Pete Alonso, the New York Mets slugger, is set to participate in this year's Home Run Derby at the All-Star Game. However, his recent slump has raised questions about whether his participation will be as thrilling as in previous years.

Alonso has been struggling at the plate, with a batting average of just .213 in his last 91 at-bats. His slump, combined with a hand injury that landed him on the injured list for a week in June, has dampened the excitement surrounding his Home Run Derby appearance.

Furthermore, Alonso's performance in other areas of the game has been lacking. His .189 BABIP (Batting Average on Balls In Play) is the worst among all qualified players, indicating that he relies heavily on hitting home runs and doesn't contribute much else to the team.

While the Home Run Derby is often a fan-favorite event, the timing of Alonso's participation raises concerns. The Mets are currently in fourth place in the NL East and are not significant contenders for the Wild Card spot. With the team's playoff hopes dwindling, seeing Alonso focus on hitting home runs may not be as exciting for fans.

Overall, Alonso's participation in the Home Run Derby is met with mixed emotions. While fans may still enjoy watching him compete, the slump he is currently in raises doubts about how thrilling his performance will be. Only time will tell if Alonso can break out of his slump and put on a show in the Home Run Derby.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays has joined his father, Vladimir Guerrero Sr., as the first father-son duo to win the MLB Home Run Derby. Guerrero Jr. clinched the title by hitting 25 home runs in the final round, defeating Randy Arozarena of the Tampa Bay Rays, who hit 23 home runs. Guerrero Jr. had a slow start in the finals but picked up the pace and hit 14 homers in the last 1 minute and 13 seconds of regulation. He finished the two-minute regulation period with 20 home runs and added another five in his bonus time. Arozarena had a strong performance, hitting a total of 82 home runs throughout the event, but fell short in the final round. Guerrero Jr. set a record for the longest home run of the night, hitting one that traveled 445 feet. He also had an average home run distance of 408 feet and an average exit velocity of 104.6 mph. Guerrero Sr. won the Home Run Derby in 2007.

The highly anticipated 2023 Home Run Derby is set to take place tonight, featuring eight powerful sluggers vying for the title. This year's participants include familiar names like Pete Alonso, Mookie Betts, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., as well as first-timers like Luis Robert Jr. and Adolis Garcia. With reigning champion Juan Soto absent from this year's competition, there's an opportunity for a new champion to emerge.

Julio Rodriguez, who impressed in last year's Derby with a second-place finish, returns to prove himself once again. The Mariners outfielder has the advantage of familiarity with T-Mobile Park, where the event is being held. In fact, Rodriguez hit an impressive 32 home runs in the first round of last year's competition.

While rookies like Luis Robert Jr. and Adolis Garcia may seem like long shots, they shouldn't be underestimated. Both players possess immense power and have shown the ability to hit the ball out of the park with ease.

In terms of the longest home run of the night, the over/under line has been set at 483.5 feet. Statcast data suggests that the players have the potential to surpass this mark, especially considering it's a batting practice-type environment with pitchers accommodating their swings.

Overall, the 2023 Home Run Derby promises to be an exciting showdown between some of the game's best power hitters. Who will come out on top? Only time will tell.

The Pittsburgh Pirates hold the coveted No. 1 pick in this year's MLB draft after winning the first MLB draft lottery. The draft, which features 20 rounds, will take place in Seattle starting on Sunday, July 9, at 7 p.m. ET. The Pirates have plenty of big-name prospects to choose from, including two standout players from the NCAA champion LSU Tigers, right-handed pitcher Paul Skenes and outfielder Dylan Crews. The Nationals and A's landed the second and third picks, respectively, based on the lottery odds.

When and where is the 2023 MLB draft?

The MLB draft will begin on Sunday, July 9, at Lumen Field in Seattle, home of the NFL's Seattle Seahawks. The first two rounds will take place on Sunday, with rounds 3-10 on Monday and rounds 11-20 on Tuesday. The draft can be watched on ESPN and MLB Network, with live streaming available on MLB.com.

What is the order of the MLB draft's first round?

The first six picks in the draft were determined by the draft lottery, with the Pirates winning the No. 1 pick for the second time in three years. After the sixth pick, the remaining order is based on the reverse order of finish from the previous season among the non-postseason teams.

Who has the most money to spend in the draft's first 10 rounds?

The Pittsburgh Pirates have the biggest bonus pool at $16,185,700, followed by the Detroit Tigers with $15,747,200, and the Washington Nationals with $14,502,400. The Philadelphia Phillies have the least amount of money to spend in the top 10 rounds with $5,185,500.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have selected LSU star Paul Skenes as the No. 1 pick in the 2023 MLB draft. Skenes, a right-handed pitcher, is known for his impressive fastball velocity and high strikeout rate against SEC hitters. However, there are concerns about the shape of his fastball and the lack of separation between its induced vertical and horizontal breaks. Despite these reservations, the Pirates have chosen Skenes as their top pick.

The MLB draft, which started on Sunday and will span three days, features 20 rounds, including the first two rounds, compensatory rounds, and competitive balance rounds. The draft is being held in Seattle at Lumen Field, home of the NFL's Seattle Seahawks. Rounds 1 and 2 took place on Sunday, with rounds 3-10 scheduled for Monday and rounds 11-20 set for Tuesday.

The Pirates earned the No. 1 pick by winning the first MLB draft lottery. The Washington Nationals landed the second pick, while the Oakland A's secured the third pick. CBS Sports is providing round-by-round analysis and coverage of the draft, including analysis of every first-round selection. The draft can also be watched on MLB Network, ESPN, and MLB.com.

With the No. 1 pick, the Pirates have chosen Paul Skenes as their top prospect, hoping that he will become a valuable asset for the team in the future.

The Chicago Cubs have selected Arkansas pitcher Jaxon Wiggins in the second round of the 2023 MLB Draft. Despite missing the entire 2023 season due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament, Wiggins caught the attention of the Cubs with his hard-throwing right arm. Before his injury, Wiggins had a 6.17 ERA and 110 strikeouts in 89 innings for the Razorbacks.

Wiggins joins a long list of talented pitchers from Arkansas to be drafted in recent years. In fact, he is the 17th Arkansas pitcher to be drafted since 2019 and the 13th to be selected in the first 10 rounds. The Cubs are hoping that Wiggins can follow in the footsteps of previous Arkansas pitchers who have found success in the majors.

Although Wiggins' injury raises concerns about his future performance, the Cubs are willing to take a chance on his potential. With his impressive fastball and strikeout ability, Wiggins has the tools to become a valuable asset for the Cubs' pitching staff.

The 2023 MLB Draft is not yet over, and the Cubs have already made some promising picks. With their selection of Wiggins, the Cubs are showing their commitment to building a strong team for the future. Only time will tell if Wiggins can overcome his injury and live up to the expectations placed on him by the Cubs organization.

Sources:

- Arkansas Baseball (@RazorbackBSB) July 10, 2023

- Abner Sosa, Arkansas Razorback Jaxon Wiggins drafted into the MLB, Updated: 11:50 PM CDT Jul 9, 2023, Good Housekeeping, "6h ago"

The Naylor family has another reason to celebrate as youngest sibling Myles Naylor was selected by the Oakland A's with the 39th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound infielder from Mississauga, Ontario joins his older brothers Josh and Bo, who were both drafted in previous years. This makes the Naylors the second family, after the Drews, to have three brothers each drafted before the second round. Myles' cousin, Denzel Clarke, is also a part of the Athletics' farm system. The top Canadian prospect in the draft, Myles was selected earlier than many scouts had projected. He is a Texas Tech commit and played high school baseball at St. Joan of Arc High School in Maple, Ontario. MLB Pipeline ranked him as the 64th overall prospect entering the draft, with his power, arm, and fielding skills standing out. The slot value for being taken with the 39th pick is approximately $2.2 million. The Naylor brothers have all been coached by Greg Hamilton, manager of the Canadian Junior National Baseball team.

In a stunning upset at Wimbledon, Chris Eubanks defeated world No. 5 Stefanos Tsitsipas in a thrilling five-set match to secure a spot in the quarterfinals. Eubanks, who was ranked No. 159 just a year ago, has been on a hot streak, winning his first ATP title at Mallorca and now making a splash at the grass-court major.

The match was a rollercoaster ride, with Eubanks coming from behind multiple times to secure the victory. Despite facing a two-set deficit and seeing his initial break advantage erased in the final set, Eubanks stayed focused and played clutch tennis when it mattered most.

"I'm a server, I hit serving targets for these moments right here," Eubanks said after the match. "I came up clutch when I needed to."

Eubanks' success on grass has been evident, winning his ninth consecutive match on the surface. His powerful serves and well-timed shots have propelled him to the top, and he continues to surprise audiences with his performances.

With this victory over Tsitsipas, Eubanks has notched his first Top 5 victory and secured his spot among the elite in the tennis world. As he reflects on this remarkable achievement, Eubanks believes this is the biggest win of his career.

The question now is, can Eubanks continue his dream run at Wimbledon and go even further in the tournament? Only time will tell.

Roman Reigns' reign as WWE Universal Champion continues to reach new heights. According to a Reddit user, Reigns' championship reign officially hit 1,042 days, making him the longest-reigning WWE world champion in the WrestleMania era. The previous record was held by Hulk Hogan, whose first run as WWF Champion lasted 1,041 days.

Reigns' championship reign has been marked by dominance and few title defenses. In contrast, Seth Rollins, the World Heavyweight Champion, has defended his title 12 times since May.

Rollins has openly welcomed comparisons between himself and Reigns, acknowledging that their reigns will inevitably be compared. Both wrestlers are in the prime of their careers, with different titles and approaches.

The rumored card for SummerSlam 2023, according to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer, has sparked discussion and speculation among fans.

Regardless of how Reigns' time as champion ends, he has already left an indelible mark on the wrestling industry. With over 1,042 days as a WWE champion, Reigns has surpassed Hogan's record and solidified his place in history.

Is Roman Reigns the Longest-Reigning WWE Champion in WrestleMania Era?

Roman Reigns has set a new record as the longest-reigning WWE world champion in the WrestleMania era. With his title reign hitting 1,042 days, Reigns surpassed Hulk Hogan's previous record of 1,041 days. Reigns won the Universal Championship in August 2020 and has since dominated his opponents, becoming a force to be reckoned with in the WWE. Despite defending his championship only five times this year, Reigns' reign has been marked by his dominance and his transformation into "The Tribal Chief." Meanwhile, his contemporary, Seth Rollins, has defended his World Heavyweight Championship 12 times. Rollins has openly embraced the comparisons between their reigns and sees it as a way to make things more exciting for fans. The rumored card for SummerSlam 2023 has also generated discussions among wrestling enthusiasts. Regardless of how his reign ends, Reigns has made a lasting impact on the wrestling industry with his remarkable achievements.

The MLB Draft is approaching, and fans are eager to see which players will be selected by major league teams. The Pittsburgh Pirates will have the first overall pick for the second time in three years, thanks to winning the draft lottery. The Washington Nationals, despite having the worst record in the league last year, will pick second. The draft is set to take place in Seattle and will span three days, with the first and second rounds held on Sunday, followed by rounds 3-20 on Monday and Tuesday. The Pirates have the largest bonus pool, with the Nationals and Detroit Tigers close behind. LSU teammates Dylan Crews and Paul Skenes are among the top prospects in this year's draft. While the MLB Draft may not have the same immediate impact as the NBA or NFL drafts, it is still a crucial event for the future of the sport.

The highly anticipated 2023 MLB Draft is set to begin on Sunday, July 9 at 2 p.m. Eastern Time. The draft will span over three days, with rounds 1 and 2 taking place on Sunday, rounds 3 to 10 on Monday, and rounds 11 to 20 on Tuesday. The draft will be held at Lumen Field in Seattle, the home of the NFL's Seattle Seahawks.

Fans can watch the draft on TV channels ESPN and MLB Network for rounds 1 and 2 on Sunday starting at 7 p.m. Eastern Time. For rounds 3 to 10 on Monday and rounds 11 to 20 on Tuesday, the draft will be live-streamed on MLB.com.

The Pittsburgh Pirates hold the coveted No. 1 pick in this year's draft, which they secured through the MLB Draft Lottery. They have a pool of talent to choose from, including standout players Paul Skenes and Dylan Crews from the NCAA champion LSU Tigers.

Don't miss out on the excitement of the 2023 MLB Draft, where future stars will be selected to join the ranks of Major League Baseball. Tune in to see which players teams will choose to bolster their rosters and make an impact in the years to come.

Cole Carrigg's baseball journey took a detour due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a senior at Turlock High, his season was cut short, impacting his development and potential draft prospects. However, this setback led Carrigg to San Diego State University, where he spent the past three years honing his skills and maturing as a player.

Now, as a college junior, Carrigg is once again eligible for the MLB Draft. Known for his versatility in playing multiple positions, Carrigg is projected to be a first- or second-round selection. He is ranked as the No. 47 prospect by MLB, and he has the potential to become the eighth player from SDSU to be taken in the first round.

SDSU coach Mark Martinez acknowledges the growth and maturity Carrigg has shown during his college career. Carrigg himself believes that his time at SDSU has helped him mature as a player and as a person.

The three-day MLB Draft is set to begin with the first two rounds on Sunday, July 9, in Seattle. Carrigg could potentially hear his name called early in the draft, fulfilling his dream of becoming a professional baseball player.

The 2023 MLB Draft is set to begin on Sunday, July 9 at 2 p.m. ET. The draft will take place over the course of three days, with rounds 1 and 2 being held on the first day. Rounds 3-10 will take place on Monday, July 10, and rounds 11-20 will conclude the draft on Tuesday, July 11.

To watch the draft, you can tune in to ESPN and MLB Network for rounds 1 and 2 on Sunday. For rounds 3-10 on Monday and rounds 11-20 on Tuesday, you can catch a live stream of the draft on MLB.com.

The Pittsburgh Pirates will have the coveted No. 1 pick in this year's draft, which they secured through the inaugural MLB Draft Lottery. The Pirates are expected to choose from a pool of top prospects, including standout players from the NCAA champion LSU Tigers, such as right-handed pitcher Paul Skenes and outfielder Dylan Crews, who are projected to go first and second overall.

With 20 rounds in total, the MLB Draft offers ample opportunities for teams to acquire highly promising talents. Don't miss out on this exciting event and tune in to see which players will be selected by their respective teams.

Nebraska shortstop Brice Matthews, a Houston-area native, has been selected by the Houston Astros with the No. 28 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. Matthews, who is the highest selection for a Huskers player since Alex Gordon in 2005, had an impressive junior season at Nebraska, batting .359 with 20 home runs and 67 RBI. He was also a Dick Howser Trophy semifinalist and a second-team All-American.

Coming from a two-sport background, Matthews had limited high-level baseball experience in high school, but he made the most of his time at Nebraska. He displayed his versatility by playing both shortstop and second base and has the athleticism to potentially excel in the outfield.

While there may be questions about where Matthews fits long-term, the Astros saw potential in him and selected him earlier than expected. The Astros have until July 25 to sign Matthews to a contract. The selection of Matthews reflects the Astros' focus on addressing their needs for upper-level pitching and middle infielders in their minor-league system, which is currently thin in those areas.

The Pittsburgh Pirates will have the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 MLB Draft. The Washington Nationals, Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers, and Minnesota Twins will follow them in order. The Atlanta Braves have the 24th pick of the first round and will have three picks in total on Day 1 of the draft.

Who Has the Largest Bonus Pool in the First 10 Rounds of the Draft?

The Pirates have the largest bonus pool at $16,185,700, followed by the Tigers with $15,747,200 and the Nationals with $14,502,400. On the other hand, the Philadelphia Phillies have the smallest bonus pool at $5,185,500.

Who is the Consensus Top High School Player in the Draft?

The consensus top high school player in the 2023 MLB Draft is Walker Jenkins. He is known for his high-end raw power and has been compared to former MLB All-Star J.D. Drew. Jenkins won the Gatorade state player of the year award for the second consecutive year and has shown scouts his talent by batting .417 with a .632 on-base percentage and .633 slugging percentage.

Who Did the Twins Select with their Fifth Pick?

The Minnesota Twins selected Walker Jenkins with the fifth overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. Jenkins is a power-hitting player with the potential to be a future .280 hitter in the majors. He also has the ability to stay in center field.

Who Did the Athletics Select with their Seventh Pick?

The Oakland Athletics selected Jacob Wilson with the seventh overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. Wilson is a defensive shortstop with a high contact rate. He posted a .361 batting average over his three seasons at Grand Canyon University.

Sources:

- "2023 MLB Draft Day 1 Coverage" (MLB)

- "Beginners' guide to the MLB Draft" (ESPN)

- "Twins top rewards for early picks begin with Jenkins at No. 5" (ESPN)

The Los Angeles Dodgers have consistently been successful not only on the field but also in the MLB Draft. With this year's draft just around the corner, the Dodgers are looking to add more talent to their already impressive farm system. Despite having the seventh-lowest pool money in the league, the Dodgers have a track record of finding gems in the later rounds of the draft.

In the past five seasons, the Dodgers have made some notable first-round draft picks. In 2022, they selected catcher Dalton Rushing with the 40th overall pick. Rushing has been tearing it up in the minors, with 16 home runs, 65 RBIs, and an impressive 1.042 OPS. He is quickly rising through the ranks and could become a key player for the Dodgers in the future.

In 2021, the Dodgers selected left-handed pitcher Maddux Bruns. While Bruns struggled with his command in his first season, he has shown promise this year. Despite these successes, the Dodgers have faced penalties in the past for exceeding the competitive-balance tax threshold. This has resulted in their first-round pick being dropped 10 spots.

However, the Dodgers have not let these setbacks hinder their ability to build a strong farm system. They have consistently been able to find talent and develop players. With the 2023 MLB Draft approaching, the Dodgers will once again have the opportunity to add more promising prospects to their organization. Will they continue their success in the draft and find the next superstar? Only time will tell.

Sources:

- Juan Toribio's Dodgers Beat newsletter

- ESPN

- FiveThirtyEight

- Bleacher Report

- Sports Illustrated

The Kansas City Royals are gearing up for the MLB Draft and have three Day 1 picks, including the No. 8 pick. With a history of mixed success in their drafts, the Royals are hoping to secure a promising future by selecting the right talent. In the past decade, the Royals have drafted 19 players in the first round, but only four are currently playing in the majors. It is crucial for a small-market team like the Royals to make the most out of their draft picks to build a strong core for the future.

Looking at the history of the No. 8 pick, there have been some notable talents, such as All-Star third baseman Josh Jung and four-time All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor. The Royals have had the No. 8 pick twice before, and now they have the opportunity to add another promising player to their roster.

Some college names that the Royals could focus on with the No. 8 pick include infielder Tommy Troy from Stanford. Troy has shown consistency at the plate and has the potential to be a solid contributor in the future. Although he lacks a clear defensive position, his versatility and strong offensive skills make him an attractive choice for the Royals.

As the Royals enter the 2023 MLB Draft, all eyes will be on their picks and whether they can secure a promising future for the team. Only time will tell if they can win the draft and build a strong foundation for their organization.

The Minnesota Twins have selected Walker Jenkins, a standout high school baseball player from South Brunswick, with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. Jenkins, an 18-year-old center fielder, has impressed scouts with his swing and his size and speed on the field. He solidified his high school career with an impressive senior season, including an area-high 32 walks. Jenkins becomes the third player from the Wilmington area in the past six years to be chosen on the first day of the draft, following in the footsteps of Blake Walston and MacKenzie Gore.

Jenkins' high school career has been remarkable, even from the start. After sitting out his freshman season due to hip surgery, he excelled in swimming and quickly made an impact on the baseball field as a sophomore. By his junior year, Jenkins had caught the attention of scouts across the country with impressive stats and performance.

The Twins' decision to select Jenkins came after the top four players on their draft board were chosen by other teams. Despite speculation that the Twins may go for a college player with more experience, they went with Jenkins for his talent and power potential. Scouts compare him to a young Larry Walker and see him as an athletic right fielder with great hitting ability.

The Twins now have an opportunity to strengthen their farm system with three of the first 49 picks in the draft. Jenkins will join the organization and could challenge for the top prospect spot. The Twins have until July 25 to sign their draft picks.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a splash in the 2023 MLB Draft by selecting pitcher Paul Skenes from LSU with the first overall pick. Skenes, a 6-foot-6, 235-pound right-hander, had an impressive season with LSU, helping the team win a College World Series. He was the only NCAA Division I player to reach double figures in wins and home runs in 2022. He was also rated as the No. 1 prospect by MLB Pipeline and the No. 2 prospect by Baseball America.

Skenes had an outstanding season at LSU, going 13-2 with five shutouts, two complete games, and a 1.69 ERA. He set an SEC-record with 209 strikeouts and held opponents to a .165 batting average. The Pirates are thrilled to have added such a talented player to their organization.

In addition to the Pirates' selection, the Chicago White Sox also made a notable pick in the draft, selecting shortstop Jacob Gonzalez from Ole Miss with the 15th overall pick. Gonzalez brings power, plate discipline, and defensive skills to the White Sox organization. Despite some mixed reviews about his 2023 season, he was still regarded as a valuable pick for the team.

The 2023 MLB Draft is still ongoing, with Rounds 3-10 taking place on Monday. The draft will conclude on Tuesday with Rounds 11-20. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest draft picks and analysis.

The Detroit Tigers made a surprising pick in the 2023 MLB draft, selecting high school outfielder Max Clark with the No. 3 overall pick. Clark, from Franklin Community High School in Indiana, is considered one of the top prep players in his class.

While many expected the Tigers to choose one of the elite college bats available, the team went with Clark, who has been a standout on the high school baseball scene. He was named the 2023 Gatorade National Baseball Player of the Year and has been praised for his pure hit tool, bat-to-ball data, and defensive abilities in center field.

Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris believes that Clark is an elite talent and a five-tool player. The Tigers passed on Florida outfielder Wyatt Langford to select Clark, a move that may lengthen the team's rebuild but could pay off in the long run.

Clark, 18, had an outstanding senior season, hitting .646 with 20 extra-base hits in 28 games. He is a left-handed hitter with above-average defensive skills, top-tier speed, and an impressive arm.

While there is always some uncertainty with high school draft picks, Clark has the potential to become a face of the next generation. He plays an exciting style of baseball and already has a large following on social media.

Only time will tell if the Tigers made the right decision with Max Clark, but his talent and potential suggest that he could be a game-changer for the team in the future.

Wyatt Langford, a star baseball player from Trenton, Florida, is expected to be one of the top picks in the upcoming MLB Draft. Langford, known for his exceptional work ethic, values, and impressive statistics, has garnered attention from scouts and teams across the league. His .394 batting average, 114 runs batted in, and 13 home runs in his high school career have made him a standout prospect. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which cut short his senior season, Langford has continued to showcase his talent and dedication to the game.

Langford's strong character and humility have also played a role in his success. His high school coach, Scott Hall, has praised Langford for his poise, approach, and treatment of others. These qualities, along with his intelligence and interest in learning, have helped him become a well-rounded player. Langford's hometown of Trenton, located in Gilchrist County, Florida, has rallied behind him as he prepares to take the next step in his baseball career.

The MLB Draft, set to begin on Sunday, July 9, will determine the future of many talented prospects like Langford. Scouts and fans alike are eagerly awaiting to see where Langford will go in the draft. With his impressive skills, dedication, and character, it's no wonder that he is considered one of the top prospects in this year's draft class.

The Pittsburgh Pirates kicked off the 2023 MLB Draft by selecting LSU pitcher Paul Skenes as the No. 1 pick. Skenes is known for his imposing figure and upper-90s velocity, with a 48% strikeout rate against SEC hitters. However, there are concerns about his fastball shape and its minimal separation between induced vertical break and horizontal break, which could affect his performance.

The draft, which is being held in Seattle during the MLB All-Star break, will continue for three days, spanning 20 rounds. CBS Sports is tracking every selection in every round, including analysis of every first-round choice.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets will have their first-round picks pushed back due to clearing competitive-balance tax thresholds last year. The Mets' first pick will be No. 32, while the Dodgers' first pick will be No. 36.

In other draft news, the Cleveland Guardians selected high school catcher Ralphy Velazquez from Huntington Beach High in California with the No. 23 overall pick. Velazquez is known for his power at the plate and could potentially find a spot in the middle of a major league lineup. The Guardians have returned to their strategy of selecting top high school talent in the first round after focusing on college players in the past two drafts. Velazquez has drawn comparisons to Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber for his lack of defensive tools behind the plate but strong presence in the batter's box.

Overall, the 2023 MLB Draft promises to be an exciting event with top prospects being chosen by their respective teams.

In a history-making fixture, the Ford Football Ferns are set to take on Vietnam in their last public game before the Women's World Cup kicks off. The Ferns have never played Vietnam before, and with the match being held in Napier, they are playing in a new location as well. This game will provide an opportunity for head coach Jitka Klimkova to test her strongest starting XI before the Ferns' World Cup opener against Norway.

One key player to watch out for is newly named co-captain Ria Percival, who is expected to make her first appearance for the Ferns in over a year after recovering from a serious knee injury. The midfield is also a point of interest, as Klimkova has several options to choose from, including Annalie Longo and Betsy Hassett. Up front, the Ferns have a wealth of talent to choose from, including Liv Chance, Grace Jale, and Hannah Wilkinson.

Vietnam, on the other hand, is facing a tough challenge in their World Cup debut. They have been drawn into a group with reigning champions the United States, runners-up the Netherlands, and an up-and-coming Portugal team. However, Vietnam has shown spirit and organization in their preparations, and manager Mai Duc Chung has set them up to fight hard against the big teams. They recently played admirably in a 2-1 loss to Germany and have established themselves as the best team in Southeast Asia.

Both teams will be looking to gain confidence and momentum ahead of the World Cup. Will the Ford Football Ferns be able to put on a good performance and show that they are ready for the challenge? And can Vietnam continue to defy expectations and make an impact in their debut tournament? Only time will tell.

The US men's national team (USMNT) faces a tough challenge as they take on Canada in the Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinals on Sunday. Although the USMNT defeated Canada 2-0 in their last matchup, they are well aware of the threat posed by a refreshed Canadian squad. With only goalkeeper Matt Turner remaining from the starting lineup in their previous encounter, the USMNT will rely on new faces who have excelled in the group stage.

Canada secured their place in the knockout round with a 4-2 victory over Cuba, and head coach John Herdman made several roster changes for the Gold Cup. Despite their alterations, Canada still boasts experienced players such as Jonathan Osorio, Junior Hoilett, Lucas Cavallini, Richie Laryea, and Steven Vitoria.

The recent head-to-head record between the two teams stands at 2-1-3 in favor of Canada. However, the USMNT is not underestimating their opponents. Goalkeeper Matt Turner emphasized the need for a great effort to achieve the desired result, while midfielder Djordje Mihailovic highlighted the team's focus on their own performance rather than the significance of the rivalry.

The USMNT has been in dominant form in the Gold Cup, recording a 12-0 aggregate score in their last two matches against Saint Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad & Tobago.

Can the USMNT maintain their momentum and overcome a resurgent Canada to advance to the semifinals of the Concacaf Gold Cup?

The NBA Summer League, also known as the Las Vegas Summer League, is set to kick off on July 7th and will feature top prospects and young talent from all 30 teams. This annual event provides players with an opportunity to showcase their skills and compete for a spot on the NBA roster.

The games will be held at the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus. With 76 games spread over 11 days, basketball enthusiasts are in for a treat.

The schedule for the Summer League has been released, with games being televised on various ESPN channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and NBA TV. Viewers in the U.S. can also stream the games on platforms such as the ESPN app, fuboTV, Sling TV, YouTube TV, NBA League Pass, or the NBA app.

The format for the Summer League follows a standard NBA game structure, with four 10-minute quarters. Each team will have only two timeouts per half, and players will be fouled out after committing 10 fouls.

The Summer League not only provides a platform for top picks like Victor Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson, and Brandon Miller to make a strong impression but also allows lesser-known players to showcase their skills and potentially earn a spot on an NBA roster.

So mark your calendars and get ready for some exciting basketball action at the NBA Summer League 2023!