After the Golden State Warriors yet again eliminated the Houston Rockets from the playoffs this season, rumors flew that there were about to be major shakeups to the team's roster. Chris Paul's departure was one of the first rumors that caught the strongest steam, especially after the 34-year-old point guard struggled to deliver in the playoffs. Most recently, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith said Paul wanted out of Houston: "In the end though, it's this: with Kevin Durant out, with Klay Thompson out for most of the season, one could argue that the Houston Rockets now have a window to get to the NBA Finals. But you're also hearing that Chris Paul wants out, Chris Paul wouldn't mind going somewhere else." It was immediately noted by Brian Windhorst that Paul isn't necessarily untradable, but it's unlikely that they can move him. A big part of that is his contract, of which he has three more years left of the four-year/ $159,730,592 deal. But, Rockets general manager Daryl Morey threw cold water on any notion that Paul wants out, and is thus going anywhere. The remarks were made on a new podcast with Sean Salisbury of SportsTalk 790 published early Monday. . @SeanUnfiltered : "Does Chris Paul want to be traded?" @dmorey : "No, Chris Paul does not want to be traded." @SeanUnfiltered : "Will you field calls on Chris Paul?" @dmorey : "No, we want to add one more star to this team." - SportsTalk 790 (@SportsTalk790) June 17, 2019 So, looks like Paul and co-star James Harden are staying put in Houston. Morey also told ESPN Radio's Golic & Wingo that Paul has not asked to be traded by the team. "No, No he has not," he said . Morey also noted that the Rockets were the best team following the All-Star break last season and "we are either going to add a third star or a top mid-level player to our core and be better next year. But with no picks in the 2019 NBA draft to offer up and no cap space, just what "star" is Houston expecting to add to the team? MORE: LaVar Ball tried to talk Lonzo into staying with Big Baller Brand NBA Free Agency 2019: The top players An ode to the Golden State Warriors, the team that ruined the game 3 players the Raiders could trade for before the 2019 season Roundup: MTV Movie & TV Awards Red Carpet Fashion, Massive Power Outage in South America, NBA Free Agency Landscape


Paris Saint-Germain have reluctantly lowered their asking price for Neymar in a bid to offload the Brazilian in this summer's transfer window. The French champions had initially been looking to recoup a mouth-watering €300m for the Brazilian forward, but have reduced this by a considerable amount to help facilitate a move. As reported by Sport , PSG have now lowered their asking price to just €180m, nearly half of what they originally set out to redeem. Barcelona were one of a few clubs interested in purchasing Neymar , but were struggling to find a way to finance the move. One method they pursued in order to meet the French club's estimation was to include players as part of the deal, but PSG say they will not consider anything other than cash-only deals. This does not help Barca, who will struggle to finance a transfer of that size without breaching UEFA's Financial Fair Play regulations. Ivan Rakitic , Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho had all been mooted as players who could potentially make up part of Barcelona's player-plus-cash offer, but a deal of this kind looks to be off the table for the time being. Whilst PSG would only reinvest the money in player recruitment, they would prefer to have their pick of players from around the world rather than be limited to those which the Blaugrana deem surplus to requirements. However, the Ligue 1 club find themselves in something of a lose-lose situation. They may not want a player-plus-cash deal, but the only alternative could be keeping Neymar - a player who has outrightly expressed his desire to leave the Parisian club, which brings problems of its own.


The Chargers added a handful of rookies in the 2019 NFL draft. All attention has shifted towards them and how they are going to make an impact this upcoming season, but there are a number of players from the 2018 draft class that are also looking to make their presence felt. Los Angeles added safety Derwin James, who ended up earning All-Pro status and a couple other accolades in his rookie campaign. Outside of him, there weren't as many players from the class that had much contribution in Year 1. With that, here are four players looking to make a jump in their second season. LB Uchenna Nwosu Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports The Chargers liked Nwosu coming out of college at USC for his versatile skill-set to rush the passer, set the edge and drop back into coverage. He was taken in the second-round with the likeliness of taking over for linebacker Kyle Emanuel at the SAM role. From splitting time with Emanuel to the defensive packages they were playing week to week, he hardly ever saw over 20 snaps per game. Nwosu didn't pop on the stat sheet, totaling just 28 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 268 snaps. But in the limited action of him being on the field, he showed some major promise as a pass rusher, demonstrating the ability to beat offensive tackles with speed and hand usage. After the departure of Emanuel, Nwosu is now the starting OTTO going into the 2019 season, and he should see the field quite a bit. 2019 sixth-round selection Emeke Egbule will likely serve as his backup. DT Justin Jones Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Taken in the third-round, Jones' presence didn't come until later in the season when they were thin at the position after the losses of Brandon Mebane and Corey Liuget. The two games that he started came in the playoffs against the Ravens and Patriots. In those games alone, Jones showed some promise in the trenches, posting six tackles, two quarterback hits and a sack. The Chargers added Jerry Tillery and Cortez Broughton in the draft, while also re-signing Mebane and Damion Square but that shouldn't hinder Jones' playing time. He should see an uptick of snaps as a one-technique behind Mebane, even though many suggest he will play the three-technique. LB Kyzir White Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports The start to White's season was quite promising but unfortunately, it was cut short after suffering an ankle injury. Despite being a rookie, White took the starting WILL role by the middle of the preseason over Jatavis Brown. He started the Chargers' first three regular season games, totalling 17 tackles, three passes defensed and one interception. Los Angeles added Thomas Davis through free agency and Drue Tranquill in the fourth-round, which added more competition to the positional group. The emergence of Davis could push White out of a starting job to start the season. Not to mention, he will again have to beat out Brown for the starting role once again. But it's still very possible that the former West Virginia product will see the field significantly, considering they play the majority of the time in a dime package and he has the ability to play all three linebacker spots. White, the football-hunter, should still have an impact in his second season regardless of where he's lined up. WR Dylan Cantrell Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Cantrell, the Chargers' sixth-round selection, spent the season as a practice squad member for much of the season. a knee injury resulted in him being cut, but he was picked up later. He failed to appear in a game despite being placed on the active roster late in the season. There is plenty of hope for Cantrell this upcoming season, as there will be a competition for the No. 3 and 4 wide receiver job after the loss of Tyrell Williams. Cantrell is an early fan-favorite along with Artavis Scott. If the former Texas Tech product solidifies one of the spots, he provides quarterback Philip Rivers with a big-bodied target who has the speed to beat defenders vertically, is proven with hands and uses his stature well to box out defenders and make plays. MORE: Alex Trebek had a classic response to James Holzhauer's 'two dimes' wager Roundup: Michael Avenatti Charged With Defrauding Stormy Daniels, George RR Martin on Game of Thrones Books, Ron Artest Doc Trailer NBA Free Agency 2019: The top players New Packers OLB coach raves about rookie Rashan Gary 49ers LB roles change with new defensive front


Barcelona is at the top of everyone's must-see list. And that's not just figurative: With nearly 9 million tourists passing through each year (and growing), its popularity is something to take into account when planning your first visit. The city is faced with long lines and tightening regulations, as well as extreme summer heat (it's best to avoid from mid-July to early September), so how you tackle Barcelona will play a big factor in how much you enjoy the city. You'll want an itinerary that covers the bases and efficiently circumnavigates the crowds even if you've got to check off La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. This leaves more time to devour tapas, see world-class flamenco, and marvel at 2,000-year-old neighboring towns (which were grand enough to be a part of the Game of Thrones set). So, if you're planning a visit, here's our suggested to-do list, filled with relaxing hotels, efficient train transportation, coastal overnight trips, and skip-the-line tours. James McAvoy Shares His Favorite Place to Travel (and Possibly Live) Getting to Barcelona: Consider the Train There are a million ways to fly to Barcelona, but one thing to keep in mind is that you can also easily access the city by train from other major hubs like Madrid and Paris (or do those trips in reverse if you land in Barcelona first). Renfe has lots of great high-speed "AVE" options within Spain like 3 hours to Madrid , and 3 more to Seville  or even a 6.5-hour option to Paris on the France-Spain high speed train . To book any route, go to RailEurope , an EU train ticketing site built for U.S. travelers. Temples, Geishas, and Bamboo Forests: The 4-Day Weekend in Kyoto Where to Stay in Barcelona Two of my favorites Alma Barcelona and Almanac Barcelona are easy to confuse by name. Here's what each offers: Alma Barcelona Like the rest of the Mr. and Mrs. Smith's Barcelona collection , 5-star Alma is an urban oasis like an actual oasis with a massive inner garden where guests enjoy drinks, Tuesday DJ sets, and/or just some peace and quiet. The garden is also part of the onsite eatery Jardín del Alma, where you'll enjoy breakfast or fine Catalan fare during lunch and dinner. 'Alma' means 'soul', and the hotel is infused with it. The sumptuous rooms and suites are composed of clean materials like steel, leather, and wood. You'll forget the central property is just steps from the pedestrian-heavy Passeig de Gràcia, a convenient location that doubles as a perk. You've got access to the gym, pool, sauna, and steam room, and you can also book a spa treatment. This summer, the hotel is launching its experiential program, Alma Alive . In tandem with its Pamplona property in north central Spain, Alma Alive pairs your stay with immersive activities like wine tours, private tasting menus, and cycling excursions. Almanac Barcelona The first of many Almanacs to come, this 5-star property opened on the corner of Gran Via in 2018. That puts you conveniently at the center of the city's commercial district, though Almanac succeeds at removing you from the chaos and foot traffic. Its 91 rooms and suites are jaw-dropping: oak and walnut contrast gold details, creating a relaxing reprieve. The intent here is residential sophistication, which you feel as soon as the curtains retract upon entry. They've got terrific touches like Japanese toilets, rain showers, and nine room types to suit your needs. You can unwind in the 24-hour gym, the onsite spa, or with poolside cocktails and snacks at Azimuth . Made-to-order Mediterranean breakfast, pica-pica, and tapas are served at Línia all day long. H10 Port Vell H10 currently has 15 excellent properties in Barcelona , and its 4-star Port Vell hotel might be the best of them all. It's located on the harbor, just outside the bustling El Born district and the maze-like Gothic Quarter. You're a minute's walk to the Barceloneta metro stop, and just 10 to the beach. (That is, if you aren't otherwise relaxing poolside at the rooftop bar.) What I love about all H10's properties is that, despite the volume of their hotels, they lack any stale standardization. Each hotel feels like its own boutique-y entity. Port Vell's public spaces are filled with art, color, and modern decor. Its Mediterranean breakfast spread is top-notch, and each room has commendable amenities like rain showers, Rituals toiletries, and smart-temp controls. It's the perfect hotel to retire to at the end of the day. Even if you don't stay here, spend a few hours on the rooftop if you get tired of touristing. What to Do in Barcelona You'll probably spend plenty of time walking down Gran Via, Passeig de Gracia, and getting lost in El Born and the Gothic Quarter. Here are some of the spots to hit. Inn-to-Inn by Bike in Spain La Sagrada Familia A Barcelona tour is also a Gaudí tour, and Sagrada Familia is probably the city's most iconic landmark. The basilica is only unfinished in that it's grander in detail than anything else. It combines Gothic, Modernist, and Art Nouveau styles, and puts all other church tours to shame, with its stained glass, forest-like columns, carvings, and sculptures. Book a skip-the-line guided tour, like GetYourGuide's for an efficient but thorough overview of the entire thing. Park Güell Barcelona's most famous park, with a Gaudí museum and sprawling city views. You can also buy a ticket to its private monumental zone, which houses many Gaudí structures and creations, like the tiled Dragon Staircase. Just don't miss your designated timeslot, since they strictly regulate the number of visitors each half hour. Montjuïc and Museo Nacional D'Art de Catalunya Take the funicular to the best mirador in the city, and tour the 17th-century military fortress by the same name. The hilltop is also home to MNAC , Catalonia's official art museum, for which you can book ahead . Check this calendar for nightly light show times, if you're able to time a visit to the visual spectacle. (It's free to observe.) Casa Milà Gaudí's final home, Casa Milà is also known as La Pedera, "the stone quarry", because of its ebbing, clifflike facade. The interior is equally unusual, as murals sprawl across curved ceilings and ornate furnishings counter the signature Gaudí design flourishes. Get a rooftop view amongst the sculpture-like chimneys, and marvel at how the whole building feels ready to sink inside of itself. Get a skip-the-line ticket to avoid long lines, especially on hot days. Casa Batlló Casa Batlló boasts a Gaudí-designed event space, open for public tours and performances, like a night music series . Or get an early-bird ticket if you want to photograph all of the Gaudí-isms and views without an army of tourists in your shot. Casa Vicens A lesser-trafficked Gaudí icon in Barcelona, this house is considered one of the first Art Nouveau designs. You know the drill by now; get a skip-the-line tour and spare yourself any long, warm queues. Palau de la Música Catalana This architectural marvel is the venue to see a flamenco show or to hear Catalan guitarists with divine decor and proper acoustics. La Barceloneta Your meanderings will inevitably take you through the key neighborhoods, such as the maze-like Gothic Quarter, bustling El Born, sometimes-seedy El Raval, and Eixample, a tourism center of sorts. But La Barceloneta is a destination all its own. The seaside neighborhood is where you can catch the cable cars to Montjuïc. It's a former fisherman's neighborhood, and you still get that vibe as you walk the sidestreets today. You're crazy not to spend part of your visit relaxing on the Mediterranean shore, ogling yachts and savoring the seabreeze (though it should be noted that there are better and less-populated beaches outside of town, particularly up the coast in Costa Brava). Mercado de La Boqueria Snack your way through this massive produce market, making a meal of fresh fruits, seafood, mushrooms, veggies, bread, and sweets. Parc de La Ciutadella An attraction with numerous micro attractions, this park houses numerous sculptures, a zoological and geological museum, a lake for paddle boating, a 19th-century greenhouse, photogenic fountains, the Barcelona Zoo, the Catalanian Parliament, and the neighboring Arc de Triomf (an 1888 World Exhibition installation, not to be confused with Paris' WWII monument). Fundació Joan Miró and Museu Picasso These art museums celebrate two of Spain's most famous artists, Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso , and exhibit the works of many more. View this post on Instagram Mozzarella and Cantabrian anchovy… washed down with a drop of local natural wine @antoinericardou A post shared by 14 De La Rosa (@14delarosa) on Feb 8, 2019 at 4:32am PST Where to Get Tapas in Barcelona Every week, there's going to be something new popping up in Barcelona, but your main goal should be to snack your way through the city, surviving and thriving on tapas and cava. So, put these tapas joints on your map, in case you stumble past and need to refuel. Bar Gresca It's actually a restaurant , but grab a seat and a cava at the bar maybe chased with a couple tapas. Et voila, a DIY tapas experience. 14 De la Rosa Same drill, since it's Spain: This is a cocktail and wine bar  and a natural wine bar at that, so order one! plus they've got tapas that are almost too cute to eat. 8 Remarkable Travel Destinations Where Your Dollar Goes Far El Xampanyet This restaurant teems with visitors in the late afternoon, but that bustle is half the fun. Shout your order to the guys behind the counter, and revel in the ambiance of decades-old Barca. Bar Bodega Quimet A few minutes' walk off the grid in Vila de Gràcia, this tiny bar-restaurant is a great respite from the chaos of the commercial center. An Overnight Trip: Girona, Figueres, and the Beaches of Costa Brava In my opinion, three full days in Barcelona will feel satisfying, and is enough time to could conquer most of the essentials on foot. (They'll be busy days, but it's doable.) That leaves room for an overnight trip up the coast to Costa Brava, specifically, which means "wild coast." Plan for a day or two of exploration: You'll start inland, in medieval Girona, with its Roman fortress that was a backdrop in numerous Game of Thrones scenes. The Old Quarter in Girona took on many faces over the years, because of the change of rule between Muslims and Christians, and the evolving architecture between Roman, Gothic, and Baroque influence. That makes for lots of awe-struck moments exploring its massive cathedral, Arab baths, and fortress walls. It's just 40 minutes away from Barcelona on the express train , for as little as $20. Then, you'll go farther northeast on the train, just 15 minutes to Figueres, where you'll pop into the Dali Theatre Museum and Cali Jewel Collection , for a few hours. The former is a renovated theatre that Dali himself filled and designed with his own oddities and artistry. It's a funhouse of sorts, with plenty of cheeky details that'll keep you humored. (It's also his burial site, so be sure to find his tomb underneath the main theatre). Pop over to see his self-designed jewel collection, too, which is equally fantastic and occasionally animated. (Think butterfly jewels with wings that flap.) Lastly, you'll depart for an afternoon by the sea, to the wild coastline itself. Consider the cliff-lined, white-sand Platja del Pals, or the crystal blue Platja de Santa Cristina and Platja de Treumal, all of which put you closer to Barcelona, where you'll retire for your final evening.


Formula 2 rookie Nikita Mazepin will make his official Mercedes Formula 1 testing debut in this week's post-Spanish Grand Prix test. The 20-year-old Russian will join Mercedes' race driver Valtteri Bottas in action at Barcelona this week, although the day he drives depends on the team's programme. It will be Mazepin's first run in the team's 2019 challenger, the W10, although he is conducting a private testing programme this year in a 2017 Mercedes. Mazepin finished runner-up in the final season of GP3 last year, winning four races, but is only 16th in the standings six races into his debut F2 campaign. He has a decent amount of F1 testing mileage already, completing eight days with Force India from 2016 to 2018 in his role as development driver. However, Force India's slump into administration and rescue by a consortium led by Lawrence Stroll ended Mazepin's relationship with the team coming to an end. One of Stroll's rival bidders for Force India, which is now Racing Point, was Russian firm Uralkali   a chemical firm that is closely associated with Mazepin's father Dmitry. Mazepin's private programme involves 12 days of testing in a Mercedes W08. F1 rules allow the testing of cars that were designed and built to the regulations of the three years "immediately prior to the calendar year preceding the [current] championship". As of 2019, cars from the '15, '16 and '17 seasons are eligible, giving Mazepin the chance to increase his mileage in cars built to the current, higher-downforce regulations. Mazepin will be one of many drivers getting a rare official F1 test opportunity in Spain, as teams complete their quota of 'rookie' driver appearances during testing. Formula 2 racer Sergio Sette Camara will make his McLaren testing debut on Wednesday, when he shares the car with Oliver Turvey. McLaren development driver Turvey will be behind the wheel of the MCL34 in the morning before Sette Camara takes over for his first on-track opportunity since joining McLaren as a test driver for 2019. Callum Ilott will make his F1 test debut on Tuesday with Alfa Romeo. Antonio Fuoco is driving at Ferrari, while Dan Ticktum (Red Bull), Jack Aitken (Renault), Pietro Fittipaldi (Haas) and Nicholas Latifi (Williams) reprise their respective testing roles.


Chargers defensive tackle Jerry Tillery and safety Nasir Adderley will not play in Los Angeles' preseason opener at Arizona, coach Anthony Lynn confirmed on Tuesday, per The Athletic's Daniel Popper. DT Jerry Tillery (shoulder) and S Nasir Adderley (hamstring) won't play Thursday, per Anthony Lynn. WRs Andre Patton and Travis Benjamin will be gametime decisions. #Chargers - Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) August 6, 2019 Tillery, the team's first-round selection, missed all of minicamp and organized team activities. He had surgery in March to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder. Tillery returned joined team drills on Sunday, but it appears the coaching staff wants to give him more time to rest before receiving live game reps. Adderley, the second-round pick, missed all of mandatory minicamp due to a hamstring issue. He participated for a couple practices, but it appears that he re-aggravated it during one of the sessions. Lynn said that it was some "soreness". The former Delaware product's absence means that Rayshawn Jenkins, Desmond King and Jaylen Watkins will get more playing time this week. Lynn also gave an update on wide receivers Travis Benjamin and Andre Patton, saying that they will both be game-time decisions. If they were to miss Thursday's preseason opener, we can expect to see extended playing time from Jason Moore, Justice Liggins, Malachi Dupre and Jordan Smallwood. MORE: NBA fans shouldn't be furious Kobe Bryant was named third team All-Decade Packers training camp practice roundup: August 6 with Texans WATCH: Packers rookie OLB Rashan Gary whips Texans LT Matt Kalil 5 takeaways from the Raiders' first depth chart of 2019 season Bears QB coach uses unique analogy to assess Trubisky's deep passes


Drawings in 1899 predict a future that includes flying cars and children wired up to a book-feeding machine that were produced by a group of French artists for the Paris Exhibition of 1900 called 'En L'An 2000' A rare collection of French illustrations from 1899 have been unearthed depicting surreal visions of the future   including underwater sea buses and flying firemen. The fascinating hoard of 87 sketches was discovered by chance in a cardboard box and includes this prediction that whales would transport people in underwater vessels. Scroll through to see what Parisian artists predicted would happen by the year 2000... A number of people play a charming game of croquet underwater while wearing some sophisticated breathing devices. Though many of the designs are comical in nature, others accurately predict scientific advancement and inventions, such as helicopters. The Parisian artists also thought that hunters would be able to utilize wings to hunt birds and other animals, rather than on foot. The 120-year-old illustrations were found by Jim Spencer and they could fetch a hefty amount at auction. As well as the whales carting people around underwater and the hunters flying around shooting birds, the artists also thought we would have multiple flying machines taking us places. The world's first practical helicopter didn't take to the air until 1939   40 years after the illustrations were created, so this image was one of the more realistic predictions. In this sketch, multiple people can be seen riding large fish in a race. Spectators can be seen cheering in the underwater spectacle. According to auctioneer Jim Spencer, a number of French artists, including Jean-Marc Cote, were asked to illustrate the future for a World Exhibition in Paris in 1900 and the original set was published in 1899. 'They were intended for inclusion in cigar/cigarette boxes but, due to financial difficulty, were never distributed. Some more designs were added - there are 87 in total - and, later, postcards but again not distributed.' A number of the images indicate the artists from 1899 thought we would be living or exploring a lot underwater and in space. They were completely lost to history until the 1980s when science fiction author Isaac Asimov stumbled across a set of the postcards and featured them in his book Futuredays: A Nineteenth Century Vision of the Year 2000. An enormous combat blimp shooting at a target. Other images predicted a matrix-style knowledge machine feeding books directly into children's brains. A variety of the illustrations including underwater exploration, people playing croquet underwater, and police officers on motorbikes.


The 2019 MLB Draft class was loaded with hitting talent, with Oregon State catcher Adley Rutschman and Colleyville Heritage HS (Texas) shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. going first and second in the draft, respectively. At a time when baseball is already enjoying a tremendous youth movement , the next generation of stars at the plate seem destined to provide a similar lift to the league. Join DAZN to watch 'ChangeUp,' a new MLB live whiparound show Position players dominated the top of the draft, making up nine of the first 10 selections. Nick Lodolo (Reds) was the lone pitcher taken in the top 10. In truth, it will be difficult to judge how teams do in this draft for several years. After all, players from the 2016 MLB Draft are only just now starting to arrive at the big league level. Nonetheless. people will be quick to make assessments. We believe the Diamondbacks are the early frontrunners for best draft class considering the amount of picks they had in the first two rounds. Sporting News tracked this year's selections as they were made throughout the 2019 MLB Draft. Below are the complete results, pick by pick. MORE 2019 MLB DRAFT: Weakest farms entering draft | Best late-round steals since 2000 MLB Draft picks: Round 1 results Pick No. Team Player Pos. School 1. Baltimore Orioles Adley Rutschman C Oregon State 2. Kansas City Royals Bobby Witt Jr. SS Colleyville Heritage HS (TX) 3. Chicago White Sox Andrew Vaughn 1B California 4. Miami Marlins J.J. Bleday OF Vanderbilt 5. Detroit Tigers Riley Greene OF Hagerty HS (FL) 6. San Diego Padres C.J. Abrams SS Blessed Trinity HS (GA) 7. Cincinnati Reds Nick Lodolo LHP TCU 8. Texas Rangers Josh Jung 3B Texas Tech 9. Atlanta Braves Shea Langeliers C Baylor 10. San Francisco Giants Hunter Bishop OF Arizona State 11. Toronto Blue Jays Alek Manoah RHP West Virginia 12. New York Mets Brett Baty 3B Lake Travis HS (TX) 13. Minnesota Twins Keoni Cavaco 3B Eastlake HS (CA) 14. Philadelphia Phillies Bryson Stott SS UNLV 15. Los Angeles Angels Will Wilson SS NC State 16. Arizona Diamondbacks Corbin Carroll CF Lakeside HS (WA) 17. Washington Nationals Jackson Rutledge RHP San Jacinto College North (TX) 18. Pittsburgh Pirates Quinn Priester RHP Cary-Grove HS (IL) 19. St. Louis Cardinals Zack Thompson LHP Kentucky 20. Seattle Mariners George Kirby RHP Elon 21. Atlanta Braves Braden Shewmake SS Texas A&M 22. Tampa Bay Rays Greg Jones SS UNC Wilmington 23. Colorado Rockies Michael Toglia 1B UCLA 24. Cleveland Indians Daniel Espino RHP Georgia Premier Academy (GA) 25. Los Angeles Dodgers Kody Hoese 3B Tulane 26. Arizona Diamondbacks Blake Walston LHP New Hanover HS (NC) 27. Chicago Cubs Ryan Jensen RHP Fresno State 28. Milwaukee Brewers Ethan Small LHP Mississippi State 29. Oakland Athletics Logan Davidson SS Clemson 30. New York Yankees Anthony Volpe SS Delbarton School (NJ) 31. Los Angeles Dodgers Michael Busch 1B UNC 32. Houston Astros Korey Lee C California Compensation picks Pick No. Team Player Pos. School 33. Arizona Diamondbacks Brennan Malone RHP IMG Academy 34. Arizona Diamondbacks Drey Jameson RHP Ball State Competitive balance Round A Pick No. Team Player Pos. School 35. Miami Marlins Kameron Misner CF Missouri 36. Tampa Bay Rays JJ Goss RHP Cypress Ranch HS (TX) 37. Pittsburgh Pirates Sammy Siani CF William Penn Charter School (PA) 38. New York Yankees T.J. Sikkema LHP Missouri 39. Minnesota Twins Matt Walner RF Southern Miss 40. Tampa Bay Rays Seth Johnson RHP Campbell University 41. Texas Rangers Davis Wendzel 3B Baylor Join DAZN to watch 'ChangeUp,' a new MLB live whiparound show MLB Draft picks: Round 2 results Pick No. Team Player Pos. School 42. Baltimore Orioles Gunnar Henderson SS John T. Morgan Academy (AL) 43. Boston Red Sox Cameron Cannon SS Arizona 44. Kansas City Royals Brady McConnell SS Florida 45. Chicago White Sox Matthew Thompson RHP Cypress Ranch HS (TX) 46. Miami Marlins Nasim Nunez SS Collins Hill HS (GA) 47. Detroit Tigers Nick Quintana 3B Arizona 48. San Diego Padres Joshua Mears RF Federal Way HS (WA) 49. Cincinnati Reds Rece Hinds SS IMG Academy 50. Texas Rangers Ryan Garcia RHP UCLA 51. San Francisco Giants Logan Wyatt 1B Louisville 52. Toronto Blue Jays Kendall Williams RHP IMG Academy 53. New York Mets Josh Wolf RHP St. Thomas HS (TX) 54. Minnesota Twins Matt Canterino RHP Rice 55. Los Angeles Angels Kyren Paris SS Freedom HS (CA) 56. Arizona Diamondbacks Ryne Nelson RHP Oregon 57. Pittsburgh Pirates Matt Gorski CF Indiana 58. St. Louis Cardinals Trejyn Fletcher CF Deering HS (ME) 59. Seattle Mariners Brandon Williamson LHP TCU 60. Atlanta Braves Beau Philip SS Oregon State 61. Tampa Bay Rays John Doxakis LHP Texas A&M 62. Colorado Rockies Aaron Schunk 3B Georgia 63. Cleveland Indians Yordys Valdes SS McArthur HS (FL) 64. Chicago Cubs Chase Strumpf 2B UCLA 65. Milwaukee Brewers Antoine Kelly LHP Wabash Valley College (IL) 66. Oakland Athletics Tyler Baum RHP UNC 67. New York Yankees Josh Smith 2B LSU 68. Houston Astros Grae Kessinger SS Ole Miss 69. Boston Red Sox Matthew Lugo SS Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy (PR) Competitive balance Round B Pick No. Team Player Pos. School 70. Kansas City Royals Alec Marsh RHP Arizona State 71. Baltimore Orioles Kyle Stowers CF Stanford 72. Pittsburgh Pirates Jared Triolo 3B Houston 73. San Diego Padres Logan Driscoll C George Mason 74. Arizona Diamondbacks Tommy Henry LHP Michigan 75. Arizona Diamondbacks Dominic Fletcher OF Arkansas 76. Seattle Mariners Isaiah Campbell RHP Arkansas 77. Colorado Rockies Karl Kauffmann RHP Michigan Compensation picks Pick No. Team Player Pos. School 78. Los Angeles Dodgers Jimmy Lewis RHP Lake Travis HS (TX) MLB Draft picks: Round 3 results Pick No. Team Player Pos. School 79. Baltimore Orioles Zach Watson CF LSU 80. Kansas City Royals Grant Gambrell RHP Oregon State 81. Chicago White Sox Andrew Dalquist RHP Redondo Union HS (CA) 82. Miami Marlins Peyton Burdick CF Wright State 83. Detroit Tigers Andre Lipcius 3B Tennessee 84. San Diego Padres Hudson Head CF Winston Churchill HS (TX) 85. Cincinnati Reds Tyler Callihan 2B Providence School of Jacksonville HS (FL) 86. Texas Rangers Justin Slaten RHP New Mexico 87. San Francisco Giants Grant McCray CF Lakewood Ranch HS (FL) 88. Toronto Blue Jays Dasan Brown CF Abbey Park HS (ON) 89. New York Mets Matthew Allan RHP Seminole HS (FL) 90. Minnesota Twins Spencer Steer SS Oregon 91. Philadelphia Phillies Jamari Baylor SS Benedictine School (VA) 92. Los Angeles Angels Jack Kochanowicz RHP Harriton HS (PA) 93. Arizona Diamondbacks Tristin English 1B Georgia Tech 94. Washington Nationals Drew Mendoza 3B Florida State 95. Pittsburgh Pirates Matt Fraizer CF Arizona 96. St. Louis Cardinals Tony Locey RHP Georgia 97. Seattle Mariners Levi Stoudt RHP Lehigh 98. Atlanta Braves Michael Harris LHP Stockbridge HS (GA) 99. Tampa Bay Rays Shane Sasaki CF Iolani HS (HI) 100. Colorado Rockies Jacob Wallace RHP Connecticut 101. Cleveland Indians Joseph Naranjo 1B Rueben S. Ayala HS (CA) 102. Los Angeles Dodgers Ryan Pepiot RHP Butler 103. Chicago Cubs Michael McAvene RHP Louisville 104. Oakland Athletics Marcus Smith CF Pembroke Hill HS (MO) 105. New York Yankees Jacob Sanford CF Western Kentucky 106. Houston Astros Jordan Brewer CF Michigan 107. Boston Red Sox Ryan Zeferjahn RHP Kansas MLB Draft picks: Round 4 results Pick No. Team Player Pos. School 108. Baltimore Orioles Joseph Ortiz SS New Mexico State 109. Kansas City Royals Michael Massey 2B Illinois 110. Chicago White Sox James Beard CF Loyd Star HS (MS) 111. Miami Marlins Evan Edwards 1B North Carolina State 112. Detroit Tigers Ryan Kriedler SS UCLA 113. San Diego Padres Matt Brash RHP Niagara 114. Cincinnati Reds Ivan Johnson 2B Chipola College (FL) 115. Texas Rangers Cody Freeman SS Etiwanda HS (CA) 116. San Francisco Giants Tyler Fitzgerald SS Louisville 117. Toronto Blue Jays Will Robertson RF Creighton 118. New York Mets Jake Mangum CF Mississippi State 119. Minnesota Twins Seth Gray 3B Wright State 120. Philadelphia Phillies Erik Miller LHP Stanford 121. Los Angeles Angels Erik Rivera LHP Puerto Rico Baseball Academy 122. Arizona Diamondbacks Glenallen Hill Jr. SS Santa Cruz HS (CA) 123. Washington Nationals Matt Cronin LHP Arkansas 124. Pittsburgh Pirates J.C. Flowers RHP Florida State 125. St. Louis Cardinals Andre Pallante RHP UC Irvine 126. Seattle Mariners Tim Elliott RHP Georgia 127. Atlanta Braves Kasey Kalich RHP Texas A&M 128. Tampa Bay Rays Graeme Stinson LHP Duke 129. Colorado Rockies Brenton Doyle RF Shepherd University 130. Cleveland Indians Christian Cairo SS Calvary Christian HS (FL) 131. Los Angeles Dodgers Brandon Lewis 3B UC Irvine 132. Chicago Cubs Chris Clarke RHP USC 133. Milwaukee Brewers Nick Kahle C Washington 134. Oakland Athletics Kyle McCann C Georgia Tech 135. New York Yankees Jake Agnos LHP East Carolina 136. Houston Astros Colin Barber CF Pleasant Valley HS (CA) 137. Boston Red Sox Noah Song RHP Navy MLB Draft picks: Round 5 results Pick No. Team Player Pos. School 138 Baltimore Orioles Darrell Hernaiz SS Americas HS (TX) 139 Kansas City Royals John Rave CF Illinois State 140 Chicago White Sox Dan Metzdorf LHP Boston College 141 Miami Marlins Evan Fitterer RHP Aliso Niguel HS (CA) 142 Detroit Tigers Bryant Packard LF East Carolina 143 San Diego Padres Chris Lincoln RHP UC Santa Barbara 144 Cincinnati Reds Evan Kravetz LHP Rice 145 Texas Rangers Kellen Strahm CF San Jose State 146 San Francisco Giants Garrett Frechette 1B Orange Lutheran HS (CA) 147 Toronto Blue Jays Tanner Morris SS Virginia 148 New York Mets Nathan Jones RHP Northwestern State 149 Minnesota Twins Will Holland SS Auburn 150 Philadelphia Phillies Gunner Mayer RHP San Joaquin Delta College 151 Los Angeles Angels Garrett Stallings RHP Tennessee 152 Arizona Diamondbacks Conor Grammes RHP Xavier 153 Washington Nationals Tyler Dyson RHP Florida 154 Pittsburgh Pirates Grant Ford RHP Nevada 155 St. Louis Cardinals Connor Thomas LHP Georgia Tech 156 Seattle Mariners Austin Shenton 3B Florida International 157 Atlanta Braves Stephen Paolini CF St. Josephs School (CT) 158 Tampa Bay Rays Ben Brecht LHP UC Santa Barbara 159 Colorado Rockies Will Ethridge RHP Ole Miss 160 Cleveland Indians Hunter Gaddis RHP Georgia State 161 Los Angeles Dodgers Jack Little RHP Stanford 162 Chicago Cubs Josh Burgmann RHP Washington 163 Milwaukee Brewers Thomas Dillard C Ole Miss 164 Oakland Athletics Jalen Greer SS St. Rita HS (IL) 165 New York Yankees Ken Waldichuk LHP St Marys 166 Houston Astros Hunter Brown RHP Wayne State 167 Boston Red Sox Jaxx Groshans C Kansas MLB Draft picks: Round 6 results Pick No. Team Player Pos. School 168 Baltimore Orioles Maverick Handley C Stanford 169 Kansas City Royals Dante Biasi LHP Penn State 170 Chicago White Sox Avery Weems LHP Arizona 171 Miami Marlins MD Johnson RHP Dallas Baptist 172 Detroit Tigers Cooper Johnson C Ole Miss 173 San Diego Padres Drake Fellows RHP Vanderbilt 174 Cincinnati Reds Graham Ashcraft RHP UAB 175 Texas Rangers Cody Bradford LHP Baylor 176 San Francisco Giants Dilan Rosario SS Colegio Marista HS (PR) 177 Toronto Blue Jays Cameron Eden SS California 178 New York Mets Zach Ashford CF Fresno State 179 Minnesota Twins Sawyer Gipson RHP Mercer 180 Philadelphia Phillies Andrew Schultz RHP Tennessee 181 Los Angeles Angels Zach Peek RHP Winthrop 182 Arizona Diamondbacks Andrew Saalfrank LHP Indiana 183 Washington Nationals Jackson Cluff SS BYU 184 Pittsburgh Pirates Will Matthiesen P Stanford 185 St. Louis Cardinals Pedro Pages C Florida Atlantic 186 Seattle Mariners Michael Limoncelli RHP Horseheads HS (NY) 187 Atlanta Braves Tanner Gordon RHP Indiana 188 Tampa Bay Rays Colby White RHP Mississippi State 189 Colorado Rockies Gavin Hollowell RHP St. John's 190 Cleveland Indians Jordan Brown SS Junipero Serra HS (CA) 191 Los Angeles Dodgers Aaron Ochsenbein RHP Eastern Kentucky 192 Chicago Cubs Ethan Hearn C Mobile Christian School (AL) 193 Milwaukee Brewers Nick Bennett LHP Louisville 194 Oakland Athletics Seth Shuman RHP Georgia Southern 195 New York Yankees Hayden Wesneski RHP Sam Houston State 196 Houston Astros Matthew Barefoot CF Campbell 197 Boston Red Sox Chris Murphy LHP San Diego MLB Draft picks: Round 7 results Pick No. Team Player Pos. School 198 Baltimore Orioles Johnny Rizer OF TCU 199 Kansas City Royals Noah Murdock RHP Virginia 200 Chicago White Sox Karan Patel RHP UT San Antonio 201 Miami Marlins Bryan Hoeing RHP Louisville 202 Detroit Tigers Zach Hess RHP LSU 203 San Diego Padres Connor Lehmann RHP Saint Louis 204 Cincinnati Reds Eric Yang C UC Santa Barbara 205 Texas Rangers Brandon Sproat RHP Pace HS (FL) 206 San Francisco Giants Armani Smith LF UC Santa Barbara 207 Toronto Blue Jays L.J. Talley 2B Georgia 208 New York Mets Luke Ritter 2B Wichita State 209 Minnesota Twins Anthony Prato SS Connecticut 210 Philadelphia Phillies Brett Schulze RHP Minnesota 211 Los Angeles Angels Davis Daniel RHP Auburn 212 Arizona Diamondbacks Spencer Brickhouse 1B East Carolina 213 Washington Nationals Todd Peterson RHP LSU 214 Pittsburgh Pirates Blake Sabol C USC 215 St. Louis Cardinals Jack Ralston RHP UCLA 216 Seattle Mariners Adam Macko LHP Vauxhall HS (AB) 217 Atlanta Braves Darius Vines RHP CSU Bakersfield 218 Tampa Bay Rays Jake Guenther 1B TCU 219 Colorado Rockies Jared Horn RHP California 210 Cleveland Indians Xzavion Curry RHP Georgia Tech 211 Los Angeles Dodgers Nick Robertson RHP James Madison 212 Chicago Cubs Brad Deppermann RHP North Florida 213 Milwaukee Brewers Gabe Holt CF Texas Tech 214 Oakland Athletics Drew Millas C Missouri State 215 New York Yankees Nick Paciorek RHP Northwestern 216 Houston Astros Blair Henley RHP Texas 217 Boston Red Sox Brock Bell RHP State College of Florida Manatee MLB Draft picks: Round 8 results Pick No. Team Player Pos. School 218 Baltimore Orioles Griffin McLarty RHP College of Charleston 219 Kansas City Royals Drew Parrish LHP Florida State 220 Chicago White Sox Ivan Gonzalez C West Virginia 221 Miami Marlins Tevin Mitchell RF UC Santa Barbara 222 Detroit Tigers Jack Kenley SS Arkansas 223 San Diego Padres Andrew Mitchel LHP San Jose State 224 Cincinnati Reds Quin Cotton CF Grand Canyon 225 Texas Rangers John Matthews RHP Kent State 226 San Francisco Giants Caleb Killian RHP Texas Tech 227 Toronto Blue Jays Angel Camacho 3B Jacksonville 228 New York Mets Conner Wollersheim LHP Kent State 229 Minnesota Twins Casey Legumina RHP Gonzaga 230 Philadelphia Phillies Nate Fassnacht SS George Washington 231 Los Angeles Angels Kyle Brnovich RHP Elon 232 Arizona Diamondbacks Dominic Canzone OF Ohio State 233 Washington Nationals Jeremy Ydens OF UCLA 234 Pittsburgh Pirates Austin Roberts RHP Sacramento State 235 St. Louis Cardinals Logan Gragg RHP Oklahoma State 236 Seattle Mariners Ty Adcock RHP Elon 237 Atlanta Braves Ricky DeVito RHP Seton Hall 238 Tampa Bay Rays Nathan Wiles RHP Oklahoma 239 Colorado Rockies Jacob Kostyshock RHP Arkansas 240 Cleveland Indians Will Brennan CF Kansas State 241 Los Angeles Dodgers Ryan Ward LF Bryant 242 Chicago Cubs Davidjohn Herz LHP Terry Sanford HS (NC) 243 Milwaukee Brewers David Hamilton SS Texas 244 Oakland Athletics Jose Dicochea RHP Sahuarita HS (AZ) 245 New York Yankees Zach Greene RHP South Alabama 246 Houston Astros Luis Guerrero CF Miami Dade CC Kendall 247 Boston Red Sox Wil Dalton CF Florida MLB Draft picks: Round 9 results Pick No. Team Player Pos. School 248 Baltimore Orioles Connor Gillispie RHP Virginia 249 Kansas City Royals Clay Dungan SS Indiana State 250 Chicago White Sox Tyson Messer RHP Campbell 251 Miami Marlins Evan Brabrand RHP Liberty 252 Detroit Tigers Austin Bergner RHP North Carolina 253 San Diego Padres Jason Blanchard LHP Lamar 254 Cincinnati Reds TJ Hopkins CF South Carolina 255 Texas Rangers Zak Kent RHP VMI 256 San Francisco Giants Simon Whiteman SS Yale 257 Toronto Blue Jays Philip Clarke C Vanderbilt 258 New York Mets Joe Genord 1B South Florida 259 Minnesota Twins Brent Headrick LHP Illinois State 260 Philadelphia Phillies Rudy Rott 1B Ohio 261 Los Angeles Angels Zach Linginfelter RHP Tennessee 262 Arizona Diamondbacks Bobby Ay RHP Cal Poly SLO 263 Washington Nationals Hunter McMahon RHP Texas State 264 Pittsburgh Pirates Ethan Paul SS Vanderbilt 265 St. Louis Cardinals Todd Lott CF Louisiana-Lafayette 266 Seattle Mariners Mike Salvatore SS Florida State 267 Atlanta Braves Cody Milligan 2B Cowley County CC 268 Tampa Bay Rays Evan McKendry RHP Miami (FL) 269 Colorado Rockies Isaac Collins 2B Creighton 270 Cleveland Indians Will Bartlett C IMG Academy (FL) 271 Los Angeles Dodgers Alec Gamboa LHP Fresno CC 272 Chicago Cubs Tyler Schlaffer RHP Homewood Flossmoor HS (IL) 273 Milwaukee Brewers Darrien Miller RHP Clovis HS (CA) 274 Oakland Athletics Colin Peluse RHP Wake Forest 275 New York Yankees Spencer Henson 1B Oral Roberts 276 Houston Astros Peyton Battenfield RHP Oklahoma State 277 Boston Red Sox Cody Scroggins RHP Arkansas MLB Draft picks: Round 10 results Pick No. Team Player Pos. School 278 Baltimore Orioles Jordan Cannon C Sam Houston State 279 Kansas City Royals Anthony Veneziano LHP Coastal Carolina 280 Chicago White Sox Nate Pawelczyk RHP Winthrop 281 Miami Marlins J.D. Orr CF Wright State 282 Detroit Tigers Jake Holton 1B Creighton 283 San Diego Padres Ethan Elliott LHP Lincoln Memorial University 284 Cincinnati Reds Jake Stevenson RHP Minnesota 285 Texas Rangers Joe Corbett RHP West Texas A&M 286 San Francisco Giants Jeff Houghtby SS San Diego 287 Toronto Blue Jays Glenn Santiago SS International Baseball Academy 288 New York Mets Scott Ota RF Illinois-Chicago 289 Minnesota Twins Ben Gross RHP Duke 290 Philadelphia Phillies McCarthy Tatum 3B Fresno State 291 Los Angeles Angels Chad Sykes RHP UNC Greensboro 292 Arizona Diamondbacks Oscar Santos C PJ Education School (PR) 293 Washington Nationals Andrew Pratt C Lubbock Christian (TX) 294 Pittsburgh Pirates Cameron Junker RHP Notre Dame 295 St. Louis Cardinals Jake Sommers LHP Wisconsin-Milwaukee 296 Seattle Mariners Kyle Hill RHP Baylor 297 Atlanta Braves Brandon Parker RF Mississippi Gulf Coast JC 298 Tampa Bay Rays Jonathan Embry C Liberty 299 Colorado Rockies Jack Yalowitz CF Illinois 300 Cleveland Indians Zach Hart RHP Franklin Pierce 301 Los Angeles Dodgers Zac Ching SS VCU 302 Chicago Cubs Wyatt Hendrie C Antelope Valley College 303 Milwaukee Brewers Taylor Floyd RHP Texas Tech 304 Oakland Athletics Patrick McColl 1B Harvard 305 New York Yankees Mitch Spence RHP USC Aiken 306 Houston Astros C.J. Stubbs RHP USC 307 Boston Red Sox Stephen Scott OF Vanderbilt You can find results for rounds 11-40 here .


FORT DODGE, Iowa   At least four Democratic presidential candidates called on Walmart on Friday to stop selling guns after the mass shooting at one of the company's stores in El Paso last weekend. "The weapons they sell are killing their own customers and employees," Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts wrote on Twitter on Friday morning. "No profit is worth those lives. Do the right thing   stop selling guns." Sign Up For the Morning Briefing Newsletter Later in the morning, Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont echoed that call, pointing to Walmart employees who have objected to the company's continued sale of guns. "Walmart should respect the voices of its workers who are calling on the company to stop selling guns," Mr. Sanders said . "I agree. This is exactly why I believe workers deserve representation on their board, so that their views are heeded." Walmart, one of the largest retailers of guns in the United States, sells rifles and shotguns in approximately half of its roughly 4,000 supercenters. The company says it offers guns where hunting or clay shooting is popular, but not in certain states like California and not in "urban markets." It stopped selling military-style rifles in 2015 , citing lower consumer demand. The gunman at the El Paso store, who the authorities say killed 22 people, was carrying an AK-47-style semiautomatic rifle . "Walmart should use its power to stop selling guns in its stores until politicians and gun manufacturers get their act together and raise the standard for gun ownership in this country," Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey said Friday . Walmart said this week that it was removing displays promoting violent video games from its stores. But Julián Castro, the former housing secretary and mayor of San Antonio, criticized that plan and suggested that the company stop selling guns instead. Ms. Warren made the same point. "I think it would be more effective if instead of taking down pictures of guns, they actually stopped selling guns," she told reporters in Iowa. A Walmart spokesman declined to comment on the candidates' statements but said the company was reviewing its policies. After the mass shooting at a high school in Parkland, Fla., last year, Walmart raised the minimum age for gun buyers at its stores to 21. Ms. Warren, Mr. Sanders and Mr. Castro are among the candidates scheduled to speak at a forum on gun safety on Saturday in Des Moines, sponsored by Everytown for Gun Safety and two of its branches, Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action. Ms. Warren, who has stood out in the Democratic primary race for her large collection of policy plans , will unveil a proposal on gun control on Saturday, according to her campaign. Speaking to reporters in Iowa on Thursday, Ms. Warren did not offer up details about her forthcoming plan, saying only that the National Rifle Association was "not going to like it." In calling on Walmart to stop selling guns, Ms. Warren wrote on Twitter that "sometimes, companies recognize that they have an obligation to the lives, health, and safety of their communities." As an example, she cited CVS's decision in 2014 to stop selling tobacco products. "I think Walmart should be the leader here," she told reporters.


With more than 1 million items expected to be included in the sale, Amazon Prime Day has turned into a national event. It's a big day for shoppers to score some deals, but while people are filling up their online carts, a group of Minnesota Amazon workers will go on strike. From 4 p.m to 6 p.m., a group of workers will rally outside the Amazon Fulfillment center in Shakopee to demand better working conditions. The Awood Center, which is located in Minneapolis and works to empower East African workers, says the group has been organizing for 18 months. They say the employees want their jobs to be safe and more reliable. And they want to be better respected in the workplace. This is not the first time Shakopee Amazon employees have rallied. In December 2018 , a group picketed because they called the working conditions "inhumane." RELATED: MN Amazon workers rally over work conditions In May of this year, three workers filed a discrimination complaint, saying they were denied promotions and training that went to white workers and were assigned more difficult tasks. RELATED: 3 Amazon workers in Shakopee file discrimination complaint At Monday's rally, the Shakopee employees choosing to strike will be joined by a group of Amazon employees from Seattle, who will demand the company take action on climate change. Amazon sent the following statement to KARE 11: "The fact is Amazon offers already what this outside organization is asking for. We provide great employment opportunities with excellent pay   ranging from $16.25-$20.80 an hour, and comprehensive benefits including health care, up to 20 weeks parental leave, paid education, promotional opportunities, and more. We encourage anyone to compare our pay, benefits, and workplace to other retailers and major employers in the Shakopee community and across the country   and we invite anyone to see for themselves by taking a tour of the facility."


If you're an artisan or maker, you might dream of hitting a home run with a large retailer or national big box store. Creating something worth buying is every entrepreneur's first challenge. After that, most turn to direct-to-consumer channels like e-commerce or a point of sale (POS) system to process orders in person. However, to sell products to retailers puts your business in front of the vast audience of customers wholesale distributors already have at their disposal. This is where market research, knowledge of wholesale buyers, and the power of persuasion come into play. With persistence, imagination, and the right strategy, you can make the dream a reality. Here are 10 tips from successful small businesses on exactly how to sell wholesale to retailers … 1. Focus on your story One of the best ways to get your product noticed is to have a compelling story surrounding it. And telling it often. "If you can find a way to differentiate yourself from the competition, you have a key reason why someone would choose your product over other brands," says Kelly Belknap, who with his wife founded Adventurist Backpack Co. The minimalist backpacks are designed for travel and backed with a social cause. For every backpack purchased, the company provides 25 meals to families in partnership with the national non-profit Feeding America. "We've had numerous retailers confirm that the reason they wanted to order from us is because of our story and mission to help feed American families." The same is true for green businesses and small businesses centered on sustainability . 2. Major on the mission Story is also key to the success of niche women's outdoor clothing company Kind Apparel. Especially how the brand weaves together its product and mission. The line started as an Etsy shop and is now carried at specialty outdoor retailers, as well as online at Title Nine, a national retailer of women's sporting and athletic apparel. Kind Apparel's founder, Mallory Ottariano, notes that the Title Nine partnership came about primarily because of their shared mission to support women-led companies . "My retailers sell to customers based on the emotional connection to a brand's ethics so the way they market my story is important," she says. "I give the retailers and their employees' transparent information on how my products are made so employees can use my brand story to differentiate my line when speaking with customers." These tactics allow retailers to have a more direct-to-consumer feel to retail story-telling while complementing their own values. 3. Know the retail stores that fit You stand a better chance of success by approaching a small retailer than going after Target or Walmart. By striking up a personal relationship with the owner especially if you happen to be a regular customer you can learn about the store's buying cycles, seasonal purchasing patterns, and customer preferences. Research should also include a review of the store's floor layout, how products are displayed, and the owner's specific product categories. Showing a business owner what your product's packaging looks like and demonstrating how conveniently it fits onto the shelves may be just what tilts the odds in your favor. 4. Pitch local … While getting on the shelves of major retailers can often involve a trek to headquarters to meet with buyers, that's not necessarily your best avenue. "Forget corporate 'process,'" says David Krysak, president of H4Legs pet products. "Most middle and regional managers can do discretionary buying for their local outlet. That allows you to learn their process, get face time, and figure out where others have succeeded and failed in their quest to expand nationally." It can also give you proof that your product is appealing when they are making decisions at a national level, as well as provide an internal fan who can help advocate for you. Building a distribution network should be a long game unless you have a truly disruptive product that retailers and distributors immediately see a need for within the market place. "If not, having a low SKU count and limited market penetration typically does not yield the attention necessary to validate the margin requirements that accompany these traditional channels; at least not initially," Krysak says. 5. Then, move to wider distribution Starting with local retailers isn't an end unto itself. Rather, use those direct relationships to find out how the larger processes work. "Go early in the morning," explains Krysak, "when they are less busy and ask questions to find out more about the process. For example, if the location is part of a franchise chain, who is responsible for purchasing and do they offer a local manufacturer program? Could you try stocking a few products to allow them to gauge interest from their clientele?" Another option for gaining retail shelf space is to work with a retail broker who can align your product message with the retailer's operational expectations. As Robert Cuddihy, CEO of natural beverage company True Citrus, explains: "Expect it to cost you, though. Not only will you pay broker's commissions but also slotting and promotional costs." That's because margins are tight in the retail category, so stores look at these less-established products as revenue generators for them. 6. Make your mark at trade shows Trade shows can be your golden ticket. That's because buyers are out in force at trade shows, always looking for what's new and next. However, it's important to choose your shows carefully since they can be a large investment of both time and money. You have to be fully invested to reap the benefits, notes Nichole Evans, a retail strategy expert and director of channel management for ChicExecs, a women's accessory company. "Your booth doesn't have to be neon yellow, but you don't just want to hang a sign or two because people will ignore it and just walk on by," says Evans. She suggests you consider the same principles that designers use in window displays at department stores that are designed specifically to make people stop and look. In fact, if you have the budget, hiring a professional booth production company can be a worthy investment. 7. Engage before, during, and after Next, engage with every person who passes by your booth as a way to create a crowd so more people will stop to see what the buzz is about. Evans finds it's effective to give away promotional items ideally one of your own products if it's not too costly. Choosing a giveaway that requires a quick explanation will entice people to stop and engage, which again has the effect of making others stop too. "We always carried around a tablet to take an order," Evans says. "That gives the appearance that we were always writing orders; the instinct of those who were walking by would be to stop and see what people were buying." Lastly, follow up on all the conversations you had within five days of returning home. As you're having personal conversations at shows, take the time to make notes so you can reference those details later. Touch base with everyone who left a business card or let you scan their badge. 8. Embrace the power of social media While most people consider social media as a buzz-builder for consumers, Belknap found that it was helpful to catch the eye of wholesale buyers as well. Adventurist Backpack Co.'s strategy was to build a following of outdoors and travel-related influencers on Instagram. Those influencers shared photos of the backpacks and wrote about the company in exchange for a free pack to take on their adventures. "Within our first few weeks of posting on Instagram, we had a chain retailer from Montana with six locations reach out to us and place an order for 100 backpacks on the spot. Without ever having actually seen one in person." That led to the company to move from exclusively online to contacting smaller chains and individual boutiques across the country to get the products on shelves. It has since expanded to college bookstores and as part of their outreach ended up talking with the accessories buyer for Urban Outfitters where it was fortunate enough to secure an order. 9. Keep it 'short' and send samples As you deepen your relationship with larger retailers, most makers recommend a three-pronged strategy that includes emails, phone calls, and in-person visits. "Once you've sent information to a buyer," says Evans, "or further connected by sending them a news mention or influencer post, you can then follow up on the email with a phone call. You'll probably get a lot warmer response than just a cold call." Similarly, Belknap also found that email was usually enough to get his foot in the door: "I would introduce myself and the company and our mission and explain why I thought it made sense for us to team up together." If you're starting from scratch, check out the store's website and initiate contact through email rather than dropping by unannounced. Hone your pitch to a few short, punchy sentences, explaining how your product can benefit the retailer's customers and generate new revenue. 10. Always include a sell sheet Most retailers will want time to consider your proposal. To help facilitate the process, leave behind a one- or two-page sell sheet: essentially, a brochure containing information related to the value of stocking their shelves with your product. As a rule of thumb, sell sheets should include: Wholesale price and retail price Discount tiers: 100 units, 500 units, etc. Product benefits and high-quality photographs Testimonials from wholesale customers Rating and reviews from direct customers Patents and any other intellectual property rights Ordering, website, and contact details Take time to customize your sell sheet so it accurately reflects the buying needs of each retail store . Don't go for a one-size-fits-all marketing approach. Again, sample products can also be hugely beneficial. Never get discouraged going from wholesale to retailers Even if you make all the right moves, remember that success is unlikely to happen overnight. "Don't become discouraged if things don't blast off from the start; the cliché of salespeople getting turned down by most retailers and buyers is real," he says. For every 100 stores you contact, you may get a response from a mere one or two. And that's on a good day. "Keep the dialogue open," notes Belknap, "and try to overcome any objections there might be." With the law of averages in mind, contact as many different people and stores as possible. Keep following up judiciously, of course until they explicitly tell you that they aren't interested. Slow and steady will win the race. This article originally appeared on the QuickBooks Resource Center and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.


Embrace the chill this winter in one of these spectacular sub-zero hotels with ice sculptures, ice beds and more. 1. The Ice-Hotel, Sweden The largest of its kind in the world, the Ice-Hotel in Jukkasjärvi has been carving up creative icy beds for over 25 years. Each year, artists and designers from around the world create one-of-a-kind suites, using only frozen water from the nearby Torne River. From pole-dancing polar bears to a London tube-inspired 'Mind the Gap' design, no two rooms are the same. Guests even sleep on a bed of ice blocks   but don't worry you won't get frostbite; there are cosy thermal sleeping bags and a comfy mattress to keep you warm. The Ice-Hotel has its own bar and church (weddings can be held here too), and it's within easy reach of Abisko   one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. 2. Hotel of Ice, Romania Nestled between the icy peaks of the Fagaras Mountains in central Romania, Hotel of Ice is like something out of a fairytale. Accessible only by cable car, the hotel is hand-carved out of Balea Lake ice by local craftsman every year. While you're there, sip a cool drink in the sub zero Ice Bar, dine from plates of ice in the hotel restaurant, or get out and enjoy the surrounding snow-dusted area. If the ice gets too much, the nearby medieval towns of Brasov and Sibiu boast beautiful cobbled streets and resplendent architecture. 3. Hôtel de Glace, Canada Despite being located just ten minutes from Quebec City centre, Hôtel de Glace feels more like a remote Nordic adventure. Inside the thick, snowy walls lie intricately designed rooms and a cavernous bar where you can dance the night away. The hotel changes its theme each year   past wintery delights include 'Journey to the Center of Winter' and an homage to the First Nations. For the ultimate experience stay in one of the hotel's Premium Deluxe suites, which boast crackling fireplaces and private spas   perfect for a winter honeymoon. 4. The Ice Cave, Japan The Ice Cave on Japan's northernmost island, Hokkaido, is an icy paradise. Situated within the magical Alpha Resort Tomamu ski resort , the hotel has only one room so it's heaven for couples that want to escape from the world. There's also an ice-hewn chapel for winter weddings. The resort itself is like one large glowing rainbow   everything from the ice-hewn igloos to the trees give off a soft light making it feel warm and romantic, despite the freezing temperatures. And freezing it is; everything from the plates to the glasses are carved from ice   you can even make your own ice goblet with an ice pick. 5. Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, Norway As if its intimate charm and glittering ice sculptures weren't enough, the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Norwegian Lapland is surrounded by the Finnmark plateau   a dazzling landscape of craggy mountains and lush, scented pine trees. As well as having cosy ice suites, lounges and galleries, the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel has one other major draw; it's a prime location for viewing the Northern Lights. If you're lucky, you can watch the skies spring to life with dancing pink, green and purple lights. 6. Iglu-Dorf, Switzerland Started by an extreme snowboarder who wanted to be the first to ride the soft powder snow in the morning, Iglu-Dorf now sets up igloo villages at 7 different locations. At the Zermatt village you can lie in a whirlpool and gaze at the Matterhorn while at Zugspitze you can look down on Germany, Austria and Switzerland from one viewpoint. The hotel offers standard and romantic igloos, some of which even have their own private Jacuzzis. Sleeping bags, breakfast, and a cheese fondue dinner are all provided to keep you warm and cosy. 7. Snow Village, Finland 20 million kilos of snow and 350,000 kilos of crystal-clear ice make up the colossal Snow Village in Finland. The village is home to a hotel, restaurant, cocktail bar and even a chapel that performs wedding services. As night falls, keep your mittened-fingers crossed for a display of the Northern Lights. Each room at the ice hotel is individually decorated, with beautifully-lit snow and ice sculptures   the perfect back drop as you snuggle down into the fleece-lined sleeping bags. In the morning you'll be served a hot berry juice to start your morning Finnish-style. 8. Eskimo Village, Slovenia Impressed by all of these ice creations? Eskimo Village in Slovenia offers the opportunity to test your ice-sculpting prowess: you can build your own igloo room for the night, using shovels, saws and a bit of elbow grease. If that sounds a bit extreme, check into a ready-made ice room and try snow-shoeing, snow golf, sledding and skiing   ending with a few well-chilled drinks at the Ice Bar.


ASHEVILLE   An arrest has been made in connection with shootings that occurred in West Asheville in late-May . The 17-year-old male is being held at the Buncombe County Detention Center under a $350,000 secured bond. He faces two felony charges for assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and inflict serious injury and a felony charge for discharging a weapon from a moving vehicle, according to warrants at the Buncombe County magistrate's office. The minor was arrested June 7 in connection with a May 23 shooting incident that occurred in the area of Buffalo Street in West Asheville, according to warrants. RELATED: 3 people shot in 2 incidents in West Asheville, Pisgah View During the incident, the suspect fired into an occupied house, the warrants stated. Two people inside sustained non-life threatening gunshot wounds and were able to transport themselves to Mission Hospital for treatment, police spokeswoman Christina Hallingse said. The same minor is also accused of shooting a woman, on May 24 in the Pisgah View apartment complex. The woman was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, Hallingse said. The Citizen Times is not naming him because of his age. Help the Asheville Citizen Times continue to provide in-depth reporting like this. Find our latest subscription options and special offers here. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: West Asheville shooting suspect apprehended, faces 3 felony charges


It started as a lighthearted moment, Richard Petty signing Bubba Wallace 's arm this week, and then carried over to social media when Wallace said he'd get the King's signature tattooed if his tweet received 43,000 retweets. Minding my bidness and The King comes in with a surprise signature attack! 43000 RTs and I'll get it tattooed. pic.twitter.com/fpcvlRbeti   Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) July 23, 2019 As the retweets continued, Wallace appeared as if he might back down from his pledge, citing a 24-hour stipulation. FYI…in my mind..it was a 24hr deal.. 34k is impressive..but there is an hour left🤷🏽♂   Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) July 24, 2019 Wallace's mind appeared to change Thursday morning when he tweeted a tattoo artist. Impressive. @TheLondonReese whatcha think? https://t.co/Hkps0OcV32   Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) July 25, 2019 And with Petty on board, well, why not do it? Well hey…The King himself approves.. Let's do it! pic.twitter.com/6wqanM0G1t   Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) July 25, 2019 But there is one catch. The signature on his arm from the other day won't be the one that is tattooed on Wallace. But there will be a tattoo coming at some point. Yes, correct. WILL NOT be getting it like it is in the pic. https://t.co/bKHO6MmMhU   Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) July 25, 2019


Tyga won Kylie Jenner back with an "intimate picnic". The Ayo hitmaker reportedly ironed out any differences he may have had with the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star as they dined in the grounds of California State University in Fullerton, California ahead of his concert there last night. A source said: "They were holding hands as they walked to the track on campus where they had an intimate picnic. "It was quite lovely. I couldn't hear what they were talking about, but she was smiling, laid back and laughing. She had her feet on his lap while they ate on the grass, and a few times, I saw her wiping his face with his napkin." Meanwhile, the 25-year-old rapper is believed to be so desperate to stop his ex-girlfriend Blac Chyna - with whom he has two-year-old son King Cairo - from ruining his relationship with the 17-year-old star that he is considering offering her $500,000 to stop her from meddling in their relationship. Another insider added to HollywoodLife.com: "Tyga has decided to try and reason with Blac the one way he knows she understands - with money. He doesn't want her to do any more damage so he's offering her money to stop. "He doesn't want to see any more texts or any more Instagram disses. He hates it, but he will pay her hundreds of thousands of dollars - half a million if he has to, to get her to chill out. It's the only thing that may work."


President Obama is opening up about fatherhood, saying being commander in chief has helped him to become a better dad. In a Father's Day-timed editorial for More magazine's July/August issue   guest-edited by the first lady   Obama calls the White House a "bubble that's hard to escape." "That's what makes the people with whom you surround yourself in those rare private moments all the more important," he writes. The dad to Malia, 16, and Sasha, 14, says the women in his life are his "sanctuary" and have shaped him the most. Citing the long hours and travel he logged while working as a law professor and Illinois state senator, Obama writes, "being in the White House has made our family life more 'normal' than it's ever been." The move to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. marked the first time since his daughters were born that "we've been able to gather as a family almost every night," says Obama. The president says he's been able to make it to dance recitals, tennis matches and other activities his kids are involved in. "Sasha let me coach her basketball team   the Vipers. They won the title," Obama, 53, boasts. "I even experienced what all dads dread: watching my daughter go to her first prom. In high heels." While Obama says "it's not always easy" being dad to a pair of teenagers, he writes it's "pretty good to live above the store."


Philadelphia Phillies starter Zach Eflin was too young to remember the grief and mourning, but is painfully aware of the the sorrow and heartache that tore his family apart. He can't recall the day his parents came home from the hospital to let them know his 7-year-old sister, Ashley, died of leukemia, but the rest of the images are vivid, and still intense in his life. He remembers all too well his mother's alcoholism that left deep and dark scars. The divorce. The severe financial distress on the family. The family leaving home and living with his grandparents for survival. "You don't ever forget things like that,'' Eflin tells USA TODAY Sports. "How can you? You just can't.'' It was his father, Larry Eflin, who kept the family together. He worked long hours of maintenance at the University of Central Florida. The job didn't pay much, and there were plenty of times they were in need of financial assistance, but he would always protect his family, supporting three young children on his own. There is the oldest, Brittany, who became the mother of the house with Cathy Eflin unavailable due to her alcoholism, leading to three DWIs in 10 years. There is his sister Candace, who has special needs after being born with global developmental delay. And there is Zach. They never had much of a childhood in Oviedo, Florida, but always had one another, surviving on love and faith. "That's why I want to inspire anybody who ever had family issues,'' says Eflin, whose grandfather was a pastor for 60 years. "You can fulfill a dream even when things aren't going your way. "I am living proof of that.'' PIRATES: Rookie's '12-year-old' moment is a dream come true ANGELS: MLB's strangest team has nothing but confidence Eflin says he still has trouble digesting his ascension to the ranks of baseball's elite. Really, it's hard for him to believe he's even a major-league pitcher, let alone the surprise anchor of the Phillies' rotation. Wasn't it nine years ago when he told his dad that he was quitting baseball his junior year of high school? Wasn't it five years ago when he was traded twice in 24 hours from the San Diego Padres to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Matt Kemp deal and then the Dodgers to the Phillies for Jimmy Rollins? Wasn't it three years ago when he had double knee surgery? Now, this 25-year-old is performing like a pitcher who may be at the All-Star Game in Cleveland come July. He has more complete games (two) by himself than 29 other entire teams in baseball. He's 5-3 with a 2.47 ERA and 1.02 WHIP, sixth in the National League in both categories. In his last three starts, he is 3-0 with a 1.39 ERA, yielding just two runs, 15 hits and two walks. He became the first Phillies pitcher since Hall of Famer Roy Halladay in 2011 to have multiple complete games in the team's first 38 games. "It stuns me every day, it really does,'' says Larry Eflin, a former football player at Temple. "Never in a million years did I ever imagine that he'd be a major-league baseball player, let alone pitching in Philadelphia. "For this family to go through what it did, and to see the man Zach has become after all of this, what can you say, it's a blessing.'' Zach, who talks to his dad virtually every day, calls him his best friend in life. Brittany, who moved from Arizona and is now living at the Eflin home with her three-month-old baby, is the mom Zach never had. And, there is Candace, 27, who had a deprivation of oxygen at birth, but donated bone marrow at the age of 2 ½, extending Ashley's life by almost a year. "Candace is the glue to that family,'' says Jered Goodwin, a close family friend, who was Eflin's high school coach and now an assistant coach at Florida International University. "She is the energy. She is the one they all look up to. She's the one who has helped the family through the tough times, providing the calmness for Zach.'' Candace will tell you that Zach is her hero, but she's got it completely wrong, Zach says. Candace is his hero. His role model. His inspiration. The fabric of his existence. "She means everything to me,'' Eflin says, "I can't thank God enough for putting her in my life. She's helped me overcome so many things in my life. "I truly believe everything happens for a reason.'' The Eflin family insists that Candace, and not Zach, actually has the best arm in the family. When Larry and Candace Eflin visited Zach last summer, they went to Citizens Bank Park on the Phillies' off-day. Zach and Larry started playing catch, just like the days growing up, when Larry was his Little League coach. "Finally, Zach looks at me, and says, "Why am I throwing to you?'' Larry said. "Let Candace pitch.' Well, she got on the mound, stepped on the rubber, and threw a perfect strike. "It was such a special moment.'' And one that Eflin hopes to repeat in the next few weeks, only this time, in front of a packed house at Citizens Bank Park. He is working on the logistics of having Candace throw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Phillies game. "I'd have to wear a T-shirt,'' Larry Eflin said, "because all of my buttons would be popping off.'' This is a journey that would have broken so many along the way, but Eflin refused to succumb, relying on his faith and love for his family. Oh, sure, maybe he was misguided at times, like when he quit the high school baseball team, telling his father he instead was going to play on the golf team. Larry told him it was fine, but he wasn't going to just quietly walk away. He had to walk into Goodwin's office and tell him to his face. The only words that came out were Eflin apologizing words to Goodwin and all his teammates for walking out on them for two weeks, and that junior year, he blossomed from a gangly kid to a man. "It seems like he went from 15 to 30 years old,'' Goodwin said. "He had a young soul, but grew up fast. We talked about life experiences, faith, and everything he had been through. "He wanted something bigger in life.'' Says Larry Eflin: "I think that's when the maturity really struck. That's when it finally dawned on him, and when it really kicked in, trying to be the best he could be in baseball. He got focused on something.'' Eflin, who grew seven inches in high school to 6-foot-6, developed into one of the prized pitchers in all of Florida. He was drafted with the 33rd pick by the Padres in 2012, yielding an 0.51 ERA at Paul J. Hagerty High School, striking out 58 batters in 43 innings. The Padres gave him a $1.1 million signing bonus. How did he splurge? He bought a used 2007 F-150 truck. He since has stepped up his game to a new 2014 Dodge Ram. He grew up in the simple life, and isn't about to change now, still living in Oviedo during the winter with his longtime girlfriend, Lauren Detton. He calls home every single time before he pitches, just as he will Thursday morning before his start against the Milwaukee Brewers, talking to his dad and Candace, who will offer advice and prayers. He chats three or four times a week with Goodwin about pitching mechanics and strategy. And he remains so close with his high school buddies that he has 10 of them flying out Thursday to spend the weekend. Eflin may be one of the hottest pitchers in the game, and certainly the best in the Phillies' young season, but don't bother trying to get him bragging about his feats. He talks about the advice and leadership from veterans Jake Arrieta and Tommy Hunter. He'll credit every pitching coach he's had in his major-league career, from Bob McClure to Rick Kranitz to Chris Young. Yet, as they all try to tell him, the man responsible is Eflin himself, changing from a sinkerball pitcher to one who now backspins the ball with ha 94-mph four-seamer, throws a fabulous slider, and when he's not inducing soft contact, can go for the strikeout, with pinpoint control. "He's so competitive,'' Young said, "[Bench coach] Rob Thompson compared him to a Mike Mussina. He's got such a good head on his shoulders, and really one of the best teammates you'll ever find.'' And, of course, the ultimate inspiration. There may be a day Eflin will find peace, and even forgiveness, repairing a severely strained relationship with his mother. Larry Eflin doesn't speak with his ex-wife, but his daughters do. They say time heals all wounds, but this one, Larry says, needs more time. "It was such a devastating time for everyone when we lost Ashley,'' Larry says. "The wheels just fall off. You get so much support from everyone during the illness, but as soon as the child passes, you're all alone again. "If it wasn't for my children, I wouldn't be here. They mean everything to me. And to see what Zach is doing, all I can tell you is that it's a blessing for our whole family.'' Zach will drive his truck to Citizens Bank Park on Thursday morning, make a call to his dad, talk to Candace, and chat with Brittany, whose baby is named Harper Elizabeth, the same middle name of their sister, Ashley. "I'm going to tell him what I always tell him,'' Larry Eflin says. "How proud we are of him. How much we love him. "And, I'm going to tell him, 'Keep that ball down.' '' Follow Nightengale on Twitter @Bnightengale This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Phillies pitcher Zach Eflin overcame tragedy to become one of MLB's biggest surprises


Back in the offseason leading up to the 2013 campaign, the Detroit Lions took a chance on a free agent veteran cornerback who had played well in the past but was coming off an injury and hadn't played his best football of late. That player was Rashean Mathis, and the hirsute corner quickly proved a brilliant move. Mathis gave the Lions two very strong seasons as a starting corner despite the lack of fanfare and league interest in trying to revive the former Jaguars' career. Could the Lions have found the next Mathis in Rashaan Melvin? Melvin comes to the Lions licking his wounds from a misfit season in Oakland with the Raiders. It was his fourth NFL team in five seasons and a dramatic change from his two years in Indianapolis, where Melvin played his best football. The Melvin from 2016-2017, especially early in the '17 season, would represent a major upgrade for the Lions over Nevin Lawson, who ironically has taken over Melvin's spot in Oakland as the No. 2 CB. I asked two people who covered Melvin in Indianapolis for some information on the 6-foot-2, 29-year-old Northern Illinois product. First up is Kevin Hickey, the managing editor of brother site Colts Wire. He had positive memories of Melvin, Melvin was actually pretty good with the Colts in 2017, the only year I covered him. He was surprisingly solid in man coverage but the biggest area he thrives is making plays on the ball. Has really good length and size. Wasn't amazing but is definitely a solid depth player that can make plays on the ball Seemed to be well-liked in the locker room as well. Hickey also referenced a note from Pro Football Focus cited in one of his articles from the time, PASSER RATING WHEN TARGETED: 60.3 Melvin has been a bright spot on a struggling Colts team this season before missing time with a hand injury. He ranks third on PFF's 'playmaker index,' which measures plays on the ball (INTs + PDs), as he has disrupted passes thrown his way 23.6 percent of the time. Jake Arthur from Colts.com offered a similar profile of Melvin, including how he outplayed bigger names to earn - and keep - his starting spot until he got hurt, Rashaan Melvin was a celebrated fan favorite during his brief, two-year stint in Indianapolis. He quickly moved from a post-training camp waiver claim to a starter in a short amount of time. With high-dollar players above him, Melvin earned his starting spot with hard work, essentially moving from the very bottom of the cornerback depth chart to full-time starter by mid-season in 2016. As notable players like Vontae Davis and Patrick Robinson began to get banged-up and fell by the wayside, Melvin inserted himself into the lineup and became a constant for the Colts' defense. He seemed to fit Chuck Pagano's hybrid 3-4 defense like a glove as a man-to-man corner, getting in the receiver's face, staying locked to their hip and using his length to harass would-be pass-catchers and make plays on the ball. Melvin began to breakout in 2017 - earning far and away the best Pro Football Focus grade of his career (77.9) and registering his first two interceptions in the process - before suffering a season-ending hand injury and landing on Injured Reserve. It was a contract year for Melvin, so with his price tag increasing, he took a handsome deal with the Oakland Raiders as a result. The Melvin that the guys who covered him with the Colts recall, that Melvin starts opposite Darius Slay and makes the Lions defense even better. Now healthy and seemingly cleansed of his career misstep in Oakland, Melvin is a player Lions fans need to root for as the next Rashean Mathis. MORE: Is Tacko Fall an NBA player? Here is the case for why... and why not Dan Le Batard delivers impassioned rebuke of racist 'send her back' chant despite ESPN rules Roundup: Tiger Woods is Struggling; Alex Morgan's New Project; Area 51 is Big Business NFL does not suspend Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill Ranking the Packers' position groups from weakest to strongest


Long-term income investors have a lot to like in the media arena. Value and income await investors. The media industry may seem like a challenging place in 2019. Beyond the digital disruption to traditional outlets thanks to mobile and streaming options, there also is increased focus on marketing practices that some see as an invasion of privacy. Income investors, however, know broad pessimism about an industry often leads to bargain valuations and investments that generate reliable dividends despite all the doomsday talk. There is a customer base that lends itself to a long-term, income-oriented strategy. Even Warren Buffett has a history of investing in local newspapers for precisely these reasons. If you're looking for dividends, then, consider one of these nine media stocks with generous paydays for an income portfolio. Click through the slideshow to see them. AMC Entertainment Holdings (ticker: AMC) Filmgoers recognize AMC, the theater giant that has a stake in more than 630 cinemas in the U.S. and another 370 or so in Europe adding up to more than 11,000 big screens. Reach like that ensures a steady stream of revenue for this stock, since there is always strong baseline demand for movies even in the age of mammoth plasma-screen TVs. There's just something magical about the silver screen, and AMC's continued investment in premium recliners and in-seat food service makes it a treat customers enjoy. With a dividend that is almost twice the typical large-cap stock, income investors have a reason to stick with AMC, too. Current yield: 4% Cinemark Holdings (CNK) Another cinema entry is Cinemark, which operates 340 theaters in the U.S. and more than 200 across South America, from Chile to Panama. All told, CNK manages about 6,000 screens worldwide. Operating a large-scale movie network requires big capital expense, but once it's up and running you enjoy the benefit of close relationships with studios and a near-monopoly on the biggest blockbusters when they debut. And considering this season s major hit  Avengers: Endgame  could gross a staggering $3 billion globally, it is very clear that streaming video options at home haven't killed the appeal of cinemas. Current yield: 3.7% National CineMedia (NCMI) National CineMedia, a different kind of movie stock, manages various forms of in-theater advertising. This includes pre-show videos as well as a "lobby entertainment network" that can include smaller screens, signage and other ad opportunities located near the snack bar or restrooms. NCMI inks long-term agreements with theaters, giving these partners a cut of the revenue in exchange for the real estate to serve its ads, making it a win-win arrangement theaters are eager to keep in place to juice their profits. And as NCMI shares that cash with shareholders via a double-digit dividend, it's also an investment worth considering for dividend portfolios seeking media stock exposure. Current yield: 10.3% Outfront Media Inc. (OUT) Outfront is another unique advertising play, with a focus on billboard and mass transit ads such as on buses. It's not a particularly glamorous business, but with projected revenue growth of more than 8% this year, it's clear that brands see the benefit of real-world advertising. As with many of the stocks on this list, reach is key because it ensures long-term relationships with customers and operations that allow for economies of scale. Outfront has partnerships with New York City and Los Angeles transit systems and the expertise that makes it a go-to option for big brands. Current yield: 5.4% Interpublic Group (IPG) IPG is another advertising firm, operating consumer advertising, digital marketing, public relations and other specialized communications strategies for a wide array of clients. This range includes sports and event marketing to corporate branding to product awareness. Taking its roots in advertising icon McCann, which famously created Coca-Cola's "It's the Real Thing" tagline in the 1970s and Rice-a-Roni's catchy 1980s jingle, IPG has become the choice for some of the biggest brands in advertising after a series of high-profile mergers and acquisitions over the last decade or so. This has ensured it has the top talent and the best relationships with top clients across a variety of industries. Current yield: 4.1% Omnicom Group (OMC) Another advertising agency of note is Omnicom, a firm that bills itself as a digital leader in website analytics, content marketing, social media and other 21st century services in addition to the classic channels of print or broadcast media. It operates worldwide, from North America to Europe to Africa to Australia, and like IPG has a staggering array of clients across industries and geographies. This is crucial, both for a diversification of revenue as well as for the kind of scale necessary for a media company to succeed. After all, big advertising campaigns require a global approach and broad reach. Current yield: 3.2% Meredith Corp. (MDP) Meredith Corp. is one of the largest owners of magazines, TV stations and radio outlets in the nation. With nearly 100 years of history and big brands under its belt that include Better Homes and Gardens magazine , the firm began as a purely print endeavor but has evolved to include broadcast and internet-based outlets such as cooking site AllRecipes.com. Although it's hard to imagine revenue growing substantially in an era when cable TV and magazine subscriptions are declining, it's also naïve to think that either outlet is simply disappearing. Continued baseline demand will ensure strong income potential in this stock for the foreseeable future. Current yield: 4.2% Gannett Co. (GCI) Gannett is the newspaper giant behind USA Today, the No. 2 print publication in the United States behind only the Wall Street Journal, as well as about 150 local news brands in the U.S. and another 150 or so in the United Kingdom. It's worth noting that USA Today still boasts some 7 million readers of its paper product   and with 21 million downloads of its mobile apps, Gannett is not sitting out the digital revolution. Revenue remains fairly flat, but with consistent profits, a strong history of dividends and a large yield , it is worth considering GCI stock as a long-term income-oriented investment. Current yield: 7.7% A.H. Belo Corp. (AHC) Far less known but equally noteworthy as an income play in the media sector is A.H. Belo, the publisher of the Dallas Morning News and several local media outlets across Texas, including some Spanish-language publications. The firm is small, at just under $100 million in market capitalization, but is highly specialized. It also has a strong history of generous dividends to shareholders, and right now boasts a yield that is roughly four times that of the typical stock in the S&P 500 index . There are risks in going smaller, to be sure, but that kind of payday makes AHC worth a look. Current yield: 8.6%


The last week of organized team activities continued for the Chargers on Monday. For the most part, they've managed to be a healthy group but it appears that they have a one key player that is dealing with a nagging, while the other is recovering from one. When talking to the media, coach Anthony Lynn said that free safety Nasir Adderley and fullback Derek Watt are the main two on the injury list, according to ESPN's Eric D. Williams. Lynn said rookie Nasir Adderley has an unspecified injury and was held out of practice on Monday. No timetable for his return. - Eric Williams (@eric_d_williams) June 3, 2019 Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn said FB Derek Watt had shoulder surgery two weeks ago and is rehabbing. No time table for his return. - Eric Williams (@eric_d_williams) June 3, 2019 Adderley didn't practice due to an undisclosed injury. The specifics of it remain unclear, and he has no timetable for a return. The former Delaware product dealt with a hamstring injury prior to the draft, but he was fully cleared shortly after being selected in the second round. This is never a great start to a rookie's professional career, especially when we don't have anymore to takeaway from it in terms of where the injury actually is or the severity of it. Like any other coach, Lynn wants to make sure he's 100 percent before stepping onto the field, but it becomes a headline of when that will be. In the meantime, Rayshawn Jenkins and Jaylen Watkins will likely receive more snaps in mandatory minicamp next week. As far as Watt, he had been dealing with shoulder injury since before the AFC Divisional Round matchup against the Patriots. He was limited that game, and it appears that he's getting the work done to ensure that's completely healthy when training camp kicks off in late July. The bottomline is that even though Los Angeles didn't have a disastrous similar repeat of last year when tight end Hunter Henry tore his ACL during OTAs, they are too talented of a team with a lot on the line to be banged up prior to the regular season. MORE: Why James Holzhauer's small Final Jeopardy! bet made total sense Did Nike accidentally reveal that Kevin Durant is staying with the Warriors? Report: Suns, Bulls offering lottery picks for Lonzo Ball Return of NASCAR: Packers planning ways to get 4 OLBs on the field together PFF projects Raiders DE Maxx Crosby to beat out Arden Key for starting role


Story update : Theo Riddick officially signed a one-year deal with the Broncos on Friday. See our original post below. Barring any unexpected setbacks, the Broncos are expected to sign former Lions running back Theo Riddick later this week, according to a report from KUSA-TV's Mike Klis. Check out the highlights from Riddick's time in Detroit in the above video. Riddick (5-9, 201 pounds) is a 28-year-old running back who has made his living in the NFL as a receiver out of the backfield. He hauled in 61 receptions for 384 yards with the Lions last year and he has racked up 285 receptions for 2,238 yards since entering the league in 2013. He can run, too, though that's not his biggest strength. The Notre Dame product has rushed for 1,023 yards and five scores in his career. He will likely compete with Devontae Booker for the team's third-down back job behind top tailbacks Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman. Riddick was cut by Detroit on July 27 and visited the Saints on July 28 before taking a physical examination in Denver on July 29. He will likely sign with the team sometime after the Hall of Fame Game. MORE: Five potential Jeremy Lin landing spots in free agency Stephen A. Smith rips the Yankees over quiet trade deadline in an epic rant Dez Bryant: Saints will get first opportunity to sign me Sean McVay, Rams are flipping the script on practice and the preseason Biggest winners from the first week of Packers training camp


The way in which the NFL conducts their drug testing has always been questionable. Some players claim they've never had to perform a drug test for the league, while others get tested multiple times per year. You usually don't hear about punters or kicker getting the call for a test. But, when you're as big and strong as New Orleans Saints punter Thomas Morstead, getting drug tested is inevitable. Saints punter Thomas Morstead hit with random drug test after sharing intense workout video: https://t.co/JgP8zEvuoF   TheSaintsWire (@TheSaintsWire) May 30, 2019 The 33-year-old punter has never had to take a test before. But, after posting an impressive workout video of him doing gymnast pull ups, the NFL's suspicion resulted in Morstead getting tested. The video from Morstead was to promote his partnership with New Orleans-based Main Squeeze Juice Co. Shortly after posting it, he received a letter from the NFL for a randomly-scheduled drug test, though no one feels that this is truly unsystematic. Round Two: I am so excited to announce a partnership with @mainsqzjuiceco a locally based franchising company. More to come. For more information, visit https://t.co/uRXVwR3L2B #Fitness #Wellness #Juice #workout #Nutrition #PullUps #Health pic.twitter.com/i3zCzXZQba   Thomas Morstead (@thomasmorstead) May 29, 2019 It's a bit strange that the NFL would administer a test after a video like this, it's not like the punter is throwing around heavy weight in a gym, or even looking particularly shredded. Hopefully he doesn't receive anymore "random" drug tests during the year after he pins a few punts inside the 20. Related slideshow: Top picks of 2019 NFL Draft (provided by imagn)