Coby Mayo, who’s torn up Triple-A pitching but didn’t swing the bat well in Orioles camp, has apologized for his comments after being optioned to the Tides again.

“It’s kind of a lose-lose going to Norfolk,” he initially complained. The next day, Mayo said, “I will be the first to tell you I didn’t do enough this spring. … I was frustrated in the moment and things were taken out of context.” As Mayo works through his frustrations, Tides fans get another up-close look at a budding star.

Local ties: Taylor Heinicke’s football career is marked by overachievement, even as an NFL backup. The former ODU quarterback’s one-year, $6.2 million extension with the Chargers is the latest evidence of his resilience.

Money line: After his school became a surprise player in the NCAA Tournament despite working with an NIL budget of $0, my friend and St. Francis of Loretto graduate Dave Pezza suggested that in addition to seedings, the bracket should include what it costs each team to procure and retain talent. Who wouldn’t like to sift through those figures?

Quick hit: The Norfolk State men are the highest-ranked 16th seed, but in Florida draw possibly the hottest team.

Legacy: As the first player to make 4,000 3-pointers while influencing a couple generations of players, the best thing you can say about Steph Curry is that he changed the game. Likewise, the worst thing you can say about Steph Curry is that he changed the game.

QB quest: The Steelers sitting by the phone as 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers plays hard to get presents a pitiful image of a proud franchise. While Rodgers also mulls a Giants deal, reportedly Pittsburgh is keeping a line open to 40-year-old Joe Flacco. What, Terry Bradshaw is no longer available?

Last year’s model: DJ Burns, the rotund star of North Carolina State’s improbable 2024 Final Four appearance, is playing in South Korea for the Goyang Sono Skygunners.

Musical chairs: Former VCU coach Will Wade will be N.C. State’s new program-builder. Meanwhile, current Rams leader Ryan Odom, along with VCU legend and Marquette coach Shaka Smart, are mentioned for the Virginia job. VCU: the Cradle of Coaches.

By the way: Unlike with the men’s draw, don’t expect surprises from the top-heavy women’s game.

Owning the stage: At 72, Rick Pitino, who’s brought St. John’s back to prominence, still turns the sideline into his personal catwalk.

Inevitability: During a tournament that features AARP icons like Pitino, Bruce Pearl, Tom Izzo, Rick Barnes and Kelvin Sampson, media will be unable to resist godding up the coaches. I wish they wouldn’t.

Flashback: I can remember a time when the NCAA Tournament didn’t introduce some of the best players to the nation. We already knew their names and games. But then, I’m quite old.

Age gauge: Though both are unanimous All-Americans, the career trajectories of Auburn’s Johni Broome and Duke’s Cooper Flagg couldn’t be more different. SI’s Pat Forde points out that Broome — a fifth-year senior — played his first college game when freshman Flagg was 13.

Career change: At 31, outfielder Joey Gallo says he’s going to give pitching a shot. His .161 batting average last year with the Nationals suggests he’s making the right move.