM
Mar 24 vs New Jersey 5:00 PM
Mar 28 @ Florida 7:00 PM
Mar 30 @ Tampa Bay 7:00 PM

APRIL
Apr 1 @ Philadelphia 7:00 PM
Apr 2 vs Chicago 7:30 PM
Apr 4 @ Columbus 7:00 PM
Apr 6 vs Nashville 7:30 PM
Apr 9 vs Rangers 7:00 PM
Apr 11 vs Montreal 7:30 PM 
Apr 13 @ Rangers 12:30 PM
Apr 15 @ New Jersey 7:00 PM
Apr 17 vs Pittsburgh 7:00 PM

OCTOBER
Oct 12 @ Buffalo 7:00 PM
Oct 14 @ Columbus 7:00 PM
Oct 16 vs Arizona 7:00 PM
Oct 19 vs Nashville 7:00 PM
Oct 21 @ Seattle 10:00 PM
Oct 24 @ Calgary 9:45 PM
Oct 26 @ Edmonton 9:00 PM
Oct 28 @ Vancouver 10:00 PM
Oct 30 @ Winnipeg 7:30 PM

NOVEMBER
Nov 2 vs Carolina 7:00 PM
Nov 4 @ Minnesota 8:00 PM
Nov 7 vs Detroit 7:30 PM
Nov 9 vs Minnesota 7:00 PM
Nov 12 vs Columbus 7:00 PM
Nov 18 @ New Jersey 7:00 PM
Nov 20 @ Dallas 8:00 PM
Nov 22 @ Pittsburgh 7:00 PM
Nov 24 @ Philadelphia 1:00 PM
Nov 25 vs Boston 1:00 PM
Nov 27 vs Buffalo 7:00 PM
Nov 29 vs Detroit 7:30 PM

DECEMBER
Dec 2 @ Nashville 4:00 PM
Dec 3 vs San Jose 6:00 PM
Dec 5 @ Ottawa 7:00 PM
Dec 9 @ Washington 7:00 PM
Dec 10 vs Los Angeles 7:00 PM
Dec 12 vs Toronto 7:00 PM
Dec 15 vs Anaheim 7:00 PM
Dec 16 @ Boston 7:00 PM
Dec 19 @ Toronto 7:00 PM
Dec 22 vs Edmonton 7:00 PM
Dec 23 vs Buffalo 7:30 PM
Dec 27 vs Washington 7:00 PM
Dec 29 @ Florida 7:00 PM
Dec 30 @ Tampa Bay 7:00 PM

JANUARY
Jan 2 vs Carolina 7:00 PM
Jan 4 vs Chicago 7:00 PM
Jan 6 @ Montreal 7:00 PM
Jan 8 vs Vancouver 7:00 PM
Jan 11 @ St. Louis 8:00 PM
Jan 13 @ Washington 1:00 PM 
Jan 14 vs Washington 1:00 PM
Jan 16 vs Seattle 7:00 PM
Jan 18 @ Vegas 10:00 PM
Jan 20 @ Los Angeles 10:30 PM
Jan 21 @ Anaheim 8:30 PM
Jan 23 @ San Jose 10:30 PM
Jan 26 vs Vegas 7:00 PM
Jan 27 @ Ottawa 7:00 PM

FEBRUARY
Feb 5 vs Colorado 7:00 PM
Feb 7 vs Tampa Bay 7:00 PM
Feb 9 @ Chicago 8:30 PM
Feb 12 vs Calgary 7:00 PM
Feb 15 vs Montreal 7:00 PM
Feb 18 @ Islanders 3PM (Stadium Series @ Metlife)
Feb 20 vs Dallas 7:00 PM
Feb 22 @ New Jersey 7:00 PM
Feb 24 @ Philadelphia 3:00 PM
Feb 25 @ Columbus 6:00 PM
Feb 28 vs Columbus 7:00 PM

MARCH
Mar 2 @ Toronto 7:00 PM
Mar 4 vs Florida 7:00 PM
Mar 9 vs St. Louis 7:30 PM
Mar 11 vs New Jersey 7:00 PM
Mar 12 @ Carolina 7:00 PM
Mar 14 @ Tampa Bay 7:00 PM
Mar 16 @ Pittsburgh 3:00 PM
Mar 17 vs Islanders 1:00 PM
Mar 19 vs Winnipeg 7:00 PM
Mar 21 @ Boston 7:00 PM
Mar 23 vs Florida 8:00 PM
Mar 26 vs Philadelphia 7:00 PM
Mar 28 @ Colorado 9:00 PM
Mar 30 @ Arizona 6:00 PM

APRIL
Apr 1 vs Pittsburgh 7:00 PM
Apr 3 vs New Jersey 7:30 PM
Apr 5 @ Detroit 7:00 PM
Apr 7 vs Montreal 7:00 PM
Apr 9 @ Islanders 7:00 PM
Apr 11 vs Philadelphia 7:00 PM
Apr 13 vs Islanders 12:30 PM
Apr 15 vs Ottawa 7:30 PM

OCTOBER
Oct 10 vs Nashville 5:30 PM
Oct 15 @ Ottawa 7:00 PM
Oct 14 @ Detroit 7:00 PM
Oct 17 @ Buffalo 7:00 PM
Oct 19 vs Vancouver 7:00 PM
Oct 21 vs Toronto 7:00 PM
Oct 24 vs Carolina 7:00 PM
Oct 26 vs San Jose 7:00 PM
Oct 30 vs Seattle 7:00 PM

NOVEMBER
Nov 2 @ Columbus 7:00 PM
Nov 4 @ Ottawa 7:00 PM
Nov 6 @ Toronto 7:00 PM
Nov 7 @ Montreal 7:00 PM
Nov 9 vs Chicago 7:00 PM
Nov 11 vs Carolina 7:00 PM
Nov 14 @ St. Louis 8:00 PM
Nov 16 @ Chicago 8:30 PM
Nov 18 vs Edmonton 4:00 PM
Nov 20 vs Boston 7:00 PM
Nov 22 vs Winnipeg 7:00 PM
Nov 24 @ Carolina 3:00 PM
Nov 27 @ Colorado 9:00 PM
Nov 28 @ Arizona 9:00 PM
Nov 30 vs Pittsburgh 7:00 PM

DECEMBER
Dec 2 @ Dallas 2:00 PM
Dec 4 vs Dallas 7:00 PM
Dec 6 vs Pittsburgh 7:00 PM
Dec 7 @ Nashville 8:00 PM
Dec 9 @ Seattle 10:00 PM
Dec 12 @ Vancouver 10:00 PM
Dec 14 @ Edmonton 9:00 PM
Dec 16 @ Calgary 10:00 PM
Dec 19 vs St. Louis 7:00 PM
Dec 21 vs Vegas 7:00 PM
Dec 23 @ Washington 7:00 PM
Dec 27 vs Florida 7:00 PM
Dec 30 vs Rangers 7:00 PM
Dec 31 vs Montreal 7:00 PM

JANUARY
Jan 2 @ Winnipeg 8:00 PM
Jan 4 @ Minnesota 8:00 PM
Jan 6 @ Boston 7:00 PM
Jan 9 vs Los Angeles 7:00 PM
Jan 11 vs New Jersey 7:00 PM
Jan 13 vs Anaheim 7:00 PM
Jan 18 vs Minnesota 7:00 PM
Jan 20 @ Buffalo 12:30 PM
Jan 21 @ Detroit 5:00 PM
Jan 23 @ Philadelphia 7:00 PM
Jan 25 vs Arizona 7:00 PM
Jan 27 vs New Jersey 7:00 PM

FEBRUARY
Feb 7 @ Rangers 7:00 PM
Feb 8 @ Islanders 7:30 PM
Feb 10 @ Columbus 7:00 PM
Feb 13 @ Boston 7:00 PM
Feb 15 vs Colorado 7:00 PM
Feb 17 vs Florida 5:00 PM
Feb 19 vs Ottawa 7:00 PM
Feb 22 vs Washington 7:00 PM
Feb 24 @ Islanders 12:30 PM
Feb 25 @ New Jersey 1:00 PM
Feb 27 @ Philadelphia 7:00 PM
Feb 29 vs Buffalo 7:00 PM

MARCH
Mar 2 vs Montreal 7:00 PM
Mar 7 vs Calgary 7:00 PM
Mar 9 vs Philadelphia 7:00 PM
Mar 14 vs Rangers 7:00 PM
Mar 16 @ Florida 6:00 PM
Mar 19 @ Vegas 10:00 PM
Mar 21 @ San Jose 10:30 PM
Mar 23 @ Los Angeles 10:30 PM
Mar 24 @ Anaheim 8:30 PM
Mar 27 vs Boston 7:30 PM
Mar 30 vs Islanders 7:00 PM

APRIL
Apr 1 vs Detroit 7:00 PM
Apr 3 @ Toronto 7:00 PM
Apr 4 @ Montreal 7:00 PM
Apr 6 @ Pittsburgh 1:00 PM
Apr 9 vs Columbus 7:00 PM
Apr 11 vs Ottawa 7:00 PM
Apr 13 @ Washington 5:30 PM
Apr 15 vs Buffalo 7:00 PM
Apr 17 vs Toronto 7:00 PM

Perfect Night In Oakland

Twenty Seven up, twenty seven down. A perfect game. Something that doesn't happen often. 319 times in baseball history we've seen a no hitter, 24 times of which have been a perfect game. Number twenty four was thrown last night in Oakland. Domingo German of the New York Yankees took 99 pitches to throw his perfect game, an 11-0 win by the Yankees.

This marks the 4th perfect game in Yankees history behind Don Larson in 1956 vs Brooklyn (World Series), David Wells vs Minnesota in 1998 and David Cone vs Montreal in 1999. It's the 13th No Hitter in Yankees history, and the first Yankee no hitter since Corey Kluber threw one on May 19th 2021 against Texas. The catcher in both the Kluber game and this German perfect game? Kyle Higashioka. It was also the first perfect game in baseball since Felix Hernandez threw one on August 15th, 2012 in a win over the Rays.

And this had been the first good start for German against Oakland, as he'd gone winless in his last six starts against the A's. Oh yeah, and he had been shelled giving up ten runs in three and two thirds inning against Seattle in his last start. German needed just 99 pitches to strike out nine and not allow a baserunner the entire night. And this is the same pitcher who got suspended earlier this year for using too much rosin on his hands in a game against the Blue Jays.

It was a night to remember for German who has been an average at best at times this season, but its one of those nights where everything was going right for the right hander. He had movement on his pitches and managed to throw under 100 pitches for the night, which is rare for this day and age.

The last no hitter thrown in baseball was in the playoffs last year, Houston throwing a combined no no against the Phillies. Last regular season no hitter was June 25th last year and the Yankees got no hit. They lost on a combined no hitter against Houston.

Congratulations to German on throwing his perfect game!

NHL hands Out Hardware

It's the acknowledgement of great individual efforts in a team sport. The best of the best from the 2023 NHL season were on hand in Nashville last night for the NHL Awards. All the big hardware was given out last evening and lets see who walked away with what.

All Rookie Team:
Forwards: Matty Beniers (Seattle), Wyatt Johnson (Dallas), Matias Marcelli (Arizona)
Defense: Owen Power (Buffalo), Jake Sanderson (Ottawa)
Goalie: Stuart Skinner (Edmonton)

All Star Teams:
1st Team:
Forwards: Jason Robertson (Dallas), Conor McDavid (Edmonton), David Pastrnak (Boston)
Defense: Adam Fox (NY Rangers), Erik Karlson (San Jose)
Goalie: Linus Ullmark (Boston)

2nd Team:
Forwards: Artemi Panarin (NY Rangers)< Leon Drisital (Edmonton), Matthew Tkachuk (Florida)
Defense: Hampus Lindholm (Boston), Cale Makar (Colorado)
Goalie: Ilya Sorokin (NY Islanders)

Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award (U.S.): Jason McCrimmon, Detroit Ice Dreams Youth Hockey Association

E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence: Connor Bedard, Regina Pats (WHL)

Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy: Kris Letang, Pittsburgh Penguins

Frank J. Selke Trophy: Patrice Bergeron, Boston Bruins

King Clancy Memorial Trophy: Mikael Backlund, Calgary Flames

Lady Byng Memorial Trophy: Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings

Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award: Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning

Ted Lindsay Award: Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers

 Jack Adams Award: Jim Montgomery, Boston Bruins

Calder Memorial Trophy: Matty Beniers, Seattle Kraken

Vezina Trophy: Linus Ullmark, Boston Bruins

James Norris Memorial Trophy: Erik Karlsson, San Jose Sharks

Hart Memorial Trophy: Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers

Now for the biggest questions of the night, did they get the award winners right? And the answer is a yes from where I sit. Sure, in years past we've had debates over who should have won what. Yes, there are cases that you could make for this years awards too. Ullmark had a fantastic year in between the pipes for Boston, and nothing against Hellebuck in Winnepeg or Sorokin on Long Island, but his 40 wins really helped push Ullmark over the edge. For those guys, Ullmark and Soroking, some have debated online who should have finished higher in Vexzna voting based on where they finished in MVP voting. Sorokin got more votes for MVP than Ullmark did. Ullmark had the better wins and total goalie numbers which is why he won the top honors there. Sorokin got more votes for MVP because if you take them both out of their respective team lineups the Bruins are still a really good team without Ullmark, whereas the Isles aren't without Sorokin, even with Ullmark having the better numbers.

Sticking with MVP talk, you could have throw Tkachuk name a little higher in voting, because of the impact he had on turning the Panthers had the second half of the season, and Pasta had a great year in Boston as well. But there was really no debate here McDavid was the MVP. 60 goals, 153 points. Nobody even close to his level. He's one of only six players in league history to ever have 150 or more points in a single season. McDavid joins Bernie Nichols (150 in 1989), Steve Yzerman (155 in 1989), Phil Esposito (152 in 1971), Mario Lemieux (four times: best 199 in 1989) and Wayne Gretzky (nine times: best 212 in 1986). Eye popping numbers to read that's for sure

Hockey Hall Calls Again

Hall of famer. Its a special phrase amongst athletes. It means that you had a career that was better than most. Game of hockey is no different. The class of 2023 has been announced for this year and its a pretty good class too. This year, the committee selected Henrik Lundqvist, Tom Barrasso, Mike Vernon, Caroline Ouellette and Pierre Turgeon in the player category, as well as Ken Hitchcock and Pierre Lacroix in the builders category.

First, we go to the international stage, where Caroline Ouellette shined. She is one of three players, along with fellow hall of famer Hayley Wickenheiser as well as Jayna Hefford to win at least four Olympic gold medals. She scored 30 points over 20 tournaments, as well as representing Canada at 12 IIHF Women’s World Championships where she led the Canadian team to six gold medals and six silver medals, scoring 23 goals and 68 points in 59 tournament appearances.

Moving to the pro level, Pierre Turgeon had the most points of any player that was not elected to the hall this year. He was taken 1st overall in the 1987 entry draft and played 19 years in the league for Buffalo, the Islanders, Montreal, St. Louis, Dallas and Colorado. He finished his career having played in 1,294 games, racking up 515 goals, 812 assists for 1,327 points. He cracked the 100 point mark twice, scoring 106 with Buffalo in 1990 and his career high 132 points for the Islanders in 1993. They guy had a ton of offensive upside, and could have been so much more if it wasn't for the injury in the 93 playoffs.

Then we move to the men between the Pipes. Tom Barrasso took the league by storm when he came on  the scene in Buffalo. He joined the league in 1983 and won the Calder and vVezina in that first year, and later added two cups in Pittsburgh. By the time all was said and done, he won 396 games, most by an American at the time he retired, in a 19 year career. During that time he played in Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and one year stints in Ottawa, Carolina Toronto and St Louis. He won 20 or more games 11 times, including two thirty win and a forty win season. He also holds the record for assists by a netminder with 48. He was a pretty good puck handler and had great reflexes to make the big saves when he needed.

The Stanley Cup twice was carried by Mike Vernon, 1989 in Calgary and 1997 in Detroit. He, like Barrasso, started his career in 1983 in Calgary and finished 19 years later after stops in Detroit, San Jose, and Florida. He won 385 games, 262 of which were as a Flame, 2nd most in team history. He had one of the best catching gloves in the game which helped propel him into the star relm with his hometown Flames.

Finally there's King Henrik, who spent his entire 15 year career on Broadway with the Rangers. He owns the team record with 459 wins. He never won hockey's ultimate prize in the Cup, but he's still done more than that on an international level. His career is drapped in Gold, as Lundqvist has won gold medals at the Olympics (2006), IIHF World Championship (2017), and IIHF World Junior Championship (2002). He also has an Olympic silver medal (2014), two World Championship silver medals (2003, 2004), and a third-place finish at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. Some of the saves that I've seen Hank made are the stuff of legend and I'd only seen close to since Hasek was playing in Buffalo. Hank's desire to win was matched by few.