Rally’s Post

Interesting read detailing our history of prominent international players, their impact, and our efforts to capitalize on the growing global following of the Mavs. It’s been quite a ride!

Great feature on Bagent by RGIII!

When a player is over the age of 35, especially with a long injury history, what are the metrics that teams can look at it to identify how the player is still performing compared to their historical precedent? Baseball Connect is here to help.

Clayton Kershaw is undoubtedly going straight into the Hall of Fame when he's done playing....but how much does he still have left in the tank? Let's dive into some key numbers for the soon-to-be Free Agent: 2023 Season: ERA: 2.52 K%: 26.3 BB%: 7.5 xWOBA: .302 Career: ERA: 2.48 K%: 28.9 BB%: 4.7 xWOBA: .262 So, what do these numbers tell us? Well, in addition to the fact that Kershaw will pitch more innings this year than last, he has shown he can stay healthy while maintaining remarkable consistency in his excellent performance. Now, the standout decline has come in the form of his Fastball Velo, which is to be expected given his age. How has Kershaw adjusted for this? By wisely increasing his SL and CB usage, which has allowed him to still generate high whiff rates, continuing to post above average seasons into his age 35 season. So, do you think Clayton Kershaw will continue commanding $20MM AAV? Why or why not?

The Detroit Lions' recent playoff triumph, a feat 32 years in the making, is not merely a win on the field but a profound lesson in resilience.    This victory over the Los Angeles Rams represents more than a game—it's a testament to the enduring power of perseverance, a reminder that true grit and unwavering determination can overturn decades of challenges.    In this remarkable journey, every strategic play, every calculated move on the field, mirrored life's own trials and tribulations. It's a story of overcoming adversity, not through fleeting moments of brilliance, but through consistent, steadfast effort and an unyielding belief in one’s goals. The Lions' path to this momentous victory serves as a beacon, illuminating the fact that success is not always a linear journey, but often a winding path laden with setbacks that test our resolve.   As the team gears up for another playoff game, this unexpected opportunity to host is more than just a chance at another win; it's a continuation of a deeper narrative - In life and business, every setback is an opportunity for a comeback, a chance to rise stronger and more resilient.   As the Lions continue in their playoff journey, we look forward to seeing how far their renewed spirit and tenacity will take them!   #paletzadvisor #businessphilosophy #hometeam Paletz Advisor

Boston Celtics sale: Owner Wyc Grousbeck planning to sell after 2024 National Basketball Association (NBA) title, team valued at nearly $5 billion. The Boston Celtics, valued at $4.7 billion last year, just secured their 18th championship against the Dallas Mavericks. Their owner, Wyc Grousbeck, wants to sell his majority stake in the team. Grousbeck, who led the Boston Basketball Partners, originally purchased the team in 2002. Under his leadership, the team celebrated its first NBA championship in 2008. The Celtics have announced that a sale is expected either by the end of 2024 or early 2025 and Grousbeck will continue as the team's owner until a sale is finalized in 2028. The Celtics, a cornerstone of the NBA, have a rich history and are often considered one of the league's most valuable franchises. In 2023, Forbes valued them at $4.7 billion, placing them fourth in the league's valuation rankings, behind the Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Los Angeles Lakers. It's worth noting that Grousbeck purchased the team 22 years ago for a mere $360 million. Now, Grousbeck will join the group of NBA mainstays that have cashed out of the league in a reasonably short span. Soon, Boston will have hefty luxury tax payments coming, and they may limit their flexibility to improve the roster, given the constraints that come with the second apron.  By: Sam Quinn cbssports #BostonCeltics #NBA #majoritystake  #WycGrousbeck #CBSSports #Forbes  #championship #LosAngelesLakers  #NewYorkKnicks #GoldenStateWarriors

Are the Knicks championship contenders? Change is the only constant in the world of sports, and the recent trade of Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks, Inc. is a testament to that. Bridges, an undeniably talented player, joins a new roster with Bojan Bogdanovic and a slew of draft picks heading to the Brooklyn Nets. While this move creates a buzz, it's essential to recognize that while Bridges brings immense potential and skill to the Knicks, the path to an NBA championship remains fraught with challenges. At Friedman Vartolo LLP, we recognize the parallels between the sports trade and the legal industry. Just as the Knicks must effectively utilize their new lineup to compete for a championship, we, too, must constantly adapt and innovate to maintain our position in the legal industry. We admire Bridges' dedication and the Knicks' strategic moves, understanding that true success is not just about talent—it's about resilience, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The Knicks' acquisition of Bridges is a bold step forward, but as we often see in both law and sports, the journey to the top is long and arduous. Achieving greatness is not just about securing the best players or clients; it's about consistently delivering outstanding performance and maintaining a vision for the future. Friedman Vartolo LLP applauds the Knicks for their ambition and looks forward to seeing how this new chapter unfolds, reminding us all that with the right strategy and effort, even the loftiest goals are within reach. Honestly, I'm not sure if this can lead to a ring but it definitely gives the Knicks a better shot. What do you think? (Photo Credit: NY Post)

In the competitive sports landscape, younger athletes are increasingly starting their professional careers. The spotlight on a 13-year-old sensation has once again sparked discussions on age-appropriate leagues and how best to protect our young talents. Questions arise: Are the USL and Sacramento Republic primarily focusing on this prodigy for media traction? I have seen no press releases about these organisations citing responsibility in safeguarding this child in the adult game. Age categorization is fundamental in many sports, ensuring that participants are paired with counterparts at similar stages of growth and proficiency. Elevating a 13-year-old to a senior tier, impressive as it may sound, might subject them to physical and mental strains they aren't equipped for. The gap in physicality between a 13-year-old and a 16 or 17-year-old is significant, increasing the risks of injuries and undue stress. Clubs and leagues bear a profound duty to shield these emerging stars. The focus isn't solely on sports growth but also on their emotional and psychological health. Their obligations include: Is the athlete, apart from their physical skills, emotionally and cognitively ready for the demands and pressures of competing at an advanced age category? Guidance initiatives, psychological services, and learning tools can guide young talents through the intricacies of professional athletics. Clear protocols should exist, stipulating the circumstances, if any, under which an athlete might be promoted to an older age category. Freddy Adu's trajectory, once hailed as the 'next Pele,' stands as a warning about prematurely magnifying young talents. Adu, at 14, became the youngest professional signee in U.S. sports history, but the weight of anticipation led to a journey that fell short of projected greatness. Over-promotion can be harmful. It exerts undue strain on young athletes, potentially eroding their confidence and passion for the sport. Plus, not all prodigies possess the emotional maturity or backup needed to tackle the intense scrutiny, potentially paving the way for psychological. Domestically on the other hand: Major League Soccer's methodology towards youthful talent has drawn criticism. The framework, which sometimes views young players more as proprietary assets than individuals, tends to neglect the player's personal requirements. This approach can be perceived as handling young prospects like commodities rather than emerging luminaries deserving comprehensive care. At the heart of each budding sports star is a young individual filled with hopes, dreams, and susceptibilities. Entities within the sports world, from clubs and leagues to fans, ought to put their wellness above possible monetary gains or prestige. The spirit of sports is deeply rooted in zeal, evolution, and the sheer pleasure of play

The Detroit Lions' recent playoff triumph, a feat 32 years in the making, is not merely a win on the field but a profound lesson in resilience.  This victory over the Los Angeles Rams represents more than a game—it's a testament to the enduring power of perseverance, a reminder that true grit and unwavering determination can overturn decades of challenges.    In this remarkable journey, every strategic play, every calculated move on the field, mirrored life's own trials and tribulations. It's a story of overcoming adversity, not through fleeting moments of brilliance, but through consistent, steadfast effort and an unyielding belief in one’s goals. The Lions' path to this momentous victory serves as a beacon, illuminating the fact that success is not always a linear journey, but often a winding path laden with setbacks that test our resolve.   As the team gears up for another playoff game, this unexpected opportunity to host is more than just a chance at another win; it's a continuation of a deeper narrative - In life and business, every setback is an opportunity for a comeback, a chance to rise stronger and more resilient.   As the Lions continue in their playoff journey, we look forward to seeing how far their renewed spirit and tenacity will take them!   #paletzadvisor #businessphilosophy #hometeam 

Congratulations Boston Celtics for your record breaking 18th Championship! You have given so much #joy to so many. There are many great lessons we can unpack from this. Lots will be written for years to come but a great article from the The Wall Street Journal covers the best bits this morning: 1.   Selflessness. It was fitting that #JaylenBrown won the MVP and his acceptance speech was all about his teammates. 2.   Systems beat superstars. The Celtics had three different top scorers in the final round, the Mavericks only had one. 3.   Hard #math and a clear plan. Another great (Boston) #Moneyball example in action. 4.   #Data points, not defeats. This has been a long time coming, many would say the Celtics were consummate chokers after so many close misses in recent years. These were just steps in a glorious research project. We may be seeing a dynasty being born. 5.   #Distributed and flat teams. Throughout the season I saw so many players take the top score spot, there were games the bench came on and put a further 20points on a solid opponent in the second half. The reality is anyone on the team can score from anywhere, that tears open defenses and creates incredible #resilience. 6.   #Everyonetakesshots, and lots of them. Everyone is empowered to go for it. The best example of this is the smallest player, #Pritchard, who came on just before half time and within seconds shot a buzzer beater from his own half. Pure class, pure joy. 7.   #Trust in your teammates. Often players had a shot on but then passed into space and often in that magical “I’m not even looking” way. Like the NZ #AllBlacks, it is total trust in your teammates. 8.   Played the long game, time arbitrage. There were so many decisions that led up to this over time. #compoundinterest 9.   The best move isn’t the most obvious one or popular one. Many bold moves to trade stars out that built a better all-round team. https://lnkd.in/er5xxSyc