×
Deadspin | Rays’ Steven Matz looks for continued success against Guardians Apr 21, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Steven Matz (32) throws a pitch during the first inning against Cincinnati Reds at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images The Cleveland Guardians spent the weekend on a working vacation in Toronto, playing a series against the Blue Jays and attending Game 3 of the NBA playoff series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors. Now, they’re back at home to begin a three-game set Monday against the surging Tampa Bay Rays. Guardians left-hander Parker Messick (3-0, 1.76 ERA) takes on Rays lefty Steven Matz (3-1, 4.81) in a matchup of pitchers whose teams have won nine of their 10 combined starts in 2026. Their trip started on a high note as Jose Ramirez and Steven Kwan posed on the court before cheering for the Cavaliers, while Austin Hedges was one of several players featured on social media videos from the stands. Cleveland then won its series opener over the Blue Jays — thanks to Angel Martinez’s first career multi-homer game — before dropping the next two. Starting pitchers Joey Cantillo and Slade Cecconi unraveled in the sixth inning on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. “That’s two nights in a row we’ve gotten burned in that pocket in the sixth inning,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. “It’s a tricky situation because you don’t want to go to your bullpen too early, so you have to show some trust in your starters.” The Guardians have won all five of Messick’s starts, each of which has occurred after a Cleveland loss — as will again be the case. The rookie had his first iffy outing in a no-decision against the Houston Astros on Tuesday, giving up three runs in five innings. Messick made two late-season appearances against Tampa Bay last year, going 2-0 with a sparkling 0.69 ERA. He racked up 10 strikeouts without a walk over 13 innings, relying on his change-up to keep the Rays guessing. “It’s been my pitch since I was a freshman in high school, so, hopefully, I can keep it rolling,” said Messick, who ranks third in the American League in ERA. “Every game is a new game, so I just trust myself to attack in a new way.” Tampa Bay is rolling into town with a four-game winning streak, completing a three-game sweep of the Minnesota Twins with a 4-2 victory Sunday. Yandy Diaz belted a two-run homer in the third, coming to the plate after Jonathan Aranda stroked a two-run single. Matz is still building up his arm after spending the past two years as a reliever with the St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox. He took his first loss Tuesday against the Cincinnati Reds, giving up four runs in three innings. “It’s just not who I am as a pitcher,” Matz said of his rough game against the Reds. “I’m a strike thrower and I just wasn’t able to do that.” The 34-year old has been terrific in eight lifetime appearances against Cleveland, posting a 3-0 record and 1.71 ERA with 30 strikeouts in 31 2/3 innings. Matz’s wins all came against the then-Indians in 2016, 2019 and 2021. Tampa Bay’s bullpen will be on call early as Matz has gotten through the sixth inning only once. Setup man Cole Sulser and closer Bryan Baker each pitched twice in the last two days against Minnesota, but the team traded for right-hander Casey Legumina after he was designated for assignment by the Seattle Mariners. “With where the bullpen is right now, we need to be opportunistic,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “And Casey is a guy we like. Hopefully, this helps him and he can help us.” In one of the more quirky splits this season, Tampa Bay is 11-1 against AL opponents and 5-10 against National League Central foes. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rays #Steven #Matz #continued #success #Guardians

Deadspin | Rays’ Steven Matz looks for continued success against Guardians
Deadspin | Rays’ Steven Matz looks for continued success against Guardians Apr 21, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Steven Matz (32) throws a pitch during the first inning against Cincinnati Reds at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images The Cleveland Guardians spent the weekend on a working vacation in Toronto, playing a series against the Blue Jays and attending Game 3 of the NBA playoff series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors. Now, they’re back at home to begin a three-game set Monday against the surging Tampa Bay Rays. Guardians left-hander Parker Messick (3-0, 1.76 ERA) takes on Rays lefty Steven Matz (3-1, 4.81) in a matchup of pitchers whose teams have won nine of their 10 combined starts in 2026. Their trip started on a high note as Jose Ramirez and Steven Kwan posed on the court before cheering for the Cavaliers, while Austin Hedges was one of several players featured on social media videos from the stands. Cleveland then won its series opener over the Blue Jays — thanks to Angel Martinez’s first career multi-homer game — before dropping the next two. Starting pitchers Joey Cantillo and Slade Cecconi unraveled in the sixth inning on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. “That’s two nights in a row we’ve gotten burned in that pocket in the sixth inning,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. “It’s a tricky situation because you don’t want to go to your bullpen too early, so you have to show some trust in your starters.” The Guardians have won all five of Messick’s starts, each of which has occurred after a Cleveland loss — as will again be the case. The rookie had his first iffy outing in a no-decision against the Houston Astros on Tuesday, giving up three runs in five innings. Messick made two late-season appearances against Tampa Bay last year, going 2-0 with a sparkling 0.69 ERA. He racked up 10 strikeouts without a walk over 13 innings, relying on his change-up to keep the Rays guessing. “It’s been my pitch since I was a freshman in high school, so, hopefully, I can keep it rolling,” said Messick, who ranks third in the American League in ERA. “Every game is a new game, so I just trust myself to attack in a new way.” Tampa Bay is rolling into town with a four-game winning streak, completing a three-game sweep of the Minnesota Twins with a 4-2 victory Sunday. Yandy Diaz belted a two-run homer in the third, coming to the plate after Jonathan Aranda stroked a two-run single. Matz is still building up his arm after spending the past two years as a reliever with the St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox. He took his first loss Tuesday against the Cincinnati Reds, giving up four runs in three innings. “It’s just not who I am as a pitcher,” Matz said of his rough game against the Reds. “I’m a strike thrower and I just wasn’t able to do that.” The 34-year old has been terrific in eight lifetime appearances against Cleveland, posting a 3-0 record and 1.71 ERA with 30 strikeouts in 31 2/3 innings. Matz’s wins all came against the then-Indians in 2016, 2019 and 2021. Tampa Bay’s bullpen will be on call early as Matz has gotten through the sixth inning only once. Setup man Cole Sulser and closer Bryan Baker each pitched twice in the last two days against Minnesota, but the team traded for right-hander Casey Legumina after he was designated for assignment by the Seattle Mariners. “With where the bullpen is right now, we need to be opportunistic,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “And Casey is a guy we like. Hopefully, this helps him and he can help us.” In one of the more quirky splits this season, Tampa Bay is 11-1 against AL opponents and 5-10 against National League Central foes. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rays #Steven #Matz #continued #success #GuardiansApr 21, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Steven Matz (32) throws a pitch during the first inning against Cincinnati Reds at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images

The Cleveland Guardians spent the weekend on a working vacation in Toronto, playing a series against the Blue Jays and attending Game 3 of the NBA playoff series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors.

Now, they’re back at home to begin a three-game set Monday against the surging Tampa Bay Rays.

Guardians left-hander Parker Messick (3-0, 1.76 ERA) takes on Rays lefty Steven Matz (3-1, 4.81) in a matchup of pitchers whose teams have won nine of their 10 combined starts in 2026.

Their trip started on a high note as Jose Ramirez and Steven Kwan posed on the court before cheering for the Cavaliers, while Austin Hedges was one of several players featured on social media videos from the stands.

Cleveland then won its series opener over the Blue Jays — thanks to Angel Martinez’s first career multi-homer game — before dropping the next two. Starting pitchers Joey Cantillo and Slade Cecconi unraveled in the sixth inning on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

“That’s two nights in a row we’ve gotten burned in that pocket in the sixth inning,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. “It’s a tricky situation because you don’t want to go to your bullpen too early, so you have to show some trust in your starters.”

The Guardians have won all five of Messick’s starts, each of which has occurred after a Cleveland loss — as will again be the case. The rookie had his first iffy outing in a no-decision against the Houston Astros on Tuesday, giving up three runs in five innings.

Messick made two late-season appearances against Tampa Bay last year, going 2-0 with a sparkling 0.69 ERA. He racked up 10 strikeouts without a walk over 13 innings, relying on his change-up to keep the Rays guessing.


“It’s been my pitch since I was a freshman in high school, so, hopefully, I can keep it rolling,” said Messick, who ranks third in the American League in ERA. “Every game is a new game, so I just trust myself to attack in a new way.”

Tampa Bay is rolling into town with a four-game winning streak, completing a three-game sweep of the Minnesota Twins with a 4-2 victory Sunday. Yandy Diaz belted a two-run homer in the third, coming to the plate after Jonathan Aranda stroked a two-run single.

Matz is still building up his arm after spending the past two years as a reliever with the St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox. He took his first loss Tuesday against the Cincinnati Reds, giving up four runs in three innings.

“It’s just not who I am as a pitcher,” Matz said of his rough game against the Reds. “I’m a strike thrower and I just wasn’t able to do that.”

The 34-year old has been terrific in eight lifetime appearances against Cleveland, posting a 3-0 record and 1.71 ERA with 30 strikeouts in 31 2/3 innings. Matz’s wins all came against the then-Indians in 2016, 2019 and 2021.

Tampa Bay’s bullpen will be on call early as Matz has gotten through the sixth inning only once. Setup man Cole Sulser and closer Bryan Baker each pitched twice in the last two days against Minnesota, but the team traded for right-hander Casey Legumina after he was designated for assignment by the Seattle Mariners.

“With where the bullpen is right now, we need to be opportunistic,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “And Casey is a guy we like. Hopefully, this helps him and he can help us.”

In one of the more quirky splits this season, Tampa Bay is 11-1 against AL opponents and 5-10 against National League Central foes.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rays #Steven #Matz #continued #success #Guardians

Sports news

Apr 21, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Steven Matz (32) throws a pitch during the first inning against Cincinnati Reds at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images

The Cleveland Guardians spent the weekend on a working vacation in Toronto, playing a series against the Blue Jays and attending Game 3 of the NBA playoff series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors.

Now, they’re back at home to begin a three-game set Monday against the surging Tampa Bay Rays.

Guardians left-hander Parker Messick (3-0, 1.76 ERA) takes on Rays lefty Steven Matz (3-1, 4.81) in a matchup of pitchers whose teams have won nine of their 10 combined starts in 2026.

Their trip started on a high note as Jose Ramirez and Steven Kwan posed on the court before cheering for the Cavaliers, while Austin Hedges was one of several players featured on social media videos from the stands.

Cleveland then won its series opener over the Blue Jays — thanks to Angel Martinez’s first career multi-homer game — before dropping the next two. Starting pitchers Joey Cantillo and Slade Cecconi unraveled in the sixth inning on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

“That’s two nights in a row we’ve gotten burned in that pocket in the sixth inning,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. “It’s a tricky situation because you don’t want to go to your bullpen too early, so you have to show some trust in your starters.”

The Guardians have won all five of Messick’s starts, each of which has occurred after a Cleveland loss — as will again be the case. The rookie had his first iffy outing in a no-decision against the Houston Astros on Tuesday, giving up three runs in five innings.

Messick made two late-season appearances against Tampa Bay last year, going 2-0 with a sparkling 0.69 ERA. He racked up 10 strikeouts without a walk over 13 innings, relying on his change-up to keep the Rays guessing.

“It’s been my pitch since I was a freshman in high school, so, hopefully, I can keep it rolling,” said Messick, who ranks third in the American League in ERA. “Every game is a new game, so I just trust myself to attack in a new way.”

Tampa Bay is rolling into town with a four-game winning streak, completing a three-game sweep of the Minnesota Twins with a 4-2 victory Sunday. Yandy Diaz belted a two-run homer in the third, coming to the plate after Jonathan Aranda stroked a two-run single.

Matz is still building up his arm after spending the past two years as a reliever with the St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox. He took his first loss Tuesday against the Cincinnati Reds, giving up four runs in three innings.

“It’s just not who I am as a pitcher,” Matz said of his rough game against the Reds. “I’m a strike thrower and I just wasn’t able to do that.”

The 34-year old has been terrific in eight lifetime appearances against Cleveland, posting a 3-0 record and 1.71 ERA with 30 strikeouts in 31 2/3 innings. Matz’s wins all came against the then-Indians in 2016, 2019 and 2021.

Tampa Bay’s bullpen will be on call early as Matz has gotten through the sixth inning only once. Setup man Cole Sulser and closer Bryan Baker each pitched twice in the last two days against Minnesota, but the team traded for right-hander Casey Legumina after he was designated for assignment by the Seattle Mariners.

“With where the bullpen is right now, we need to be opportunistic,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “And Casey is a guy we like. Hopefully, this helps him and he can help us.”

In one of the more quirky splits this season, Tampa Bay is 11-1 against AL opponents and 5-10 against National League Central foes.

–Field Level Media

Source link
#Deadspin #Rays #Steven #Matz #continued #success #Guardians

Related Posts

Expanding technology and resale options were supposed to make obtaining tickets to sporting events easier than ever, but instead it’s become a hellscape. Scalpers dominate online platforms, ensuring that desirable events sell out immediately, causing local sports fans to miss out unless they’re willing to pay exorbitant prices for fear of missing out.

It’s now been revealed that one of the biggest stakeholders in online ticket sales is helping fund the very people ruining ticket sales for sports fans. An investigative report by the CBC uncovered information inside StubHub’s IPO filing from last November, which revealed that CEO Eric Baker also runs a hedge fund which scalps tickets, and provides funding to scalpers.

When asked for comment, StubHub reiterated its public-facing comment that the company doesn’t own or hold any tickets itself.

“StubHub does not own, possess, or sell tickets. We are a technology platform that connects independent buyers and sellers. (Think: eBay).”

This comment conveniently ignores that some of these “independent buyers” are being directly aided by the CEO of the company. Of course, the devil is in the details. Nobody is accusing StubHub of owning the tickets for their own sale, but it’s now clear that the top of the company is heavily invested in inflating its own marketplace. We discussed this fundamental issue late in the NBA and NHL playoffs, with how reselling sites like StubHub have a vested interest in scalpers, because their percentage-based resale fees are better for the company when event tickets soar — while also giving them multiple bites of the apple if the tickets are sold multiple times on the platform.

Baker, the StubHub CEO, reportedly is a large stakeholder in “Andro Capital,” a hedge fund based out of Los Angeles, which offers loan funding to large scale ticket purchasing operates which have the express purpose of buying tickets and reselling them for profit on platforms like StubHub.

Filing documents for Andro Capital show the hedge fund was formed in March of 2024, 18 months before StubHub announced it was going public in an IPO filing. In that filing to the SEC StubHub revealed its deep relationship with Andro, including this key detail from 2024:

On April 15, 2024, as part of our ongoing relationship with Andro, we entered into an agreement with the Andro Fund under which we agreed to cover certain costs incurred by Andro in connection with ticket management services.

StubHub was not required to divulge the totality of this agreement with Andro Fund, but having the company “cover certain costs incurred” raises mammoth red flags. That theoretically means that the hedge fund could have waived reselling feels on the seller side of the transaction, thereby incentivizing the fund to scalping operations. In short, the business flow could look like this:

  1. A scalping group has capital to buy massive amounts of tickets
  2. Rather than invest themselves, it’s better to invest their money in Andro to do the buying, because they have an agreement with StubHub to cover some of their expenses
  3. Andro profits off the inflated ticket sales
  4. StubHub benefits through massively inflated prices, which they profit off through buyer fees

That’s not all. The filing also lists “Colloquy LLC,” a subsidiary of Andro Capital, which serves as a loan servicing arm for tickets sellers — offering financing to mass buy tickets, which they resell on StubHub directly.

Under the terms of the Program Agreement, we refer certain of our sellers to Colloquy for the opportunity to enter into separate financing arrangements with Colloquy. Under such arrangements, it is anticipated that Colloquy may provide short-term financing to sellers based on those sellers’ existing and/or future expected proceeds generated through ticket sales on our platform.

Not only is Andro Capital its own ticket buyer, but it also runs an arm of the company that gives funding to sellers, based on referrals from StubHub itself. Essentially, the entire scalping business is fully intertwined with StubHub, from the CEO being involved in a large-scale seller AND offering funding to sellers.

The only person who loses out in this whole transaction are sports fans. The consumers who use the platform are being held hostage by ticket prices, which fundamentally wouldn’t be inflated to the same level without the input of StubHub. This is all legal from the SEC’s perspective due to a lack of oversight when it comes to hedge funds. There are few other industries in which a publicly traded company could be legally allowed to price fix to the level that is happening on StubHub, while trying to pretend with its public face that it’s just a platform for fans to sell to other fans.

There should be an immediate investigation into ticket pricing, as well as outlawing the kinds of predatory practices designed to inflate the wealth of StubHub and Andro Capital at the expense of consumers.

#StubHubs #CEO #helping #fund #biggest #ticket #scalpers">StubHub’s CEO is helping fund the biggest ticket scalpers Expanding technology and resale options were supposed to make obtaining tickets to sporting events easier than ever, but instead it’s become a hellscape. Scalpers dominate online platforms, ensuring that desirable events sell out immediately, causing local sports fans to miss out unless they’re willing to pay exorbitant prices for fear of missing out.It’s now been revealed that one of the biggest stakeholders in online ticket sales is helping fund the very people ruining ticket sales for sports fans. An investigative report by the CBC uncovered information inside StubHub’s IPO filing from last November, which revealed that CEO Eric Baker also runs a hedge fund which scalps tickets, and provides funding to scalpers.When asked for comment, StubHub reiterated its public-facing comment that the company doesn’t own or hold any tickets itself.“StubHub does not own, possess, or sell tickets. We are a technology platform that connects independent buyers and sellers. (Think: eBay).”This comment conveniently ignores that some of these “independent buyers” are being directly aided by the CEO of the company. Of course, the devil is in the details. Nobody is accusing StubHub of owning the tickets for their own sale, but it’s now clear that the top of the company is heavily invested in inflating its own marketplace. We discussed this fundamental issue late in the NBA and NHL playoffs, with how reselling sites like StubHub have a vested interest in scalpers, because their percentage-based resale fees are better for the company when event tickets soar — while also giving them multiple bites of the apple if the tickets are sold multiple times on the platform.Baker, the StubHub CEO, reportedly is a large stakeholder in “Andro Capital,” a hedge fund based out of Los Angeles, which offers loan funding to large scale ticket purchasing operates which have the express purpose of buying tickets and reselling them for profit on platforms like StubHub.Filing documents for Andro Capital show the hedge fund was formed in March of 2024, 18 months before StubHub announced it was going public in an IPO filing. In that filing to the SEC StubHub revealed its deep relationship with Andro, including this key detail from 2024:On April 15, 2024, as part of our ongoing relationship with Andro, we entered into an agreement with the Andro Fund under which we agreed to cover certain costs incurred by Andro in connection with ticket management services.StubHub was not required to divulge the totality of this agreement with Andro Fund, but having the company “cover certain costs incurred” raises mammoth red flags. That theoretically means that the hedge fund could have waived reselling feels on the seller side of the transaction, thereby incentivizing the fund to scalping operations. In short, the business flow could look like this:A scalping group has capital to buy massive amounts of ticketsRather than invest themselves, it’s better to invest their money in Andro to do the buying, because they have an agreement with StubHub to cover some of their expensesAndro profits off the inflated ticket salesStubHub benefits through massively inflated prices, which they profit off through buyer feesThat’s not all. The filing also lists “Colloquy LLC,” a subsidiary of Andro Capital, which serves as a loan servicing arm for tickets sellers — offering financing to mass buy tickets, which they resell on StubHub directly.Under the terms of the Program Agreement, we refer certain of our sellers to Colloquy for the opportunity to enter into separate financing arrangements with Colloquy. Under such arrangements, it is anticipated that Colloquy may provide short-term financing to sellers based on those sellers’ existing and/or future expected proceeds generated through ticket sales on our platform.Not only is Andro Capital its own ticket buyer, but it also runs an arm of the company that gives funding to sellers, based on referrals from StubHub itself. Essentially, the entire scalping business is fully intertwined with StubHub, from the CEO being involved in a large-scale seller AND offering funding to sellers.The only person who loses out in this whole transaction are sports fans. The consumers who use the platform are being held hostage by ticket prices, which fundamentally wouldn’t be inflated to the same level without the input of StubHub. This is all legal from the SEC’s perspective due to a lack of oversight when it comes to hedge funds. There are few other industries in which a publicly traded company could be legally allowed to price fix to the level that is happening on StubHub, while trying to pretend with its public face that it’s just a platform for fans to sell to other fans.There should be an immediate investigation into ticket pricing, as well as outlawing the kinds of predatory practices designed to inflate the wealth of StubHub and Andro Capital at the expense of consumers. #StubHubs #CEO #helping #fund #biggest #ticket #scalpers

instead it’s become a hellscape. Scalpers dominate online platforms, ensuring that desirable events sell out immediately, causing local sports fans to miss out unless they’re willing to pay exorbitant prices for fear of missing out.

It’s now been revealed that one of the biggest stakeholders in online ticket sales is helping fund the very people ruining ticket sales for sports fans. An investigative report by the CBC uncovered information inside StubHub’s IPO filing from last November, which revealed that CEO Eric Baker also runs a hedge fund which scalps tickets, and provides funding to scalpers.

When asked for comment, StubHub reiterated its public-facing comment that the company doesn’t own or hold any tickets itself.

“StubHub does not own, possess, or sell tickets. We are a technology platform that connects independent buyers and sellers. (Think: eBay).”

This comment conveniently ignores that some of these “independent buyers” are being directly aided by the CEO of the company. Of course, the devil is in the details. Nobody is accusing StubHub of owning the tickets for their own sale, but it’s now clear that the top of the company is heavily invested in inflating its own marketplace. We discussed this fundamental issue late in the NBA and NHL playoffs, with how reselling sites like StubHub have a vested interest in scalpers, because their percentage-based resale fees are better for the company when event tickets soar — while also giving them multiple bites of the apple if the tickets are sold multiple times on the platform.

Baker, the StubHub CEO, reportedly is a large stakeholder in “Andro Capital,” a hedge fund based out of Los Angeles, which offers loan funding to large scale ticket purchasing operates which have the express purpose of buying tickets and reselling them for profit on platforms like StubHub.

Filing documents for Andro Capital show the hedge fund was formed in March of 2024, 18 months before StubHub announced it was going public in an IPO filing. In that filing to the SEC StubHub revealed its deep relationship with Andro, including this key detail from 2024:

On April 15, 2024, as part of our ongoing relationship with Andro, we entered into an agreement with the Andro Fund under which we agreed to cover certain costs incurred by Andro in connection with ticket management services.

StubHub was not required to divulge the totality of this agreement with Andro Fund, but having the company “cover certain costs incurred” raises mammoth red flags. That theoretically means that the hedge fund could have waived reselling feels on the seller side of the transaction, thereby incentivizing the fund to scalping operations. In short, the business flow could look like this:

  1. A scalping group has capital to buy massive amounts of tickets
  2. Rather than invest themselves, it’s better to invest their money in Andro to do the buying, because they have an agreement with StubHub to cover some of their expenses
  3. Andro profits off the inflated ticket sales
  4. StubHub benefits through massively inflated prices, which they profit off through buyer fees

That’s not all. The filing also lists “Colloquy LLC,” a subsidiary of Andro Capital, which serves as a loan servicing arm for tickets sellers — offering financing to mass buy tickets, which they resell on StubHub directly.

Under the terms of the Program Agreement, we refer certain of our sellers to Colloquy for the opportunity to enter into separate financing arrangements with Colloquy. Under such arrangements, it is anticipated that Colloquy may provide short-term financing to sellers based on those sellers’ existing and/or future expected proceeds generated through ticket sales on our platform.

Not only is Andro Capital its own ticket buyer, but it also runs an arm of the company that gives funding to sellers, based on referrals from StubHub itself. Essentially, the entire scalping business is fully intertwined with StubHub, from the CEO being involved in a large-scale seller AND offering funding to sellers.

The only person who loses out in this whole transaction are sports fans. The consumers who use the platform are being held hostage by ticket prices, which fundamentally wouldn’t be inflated to the same level without the input of StubHub. This is all legal from the SEC’s perspective due to a lack of oversight when it comes to hedge funds. There are few other industries in which a publicly traded company could be legally allowed to price fix to the level that is happening on StubHub, while trying to pretend with its public face that it’s just a platform for fans to sell to other fans.

There should be an immediate investigation into ticket pricing, as well as outlawing the kinds of predatory practices designed to inflate the wealth of StubHub and Andro Capital at the expense of consumers.

#StubHubs #CEO #helping #fund #biggest #ticket #scalpers">StubHub’s CEO is helping fund the biggest ticket scalpers

Expanding technology and resale options were supposed to make obtaining tickets to sporting events easier than ever, but instead it’s become a hellscape. Scalpers dominate online platforms, ensuring that desirable events sell out immediately, causing local sports fans to miss out unless they’re willing to pay exorbitant prices for fear of missing out.

It’s now been revealed that one of the biggest stakeholders in online ticket sales is helping fund the very people ruining ticket sales for sports fans. An investigative report by the CBC uncovered information inside StubHub’s IPO filing from last November, which revealed that CEO Eric Baker also runs a hedge fund which scalps tickets, and provides funding to scalpers.

When asked for comment, StubHub reiterated its public-facing comment that the company doesn’t own or hold any tickets itself.

“StubHub does not own, possess, or sell tickets. We are a technology platform that connects independent buyers and sellers. (Think: eBay).”

This comment conveniently ignores that some of these “independent buyers” are being directly aided by the CEO of the company. Of course, the devil is in the details. Nobody is accusing StubHub of owning the tickets for their own sale, but it’s now clear that the top of the company is heavily invested in inflating its own marketplace. We discussed this fundamental issue late in the NBA and NHL playoffs, with how reselling sites like StubHub have a vested interest in scalpers, because their percentage-based resale fees are better for the company when event tickets soar — while also giving them multiple bites of the apple if the tickets are sold multiple times on the platform.

Baker, the StubHub CEO, reportedly is a large stakeholder in “Andro Capital,” a hedge fund based out of Los Angeles, which offers loan funding to large scale ticket purchasing operates which have the express purpose of buying tickets and reselling them for profit on platforms like StubHub.

Filing documents for Andro Capital show the hedge fund was formed in March of 2024, 18 months before StubHub announced it was going public in an IPO filing. In that filing to the SEC StubHub revealed its deep relationship with Andro, including this key detail from 2024:

On April 15, 2024, as part of our ongoing relationship with Andro, we entered into an agreement with the Andro Fund under which we agreed to cover certain costs incurred by Andro in connection with ticket management services.

StubHub was not required to divulge the totality of this agreement with Andro Fund, but having the company “cover certain costs incurred” raises mammoth red flags. That theoretically means that the hedge fund could have waived reselling feels on the seller side of the transaction, thereby incentivizing the fund to scalping operations. In short, the business flow could look like this:

  1. A scalping group has capital to buy massive amounts of tickets
  2. Rather than invest themselves, it’s better to invest their money in Andro to do the buying, because they have an agreement with StubHub to cover some of their expenses
  3. Andro profits off the inflated ticket sales
  4. StubHub benefits through massively inflated prices, which they profit off through buyer fees

That’s not all. The filing also lists “Colloquy LLC,” a subsidiary of Andro Capital, which serves as a loan servicing arm for tickets sellers — offering financing to mass buy tickets, which they resell on StubHub directly.

Under the terms of the Program Agreement, we refer certain of our sellers to Colloquy for the opportunity to enter into separate financing arrangements with Colloquy. Under such arrangements, it is anticipated that Colloquy may provide short-term financing to sellers based on those sellers’ existing and/or future expected proceeds generated through ticket sales on our platform.

Not only is Andro Capital its own ticket buyer, but it also runs an arm of the company that gives funding to sellers, based on referrals from StubHub itself. Essentially, the entire scalping business is fully intertwined with StubHub, from the CEO being involved in a large-scale seller AND offering funding to sellers.

The only person who loses out in this whole transaction are sports fans. The consumers who use the platform are being held hostage by ticket prices, which fundamentally wouldn’t be inflated to the same level without the input of StubHub. This is all legal from the SEC’s perspective due to a lack of oversight when it comes to hedge funds. There are few other industries in which a publicly traded company could be legally allowed to price fix to the level that is happening on StubHub, while trying to pretend with its public face that it’s just a platform for fans to sell to other fans.

There should be an immediate investigation into ticket pricing, as well as outlawing the kinds of predatory practices designed to inflate the wealth of StubHub and Andro Capital at the expense of consumers.

#StubHubs #CEO #helping #fund #biggest #ticket #scalpers

France’s march to the World Cup semifinals has been ‌powered by the goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, but the players believe ​an equally important part of their success has been forged away from the ⁠cameras, in private conversations without the coaching staff.

Didier Deschamps’ side faces Spain on Tuesday, seeking to reach a third successive World Cup final, having developed a unity that midfielder Adrien Rabiot and defender Jules Kounde say ‌extends well beyond tactical meetings and training sessions.

The players analyse matches together in small groups, challenging each other and taking responsibility for finding solutions beyond those provided by ‌Deschamps and his assistants.

“We communicate a lot and talk among ourselves regularly,” Rabiot told reporters on ‌Monday.

“At ⁠the hotel, during our downtime, we try to analyse matches together in small groups. ⁠That is important, beyond everything the coach and his staff provide. We all speak the same language, we all have the same objective and everyone is directing their energy towards it. What the staff bring us is essential, but the dialogue between ​the players, without the staff being involved, is ‌important as well.”

That sense of ownership has helped France combine one of the tournament’s most potent attacks with a collective defensive effort that begins with the forwards.

Mbappe has scored eight goals and Dembele five, but Kounde said France’s work without the ball had been as important as their ‌individual quality in possession.

“We have done a good job defensively, but it goes well beyond ​the defenders,” Kounde said.

“It is a collective effort, starting with the way we press from the opposition’s very first pass. When the work is done properly higher ⁠up the pitch and in midfield, it makes our job at the back much easier.”

France’s cohesion has been visible in the willingness of their attacking players to track back and in the discipline with which ‌the team have defended difficult moments.

STRONG RELATIONSHIPS

The players insist that what happens on the pitch is an extension of relationships built elsewhere.

“We get on very well,” Rabiot said. “There is a real sense of harmony and genuine cohesion. It is difficult to explain, but things work extremely well away from the pitch, and that energy carries over onto it.”

Kounde described a group that enjoyed playing together and making sacrifices for one another.

“There has been a strong sense of cohesion since the very beginning — even going back to 2022,” ‌he said.

“There is continuity within this group. It has been built over time, and everyone is focused on the same ​objective. That is one of our strengths, and you can feel it on the pitch. We enjoy playing together and we also enjoy making the effort for one another.”

France’s ⁠run has also taken place against the backdrop of Deschamps’ decision to step down after the tournament, ending ⁠a reign that began in 2012 and included victory at the 2018 World Cup and another final four years later. The 57-year-old had to deal with a personal loss too during this World Cup after his mother died during the group stage.

Rabiot said the ‌knowledge that this was Deschamps’ final competition had given the players an additional emotional drive.

“The difficulties the coach has gone through have brought us even closer together,” he said. “You want to give ​everything, especially knowing that this is his last competition in charge of the France team. This is the moment.”

Published on Jul 14, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #Frances #secret #weapon #Communication #analysis #field">FIFA World Cup 2026 — France’s secret weapon: Communication and analysis beyond the field France’s march to the World Cup semifinals has been ‌powered by the goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, but the players believe ​an equally important part of their success has been forged away from the ⁠cameras, in private conversations without the coaching staff.Didier Deschamps’ side faces Spain on Tuesday, seeking to reach a third successive World Cup final, having developed a unity that midfielder Adrien Rabiot and defender Jules Kounde say ‌extends well beyond tactical meetings and training sessions.The players analyse matches together in small groups, challenging each other and taking responsibility for finding solutions beyond those provided by ‌Deschamps and his assistants.“We communicate a lot and talk among ourselves regularly,” Rabiot told reporters on ‌Monday.“At ⁠the hotel, during our downtime, we try to analyse matches together in small groups. ⁠That is important, beyond everything the coach and his staff provide. We all speak the same language, we all have the same objective and everyone is directing their energy towards it. What the staff bring us is essential, but the dialogue between ​the players, without the staff being involved, is ‌important as well.”That sense of ownership has helped France combine one of the tournament’s most potent attacks with a collective defensive effort that begins with the forwards.Mbappe has scored eight goals and Dembele five, but Kounde said France’s work without the ball had been as important as their ‌individual quality in possession.“We have done a good job defensively, but it goes well beyond ​the defenders,” Kounde said.“It is a collective effort, starting with the way we press from the opposition’s very first pass. When the work is done properly higher ⁠up the pitch and in midfield, it makes our job at the back much easier.”France’s cohesion has been visible in the willingness of their attacking players to track back and in the discipline with which ‌the team have defended difficult moments.STRONG RELATIONSHIPSThe players insist that what happens on the pitch is an extension of relationships built elsewhere.“We get on very well,” Rabiot said. “There is a real sense of harmony and genuine cohesion. It is difficult to explain, but things work extremely well away from the pitch, and that energy carries over onto it.”Kounde described a group that enjoyed playing together and making sacrifices for one another.“There has been a strong sense of cohesion since the very beginning — even going back to 2022,” ‌he said.“There is continuity within this group. It has been built over time, and everyone is focused on the same ​objective. That is one of our strengths, and you can feel it on the pitch. We enjoy playing together and we also enjoy making the effort for one another.”France’s ⁠run has also taken place against the backdrop of Deschamps’ decision to step down after the tournament, ending ⁠a reign that began in 2012 and included victory at the 2018 World Cup and another final four years later. The 57-year-old had to deal with a personal loss too during this World Cup after his mother died during the group stage.Rabiot said the ‌knowledge that this was Deschamps’ final competition had given the players an additional emotional drive.“The difficulties the coach has gone through have brought us even closer together,” he said. “You want to give ​everything, especially knowing that this is his last competition in charge of the France team. This is the moment.”Published on Jul 14, 2026 #FIFA #World #Cup #Frances #secret #weapon #Communication #analysis #field

Deadspin | Tommy Fleetwood chasing hometown heroics at The Open Jul 13, 2026; Southport, England; Tommy Fleetwood speaks with the media during a practice round day for The Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Birkdale. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Tommy Fleetwood hopes home-field advantage will lead the two-time Grand Slam runner-up to his first major title this week at The Open Championship. The 35-year-old Englishman grew up down the road from Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, site of the final major on this season’s PGA Tour calendar. “It’s obviously very, very special. I think for anybody that was lucky enough to grow up in the town of Southport. It’s such a golfing town, and The Open at Birkdale holds such a special place in the area,” Fleetwood said at Monday’s pre-tournament press conference. “Yeah, it’s a dream just to be competing in an Open here, so I feel very, very lucky. Still have lots of memories from the 2017 Open here. Yeah, just excited for the opportunity to play in front of everybody. It’s very rare to have an opportunity to play a tournament, let alone The Open, in the town where you grew up in front of fans that were all there to support you. Very excited.” Fleetwood enters the 154th Open ranked No. 9 in the world. He has finished in the top five in all four Grand Slams in his career, including second place at the 2018 U.S. Open and the 2019 Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, where Irishman Shane Lowry ran away to win by six strokes. This year, Fleetwood finished T11 at the U.S. Open, T33 at the Masters and missed the cut at the PGA Championship. He also has two other top-10 efforts in The Open Championship: T4 in 2022 and T10 in 2023. Fleetwood is not only trying to become the first Englishman to win The Open since Nick Faldo in 1992, but he also aims to improve on his T27 finish from the last time it was held at Royal Birkdale in 2017. Fleetwood was asked about the pressure of expectations on his shoulders this week. “I think what you do have to deal with is how much you want it and your own expectations, but I think at the same time, I’m no different to any other person in terms of every single person that is playing in The Open dreams of winning in The Open and wants to win it,” he said. “There’s really nothing different to anybody else in that sense. I just think I am the lucky one that gets to have home support and use that as like really, really positive fuel. “I think the first time I played here in 2017, I obviously had a bad first round (76). I think my round on Friday (69) was one of the best rounds I ever played to make the cut, and Saturday (66) was a great experience.” Fleetwood admitted sneaking onto the course “once or twice” as a kid. “Birkdale was always kind of hallowed turf for people that lived in Southport, and I definitely didn’t get to play here as much as I would like to,” he said. If it’s considered hallowed ground now, imagine what it will be like if a hometown hero hoists the Claret Jug on Sunday. “Dreams do come true, we watch it all the time, but you’ll never find out if yours will unless you chase it,” Fleetwood said. “Mine might come true; it might not. I think I’ve done a lot in my career so far, but yeah, there’s still plenty more to go.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Tommy #Fleetwood #chasing #hometown #heroics #OpenJul 13, 2026; Southport, England; Tommy Fleetwood speaks with the media during a practice round day for The Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Birkdale. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Tommy Fleetwood hopes home-field advantage will lead the two-time Grand Slam runner-up to his first major title this week at The Open Championship.

The 35-year-old Englishman grew up down the road from Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, site of the final major on this season’s PGA Tour calendar.

“It’s obviously very, very special. I think for anybody that was lucky enough to grow up in the town of Southport. It’s such a golfing town, and The Open at Birkdale holds such a special place in the area,” Fleetwood said at Monday’s pre-tournament press conference.

“Yeah, it’s a dream just to be competing in an Open here, so I feel very, very lucky. Still have lots of memories from the 2017 Open here. Yeah, just excited for the opportunity to play in front of everybody. It’s very rare to have an opportunity to play a tournament, let alone The Open, in the town where you grew up in front of fans that were all there to support you. Very excited.”

Fleetwood enters the 154th Open ranked No. 9 in the world. He has finished in the top five in all four Grand Slams in his career, including second place at the 2018 U.S. Open and the 2019 Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, where Irishman Shane Lowry ran away to win by six strokes.

This year, Fleetwood finished T11 at the U.S. Open, T33 at the Masters and missed the cut at the PGA Championship. He also has two other top-10 efforts in The Open Championship: T4 in 2022 and T10 in 2023.

Fleetwood is not only trying to become the first Englishman to win The Open since Nick Faldo in 1992, but he also aims to improve on his T27 finish from the last time it was held at Royal Birkdale in 2017.


Fleetwood was asked about the pressure of expectations on his shoulders this week.

“I think what you do have to deal with is how much you want it and your own expectations, but I think at the same time, I’m no different to any other person in terms of every single person that is playing in The Open dreams of winning in The Open and wants to win it,” he said.

“There’s really nothing different to anybody else in that sense. I just think I am the lucky one that gets to have home support and use that as like really, really positive fuel.

“I think the first time I played here in 2017, I obviously had a bad first round (76). I think my round on Friday (69) was one of the best rounds I ever played to make the cut, and Saturday (66) was a great experience.”

Fleetwood admitted sneaking onto the course “once or twice” as a kid.

“Birkdale was always kind of hallowed turf for people that lived in Southport, and I definitely didn’t get to play here as much as I would like to,” he said.

If it’s considered hallowed ground now, imagine what it will be like if a hometown hero hoists the Claret Jug on Sunday.

“Dreams do come true, we watch it all the time, but you’ll never find out if yours will unless you chase it,” Fleetwood said. “Mine might come true; it might not. I think I’ve done a lot in my career so far, but yeah, there’s still plenty more to go.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Tommy #Fleetwood #chasing #hometown #heroics #Open">Deadspin | Tommy Fleetwood chasing hometown heroics at The Open Jul 13, 2026; Southport, England; Tommy Fleetwood speaks with the media during a practice round day for The Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Birkdale. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Tommy Fleetwood hopes home-field advantage will lead the two-time Grand Slam runner-up to his first major title this week at The Open Championship. The 35-year-old Englishman grew up down the road from Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, site of the final major on this season’s PGA Tour calendar. “It’s obviously very, very special. I think for anybody that was lucky enough to grow up in the town of Southport. It’s such a golfing town, and The Open at Birkdale holds such a special place in the area,” Fleetwood said at Monday’s pre-tournament press conference. “Yeah, it’s a dream just to be competing in an Open here, so I feel very, very lucky. Still have lots of memories from the 2017 Open here. Yeah, just excited for the opportunity to play in front of everybody. It’s very rare to have an opportunity to play a tournament, let alone The Open, in the town where you grew up in front of fans that were all there to support you. Very excited.” Fleetwood enters the 154th Open ranked No. 9 in the world. He has finished in the top five in all four Grand Slams in his career, including second place at the 2018 U.S. Open and the 2019 Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, where Irishman Shane Lowry ran away to win by six strokes. This year, Fleetwood finished T11 at the U.S. Open, T33 at the Masters and missed the cut at the PGA Championship. He also has two other top-10 efforts in The Open Championship: T4 in 2022 and T10 in 2023. Fleetwood is not only trying to become the first Englishman to win The Open since Nick Faldo in 1992, but he also aims to improve on his T27 finish from the last time it was held at Royal Birkdale in 2017. Fleetwood was asked about the pressure of expectations on his shoulders this week. “I think what you do have to deal with is how much you want it and your own expectations, but I think at the same time, I’m no different to any other person in terms of every single person that is playing in The Open dreams of winning in The Open and wants to win it,” he said. “There’s really nothing different to anybody else in that sense. I just think I am the lucky one that gets to have home support and use that as like really, really positive fuel. “I think the first time I played here in 2017, I obviously had a bad first round (76). I think my round on Friday (69) was one of the best rounds I ever played to make the cut, and Saturday (66) was a great experience.” Fleetwood admitted sneaking onto the course “once or twice” as a kid. “Birkdale was always kind of hallowed turf for people that lived in Southport, and I definitely didn’t get to play here as much as I would like to,” he said. If it’s considered hallowed ground now, imagine what it will be like if a hometown hero hoists the Claret Jug on Sunday. “Dreams do come true, we watch it all the time, but you’ll never find out if yours will unless you chase it,” Fleetwood said. “Mine might come true; it might not. I think I’ve done a lot in my career so far, but yeah, there’s still plenty more to go.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Tommy #Fleetwood #chasing #hometown #heroics #Open

Post Comment