Matt Martell

Representing Bluesky, Australian team captain and 39-year old Tim Kennelly!!

If anybody wants to ask the @fangraphs.com mailbag if this is the most popular first name for an individual team at the 2026 WBC, I can guarantee that we will answer it this week. Send it to mailbag@fangraphs.com!

Czechia’s World Baseball Classic roster features five guys named Martin.

The Master of Modulation In this edition of The Martell 100, a look back at the filmography of Robert Duvall. Plus, my February film diary.

The latest edition of The Martell 100 newsletter is out now!

I wrote about Robert Duvall and ran through all the movies I watched this month:

(pushing glasses up nose) actually NBC, even though the Miracle on Ice was in fact, 46 years ago today, they had to play another game after that and therefore today is not the anniversary of them getting their gold medals

I’m pleased to report that saw SONG SUNG BLUE last night, and it’s surprisingly good!

Pass

Here we go again. "We need a salary cap because then we'll finally have the competitive balance that other leagues have but is missing in MLB." Updated these numbers...

Help Wanted: Union Leader Untainted by Scandal This is an awful time for the MLBPA to lose its leader to scandal, but this is an even worse time time for the MLBPA to have a leader it can’t trust.

Help Wanted: Union Leader Untainted by Scandal blogs.fangraphs.com/help-wanted-...

This is the third straight year I’ve written the State of the Game for Lindy’s. First time working with Matt. You should definitely pick up a copy today!

The first page of the State of the Game feature, from the Lindy’s Sports 2026 Baseball Preview

The first page of “Competitive Bargaining,” a feature in the 2026 Lindy’s Sports Baseball Preview

Lindy’s is lucky to have @mattmartell.fangraphs.com to give the annual State of the Game. This year, though, one state the game is in is turmoil, so I asked the inimitable @marcnormandin.bsky.social to give us a deeper look at the state of the labor showdown.

Rebrand This is the same newsletter except for the ways in which it is now different.

I have rebranded my free newsletter as By Jesse Dougherty.

Consider it an open-ended thing, going with the post-layoff winds, starting ... uh ... now?

More on that here. I'd love it if you subscribed (or stuck with it if you already do): collegesportsmoney.substack.com/p/rebrand

Drake Maye looks like Christian Hackenberg

Donate to Washington Post 2026 layoff fund, organized by Rachel Siegel On Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, The Washington Post laid off hundreds of journalists. We ar… Rachel Siegel needs your support for Washington Post 2026 layoff fund

If you are able, The Post's union has started a layoff fund for those fired by the world's fourth-richest man today. gofund.me/a310d0286

I was laid off by The Washington Post today. This is gutting for our readers and our section, but I’m grateful for the 4 years I had to cover sports alongside friends and legends.

If you’re hiring or know of someone who is: spencernusbaum(at)gmail(dot)com

Death of a Sports Section The Washington Post sports department was dismantled before its leaders gave it a chance to change

Me on the death of the Washington Post sports section.

This isn't a day to be nostalgic. It's a day to be angry.
www.theringer.com/2026/02/04/m...

The Murder of The Washington Post Today’s layoffs are the latest attempt to kill what makes the paper special.

This is a really, really good story about what we, all of us, are losing because of today's WaPo layoffs.

I say this every NBA trade deadline, but if I ever have to learn what a trade exception is or how to calculate it for my job, I swear to God I am going to hunt down everyone who rooted for a salary cap in MLB and fill the air vents in their cars with bees

After watching THE TAKING OF PELHAM ONE TWO THREE last night, the subway car I’m about to take is delayed because its breaks were activated.

As always, read Jay on the Hall of Fame!

Should’ve gone for two on the last touchdown to make it a 3-point game

He’s short

That’s a lucky no call. When I saw it live, I thought it was uncatchable. In slow motion, it looked like a bad no call. Still, the Seahawks got away with a few penalties that weren’t called earlier

The difference here is he ran over to the sideline, was warned, then continued taunt. That’s not a celebration in the moment. It’s a penalty, a clear violation of the rules.

Xavier Smith, what are you doing???????????????????

Missed two penalty calls on that drive. Adams got held on the second down pass at the break in his route, and then Stafford obviously had his facemask yanked. We should still have the ball. Terrible officiating

Donate Payment - Star Tribune Company DonateDonate Now Donate Thank You for Supporting the Minnesota Star Tribune Thank You for Supporting the Minnesota Star Tribune See Other Ways to Give We Value Your Privacy The Minneapolis…

The Star-Tribune is taking donations to help fund the purchase vital newsroom supplies and equipment, including protective and tactical gear for street reporters and photogs. If you live in MSP, pls subscribe. If you don't and want to help, here's a way -- www.startribunecompany.com/donate-payme....

Worth noting that one reason you’re benefitting so fully from the Star-Tribune’s timely, extensive coverage of unfolding events is that it’s a metro newspaper that hasn’t been systematically starved to further enrich shareholders and executives.

Statement from Michael and Susan Pretti Parents of Alex Jeffrey Pretti “We are heartbroken but also very angry. Alex was a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends and also the American veterans whom he cared for as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital. Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately, he will not be with us to see his impact. I do not throw around the ‘hero’ term lightly. However, his last thought and act was to protect a woman. The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting. Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump’s murdering and cowardly ICE thugs. He had his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down, all while being pepper sprayed. Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man. Thank you.

Kare 11 local news just read, in full, this statement from Michael and Susan Pretti, the parents of Alex Pretti.

"Please get the truth out about our son."

He’s sold out the big theater at Moving Image talking about his work like, I believe multiple times. I was there for one talk. What a legend