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"Sports Quote of the Day"

"Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in." ~ Bill Bradley, Former Professional Basketball Player and Politician

TRENDING: Blackhawks officially clinch playoff berth for ninth straight season. (See the hockey section for Blackhawks updates and NHL news).

TRENDING: Former Bulls GM Jerry Krause, architect of the six championship dynasty dies at age 77. (See the basketball section for Bulls news and NBA updates).

TRENDING: Ranking the Sweet 16 games. (See the NCAABKB section for collegiate basketball news, scores and tournament updates).

TRENDING: Love it or hate it, Pace building Bears the right way. (See the football section for Bears news and NFL updates).

TRENDING: Is NASCAR returning to the Wild West in terms of justice? (See the NASCAR section for NASCAR news and racing updates).

How 'bout them Chicago Blackhawks? Not this time: Blackhawks come up short in comeback vs. Canucks.

By Tracey Myers

(Photo/csnchicago.com)

Stop us if you've heard this before: Blackhawks play mediocre for about 40-plus minutes, pull their heads out of the sand the final 10 to 15 minutes, erase a multi-goal lead and come back to win.

Well, in this one it was an overtime loss, but they'll take the point with how it started.

Ryan Hartman scored twice, his second tying the game with 1:03 remaining in regulation, but Daniel Sedin scored the winner and the Vancouver Canucks took a 5-4 overtime victory over the Blackhawks on Tuesday night. With the Minnesota Wild beating the San Jose Sharks, the Blackhawks' lead in the Western Conference and Central Division is now six points.

Scott Darling, in after Corey Crawford was pulled early in the third, was frustrated at the end. He felt Henrik Sedin, in front on Daniel's shot, interfered with him. The league reviewed and ruled "no goaltender interference infractions occurred before the puck crossed the goal line," allowing the goal.

"I know I got bumped," Darling said. "I'm not talking about when he hit my head, I'm talking about when I tried to move my blocker over. It slowed me down, the puck is in the net. He's six inches inside the crease. I know the rules. It was a bad call."

Overall, however, coach Joel Quenneville didn't consider this the same game as Sunday's vs. Colorado. He liked what the Blackhawks did overall, adding, "we didn’t give up much."

"Usually that's how I measure our team," he continued. "We had the puck a lot, and they cashed in on their opportunities, which were few. Then we're chasing the game. But I thought we made a good attempt on a really good third period. When you look at what we gave up, you'll win more than 90 percent of your games."

The Canucks took a 4-1 lead early in the third when Brandon Sutter scored his second goal of the game. Crawford was out after giving up four goals on 10 shots.

"They didn't give Corey any help," Darling said. "They didn't have too many shots, but all those goals were A-plus chances."

Regardless, the Blackhawks started responding with goals. Marian Hossa added his 23rd of the season, the Blackhawks' second power-play goal of the night, early in the third, and Richard Panik added his 20th of the season about three minutes later. Then Hartman came with the equalizer.

"We didn't bury some of our chances when we could've and they did. We fell behind but once again, no quit in our team," Hartman said. "It's tough we didn't get the extra point, but we got it to OT so we have to look at that in a good way."

Quenneville didn't mind this deficit as much as he did the Sunday deficit. Still, it was the second time the Blackhawks had to climb back in a game, and they'd rather avoid that going forward.

"It's not easy," Hossa said. "It's nice we can come back against some teams. At least we get a point. But we shouldn't let teams get too many goals ahead of us."

Quick hits from Blackhawks-Canucks: Ryan Hartman shines.

By Tracey Myers

(Photo/csnchicago.com)

We're just going to get to it tonight. It's basically Sunday's game except the Blackhawks got one point instead of two. Or is it? Read on and you'll see what we're talking about in the notables from the Blackhawks' 5-4 overtime loss to Vancouver.

What Worked: Another third-period comeback. Again, the Blackhawks don't want to get into this habit but for the second consecutive game those final 20 minutes – make that 20-plus minutes on Tuesday – were pretty exciting. The Blackhawks started getting better scoring opportunities late in the second period but they started punching them in in the third to take a point.

What Didn't Work: Defense and goaltending. Well, maybe it was just goaltending. Coach Joel Quenneville said several times following this one that he was fine with the overall game. Good puck possession on the Blackhawks' end and not much given up. Chalk it up to Corey Crawford having a tough one then, allowing four goals on 10 shots.

Star of the game: Ryan Hartman. The rookie has had a few quiet games recently but he was strong in a lot of aspects on Tuesday night. And when the Blackhawks needed the tying goal in the waning minutes of regulation, Hartman was there with it. Hartman's two goals on the night give him 19 on the season. A very nice season, indeed.

He Said It: "I don't get an argument. I know they saw the puck going in and saw my head bumping him but that's not what I was mad about. They slowed my ability to play goalie, and we lost the game because of it." Scott Darling on no goaltender interference being called in overtime.

By the Numbers:

7-14-3 – The Blackhawks' record this season when trailing after two periods.

56 – Points, in 56 career games, for Henrik Sedin vs. the Blackhawks. Sedin scored the Canucks' opening goal and assisted on brother Daniel's game winner in overtime.

4 – Goals on their first 10 shots for the Canucks. Corey Crawford was pulled after the fourth goal, which was early in the third period.

15 – Shots on goal for the Canucks, the fewest the Blackhawks have allowed this season. Their previous low was 20 by the Buffalo Sabres on Jan. 5 (a 4-3 Blackhawks victory).

100 – Points for the Blackhawks following Tuesday’s overtime loss. This is the fourth consecutive season they have reached at least 100 points.

Blackhawks officially clinch playoff berth for ninth straight season.

By Charlie Roumeliotis

(Photo/csnchicago.com)

For the ninth consecutive season, the Blackhawks have clinched a spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs and will have a chance to win their fourth title in eight years.

It's the third-longest active postseason streak in the NHL, behind only Pittsburgh (10) and Detroit (25). While they're still mathematically alive, the Red Wings' historic streak is likely to end while the reigning champion Penguins should extend theirs to 11 any day now.

After rallying to beat the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday night, the Blackhawks increased their Central Division lead over the Minnesota Wild to seven points, and are also in great position to own home-ice advantage in the Western Conference.

The Blackhawks are 17-3-0 in their last 20 games, and have won five straight. They have 10 games remaining in the regular season, which wraps up April 8. The playoffs begin Wednesday, April 12.

Tanner Kero’s consistency leads to longer stay with Blackhawks.

By Tracey Myers

(Photo/csnchicago.com)

When you're an in-season call-up you know your stay is always up in the air. Maybe you were called up because someone else is hurt and once that player returns to the lineup, you'll probably return to the minors. Or you were called up to give the team a boost, offensively or defensively, and if you don't do it you'll be reassigned.

Tanner Kero is familiar with the scenarios and the uncertainties. When he was recalled for an injured Artem Anisimov just before Christmas, Kero approached it the same way he did when he joined the Blackhawks last season. That was a brief stay. This has become a long-term one.

Kero played in his 37th game on Sunday, his bank-shot pass to Marcus Kruger leading to the latter's empty-net goal in the Blackhawks' 6-3 victory over the Colorado Avalanche. Kero has helped fill the bottom-six need at center, has been solid in faceoffs (he's just under 46 percent for the season) and has been part of the team's dependable youth movement this season. Kero said he's appreciated the long-term opportunity but he approaches every game as another audition.

"You're never too sure how long a call-up is going to be, for whatever the reason you're being called up is, but you want to take advantage of that opportunity and work hard every day and try to earn that spot," Kero said. "If you get that consistent ice time you just try to get better, not just be satisfied with that. You try to earn as much as you can, earn their trust and more opportunities."

Coach Joel Quenneville credits Kero with bringing a consistent game.

"He's reliable in a lot of ways," he said. "He puts himself in the right spot, down low in his own end, underneath coverage, and seems to be useful in killing penalties as well. There's more offense in his game that hopefully can come around and add to his reliability defensively. We feel he's done a good job of being a guy in the middle you can use and we like what he's brought to our team in a position where, [earlier in] the year, I don't know if he was forecast to be a regular like that. But he's become more and more reliable, or used more."

Kero doesn't take anything for granted, even though he's had a stead role this late in the regular season. That pressure is part of what fuels him. 

"That pushes you a little extra every day," he said. "You want to make sure you're doing all the little things right. You never know when the opportunity will be taken away for whatever reason. You want to take advantage of it and make the most of it."

Kero's learned a lot in his time with the Blackhawks. He's more confident in his role, more confident with the puck and knowing when to demand it, hold it or give it up. He's also getting great experience in dealing with the more intense regular-season stretch run, something he'll need if he's part of the postseason (and as of now it looks like he will be). 

"You want to play against those good teams, to play on the road and in different atmospheres and get used to it, get the confidence to play your game in those environments," Kero said. "Heading into the playoffs that's a huge thing, especially playing against teams like Minnesota who are right in the race with you. You want to trust yourself and trust you can play in that situation."

Kero has earned trust this season. What looked like a short-term stay when he first arrived has become a lengthy one. But he'll keep playing like he has to prove himself every game.

Bear Down Chicago Bears !!!!! Love it or hate it, Pace building Bears the right way.

By Andrew Link

(Photo/Chicago Bears)

As the headline would imply, this off-season has been polarizing for a number of reasons. There is this narrative, this belief that, in the NFL, teams can go from the cellar to the penthouse at break-neck speed. While history has shown some examples of this, it simply is not the case for most organizations. There are many examples of average teams that have free agent hauls which turn around its fortune in the classic “rags-to-riches” style.

Because of these worst-to-first stories that seemed to be the norm for most of the 2000’s, many fans are under the assumption that quick-turnarounds is how rebuilding should work. The truth is that all teams are different, and they all build in different ways. Some teams are great at developing and teaching. Some teams know defense, others offense. Just as every player is unique, every team has its own DNA.

The Last Gasp

The Phil Emery iteration of the Bears attempted this feat. Although the team wasn’t really in NFC North cellar when Phil Emery was hired in 2012, the Bears were coming off of an 8-8 season, with much of their Super Bowl-caliber defense still intact. Jay Cutler and Mike Martz famously had their issues, but the offense moved forward (or maybe sideways?) with Mike Tice at the helm.

Much like when Jerry Angelo was hired, Phil Emery was charged with keeping the incumbent head coach. This was the first real misstep by the Bears ownership that set the team on its current course. Why hire a GM if you are going to saddle him with a “lame-duck” head coach? The belief around town was that Lovie Smith’s tenure had run its course. It was time for a change.

In 2012, Lovie Smith was still the head coach, but he was fighting for his career. Phil Emery was the new, first-time GM of the Bears. We all knew that something had to give. With Lovie Smith no longer the loudest voice in player acquisition, Phil Emery was the man making the tough choices.

This was where the train started to derail. Emery inherited a talented, but aging defense. The bright spots on offense were starting to show some wear and tear as well. This seemed like a prime situation where the team could just re-load and plug a few holes on its way to the playoffs. A trade for Brandon Marshall here, a signing of Martellus Bennett there and Voila! All the makings of a really good football team…or so we thought.

The Dam is About to Burst

Fast-forward to 2014. Marc Trestman was clearly not an NFL head coach. Mel Tucker had led the Bears to a franchise-worst season on defense. Fan favorites and franchise staples had been jettisoned. The once-promising offense completely hit a wall. Aaron Kromer was crying in the locker room as he apologized to the team for throwing his quarterback under the bus. Admittedly, this team was a mess.

There we were, once again wanting to fire anyone and everyone that had anything to do with that nightmare of a season. Ownership? “Sell the team!” Front office? “Fire ‘em!” Coaching staff? “Who needs ‘em?” Players? “Aren’t those the bums that gave up back-to-back 50 point games?!?!”

Then the Bears did something a little different. There was a small but significant shift during the Emery years. Ted Phillips’ role was quietly shifted to what he does best: make money. George McCaskey, who had previously worked in the season ticket office, was now taking a more prominent role in the football operations. This is often an overlooked change as you still hear fans complain about Phillips.

George McCaskey, not being a football-whiz, decided to hire someone who was well-respected in NFL circles, Ernie Accorsi. Hiring an outside consultant was not new for the Bears. After all, that was how they found Angelo and Emery. But this was different. Ted Phillips wasn’t in charge of this search, George McCaskey was. And by all accounts, Virginia “Mama Bear” McCaskey was pissed!

During this search, two names really started to surface as potential general managers for the Bears. First was Chris Ballard, who worked in the Bears scouting department under Angelo and was a bright, young man from Kansas City. The other was Ryan Pace.
The Bears locker room culture had taken such a hit from Marc Trestman and his strange, new-age style of coaching, that this team needed a task-master. Enter John Fox and his army brat background.

I have always been lukewarm on this hire. It had that “meh” feeling about it. But when you take a step back and look at the long-term view, it made sense. John Fox didn’t need to be a great tactician and, by all accounts, he is anything but. Rather, Fox simply needed to instill a culture of hard work, toughness and character within the Bears organization. In that sense, he has done fairly well.

Brick by Brick

The first task that any new GM is faced with is evaluating the current roster. It could be argued that when Phil Emery took over in 2011, he should’ve taken the approach of getting younger players. Instead, he gambled on high-priced veterans to supplement his aging roster of former stars.

Remember what Ryan Pace said when he was hired? “The recipe to winning Super Bowls is stringing successful drafts together again and again. We are not just collecting athletes. We are acquiring football players that fit the Chicago Bears. There will be a major emphasis on character, toughness, instincts and intelligence. Guys, it’s all about winning games and that’s what I’m here to do. Every decision we make goes back to what’s best for this organization. It’s as simple as that.”

Translation: We need time to stack good draft classes on top of one another.

When you look at historically successful franchises, or even ones that have recently begun to shine, there is one thing that they all have in common: A core of young, cost-controlled talent which was acquired through the NFL Draft.

Take a look at the most successful franchises and you see a pattern. The Patriots, Packers, Seahawks, Steelers and Ravens are five of the top six teams in winning percentage since 2010. All of those teams are heavily draft-driven and tend to hang on to their young talent.

The standout of the top six is the Broncos. Clearly, they were the beneficiary of Peyton Manning, DeMarcus Ware, Aqib Talib and TJ Ward, among others. However, the bulk of the team was still drafted by Denver, which is the right way to do it. Strike when you have a talented roster, and use free agency as a supplement to your team.

The moral of the story is this: The Bears need to be built through the draft to maintain sustained success. That has been proven time and time again.

So how do you get to that point? The obvious answer is to draft well. But that is an overly simple way to look at it. You have to get your cap in order (Briggs, Tillman, Forte). You have to get your locker room in order (Marshall, Bennett). You have to scour other team’s Practice Squads and the Waiver Wire (LeBlanc, Shaw, Jones-Quartey). You need to find diamonds in the rough (Callahan, Leno Jr.).

If you want a new building where an old one stands, you have to tear down the old building first. Unlike bricks, NFL players have contracts. Sometimes it does more harm than good to terminate a player’s contract in one season versus another season. This is why a guy like Lamarr Houston is still on the roster. It would’ve cost more to cut him than keep him in 2016, but 2017 is a different story. It would save slightly more than $5M to the salary cap.

I think that we are all in agreement that that the old building has been demolished and the new building is under construction. If you are hell-bent on building a team through the draft, which I personally believe is the correct way to do it, then you don’t blow your money on high-priced free agents.

Not-So-Free Agency

There was a lot of hand-wringing over the recent free agency period. The Bears were linked to several big-name targets and landed, well, none of them. Heck, they even lost their own big-name free agent! As optimistic as I am, I will admit that I was bummed. When I got home on March 9, I poured a glass of bourbon, sat on the couch and reflected on this disaster.

The next day, I felt a little better about what had transpired. We will probably never know exactly what the plan was, but I am pretty confident in saying that what happened was not necessarily Plan A. I am also confident in saying that it was not viewed as a failure at Halas Hall either.

When I took a step back and looked at the big picture, I understood it. I thought about what Ryan Pace has said all along. He never lied to us. He never said this was a quick-fix. He said it in plain and simple English: The Bears will be re-built through the draft and we will supplement the roster with free agents.

So, the Bears didn’t land Stephon Gilmore or A.J. Bouye or Ricky Wagner. The bigger question is, how would those contracts affect the future of the organization when they already have a young, talented core? Do they prevent you from extending your own players? Do they block you from playing a promising young player? Do they prevent you from drafting a certain position?

The Bears roster isn’t a finished product yet. It is still very much under-construction. It takes time to build through the draft and we, as fans, have little patience. But patience is exactly that is required to get through this process with your mental health intact. I, for one, am going to sit back and enjoy the ride. It has worked out pretty well for a couple of other teams in town. Let’s enjoy watching these young players grow and know that things are moving in the right direction, even if you don’t see it in the win column yet.

This free agency period is not an epic failure on the part of the GM. This is how you build a team the right way.

Note: The post Love it or hate it, Pace building Bears the right way appeared first on Cover32.

Bears announce key offseason dates.

By Larry Mayer

(Photo/chicagobears.com)

The Bears on Tuesday announced a list of important offseason dates.

They'll begin their offseason program on Tuesday, April 18, and hold their rookie minicamp Friday through Sunday, May 12-14, two weeks after the April 27-29 NFL Draft.

The Bears will conduct 10 organized team activity (OTA) practices, including three that are open to the media on consecutive Tuesdays May 23, May 30 and June 6. The club will conclude its offseason program with a full-squad minicamp Tuesday through Thursday, June 13-15. The OTAs and minicamps are held at Halas Hall and are not open to the public.

In addition, the Bears will announce the rookie and veteran winners of the prestigious Brian Piccolo Awards on Tuesday, April 25 at Halas Hall and host the Bears Care Gala in the United Club at Soldier Field on Saturday, May 20.

Just Another Chicago Bulls Session..... Former Bulls GM Jerry Krause dies at age 77.

By CSN Staff

(Photo/csnchicago.com)

The architect of the Bulls' championship teams from the 1990's has passed away.

According to the Chicago Tribune, longtime Bulls general manager Jerry Krause died at the age of 77 on Tuesday afternoon.

Krause succeeded Rod Thorn as the GM of the Bulls in 1985 and was an instrumental figure in building both Bulls' three-peat championship runs from 1991-93 and 1996-98 with Hall of Famers Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Phil Jackson.

"Jerry was key figure in Bulls' dynasty and meant so much to the Bulls, White Sox and City of Chicago. My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Thelma, his family and friends," Jordan said in a statement to the Chicago Tribune.

Krause was a two-time recipient of the NBA's Executive of the Year award during his time with the Bulls.

Krause retired as GM of the Bulls in 2003. He served as a scout with the New York Yankees and New York Mets before rejoining the White Sox as a scout in 2010 (a position he held in the 1970s and 80s). Most recently, Krause was appointed special assistant in the Arizona Diamondbacks scouting department in 2011.

Krause is currently a finalist for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

Bulls collapse in Toronto, fall in overtime to Raptors.

By #BullsTalk

(Photo/csnchicago.com)

The Toronto Raptors fought and scrapped their way to their first victory over the Chicago Bulls in years.

DeMar DeRozan led the way.

DeRozan had 42 points, and the Raptors snapped an 11-game losing streak against the Bulls by rallying for a wild 122-120 overtime win on Tuesday night.

"You don't want to have something lingering like that and go a couple of seasons where you can't beat a team," DeRozan said. "When you're a competitor, just to have that in the back of your mind, it sucks."

DeRozan set a franchise record with 38 shot attempts, making 17, and also finished with eight assists. Cory Joseph had 19 points for the Raptors, and Serge Ibaka scored 16 before he was ejected for his role in a memorable fight with Robin Lopez during the third quarter.

Jimmy Butler had 37 points, 10 rebounds and six assists for the Bulls, and Rajon Rondo scored a season-high 24. It was Chicago's first loss to Toronto since Dec. 31, 2013.

Following a Butler 3-pointer with 3:58 remaining in the third quarter, giving Chicago a 16-point lead, Lopez swatted the ball out of the hand of Ibaka. The two squared up in the middle of a crowd and Lopez swung and missed Ibaka, who returned in kind, barely connecting with the head of the center.

Lopez and Ibaka were ejected following a long review period. Chicago forward Nikola Mirotic and Raptors assistant coach Jamaal Magloire received offsetting technical fouls after getting into a shoving match following the melee.

With Lopez throwing the first punch, Ibaka said he was simply trying to defend himself.

"I'm not just going to be out there and watch a man like him punch me and walk away," he said after his fourth career ejection.

Lopez was ejected for the sixth time in his career. He said he expects to be suspended for the fight.

"I think it was a really physical game, physical game for everybody," he said. "Just kind of hit the flashpoint."

The Bulls opened a 109-94 lead on Paul Zipser's 3-pointer with 6:39 left in the fourth. But the Raptors responded with a 15-0 run, tying the game on Joseph's layup with 1:50 remaining.

"They were the aggressors on both sides of the floor, getting layups on one end and stops on the other," Butler said. "Hell, that's how we were playing for the majority of the game. Whenever you're playing like that, the game turns quickly."

Toronto grabbed the lead for the first time on a turnaround jumper from DeRozan with 1:23 to play in overtime.

Denzel Valentine missed a 3-point attempt on Chicago's next possession and Patrick Patterson had a tip-in layup to make it 119-115 Toronto with 44.7 seconds remaining.

The Raptors lead the NBA with 18 comeback victories after trailing by 10-or-more points.

CUBS: Why Cubs love the idea of Kyle Schwarber creating havoc as their leadoff guy.

By Patrick Mooney

(Photo/csnchicago.com)

Kyle Schwarber became an instant attraction at Wrigley Field because he smashes baseballs and looks like the kind of dude who would crush beer cans against his forehead.

Superstitious Cubs fans can also relate to this pregame ritual that sums up Schwarber's somewhat goofy personality (show choir in high school), linebacker mentality (second-team all-Ohio) and potential to do damage as an unconventional leadoff hitter (1.178 career postseason OPS).

Sometime during —Schwarber's rookie year – his first full season in professional baseball — he began stomping on the lineup card before first pitch as a way to fire up/entertain the Cubs in the dugout.

"I have no clue what started it," Schwarber said, laughing. "I think I took it up one time and maybe I stomped on it. You know, 'Stomp on 'em,' things like that. Then it turned into being an everyday kind of thing.

"Joe (Maddon) was like: 'All right, do it every time now, because we won.' And then we kept winning."

Schwarber gave the Cubs a shot of adrenaline in 2015 and then pulled off a medical miracle last year, recovering from major reconstructive knee surgery within roughly six months, just in time to be the designated hitter against Corey Kluber, Andrew Miller and the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field.

So you did this in the dugout before Game 7 of the World Series?

"Yes, I stomped on the lineup," Schwarber said. "I don't even know how I came up with it."

First base coach Brandon Hyde — who would often bring the lineup card out to home plate for the exchange and then throw it on the ground for Schwarber — laughed and said: "The legend continues."

The Geek Department's projections verified Maddon's belief that batting Schwarber leadoff — and slotting the pitcher eighth in front of Albert Almora Jr. or Jon Jay — should generate more offense for the 2017 Cubs than the 808 runs the World Series champs scored last season.

Until that point, the Cubs had reached the 800-run mark only eight times since 1900. Maddon already designed T-shirts with the "Be Uncomfortable" theme. That's the thinking behind the opponent having to deal with Schwarber, reigning National League MVP Kris Bryant and Silver Slugger Anthony Rizzo in the first inning.

"You're not used to facing that kind of guy leading off a game," Kyle Hendricks said. "Especially as starting pitchers, we kind of feel our way into games. But, yeah, when you see him up there, you can't really do it.

"'Schwarbs' will take a cut at the first one, it doesn't really matter. I love it — being on this side."

The prototypical leadoff hitter is vanishing anyway — like the focus on batting average or acceptance of rote bullpen usage — and the Cubs obviously didn't construct a team around the idea of stolen bases.

"That's the whole point," Maddon said. "What do you want? If you have a speed guy that really is a high on-base guy that can create havoc, please, absolutely, by all means.

"If you don't, then what do (you do)? Just because somebody looks like a leadoff hitter? Or somebody thinks he profiles in a method that's just based on what you think and not necessarily what you know? I don't get it.

"I just like (Schwarber's) skill set there, and getting him up there more often, building the bottom of the lineup if we can to possibly feed him a little bit more significantly.

"But what does a leadoff hitter look like anywhere? There's not many of those high on-base percentage, base-stealing types. They just don't exist that often anymore.

"Guys don't want to run as much, because it beats their bodies up. It's not easy to be a 50-bag guy or more, because of what it does to your legs. Or if you're a headfirst guy, what it does to your ribcage, your wrist, your hands.

"You'll see on occasion guys that will go. But not to the level that we used to see with a (Lou) Brock or a (Maury) Wills or (Tim) Raines and all those guys that just went all the time."

Maddon also doesn't want Schwarber — whose less than half-a-season production projects out to 37 homers and 98 RBIs over 162 games — to be diminished in the middle of the order.

"If he's hitting fourth or fifth," Maddon said, "I don't believe he gets pitched at the same as he's going to get pitched at in front of Bryant and Rizzo. I'm really big on that. You've heard me talk about protection in the past. I thought 'Zo' (Ben Zobrist) was the only guy that could help Rizzo if you wanted to stack the guys last year.

"I just think our lineup card going to this other team — they're going to look at that. If Schwarber is kind of without a blanket, they're going to exploit not pitching to him. That's my concern."

Those pitchers might be hearing footsteps: Stomp. Stomp. Stomp.

"I don't want him to change anything," Maddon said. "His DNA is to see pitches, accept walks, work good at-bats. (So) please do not change anything. Just go up there and hit."

Mike Montgomery explains the unique pitching culture around Cubs.

By Patrick Mooney

(Photo/USA TODAY)

Mike Montgomery doesn't need a detailed job description of the hybrid role the Cubs envision or a clear idea of when the rotation might need a sixth starter. Just be ready for anything, a lesson reinforced during the 10th inning of a World Series Game 7.

"I like that better," Montgomery said Monday at the Sloan Park complex. "Don't necessarily tell me, because then I don't have time to think about it. Just throw me in there and I'm ready to go."

While Joe Maddon essentially confirmed that Brett Anderson will be the fifth starter – if healthy – the Cubs manager already trusted Montgomery enough to get the final out that ended the franchise's 108-year drought.

Anderson's projected rotation spot is mostly a reflection of his health issues and Montgomery's versatility. The change-of-scenery thing Cubs officials talk up doesn't work on anyone everywhere. Jake Arrieta is the lottery ticket that turned into a Cy Young Award winner. 

But Montgomery is seen as a pet project for Theo Epstein's front office and the pitching infrastructure built by coaches Chris Bosio, Mike Borzello and Lester Strode. 

"There's just a culture," Montgomery said, "especially with some of the veteran guys, that creates this pitching-friendly environment where you can learn and you can adapt. You can watch guys that are really good at what they do. 

"You combine that with the information and the scouting reports and talking to the video guys and working with the pitching coach. Obviously, with your mechanics, getting them squared away is important. But I think understanding who you're facing, what they like to hit (is also important). 

"The whole chess match part of the game – it's helped me a lot. It was being out there without a plan and just kind of winging it – and now (it's) putting a plan together.

"That's what these guys do so well. They just have a really good game plan and they execute it better than just about anybody in the game." 

Developing pitching talent at the major-league level is particularly important when the farm system hasn't felt a trickle-down effect yet and the scouting department has prioritized hitters at the top of the draft. 

Not that Montgomery is taking it for granted, but this is the first time he has reported to camp with his spot on the Opening Day roster already penciled into the team's plans. 

Not being on the bubble gives Montgomery the luxury to work on things, focus more on his craft and study how Jon Lester uses certain bullpen sessions to hone his fastball, down and in, down and away, up and in, over and over again.

"I love watching Jonny pitch," Montgomery said. "Being a lefty, too, it's just how consistent he is and how he can execute his fastball when he needs to or make a big pitch. It's kind of looking at them and saying: ‘OK, how can I get to that level?'

"It's cool to be in an environment like that. It really just breeds success for other guys that maybe mechanically aren't there yet, but they have the stuff. Once I get the mechanics down, then you take it to the next level of game-planning."

That's where Kyle Hendricks applied his Ivy League education, using sequencing, pinpoint control and sharp movement to overpower hitters and lead the majors with a 2.13 ERA last season.

"He's got a great memory," Montgomery said. "He can go out there and it's like he's got those reports on the hitters stuck in his head. For me, I've used it as more of a rough guideline if I need to fall back on something or I don't know where to turn in a certain situation.

"It just kind of gives you that safety blanket. You get in a tight spot, you take your chances on what you think is the best pitch. Having that information to begin with is huge."

Epstein compared Montgomery's career arc to Andrew Miller's when the Cubs made the Dan Vogelbach trade with the Seattle Mariners. Montgomery checked so many boxes, from age (27) to size (6-foot-5) to first-round pedigree (36th overall in 2008) and controllability (through 2021). 

After bouncing around the minors for the Kansas City Royals and Tampa Bay Rays – and the biggest moment of his life – Montgomery will still be a Cubs Way test case.

"We think we're getting him at the right time," Epstein said last summer. "He's certainly not a household name. But we think he's got a chance to take off and maybe be the type of guy that a year from now you couldn't get in a deal of this size. 

"If you wait until they're fully established, sometimes the price tag is so high that they're virtually impossible to acquire. But if your scouts do a good job of identifying the guys who are trending in the right direction – and you're willing to take a shot – sometimes there's a big payoff at the end."

Brett Anderson looks like obvious fifth starter in Cubs rotation.

By Patrick Mooney

(Photo/USA TODAY)

It would be unfair and unrealistic to expect Brett Anderson to be on call in the bullpen. Getting loose and warmed up in a hurry is a difficult ask for a guy who's already undergone two surgical procedures on his lower back and working with no sense of routine as a reliever. 

That's why the Cubs project Anderson as their fifth starter over Mike Montgomery, a low-maintenance lefty who has real experience as a swingman and the type of easy-going personality that would accept whatever the bosses ultimately decide.  

"It would be more difficult, there's no question," manager Joe Maddon said Monday. "I can't deny that. If you look at the makeup of the player, the pitchers themselves, it's pretty obvious that the one guy is more suited to start and the other guy is more of a hybrid, absolutely.

"We wanted to give it a fair look all camp – and we've been doing that. We're getting close to having to make that final decision."     

Another obvious variable is health, given that Anderson's a Tommy John survivor who's been on the disabled list nine times since 2010. His workload can't escalate from three starts with the Los Angeles Dodgers last year to 200 innings with the defending World Series champs.

But with less than two weeks until Opening Night, the Cubs aren't planning on a six-man rotation.  

"At least from the beginning, we'll pick one guy to be a starter, the other guy to be a bullpen guy," Maddon said. "We should be proactive, if possible, with when we want to interject the sixth guy, so that we're able to stretch him out in time. If you get too far away from spring training, then that guy is going to lose those innings."

While the Cubs remain intrigued with Montgomery's upside and potential to be a mainstay in the 2018 rotation and beyond, Anderson has made 115 starts in his big-league career and shown that he could thrive as a groundball pitcher working with the best defense in baseball behind him.   

"They are equal," Maddon said. "They're really good. Anderson's had more history. You've heard what I said about Montgomery – I really think this guy is capable of 10 to 15 wins if he's given an opportunity. And I like Anderson possibly being a No. 2 (starter). It's a really nice problem to have.

"Once we make up our mind, you're going to see each guy settle into their role."

WHITE SOX: Bo Jackson: 'Big change' in White Sox clubhouse atmosphere this spring.

By Dan Hayes

(Photo/csnchicago.com)

There's a noticeable difference to the White Sox clubhouse atmosphere this spring and Bo Jackson feels it.

Making his annual visit to White Sox camp, the former outfielder and legendary two-sport star said Monday morning that he detects a different energy under manager Rick Renteria. While part of the changing atmospheric conditions are a byproduct of the team's youth movement, there's little doubt Renteria's upbeat, energetic style has had an impact. Jackson likes the feel he has sensed when addressing the room earlier this week.

"I've noticed a big change," Jackson said. "And not saying that the past people that were here didn't do a good job, because they did. But this spring, players have a little more hop in their step. They are smiling more and they are talking more and they are having a good time. That's always a positive.

"It's always a positive when you are on a baseball team that wants to win."

A community relations representative for the club, Jackson addresses the clubhouse each spring. He said he noticed the change because of the way players have interacted with each other in the clubhouse. Part of it could stem from a new voice after five seasons under Jackson's former teammate Robin Ventura. 

"I noticed it right off the bat," Jackson said. "The guys, you know, it's almost like you get tired of doing the same old thing every year and they are trying to do something different and they are having fun doing it different.

"There's a whole lot more conversation that's going on around here. Guys are hanging around the clubhouse longer. They are sitting and talking at lunch and breakfast and so forth. That is a positive thing. Nothing can come out of that but positive."

Tim Anderson, White Sox reach agreement on contract extension.

By Dan Hayes

(Photo/csnchicago.com)

The White Sox are so confident in Tim Anderson they've given him the largest contract ever for a player with less than one year of service time.

Designated a key cog in the club's rebuild, the second-year shortstop could remain with the White Sox through 2024 after he signed a contract extension on Tuesday that guarantees him $25 million over six seasons and could pay out $50.5 million. The deal for Anderson, who was worth 2.8 Wins Above Replacement in 2016, according to baseball-reference.com, also includes club options for 2023 and 2024 that total $26.5 million with a $1 million buyout.

The 17th overall pick of the 2013 draft, Anderson concluded a quick rise through the White Sox farm system when he debuted on June 10th last season. Despite his limited overall experience, Anderson — who was recruited more for basketball before he was drafted out of East Central Community College — had starred at every level along the way and convinced the White Sox he was ready to take over in the majors. 

He didn't disappoint, either.

Anderson doubled to left field off Kansas City's Ian Kennedy in his first plate appearance and never slowed down. He hit .283/.306/.432 with nine home runs, 30 RBIs and 10 stolen bases in 431 plate appearances. 

Anderson also exceeded expectations defensively. Depending on which scout you talked to, Anderson had questions to answer about his glove. But he not only showed quickness and extensive range, Anderson boasted a strong arm and good hands. He produced six Defensive Runs Saved and a 6.3 Ultimate Zone Rating, according to fangraphs.com.

Anderson — who wouldn't have been arbitration eligible until at least 2020 — has been so good that general manager Rick Hahn nearly put him on the untouchable list this offseason. Having traded Chris Sale and Adam Eaton, Hahn was asked about everyone else's availability. He said he'd discuss any of his players but also suggested that Anderson and pitcher Carlos Rodon weren't available.

Anderson is set to earn $850,000 this season. He'll make $1 million in 2018, $1.4 million in 2019 and gets a bump to $4 million in 2020. In the fifth year of his deal, Anderson will make $7.25 million and he'll receive $9.5 million in 2020. The contact includes club options for $12.5 million in 2023 and $14 million in 2024 with a $1 million buyout.

In 2014, Tampa Bay's Chris Archer received $20 million guaranteed, which was previously the largest ever deal for a player with less than one year of service time, according to MLBTradeRumors.com.

It's the fifth time in four years that the White Sox have locked a young player up to a team-friendly deal. The team extended Chris Sale in 2013, Jose Quintana in 2014 and Adam Eaton in 2015. Each deal was signed during spring training. The White Sox also signed reliever Nate Jones to an extension in December 2015.

While the contracts afforded each player financial security at a young age, it also made them far more enticing to other teams when the White Sox began their rebuild in December. The trades of Sale and Eaton have stocked the White Sox farm system with more young talent than it has had since the turn of the century. With potentially four years left on his deal, Quintana continues to draw heavy interest on the trade market and it's believed a return package for the 2016 All-Star pitcher would nearly equal the gargantuan packages the White Sox got for Sale and Eaton.

Golf: I got a club for that..... The First Look: Puerto Rico Open.

By Jeff Shain

No.72 Wesley Bryan will be teeing it up in the tropics next week, he is the highest ranked player in the field. (Photo/Michael Cohen/Getty Images)

• COURSE: Coco Beach Golf & CC (Championship), 7,506 yards, par 72. Built into the foothills of the El Yunque Rainforest, Coco Beach now celebrates its 10th year as the tournament’s home. The Tom Kite began as four separate nine-hole routings that were reconfigured in 2007 into two 18-hole layouts. The PGA TOUR added Puerto Rico to its schedule a year later, played on a hybrid Championship course that begins among scenic man-made lakes and winds its way to the ocean. 

• FEDEXCUP: Winner receives 300 points.

• CHARITY: The Ricky Martin Foundation, which has established a school in one of the island’s most impoverished areas, is the newest addition to the tournament’s list of recipients. Other donations have gone to the YMCA of San Juan and the Centros Sor Isolina Ferre.

• FIELD WATCH: Six former major winners headline a roster of players from outside the world’s top 70 that didn’t qualify for the World Golf Championships Dell Technologies Match Play. … Though reigning champion Tony Finau isn’t in the Match Play brackets at No.70, he’s first alternate and has opted to spend the week in Austin. That leaves No.72 Wesley Bryan as the highest ranked player in the field. … Sam Saunders, a playoff loser to Alex Cejka two years ago, returns after an emotional week at the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard. Saunders missed the cut by one at Bay Hill, in the first Invitational without the late Palmer on site. … Chris Nido, a Miami high schooler of Puerto Rican lineage, also received an invitation. He has represented Puerto Rico in past international events; he’s signed to play college golf at the University of Florida.

• 72-HOLE RECORD: 267, Chesson Hadley (2014).

• 18-HOLE RECORD: 63, Derek Lamely (3rd round, 2010), James Driscoll (1st round, 2011), Chris Tidland (2nd round, 2011), Scott Brown (2nd round, 2013), James Driscoll (2nd round, 2014).

• LAST YEAR: Finau went three extra holes to notch his first PGA TOUR win, outlasting Steve Marino with his third consecutive birdie at the par-5 18th. After watching his second shot come to rest in a back bunker, the Utah native blasted out to 3 feet for the winning putt. Marino was just off the back edge of the green in two, but left his putt 4 ½ feet short and watched his birdie try roll past on the right. Both men had played the final round in 2-under-par 70, with Marino forcing a playoff with his birdie on the final hole of regulation. Finau could have wrapped it up without extra holes, but missed a 6-foot birdie try. Ian Poulter and Mexico's Rodolfo Cazaubon finished a stroke out of the playoff.

• STORYLINES: With the PGA TOUR’s top names at the Match Play, Puerto Rico has been a prime spot for someone to pick up his first victory. Finau became the fourth straight champion to pick up his first victory there, and sixth of nine overall. … Rafael Campos, whose opening 64 led to a share of eighth last year, is among three Puerto Rico golfers in the field. He’ll be joined by Edward Figureroa and Robert Calvesbert. … Cejka and Chesson Hadley have a chance to join Michael Bradley (2009, ’11) as the event’s only two-time winner. Just three defending champs have managed top-20 finishes, though Cejka and Hadley have done it in the past two editions. Bradley (2010) was the other.

• SHORT CHIPS: In the first nine years the TOUR has visited the island, all but two editions have been decided by just one stroke or less. Derek Lamely took a two-shot triumph in 2010, matched by George McNeill in 2012. … Finau’s victory was the third time the event was decided in a playoff. … The Puerto Rico Open has been a stronghold for American winners, with only Cejka’s 2014 victory coming from an international player.

• TELEVISION: Thursday-Friday, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. ET (Golf Channel). Saturday, 2-5:30 p.m. (GC). Sunday, 2:30-5:30 p.m. (GC).

• PGA TOUR LIVE: None.

• RADIO: None.

Met their match: WGC-Match Play brackets set.

By Ryan Lavner

(Photo/Golf Channel Digital)

Golf’s version of March Madness gets underway Wednesday at Austin Country Club.

But unlike the NCAA Tournament, which saw favorites Villanova, Duke and Louisville fail to survive the first weekend, there will be no early exits this week at the WGC-Dell Match Play.

All 64 players are guaranteed to play at least three matches. Sixteen groups of four players compete in pool play Wednesday through Friday. The winner of each group advances to the single-elimination knockout stage over the weekend.

Sixty-four of the top 70 players in the world are in the field, with Henrik Stenson, Adam Scott, Rickie Fowler, Justin Rose and Adam Hadwin opting not to play.

“It’s fun how it’s done now,” said Jordan Spieth, who is back in Austin, where he helped Texas win a NCAA team title in 2012. “It’s an opportunity for us to play more rounds, but also for the fans and the viewing audience to see players they want to see play multiple rounds instead of just one round on Wednesday and you’re out. The draw is the draw – you’ve got to play well no matter what.” 

The top player with the most difficult draw is Hideki Matsuyama, who will have to face Louis Oosthuizen, who is 13-3 in this event the past three years, Ross Fisher, who tied for third at the WGC-Mexico earlier this month, and Jim Furyk, who has plenty of match-play experience.

Not far behind is the All-American Group 9, where top seed Patrick Reed will have to get past Brooks Koepka, Kevin Kisner and Jason Dufner. Interestingly, the lower seeds arrive in Texas playing the best in the group: Kisner, who tied for second at Bay Hill, and Dufner, who has four consecutive top 25s.  

The top overall seed is Dustin Johnson, but he has a treacherous road ahead, with four major champions in his group – reigning PGA champion Jimmy Walker, two-time winner Martin Kaymer and former U.S. Open champ Webb Simpson. The Match Play is the only WGC event that Johnson hasn’t won.

Defending champion Jason Day drew Bay Hill winner Marc Leishman, veteran Lee Westwood and fiery Pat Perez.

Of course, there is no easy route to victory when the best players in the world go head to head.

Since switching to the round-robin format, players ranked in the top 2 in the world have won each of the past two years: Rory McIlroy in 2015 and Day last year, when he shook off an early-week back injury to capture the title.

McIlroy has an 11-2-1 record in this event, after cruising to victory at TPC Harding Park. The player he beat in the final there – Gary Woodland – will get a chance at a rematch in pool play.

“I’m proud of my match-play record,” McIlroy said, “I feel like I’m good in that part of the game. I really pride myself on playing match play.”

Here are all of the groups:

Group 1: Dustin Johnson, Jimmy Walker (18), Martin Kaymer (41), Webb Simpson (58)

Group 2: Rory McIlroy, Emiliano Grillo (26), Gary Woodland (33), Soren Kjeldsen (62)

Group 3: Jason Day, Marc Leishman (28), Lee Westwood (43), Pat Perez (56)

Group 4: Hideki Matsuyama, Louis Oosthuizen (23), Ross Fisher (47), Jim Furyk (51)

Group 5: Jordan Spieth, Ryan Moore (32), Yuta Ikeda (37), Hideto Tanihara (54)

Group 6: Justin Thomas, Matt Fitzpatrick (27), Kevin Na (46), Chris Wood (49)

Group 7: Sergio Garcia, Jon Rahm (21), Kevin Chappell (38), Shane Lowry (53)

Group 8: Alex Noren, Francesco Molinari (25), Bernd Wiesberger (36), Thongchai Jaidee (57)

Group 9: Patrick Reed, Brooks Koepka (20), Kevin Kisner (34), Jason Dufner (59)

Group 10: Tyrrell Hatton, Rafa Cabrera Bello (22), Jeunghun Wang (40), Charles Howell III (61)

Group 11: Danny Willett, Russell Knox (17), Bill Haas (42), K.T. Kim (64)

Group 12: Paul Casey, Charl Schwartzel (24), Byeong-Hun An (45), Joost Luiten (60)

Group 13: Bubba Watson, Thomas Pieters (30), Scott Piercy (39), Jhonattan Vegas (55)

Group 14: Phil Mickelson, J.B. Holmes (31), Daniel Berger (35), Si Woo Kim (63)

Group 15: Branden Grace, Brandt Snedeker (19), William McGirt (48), Andy Sullivan (52)

Group 16: Matt Kuchar, Tommy Fleetwood (29), Zach Johnson (44), Brendan Steele (50)

Monday Scramble: Different roads to Augusta.

By Ryan Lavner

Marc Leishman celebrates with family, Rory McIlroy keeps trending, Anna Nordqvist goes low, Tiger Woods reports emerge and more in this week's edition of Monday Scramble:

The Take-A-Way

The first Arnold Palmer Invitational without its beloved host went about how you’d expect.

Sam Saunders, Graeme McDowell and Peter Jacobsen were the epitome of class, the front-men for what Palmer stood for and what this tournament means going forward.

Touches of Palmer were everywhere – players signed a commemorative flag in his office, and there was a 13-foot bronze statue near the first tee, and there was signage with inspirational messages scattered throughout the course, and Palmer’s cart (with two sets of clubs strapped to the back) was positioned near the 16^th tee, his favorite spot to watch golf.

Players honored Arnie in different ways, from wearing custom shoes to stitching the colorful umbrella logo to hats, bags and shirts, to taking more time to sign autographs, because that’s what Palmer would have done.

What happens to the Bay Hill tournament is largely up to the players. In Year 1 without Palmer, they stepped up in a big way.

The Scorecard

1. Leishman’s victory at the API was one for the family.

It was for his 5-year-old son, Harvey, who kept pestering his dad about why he never wins.

And it was for his wife, Audrey, who emerged from two years of medical hell almost completely healthy, pregnant for the third time.

2. Leishman didn’t look like he was part of the picture until the last hour of the tournament. Facing a 50-foot for eagle, the big Aussie readjusted his line after remembering that he’d stroked a similar putt earlier in the week. This one was center cut, and it allowed him to leapfrog the leaders at 11 under.

After a wayward drive on 18, Leishman laid up short of the green. Helping him was that the hole location wasn’t in its traditional Sunday position, tucked over the pond in the back-right corner. He had the entirety of the green in front of him, and he bumped his chip to 3 feet for a solid par to close.

Leishman finished the week first in greens hit in regulation and second in strokes gained-putting – usually a winning combination. 

3. Leishman went from watching the Masters at home to a potential sleeper pick.

At No. 62 in the world, he needed a big week at Bay Hill or this week’s WGC-Match Play to qualify for the year’s first major. His victory at the API secured an invitation, and he improved to 32^nd in the world.

Leishman has been hit-or-miss at Augusta throughout his career, with three missed cuts in four appearances, but he also had a chance to win in 2013, when he tied for fourth. His booming drives, sky-high irons and strong putting (he’s ranked second on Tour on the greens) could lead to another shot at the green jacket.  

4. After a rough start to the week, McIlroy made an Arnie-like charge to nearly steal the title.

Making only his third start of the year, McIlroy opened with a 74 and was in danger of missing the cut. He climbed his way back into contention with a third-round 65 (which tied the low round of the week) and then made seven birdies during a final-round 69.

His most spectacular shot was his second shot on the par-5 16^th, after another massive drive. He hooded a wedge and hit a hook around a tree, the ball scooting over the green. He nearly holed the pitch shot and walked off with a tap-in birdie.

When he teed off on 18, he was in a share of the lead, but that scenario changed once Leishman eagled 16. McIlroy’s problem on the finishing hole wasn’t the first putt but the approach. With only a wedge into the green from 153 yards, he flared his second shot about 30 feet right of the flag, leaving a must-make putt that was fast and had plenty of break. He raced it 7 feet past and missed the comebacker.

“I gave the putt a run, that’s for sure,” he said. “Too much of a run.”  

5. McIlroy shot 10 under on the weekend and appears as confident as ever with the driver. With most players dialing back because of the firm and fast conditions, the world No. 2 continually pounded the big stick, smoking four drives of at least 360 yards on Sunday. He led the field in driving distance and also ranked first in strokes gained-approaches.

In other words, he’s trending nicely toward Augusta.  

6. Kevin Kisner doesn’t have the highest apex height, launch angle or spin rate, and it cost him Sunday when he couldn’t hold two critical shots on the increasingly firm greens.

Leading by three on the back nine, Kisner came home in 2-over 38 and failed to make a birdie after the seventh hole.

Even more frustrating was that Kisner thought he’d hit good enough shots to win.

On 15 and 16, he looked in prime position to make birdie, but both times his ball ended up in difficult spots from which to make par. He finished a shot behind Leishman.

“That’s just the nature of the beast on Sunday on the PGA Tour,” he said. “The golf course turns and gets very difficult, and you’ve got to be in the right position and I was not in the right position on either hole.”

7. Muirfield might be back in the Open rota – and likely in line for 2022 – after voting to admit female members for the first time, but the club hasn’t exactly been praised for finally entering the 20^th (let alone the 21^st) century.

It was revealed that only 80.2 percent of members voted to allow women, which means that, even after a worldwide scolding, and with the specter of never again hosting an Open, one-fifth of the club’s members STILL didn’t want women to become members.

That’s why McIlroy was so outspoken about Muirfield’s exclusionary practices, calling it “obscene” and “ridiculous” and “horrendous” that it even took this long to get with the times.

“We’ll go back there for the Open Championship at some point,” he said, “but I won’t be having many cups of tea with the members afterward.” 

8. The paths to earn a Masters invitation are narrowing. The top 50 in the world at the end of this week’s WGC-Match Play will earn a spot in the year’s first major.

Here is how the bubble looks (* already exempt):

• 45. Jeunghun Wang
• 46. Martin Kaymer*
• 47. Bill Haas*
• 48. Charley Hoffman*
• 49. Lee Westwood*
• 50. Zach Johnson*
• 51. Byeong-Hun An*
• 52. Kevin Na*
• 53. Ross Fisher
• 54. William McGirt*
• 55. Chris Wood*

9. Here is your viral video of the week, courtesy of Cody Gribble, who, apparently content with winning one Tour title, whacked a gator on the tail. 

This seems foolish, of course, but Gribble wasn’t concerned in the slightest. “They’re quick, but they’re not that quick,” he said. And then: “If you think that’s crazy, you should meet my father, Bill. He loves all types of animals.” Tournament officials had some fun at Gribble’s expense before the start of his second round.

10. Riding the momentum of a third-round 61, Anna Nordqvist cruised to a two-shot victory Sunday at the Founders Cup over a host of major champions.

It was Nordqvist’s seventh career title, and the first since she lost the U.S. Women’s Open in heartbreaking fashion, when she was penalized two shots for grazing the sand on her takeaway.

Her 25-under total was two shots off the LPGA record.

11. Finishing in a tie for second – again – was Stacy Lewis.

It was her 13^th runner-up since her last victory, in summer 2014. She also has 19 top-5s and 29 top-10s in the 63 tournaments during that span.

“Hit a lot of good shots and didn’t quite get rewarded for them,” she said. “I played well. Hard to be too upset.” 

12. In perhaps a preview of what’s to come this spring and summer, about a dozen protesters assembled last week at the LPGA’s Founders Cup event in Phoenix.

Holding signs like “LPGA: Take a Mulligan: Dump Trump,” a group of protesters for UltraViolet, formed to fight sexism and expand women’s rights, assembled at the front entrance of the course Saturday before being asked by security to leave private property.

The U.S. Women’s Open will be staged this July at Trump Bedminster in New Jersey. The event is hosted by the USGA, not the LPGA, a point the women’s tour attempted to drive home again in a statement.

“When it comes to decisions regarding venue, purse, TV, etc.,” the statement read, “those are solely made by the USGA. We respect and support the decisions made by the USGA on this matter.”  

13. Amateur golf enthusiasts were concerned last week when it was revealed that the U.S. Walker Cup team will announce all 10 members at the same time. That’s a departure from previous years, in which the squad was essentially split into two announcements – those who were no-brainers and those who earned their spot with a strong summer push.

The uneasiness about the change stemmed from the fact that those in the mix for a Walker Cup berth might not want to wait around to turn pro if they don’t know for sure that they’ll be on the team.

It’s a non-issue.

Two years ago, the first wave of players was announced two weeks before the U.S. Amateur, after which the rest of the team is finalized. More college kids than ever before are turning pro after the NCAAs in June because they want to take advantage of the maximum seven sponsor exemptions allowed to non-members and try and earn a card or qualify for the Web.com Tour Finals. Turning pro in early August, then, would be pointless. The season is almost over.

And besides, even though the USGA sticks to its arcane policy of secrecy over transparency, nothing will keep captain Spider Miller from giving his studs a heads-up about their standing. (They should be able to figure it out for themselves, anyway.)

This new rule keeps everyone playing through the summer – especially at the Western Am, arguably the most grueling test in amateur golf – allows the best chance for players to prove themselves and removes the notion that the final five selections barely made the team.

There are many reasons to question the Walker Cup selection process, but this isn’t one of them. 

With two and a half weeks to go, the will-he-or-won't-he game has begun in earnest. 

Tiger Woods was on "Good Morning America" on Monday to promote his book, for which he's holding a signing in New York City. It's his first public appearance since Feb. 3 in Dubai. He didn’t play Bay Hill. There have been scant updates on his progress. He would appear doubtful to play the Masters; though, he said Monday that he's "trying everything" to play. This is common sense.

A published report confirmed as much, via unnamed sources, who said that Woods “didn’t look good” and would be rushing back to play at Augusta.

Again, common sense, but the report prompted a strong rebuke from Woods’ agent Mark Steinberg, who unwittingly confirmed the original news – that Tiger is doubtful for the Masters.

“We’re not in a situation to even talk about playing in the Masters now,” said Steinberg, while adding that he didn’t want to get into specifics about Woods’ progress.

The Masters begins in 17 days. If they’re not even talking about playing in the Masters now, that's not a good sign.

Take A Bow

This week's award winners ... 

(Un)welcome to the Tour, part 1: Steve Stricker. With a two-shot lead with three to play in his PGA Tour Champions debut, Stricker whiffed a 4-footer for par on 16 and then hit a 3-wood, not a driver, into the water on the long finishing hole to lose to Tom Lehman. 

(Un)welcome to the Tour, part 2: Curtis Luck. The reigning U.S. Am champion and top-ranked amateur in the world made his PGA Tour debut at Bay Hill. In his final tune-up for the Masters, the talented Aussie shot rounds of 79-82 and was disqualified for signing an incorrect scorecard. Oy. 

Good Vibes: Matt Every at Bay Hill. Mired in a yearlong slump, all Every needed was a return trip to Arnie’s Place, where he won in back-to-back years. His tie for 62nd snapped a streak of 18 consecutive missed cuts. 

Teethless Tour: LPGA. What's gotten into these ladies? Four of the five events this year have been won with a four-round score of 19 under or lower (and the Founders Cup was the third event with a winning score at least 22 under). Birdie-fests are fun, but are they necessary every week? 

Streaking: Bernhard Langer. He now has a Champions record 32 consecutive rounds under par. The longest streak on the PGA Tour is 26; Lydia Ko shares the record on the LPGA, with 30.

Best Club Toss: Emiliano Grillo. Melting down Saturday on the par-5 sixth hole, where he already put two in the drink, Grillo, in one seamless motion, chucked his offending 3-iron into the pond. The 78 knocked him out of contention, but he rebounded with a final-round 68 to tie for seventh.

Not Yet Found His Form: Brooks Koepka. A trendy pick for breakout star in 2017, Koepka has instead gone the other way, fast. His missed cut at Bay Hill (which included a Thursday 78) was his fourth early exit in six starts, and he doesn’t have a finish better than 42^nd. Peaking for Augusta, he is not.  

Blown Fantasy Pick of the Week: Henrik Stenson. A popular pick in one-and-done formats, Big Stense shot 75 in the miserably cold conditions Thursday, then rolled up his pants and twice splashed out of a pond en route to a Friday 74 and his first career missed cut at Bay Hill (five consecutive top-15s here). Sigh.

NASCAR: Reports: Las Vegas, Charlotte speedways may cut seating capacity.

By Jerry Bonkowski

(Photo/Getty Images)

Las Vegas Motor Speedway and sister Speedway Motorsports Inc. track Charlotte Motor Speedway may both be in line for facelifts, according to media reports.

A story in Sunday’s Las Vegas Review Journal speculated that a number of seats could be removed after this season.

According to the newspaper, “Seats at LVMS were widened on the front straightaway before the sweeping grandstand between Turns 3 and 4 (were) shoveled under in 2015, reducing capacity to around 108,000. Attendance for last Sunday’s Kobalt 400 was estimated at 70,000. (NASCAR stopped releasing attendance figures in 2013.)

“If the sections in front of the terraces are eliminated, it would trim LVMS capacity to around 80,000.”

NBCSports.com reached out to Las Vegas Motor Speedway officials for comment. In an email reply, Jeff Motley, the speedway’s vice president of communications, stated:

“At this time, we haven’t made any final decisions on what changes, if any, we are going to make,” Motley said. “We are considering making some changes. That’s really all I can tell you at this point.”

Las Vegas Motor Speedway officials announced less than two weeks ago that it would host two NASCAR race weekends in 2018 for the first time in its history, taking away one of two annual race weekends from sister track New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
And then there’s Charlotte Motor Speedway.

According to Monday’s edition of The Charlotte Observer, SMI – which owns nine racetracks including CMS and Las Vegas Motor Speedway – is expected to remove an unspecified number of seats primarily in the area of Turn 4, as well as suites that have lower demand.

The newspaper cited a recent Speedway Motorsports Inc., securities filing that stated that it had repurposed or are repurposing “certain low demand seating areas and suits” at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kentucky Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway and New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

“We often use these areas for premium hospitality, advertising and other facility revenue generating uses, and removal also reduces depreciation and certain other operating costs,” the filing stated. “For example, (Charlotte) plans to offer new premium hospitality and entertainment activities, and possibly install solar panels as part of our ‘green initiatives,’ after removal of certain fourth-turn seating in 2017.

“We believe seat removal and alternative use of desirable advertising space help improve pricing power, and provide increased marketing appeal from fuller grandstands because those areas are frequently displayed during television broadcasts, in photos, and are viewable by large numbers of fans attending our speedways.”

Charlotte Motor Speedway vice president of communications Scott Cooper told The Observer, “Every year, we look at ways to modernize the facilities, enhance the fan experience and increase revenues.”

Bump & Run: Is NASCAR returning to the Wild West in terms of justice?

By NBC Sports

(Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

Conflict on and off the track has gained attention the past two weekends in the sport and how NASCAR responds will help set the tone for the garage the rest of the season.
Dale Jarrett and Kyle Petty, who will be on NASCAR America from 5:30 – 7 p.m. ET today on NBCSN, join Nate Ryan and Dustin Long in discussing that subject and more in this week’s Bump & Run.

In the last two weeks, NASCAR did not penalize Kyle Busch and Joey Logano for an altercation on pit road, and a series official suggested this week that there might not be any additional penalties to Austin Dillon (who was parked by NASCAR) for slowly cutting across Cole Custer’s car and making contact after an incident between them in the Xfinity race. What do you make of NASCAR’s reaction to these incidents and the message it sends to the garage?

Kyle Petty: First, I will never condone the use of a race car or physical force in settling a perceived injustice. Having said that … I think NASCAR is in a little bit of a box they’ve put themselves in. We can go back to “boys have at it.’’ The stage races are just another level of that. Stage racing was designed to make every lap mean more, for drivers to race “harder” and to bring the intensity level and anticipation of the event to another level.

If that’s what you’re looking for, you can’t penalize the drivers when they react the way they do to the position the rules put them in. We’ve begged for emotion and personality from drivers, and when they give it to us there’s an outcry to penalize them. We can’t have it both ways, and the middle ground is confusing to fans and drivers alike. I guess it’s like that old saying “be careful what you wish for’’ because when you have it you don’t know what to do with it.

Dale Jarrett: I like the idea that nothing was done as far as the Kyle Busch and Joey Logano incident. This business is difficult, especially in a situation where something happened on the last lap of the race. It’s hard to expect a driver not to react in some way, shape or form. I’d rather Kyle Busch have a conversation and then if he felt it needed to go further … but he felt like he needed to talk in a different manner. I’m not opposed to that. I think you need to protect your ground and show your displeasure.

I’m not a fan even though I’ve been there and pretty much every driver has been there as far as a retaliation on the race track with the race car. I think we need to be discouraging that way more than we need to be discouraging drivers having conversations. We don’t need fights every weekend by any stretch of the imagination, but if they want to have discussions and something breaks out from there, I’m much more in favor of that than using the race cars.

Nate Ryan: The Busch-Logano reaction doesn’t surprise me. No harm was done (aside from the lone aggressor’s forehead), and I think it’s understood where the line is on drivers settling it between themselves. They have great latitude to approach each other after races, and as long as it doesn’t result in a broken jaw, there won’t be severe consequences for heated altercations between drivers (and subsequently their team members).

 The Custer-Dillon situation was slightly more surprising as NASCAR officials don’t want drivers employing their cars as weapons of revenge, particularly under caution. But some punishment was meted out in parking Dillon for the race and summoning him for a meeting. That officials will meet with Custer and Dillon together in Southern California this weekend also negates the need for further action. 

I think the message being sent is that NASCAR proactively is ensuring feuds don’t escalate to being uncontrollable but also is being careful to avoid the perception of micromanaging emotions.

Dustin Long: The days of NASCAR overseeing the drivers with the strictness of a convent school are over. That doesn’t mean that they’ll allow a driver to wreck another — as Matt Kenseth did to Joey Logano in 2015 — but for a sport that has an edgy sponsor and looks to gain the attention of more fans, slapping wrists with a ruler are long gone. The question is how far will officials go? When they react? Will it be an overreaction to get the garage back in line?

In the last seven races, dating back to last season, there have been seven different winners: Ryan Newman, Martin Truex Jr., Brad Keselowski, Kurt Busch, Jimmie Johnson, Joey Logano and Carl Edwards. Does the streak of different winners continue this weekend at Auto Club Speedway and who might be that driver?

Kyle Petty: Yes. I believe the streak continues! Larson, Elliott, Harvick. The list of drivers who have been strong so far this year is diverse. Not the usual suspects! We know Michigan was Larson’s first win and California is a sister track. Chase will contend again and has been in position to win every race this season. Harvick is Harvick, any race, any time, anywhere he can win. I will say all I know for sure is Carl Edwards won’t win!

Dale Jarrett: Yes. I think the name that probably comes to mine and everybody else’s is Kyle Larson. He was in position to win every race we’ve had so far this year. Especially with that race track, he’s done well there and it’s his type of race track. I think these new rules with less amount of downforce are really only enhancing his driving abilities. I think he will have to outrun Chase Elliott to get the checkered flag.

Nate Ryan: Yes. Kyle Busch has this place sorted (three wins, including two of the past four races), and he drives well when motivated. Though “Everything Is Great,” it won’t diminish Busch’s drive to return to victory lane and take some smug satisfaction at reclaiming the spotlight for the right reason.

(P.S. I also reserve the right to change my mind for Sunday’s pre-race Staff Picks post on nbcsports.com/nascar.)

Dustin Long: Yes. After the millennials have finished second each of the first four races (Ryan Blaney at Daytona and Kyle Larson each of the past three weeks), one of them is due to win. That includes Chase Elliott, who has two top-five finishes this season.

Xfinity Series race at Indianapolis will use restrictor plates.

By Nick Bromberg

Get excited for restrictor plate racing at Indianapolis. (Photo/Getty)

There will be a fourth restrictor plate race in the Xfinity Series in 2017.

Per NBC Sports, NASCAR has said it will put plates on the cars in its No. 2 series for the July 24 race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The move is a clear attempt to make the races at the 2.5-mile speedway exciting. Or, at least have some excitement. Since the Xfinity Series started racing at Indianapolis instead of the Indianapolis Raceway Park short track in 2012, the races have been a bore.

Restrictor plates, for those of you unfamiliar with them, restrict the airflow into the engine. They limit acceleration and lower top speeds. The lack of acceleration means cars can’t sprint away from each other and can lead to the pack racing seen at Daytona and Talladega, the two tracks where plates are typically used.

But Daytona and Talladega are high-banked multi-groove racetracks. Indianapolis is … well, it’s not that. It’s become clear that it’s near-impossible for cars to go side-by-side in each four of the track’s flat 90-degree corners.

The move to add plates is understandable. NASCAR needed to do something about the racing at Indianapolis in the Xfinity Series. The gap between good and bad equipment in the series is never more visible than it is at Indianapolis, a place that requires both downforce and horsepower.

But because of that gap, adding plates is simply like trying to get out of credit card debt by simply making the minimum payment on time. It’s a short term solution because it’s much easier to add restrictor plates than it is to figure out a way to balance out competition in the series where Cup teams dominate and independent teams have no way of keeping up.

There’s also no guarantee that restrictor plates will help underdogs have a shot, either. The field may end up looking unbalanced like it always does, just with cars a bit closer together on the track. Or it could wildly succeed and Ryan Sieg and Jeremy Clements could contend for a win.

We’ll be betting on the former. But there’s at least a level of intrigue for the race that didn’t have any at all before.

SOCCER: Fire sign Bastian Schweinsteiger from Manchester United.

By Dan Santaromita

(Photo/AP)

Rumors about Bastian Schweinsteiger have been swirling for months, but the move is finally happening.

Schweinsteiger is coming to the Fire as a designated player. The Chicago Tribune first reported the move.

The 32-year-old German was on Germany's 2014 World Cup winning team and has 121 caps and 24 goals for the national team before retiring from the national team in August.

He brings a ton of experience and a resume filled with success at every level. The concern now is how healthy he can be. Schweinsteiger hasn't played as much with Manchester United and suffered a knee injury late last season and he hasn't had consistent playing time since.

He played in 18 Premier League matches last season, but seemed to have lost his spot under manager Jose Mourinho. This season he has only appeared in cup matches. In four appearances this season he scored one goal.

Schweinsteiger spent almost all of his previous club career with Bayern Munich. He played more than 300 career games with the German giants, winning eight Bundesliga titles and a Champions League in 2013. He joined Manchester United in July of 2015.

The Tribune reported his contract is a one-year deal worth $4.5 million with a mutual option for another year.

Schweinsteiger was seen meeting with Fire coach Veljko Paunovic in Manchester in November. The move didn't in the MLS offseason, but the Fire were finally able to secure the deal.

"In the locker room, he will be a huge example of a champion," Paunovic told the Tribune. "He still is somebody that can show that on the field and (demonstrate) how our guys have to work, prepare, behave, think and work together in order to get to that level."

The move hasn't yet been made official by either club, but that is expected soon. Obviously, the quotes from Paunovic, Rodriguez and a statement from Schweinsteiger in the Tribune's report mean that is merely a formality at this time.

Schweinsteiger is a central midfielder, which makes for some tough decisions ahead for Paunovic. Two of the Fire's three notable offseason acquisitions, U.S. national teamer Dax McCarty and Brazilian Juninho, are both central midfielders.

Schweinsteiger typically plays higher up the field than those two, but finding a way to get all three on the field together will require some creativity.

One option would be for Paunovic to go for a 3-5-2 formation with three center mids, something Paunovic tried a few times last season. Another option would be to play Schweinsteiger as an attacking midfielder and see if he can be a playmaker in MLS.

Regardless of the fit, the Fire added a big name player with a top tier resume for the first time since Mexican legend Cuauhtemoc Blanco played for the Fire from 2007-2009.

Premier League Power Rankings: Man Utd up, Arsenal slides.

By Nicholas Mendola

Leaps for Leicester City, Manchester United, and Bournemouth highlight our Power Rankings heading into this international break.

TEAM	RANKING
	20 (20)		Sunderland: Jermain Defoe says he needs to play in the Premier League to represent England, which means the Black Cats would be hit extra hard by relegation.
	19 (19)		Middlesbrough: Finally scored a goal against Manchester United… but allowed three.
	18 (18)		Hull City: Once Tom Huddlestone was sent off, the Tigers essentially quit against Everton. That’s troubling for manager Marco Silva.
	17 (15)		Swansea City: A disappointing loss that threatens to halt Swans’ momentum toward safety.
	16 (11)		Watford: Losers of three in four, and by almost any manner possible. The latest? Troy Deeney‘s pinpoint header into his own goal.
	15 (16)		Crystal Palace: Another win! But it’s a bit alarming that it took an own goal for Palace to finish the job against Watford.
	14 (14)		Burnley: The Clarets haven’t won since the tail end of January.
	13 (12)		West Ham United: Slaven Bilic‘s future has to be in question as the Irons have regressed to below even Sam Allardyce era levels.
	12 (17)		Bournemouth: Winners of consecutive PL matches for the first time since March 2016, and not a moment too soon for Eddie Howe‘s Cherries.
	11 (13)		Leicester City: Six points clear of safety and facing Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.
	10 (10)		Southampton: Lost to a fine Spurs side after winning two-straight, and probably was good enough to get a point.
	9 (8)		Stoke City: A gut punch to lose late to Chelsea.
	8 (5)		Arsenal: Matches-in-hand keep Top Four dreams in play, but the Gunners have been awful.
	7 (9)		West Bromwich Albion: Beating Arsenal after a pair of losses is the definition of rebounding in style.
	6 (3)		Liverpool: An Adam Lallana missed sitter away from a much improved feeling, but that’s the Liverpool season in a nutshell.
	5 (6)		Everton: Given a remaining Merseyside Derby and the inconsistent play of both Liverpool and Arsenal, the Top Five isn’t out of the question.
	4 (4)		Manchester City: Looked very much like a team nursing UCL wounds in the 1-1 draw against Liverpool, but it sure could have been worse.
	3 (7)		Manchester United: Last Premier League loss? October 23.
	2 (2)		Tottenham Hotspur: Scrapped a 2-1 win against tricky Southampton. Virtually identical season as Chelsea in terms of goals, goals conceded… just not wins.
	1 (1)		Chelsea: Have won 10 of 15 on the road in league play after wins at Stoke and West Ham.

Huge squad overhaul lined up by Arsenal?

By Joe Prince-Wright

(Photo/Getty Images)

Despite Arsene Wenger‘s future as Arsenal’s manager still unclear, what is clear is that the Gunners are contemplating a big overhaul of their squad this summer.

After losing 3-1 at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, the Gunners have now lost four of their last five Premier League games to slump to sixth place in the table and missing out on the top four for the first time in 20 years is becoming a real possibility.

With both Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil still not tied down to long-term contracts and many reports suggesting they’ll both leave this summer, speculation is spreading that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jack Wilshere may also leave this summer too.

A report from the Daily Mirror claims that Wenger is lining up Monaco’s teenage striker Kylian Mappe and Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette to replace Ozil and Sanchez.

Similarly, the Daily Telegraph believes that Arsenal is lining up a move for Everton’s Ross Barkley to fill the void left by Oxlade-Chamberlain and Wilshere and also state the futures of David Ospina, Nacho Monreal and Kieran Gibbs are in doubt with Jack Butland and Celtic’s Kieran Tierney possible targets.

Would Arsenal be stronger after this overhaul? They’d certainly be younger.

Mappe, just 18 years old, is set to become the next big thing in French soccer and has scored 17 goals in 29 appearances this season, while 25-year-old Lacazette is 25 years old and has 28 goals to his name this season. After being linked with moves to the Premier League over the past few summers, Lacazette now appears ready to move on from Lyon.

Still, losing Ozil and Sanchez would be a huge blow. There’s no other way to look at it.

Barkley, 23, would be an intriguing buy and on paper he’d slot into the Arsenal style of play as a creative midfielder but he has a little more power and pace to his game than Ozil or Wilshere.

The one thing Arsenal fans will want to know sooner rather than later is if Wenger is staying or not. These reports seem to suggest that transfer plans to overhaul the current Gunners squad are being made.

Surely that suggests Wenger is ready to commit to another two years at the Emirates…

World Cup qualifying: What’s at stake this break?

By Nicholas Mendola

(Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images)

So we’ve hit an international break, one of the terrific ones which include World Cup qualifiers, and it’s an excellent time to evaluate what’s cooking in the next week in terms of nations looking to book spots for Russia 2018.

AFC

Group A will be about who slips up, with the top three nations each playing a pair of matches against the bottom three nations. Iran leads the group with 11 points, while South Korea is a point behind and Uzbekistan two back. Any logical chance for Syria, Qatar, or China to make a move toward the third place playoff spot must include a big upset over the next week.

It’s a bit different in Group B, where the top four sides are separated by a single point. Thursday sees a huge tilt between Japan and United Arab Emirates in Al Ain, with the hosts leaving for Australia after the match. It’s no exaggeration to say this is one of the biggest weeks in UAE soccer history.

CAF

No World Cup qualifiers during this break.

CONCACAF

You know the drill here: the United States has started 0-2 and badly needs wins, or at least four of six points, from Honduras at home and a trip to Panama.

Costa Rica is the only 2-0 team in the confederation and faces a pretty tough pair of matches with a visits to Mexico and Honduras, leaving El Tri with a chance to summit the group by toppling CRC and winning and Trinidad and Tobago. Speaking of T&T, it can forget about harboring any World Cup hopes if it fails to beat Panama at home.

CONMEBOL

Brazil can qualify for Russia with a win at Uruguay on Thursday, while a win by the hosts makes it possible that both will advance before the end of the break.

After that, mayhem.

Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, and Colombia open the break within two points of each other, and only two of the four can qualify automatically (The fifth place side advances to the inter-confederation playoffs). Paraguay and Peru need to win, not draw, matches to get back in the hunt for a spot.

Oceania

New Zealand can clinch a spot in the Oceania final by beating Fiji twice, while a win and a draw will have them in very good shape before Fiji’s pair of Group A matches against New Caledonia. In Group B, Tahiti is ahead of Solomon Islands on goal differential, and will look to keep pressure on the latter by sweeping Papua New Guinea.

UEFA

With only nine (more) automatic spots available for Russia, it’s remarkable that only one group has a gap of more than one win between the first- and second-placed teams (Germany has 12 points to Northern Ireland’s seven).

So it’s a bit foolish to label anything in UEFA qualifying “must-win” considering most of the matches are “don’t lose”; Of the nine sides to get automatic spots in 2014 qualifying, seven had a zero in the loss column. Bosnia & Herzegovina had one loss, but advanced over Greece who also went 8-1-1. Two-loss Russia was the exception, playing in a weak group and winning seven, drawing one.

Instead we’ll give you the highlights of this break:

Republic of Ireland vs. Wales, Friday

Croatia vs. Ukraine, Friday

Belgium vs. Greece, Saturday

Scotland vs. Slovenia, Sunday

Azerbaijan vs. Germany, Sunday

NCAABKB: Ranking the Sweet 16 games.

By Rob Dauster

In this Feb. 22, 2017, file photo, North Carolina's Kennedy Meeks (3) shoots as Louisville's Mangok Mathiang (12) defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Chapel Hill, N.C. The 6-foot-10 senior is averaging 9.1 rebounds to help the Tar Heels lead the country in rebounding margin entering the Friday, March 24, game against Butler in the NCAA Tournament's South Region semifinals. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome, File)

A quiet first round of the NCAA tournament gave way to a second round that got just a little too out of control.

Particularly in the East Region.

It’s a bit of a snoozer in Madison Square Garden this weekend. But everywhere else, things are going to get a little crazy for the Sweet 16 and the Elite 8:

8. No. 3 Baylor vs. No. 7 South Carolina (East): With all due respect to South Carolina and Baylor, this game just doesn’t do it for me. The Bears play a grind-it-out style offensively, hammering the ball into Johnathan Motley in the post, that is effective but isn’t exactly the most aesthetically pleasing way to play. And South Carolina? They were a train wreck on the offensive end of the floor for the final month of the regular season before somehow averaging 90.5 points through two games during the first weekend. I’d expect the Gamecocks to come back to earth on that end, but that won’t make them any easier to score against. My advice: bet the under.

7. No. 4 Florida vs. No. 8 Wisconsin (East): The intrigue here is the clash of styles. The Badgers want to slow the pace down, pound the ball into Nigel Hayes and Ethan Happ and crash the offensive glass. Florida wants to speed the game up, force some turnovers and get their talented perimeter players into beneficial matchups. Here’s the thing that should worry you as an impartial observer: Florida is the third-best defensive in the country, according to KenPom. Wisconsin is the seventh. Neither of them are in the top 25 in offensive efficiency. This probably won’t be all that pretty.

6. No. 2 Arizona vs. No. 11 Xavier (West): The story line is more enticing than the game itself. Sean Miller used to be the head coach at Xavier. His assistant was Chris Mack, who is now the head coach at Xavier. They’re still close, neither has been to a Final Four and it’s very possible that whoever wins this game will break that streak. That’s heavy. The game itself, however, is weird. Xavier looked like they were done late in the season, then somehow managed to put together one of the fiercest tail-whippings that we’ve seen in this year’s tournament, a 25-point beat-down of Florida State. The Musketeers are without Myles Davis and Edmond Sumner, who were two of their three most important players entering the season. Can the streak continue?

5. No. 1 North Carolina vs. No. 4 Butler (South): Butler has turned into something of a Cinderella in their region. That’s what happens when you’re the Big East team trying to escape the South, which also includes three of the biggest brands in college athletics. The Bulldogs are no pushover, however, as they swept Villanova and own wins over two Sweet 16 teams — Arizona and Xavier twice. UNC, for my money, is arguably the best team left in the field. They have the horses inside, they are the nation’s best offensive rebounding team and they can rely on Joel Berry II and Justin Jackson to carry them on the perimeter. With Theo Pinson healthy, they also happen to have one of the nation’s best shutdown defenders, who will likely give Kelan Martin fits. This should be a fun one.

4. No. 3 Oregon vs. No. 7 Michigan (Midwest): What I love about this matchup is the way both teams play. Oregon is small-ball through and through with Chris Boucher out of the lineup, running Dillon Brooks out there at the four and spreading the floor as much as they possibly can. Michigan spreads things out as well, but they also happen to have to 6-foot-10 front court players in D.J. Wilson and Mo Wagner who can play out on the perimeter. This is a quintessential John Beilein roster, and ever since the middle of the season, Derrick Walton Jr. has seen as good as any point guard in the country. I think this game comes down to the battle at the four-spot. Does Brooks for Michigan to go small, or can Wilson handle chasing him around?

3. No. 1 Kansas vs. No. 4 Purdue (Midwest): Let’s start with the obvious here: This is a battle between the two front runners for National Player of the Year. You have everyone’s pick in Frank Mason III, who has been sensational all season long and seems to be the favorite to win the award, and you have Caleb Swanigan, who is putting up Tim Duncan-esque numbers for the Boilermakers. Obviously, those two aren’t going to be guarding each other, and that’s where this game gets even more intriguing. Kansas has one big man on their roster worth his 6-foot-11 frame and that’s Landen Lucas. They play Josh Jackson, who will likely be a two-guard in the NBA, at the four. Purdue has the biggest, most physical front line in the country, and between Swanigan and Isaac Haas, they draw 14.3 fouls per 40 minutes combined. Will Lucas be able to stay on the floor? Will Jackson? This is a more dangerous matchup for Kansas than I think people realize.

2. No. 1 Gonzaga vs. No. 4 West Virginia (West): Oh, this is going to be so good. Let’s talk about Press Virginia first. They come at you in waves. They play as hard as anyone, they trap, they foul and they make life difficult for whoever is trying to get the ball over half court. Gonzaga, on the other hand, does not have the most athletic back court. Nigel Williams-Goss and Josh Perkins have both had really good years, but both of them tend to struggle against quicker, stronger and more physical players. That’s what West Virginia has in boat loads. That said, the way for West Virginia to get into their press is to score, and, believe it or not, Gonzaga currently has the No. 1 defense in the country, according to KenPom. If they keep the Mountaineers from putting the ball in the basket, they keep them from being able to get that pressure rolling. Gonzaga also has a distinct size advantage inside. Let’s see if that pays off, and let’s see if Mark Few will have a chance to play for his first career Final Four.

1. No. 2 Kentucky vs. No. 3 UCLA (South): Where do I even start? De’Aaron Fox vs. Lonzo Ball? Malik Monk vs. whoever tries to slow him down? A rematch from December’s thriller in Lexington? The Steve Alford-to-Indiana rumors? John Calipari’s return to Memphis? The bottom-line is this: these are two of the four best teams left in the field, both of whom can win a National Title. This is a Final Four-caliber matchup in the Sweet 16. This is the kind of game that you do not want to miss. I’m not sure how else I can put it.

Kansas Becomes New NCAA Tournament Favorite.

By Anthony Riccobono

Josh Jackson led Kansas to a win over Michigan State on March 19, 2017 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, making the Jayhawks new March Madness 2017 favorites to win the NCAA Tournament. (Photo: Getty Images)

With a few of the best teams in the NCAA Tournament suffering early exits, a new March Madness 2017 favorite has emerged. Heading into the Sweet 16, Kansas has tied North Carolina for the best betting odds to win college basketball’s national championship.

The Jayhawks have replaced Duke as the second favorite, following the Blue Devils’ second-round loss to South Carolina. Duke began the tournament with the same odds as the Tar Heels, but Kansas looked like the country’s best team over the first weekend of March Madness. After cruising to a 38-point victory over No.16 UC Davis in the first round, the Midwest region’s No.1 seed topped No.9 Michigan State by 20 points Sunday afternoon.

North Carolina made it through to the Sweet 16, but they weren’t overly impressive in doing so. They were nearly upset by No.8 Arkansas in the Round of 32, overcoming a five-point deficit with less than three minutes remaining.

It wouldn’t be shocking for North Carolina to be upset before the Final Four, considering three of the top six title contenders are in the South region. UCLA and Kentucky both have 7/1 odds before their Sweet 16 matchup in Memphis.

Kansas would play either North Carolina, UCLA or Kentucky in the Final Four, giving only one a chance to reach the national championship game. Whichever team wins the right side of the bracket, they are expected to face the winner of the West region. No.1 Gonzaga and No.2 Arizona are tied as the third favorites in the field.

It would be surprising to see the national champion emerge from the East region. Both Duke and the defending national champion Villanova Wildcats were eliminated in the Round of 32, leaving No.3 Baylor and No.4 Florida as the region’s top teams. The title odds for Arizona and Gonzaga are three times better than that of both Baylor and Florida.

As the only double-digit seed in the Sweet 16, No.11 Xavier has the worst championship odds at 100/1. No.7 South Carolina is the only other team with worse than 40/1 odds.

Here are the national championship odds from the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook:

North Carolina 4/1

Kansas 4/1

Arizona 6/1

Gonzaga 6/1

Kentucky 7/1

UCLA 7/1

Michigan 18/1

Florida 18/1

West Virginia 18/1

Baylor 18/1

Wisconsin 18/1

Purdue 18/1

Oregon 20/1

Butler 40/1

South Carolina 80/1

Xavier 100/1

NCAAFB: Former Florida QB Treon Harris set to start at Tennessee State.

By Zach Barnett

(Photo/Getty Images)

Former Florida quarterback Treon Harris has transferred to Tennessee State in preparation for a battle for the starting job.

That battle ended before it began.

Incumbent O’Shay Ackerman-Carter was granted a release Monday in order to pursue a quarterbacking gig closer to his Jacksonville hometown. He entered both of the past two seasons as the Tigers’ starter before losing both years to injury, the latest an ACL tear.

“O’Shay’s a little dejected, but he said he thought transferring was the best thing for him and his family,” Tennessee State head coach Rod Reed told the Nashville Tennessean. “I had a long conversation with him earlier today. He’s been given permission to contact some other schools and look elsewhere. I think his injuries also had a lot to do with it.”

Harris will now compete with Michael Hughes for the starting role. “I’ve still got plenty to prove. And we’ve still got competition at the position with (Hughes),” he told the paper.

In two off-and-on seasons at quarterback for Florida, Harris completed 174-of-346 (50.3 percent) passes for 2,695 yards (7.79 yards per attempt) with 18 touchdowns against 10 interceptions while rushing 171 times for 570 yards and three touchdowns.

Would a Kentucky Derby contender please step forward.

By Mike Watchmaker

The round of penultimate preps for the Kentucky Derby is over, for the most part. I suppose if you really, really wanted to, you could squeeze a race in between this Saturday's Spiral or Sunday's Sunland Derby and the Kentucky Derby, but that would require more racing in a short period of time than many of today's horsemen like.

So, as we turn into the final round of Derby preps, one could express surprise at how, at this relatively late stage, this Derby picture remains completely unsettled. Actually, one could say a lot worse if so inclined, but you get the idea.

We have a tepid Kentucky Derby favorite in McCraken, who is back working but who did miss his last race and will have one less prep than planned. We have Classic Empire, the unanimous 2-year-old male champion and one time clear future book favorite for the Derby. He's back working, too, but his prep season has been a mess, and who knows if he'll feel like cooperating, as he is also a notorious bad boy. And we have a bunch of Derby prep winners who enjoyed perfect trips or perfect pace setups, or both, and no Derby prep winner who overcame so much as a straw in his path.

It is in this context that this past Saturday's Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn was run. And if you think, like me, that the Rebel was a disappointment, what you're really saying when you consider context is that the Rebel was a huge letdown.

Look, Malagacy won the Rebel to remain unbeaten after three starts. He won his first two career starts this year at Gulfstream sprinting by 10 and seven lengths over questionable company, and Saturday he stretched out to 1 1/16 miles and two turns, and prevailed by two lengths.

Don't, however, take that as proof that Malagacy is now a legitimate two-turn horse. If you thought Malagacy was a sprinter before the Rebel, there is ample reason after the Rebel to think that is exactly what he still is.

For one, Malagacy's final time of 1:43.00 was good for a preliminary Beyer Figure of only 91. You don't need me or anyone else to tell you how weak that number is, but that makes Malagacy's Rebel tied for the second slowest of the 15 Derby preps run on dirt so far this year. (As an aside, three of the four races that bracketed the Rebel were also 1 1/16 mile races. So the fig, as low as it is, looks very straightforward.)

Malagacy fell off four Beyer points Saturday from his most recent sprint score, so the fact that he got slower as he went longer despite an easy trip stalking the pace strongly suggests that even if he did win, he doesn't truly want distance, at least at this early stage of his career. And let's not forget that the Rebel was at 1 1/16 miles. I'm surely daring him to prove me wrong, but it's difficult envisioning Malagacy succeeding in a solid 1 1/8-mile race, let alone a 1 1/4-mile event.

Speaking of winning, whom did Malagacy beat? The fact that Sonneteer, who was still a maiden after eight attempts with a previous career-best Beyer of 77, finished second at 112-1 makes a flattering response to that question unlikely.

The "performance," if you will, of some of those who finished behind Malagacy had a concerning ripple effect. For example, Untrapped had a perfect trip and had every chance in the stretch to catch Malagacy, but in the end he couldn't even save the place from the maiden. Untrapped was previously second in Girvin's Risen Star, so the strength of that race now comes into question.

Petrov, second in Oaklawn's two previous Derby preps, finally got the stalking trip I've been looking for from him, but he was unable to capitalize and finished fourth. And I could see where some could claim how that takes a little of the sheen off One Liner's victory over Petrov in the Southwest.

Royal Mo, winner of the Robert B. Lewis, and American Anthem, narrowly beaten in the Sham, both gave way to finish ninth and 10th in the field of 11, shaking the very foundation of the usually strong Southern California 3-year-old form.

Well, I should note that Sonneteer also shipped from California, so we know at least the maiden races there are good.

Bring on the final round of Kentucky Derby preps. We might not have a valid reason to expect something in them to really grab us, but we live in hope.

Quick Saturday notes

* Mor Spirit was good winning Oaklawn's Essex, and with the severe lack of quality depth in the handicap division he's going to have lots of opportunities this year in some big-name and rich races.

* Vale Dori and Finest City put on a terrific show in the Santa Margarita at Santa Anita, turning it into a virtual match race. That said, they're going to see a big change in the climate when Stellar Wind and, eventually, Songbird get back to business.

* When his career is over many years from now, Irad Ortiz Jr. will have a highlight reel 50 miles long. But his ride on Terra Promessa in Oaklawn's Azeri will not be on it. Yet as brutal as Terra Promessa's trip was, it was disappointing to see her have nothing at 1-5 once clear in the stretch. Yes, I know Terra Promessa probably called it a day after being in trouble for more than six furlongs. But man, the Azeri was run in slow motion, with a winning preliminary Beyer of only 85.

On This Date in Sports History: Today is Wednesday, March 22, 2017.

Memoriesofhistory.com

1888 - The English Football League was established.

1893 - In Northampton, MA, The first women's collegiate basketball game was played at Smith College.

1894 - The first playoff competition for the Stanley Cup began. Montreal defeated Ottawa 3-1.

1904 - A patent was issued for a "baseball catcher."

1923 - Foster Hewitt used a telephone to broadcast the first hockey game. He called the game between Kitchner and Toronto Parkdale.

1934 - The first Masters golf championship began in Augusta, GA.

1964 - Ed Johnston (Boston Bruins) became the last goalie in NHL history to play every minute of every game for an entire season.

1967 - Muhammad Ali was stripped of his heavyweight title for refusing to be inducted into the United States Army.

1969 - UCLA beat Purdue to become the first college basketball team to win three straight NCAA titles.

1974 - Peter Revson died in a crash during a practice run for the South Africa Grand Prix.

1979 - The National Hockey League (NHL) voted to accept 4 WHA teams, the Oilers, Jets, Nordiques & Whalers.

1993 - Cleveland Indians pitchers Steve Olin and Tim Crews were killed in a motor boat accident. Bobby Ojeda was also seriously injured.

1994 - The NFL announced the addition of the two-point conversion. It was the league's first scoring change in 75 seasons.

1997 - Tara Lipinski, at 14 years and 10 months, became the youngest women's world figure skating champion.

2002 - Sergei Zubov (Dallas Stars) got his 400th career assist.

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