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2024 MLB ‘Wild-Card Era’ Franchise Rankings: Rangers break into top 10, Cubs fall out

Jeffrey Bailey — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 15:45:48 +0000

As Jonah Heim squeezed the final strike of the 2023 postseason and Josh Sborz spiked his mitt on the mound to celebrate the Texas Rangers’ first World Series title, a thought crossed my mind: How will this change the franchise rankings?

See, the Wild-Card Era (1995 to present) franchise rankings are not a creation of my fallible mind. They are borne from a tested, trusted, completely objective, never-been-questioned, all-math, no-bias formula borrowed from football writer Bob Sturm and tweaked to fit baseball’s postseason structure.

Winning the World Series (WS): 9 points
Losing in the World Series (WSL): 6 points
Losing in the Championship Series (CS): 3 points
Losing in Division Series (DS): 2 points
Losing in Wild Card (WC): 1 point

As of last year, the scoring system also incentivizes division titles (+1 point) and penalizes prolonged losing cycles, docking teams (-1 point) each time they lose at least 90 games in consecutive seasons.

Tally the point totals for the past 29 seasons, from 1995 to 2023, and the result is the franchise rankings as listed below — along with each team’s point totals from the past decade, and average points per season. Tiebreakers are World Series wins, then World Series losses, then Championship Series appearances, then Division Series appearances, then division titles.

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The Pirates’ 76-86 season in 2023 didn’t dig their hole deeper, but it didn’t get them out of it, either. Since winning the 1979 World Series, they have reached the postseason six times — three-year runs from 1990-92 and 2013-15. The team is hoping its next core will author another such run. After signing Ke’Bryan Hayes, Bryan Reynolds and Mitch Keller to extensions, the Pirates need continued progression from young big leaguers — Oneil Cruz, Jack Suwinki, Henry Davis — and top prospects Paul Skenes, Jared Jones and Termarr Johnson.

Total playoff years: 13DS, 14WC, 15WC

Consecutive 90-loss seasons

Last decade: 1 point (MLB rank: t-26th)

Average: -.14 points per season

The Royals bottomed out at 106 losses last season, tying the 2005 Royals for most losses in franchise history, and fell to 29th in this year’s franchise ranking as they were vaulted by the Orioles. After seven consecutive losing seasons, the Royals clearly are trying to turn a corner now. This winter, they guaranteed Bobby Witt Jr. $288.7 million, filled out their bench and pitching staff with free agents, and unveiled plans for a proposed downtown Kansas City ballpark. This fall marks a decade since the Royals ended their 29-year playoff drought and reached the World Series — then won it a year later. It remains the case that no team has made the playoffs fewer times in the Wild-Card Era than the Royals.

Total playoff years: 14WSL, 15WS

Consecutive 90-loss seasons

Last decade: 14 points (MLB rank: t-10th)

Average: .24 points per season

With the Detroit Lions defeating the Los Angeles Rams in January for their first playoff win since 1992, the Reds now own the longest active streak of not advancing in the playoffs among the four major US men’s sports leagues. Cincinnati swept the Dodgers in the 1995 NLDS, then were swept by the Braves in the NLCS, and they haven’t advanced in any of their four playoff seasons since. The current Reds core has a chance to remove themselves from that trivia answer. The lineup has several potential stars and only one projected starter over the age of 28.

Total playoff years: 95CS, 10DS, 12DS, 13WC, 20WC

Consecutive 90-loss seasons

Last decade: -2 points (MLB rank: 30th)

The Orioles jumped two spots in this ranking by winning 101 games and the AL East last year, even if their playoff run fizzled fast. Adley Rutschman was AL Rookie of the Year runner-up in 2022, Gunnar Henderson won the award in 2023, and now top prospect Jackson Holliday is one of the favorites to win in 2024. The Orioles still have the best farm system in baseball, according to The Athletic’s Keith Law, even after trading top-100 prospect Joey Ortiz and former top-100 prospect DL Hall to Milwaukee for former Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes.

Total playoff years: 96CS, 97CS, 12DS, 14CS, 16WC, 23DS

Consecutive 90-loss seasons

Last decade: 7 points (MLB rank: t-19th)

The Blue Jays are one of a few teams toward the bottom of this list that would fare better if this exercise included the entire 1990s instead of starting in 1995. Toronto won back-to-back World Series titles in 1992 and 1993, but didn’t return to the playoffs for another 21 years. Though the Blue Jays have been a playoff team five times in the past nine seasons, including 2023, they’ve been swept in the Wild-Card Series in their last three tries. Even after failing to land a premier free agent this offseason, the Blue Jays have the bats, gloves and arms to be a division winner in 2024 — but so do three other teams in the AL East.

Total playoff years: 15CS, 16CS, 20WC, 22WC, 23WC

Consecutive 90-loss seasons

Last decade: 10 points (MLB rank: 15th)

The Rockies stayed in the same spot in the franchise rankings but were deducted a point for having back-to-back 90-loss seasons. They chased 94 losses in 2022 with 103 in 2023 — their first triple-digit loss total in franchise history. Todd Helton is a Hall of Famer, bringing back memories of the Rockies’ magical run to the 2007 World Series. The other bit of good news is that Nolan Jones could be a certified star in Colorado. But this doesn’t look like it’ll be the Rockies’ year to win their first division title. FanGraphs has their current playoff odds at 0.1 percent; their odds of winning the NL West, however, are 0.0 percent.

Total playoff years: 95DS, 07WSL, 09DS, 17WC, 18DS

Consecutive 90-loss seasons

Last decade: 1 point (MLB rank: t-26th)

The Brewers won their division last season yet still have the same points total. What gives? Well, time for a mea culpa. In auditing and updating the franchise rankings spreadsheet last month, I discovered an error. From 2001 to 2004, the Brewers lost 94, 106, 94 and 94 games, respectively, so they should have been deducted three points. I had only deducted one. To Brewers fans: I regret the error, just as the Brewers surely regret that era. As The Athletic’s Tyler Kepner wrote recently, Milwaukee has not finished last in their division since 2004. The Brewers have never won a World Series and have only one pennant (1982), but they’re reliably solid in a small market. They are now without Corbin Burnes, but they still have plenty of talent on the roster, plus Law’s No. 2 farm system.

Total playoff years: 08DS, 11CS, 18CS, 19WC, 20WC, 21DS, 23WC

Consecutive 90-loss seasons

Last decade: 11 points (MLB rank: 14th)

The Mariners had the pieces to be a playoff team again last season, having already exorcized demons in 2023 to end a two-decade postseason drought. But after getting hot in the second half Seattle stumbled in September and was eliminated from the playoffs with one game left in the season. On paper, they have one of the league’s best pitching staffs for 2024. The lineup still features Julio Rodríguez, Cal Raleigh and J.P. Crawford, but it has been overhauled with the additions of a new Mitch (Garver), an old Mitch (Haniger), Luke Raley and Jorge Polanco in hopes of getting more runs and fewer whiffs.

Total playoff years: 95CS, 97DS, 00CS, 01CS, 22DS

Consecutive 90-loss seasons

Last decade: 2 points (MLB rank: t-25th)

Never let it be said that this franchise-ranking formula doesn’t punish teams that subject their fans to prolonged down cycles (see also: Brewers blurb). The Nats/Expos lost five points for consecutive 90-loss seasons in the 1990s and 2000s, which they more than made up for with five playoff seasons (and a World Series title) in the 2010s. But their current rebuild has cost them another two points. There were some positive signs last year, like Lane Thomas’ 20-20 season, CJ Abrams’ second half and the law firm of (Josiah) Gray and (MacKenzie) Gore figuring some things out. Next, we await the arrival of top prospects Dylan Crews, James Wood and Brady House.

Total playoff years: 12DS, 14DS, 16DS, 17DS, 19WS

Consecutive 90-loss seasons

Last decade: 16 points (MLB rank: 8th)

I ended last year’s blurb this way: Unless Luis Arraez bats .400, offense will likely be an issue again in 2023. He flirted with .400 until July! Offense was indeed an issue, one the Marlins addressed by adding Josh Bell and Jake Burger at the trade deadline. Losing Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara to Tommy John surgery was a massive blow softened by the performances of Jesús Luzardo, Eury Pérez and Braxton Garrett as the Marlins secured a wild-card spot. The Marlins have never won their division, and odds are against that changing in 2024, but they have enough intriguing talent to stay on the fringe of the playoff picture.

Total playoff years: 97WS, 03WS, 20DS, 23WC

Consecutive 90-loss seasons

Last decade: 1 point (MLB rank: t-26th)

Believers in positive regression will find no finer team to back than the 2024 Padres. The club’s late owner, Peter Seidler, spent big in his final years to bring a World Series to San Diego, and so cutting payroll was a priority this offseason. The team is now without one of the best hitters (Juan Soto), starters (Blake Snell) and closers (Josh Hader) in the game. The amount of talent they’ve lost is staggering, underscoring how strange it was to see them come up short in 2023. The lineup still has Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts locked in long-term and Ha-Seong Kim in the fold for another season. The rotation has Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove, depth replenished in the Soto trade and now, after A.J. Preller’s Wednesday night blockbuster, another ace-caliber starter: Dylan Cease.

Total playoff years: 96DS, 98WSL, 05DS, 06DS, 20DS, 22CS

Consecutive 90-loss seasons

Last decade: 2 points (MLB rank: t-24th)

The Tigers took a surprising second place in the AL Central last season, their best finish since 2016, though few confused them for a contender. They saw encouraging signs in 2023 from Spencer Torkelson, Riley Greene (when healthy), Kerry Carpenter and several pitchers, especially Tarik Skubal. They’ve added a handful of veterans this offseason — Mark Canha, Gio Urshela, Jack Flaherty, Kenta Maeda, Shelby Miller and Andrew Chafin — and have a couple top prospects approaching the majors. Better days should be ahead for an organization that hasn’t gained a franchise-ranking point (and, in fact, has lost two) since 2014.

Total playoff years: 06WSL, 11CS, 12WSL, 13CS, 14DS

Consecutive 90-loss seasons

Last decade: 1 point (MLB rank: t-26th)

We begin the way we always do, with an updated win/loss record since the 2007 name change.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays: 645-972 (.399)

Tampa Bay Rays: 1,366-1,125 (.548)

The 2023 Rays raced out to a record-setting start and still managed to win 99 games despite being without star shortstop Wander Franco and losing starters Shane McClanahan, Drew Rasmussen and Jeffrey Springs to elbow surgeries. They’ve continued team-building their way this winter — prioritizing young regulars and undervalued platoon players and relievers — and will, in all likelihood, be a handful for the rest of the AL East in 2024.

Total playoff years: 08WSL, 10DS, 11DS, 13DS, 19DS, 20WSL, 21DS, 22WC, 23WC

Consecutive 90-loss seasons

Last decade: 14 points (MLB rank: t-10th)

When writing a year ago “it’s hard to argue the White Sox are better than they were in 2022, and their farm system is one of the weakest in baseball,” I somehow still fell woefully short of predicting their 2023 season. The White Sox self-destructed. They fired Ken Williams and Rick Hahn, lost 101 games and moved seven veterans at the trade deadline. The positive outcome is that the farm system no longer stinks. Law ranked them 10th and noted, “This is about as good as their system has ever looked.” The same cannot be said of their major-league roster. The White Sox have had consecutive 90-loss seasons only once since 1995; they’re projected to add a second this season. They are playing for the future, as evidenced by the Dylan Cease trade Wednesday night.

Total playoff years: 00DS, 05WS, 08DS, 20WC, 21DS

Consecutive 90-loss seasons

Last decade: 3 points (MLB rank: t-22nd)

The Mets haven’t advanced in the playoffs since their pennant-winning 2015 season. After the Mets won 101 games in 2022, the 2023 season saw Edwin Díaz injured, Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer traded, and the Mets missing the playoffs by nine games. They still have the highest payroll in the game, but expectations are lower this season. Spring training started with a sour note as Kodai Senga was diagnosed with a right shoulder strain. FanGraphs gives the Braves a 98.6 percent chance of making the playoffs, the Phillies at 59 percent and the Marlins and Mets tied at 29.5 percent.

Total playoff years: 99CS, 00WSL, 06CS, 15WSL, 16WC, 22WC

Consecutive 90-loss seasons

Last decade: 9 points (MLB rank: 16th)

The Twins blew some long-standing narratives to smithereens last fall by ending their 18-game postseason losing streak and sweeping the Blue Jays in the Wild Card Series. Then they lost Sonny Gray to free agency, traded Jorge Polanco and cut payroll. They remain the favorite in the AL Central — a division they’ve won three of the past five years — but may be leaving the door open. The Pablo López-led rotation has upside; Jhoan Duran and the bullpen are nasty; and a lineup that starts with Edouard Julien, Royce Lewis, Byron Buxton, Carlos Correa and Max Kepler is likely to do some serious damage.

Total playoff years: 02CS, 03DS, 04DS, 06DS, 09DS, 10DS, 17WC, 19DS, 20WC, 23DS

Consecutive 90-loss seasons

Last decade: 8 points (MLB rank: t-17th)

Before 2022, the A’s hadn’t endured a 100-loss season since 1979. Now they’ve done it two years in a row for the first time since 1964-65. They lost a rankings point for that, dropped one spot in the rankings and will surely continue in that downward direction. Law ranked their farm system last. In 2023, Brent Rooker had an early breakout, Ryan Noda and Zack Gelof emerged and Esteury Ruiz led the AL with 67 steals. But overshadowing all of that in Oakland is the team’s desire to flee to Las Vegas and fans’ attempts to make their objections heard.

Total playoff years: 00DS, 01DS, 02DS, 03DS, 06CS, 12DS, 13DS, 14WC, 18WC, 19WC, 20DS

Consecutive 90-loss seasons

Last decade: 4 points (MLB rank: 21st)

Let’s break down the Wild-Card Era Angels by decade.

1995-99: 387-405 (.489)

2000s: 900-720 (.556)

2010s: 822-798 (.507)

2020s: 176-208 (.458)

Just as I suspected. The Angels are feeling rather fourth place-ish. They haven’t had a winning record since 2015 (their last “of Anaheim” season), haven’t made the playoffs since 2014, and haven’t won a playoff game since 2009. A 2023 recap: Arte Moreno didn’t sell the team, and GM Perry Minasian didn’t trade Shohei Ohtani before the season, didn’t trade him after the season, made a big bet as a trade deadline buyer and lost. Now the Angels trudge toward whatever is next. They have Mike Trout and Law’s 29th-ranked farm system, and no Ohtani.

Total playoff years: 02WS, 04DS, 05CS, 07DS, 08DS, 09CS, 14DS

Consecutive 90-loss seasons

Last decade: 3 points (MLB rank: t-22nd)

The Cubs hold the third tiebreaker (Championship Series appearances) over the Angels but were knocked out of the top 10 this year after being jumped by the Diamondbacks and Rangers. The Cubs ended the 2023 season one game back of a wild-card spot. The Chicago roster, though, hasn’t changed substantially since. They lost Marcus Stroman, brought back Cody Bellinger, traded for Michael Busch and signed Shota Imanaga and Héctor Neris. They also have the No. 5 farm system, per Law. The NL Central race should be compelling; FanGraphs projects all five teams between 77 and 84 wins.

Total playoff years: 98DS, 03CS, 07DS, 08DS, 15CS, 16WS, 17CS, 18WC, 20WC

Consecutive 90-loss seasons

Last decade: 20 points (MLB rank: 4th)

Snakes alive. They climbed three spots in this year’s ranking. They also didn’t exist at the start of the Wild-Card Era, so if we look at their average points per season they rank 10th, ahead of the Phillies by 0.01. Indeed, here come the D-Backs. They may not have won the offseason like the division-rival Dodgers, but they have Corbin Carroll and Zac Gallen and enough talent surrounding them to make noise again in 2024. As for the new arrivals: Eduardo Rodríguez fortifies a rotation that could have used one more starter last fall, Eugenio Suárez gives Arizona more thump at third base, and Joc Pederson and Randal Grichuk are mix-and-match platoon options at DH and in the outfield.

Total playoff years: 99DS, 01WS, 02DS, 07CS, 11DS, 17DS, 23WSL

Consecutive 90-loss seasons

Last decade: 8 points (MLB rank: t-17th)

The Phillies in the past two years have played in a World Series and come one win short of appearing in another. After flailing for most of the 2010s, they’ve built a formidable core and so far have spent to keep it mostly intact. They let Rhys Hoskins walk in free agency this winter but brought back Aaron Nola and extended Zack Wheeler. This is more or less a run-it-back year for Philadelphia. They have the horses, and they have them healthy for now. But they’ll need to click from the jump if the Phillies are going to win their first division title since 2011.

Total playoff years: 07DS, 08WS, 09WSL, 10CS, 11DS, 22WSL, 23CS

Consecutive 90-loss seasons

Last decade: 7 points (MLB rank: t-19th)

A World Series title doesn’t guarantee you a top-10 spot in the franchise rankings, but the nine points the Rangers bagged for winning their first ring last fall got them there. It was far from an ideal season for Texas. Jacob deGrom made only six starts before suffering an elbow injury. Nathan Eovaldi and Corey Seager both missed significant time in the regular season. The team fell out of first place and nearly lost their wild-card spot. But Seager, Adolis García, Josh Jung and Evan Carter led the Rangers lineup in October, and the pitching arms of Eovaldi, Jordan Montgomery, José Leclerc and Josh Sborz did the rest. There are reasons to doubt the Rangers in 2024, but they’re about as good as they were last spring.

Total playoff years: 96DS, 98DS, 99DS, 10WSL, 11WSL, 12WC, 15DS, 16DS, 23WS

Consecutive 90-loss seasons

Last decade: 14 points (MLB rank: t-10th)

The Guardians couldn’t give Tito Francona a storybook finish to his likely Hall of Fame career. They played .500 ball in the first half, were 10 games worse than that in the second half and finished third (or lower) in the AL Central for the first time since 2015. Their overall position on this list is incredibly respectable, especially since they’re the only one of the top 13 teams without a World Series title juicing their numbers. The Guardians have made the playoffs 13 times in the 29 years of the Wild-Card Era, won the division 11 times and captured three pennants. With José Ramírez, a young cast of hitters and a strong pitching staff, the Guardians have a shot at the AL Central crown this season.

Total playoff years: 95WSL, 96DS, 97WSL, 98CS, 99DS, 01DS, 07CS, 13WC, 16WSL, 17DS, 18DS, 20WC, 22DS

Consecutive 90-loss seasons

Last decade: 17 points (MLB rank: t-6th)

Three World Series titles will take you a long way, so the Giants are still sitting pretty here at No. 7 despite not seeing much playoff success since 2014. They backslid from 107 wins in 2021 to 81 in 2022 to 79 in 2023, leading to manager Gabe Kapler’s ouster. This offseason they signed Jordan Hicks, Jorge Soler and Jung Hoo Lee, traded for former Cy Young Award winner Robbie Ray, who’s rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, and waited out the market to land free agent Matt Chapman on a remarkably palatable three-year contract with two opt-outs. The Giants, however, still seem undermanned as they face an uphill climb in a division led by the Dodgers and the defending NL champs in Arizona.

Total playoff years: 97DS, 00DS, 02WSL, 03DS, 10WS, 12WS, 14WS, 16DS, 21DS

Consecutive 90-loss seasons

Last decade: 14 points (MLB rank: t-10th)

Houston has reached the ALCS in seven consecutive seasons, played in four World Series and twice — including 2023 — fallen one win short. They are tied with the Dodgers for most points in the past decade; Houston holds the tiebreaker. They’d be in the top five in this year’s franchise rankings if not for the three points deducted for 90-loss seasons in the early 2010s. For now, they’re well clear of the Giants and Guardians and nipping at the heels of the Red Sox. In 2024, the Astros return almost the same lineup as last season, but with an offensive upgrade at catcher in Yainer Díaz. They’ll have Justin Verlander back in the rotation, once healthy. And they have two top-end closers in Josh Hader and Ryan Pressly.

Total playoff years: 97DS, 98DS, 99DS, 01DS, 04CS, 05WSL, 15DS, 17WS, 18CS, 19WSL, 20CS, 21WSL, 22WS, 23CS

Consecutive 90-loss seasons

Last decade: 46 points (MLB rank: t-1st)

The long-term organizational momentum the Red Sox built with four World Series titles in the past 20 years has stalled. They’ve finished last in the AL East the past two seasons, with identical 78-84 records, and now they have a new chief baseball officer, Craig Breslow, but not a significantly upgraded roster. The Red Sox have strong left-handed hitters but could use some thunder from the right side at Fenway Park. With free-agent add Lucas Giolito out for the season, Boston needs another starter or two to lead the pitching staff alongside Brayan Bello. There’s still time to start spending, but the Red Sox so far have shown no urgency.

Total playoff years: 95DS, 98DS, 99CS, 03CS, 04WS, 05DS, 07WS, 08CS, 09DS, 13WS, 16DS, 17DS, 18WS, 21CS

Consecutive 90-loss seasons

Last decade: 19 points (MLB rank: 5th)

This wasn’t necessarily the top headline of the Dodgers’ offseason, but they finally ran down the Red Sox and stole fourth place in the franchise rankings. They are a Death Star. The Dodgers have an 11-year playoff streak going, with 10 division titles in that stretch. If the franchise rankings covered only the past decade, the Dodgers would be tied with the Astros at No. 1. They’ve operated at a 102-win clip in manager Dave Roberts’ eight years in Los Angeles, and all of that was before they added [huge breath] Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, James Paxton and Teoscar Hernández, and re-signed Clayton Kershaw, Jason Heyward and Kiké Hernández. Probably a team to watch in 2024.

Total playoff years: 95DS, 96DS, 04DS, 06DS, 08CS, 09CS, 13CS, 14DS, 15DS, 16CS, 17WSL, 18WSL, 19DS, 20WS, 21CS, 22DS, 23DS

Consecutive 90-loss seasons

Last decade: 46 points (MLB rank: t-1st)

No movement in our top three for 2024, but a couple teams are in striking distance of the Cardinals this season. After three consecutive wild-card exits, St. Louis had a deeply disappointing 2023, finishing 71-91. It was their first losing season since 2007, and their first 90-loss season since 1990. The Cardinals overhauled their pitching staff this winter, bringing in veterans Sonny Gray, Kyle Gibson, Lance Lynn, Keynan Middleton and Andrew Kittredge. The talent in their lineup is still eye-popping, so with halfway decent pitching and positive regression from a few hitters the Cardinals could be back in 2024.

Total playoff years: 96CS, 00CS, 01DS, 02CS, 04WSL, 05CS, 06WS, 09DS, 11WS, 12CS, 13WSL, 14CS, 15DS, 19CS, 20WC, 21WC, 22WC

Consecutive 90-loss seasons

Last decade: 15 points (MLB rank: 9th)

The only one of our top three teams to reach the postseason in 2023, the Braves won the NL East for the sixth consecutive season before bowing out again in the NLDS. They’ve already won a World Series in this competitive window, but it feels like they’ve left a lot on the table. The good news for Braves fans, and bad for most others, is the team’s current core isn’t going anywhere. The Braves have built a behemoth without a top-five payroll, as reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, Austin Riley, Spencer Strider, Sean Murphy, Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris II all have agreed to long-term extensions.

Total playoff years: 95WS, 96WSL, 97CS, 98CS, 99WSL, 00DS, 01CS, 02DS, 03DS, 04DS, 05DS, 10DS, 12WC, 13DS, 18DS, 19DS, 20CS, 21WS, 22DS, 23DS

Consecutive 90-loss seasons

Last decade: 24 points (MLB rank: 3rd)

The Yankees are still the class of the Wild-Card Era, though they certainly haven’t been baseball’s top franchise recently. The overall body of work is immensely impressive: In the 29 seasons included in this exercise, the Yankees have 24 playoff berths, 15 division titles, seven AL pennants and five World Series titles. (Only one title and pennant, however, in the past two decades.) In 2023, the Yankees narrowly avoided their first losing season since 1992, but their 80 losses still were their most of the Wild-Card Era. Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Anthony Rizzo and Carlos Rodón all missed significant time with injury. Gerrit Cole was the AL Cy Young and also the Yankees’ only reliable starter last season, but now there’s uncertainty regarding his health for 2024. The Yankees will have Judge, Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo across the outfield. They added Marcus Stroman to the rotation. We’ll see if that’s enough.

Total playoff years: 95DS, 96WS, 97DS, 98WS, 99WS, 00WS, 01WSL, 02DS, 03WSL, 04CS, 05DS, 06DS, 07DS, 09WS, 10CS, 11DS, 12CS, 15WC, 17CS, 18DS, 19CS, 20DS, 21WC, 22CS

Consecutive 90-loss seasons

Last decade (since 2014): 17 points (MLB rank: t-6th)

Rank	Total	Average	Decade
1	110	3.79	17
2	81	2.79	24
3	72	2.48	15
4	68	2.34	46
5	66	2.28	19
6	65	2.24	46
7	48	1.66	14
8	48	1.66	17
9	37	1.28	14
10	33	1.14	7
11	30	1.15	8
12	29	1	20
13	29	1	3
14	25	0.86	4
15	22	0.76	8
16	21	0.72	9
17	19	0.66	3
18	19	0.73	14
19	17	0.59	1
20	17	0.59	2
21	16	0.55	1
22	14	0.48	16
23	14	0.48	2
24	14	0.48	11
25	10	0.34	1
26	10	0.34	10
27	9	0.31	7
28	9	0.31	-2
29	7	0.24	14
30	-4	-0.14	1

(Top illustration by Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; Photos by Justin Berl / Getty Images; Rob Tringali / Sportschrome; Matt Dirksen / Getty Images; Brian Blanco / Getty Images)

The post 2024 MLB ‘Wild-Card Era’ Franchise Rankings: Rangers break into top 10, Cubs fall out appeared first on USMAIL24.COM.

Football star suffers sickening head injury during tough cup match while club provides health update

Albert Elence — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 11:46:11 +0000

Martin Boyle suffered a serious head injury for Hibernian on Sunday
He was injured after landing awkwardly in an accidental collision
The Australian star is in a stable condition and has left hospital

By Stephen McGowan

Published: 05:24 EDT, March 11, 2024 | Updated: 7:34 AM EDT, March 11, 2024

Hibernian and Socceroos winger Martin Boyle has returned from hospital after being taken off on a stretcher during last night’s Scottish Cup defeat to Rangers.

The 30-year-old Australia international is said to be in a ‘stable’ condition after appearing to land awkwardly in an accidental collision with Rangers defender John Souttar during a 2-0 defeat for the Easter Road side.

Manager Nick Montgomery, whose team finished the match with nine men following the dismissals of Jordan Obita and Nathan Moriah-Welsh, planned to contact the experienced wide man to monitor his condition.

“I just got the message that Martin is stable and that is the most important thing,” the 42-year-old Englishman said immediately after the match.

“He hit his head, probably a mild concussion, a sore neck and you have to worry about that.

Martin Boyle (right) is in a stable condition after suffering a serious head injury on Sunday evening

“I’m going to call him and hopefully get an update.

‘Football is just a game and although Martin is an important player for us, he is also human.

‘Fingers crossed he makes a quick recovery as he was in some pain.’

Hibs confirmed on Monday morning that routine tests had come back clear.

“Hibernian FC can confirm that Martin Boyle has returned from hospital accompanied by his wife and children,” the club said.

#The winger went straight to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary after the first-half clash against Rangers and underwent a thorough medical examination to understand the severity of the injury.

‘Thankfully the tests were all clear and revealed that Martin has a concussion. He will now rest at home and follow concussion protocol.

‘The club would like to thank the staff at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, together with the stadium ambulance crew, and the medical departments of Hibernian FC and Rangers for the treatment they provided to Martin.’

Boyle was sent off with Hibs a goal behind after keeper David Marshall saved Rangers skipper James Tavernier’s penalty – only for John Lundstram to react quickest and convert the rebound.

Obita had conceded the penalty after being judged to have brought down Dujon Sterling.

Later in the match, in the 68th minute, he received a second yellow card from referee Steven McLean for using an arm to stop Rabbi Matondo.

Three minutes later, Hibs were reduced to nine men after Moriah-Welsh was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Lundstram.

Dissatisfied with the ‘unnecessary drama’ surrounding the main incidents, Montgomery criticized goalscorer Lundstram’s role in the second red card, claiming the Rangers midfielder had gone down too easily.

The Australian star was taken to hospital after the accidental collision in Edinburgh

“The officials probably had a bit of a bad day today, to be honest. But we all have bad days,” said the Hibernian manager.

“I thought we were at the end of some tough decisions.

“We can talk about whether it’s a penalty or whether it’s not a penalty. Obviously he (Dujon Sterling) slowed down to initiate contact from Jordan.

‘I can’t say whether it was a penalty or not, but a few weeks ago it wasn’t a penalty for us (for a similar situation) and tonight it was a penalty. That’s disappointing.

“To be honest, I didn’t see Jordan Obita’s incident (for sending off). I know it was on yellow. He tried to stop (Rabbi) Matondo, but apparently he grabbed him on the back of the head with his arm.

“Jordan is an experienced player, so if he has done something that is considered a yellow card, you don’t want that.”

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Paul Gascoigne says he is homeless, works in AA and lives in a cop’s spare room

Jeffrey Bailey — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 21:27:01 +0000

Troubled footie legend Paul Gascoigne is homeless and back with Alcoholics Anonymous, he has revealed.

The 56-year-old, who has struggled with alcohol addiction and mental health issues for decades, says he is hiding out at his agent’s home.

Paul Gascoigne told the High Performance Podcast he is homeless and back with Alcoholics AnonymousCredit: Instagram @highperformance

Paul Gascoigne was regarded as one of the greatest footballers of his generation and played 57 times for EnglandCredit: UEFA, UEFA

Desperate to get sober, Gazza admits he is now a ‘sad drunk’ who drinks ‘indoors’ instead of going out.

He told Jake Humprey’s High Performance Podcast: “People know Paul Gascoigne, but Gazza, nobody knows. Even me sometimes.

“If I’m really down, I grab a drink to cheer myself up.”

The Gateshead-born midfielder is regarded as one of the greatest footballers of his generation and played 57 times for England.

Europa League draw revealed as Liverpool, Brighton and West Ham learn their fate

Jeffrey Bailey — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 11:34:28 +0000

The Europa League last 16 draw has been announced and there are some tasty ties for the British teams.

Premier League trio Brighton, Liverpool and West Ham have all discovered their destiny alongside Scottish giants Rangers.

The draw for the last 16 of the Europa League has been decidedCredit: Getty

Liverpool have learned who they will face in the last 16 of the Europa LeagueCredit: Alamy

Brighton also know their next opponentsCredit: Reuters

West Ham are looking for success in Europe for the second season in a rowCredit: EPA

Liverpool will take on Czech side Sparta Prague as they look to give Jurgen Klopp a European dream of a farewell.

Meanwhile, Brighton take on Roma after topping their ‘group of death’, which hosted both Marseille and Ajax.

The Hammers are looking to make even more history in Europe this year after winning the Conference League last season.

And their journey to reach a second successive European final will continue when they take on Freiburg in their last 16 tie.

David Moyes’ side were in the same group as the German club and defeated them both times.

Rangers will also continue their European journey with a tough match against Benfica.

The Ibrox team went all the way to the final in 2022, but ultimately suffered heartbreak at the hands of Eintracht Frankfurt.

And Europe was difficult for them to get to grips with last season, as they lost every match they played during their Champions League campaign, finishing bottom of their group.

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The next round starts on March 7 and the second leg of each match will be played just a week later on March 14.

And there will be more high-profile clashes away from home countries, with French heavyweights Marseille taking on Spanish superstars Villarreal.

Where are they now: the unusual careers of former footballers

Watch the full draw below…

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Europa League draw LIVE: Liverpool, West Ham & Rangers learn last-16 opponents

Jeffrey Bailey — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 10:40:15 +0000

How they got here

Liverpool, Brighton, West Ham and Rangers reached the last 16 of the Europa League by topping their group.

The Hammers defeated Freiburg, who went on to get past the play-offs, Olympiakos and Backa Topola.

The Seagulls are flying high in their first ever European campaign after overcoming a Group of Death-like situation with Marseille, who are also in the draw, AEK Athens and Ajax.

The Reds easily defeated Toulouse, LASK and Union Saint-Gilloise.

And finally, the Gers defeated Sparta Prague, who are now unseeded, Real Betis and Aris Limassol.

Credit: AFP

Who made the Last 16?

Here is the full list of clubs that have reached the round of 16 of the Europa League:

Seeded teams

Atalanta
Brighton
Bayer Leverkusen
Liverpool
Rangers
Slavia Prague
Villarreal
West Ham

Unseeded teams

AC Milan
Benfica
Freiburg
Marseille
Qarabag
Roma
Sparta Prague
Sporty Lisbon

Credit: AFP

Potential opponents of the Europa League

Here’s who Liverpool, Brighton, West Ham and Rangers could sign:

Roma
Marseille
Sparta Prague
Sporty Lisbon
AC Milan
Qarabag
Benfica
Freiburg.

Credit: Getty

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Europa League draw simulated with Liverpool landing an incredible glamor match

Jeffrey Bailey — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 11:06:16 +0000

LIVERPOOL have won an iconic European draw against AC Milan in SunSport's simulated Europa League draw.

The Reds sailed through to the last 16 after winning a group with Toulouse, Union Saint-Gilloise and LASK.

Liverpool could play AC Milan in the round of 16 of the Europa LeagueCredit: Reuters

In 2005 and 2007 the two teams played against each other in the Champions League finalCredit: Getty

That meant they bypassed the play-off round between second place in the group and the teams eliminated from the Champions League.

Milan were one of those teams after finishing third in their Champions League group behind Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain.

And they already have one foot in the next round after beating Rennes 3-0 at San Siro last week.

They face the Ligue Un side in the second leg this week and if they win they could set up a meeting with Liverpool in the next round.

Jurgen Klopp's side are one of eight seeded teams that Milan could face, along with West Ham, Brighton and Rangers, who all won their groups.

SunSport has simulated the draw for the next round and Liverpool versus Milan is the top pick, although Rangers have also been given a tough test against Benfica or Toulouse.

There is a lot of European history between Liverpool and Milan, with the two giants facing each other twice in the Champions League final in 2005 and 2007.

Liverpool famously came from 3-0 down to beat the Italians in Istanbul in 2005, before the Rosseneri took revenge two years later to win 2-1.

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Full simulated Europa League draw from SunSport

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The pair most recently met in the 2021 Champions League, with Liverpool winning the second round 5-3 on aggregate.

Elsewhere in our simulated draw, West Ham face a high-profile match against Galatasaray or Sparta Prague, who won at Manchester United this season.

Liverpool teenager and son of ex-Premier League star finding his own way in the game as he shares a sweet moment with Rob Edwards

Brighton also has an exciting European adventure in store, with Rome or Rotterdam the next destination for traveling seagulls.

Roberto De Zerbi's side have already achieved results this season at Ajax, Marseille and AEK Athens and could cherish their chances despite the pedigree of Roma and Feyenoord, who met in the 2022 Europa Conference League final.

Marseille finished second in their group behind Brighton and were given a feared draw against Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen – as long as they beat Shakhtar Donetsk.

Elsewhere, Atalanta will face Sporting Lisbon or Young Boys, while Villarreal will play Braga or Qarabag.

Slavia Prague versus Lens of Freiburg completes SunSport's simulated draw.

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When is the Europa League draw? Liverpool and West Ham learn last-16 opponents

Jeffrey Bailey — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 20:34:35 +0000

THE draw for the Europa League last 16 takes place this week – and there are some big names at stake.

Liverpool, West Ham, Brighton and Rangers are among the clubs who have already secured their places in the knockout stages after finishing top of their respective groups.

Liverpool have already secured a place in the last sixteen of the Europa LeagueCredit: GETTY

The eight group winners from this season's Europa League automatically qualify for the last sixteen.

The runners-up will face the eight teams who finished third in their respective Champions League group in a two-legged play-off round.

The winners of the play-off matches will be in the hat for the last sixteen together with the Europa League group champions.

When is the draw for the last 16 of the Europa League?

The draw for the last 16 of the Europa League will take place on Friday, February 23.
The draw starts at 11am GMT.
It will take place at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.

On which TV channel will the Europa League last 16 draw be made and can it be streamed live for FREE?

The Europa League last 16 draw can be viewed for FREE UEFA.com.
TNT Sports 2 will also broadcast the draw, with TNT Sports customers able to stream live via the Discovery+ app.
Alternatively, you can follow SunSport's live blog for the latest news from the Switzerland draw.

Which teams will play in the Europa League play-offs?

Here are all the teams competing to secure a place in the last 16 of the Europa League:

*The results of the first leg in brackets, the second leg takes place on Thursday:

Feyenoord (1) vs Roma (1)
Galatasaray (3) vs Sparta Prague (2)
Shakhtar Donetsk (2) v Marseille (2)
Young boys (1) vs Sporting Lisbon (3)
Benfica (2) vs Toulouse (1)
Lens (0) vs Freiburg (0)
AC Milan (3) vs Rennes (0)
Braga (2) vs Qarabag (4)

Which teams have already secured their place in the last 16 of the Europa League?

Here are all the teams already in the hat:

Liverpool
West Ham
Brighton
Atalanta
Leverkusen
Rangers
Villarreal
Slavia Prague

When will the Europa League last 16 take place and what is the format of the matches?

Draws will take place over two legs, with the group winners at home in the second leg.
The first stages are scheduled for March 7, with the second stages a week later on March 14.
No away goals count after 180 minutes. Penalties will be taken if the teams cannot be separated after another 30 minutes.

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Pakistani Rangers violate ceasefire and open unprovoked fire on BSF post along IB in Jammu

Sabir Ansary — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 16:57:27 +0000

BSF troops gave a befitting response to the cross-border firing by Pakistani Rangers, which started around 5:50 PM and lasted for over 20 minutes along the International Border (IB) in Jammu.

File photo (PTI)

Jammu News: Pakistan Rangers on Wednesday violated the bilateral ceasefire agreement when they resorted to unprovoked firing at a Border Security Force (BSF) post along the international border in the Jammu region. According to defense officials, BSF troops gave a befitting response to the cross-border firing that started around 5.50 pm and lasted for over 20 minutes.

“BSF personnel manning the Makwal border post retaliated befittingly for the firing from across the border, with the exchange lasting over 20 minutes starting at 5:50 p.m.,” they said, adding that there were no casualties or damage to the Indian side were inflicted by the Pakistani fire.

According to officials, the situation is being monitored by a senior officer and security personnel deployed along the international border have been asked to remain alert.

Notably, the ceasefire violation comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the erstwhile state. Prime Minister Modi will visit the Union Territory on February 20 and will also hold a public meeting in Jammu during his visit.

Last year, on the intervening night of November 8-9, a BSF jawan was killed when Pakistan Rangers fired in the Ramgarh sector of Samba district – the first death on this side since February 25, 2021, when a renewed ceasefire the fire was agreed upon by the two countries.

Earlier on October 26, two BSF personnel and a woman were injured in cross-border firing in Arnia sector of Jammu, while another BSF jawan was injured in a similar incident on October 17.

PM Modi inaugurates AIIMS and holds meeting during JK visit

The Jammu and Kashmir government has been gearing up for the Prime Minister's visit and security has been beefed up in the erstwhile state in view of his public meeting in Jammu.

During his visit, the Prime Minister will inaugurate several projects and inaugurate the AIIMS hospital and flyovers, Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina said on Wednesday.

“There is good news for the people of Jammu and Kashmir that Prime Minister Modi will address the audience at the Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu on February 20 at 11 am. The people of Jammu and Kashmir love Prime Minister Modi. Modi Saheb brought peace and prosperity to Jammu and Kashmir. Whether it is a village or city, development is taking place everywhere. On February 20, the people of JK will come in large numbers to support the Prime Minister,” Raina told news agency ANI.

(With input from agencies)

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Prince Harry ‘was warned about rapes and human rights atrocities in Africa carried out by rangers at charity months before he was promoted to its board of directors’

Sabir Ansary — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 18:01:22 +0000

Prince Harry was warned about ‘vicious’ rapes and human rights abuses allegedly committed by rangers employed by a charity months before he was promoted to its board of directors, it is reported.

The Duke of Sussex was sent shocking testimony of crimes against Baka tribes people in the Republic of Congo while serving as president of African Parks, a conservation charity based in South Africa.

The royal was asked by Survival International, which fights for the rights of indigenous peoples, to use his ‘influence and position to stop these abuses being committed’ in a letter sent to both him and Meghan Markle in May last year.

Harry responded to say he had ‘escalated’ the concerns raised by Survival International to the CEO and chairman of African Parks, claiming they would be the ‘appropriate people to handle next steps’.

Since then he has been promoted to its governing board of directors – a move that may have been taken by the Duke in a bid to address the problem himself given his previous role of President was largely ceremonial.

However, it has also sparked outrage from Survival International and prompted calls for him to quit in support of the alleged victims of rapes, torture and beatings.

Prince Harry was the president of African Parks for six years until moving to the governing board of directors last year

African Parks rangers in the Kokoua National Park have been accused of widespread rights violations against the indigenous Baka people

Fiore Longo, campaign director at Survival International, claimed her charity sent the Duke a letter outlining the horrific allegations on May 31, 2023, months before he joined the African Parks board of directors.

The claims, which were also reported by The Mail on Sunday, included allegations of park rangers raping a young mother while she held her two-month-old baby, and another sex attack on an 18-year-old boy.

She told Newsweek: ‘The level of atrocities we were documenting was such that we decided to approach Prince Harry directly and we wrote a letter at the end of May.

‘He [Harry] replied just right after on 12 June telling us that he will escalate this to the CEO of African Parks, who then contacted us basically asking us to do his job, asking us for more details.’

In the letter sent to the Duke, which has been seen by MailOnline, Survival International said they chose to alert him because of his role as president of African Parks and his ‘shared commitment to oppose racism and injustice’.

The allegations, which also include beatings and torture by some guards employed by African Parks, centre on the treatment of the Baka, an indigenous group of hunter-gatherers who historically used the area that is now the Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo for food.

The letter, which was penned by Ms Longo, includes accusations of rangers evicting the Baka from their land ‘forcing them into starvation’ and torturing those who tried to return.

It also includes specific accusations of rape and abuse, such as men having ‘scalding hot wax’ poured on their backs and having their heads held underwater.

Harry was also allegedly sent a video recording of a man from the indigenous group talking about how he had been treated by African Parks rangers.

Bernard Mingo, left, and Victor Mayanga, alleged that they were beaten and handcuffed by African Parks rangers in the northern Republic of Congo

Odzala-Kokoua National Park is home to more than 400 bird species, 110 types of mammal and at least 4,400 plant varieties

Prince Harry was the charity’s president for six years until being elevated to the governing board of directors

Ms Longo told Newsweek she was ‘positive’ after getting a quick response as ‘he [Harry] seems like he really cares about the issue and he was worried’.

However, she said she was ‘shocked’ to find months later that the Duke had joined its board of directors.

She told the publication: ‘Before he had an honorary title, it was more symbolic. I watched the Netflix series and thought he will care about the Baka because he’s so outspoken on racism and things that until now were not being said in the royal family

‘So I was positive and we thought that he was going to do something. If he says something that can make a difference, but then when he joined the board of directors, that is the legal representative body it has the governance of the organisation.

‘That’s when we thought ‘why is he joining the board of an organisation that we have just told him has human-rights abuses and which the CEO hasn’t been very helpful.’ It was then that we thought, ‘We would need to go public’.’

Harry, who has said Africa is the place ‘where I feel more like myself than anywhere else in the world’, announced his appointment as president of the charity seven years ago while guest-editing BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. His involvement began with a trip to Malawi to assist an elephant project in 2016 and his role changed last autumn when he joined the charity’s board of directors.

‘What I see in the African Parks model is exactly what conservation should be about – putting people at the heart of the solution,’ he said in 2020. ‘Conservation can only be sustained when people living closest to nature are invested in its preservation.’

Harry has previously made it clear that he escalated Survival International’s concerns to the CEO and chairman of the board of African Parks as soon as he became aware of them.

A spokesman for Prince Harry’s foundation, Archewell, said: ‘When the Duke became aware of these serious allegations, he immediately escalated them to the CEO and chairman of the board of African Parks, the appropriate people to handle next steps.’

Survival International has urged Harry to quit the conservation charity, which he joined six years ago as president before joining the board of directors last year.

African Parks, which manages national parks in 12 African countries through government partnerships, has been confronted by first-hand testimonies that the Baka an indigenous people have been subjected to disturbing intimidation.

It is claimed they have been stopped from entering forests where they have foraged, fished, hunted and found medicine for millennia.

Caroline Pearce, director of Survival International, said: ‘What The Mail on Sunday investigation has exposed is horrific. African Parks rangers are accused of brutalising the Baka people and enforcing theft of their rainforest.’

She said it was scandalous that such atrocities were committed while travel firms flew wealthy tourists into the area for gorilla-spotting safaris.

Ms Pearce urged Harry to distance himself from the charity which she claims is complicit in ‘heinous abuse’ of innocent people.

African Parks rangers have been accused of widespread human rights abuses in the Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo

Ella Ene recounted her terrifying ordeal to our reporter Ian Birrell

Mail reporter Ian Birrell with Justin Zoa, who told of being brutally whipped, during his investigation

‘As someone who has taken a high-profile stand against racism, the prince could help to bring about real change for indigenous people,’ she said.’

The Baka live in Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo, which has been managed by African Parks since 2010 – when it signed a 25-year deal with the government.

The charity is funded by the EU, the US government and wealthy philanthropists, including a Swiss billionaire who is part of the consortium which owns Chelsea Football Club. It has also received British aid for other areas of Africa.

Ms Pearce says that similar suffering, deprivation and destruction of traditional communities is being caused by other conservation bodies across Africa and Asia.

Survival International wrote in its letter to Prince Harry last May about ‘violent intimidation and torture’ that had taken place, including the rape of a young mother by a guard.

The man was dismissed, jailed and ordered to pay his victim about £1,300 in compensation. She claims she has only received about £500.

The MoS has also found first-hand testimonies of atrocities inflicted on the Baka, an indigenous people once known as pygmies, to stop them entering forests where they have foraged, fished, hunted and found medicines for millennia.

One man, who claims his head was forced under water while his hands were cuffed and his back whipped repeatedly with a belt, said: ‘Some guards are bad people and their activities should be stopped. What they are doing is cruel and inhumane.’

Reporter Ian Birrell with two Baka men who say they were beaten

A community activist told the MoS a Baka man died after being beaten and jailed without getting treatment for his injuries. One woman told of being raped by an armed guard while clinging to her newborn baby. And a teenage boy claimed he was groomed for paid sex by another guard. There are claims that medical staff were subjected to intimidation to cover up abuse.

One Baka man who says he witnessed a brutal attack by African Parks guards told the MoS that he wished Harry would use his power to intervene in order to ‘stop the pain and suffering caused to our community’.

On Saturday, African Parks said it has a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy for any form of abuse and is ‘committed to upholding the rights of local and indigenous people’.

It said: ‘Allegations of misconduct are thoroughly investigated and acted on, and all of our parks are managed with a central philosophy of awareness, sensitivity and commitment to upholding the rights of local people.

‘We are aware of the serious allegations regarding human rights abuses by eco-guards against local people living adjacent to Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo, which have recently received media attention.

‘We became aware of these allegations last year via a Board Member who received a letter from Survival International.

‘We immediately launched an investigation through an external law firm based on the information we had available, while also urging Survival International to provide any and all facts they had. It’s unfortunate that they have chosen not to cooperate, despite repeated requests, and we continue to ask for their assistance.

‘This is an active, ongoing investigation that is our highest priority as an organisation, and we encourage anyone with knowledge of any abuses to report them to us or to the Congolese law enforcement authorities which will assist with the investigation and ensure that the perpetrators of any abuses are brought to justice.’

The charity also accused Survival International of refusing to co-operate with its inquiries.

Survival International has since posted a rebuttal on its website, saying it told African Parks in 2013 and 2014, before publishing a report on the allegations in 2017.

It said: ‘African Parks admitted to Survival as long ago as 2014 that they knew about abuse, and have even admitted to knowing details of specific cases we have raised.

‘They have immense resources to find out what they need to know – and the responsibility to do so, as managers of the park and employer of the rangers.

‘They already know enough, and have known it for long enough, to make clear that these are not isolated incidents, but a systemic problem for which they bear responsibility.’

MailOnline has contacted African Parks and representatives of Prince Harry and Survival International for further comment.

Colonel Theodore Golo, a former army officer who spent almost two years as the area’s top government official, said: ‘There are a lot of problems with the guards.’

He added: ‘Indigenous people are the best keepers of the forest and fauna. They know everything about the forest. They keep it better than we do and better than foreigners.’

The Mail on Sunday investigation highlights ongoing tensions between conservation groups and indigenous peoples in Africa and Asia.

While indigenous people care for forests, armed militia run by organisations are battling to save the natural world from miners, poachers and loggers.

‘I was pushed under water and beaten’: Revelations from Mail’s investigation in Congo jungle

During a foraging and hunting trip one morning, four friends agreed to split up.

Two of them headed into the rainforest to search for food, while the others stayed at their camp.

But soon after leaving, the hunters heard a gunshot and rushed back to find their friends in handcuffs and surrounded by six African Parks guards.

All four were then chained together and left there all day, while they watched the guards devour the honey they had collected. They were occasionally beaten or lashed with belts.

‘We spent the night like that,’ said Bernard Mingo. ‘Then, at about 5am, we were told it was time for our ‘baptism’.’ The captives were taken to a river and their heads pushed into water as the armed guards whipped them with belts. ‘It seemed to last a long time,’ said Bernard. ‘I was hit on the ear and could not hear from it for about four days.’

Fellow victim Victor Mayanga said: ‘The pain lasted for many days. It felt like we were being treated like thieves in our own forest.’

Bernard said: ‘African Parks can be so cruel to the Baka. Why should our people be prevented from accessing the forest? It is the reason for our life. Going into the forest now feels impossible after what happened.’

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Ex-Man Utd and England star rejected return to Premier League transfer

Jeffrey Bailey — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:06:52 +0000

NOTTINGHAM FOREST have failed to bring Jack Butland back to the Premier League.

Nuno Espirito Santo called the nine-cap former England goalkeeper the perfect answer to his goalkeeping woes.

Jack Butland was denied a return to the Premier League with Nottingham ForestCredit: EPA

However, Rangers quickly rejected Forest's approach.

And they made it clear that Butland is not for sale.

The 30-year-old goalkeeper has been excellent since joining Rangers on a free transfer from Crystal Palace this summer.

Since then he has become a firm favorite with Gers fans who hate to lose their popular number 1.

Butland, who spent last season on loan at Manchester United, has kept 18 clean sheets in 36 games for Rangers this season.

His sensational form has made him a top contender for Gareth Southgate's England squad for the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium next month.

It also attracted Forest, who remain unconvinced by their current 'keeper's US international Matt Turner and Greek international Odysseas Vlachodimos.

Turner did not help his cause by making a shocking blunder in the 2-1 defeat at home to Arsenal.

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The American slipped the ball between his legs as Gabriel Jesus put the Gunners ahead.

But Santo appears to be disappointed in his pursuit of Butland.

Rangers boss Philippe Clement has issued a clear hands-off warning and made it clear that Forest are wasting their time bidding for their star performer.

Clement's side are second in the Scottish Premier League, five points behind Celtic with a game in hand.

The goalkeeper could face an England recallCredit: Getty

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2024 MLB ‘Wild-Card Era’ Franchise Rankings: Rangers break into top 10, Cubs fall out

Football star suffers sickening head injury during tough cup match while club provides health update

Share or comment on this article: Football star suffers sickening head injury during tough cup match while club provides health update

Paul Gascoigne says he is homeless, works in AA and lives in a cop’s spare room

Read more about Paul Gascoigne

Europa League draw revealed as Liverpool, Brighton and West Ham learn their fate

Europa League draw LIVE: Liverpool, West Ham & Rangers learn last-16 opponents

How they got here

Who made the Last 16?

Potential opponents of the Europa League

Europa League draw simulated with Liverpool landing an incredible glamor match

Most read in Europa League

When is the Europa League draw? Liverpool and West Ham learn last-16 opponents

When is the draw for the last 16 of the Europa League?

On which TV channel will the Europa League last 16 draw be made and can it be streamed live for FREE?

Which teams will play in the Europa League play-offs?

Most read in Europa League

Which teams have already secured their place in the last 16 of the Europa League?

When will the Europa League last 16 take place and what is the format of the matches?

Pakistani Rangers violate ceasefire and open unprovoked fire on BSF post along IB in Jammu

BSF troops gave a befitting response to the cross-border firing by Pakistani Rangers, which started around 5:50 PM and lasted for over 20 minutes along the International Border (IB) in Jammu.

PM Modi inaugurates AIIMS and holds meeting during JK visit

Prince Harry ‘was warned about rapes and human rights atrocities in Africa carried out by rangers at charity months before he was promoted to its board of directors’

‘I was pushed under water and beaten’: Revelations from Mail’s investigation in Congo jungle

Ex-Man Utd and England star rejected return to Premier League transfer