Eloy Jiménez leaving strong impression on Blue Jays during spring tra… — and more

The Indianapolis Colts have reportedly placed the transition tag, worth $37.833 million, on pending free agent starting quarterback Daniel Jones, which means they’re currently a projected $4.7 million over the 2026 team salary cap (via Fox59/CBS4’s Mike Chappell):

Now, the Colts salary cap situation remains entirely fluid.

For one, the Colts could still agree to a long-term deal with Jones before free agency hits and potentially lessen his 2026 salary cap hit from the $37.833M.

Second, the Colts have a number of veteran players they could potentially restructure, particularly starting wideout Michael Pittman Jr., who’s due a $29 million cap hit next season. If a trade or restructuring cannot be reached, the Colts could save $24 million by cutting Pittman Jr. outright.

Trading primary backup quarterback Anthony Richardson would also save the Colts a projected $5.4 million.

There’s also a number of other veteran players that the Colts could potentially restructure including starting left guard Quenton Nelson, defensive tackles DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart, linebacker Zaire Franklin, and cornerback Kenny Moore II.

Still, if the Colts want to free up enough cap space to also retain lead wideout Alec Pierce, who along with Jones is a priority internal free agent, they’ll have to make some moves here—while freeing up some ample cap space.

The footy world is mourning the death of legendary television commentator Dennis Cometti, who has passed away aged 76.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Anthony Edwards scored 41 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves overcame a sluggish first half to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 117-110 on Tuesday night.

The Timberwolves, who moved into fourth in the Western Conference over the weekend, have won four in a row and seven of eight. Memphis saw its two-game winning streak end.

Julius Randle added 23 points and 11 rebounds for the Wolves and Ayo Dosunmu contributed 14 points off the bench.

Jaylen Wells led Memphis with 19 points and Cedric Coward added 15. Memphis went on a 12-2 run to cut it to four points in the final minute but couldn't complete the rally.

Edwards, fresh off being named Western Conference Player of the Week, took over in the fourth quarter. He scored 13 points, including three 3-pointers, as the Wolves pulled away. It was his ninth 40-point game of the season, and fans serenaded him with “MVP!” chants in the final minute.

Minnesota trailed by 11 in the first half and shot 3 of 16 from deep before halftime. Edwards had all three of the Wolves' 3-pointers.

Wells had 15 first-half points to send Memphis into halftime with a 62-57 lead.

Minnesota picked up its defensive intensity and finally drew even in the third quarter at 72-all. Edwards converted a layup to put the Wolves on top 74-72, and Minnesota never trailed again.

Kyle Anderson made his return to Minnesota, coming off the bench one day after the Wolves brought him back following his release by Memphis. Anderson previously played for Minnesota in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. He had two points in 13 minutes.

The Wolves out-rebounded the smaller Grizzlies 51-33.

Up next

Grizzlies: Host Portland on Wednesday.

Timberwolves: Host Toronto on Thursday.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

It’s another night here at BCB After Dark: the grooviest nightspot for night owls, early risers, new parents and Cubs fans abroad. You know you’re always welcome here. Come on in and spend some time with us. There’s no cover charge. The hostess can seat you now. Bring your own beverage.

BCB After Dark is the place for you to talk baseball, music, movies, or anything else you need to get off your chest, as long as it is within the rules of the site. The late-nighters are encouraged to get the party started, but everyone else is invited to join in as you wake up the next morning and into the afternoon.

Last night I asked for your opinion about the World Baseball Classic. Most of you were reasonably positive about it as 38 percent of you said you “Like it” and 26 percent of you said that you “Love it.” Only six percent of you want to see it discontinued.

On Tuesday night/Wednesday morning, I don’t normally do any movie stuff. But I always have time for jazz, so you’re free to skip that now.

Tonight we have pianist Jacky Terrasson playing the Michel Legrand music from maybe my favorite movie musical of all time, “Les parapluies de Cherbourg” (The Umbrellas of Cherbourg). This is a much more upbeat version of the music than the more melancholic take that’s in the film.

Joining Terrasson is Kenny Davis on bass and Alvester Garnett on drums. This performance is from 2024.

Welcome back to everyone who skips all that jazz.

Tonight’s question is simple. Where are the Cubs going to get their power? Who is the biggest home run threat on the team?

So who is going to lead the team in home runs? Every year I ask this question and I don’t think we’ve ever predicted right. Since 2020, the Cubs’ team home run leader has been a surprise more often than not:

2020: Ian Happ—12

2021: Patrick Wisdom—28

2022: Patrick Wisdom—25

2023: Cody Bellinger and Christopher Morel—26

2024: Ian Happ—25

2025: Michael Busch—34

I don’t think any of those winners were expected at the start of the season. Wisdom came out of nowhere twice. I suppose Busch was a reasonable pick this time last year, but was he really favored over Kyle Tucker or Seiya Suzuki? Bellinger doesn’t look unreasonable in retrospect, but he was coming off getting non-tendered by the Dodgers. On top of that, he only tied with Christopher Morel, who was also a shock winner of the Cubs HR title.

So with the understanding that we’re all likely to be wrong, who will hit the most home runs for the Cubs in 2026?

I hope I don’t have to explain who any of these people are.

Thank you for stopping by tonight. We were glad to host you. Please get home safely. Tell us if you need us to get a ride for you. Recycle any cans and bottles. Tip your waitstaff. And join us again tomorrow for more BCB After Dark.