Javier Reyes
Verified- Host, Locked On Podcast Network
- Staff Writer, Just Baseball (Podcast)
- Host, Locked On Padres - Daily Podcast On The San Diego Padres
United States
Tends to joke around / Host @baseballvsworld and @LO_Padres / Words @nerdist @mental_floss @inversedotcom @DenOfGeekUS/ @JustBB_Media lad
Articles by Javier Reyes
Filmmakers hail Bing Lao’s ‘Long-Overdue, , well-deserved’ national artist honor
MANILA, Philippines — Filipino filmmakers have welcomed the posthumous proclamation of screenwriter Armando “Bing” Lao as National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, saying the recognition honors not only his body of work but also his role in mentoring generations of film talents. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. named Lao among 10 new National Artists through Proclamation No. 1414, signed on Sept. 1.
The Arizona Diamondbacks Are Being Slept On
I find myself asking “why?” a whole heck of a lot more these days. Of course, I immediately answer my own question each time by remembering literally nothing matters. Nothing makes sense, just do whatever, have fun (or not). But even still, I’ll find myself befuddled ever so slightly by some new story, fact, or incident. It’s like our brains are obsessed with never being prepared for anything; the flat circle of time is too advanced of a concept to understand.
Power Ranking the Worst Moments of the San Diego Padres Offseason
There’s a scene in Fight Club in which the most dislikable-but-somehow-still-famous-and-coveted-by-Hollywood actor known as Jared Leto manages to get his face beaten in like a tomato going up against a Thwomp. Leto’s character, Angel Face, showcases a naive enthusiasm right before the beating, with little knowledge of the nuclear crapstorm that’s headed his way — and much of it, one might argue, is undeserved.
Was Moneyball a Mistake? - Unwinnable
“How can you not be romantic about baseball?” That’s one of the many memorable quotes, and questions, posited by the 2011 film Moneyball. Despite being centered around math and baseball – quite possibly two of the scariest inventions in human history – the film is a cultural touchstone. It’s as beloved by filmlovers, from the casual to the sicko, as it is by sports enthusiasts, from the casual to the sicko. But despite my respect for the quote and its sentiment, my answer is… how much time ya got?
It’s Time to Join the Eloy Jiménez Fan Club
Everyone believes in something silly. You’ll find people who somehow believe there isn’t a direct correlation between spending money and winning in baseball; that 40-year-old Aaron Rodgers off a torn Achilles would save the New York Jets; that billionaires give the slightest nibble about you. Maybe it’s just in our nature to justify the unjustifiable.
Why Anthony Santander Could Be a Free Agent Trap
With the MLB free agent market officially heating up, rumors and predictions are more all over the map than Taylor Swift’s flight log. Considering that the excitement for the 2023 free agent class was predicated almost entirely on Shohei Ohtani, it’s understandable given the abundance of great players available this go around.
The Fallacy of the Tampa Bay Rays
Nobody likes to admit how fun a crusade of being mean can be. It’s a release, of sorts, for that little nerve cluster in your brain with an insatiable appetite for carnage. You have to keep it in check, of course, but being a meanie has, according to all the best scientists with all the best qualifications, benefits to your health. I bet anyone outside the Dalai Lama knows and accepts this.
Every Team Could Use a Pitcher Like Padres’ Matt Waldron
Every year, we like to make a lot of assumptions. The range of these assumptions touches on everything from the quality of a movie based on its 30-second trailer to the result of an election based on a given set of polling data. But really, all of these things are anybody’s guess. We put on a façade of crystal-ball-wielding, Will-Hunting-level expertise when we’re really just using a pinball machine and hoping it hits the right bumpers.
What Will MLB's Most Interesting Man Do at the Deadline This Year? Original
Everyone loves themselves a fresh plate of trade deadline spice. The All-Star break festivities are lovely, but they’re really just a distractive appetizer for the full course meal of the szn that elicits great joy, or great disappointment. But for the San Diego Padres in particular, the trade deadline is something else entirely.
Michael King Wasn’t Named An All-Star, But He’s Quietly Turning Into One Original
The biggest story of the 2023 offseason — aside from Shohei Ohtani’s “exciting” decision to join an already-loaded Dodgers Avengers team — was, of course, the blockbuster trade that sent superstar Juan Soto to the New York Yankees. Padres fans suffered great anguish, Yankees fans embraced profound joy, and baseball prognosticators lamented the end of San Diego’s high-flying, superstar-studded ways. A fair assumption, to be sure, but there was one major thing that might’ve been overlooked.
Eight MLB Trade Deadline Targets Flying Under the Radar
If you’re not sick of this shit stain we call baseball yet, then chances are your team of choice is still in contention. If you’re sick of it all, then chances are your team of choice is very much not in contention. Or maybe you’re just a sicko writing baseball articles on the internet, so the question is irrelevant. But no matter which side you fall on, the trade deadline is here to give you a jolt to your system.
Jurickson Profar Is the San Diego Padres’ King of Vibes
In the movie Star Trek: First Contact, there’s a scene in which Captain Picard (played by the legendary Patrick Stewart) comes across the spaceship that first achieved warp drive and consequently led to the age of space exploration in which the universe of Star Trek takes place. Picard finds himself placing his hand on the ship, which confuses his friend Data (played by Brent Spiner), an android that is fascinated by the complex and sometimes irrational emotions of human beings.
Jung Hoo Lee Could Be MLB’s Equivalent of Jalen Brunson
Okay, relax, this is probably only the — and we’re being conservative here, mind you — 5th-most ridiculous sports take you’ve read in the last week. It’s certainly not even close to the craziest thing this very website has produced. But unlike those neanderthal takes, this is one that will age well: Jung Hoo Lee is going to be a superstar equivalent to the level of Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson. Not necessarily in terms of overall fame, but vibes. And aren’t vibes, really, what this is all about?
San Diego Padres 2024 Season Preview Original
And just like that, we’re back at it. We’re back to talking about everyone’s favorite headline-generating, star-studded, suddenly-big-budget, little-brother-that-could group of baseball players: the San Diego Padres. But the Padres and their usual coterie of stars they’ve put forth over these last few (tumultuous? disappointing? entertaining? who’s to say?) years has a slightly different aura this go-around.
Don't Count Out Xander Bogaerts From Bouncing Back in 2024 Original
You feckless, condescending gremlins sitting atop your ivory Baseball Savant towers. I understand the allure of negativity — from the financial incentive, to the possibility we’re all just clinically depressed by the world — but from my unbiased perspective, it’s gotten out of hand. You’re all complicit. Everyone, including this dear ole website, has decided to write off Xander Bogaerts.
Ranking Giannis Antetokounmpo’s best, most memorable non-basketball clips
Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of those rare superstar players who (for now, at least) seems to have a near-perfect approval rating. He’s an elite player, a championship winner, and he exudes a smile worth a million bucks and nary a follicle in sight. A man with the on-court ferocity of the Juggernaut juxtaposed with natural charisma and an energy so joyous—so effortlessly infectious—that he could win over the most hardened of curmudgeons. That’s why we love him.
Outlook 2024 | Class of ‘24 : Javier Reyes, UMass Amherst chancellor
AMHERST — Javier Reyes is the new chancellor of University of Massachusetts Amherst. He is the 31st leader to take over the role in the university’s history. 1. Tell us a little bit about your role and sector. As the chancellor, I oversee all the operations of the university. We’re like a small city, where you have a very large administrative and infrastructure areas with facilities, dining and residence halls, our (public) safety and environmental safety, our HR.
10 Years Ago, 'The Last of Us' Told Its Best & Most Powerful Story Ever
Every now and then, when you experience a piece of art, you realize in the moment how much of an impact it will leave on you. You just know, instinctively, that it changed certain aspects of your worldview. There are the blunt visual things, of course — a holy-crap-did-the-robot-just-walk-straight-through-a-jail-cell moment, or even just any fight scene from The Raid sort of epiphany — that will leave you gob-smacked and become your standard of aesthetic excellence.
It'll Hurt Real Bad, But the Padres Need to Trade Ha-Seong Kim
Everyone always talks about selling high. Visionary geniuses cosplaying as Billy Beane from Moneyball as if they’re the only ones that knew, like, Eric Thames was unlikely to keep up his 2017 pace. Everyone knew! You ain’t special sweetie! Sometimes, selling high isn’t just about the obvious regression or ascension (i.e. no, honey, you’re not going to convince someone Julio Rodriguez should be traded because of his poor start last season), you filthy mongrels.
5 Years Ago, Nintendo Broke the Most Important Mario Rule — And Redefined an Iconic Character
Look, friends, there are a lot of RPGs out there. So many, in fact, that it’s difficult to stand out amongst the rest of the pack. Whether it be the longstanding Final Fantasy franchise or the Elder Scrolls and Fallout juggernauts from Bethesda studios, choosing the appropriate realm of RPGs to dive into is not for the faint of heart.
20 Years Later, a Video Game Icon Told a Shockingly Deep Sci-Fi Story
It only takes a second. From the very first moment you boot up Sonic Battle, you’re hit with a sense of frenzy. Some simple DUN, DUN, DUN beats alongside a flurry of images before you’re greeted by the game’s logo. Not some clever double-entendre like Sonic Adventure 2, or a cutesy moment between two pals like with Sonic the Hedgehog 2, but a floating, wide-eyed face engulfed in flames. This rather flamboyant opening lets you immediately know this isn’t your typical Sonic escapade.
Blockbuster City: Juan Soto Traded to the New York Yankees Original
It’s been a while — heck, some might even say it’s been more than a decade — but the New York Yankees have finally caught their whale: Juan Soto is headed to the Big Apple. The Padres-Yankees deal is done, as you've probably heard. According to a source, Soto and Grisham for King, Thorpe, Vásquez, Brito and Higashioka. — Dennis Lin (@dennistlin) December 7, 2023 Despite being a generational talent, Soto has now shockingly been traded twice before his club control has even expired.
First Winter Meetings Splash: Alex Verdugo Traded to the Yankees Original
Fire up those stoves! Get those Twitter memes off! The first major move of the offseason is here! Perhaps the most historically relevant rivalry in all of North American sports, the New York Yankees have acquired outfielder Alex Verdugo from the Boston Red Sox.
An Ode to Blaseball: The Perfect Embodiment of Geek and Baseball Culture Alike
There’s a moment from the slightly, marginally, and perhaps decently popular show Stranger Things that’s stuck with me for much of the last year. The scene is from the show’s fourth season and involves its main characters split up into two groups — one being a high-stakes basketball game and the other an epic tabletop Dungeons & Dragons finale — with both seeking what one might call eternal, magnificent glory.
Where Will Blake Snell’s Cy Young Take Him in Free Agency?
The 2023 Padres season may best be described as the train derailment scene from The Fugitive. It was a total, spectacular disaster with only a few survivors amongst the wreckage. Blake Snell was one of those few survivors — and by the time you’re reading this, he will have been named this year’s National League Cy Young award winner. One might argue Snell deserves the honor simply for his confusion about what wRC+ means, but his 2023 stats are also quite good on their own.
20 Years Ago, an Underrated Insomniac Franchise Changed Video Games Forever
There’s a rule in life that I learned many eons ago. It’s a rule most often missed or outright disregarded for a combination of ignorance and, frankly, snobbery. The rule is that you must never underestimate the power of a simple, cuddly-looking, cartoon aesthetic. Such is the case for Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando, the PlayStation 2 classic about furry “lombax,” his robot sidekick, and lots of weird, sci-fi weapons.
San Diego Padres Offseason Outlook for 2023-2024 Original
The Padres are in the worst position for a team that’s in a good position. They’ve got all the superstar power in the world (Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, Juan Soto, etc) and an ownership that’s shown a willingness, unlike many other teams, to spend on top-tier talent. And yet they suffered one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history, have reportedly expressed a desire to on their payroll, and their manager and general manager may want to Joe Pesci each other.
20 Years Ago, Naughty Dog Made a Shocking Open-World Game — And Set a New Precedent
I remember the day. It was an extremely early morning, at least by a young child's standards, and I hurriedly opened my Christmas presents. I was blessed with a new PlayStation 2 and a copy of Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy. I ran upstairs to my room with the crazed enthusiasm of a Philadelphia sports fan. My cousin was with me and he helped set the bad boy up (because I was, and still am, an idiot), and behold…the future! The graphics. The box art. Even the opening music. We were both hooked.
Padres Plans to Cut Costs Are Unfortunate, But Not Without Merit Original
That’s where we’re at. The 2023 San Diego Padres have been such a nuclear wasteland that we’re getting about budget cuts. The same team that remolded itself entirely — in a landscape littered with teams uninterested in spending on star players so their owners can afford 57 extra Lamborghinis — is about to renege on the very philosophy that netted them so much attention.
Ranking Some of Nick Castellanos’ Most Iconic Moments
As someone who has made it part of their identity to discourage and actively vitiate snobbery, I am starting off this article with a confession. That confession is that I, too, have instances in which I’m an insufferable snob. There aren’t many, definitely fewer than five — one of which being if you don’t know who the Future King of the Pirates is — but more than zero, which I’m not proud of.
In Padres' Year of Disappointment, Ha-Seong Kim Has Been Anything But
There was an idea…to bring together a group of remarkable players. So when San Diego needed them most, they could fight the battles we never could. It was called the 2023 Padres Initiative. And, poof, it didn’t work! But while the 2023 Padres couldn’t protect San Diego, one particular player did his damndest to avenge it: infielder extraordinaire Ha-Seong Kim. Sitting at 59-65 on the season, about everything that could have gone wrong for the Padres has.
Did the San Diego Padres Actually Win the Trade Deadline?
Choi and Cooper alone aren’t all that impressive by themselves — especially by this team’s aforementioned trade standards — but for this particular Padres team, tidying up around the edges could prove vital. They already have the stars; they just need to execute. Perhaps they’re taking a key from their divisional rival Giants, who have a motley crew of hitters that can platoon against all sorts of pitching matchups, albeit without many true superstar studs on their roster like the Padres.
San Diego Padres Trade Deadline Guide
| July 27, 2023 | | Comments count:0 With lots of lows and plenty of dark depths, the San Diego Padres find themselves in a less-than-ideal position heading into this year’s MLB trade deadline. Instead of being the small-market heroes out to shift the entire league landscape, they’ve instead been in a dead-heat with the Mets for the most disappointing team of the last decade (or longer?).
Top Five Landing Spots for Blake Snell
But really, while the Orioles have room for improvement all over the place, the biggest question is whether or not they can get a reliable starting pitcher to continue their run. Their bullpen has largely been the reason their overall team ERA has been above water (16th for starters, 6th for relievers), and it’s highly unlikely that Tyler Wells and Kyle Bradish will be scaring any above-average teams in the playoffs. So, why not Snell?
We All Know Why Fernando Tatis Jr. Isn’t an All-Star, and It’s Stupid
But that’s not all! He’s also decided to become an incredible defender, as a treat. The former shortstop has played almost the entirety of the 2023 season in right field, where he’s put together highlight after highlight. He’s currently leading ALL of baseball in defensive runs saved (15), and his 7 outs above average mark is tied for third best among all outfielders and second among NL outfielders.
Panic Watch for MLB’s Most Underperforming Teams
Seattle Mariners (35-36, 4th in AL West) The Vibe: The Mariners’ greatest issue isn’t so much themselves but the division they currently reside in. The Rangers have gone scorched-earth on the entire league despite the brutal loss of Jacob DeGrom, the Angels have actually not wasted two of the best players of the century (yet), and the Astros are still marching along in their dynastic ways. But even with that caveat, there’s still plenty of reason to be concerned.
At Least the Bryan Reynolds Trade Rumors Are Over
The number of mock trade proposals made me want to dunk my head into a tank of piranhas. Again, the reasons for it being talked about were understandable; I myself benefited from some traffic spikes. But dear lord, people, it was too much.
Ranking All Current Padres Uniforms From Worst to Best
3. Away Uniforms Oh yeah, now we’re in business. These have HEART. They have HONOR. And best of all? They have…I don’t know…a soul? The biggest thing for me with away uniforms is, as I’ve written about with the Yankees before, I need to feel like there was an attempt there. Sure, the more gray-ish, faded coloring of these aren’t going to elicit the most powerful of energy. But the fundamental design of the uniforms are solid, especially with the stripes.
Could Fernando Tatís Jr. Be the Villain Baseball Needs?
There’s certainly a conversation to be had about how we determine our sports villains. There’s a moral aspect of it — which is often dicey and littered with slippery slopes — and an on-court demeanor/actions side that is, usually, easier to cling to. For years, baseball had perhaps the magnum opus of sports villains: the entirety of the Houston Astros.
Juan Soto is Carrying the Padres Offense, But Will it Be Enough?
We’ve gone from oh no, Soto, to yo ho-ho, it’s Soto! Apologies, but it feels like an Actually Good nickname/pun for Padres outfielder Juan Soto is right in front of me, I just can’t quite see it yet. That’ll have to do for now unless I think of something better over the course of writing this. In terms of Soto himself, though, the young superstar is in the midst of his own apology in the form of playing a WHOLE lot better after a poor start to the 2023 season.
What in Tarnation is Happening With Manny Machado?
The first and most obvious reason is that it’s early and that everyone should shut up, but my editor tells me that doesn’t make for an interesting article. Even still, it’s worth noting that Machado is just 30 years old and has remained one of the more reliable power hitters in the sport for many years.
Fernando Tatís Jr.'s Return is Exactly What the Padres Need
But it wasn’t just his super-stardom that made Tatis’ particular return to playing so important. Because despite the Padres bolstering a lineup that features three potential MVP-caliber players (Manny Machado, Juan Soto, Xander Bogaerts) they’ve been the most under-performing lineup in baseball thus far.
Do the San Diego Padres Hate Luis Campusano?
Home » Do the San Diego Padres Hate Luis Campusano? | April 15, 2023 | | Comments count:0 On Thursday night, the Padres suffered a heartbreak. After failing to get anything going aside from Manny Machado’s solo home run (his first of the season), they finally broke through with a Trent Grisham bomb to tie the game when all hope seemed lost.
Which Famous Castle Best Describes Ryan Mountcastle?
Call it the Nick Castellanos Recency Bias Syndrome, but I always assume outfielders that hit for power are rough on defense. While Mountcastle did spend some time, rather efficiently, with the Orioles in the outfield, he’s mostly manned the position at first base of late. And he’s greatly improved there, finishing the 2022 season with 1 DRS and 1 OAA. That’s nothing incredible, sure, but it certainly doesn’t mean his defense is non-existent.
Is San Diego Padres GM AJ Preller the Russell Westbrook of MLB?
It’s always nice to see franchises that don’t have the traditional cache — whether it be for geographical or competency reasons — break out into being something special. Similarly, Russell Westbrook was a pivotal character for the Oklahoma City Thunder. It felt like because of him and Kevin Durant, they were routinely showcased on national television for all to bare witness to.
10 Ridiculous Predictions for the 2023 MLB Season
A couple of years ago, star shortstop Carlos Correa decided to slander Jeter as well. This isn’t about being right or wrong, but rather how likely it is we’ll be getting more of this dialogue again. Jeter’s new role with Fox Sports will only exacerbate the narrative since he’ll be more in the spotlight, and a player will absolutely take the opportunity to weigh in.
NL West Preview: Dodgers, Padres, Giants, D-Backs, Rockies
Yes, they have building the pieces for a while, with Yu Darvish, Blake Snell and Joe Musgrove all being acquired via trade, Manny Machado signing (twice now) and the ascension of Fernando Tatis Jr. Still, if we look at this team now and compare them to last Opening Day, they have transformed.
San Diego Padres 2023 Season Preview
And then there’s Drew Pomeranz, who is simply all about staying healthy: The often-injured reliever is said to have suffered a setback during rehab, and is expected to start the season on the IL. Really, he’s best viewed as an incredible bonus if he manages to get back on the field at all.
The Best Fantasy Baseball Team Name Guide for 2023
WanderVision Inspiration: Wander Franco I’ll always have a special affinity for WandaVision. Not because it’s a masterpiece or anything (but it was certainly quite good!), but because it was one of the first pieces of entertainment that felt like a big deal back during the beginning of the pandemic. The water cooler talk was much-needed during those times. Oh, and Wander is cool too I suppose. Benny The Jet Rodriguez Inspiration: Julio Rodriguez + Andrew Benintendi You simply can’t beat this.
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