If you’ve been feeling like your life is dull and insignificant, Wednesday’s full moon in Leo invites you to find, or create, some excitement. While a bit of tedium here and there is inevitable, you shouldn’t feel like it defines your whole existence. Then, on Friday morning, Mercury moves from eccentric Aquarius into intuitive Pisces, where it’ll stay until early March. For the next two weeks, you might struggle to think rationally through tricky situations and important decisions. When you’re at a loss for what to do next, see what happens if you rely on intuition instead.
You’re not the sort of person to rest on your laurels after a job well done: As soon as you reach one goal, you’re immediately on to the next. You know that there are always more skills to hone, more people to meet, more of the world to explore. This week, just make sure that you’re not brushing off your accomplishments too quickly. Take some time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Life’s big wins can be few and far between, so when they arrive, make the most of them.
In the interest of making progress toward your goals and staying principled, you tend to set a lot of rules for yourself. The clearer your agenda and the stricter the guidelines, the less room there is for error. This week, though, leave room to loosen, possibly even abandon, some of the restrictions you’ve put on yourself. As the world around you changes, and as you grow and evolve, you need to adapt. If the old rules no longer work for you, let them go.
With your quick wit and your keen sense for social dynamics, you know how to work a room. You can charm even the most humorless of people. Sometimes, though, you worry that as much as everybody enjoys your company, they forget that beneath your goofy exterior, you have a deep intellect and big ideas to share, too. This week, remember that you can’t force anyone else to take you seriously — but you’ll be surprised by what a difference it makes when you make a point of respecting yourself.
In general, you prefer to find common ground with others than to focus on your differences. You imagine that focusing on the points of conflict will only heighten any existing tensions. Sometimes, though, this approach means that you end up downplaying your own completely valid opinions. So this week, don’t be afraid to stand firm in what you believe, even if it creates friction with the people around you. Disagreement doesn’t have to be unpleasant — right now, it might even be fun.
You’ve done your best to be open-minded lately. Instead of leaping into action, you’ve been a bit more cautious, focusing instead on taking in new information, thinking through ideas you’ve never given serious consideration before, and adjusting to changes in your life. This week, it might be time to close your ears to the constant buzz of everyone else’s opinions. You’ve learned a lot, and now you deserve some peace and quiet so that you can put all that new knowledge to use.
It can feel like you spend all your time cleaning up other people’s messes. Somebody has to step up and do the unglamorous jobs, and when nobody else is willing, it all ends up falling on you. If you’ve taken on so much that you have no time left to recharge and no energy left to do the things that make you happy, it’s time to take a step back. It isn’t selfish to set boundaries — you aren’t responsible for carrying the world on your shoulders.
Lately, your schedule feels jam-packed. It’s not a bad thing — a full calendar is a sign that you’re in demand, engaged in your community, surrounded by people who love you — but it can get stressful. This week, try to leave yourself some free time. It’ll make it possible to decompress if you need to — and, just as importantly, it’ll give you the freedom to be spontaneous, to accept spur-of-the-moment invitations, and to follow your desires and curiosities, not just your schedule.
You possess a healthy self-esteem, but no one is totally impervious to criticism and self-doubt. Lately, you feel like your confidence is on shaky ground, and you need just one big win to restore it. You might get what you’ve been looking for this week, but even if you don’t, you can still return to your fearless self: The key is simply to fake it. The more confident you seem, the more everyone around you will believe it — and before long, you’ll believe, too.
Though you’re bold by nature, you aren’t foolish, so you generally try to think through plans before making any dramatic leaps. You’ve learned through experience that even a loose strategy is better than none at all. This week, just remember that it’s not possible to think through everything ahead of time. At a certain point, you’ve done all the thought and research that you can. Even if you don’t feel ready, you just need to trust that you’ll learn as you go.
You worry, sometimes, that nobody will respect you unless you’re virtually flawless. If you want to be loved, you imagine you need to hide your imperfections, make all the right choices and say all the right things, and pretend you’ve never made a mistake in your life. The problem with this mind-set, of course, is that you end up putting so much energy into appearing perfect that you start to forget who you are deep down. This week, remember your inherent worth, and stop worrying so much about doing everything “right.”
You’d never let other people’s ideas about the world dictate the way you think. You worry that relying on popular wisdom means you’ll remain perpetually stuck in the status quo, and that putting all your faith in tradition means you’ll never break new ground. Your independence is valuable — just be careful this week not to let it isolate you. If you’re stuck, ask your friends for advice. If you’re mulling over a new idea, get someone else’s input. Other people’s opinions can clarify your own thinking, even — maybe especially — if they disagree.
You aren’t someone to overhype yourself — if anything, you tend to undervalue your skills while simultaneously lavishing praise on everyone else’s. Everything you know how to do strikes you as unimpressive, while other people’s gifts seem fascinating and mysterious. But while it’s important to maintain a certain amount of humility, dismissing your own talents helps nobody. This week, operate from the assumption that everyone, including you,has valuable contributions to make.
Read the weekly horoscopes for the week of February 2. The weekly horoscopes for the week of February 16 will be online next Sunday.
Buy Claire Comstock-Gay’s book, Madame Clairevoyant’s Guide to the Stars, here.
Are you curious to know what the stars have in store for you this week? Look no further! Here are your weekly horoscope readings for every zodiac sign from Feb 9–15:
Aries (March 21-April 19): This week, you may feel a strong urge to take charge and make bold decisions. Trust your instincts and follow your heart.
Taurus (April 20-May 20): It’s time to focus on your relationships and nurture the connections that mean the most to you. Don’t be afraid to open up and express your feelings.
Gemini (May 21-June 20): This week, you may find yourself feeling more introspective than usual. Take some time to reflect on your goals and aspirations.
Cancer (June 21-July 22): Your creativity is at an all-time high this week, so don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild. Embrace new ideas and opportunities.
Leo (July 23-August 22): This week, you may feel a strong desire to shake things up and make some changes in your life. Trust in your ability to adapt and thrive.
Virgo (August 23-September 22): It’s time to focus on your health and well-being this week. Take some time to rest and recharge, both mentally and physically.
Libra (September 23-October 22): Your social life is buzzing this week, so make the most of it by connecting with friends and loved ones. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone.
Scorpio (October 23-November 21): This week, you may find yourself feeling more ambitious and driven than usual. Embrace new challenges and opportunities with confidence.
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21): It’s time to focus on your finances and long-term goals this week. Take some time to plan and strategize for the future.
Capricorn (December 22-January 19): Your relationships are in the spotlight this week, so don’t be afraid to open up and communicate with your loved ones. Trust in the power of connection.
Aquarius (January 20-February 18): This week, you may feel a strong desire to break free from routine and explore new possibilities. Embrace spontaneity and adventure.
Pisces (February 19-March 20): Your intuition is strong this week, so trust in your gut instincts and follow your heart. Embrace your creativity and let it guide you.
Remember, these horoscope readings are just for fun and entertainment. Take them with a grain of salt and trust in your own intuition and wisdom. Have a fantastic week ahead!
The New York Yankees have made a major move to bolster their pitching rotation by signing a veteran starting pitcher with 15 years of MLB experience. This seasoned pitcher brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team, and is sure to make a significant impact on the Yankees’ quest for a championship.
Stay tuned for updates on this exciting signing and how it will shape the Yankees’ pitching staff for the upcoming season. #Yankees #MLB #PitchingDepth
The Yankees are sampling a Cookie to bolster their starting pitching depth.
The club signed former Mets right-hander Carlos Carrasco to a minor league deal, The Post confirmed on Monday.
If Carrasco reaches the majors, he will earn a $1.5 million base salary with a chance to make up to $2.5 million in performance bonuses, The Post’s Joel Sherman reported.
The Yankees have signed former Mets pitcher Carlos Carrasco to a minor league contract. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST Carlos Carrasco returned to the Guardians last year after spending the first 12 years of his MLB career with them. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Carrasco, who turns 38 in March, posted a 5.64 ERA across 21 starts and 103 ⅔ innings for the Guardians last season.
In three seasons with the Mets from 2021-23, the veteran pitched to a 5.21 ERA across 61 starts.
Taking a flier on Carrasco gives the Yankees another arm to provide depth for their rotation.
They already have six starters for five spots if everyone stays healthy, which has made Marcus Stroman a trade candidate if the Yankees can find a taker for him.
Beyond Stroman and their projected rotation of Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodon, Clarke Schmidt and Luis Gil, the Yankees have depth starters Will Warren, Clayton Beeter (if he does not become a reliever), JT Brubaker and Allan Winans on their 40-man roster.
The New York Yankees have made a big move to bolster their pitching staff by signing former New York Mets pitcher Carlos Carrasco. The veteran right-hander brings a wealth of experience and talent to the team, adding another reliable arm to their rotation.
Carrasco, who spent the last nine seasons with the Mets, has consistently been one of the top starters in the league. Known for his impressive command and ability to keep hitters off balance, he will be a valuable addition to the Yankees’ pitching staff.
With the addition of Carrasco, the Yankees now have even more depth in their rotation, giving them a formidable group of starters to rely on throughout the season. This move reinforces the team’s commitment to building a strong pitching staff and competing for a championship in the upcoming season.
Fans can look forward to seeing Carrasco take the mound in pinstripes and contribute to the team’s success on the field. His presence will undoubtedly make the Yankees an even more dangerous team to face in the American League.
The Warriors have been considered a possible suitor for Butler, who has a player option for the final year of his contract next season that would pay him $52 million. Because of his ability to decline the option and become a free agent, any team that surrenders assets in a trade would likely want some sort of assurance that Butler would be willing to extend for multiple years. Not only did Golden State fail to receive that assurance, they also reportedly were told the exact opposite and therefore shut down talks with the Heat.
There is a very important caveat at the end of Windhorst’s report, however: “for now.”
This could be an attempt by Butler to ensure that he goes to a destination of his choice — possibly the Phoenix Suns to play alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. If he’s telling the Warriors, and maybe other teams, that he won’t re-sign with them after a trade, perhaps he believes he can force the hand of Pat Riley and the Heat to send him where he wants.
How will Heat’s Jimmy Butler saga end? The six possible outcomes after his indefinite suspension
Sam Quinn
There are a couple of problems with that theory, though, and both involve Bradley Beal. To make the money work in a Butler deal to Phoenix (assuming they keep Durant and Booker), Beal would have to be in the trade. The problem is that Beal has a no-trade clause, and can simply say “no-go” on any deal the Suns and Heat might make.
Second, even if Beal is willing to waive the clause, Phoenix needs to find a taker for a player who was recently sent to the bench and is set to make over $50 million per season through 2027.
Therefore, if Beal decides he doesn’t want to leave Phoenix or the Suns simply can’t find anyone to take him, Butler may have to reconsider his stance on the Warriors or risk an extended, awkward standoff with the Heat. No matter what happens, the days leading up to Thursday’s trade deadline are sure to be filled with even more rumors and posturing regarding a Butler trade.
According to recent reports, a potential trade that would have sent Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat to the Golden State Warriors has been nixed due to Butler’s unwillingness to sign an extension with the Warriors.
The trade talks between the two teams reportedly gained traction in recent weeks, with the Warriors looking to add a proven veteran like Butler to their roster. However, it seems that Butler is not interested in committing to a long-term deal with Golden State, which ultimately led to the collapse of the trade.
While the Warriors were eager to add a player of Butler’s caliber to their roster, it seems that Butler’s desire to explore other options in free agency has put a halt to any potential deal. It remains to be seen what the future holds for Butler and whether he will ultimately end up staying with the Heat or signing with another team in free agency.
Stay tuned for more updates on Jimmy Butler’s future in the NBA.
NIKE Inc. NKE stock has witnessed a remarkable slowdown since the start of 2024, driven by operational challenges, highlighted by sluggish lifestyle segment sales, issues in Greater China and reduced digital sales. As a result, NKE has encountered a notable resistance level, prompting caution among investors from a technical standpoint.
Driven by these trends, the NKE stock is trading below its 50-day and 200-day simple moving averages (SMAs), indicating a bearish outlook and challenges in sustaining the recent performance levels.
The SMA is an essential tool in technical analysis that helps investors evaluate price trends by smoothing short-term fluctuations. This approach provides a clearer perspective on a stock’s long-term direction. This technical indicator, coupled with the NKE stock’s dismal outlook, indicates a negative market sentiment, and reflects doubts about NIKE’s financial health and prospects.
Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Shares of the Beaverton, OR-based company have lost 23% in the past year, underperforming its industry peer’s collective decline of 18.7%. The NKE stock compared unfavorably against the broader Consumer Discretionary sector and the S&P 500 Index’s growth of 13.5% and 24.5%, respectively, in the same period.
NIKE’s performance is notably weaker than its close competitor lululemonathletica inc. LULU, which has dipped 8.9% in the past year. NKE has lagged other industry peers, including Adidas ADDYY and Skechers’ SKX growth of 42.1% and 23%, respectively.
Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
At the current share price of $78.33, NIKE trades close to its 52-week low mark of $70.32. The stock price reflects an 11.4% premium to the company’s recent 52-week low. Meanwhile, the NKE stock’s price reflects a 27.1% discount from its 52-week high of $107.43.
NIKE has long been a dominant force in the Shoes and Retail Apparel industry. However, recent headwinds, including supply-chain disruptions, rising costs, market saturation and declining sales in key segments, have raised concerns about its near-term growth prospects.
NKE has seen sustained softness in its lifestyle segment, alongside a drop in digital revenues, indicating shifting consumer preferences. The company faces declining retail traffic and sell-through rates in Greater China. These issues have led to slower revenue growth and compressed profit margins.
In first-quarter fiscal 2025, NIKE outlined plans to adjust timelines and reduce the supply of select classic footwear franchises across various channels, with a strong focus on recalibrating these within NIKE Digital — its largest business segment. However, these strategic moves are expected to create short-term revenue headwinds.
In second-quarter fiscal 2025, NKE’s classic footwear franchise sales declined at a faster rate than the overall business, accelerating the downturn seen in the previous quarter. NIKE Direct sales dropped 13% on a reported basis and 14% on a currency-neutral basis, including a 21% decline in NIKE Digital and a 2% dip in NIKE Stores. These trends highlight the ongoing impacts of the company’s franchise management strategy.
Supply-chain disruptions and reliance on Asia manufacturing continue to expose NIKE to geopolitical risks and labor shortages, affecting its operations. In Greater China, a key strategic market, declining consumer traffic and lower sell-through rates led to an 11% year-over-year revenue drop in second-quarter fiscal 2025, driven by macroeconomic challenges.
Inventory management remains a critical focus. NIKE acknowledged that inventory levels remain higher than expected, particularly in NIKE Direct, though partner-owned inventory has declined from the previous year. In response, the company is aggressively reducing aged inventory, aligning supply with demand in NIKE Digital, and ensuring sufficient marketplace capacity for its latest product assortments.
As part of its quarterly guidance, NIKE projects a low-double-digit revenue decline for third-quarter fiscal 2025, reflecting the impacts of strategic shifts, foreign exchange headwinds and restructuring efforts. The gross margin is expected to contract 300-350 basis points year over year, while SG&A expenses are anticipated to decline slightly due to prior-year restructuring charges.
While NIKE is actively repositioning its product strategy and addressing inventory challenges, near-term headwinds remain concerning. Investors should monitor the company’s ability to stabilize sales, improve margins, and navigate its digital and international transitions before making investment decisions.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NKE’s fiscal 2025 and 2026 EPS has declined 3.2% and 3.3%, respectively, in the past 30 days. The downward revisions in earnings estimates indicate analysts’ reduced confidence in the stock.
For fiscal 2025, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for NKE’s sales and EPS implies 9.8% and 47.1% year-over-year declines, respectively. For third-quarter fiscal 2025, the consensus mark for sales and EPS indicates 10.3% and 69.4% year-over-year declines, respectively.
Find the latest EPS estimates and surprises on Zacks Earnings Calendar.
Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Despite the stock’s lackluster performance, NIKE is currently trading at a forward 12-month P/E multiple of 34.55, exceeding the industry average of 28.06X and the S&P 500’s average of 22.42X.
Though trading much below its five-year high of 48.27X, the current valuation may be considered expensive, given the significant downside risks if the company’s ongoing perils are not resolved for a prolonged period.
Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
While NIKE’s long-term brand strength and innovation remain intact, ongoing restructuring efforts and macroeconomic pressures could continue weighing on earnings. The company’s premium valuation, coupled with slowing growth rates, presents valid concerns for investors. The weaker guidance for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 dampens near-term growth prospects.
Investors should monitor the company’s ability to stabilize sales, manage inventory efficiently and regain traction in key markets before considering new positions. Given the current uncertainties, a cautious approach may be warranted for existing investors as the company navigates these headwinds.
Potential investors should consider waiting for clearer signs of recovery before investing in this Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) stock. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
In the world of investing, one key indicator that traders often look at is a stock’s moving averages. These moving averages can help investors gauge the overall trend of a stock and determine potential buying or selling opportunities. Recently, NIKE’s stock has fallen below both its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, raising concerns among investors.
The 50-day moving average is often used as a short-term trend indicator, while the 200-day moving average is used to assess the long-term trend of a stock. When a stock falls below both of these moving averages, it can be seen as a bearish signal, indicating that the stock may be headed for further declines.
NIKE, a global leader in athletic footwear and apparel, has faced challenges in recent months due to supply chain disruptions and increased competition in the athletic wear market. The company’s stock has struggled to regain its footing after hitting record highs earlier this year, and the recent dip below its moving averages has some investors worried about the stock’s future performance.
While falling below moving averages is certainly not a death sentence for a stock, it is a signal that investors should pay attention to. It’s important to consider other factors such as company fundamentals, market trends, and upcoming catalysts before making any investment decisions. Only time will tell if NIKE is able to bounce back from this recent setback, but for now, it’s certainly a stock to keep an eye on.
It has been a boom and bust sort of offseason for the Chicago Cubs.
We can’t say Jed Hoyer has sat on his hands. The Kyle Tucker was a genuine swing for the fences — the sort of blockbuster Cubs fans pine for. Tucker finished last season with 23 home runs and 4.7 WAR in just 78 games. He’s an MVP candidate at full strength and he offers Chicago a path back to the postseason.
Hoyer even double-dipped on the former Houston Astros champs, working overtime to land Ryan Pressly. It’s fair to express concern about a past-prime closer coming off his worst season in years, but Pressly is a proven winner and he was an All-Star as recently as 2021. He’s a definite upgrade over Hector Neris, right? (Right.)
Chicago feels like the presumptive favorites in a wide-open NL Central. The Brewers are bleeding talent. The Reds are fiesty, but probably not ready. The Cardinals are in open free fall. The Pirates? Well… Bob Nutting still owns the team.
That said, the Cubs aren’t close to the National League heavyweights. The Dodgers are lapping most teams on the raw talent front. Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Arizona all made consequential additions this winter, while New York signed Juan freakin’ Soto to the largest contract in MLB history. Hoyer still has some ground to make up.
So, why not circle back to the available pool of former Astros. Alex Bregman is there for the taking and the Cubs are out of excuses.
For more news and rumors, check out MLB Insider Robert Murray’s work on The Baseball Insiders podcast, subscribe to The Moonshot, our weekly MLB newsletter, and join the discord to get the inside scoop between now and the MLB offseason.
Well, that’s incredible value for a World Series champ coming off an incredibly productive campaign. Flaherty, 29, finished the season with a 3.17 ERA and 194 strikeouts before leading an injury-ravaged, patchwork Dodgers rotation to the promised land. He was mostly brilliant in October and put together big outings when LA needed it most.
The Cubs, who need another top-line starter behind Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga, should’ve been all over Flaherty at that price. He clearly loved Detroit, to the point where a hometown discount isn’t out of the question, but the Cubs should have more money to spend than Scott Harris’ small-market Tigers. Flaherty would’ve been a genuine needle-mover for Craig Counsell’s club. There isn’t a better manager in the sport when it comes to maximizing his rotation, assuming he actually has talent to work with.
It’s hard to come up for an excuse for Chicago’s silence on the Flaherty front… unless Bregman is coming down the pipeline. If the Cubs turn around and ink Bregman to a contract, whether it’s three years with an opt out or seven years fully guaranteed, fans will forgive the Flaherty oversight. Bregman has direct connections to Tucker and Pressly, his former teammates, and he’d give the Cubs another impact bat in the middle of a lineup that needs it.
Bregman, Dansby Swanson, Nico Hoerner, and Michael Busch? That’s one heck of an infield. Chicago is not the favorite for Bregman right now, but it’s never too late to get in the mix — until it is.
The recent contract extension of St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Jack Flaherty has raised the stakes for the Chicago Cubs to secure a long-term deal with star third baseman Alex Bregman. Flaherty’s five-year, $109 million contract sets a new benchmark for young, elite players in the league, and it highlights the importance of locking up key players for the future.
With Flaherty now locked in, the Cubs must prioritize signing Bregman to solidify their lineup and ensure their competitiveness in the National League Central. Bregman, a dynamic hitter and defensive standout, would be a game-changer for the Cubs and could help them maintain their position as contenders in the division.
The Cubs have already made significant moves this offseason, but securing Bregman’s services would be a major statement of their commitment to winning. With Flaherty’s contract serving as a reminder of the rising costs of top talent, the Cubs cannot afford to miss out on the opportunity to sign Bregman and solidify their roster for years to come.
Manchester City expect to seal a deal to sign Porto’s Nico González, with the fee set to be the midfielder’s release clause of about £50m.
City are thought to have been reluctant to pay the clause but are poised to do so to add the former Barcelona player to their squad.
The 23-year-old would bolster Pep Guardiola’s options because he can operate as a defensive, central or attacking player. After Rodri’s season-ending knee injury, the manager is light in midfield.
He can call on Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes, the veterans Ilkay Gündogan and Kevin De Bruyne, and the utility player Rico Lewis, whom Guardiola has fielded in the position on occasion.
In January City signed the forward Omar Marmoush for €70m (£59.1m) plus €5m in add-ons from Eintracht Frankfurt and the defenders Vitor Reis, bought from Palmeiras for £29.6m, and Abdukodir Khusanov, signed for £33.8m from Lens, for a total of £122.5m.
Manchester City are reportedly in advanced talks to sign Porto’s promising midfielder Nico González for a fee of around £50 million. The 19-year-old Argentine has caught the eye of City’s scouts with his impressive performances in Portugal, and it is believed that a deal could be completed in the coming weeks.
González, who has been compared to City’s own midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne, is seen as a long-term investment for the Premier League champions. His technical ability, vision, and passing range make him an ideal fit for Pep Guardiola’s possession-based style of play.
If the transfer goes through as expected, González would join a star-studded City squad that already boasts the likes of De Bruyne, Phil Foden, and Bernardo Silva in midfield. The youngster would have the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business and continue his development under the guidance of Guardiola.
City fans will no doubt be excited at the prospect of adding yet another talented young player to their ranks, as the club looks to maintain their dominance in English and European football. Stay tuned for further updates on this potential transfer.
Manchester City are close to an agreement to sign midfielder Nico Gonzalez from Porto.
The Athletic reported earlier today (Monday) that City were attempting to complete a deadline day move for Gonzalez, with negotiations ongoing.
Personal terms are not thought to be an issue and while a deal is not yet done it is advancing towards a conclusion.
The 23-year-old is capable of playing in both the No. 6 and No. 8 positions and fits the profile of midfielder City are looking for.
City have been weighing up a move for a midfielder during the winter window, with Pep Guardiola’s squad short on options following the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained by Rodri in September.
Juventus’s Douglas Luiz was one of multiple options being considered before Gonzalez emerged as City’s primary target.
Gonzalez is a product of Barcelona’s La Masia youth system and made 37 first-team appearances for the Catalan club before spending 2022-23 on loan at Valencia. He then joined Porto in the summer of 2023.
City have had a busy January window, signing centre-backs Vitor Reis, Juma Bah and Abdukodir Khusanov from Palmeiras, Real Valladolid and and Lens respectively, while also adding forward Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt.
GO DEEPER
City needed a new midfielder six weeks ago. Now it’s deadline day and they still need one
(Andrej Isakovic/AFP via Getty Images)
According to multiple reports, Manchester City are on the verge of reaching an agreement to sign Porto midfielder Nico Gonzalez. The 19-year-old Argentine has been highly sought after by several top European clubs, but it appears that City have made significant progress in their pursuit of the talented youngster.
Gonzalez, who has been dubbed as a rising star in the football world, has impressed with his performances for Porto this season. His technical ability, vision, and passing range have caught the eye of City’s scouts, who see him as a potential long-term replacement for their aging midfield.
While the deal is not yet finalized, it is believed that City are close to agreeing on a transfer fee with Porto and personal terms with Gonzalez. If all goes well, the young midfielder could be wearing the sky-blue jersey of Manchester City in the near future.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as City look to bolster their squad with another exciting young talent.
Welcome to your end of the weekend, heading into the work week coffee shop where we’ve got whatever you’re looking for tonight we’ve got you covered. If you’d like a warm chai tea to get your evening going, we can do that. If you’re looking for a shot of something a little stronger, we can do that too.
One housekeeping note, Last weekend we made the accidental decision to move BCB After Dark from it’s Friday night into Saturday AM home to it’s Sunday night into Monday AM home. It went pretty well and we thought we’d try it out living here for a bit. You’ll still get two late week, late night posts — just one on a different night.
And once again we’ve been rewarded for that decision with actual news to talk about: the most Hoyer of Hoyerish signings, a light hitting utility guy [link to Bluesky]:
I need a musical break.
I couldn’t get this one out of my head earlier and figured I’d just share it here tonight:
Many of you know my day job is in competitive debate and for year’s I’d heard speculation that this song is about competitive debate. There are lots of lines that suggest it might be:
Six o’clock, T.V. hour, don’t get caught in foreign tower Slash and burn, return, listen to yourself churn Lock him in uniform, book burning, bloodletting Every motive escalate, automotive incinerate Light a candle, light a motive, step down, step down Watch your heel crush, crush, uh oh This means no fear, cavalier, renegade and steering clear A tournament, a tournament, a tournament of lies Offer me solutions, offer me alternatives and I decline
It’s the end of the world as we know it (I had some time alone) It’s the end of the world as we know it (I had some time alone) It’s the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine (time I had some time alone) I feel fine (I feel fine)
Michael Stipe: Those rumors are untrue. The important part of the title is “as we know it.” That’s where we find ourselves now. The current vice president described this political moment as an inflection point, which is not quite accurate. But we’re absolutely at a middle ground between two epochs that will forever be considered the before and after.
And I don’t know that we as a country are moving in the right direction. There are certainly things about who we are that are absolutely beautiful. But, these days, you have to really search to find them.
The truth seems important.
Anyway, back to the truth of the Cubs roster.
Yes, this is the same team that already employs Gage Workman, Benjamin Cowles, Vidal Bruján and Jon Berti. The team that DFA’d Luis Vazquez for Berti last week. Why on Earth does this team need a minor league deal with Nicky Lopez?
I’m sure someone is already firing up the word “insurance” in the comments, and man, I guess. He’s a reasonable defender and the 77 wRC+ he put up last season means he’ll fit right in with the other five guys who look just like him on the roster.
But is there some reason the Cubs need five guys between the MLB roster and James Triantos? I am more interested in seeing what Triantos can do than literally any of the guys I named above. But not the Cubs. The Cubs are like we need to backstop Hoerner with Berti and Berti with Bruján and Bruján with Workman and Workman with Cowles and Cowles with Lopez and then, if we really have to, Triantos can have a shot.
What is this madness? Is there really any difference between any of these guys except maybe age (which is why DFA’ing Vazquez was questionable at best, but I digress). Why are the Cubs always rearranging utility guys on the Titanic?
Have at it in the comments. Don’t forget to bus your own tables, I’d hate to leave a mess for Josh tomorrow.
Poll
Why did the Cubs sign Nicky Lopez
20%
They must have a minimum five scrappy utility guys in the system at all times
(22 votes)
45%
Jed’s a tinkerer and he can’t stop tinkering with guys who might have slightly more upside in their 77 wRC+
(50 votes)
22%
Jed’s regretting losing Luis Vazquez to the Orioles and Nicky Lopez filled the hole in his heart
The Chicago Cubs made waves in the baseball world today by signing infielder Nicky Lopez to a multi-year deal. This move has left many fans scratching their heads and wondering why the Cubs would make such a move. In this edition of BCB After Dark, we explore the reasons behind this surprising signing.
One possible reason for the Cubs signing Lopez could be his strong defensive abilities. Lopez is known for his slick fielding skills and could provide solid defense at multiple infield positions. With the Cubs looking to improve their defense, Lopez could be a valuable asset in that regard.
Another reason for the signing could be Lopez’s versatility. He has experience playing both second base and shortstop, which could give the Cubs some flexibility in their lineup. With injuries and slumps being common in baseball, having a player like Lopez who can play multiple positions could prove to be a valuable asset.
Additionally, Lopez has shown flashes of potential at the plate. While he may not be a power hitter, Lopez has shown an ability to make contact and get on base. With the Cubs looking to add depth to their lineup, Lopez could be a solid addition in that regard.
Overall, while the signing of Nicky Lopez may have come as a surprise to many, there are several reasons why the Cubs may have made this move. Only time will tell if this signing pays off, but for now, it’s certainly an interesting development to keep an eye on.
Tags:
BCB After Dark, Cubs signing Nicky Lopez, Nicky Lopez signing, Chicago Cubs, MLB signings, Chicago Cubs roster, Nicky Lopez contract, Cubs offseason signings, MLB free agency, Nicky Lopez news
Jed Hoyer continues to wheel and deal for the Chicago Cubs this winter.
Connected to multiple high-profile players at this point in time, the front office is weighing the decision between going “all in” this season in a loaded National League and continuing to plan for the future.
They made a move on Sunday, but it wasn’t for one of the stars.
This adds another infielder to the equation as Chicago gets ready for their early Spring Training period based on them beginning the upcoming campaign in Japan against the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 18-19.
Across his six Major League seasons, he’s produced a slash line of .248/.312/.314 with an OPS+ that’s 26 points below the league average.
However, with the Chicago White Sox last year, he produced his best season since his breakout in 2021 as a member of the Kansas City Royals.
Lopez slashed .241/.312/.294 with an OPS+ of 76 across his 124 games and 455 plate appearances. Nothing to write home about, but he was worth five Outs Above Average at second base and shortstop, which is certainly valuable off the bench.
The Chicago Cubs have added more depth to their infield by signing former White Sox infielder, Yolmer Sanchez. Sanchez, who spent the last six seasons with the White Sox, brings versatility and experience to the Cubs’ roster.
Sanchez is known for his strong defense and ability to play multiple infield positions, including second base, third base, and shortstop. He is also a switch-hitter, which adds another dimension to the Cubs’ lineup.
With injuries and inconsistencies plaguing the Cubs’ infield in recent years, Sanchez provides a reliable option off the bench and could even compete for a starting role. His energetic playing style and leadership qualities will also be valuable in the clubhouse.
Overall, the addition of Yolmer Sanchez gives the Cubs more depth and flexibility in their infield, which could prove to be crucial as they aim to compete for a playoff spot in the upcoming season. Cubs fans should be excited to see what Sanchez brings to the team in 2022.
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