Chicago Sports & Travel Inc./AllsportsAmerica
"America's Finest Sports Fan Travel Club, May We Plan An Event Or Sports Travel For You?"
We offer: Select opportunities, For your convenience, At "Very Rare but Super Fair" pricing
Because it's all about you!!!
"Sports Quote of the Day"
“There are no great limits to growth because there are no limits of human intelligence, imagination, and wonder.” ~ Ronald Reagan, 40th President of the United States of America
Trending: Return of No. 1 pick Kevin White a focal point as Bears begin OTA's. (See the football section for Bears updates).
Bears WR Kevin White (Photo/Pro Football Weekly)
Trending: Blackhawks announce three new signings. (See the hockey section for Blackhawks updates).
Trending: Jason Heyward made Cubs catcher David Ross cry with his retirement gift. (See the baseball section for Cubs and White Sox updates).
Trending: Here are your Indy 500/Carb Day times this weekend on NBCSN. (See the Indianapolis 500 section for Indy 500 Race updates).
Trending: Medals or mosquitoes? Zika still talk of Olympic golf. (See the golf section for PGA and Olympic golf updates).
Trending: Cubs and White Sox road to the "World Series".
Cubs 2016 Record: 30-14
White Sox 2016 Record: 27-20
(See the baseball section for Cubs and White Sox updates).
Bear Down Chicago Bears!!!!! Return of No. 1 pick Kevin White a focal point as Bears begin OTA's.
By John Mullin
It was sometime around a year ago that Kevin White’s season started coming off the rails as the rookie wide receiver began experiencing pain in his left leg that ultimately turned out to be a season-ending stress fracture. This week White and the Bears will reset with the startup of organized team activities (OTA’s) that run a handful of days per week, culminating in a mid-June mandatory minicamp before the Bears break until the July 27 opening of training camp in Bourbonnais.
Fewer storylines around the Bears to this point carry the individual significance as that of White, the team’s No. 1 draft choice last year with the intent of his becoming a linchpin of the offense for quite a few years.
Insiders said that White, in the closed portions of practice late last season prior to his being placed on IR, displayed jaw-dropping speed and burst, to the point of Jay Cutler joking that he couldn’t overthrow the kid. The decision to leave White shut down for the balance of the season had more to do with the Bears’ 5-8 record than health concerns; had the Bears beaten San Francisco and Washington and were within reach of the playoffs, White likely is put on the roster with an eye toward the postseason.
But none of that really matters in hindsight. What does matter is what White now does in an offense headed by a new coordinator (Dowell Loggains) and with presumed fellow receivers Alshon Jeffery and Eddie Royal, each of whom had their own 2015 lost playing time due to health issues.
“It’s hard,” Loggains said during rookie minicamp earlier this month of any early impressions of White. “But I can tell you about his character, and he’s everything that we expected.
“He’s a hard worker. His attitude is contagious because he is very positive; he doesn’t have bad days. I think that between him and Eddie and some of the other receivers, they’re bringing out the best of each other, and competition does that. We feel good about the receiver room. It’s a deep room and they’re making each other better.”
Rotoworld: Where the Bears QB situation ranks in the NFL.
Bear Down Chicago Bears!!!!! Return of No. 1 pick Kevin White a focal point as Bears begin OTA's.
By John Mullin
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
Fewer storylines around the Bears to this point carry the individual significance as that of White, the team’s No. 1 draft choice last year with the intent of his becoming a linchpin of the offense for quite a few years.
Insiders said that White, in the closed portions of practice late last season prior to his being placed on IR, displayed jaw-dropping speed and burst, to the point of Jay Cutler joking that he couldn’t overthrow the kid. The decision to leave White shut down for the balance of the season had more to do with the Bears’ 5-8 record than health concerns; had the Bears beaten San Francisco and Washington and were within reach of the playoffs, White likely is put on the roster with an eye toward the postseason.
But none of that really matters in hindsight. What does matter is what White now does in an offense headed by a new coordinator (Dowell Loggains) and with presumed fellow receivers Alshon Jeffery and Eddie Royal, each of whom had their own 2015 lost playing time due to health issues.
“It’s hard,” Loggains said during rookie minicamp earlier this month of any early impressions of White. “But I can tell you about his character, and he’s everything that we expected.
“He’s a hard worker. His attitude is contagious because he is very positive; he doesn’t have bad days. I think that between him and Eddie and some of the other receivers, they’re bringing out the best of each other, and competition does that. We feel good about the receiver room. It’s a deep room and they’re making each other better.”
Rotoworld: Where the Bears QB situation ranks in the NFL.
By CSN Staff
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
Jay Cutler enters his eighth season with the Bears with expectations of bouncing back from the team's dismal 6-10 record a year ago.
And while Alshon Jeffery returns as Cutler's top target, general manager Ryan Pace continued to clean house by releasing running back Matt Forte and trading tight end Martellus Bennett to the Patriots.
The Bears will get wide receiver Kevin White back after he missed his entire rookie season with a stress fracture in his left leg. The Bears also spent three draft picks on offensive players, including guard Cody Whitehair in the second round.
Cutler will use those weapons with new offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains after Adam Gase took the head coaching job in Miami.
So where do Cutler and the Bears' quarterback situation stand in the NFL? Rotoworld's Patrick Daugherty ranked all 32 teams based on current production, as well as age and injury history, and though the Bears improved it wasn't by much.
Surprisingly, the Detroit Lions and Matthew Stafford ranked 11th on the list following a 7-9 season. Just as surprising, Teddy Bridgewater and the NFC champion Vikings ranked 24th, behind Cutler and the Bears. Bridgewater didn't explode in his second pro season but still managed to throw for 3,200 yards and 14 touchdowns while leading the Vikings to an 11-5 record.
You can check out the rest of the list from Daugherty here.
And while Alshon Jeffery returns as Cutler's top target, general manager Ryan Pace continued to clean house by releasing running back Matt Forte and trading tight end Martellus Bennett to the Patriots.
The Bears will get wide receiver Kevin White back after he missed his entire rookie season with a stress fracture in his left leg. The Bears also spent three draft picks on offensive players, including guard Cody Whitehair in the second round.
Cutler will use those weapons with new offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains after Adam Gase took the head coaching job in Miami.
So where do Cutler and the Bears' quarterback situation stand in the NFL? Rotoworld's Patrick Daugherty ranked all 32 teams based on current production, as well as age and injury history, and though the Bears improved it wasn't by much.
21. Bears, Jay Cutler
Last Year’s Ranking: 22
The Seahawks and Russell Wilson ranked first on the list, followed by Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, the Panthers, the Colts and the Steelers.Jay Cutler is coming off the cleanest season of his career, but the man responsible, OC Adam Gase, has packed up and left for South Beach. Security blankets Matt Forte and Martellus Bennett are gone, as well, stripping Cutler of much of the armor that fortified him against his disastrous 2014. Now 33, Cutler hasn’t appeared in all 16 games since 2009. On the bright side, 2015 first-rounder Kevin White is healthy after missing his entire rookie campaign, and Cutler’s coaching buddy Dowell Loggains is replacing Gase. Cutler showed last season that he still has good football left in the tank, but with his guaranteed money out after 2016, he is very much a year-to-year proposition for a team in rebuilding mode.
Surprisingly, the Detroit Lions and Matthew Stafford ranked 11th on the list following a 7-9 season. Just as surprising, Teddy Bridgewater and the NFC champion Vikings ranked 24th, behind Cutler and the Bears. Bridgewater didn't explode in his second pro season but still managed to throw for 3,200 yards and 14 touchdowns while leading the Vikings to an 11-5 record.
You can check out the rest of the list from Daugherty here.
Bears sounding increasingly like Lamarr Houston, Willie Young in ’16 plans.
By John Mullin
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
While the Bears cut ties with veterans Matt Forte, Antrel Rolle and Matt Slauson sooner rather than later this offseason, they have done nothing to hint that the immediate futures of outside linebackers Lamarr Houston and Willie Young project to be other than Chicago.
Just the opposite, in fact. Despite chatter that the Bears were shopping various veterans in the days around the draft, reports have the Bears not only open to extending Young’s contract, but also doing nothing with Houston and his nearly $6 million price tag for 2016. And John Fox is sounding like anything but a head coach who’s done with either edge threat.
“In year two, a lot of times there’s a big jump from freshman to sophomore, year one to year two, just in the scheme,” Fox said during the Bears’ rookie minicamp. “Two of our outside linebackers [Houston, Young] a year ago were coming off major injuries and really didn’t have an off-season. And they were making the transition from 4-3 ends earlier in their career to acclimating to a 3-4 outside linebacker.
“They’re going to have a full off-season this time around. So they were, and really everybody out there was, kind of new at outside linebacker because we got two new guys in free agency that we brought in, so there will be some growing pains.”
As the Bears headed into this offseason, with its Combine, draft and sundry transactions, the futures of Houston and Young were subjects of speculation. Team-leading sack totals (eight for Houston, 6.5 for Young) notwithstanding, the combination of salaries and age (Young turning 31 in September) put both at risk on a team looking to get younger and faster on defense.
Now, even with the expenditure of draft capital on Leonard Floyd, a decidedly Young-like outside pass rusher, the Bears do not appear inclined to let go of proven pass rushers.
Chicago Bears offensive line much improved.
Just the opposite, in fact. Despite chatter that the Bears were shopping various veterans in the days around the draft, reports have the Bears not only open to extending Young’s contract, but also doing nothing with Houston and his nearly $6 million price tag for 2016. And John Fox is sounding like anything but a head coach who’s done with either edge threat.
“In year two, a lot of times there’s a big jump from freshman to sophomore, year one to year two, just in the scheme,” Fox said during the Bears’ rookie minicamp. “Two of our outside linebackers [Houston, Young] a year ago were coming off major injuries and really didn’t have an off-season. And they were making the transition from 4-3 ends earlier in their career to acclimating to a 3-4 outside linebacker.
“They’re going to have a full off-season this time around. So they were, and really everybody out there was, kind of new at outside linebacker because we got two new guys in free agency that we brought in, so there will be some growing pains.”
As the Bears headed into this offseason, with its Combine, draft and sundry transactions, the futures of Houston and Young were subjects of speculation. Team-leading sack totals (eight for Houston, 6.5 for Young) notwithstanding, the combination of salaries and age (Young turning 31 in September) put both at risk on a team looking to get younger and faster on defense.
Now, even with the expenditure of draft capital on Leonard Floyd, a decidedly Young-like outside pass rusher, the Bears do not appear inclined to let go of proven pass rushers.
Chicago Bears offensive line much improved.
Christopher Szafran-Luce
(Photo/Cover32.com)
The Chicago Bears will have what hopes to be a revamped offensive line after free agency and the draft.
They also have two key starters from last year that need to improve to give the Bears a shot into the playoffs. The addition of Bobby Massie in free agency gave Chicago the opportunity to get stronger on the right side and move Kyle Long back to his natural guard spot. Massie was looked at to be a cornerstone right tackle for the Cardinals after his second year, but struggled heavily during the first half of the season last year He is an above average run blocker which will help aid in John Fox’s run heavy scheme.
Massie can be a liability in the passing game even though he is quick on his feet for his size (6’6” 315 lbs) he is known to take a bad angle towards the edge rusher. Hopefully offensive line coach Dave Magazu can help make some corrections and Massie could potentially be a steal of a free agent. The Chicago Bears also signed veteran guard Ted Larsen and guard/center Manny Ramirez, it’s a nice addition but they will mostly just be used for depth.
Chicago Bears: Biggest OL concern
The biggest concern this year for the passing game will be left tackle Charles Leno Jr., who got a chance to start Week 4 after an injury to Jermon Bushrod and finished the season starting at left tackle. Personally, Leno Jr. had an average year getting beat by bull rushes and spin moves, but considering it was his first semi-full season it wasn’t the worst. Leno, like Massie has incredibly quick feet which if you’ve watched any combine certainly have heard Jon Gruden repeat how quick feet is something you cannot teach.
The biggest concern this year for the passing game will be left tackle Charles Leno Jr., who got a chance to start Week 4 after an injury to Jermon Bushrod and finished the season starting at left tackle. Personally, Leno Jr. had an average year getting beat by bull rushes and spin moves, but considering it was his first semi-full season it wasn’t the worst. Leno, like Massie has incredibly quick feet which if you’ve watched any combine certainly have heard Jon Gruden repeat how quick feet is something you cannot teach.
With a full offseason to train and potentially get stronger he has a real chance to become a solid fixture on this younger Chicago Bears line. Left guard will be filled by rookie Cody Whitehair and until he has a full season there’s no reason to put any realistic predictions about how he will fair in his first NFL season. He had a great collegiate career along with countless other lineman in college history.
The other guard spot shouldn’t be a concern at all thanks to the pro bowler Kyle Long, and add the fact talks of him trying to get an extension he should have another great year.
This leaves the biggest concern for the running game and the most valuable position in my opinion on the entire offensive line.
Hroniss Grasu was supposed to be red-shirted if you may last year, but injuries lead to him starting some games before getting injured. This year all we’ve heard is how Grasu has gained weight and magically that will solve everything.
Grasu is a very athletic center and despite being a little passive aggressive about the weight gain should have a promising year. To ask a rookie center to learn shifts and audibles on the line while taking on the heaviest players in the NFL is unrealistic. He has a very quick first step but needs to work on getting under the defensive tackles pads if he wants to become a better blocker. Grasu also seemed lost on inside linebacker blitzes or twists on the line.
Hopefully Manny Ramirez takes Grasu under his wing and the second year center can make some adjustments to bolster a run heavy Chicago Bears team.
The post Chicago Bears offensive line much improved appeared first on Cover32.
FOLLOW-UP: Cody Whitehair's versatility and technique make him a shoo-in to start.
By Paul Ottochian
(Photo/BearsWire.com)
For much of the offseason, most people thought both guard positions on the Chicago Bears offensive line were set in stone with Matt Slauson and Kyle Long on the left and right side. However, Ryan Pace and company thought differently. They have yet to lock Long in at a position yet, and the release of Slauson made the left guard spot one to win in training camp.
Pace added two veterans in Ted Larson and Manny Ramirez, but he topped it off with a somewhat surprising second-round selection of a technically sound guard out of Kansas State, Cody Whitehair. Where he fits into the offensive line plan is not yet known, but what we do know is that he brings versatility as he played at every offensive line position besides center in college.
Whitehair has great feet and precise hand placement that offensive line coaches love to see. His feet allow him to step with balance and beat defensive players to the punch to either scoop block, cut-off or seal. He can bend with ease at the hips and quickly moves to get across the face of a defender and thwart penetration all while maintaining the integrity of the play.
Whitehair clearly understands the art form of hand placement and proper punch technique. His ability to consistently step and deliver the blow to explode with proper hand use is among the best of any offensive linemen in the last few drafts.
Whitehair is not a guy that is going to win any body-building competitions. He isn’t body-beautiful, but he is attractive to offensive line coaches on the tape. He gets the job done with elite core strength and powerful explosion upon initial contact. He can plant and anchor like a champion, getting to his plant step, striking the opponent and throwing arms out while using his strong hands to bend back, anchor and control a lineman with precision.
When asked to pull, he controls his body athletically and effortlessly, gathering his target like a sniper and finishing blocks in an impressive manner. It is hard to find plays where Whitehair misses the intended target on a play design, and it’s fun to watch him attack the defense with confidence and finishing power. He clearly studies the playbook with a high football acumen and a desire to be great.
The knock on his short arms disappear when the tape goes on; he’s a powerful, polished lineman with elite-level technique. His 10 and 1/8-inch hands make up for his shorter arms because they lock out and control his opponents with power.
Whitehair has the necessary skills to play any position along the line, and the Bears, who are looking to start their best five players, will find a place for him to do just that in 2016.
How 'bout them Chicago Blackhawks? Report: Blackhawks agree to terms with defenseman Michal Kempny.
By Charlie Roumeliotis
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
The 25-year-old Czech Republic native registered five goals, 16 assists and owned a plus-17 rating in 59 regular-season games this past season with Avangard Omsk of the Kontinental Hockey League. He also racked up four points (two goals and two assists) and had a plus-7 rating in 11 postseason contests.
Kempny waited until after the 2016 IIHF World Hockey Championship ended before making a decision. He had two assists in eight games during the tournament, and was tied for the team-lead with a plus-7 rating. His performance was good enough to be named one of the Czech Republic's best players.
Kempny is a 6-foot, 194-pound left-handed defenseman who's known for his puck-moving skills and his ability to play well at both ends of the ice.
Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman spoke with Scott Powers of The Athletic earlier this month about the possibility of signing Kempny, and provided a quick scouting report on him:
“He’s a mobile defenseman,” Bowman said. “He’s got that mixture of offense and defense. I would call him a really well-rounded guy. He can defend well in his own end. Mobility, he’s a good skater. He can transition the puck. He can sort of play a well-rounded game, which I think as a defenseman, you’ve seen our team play a lot, you have to be able to defend for our coaches to be able to rely on you. He’s got that ability to sort of play both ways.”
Kempny gives the Blackhawks an NHL-ready defenseman with the potential to slot into a top-four role, or at least take some pressure off a blue line group that lacked the depth it's had in previous seasons.
Blackhawks announce three new signings.
By CSN Staff
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
The Blackhawks agreed to terms with goaltender Lars Johansson, defenseman Michal Kempny and forward Martin Lundberg on one-year deals on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old Kempny had 21 points (five goals, 16 assists) in 59 games with Avangard Omsk (KHL) last season. He had two assists in eight games with the Czech Republic in the IIHF World Championship.
Johansson, 28, spent the last three seasons with Frolunda HC (Swedish Hockey League). He was 56-27-0 over those three seasons. Last season, he had a league-leading 1.74 goals-against average and a 27-6-0 record.
The 25-year-old Lundberg had 13 goals and eight assists in 44 games with Skelleftea AIK (Swedish Hockey League). He also had two goals in eight games with Sweden in the World Championship.
The 25-year-old Kempny had 21 points (five goals, 16 assists) in 59 games with Avangard Omsk (KHL) last season. He had two assists in eight games with the Czech Republic in the IIHF World Championship.
Johansson, 28, spent the last three seasons with Frolunda HC (Swedish Hockey League). He was 56-27-0 over those three seasons. Last season, he had a league-leading 1.74 goals-against average and a 27-6-0 record.
The 25-year-old Lundberg had 13 goals and eight assists in 44 games with Skelleftea AIK (Swedish Hockey League). He also had two goals in eight games with Sweden in the World Championship.
They're back: Cubs lineup bludgeons Cardinals.
By Patrick Mooney
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
The Cubs didn’t need any mimes, magicians or mariachi bands in the clubhouse. Joe Maddon didn’t have to reach into his bag of tricks to deflect attention away from his team’s offensive struggles or deflate whatever pressure his young hitters might have been feeling.
The Cubs showed why they have the best record in baseball and status as World Series favorites, jumping Michael Wacha for six runs in the first inning of a 12-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday night at Busch Stadium.
If Maddon didn’t call this shot, the manager certainly alluded to it during his pregame media session when asked which hitter he thinks opponents focus on or worry about the most.
"It’s hard to name one guy," Maddon said. "I’m sure they’re concerned about (Jorge) Soler hitting .190-something, just knowing that at any moment he could just break out. If I were to look at our lineup, I’d be uncomfortable all the way down (with) the way David Ross is hitting right now. There’s no comfortable break in our lineup.
"It’s a definite American League East lineup from back in the day."
That’s the entire point for this franchise, how Theo Epstein’s front office kept betting on hitters in the draft, trades and free agency, trying to build a bigger, better version of those Boston Red Sox teams that bludgeoned opponents.
Within that first-inning ambush, Soler drew a bases-loaded walk that forced in a run, Ross drove a ball that soared over Randal Grichuk’s head and deflected off the center fielder’s outstretched glove for a two-out, two-run double. Pitcher Jason Hammel followed that up by drilling another two-run double to center.
Soler knocked out Wacha — a pitcher the Cubs beat in the playoffs last year — in the fifth inning with a two-run homer that had 100-mph exit velocity and sailed over the center-field fence.
Handed a six-run lead within 15 minutes of first pitch, before he ever stepped onto the mound, Hammel pitched into the eighth inning and allowed only one run, continuing another All-Star level first half (6-1, 2.17 ERA).
The Cubs (30-14) ended a three-game losing streak — the first one this season — and changed the subject with fans on Twitter and for the media wondering what happened to this team.
Up next for the Cardinals (24-22) on Wednesday afternoon is Jake Arrieta, a reigning Cy Young Award winner who’s 24-1 with a 0.99 ERA in his last 29 regular-season starts. No one needs to tell the Cubs to R-E-L-A-X.
"We’ve gone through a tough time recently," Maddon said. "Believe me, man, it happens to everybody. It doesn’t concern me. I’m not distraught over it. It’s just a part of our game. But I like our names. I like our lineup a lot. Our boys will put up some huge numbers by the end of the season."
Jason Heyward made Cubs catcher David Ross cry with his retirement gift.
By Arielle Aronson
Jason Heyward was quick to share the wealth after he signed an eight-year, $184 million contract with the Chicago Cubs in December. According to Bleacher Report, one of Heyward's first moves after locking up the new deal was to pay for teammate David Ross to get a hotel suite big enough for Ross's whole family for every road trip of Ross's final MLB season.
Ross and Heyward were teammates for three years back in 2010-2012 when both played for the Atlanta Braves. Heyward said Ross served as a mentor to him back then, so the hotel suite idea was a big league version of a thank you note for all Ross had done for Heyward during Heyward's early years in the MLB. Via Bleacher Report:
"I know how special it is to have teammates like he was my first three years in Atlanta. You don't take it for granted," Heyward told Bleacher Report. "I wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart, as a teammate and as a friend, for what he's done for me."
Ross, who plans to retire after the 2016 season, told Bleacher Report that the gesture moved him to tears. As a father of three children ranging in age from seven years old to a newborn, Ross said the space is invaluable because it allows him to comfortably spend time with his family during the lengthy baseball season.
Even Cubs general manager Theo Epstein was impressed by Heyward's gesture.
"There are a lot of class acts in this game," Epstein told Bleacher Report. "People do some generous things that never [publicly] see the light of day.
"But that's as poignant a gesture as I've seen."
Chris Sale's win streak snapped at nine as White Sox fall to Tribe.
Ross, who plans to retire after the 2016 season, told Bleacher Report that the gesture moved him to tears. As a father of three children ranging in age from seven years old to a newborn, Ross said the space is invaluable because it allows him to comfortably spend time with his family during the lengthy baseball season.
Even Cubs general manager Theo Epstein was impressed by Heyward's gesture.
"There are a lot of class acts in this game," Epstein told Bleacher Report. "People do some generous things that never [publicly] see the light of day.
"But that's as poignant a gesture as I've seen."
Chris Sale's win streak snapped at nine as White Sox fall to Tribe.
By Dan Hayes
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
Chris Sale’s bid to win his first 10 starts of the season ended in spectacular fashion on Tuesday night.
The White Sox pitcher endured the longest inning of his career and then some as the Cleveland Indians gave him an early exit and the White Sox never recovered, losing 6-2 at U.S. Cellular Field in front of 21,550. Cruising through two-plus innings, Sale needed 43 pitches to escape the third inning and allowed six earned runs in 3.1 frame. Vying to become only the eighth pitcher in baseball history to win his first 10 starts, and just the second since 1920, Sale was tagged with his first loss. His earned-run average rose from 1.58 to 2.26 in the process.
The White Sox have lost 10 of their last 14 games.
With two outs in the third inning, Sale’s pitch count stood at 32, including only five in the frame, and he had retired eight of the first 10 batters faced. But what appeared to be another chapter in a spectacular start to Sale’s season quickly unraveled. He walked Jose Ramirez on 10 pitches even after he got ahead of him 1-2 in the count and Francisco Lindor singled. Mike Napoli’s drive to left-center field then fell in between Austin Jackson and Melky Cabrera for a two-run triple to put the Indians ahead for good.
But the inning wasn’t yet over.
Sale walked Carlos Santana on seven pitches and Juan Uribe won a nine-pitch battle when he dumped a 2-2 changeup into right for an RBI single. Though Sale struck out Marlon Byrd to end the inning, he never recovered.
Chris Gimenez started the fourth inning with a solo homer off Sale — only the sixth he has allowed in 71.2 innings this season. The left-hander would issue two more walks and an RBI single to Lindor to fall behind 5-1 before he exited the game.
Sale’s attempt to become only the first starting pitcher to win 10 straight since San Diego’s Andy Hawkins in 1985 ended with his shortest start since he lasted only three innings on Sept. 13, 2015.
Sale allowed six earned runs and seven hits with four walks. He struck out seven.
The White Sox offense looked as if it may put up a fight against Cleveland’s Josh Tomlin, who improved to 7-0 with eight sharp innings.
Adam Eaton opened the game with a solo home run to right field, his third, to give the White Sox a 1-0 advantage.
But White Sox bats again fell silent and Tomlin settled in and largely avoided trouble from there.
He retired Tyler Saladino with two on to end a potential second-inning rally and used a base-running mistake by the White Sox to build late momentum.
Down 6-1 in the fourth, the White Sox scored a run on consecutive one-out doubles by Jose Abreu, who had three hits, and Brett Lawrie. But Lawrie was caught off second base on Avisail Garcia’s grounder to shortstop and was thrown out after a brief rundown. On the play, Garcia overran first base and was doubled off to end the inning.
Beginning with the Garcia groundout, Tomlin retired 12 straight until Adam Eaton’s two-out single in the eighth inning.
The White Sox finished with six hits and scored three or fewer runs for the eighth time in 11 contests. They’ve produced three or fewer runs in 23 of 47 games this season and dropped to 7-16 in those contests.
The White Sox pitcher endured the longest inning of his career and then some as the Cleveland Indians gave him an early exit and the White Sox never recovered, losing 6-2 at U.S. Cellular Field in front of 21,550. Cruising through two-plus innings, Sale needed 43 pitches to escape the third inning and allowed six earned runs in 3.1 frame. Vying to become only the eighth pitcher in baseball history to win his first 10 starts, and just the second since 1920, Sale was tagged with his first loss. His earned-run average rose from 1.58 to 2.26 in the process.
The White Sox have lost 10 of their last 14 games.
With two outs in the third inning, Sale’s pitch count stood at 32, including only five in the frame, and he had retired eight of the first 10 batters faced. But what appeared to be another chapter in a spectacular start to Sale’s season quickly unraveled. He walked Jose Ramirez on 10 pitches even after he got ahead of him 1-2 in the count and Francisco Lindor singled. Mike Napoli’s drive to left-center field then fell in between Austin Jackson and Melky Cabrera for a two-run triple to put the Indians ahead for good.
But the inning wasn’t yet over.
Sale walked Carlos Santana on seven pitches and Juan Uribe won a nine-pitch battle when he dumped a 2-2 changeup into right for an RBI single. Though Sale struck out Marlon Byrd to end the inning, he never recovered.
Chris Gimenez started the fourth inning with a solo homer off Sale — only the sixth he has allowed in 71.2 innings this season. The left-hander would issue two more walks and an RBI single to Lindor to fall behind 5-1 before he exited the game.
Sale’s attempt to become only the first starting pitcher to win 10 straight since San Diego’s Andy Hawkins in 1985 ended with his shortest start since he lasted only three innings on Sept. 13, 2015.
Sale allowed six earned runs and seven hits with four walks. He struck out seven.
The White Sox offense looked as if it may put up a fight against Cleveland’s Josh Tomlin, who improved to 7-0 with eight sharp innings.
Adam Eaton opened the game with a solo home run to right field, his third, to give the White Sox a 1-0 advantage.
But White Sox bats again fell silent and Tomlin settled in and largely avoided trouble from there.
He retired Tyler Saladino with two on to end a potential second-inning rally and used a base-running mistake by the White Sox to build late momentum.
Down 6-1 in the fourth, the White Sox scored a run on consecutive one-out doubles by Jose Abreu, who had three hits, and Brett Lawrie. But Lawrie was caught off second base on Avisail Garcia’s grounder to shortstop and was thrown out after a brief rundown. On the play, Garcia overran first base and was doubled off to end the inning.
Beginning with the Garcia groundout, Tomlin retired 12 straight until Adam Eaton’s two-out single in the eighth inning.
The White Sox finished with six hits and scored three or fewer runs for the eighth time in 11 contests. They’ve produced three or fewer runs in 23 of 47 games this season and dropped to 7-16 in those contests.
Just Another Chicago Bulls Session..... Chicago Bulls mock draft: lots of options at #14.
By Vijay Vemu
(Photo/Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports)
Here are who the draft experts say the Chicago Bulls will take at #14.
With the draft lottery now set, the mock drafts for the 2016 NBA draft are coming in by the hour. Let's take a look at some of them, specifically concerning the Chicago Bulls first round pick. Our friends over at BrewHoop did something similar and in greater detail for the Milwaukee Bucks regarding mock drafts, you should check it out.
Sitting with the 14th pick, the draft experts are relatively split on what the Chicago Bulls should do. The Bulls are an interesting team considering they have a lot of holes to fill and need a starter or depth at any position. They really could take anyone and it would be a good fit. But ideally a point guard or a small forward should be in the works for Chicago. I looked at nine mock drafts by some of the top experts in the field and charted who they had Chicago taking in each of them.
| Draft Mocker | Bulls Selection |
| Chad Ford - ESPN | Deyonta Davis |
| Kevin O'Connor - SBNation | Demetrius Jackson |
| Alex Kennedy - Basketball Insiders | Timothe Luwawu |
| Gary Parrish - CBS Sports | Tyler Ullis |
| Johnathan Givony - TheVertical/DraftExpress | Timothe Luwawu |
| Andrew Sharp - SI | Deyonta Davis |
| Scott Howard-Cooper - NBA.com | Furkan Korkmaz |
| Sean Deveney - Sporting News | Damontas Sabonis |
| Sam Vecenie - CBS Sports | Denzel Valentine |
As you can see by the table, the draft experts are pretty split on who they had Chicago taking at #14. Some like Ford and Sharp had Chicago taking a big man like Deyonta Davis, while O'Connor and Parrish had the Bulls taking point guards. The Bulls have also been linked to multiple international players, including French forward Timothe Luwawu, who is more of a mystery than a clear cut product. Chicago has a lot of options at #14.
One name surprisingly left off the list is Vanderbilt point guard Wade Baldwin IV. He is athletic, can play defense, and also can shoot from the outside. Ricky O'Donnell mentioned Baldwin IV in one of this top six players the Bulls should draft and talked about how good of a fit Baldwin would be.
The ideal player for that job would be able to defend multiple positions and shoot threes. Vanderbilt sophomore Wade Baldwin IV seems like the perfect guy for the job.Rarely do point guards get the "3&D" tag, but Baldwin deserves it. He's 6'3 with a ridiculous 6'10 wingspan, which will make him one of the longest point guards in the NBA from day one. To put that in perspective, the 6'8 Doug McDermott has a 6'9 wingspan. Baldwin gives you the length of a power forward with the skill of a point guard.
If this chart tells us anything, it tells us two main things. First off, like I said earlier, Chicago has a ton of options. Although star impact players like Brandon Ingram or Ben Simmons won't be on the board, Chicago can still get a solid player if they don't move their pick. They can take anyone from a point guard to a center, the options are endless. But it also shows that the Bulls have a lot of holes to fill on this team. With the exception of shooting guard (Jimmy Butler), there is no impact player at each starting position on the roster. The Bulls need a lot of help at mutliple positions. It will be interesting to see who they take and if the Bulls try and move up.
Gasol still weighing up future as free agency looms.
Omnisport
Two-time champion Gasol is coming out of contract and the 35-year-old is eligible to opt for free agency in July.
The San Antonio Spurs have loomed as a possible destination should Gasol decide to leave Chicago - a place he has called home since 2014 - though the Spaniard and six-time All-Star could stay with the Bulls.
"I know the [Bulls] franchise, I like the city. I like many things, the team, also the organization," Gasol told Marca. "It is a situation that I cherish.
"[But] I have to see what offers I get. I try to keep an open mind.
"The good news is that this summer the conditions that can be offered can be very attractive and there will be many teams that are going to propose interesting projects.
"There will be a significant amount of money and a lot of teams with cap space with the obligation to spend that money on their players.
"I try to have an open mind and see, when you start the process on July 1, what teams are willing to bet heavily on me as an important piece."
Gasol, who averaged 16.5 points, 11 rebounds, 4.1 assists and two blocks per game in 2015-16, added: "I would like two things: go to a team competing for the ring and with a good contract."
Golf: I got a club for that..... DEAN & DELUCA: Power Ranking
The Sporting News
Ben Hogan is a five-time champion of the tournament that pays homage to his historic career, including wins in the first two events. Perhaps it is no surprise that accuracy and ball-striking have been rewarded over the years. Because this is a classic course, bomb-and-gouge doesn’t necessarily work here.
Colonial CC is a par-70 layout of 7,204 yards, featuring 12 par 4s, four par 3s and two par 5s. That immediately tilts the stats towards the scoring on par 4s.
Historically, accuracy off the tee has been a key to success at Colonial CC. With rumors of extra-plush rough making the rounds this week, it would seem even more imperative than usual to keep it in the short grass. Throw in the threat of rain this week, and that rough could be a real factor.
In preparing the research for this tournament, it quickly became apparent that some of the best matches of current form, course history and statistical fit are players that aren’t the easiest to stomach for gamers because they lack elite class. Names like Kevin Chappell, Roberto Castro, Chez Reavie and Colt Knost have all let gamers down more than they’ve rewarded them in weekly formats. Because of this, the DEAN & DELUCA Invitational presents gamers with an interesting option. They can follow the known commodities of classy name recognition, or they can trust what the research spits out.
The wise move is a blend of both, when the situation allows.
Here we go!
1. Matt Kuchar – Perhaps the safest fit, Kuchar enters on back-to-back third-place finishes and has a runner-up in this event as recently as 2013. He plays hard tracks well, and won’t be intimidated by a less-than-stellar field and an emphasis on keeping it between the tree lines. He ranks inside the top 15 in strokes gained: tee-to-green (SG:TTG) and par 4 scoring average and is a comfortable 37th in driving accuracy.
2. Kevin Chappell – Why is it so hard to pull the trigger on a guy with three runner-up finishes this season? Perhaps because he can still be a little unpredictable in terms of when those may fall. Still, his top-20 finishes in his last two trips to Colonial CC and his runner-up at THE PLAYERS are impossible to ignore. Hold your breath, but make the investment.
3. Adam Scott – A past champion here, the Aussie enters off a string of back-to-back top 20s on the PGA TOUR. That points to him breaking out of a mini-slump following his two wins earlier in 2016. He leads the PGA TOUR in SG:TTG.
4. Zach Johnson – This one is tricky. He has the name and course history, with two wins, that will make every one feel very comfortable. In fact, he’s 10-for-10 here with four top-four finishes. Recently he’s just been fair, if not below average. Course history buffs will love him, current form guys will hate him.
5. Jordan Spieth – As I stated on Twitter Sunday evening, I believe Spieth will bounce back from his most recent two final-round collapses sooner, rather than later, but I need to see it before he takes the top slot. He’s made all three cuts here, including a T2 last year and nothing worse than a T14.
6. Kevin Na – Missed the cut at THE PLAYERS, but posted a T4 in his most recent start before that. Offers plenty of course history, with eight paydays in 10 tries including three top 10s and six top 25s.
7. Chris Kirk – Defending champ was trending well before withdrawing in his last start. He’s made all six cuts, including four top 20s. His 2015 win is one of two top fives at Colonial CC.
8. Brandt Snedeker – A runner-up at Colonial last year, Sneds has the class and course history that will serve as a safety blanket for many gamers. He has missed his last two cuts and historically struggles to keep the driver in the short grass.
9. Colt Knost – It’s impossible to ignore anyone who has back-to-back top-four finishes entering any tournament. Even better, Knost is one of the most accurate drivers on the PGA TOUR. That makes it a mild surprise that he missed the cut in his first four trips to Colonial CC. Gamers will take solace that he remedied that with a T10 in 2015. The big fella enjoys himself, so here’s hoping that the last two weeks didn’t lead to some extra celebrating.
10. Roberto Castro – With nothing better than a T19 in three previous DEAN & DELUCA Invitational, expect him to be passed over by some. Look no further than his P2 at Quail Hollow and top-25 rankings in driving accuracy, SG:TTG and par 4 scoring average for reasons to expect a career-best finish in this event this week.
11. Charley Hoffman – Since his win at the Valero Texas Open, Hoffman has two top-12 finishes to just one missed cut. He’s made all seven cuts, with one top 10 and three top 20s at Colonial CC. While he’s not a perfect statistical match, the same could be said for the RBC Heritage, where he has experienced success as well.
12. Jason Dufner – He’s posting a runner-up finish here every other year. Should the trend continue, this would be his year! Gamers know that Dufner can stripe it and keep it in the short grass, which is more than half the battle. The big knock is that his current form isn’t too pretty when peeling back the onion behind the T24 last week.
13. Danny Lee – It’s beginning to come together for Lee, with top 20s in two of his last three starts leading up to this week. Throw in a perfect 3-for-3 record at Colonial with a T10 last year, and we have the makings of a tasty pick.
14. Bill Haas – Has a history of winning on courses that are both tough and historic, with Riviera and Congressional immediately jumping to mind. Colonial would fit nicely among those on the trophy case. Perhaps the best thing is that his below-average length will not be penalized this week. He has one top 10 and three top 25s here in six tries.
15. Chez Reavie – Stole the last spot from Jim Furyk thanks to a T5 and a T11 on his ledger at Colonial to go with a T18 in his last start. He’s one of those risky options that will keep you nervous until all 72 holes are in the books.
Several guys not mentioned above that are also worthy of consideration are class players like Furyk, Patrick Reed, Charl Schwartzel and Steve Stricker. While it’s hard to place those guys behind some of the less-than-sexy names above, this week calls for that.
We will return tomorrow with our staff picks in Playing the Tips.
Best of luck to all!
Medals or mosquitoes? Zika still talk of Olympic golf.
By DOUG FERGUSON
England's Danny Willett reacts after missing a putt on the 12th hole during day four of the Irish Open at The K Club, in Straffan, Ireland, Sunday May 22, 2016. (Photo/Brian Lawless/PA via AP)
Olympic qualifying for golf ends in seven weeks, at which time players will have to determine if medals outweigh mosquitoes.
For now, there is only concern.
Rory McIlroy was the latest player to say Zika was in the back of his mind. In an interview with the BBC after his Irish Open victory, he said he has been reading up on the mosquito-borne virus, which has been linked to serious birth defects. McIlroy is engaged, and he said they might be starting a family in the next few years.
''I have to monitor that situation,'' he said.
Masters champion Danny Willett was the next to weigh in. Asked about it Tuesday at the BMW PGA Championship, the 28-year-old from England said he was keeping on top of it. Willett's wife, Nicole, had their first child just 11 days before he slipped on the green jacket.
''It's not great, is it? There's going to be 500,000 people watching the Olympics, and you have 11,000 athletes right in the heart of where it's at,'' Willett said. ''If it turns out that it would be a massive threat to myself or to Nic or to the little man, then I probably wouldn't go. Family comes first.
''But as it stands at the minute, I think everything should be OK.''
The Zika virus is in the news everywhere, which goes beyond the standard media outlets.
The International Golf Federation posted a two-page update on its website last month, and it is passing along Zika-related material from the International Olympic Committee and the World Health Organization to tours and player liaisons.
Andy Levinson, executive director of USA Golf, said Tuesday that updates from WHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are posted in the weekly bulletins left in lockers and on the ''Players Links'' website, where PGA Tour players get other pertinent information they don't want to miss - like tee times, and FedEx Cup points, and where to leave their courtesy cars.
Two weeks ago at The Players Championship, the PGA Tour's doctor was in player dining for one-on-ones on Zika.
Vijay Singh made a passing reference to Zika last month when the 53-year-old Fijian decided not to play. Marc Leishman of Australia also mentioned Zika, and for good reason. His wife nearly died last year of toxic shock syndrome and her immune system remains weakened.
The other players to pull out - Adam Scott, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel - cited a busy schedule or family priorities.
Ask a player a question, and there's bound to be an answer, even if it's not entirely informed. McIlroy said he was planning to get ''injections'' on Wednesday so that ''I will be immunized for whatever - if I do get bitten by a mosquito down there.''
There is no vaccine for the Zika virus.
IGF executive director Antony Scanlon said he was in Rio de Janeiro a few weeks ago for meetings and saw workers spraying ''an unbelievable amount of anti-mosquito'' repellant around the various venues. He also repeated the timing - August is the tail end of winter in Brazil, and mosquitoes are not expected to be as prevalent.
Scanlon said he was most curious by the silence from the other side - the women.
''If anyone is at risk, it's the ladies,'' Scanlon said Tuesday from London. ''We've heard nothing from them. I'm sure they've got concerns. And we're distributing as much information as we can to the players.''
LPGA commissioner Mike Whan said as much two weeks ago during an Olympic news conference. He said five or six players have asked him about Zika, though none has said it would keep her from Rio. In an email Tuesday, he said not much has changed.
''They have been receiving regular updates on the topic,'' Whan said. ''No player has suggested she is not coming (at least not to me). But it is certainly a concern.''
It could be another example that the Olympics mean more to the women, who rarely get a stage as large as this and have a stronger tradition of competing for country in what was the first truly global tour.
Various headlines made it sound as though McIlroy and Willett might skip the Olympics because of Zika, and while their answers allowed some wiggle room, the context of their statements suggested nothing has changed.
At least not yet.
''We're down to go and hopefully they can give us some proper guidelines as to how to keep it at bay and keep it under control so that it doesn't ruin what could be potentially a fantastic Olympics,'' Willett said.
''Not as apprehensive as I once was,'' McIlroy said about the Olympics. ''As it gets closer, I am relishing the thought of going down there and competing for gold.''
This much is clear - golfers currently eligible for the Olympics are having to study more than hole locations and wind direction.
NASCAR: Power Rankings: Rating the 12 points races of the season.
By Nick Bromberg
(Photo/yahoosports.com)
1. Richmond: Fully admitting that we may be biased because we saw this one in person, Richmond has the top spot in our rankings. Not only was the finish one of the best of the season, the racing from lap 1 to 400 was fantastic. The decision to move the race to the daytime paid off as drivers looked for every edge of pavement throughout Richmond's corners to find some speed. Two and three-wide racing throughout the field was commonplace. Winner: Carl Edwards.
2. California: The turnaround of Auto Club Speedway from pariah to on a pedestal continues to be impressive. Thanks to lower downforce and tire wear, the race was once again extremely entertaining even as Kevin Harvick led 142 laps. Winner: Jimmie Johnson.
3. Atlanta: Atlanta may not have been the most thrilling of races for people at home. However it still gets the No. 3 spot. It was our first chance to see the lower downforce tweaks and drivers emerged from their cars with rave reviews for the rule changes. Of course, after the disaster that was last year, they could have probably ridden bikes at Atlanta and said the same thing. But the second race of the season started the good racing vibes. Winner: Jimmie Johnson.
4. Talladega: Yes, the discussion after the Talladega race centered around flying cars. And with good reason. But when you look past that (scary) aspect, it was the best overall restrictor plate race of the year. Yes, even better than the Daytona 500 despite its fantastic finish. Winner: Brad Keselowski.
5. Dover: Should Dover be higher on this list? That question may be from the recent bias though. Last week's race was potentially the best at the track in eight years. Not only could drivers race each other for the lead intensely at the end of the race, they were able to race each other all over the track throughout the entire race. Winner: Matt Kenseth.
6. Daytona: As we said when ranking the finishes of the races, Daytona would have been a letdown if it wasn't for the crazy final mile of the race. The race was controlled by the Joe Gibbs Racing Toyotas and if there wasn't a last-lap pass for the win, the biggest memory of the race would have been Chase Elliott or Dale Earnhardt Jr. crashing. That doesn't speak too well to the awesomeness of the race. Winner: Denny Hamlin.
7. Phoenix: This year's race was one of the better Phoenix races in recent memory. But like Dover, Phoenix hasn't exactly been a thrilling track. Yeah, the finish was great, but the biggest takeaway from the overall race was that tire wear finally had an influence on the repaved surface. That's good news for the future. Winner: Kevin Harvick.
8. Bristol: This Bristol is just fine, thank you. Yeah, the "old Bristol" had the bump-and-run as a part of the passing repertoire, but it was a one-groove track. That one groove was just on the bottom rather than the top. And as Brad Keselowski showed us at one point throughout the race, it's possible to bump a driver out of the way in the high groove without crashing him. Winner: Carl Edwards.
9. Martinsville: Kyle Busch ruined Martinsville. OK, we're kidding. Is it possible to ruin Martinsville? Busch led 352 laps while no one else led more than 72. Three drivers who started outside the top 20 finished in the top 10, however. That's never a bad thing. Winner: Kyle Busch.
10. Las Vegas: If this was last year, Vegas would probably be higher on the list. But alas, it barely cracks the top 10 here. Outside of Brad Keselowski chasing down Kyle Busch for the lead on older tires, no one is going to remember Vegas as being epically thrilling. But no one is going to remember it for being a bad race either. Winner: Brad Keselowski.
11. Kansas: This race brought back the dreaded "track position" phrase. In a season of tire wear and easier passing, you automatically get docked a bunch of spots if the winner's crew chief emphasizes track position in a post-race press conference. Winner: Kyle Busch.
12. Texas: Texas races need to be shortened to 400 miles. We think Martin Truex Jr. will agree with this sentiment as he'd be the winner if this year's race was 100 miles shorter (Yes, Trevor Bayne was leading at the 400-mile mark but that was a strategy play. It was Truex's race to lose). Winner: Kyle Busch.
Poll: Who would you select for next NASCAR Hall of Fame class?
By Dustin Long
Voters will gather Wednesday in Charlotte, North Carolina, to select the next five-member class to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
The class will be introduced on NASCAR America at 5 p.m. ET Wednesday on NBCSN. Krista Voda will host and be joined by analysts Steve Letarte and Jeff Burton.
Here are the Hall of Fame candidates followed by a poll for you to make your selection. Which five would you choose?
Buddy Baker, won 19 times in NASCAR’s premier (now Sprint Cup) series, including the Daytona 500 and Southern 500
Red Byron, first NASCAR premier series champion, in 1949
Richard Childress, 11-time car owner champion in NASCAR’s three national series
Ray Evernham, three-time NASCAR premier series championship crew chief
Ray Fox, legendary engine builder, crew chief and car owner
Rick Hendrick, 14-time car owner champion in NASCAR’s three national series
Ron Hornaday Jr., four-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion
Harry Hyde, 1970 NASCAR premier series championship crew chief
Alan Kulwicki, 1992 NASCAR premier series champion
Mark Martin, 96-time race winner in NASCAR national series competition
Hershel McGriff, 1986 NASCAR west series champion
Raymond Parks, NASCAR’s first champion car owner
Benny Parsons, 1973 NASCAR premier series champion
Larry Phillips, five-time NASCAR weekly series national champion
Jack Roush, five-time car owner champion in NASCAR’s three national series
Ricky Rudd, won 23 times in NASCAR’s premier series, including the 1997 Brickyard 400
Ken Squier, legendary radio and television broadcaster; inaugural winner/namesake of Squier-Hall Award for NASCAR Media Excellence
Mike Stefanik, winner of record-tying nine NASCAR championships
Waddell Wilson, won three NASCAR premier series championships as an engine builder
Robert Yates, won NASCAR premier series championship as both an engine builder and owner
Who would you select for the next NASCAR Hall of Fame class? (Pick 5 only)
SOCCER: Looking ahead for the USMNT: Two key friendlies before Copa 100.
By Kyle Lynch
With the Copa America Centenario kicking off next week across the United States, what can we expect from the USMNT in their two upcoming friendlies?
After defeating Puerto Rico in a glorified scrimmage on Sunday, the U.S. has two more matches before the tournament that will pose a much tougher challenge for Klinsmann’s men.
The USMNT faces Ecuador on Wednesday, May 25 in Texas before traveling to Kansas City to take on Bolivia on Saturday, May 28. Both of those South American sides will be competing in the Copa America.
While Klinsmann may have given some of his younger players minutes against Puerto Rico, you would expect a much stronger lineup to be fielded in the friendlies against Ecuador and Bolivia.
However, as all U.S. Soccer fans know, you can never predict what Jurgen Klinsmann is going to do.
Klinsmann confirmed that Brad Guzan will be his number-one goalkeeper at Copa America, which means we will likely see the Aston Villa man in net for both upcoming friendlies.
The USMNT will also get some reinforcements on the back-line with both Geoff Cameron and Matt Besler joining up with the team ahead of the Ecuador match. Cameron and Besler have worked together well as a solid center-back pairing in the past, but Besler will likely find himself behind John Brooks, who is coming off of a great season with Hertha Berlin.
The midfield is probably the biggest question in this team, as Klinsmann has endlessly tinkered with both formation and player selection. Michael Bradley is a surefire pick, but the other spots are much harder to determine. Klinsmann has recalled one of his personal favorites Jermaine Jones to the squad, a veteran who has found some good form in Colorado this season. Jones could slot into the middle alongside Bradley, but at 34-years-old, his lack of pace could cost the U.S. when facing a side like Colombia in the Copa America.
Borussia Dortmund’s Christian Pulisic is the youngest player in the side, with the 17-year-old entering this week with just one cap to his name. While Klinsmann may have brought the teenager just for the learning experience, fans will want to see Pulisic on the pitch and these friendlies could be a time for the midfielder to earn valuable minutes for his progression. However, if Klinsmann has no plans to play Pulisic at the Copa, it would be better for the team’s consistency if he does not feature in the pre-tournament matches.
Up top, Bobby Wood may have finally done enough to lock down a starting position. With Jozy Altidore out injured, this is Wood’s time to shine and prove he should be Klinsmann’s first choice striker every match.
The USMNT kicks off the Copa America Centenario on June 3 in Santa Clara, California, facing Colombia at Levis Stadium.
Manchester United: Jose Mourinho informed Louis van Gaal about his impending departure following Red Devils' offer.
By Dustin Long
Voters will gather Wednesday in Charlotte, North Carolina, to select the next five-member class to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
The class will be introduced on NASCAR America at 5 p.m. ET Wednesday on NBCSN. Krista Voda will host and be joined by analysts Steve Letarte and Jeff Burton.
Here are the Hall of Fame candidates followed by a poll for you to make your selection. Which five would you choose?
Buddy Baker, won 19 times in NASCAR’s premier (now Sprint Cup) series, including the Daytona 500 and Southern 500
Red Byron, first NASCAR premier series champion, in 1949
Richard Childress, 11-time car owner champion in NASCAR’s three national series
Ray Evernham, three-time NASCAR premier series championship crew chief
Ray Fox, legendary engine builder, crew chief and car owner
Rick Hendrick, 14-time car owner champion in NASCAR’s three national series
Ron Hornaday Jr., four-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion
Harry Hyde, 1970 NASCAR premier series championship crew chief
Alan Kulwicki, 1992 NASCAR premier series champion
Mark Martin, 96-time race winner in NASCAR national series competition
Hershel McGriff, 1986 NASCAR west series champion
Raymond Parks, NASCAR’s first champion car owner
Benny Parsons, 1973 NASCAR premier series champion
Larry Phillips, five-time NASCAR weekly series national champion
Jack Roush, five-time car owner champion in NASCAR’s three national series
Ricky Rudd, won 23 times in NASCAR’s premier series, including the 1997 Brickyard 400
Ken Squier, legendary radio and television broadcaster; inaugural winner/namesake of Squier-Hall Award for NASCAR Media Excellence
Mike Stefanik, winner of record-tying nine NASCAR championships
Waddell Wilson, won three NASCAR premier series championships as an engine builder
Robert Yates, won NASCAR premier series championship as both an engine builder and owner
Who would you select for the next NASCAR Hall of Fame class? (Pick 5 only)
By Kyle Lynch
(Photo/Getty Images)
With the Copa America Centenario kicking off next week across the United States, what can we expect from the USMNT in their two upcoming friendlies?
After defeating Puerto Rico in a glorified scrimmage on Sunday, the U.S. has two more matches before the tournament that will pose a much tougher challenge for Klinsmann’s men.
The USMNT faces Ecuador on Wednesday, May 25 in Texas before traveling to Kansas City to take on Bolivia on Saturday, May 28. Both of those South American sides will be competing in the Copa America.
While Klinsmann may have given some of his younger players minutes against Puerto Rico, you would expect a much stronger lineup to be fielded in the friendlies against Ecuador and Bolivia.
However, as all U.S. Soccer fans know, you can never predict what Jurgen Klinsmann is going to do.
Klinsmann confirmed that Brad Guzan will be his number-one goalkeeper at Copa America, which means we will likely see the Aston Villa man in net for both upcoming friendlies.
The USMNT will also get some reinforcements on the back-line with both Geoff Cameron and Matt Besler joining up with the team ahead of the Ecuador match. Cameron and Besler have worked together well as a solid center-back pairing in the past, but Besler will likely find himself behind John Brooks, who is coming off of a great season with Hertha Berlin.
The midfield is probably the biggest question in this team, as Klinsmann has endlessly tinkered with both formation and player selection. Michael Bradley is a surefire pick, but the other spots are much harder to determine. Klinsmann has recalled one of his personal favorites Jermaine Jones to the squad, a veteran who has found some good form in Colorado this season. Jones could slot into the middle alongside Bradley, but at 34-years-old, his lack of pace could cost the U.S. when facing a side like Colombia in the Copa America.
Borussia Dortmund’s Christian Pulisic is the youngest player in the side, with the 17-year-old entering this week with just one cap to his name. While Klinsmann may have brought the teenager just for the learning experience, fans will want to see Pulisic on the pitch and these friendlies could be a time for the midfielder to earn valuable minutes for his progression. However, if Klinsmann has no plans to play Pulisic at the Copa, it would be better for the team’s consistency if he does not feature in the pre-tournament matches.
Up top, Bobby Wood may have finally done enough to lock down a starting position. With Jozy Altidore out injured, this is Wood’s time to shine and prove he should be Klinsmann’s first choice striker every match.
The USMNT kicks off the Copa America Centenario on June 3 in Santa Clara, California, facing Colombia at Levis Stadium.
Manchester United: Jose Mourinho informed Louis van Gaal about his impending departure following Red Devils' offer.
By Pradhan Muthanna
(Photo/yahoosports.com)
Manchester United's now former manager Louis van Gaal is said to have known his fate before the end of the season following a phone conversation with potential replacement Jose Mourinho. The Dutchman was sacked by the Premier League big guns on Monday after two years in-charge that yielded them one FA Cup, which was their first piece of silverware since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson three years ago.
According to the Mirror, the former Chelsea boss, who is a long-standing friend of the Dutchman, made the call around two weeks prior to it being made official to inform Van Gaal regarding United's offer to take over the reins at Old Trafford next season. Mourinho reportedly wanted to make sure their relationship was not damaged when he is eventually named successor in the coming days.
Van Gaal remained defiant after the end of the season about his prospects of keeping the job but it was clear leading up to the FA Cup final on Saturday (21 May) that the Red Devils will replace him devoid of the final result at Wembley. The report has now revealed that he was also aware of a possible dismissal after a disappointing season, which saw United miss out qualifying for next season's Champions League.
The former Bayern Munich manager was supposedly informed about the club's decision to terminate his contract, which still had a year remaining, on Monday morning but he asked for it to be withheld as he wanted to bid farewell to the players and the staff at the club. Van Gaal's coaching staff, which includes Frans Hoek, Albert Stuivenberg and Max Reckers, were also informed regarding their contract termination following which a severance package was discussed before the manager left their Carrington training base.
Mourinho is expected to be confirmed as the new Red Devils boss by Wednesday, with the Portuguese manager reportedly promised full autonomy when it comes to decisions regarding the team and recruitment, while also being handed a large transfer kitty to strengthen the team as they look to get back to the top step in the Premier League and qualify for the Champions League.
Mourinho set to join Manchester United within 48 hours.
By Nicholas Mendola
(Photo/Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho could be formally installed as Manchester United manager within the next 36 hours, according to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol.
Mourinho has reportedly been in talks with the club since Louis Van Gaal was fired earlier this week, though talk of his communication with the Old Trafford club has been whispered seemingly from the opened Chelsea fired him.
As competitive as the Premier League has been, it’s hard to imagine Mourinho won’t take United to the next level. He has won the league within two seasons at every stop between Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid.
Mourinho has reportedly been in talks with the club since Louis Van Gaal was fired earlier this week, though talk of his communication with the Old Trafford club has been whispered seemingly from the opened Chelsea fired him.
As competitive as the Premier League has been, it’s hard to imagine Mourinho won’t take United to the next level. He has won the league within two seasons at every stop between Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid.
In Chelsea’s case, he’s done it twice.
Manchester United negotiations with Jose Mourinho’s camp progressing well – announcement could be tomorrow or Thursday #MUFC
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) May 24, 2016NCAAFB: Satellite camps, recruiting, hoops hot topics around the SEC.
By JOHN ZENOR
Southeastern Conference coaches and athletic directors will convene next week with familiar topics on the agenda, including football recruiting in general and satellite camps in particular, along with strengthening men's basketball across the league.
The much-publicized issue of camps clearly isn't dead, though the NCAA Division I Board of Directors in April scrapped a proposal from the SEC and ACC to ban them. The board also gave the Division I Council until Sept. 1 to make initial recommendations on the entire college football recruiting model, satellite camps included.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said Monday the league's position remains that ''recruiting should be done within the recruiting calendar established by the NCAA. Widespread satellite camps are not part of that recruiting calendar.''
And clearly the issue will be a hot topic once again at next week's SEC spring meetings in Destin, Florida.
''The concerns are still there,'' Sankey said in an interview with The Associated Press. ''When it was a relatively small practice, it was fine. Some will argue that there's a lot of instruction and development that occurs. Well, that may be true in some cases. But when I talk to our coaches who now have 10-15 calls a day, it starts to become an unhealthy activity.
''And it really is about recruiting. I'm hoping that if the solutions are identified by Sept. 1. We'll certainly talk about different strategies next week that are attentive to the full scope of issues here.''
The camps got more attention last summer when Jim Harbaugh and his Michigan staff held camps in the South. Harbaugh and other coaches say satellite camps provide opportunities for un-recruited athletes to be noticed by high-profile coaches and possibly receive scholarships. The SEC maintains they're recruiting tools, and Sankey said he'd welcome discussion about extending the spring evaluation period if that's the camps' purpose.
In April, NCAA board chairman and South Carolina President Harris Pastides said that camps are part of that recruiting review and ''we share the council's interest in improving the camp environment.''
In other words, there remains room for debate and perhaps change. Sankey certainly doesn't feel the issue is closed.
''If you look at what the board of directors said in its press release, that language from the board agreed with our position, just not that outcome,'' Sankey said. ''Which seems to raise the issue of why do we have a rule in men's basketball that we pursuing in football around non-institutional camps. It wasn't about geography.
''We've never once complained about individuals coming in and recruiting. You know what, on an ad hoc basis somebody will say, 'We don't want them stealing our kids.' But they say that about each other in our league. It'd be nice if we'd keep all of our players but I don't think anybody's under the notion that that's realistic.''
Other issues on the agenda will include:
- Time management: The power 5 conferences delayed action on several proposals limiting time demands on athletes until the 2017 convention, including mandated time off after a season and weekly off days.
The SEC had also sought a rule preventing football teams from holding practices during spring break - less than a week after Harbaugh said on national signing day that the Wolverines would practice in Florida over spring break.
Sankey said he's spoken to athletes at all 14 SEC schools over his first year as commissioner to learn about their schedule demands.
Spring meetings, he said, will ''be our first deep dive with our coaches, with our athletics directors and our presidents with that.''
- Men's basketball. It's a chance for new SEC consultant Mike Tranghese, a former Big East Commissioner, to address the coaches and athletic directors collectively.
''I think part of Mike's message is, 'We're really close,''' Sankey said. ''If you look over time, I think any conference has an ebb and flow competitively. We've had great runs in a number of sports but basketball, we're in a circumstances in three of the last four years we've had three teams selected for the NCAA Tournament.
''That's a different number than we have in any other sport.''
This year's must-see FCS matchups.
By CRAIG HALEY
(Photo/yahoosports.com)
It's time to put every FCS conference into the "playoffs."
Sort of.
Only 10 of the 13 FCS conferences send their champion to the actual FCS playoffs, but all of them are represented in the following countdown of the must-see games of the 2016 regular season:
FIRST ROUND-WORTHY=
24. Northern Arizona at North Dakota (Nov. 12) - A playoff berth - yeah, a real one - could be at stake for these Big Sky squads, which feature the 1-2 finishers in last year's national freshman of the year voting (NAU quarterback Case Cookus and UND running back John Santiago).
23. Alcorn State at Bethune-Cookman (Sept. 4) - The MEAC-SWAC Challenge begins its move to campus sites with an Alcorn squad coming off two straight SWAC titles and a Bethune team which has won at least a share of five of the last six MEAC championships.
22. Duquesne at Saint Francis (Oct. 22) - The Northeast Conference title came down to these two teams on the final day of last year's regular season. Small crowd, but a big game.
21. Youngstown State at Illinois State (Oct. 8) - Under coach Bo Pelini, Youngstown State is trying to get to a championship level in the Missouri Valley. Without quarterback Tre Roberson and running back Marshaun Coprich, Illinois State is trying to stay there.
20. Dayton at San Diego (Sept. 24) - Matching together last year's Pioneer Football League co-champs is an exciting cap to the first Saturday of league play. Dayton squeaked out a 13-12 win last year.
19. James Madison at New Hampshire (Oct. 15) - JMU has some pretty special digs of its own, but the Dukes will like the new ones at UNH's Wildcat Stadium, especially if they leave with a CAA Football win.
18. North Carolina A&T at North Carolina Central (Nov. 19) - A&T keeps settling for a share of the MEAC title because it keeps losing to rival N.C. Central.
17. James Madison at Richmond (Nov. 5) - The 2015 season started to unravel for JMU when it lost an undefeated record and quarterback Vad Lee while facing the Spiders last October. This year, the Spiders are the team to beat in the CAA.
SECOND ROUND QUALIFIERS=
16. Harvard at Penn (Nov. 12) - The Crimson's only loss in the last two seasons was against Penn 35-25 last season.
15. Jacksonville State at Eastern Kentucky (Oct. 22) - The visiting Gamecocks have swept through the Ohio Valley Conference each of the last two seasons. This is their toughest road assignment in conference play.
14. Montana State at Montana (Nov. 19) - The Brawl of the Wild is still one of the best rivalries in the FCS. Strangely, the road team has won six of the last seven meetings in a series that Montana leads 72-37-5.
13. Grambling State vs. Southern (Nov. 26) - The Bayou Classic occurs on the first day of the actual FCS playoffs, but the SWAC rivalry commands plenty of attention that afternoon. Usually plenty of points, too.
12. South Dakota State at North Dakota State (Oct. 15) - The Jackrabbits have struggled to keep up with NDSU's dynasty, but the offense is strong enough to make the Bison defense work hard.
11. Northern Iowa at Eastern Washington (Sept. 17) - It's only appropriate the programs that play two of the nation's most ridiculous nonconference schedules are facing off again. UNI pulled out a 38-35 victory last season.
10. Colgate at Fordham (Nov. 5) - The two most-recent Patriot League champions feature veteran teams. Expect a dandy.
9. Montana at Northern Iowa (Sept. 10) - This eye-catching intersectional battle matches perennial powers which had the misfortune of running into North Dakota State on the Road to Frisco in December.
QUARTERFINALISTS=
8. Charleston Southern at North Dakota State (Aug. 27) - Speaking of NDSU, the five-time reigning FCS champion opens the season again in the FCS Kickoff. Like the Bison, the defending Big South champion Buccaneers have a terrific running game.
7. Montana at Eastern Washington (Oct. 29) - Both teams will score in bunches, adding to the fun of this heated Big Sky rivalry.
6. McNeese State at Sam Houston State (Nov. 5) - McNeese is the defending Southland champion and won last year's regular season matchup. Sam Houston handed the Cowboys their only loss in the second round of the playoffs and have all the recent playoff pedigree.
5. Coastal Carolina at Jacksonville State (Sept. 17) - This is an outstanding intersectional battle. With Coastal transitioning toward the FBS this year, most of the FCS will likely back the FCS national runner-up Gamecocks.
SEMIFINALISTS=
4. Richmond at William & Mary (Nov. 19) - Although the two shared the CAA title with James Madison last year, the visiting Spiders have had rival William & Mary's number in recent years, including two wins last season.
3. Chattanooga at The Citadel (Oct. 15) - The Southern Conference race has gotten fun again and the three-time defending champion Mocs have to go on the road against last year's co-champ.
RUNNER-UP=
2. Eastern Washington at North Dakota State (Sept. 10) - This matchup of the two most recent FCS national champions is the first since EWU won in overtime in the 2010 quarterfinals, which is the Bison's last playoff loss. The Bison defense has never faced EWU All-American Cooper Kupp.
CHAMPIONSHIP=
1. North Dakota State at Northern Iowa (Oct. 29) - Former UNI All-American Deiondre' Hall, now with the Chicago Bears, calls this rivalry "the national championship, no matter what." UNI won the last meeting in Cedar Falls handily, but the Bison won a last-minute thriller in the regular season and a playoff quarterfinal last year.
Hey, the playoff selection committee announces its final omissions from its field. Ours are Villanova at Delaware (Nov. 19), Portland State at Southern Utah (Sept. 24), Charleston Southern at Liberty (Nov. 12) and Sam Houston State vs. Stephen F. Austin (Oct. 1).
NCAABKB: Ranking the Big Ten-ACC Challenge games from most to least compelling.
By Jeff Eisenberg
ESPN announced the schedule for next season's Big Ten/ACC Challenge on Tuesday. Here's a look at each of the games ranked from most to least compelling.
1. Michigan State at Duke (Nov. 29): One of the first challenges for presumed preseason No. 1 Duke will be a Michigan State team with a loaded freshman class but not much in the way of veteran leadership. The Spartans will have to hope that freshman Miles Bridges makes a quick transition to the college level if they're going to keep it close against a Blue Devils team that returns All-American candidate Grayson Allen, adds a star-studded freshman class and gets Amile Jefferson back from injury.
2. North Carolina at Indiana (Nov. 30): This rematch of a Sweet 16 game won by North Carolina will feature only a few of the players who starred in that game. While the Tar Heels say goodbye to senior standouts Marcus Paige and Brice Johnson, they'll build around familiar names like Joel Berry, Justin Jackson and Isaiah Hicks. Indiana could be a more frontcourt-oriented team next season with Thomas Bryant and O.G. Anunoby both back and Yogi Ferrell having moved on to the professional ranks.
3. Purdue at Louisville (Nov. 30): The point guard position was Purdue's Achilles Heel last season, but the arrival of freshman Carsen Edwards and Michigan transfer Spike Albrecht should help stabilize an area of weakness for the Boilermakers. Louisville has top 15 potential even if Chinanu Onuaku stays in the draft as expected. The Cardinals have an array of big men capable of altering shots around the rim and attacking the glass at both ends, a pair of breakout candidates in Donovan Mitchell and Deng Adel and an incoming McDonald's All-American in V.J. King.
4. Syracuse at Wisconsin (Nov. 29): If Nigel Hayes returns to Wisconsin as expected, the Badgers will have nearly every key player back from a team that started off poorly last season but rebounded to not only make the NCAA tournament but also reach the Sweet 16. The Badgers' core of Hayes, Bronson Koenig and Ethan Happ is talented and experienced enough that they should begin the season in the top 15 in the polls. Syracuse, meanwhile, will hope that Tyler Lydon can evolve from promising freshman to team leader.
5. Ohio State at Virginia (Nov. 30): Though Virginia will lose do-it-all wing Malcolm Brogdon and forward Anthony Gill from a team that collapsed in the Elite Eight, the Cavaliers have the potential to return to Final Four contention. London Perrantes will be one of the nation's steadiest point guards and former Memphis forward Austin Nichols may be the nation's most coveted transfer. Ohio State lost by six to Virginia last season in Columbus, but the Buckeyes may pose a more formidable challenge this year as their young nucleus matures.
6. Pittsburgh at Maryland (Nov. 29): How good Maryland is next season will depend a lot on Melo Trimble's NBA draft decision. If he returns to College Park, Maryland has the potential to finish in the top third of the Big Ten standings. If he leaves, the Terps could be headed for a rebuilding year. Whatever Trimble decides, this game against Pitt won't be an easy one. The Panthers have a new coach but they bring back standout forwards Michael Young and Jamel Artis.
7. Virginia Tech at Michigan (Nov. 30): If you're surprised this game is this high, pay closer attention to Virginia Tech. Buzz Williams' Hokies won 10 ACC games last season and bring back most of their key players including former transfers Seth Allen and Zach LeDay. Michigan will serve as a good barometer for Virginia Tech. The Wolverines will build around point guard Derrick Walton Jr. and wings Zak Irvin and Duncan Robinson.
8. Iowa at Notre Dame (Nov. 29): Three of Iowa's top four scorers from last season's NCAA tournament team have moved on, but the Hawkeyes caught a big break when second leading scorer Peter Jok opted to withdraw from the draft. The 6-foot-6 sharpshooter will give Fran McCaffery a star to build around. The loss of Demetrius Jackson and Zach Auguste will be tough for Notre Dame to overcome, but the Irish will stay relevant thanks to a core of V.J. Beachem, Bonzi Colson and Rex Pflueger.
9. NC State at Illinois (Nov. 29): With its top two big man back, shooting guard Terry Henderson finally healthy and elite recruits Dennis Smith and Omer Yurtseven set to contribute, NC State has sleeper potential in the ACC. Illinois also has a chance to work its way into the upper half of the Big Ten behind Malcolm Hill if the rest of his teammates can stay healthy and form a consistent supporting cast.
10. Minnesota at Florida State (Nov. 28): Between a 23-loss 2015-16 campaign, turmoil off the floor and the arrival of a new athletic director, Richard Pitino is under pressure to make some progress next season. A trio of incoming recruits and a core of returning talent gives Minnesota hope, but Nate Mason and Jordan Murphy will have to be awfully good for the Gophers to win at a Florida State team that returns NBA prospect Duane Bacon.
11. Wake Forest at Northwestern (Nov. 28): Could this be the breakthrough year for either Danny Manning at Wake Forest or Chris Collins at Northwestern? Both have a chance to move up in the pecking order even if they're still NCAA tournament long shots. Wake Forest will lean heavily on promising sophomores Bryant Crawford and John Collins, while Northwestern will hope a frontcourt emerges to complement Bryant McIntosh.
12. Nebraska at Clemson (Nov. 30): The appeal of this game could depend on the draft decisions made by early-entry candidates Jaron Blossomgame of Clemson and Andrew White of Nebraska. Blossomgame led his team in scoring this past season, while White was second. Both have until Wednesday to decide whether to stay in the draft or not.
13. Rutgers at Miami (Nov. 30): With all due respect to Miami, which should be an NCAA tournament team again next season, there's no justification for putting a game involving Rutgers any higher than this. Guard Corey Sanders is promising sophomore and new coach Steve Pikiell could make progress over the next few years, but the Scarlet Knights would be doing well just to keep it close against the Hurricanes.
14. Georgia Tech at Penn State (Nov. 29): Georgia Tech fired its coach and lost all five starters from a team that failed to make the NCAA tournament last season. If ever there were an ACC-Big Ten Challenge game that Penn State should expect to win, it's this one. The Nittany Lions return standouts Shep Garner and Payton Banks and add a heralded recruiting class featuring a pair of top 100 prospects.
Ranking the Big 12-SEC Challenge games from most to least compelling.
By Jeff Eisenberg
A rematch between powerhouses Kansas and Kentucky highlights the newly announced slate for next year's Big 12-SEC Challenge. All 10 games will take place Jan. 28. Here's a look at the matchups ranked from most to least intriguing:
1. Kansas at Kentucky: These blue bloods will both appear the preseason top five in most polls, but they'll also field vastly different rosters than they did at Allen Fieldhouse last January when Kansas edged Kentucky 90-84 in overtime. The Wildcats will lean on another loaded freshman class headlined by guards Malik Monk and De'Aaron Fox, while the Jayhawks will turn to heralded freshman wing Josh Jackson and veteran guards Frank Mason and Devonte Graham.
2. Texas A&M at West Virginia: While the Big 12 has dominated this series since its inception, West Virginia has been the exception to that rule. The Mountaineers are 0-3 with losses to Missouri in 2013, LSU in 2014 and Florida last January. West Virginia's next chance to finally earn a victory will come at home against a Texas A&M team that loses standouts Jalen Jones, Danuel House and Alex Caruso from last year's Sweet 16 squad yet should be able to reload behind a talented sophomore class.
3. Florida at Oklahoma: Oklahoma coach Lon Kruger will face the program he led to the 1994 Final Four when Florida visits Norman. Kruger has only faced the Gators once since he left in 1996, a 93-76 loss in the second round of the 2000 NCAA tournament when he was at Illinois. Oklahoma won 29 games last season and reached the Final Four, but the Sooners will need big years from Jordan Woodard, Khadeem Lattin and Christian James as they try to adjust to life without Buddy Hield and two other senior starters.
4. Texas at Georgia: With leading scorer Isaiah Taylor opting to turn pro and a handful of senior standouts also leaving, the Longhorns will rely on a promising freshman class and some unproven returners next year. They'll need heralded freshman Andrew Jones to have found his stride by midseason if they're going to go to Athens and knock off a Georgia team that returns a formidable one-two punch in J.J. Frazier and Yante’ Maten.
5. Iowa State at Vanderbilt: Bryce Drew will make Vanderbilt competitive in the SEC before too long, but his debut season in Nashville may be a transition year for the Commodores. They'll be moving on without point guard Wade Baldwin and 7-footer Damian Jones, both of whom left early for the NBA draft. Thus this seems to be a winnable road game for an Iowa State team that will build around point guard Monte Morris next year with Georges Niang graduating this spring.
6. Baylor at Ole Miss: The departures of Taurean Prince, Lester Medford and Rico Gathers will leave Baylor in jeopardy of a rare rebuilding season under Scott Drew. The Bears could struggle to earn an NCAA bid unless 6-foot-9 Johnathan Motley evolves into an interior star and promising sophomore guard King McClure produces a breakout season. Ole Miss should be a mid-tier SEC team once again, but the Rebels will need New Mexico transfer Cullen Neal to fill some of the volume-shooting void left by Stefan Moody.
7. LSU at Texas Tech: Even though Ben Simmons is NBA-bound, a lack of talent won't be a problem for LSU. Former McDonald's All-American Antonio Blakeney, forward Craig Victor and wing Brandon Sampson form a strong enough nucleus for the Tigers to contend for a top-three SEC finish, yet the key will be whether coach Johnny Jones can get that nucleus to play cohesively. The Tigers will get a nice midseason test at Texas Tech, which lost its coach but returns a couple key players from an NCAA tournament team.
8. Arkansas at Oklahoma State: While Arkansas has only made the NCAA tournament one time in Mike Anderson's five seasons, the Razorbacks have reason for optimism next year. Three of their four leading scorers are expected back and they welcome a strong recruiting class that includes junior college All-American guards Jaylen Barford and Daryl Macon. Arkansas' opponent is an Oklahoma State team that will try to build around point guard Juwan Evans in Brad Underwood's debut season.
9. Kansas State at Tennessee: Kansas State's visit to Knoxville is familiar for both teams. Tennessee beat the Wildcats 65-64 in the 2014 Big 12-SEC Challenge in Knoxville. Next season is a big one for Kansas State coach Bruce Weber as he seeks to justify his administration's decision to retain him rather than making a run at Brad Underwood. The Wildcats lose leading scorer Justin Edwards but return four starters including forward Wesley Iwundu.
10. Auburn at TCU: Bruce Weber's talented but young Auburn team may still be a year away from ascending in the SEC pecking order. Jamie Dixon was a great hire for his alma mater TCU, but it will also take him some time to build behind a strong incoming freshman class. This is a game that would be much better in 2018 than it is likely to be next January.
Preakness win behind them, Desormeauxs prepare for Belmont.
By DAVID GINSBURG
Bonded by their prowess for getting the most out of race horses, siblings Keith and Kent Desormeaux have a relationship that can best be described as professional.
Sure, they love each other. Yet, after the duo teamed to win the Preakness with Exaggerator on Saturday, the most visible sign of affection between the two was a fist pump from Keith, the trainer, after Kent rode the colt to a stunning victory.
Oh, brother.
''It's interesting that our styles are the same,'' Keith said Sunday. ''That's why we don't have to speak much. We know exactly what we want from each other.''
Standing outside the Preakness Stakes Barn at Pimlico Race Course on another rainy day in Baltimore, 49-year-old Keith Desormeaux explained how he and his younger brother ultimately formed a winning combination in a Triple Crown race.
''We were here together a couple years. He went out to California and I remained here and then spent most of my time in the Texas-Louisiana-Kentucky circuit and everywhere in between,'' Keith said. ''But we came together these last few years in California. I train for an off-the-pace style of running, and you rarely see Kent on the lead.''
Besides, having your brother as a jockey means there's never a need to mince words.
''You don't have to worry about hurting your employee ... uh, it shouldn't be said that way,'' Keith said. ''I can't cuss out Gary Stevens. But being he's my brother, it's a little easier when the adrenaline is flowing.''
After finishing second behind Nyquist in the Kentucky Derby aboard Exaggerator, Kent Desormeaux ran a brilliant race in the Preakness. He stayed on the rail, lurking from a safe distance before rushing past Nyquist in the stretch and pulling away to win on a sloppy track.
It was the third Preakness victory for Kent, 46, who's also won the Derby three times. For Keith, it was the biggest win of his career as a trainer.
That it came courtesy of his brother was, seemingly, nothing more than a footnote.
''We had an embrace up there,'' Keith said. ''But brotherly love? I don't know, is it different than any other kind of love? When you know you have that type of love, you don't need to show it outwardly. We know what we have.''
The victory ended Nyquist's bid for a Triple Crown and provided Keith Desormeaux with a euphoric feeling that was years in the making.
''I personally never had a doubt that I'd get here,'' he said. ''It wasn't a matter of if but when. That's what I tell myself. If I woke up every day wondering if I was going to win a Derby or Preakness or Belmont, I wouldn't enjoy my work. I wake up every day thankful that I get to do this for a living.''
Kent Desormeaux, a Hall of Fame jockey, also had plenty to be thankful for. His battles with alcohol have been well documented, and he had not won a Triple Crown event since the 2009 Belmont.
''The owners and trainers, absolutely, put me on a pedestal, and I hope they're all very proud that they're not wrong about what they gave me,'' Kent said after the race. ''Because this is where I belong, riding classics.''
After calling their mother in Louisiana, the brothers had a late dinner at a steakhouse as part of a muted celebration.
''With all the emotion leading up to that race, and beginning a meal at 10 o'clock, I don't care how excited you are, you're starting to wind down,'' Keith said. ''We had a nice meal, pleasant chatter and a couple glasses of wine and it was over.''
Keith Desormeaux was asked if he would put Kent on Exaggerator in the Belmont.
With a wry grin, he replied: ''No, I'm thinking about giving somebody else a chance. He's won so many of these things, he's getting a little greedy. Get Calvin (Borel) out of retirement.''
It was all a joke, of course. The brothers will team again at the Belmont, where on June 11 they will try to make it two in a row over Nyquist after losing four times to the previously unbeaten horse.
Other tentative entrants in the Belmont: Lani, who finished ninth in the Derby and fifth in the Preakness; Cherry Wine, the Preakness runner-up; Suddenbreakingnews; Brody's Cause; and Destin.
Derby winner Nyquist is sick and won't run in Belmont.
By Richard Rosenblatt
So much for a rematch in the Belmont Stakes.
Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist won't run in the final leg of the Triple Crown after developing a fever and having an elevated white blood cell count, trainer Doug O'Neill said Tuesday.
"He's out because of sickness," O'Neill said.
Any thoughts of a second straight Triple Crown were wiped in the Preakness on Saturday when Exaggerator finally defeated Nyquist after four previous losses.
A rematch in the Belmont on June 11 would have been the next best thing to a Triple Crown attempt. Last year, American Pharaoh became the first horse in 37 years to sweep the Derby, Preakness and Belmont.
"He's fine, but he's got an elevated white blood cell count," O'Neill's assistant Jack Sisterson said from Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, where Nyquist is recovering. "We just want to do right by him and get him 100 percent."
Nyquist came into the Preakness unbeaten in eight races, including a 1 1/4-length win over Exaggerator in the Derby. Exaggerator turned the tables in the Preakness, winning by 3 1/2 lengths over a sloppy track with Nyquist finishing third.
Now, Exaggerator will take on a bunch of rivals he's already finished ahead of in the Derby and Preakness, including Preakness runner-up Cherry Wine and Lani, fifth in the Preakness and ninth in the Derby.
"We're sorry that Nyquist cannot compete at the 2016 Belmont Stakes and hope for a speedy recovery and return to the racetrack," New York Racing Association President Chris Kay in a statement.
On Monday, Nyquist had a temperature of 102 and blood work was done. The fever had dropped at some point but was back up again Tuesday, when results of the blood work came back.
"Sometimes it happens when a horse runs back quick," Sisterson said, referring to the short two-week turnaround between the Derby and Preakness. "For races like these, horses have to be on top of their game. Unfortunately, there'll be no Belmont."
Once Nyquist recovers, he will be shipped back home to California, with a plan that could include a trip to Saratoga for the Travers Stakes.
This is not the first time Nyquist has been sidetracked. After winning the Florida Derby on April 2, the colt owned by J. Paul Reddam was shipped to Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky. His return to training was delayed by an elevated white blood cell count. At that time, he had no fever, was back on the track in a few days and went on to win the Derby on May 7.
In 2012, O'Neill's Derby and Preakness winner I'll Have Another was retired the day before the Belmont with a tendon injury and missed a Triple Crown chance.
Without Nyquist, the 1 1/2-mile Belmont loses some of its luster. Other than Cherry Wine and Lani, others expected for the race include Suddenbreakingnews (fifth in the Derby), Destin (sixth, Derby) and Brody's Cause (seventh, Derby). Governor Malibu, runner-up in the Peter Pan at Belmont on May 14, also is Belmont bound.
"He's out because of sickness," O'Neill said.
Any thoughts of a second straight Triple Crown were wiped in the Preakness on Saturday when Exaggerator finally defeated Nyquist after four previous losses.
A rematch in the Belmont on June 11 would have been the next best thing to a Triple Crown attempt. Last year, American Pharaoh became the first horse in 37 years to sweep the Derby, Preakness and Belmont.
"He's fine, but he's got an elevated white blood cell count," O'Neill's assistant Jack Sisterson said from Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, where Nyquist is recovering. "We just want to do right by him and get him 100 percent."
Nyquist came into the Preakness unbeaten in eight races, including a 1 1/4-length win over Exaggerator in the Derby. Exaggerator turned the tables in the Preakness, winning by 3 1/2 lengths over a sloppy track with Nyquist finishing third.
Now, Exaggerator will take on a bunch of rivals he's already finished ahead of in the Derby and Preakness, including Preakness runner-up Cherry Wine and Lani, fifth in the Preakness and ninth in the Derby.
"We're sorry that Nyquist cannot compete at the 2016 Belmont Stakes and hope for a speedy recovery and return to the racetrack," New York Racing Association President Chris Kay in a statement.
On Monday, Nyquist had a temperature of 102 and blood work was done. The fever had dropped at some point but was back up again Tuesday, when results of the blood work came back.
"Sometimes it happens when a horse runs back quick," Sisterson said, referring to the short two-week turnaround between the Derby and Preakness. "For races like these, horses have to be on top of their game. Unfortunately, there'll be no Belmont."
Once Nyquist recovers, he will be shipped back home to California, with a plan that could include a trip to Saratoga for the Travers Stakes.
This is not the first time Nyquist has been sidetracked. After winning the Florida Derby on April 2, the colt owned by J. Paul Reddam was shipped to Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky. His return to training was delayed by an elevated white blood cell count. At that time, he had no fever, was back on the track in a few days and went on to win the Derby on May 7.
In 2012, O'Neill's Derby and Preakness winner I'll Have Another was retired the day before the Belmont with a tendon injury and missed a Triple Crown chance.
Without Nyquist, the 1 1/2-mile Belmont loses some of its luster. Other than Cherry Wine and Lani, others expected for the race include Suddenbreakingnews (fifth in the Derby), Destin (sixth, Derby) and Brody's Cause (seventh, Derby). Governor Malibu, runner-up in the Peter Pan at Belmont on May 14, also is Belmont bound.
"Indianapolis 500": 10 things you need to know about the Indy 500.
By Tom Jensen
Team Penske owner Roger Penske watches during final practice on Carb Day for the 99th running of the Indianapolis 500 mile race. (Photo/Jamie Squire)
Sunday's running of the Indianapolis 500 will mark the 100th running of what arguably is the most famous race in the world. Here are 10 things you need to know about the Brickyard and this year's race.
10. FROM THE BEGINNING -- The inaugural Indy 500 in 1911 was one by Ray Harroun. The defending event winner is Juan Pablo Montoya, who is a two-time race winner, having won his first 500 15 years earlier.
9. FORMIDABLE FRONT-ROW -- Canadian racer James Hinchcliffe, who suffered a near-fatal crash in Indianapolis 500 practice last year, will start on the pole this year, flanked by Josef Newgarden and Ryan Hunter-Reay.
8. POLE POSITION -- Twenty drivers have won the race from the pole - most recently Helio Castroneves in 2009.
7. HOT STREAK -- Tony Kanaan has finished in the top four in three of the last five Indianapolis 500s, including his win in 2013.
6. TRIPLE THREAT -- Juan Pablo Montoya has finished in top five in his three previous Indianapolis 500 starts.
5. GIRL POWER -- Pippa Mann is the only woman entered in this year's race. This is the 17th consecutive Indy 500 with a female driver.
1. OUT FRONT -- For the 100th running of the 500, Roger Penske will drive the Chevrolet Camaro Pace Car. That's only appropriate, as its his 50th anniversary year in racing and Team Penske has a record 16 Indy 500 victories. Chip Ganassi Racing has won four times. Andretti Autosport has three wins while A.J. Foyt Enterprises has won twice.
Here are your Indy 500/Carb Day times this weekend on NBCSN.
By Tony DiZinno
Our colleagues at ABC have the race telecast on Sunday, but NBCSN still has plenty of coverage from Indianapolis this weekend including most of Friday.
Thursday we’re all over Monaco for first and second practice for the Grand Prix. Then Carb Day, we head to Indianapolis for 500 coverage, which also includes Indy Lights and the pit stop competition, before the 90-minute NASCAR AMERICA Motorsports Special.
The full release and this weekend’s full slate of motorsports content across NBC Sports Group properties can be found here, via the NBC Sports Group Press Box website.
NBCSN, the cable home of IndyCar, will provide six hours of Indianapolis 500 Carb Day coverage, beginning Friday at 11 a.m. ET. In addition, NBCSN will air a live presentation of the Indy Lights Freedom 100 race at noon ET on Friday. Indy 500 coverage concludes on Saturday with the Indy 500 Festival Parade at 10 p.m. ET.
This weekend’s coverage includes IndyCar on NBCSN analyst Townsend Bell, who qualified in fourth place for this weekend’s 100th running of the Indy 500. Bell will be driving for Andretti Autosport, and this will mark his 10th appearance at the Indy 500. Bell’s best Indy 500 finish was fourth position in the 2009 race. Last year, he finished in 14th place.
Kevin Lee will lead NBCSN’s Carb Day coverage, filling in for Diffey who will be in Monaco, alongside analysts Bell and Paul Tracy. Jon Beekhuis, Marty Snider, Katie Hargitt and Robin Miller will handle the pits.
| Date | Program | Time (ET) | Network |
| Fri., May 23 | Indy 500 Carb Day | 11 a.m. | NBCSN |
| Indy Lights – Freedom 100 | Noon | NBCSN | |
| Indy 500 Carb Day | 1 p.m. | NBCSN | |
| NASCAR America Motorsports Special | 3:30 p.m. | NBCSN | |
| Sat., May 24 | Indy 500 Festival Parade | 10 p.m. | NBCSN |
On
emoriesofhistory.com
1922 - Babe Ruth was suspended for one day and fined $200 for throwing dirt on an umpire.
1935 - Babe Ruth hit his final homerun, his 714th, and set a record that would stand for 39 years. He hit three home runs in the game.
1935 - Jesse Owens tied the world record for the 100-yard dash. He ran it in 9.4 seconds. He also broke three other world track records.
1963 - Early Wynn won his 300th baseball game.
1981 - Al Unser became the first Indianapolis 500 winner to be disqualified.
1982 - Ferguson Jenkins became the 7th pitcher to strike out 3,000 batters.
1989 - The Calgary Flames won their first NHL Stanley Cup by defeating the Montreal Canadiens.
1995 - The NHL announced the sale of the Quebec Nordiques to COMSAT, who moved the team to Colorado.
1997 - The Minnesota Twins retired Kirby Puckett's number.
1997 - Todd and Mel Stottlemyre became the first father and son to win 100 baseball games.
1935 - Babe Ruth hit his final homerun, his 714th, and set a record that would stand for 39 years. He hit three home runs in the game.
1935 - Jesse Owens tied the world record for the 100-yard dash. He ran it in 9.4 seconds. He also broke three other world track records.
1963 - Early Wynn won his 300th baseball game.
1981 - Al Unser became the first Indianapolis 500 winner to be disqualified.
1982 - Ferguson Jenkins became the 7th pitcher to strike out 3,000 batters.
1989 - The Calgary Flames won their first NHL Stanley Cup by defeating the Montreal Canadiens.
1995 - The NHL announced the sale of the Quebec Nordiques to COMSAT, who moved the team to Colorado.
1997 - The Minnesota Twins retired Kirby Puckett's number.
1997 - Todd and Mel Stottlemyre became the first father and son to win 100 baseball games.
*****************************************************************
Please let us hear your opinion on the above articles and pass them on to any other diehard fans that you think might be interested. But most of all, remember, Chicago Sports & Travel, Inc./AllsportsAmerica wants you.
No comments:
Post a Comment