Podcast Ombudsman Report for Blueshirt Bandwidth Ep. 108
This week’s fact-check takes on a defenseman’s overtime legacy and how much of the Rangers’ recent losing streak falls on the goaltending.
New York
Latest blog entries from New York teams across every league
Mets Morning News: Mets hire former catcher A.J. Ellis as strategy coordinator
The New York Mets have added former San Diego Padres catcher A.J. Ellis to their major‑league staff as a strategy coordinator, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic. Ellis joins a roster that may still be shaping its 2027 rotation, with pending decisions on pitchers like Tarik Skubal. The hire arrives amid broader offseason moves across the NL East, including the Braves retaining their coaching staff and the Orioles eyeing trades involving Pete Alonso.
Devils vs. Blues (Nov. 5): Hischier Eyes 500, Projected Lines
The New Jersey Devils host the St. Louis Blues on Thursday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. ET in Newark on Military Appreciation Night. Riding a 4‑3 shootout win over Edmonton, the Devils (10‑5‑0) have won six of their last seven and are 7‑2‑0 at home, while the Blues (7‑7‑1) come off a 3‑1 loss to the Rangers and sit 3‑5‑0 on the road. Projected starters include Nico Hischier anchoring the Devils' top line and likely netminder Connor Hellebuyck, with Joel Hofer expected in goal for St. Louis. Key injuries: Seamus Casey (Devils) and Colton Parayko (Blues).
Giants’ John Harbaugh pays emotional tribute to Rachel Apa, who died after collapsing during NYC Marathon
Giants head coach John Harbaugh opened his Nov. 4 press conference by honoring 24‑year‑old Rachel Apa, who collapsed and died around mile 24 of the New York City Marathon—a first marathon for the former Bucknell Division I field‑hockey star. Harbaugh expressed thoughts and prayers for Apa’s family, calling her life “incredible” and saying she’ll be “dearly missed.” The tribute comes as Harbaugh’s first season in New York continues; the Giants sit 4‑2‑1 atop the NFC East and prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 9 after a six‑game losing streak.
Giants’ JJ McCarthy gets 100% real about Matt Nagy’s playcalling
Rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy sparks a 27‑21 overtime win over the Houston Texans, completing 20 of 28 passes for 252 yards and a 99.1 passer rating. In a candid interview, he praises offensive coordinator Matt Nagy’s adaptable playcalling, saying, “I absolutely love his playcalling and how he adapts with the flow of the game.” McCarthy’s 71.4% completion rate ranks second among first‑time Giants starters, and he expresses gratitude for joining the historic franchise. His remarks underline the importance of flexibility as he settles into New York’s offense.
Knicks 135, Bulls 105: “We’re so back…”
The New York Knicks roar to a 135-105 victory over the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden, snapping a sluggish start to their championship defense. Jalen Brunson leads the charge, slicing through the Bulls' defense and sparking a historic offensive surge that ties a 38‑year‑old franchise record for the highest‑scoring half. Dalton Knecht debuts with 10 points and 7 rebounds, while OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and the rest of the roster dive for loose balls, underscoring the team's all‑out effort. The win, highlighted by a 43-21 lead early in the second quarter, fuels the chant “We’re so back,” signaling the Knicks’ return to elite form.
Yankees 2026 Roster Report Cards: Gerrit Cole
The Pinstripe Alley report card gives Gerrit Cole a B+ for 2026 after his comeback from Tommy John surgery. He logged 22 starts (10‑9, 3.61 ERA, 1.20 WHIP) and 131 strikeouts in 127 innings, showcasing elite control with a career‑best 1.77 BB/9. However, his 1.56 HR/9 was the second‑highest of his career, and contact metrics (exit velocity, barrel and hard‑hit rates) ranked in the bottom percentiles, exposing him to long balls. Despite these flaws, Cole proved a reliable top‑of‑the‑rotation starter for a Yankees staff anchored by Cam Schlittler and Max Fried, and remains under contract for $36 million with two years left.
Report: Hurricanes’ Alexander Nikishin Still Wants Out; 5 Teams Linked
Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin, who signed a one‑year, $3 million contract on Oct. 25 after a months‑long holdout, still wants a trade to a team that can give him top‑four minutes. Ranked No. 19 on The Fourth Period’s Nov. 1 Trade Watch List, he’s linked to the Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues, New York Islanders, Seattle Kraken and New York Rangers. Nikishin, a 2020 third‑round pick and former KHL standout, rejected an eight‑year $5.5‑6 M AAV deal and is reportedly targeting a $9 M AAV five‑year contract, with interest also from Los Angeles. The one‑year deal lets Carolina move him this season or revisit options in the summer.
2027 Dynasty Second Basemen: Top Targets, Sleepers & Fades
Baseball America’s James Anderson breaks down his 2027 dynasty second‑base rankings, highlighting top targets, sleepers, and fades. He recommends Tate Southisene (Braves) as a dual‑threat 20‑HR, 30‑plus steal prospect on the cusp of a big‑league call‑up, and Mitch Voit (Mets) as a steady steal‑oriented option for 2028‑29. Cole Young (Mariners) offers reliable power with mid‑range upside. Sleepers include Pedro Ramirez (Cubs), a 23‑year‑old with strong Triple‑A numbers, and Hao‑Yu Lee (Tigers), a versatile hitter despite defensive struggles. Albies (Braves) and Matt McLain (Reds) are flagged as fades due to declining OBP and average.
Thursday Flakes: Football Tomorrow, Volleyball out West and More
The Thursday Flakes roundup kicks off with Nebraska senior‑night volleyball versus Iowa and a preview of Nebraska football games on Illinois TV. Punter Archie Wilson earns Ray Guy Award Punter of the Week, while the Huskers women’s basketball team shares a viral meme. NFL chatter notes the Cardinals may trade QB Jacoby Brissett to the Ravens. In the NBA, Victor Wembanyama drops a historic 52‑point, 24‑rebound, 8‑block performance for the Spurs, and LeBron James says it’s too early to talk Finals after a blistering 76ers start. A surprising Jets comeback over the Canadiens highlights a rare hockey crossover.
Who Should I Start for Fantasy Football Week 9? Trevor Lawrence, Joe Fagnano, Caleb Williams, Gardner Minshew, Jared Goff, Kyler Murray, Baker Mayfield, Brock Purdy, Daniel Jones
Who Should I Start? Who Should I Sit? Some of the most common Week 9 fantasy football lineup decisions involve […]
The Jets will have the last laugh on the Colts
The Indianapolis Colts’ disastrous season is costing them dearly, including the loss of two first‑round picks used to acquire cornerback Sauce Gardner. With Gardner plagued by injuries and the trade yielding little return—aside from a struggling Adonai Mitchell—the Colts have slipped from Super Bowl hopes to a likely low draft position, while the New York Jets sit at fourth overall and could reap a Hall‑of‑Fame talent. The article argues the Jets will profit from the Colts’ missteps, turning the franchise’s pain into a lucrative opportunity.
Giants Eyeing Massive Trade With Buccaneers
The New York Giants are targeting Tampa Bay defensive tackle Vita Vea, a two‑time Pro Bowler who started all 17 games last season, as part of their Week 9 trade push before the November 10 deadline. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler notes the Buccaneers recently locked Vea into a two‑year, $48 million extension, making a deal unlikely, though the Giants have previously chased interior linemen like Jeffery Simmons. A fan‑generated trade scenario even involves the Jaguars for WR Brain Thomas Jr., highlighting the speculative buzz around Vea’s availability.
49ers’ Fred Warner showers Brock Bowers with ultimate praise before Raiders clash
Ahead of their Week 9 matchup, 49ers linebacker Fred Warner praises Raiders rookie tight end Brock Bowers, calling him “one of the best players in the league.” Warner will likely line up against Bowers, who set a rookie record with 112 receptions and 1,194 yards in 2024 and earned First‑Team All‑Pro honors. After missing time with knee surgeries in 2025, Bowers returns strong, leading Las Vegas with 41 catches, 547 yards and five TDs in six games, including a 7‑catch, 92‑yard, two‑TD effort in a 38‑33 win over the Jets. Warner’s ability to contain Bowers could dictate the outcome of the contest.
Game Preview #16: St. Louis Blues @ New Jersey Devils
The preview pits the 7-7-1 St. Louis Blues against the 10-5-0 New Jersey Devils on Nov. 5 at 7:00 pm EST (MSG SN TV, Devils Hockey Radio). The Devils come off a dramatic 4-3 OT shootout win over the Oilers, with rookie goalie Connor Hellebuyck earning his first home start and the team posting an 8‑in‑10 hot streak. The Blues lost 3-1 to the Rangers, dropping to 7-7-1, and still juggle goalie uncertainty between Joe Hoefer and Jordan Binnington. Analyst Grimace predicts a Devils win, citing their .800 win rate and Hellebuyck's 3‑0 start. Key facts: Devils 10-5-0, Blues 7-7-1, last results, and broadcast details.
Urgent moves Yankees must make now to avoid pre-lockout letdown from 2021
The New York Yankees will have to act fast if they want to avoid the same mistakes they made before the last lockout.
Jets trade deadline: Latest rumors, trade candidates and list of draft picks
Everything you need to know about the New York Jets and the rumors, candidates, and draft picks for the upcoming NFL trade deadline.
Bantering Points: 11/5/26
Your morning round-up of the latest from Blueshirt Banter, Rangers News, and updates from around the NHL
New York Jets News: Geno Smith Fires off ‘Believe’ Message Before Chiefs Contest
The New York Jets sit at 2-6 and face a daunting road test against a 10‑point‑favorite Kansas City Chiefs on Nov. 5. Starting quarterback Geno Smith delivers a confident “Believe” message, emphasizing trust in the locker room and coaching staff despite the tough environment. Smith says the team is developing a game plan to take on the Chiefs, acknowledging that a strong defensive effort will be crucial. The article also notes upcoming matchups with the Bills and highlights recent Jets news, including practice squad moves and injury updates.
Carmelo Anthony and La La Anthony Reach Divorce Settlement After Ex-Wife’s Resurfaced Comments on How Their Marriage Fell Apart
After nine years of separation, Carmelo and La La Anthony finally finalize their divorce, with a New York County Supreme Court judgment pending the judge’s signature as of Nov. 4, 2026. The couple, together since their 2004 engagement and 2010 reality‑TV wedding, share son Kiyan, now a top Syracuse basketball recruit, and Melo’s daughter Genesis with ex Mia Burks. La La cites Carmelo’s 2011 trade to the Knicks and relentless NYC media pressure as the turning point that strained their marriage. While settlement details remain private, the amicable co‑parenting and recent public reflections close one of the NBA’s most scrutinized relationships.
Florida State Brings Active NFL Quarterback Into New Role Following Mike Norvell’s Firing
Florida State appoints active NFL quarterback Jameis Winston to the Seminole Boosters Board of Directors just days after firing head coach Mike Norvell. The former Heisman winner, who led the Seminoles to a 14‑0 national championship season in 2013, joins alumni Rob Murphy and Jeremy Cloud in a role that supports funding and athlete services while he remains the New York Giants’ starter. Norvell's exit follows a steep 10‑22 slide since the 2023 ACC title, with a $47 million buyout and interim coach Rick Stockstill stepping in. The move signals a fresh start as FSU searches for a permanent head coach and aims to stabilize its recruiting class.
Thursday Morning Fly By: Visiting the garden
The Flyers travel to Madison Square Garden on Thursday to face the Rangers, hoping to improve on a 3-2 loss to the Wild that was marred by a slow start. Center Sean Couturier’s role has shifted, but he remains vital, while former defenseman Emil Andrae, now on waivers after recent trades, is touted as a potential boost. The piece also debates a free‑agency pursuit of Nikita Kucherov, noting his agent’s hints that the Lightning star may be ready to move on and could command a short‑term deal. Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks suffer a 7-2 defeat to the Kings, prompting a players‑only meeting.
Rival Coach Says the Quiet Part Out Loud in J.J. McCarthy Trade
Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, cited by Mike Florio, calls the New York Giants' acquisition of quarterback J.J. McCarthy a "steal," noting he was obtained for a fifth‑round pick rather than a sixth. The Giants, now 4‑2‑1 and leading the NFC East, have seen McCarthy complete 63.3% of his passes for 495 yards, one touchdown and one interception, with a 95.2 passer rating that rivals Kirk Cousins' career mark. While New York benefits from strong supporting players, the Vikings face a "purple pickle" as Kyler Murray's struggles prompt questions about their future QB plans. Fangio's praise adds intrigue to a trade that could shape both teams' playoff hopes.
Cómo fueron cayendo las piezas
The 2026 Baseball Prospectus season review notes how early‑season trends shaped team fortunes. While CJ Abrams, Edward Cabrera and José Soriano faded, the Phillies, Mets and Rays stuck to their trajectories—Philadelphia enjoyed a spectacular August, the Mets struggled, and the Rays saw a consistent rise. A key finding is a sharp increase in batter aggression: hitters swung at “shadow‑zone” pitches 54.3% of the time (up 2+ points from 2025), boosting wOBA by 13 points, and swung at two‑strike pitches 75.8% of the time, adding nine wOBA points. Pitchers threw roughly 4,000 more pitches but delivered about 8,000 fewer strikes in the zone, reflecting the evolving offensive approach.
1 Aaron Glenn replacement from every NFL team Jets must look at
The New York Jets could look at one Aaron Glenn replacement from every NFL team if they move on from their head coach after a poor 2026 season.
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