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This is Defector, a new sports blog and media company. We made this place together, we own it together, we run it together. Without access, without favor, without discretion, and without interference.

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Better Hate An Owner

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Lauren Theisen

Rafael Montero #47, Bryan Abreu #52, Cristian Javier #53, Christian Vázquez #9 and Ryan Pressly #55 of the Houston Astros pose for a photo after their combined no-hitter

A Combined No-Hitter Leaves Everyone Wanting More

Tom Ley

Cristian Javier Played Catch


<p>Dan McQuade was a founding member of Defector. He died in January 2026.</p>


Dan McQuade

ST LOUIS, MO - JULY 14: Tony LaRussa and US Airways pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger takes part in the MLB All-Star Game Red Carpet Parade on July 14, 2009 in St Louis, Missouri.

Media Meltdowns

Tony La Russa’s Dream Of Twitter Verification Will Soon Just Be Something You Can Buy

Bryce Harper celebrates his home run with Alec Bohm

Bryce And Alec Have A Secret

Albert Burneko

More Like Launch McCullers

Ray Ratto

A World Series Rain Delay Just Leaves More Time To Drive Yourself Crazy

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<p class="sc-77igqf-0 bOfvBY">Vince Guerrieri is an award-winning journalist and author in the Cleveland area. He likes Lake Erie perch sandwiches, Jim Traficant and long walks on the field at League Park. His website is <a class="sc-1out364-0 hMndXN sc-145m8ut-0 kGbjEv js_link" href="http://vinceguerrieri.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-ga="[[&quot;Embedded Url&quot;,&quot;External link&quot;,&quot;http://vinceguerrieri.com/&quot;,{&quot;metric25&quot;:1}]]">vinceguerrieri.com</a>, and you can follow him on Twitter <a class="sc-1out364-0 hMndXN sc-145m8ut-0 kGbjEv js_link" href="https://twitter.com/vinceguerrieri" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-ga="[[&quot;Embedded Url&quot;,&quot;External link&quot;,&quot;https://twitter.com/vinceguerrieri&quot;,{&quot;metric25&quot;:1}]]">@vinceguerrieri</a>.</p>
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Vince Guerrieri

26 Jun 2001: John Rocker of the Cleveland Indians prepares for a pitch during the game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The Indians beat the Yankees 5-3. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Ezra Shaw/Allsport

Book Excerpts That Don't Suck

When Cleveland Was Where Careers Went To End

The Astros Are Not Here For Any More Phillies Shenanigans

The World Series Is Chaos Vs. Control

David Roth

Bryce Harper on the field after the Phillies defeated the Padres in the 2022 National League Championship Series.

Bryce Harper Is Burning Again

Kelsey McKinney

Adopt A Terrible Son Who You Love Very Much This World Series Season

A still image from the Citizens For Sanity ads that ran during the MLB Playoffs, this one juxtaposing Bernie Sanders and words accusing him of having a love affair with violent criminals.

Politics

The Disgust Is The Product

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 23: The Houston Astros celebrate after defeating the New York Yankees in game four to win the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on October 23, 2022 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

You Do Not Have To Root For The Phillies

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: A general view of Citizens Bank Park after the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the San Diego Padres in game five to win the National League Championship Series on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

What A Gift These Phillies Have Been

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies is congratulated by teammates following a two run home run against the San Diego Padres during the eighth inning in game five of the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

You’re Gonna Have To Root For The Phillies In The World Series

For The Philadelphia Phillies, It All Happened So Fast

Bruce Bochy Heard The Call

Does Hatred Of The Astros Spring Eternal?

The Philadelphia Phillies celebrate after dispatching the Atlanta Braves in the NLDS.

Podcasts

Philadelphia Feelies, With Dan McQuade

The Astros Keep Finding These Guys

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 18: Manny Machado #13 of the San Diego Padres reacts after flying out during the seventh inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in game one of the National League Championship Series at PETCO Park on October 18, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The Best Enigmas Money Can Buy

Ignore The Relief Pitchers Of The ALCS At Your Own Peril

Get To Know The Relief Pitchers Of The NLCS Before It’s Too Late

Maitreyi Anantharaman

Barry Petchesky

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 15: Steven Kwan #38 and Amed Rosario #1 of the Cleveland Guardians react after scoring in the ninth inning to win the game against the New York Yankees at Progressive Field on Saturday, October 15, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Two Fans Victimized By The Cleveland Goddamned Guardians Work Through Their Feelings

Brandon Marsh exults wetly after doubling in the Phillies' NLDS win against the Braves.

It Is Not Going To Make Sense