👋 Good Morning!

I’ve said it a few times now but the Rockies have been a lot more fun to watch since the All-Star Break. After taking two of the first three from the Dodgers, with a win today they could actually win a third series in a row. It would push the Rox to 8-2 over the last 10 games as well.

I’m not blind to the organizational problems that will continue to exist under the current owner of the team. This isn’t me saying that everything is fixed and it’s all good now. But the summer is almost over and life is more fun when you can watch an entertaining baseball team.

Plus, if you’re going to lose 100 games for the third straight year, you might as well piss off the Dodgers fans a little bit along the way.

— Justin Michael

Happy trails, Devaughn Vele.

In case you missed the details, the Broncos shipped the wide receiver off to New Orleans yesterday in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick and 2027 seventh-round pick.

While it will feel a little weird to see him on the Saints this weekend, the deal is solid for Denver. Turning a player you selected in the seventh round in 2024 into multiple future picks is great roster management. Plus, while Vele was a productive and likable receiver, his role is a little bit redundant now with the selection of Pat Bryant.

Ultimately this deal is a testament to the great work the Broncos have done in the draft since hiring George Paton. You can use free agency to bolster the talent and fill holes year to year. Sustained success happens by being able to consistently add talent through the draft though. When you build up enough depth it just gives you a lot more flexibility and the savviest executives find ways to take advantage of that.

The Broncos operate like a well-oiled machine right now. From the ownership all the way down, there is a synergy that was lacking in the years following the great stretch under Pat Bowlen. He understood what it takes to be a premiere NFL franchise and spared no expense to ensure the team had the best resources possible. That includes empowering other great minds like Mike Shanahan.

I’ll be rooting for Vele’s success in New Orleans. But I love everything about how the Broncos have operated since outperforming expectations last year.

How will the receiving corps be impacted by the Vele trade? Our guy Henry Chisholm gave some insight into the ripple effect of the recent move.

READ: Which Bronco will fill the hole left by Devaughn Vele?

READ: Predicting the 53-man roster after the Vele trade

One of CSU’s biggest playmakers this season might just be a true sophomore who walked onto the team.

READ: Why CSU fans should be excited about their “underrated” receiver