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  • *NSYNC’s Joey Fatone has always been a theatre kid


    The boy band star, who appeared on Broadway twice in the early aughts, now returns for the first time in 20 years to play a limited run in the musical & Juliet.

    Joey’s back, alright! Wait, wrong boy band. Nonetheless, it works: Despite famously being a member of *NSYNC, Joey Fatone sings multiple Backstreet Boys songs in & Juliet on Broadway, the pop musical in which he stars through March 16.

    Thirty songs from Grammy-winning songwriter/music producer Max Martin, made famous by these bands and other pop stars, score the show that imagines what would happen if Shakespeare’s Juliet didn’t die after losing Romeo. Fatone plays Lance, Juliet’s friend’s imposing father who falls into an unexpected romance of his own.

    Fatone joins a mini-boy band renaissance on the New York theatre scene; for one, New Kids on the Block’s Joey McIntyre just wrapped a run in Drag: The Musical off Broadway. The crossover is natural, according to Fatone.

    Theatre is “where we started,” he said. “Joey Mac has always been a theatre kid. I’ve always been a theatre kid. Crazy enough, a lot of the people I went to high school with have come out to do shows.” The alum of Orlando, Florida’s Dr. Phillips High School attended within 10 years of Wayne Brady, Aladdin‘s Michael James Scott, and Tony Award nominee Tony Yazbeck, among others.

    Fatone made his own Broadway debut in Little Shop of Horrors in 2002, going on to lead Rent for a limited run in 2004. & Juliet marks his first time back since then, and despite the challenges, he said he’s been having “a blast” getting to finally return to an art he loves.

    “I wasn’t really nervous-nervous. It was just a matter of getting things out and making sure I tell the story,” Fatone said. “It’s [an] amazing adrenaline rush.”

    Hear more from Fatone about taking up the codpiece in & Juliet and his hopes for the future of his Broadway career below.

    Get & Juliet tickets now.

    How does it feel to be back on Broadway?

    Crazy, after so many years. I feel old and humbled.

    No, it’s good. It’s exciting to be back. It’s been a long time coming for me, and finding the time to do it is always not that easy.

    I did Rent many moons ago. And it’s a great show, but it’s very mentally draining [doing] scenes that are very dark sometimes. For & Juliet, it’s so light and so much fun. I’m having a blast, and if I mess up, it happens. It’s a live show. What are you going to do?

    How did you get the opportunity to do & Juliet?

    I knew the show since the birth. [Producers] Tim Headington and Theresa Page are very good friends of mine that got this show pretty much up and running [in London’s] West End […] and then brought it to Broadway.

    I’ve seen the show, gosh, two or three times. Many years ago, we even said, “If there’s ever a part, let us know.” And they came to us and said, “Hey, here’s Lance. Obviously, this should be right up your alley.”

    Maybe I should have been like, “Darn. I should have been in the original cast!” But nevertheless, it is what it is. I’m here.

    What was your first impression of the show?

    “Man, I can’t do a French accent.” I’ve tried. It’s awful, but I think that’s what’s fun about this show and about this character. It does poke fun of it a little bit.

    I love this script, and you’ve got to love the music. It’s all Max Martin, it’s all Britney, *NSYNC, Backstreet, Katy Perry, Bon Jovi, Celine Dion. Hit after hit after hit after hit are in this show, and you know them, and you love them, and it’s amazing to see how they actually connected the script and the show to the songs. Sometimes that’s not very easy.

    fatone &j-1200x600-NYTG

    What was on your mind during your first performance?

    When I walked on stage and I was like, “So, Francois,” people screamed. I was like, “Okay, are they gonna stop?” I’m standing there and people are still cheering. I’m like […] “Please stop applauding because I’m not going to remember the line if you keep doing that.”

    Once I started talking, I don’t remember exactly what I said, but I said all the right words. And I walked off stage, and I went, “What the hell just happened?” That was the first scene. And then once you get into it, it’s just doing it.

    Was it a challenge to adapt to the demands of Broadway after being away for 20 years?

    Honestly, it’s with age. Seriously, no lie. You’re not as receptive and […] quick. For me, learning stuff is happening a little slower. But once I have that repetition, then it’s smooth sailing.

    A lot of celebrities sometimes go into these shows not knowing the grind — the eight shows a week, the one night off. Thank goodness my character, honestly, is not a very demanding character, which is nice, but he’s got to be present. There’s a lot of connections with his son, Francois, that [are] going on within the show.

    I only had […] about 11 days of rehearsals. When you’re doing these rehearsals, you’re not with the full cast; you’re with a stage manager and a dance captain and people that have done the show, but only, like, two or three.

    And that’s really what a put-in [rehearsal] is for. They even said, “Don’t worry about the lines. It’s the matter of getting your feet in the position of what you’re doing.”

    They’re like, “You need to be up forward.” And I’m like, “Why?” “Because a donut’s going to start moving and something’s going to hit you in the head if you do not go downstage.” And I was like, “Okay, lesson learned.”

    Did you get any advice from Paulo Szot, who originated Lance on Broadway?

    Paulo, I met a few times. Handing the codpiece over was a very cute, very funny service we did. He’s great, though his take is definitely different because he’s an opera singer, classically trained. That’s amazing within itself. He is a Tony Award-winning guy. I have no Tony Awards.

    My take is a little more comical. His is funny, too; mine’s just a little more cartoonish, a little more over the top. His is very deliberate, very sweet, and very sincere. I took some of that, but the great thing about doing these shows is putting a different twist on it.

    What is your favorite moment in & Juliet?

    Of course, mine are the best, what are you talking about? I love the bedroom scene with Angelique, [played by] Jeanette [Bayardelle]. She’s awesome. And that scene I have with Francois [where we sing] “Shape of my Heart,” which is also a beautiful ballad by Backstreet. You can’t not get choked up when you hear that song.

    There’s a couple other ones, [like the song] “One More Try.” I thought it was a song that was already written, but that’s actually original in the show that Max did, which is probably one of my favorite songs.

    Do you hope to do more Broadway shows in the future?

    It would be fun to do a brand-new show. Whatever that show is, or whatever musical. So, people, if you’re looking and if there’s a show out there and you think I’m fit for it, (makes phone gesture) ring-a-ding.

    Get & Juliet tickets now.

    This interview has been condensed and edited for length and clarity.

    Top image credit: Joey Fatone. (Photo by Amy and Gabe Mendoza at TwentyNine Northwest Studio)
    In-article image credit: Joey Fatone in & Juliet on Broadway. (Photo by Rebecca J. Michelson)



    Growing up, *NSYNC’s Joey Fatone may have been known for his impressive dance moves and vocal talents, but did you know he has always been a theatre kid at heart? From his early days performing in community theatre productions to his recent roles on Broadway, Joey has always had a passion for the stage.

    In fact, before joining *NSYNC, Joey was heavily involved in musical theatre, with roles in productions like “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Even after finding success in the music industry, he continued to pursue his love for theatre, starring in shows like “Rent” and “Sweeney Todd.”

    Now, Joey is back on Broadway, currently starring in the hit musical “Waitress.” His love for theatre has never wavered, and fans are thrilled to see him back where he belongs – under the bright lights of the stage.

    So next time you see Joey Fatone busting a move on stage, remember that he’s not just a pop star – he’s a true theatre kid at heart.

    Tags:

    *NSYNC, Joey Fatone, theatre, theatre kid, Broadway, musicals, boy band, singer, actor, performer, entertainment industry, career transition, passion for theatre

    #NSYNCs #Joey #Fatone #theatre #kid

  • *NSYNC’s Joey Fatone reacts to singing Backstreet Boys in ‘& Juliet’


    When you see Joey Fatone rocking his body to “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” in the hit Broadway musical “& Juliet,” you might think that you have been transported to an alternate boy band universe.

    But yes, that is the *NSYNC crooner singing the signature bop by the Backstreet Boys in the reimagining of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” — where the heroine decides not to kill herself after finding her beloved beau dead.

    As Lance Du Bois — a man-in-tights role he will be playing through March 16 at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre — Fatone also performs another Backstreet fave, “Shape of My Heart.”

    “It used to be the young characters,” said Fatone of his new role in “& Juliet.” “Now, I’m playing the dad parts.” Getty Images

    “It’s gonna be interesting for people that are fans of Backstreet and fans of *NSYNC to come see that,” he told The Post.

    Fatone, 48, also sings Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream” and Ariana Grande’s “Break Free” in the musical set to the tunes of Swedish hitmaker Max Martin — from Britney Spears’ “… Baby One More Time” to Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”

    Martin also lent his golden pen to *NSYNC classics such as “Tearin’ Up My Heart” and “It’s Gonna Be Me.” Although the latter track is featured in “& Juliet,” it’s not one of Fatone’s numbers.

    “The first song we ever actually did with Max was ‘I Want You Back,’” said Fatone of *NSYNC’s debut single. “He gets it, you know? And he has a great team of people that get … what makes a hit and what has the hook.”

    After “I Want You Back” was released in the US in 1998, *NSYNC got an unwitting boost from the Backstreet Boys when, later that year, the “I Want It That Way” group turned down an offer to appear on the “Disney Channel in Concert” series.

    Fatone takes a bow on opening night of his run in “& Juliet,” where he sings the tunes of hitmaker Max Martin. Rebecca J. Michelson

    “They were exhausted,” said Fatone. “All of a sudden, Johnny [Wright, who managed both boy bands] was like, ‘Well, these guys from *NSYNC, they’re brand new … you want to give them a shot to do the show?’ And they said, ‘Yes.’

    “And guess what — we waltzed right in there and blew up. So thanks, Backstreet.”

    But the two quintets were not as in sync as you might think.

    Fatone (left) reunited with his *NSYNC bandmates at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards. Getty Images for MTV

    “They had a lot more ballads. It was a little bit more sophisticated,” said Fatone. “We’re known more for our uptempos. And I think we danced a lot more than they did.”

    Although much was made of a rivalry between the two groups back in the day, there is no bad blood between them. In fact, Fatone and Backstreet’s AJ McLean teamed up for the A Legendary Night tour, in which they crooned to each other’s tunes.

    Fatone (right) teamed up with Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean for the A Legendary Night tour, crooning each other’s tunes. Getty Images

    “This was kind of a thank you to our fans,” said Fatone of the tour, which he and McLean hope to resume with more shows later this year. “We put a couple of shows out for A Legendary Night, and it sold out fast.”

    For now, though, the New York native is focused on his return to Broadway after 21 years in “& Juliet,” after previously appearing in “Rent” in 2002 and “Little Shop of Horrors” from 2003 to 2004.

    “It used to be the young characters,” said Fatone. “Now, I’m playing the dad parts.”


    Joey Fatone, former member of the iconic boy band NSYNC, recently made a surprising revelation during a performance of the musical ‘& Juliet’. The show features a mashup of popular songs from the 90s, including hits from both NSYNC and their rival boy band, the Backstreet Boys.

    During a scene in the musical where the characters sing a medley of boy band classics, Fatone found himself belting out the lyrics to a Backstreet Boys song. The moment caught the attention of fans in the audience, who couldn’t believe their ears.

    In a recent interview, Fatone shared his reaction to singing a Backstreet Boys song on stage. He admitted that it was a surreal experience, but ultimately he enjoyed the opportunity to perform a song from a group that he had once considered competition.

    Fans of both *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys were thrilled to see Fatone embrace the moment and show his appreciation for his fellow boy band members. It just goes to show that even rival boy bands can come together for the love of music.

    Tags:

    *NSYNC, Joey Fatone, Backstreet Boys, & Juliet, musical, Broadway, crossover, boy bands, pop music, singing, performance, reaction, entertainment industry, nostalgia, celebrity, collaboration, theater, vocalists, music, stage production

    #NSYNCs #Joey #Fatone #reacts #singing #Backstreet #Boys #Juliet

  • ‘I Am That Age!’: Joey Fatone on Going From Boy Band Member to Father Figure in & Juliet


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    ‘I Am That Age!’: Joey Fatone on Going From Boy Band Member to Father Figure in & Juliet

    The former NSYNC member is reliving his glory days in the Broadway musical.

    Pop star Joey Fatone had known about the development of the musical & Juliet for a long time, and was interested in doing it from the beginning. So when he got the call from producers that they were ready for him to come in to the Broadway run, it was an immediate yes. He worked to find a space in his busy schedule. “Getting back in a theatre, on the grind, it’s fun!” he tells Playbill. 

    Fatone is stepping into the Max Martin jukebox musical for a limited run until March 16. Fatone’s previous Broadway credits include Rent and Little Shop of Horrors. In & Juliet, Fatone plays Lance, who is a father and, also, a former member of a boy band. Which is something like art imitating life. He says that sharing the stage with young performers makes him think back to his early days with NSYNC.

    “It’s amazing because I remember having the aspirations, the hunger, the drive. I still have the hunger and the drive, but it’s different. It’s not like I need to be somebody. As far as NSYNC, I became somebody with them, and then I did stuff on my own. I’ve done a lot of the things I’ve always dreamt about doing.” He then exclaims, “Mentally, you start to go, ‘Holy shit, I am that age!’ I’m now taking on the father roles, which I am okay with.”

    & Juliet flips the script on the William Shakespeare classic, imagining what would happen next if Juliet hadn’t ended it all over Romeo. Featuring a book by David West Read, the score includes a mix of tunes by pop songwriter Max Martin, including “Since U Been Gone,” “Roar,” “I Want It That Way,” and “Confident.” It also includes songs from NSYNC, though Fatone doesn’t sing those. 

    Above, watch Fatone discuss what he loves about the stage and what it’s like, as a former NSYNC member, to sing (rival boy band) Backstreet Boys songs on the stage.

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    Photos: Joey Fatone Talks & Juliet

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    The current Broadway company of & Juliet includes Maya Boyd as Juliet, Alison Luff as Anne, Drew Gehling as Shakespeare, Liam Pearce as Romeo, Michael Iván Carrier as May, Jeannette Bayardelle as Angélique, and Nathan Levy as François.

    Gabe Amato, Daniel Assetta, Reese Britts, Nicholas Cooper, Charli D’Amelio, Jhailyn Paige Farcon, Makai Hernandez, Najah Hetsberger, Joomin Hwang, Khailah Johnson, Elsa Keefe, Alaina Ví Maderal, Daniel J. Maldonado, Alejandro MullerDahlberg, Ava Noble, Cassie Silva, Darien Van Rensalier, and Romy Vuksan complete the cast.

    The production also has direction by Luke Sheppard, choreography by Jennifer Weber, musical supervision, orchestrations, and arrangements by Bill Sherman, scenic design by Soutra Gilmour, costume design by Paloma Young, lighting design by Howard Hudson, sound design by Gareth Owen, video projection design by Andrzej Goulding, hair, wig, and makeup design by J. Jared Janas, and musical direction and additional orchestrations by Dominic Fallacaro.

    U.S. casting is by Stephen Kopel and Carrie Gardner. 

    The international hit musical, which opened at the Sondheim November 17, 2022, was the first new musical of the 2022–2023 Broadway season to announce its recoupment.

    Visit AndJulietBroadway.com.

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    Photos: NSYNC’s Joey Fatone Takes 1st Broadway Bow in & Juliet

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    In the hit musical & Juliet, former *NSYNC member Joey Fatone takes on the role of a father figure as he portrays William Shakespeare in a modern twist on the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet.

    Fatone, who rose to fame as a member of the boy band sensation *NSYNC, has transitioned from being a heartthrob to a seasoned performer who brings depth and emotion to his character on stage.

    In a recent interview, Fatone reflected on his evolution from boy band member to father figure, saying, “I am that age now where I can relate to playing a father figure on stage. It’s a different kind of role for me, but one that I embrace wholeheartedly.”

    Fans of Fatone can catch him in & Juliet, where he brings a new perspective to the timeless tale of love and tragedy. Don’t miss the chance to see this talented performer in action!

    Tags:

    Joey Fatone, Boy Band Member, Father Figure, & Juliet, Age, Pop Culture, Parenting, Celebrity Interview, Musical Theatre, Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, Boy Band Evolution, Broadway, West End, Theater Production

    #Age #Joey #Fatone #Boy #Band #Member #Father #Figure #Juliet

  • Joey Daccord News: Drawing start in Edmonton


    Daccord will patrol the road blue paint in Monday’s divisional matchup against the Oilers, Mike Benton of the Kraken Audio Network reports.

    Daccord has been consistent in the new year, sporting a 5-2-0 record, .927 save percentage and 2.19 GAA through nine appearances in January. The 28-year-old has allowed two goals or fewer in seven of those outings. Edmonton is 9-3-0 in its last 12 games, and Connor McDavid will return to the lineup Monday after serving a three-game suspension. Daccord has never emerged victorious against the Oilers in six career appearances.

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    Joey Daccord, the talented goaltender for the Edmonton Oilers, is making waves yet again as he begins his new journey with the team. After being acquired from the Ottawa Senators in a trade earlier this year, Daccord is ready to make his mark in Edmonton.

    The excitement surrounding Daccord’s arrival is palpable, with fans eagerly anticipating his debut in an Oilers uniform. Known for his quick reflexes and stellar puck-stopping abilities, Daccord is sure to be a valuable asset to the team as they push towards the playoffs.

    As training camp gets underway, Daccord is already turning heads with his impressive performance on the ice. His teammates and coaches alike are praising his work ethic and dedication, and it’s clear that Daccord is determined to prove himself in his new role.

    Stay tuned for more updates on Joey Daccord as he continues to make headlines in Edmonton. With his talent and drive, there’s no telling how far he can go with the Oilers. Watch out, NHL – Joey Daccord is ready to take the league by storm.

    Tags:

    Joey Daccord, Edmonton Oilers, NHL news, starting goalie, hockey updates, Edmonton sports, Daccord debut, Edmonton game lineup

    #Joey #Daccord #News #Drawing #start #Edmonton

  • *NSYNC Skips Joey Fatone’s Broadway Debut for Justin Timberlake Show


    2. But wait, Lance wasn’t the first fifth member of ‘N Sync!

    That role was originally played by Jason Galasso, who had known Fatone from choir in their high school days and was dabbling in the singing-group arts when he got a page (1990s, FTW) out of nowhere from his old acquaintance. Coincidentally, he also knew Chasez because, as Galasso explained on The Digital Get Down podcast in 2019, he “used to kind of hang out with The Mickey Mouse Club” stars like Chase Hampton and Keri Russell.

    After they “locked in perfectly” on a rendition of Boyz II Men‘s “End of the Road,” that was it, he was in the as-yet unnamed group. “I remember I’m like, ‘Dang, Justin’s young!’” he recalled. “But then I heard him sing, I’m like ‘Oh, it doesn’t matter how old he is, he can sing his butt off.”

    At the same time, however, the bass singer was also in a three-man group called Unreal, “so I’m still trying to decide, you know, what I want to do, what direction I want to go in as far as which group I want to go with,” Galasso, who’s in the mortgage loan business these days, recalled. “Because I remember, the first time Lou Pearlman brought over some music, he was thinking about the type of music that we would be doing, and I come from an R&B, hip-hop background. That’s my love, my heart, my soul.”

    So when Pearlman came over with “this European-style techno, I was just like, ‘Hmm, okay.’” So, he went ahead and traveled with the other guys in Unreal to Atlanta to cut a demo, which he thought turned out great.

    Meanwhile, ‘N Sync was starting to fashion a look and they were talking about putting a showcase together for Disney’s Pleasure Island. They even took a field trip to Shaquille O’Neal‘s house to check out his home studio in Orlando, but they had not yet recorded any music. And, more consequentially for Galasso, they hadn’t yet signed any contracts.

    Pretty soon, both groups were trying to get him to sign. Galasso said he took the dueling contracts to a lawyer and, while the deal with the trio was pretty standard issue, Pearlman had himself written into the ‘N Sync contract as a sixth member, and that contract was “thick as a phone book.” He felt that the other members of ‘N Sync were more gung-ho than he was about the deal—which was true, because they all proceeded to sign it, whether they truly understood what it entailed or not.

    So Galasso ultimately went with the group that wasn’t ‘N Sync.





    *NSYNC Skips Joey Fatone’s Broadway Debut for Justin Timberlake Show

    Fans of the iconic boy band *NSYNC were left disappointed when it was revealed that the group would not be attending Joey Fatone’s Broadway debut in “Little Shop of Horrors” on Thursday night. Instead, the members were spotted at fellow bandmate Justin Timberlake’s show in New York City.

    Many fans expressed their disappointment on social media, with some calling out the group for not supporting Fatone in his new venture. However, others defended the decision, pointing out that the members have busy schedules and may not have been able to attend.

    Despite the absence of his bandmates, Fatone received rave reviews for his performance in “Little Shop of Horrors,” with many praising his comedic timing and stage presence. Hopefully, *NSYNC will make it up to Fatone by showing their support in future performances.

    Tags:

    *NSYNC, Joey Fatone, Justin Timberlake, Broadway debut, music, boy band, celebrity news, entertainment, pop culture, reunion, friendship, support

    #NSYNC #Skips #Joey #Fatones #Broadway #Debut #Justin #Timberlake #Show

  • Joey Lucchesi, Giants agree to minor-league contract – NBC Sports Bay Area & California


    The Giants reportedly have bolstered their bullpen depth.

    San Francisco agreed to a minor-league contract with left-handed pitcher Joey Lucchesi, the New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported Monday.

    The 31-year-old Lucchesi, as Heyman reported, receives an invitation to spring training and will earn $1.5 million in 2025 if he makes San Francisco’s 26-man roster.

    Lucchesi spent the first three seasons of his MLB career with the San Diego Padres (2018-2020) before he was traded to the New York Mets in January 2021. Lucchesi played one season (2021) with New York before he had Tommy John surgery on his left elbow, sidelining him for the entire 2022 season.

    He since has made just 11 total appearances, both as a starter and as a reliever, over the last two seasons.

    Lucchesi has a career 4.10 ERA in 394 2/3 innings pitched with 388 strikeouts and 137 walks.

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    The San Francisco Giants have added some pitching depth by signing left-handed pitcher Joey Lucchesi to a minor-league contract. Lucchesi, who was previously with the New York Mets, will have the opportunity to compete for a spot on the Giants’ roster in Spring Training.

    The 28-year-old Lucchesi has shown promise in his career, posting a 4.31 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in 58 starts with the San Diego Padres from 2018-2020. He struggled with the Mets in 2021, but the Giants are hopeful that he can regain his form and provide valuable innings out of the bullpen or possibly even as a starter.

    Lucchesi adds depth to a Giants pitching staff that already includes stars like Logan Webb, Kevin Gausman, and Alex Wood. With the uncertainty surrounding the health of some of the team’s pitchers, Lucchesi could prove to be a valuable insurance policy for the Giants as they look to defend their NL West title in 2022.

    Stay tuned for updates on Lucchesi’s progress as he competes for a spot on the Giants’ roster this spring.

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  • Giants, Joey Lucchesi Agree To Minor League Deal


    The Giants and left-hander Joey Lucchesi have agreed to a minor league deal, reports Jon Heyman of The New York Post. The CAA Sports client gets an invite to big league camp and will make $1.5MM if he makes it to the majors.

    Lucchesi, 32 in June, has spent the past few years as a depth arm for the Mets. Acquired from the Padres in the three-team January 2021 trade that sent Joe Musgrove from Pittsburgh to San Diego, Lucchesi went on to toss 38 1/3 innings for the Mets that year. He allowed 4.46 earned runs per nine but with strong strikeout and walk rates of 26.1% and 7% respectively.

    Tommy John surgery in June put him out of action for the second half and he didn’t make it back to the majors in 2022. For the past two years, the lefty has mostly been kept in the minors, only getting into nine big league contests in 2023 and just two last year. His 57 innings in those 11 starts resulted in a 3.32 ERA but less impressive numbers under the hood, as his 16.2% strikeout rate and 10.4% walk rate were both subpar. He also tossed 204 2/3 innings in the minors over the past two years with a 4.57 ERA, 19.3% strikeout rate and 11.1% walk rate. After two years of fairly middling results, and Lucchesi exhausting his final option year, the Mets decided to move on. He was outrighted off the roster at the end of last season and elected free agency.

    For the Giants, there’s no real harm in bringing him aboard on a minor league pact to see if the lefty can get things back on track. He once looked like a solid rotation option for the Padres, logging 293 2/3 innings over the 2018 and 2019 seasons with a 4.14 ERA, 24.6% strikeout rate, 8% walk rate and 46% ground ball rate. He spent most of 2020 in the minors but put up fairly similar numbers in 2021 before his surgery.

    The Giants have a good rotation on paper, though with plenty of uncertainty behind Logan Webb. Both Robbie Ray and Justin Verlander will be looking to bounce back after injuries prevented them from contributing much in 2024. Kyle Harrison has posted some solid numbers thus far but is still below 160 career innings in the majors. Jordan Hicks will once again be trying to carve out a rotation role after seemingly running out of gas last year.

    The club also has some depth options, with guys like Landen Roupp, Hayden Birdsong, Mason Black and others on the roster, but Lucchesi will add to that depth in a non-roster capacity. If he gets back to the majors, he is out of options, but he has less than five years of service time. That means he could theoretically be retained via arbitration for 2026 if he’s holding a roster spot at the end of the upcoming season.



    The San Francisco Giants have reached an agreement with left-handed pitcher Joey Lucchesi on a minor league deal. The 29-year-old southpaw will join the Giants’ organization as they look to bolster their pitching depth for the upcoming season.

    Lucchesi, a former fourth-round pick by the San Diego Padres in 2016, has shown promise in his career but has struggled to find consistency at the major league level. He has a career 4.14 ERA in 71 games (59 starts) with the Padres and New York Mets.

    Despite his struggles, Lucchesi provides the Giants with a low-risk, high-reward option for their pitching staff. If he can tap into his potential and find success in San Francisco, he could provide valuable depth for the team’s rotation or bullpen.

    The Giants have been active this offseason in adding pitching depth, with Lucchesi being the latest addition to their roster. It will be interesting to see how he performs in spring training and if he can earn a spot on the Giants’ Opening Day roster.

    Overall, this signing is a smart move by the Giants as they look to build a strong pitching staff for the upcoming season. Fans will be eager to see how Lucchesi fits into the team and if he can help contribute to their success in 2022.

    Tags:

    Giants, Joey Lucchesi, Minor League Deal, Baseball, MLB, San Francisco Giants, Pitcher, Free Agent, Signing, Minor League Contract, Player Agreement, Baseball News

    #Giants #Joey #Lucchesi #Agree #Minor #League #Deal

  • From Michigan to Ohio State: Joey Velazquez’s quest to win a title on both sides of the rivalry


    ATLANTA — Joey Velazquez has been at Ohio State long enough to know and respect the rule around his teammates.

    He tries to follow it everywhere else, too, but he admittedly slips up with his parents every now and then.

    “Sometimes I do say, ‘Michigan,’” Velazquez said.

    Any violations are unintentional and understandable. Before he became a backup linebacker and special teams player for the Buckeyes, he was a contributor for the Team Up North.

    Which puts him on the verge of history.

    If Ohio State beats Notre Dame in Monday night’s College Football Playoff final, Velazquez will have won back-to-back national championships on two different teams — two teams that happen to be among the fiercest rivals in all of sports.

    “It’s breathtaking, honestly,” Velazquez said Saturday during CFP media day. “I’m just thankful that God put me in the opportunities to be with these guys and these great players.”

    Velazquez started earning those opportunities as a three-star football recruit and three-time all-state baseball player at St. Francis DeSales High School in Columbus, Ohio. He initially committed to the hometown Buckeyes’ 2019 class but flipped to Michigan because football coach Jim Harbaugh and baseball coach Erik Bakich agreed to let him play both sports.

    “That was my dream come true coming out of high school,” Velazquez said. “They gave me the opportunity, so it was awesome.”

    Though his statistics were not eye-popping, he became the first Michigan player since Rick Leach (1978) to win a Big Ten title in football and baseball in the same year.

    In football, he appeared in 21 career games on defense/special teams (none last year) and recovered a first-half fumble at the Wisconsin 5-yard line in 2021. In baseball, the lefty outfielder started 68 games over four seasons. He batted .277 in 2022 and had a game-winning pinch-hit home run against No. 21 Maryland and the go-ahead RBI single against Illinois en route to the Big Ten Tournament title.

    But his father, Jason, started having health problems in the summer of 2023. Velazquez was far enough away that he didn’t realize how serious things were until he returned home. As the oldest son in a family of nine children, Velazquez decided he needed to be closer to home. The Buckeyes gave him that chance, and he transferred to Ohio State as a walk-on.

    A Michigan Man began wearing scarlet and gray.

    “You never see it happen,” Buckeyes linebacker Cody Simon said.

    Once Simon and his teammates heard the reason behind Velazquez’s decision, they understood. And once they saw him work, they quickly accepted him. Velazquez was twice named one of the Buckeyes’ dudes of the week during offseason strength and conditioning programs. The 5-foot-11, 226-pound Velazquez has appeared in every game and recorded a tackle against Western Michigan.

    “He’s really here for the betterment of our team,” Simon said. “He’s grown to be a brother of mine now. He helped our culture as soon as he got here.”

    Despite the fierce animosity between the teams — hatred that boiled over into a midfield brawl in November — Velazquez sees cultural similarities. Both have fun and joke around on occasion, but the business-like preparation at both programs is at a level Velazquez has never seen anywhere else. As a sixth-year senior, Velazquez tries to foster it by showing younger players the dedication necessary to succeed. Dedication that has resulted in one Big Ten championship in baseball, three in football, one national championship and, perhaps, another title secured at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Monday.

    Velazquez would not be the first player in the transfer portal era to win national championships at two different programs. Derion Kendrick was a receiver on Clemson’s 2018 title team and a standout cornerback on the Georgia team that won it all three years later. But Kendrick did not have to straddle a white-hot rivalry like Velazquez.

    Velazquez’s maize and blue gear is boxed up — a safe middle ground between hanging shirts in his closet and disposing of them. During Thanksgiving week, he didn’t cross out or tape over the M on his Michigan diploma (a degree in American culture), which his parents have stowed away somewhere. He remains in touch with some of his former Michigan teammates, and a few have even reached out this week to let him know they’re rooting for him.

    Though the circumstances of Velazquez’s transfer were unfortunate, he’s grateful for the results. His father’s health has improved. The situation let him join another elite program that sits four quarters away from a national title. Velazquez got to experience both sides of a storied rivalry and can consider himself both a Buckeye and a Michigan Man.

    “Hopefully, I have the opportunity to win both national championships,” Velazquez said. “I’ll let my kids decide whatever team they want to pick.”

    (Photos: Doral Chenoweth / USA Today Network; Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn Images)





    Growing up in Columbus, Ohio, Joey Velazquez always dreamed of playing football for the Ohio State Buckeyes. But after committing to the University of Michigan to play baseball, Velazquez found himself on the other side of one of college football’s most heated rivalries.

    Despite the allegiance to the maize and blue, Velazquez’s love for football never wavered. After two seasons playing baseball for the Wolverines, he decided to walk on to the football team in hopes of fulfilling his childhood dream of playing at the highest level.

    Velazquez’s journey from Michigan to Ohio State was not an easy one. He had to prove himself on the field and earn the respect of his teammates and coaches. But his hard work and determination paid off, and he eventually earned a scholarship to play football for the Buckeyes.

    Now, as a key member of the Ohio State defense, Velazquez is determined to help his team win a national championship and add another title to his resume. But his journey is not just about winning on the field – it’s about bridging the gap between two fierce rivals and proving that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.

    As Velazquez continues his quest to win a title on both sides of the rivalry, he serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most unlikely paths lead to the greatest success. And no matter which team he’s playing for, he’ll always have a piece of both Michigan and Ohio State in his heart.

    Tags:

    1. Joey Velazquez
    2. Michigan football
    3. Ohio State football
    4. College football rivalry
    5. Big Ten football
    6. Joey Velazquez football journey
    7. Michigan vs. Ohio State rivalry
    8. College football championships
    9. Joey Velazquez athlete
    10. Big Ten rivalry games

    #Michigan #Ohio #State #Joey #Velazquezs #quest #win #title #sides #rivalry

  • Team Penske’s ace Joey Logano “excited” to start his 2025 NASCAR season after an eventful “trip to FL”


    Defending Cup Series champion Joey Logano recently wrote on social media about his excitement for the 2025 season after his family trip to Florida this past week.

    The Team Penske driver was seen enjoying an NBA game on January 12. He recently replied to a video of himself with his wife and three children at the NBA game between Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers.

    “Great trip to FL with the family. Excited to get the 2025 @NASCAR season underway,” Logano wrote.

    Logano made an incredible comeback last season after he was nearly disqualified from the playoffs. The 34-year-old advanced to the next round at the Charlotte Roval after Alex Bowman was disqualified. Logano was the first driver to win his spot in the Championship 4 and had plenty of time to prepare for the season finale at Phoenix Raceway. He won his third Cup title from his teammate, Ryan Blaney and became only the 10th driver with three or more championships. Logano won the previous championships in 2018 and 2022.

    The 2025 NASCAR season will start with “The Clash” at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 2. The first points race for the year will be held at the Daytona International Speedway.

    Joey Logano announces 3rd ‘Concert For Charity’

    Joey Logano runs a foundation that supports children and young adults in foster care and has donated over $6 million to help them. Logano started the foundation in 2013 and recently helped with disaster recovery with a $250,000 donation in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Logano and Ford also gave two cars to people who lost theirs in the hurricane.

    The Middletown, Connecticut native wrote about the 3rd annual charity concert on X:

    “The ‘Joey Logano Concert For Charity’ is coming back for year 3! Mark your calendars and plan a fun night with us at @coyotejoes on Thursday, May 22nd. Stay tuned for more updates with Artist Announcements and when tickets will go for sale.”

    Logano, who debuted in the Cup Series in 2008, will return for his 17th full-time season in the series in the No. 22 Ford Mustang Dark Horse with Paul Wolfe as crew chief. He has 36 wins in over 17 years.

    Last year, Logano was criticized for receiving the Cup title after a poor regular season performance, where he had an average finish of 17.1. Some believed the current playoff system was unfair to other drivers who had better overall performances. Hendrick Motorsports‘ Kyle Larson dominated the 2024 season with six wins and most laps lead.