magic ocean slot machine

Love to Sing Choir Christmasmagic ocean slot machine 。

AP Business SummaryBrief at 1:03 p.m. ESTWelcome to the Thanksgiving week Cardinals chat here at StlToday.com . There undoubtedly will be the usual maelstrom of fascinating questions, biting criticism, and incisive challenges from readers, but in keeping with the spirit of the week don't be afraid to sprinkle in something you're thankful. I'll start. I'm thankful for a fan base ravenous for baseball conversation year round and one that is both respectful of the history of baseball in St. Louis and demanding because of that history. That's powerful blend, and it makes covering a club like the Cardinals in a city and region like St. Louis a great opportunity for a baseball fan and baseball writer like me. Aren't you already thankful I avoided Thanksgiving imagery in the above paragraph? I cannot promise that will last. Enough prelude. Let's get to the stuffing of this Cardinals chat. As always, a real-time transcript of the chat will be available below the chat window. You'll be able to read questions and answers just as you any article here at StlToday.com on your mobile, your desktop, or your tablet. Questions are not edited for spelling or grammar. They are ignored for vulgarities and threats. Onward! Bake21: Hey Derek. Most teams play their weakest defender in LF. The Cardinals have theirs in RF. Has there been any talk of moving Walker to LF. DG: There have been questions about it -- from reporters like me. Often. Much to their chagrin. The answer has always been that Jordan Walker is more comfortable in right field. During a recent podcast with baseball writer Dayn Perry, I brought up another reason why the Cardinals have had him focus on right field. Let me offer you some statistics. There were 11 outfielders with at least 1,000 innings in center, and they averaged 348 putouts. There were nine LF with at least 1,000 innings there, and they averaged 251 putouts. There were six RF with at least 1,000 innings there, and they averaged 252. And that is a lot closer than helps my illustration. But look deeper -- 10 center fielders had at least 300 putouts, two left fielders, and zero right fielders. The Cardinals had more putouts in RF than LF this past season, but overall the thinking is there are fewer baseballs hit to RF, fewer plays in RF, and that that would be a contributing reason for having a novice outfielder play out there. One more thing: Jordan Walker has an excellent arm. When he played third base, scouts thought his arm was an asset there and compensated for other elements of his fielding. He has a strong arm that can be beneficial in right field. That too is a factor -- it's a spot where one of his skills can still stand out. Millo Miller: Derrick, since Nolan Arenado has not demanded a trade as of now, but has given the Cardinals the ok to explore the market, would it be in the Cardinals best interest to keep him until the trade deadline next year? I know the contract might make this hard to do. Your thoughts? DG: Sure seems like that would not the best route here. Not for the complexity of his contact. Not for the offer. And not to do the best thing for Arenado. How much you want the Cardinals to weigh in what's best for Arenado here can be debated, but they will take that into account as they have for players in the past. And why not give him a chance to start the season with a team, in a good spot to contend, and set up his family there and all of that ... Keep in mind, too, at the trade deadline -- what happens if you bank on that but there's no place appealing in his opinion? RedbirdFarmhands: Hey Derrick do you think Boston could be a legit landing spot for Arenado DG: There are reports that they plan to move Devers to first base to make room for Alex Bregman. Seems like that would also apply. I do not know if that's a landing spot that Arenado would approve. It would be a team that would take more time to figure out a trade because Boston is pursuing many free agents first. Bboy Bird: DG, The Cardinals OF depth chart is heavily LH. Do you expect them to make a minor free-agent signing for an RH OF, perhaps a complement to Siani in CF? Thanks! DG: That is definitely on their mind and could be a move later in the winter, or even during spring, more for their bench. They also see Jordan Walker as that RH OF, of course. Let me quickly add: There is nothing wrong with having a lot of left-handed hitters. A lineup with left-handed production time and time and time again is better, deeper lineup as a result, and a left-handed presence (or few) sure seems essential to October success when you look at teams that do well in the playoffs. Bake21: Regarding Walker in RF, that's a good point about the putouts. And I do think Walker is athletic enough and has a good arm. The issue is he terrible out there. He doesn't appear to track balls well at all. And if you're going to misplace a ball in LF it might only be one base, if you misplace a ball in RF it's more than likely two bases. DG: Entirely fair, and that has been part of the questions for the Cardinals. When you think about how poor the defense was early in 2023, it was because of the outfield -- where misplays didn't cost 90 feet, they cost 180 feet. Darrell M: Good morning Mr. Goold. I have very much enjoyed your Cardinals coverage over the years and would like to say thank you for all of your work. DG: Thank you, Darrell. Much appreciated. Duffy in CT: Mark Feinsand today wrote "Ryan Helsley is likely to be traded". Does he know something we do not know or is he speculating? DG: That probably is a better question for him than for a chat here, because I'll just repeat to you our reporting on the subject. That seems like the best thing for me to do, no? But here's the deal. Mark Feinsand, an executive writer for MLB-dot-com, has a baseball card in the recently released Allen & Ginter set from Topps. I was thrilled to recently get an autographed card sent to me. I've added it to my collection . Mark has been a friend for a long time and I'm thrilled he's joined our group of wax-pack writers. He referenced the Cardinals "likely" trading Ryan Helsley as part of a piece tying one free agent to every team. Already he had a difficult task -- linking the Cardinals, who have publicly stated they won't do much shopping this winter, to that exact thing. And then adding to that difficult -- his description was picked up without context by another outlet. A bold headline was slapped on it. And here we are again. It's going to be a long winter of this, and I feel the frustration readers must have. Truly. And if you have any suggestions on how to combat that and helped readers, I'm eager to do so. Mark made his description very clear. Just as I will mine. I've spoken to multiple sources aware of the Cardinals conversations or directly involved in those conversations, and one walked away feeling the Cardinals are leaning toward keeping Helsley. Two others told me that the Cardinals are adopting that stance so that they will only trade him if overwhelmed by an offer. There are teams calling the Cardinals making their bid for Helsley. So they'll have choices to sort through. Duffy in CT: Giovanni to the Dodgers. Surprised? DG: No. Michael: Can you share any details about the upcoming writers' dinner in January? DG: Absolutely. Thanks for asking. It is set for Jan. 19 here in St. Louis at the Missouri Athletic Club downtown. Tickets go on sale Friday, and there will be news of who will be honored and other plans as Friday approaches. Here's a hint: Ryan Helsley will receive one of the headline awards, and our hope is to have a surprise and fitting guest there to present him with it. Ken: Hi Derrick! Can you help me understand what’s happening with Nolan ? ( This reminds me of that song by the Clash ).Does he want to leave ? Does he want to stay ? DG: All those questions are fair, Ken. And the answers are direct -- because it will depend on the offers the Cardinals get. Keep in mind that Arenado has not formally requested a trade, per multiple sources. Wrote a whole reported, tightly sourced story about that -- and it's bit of shared history with what happened 2007 -- this past week. Best for me to guide you to that story then to rewrite all of the answers in it here. Millo Miller: Derrick, were you surprised the Rays non-tendered D. Carlson? I feel sorry for the kid. He's young but just can't stay healthy and get on track. DG: I was. Longtime chatters will know what I've written about Dylan Carlson's talent, ceiling, or however you want to phrase it. A switch-hitter with a good feel for the strike zone -- and capable of playing all three spots in the outfield. Sure seems like he needs a team that unlocks his offense and gives him the playing time to make it happen. He'll have suitors eager to do that. Sam: Hi Derrick, happy thanksgiving! Do you have a sense of what kind of return the team is targeting with a potential trade of Helsley? High upside low level prospects? Near MLB players? Players currently on the other teams 26 man? similar question for Nado: how much money will the team kick in for a trade to get back a quality return instead of pure salary relief? Thanks! DG: Great question, and the answer is that it will depend on the team on the other side of the conversation. The Cardinals can toggle between those two asks because a guiding goal for them in any of these conversations is stocking the prospect depth chart. That's what they want to do. And they want to do that at a variety of levels, if possible -- both prospects at the lower levels with higher ceilings and prospects on the brink of the majors with higher floors and clear routes to contribute. "Collecting depth" or "collecting talent" are the phrases used by the Cardinals' front office. In these deals, it's likely they try to accumulate several players who fit each of the descriptions: predictably close to the majors, high upside but young and farther away, and pitching. As for Arenado. There is $74 million remaining on his contract, and some of that money will be covered by the Rockies (who owe payments for 2025 and 2026). The Cardinals are on the hook for all of his 2027 salary, which was a year they added during the conversations to make the trade. That year is $15 million, and if past precedent means anything interested teams are going to point out that the Cardinals added that so the should pay it. The Cardinals feel -- and they're not alone in this, based on conversations I've had with non-Cardinals folks -- that Arenado's deal has value that will be clear when some of the free agents sign. And it's a shorter commitment. Cardinals are not looking for pure salary relief. They're looking for the right fit for them and if it's an agreeable fit for Arenado, too. MS Bird Brain: One reason I've remained a long time Cardinal fan is that they value the team culture as a factor along with the business side. No it doesn't trump business, but it is a big factor that keeps me as a fan. Nolan Arenado has turned down millions of dollars because he wanted to stay in St. Louis. As far as we know he has not asked to be traded. As a fan, if they trade him, they better improve the on the field team enough to show that the culture factor was included. If it's just about money, I will be deeply ashamed of them. DG: This obviously has been a topic of conversation for me with lots of people in the past few weeks, and I can write again what I've attempted to convey. From the article above: "(New 'clarity' on their finances) allows them to explore deals that gives the club a favorable return and the veteran player a favorable destination to win, if possible." Bob the Subscriber: Without revealing your ballot, what're your thoughts on the HoF ballot this year? DG: I just got it in the mail. Haven't had a chance to five into the usual research I do. There are some holdovers that I've voted for in past years, so I'll start with them, and see how much room I have, and then re-rank them all to see who fits in the 10 spots. Here is one sure thing: I will eagerly rush to put an X beside Ichiro Suzuki. Cannot wait be one of the voters who pave his way into Cooperstown. Mike: Good morning! We know that the cardinals want to go younger, do you see them trying to ADD any younger major league talent on the pitching side this offseason or at the trade deadline? DG: Oh, absolutely. That is always a good goal for any team -- but, yes, it's an area where the Cardinals can, will focus, need to focus. However you want to phrase it. Building pitching depth is an area of focus for them -- and that's not just acquiring players (it's a big part of it), but it's also about building the support staff, facilities, and so on to improve development, too. Bob the Subscriber: Gotcha, thnaks. So should we expect an Arenado trade (if it happens at all) to occur later in the off-season? DG: At last check, the Cardinals expect the pace of the market to pick up at the winter meetings -- or going into the winter meetings. That is, of course, echoed by the reporters about the Soto courtship. Given that Bregman is available to teams interested in adding a 3B, and given that a few of the teams with an eye on Bregman first have to figure out where Soto signs ... you can see how all of these conversations are linked and where the Cardinals may have to wait for movement elsewhere to get the best offer they can take to Arenado. November Rain: Would the Cardinals consider trading Gorman or Walker if blown away by an offer? DG: Yes. Cards Fan 1941: Derek, I look forward to your column and podcasts. You recently mentioned a hitters machine that can be programmed for a particular pitcher, At $800k, that is a big investment. Do the Cardinals seem interested? DG: They have two of them. They have one at Busch Stadium that the big-leaguers use, and they have one in Jupiter, at the complex down there. Initially in the podcast, when I was asked if the Cardinals had a Trajekt machine, I said no. I was wrong. I did ask about it during the season, and may have misunderstood the answer or asked the wrong person. That's on me to figure out, and I'm being candid with you here. I subsequently learned that they had two. And I've updated and corrected the podcast to reflect that. Chris: Which team could be the 2025 version of the Royals leveraging what I expect will be a heavy buyers market in the free agent pool given all the revenue issues? DG: Detroit Tigers. Bob the Subscriber: I understand that Sasaki is unlikely to sign here. But is the team going to make a pitch to him? DG: They usually do, yeah. Just to make sure they don't wonder. They want to be told no. That's pretty standard for the Cardinals and other teams. If you don't try, you don't know for sure. You want to hear the no. CJ: There seem to be a lot more online "news" outlets nowadays that pump out clickbait headlines that read "cards pursuing x or y superstar" with no sources cited. As a legitimate reporter yourself, how does that impact the work that you do and is there anything you or the PD can do to stop it or raise awareness to fans? DG: What we've seen elsewhere is aggregation devours the reporters providing the info for aggregation. The Post-Dispatch invests heavily in coverage of the Cardinals and Blues and Mizzou, and does so with dedicated reporters and clear standards of practice. And that needs the support of subscribers. It's an issue if that reporter or reporting is skimmed or misrepresented -- and I hope that readers, like you, recognize it and seek out the media outlets that invest the coverage and offer you clear and concise attribution and accountability. I get that rumors and speculation are entertaining, but more and more and more we're seeing speculation become what fans remember, not the hard, tangible reported facts. There is a lot of coverage out there coming from sites that are taking from reporters on site, from outlets that pay to have professionals in place to cover the team, and the Post-Dispatch is not alone in that when it comes to the Cardinals. What happens if readers don't value the difference ... We can all see where that leads, because we've already seen media outlets close or change, from august publications like Sports Illustrated to newspapers throughout the country. Raising awareness, as you say, is key. I'm trying to do that. Doesn't always play well on Xwitter, of course. But I'll keep trying. Thanks for the compliment. chico: Happy Thanksgiving,DG,you're the reason that I subscribe to the Post. Just one question:What does a special assistant to the President do? Then,what does the Assistant GM do then? I'm confused. DG: Thank you for subscribing. This is a great question, and a lot of it has to do with what you'd call an organizational flow chart. For a team that has a president of baseball operations -- president puts that person on the same level as president of business operations -- there is usually a vice president or senior vice president who is the GM. Most folks just know his/her title as GM, not the VP part. But the VP part puts them in the organizational chart, right? Assistant GMs would then be one tier below, and increasingly they oversee specific silos of baseball ops -- draft, minors, analytics, etc. Starting to see the tree? I'm sure there are examples in other industries. In newspapers, it's executive editor, section editors, deputy editors, and then on into the writers from senior writers to lead writers to columnists, etc. Now an assistant or special assistant to the GM is one who reports to the GM, and same for the assistant or special assistant to the President. That usually is someone who contributes to all facets of the organization without running one specific one. An example would be when Alan Benes was a special assistant and did scouting, or when Chaim Bloom had a similar title and spent the past year auditing the minor-league system. Special assistant is a broader title that can lead to broader responsibilities. Hope that helps. Ron: When will we hear more on coach hiring and farm director DG: It was supposed to be soon. Likely next week, unless it's before Wednesday. A check last week was that it's still near-term. They want to put together a sizeable amount of the staff and then announce. They were still doing some offers/interviews. Chris: I was surprised to read in your past chats or a report, I forget, that the Cardinals are still thinking of trying Liberatore as a starter. He was so effective in the bullpen and could grow into the next closer. Why not commit him to that path given his past struggles in the rotation? DG: Mostly because a left-handed starter is so valuable to teams and the Cardinals (and others) see Liberatore's upside as a starter, even if his immediate role for the Cardinals is relief. They don't want to limit his potential. They've seen how that goes, too. Recently. ud: Brendan Rodgers non tendered in Colorado. He looks like s pretty useful second baseman. Why would they let him go? I don't see us going after him but he'd be an upgrade at that position. DG: Cost. He was about to get a third crack at arbitration and see a raise. The Rockies made the determination that his production for them was not likely to be worth the cost to them. And they did try to trade him and shopped him around before making the move. Teams were reluctant to part with much because they could read the Rockies' intentions and why not just wait for him to become a free agent and not tied to the arbitration process. His salary set by the market, not the argument. Also: Pretty telling that Rockies go from that choice to signing Kyle Farmer. Davel: Hi Derrick and thanks to you along with the rest of the P-D baseball writers for great reporting. What are you hearing about the chances of Ken Boyer finally getting elected to the HOF? DG: That discussion, that vote is going to happen pretty soon -- right on the eve of the winter meetings. I do not yet know if Boyer will have a strong advocate in the room. That is usually what it takes. He has a strong case, of course, and just needs a strong advocate to make it in the room. Looking at the list of other candidates, sure does appear it's going to be a difficult bid to get 75% of the voters. The other names on the Classic Era ballot: Dave Parker, Tommy John, Dick Allen, John Donaldson, Steve Garvey, Vic Harris, and Luis Tiant. Parker has a strong case, and so does former Cardinal Dick Allen and there's a lot of growing support for Tommy John. It's going to be in the room where it happens. Matt S: Are the Cardinals looking to clear a path for Mcgreevy by trading one of Mikolas or Matz? DG: They are exploring those talks, yes, and not just for the purpose of clearing a way for McGreevy. They see there already is a path for him to start. There are teams at least intrigued by Matz. We'll see if that manifests into offers. Mike: I have been a little suprised over the past several years not to see the Cardinals more active in the Japanese player market, or exciting international players in general, is that something you see changing with Bloom? DG: They have certainly tried. They positioned themselves to make several offers over the past few years, and just have been outbid. They hired a full-time scout in Japan who had strong relationships with the reps there and familiarity with the teams. Matt Slater has spent years developing and advocating for relationships and scouting there in Japan. They've signed a handful of players from there, some of them are U.S. players who went abroad only to return and sign with the Cardinals. There is also Won-Bin Cho from Korea, and he's one of the Cardinals top prospects and their first amateur signed of Asia. Chen-Wei Lin is also a top prospect for the Cardinals and could zoom up the rankings in 2025. He was signed out of Taipei for $500,000, and at 6-7 he sports a 97 mph fastball. So, on the horizon, there are players coming from that activity. JolietDave: I bought opening day tickets last Wednesday as a “so called” VIP. I am closer to the field and at lower cost than the past few years.,Seems the lower attendance last year has made the message of unhappy fans clear? DG: Ownership has said as much, yep. And actions suggest that too Jim from DeBary FL: Didn't Matt Slater leave the organization? Will that have a negative impact on their Asian relationships? Who will be taking his place. DG: He did leave the organization, yes. He was an advocate for the talent in Asia. How this sorts out will be clear as Bloom puts his group together. Assistant general manager Moises Rodriguez continues to be heavily involved in overseeing the international amateur scouting. Travis W: I am thankful that there will be a direct-to-customer option to watch the Cardinals in St. Louis next year. Despite the product on the field possibly being worse next year, I'll easily watch 3x as many games now DG: Every scenario with the broadcast situation will ultimately be better for fans. It may not be immediate and it will come at a cost, but it access will be better. That's where this is headed. Ron the usher: Happy Thanksgiving to all at the O-D. On those days when rain bad weather is threatening, what is the decision-making process on whether or not to play, and who makes these decisions? DG: Major League Baseball and the clubs make that decision with MLB more involved than ever over the past few years on whether a game is ppd or played. And coming out of 2020, MLB and the clubs have sought to be more proactive with those calls, sometimes making them a day in advance or in the morning before a night game. Once a ballpark is open, however, MLB and the clubs will try to have that game played, and if it's the final meeting between the teams it could be a long night of trying to make that happen. Twister18: Miles Mikolas in a high leverage relief role next year, crazy or crazy smart? He can get his fastball into the upper 90's and has good secondary pitches. DG: Would have to strike out more batters for that to make sense, given the modern makeup of bullpens and leverage spots. Missing bats is what teams want. Missing bats is repeatedly what the Cardinals say they seek for those roles. RedbirdFarmhands: hey derrick do they have an order of who they may want to trade first. Is Arenado first priority then Helsley or is there not a a certian order they priotirite DG: They do not. They can a) multitask and b) aim for the best offer when they think they can get it because they've shed salary to a point where it doesn't have to be a trade driven by dropping costs. Ryan: What I struggle with to connect the dots is how/why the Cards FO thinks that they’ll be able to compete in the NL next year and why a player like Arenado or Gray thinks they can. I mean, they just don’t have the starting pitching. Gray sure. Pallante as a #4 you bet. But posturing Fedde, Mikolas and Matz as #’s 2, 3 & 5 you just can’t win 90+ with that. Maybe McGreevy pulls a Wacha or Buehler rookie year. But that’s asking a lot. Unfortunately they don’t have the staff. And what else is close as SP’s are 4’s&5’s that will be on inning limits. Guess we should buckle up for 5 1/3 of 5.25 ERA ball from Lizard King. DG: They do play in the NL Central, still. Jim: Do you have any sense of what level the Cards would like to start Wetherholt at the beginning of the season? Do you think he gets an invite (even if its a cup of coffee to get aclimated) to spring training? DG: It does seem likely that he'll get an invite to spring training -- or at least make an appearance at some point during spring training with the big-league club. So, if not invited for the start of it, you'll see him in Grapefruit League games (maybe even a start?) at some point during spring. As far as what level he'll start at? With a new farm director coming in and new leadership for the development, I don't have past practice to base an answer on, and I'm eager to get a chance to talk with them about their philosophy. The Cardinals liked to advance a player during the season, so might start him at High-A and then plan on midseason to Double-A. The new group might have a new approach and see where his spring takes him or seek to challenge him with an aggressive promotion. The internal view is that he's an advanced hitter -- one that fits the description of reaching Class AA at some point in 2025 and could be one of the reps for the Cardinals in the Arizona Fall League a year from now. Taguchi99: Hi Derrick, it feels like the Cardinals are pleasantly surprised that they've already cut payroll to the point where they no longer NEED to trade to cut salary. But all the decisions to this point have been entirely in their control (FA, options, etc.) Does this attitude have more to do with the outcome of the TV deal? Seems like the cuts may not be as deep as we've braced for? DG: It is entirely the TV deal and getting certainty there. When the offseason started they were looking at all sorts of possibilities -- Diamond Sports Group liquidizing and deals vanishing along with that revenue; a steep cut in broadcast rights as they jumped to MLB Media, as the Reds are faced with; or some cut from their expected deal that would at least be more revenue than either of the previous two scenarios. They got that done at a cut of 23%. At one point they were workshopping what would happen with a 40% cut or worse. So, it is entirely getting that deal done and knowing what it looks like for 2025. Aaron Knopf: Thanks for the book recommendation of “How High We Go in the Dark” in your recent podcast with Dayn Perry. I wasn’t familiar with the title or the author, but it’s a great read so far. Maybe you could add a regular “what I’m reading” segment to the BPIB. DG: I would like to start a Best Book Club in Baseball. Is there any St. Louis store interested? Drop me a line. Bryan C: Is there any exciting news from the Cardinals you can share to make us less boarded so far this off season? I hope you and your family has a Happy Thanksgiving. DG: The sleeve logo from City Connect jerseys that features the arch and fleur-de-lis with the STL initials is under consideration for a more prominent spot in the Cardinals' look for 2025. It could be on one of the team's official hats, which would mean it pops up in spring or batting practice. That's probably exciting for the uniform devotees. Mike: I don't know if you can write in candidates for the HOF ballot, but if you only end up with 9 (or less) selections on your ballot, I'd hope you'd write in Dale Murphy. A travesty (like Boyer) that he isn't in the Hall yet. And a further travesty that he wasn't on the Classic Era Ballot this year...but, alas, we have Steve Garvey on there. He of 38 career WAR. DG: Write-in candidates are not permitted. There is no line for it, and there is no way to do that. The ballot is likely to be thrown out. If write-in candidates were allowed, you can bet there would have been many writers from decades ago who wrote in Pete Rose. That didn't happen. Murphy is a strong candidate for look from one of the eras committees, and here's hoping he gets it. He's never appeared on a ballot that I received. MS Bird Brain: I've seen some '24 WAR estimates for free agent SPs now on the market. With the intangibles he brought, in almost any revenue scenerio it was simply a bad business decision to let go of Gibson. They won't be able to replace those wins and innings for the value they already had. DG: I did try to point that out as the decision approached. It would be a telling move. It was. MS Bird Brain: Charley Hustle a lock this year? DG: He is not up for consideration because he's on the permanently ineligible list. Cardinals make the signing of Jose Barrero official . It's a minor-league deal with invite to spring. larry harnly: Larry harnly is there a chance mo will try to sign kittredge. he could be the closer if helsley is traded. i am thankful for these chats and your podcasts. DG: As of right now, the Cardinals do not plan to make a bid for Kittredge's return, and he expects to sign elsewhere. Mike: This is more of an opinion question, but if you could pick a player to exceed expectations next year, who would it be? DG: Given the expectations for the Cardinals that I see in these comments and questions and my email inbox, it sure seems like I could pick anyone and likely be right. Expectations are pretty low it seems. So, finding the resonant answer here is tricky. I'll try. Paul Goldschmidt. Mike: If you'll indulge me, let's talk a bit about Pete Rose. Like you, I'm a "put them in with transgressions on the plaque" type of guy. I hear on the interwebs and with friends the argument that, "Pete knew he couldn't get into the Hall when he accepted his punishment". However, this is factually untrue. He accepted his ban from baseball in 1989. However, the Hall didn't change the rules until 1991 -- in direct response to Pete Rose then being eligible for the ballot for the first time. Would he have made a different decision -- or specifically sought to remain eligible in his settlement with MLB -- if the rules had been in place in 1989? DG: That is a fair question -- but not to ask me. I don't know, nor do I have much background talking with Rose to crawl inside his thoughts and give you any kind of answer at all. Your best bet? Probably to see if someone actually asked him that question. There have been many great articles about him and his view of things, especially from writers there in Cincinnati for the Cincinnati Enquirer and The Athletic. I have not yet seen the documentary. It's on my list to watch this offseason so I can see how well C. Trent Rosecrans does in it. So if Rose touches on this topic in it -- I'll find out then. I won't even try to guess his thoughts. Craig: I love that. Now I wish they would add more players names on these City Connect jerseys. Masyn Winn for example. My 10 year old son really wants one. They are missing a real marketing opportunity, and revenue! DG: Yes, Cardinals need more Winn merch in general at the ballpark from what I hear. mikemk: Do you see boras throwing a wrench into the post season by holding out on his FAs untill spring training again? DG: Some of his clients may not sign until spring training. That's always likely -- not just with him, but with this market. As far as the headliners? The general sense from many in the game is that the winter meetings are going to be a bonanza of Boras. Brace yourself. Darron: It seems like Alec Burleson is one of the best young hitters on the roster, but most of the talk is centered around him being a platoon bat vs. right handers. Do the Cardinals feel that he has reached his ceiling? It seems like "letting the kids play" could include an opportunity for Burley to figure it out vs. lefties. (Although I'll admit his .514 OPS last year vs. lefties is pretty rough) DG: The Cardinals do not feel that he's reached his ceiling. You've done a classic job of answering your own question. I'll only note that the platoon talk with Burleson was about 1B/DH and was not like a strict platoon, just a description of how he and Contreras could appear at the same positions and be in the same lineup. SE Steve: Derrick, greetings from SE Colorado. You think Rockies want Noland back? I bet Dick would pay another $50 million and toss in Doyle and couple 1st rounders (hehehe). DG: Some teams rebuild. The Cardinals reset. The Rockies just seem stuck on repeat. Ken: Derrick if they move Miles and Matz . Who will take their place ? That leave two starters DG: McGreevy will take one spot. Maybe Liberatore takes another. Or the Cardinals continue to say they might circle back to Kyle Gibson about returning. That is a possibility, too. Matt S: Once the Cardinals decide who they plan on trading or keeping, is there any chance they sign players on one year deals looking for a prove it deal? Then, they could trade that player at the deadline. DG: Yes, there is. They are doing some of that with the minor moves, and they'll look at some of those moves for big-leaguers, too. Don't expect to be wowed by the moves. But they'll look for such additions, yes. pugger: I'm curious what 'your' thoughts are in terms of keep/trade Helsley... Isn't it logical to take a 30 y/o reliever, coming off a great year, but also has had multiple injuries, on a team that is in a stated 'retool' to trade that player and try to obtain a solid building block for the long haul?? I don't see the logic in keeping a player like that.. It would be different if he were a rotation centerpiece, or a solid everyday hitter.. Closers change literally during the year. Like Luke Weaver of the Yankees... Cardinals need long term assetts, as they are building for the long term... DG: I don't know why you put 'your' in quotes. Have we entered an era of the chat where I need to say at the start that AI is not writing these answers? If it sounds like AI is writing these answers, then blame the writer, not question his 'humanity.' Closing is a volatile business, and you outline the situation well. Trading a closer at the highest value makes sense for a team that is pivoting into a 'reset,' and that's what they're calling it so it's why you see it in quotes. Any way, trying to maximize the return is a good strategy, and that is where the Cardinals would be Helsley. It's a similar spot that the Yankees were in with Chapman or Miller, and in 2016 at the deadline they flipped both of those elite relievers into talent at the trade deadline. Which is part of the calculus here. The Cardinals have to determine if they might get more for him at the deadline, and if the risk of keeping him and risk of injury is worth the potential payoff. There is also another factor here, and it's one that you should keep in mind. Helsley is arbitration eligible. That means that he and the Cardinals have until early January to agree on a salary or they will swap figures. The Cardinals are file-and-trial. If they swap figures, they'll go to the arbiter. As you know arbitrations hearings can get feisty. Some players come out of them frustrated, irritated, etc. Tyler O'Neill said he could not sleep heading toward his. Helsley said he was irked by some of the things the Cardinals rep said about his performance in the hearing. Stay with me here. There's a payoff. If you're a team interested in Helsley, then you trade for him now with the intent to sign him before that hearing -- because why would you want his first experience with a new team to be a confrontation in arbitration. Or, just let the Cardinals do that. Have the hearing. Set his salary. Then make the trade and be the new team that brought him to a better spot. You want to know if/when/how they might trade Helsley, consider the arbitration schedule. I know it's not sexy and thrilling and its not generating fun, crazy, wild rumors of his trade now. But, hey, it's pragmatic. Wouldn't you wait if you were an interested team? marpdagn: Hey Derrick. Any chance we see a hit and run once in a while next year? Maybe a stolen base or two? I long for the days of Whiteyball. DG: Yes, you will see both of those things. Probably several times. Likely even in the same game. Brad: There's a hot new St Louis band called The Band Feel. Opened for ZZ Top recently. Check'em out, Derrick. DG: Thanks for the heads up. Also need a new theme song for the podcast. Got to find a band interested in doing that ... SE Steve: Derrick, do you get the sense we are riding out this year until Bloom takes over POBO. Cards have the TV deal, so why not be active in free agency. It just feels weird this offseason. DG: Who else is active in free agency other than the Angels? The Cardinals have explained why they're not going after the headliners. You are welcome to disagree. The TV was a major part, but not the only part of that decision. SE Steve: Derrick, what is going to happen with Tampa Bay? Seems like the area can not settle on a new stadium. Seems like that team is begging to move now. DG: I don't know. I suggest you check out of the coverage from Marc Topkin at the Tampa Bay Times. He's got all the details and is a superb baseball writer. Thomas: The diamondbacks are looking to shed Monty, and they need relievers. Odds we send Matz and Helsley and get Monty and a prospect in return? Could a bigger package that nets Jake McCarthy be had? DG: I don't see that scenario as likely at all. The Cardinals don't seem to be aching for a reunion with Montgomery. There are reports from Arizona outlets about the Diamondbacks are considering trading McCarthy. Cardinals seem more likely to streamline their outfield choices at this point, not add another one to the mix, as appealing as McCarthy might be. marpdagn: With the coming reset, do you see the Cards being active in the Rule 5 draft? DG: No more so than usual. They've often looked into the Rule 5 draft to take a specific type of player or a pitcher with a specific upside pitch. They'll do the same this year. Carbondale Mike: Lets say Cardinals trade Helsley and Arenado for near ready or ready prospects and dont trade for any known bat or starter making the rotation gray, fedde, pallante, and the 4th/5th a choice of mcgreevy, mathews, hence, liberatore... Do you think this team is a better rotation and lineup than past season if you were a betting man? DG: I am not a betting man. The lineup could be better. The rotation would have more questions -- and that could turn out well, but we've seen it more likely to leave the Cardinals gasping for innings when they need them to contend. SE Steve: maybe even a bunt DG: Don't get greedy. marpdagn: Agree with Pugger. Makes no sense to keep Helsley with their stated intent to reset. DG: Noted. marpdagn: Seems like the Cards are in a tough spot with Walker. If they keep him and let him play this year and he doesn't hit, his value craters more than it already has. Would they trade him now in a package for one of Seattle's young starters? DG: They aren't eager to trade Jordan Walker. They would listen if that's the conversation that the Mariners want to have. No indication Seattle is seeking that talk. alabama cards fan: Derrick, too bad you dont make commissions or bonus based on how many subscribers you are responsible for.....I bet more than anyone ! Does the rebuild make you more likely to look at other situations, or are you still happy in the Lou? DG: Ha. Thanks for the kind words. I like the framing of the question, too. The nest empty now, kid off to college. But I'm hoping to stay and see this thing through as long as The Lou will have me. Mark1082: Hey Derrick, thanks for the chat! Who do the Cardinals view as their catcher of the future? Herrera, Crooks, Bernal or even Pages? Or too soon to tell? I think that's a big question to answer don't you? DG: The answer is ... yes. They see one or two from that list as their catchers of the future, and they're thrilled to be in a position here they can let performance dictate that -- or what offers they get for those talents shape that choice. They have high expectations for Crooks, and they are really intrigued by what he could bring in the coming two years to the majors. He's also complement for either of the catchers already there. And I'm glad you brought up Bernal. Some see him as the best of the group you've listed. It is a big question for the Cardinals. They don't want to miss on the answer in the way they have with outfielders, and they don't want to miss on the chance to utilize this depth to make other deals. Honestly, this could be one of the first defining decisions for the Bloom front office. Brad: Hey Derrick, Happy Thanksgiving and always enjoy your chats. I'm all in on 'letting the kids play' and finally seeing what we have. My concern is that this regime won't go 'all in'. I'd love to see them go with VS2 in CF, commit a rotation spot to both Pallante and McGreevy and give the overwhelming majority of the C starts to Herrera. Do you think they'll go all in and really let the kids play? DG: The Cardinals' habit is to come just shy of all-in. You could argue Contreras at first base is an example of that. I have argued that past decisions with signing starting pitchers has been that. It does seem like they're going to at least hit 2 of the 3 things you'd like to see. Victor Scott II is going to get a chance to make that decision for the Cardinals with his play in spring training. CF is going to be a competitive spot for the Cardinals this spring, and it does not appear like it's going to be a duel just between Scott and Michael Siani. We'll see. Bob the Subscriber: What kind of off-season work are Walker and Gorman doing to get their bats back on track? thanks! DG: New hitting coach Brant Brown has been in contact with the hitters. Walker has been in Jupiter working there at the facility, and getting input from the Cardinals coaches. Gorman is in Arizona, where he's working at a facility there, and he has done so with a plan put together by the Cardinals and now added to by Brown. Jojo Disco: I know DeWitt III highlighted fan engagement as a focus for next year. I have an idea; they should create a new character as a Fredbird counterpart named Larry the Lame Duck, as a nod to the theme of this coming season and the many people/players in the organization in that situation . He could walk around the stadium with a bag full of old giveaways they had in storage and hand them out to fans. DG: This season is going to be a gas. Cards fan in Bama: Hi DG, happy thanksgiving week to you and the folks at the Post Dispatch ! i know we are all hungry for trade news regarding the home team, but wouldn't it be just as prudent to hang on to some of these guys in the rumor mills until the trade deadline next year ? i mean if they are playing .500 ball in July or a little above, that looks a whole lot different than 10 games under and out of the race. Maybe the FO has a little more clarity by then of the roster going forward and what they really need to target besides just more depth or redundancy ? DG: There is a definitely something to taking this approach, and I like how you positioned it about using the season like they describe -- to create playing time and see what develops. And then see where the needs are. That makes some sense. It does come with some risk -- because you have the chance for injury, the chance for the market to shift, any of that stuff come the trade deadline. You do hint at something that the Cardinals and others looking at the Cardinals are wondering: What if these moves -- similar to the moves the Brewers made a year ago -- reveal a better team? There is at least some conversation on how they could position themselves to add at the deadline. To do that they would have to also know what they had -- and they would through the production. Which is the best answer they could get. Capstone: Cards have in past oscillated between needing a left-handed bat to a right-handed bat. They simply need an OF bat that can consistently slug and hit 25+ HR/year over a sustained period AND play defense. Noot has tools but health and performance meant he has not done it; Burleson tailed off as league caught up. Cards CF'ers have been defense-first for a decade. Chase Davis is at least two years away, even if he progresses. Even if Nado stays, doesn't look like they have enough power; they don't have elite base-stealers; pitching is iffy. Not clear Cards have an identity. As a 60+ years fan, sure hope they engineer a better team. DG: Of all the things the Cardinals could acquire, somewhere on that list is identity. That 2022 certainly captured the imagination of fans with Albert Pujols' pursuit of 700. But did the team? I think it's been a real fascinating part of the past few years -- that the Cardinals haven't really seized the city with charisma. I don't know why that is. It cannot only be losing. It could be the staleness that we've discussed. But at the same time the Cardinals did add Nolan Arenado in that time, did have two MVP candidates at the same time, and neither were Albert Pujols, and so on. So, why haven't the Cardinals inspired that buzz? Identity would be a good addition. Not as impactful as a 30-homer outfielder from somewhere -- internally or externally -- but definitely important. Heck, maybe can get both of those things with the same person. Craig: Derrick, what do the Cardinals see as Gorman's primary reason for struggling last season? Is it mechanical, pitch selection, mental or some combination? I've always thought he has trouble keeping his head down/eye on the ball with the way his front foot is not aligned with his back foot and seems to pull his body (and head) towards right field. I'm no hitting guru obviously, but it seems really hard to hit that way. DG: Swing path, mostly. That would be fall into mechanics, but also touch on the other categories you mention. He had returned to a swing that the upward slant that just made it difficult for him to reach pitches at the top of the zone, and teams just seized on it. I spoke with a few scouts through the year about what they saw and how Gorman just made it difficult on himself with a swing path that left him vulnerable. The Cardinals coaches and Gorman worked on it, and that was part of the move back to the minors. The adjustment just didn't happen in the majors, and opponents seized. bo: Derrick- i dont understand the signing of barrero . He is a career under .200 hitter whose fielding metrics have not been good . He is 26 if the cards are truly all in on their prospects why sign this guy to take one of their places at triple a. DG: They need a backup shortstop -- either to take over at Memphis when Saggese makes the big-league team, or to be there as a reliable fielder to spell Masyn Winn. Also, they don't really want to only play two shortstops all of spring trainng. JoJo Disco: Sorry - I've sent this in a couple times but I just need to know. I’m still not understanding the math with the Cardinals approach to 2025. You reported that the amended TV deal lops off $17.3m a year in revenue for the Cardinals and Gray is due a $15m raise in 2025. Add another couple million dollars for additional instructors and let’s call the total $35m. They have carved almost $70m off last year’s payroll, more than enough to absorb the TV shortfall and Gray’s increase, and still leave them $30m+ ahead. And that doesn’t even contemplate an Arenado or Helsley trade. Where is that money going and why isn’t it being redeployed into the major league club? DG: Let's do this. 1) You're already operating with more information than the Cardinals had when they held the press conference to disclose their offseason plans. 2) With that more information -- really the TV deal, but also the drop in salaries -- the Cardinals have also talked about adjusting some of their approach, and not looking at trades as a way to shed salary, rather as a chance to seek the deals that are best for them and maybe appealing to the players. To use your phrase: The math has changed. 3) I'm not really sure where there's a question or any misunderstanding other than you wanted them to comment in early November as if they had the information of late November. This is pretty common. Hindsight fuels a lot of questions when fans have more info than the team did when it made the call. That's the gig. When you have to make the decision, you don't always know how it's going to turn out. When you judge the decision, a lot of times it's already happened. 3) Where is the money going? Well, some of it is going to expanded staff, expanded facilities, and upgraded tech -- all of the advertised investments in minors that were discussed. Some of it will go to free agents yet to sign. Some of it, ownership said, will be targeted for additions later to outfit a team built on youth. Some of it will go to raises due players. You mentioned Gray. That's the significant one, but not the only raise. Some of it won't be spent. The Cardinals have said they'll have a smaller payroll than 2024. They've advertised that, and they have not backed off that. How much less they have adjusted because they know more today than they did three weeks ago. 4) You've left out the biggest unknown they're facing. Ticket sales. They have long tied payroll to ticket revenue, and they acknowledge that ticket sales will be slow -- for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the past two seasons and the standings. Cool? Ed AuBuchon: The key to the Cardinal reset is Gorman and Walker. Without them meeting their potential free agent signings will be expensive. DG: Can definitely make that case. Jrmomo1000: Happy Thanksgiving DG: Thank you. And same to you. Jrmomo1000: Do you think they are done trading now that the payroll is better. DG: I still expect them to pursue trades and likely make at least one. Mr Boondy: Watching both the Blues and City SC be aggressive with coaching changes and adding players to become better, just makes the Cardinals negligence worse. Very bad look DG: Does it? Could somebody elaborate on this? I'm quite curious, and I don't really have a view or opinion on this other than wanting to know more why? Because it sure seems like the NHL is too fickle and I'm still learning the MLS landscape for coaches. MLB tends to be less volatile, less fickle, and now it seems like you want it to be more so? That would be different for the whole game, no? Jrmomo1000: Would you use the young pitchers in the bullpen DG: Sure. I think that has been and can be a valuable part of development, for sure. Jim from DeBary FL: I read your possible timeline of a trade of Helsey. But if the situation is awaiting the resolution of the arbitration hearing, doesn't that mean a trade during spring training. Isn't thar when the arbitration hearings are conducted? DG: Thank you for pointing that out. Starting to see why some folks in the know think they'll keep him unless it's a deal that a team just has to get done? mystic: Are the Cardinals cognizant of how they are compared to other teams like the Blues? The Blues are also in a rebuild but aren't throwing in the towel and are actually trying to make their team better NOW. Do the Cards realize how bad they look in comparison? DG: The Cardinals are cognizant of the Blues, yes. They have a good relationship from a business standpoint, a link with their broadcast partner and future broadcast plans, and they also exist together in this same bubble when it comes to perception. I don't know if the Cardinals share your opinion for the Blues or the comparison of the two teams. I cannot speak for them. I do not agree with it. The Blues are not off to a good start this year. Full stop. They have not been in the playoffs since the same year the Cardinals were last in the playoffs, and they have only once been out of the first round of the playoffs since winning the Stanley Cup in 2019. Similarly, the Cardinals have not won a playoff round since that fall, in 2019. So, again where are the differences? I guess one difference is that more NHL teams make the playoffs than MLB teams, and still the Blues have not been there the past two years. That's splitting percentages. The Cardinals have not once said they're "throwing in the towel." If that's your view of their actions, then cool -- you could totally make that point and defend that opinion. Just as someone could make the point and defend the opinion that the Blues aren't doing enough to make their team better. Or they're too late to do so. Either way, let's just be blunt about a few things from your comparison. The Blues are doing things now because their season is going on now. They have games to win, time to change their trajectory. The Cardinals do not have games to play, any standings to change. So, there is still a lot of time for the Cardinals to give some sense of their direction, some sense of where they're throwing the towel, to use your phrase. They don't play tomorrow. The Blues play tonight. I think there is something about the Blues messaging. I think there is something about the grace purchased by the 2019 Stanley Cup -- the first and only in Blues' history. If it was their 11th, I would imagine there wouldn't be as much patience. And that is ultimately where I see the difference in the two teams. Blues have solid messaging that fans respond to, and the Cardinals haven't had that same resonance. Maybe that's because expectations are higher for the Cardinals. As they should be. Jrmomo1000: I wonder if they could trade miles and matz for Montgomery DG: That's not likely to happen. Brad: curious what you're thinking here.... is this Noot, with Donovan in left, or are you thinking they'll bring someone in from the outside? DG: The Cardinals current view of their outfield is Nootbaar in left, Siani in center, and Walker in right. Ed AuBuchon: The Cardinals always project their outfield. Never seems to workout ! DG: It's been an issue, yes, in recent years. Brad: "The Cardinals current view of their outfield is Nootbaar... " yes, understood. I was just asking about your response saying it's not just a competition between Sianni and VS2 in CF. Was curious what you meant by that. DG: Gotcha! OK. That didn't come through in the question. That's the tech, not you. Thanks for coming back with more details. Yes, Nootbaar would be in the CF conversation. We'll see how much. That's something that will be discussed more in the coming month, and we'll get a sense by watching the playing time in spring. 50Umpire: Some of the trade proposals I have read were so far out that the guy writing about must before the Team trading with... 2 or 3 of our Best young guys for 1 guy regardless who it is in most case to me would be out of the question. No idea where MO's mind might be & hope Bloom is got a say in it as it will impact him REAL soon...:):) DG: Bloom has a say in any of the deals that would impact the team he's inheriting. Mozeliak said that, almost using those words, during I conversation I had with him following the presser. That had not changed by the time they got to the GM meetings and were having several conversations in tandem, discussions in duo. However you want to phrase that. Mozeliak is going to be the public face of the organization and do a lot of the media access for the coming year. But don't read that as Bloom not being involved in the answers. Brad: MLB laid out their Top 25 Prospects today: JJ Wetherholt is #13 a tick behind Bazzana. DG: MLB-dot-com, yes. Draft spot matters. They'll be jockeying for a higher ranking this time next year. JoJo Disco: Thank you for the detailed answer. However, ticket sales are a self-fulfilling prophecy. The Cardinals operated like they were a utility for years, the last two seasons have informed them that they are in fact a luxury item when they under-deliver because of minimal effort to acquire top-shelf talent. DG: Ticket sales are not a self-fulfilling prophecy in the sense that good teams generate good ticket sales. It was a pretty good playoff bound team for the Cardinals that did not sell out a playoff game, you'll remember. April has an outsized effect on ticket sales, as many teams, including the Cardinals, will tell you, and then explain. Performance in April -- off to a strong start -- tends to goose ticket sales down the road, and a good April can even help a team sell tickets despite a disappointing June. But a hot July? Well, that may not generate much when it comes to ticket sales, and a late run like say winning 18 games as school starts and budgets have been made an entertainment dollars spent doesn't generate the ticket boost like a compelling April will. Keep that in mind as April arrives. The utility analogy is compelling, and I appreciate the layers to it. Baseball is in the entertainment industry, and throughout the economy we have seen shifting entertainment tastes and spending. No different here. People with fewer entertainment dollars to spend are being more selective with how they spend them. And that is a real factor for the Cardinals. A real followup question -- and it's one I've asked and will ask again -- is whether the Cardinals could spend on the quality of team to invite spending from fans to see that team. Would an investment on the front end bring support from the fans? That's always part of the business proposition, and I wonder how the team sees its fans right now -- would they respond to spending, or are they skeptical? bo: Derrick - to answer your question on the blues approach they saw a top coach available and fired their current coach to get arguably one of the best coaches in hockey. The cards have stuck with a guy who the last 2 years has had a very poor record and their are certainly potential managers with better track records out there .Maybe the cards think he is a better manager than the other guys out there but i would disagree. As to adding players the Blues went out and got arguably 2 of the best young players available as RFAs . that would be akin to the cards going on the international market and signing the top guys [not just a bunch of lesser FA] which they have also never done . DG: I get what you're saying. I couple of thoughts: Again, the NHL has a culture of being fickle with coaches, and I felt some of the comments from the Blues about having a coach grow with young players vs. a coach already set to lead young players were interesting. That said, MLB doesn't really have that same fickleness with managers, outside of it seems White Sox and Miami, and if you want the Cardinals to be more like them, then cool, that would certainly be something to cover. Again, I hear where you're coming from on this -- but what's the example? Chasing Francona or chasing Schumaker this winter? That is still different than what the Blues did because it's not in-season, in-stride, so does that make the Cardinals less urgent? One thing is clear, the Cardinals have a different view of their manager than you or others. And that's going to happen. But their actions are most revealing when it comes to their opinion, and check out there actions as you've detailed. Must say everything about how they view the manager, whether you or I agree with them or not. bo: Derrick -if the cards spent to get a Soto i think yes there would be an uptick in ticket sales , spending on the Lynn's , Gibson's etc may have kept some season ticket holders last year but not new sales DG: Would there be enough tickets sold to cover the cost of Soto? Interesting homework for the evening. All of that supposes that Soto has any interest at all of coming to the Cardinals when he has these other teams in other markets vying for him. So how much would the Cardinals have to top the Yankees offer to woo him? Scott Boras' fondness for the Cardinals only goes so far ... Ed AuBuchon: I thought it was a bad look for the Blues to fire Drew Bannister. They were just waiting for the coach they really wanted to be available. DG: Thank you for pointing that out. I have enjoyed Matthew DeFranks' coverage of the change and learned a lot from it. JoJo Disco: Must see players is a pretty good start. And when I say must see I don't mean past relics rolled out to ping our nostalgia, I mean young and exciting talent. Winn is a terrific starting point but he doesn't have the cache of a masher like Soto yet. A dominant starter would also do wonders. Now at the risk of contradicting myself I think a guy named Max on a 1-year deal would get people down there every 5 days. DG: That is correct ... In one major-league season Masyn Winn, a shortstop with a gifted glove, has yet to equal the production or impact of Juan Soto, the most talented hitter of his generation. What are we doing here? Can we come up with comparisons that aren't rigged so you can always claim to be disappointed? The Cardinals traded for the best all-around player in the National League ahead of the 2021 season. And you didn't even bring that up as a ticket-mover. Why that move isn't brought up more is fascinating. Guess it doesn't fit the narratives that persist, even without roots, in some corners here. Clearly the chat and social media are not adequate representatives of what moves tickets. 50Umpire: HI Derrick, Good info But are the Cardinals in a hurry to do anything before Christmas.. Let things play out a bit & then make some "Educated Decisions" ..I would Hope... Thought trade Contras (sp) would have made more since than moving to 1st base & block Burly & Baker..& resigning Gibson or Lynn won't be a bad Idea...Thanks Happy Turkey Day!!1 DG: That's possible. Cardinals feel that there will be a pick up in the pace of their conversations by the winter meetings, and even some activity there or coming out of the meetings. That's their feel. Tyler: It's easy to hope this "reset" produces multiple starters for years to come - maybe even a star or two. I'm certainly hoping for that to be the case - but what happens if we experience the worst-case scenario? What's the plan for 2026 if the kids can't play? Surely we wouldn't double down and let the kids play again? DG: This is a great question and it's one that doesn't yet have an answer, but it's one worth watching and always including in the discussion. Well done, Tyler. And in a lot of ways it's the question. If the Cardinals do not get the production they expect from players they are counting on longterm, then what kind of team does Chaim Bloom inherit other than one he has to overhaul from the start. As I think more about this question it would really put the Cardinals in this spot: Not a build-upon or build-up or build-better, but a true and complete rebuild that they cannot run from or call a reset. They would have to confront it. DCG: DG, Knowing you get tons of questions and and many (most?) don't make the chat, I'm going to try again with one that I really want to get your response to because it's something I've begun to wonder about and you brought it up on a recent BPIB. Are the Cardinals truly all in on this reset? I don't mean selling off all big contract and tanking. But so far, it does feel like a half-measure, which is a word you used on the podcast. If the season began today (yes, I know it doesn't), the only real difference is Contreras at first. The starting staff seems immune to the reset even with letting Gibson and Lynn gone. It's still mostly older vets. So, do you believe the Cardinals would be fine starting next season with what they have as of today? If so, is the reset simply about money reallocation and giving Walker and Gorman more time to develop without threat of benching/demotion? DG: Money was clearly a major driver in their early decisions, and I would push back slightly on the idea that the rotation is largely the same. It's changed. And there's a spot in it for Pallante. The Cardinals aren't talking about him competing for a spot, like they would have with a similar young pitcher in past seasons. I think -- and I made this case in the podcast -- you could argue that the Cardinals remain in the middle, just shifting to the other side of it. Some of that has to do with the TV deal getting done at the amount it did, leaving them in a different spot than they had to brace for. The last thing you mention is no small thing. Gorman got a long look this past season. Walker did not get that same look, and while he was a starter for a long time in 2023, there's still a sense that the Cardinals aren't as patient with prospects as some other teams who are then rewarded with production. They do seem prepared to do that at catcher, in the outfield, and at second with someone. Oh, and often at DH, too. That is the shift. And it does seem like they're not willing to completely pull out of the idea of contending, even if they want to reduce the expectations or weight placed on the team to do so. Thomas: Do you think the Cardinals will have any interest in non-tendered players? Kyle Finnegan could be a good addition with an adjustment to his pitch mix. DG: Yes. That's a good name to keep in mind. Max: As a BPIB listener since day one (and baseball nerd that gets alerts when new episodes drop), I just wanted to shout out the past two episodes as being really stellar. The episode with Dayn Perry was especially enjoyable and I think it's important to hear from a fan every now and then. The one with Rob Bradford was excellent as well, especially the conversation about how the Cards never went past their puke point. Has your reporting ever found that there were advocates for signing Harper in the FO? His personality (not to mention skills) is something the team just hasn't had in a awhile and I remember thinking at the time that he would've been a perfect Cardinal for the edge he could've given the team. DG: Thank for listening. There were advocates, yes. And there were discussions. But if you recall how that offseason unfolded, the pursuit of Paul Goldschmidt quickly dominated their interests and they wanted to move fast to do so. When they pulled that off, it became about keeping him too. The Cardinals really thought that Goldschmidt was the best fit for them -- and the kind of player is rarely available to them and would not be in free agency. Once that deal took place, they kind positioned as getting their guy and not engaging in the pursuit of Harper. They did not see their chances of signing him as strong as say some on Harper's side did. Maybe that was leverage. Maybe that was just trying to pull another bidder into the mix, sure. But certainly some of the things Harper said then and later about his free agency would have suggested the Cardinals as a fit. Once Goldschmidt was done, did not hear much from the Cardinals about Harper, and that checked out with them not really participating in the bidding. pugger: Derrick.. Just wanted to say thanks for the chats and bringing us good information to take in, even debate it a little bit.. I was saddened to read in your last chat someone who not only took a jab at you, but the late great Rick Hummel. I respect that you put all opinions out there... But, I found the comment in such poor taste and just infuriating.. Disagreeing is fine, debate is fine.. But to stoop to such levels.. Shows you how openly disrespectful behavior, and frankly, infantile behavior, are becoming the norm.... I don't always agree with you, and that's part of the fun in having a spirited convo/debate... Here's hoping there's more of that, and less idiocy in the chats.. Thanks again Derrick!! DG: Thank you for the note. Enjoy the holiday. marpdagn: Sure seems like a good time to try to find an ace, or at least a number two starter. Would Nootbaar/Siani or Donovan/Siani be enough to persuade the Mariners to part with one of their young guns? DG: The Cardinals would really like that ace to emerge from within their system. Neither of those deals would draw the Mariners into moving one of their starters. Britt: Derrick, On thing I'm thankful for are these weekly chats to get more insight into our favorite club. Thank you! There's been mention on many of the trade questions over the past few chats about the 'Cardinals being overwhelmed by an offer' to trade someone. How likely is it that anyone is going to overwhelm them with an offer since it seems like, most???, all???, front offices want to win the trade nowadays. Doesn't that seem to contradict the way baseball is operating these days that overwhelming offers are few and far between? DG: A contender looking at the bullpen and seeing a hole in the ninth inning and a lot of loses leaking in the back end would be motivated to add a sure thing, and that would definitely lead to a strong offer. That's possible. Right now: It's that kind if position and Ryan Helsley had that kind of year. Duffy in CT: Thanks for all your chats. We appreciate all the time you devote to them.Just an opinion not a question. With the youth movement, Helsley is the Cards most reliable player. Wins will certainly be dear and a lock down closer will help the youth-their confidence and incentive to do their part. Plus there is no obvious repla event closer. DG: Here is the other side of the discussion that has been laced through this chat about when to keep, when to move, and what to get in return for an ace closer. mrr: Thank you for doing the chat(which, to my understanding, is a STL today innovation for sports writers), and the wonderful posting of the transcript below!!! I'm thankful for both of those!! Now for the questions--if the cardinals do hire additional instruction field staff (which will be focused on the minor leagues), how do those young players recently promoted (Herrera and Walker, for example) get "caught up" to an acceptable level? Would you see those additional resources at the major league level this year? Finally, have there been any names announced for these instructional positions? Thank you, as always, and have a wonderful holiday DG: This is an interesting question. I will give it a go here, because I think I can answer this. A lot of what the Cardinals want to do in the minors already is available in the majors, or at least something similar. The expanded staff? The Cardinals have done that over the past few years in the majors, and they've done it again this winter. The expanded tech? Well, for hitters, it's been there either in the hitting barn in Jupiter, or at the cages in STL. So, it's not a matter of the players now in the majors "catching up" -- they've had a lot of this. But it's also about the Cardinals offering them greater support to, not to catch up, but to get ahead. This about raising the entire organization, so I don't think the players who are in the majors are going to be overlooked here or miss out on things, because they've already had this or they're going to get it too. There have been not been official hires for some of the roles, no. Those are expected soon. DCG: DG, In terms of the reset and chance to see what they young players can do, this weirdly seems to apply only to the position players. As of now, they starting staff would by four 30 year olds (Gray, Mikolas, Fedde, Matz) and Pallante (who turns 27 next season). Mean while, years are burning off Graceffo, and McGreevey, and Thompson is quietly already 27. They've really wasted his career with the yoyo-ing of roles and opportunity. Anyone, I don't really see the reset plan re: pitching. What is it? DG: You outlined it. But you need to add Tink Hence and Tekoah Roby. And Quinn Mathews. And Cooper Hjerpe. They're in the mix, too. Lei down the road, and others. Iowa dude: Thanksgiving, Thankful that it's the final week of November and yet you commit to this chat. Very much appreciate that. Question: Hard to replace Helsley's performance. Why not offer new deal with big increase for 2025 plus 2 more years? Trading Nado -- if that happens -- I assume, frees up a lot more $ as they retool for 2026. DG: If there was going to be an extension conversation, sure seemed like this past spring was the time to do it. Helsley told me he was open to that conversation, and the timing seemed right with the potential then of what did happen. Now, not sure either side has motivation for that. Helsley could strike it rich as a free agent with a repeat, and it could end with a contender depending on how the Cardinals season goes. Cardinals don't want to commit in that role until they know more about what the coming years look like and the actual pace of their "reset," not the expected or planned. Jim from DeBary FL: Derrick, I always look forward to your chats. The only one I'm willing to spend the hours it takes to monitor. I know I'm getting more of the facts from reporting, and not speculating fantasy. I'm hoping the Cards can swing a good deal for Helsey. Relief pitchers are such a volatile position, and he is currently at his peak. With Drew Rom outrighted to Memphis, is he exposed to the Rule 5 draft? DG: He is, yes. November Rain: Your recent podcast was awesome - thanks for chatting with the guy from Boston. Lot's of similarities between the two 21st C juggernauts. So, I'm thinking about the stress Mo put himself under with the new operating philosophy he launched at the end of year presser. With Contreras and Gray wanting to remain in St Louis, will Moe regret his "let the kids play reset" for the organization if he can't trade Arenado? Really, if Nolan A. remains on the Cards exactly what "kids" are going to have opportunities? Also factor in that Mikolas and Matz may stick around, too, which greatly affects the young pitchers. In order to have a true reset Mo needs to move the older veterans. I'd say that's some serious stress. How about you? DG: I could completely see what you mean with the rotation, and that numbers there don't lie. That said, it usually takes 8-9 starters to get through a season, right, so the innings will be there. I don't see the same roadblock that you do at third base with Nolan Arenado. We can agree to disagree. I don't see his return as some block to the growth of some young player, not one the Cardinals couldn't find a way to work around that would still benefit the young player. MS Bird Brain: Hey DG. At the risk of being sappy I am very thankful for all the fun and life lessons I have received as a life-long Cardinal fan. There is a reason they have the BFinBB. As a given for my question I say that the Cards have a core need for some right-handed damage in their lineup in general, and their outfield in particular. In looking at the available free-agents, there are surprisingly few options in the price range they will shop in. That leaves trade options and in-house options. I would love to hear your thoughts on the subject in general, but here is my question: What surprises could we see in ST for non-grass right swinging defenders out there trying to get noticed shagging flies? Some I wonder about are Saggese and Herrerra. We can probably rule out Baker? How about Prieto? Are you seeing or hearing anything along those lines? DG: Definitely not hearing any such things about Herrera or Baker. Cardinals have gone out of their way this winter to say that Herrera is going to get a run at catcher, alongside and in tandem with Pages. The outfield thing is quite literally far from what they've described. Saggese, yes, that's a possibility. Have not heard that about Prieto, but honestly that's because I haven't asked. The reason why I haven't asked is because the Cardinals have talked about trying to streamline their choices in the outfield (again) and get playing time for Nootbaar, Siani, and Walker. Maybe it's just me, but when that is the answer to the question and we've been asking it for so many years about outfielders not getting their chance -- Arozarena leaps to mind, maybe Thomas, too -- then it seems disingenuous to make that point over and over and over again and then when they say, OK, here is the priority group, start asking about the possibility of adding more to the mix by moving infielders out there, too. Donald N: Good morning Derrick; Why is Andrew Kittridge returning apparently not on Cards radar? Guy pitched his arm off and with some new/young arms in rotation, strong bull pen more important than ever. I guess money, is that the only factor? Thanks and Happy Holidays to you and your family. Donald L DG: Money is the factor, yes. They expect that he'll get a better offer out there than they are willing to make, and they're right. chico: Does the fact that the TV and on demand situation has been cleared up in any way help the Cardinals plan a budget regarding the team? DG: Helps a bunch. Gives what ownership told me was "clarity" they did not have a few weeks ago. DCG: Derrick, I try to listen to each podcast, and I'm not sure if it was the last one or the one before that, but you asked the question that really has me concerned: Are the Cardinals in danger of continuing their trend of half-measures by repeating that with their youth push. As excited as I was when they announced the new direction, as of now (and I get that it's early), with the decision of Gray and Contreras to stay, they will will have an old rotation and almost the exact same lineup minus PG. If that's how it ends up, then all that press conference really meant was they will lower payroll (fine with me) and give Walker all the time he needs to prove himself. Other than that, status quo. If they don't trade NA, then what has really changed other than money allocation? DG: Since you asked, and I just want to make clear, this is a list of what changed, not advocacy that it was a lot or even a measure of how much was changed. The rotation changed. The bullpen has changed. The catching situation changed. First base has changed. The hitting coach changed. The outfield coach changed. And there will be another member of Marmol's coaching staff yet to come. So there have been changes, and each of the above changes with the exception of first base has been a change toward youth or a setup to give support to that youth. The question becomes of it's not everywhere, is it enough? Or, because it's not everywhere is the better for the youth to thrive? As we look into the winter, I'm starting think that it's a lot like what I wrote about the Blues. This isn't just about clearing innings and starts for youth. That's part of it, and that may even be the guiding compass. But it also seems like the Cardinals are trying to do something that will be difficult. Lower expectations. Alright, just updated the transcript below this window -- and it turns out to be 100 more inches of questions and answers. Guess I got a little carried away in the past hour. And that prompted a look at the clock. Time to move on to some other assignments and a few other spots on the to-do list today. It's already dark, and it was coffee time when this thing started. Thanks for the great and challenging questions. This was a good conversation, and as always I'm intrigued by the themes that developed. Many of them from this chat are worth revisiting as the winter unfolds -- and even as July arrives and there are standings and there are games and the urgency for change can be measured from the Cardinals in the same circumstance as the Blues. Enjoy the holiday. Travel safe. The chat will return just in time for turkey sandwiches next Monday. -

Five ways these Flames remind us of the surprise playoff squad from 2014-15Luigi Nicholas Mangione, the suspect in the fatal shooting of a healthcare executive in New York City, apparently was living a charmed life: the grandson of a wealthy real estate developer, valedictorian of his elite Baltimore prep school and with degrees from one of the nation's top private universities. Friends at an exclusive co-living space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Hawaii where the 26-year-old Mangione once lived widely considered him a “great guy,” and pictures on his social media accounts show a fit, smiling, handsome young man on beaches and at parties. Now, investigators in New York and Pennsylvania are working to piece together why Mangione may have diverged from this path to make the violent and radical decision to gun down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in a brazen attack on a Manhattan street. The killing sparked widespread discussions about corporate greed, unfairness in the medical insurance industry and even inspired folk-hero sentiment toward his killer. But Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro sharply refuted that perception after Mangione's arrest on Monday when a customer at a McDonald's restaurant in Pennsylvania spotted Mangione eating and noticed he resembled the shooting suspect in security-camera photos released by New York police. “In some dark corners, this killer is being hailed as a hero. Hear me on this, he is no hero,” Shapiro said. “The real hero in this story is the person who called 911 at McDonald’s this morning.” Mangione comes from a prominent Maryland family. His grandfather, Nick Mangione, who died in 2008, was a successful real estate developer. One of his best-known projects was Turf Valley Resort, a sprawling luxury retreat and conference center outside Baltimore that he purchased in 1978. The Mangione family also purchased Hayfields Country Club north of Baltimore in 1986. On Monday, Baltimore County police officers blocked off an entrance to the property, which public records link to Luigi Mangione’s parents. Reporters and photographers gathered outside the entrance. The father of 10 children, Nick Mangione prepared his five sons — including Luigi Mangione’s father, Louis Mangione — to help manage the family business, according to a 2003 Washington Post report. Nick Mangione had 37 grandchildren, including Luigi, according to the grandfather's obituary. Luigi Mangione’s grandparents donated to charities through the Mangione Family Foundation, according to a statement from Loyola University commemorating Nick Mangione’s wife’s death in 2023. They donated to various causes, including Catholic organizations, colleges and the arts. One of Luigi Mangione’s cousins is Republican Maryland state legislator Nino Mangione, a spokesman for the lawmaker’s office confirmed. “Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest,” Mangione’s family said in a statement posted on social media by Nino Mangione. “We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.” Mangione, who was valedictorian of his elite Maryland prep school, earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a university spokesman told The Associated Press. He learned to code in high school and helped start a club at Penn for people interested in gaming and game design, according to a 2018 story in Penn Today, a campus publication. His social media posts suggest he belonged to the fraternity Phi Kappa Psi. They also show him taking part in a 2019 program at Stanford University, and in photos with family and friends at the Jersey Shore and in Hawaii, San Diego, Puerto Rico, and other destinations. The Gilman School, from which Mangione graduated in 2016, is one of Baltimore’s elite prep schools. The children of some of the city’s wealthiest and most prominent residents, including Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr., have attended the school. Its alumni include sportswriter Frank Deford and former Arizona Gov. Fife Symington. In his valedictory speech, Luigi Mangione described his classmates’ “incredible courage to explore the unknown and try new things.” Mangione took a software programming internship after high school at Maryland-based video game studio Firaxis, where he fixed bugs on the hit strategy game Civilization 6, according to a LinkedIn profile. Firaxis' parent company, Take-Two Interactive, said it would not comment on former employees. He more recently worked at the car-buying website TrueCar, but has not worked there since 2023, the head of the Santa Monica, California-based company confirmed to the AP. From January to June 2022, Mangione lived at Surfbreak, a “co-living” space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Honolulu. Like other residents of the shared penthouse catering to remote workers, Mangione underwent a background check, said Josiah Ryan, a spokesperson for owner and founder R.J. Martin. “Luigi was just widely considered to be a great guy. There were no complaints,” Ryan said. “There was no sign that might point to these alleged crimes they’re saying he committed.” At Surfbreak, Martin learned Mangione had severe back pain from childhood that interfered with many aspects of his life, including surfing, Ryan said. “He went surfing with R.J. once but it didn’t work out because of his back,” Ryan said, but noted that Mangione and Martin often went together to a rock-climbing gym. Mangione left Surfbreak to get surgery on the mainland, Ryan said, then later returned to Honolulu and rented an apartment. An image posted to a social media account linked to Mangione showed what appeared to be an X-ray of a metal rod and multiple screws inserted into someone's lower spine. Martin stopped hearing from Mangione six months to a year ago. An X account linked to Mangione includes recent posts about the negative impact of smartphones on children; healthy eating and exercise habits; psychological theories; and a quote from Indian philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti about the dangers of becoming “well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” Mangione likely was motivated by his anger at what he called “parasitic” health insurance companies and a disdain for corporate greed, according to a law enforcement bulletin obtained by AP. He wrote that the U.S. has the most expensive healthcare system in the world and that the profits of major corporations continue to rise while “our life expectancy” does not, according to the bulletin, based on a review of the suspect’s handwritten notes and social media posts. He appeared to view the targeted killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO as a symbolic takedown, asserting in his note that he is the “first to face it with such brutal honesty,” the bulletin said. Mangione called “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski a “political revolutionary” and may have found inspiration from the man who carried out a series of bombings while railing against modern society and technology, the document said. ___ Associated Press reporters Lea Skene in Baltimore; Jennifer Sinco Kelleher in Honolulu; Maryclaire Dale in Philadelphia; John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio; and Michael Kunzelman in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report.

ATLANTA (AP) — Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who won the presidency in the wake of the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, endured humbling defeat after one tumultuous term and then redefined life after the White House as a global humanitarian, has died. He was 100 years old. The longest-lived American president died on Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care , at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died at 96 in November 2023 , spent most of their lives, The Carter Center said. “Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia,” the center simply said in posting about Carter's death on the social media platform X. Businessman, Navy officer, evangelist, politician, negotiator, author, woodworker, citizen of the world — Carter forged a path that still challenges political assumptions and stands out among the 45 men who reached the nation’s highest office. The 39th president leveraged his ambition with a keen intellect, deep religious faith and prodigious work ethic, conducting diplomatic missions into his 80s and building houses for the poor well into his 90s. “My faith demands — this is not optional — my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have to try to make a difference,” Carter once said. A president from Plains A moderate Democrat, Carter entered the 1976 presidential race as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad smile, outspoken Baptist mores and technocratic plans reflecting his education as an engineer. His no-frills campaign depended on public financing, and his promise not to deceive the American people resonated after Richard Nixon’s disgrace and U.S. defeat in southeast Asia. “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me. I would not deserve to be your president,” Carter repeated before narrowly beating Republican incumbent Gerald Ford, who had lost popularity pardoning Nixon. Carter governed amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over racism, women’s rights and America’s global role. His most acclaimed achievement in office was a Mideast peace deal that he brokered by keeping Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at the bargaining table for 13 days in 1978. That Camp David experience inspired the post-presidential center where Carter would establish so much of his legacy. Yet Carter’s electoral coalition splintered under double-digit inflation, gasoline lines and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. His bleakest hour came when eight Americans died in a failed hostage rescue in April 1980, helping to ensure his landslide defeat to Republican Ronald Reagan. Carter acknowledged in his 2020 “White House Diary” that he could be “micromanaging” and “excessively autocratic,” complicating dealings with Congress and the federal bureaucracy. He also turned a cold shoulder to Washington’s news media and lobbyists, not fully appreciating their influence on his political fortunes. “It didn’t take us long to realize that the underestimation existed, but by that time we were not able to repair the mistake,” Carter told historians in 1982, suggesting that he had “an inherent incompatibility” with Washington insiders. Carter insisted his overall approach was sound and that he achieved his primary objectives — to “protect our nation’s security and interests peacefully” and “enhance human rights here and abroad” — even if he fell spectacularly short of a second term. And then, the world Ignominious defeat, though, allowed for renewal. The Carters founded The Carter Center in 1982 as a first-of-its-kind base of operations, asserting themselves as international peacemakers and champions of democracy, public health and human rights. “I was not interested in just building a museum or storing my White House records and memorabilia,” Carter wrote in a memoir published after his 90th birthday. “I wanted a place where we could work.” That work included easing nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, helping to avert a U.S. invasion of Haiti and negotiating cease-fires in Bosnia and Sudan. By 2022, The Carter Center had declared at least 113 elections in Latin America, Asia and Africa to be free or fraudulent. Recently, the center began monitoring U.S. elections as well. Carter’s stubborn self-assuredness and even self-righteousness proved effective once he was unencumbered by the Washington order, sometimes to the point of frustrating his successors . He went “where others are not treading,” he said, to places like Ethiopia, Liberia and North Korea, where he secured the release of an American who had wandered across the border in 2010. “I can say what I like. I can meet whom I want. I can take on projects that please me and reject the ones that don’t,” Carter said. He announced an arms-reduction-for-aid deal with North Korea without clearing the details with Bill Clinton’s White House. He openly criticized President George W. Bush for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He also criticized America’s approach to Israel with his 2006 book “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid.” And he repeatedly countered U.S. administrations by insisting North Korea should be included in international affairs, a position that most aligned Carter with Republican President Donald Trump. Among the center’s many public health initiatives, Carter vowed to eradicate the guinea worm parasite during his lifetime, and nearly achieved it: Cases dropped from millions in the 1980s to nearly a handful. With hardhats and hammers, the Carters also built homes with Habitat for Humanity. The Nobel committee’s 2002 Peace Prize cites his “untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” Carter should have won it alongside Sadat and Begin in 1978, the chairman added. Carter accepted the recognition saying there was more work to be done. “The world is now, in many ways, a more dangerous place,” he said. “The greater ease of travel and communication has not been matched by equal understanding and mutual respect.” ‘An epic American life’ Carter’s globetrotting took him to remote villages where he met little “Jimmy Carters,” so named by admiring parents. But he spent most of his days in the same one-story Plains house — expanded and guarded by Secret Service agents — where they lived before he became governor. He regularly taught Sunday School lessons at Maranatha Baptist Church until his mobility declined and the coronavirus pandemic raged. Those sessions drew visitors from around the world to the small sanctuary where Carter will receive his final send-off after a state funeral at Washington’s National Cathedral. The common assessment that he was a better ex-president than president rankled Carter and his allies. His prolific post-presidency gave him a brand above politics, particularly for Americans too young to witness him in office. But Carter also lived long enough to see biographers and historians reassess his White House years more generously. His record includes the deregulation of key industries, reduction of U.S. dependence on foreign oil, cautious management of the national debt and notable legislation on the environment, education and mental health. He focused on human rights in foreign policy, pressuring dictators to release thousands of political prisoners . He acknowledged America’s historical imperialism, pardoned Vietnam War draft evaders and relinquished control of the Panama Canal. He normalized relations with China. “I am not nominating Jimmy Carter for a place on Mount Rushmore,” Stuart Eizenstat, Carter’s domestic policy director, wrote in a 2018 book. “He was not a great president” but also not the “hapless and weak” caricature voters rejected in 1980, Eizenstat said. Rather, Carter was “good and productive” and “delivered results, many of which were realized only after he left office.” Madeleine Albright, a national security staffer for Carter and Clinton’s secretary of state, wrote in Eizenstat’s forward that Carter was “consequential and successful” and expressed hope that “perceptions will continue to evolve” about his presidency. “Our country was lucky to have him as our leader,” said Albright, who died in 2022. Jonathan Alter, who penned a comprehensive Carter biography published in 2020, said in an interview that Carter should be remembered for “an epic American life” spanning from a humble start in a home with no electricity or indoor plumbing through decades on the world stage across two centuries. “He will likely go down as one of the most misunderstood and underestimated figures in American history,” Alter told The Associated Press. A small-town start James Earl Carter Jr. was born Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains and spent his early years in nearby Archery. His family was a minority in the mostly Black community, decades before the civil rights movement played out at the dawn of Carter’s political career. Carter, who campaigned as a moderate on race relations but governed more progressively, talked often of the influence of his Black caregivers and playmates but also noted his advantages: His land-owning father sat atop Archery’s tenant-farming system and owned a main street grocery. His mother, Lillian , would become a staple of his political campaigns. Seeking to broaden his world beyond Plains and its population of fewer than 1,000 — then and now — Carter won an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1946. That same year he married Rosalynn Smith, another Plains native, a decision he considered more important than any he made as head of state. She shared his desire to see the world, sacrificing college to support his Navy career. Carter climbed in rank to lieutenant, but then his father was diagnosed with cancer, so the submarine officer set aside his ambitions of admiralty and moved the family back to Plains. His decision angered Rosalynn, even as she dived into the peanut business alongside her husband. Carter again failed to talk with his wife before his first run for office — he later called it “inconceivable” not to have consulted her on such major life decisions — but this time, she was on board. “My wife is much more political,” Carter told the AP in 2021. He won a state Senate seat in 1962 but wasn’t long for the General Assembly and its back-slapping, deal-cutting ways. He ran for governor in 1966 — losing to arch-segregationist Lester Maddox — and then immediately focused on the next campaign. Carter had spoken out against church segregation as a Baptist deacon and opposed racist “Dixiecrats” as a state senator. Yet as a local school board leader in the 1950s he had not pushed to end school segregation even after the Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education decision, despite his private support for integration. And in 1970, Carter ran for governor again as the more conservative Democrat against Carl Sanders, a wealthy businessman Carter mocked as “Cufflinks Carl.” Sanders never forgave him for anonymous, race-baiting flyers, which Carter disavowed. Ultimately, Carter won his races by attracting both Black voters and culturally conservative whites. Once in office, he was more direct. “I say to you quite frankly that the time for racial discrimination is over,” he declared in his 1971 inaugural address, setting a new standard for Southern governors that landed him on the cover of Time magazine. 'Jimmy Who?' His statehouse initiatives included environmental protection, boosting rural education and overhauling antiquated executive branch structures. He proclaimed Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the slain civil rights leader’s home state. And he decided, as he received presidential candidates in 1972, that they were no more talented than he was. In 1974, he ran Democrats’ national campaign arm. Then he declared his own candidacy for 1976. An Atlanta newspaper responded with the headline: “Jimmy Who?” The Carters and a “Peanut Brigade” of family members and Georgia supporters camped out in Iowa and New Hampshire, establishing both states as presidential proving grounds. His first Senate endorsement: a young first-termer from Delaware named Joe Biden. Yet it was Carter’s ability to navigate America’s complex racial and rural politics that cemented the nomination. He swept the Deep South that November, the last Democrat to do so, as many white Southerners shifted to Republicans in response to civil rights initiatives. A self-declared “born-again Christian,” Carter drew snickers by referring to Scripture in a Playboy magazine interview, saying he “had looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times.” The remarks gave Ford a new foothold and television comedians pounced — including NBC’s new “Saturday Night Live” show. But voters weary of cynicism in politics found it endearing. Carter chose Minnesota Sen. Walter “Fritz” Mondale as his running mate on a “Grits and Fritz” ticket. In office, he elevated the vice presidency and the first lady’s office. Mondale’s governing partnership was a model for influential successors Al Gore, Dick Cheney and Biden. Rosalynn Carter was one of the most involved presidential spouses in history, welcomed into Cabinet meetings and huddles with lawmakers and top aides. The Carters presided with uncommon informality: He used his nickname “Jimmy” even when taking the oath of office, carried his own luggage and tried to silence the Marine Band’s “Hail to the Chief.” They bought their clothes off the rack. Carter wore a cardigan for a White House address, urging Americans to conserve energy by turning down their thermostats. Amy, the youngest of four children, attended District of Columbia public school. Washington’s social and media elite scorned their style. But the larger concern was that “he hated politics,” according to Eizenstat, leaving him nowhere to turn politically once economic turmoil and foreign policy challenges took their toll. Accomplishments, and ‘malaise’ Carter partially deregulated the airline, railroad and trucking industries and established the departments of Education and Energy, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He designated millions of acres of Alaska as national parks or wildlife refuges. He appointed a then-record number of women and nonwhite people to federal posts. He never had a Supreme Court nomination, but he elevated civil rights attorney Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the nation’s second highest court, positioning her for a promotion in 1993. He appointed Paul Volker, the Federal Reserve chairman whose policies would help the economy boom in the 1980s — after Carter left office. He built on Nixon’s opening with China, and though he tolerated autocrats in Asia, pushed Latin America from dictatorships to democracy. But he couldn’t immediately tame inflation or the related energy crisis. And then came Iran. After he admitted the exiled Shah of Iran to the U.S. for medical treatment, the American Embassy in Tehran was overrun in 1979 by followers of the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Negotiations to free the hostages broke down repeatedly ahead of the failed rescue attempt. The same year, Carter signed SALT II, the new strategic arms treaty with Leonid Brezhnev of the Soviet Union, only to pull it back, impose trade sanctions and order a U.S. boycott of the Moscow Olympics after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan. Hoping to instill optimism, he delivered what the media dubbed his “malaise” speech, although he didn’t use that word. He declared the nation was suffering “a crisis of confidence.” By then, many Americans had lost confidence in the president, not themselves. Carter campaigned sparingly for reelection because of the hostage crisis, instead sending Rosalynn as Sen. Edward M. Kennedy challenged him for the Democratic nomination. Carter famously said he’d “kick his ass,” but was hobbled by Kennedy as Reagan rallied a broad coalition with “make America great again” appeals and asking voters whether they were “better off than you were four years ago.” Reagan further capitalized on Carter’s lecturing tone, eviscerating him in their lone fall debate with the quip: “There you go again.” Carter lost all but six states and Republicans rolled to a new Senate majority. Carter successfully negotiated the hostages’ freedom after the election, but in one final, bitter turn of events, Tehran waited until hours after Carter left office to let them walk free. 'A wonderful life' At 56, Carter returned to Georgia with “no idea what I would do with the rest of my life.” Four decades after launching The Carter Center, he still talked of unfinished business. “I thought when we got into politics we would have resolved everything,” Carter told the AP in 2021. “But it’s turned out to be much more long-lasting and insidious than I had thought it was. I think in general, the world itself is much more divided than in previous years.” Still, he affirmed what he said when he underwent treatment for a cancer diagnosis in his 10th decade of life. “I’m perfectly at ease with whatever comes,” he said in 2015 . “I’ve had a wonderful life. I’ve had thousands of friends, I’ve had an exciting, adventurous and gratifying existence.” ___ Former Associated Press journalist Alex Sanz contributed to this report. Bill Barrow, The Associated Press

Fox News' Jonathan Serrie provides details on the outpouring of support for President Jimmy Carter and his family. In his one term in the White House, the late President Jimmy Carter struck the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, helped take the world further from nuclear proliferation with the second Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT), signed the Panama Canal Treaties, which ended a century of direct American control over the crucial canal, and deregulated the nation's airline industry. But Carter, a former Georgia governor who defeated Republican President Gerald Ford in the 1976 election, also confronted the socialist Nicaraguan revolution in Central America and the invasion of Afghanistan by the Soviet Union, which led to a resumption of Cold War tensions with Moscow and an embargo of the 1980 Summer Olympics by the U.S. And domestically, the one-term Democratic president battled massive inflation known as stagflation, and an energy crisis that led to the return of gas lines across the country. As Carter struggled to cope with multiple domestic and international crises, the then-president went on national television in July 1979 to deliver what was titled "the crisis confidence" address, but was later dubbed the "malaise" speech, even though the world malaise never appeared in Carter’s actual address. Carter called for Americans to return to a sense of civic duty that would unify the country through a call for shared sacrifice for the common good of the nation. While initially giving the president a boost in the polls, the goodwill was short-lived. A couple of days after the address, Carter fired several members of his cabinet and was unable going forward to be seen as a strong and effective leader. REACTIONS POUR IN AS JIMMY CARTER ENTERS HOSPICE President Jimmy Carter and his Republican challenger, Ronald Reagan, shake hands as they greet one another before their debate on the stage of the Music Hall in Cleveland, Ohio. (Getty Images) Adding to Carter’s woes, was the overrunning of the American embassy in Tehran in the late autumn of 1979, which triggered the more than yearlong Iranian hostage crisis. Carter, politically weakened by a fierce and nearly successful primary challenge by the late Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts for the 1980 Democratic presidential nomination, was crushed by GOP nominee Ronald Reagan in the general election, with the former California governor sweeping 44 of the 50 states. Historian and author Craig Shirley, who wrote multiple books about Reagan and Carter, pointed to the economic conditions at the time as a major contributor to Carter’s demise. "Interest rates were something like 18%. Inflation was almost as high. The value of a dollar wasn’t worth today what it was yesterday. It was really devastating to people’s savings," Shirley spotlighted in a C-SPAN interview a few years ago. FORMER PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER TO SPEND 'REMAINING TIME' AT HOME RECEIVING HOSPICE CARE Veteran political scientist Wayne Lesperance, president of New England College, concurred. "While it is certainly true that the Carter Administration had its share of successes, such as the Camp David Accords and the Panama Canal Treaty, in the months leading up to the 1980 election, voters were focused on high inflation, low economic growth, an energy crisis and the growing perception that American power and influence in the world was in decline," Lesperance said. Republican President-elect Ronald Reagan (R) and wife Nancy standing with President Jimmy Carter and wife Roslyn outside the White House, on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 1981 ( Photo by Diana Walker/Getty Images) "The Iran hostage crisis and failed rescue attempt punctuated the feeling that the U.S. under Carter had become a paper tiger. Americans wanted John Wayne. They elected Ronald Reagan whose campaign projected strength, confidence, humor, and a nostalgic appeal to an America as the proverbial shining city on a hill," he emphasized. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP But it’s the "malaise" speech that still stands out more than four decades after Carter’s stinging rejection by American voters. "Jimmy Carter’s one-term presidency would be known for many things: stagflation, a terrible economy, weakness in the face of Soviet advances, but also the Camp David Accords and ushering in the Age of Reagan. Yet to his everlasting chagrin, Carter’s failed four years in office will always be reduced to the word "malaise," and his awful, terrible, embarrassing speech in July of 1979," Shirley wrote on the 40-year anniversary of the infamous address.3 Top Growth Stocks to Buy for DecemberThe Prime Minister is leading a country "totally unprepared" for war with a "woefully small and poorly equipped" military, a former intelligence officer has claimed. Colonel Philip Ingram said Sir Keir Starmer's Labour Government had its head "buried deep" and that the politicians running the country were "naive" to the global threats posed by the likes of Vladimir Putin 's Russia . The colonel's words come as Sir Keir visited British forces at bases in Cyprus just as it has been announced there will be defence spending cuts of more than £500 million, with frigates, helicopters and amphibious assault vessels due to be scrapped. Col Ingram, a counter-terror expert who was one of the most senior intelligence officers in the British Army, told GB News : “I am concerned by the lack of national preparedness. “How would central and local Government function in a time of war with heavy infrastructure damage? Our Army is woefully small and poorly equipped for warfighting. “But what concerns me above all is the naivety of our politicians. The Government has its head buried deep and doesn’t want to listen to the reality of what is happening across the globe. “Ministers must step up and start to prepare for war now.” Col Ingram said UK involvement in conflicts such as Ukraine , where British Storm Shadow missiles are reportedly being fired into Russia , put the country in the sights of warmongering dictators like Putin. He added: “The defence industrial base is not currently capable of building the equipment and ammunition needed for war, in the rapid time frames it would be needed. We rely on our Nato allies too heavily, but many of them are unprepared also.” Shadow Minister for Defence Mark Francois told GB News: “History tells us, again and again, that appeasing dictators does not work. “If we want to deter a wider conflict with Putin, we need to increase defence spending, to spend a bit more now rather than a vast amount more, in both blood and treasure, later. “That’s why Labour’s repeated refusal to put a date on when we will increase our defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP is so dangerous.” Defence Secretary John Healey said the Government is pressing ahead with cuts to the armed forces despite increasing global instability. In a statement to MPs, Mr Healey warned that further cuts could be required but insisted he had the support of armed forces chiefs for the decisions he had made. He said: "For too long our soldiers, sailors, aviators have been stuck with old, outdated equipment because ministers wouldn't make the difficult decommissioning decisions. "As technology advances at pace, we must move faster towards the future. So today, with full backing from our service chiefs, I can confirm that six outdated military capabilities will be taken out of services. "These decisions are set to save the MoD £150 million over the next two years and up to £500 million over five years, savings that will be retained in full in defence."

Trump's lawyers rebuff DA's idea for upholding his hush money conviction

Ryan Seacrest Is Celebrating 20 Years Of Taking Over Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin' Eve, And Holy Moly, What Is Time?'It's exciting... a source of pride': Wojnarowski talks new deal between St. Bonaventure and WWE

GOP senators warned they must ‘step up’ to approve Trump Cabinet picks or face recess appointmentsComing off what was likely a week's worth of intense practices, No. 10 Kansas returns home for a matchup with North Carolina State on Saturday afternoon in Lawrence, Kan. The Jayhawks (7-2) lost back-to-back games versus unranked opponents, the first time in school history that they have done that while ranked No. 1. Now they have to regroup to face the Wolfpack (7-3). Kansas lost its first two games of the season emphatically: 76-63 at Creighton on Dec. 4 and 76-67 at Missouri last Sunday. Coach Bill Self, who has only lost three straight games four times in his 21-year career at Kansas, was pretty succinct about his team's play following the loss to Missouri. "I think it was probably a combination of them being good and us not being good," he said. "I don't know that I could give them 100 percent credit, but that's what happens in sports. When the other team is doing things to hurt you, and you don't attack it well, they guard you the same way. "A lot of times you just roll it straight because of just not being as prepared or ready. I think it was a combination of both. I would err on the side of giving them more credit, because if I just say we sucked, that would take credit from them. We did suck, but it was in large part them." The Jayhawks still have a balanced and experienced attack, led by seniors Hunter Dickinson (15.0 points per game), Zeke Mayo (10.9), Dajuan Harris Jr. (10.7) and KJ Adams Jr. (9.8). Their biggest problem against Missouri was the 22 turnovers. "It's been a crap week for all of us," Self said on his weekly radio show Tuesday. "But hopefully we get an opportunity to bounce back. "I'm not going to make any excuses. If you don't perform the way we didn't perform, there certainly can be some valuable things to learn from that hopefully will give us a chance to win the war and not just the battle." NC State has won back-to-back games, including the ACC opener against Florida State on Dec. 7. In their last game, the Wolfpack handled Coppin State 66-56 on Tuesday. That's not to say NC State coach Kevin Keatts was impressed. "I thought we did a terrible job at the end of shot clocks when they were going to take a bunch of bad shots but we fouled them," Keatts said. "That being said, you can learn a lot from a win instead of a loss. "We compete hard every day, and our energy is always high. With this group, I'm trying to get everyone to be consistent." The Wolfpack has a trio of double-digit scorers, led by Marcus Hill (13.0 ppg). Jayden Taylor adds 12.5 and Dontrez Styles chips in 10.6. Ben Middlebrooks (9.2) and Brandon Huntley-Hatfield (8.7) round out the top five. Huntley-Hatfield (5.6 rebounds per game) and Styles (4.6) also lead a balanced rebounding attack. The Jayhawks have won 12 straight games in the series with North Carolina State. --Field Level Media

Every generation has its share of products and devices that are eventually replaced, then inevitably forgotten, as the years march ever-onward. But what makes the 90s special in this regard (aside from personal nostalgia bias) is that it was such a wild time from a marketing perspective. Toys, electronics, and even media formats were in a sort of in-between phase where the technology of the 80s was becoming obsolete faster than companies could come up with reliable alternatives — and this was still well before the kinds of 2000s era gear that would inspire the devices we still use today. Manufacturers were taking a "throw everything at the wall to see what sticks" approach, which resulted in some brilliant gadgets and campaigns for the time, but some were also weird. To be clear, the gadgets on this list aren't inherently bad or inferior products. It's just that they've been left behind as the world moved on without them. But those of us who grew up in the 80s and 90s will always love them. Why? Well ... why not? Back in the 80s, portable music devices were either radios or cassette players. By the time the 90s rolled around, CDs had begun to take over the market, replacing cassettes as most people's media of choice. Being able to skip back and forth between tracks without having to rewind was a pretty big upgrade. And so portable music devices like the Sony Discman were born — kind of. Sony was actually delving into the idea of personal CD players as far back as 1979, with its very first model (really, the very first model) D-50 launching in 1984. However, despite the superior audio quality compared to cassettes, CDs didn't end up surpassing cassettes until the early 90s thanks in large part to how much they cost in the early days — around $15 in 1982 dollars (almost $50 today) per disc. Sony's Discman might not be available for retail anymore, but there are still plenty of portable CD players on the market today. From Deluxe Products' $36 CD Player , to MONODEAL's rechargeable model with built-in speakers for $62, and beyond. Some of these players even support MP3 files, so while you may not be able to stream your Spotify playlists, you could still listen to the digital files you own or previously ripped from old CDs. The history of the Walkman is a surprisingly long one, with Sony releasing its TC-50 cassette audio recorder in 1968, finding more commercial success with the TCM-100B (the "Pressman") in 1978, then building off of the Pressman in 1979 to create what eventually became the Walkman. The Walkman held out until as long as 2010 before Sony finally called it quits. But while the world at-large may have started to shift away from cassettes and into the pancake-like embrace of compact disc players throughout the 90s, Sony's Walkman Radio still held its own. Among kids and teens, it was the Cadillac of portable music players ... for a limited amount of time at least. For a while even the allure of a CD player you could carry with you wasn't enough to compete with the one-two punch of being able to listen to Paula Abdul's "Forever You Girl" album before seamlessly jumping over to a local FM station to catch the back half of "All I Want" by The Offspring. Sony would inevitably squish AM/FM radio functionality into the Discman as well, at which point the Walkman Radio didn't stand a chance, but for a brief time, Walkman remained the "it" thing (outside of maybe a Nintendo 64) that made someone a rockstar on the playground. Even with the decision to embrace CDs as a means of musical conveyance, technology was unwilling (or unable) to stop progressing. CDs were far more commonplace as the 90s began drawing to a close, but digital MP3 players also started to appear in the late 90s. However, they didn't take the market by storm right away due to some often bulky construction, initially limited (around 32MB at first) storage space, and a typically $200+ price point. MP3 players did begin to shrink in size and price point while expanding available storage near the tail end of the 90s. Plus the format allowed people to copy tracks from the CDs they already owned to listen to them digitally with zero possibility of skipping. On top of that, services like Napster became a convenient source for individual track downloads or entire albums until the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and Metallica eventually brought the hammer down in 1999. While that was a death knell for Napster and other at-the-time common free music download sources, the industry did manage to figure out that digital distribution was kind of a big deal. Hence why these days we can buy digital copies of music from official sources across a multitude of platforms, and why MP3 players like the $348 Sony NW-A306 Music Player (one of SlashGear's picks for Best MP3 Players ) are still around. Something that might not come across these days is just how many devices and formats were readily available but still somewhat out of reach for the average person. Anyone who grew up in the 90s and went shopping in a store that sold movies has likely seen LaserDiscs before, but may not have actually owned any. If we look at the history of the inevitable VHS vs. LaserDisc battle , the eventual demise of LaserDiscs doesn't make sense. Despite the technology being around since the late 70s, essentially acting as a precursor to DVDs — but roughly the same size as a vinyl record (a 12-inch diameter) — and providing a sharper picture and better audio options, along with easier navigation through media chapters and no need to rewind (though some discs did need to be flipped over), the format never really caught on in the US. LaserDiscs were cumbersome and much more expensive — with approximate manufacturing costs of $1 per tape, due to demand, versus $5 per disc — than their VHS counterparts. The same goes for the requisite media players, with VCRs being overall cheaper (sometimes as much as $200 less than a LaserDisc player) and thus more accessible. Of course, once DVDs came around both formats were phased out relatively quickly, but for a time, LaserDiscs were probably the best way to experience movies at home that not a whole lot of people could afford. At least now any leftover LaserDisc collections could be worth some serious cash . It may come as a surprise to someone that's grown up in the era of smartphones that Caller ID wasn't always a thing. For decades, you had no idea who was calling until you picked up the phone and asked who was on the end of the line. Even if you were expecting to hear from someone, you just couldn't know for sure. And yet, spam calls still weren't as prolific as they are now. AT&T introduced the technology in the late 70s as "Caller Identification Service" (CIDS), but it wasn't until 1986 that the FCC made Caller ID services a mandatory customer option for all phone providers. After which the feature became far more commonplace by the early 90s. Caller ID wasn't originally baked into the phone, either. It was either an entirely separate device you had to purchase and connect to the phone, or built into other connected devices like answering machines. Nowadays most phones, even landlines, are likely to have some form of Caller ID functionality in place. And of course smartphones, too. But back in the 90s it was practically a luxury to be able to avoid metaphorical dice rolls every time the phone would ring. No, public displays of affection weren't a "new" concept introduced in the 90s. This acronym actually stood for Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). PDAs were basically a fancier (and usually more portable) mostly all-in-one substitute for a calendar, a schedule, phone number storage, and sticky notes, with wireless communication capabilities (a big deal in the 80s and 90s) to boot. PDAs as we know them (or knew them) first started to hit the market in the early to mid-90s. Apple's 1993 Newton Message Pad ($699 at the time) arguably led the charge, but it was the first Palm Pilot (released in 1996 for $299) that seemed to really take off by refining the technology. But it wasn't just fancy devices like the Palm Pilot (or other parts of Palm's legacy .) By the mid to late 90s the concept had been refined and simplified enough that kids could also get in on the wonders of digitized personal organization by way of digital diaries and organizers. It might have taken more time to type out homework assignments on a keypad, but these things usually weighed a bit less than an assignment notepad — and cut down on ink, graphite, and paper use. You can still readily find PDAs and digital organizers to this day, in fact, like with the $19.99 Jot Pocket Writing Tablet from Boogie Board. Sure, Apple's 24-inch iMac is only a couple of years old, which implies that the iMac isn't a 90s-era gadget. But we're not talking about today's iMac — we're talking about the very 90s iMac. The GameBoy Color of the computer world. 1998 saw the release of the very first iMac G3 with a 4GB hard drive and 32MB of RAM (yes, really) — shaped like a bonbon, housing a 15-inch CRT monitor, and completely encased in a semi-translucent colorful shell — for $1299 (about $2500 in 2024.) The available color assortments that ranged from bright and vibrant to rare and groovy also added to the allure. These iMacs may not have been as powerful as a custom PC, but they were exceptionally user-friendly. And they were fun ... at least when compared to the dull grays and even duller beiges that were far more common for rigs in the 90s. Also they were a pretty regular go-to for schools when it came to supplying computers for classrooms — which, again, at the time was something of a rarity. You won't have any luck buying one of these vintage iMacs from most retailers today, though. These models have long since been lost to history. However, they do pop up on the aftermarket from time to time on sites like eBay, usually for around $150 to $300+ depending on the condition. ZIP drives were one of the 90's weirdest gadgets and existed in a time when the tech world was moving away from regular disk drives due to storage limitations and an ever-growing need for more space. But what exactly the next stage in digital storage would be hadn't been figured out yet. These were basically a beefier version of the floppy disk or diskette, debuting in 1994 to provide 100MB of storage, initially, but going on to offer as much as 750MB of space as the technology improved. It was far more useful for handling the larger amounts of space needed for exponentially improving image, audio, and video qualities compared to diskettes. These weren't cheap at around $200 for the drive and at least $20 for a 100MB disk. Beyond the expense, some ZIP drives were also prone to a hardware failure that would sometimes make an inserted data disk permanently unreadable. Sometimes the drive itself would also become unusable as a result, so you'd be out both the expensive hardware and all of your stored data. Of course USB thumb drives skyrocketed in popularity, leaving ZIP drives in the dust with a smaller (and more portable) profile, faster reading and writing speeds, and comparable storage capacity. Then eventually even larger storage space, with ever-shrinking prices. If you really want to check them out, ZIP drives can still be found on Amazon for around $150 to $300, but don't expect to be able to use them in many places. Landline phones were around long before the 90s, and are still around today (though usually of the cordless variety,) but some of what made the era "The 90s" is its aesthetic — the vibes if you will. And aside from Lisa Frank Trapper Keepers, you couldn't get much more 90s than see-through electronics. This included phones too. The history of these phones is a bit tough to pin down. Several models hit the market in the late 80s and into the 90s, but prices were often prohibitive at around $125. Surprisingly enough, it seems to have been Conair (the hair dryer manufacturer) that got the ball rolling in the consumer market with a sleeker design and a lower price point (somewhere around $15 to $30). It may seem baffling today, but back then it was the kind of gadget that made kids the envy of their class. Then again, maybe it's not so baffling since now we have things like the Nothing phone (2a) bringing translucency back. If you want to get ahold of your own see-through landline phone now, however, it seems as though aftermarket sales through sites like eBay are your best option since they're not readily available at regular retail anymore. If you're feeling brave you can probably nab an untested one for around $15 to $30, though. Tiger's Talkboy absolutely gained popularity due to its appearance and use in 1992's "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York." But what's really interesting is that the movie prop seems to have come first, with director John Hughes asking Tiger to build the device for the film that the company could then commercialize and sell. A preliminary model was released in 1992 without the "voice changing" ability to slow audio playback, but a more full-featured version would later come out the next year. The Deluxe Talkboy was much closer to what fans of the film would've been hoping for, releasing in 1993 with an MSRP of $29.99. Problem is, Tiger didn't anticipate a surge in demand once the home video was made available later that year — to the point that the company had to pull upcoming holiday ads due to not having enough stock. This bizarre little gadget was basically just a cassette tape recorder and player designed to be strapped to your hand with easily-accessible buttons and an extending microphone. This let you record sounds or voice clips fairly easily (for the time), then rewind and play them back at regular or slow speeds. You're not going to have any luck walking into a retail store and finding a Talkboy on the shelves today, though. Your best bet is to check for second-hand listings on sites like eBay, where you may find one for anywhere from $80 to $500+ depending on the condition and whether or not everything still works after several decades. Before Roboen's auto-transforming Optimus Prime robot there was AIBO: Sony's dog robot that was introduced all the way back in 1999. It all began with the ERS-110, which was unveiled in the summer of 1999 with a price of $2500 (just over $4700 in 2024.) Sony claimed the four-legged machine would provide a dog-like experience thanks to a variety of motors, joint movement ranges, sensors, and programming. ." Aside from the novelty of having a robot dog for a pet — one that allegedly would actually act like a real pet in a number of ways, too — there were other reasons someone might have wanted to get an AIBO. For one thing, it completely eliminates the worry of pet dander for anyone that might be allergic. It's also arguably cheaper in the long run compared to a real dog, since there aren't any vet bills or regular checkups to worry about. The ERS-1000 AIBO model is still available directly from Sony today, carrying an eye-watering $2899.99. Vintage models like the ERS-210 and ERS-7 can be found on the aftermarket through sites like eBay from anywhere between $400+ to $1600+ depending on the condition. Why try to convince your parents to spend $1000 on a fancy robot dog when you could ask for a roughly $50 robotic buddy instead, though? Toy Biz's My Pal 2 hit store shelves in 1991 and could do it all — so long as you only expected a few very specific things. It could play a simple game of ring toss with some electronic cheers, fold out a small door on the stomach, plug in the ring toss ring, and be a bedroom-sized basketball hoop, also complete with electronic cheers. The included ball could be loaded into one hand and tossed via a spring-loaded arm. A "guard dog" mode would cause My Pal 2 to bark if you placed it in front of a door and it was moved. You could play simple games like color-coded Simon using the chest buttons. And, just because, there was a dedicated (and literal) tickle button under one of the armpits you could press to make the little robot start giggling. Of course these days you're never going to find My Pal 2 on a regular store shelf, but you can still find them on the aftermarket for as little as $15 if you don't mind a bunch of missing accessories.

ESPN, TNT Sports Tag-Team on Emirates NBA Cup Production in Las Vegas The long and winding trek to the Emirates NBA Cup will conclude over the next few days at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and Saturday’s doubleheader will decide which two teams will battle it out for the second-annual trophy. In a March Madness–esque effort, ESPN and TNT Sports will each produce a semifinal matchup from the arena, relying on help from each other and the league’s broadcast-operations department. “[These games] feel different because we’re in a neutral venue and working much closer with the NBA,” says . “We’re able to do things that we wouldn’t be able to do in an ordinary NBA arena.” After a successful inaugural competition in 2023, the NBA Cup tourney’s start a month ago demonstrated the teams’ buy-in, with new jerseys, newly designed courts, and an enhanced commitment to play with heart and grit. Fans have turned up to the venues to watch in person, and viewers have tuned in to broadcasts on national and regional networks. As the tournament hits its final stage, the tension on the court will continue to ratchet up. And the championship-level game will be matched by championship-level technologies and workflows. “It feels like we’re in the playoffs despite being in the middle of the season,” says . “This year, it has been a little bit easier after last year’s tournament and with the great working relationship that we have with the league.” TNT Sports, which will broadcast the first semifinal, will deploy an impressive tech arsenal, including 10 hard cameras, six handhelds, four super-slow-motion cameras, its standard above-the-rim robotic camera at each basket, an RF Steadicam, and live coaches mics heard in real time. Another TNT Sports’ standard is remote graphics production from its Techwood facility in Atlanta, an effort that began on . Airing on ESPN, the second semifinal and Tuesday night’s final will be the first productions to boast five shallow–depth-of-field cameras: a Sony FR7 PTZ robo on each bench, a new Canon C80 on an RS-4 Pro gimbal, and an RF handheld with capabilities to add virtual graphics. Other tech toys include an ARRI ALEXA35 4K Live Production System camera with a Fujifilm DUVO 25-1000mm box lens, SMT Optics strategy tracker and shot-distance tracker with NBA Hawk-Eye data, and TGI Sport on-court virtual advertising. Each broadcaster will have a dedicated configuration in the compound. TNT Sports will roll with its West Coast workhorse, NEP Supershooter 8 A and B units, as the main game truck and NEP TS2 for an onsite edition of emanating from the outdoor plaza of T-Mobile Arena. ESPN will be working from NEP EN3 A and B for game coverage and Live Media Group MU-14 for onsite versions of and . The game truck will share multiple camera feeds for studio coverage, and the studio team’s virtual jib camera will be integrated into the live game telecast. On Saturday, TNT Sports and ESPN will come together to produce two semifinal games in a single night. Although the schedule at T-Mobile Arena is a lot more favorable this year — the tech infrastructure for last year’s portion in Las Vegas because of a Vegas Golden Knights game — key to the tournament’s success is to reflect on last year’s effort and adapt strategies for this weekend. “We tried sticking to the blueprint and made the necessary adjustments for replicating it,” says Brown. “The NBA made some tweaks, but we looked to leverage the lessons learned from last year.” A neutral-site production for a trophy game is reminiscent of the NBA Bubble during the COVID-shortened season in 2020. As two of the NBA’s domestic rightsholders, TNT Sports and ESPN had long had a strong partnership, but that effort at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando strengthened their relationship. Four years later, that time together is reflected in Las Vegas. “The camaraderie and friendship that we have with TNT Sports is unmatched,” says Okuno. “When it comes to operations, we’re always there to help each other out. When the NBA Cup came into our schedules last year, we took the approach of doing it together.” This willingness to work together in the same venue has translated into sharing selected resources and equipment. TNT Sports’ RF Steadicam, for example, will be used on ESPN’s nightcap on Saturday. ESPN, for its part, is offering Skycam, court-length RailCam, a Sony HDC-5500 low-slash camera, and robotic PTZ cameras. The ESPN-provided cameras will be operating in 1080p/59.94 fps SDR for both semifinal games. Audio will be shared via MADI and Dante paths, along with comms between the broadcasters’ onsite trucks. To free up space in the shared broadcast compound, the broadcasters will deploy a few remote workflows. Besides TNT Sports’ remote graphics from Techwood, ESPN graphics, clock and score, and four EVS replay operators for game coverage will be located in Bristol, CT. The final cut of the studio show will be distributed from ESPN’s production facility in Los Angeles. In addition, to manage the respective team’s workload, the broadcasters split their crews to produce the two remaining quarterfinal matchups in New York City and Houston on Wednesday. The new NBA-sanctioned competition is bringing in new viewers on its own, but, to offer more viewing options, TNT Sports will execute its last . Having debuted on , the alternative broadcasts will once again place the roster of the teams into the world of , with player icons, badges, and energy bars. When you add this activation to a full plate of production responsibilities, it’s another wrinkle that Brown and his crew have to account for. “This will add some complexity to our setup,” he notes, “since we’ll have a couple of dedicated cameras for this altcast. We’ve really leaned into alternative telecasts, and, for the avid basketball fan, it serves as an awesome companion. The [ ] trails about four seconds behind the main telecast, so it gives fans a chance to react to what they’re seeing on TV and then look over to see the stats associated with that same play.” On ESPN, the broadcasts will bring on-court sound to life via new Digital Q5X Player Mic-Xs. A staple of for many seasons, their use has been refined over the past two years, particularly for better sound quality and less obstruction on the player and uniform. A tech playground for the league and ESPN, the two latest NBA Summer Leagues at the Thomas & Mack — a short, 2.5-mile drive down Tropicana Ave. from T-Mobile Arena — was the perfect place to experiment with the refined implementation. We had to test it very thoroughly and incorporated the players’ input [into our testing],” notes Okuno. “We also had to make sure that it was transmitting [the signal] accurately.” Many sports fans look forward to the holiday season, to settling down with loved ones during a relatively slower time of the year. For sports-production professionals, it’s an extremely busy portion of their work schedule, but the crews at ESPN and TNT Sports are made up of hardworking folks who value their time together. At ESPN, Okuno is joined by , , , , , and of game operations and , , , and of studio operations. At TNT Sports, Brown is joined by ; ; ; ; and . The common goal of producing a quality televised product, along with viewers flocking to watch the action, results in a highly anticipated three-game ending to the tournament in its second year. “The standard was set very high last year to produce an NBA Finals–level production in 2023,” notes Okuno. “This year’s Emirates NBA Cup is about elevating our camera and audio technology.”

Great Osobor scored 12 points, grabbed six rebounds and had three assists in 18 minutes of playing time as Washington wrapped up nonconference action with a 90-53 rout of NJIT on Sunday afternoon in Seattle. Zoom Diallo came off the bench to contribute 12 points and a game-high five assists for the Huskies (9-4), and Wilhelm Breidenbach, who missed Monday's 79-70 upset loss to Seattle U., added 10 points and five rebounds. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. As property values continue to outpace inflation, property taxes are taking a bigger bite out of homeowners’ wallets. A new analysis from Construction Coverage breaks down property tax rates by state, county, and city to reveal where homeowners have the greatest burden. Click for more. Where Are U.S. Property Taxes Highest and Lowest? A State, County, and City AnalysisNone

Everyone on the Patriots had a bad day in Week 12 loss to DolphinsWhales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bullish stance on NIO . Looking at options history for NIO NIO we detected 8 trades. If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 62% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 25% with bearish. From the overall spotted trades, 2 are puts, for a total amount of $132,506 and 6, calls, for a total amount of $188,642. Predicted Price Range Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $3.0 to $15.0 for NIO over the recent three months. Analyzing Volume & Open Interest In terms of liquidity and interest, the mean open interest for NIO options trades today is 33855.14 with a total volume of 20,253.00. In the following chart, we are able to follow the development of volume and open interest of call and put options for NIO's big money trades within a strike price range of $3.0 to $15.0 over the last 30 days. NIO Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days Largest Options Trades Observed: Symbol PUT/CALL Trade Type Sentiment Exp. Date Ask Bid Price Strike Price Total Trade Price Open Interest Volume NIO PUT TRADE NEUTRAL 01/15/27 $10.7 $10.35 $10.5 $15.00 $105.0K 389 0 NIO CALL SWEEP BULLISH 01/17/25 $0.45 $0.43 $0.44 $5.00 $44.1K 85.6K 2.8K NIO CALL SWEEP BULLISH 05/16/25 $0.37 $0.31 $0.34 $10.00 $32.7K 33.9K 1.0K NIO CALL SWEEP BEARISH 05/16/25 $0.34 $0.33 $0.33 $10.00 $30.2K 33.9K 7.4K NIO CALL SWEEP BULLISH 01/16/26 $2.38 $2.36 $2.38 $3.00 $29.5K 8.9K 255 About NIO Nio is a leading electric vehicle maker, targeting the premium segment. Founded in November 2014, Nio designs, develops, jointly manufactures, and sells premium smart electric vehicles. The company differentiates itself through continuous technological breakthroughs and innovations such as battery swapping and autonomous driving technologies. Nio launched its first model, its ES8 seven-seater electric SUV, in December 2017, and began deliveries in June 2018. Its current model portfolio includes midsize to large sedans and SUVs. It sold over 160,000 EVs in 2023, accounting for about 2% of the China passenger new energy vehicle market. In light of the recent options history for NIO, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance. Present Market Standing of NIO Trading volume stands at 51,860,538, with NIO's price down by -8.3%, positioned at $4.75. RSI indicators show the stock to be may be approaching overbought. Earnings announcement expected in 84 days. Professional Analyst Ratings for NIO In the last month, 2 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $4.35. Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. Click here for access .* Reflecting concerns, an analyst from Macquarie lowers its rating to Neutral with a new price target of $4.* Reflecting concerns, an analyst from Goldman Sachs lowers its rating to Sell with a new price target of $3. Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for NIO with Benzinga Pro for real-time alerts. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.The energy industry is in need of green solutions that meet growing industrial demands. Storage and efficiency challenges remain a constant barrier to clean energy scalability. Imagine a device that could produce power without needing large batteries, like solar panels or grid dependence. This solution could fit onto small city balconies and could power automotive engines. Supported by First Tellurium’s advanced materials, PyroDelta has created thermoelectric technology that has been recognized by the National Science Foundation and introduces a new way to generate electricity using heat and cooling differences. Industry-Wide Energy Problem and a Unique Solution Relying on large battery storage continues to be a challenge facing sustainable energy sources, which limits scalability and is impractical in smaller areas. In cars, alternators bear a heavy load when turning mechanical energy into electrical power. Wear, age, and excessive heat make it even harder for the alternator to do its job. PyroDelta’s thermoelectric modules offer an alternative solution that generates power from heat. “This thermoelectric device is not only scalable and versatile, but it also addresses a major energy storage challenge by generating electricity without the need for large batteries,” says Michael Abdelmaseh, Engineer at PyroDelta. "This innovative solution turns waste heat from the engine's coolant into electricity, generating enough power to charge the battery and completely replace the alternator,” Michael explains. By taking the alternator's load off the engine, it frees up more power for driving, improving fuel efficiency by over 6%. At its core, it is a cutting-edge manufacturing process called Capillary Casting," which ditches soldering points to create tougher, heat-resistant modules. It's a smart way to recycle waste heat and transform it into usable energy, making cars more efficient and eco-friendlier. Product Impact Across Industries Beyond automobiles, PyroDelta’s alternative energy solutions extend to agriculture, off-grid power solutions, and even recreational uses that support power generation independence. Imagine camping trips where everyone can stay connected to the world and have the benefits of electricity like light, fans, and heaters on the go. A small, reliable device could power essential electronics without relying on traditional power sources. This solution is also perfect to prepare for emergency power outages. “Recently, we developed a 200-watt module,” Michael says. “This module can charge two phones or two tablets and a small DC fridge to keep insulin or necessary medication cold during emergencies, power outages, or hurricanes.” Keeping the fridge powered along with essential mobile devices, fans, and heaters can keep people comfortable during unexpected power troubles. Being able to maintain optimal temperatures in greenhouses by supplying supplemental power from waste heat can save the agricultural sector money and energy use. PyroDelta’s modules are also being explored for their potential in drones, recreational fishing, and even providing emergency power for disaster-struck areas. The possibility of its use across industries is endless, and it can be the green solution the world has been seeking. The Journey Behind the Technology Michael Abdelmaseh grew up in North Africa, dreaming of energy solutions that could work from balconies. His area lacked the infrastructure for solar panels even though there was a lot of sun that could create lots of energy. “I came from Egypt. I’m originally from New Alamein City, which is at the tip of Africa. Growing up there, everybody dreamed about solar panels because we have a lot of sun there, but there was no real estate for them,” Michael shares. Michael’s background as a Senior Commissioning Engineer includes building a battery plant for General Motors and working in Toyota’s Robotics and Automation Division. For the past eight years, he has been designing a thermoelectric module. “I’ve dedicated my efforts to developing a thermoelectric module—a solid-state device that generates electricity by applying heat on one side and cooling on the other, which was inspired by my experiences in North Africa, where access to renewable energy options is often limited,” he says. After demonstrating the heat-to-electricity conversion life, the team behind the thermoelectric device had proven its utility. First Tellurium provided critical domestic sources of tellurium and other metals, allowing Michael to overcome supply challenges. “One memorable moment was demonstrating the device with an ice cube in Vancouver—it actually generated more electricity with the ice cube than with heat, which showed how adaptable it is to both cold and warm climates,” shares Ty​rone Docherty, PyroDelta’s President and CEO. A New Standard for Sustainable Energy PyroDelta’s modules’ resilience under high heat makes it a standout energy solution across industries. “There is no device capable of withstanding high heat without soldering points, which are prone to fail at elevated temperatures. We solved this by pioneering a casting process that eliminates soldering altogether,” Michael says. As First Tellurium continues to support thermoelectric solutions from PyroDelta, they are setting a new standard for green energy, including applications for automotive energy efficiency. The modules have already attracted attention from the Society of Automotive Engineers and have patents in both Canada and the United States. The device’s applications, ranging from personal energy independence to industrial transformations, are being widely anticipated. “Our vision is to partner with major industries, including automotive companies, and to make a significant impact on energy efficiency across North America and beyond,” Tyrone shares. This thermoelectric breakthrough aims to redefine what is possible for off-grid power and energy conservation.

NNPC: Omokri speaks out as powerful former governor responds to claim of alleged Yorubanisation agenda by President TinubuJohn Calipari faces familiar foe as No. 23 Arkansas hosts Oakland