The Last One Standing: Seattle Mariners
Becoming a Cinderella story is something that the AL West team is aiming to accomplish
According to multiple sources, the Los Angeles Dodgers are still the heavy favorites to win the World Series. However, I beg to differ on that. The Seattle Mariners success this season has been recognized and noticed by the league and baseball world. It's all due to mainly one player: Cal Raleigh. He's been breaking records left and right and I believe that the Mariners will not only reach the World Series, but to win it all. Raleigh will be named World Series MVP. I made both of these predictions in my Postseason story, which you can read down below.
About the Creator
Mark Wesley Pritchard
You can call me Wesley. Former cosplayer, retro gaming fanatic, die-hard Texas Rangers fan, and nostalgic freak. Need I say more?
Threads: @misterwesleysworld
Instagram: @misterwesleysworld
Keep reading
More stories from Mark Wesley Pritchard and writers in Unbalanced and other communities.
Another Year, Same Results
You can't see me right now, but I'm rolling my eyes and sighing at the same time. Before the season began, the Texas Rangers had very high expectations. Joc Pederson, who was brought in a trade from the Arizona Diamondbacks last offseason, declared that the Rangers would win the AL West. Major League Baseball is a 162-game season, but no team should be comfortable or content with losing. This team has been plagued with injuries yet again, but I don't like blaming injuries due to a losing season. How does a team go from being two games behind for a final Wild Card spot to missing the playoffs altogether? The answer is simple: they let an opportunity slip through their fingers. The Rangers finish the 2025 MLB season with a record of 81-81 and finished third in the AL West. At least it's better than finishing under .500.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 4 months ago in Unbalanced
Wild Card Weekend Recap: What Happens Now?
I think I figured out why I love Wild Card Weekend so much. It's because it's the first playoff anything of the calendar year. The NFL season starts in the fall, and once upon a time, the champion was crowned either on or slightly before New Year's. The evolution of the NFL schedule has resulted in the playoffs starting just into the New Year, and currently, the final week of the season falls on the first weekend of the New Year, with Wild Card Weekend coming a week after that. So yes, chronologically, the NFL's Wild Card Weekend serves as the first playoff anything of the calendar year.
By Clyde E. Dawkins23 days ago in Unbalanced
Ivica Zubac
In the modern NBA, reliable centers are often undervalued until teams realize how difficult they are to replace. Ivica Zubac, long a steady presence for the Los Angeles Clippers, has quietly become one of the league’s most consistent interior players. Recently, however, his name has entered trade discussions, with speculation around a potential Zubac trade involving the Indiana Pacers. While no deal is confirmed, the conversation highlights how Zubac’s value extends beyond box-score numbers and into roster balance, playoff matchups, and long-term contracts. Ivica Zubac’s Role With the Clippers Since arriving in Los Angeles, Ivica Zubac has grown into a dependable starting center. He anchors the paint, sets strong screens, finishes efficiently around the rim, and provides rebounding stability for a team built around star wings. Though he doesn’t command headlines like perimeter scorers, his impact is felt in the less glamorous aspects of winning basketball. For the Clippers, Zubac has been a stabilizing force during seasons marked by injuries and lineup changes. His presence allows perimeter defenders to stay aggressive, knowing there is a reliable rim protector behind them. That defensive structure is a key reason the Clippers have consistently remained competitive. Understanding the Zubac Contract One reason Zubac’s name appears in trade conversations is the team-friendly nature of the Ivica Zubac contract. His deal provides solid value relative to his production, making him an attractive asset for teams seeking frontcourt consistency without sacrificing financial flexibility. The Zubac contract balances cost and reliability — a combination front offices appreciate when building playoff rosters. Unlike short-term rentals, Zubac offers continuity, which increases his appeal in any Ivica Zubac trade scenario. From a business standpoint, his contract makes sense for both buyers and sellers, which is why trade speculation persists even when his on-court performance remains steady. Why the Pacers Are Mentioned The Pacers have emerged as a team frequently linked to frontcourt upgrades. Known for their fast-paced offense and guard-heavy approach, Indiana has occasionally struggled with interior defense and rebounding — areas where Zubac excels. A potential Pacers trade involving Zubac would represent a philosophical shift toward more balance. While Indiana’s offense thrives in transition, playoff basketball often demands half-court stability and interior resistance, both of which Zubac provides. That’s why analysts continue to connect the Pacers to discussions around veteran centers, even if nothing has materialized yet. Bennedict Mathurin and Trade Speculation One name often mentioned in broader Pacers discussions is Bennedict Mathurin. As a young scorer with upside, Mathurin represents a different tier of asset compared to Zubac. Any scenario linking the two would likely require additional pieces and draft considerations. At this stage, Mathurin is more representative of Indiana’s long-term vision rather than immediate trade currency. His inclusion in speculative frameworks reflects how fans and analysts often test the limits of hypothetical deals, rather than a clear indication of team intent. Still, mentioning Bennedict Mathurin in trade talk underscores how Indiana balances youth development with competitive urgency. Kobe Brown as a Developmental Piece On the Clippers’ side, Kobe Brown is frequently mentioned when discussing young depth and future flexibility. Brown’s energy, size, and developmental upside make him a valuable bench piece, though his role remains limited on a veteran-heavy roster. In larger trade scenarios, players like Kobe Brown often serve as complementary assets rather than centerpieces. His inclusion in speculative conversations reflects how teams manage young players who may benefit from expanded roles elsewhere. For the Clippers, deciding whether to retain or move players like Brown depends on how aggressively they pursue win-now upgrades. Would a Zubac Trade Make Sense for the Clippers? From Los Angeles’ perspective, moving Zubac would be a significant decision. The Clippers’ identity relies heavily on defensive structure, and removing a dependable center creates ripple effects across the lineup. However, trade rumors don’t necessarily indicate dissatisfaction. Often, they reflect league-wide recognition of a player’s value. In Zubac’s case, interest from teams like the Pacers highlights his reputation as a plug-and-play starter who raises a team’s floor. If a Zubac trade were to happen, it would likely be driven by a strategic shift rather than performance concerns. What Zubac Would Bring to Indiana For the Pacers, acquiring Zubac would mean immediate improvement in rebounding, rim protection, and half-court offense. His screen setting would open lanes for guards, while his interior presence would reduce defensive pressure on perimeter players. In playoff settings, those qualities become increasingly important. While Indiana’s offense thrives on speed, Zubac’s ability to slow the game down when necessary could provide balance against more physical opponents. That contrast is precisely why his name continues to surface in Pacers trade discussions. Market Value and Timing The trade market often values stability during moments of uncertainty. Zubac fits that mold perfectly. His consistency, manageable contract, and lack of drama make him an ideal target for teams looking to refine rather than rebuild. At the same time, the Clippers must weigh continuity against flexibility. With championship aspirations always looming, even reliable contributors can become part of broader roster evaluations. Timing, more than talent, will likely determine whether an Ivica Zubac trade ever becomes reality. Final Thoughts Ivica Zubac represents the kind of player every contender quietly needs. He doesn’t dominate headlines, but his presence influences winning in meaningful ways. As trade rumors connect him to the Pacers, Bennedict Mathurin, Kobe Brown, and broader roster strategies, the discussion reflects how teams value reliability in a league driven by stars. For now, Zubac remains a key piece for the Clippers, and any move involving him would signal a significant strategic decision. Whether he stays in Los Angeles or becomes part of a future Pacers trade, his steady impact ensures that his name will continue to hold weight in NBA conversations.
By Saboor Brohi 40 minutes ago in Unbalanced
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.