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Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb.

Three offseason moves the Vikings must make

Here are three moves the Minnesota Vikings must make ahead of the 2024 season. 

NFC North check-in: Most, least improved position groups post-draft

Checking in with the NFC North following the 2024 NFL Draft.

Watch: David Pastrnak's OT winner helps Bruins survive Leafs

The Boston Bruins won't blow another 3-1 series lead. On Saturday, they prevailed 2-1 in an overtime thriller over the Toronto Maple Leafs thanks to an incredible backhand goal by star winger David Pastrnak.  

Luis Arraez makes history in Padres debut

Less than 24 hours after trading away two-time batting champion Luis Arraez to the San Diego Padres, the move isn't looking so hot for the Miami Marlins.

Controversial call brings rain-delayed White Sox-Cardinals game to abrupt end

Umpire C.B. Bucknor is in the spotlight again for all the wrong reasons. 

Photo finish at 150th Kentucky Derby marred by controversy

Mystik Dan won by photo finish at the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, but the historic moment didn't come without controversy. 

Recent hot streak could be a good omen for Twins

The 2024 MLB season is still in its infancy, and dissecting a team's performance in May is usually a futile exercise. However, the red-hot Minnesota Twins are not only the talk of baseball, but their recent play has fans dreaming of October. 

Caitlin Clark's strong WNBA debut dismisses concerns about transition to pros

NCAA's all-time leading scorer and WNBA No. 1 pick Caitlin Clark made her unofficial pro debut Friday in the Indiana Fever's exhibition loss to the Dallas Wings, 79-76. 

Marlins trading away two-time All-Star as fire sale may already be underway

The fires ale may already be underway for the struggling Miami Marlins, who are reportedly close to trading away their two-time batting champion.

Watch: Phillies' Trea Turner records remarkable run, leaves game with injury

On Friday night, Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner proved why he might be arguably the fastest player in MLB — but possibly at a cost. 

Watch: Caitlin Clark shines in electric first quarter of WNBA debut

The NCAA's all-time leading scorer and WNBA No. 1 pick, Caitlin Clark, wasted little time making an impact during her unofficial pro debut Friday for the Indiana Fever against the Dallas Wings. 

Giants trade up to select QB Daniel Jones' replacement in 2025 mock draft

One analyst believes the franchise will go to great lengths to find Jones' replacement in next April's NFL Draft. 

Golden Knights HC reacts to Alex Pietrangelo's costly penalty in Game 5 loss

On Wednesday, defenseman Alex Pietrangelo's unnecessary penalty late in Game 5 helped set up the go-ahead powerplay goal in a pivotal 3-2 win for the Stars over the defending Stanley Cup-Champion Golden Knights, who are now only one loss away from a first-round exit. 

Cubs' Shota Imanaga joins impressive club after another incredible outing

Shota Imanaga posted another scoreless outing, helping him join an impressive shortlist. 

Watch: Stars' Tyler Seguin delivers head shot on Golden Knights' Shea Theodore

Things got a bit chippy between the Stars and Golden Knights during Game 5. 

Analyst highlights concerns about Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy

The former Michigan product may need a year or two of seasoning — a luxury the franchise might grant him.

Four NFL Draft 'projects' with the best chance to develop into stars

For the most part, the NFL Draft is a gamble, meaning there are no guarantees. However, that uncertainty creates a stage for prospects without the highest expectations to emerge. With that in mind, here are four "projects" from the 2024 NFL Draft that could develop into stars. 

Candace Parker has one lofty post-retirement goal

On Sunday, Candace Parker, arguably one of the most outstanding women's basketball players of all time, announced she was retiring from the game following 16 pro seasons

Women's hoops icon Candace Parker retires: Basketball world pays tribute

On Sunday, women's basketball star Candace Parker announced her retirement following 16 remarkable professional seasons in the WNBA and overseas. 

Watch: NHL analyst slams Leafs forward Mitch Marner for lack of effort

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner was roasted on national television for his lackluster postseason performance to date.

Watch: Bruins' Brad Marchand delivers another questionable hit in series vs. Leafs

Boston Bruins pesky forward Brad Marchand is at it again. 

Five teams that botched the 2024 NFL Draft

By in large, the NFL Draft is a crap shoot. Considering those circumstances, it might sound harsh to judge a team's draft mere hours after its conclusion. However, sometimes, it's too hard to overlook how badly some drop the ball. 

Winners and losers from Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft

A day after breaking the record for the most offensive players selected in the first round of the NFL Draft (23), the focus shifted predictably to defense on Friday.

Former Super Bowl champion explains why DT Jer'Zhan Newton is a 'steal' for Commanders

Illinois defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton, viewed by many as a first-day pick, fell to Washington Commanders at No. 36 in Friday's second round. Despite

Watch: Eagles cornerstone blasts rival Cowboys before announcing second-round pick

Before announcing his team's pick, the one-time Pro Bowler took the opportunity to take a shot at the rival Dallas Cowboys.