Sanjay Manjrekar slams Dhoni fandom, CSK approach: “Sycophancy has seeped into cricket” Chennai Super Kings has endured a poor start to IPL 2026, winning just two of its first six matches to sit seventh on the points table.Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has come under scrutiny for the team’s struggles, with his own batting form also a concern. In six innings, he has managed only 82 runs.Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, however, believes the CSK management must also shoulder the blame.“This blame, I’m going to put at the doorstep of the owners and people who make the big decisions. Because Gaikwad, before he was captain, was phenomenal at the top of the order,” said Manjrekar on Sportstar’s Insight Edge podcast.Manjrekar added that the overwhelming fandom surrounding CSK legend M.S. Dhoni has not helped Gaikwad’s situation.“And then that thing with M.S Dhoni, whether he’s going to be playing, whether he’s going to be captain, they handled that very badly. And this is where you see the sycophancy of Indian culture that has seeped into cricket as well. I mean, there isn’t just a fan following of Dhoni, there is sycophancy around it,” he added.He also recalled an incident that highlighted the intensity of Dhoni’s fandom.“There was [this] one instance of Dhoni trying to put his bat into the crease, and it was a very close call. And I said, well, he is clearly short of the crease, and it should be run out. They [fans] got angry with me for saying that because it was anti-Dhoni. So somewhere they lost sight of the whole picture.”Dhoni has not featured for CSK in IPL 2026 after suffering a calf strain in the lead-up to the season.When asked if Dhoni’s return could ease Gaikwad’s burden, Manjrekar expressed doubts about how CSK would accommodate him in the XI.“Maybe, but then you have to play Dhoni on the field. And how do you do that? I mean, increasingly, he’s finding it tough to deliver. So it was a bit of a joke when he used to come down the order and just play three or four balls. The coverage would hype that up as well – ‘What an innings.’ And it lasted four balls.“So that’s not feasible anymore, and it was never going to be a long-term thing. So I can’t pretend to know how Ruturaj felt when M.S. was on the field, but not captaining, as opposed to M.S. not being there and he being solely in charge,” said Manjrekar.Manjrekar also drew parallels between CSK and Mumbai Indians, pointing to an overreliance on big-name players.“CSK and Mumbai Indians are slightly guilty of being emotionally connected and invested in the big-name, big-brand players a bit too much. CSK even more so with Dhoni. This means that you’re not getting people who are in their prime. It’s like living in the past a little bit. It’s just about getting guys who are in their prime in T20 cricket. It’s such a modern-day format, so it’s best to be current with everything that you do with your team,” he added.Published on Apr 20, 2026 #Sanjay #Manjrekar #slams #Dhoni #fandom #CSK #approach #Sycophancy #seeped #cricket

Sanjay Manjrekar slams Dhoni fandom, CSK approach: “Sycophancy has seeped into cricket”
Chennai Super Kings has endured a poor start to IPL 2026, winning just two of its first six matches to sit seventh on the points table.
Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has come under scrutiny for the team’s struggles, with his own batting form also a concern. In six innings, he has managed only 82 runs.
Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, however, believes the CSK management must also shoulder the blame.
“This blame, I’m going to put at the doorstep of the owners and people who make the big decisions. Because Gaikwad, before he was captain, was phenomenal at the top of the order,” said Manjrekar on Sportstar’s Insight Edge podcast.
Manjrekar added that the overwhelming fandom surrounding CSK legend M.S. Dhoni has not helped Gaikwad’s situation.
“And then that thing with M.S Dhoni, whether he’s going to be playing, whether he’s going to be captain, they handled that very badly. And this is where you see the sycophancy of Indian culture that has seeped into cricket as well. I mean, there isn’t just a fan following of Dhoni, there is sycophancy around it,” he added.
He also recalled an incident that highlighted the intensity of Dhoni’s fandom.
“There was [this] one instance of Dhoni trying to put his bat into the crease, and it was a very close call. And I said, well, he is clearly short of the crease, and it should be run out. They [fans] got angry with me for saying that because it was anti-Dhoni. So somewhere they lost sight of the whole picture.”
Dhoni has not featured for CSK in IPL 2026 after suffering a calf strain in the lead-up to the season.
When asked if Dhoni’s return could ease Gaikwad’s burden, Manjrekar expressed doubts about how CSK would accommodate him in the XI.
“Maybe, but then you have to play Dhoni on the field. And how do you do that? I mean, increasingly, he’s finding it tough to deliver. So it was a bit of a joke when he used to come down the order and just play three or four balls. The coverage would hype that up as well – ‘What an innings.’ And it lasted four balls.
“So that’s not feasible anymore, and it was never going to be a long-term thing. So I can’t pretend to know how Ruturaj felt when M.S. was on the field, but not captaining, as opposed to M.S. not being there and he being solely in charge,” said Manjrekar.
Manjrekar also drew parallels between CSK and Mumbai Indians, pointing to an overreliance on big-name players.
“CSK and Mumbai Indians are slightly guilty of being emotionally connected and invested in the big-name, big-brand players a bit too much. CSK even more so with Dhoni. This means that you’re not getting people who are in their prime. It’s like living in the past a little bit. It’s just about getting guys who are in their prime in T20 cricket. It’s such a modern-day format, so it’s best to be current with everything that you do with your team,” he added.
Published on Apr 20, 2026
#Sanjay #Manjrekar #slams #Dhoni #fandom #CSK #approach #Sycophancy #seeped #cricket

Chennai Super Kings has endured a poor start to IPL 2026, winning just two of its first six matches to sit seventh on the points table.

Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has come under scrutiny for the team’s struggles, with his own batting form also a concern. In six innings, he has managed only 82 runs.

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, however, believes the CSK management must also shoulder the blame.

“This blame, I’m going to put at the doorstep of the owners and people who make the big decisions. Because Gaikwad, before he was captain, was phenomenal at the top of the order,” said Manjrekar on Sportstar’s Insight Edge podcast.

Manjrekar added that the overwhelming fandom surrounding CSK legend M.S. Dhoni has not helped Gaikwad’s situation.

“And then that thing with M.S Dhoni, whether he’s going to be playing, whether he’s going to be captain, they handled that very badly. And this is where you see the sycophancy of Indian culture that has seeped into cricket as well. I mean, there isn’t just a fan following of Dhoni, there is sycophancy around it,” he added.

He also recalled an incident that highlighted the intensity of Dhoni’s fandom.

“There was [this] one instance of Dhoni trying to put his bat into the crease, and it was a very close call. And I said, well, he is clearly short of the crease, and it should be run out. They [fans] got angry with me for saying that because it was anti-Dhoni. So somewhere they lost sight of the whole picture.”

Dhoni has not featured for CSK in IPL 2026 after suffering a calf strain in the lead-up to the season.

When asked if Dhoni’s return could ease Gaikwad’s burden, Manjrekar expressed doubts about how CSK would accommodate him in the XI.

“Maybe, but then you have to play Dhoni on the field. And how do you do that? I mean, increasingly, he’s finding it tough to deliver. So it was a bit of a joke when he used to come down the order and just play three or four balls. The coverage would hype that up as well – ‘What an innings.’ And it lasted four balls.

“So that’s not feasible anymore, and it was never going to be a long-term thing. So I can’t pretend to know how Ruturaj felt when M.S. was on the field, but not captaining, as opposed to M.S. not being there and he being solely in charge,” said Manjrekar.

Manjrekar also drew parallels between CSK and Mumbai Indians, pointing to an overreliance on big-name players.

“CSK and Mumbai Indians are slightly guilty of being emotionally connected and invested in the big-name, big-brand players a bit too much. CSK even more so with Dhoni. This means that you’re not getting people who are in their prime. It’s like living in the past a little bit. It’s just about getting guys who are in their prime in T20 cricket. It’s such a modern-day format, so it’s best to be current with everything that you do with your team,” he added.

Published on Apr 20, 2026

Source link
#Sanjay #Manjrekar #slams #Dhoni #fandom #CSK #approach #Sycophancy #seeped #cricket

Tag chennai super kings cricket news CSK csk ipl 2026 CSK management criticism CSK poor start IPL CSK team strategy CSK vs MI comparison Dhoni fandom cricket Dhoni injury calf strain Gaikwad batting stats Gaikwad captaincy pressure IPL 2026 analysis ipl 2026 points table IPL analysis IPL leadership pressure MS Dhoni CSK 2026 Mumbai Indians big-name culture Ruturaj Gaikwad form Sanjay Manjrekar CSK T20 team building

Deadspin | Red Sox hope offense wakes up early on Patriots’ Day vs. Tigers <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28767962.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28767962.jpg" alt="MLB: Detroit Tigers at Boston Red Sox" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 19, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter Willson Contreras (40) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Detroit Tigers during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images  </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The Boston Red Sox have endured a subpar start to the 2026 season, but a joyous Monday is on tap in the city as they close a four-game home series against the Detroit Tigers in the annual 11:10 a.m. game in celebration of Patriots’ Day in Massachusetts.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Manager Alex Cora’s club lost 6-2 on Sunday and will look to avoid finishing the wraparound weekend set with three losses. While ace lefty Garrett Crochet was charged with five runs in five innings in his second straight setback, Boston scored two or fewer runs in a third straight game and for the ninth time out of 21 this season.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>“Some positive strides, but in that (four-run fifth) inning, it just didn’t work out,” Cora said of Crochet’s Sunday outing. “(Detroit starter Framber Valdez) had seven strikeouts. So, we didn’t do much (offensively).”</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>The Red Sox are set to start right-hander Sonny Gray (2-1, 4.43 ERA), who had a season-worst start last Tuesday at the Minnesota Twins. He allowed five runs on nine hits in four innings as Boston lost its second straight game to begin that series.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>The 36-year-old had worked at least six innings in his two prior starts, including 6 1/3 scoreless against the Milwaukee Brewers on April 8.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Boston is 0-13 when its starters pitch less than six innings and 8-0 when they eclipse that mark.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>“I just don’t feel like we’ve had a chance in the games,” Gray said in Minnesota.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Gray is 5-2 with a 2.41 ERA in 11 career outings (10 starts) against the Tigers. He faced them as a St. Louis Cardinal on May 19, 2025, striking out 10 across six shutout, three-hit innings.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-9"> <p>The Tigers lost their ninth straight road game in Friday’s series-opening, 1-0 contest in 10 innings, but have responded with back-to-back wins to give them eight in their last nine games overall.</p> </section> <section id="section-10"> <p>“I think we’re going to be fine on the road, and this proves it,” said outfielder Kerry Carpenter, who homered on Saturday and had a pinch hit on Sunday. “We’ve got a good team and are confident in any ballpark we’re in.”</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Jahmai Jones (solo) and Dillon Dingler (three-run) both hit fifth-inning home runs against Crochet to lift the Tigers to Sunday’s win. Five of Detroit’s six RBIs came with two outs, and it was 4-for-7 as a team with runners in scoring position.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Dingler had a career day, going 4-for-5 while driving in four. His 18 RBIs are tied for second in the American League this season.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>One Tiger who has yet to heat up is first baseman Spencer Torkelson, who went deep 31 times last season but finished 0-for-3 on Sunday, dropping his average to .182.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>“For ‘Tork,’ connecting with one might be enough for him,” Detroit manager A.J. Hinch said. “It could click him right into being on time and hitting all pitches.”</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>Perhaps the same could happen with Jones, who hit his first homer of the season on Sunday and is now on a 4-for-10 streak.</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>Detroit hopes that the early-bird first pitch can change the recent luck of scheduled Monday starter Jack Flaherty (0-1, 4.05). He remains winless on the season despite allowing only a single run in each of his last two starts, striking out a combined 13 in 11 2/3 innings.</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>Flaherty, who is 1-0 with a 4.09 ERA in three career appearances (two starts) against Boston, fanned a season-high seven Kansas City Royals during a six-inning start last Wednesday.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-18"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Red #Sox #hope #offense #wakes #early #Patriots #Day #Tigers

Deadspin | Hannah Green heats up late, wins in playoff for third LA title <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/26896755.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/26896755.jpg" alt="LPGA: CPKC Women's Open - First Round" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Aug 21, 2025; Mississauga, Ontario, CAN; Hannah Green plays her tee shot at the third hole during first round play at the CPKC Women’s Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images  </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Australia’s Hannah Green stormed back from a six-shot deficit on the back nine and won a three-way playoff with a birdie putt to capture her third title in four years at the JM Eagle LA Championship on Sunday in Tarzana, Calif.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Green defeated South Koreans Jin Hee Im and Sei Young Kim when the trio replayed the par-4 18th hole at El Caballero Country Club.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Before that, Green made a late charge with four straight birdies and five in a six-hole span, and she needed help in the form of a bogey by then-leader Kim at the par-3 17th hole to create a tie at 17 under par. Green signed for 68, Kim settled for a 70 and Im had a 67 in the fourth round before they returned to the tee box for the playoff.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>While Im missed the fairway and the green, Green and Kim were in the fairway and Green stuck her approach reasonably closer than Kim. After Kim missed a long birdie try and cleaned up for par, Green’s putt in the 12-foot range curled right to left and dropped.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Green, 29, has won three of the four editions of the LA Championship and three of her eight LPGA victories have come at the event. She claimed the 2023 and 2024 editions that were played at Wilshire Country Club, the former coming in a three-way playoff as well.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>“I’m definitely nervous,” Green said about experiencing nerves in a playoff. “I felt like that wedge (second shot) probably flew a little bit further because of the nerves from within. No, I don’t think I would be doing this or be in contention if I wasn’t nervous. Those are the feelings that you want when you’re out here. That’s what makes you want to just do it over and over again.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-7"> <p>Green was 12 under for the tournament while starting the 11th hole. Kim eagled that hole to push the lead to 18 under, but Green made birdie before getting on a white-hot run with birdies at Nos. 13-16.</p> </section> <section id="section-8"> <p>“Felt like I was doing what I kind of said I wanted to do yesterday: Hit more greens,” Green said. “Felt like it was quite difficult to get it close to the green. I felt like I was giving myself good opportunities but I had so many downhill putts and you just can’t really be aggressive with them.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>“I honestly didn’t think I was in the tournament still. I was just like, ‘Oh well, just go for as many pins as possible,’ and got on a nice stretch there. … I’m just fortunate enough that I at least got into the playoff.”</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Green, Im and Kim all will benefit from Saturday’s surprise announcement that the CEO of JM Eagle, Walter Wang, was raising the purse by $1 million to a total of $4.75 million. Across women’s golf, only the major championships and the CME Group Tour Championship are more lucrative.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>South Korea’s Ina Yoon (69) finished one shot out of the playoff at 16 under. Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit (70) tied for fifth at 14 under with Haeran Ryu of South Korea (66).</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>With her second win of the season, Green rose into third in the season-long Race to CME Globe points standings, behind only Nelly Korda and South Korea’s Hyo Joo Kim.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Hannah #Green #heats #late #wins #playoff #title

One blowout victory wasn’t going to fix all of the problems the Boston Red Sox were having, though it still could serve as a springboard to better times after they started the season 10-17.

On the other hand, maybe “springboard” is a poor choice of words, considering the Red Sox front office used a catapult Saturday on manager Alex Cora and several of his coaches after a 17-1 victory against the Baltimore Orioles.

It certainly was funny timing for the front office to can the skipper, given the offense finally breaking out after a dreadful start, not to mention a strong performance by ace left-hander Garrett Crochet, who also had begun inconsistently. Of all days to do it. Sportsradar reported that it was the first time since 1887 that an MLB team fired the manager the same day their team won by at least 16 runs. Hey, maybe next time don’t score so much. It only draws attention.

But the Red Sox must have been thinking about changing managers for a while. Cora, who led the Red Sox to a World Series championship as a rookie manager in 2018, was fired after failing to reproduce his initial success. Boston went as far as Game 6 of the ALCS in 2021, but never finished higher than second place in the AL East after Cora’s first season. The Red Sox currently are working on their third last-place finish since since 2022.

Cora is often regarded as one of the best managers in the league when anyone takes a poll of players. Some media types have been trying to land Cora his next job, with the Philadelphia Phillies or New York Mets. Still, his reputation took a hit ever since he sat out the 2020 season as punishment for his involvement in the Houston Astros cheating scandal, when he was bench coach.

Cora bears some responsibility for the Red Sox underachieving, as any manager would, though the organization’s dysfunction reaches well beyond the dugout. Craig Breslow has been the general manager since October 2023, meaning he’s responsible for a .500 season in 2024, the 89 wins and AL Wild Card berth in ’25, and what’s happened so far this season. Definitely a mixed bag.

But the same goes for owner John Henry, who has been in charge for the organization’s entire golden era, which includes titles in 2004, 2007, 2013, and ’18. Those trophies alone should cement him as a local hero, but somehow they don’t. Henry has been criticized for appearing to lose interest in the Red Sox occasionally, preferring instead to dabble in Premier League Soccer, the NHL, NASCAR, music halls and whatever else that isn’t baseball. Many fans would prefer that he sell the baseball team.

Red Sox payroll the past five seasons averages 12th or 13th in MLB. That’s in contrast to them having 17 payrolls in the top five or better in the 20 seasons before that. Henry definitely doesn’t put into the Red Sox what he used to, and it shows in the standings. No less damning, it just seems like few organizations do less with more than the Red Sox.

Cora told the media he feels “happy” now that the ax has fallen, which feeds into outsider perceptions of organizational dysfunction being the bigger issue. It is possible the Red Sox golden era has ended, which means even the best managerial candidates will find themselves at the mercy of how focused ownership can stay on baseball.

#Red #Sox #Fire #Alex #Cora #Means #Bostons #Future #Deadspin.com">

Red Sox Fire Alex Cora: What It Means for Boston’s Future | Deadspin.com One blowout victory wasn’t going to fix all of the problems the Boston Red Sox were having, though it still could serve as a springboard to better times after they started the season 10-17.On the other hand, maybe “springboard” is a poor choice of words, considering the Red Sox front office used a catapult Saturday on manager Alex Cora and several of his coaches after a 17-1 victory against the Baltimore Orioles.It certainly was funny timing for the front office to can the skipper, given the offense finally breaking out after a dreadful start, not to mention a strong performance by ace left-hander Garrett Crochet, who also had begun inconsistently. Of all days to do it. Sportsradar reported that it was the first time since 1887 that an MLB team fired the manager the same day their team won by at least 16 runs. Hey, maybe next time don’t score so much. It only draws attention.But the Red Sox must have been thinking about changing managers for a while. Cora, who led the Red Sox to a World Series championship as a rookie manager in 2018, was fired after failing to reproduce his initial success. Boston went as far as Game 6 of the ALCS in 2021, but never finished higher than second place in the AL East after Cora’s first season. The Red Sox currently are working on their third last-place finish since since 2022.Cora is often regarded as one of the best managers in the league when anyone takes a poll of players. Some media types have been trying to land Cora his next job, with the Philadelphia Phillies or New York Mets. Still, his reputation took a hit ever since he sat out the 2020 season as punishment for his involvement in the Houston Astros cheating scandal, when he was bench coach.Cora bears some responsibility for the Red Sox underachieving, as any manager would, though the organization’s dysfunction reaches well beyond the dugout. Craig Breslow has been the general manager since October 2023, meaning he’s responsible for a .500 season in 2024, the 89 wins and AL Wild Card berth in ’25, and what’s happened so far this season. Definitely a mixed bag.But the same goes for owner John Henry, who has been in charge for the organization’s entire golden era, which includes titles in 2004, 2007, 2013, and ’18. Those trophies alone should cement him as a local hero, but somehow they don’t. Henry has been criticized for appearing to lose interest in the Red Sox occasionally, preferring instead to dabble in Premier League Soccer, the NHL, NASCAR, music halls and whatever else that isn’t baseball. Many fans would prefer that he sell the baseball team.Red Sox payroll the past five seasons averages 12th or 13th in MLB. That’s in contrast to them having 17 payrolls in the top five or better in the 20 seasons before that. Henry definitely doesn’t put into the Red Sox what he used to, and it shows in the standings. No less damning, it just seems like few organizations do less with more than the Red Sox.Cora told the media he feels “happy” now that the ax has fallen, which feeds into outsider perceptions of organizational dysfunction being the bigger issue. It is possible the Red Sox golden era has ended, which means even the best managerial candidates will find themselves at the mercy of how focused ownership can stay on baseball. #Red #Sox #Fire #Alex #Cora #Means #Bostons #Future #Deadspin.com

mwasimuddin125 0

One blowout victory wasn’t going to fix all of the problems the Boston Red Sox were having, though it still could serve as a springboard to better times after they started the season 10-17.
On the other hand, maybe “springboard” is a poor choice of words, considering the Red Sox front office used a catapult Saturday on manager Alex Cora and several of his coaches after a 17-1 victory against the Baltimore Orioles.
It certainly was funny timing for the front office to can the skipper, given the offense finally breaking out after a dreadful start, not to mention a strong performance by ace left-hander Garrett Crochet, who also had begun inconsistently. Of all days to do it. Sportsradar reported that it was the first time since 1887 that an MLB team fired the manager the same day their team won by at least 16 runs. Hey, maybe next time don’t score so much. It only draws attention.
But the Red Sox must have been thinking about changing managers for a while. Cora, who led the Red Sox to a World Series championship as a rookie manager in 2018, was fired after failing to reproduce his initial success. Boston went as far as Game 6 of the ALCS in 2021, but never finished higher than second place in the AL East after Cora’s first season. The Red Sox currently are working on their third last-place finish since since 2022.
Cora is often regarded as one of the best managers in the league when anyone takes a poll of players. Some media types have been trying to land Cora his next job, with the Philadelphia Phillies or New York Mets. Still, his reputation took a hit ever since he sat out the 2020 season as punishment for his involvement in the Houston Astros cheating scandal, when he was bench coach.
Cora bears some responsibility for the Red Sox underachieving, as any manager would, though the organization’s dysfunction reaches well beyond the dugout. Craig Breslow has been the general manager since October 2023, meaning he’s responsible for a .500 season in 2024, the 89 wins and AL Wild Card berth in ’25, and what’s happened so far this season. Definitely a mixed bag.
But the same goes for owner John Henry, who has been in charge for the organization’s entire golden era, which includes titles in 2004, 2007, 2013, and ’18. Those trophies alone should cement him as a local hero, but somehow they don’t. Henry has been criticized for appearing to lose interest in the Red Sox occasionally, preferring instead to dabble in Premier League Soccer, the NHL, NASCAR, music halls and whatever else that isn’t baseball. Many fans would prefer that he sell the baseball team.
Red Sox payroll the past five seasons averages 12th or 13th in MLB. That’s in contrast to them having 17 payrolls in the top five or better in the 20 seasons before that. Henry definitely doesn’t put into the Red Sox what he used to, and it shows in the standings. No less damning, it just seems like few organizations do less with more than the Red Sox.
Cora told the media he feels “happy” now that the ax has fallen, which feeds into outsider perceptions of organizational dysfunction being the bigger issue. It is possible the Red Sox golden era has ended, which means even the best managerial candidates will find themselves at the mercy of how focused ownership can stay on baseball.

#Red #Sox #Fire #Alex #Cora #Means #Bostons #Future #Deadspin.com">Red Sox Fire Alex Cora: What It Means for Boston’s Future | Deadspin.com

One blowout victory wasn’t going to fix all of the problems the Boston Red Sox were having, though it still could serve as a springboard to better times after they started the season 10-17.

#Red #Sox #Fire #Alex #Cora #Means #Bostons #Future #Deadspin.com

#IPL #Kohlis #backyard #RCB #holds #aces #host">

mwasimuddin125 0

Delhi Capitals’ (DC) performance against Punjab Kings on Saturday in the Indian Premier League (IPL) had the fluctuations of a volatile stock market.
So wildly did it oscillate from the sublime to the ridiculous, as an exemplary batting effort to amass 264 for two — DC’s highest total in IPL history — was followed by a horror show with the ball and in the field. While the bowling appeared rudderless on a pitch that played better than expected, the malaise of dropped catches spread like wildfire, allowing Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh to make merry with half-centuries.
Dispiriting as that was, Axar Patel’s men have little time to contemplate, given that they run into another formidable opponent in Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday.
READ | Krunal changing the landscape of finger-spin in IPL: RCB’s Karthik
Besides Royal Challengers oozing with confidence after five wins from seven matches, Capitals’ task is compounded by the likelihood of the defending champion enjoying a lion’s share of the support. Virat Kohli, the one constant in RCB’s ever-evolving set-up, may no longer be living here, but residents of the national capital continue to exhibit fierce loyalty to a superstar whose formative years can be traced to the by-lanes of west Delhi.
More importantly, the 37-year-old is showing no sign of slowing down in white-ball cricket. Despite prolonged breaks from competitive cricket following his Test retirement last year, his impact for the southern franchise hasn’t dimmed in the slightest — 328 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 163.18 is proof.
Delhi Capitals’ disappointing outing against Punjab was summed up by Karun Nair’s two drop catches of Shreyas Iyer. | Photo Credit: RV MOORTHY
Delhi Capitals’ disappointing outing against Punjab was summed up by Karun Nair’s two drop catches of Shreyas Iyer. | Photo Credit: RV MOORTHY
The former skipper will be given company by Jacob Bethell at the top of the order. With Phil Salt yet to recover from injury, Bethell, who was drafted in for the last game, will get another chance to step up.
Other than that, RCB’s combination looks well-settled. The same cannot be said of Capitals, who are in desperate need of a win to shrug off Saturday’s erratic display.
Published on Apr 26, 2026

#IPL #Kohlis #backyard #RCB #holds #aces #host">IPL 2026: In Kohli’s backyard, RCB holds all the aces against host DC

Delhi Capitals’ (DC) performance against Punjab Kings on Saturday in the Indian Premier League (IPL) had the fluctuations of a volatile stock market.

So wildly did it oscillate from the sublime to the ridiculous, as an exemplary batting effort to amass 264 for two — DC’s highest total in IPL history — was followed by a horror show with the ball and in the field. While the bowling appeared rudderless on a pitch that played better than expected, the malaise of dropped catches spread like wildfire, allowing Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh to make merry with half-centuries.

Dispiriting as that was, Axar Patel’s men have little time to contemplate, given that they run into another formidable opponent in Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday.

READ | Krunal changing the landscape of finger-spin in IPL: RCB’s Karthik

Besides Royal Challengers oozing with confidence after five wins from seven matches, Capitals’ task is compounded by the likelihood of the defending champion enjoying a lion’s share of the support. Virat Kohli, the one constant in RCB’s ever-evolving set-up, may no longer be living here, but residents of the national capital continue to exhibit fierce loyalty to a superstar whose formative years can be traced to the by-lanes of west Delhi.

More importantly, the 37-year-old is showing no sign of slowing down in white-ball cricket. Despite prolonged breaks from competitive cricket following his Test retirement last year, his impact for the southern franchise hasn’t dimmed in the slightest — 328 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 163.18 is proof.

Delhi Capitals’ disappointing outing against Punjab was summed up by Karun Nair’s two drop catches of Shreyas Iyer. | Photo Credit: RV MOORTHY

Delhi Capitals’ disappointing outing against Punjab was summed up by Karun Nair’s two drop catches of Shreyas Iyer. | Photo Credit: RV MOORTHY

The former skipper will be given company by Jacob Bethell at the top of the order. With Phil Salt yet to recover from injury, Bethell, who was drafted in for the last game, will get another chance to step up.

Other than that, RCB’s combination looks well-settled. The same cannot be said of Capitals, who are in desperate need of a win to shrug off Saturday’s erratic display.

Published on Apr 26, 2026

#IPL #Kohlis #backyard #RCB #holds #aces #host

Deadspin | Josh Jung, Rangers shoot for series win vs. Athletics Apr 21, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung (6) throws out Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Nick Yorke (not pictured) at first base during the ninth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Josh Jung is having an April to remember for the Texas Rangers, who will face the Athletics in the rubber match of a three-game series on Sunday afternoon in Arlington, Texas. Jung continued his hot streak with a go-ahead, two-run homer in the sixth inning of Saturday’s 4-3 victory. The win moved Texas one game over .500 and into a tie for first place in the American League West with the Athletics. After going 0-for-17 in March, Jung is batting .371 with four homers and 14 RBIs in 20 April games. He said after Saturday’s contest that he remains focused on improving his approach at the plate. “I think I could (improve) every night,” Jung said. “There’s a couple of at-bats I wish I could have back. But that (homer) was in a big spot. Over this little stretch I’ve been on, I’ve been able to execute. Every day is a battle to get in there and execute. You get four or five at-bats, and how many can you win.” Sunday’s pitching matchup will feature a pair of right-handers as the Rangers’ Kumar Rocker (1-1, 3.48 ERA) faces J.T. Ginn (0-0, 3.74). Rocker retired 13 consecutive hitters at one point and allowed one run across six innings in a 5-1 home win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday. “One of the best parts was, after the first inning, he put up five zeros,” Texas manager Skip Schumaker said. “To keep us in the game and then provide the innings after that, and just kind of shut the momentum down on their side, was a huge step for him.” Rocker owns a 19-to-8 strikeout-to-walk ratio in four starts this season covering 20 2/3 innings. Shea Langeliers is 3-for-6 against Rocker, who is 0-2 with an 8.18 ERA in three career starts vs. the Athletics. Ginn allowed three runs over 5 1/3 innings in a no-decision against the Seattle Mariners on Monday. The A’s won 6-4. “It was a solid outing for J.T.,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said. “Any time a young guy goes out and gives up some (early) contact, it’s easy for things to kind of unwind. But I was impressed by how he finished. His sinker had a lot of life.” Jung has two homers in eight at-bats against Ginn, who is 1-1 with a 4.62 ERA in five career starts vs. Texas. The Athletics are looking to bounce back after losing Saturday despite out-hitting the Rangers 7-5. “We came out and took some great at-bats,” Kotsay said. “Sometimes you’ve got to tip your cap to the other starter, who gave them five good innings and kept us at three runs. Offensively, we just didn’t add onto the lead and give ourselves any margin for error.” Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz tied a franchise record by drawing a walk in his 15th consecutive game. Kotsay is monitoring the status of designated hitter Brent Rooker, who has not played since April 9 because of a right oblique strain and is nearing a return to the lineup. Kotsay said Rooker might not need a rehab assignment and could rejoin the team in the next few days. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Josh #Jung #Rangers #shoot #series #win #Athletics

#Deadspin #Josh #Jung #Rangers #shoot #series #win #Athletics">

mwasimuddin125 0

Apr 21, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung (6) throws out Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Nick Yorke (not pictured) at first base during the ninth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Josh Jung is having an April to remember for the Texas Rangers, who will face the Athletics in the rubber match of a three-game series on Sunday afternoon in Arlington, Texas.

Jung continued his hot streak with a go-ahead, two-run homer in the sixth inning of Saturday’s 4-3 victory. The win moved Texas one game over .500 and into a tie for first place in the American League West with the Athletics.

After going 0-for-17 in March, Jung is batting .371 with four homers and 14 RBIs in 20 April games. He said after Saturday’s contest that he remains focused on improving his approach at the plate.

“I think I could (improve) every night,” Jung said. “There’s a couple of at-bats I wish I could have back. But that (homer) was in a big spot. Over this little stretch I’ve been on, I’ve been able to execute. Every day is a battle to get in there and execute. You get four or five at-bats, and how many can you win.”

Sunday’s pitching matchup will feature a pair of right-handers as the Rangers’ Kumar Rocker (1-1, 3.48 ERA) faces J.T. Ginn (0-0, 3.74).

Rocker retired 13 consecutive hitters at one point and allowed one run across six innings in a 5-1 home win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday.

“One of the best parts was, after the first inning, he put up five zeros,” Texas manager Skip Schumaker said. “To keep us in the game and then provide the innings after that, and just kind of shut the momentum down on their side, was a huge step for him.”

Rocker owns a 19-to-8 strikeout-to-walk ratio in four starts this season covering 20 2/3 innings.

Shea Langeliers is 3-for-6 against Rocker, who is 0-2 with an 8.18 ERA in three career starts vs. the Athletics.

Ginn allowed three runs over 5 1/3 innings in a no-decision against the Seattle Mariners on Monday. The A’s won 6-4.

“It was a solid outing for J.T.,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said. “Any time a young guy goes out and gives up some (early) contact, it’s easy for things to kind of unwind. But I was impressed by how he finished. His sinker had a lot of life.”

Jung has two homers in eight at-bats against Ginn, who is 1-1 with a 4.62 ERA in five career starts vs. Texas.

The Athletics are looking to bounce back after losing Saturday despite out-hitting the Rangers 7-5.

“We came out and took some great at-bats,” Kotsay said. “Sometimes you’ve got to tip your cap to the other starter, who gave them five good innings and kept us at three runs. Offensively, we just didn’t add onto the lead and give ourselves any margin for error.”

Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz tied a franchise record by drawing a walk in his 15th consecutive game.

Kotsay is monitoring the status of designated hitter Brent Rooker, who has not played since April 9 because of a right oblique strain and is nearing a return to the lineup. Kotsay said Rooker might not need a rehab assignment and could rejoin the team in the next few days.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Josh #Jung #Rangers #shoot #series #win #Athletics">Deadspin | Josh Jung, Rangers shoot for series win vs. Athletics

Apr 21, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung (6) throws out Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Nick Yorke (not pictured) at first base during the ninth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Josh Jung is having an April to remember for the Texas Rangers, who will face the Athletics in the rubber match of a three-game series on Sunday afternoon in Arlington, Texas.

Jung continued his hot streak with a go-ahead, two-run homer in the sixth inning of Saturday’s 4-3 victory. The win moved Texas one game over .500 and into a tie for first place in the American League West with the Athletics.

After going 0-for-17 in March, Jung is batting .371 with four homers and 14 RBIs in 20 April games. He said after Saturday’s contest that he remains focused on improving his approach at the plate.

“I think I could (improve) every night,” Jung said. “There’s a couple of at-bats I wish I could have back. But that (homer) was in a big spot. Over this little stretch I’ve been on, I’ve been able to execute. Every day is a battle to get in there and execute. You get four or five at-bats, and how many can you win.”

Sunday’s pitching matchup will feature a pair of right-handers as the Rangers’ Kumar Rocker (1-1, 3.48 ERA) faces J.T. Ginn (0-0, 3.74).

Rocker retired 13 consecutive hitters at one point and allowed one run across six innings in a 5-1 home win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday.

“One of the best parts was, after the first inning, he put up five zeros,” Texas manager Skip Schumaker said. “To keep us in the game and then provide the innings after that, and just kind of shut the momentum down on their side, was a huge step for him.”

Rocker owns a 19-to-8 strikeout-to-walk ratio in four starts this season covering 20 2/3 innings.

Shea Langeliers is 3-for-6 against Rocker, who is 0-2 with an 8.18 ERA in three career starts vs. the Athletics.

Ginn allowed three runs over 5 1/3 innings in a no-decision against the Seattle Mariners on Monday. The A’s won 6-4.

“It was a solid outing for J.T.,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said. “Any time a young guy goes out and gives up some (early) contact, it’s easy for things to kind of unwind. But I was impressed by how he finished. His sinker had a lot of life.”

Jung has two homers in eight at-bats against Ginn, who is 1-1 with a 4.62 ERA in five career starts vs. Texas.

The Athletics are looking to bounce back after losing Saturday despite out-hitting the Rangers 7-5.

“We came out and took some great at-bats,” Kotsay said. “Sometimes you’ve got to tip your cap to the other starter, who gave them five good innings and kept us at three runs. Offensively, we just didn’t add onto the lead and give ourselves any margin for error.”

Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz tied a franchise record by drawing a walk in his 15th consecutive game.

Kotsay is monitoring the status of designated hitter Brent Rooker, who has not played since April 9 because of a right oblique strain and is nearing a return to the lineup. Kotsay said Rooker might not need a rehab assignment and could rejoin the team in the next few days.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Josh #Jung #Rangers #shoot #series #win #Athletics

Related Posts

Post Comment Cancel reply