Friday Fastballs - Quick Takes on the Week's Top Stories

This won't be an every week segment, but wanted to create a vehicle to deliver some short and sweet takes on the biggest stories from the week. Whether that's in the sports world, movie/TV world, News, and more. These will be quick hitters -- headlines and quick blurbs for topics I didn't have time/didn't think were worthy of their own blog. On that note, Welcome to Friday Fastballs and let's get to it!

NBA Free Agency

Quantity over Quality is how I'd describe NBA FA so far. For every "The Bucks are waiving Damian Lillard" we've gotten about 7 "Drew Eubanks is singing with the Sacramento Kings." But there have been big moves around the league this week:

• Mike Brown hired as the New York Knicks Head Coach

• Lillard out in MIL, Bucks sign Myles Turner from Indiana

• Lakers sign Deandre Ayton to a 2-year deal

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signs SuperMax extension with OKC

• Nuggets make Champion moves: MPJ OUT, Cam Johnson, Tim Hardaway Jr., Jonas Valanciunas, Bruce Brown IN

• Rockets surround newly-acquired Kevin Durant with Dorian Finney-Smith, Clint Capela, extend Jabari Smith

• Grizzlies extend Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama after trading Desmond Bane to Orlando

• Lebron opts in to his Player Option -- future in LA remains uncertain

• Wolves retain Julius Randle and Naz Reid with extensions

WNBA All-Star Drama

Real short and sweet for this one -- I'm a massive Caitlin Clark fan, and it's absolutely ridiculous how many people think she should be an all-star. Complaining the players only ranked her 9th for best guards. Newsflash: She's played less than half her team's games, and she isn't playing well when she's out there. Few big scoring games, but incredibly inefficient on the season and turning the ball over a ton. Just a lot of genuinely stupid people online trying to start drama that shouldn't be there.

And I'll even add this -- Angel Reese should be an All-star. Leading the league in boards and is playing so much more efficient lately (and piling up assists).

MLB All-Star

Didn't think there was anything too outrageous as far as the All-Star Starter selections. Writing this blurb before they name the pitchers that made it, but for position player starters I don't have many issues.

I think Cardinals fans can rightfully be annoyed they had no representation -- especially Brendan Donovan not getting the starting nod over Ketel Marte at 2nd base. I love that Javy Baez got recognized in the AL (even if there might be a couple mor deserving) -- cool to see because he and Pete Crow-Armstrong were traded for each other and both are All-Stars this year (and the only loser of the deal is the Mets). Jacob Wilson for the A's rightfully got recognized. You could argue Ronald Acuna missed too much season to make it, but has been like the best player in the majors since coming back, so I have zero problem with it -- but the fact that James Wood has been lighting it up makes it a snub for him. Also seeing lots of Elly De La Cruz outrage -- which I think is fair, he's had a better season than Francisco Lindor to me.

Wimbledon Tournament

The 3rd round is in progress as I write this, so still a long ways to go before we have a Finals or even semi/quarter-finals match, but there have been some quality matches already. Keeping my eye on Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz as always, and can never forget about Novak Djokovic, but I'm watching out for the American Taylor Fritz. I think he has a path to the semis if he can avoid mistakes.

Movie Buzz - 28 Years Later, F1

3 movies have been mostly dominating the discourse/box office this week: 28 Years Later, F1, and Jurassic World Rebirth. While the latter of those 3 is being eviscerated in reviews, the other 2 have garnered lots of positive buzz.

28 Years Later is being touted as an inventive addition to the franchise, as well as a continuance of the horror successes of 2025 with Sinners. F1 is getting similar buzz as an action-packed summer blockbuster that may not break ground for films, but is 2 hours of excitement and beautiful cinematography. Very excited to see F1, not excited to have to talk myself into seeing a horror movie with 28 Years.

Diogo Jota

Horribly sad headline I saw this morning about professional footballer Diogo Jota passing away at the age of 28 in a car crash. He and his brother were in a fatal car crash early Thursday Morning. Had just gotten married 10 days prior and was only 28 years old -- a terrible tragedy and reminder that life is precious.

Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest

Not even going to pretend I know one other person in the field besides Joey Chestnut, but he's truly the only one that matters. Chestnut is back with a vengeance this 4th to give America the show they deserve. The current line for how many hot dogs he'll eat is fucking 71. That's insane, and always remember to gamble responsibly -- but it would be considered an Act of Terror to bet the under. Joey's downing 74 glizzy's today.

4th of July

An easy Top 5 Holiday, 4th of July is finally upon us -- and on a Friday no less. Enjoy the weekend with your family and friends, eat lots of burgers/hot dogs and drink lots of beers, watch some baseball, go for a swim, and enjoy the extra long weekend off work. Cheers to the weekend!