Thanks to technological innovation and a young crop of players obsessed with gaining even the slightest edge, the world of NHL skate blades is in the midst of a revolution.
Why it matters: Unlocking the combination of profile (i.e. shape) and depth that best suits each player can provide them with a huge advantage on the ice.
The Houston Astros have fired assistant general manager Brandon Taubman after a joint investigation with Major League Baseball revealed that insensitive comments he made in the clubhouse were aimed at female reporters, according to a team statement.
Why it matters: The team's decision to fire Taubman comes after the league stepped in to investigate the situation on Wednesday. The Astro's initial ruling was that Taubman's comments were not aimed at a specific reporter.
Vice President Pence denounced the NBA in a speech on Thursday, saying the league is "siding with the Chinese Communist Party and silencing free speech ... acting like a wholly owned subsidiary of the authoritarian regime."
The big picture: Pence's accusations come after the general manager of the Houston Rockets incensed Chinese leaders with his support of pro-democracy protestors in Hong Kong. NBA commissioner Adam Silver then backed GM Daryl Morey up, saying the league is "not willing to compromise" with China on freedom of expression for league employees.
The top four Heisman favorites are all QBs, and they play for the No. 1, No. 2, No. 3 and No. 5 ranked teams in the country. If that doesn't intrigue you, check your pulse.
The favorites: Joe Burrow (5/4 odds), Jalen Hurts (5/4 odds), Tua Tagovailoa (5/2 odds), and Justin Fields (7/1 odds).
The Washington Nationals beat the Houston Astros 12-3 on Wednesday, getting the underdogs a pair of wins in the World Series, The Ringer's Ben Lindbergh reports.
Why it matters: This is the first time all season that Houston aces Gerrit Cole and Justin Verlander have taken the loss in back-t0-back games.
