MLB OPENING DAY JUST AROUND THE CORNER & ARE THE BENGALS CONTENDERS FOR THE SUPERBOWL?

We continue to list our top ten's in MLB, this week we look at third base & shortstop, the Tokyo series gets reviewed and we take a look at the interesting souvenir and culinary treat Rays fans can snap up.

The Bengals have spent big but can it make them serious contenders for the Superbowl in 2026? Aaron Rodgers is yet to sign for a team, is he risking the end of his career?

With less than a month left of the regular season in the NHL can Ovechkin beat Gretskys record in 2025? We also take a look at who has clinched their division and who is in contention for the wild card spots.

Transcript

Matt: 0:01

Welcome to Triple Play uk, the UK's home of the N-F-L-N-H-L and MLB. Welcome to Triple Play uk. I'm your host Matt, alongside my co-host Tom. As ever, we are back with quite a busy one today, guys. We've got M-L-B-N-F-L-N-H-L. We are gonna run through our top ten third base and shortstops in the MLB. The Dodgers and the Cubs kicked off the 2025 season in the Tokyo series last week and opening days just a couple of days away. So we're gonna take a look at some of the noteworthy things that are coming outta the MLB this week over in the NFL Aaron Rogers. He's still a free agent. The Giants now have their qb, so where does he land? We're gonna take a look at that. The Bengals have done some business this week. Are they contenders? And in the NHL, the wild card race is heating up and the Atlantic Division is now a three horse race. And we'll take a look at how close Alex Ovechkin is to the goal scoring record. Tom, so much to go through this week. Mate. How have you been? Have you had a good week?

Tom: 1:21

Yeah, it's been lovely mate. We've, I've been away, been celebrating the Mrs. Birthday, which has been lovely. Had stuff popping up the whole time though, so she wasn't too happy that I spent most of the, birthday, weekend and week check, scrolling through all the updates that were coming through, watching the the Cubs Dodgers game as, as and as and when we could, which was actually on her birthday as well. So, yeah, it's been a, it's been a busy week, mate. Plenty going on. We've left it a little bit late this week, so we've got even more to bring. Looking forward to, to going through that and hearing some more questionable lists from you May. So further ado, I say we, I said we get into our list, where do you wanna start? Third or short?

Matt: 2:00

We'll go third Mike. We'll go. Go third base. So as Tom said, kicking it off, we're gonna go through our lists and then we'll have a quick look at the season opener that started over in Tokyo on Tuesday. Weirdly, it was like around sort of 10:00 AM our time, wasn't it, mate? So we got chance to, to watch little bits of it, but do you wanna make a start on the on the list and then. You can sort of poo poo mine afterwards or would you like me to go first mate?

Tom: 2:32

No, I don't mind going first guys. I dunno if, if anyone has seen the socials that we put out from our last list. Matty took some absolute pels on social media this week, which was great to see because it was an atrocious shout. I. With Josh Nala third on the first base list, so I'm glad that everyone else agreed with me on that. So yeah, let's kickstart third base. I'll kick it off and then we'll see what, what sort of list Matt's put together for us this week. Oh look, hopefully he's not gone for bites this week'cause I'm sure that Josh Nala at third was purely in there to get a reaction outta me and you guys. So let's see. Let's see what he brings us for this week, but. Alright. Third base in 10th. I've got Za Parade of the Astros ninth. I've got Nolan the Cardinals eighth. They've got Max Munsey, the Dodgers seventh. I've got Jordan Westberg of the Orioles sixth. I've got Eugenia Suarez at the DBEs fifth. I've Matt Chapman of the Giants fourth Austin Riley at the Braves third Big Manny Machado of the Padres. And then my top two devs in second of the Red Sox. And in third. Probably couldn't really be anyone else. Jose Ramirez of the Guardians. Like I said last week guys, I've got Alex Bregman down potentially playing second this year. I know that since we did the episode, it's come out and Raffi devs has kind of loosened his reigns up a little bit and has basically come out and said he doesn't mind if he has to switch positions or DH for a little bit if it helps the team. So there probably, it's a good chance that Briggs is playing third this year for the socks, but. I said at the time, I had him down as a second Batman, so he is not in my list. But yeah, my top 10, I think. Rounding it out, Raffi devs at second and Jose Ramirez at first,

Matt: 4:16

We are very, very similar. Obviously mine are in different positions. Not all of them, just some of them, but you know, the main ones are are there or thereabouts. So at number 10 mark Vitos number nine, Eugen, O Suarez, number eight, ISEC Pares number seven, max of the Dodgers. Six. Nolan AO of the Cardinals, Austin Riley at five Manny Machado at four. Raffi, devs at three. And then my top two. Matt Chapman of the Giants. And then number one, Jose Ramirez of the Guardians.

Tom: 5:06

Don't hate it. You've actually made me a big, oh God, I can't believe I've forgotten him.'cause I've realized I've forgotten Mark Vitos off my list, which is atrocious because it had I remembered that. know, just sometimes a name just slips from you. So how to remembered Mark Vizo, he's definitely getting in there. I'd probably have him 10th or ninth with a view that he's potentially, if he goes on and does how he kind of finished last season and played in the postseason with a view to kind of move it up that list. That's, that's killed me. So I'm definitely getting some pelers from Mets fans week. Don't hate your list. I think it's pretty good. I. Chapman at second, a little bit higher. But to be fair, some of the lists I saw did have in at second, and I think when you play that gold glove defense, potentially even platinum glove defense, he's that caliber player. And look, I, I think he had close to 6.5, close to seven war last year. So look, the guys are premium player, so I, again, don't hate, don't hate that list for once. Actually, Matt, it's a pretty, pretty solid list. Do you wanna kick us off for short Stop then.

Matt: 6:07

Yes, but I'm just gonna bask in the moment though where you haven't absolutely thrown Pels my way, mate. So, no, no, no. We'll move on to shortstop. This one you're probably gonna disagree. First and foremost, obviously Mookie Bets would be in there if you had allowed it, but you didn't. So Mookie bets isn't on the list for that reason. Ezekiel Tovar of the Rockies at number 10. Trey Turner at nine. At eight, I've gone, Carlos Correa of the twins. Seven. I've gone Dansby Swanson of the Cubs. Six. Cory Seger of the Rangers, number five, Ellie Della Cruz of the Reds. Number four, wheelie. DAMA of the Giants. Number three, Francisco Lindor of the Mets, and then my top two. Gunner Henderson of the Orioles and number one Bobby Whitt Jr. Of the Royals. That's my list

Tom: 7:13

I like it. Seager where did you have Corey Seager?

Matt: 7:16

at six.

Tom: 7:17

Six. A little bit low for Corey. He's a great player, man, great player. Willie is, is high as well. That's high. But again, not a, not a terrible, not a terrible list. I'm not gonna, gonna hate on it too much I think. I think a DME over Seager is a little bit, a little bit questionable, but he was injured for a lot so I will, I will give you that. He was injured a lot last year, but. I'll do mine. 10th. I've got Danby Swanson, ninth, Carlos Corre I've got Trey Turner. Seventh. I've got Willard Sixth, I've got Ellie Della Cruz, fifth, and again, Dodgers fans. Only reason he's fifth is because he's not played the position, but Mookie is so good. on the field there's a chance he finishes the season as number one, but I've got Mookie bets at five just purely'cause he's not played there yet. And the other four are premier players in that position. Besides Mookie. Fourth, I've got Corey Seager probably would've had him third if he hadn't have been injured last year. Third, I've got Frankie Lindo, second Gunner Henderson. And then first and my, I wouldn't, I can't even call it a sneaky one to watch'cause he came. he came second or third in the MVP vote in last year, but I think he's one to watch for potentially MVP, maybe even Triple Crown this year because the guy's gonna hit, for average, he has a sneaky bit of pop in his bat. I mean, look, to hit more home runs than Aaron Judge is what's gonna be a task, but Judge has a bit of a down year. Bobby Whit Jr. Average home runs, he drives, runs in, he's the premier player at shortstop for me, so that runs at my 10. So quite similar list mate. Different orders, but pretty similar list this week.

Matt: 9:01

Yeah, quite close mate. See, maybe I do no ball after all.

Tom: 9:06

You're not hurt from that covet at all, are you?

Matt: 9:10

No, not, I was seething mate. I, it took a lot for me not to respond, but no, everybody's entitled to their opinion. At the end of the day, if people don't like my list, you know, give me your list and then maybe we can compare notes.

Tom: 9:25

When we get the comments on the socials, when we drop the lists out, I do love how a lot of the time it is just. abuse our way. Oh, Tom doesn't know what he's talking about. Matty doesn't know ball, but then they don't seem to give a list. Or I think we had one guy comment on our pitchers and catchers list who proceeded to say that our lists were terrible? And then commented his list and then had the most rogue list of pictures I've ever seen. And I, was sitting there like, our lists are terrible, but you've not put anyone in there. It was, yeah, it was, yeah. It makes me laugh, but like you said, everyone's entitled to an opinion. That's what makes it fun. That's what that's the best bit about. The debate with sports is you're never gonna agree with everyone the whole time. So, makes it, makes it a good laugh. And it's always fun to see Matt get, PEL was thrown his way as well, so.

Matt: 10:14

Yes, my, I'm sure you do enjoy that. So over to Tokyo then. So we, we had a, an early season sort of start. Opening day isn't officially until next Thursday. But last week the Dodgers and the Cubs played two games over at the Tokyo Dome. Both teams have a couple of Japanese superstars on their teams and it was all about growing the game and I watched sort of as much as I could, went back and watched some of the highlights. It was a great spectacle. It was a great call for sort of growing the game. It'll be interesting to see where they head next year to sort of do it as well. So. Both games were won by the Dodgers show. Atani got his first home run of the season. Roki Susaki recorded back Toback strikeouts. He got three in the game. However, he wasn't playing sailing for him. He did struggle issuing five walks and only landing 25 of his 56 pitches for strikes. The Dodgers have said, you know, they, they know he's a talent and he's not the finished article by any means. And I think, you know, a few people, you know, I think yourself included, were a little bit surprised that he gave up as many walks as he did. The first game, the Dodgers won four to one. The second game they won six to three. What did you make of it, Tom? Did you enjoy it? Did you think it was a bit of a strange start?

Tom: 11:54

I, I enjoy, I mean, the games were good. Like you said, the first game was more of like a pitch. Him Masterclass from? Well, well, to be fair, both teams pitching was very, very good. But I mean, the Dodgers bullpen after Yamamoto goes five innings. Just one run four Ks, but the bullpen was immaculate for four innings. Obviously. Tanner Scott, big free agent signing in the bullpen, comes on for his first appearance, strikes out a couple patterns, picks up the save. Atani sort of provides the spark. Obviously. Every time the guy is at the plate, the, the cold crowd just goes silent and every single phone. He's out waiting for him to do something. Obviously picks up the RBI double second game. He obviously hits the home run as well, which was obviously for the Japanese fans, what they came to see. It's what they paid price for a mission. my thoughts on it, I think, like you said, as a spectacle, it's brilliant. I don't have a problem with them doing it and I don't have, and I, like we said, they did it in the NFL last year with the Brazil game where the first game of the season for the Eagles and the and the Packers was over in Brazil. don't like the fact that opening day is being done abroad for the last couple of years. this is not me saying that I don't want games to be played abroad because see, look, being from the uk I love the London series. I want that to keep happening. I think all the countries that they're trying to kind of ingratiate into baseball should have that chance to have games played over there. And like you said, with the Japanese stardom that both those teams have got, especially the Dodgers with Tani and. Roki. Susaki now joining obviously Yamamoto. So there's a lot of, a lot of Japanese players around the game, but it's, for me, I just, I think it takes away from opening day and those games are so great to watch because you get the flyover, but it almost, and it, wanna say takes the spark away because those games are still special, but the fact the season is kind of now already two games in, but there are other clubs that are still playing. Like minor league players in in spring training games and deciding who's gonna be pitching for them on opening day and rounding out their rosters. I dunno, I just always kind of felt it had a bit, it has a bit of a weird vibe to it. The fact that it's going on so far away. I don't even think I'd have as much of a problem with it if they did the Tokyo series at the same time as the other opening games, or you do opening day and then. usually like some teams will have a day off and then play another game. So, and for the other opening day games to be played, I wouldn't even care if it was scheduled in between then and then they brought them back, or they did it a little bit afterwards. I just think, like I said, I just think I prefer opening day to be played, the games to be played in the States or obviously in Canada. If the Blue Jays are at home, for me it, that just sits, sits. Right. But look, it's, nature of the beast now. This is sport. There's loads of money in it. And that's what the big, sort of the big bosses who run these, who run these sports, that's what they're interested in. Now it's, it's lining the pockets of themselves, of the sport. And like I said, I can't knock them for that. And it was a great spectacle. But yeah, I think I just, I think I'd just prefer the opening day to be kept to opening day in the States with the flyovers and then after that, go and do what you want. Play as many games as you need to abroad and in different countries, and. Kind of bring that in. But yeah, that's just my thoughts.

Matt: 15:20

I agree with you, mate. I think opening day is such a huge deal. It would make sense if all teams were able to be in the states, you know, so that the, the home fans or, you know, the, the, the local fans could take in opening day because, you know, you miss your sport when it's, when it's sort of winter break or whatever break it has in between. So, no, it's, I get why they've done it. But again, like you, I just think. They need to stick to opening day being in the us and then, you know, if you need to go and do a series somewhere else, do it in the middle of the season, not, not at the beginning. So with that opening day, just a few days away now every team has announced their opening picture, so I'm just gonna, I've just picked out a few, which I think are quite interesting. So the Yankees have gone for Carlos Rodan, given that they've obviously lost, garrett Cole. I think there's, they're still limited. I think they still need to do something. But from a starting picture point of view, but I'm not disappointed with Rodan, you know, played well last season, had more wins than losses. The Mets though, are gonna go with Clay Holmes as their starting picture. And it's the first time I think that they've handed, The opening day start to a debut on and since sort of like the late nineties the Giants have gone for Logan Webb and it's gonna be his fourth opening day start in a row. The Phillies have gone. Zach Wheeler, the Braves have gone. The Braves have gone Chris Sale, the Pirates have gone for Paul Skis to hand him his first opening day start, which is amazing considering this time last year. He wasn't even in the majors. And then the athletics have gone for Louis Severino who has his first opening day start since 2018. You know, I think it's great for him. He's had a lot of injury issues between 2019 and 2023, so really looking forward to seeing what he produces for the athletics this season. Any of those standouts for you, mate? Looking forward to opening day, seeing some of those Pitchers.

Tom: 17:26

Yeah, I mean obviously as I think you and everyone else who listens, knows my love for Paul Skees, it's isn't, isn't held back too much. I'm really looking forward seeing him start, like you said, wasn't even in the big leagues when it was opening day last year obviously came up. One rookie of the year was in the s young voting. I think for me he's a lock for Cy Young this year. If you can have, you can even slightly replicate what you did last year in a smaller sample size. That Cy Young, potentially even N-L-M-V-P votes coming his way this year. So really looking forward to seeing that, like you said, big one for Sevy, like as a Yankees fan, got so much time for Sevy, really wanna see him just stay fully healthy this year. And b, that kind of dominant starting pitch that he has been. In the past and was for the Yankees for a few years at least. He was, he was a great servant for us. And yeah, like you said, just touching on the Yanks and the Mets there, obviously s former teams Carlos, rod Island for the Yankees obviously. Not much choice with Cole and Hill being on the, well Cole's out for the season. He'll starting the season on the Il Clark Schmitz on the Iil to start the season as well. Well, we'll start on the IL'cause he's a little bit behind with his schedule. Yeah, not a lot of choice. I think it's probably the smart thing to do. I think I know a couple of the Yankees fans. We're Clint, we're questioning why Max F Free wasn't given. This wasn't given the start. I think it's quite sensible, just given the fact that there's a lot of pressure for a man who wasn't signed to be the ace, to come in and have to perform as the Ace. Carlos Rodan Hass done it before he was the ace of that of their giants rotation. So I don't think that's a, as a terrible shout. And yeah, clay Holmes for the Mets look, I, signing got a little bit of stick and especially when. They were talking about Brian in as a starter when it got signed, but his spring training numbers can't knock the guy. He's been, he's been unreal in spring training this year. Said it when he signed Clay Holmes last year without a defensively sound infield behind him potentially then having to pitch higher in the zone because he isn't confident to pitch the ball low and get the ground ball defense that he's got. Gave up home runs and blew a lot of saves. They've obviously worked on him as a starter this year. I think the big question will be how far he can go as a starter. Obviously being that he's not done it before, it'll be his legs. How, like how far into games will he be able to go? And obviously that comes with comes with the season but I'm actually quite excited to see that. And I say excited through. Sort of gritted teeth, obviously. I, I, as a Yankees fan, I don't want the Mets doing well, but as a baseball fan, I'm excited to kind of see how that plays out.'cause the Mets have got an exciting team this year. They've also got injuries with their rotation, so it'll be, yeah, it'd be interesting to see how he does as a start of this year. But like I said, spring training wise, if he, if he carries on where he is left off from there, then there's no reason why he's not gonna have success doing that this season.

Matt: 20:32

This week also saw a lot of the teams do a media day, but this. Was a media day to sort of showcase. What's gonna be available in the stands for fans, and I love this bit of the season. You know, I love this bit of opening day as a foodie. I am all over this. I think I sent you about four or five different reels this week, just of these different media outlets sort of showcasing the food and. I was so jealous. Like, listen, if there's anybody working for any of the, teams, you know, that just want to invite two lads over from the UK to take part in media day next year just to sample the food, I am down. I don't care where it is apart from city field, I'll go anywhere. Do you know what I mean? I don't care that the food looked exceptional, so I'm just gonna run through just, you know, to maybe wet the appetite, you know, just. Kind of give you guys a bit of a flavor as to what sort of is available at some of the some of the stadiums this year. And some of'em I'm probably gonna have to try and recreate in my own kitchen which I can't wait for. So the Giants are doing a loaded baked potato with brisket and mac and cheese, and you can follow that up with a smores pretzel. So you've got a soft pretzel with. chocolate sauce cream, marshmallow, it looked amazing.

Tom: 21:52

Yeah,

Matt: 21:52

Yeah, honestly, mate, I think it's one of the videos I sent you looked unreal. And then you got the Mariners who have gone for ter Atkins teriyaki and sesame glazed wings with an itchy row inspired sushi roll. I. A honey battered corn dog and a King's Court Turkey leg followed by, and this looks exceptional as well. Ice cream nachos, which is waffle chips with soft serve chocolate sauce sprinkles. It looks phenomenal, mate. I, I've got a sweet tooth, so that sort of stuff I like. And then over at Yankee Stadium, they're doing a lobster roll. The bird dog, which is a foot long hotdog served with spicy chicken tenders. I. Which looked really good. Stuffed Jamaican beef patty. And the one that looked the best of all of them was a miniature Yankee's hat, which you can take away with you filled to the brim with amisu. That looked exceptional. But then the one that really caught my eye, and I sent it to you and I was absolutely howling at this,

Tom: 23:07

I

Matt: 23:08

so there was.

Tom: 23:08

this is going. This, this was a terrible.

Matt: 23:12

It doesn't look like there was any media day for this team, but the Tampa Bay Rays bear in mind, they're playing at the Yankees training facility George Steinbrenner field all season. They've come up with an absolute doozy. Deli meat in a souvenir cup. That that just, when you compare it to all of the other things, and there was so many more, the Tampa Bay rays slapped on their Facebook page, a picture of meat in a cup, and I was just absolutely astounded by it, mate. You know,

Tom: 23:55

Guys generally, if you haven't seen this, Matt actually is almost selling the, like upselling this like a deli cup. You may be thinking you've got some different types of meats or like some nice pastramis or salamis. This was genuinely sweaty ham in a plastic cup. In a plastic beer cup. like you say, a takeaway cup. Could not believe what, what, what I was seeing it. It is really poor, given everything that's going on with the rays at the moment and the stadium and whether they're coming or going and not being able to play their games at home. This year they've now decided that they're not going forward with a new stadium and that they're gonna redo Tropicana Field, which went down like a lead balloon with a lot of the fans I believe. But it's okay guys, because this season you get to eat ham in a cup while you're watching the rays probably play 500 ball all year and yeah, hot sweaty days down in Tampa, but at least you can have some ham in a cup. So yeah, good one for the good one for the Rays. Fans there to enjoy.

Matt: 25:03

Oh, it's gonna be a long season for Ray's fans, I think, mate. Alright, we'll move along and let's get serious. Again the NFL Aaron Rogers looked last week to be heading to the Vikings. However, they appear to be going with their draft pick from 2023, I believe JJ McCarthy as their starter, and they are going after another veteran as a backup. Former Titans qb Ryan Tannahill, who doesn't have a team at the moment, so he didn't play. At all last year. So he appears to be heading to Minnesota for talks. Does that seem like a little bit of a risk to you?

Tom: 25:51

Maybe look, obviously the guy's got experience. I think you need experience when you're, especially if you're kind of going with a quarterback who has. Hasn't had a starting role yet. I don't think it ever helps or hurts, sorry, to bring in someone who's got experience as a starter in the league, they're coming in to kind of be the backup with a view that if it doesn't go well, you're going straight in or whether they're gonna stick with the rookie qb. I don't think it ever hurts to have experience around the side, and I think obviously that Aaron Rogers provides that, but I think Aaron Rogers is probably coming in thinking I even want to be the starter. But if I'm not, you are gonna have to pay me a, a very large premium to sit on the bench every week. So, yeah, I, I get that. I, I don't see too much risk in it with going for kind of an older head to go to kind of back up the young qb. So I think it's a good move providing that it does, like we suit, sort of say advertise where he comes in and gives that, that kind of knowledge and experience to help out the young QB and comes in to help out if it isn't quite going well for the Vikings, but. No, I don't. I don't think it's a terrible move.

Matt: 26:56

So the Steelers are the latest team to meet with Rogers, and they are rumored to have made an offer this week. Ha. Rogers seems to be making them wait, which I. Personally, I think it's a little bit of a risky move from him, given that other teams have now started to, to make decisions on who's gonna be their quarterback. But the Steelers are also in talks with Russell Wilson about resigning again. So I think, if I'm being honest, I think Rogers is playing a risky game. You know, he seems to really want to be going to, the Vikings, but I think the Vikings have moved on from him and the Steelers want him, but I don't think he wants to go to the Steelers. So I dunno what he's holding out for. But listen, I think because of what went on at the Jets, I still think he's gonna get paid this year. But it's just whether or not he, he gets, he goes to another team and and plays, but I think if he doesn't go somewhere this season, I think that'll be career over for him. So me personally, I think the Steelers need to, to trade up and try and get themselves a, you know, one of the better quarterbacks. Do you see, do you see Rogers going to the Steelers or do you, do you think they'll trade up? I.

Tom: 28:13

I at the moment, I think it looks the most likely of the places for him to land. Obviously there was a lot of talk about the giants as well, but obviously they've just signed Jamie as Winston as well, who is a little bit of a risk because he's very much all or nothing. I. He's gonna throw 40 touchdowns and 40 interceptions this year. He is that kind of quarterback. But I kind of like the sign in because I think he at least gives you a chance in a game he's gonna want to go out and try and drive the offense down the field. He is not gonna play it safe every game, which I think the giants almost need. I think you kind of need that kind of gun ho quarterback over there, which again, I don't think Aaron Rogers necessarily would've given you either. So yeah, I think the Steeler seems the most likely fit. If I was, I mean, to choose between him and, and Russell Wilson at the moment, I think he's just a little bit of a toss of a coin because I think they're both, they both kind of offer similarities in terms of their aging and they're coming towards the end of their career, but they obviously provide that quality and experience that they've had throughout their career. So, yeah, I, I can see him going there. But like you said, it's a, he, he's playing a risky game because like you said. The Vikings don't need him. Now. The giants have gone and got their qb, which also, like we mentioned earlier as well, potentially affects the draft. It means that they may not be trading up to get cam water. I mean, I say that now. They might still do it. So yeah, it's, it's an interesting one with, with Aaron Rogers. I think he's, he's playing a waiting game. But again, like we said, this is not Aaron Rogers even in his thirties, the guy's in his forties now, so. I think he, if he's, if he's getting offers on the table, I think, I think if I was his agent and he's definitely set on still playing this year, then I think you'd be, you've gotta look at it and, and go, come on mate, like you've got some decent, you've got some decent money on the table here for a team that could potentially compete. Given the right, given the right options this year, and given that they have a, that they go on a good run, I think, yeah, there's a chance, but I think, yeah. I, I, like you said, I think he's playing a, a strange and and risky game. Not taking, not taking it. If there is offers on the table, I.

Matt: 30:24

Another team that seemed to be making moves this week was the Bengals. Mate, I think you're going update me on a few signings of theirs.

Tom: 30:32

Yeah, so I think we've seen a lot of it this off season that teams are kind of locking in their best players to extensions, because see, free agency has been. Manic this year and there's been a lot of big money handed out. So Bengals resigned. Jamar Chase, sorry, and t Higgins. So their two main wide receivers to sort of big four year extensions. So Chase obviously one of the best wide receivers in the NFL four years, 161 million extension through 2029. I mean, it was kind of no surprise. I think they had to lock him down because. But he won the receiving triple crown in 2024. He caught for 1700 yards plus 17 touchdowns, which I think was the most in the NFL and or and yeah, and 127 receptions who won the triple crown for receivers. He's led the league in touchdowns since he came into the league in 2021 with 46. So. A bit of a no brainer signing him up and again, become another one of the highest paid players outside of QPS in the league. And c Higgins kind of a wide receiver too. Or if you saw the press conference when they called him that and Jamar Chase was quickly, was quick to interrupt and say, no, he's won a. They obviously get on really well. You can tell that the chemistry's there. They both wanted to resign with the Bengals and play with Joe Burrow, which I get because Burrow's one of the best QBs in the league and I think they give themselves a really good chance to win. They got to the Super Bowl a few years ago. Came up short, but I think they've got a really good team. They have kind of restacked this year. I mean Higgins, his contract was pretty decent. Well, on paper was pretty decent as well. Four years through 2028, 115 million. The extension, I think it was 14th in touchdown reception since he entered the league. And he's averaged 900 plus yards in the last four to five seasons that he's played. And his 10 touchdowns last year was sixth in the league. Plus Tee Higgins has got playoff success. And then in the championship game he caught for over a hundred yards. And in the Super Bowl he, he caught for over a hundred yards. I know they came up on the losing side in the Super Bowl. But look, those are big games. My only concern with the deal, for the Bengals it's great because you've locked in two of the best wide receivers in the league and made them the highest paid wide receiver duo in the league now, but I think Shannon Sharp kind of alluded to this, I'm not really sure if it's a good deal for t Higgins. Obviously 150 million on paper sounds good, but only 26, just over 26 million of that is actually guaranteed money. The rest of it, there's potential opt-outs or things that they can adjust or change to that. So I think as a player, I mean, look, we are sitting here saying 26 million, not a good deal. We jump at a, I do a lot of things with 26 million, but when you're looking at it from this perspective, like the fact that only 26 million of that is guaranteed over four years and 115 million deal, I think Sharp said it. He was like, if my, if my agent came to me with that deal. He'd have been telling me to run a mile, and I do get it because T Higgens has got loyalties to the Bengals. I mentioned it. He wants to play with Joe Burrows and Jamar Chase, and I think they give themselves a really good chance to win. And maybe he's looked at that and gone. could potentially restructure it in my favor if I have another good year and we have success in the playoffs and potentially go and win the Super Bowl, but. just looking at that, Jamar Chase has obviously got a great deal, but the T Higgins deal, I think the Bengals have been very clever there and have kind of set themselves up that if this doesn't quite plan, because that is a lot of money to spend on obviously your two wide receivers and not, doesn't give you loads of room to spread out throughout the rest of the team. So I think it's quite clever from them to do that by only guaranteeing him 26 million and then if look, if it doesn't quite go to plan with him, then. They can obviously spread that money out elsewhere at the end of the season.

Matt: 34:30

Yeah, I think it does leave them a little bit tight with the money that they've now outlaid. Yeah, I think, I think they've done the right. Thing in terms of keeping Joe Burrow happy. Obviously those guys, you know, were happy to accept that money, but I think for me it's, they're paying more now for the same team as they had, I. Last year. And obviously they didn't make it to the playoffs. They blew it in the last game, didn't they? Just before, if I remember correctly. So I just, I dunno, mate. I don't think, for me, I don't think this gives them anything different. Yeah. They've, they've got some really good players, but I, I don't think they're any, any closer to the. The Ravens than they were last year. I think the Steelers are probably still a little bit better than them also. So I think I, I think potentially they finish up the same as last year. I don't see them, not yet anyway. I don't see them getting any, any closer to the to the Super Bowl than they were last year and that, and that wasn't very close, to be honest.

Tom: 35:36

No. Yeah, don't, don't disagree. Like I said, I think both Y receivers, they're both. Great players. I just think sometimes when you're looking at it from a front office and like you said, maybe it was potentially to keep Joe Burrow happy, he's obviously had an influence in the fact that them to, they've both been signed to contract extensions that kind of match his longevity there. He obviously wants to play with both of them has good chemistry. But I think when you look at there was some good wide receivers that were available free agency wise this year, or potentially available for trade for not a lot. I mean, even like your guy like Devonte Adams sign it with the Rams like. They could have got him for less. And Devonte Adams is a great, I mean he's a wide receiver one. I mean, I'm not saying he would've come in and been a wide receiver two, but to come in and get someone like a Devonte Adams who's who would be like a one A for them, I think could have got him for less and then spread that money out and gone and signed some of the better linemen and defensive players that were available in free agency this year. But look, what do we know? It could be that the Bengals bounced back this year. And have a lot more consistency in their game. I'm not, so, like you said, I'm not sure if they'll be able to compete with the Ravens. And then when it kind of comes to the playoffs, maybe the, obviously the Bills or the chiefs as well. But I mean, they've got a good enough team that can, if they're all functioning and sort of off the same hymn sheet. So I, I agree. I dunno whether it was the right thing to extend both by so much. I would've invested more throughout the, the rest of the team this year. But like I said. With the contract with T Higgins, I'm wondering if they've kind of got that in mind. It's almost a little bit of a right. This season is our chance to go and win, but if it doesn't work, then are gonna be throwing that money about elsewhere and potentially not looking at paying T Higgins or moving him on elsewhere if needs be.

Matt: 37:25

We will move over to the NHL now then, mate. Alexander Ovechkin now only seven goals away from beating Wayne Gretzky's record with only 12 games remaining. I don't think. I don't think he's gonna do it this season. I think everyone's gonna have to wait unless he bangs in, you know, a hat trick in the next couple of games. It's gonna be very, very close. You know, it's, it's gonna be one of those, it's gonna be quite a tight one. So, I mean, it's great to watch'cause the capitals are absolutely flying at the moment.

Tom: 38:02

Yeah.

Matt: 38:03

the first team to clinch the division, aren't they? In the in the metropolitan. They've, they've clinched already and they're well ahead of everybody else. The hurricanes looking likely to finish second with the devil's third, and then the rangers. I dunno, man, week by week, like they have one really good week, then they have an off week. I think they're, they're two games ahead of the, of the Islanders. So the Islanders could look more in contention than the Rangers by the time they've caught up their their games. So I think it's gonna be a frustrating one for me with the Rangers, but. It's really interesting because there's, there's some teams that looked in contention that have completely sort of fallen off a cliff and there's some teams that looked like they were gonna run away with a division that have now been caught. You got the Blue Jackets just a few weeks ago. Like we said, I thought they were gonna be the team that that really pushed and, and got into the playoffs, but they've only had two wins in the last 10. They've dropped off a cliff. And then in the Atlantic Division you've got the Panthers and the Maple Leafs, both now on 87 points, the lightning are on 85 with a game in hand. So that's a a three horse race, which, if I'm honest, you know, a few weeks ago I thought the Panthers were gonna, we were gonna run away with it, you know, and potentially looked nailed onto to challenge for the Stanley Cup again. But I just don't see it happening. They seem to have, have really sort of like hit a stumbling block at the moment. And of the top four teams in the Atlantic, the senators are the ones that seem to be gaining all the momentum at the moment. They've, they've won seven of the last 10 but is the eight point deficit to get them into second place too much at this point of the season. So I'm loving every minute of the hockey at the moment, mate. You know, there's so many teams in the. In the Atlantic and the metropolitan that could, could clinch a playoff berth.

Tom: 40:13

Yeah, the wild card races are, to be fair, like you said, the division race. In the East are really sort of shaping up. It's like you said, I think gonna knock Boston off of it just because I'm not gonna look at the team sort of below who have got a losing record. And I think, like we mentioned, Boston, were sellers at the deadline. So I think they've kind of, if they get in, they get in, but I think they've kind of sort of given up on that season in that sense. But Detroit upwards and obviously Detroit are really struggling at the moment, just. Two wins in the last 10, but you've got Detroit on 70 and sixth. This is just for the wild cards, then the Blue jackets who we've obviously put the markers on that they were gonna make a push and finish in the top three. Who again, fallen off a little bit? 71 was 69 played, then the Islanders 73 was 69. Play. Your boys at 74, but with 71 played, and then it's the two teams that are surging is the Canadians. You've got the Montreal Canadians and the Ottawa senators that are flying at the moment, both making a real surge to, to kind of pick up results, pick the points up. I mean, the Canadians last night, I mean, we beat them last night in a shootout, but I'm pretty sure we were, we were four goals to the good. Or at least three goals to the good. I think we went four one up in the game before they brought it back to 4 0 4 and we had to, we had to win it in a shootout. So I think it's one of those, I think those are the teams with momentum at the moment. Like you said, like you said, the Atlantic Division, the race for the division title is heating up. Obviously if the lightning win their game in hand, they're all tied on 87 points with 70 games played, which makes those last 12 really interesting. I think. first round matchup between whoever comes second and third gonna be grab your popcorn and, and strap in for that one. That's gonna be a great, a great watch, but mate over in the West as well. Like it's, it's very, very tight central division. Look, I think the Jets all, I don't wanna say all, but because the stars can pull within six points if they win their game at hand, but I do just think the Jets who are playing right now against the savers. I think that's tied one a piece in the second. If the Jets win tonight, they clinch their, they become the second team to clinch a spot, a spot in the playoffs. I think they, they still hold on to win the division, but the abs and the stars, only three points. Separate them for second and third. I know the stars have got a couple games in hand, so that's really going right down to the wire for for who gets Home is advantage in the first round of that playoff matchup the Pacific Division as well. Golden Knights 69 played 90 points. The Oilers 70 played 87 points, and the Kings, La Kings are not going away. Big result for them last night, they win. They got two games in hand on the Oilers and a game in hand on the Golden Knights. They're on 85 points with 68 plates. So again. Anybody's division going into the last sort of 10, 12 games left and the wild card as well. The wild pesky, not going away, still top with 85 points, but the blues, who we did say we thought would come into it are there, but the flames again outta nowhere, picked up a little bit of Form five, two and three. In the last 10, they've won the last three in a, in a in a row. 69 plays, 77 points. They're only two points off of a wild card spot with two games in hand on the blues. So it really is. Tight. I, I mean, I'll do the similar thing that I did in the, the East the wild card spots. At the moment got in fifth, they've got 75 points of 70 games played. are still there with 76 and 70 played. And the flames, like we said, with 77 and 69 outside it. And then your top two with the Blues 79 and the wild in 85. So Minnesota Wild are all but there. I think they're gonna do it. Because they're, I mean, to be fair, they're not going away for the, for the third spot in the division. I thought they might fall off a little bit with the injuries that they've got, but they're keeping, well, keeping pace with the others and potentially our lock into Pip us or probably not, but maybe even the stars for third. But yeah, the rest of the teams, the Blues, the Flames, the Canucks and the, and Utah, that's again, anyone's call. I wouldn't wanna, I wouldn't wanna put a bet on who, on who grabbed that last Wild Card spot in any of the conferences right now.

Matt: 44:44

Yeah, the last sort of three and a half weeks, four weeks of the season are gonna be so interesting. I literally can't take my eyes off it. Like I keep going back and forth from the app. Looking at all the, the highlights that appear on social media watching the highlights of some of the games. I'm gonna ask you a question. If the Stanley Cup was to start tomorrow and based on everything we've just gone over, which two teams are there for you?

Tom: 45:12

oh, they put me on the spot here, mate. it's hard because I think teams, I don't always perform the way they do in the regular season When it comes to the playoffs, I think the obvious answer would be just based on the way that they're playing, would be the Winnipeg Jets and the Capitals, but I really don't think it will be that as the Stanley Cup matchup, because it just never ends up working out like that. I've said them all year, and I don't want it to be right because I think that we are gonna be playing them. In the first round. I think the stars win the Stanley Cup this year, so I would have the stars my team from the west team from the east. Do you know what? was to go off of anyone right now just because they've been there and done it and they've been sneaky good this year and could end up Pipping, Toronto and Florida for the division. I wouldn't back against the lightning going up, going on a run. Nikta. Ovv is one of the best playoff of all time. They've got a team that's been there and done it. So I think if you were to ask me right now, obviously the obvious answer is the checks and the capitals. But if I was actually to go and put money on it and who I actually think might be the Stanley Cup matchup of here and now, I'd go Dallas Stars and I'd go Tampa Bay Lightning. honorable mentions in the West. Two, my boys the AAVs.'cause we have again, picked up very good forms since the deadline. the Oilers is a tough one because I don't think you can ever write the Oilers out. But with dry cycle and McDavid picking up injuries, I think they might slightly fall off of it in the Pacific. And if they're not back and fully healthy for the playoffs, which I'm sure they will be, but they're not packing fully healthy for the playoffs. And the audits will obviously struggle without those two.

Matt: 47:00

Interesting. Interesting. I think the capitals are gonna get there. I do. I think the momentum, I think, you know, the spotlight's been on them all season because of Ovechkin being that close. I think with the momentum that they've got as a team and around him as well, I think they're gonna take that all the way. I think they've been one of the best teams this year. And then the team from the west, and this will probably surprise you. I think the abs are gonna do it, mate. Not just get there. I think the abs have got a really good chance to win the Stanley Cup this year. They've, they've got some great players. They did some great work in, in the trade mate. You know getting rid of Rantanan might actually be a blessing in disguise because you did some great work around the trade deadline. You're picking up some great momentum. I think you've won eight out of 10 and one you're only lost in overtime. So momentum is definitely on your side. You know, I think you've already beaten the stars since Rantanan and went there, so, and I know, you know, you talk about, you know, the five series, seven series different ball game, but I, I watch this space mate. I just have a feeling the AAVs are gonna be there and I think they could do it.

Tom: 48:19

I don't wanna, I, I don't wanna say too much. I was a lot more confident with the Eagles going into the playoffs and now I'm with the abs and I think it's just more'cause I'm used to the, to the disappointment with the abs as good as our team is. I dunno, I had just had a feeling with the Eagles this year, the way that they played. And I think it was, the Eagles for me was a almost, not a lock in, but I was so confident, mainly because of the defense. And I ju I knew that. Offensively, we'd always be fine, but we were so good defensively this year that teams would struggle because we were always gonna outscore a lot of teams, and it would just be a case of whether they could keep up with us because of how good the defense was. Don't get me wrong. Mackenzie Blackwood has made a massive difference since he came in earlier in the season. Great addition in goal, obviously Scott Wedgewood as well the, the lumber yard as it's been nicknamed by the ABS fans because of the fact that both the surnames are wood is a terrible nickname, but I love it. That's a great goalie tandem and they're both playing very well. Obviously Kaon Mac and Devon TAs are two of the best defenders in the world. My only concern for us is that we do ship a lot of goals. got better. But we do ship a lot of goals. Yes, we score a lot, but when it comes to the playoffs, I, I think that could be, that is a bit of a concern. My only thing that maybe swings, maybe not necessarily in our favor, but swings it slightly, the pendulum back towards being dead level is the fact that obviously Miro Hasken is out for the stars and potentially misses the first round for them. So that a Stars series really could be. A straight shootout for whoever scores. The most goals in that series is gonna be the team that goes through. But I dunno, we'll see. Playoff hockey brings different things. Teams tighten up. It becomes a lot more conservative a lot of the time anyway. And you see defensive performances and goal tending performances that don't get during the regular season. So. But Matt, obviously, I hope you're right, maybe I'll be a little bit more confident come playoff times and Tom's take for the playoffs might be that the abs go on and win it. I dunno if I want to GI want to jinx it just as of yet, but we'll see come playoff time. But yeah, I, I'd, I'd love for you to be right, but I, I just don't know if we've got enough this year.

Matt: 50:37

That about does it for this week then bud. Quick look ahead to next week. We're gonna cover off our top 10 in not only. Left field, right field, but we're gonna round it up with center fielders. So we're gonna do three positions to wrap it up. And then we're gonna preview the kickoff of the MLB season. So no football next week, no hockey. We're just gonna focus on the MLB. And then the following week we'll look more towards, the ice hockey because it'll be the season, sort of like ramping up to a close. And we'll have a little bit of football and we'll chat baseball as well. So mate, it's been a pleasure as always. Hope you have a good week. I'm sure I'll find more food videos to, to send you as they as they fort through onto my feed and any other bits and pieces.

Tom: 51:37

Oh yeah. Sounds good mate. Like I said, guys, next week it will be a pure opening day special. So having a look at where we see. the division's kind of finishing up potential award winners and yeah, making our predictions early, early predictions for potential pennant winners and World Series champions. One thing as well, if there is anyone who can go to these MLP stadiums as well and afford any of that wonderful food that Matt was talking about, can buy as many hams in the cups as he wants, is the young man who, guys, if you haven't seen it before we wrap up here. Acquired the one of one autographed tops debut card for Paul schemes that when it auctioned this week, it sold for$1.1 million, which is as an interesting fact more than what Paul schemes is getting paid this year. This year. Congratulations to the young man who managed to pull that card. I think me and Matt have discussed potentially opening up a side business to just basically open as many boxes and and cards as we can to hopefully pull, I think Roki Sasaki's debut card is gonna be heading into circulation soon. So I think me and Matt are gonna go and spend a large chunk of our wages just to see if we can see if we can pull that and also become millionaires. So if. If triple play suddenly gets a large upgrade in terms of recording quality social media pages, you know, that we, we, we pulled a decent card, but yeah, no lucky to be that kid and yeah, guys, catch you next week on our MLB Special.

Matt: 53:13

That does it for another episode of Triple Play uk. I've been your host, Matt, along with co-host Tom. Thanks for listening. Don't forget to follow us on X and subscribe on whatever listening platform you're on and we will catch you again next week. Cheers, guys.