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BamHop Sports Briefing August 10-15, 2019 by Joe Carroll With only a quarter left of regular season baseball, here is BamHopWeb’s official 2019 MLB Division Champion Predictions. The American League AL East : New York Yankees Barring any significant injuries, the New York Yankees will take the AL East crown with relative ease. The Pinstripes are focused on their chances at Number 28. Photo by the New York Post AL Central: Minnesota Twins The AL Central race is a dogfight between the Minnesota Twins and the Cleveland Indians. However, Minnesota’s remaining schedule is much easier than Cleveland’s, so the Twins have the edge in the AL Central. Photo by Minnesota Public Radio AL West: Houston Astros The Houston Astros winning the AL West is a sure bet. The Astros are widely regarded as the best team in baseball and are expected to represent the American League in the World Series. Photo by the Houston Chronicle The National League NL East: Atlanta Bra

Sunday's Winners and Losers of the 2019 MLB Trade Deadline The Week of August 4, 2019 By Joe Carroll With the conclusion of the MLB trade deadline, here are BamHopWeb’s official winners and losers of the 2019 MLB trade deadline. Winners of the Trade Deadline 1. Houston Astros : The Astros won the trade deadline this year. Trading for star pitcher Zack Greinke instantly made the Astros favorites to win the World Series. Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole, Wade Miley, and now Zack Greinke are a deadly combination for playoff pitching. ( Photo by Arizona Sports ) 2. Cleveland Indians : The Indians had an eventful trade deadline, sending notorious pitcher Trevor Bauer to the Reds in a three-team deal for five players, notably Yasiel Puig and Franmil Reyes. While this move seems understandable now, it could hurt them in the long run. Either way, they got an excellent package for the time being. ( Photo by Cleveland.com ) 3.  Atlanta Braves : The Braves badly needed

BamHop Sports Briefing July 26-31, 2019 Today's Top Story: New Orleans Saints and WR Michael Thomas agree on a 5-year, $100 million contract Sources: National Football League, Associated Press, Brett Martell The New Orleans Saints and leading receiver Michael Thomas have agreed to a new five-year, $100 million contract, WR Thomas's agent said Wednesday. Currently, Thomas’ average annual pay of $20 million represents a new high for NFL receivers, eclipsing the $18 million per year paid to Cleveland’s Odell Beckham Jr. Last season, Thomas ranked first in the NFL in catches with 125, sixth in yards receiving with 1,405 and tied for 10th with nine touchdowns.

Sunday MLB Award Predictions The Week of July 28th, 2019 by Joe Carroll As the end of the 2018-19 MLB season approaches, here are BamHopWeb’s official MLB season award predictions. American League MVP: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (Photo by Business Insider) Mike Trout is a no-brainer for American League MVP. Arguably the best player in baseball, this may be his best season in his illustrious career. The AL MVP is undoubtedly Trout’s to lose. National League MVP: Christian Yelich, Milwaukee Brewers (Photo by Bleacher Report) Christian Yelich has been on a tear as of late. Although the NL MVP race was edged by the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger for the majority of the season, Yelich’s incredible stretch has statistically put him on the top. The race will be close, and although there are other factors to consider, Yelich is the NL MVP right now. American League Cy Young: Justin Verlander, Houston Astros (Photo by Sports Illustrated

BamHop Sports Briefing July 21-25, 2019 Today's Top Story: Manny Pacquiao (PHI) hands Keith Thurman (USA) his first loss in a split decision Sources: AP News, AP Photo, Greg Beacham, John Locher Manny Pacquiao (PHI) floored Thurman early and persevered late to an exciting split-decision victory Saturday night, adding a third straight win to his late-career resurgence. Pacquiao (62-7-2) dropped his previously unbeaten opponent with a combination late in the first round and  dominated the opening rounds with a combination of flair and power that recalled the incredible prime of the only eight-division champion in boxing history. Thurman (29-1) showed remarkable tenacity in rallying through the middle rounds, repeatedly testing Pacquiao’s chin with big shots. Two judges scored the bout 115-112 for Pacquiao, while Glenn Feldman scored it 114-113 for Thurman. The Associated Press also scored it 115-112 for Pacquiao. Pacquiao is also currently serving as a senator of the

NBA Power Rankings Week of July 21st, 2019 by Sam Dela Rosa (@bamhopweb) Now that the peak of free agency and the Summer League has officially ended, here are BamHopWeb's official NBA pre-season power rankings. 1. Los Angeles Clippers  - The Clippers are currently the favorites to win the Larry O'Brien trophy this upcoming 2019-2020 NBA Season. After acquiring Kawhi Leonard via free agency, trading for Paul George, and having a championship-winning coach in Doc Rivers, the expectations are incredibly high. Photo: Yahoo Sports 2. Milwaukee Bucks - Now that Kawhi Leonard has left the Eastern Conference after one season, the Bucks are the favorites to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals. Even though Malcolm Brogdon and Nikola Mirotic left during this offseason, they added key additions in Kyle Korver, Wesley Matthews, and Robin Lopez. Photo: The Spun 3. Los Angeles Lakers  - Even though the Lakers got smacked in the face by Kawhi Leonard, K