That’s Cy Young Number Three for Verlander, and it was unanimous this time. Richly deserved, as he returned to the mound after missing almost two seasons following Tommy John surgery. “Richly” also describes Verlander’s position as he enters free agency. While he has not ruled out returning to the Astros, he sounds “already gone” to me.
QB Roundup
Baker Mayfield gets the start for the Panthers Sunday against the Ravens. That won’t go well. Sam Darnold will no doubt get another chance before the end of the season. No telling where either of those guys will be or what they will be doing next year.
“I feel good.” No, the author of that quote is not James Brown, but rather Kyler Murray. Still, Murray says he’s questionable for Monday night’s game against the 49ers in Mexico City because of his injured hamstring. Murray’s backup, Colt McCoy, is also gimping with a banged-up left knee and a sore hammy. Whoever Arizona trots out at QB will not have tight end Zach Ertz to throw to. Ertz is lost for the season after suffering a knee injury that will require surgery.
Matthew Stafford is expected to clear concussion protocol and will start for the Rams Sunday versus the Saints. New Orleans will stick with Andy Dalton after considering reinstating Jameis Winston as their starter.
Taylor Heinicke gets another start for the Commanders against the Texans. Carson Wentz is still not practicing as he recovers from a broken finger on his throwing hand. Washington head coach Ron Rivera says he is still not sure if defensive end Chase Young will be activated. Young is coming off ACL surgery and has not played this season.
I’m interested to see how the Packers play in a short-week game tonight against Tennessee. My guess is that they will get rolled, even though the Titans have been ravaged by injuries to multiple starters.
The Raiders are beyond dysfunctional. But don’t you know the Broncos are nervous about playing them Sunday in Denver? The Broncos are bad enough to lose that one.
Oh, joy. Kyrie Irving may rejoin the Nets as soon as Sunday. What a vile human being.
No. I will not pronounce Qatar “Cutter.” Actually, I don’t plan to pronounce it at all.