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Trending: How Jim Harbaugh is changing recruiting by not giving a .... (See the college football section for NCAA football updates).
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Trending: Takeaways from Bears' rookie minicamp: Speed has been evident. (See the football section for Bears updates).
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Trending: Cubs and White Sox road to the "World Series".
Cubs 2016 Record: 27-9
White Sox 2016 Record: 24-14
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Bear Down Chicago Bears!!!!! 5 things that stood out in rookie practice.
The Bears kicked off their three-day rookie minicamp Friday with a 70-minute practice at Halas Hall. Here are five things that stood out:
(1) A total of 65 players took part in the workout. There were nine draft picks, 11 undrafted free agents, six first-year Bears and 39 unsigned prospects—32 rookies and seven veterans—participating on a tryout basis.
The fact that the Bears started five undrafted rookies last season should provide hope to every player on the practice field this weekend, regardless of their pedigree. Those rookies were
"I've seen these guys come from all different places, whether it's high picks, low picks, not picked," said coach John Fox. "They understand they get an opportunity. They had one of those chairs in the [meeting] rooms last night, and they're being evaluated. So they've got albeit a short time to catch coaches' eyes, [but] they have that opportunity."
Bears coaches are evaluating everything the players do, from how they digest new schemes to how they warm up for practice, even how they line up for stretching drills.
"We're looking for consistency," said first-year offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains. "We're looking for guys who understand what it means to be a Bear, to understand the expectations that coach Fox has set for this football team."
(2) Loggains addressed the media for the first time since being promoted from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator in January. He replaced Adam Gase, who left the Bears after one season to become Dolphins head coach.
Loggains revealed that the scheme would remain virtually unchanged, at least to begin with. "The shell of the offense will stay the same," he said. "It's been the same since coach Fox has been a head coach. The language and everything will be the same, but it will evolve like it would have if Adam would have been here."
Loggains joined the Bears in 2015 after one year as Browns quarterbacks coach. He spent the prior eight seasons with the Titans as an offensive assistant. Loggains was elevated from Tennessee's quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator for the final five games in 2012 and served in that role for the entire 2013 season.
Asked what the opportunity to become Bears offensive coordinator means to him, Loggains said: "It all starts with coach Fox. He's a guy that's a known winner; he's taken two teams to Super Bowls. It's an honor to be a Bear because it's one of the historic franchises in the National Football League, so that's where it's different.
"I'm excited about the opportunity because of my boss and the people above him and because of the locker room. We're building something here. We're building a roster that I'm happy with the direction it's going. We're not there yet, but we're getting a lot closer."
(3) Loggains and Gase were both praised for helping
"I don't think Adam or I should take the credit," Loggains said. "Jay made the choice to improve and work on the things we asked him to work on, and I hope that process continues."
Asked to explain why he has such an excellent rapport with Cutler, Loggains said: "I think it's mutual respect. I respect him and he respects me. When you have that mutual respect, then all dialogue is legal. So whatever I say to him, he knows where it's coming from, and vice versa."
(4) Running back
Howard wears an Alabama-Birmingham bracelet that he said he hasn't taken off since the school abruptly disbanded its football program late in his junior season in 2014. The Blazers had just become bowl eligible when the administration pulled the plug.
"I already had a big chip on my shoulder because that was my only offer coming out of high school," Howard said. "It just made my chip even bigger. I definitely wanted to play well for UAB [last season at Indiana] and put on for UAB because the program shut down. They just took it from us like it was nothing."
Playing his first two collegiate seasons at Alabama-Birmingham, Howard rushed for 2,468 yards and 15 TDs on 451 carries. He ran for 1,213 yards and nine TDs on 196 carries last year at Indiana despite missing four games with ankle and knee injuries.
(5) Guard
"I threw a lot of hay bales," said the 6-4, 301-pounder. "Once I went to college I didn't quite get to do it as much, but when I was in high school I was always out there at six in the morning. If we had a truck driver coming in at 11 o'clock at night, I had to be that guy to help out.
"I just like to be on a farm. I like the outdoors and I like to work hard. It's just what I am, it's who I am and what I like to do."
Takeaways from Bears' rookie minicamp: Speed has been evident.
By John Mullin
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
Minicamps, particularly rookie ones, can be dismissed as NFL hopefuls just trying to run around in shorts trying to impress coaches enough to advance to the next minicamp, and then to OTA’s, and then to training camp, and so on. Linemen in particular aren’t allowed to hit each other and direct competitions are limited, which hampers a team like the Bears that has made “competition” a mantra this offseason.
So the chances of forming meaningful impressions from sessions like the Bears’ three-day rookie minicamp this weekend are minimal.
Or are they?
No, Leonard Floyd will not flash full pass-rush moves the Bears expect from a No. 9 overall pick. No, second-rounder Cody Whitehair will not show any mauling abilities at guard, certainly not against fellow rookie defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard.
But what has impressed coaches both publicly and privately has been one of the missing elements in the 2015 Bears, particularly on defense, one that in fact can be evaluated meaningfully now:
Speed.
That speed has been evident among the rookies, both drafted and undrafted, and that was a focus in the player acquisitions over the past month, beginning with Floyd.
“We wanted speed,” said defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. “Our team speed up front last year was below average. To add somebody with some speed as part of [Floyd’s] ‘toolbox’ is something we were intrigued by.”
Obviously more is involved in “speed” than simple times in the “40.” Getting off NFL blocks is a first step in functional speed for front-seven player; getting into those blocks involves meaningful speed for offensive linemen.
But coaches, who can differentiate between camp speed and functional speed, have been struck by the infusion of speed that has come in with the draft picks and others — diminutive receivers Daniel Braverman (seventh rounder) and Kieren Duncan (UDFA) have run 4.4’s and even 4.3’s in 40-yard dashes — and that theme of increasing team speed has been evident.
Most notably, that speed has appeared in the front-seven on defense, where the Bears invested three of their first four draft picks. Where former GM Phil Emery spoke openly about the need to get the Bears bigger, the tilt has now been toward a faster team in addition to the always-present need for skillsets.
“The kind of guys you bring in,” said coach John Fox, “I think our scouts understood it and understood it a year ago; I was pretty pleased with all our draft picks — we’re still early in the evaluation process with this draft class — but I think there’s a theme to it that I think is important for any professional football team.”
So the chances of forming meaningful impressions from sessions like the Bears’ three-day rookie minicamp this weekend are minimal.
Or are they?
No, Leonard Floyd will not flash full pass-rush moves the Bears expect from a No. 9 overall pick. No, second-rounder Cody Whitehair will not show any mauling abilities at guard, certainly not against fellow rookie defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard.
But what has impressed coaches both publicly and privately has been one of the missing elements in the 2015 Bears, particularly on defense, one that in fact can be evaluated meaningfully now:
Speed.
That speed has been evident among the rookies, both drafted and undrafted, and that was a focus in the player acquisitions over the past month, beginning with Floyd.
“We wanted speed,” said defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. “Our team speed up front last year was below average. To add somebody with some speed as part of [Floyd’s] ‘toolbox’ is something we were intrigued by.”
Obviously more is involved in “speed” than simple times in the “40.” Getting off NFL blocks is a first step in functional speed for front-seven player; getting into those blocks involves meaningful speed for offensive linemen.
But coaches, who can differentiate between camp speed and functional speed, have been struck by the infusion of speed that has come in with the draft picks and others — diminutive receivers Daniel Braverman (seventh rounder) and Kieren Duncan (UDFA) have run 4.4’s and even 4.3’s in 40-yard dashes — and that theme of increasing team speed has been evident.
Most notably, that speed has appeared in the front-seven on defense, where the Bears invested three of their first four draft picks. Where former GM Phil Emery spoke openly about the need to get the Bears bigger, the tilt has now been toward a faster team in addition to the always-present need for skillsets.
“The kind of guys you bring in,” said coach John Fox, “I think our scouts understood it and understood it a year ago; I was pretty pleased with all our draft picks — we’re still early in the evaluation process with this draft class — but I think there’s a theme to it that I think is important for any professional football team.”
Bears' top pick Leonard Floyd has a problem we'd all love to have.
By John Mullin
He has to eat. A lot. Often. And the Bears use his phone to remind him to eat. A lot. Often.
The Bears would like their No. 1 draft choice to put some weight on his 6-foot-6 frame and have tasked team dietician Jenn Gibson with helping in the process. So every couple of hours the young pass rusher from Georgia gets a prompt alarm on his phone that he is supposed to eat.
“I’ve got prompts set up on my phone of times in the day that I’m supposed to eat, making sure I eat at those time when I get the alarm,” Floyd said as the Bears’ three-day minicamp wrapped up on Sunday.
He can eat shakes, sandwiches, pretty much anything.
“As long as I eat a lot of it,” Floyd said, laughing.
The Bears ultimately do not care what Floyd weighs, as long as his weight lands on quarterbacks and running backs on a weekly basis. Floyd was considered by some to be a reach for the Bears at No. 9 overall in part because of limited college production and his mass for the NFL game.
But “the weight thing’s not a big thing with me,” said defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. “He’s going to weigh somewhere between 230 and 235. That’s just what he’s going to weigh. We knew that before we drafted him. So it’s not an issue. We knew that and that’s a fact and that’s what he is.”
While the Bears are looking to expand his eating habits and quantities, they are going decidedly the opposite direction with what they want of him on the field.
Floyd’s college sack numbers in particular were pedestrian in some measure because his Georgia coaches utilized the full spectrum of his talents, assigning him to cover receivers down the field, sometimes play inside on the defensive line and occasionally even rush quarterbacks.
Now Floyd’s role will be simplified, to an extent, in that he will be an outside linebacker with obvious rush assignments in an NFL that approaches 60-percent pass. There will be occasional pass-drops, but the overall job simplification has already made a difference in how Floyd plays.
“It’s going to help me a lot only focusing on one thing, because I’m used to focusing on more than one,” Floyd said. “Focusing on one position really helps me a lot.
“I was playing a whole lot faster (this weekend), just having to worry about my one position and my keys. It’s allowed me to play fast.”
How 'bout them Chicago Blackhawks? Report: Blackhawks expect to re-sign Richard Panik.
By Charlie Roumeliotis
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
Richard Panik showed flashes of potential in the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs playing on the top line alongside Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, and it's no secret both he and the Blackhawks would like to build on that success.
That was confirmed Sunday when general manager Stan Bowman told Scott Powers of The Athletic that the team is expecting to iron out a deal with Panik, who's an unrestricted free agent, to return to Chicago.
“We’ve had discussions, and I don’t think the contract is going to be a challenge,” Bowman said. “I think we’re going to get that worked out. I think he’s going to be a part of it. We’re looking for him to take that next step in his career.”
Panik had six goals and two assists in 30 regular-season games since joining the Blackhawks in January via a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Jeremy Morin.
The 25-year-old forward also had three assists in six games against the St. Louis Blues in the first round of the postseason.
Up against the salary cap, Panik would give the Blackhawks a forward that can make an impact on any of the four lines at a cost-controlled price.
That was confirmed Sunday when general manager Stan Bowman told Scott Powers of The Athletic that the team is expecting to iron out a deal with Panik, who's an unrestricted free agent, to return to Chicago.
“We’ve had discussions, and I don’t think the contract is going to be a challenge,” Bowman said. “I think we’re going to get that worked out. I think he’s going to be a part of it. We’re looking for him to take that next step in his career.”
Panik had six goals and two assists in 30 regular-season games since joining the Blackhawks in January via a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Jeremy Morin.
The 25-year-old forward also had three assists in six games against the St. Louis Blues in the first round of the postseason.
Up against the salary cap, Panik would give the Blackhawks a forward that can make an impact on any of the four lines at a cost-controlled price.
Gerrit Cole outduels Jon Lester, shuts down Cubs.
By Tony Andracki
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
Ben Zobrist tossed his bat to the ground in disgust and jogged to first base as Pirates right fielder Sean Rodriguez settled under the ball.
It was an odd sign of frustration from a guy who has been the hottest hitter in the game over the last couple weeks on an offense that just scored 17 runs over the previous two games.
But it illustrated the reality: The Cubs' offense can't possibly be on at all times.
Zobrist and the Cubs couldn't solve Pirates ace Gerrit Cole, losing 2-1 on Sunday in front of 40,814 fans at Wrigley Field.
It was the Cubs' first loss to the Pirates in the last eight games dating back to last September.
Cole was absolutely brilliant, allowing three hits (one of which was a sun-aided double by Dexter Fowler in the first when Pirates infielders lost track of the ball) and didn't walk a batter, striking out seven.
A Zobrist double and an Addison Russell infield single were the only two legit hits off Cole all day.
Jon Lester took a no-hitter into the seventh inning before Starling Marte singled to right field on Lester's 101st pitch of the day. Two batters later, Jung Ho Kang drilled a double in the gap and the Pirates were on the board.
Kang later added a solo homer in the ninth inning off Cubs closer Hector Rondon.
The Cubs mounted a rally in the ninth when Fowler walked and Jason Heyward singled to lead off the inning. After Kris Bryant popped out to shallow center, Anthony Rizzo drove home Fowler with a sacrifice fly to right field.
But Zobrist grounded into the shift in shallow right field to end the threat and the game.
The Cubs are off Monday before hitting the road for 10 days beginning Tuesday night in Milwaukee.
Pirates' Gerrit Cole: Cubs aren't the best team in baseball. Right now they are, duh........
By Tony Andracki
It was an odd sign of frustration from a guy who has been the hottest hitter in the game over the last couple weeks on an offense that just scored 17 runs over the previous two games.
But it illustrated the reality: The Cubs' offense can't possibly be on at all times.
Zobrist and the Cubs couldn't solve Pirates ace Gerrit Cole, losing 2-1 on Sunday in front of 40,814 fans at Wrigley Field.
It was the Cubs' first loss to the Pirates in the last eight games dating back to last September.
Cole was absolutely brilliant, allowing three hits (one of which was a sun-aided double by Dexter Fowler in the first when Pirates infielders lost track of the ball) and didn't walk a batter, striking out seven.
A Zobrist double and an Addison Russell infield single were the only two legit hits off Cole all day.
Jon Lester took a no-hitter into the seventh inning before Starling Marte singled to right field on Lester's 101st pitch of the day. Two batters later, Jung Ho Kang drilled a double in the gap and the Pirates were on the board.
Kang later added a solo homer in the ninth inning off Cubs closer Hector Rondon.
The Cubs mounted a rally in the ninth when Fowler walked and Jason Heyward singled to lead off the inning. After Kris Bryant popped out to shallow center, Anthony Rizzo drove home Fowler with a sacrifice fly to right field.
But Zobrist grounded into the shift in shallow right field to end the threat and the game.
The Cubs are off Monday before hitting the road for 10 days beginning Tuesday night in Milwaukee.
Pirates' Gerrit Cole: Cubs aren't the best team in baseball. Right now they are, duh........
By Tony Andracki
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
Gerrit Cole took care of business against the Cubs Sunday and backed up his play with some bold statements.
After tossing eight shutout innings and helping the Pirates beat the Cubs for the first time in their last eight tries, Cole doubled down on his performance.
When a reporter posed the question that Cole just shut down the best team in baseball, the Pirates pitcher politely corrected the statement:
"It's just an opportunity to salvage the series," Cole said. "I don't really think they're the best team in baseball."
Of course, the Cubs are currently the best team in baseball - the only team still in the single digits in the loss column halfway through May.
The Cubs sit at 27-9 overall with a +109 run differential. In fact, their run differential was higher than the next two teams (Red Sox +58) and Cardinals (+46) combined entering play Sunday.
Following Sunday's loss, the Cubs have outscored the Pirates 38-13 in the six head-to-head games this season.
Cole had a rough go of it last time out against the Cubs, failing to go even five innings while allowing six runs (five earned) on six hits and four walks. He was 2-1 with a 2.13 ERA and 0.947 WHIP in four starts against the Cubs during the 2015 regular season, but lost that one-game wild-card playoff when he surrendered four runs in five innings, including homers to Kyle Schwarber and Dexter Fowler.
After tossing eight shutout innings and helping the Pirates beat the Cubs for the first time in their last eight tries, Cole doubled down on his performance.
When a reporter posed the question that Cole just shut down the best team in baseball, the Pirates pitcher politely corrected the statement:
"It's just an opportunity to salvage the series," Cole said. "I don't really think they're the best team in baseball."
Of course, the Cubs are currently the best team in baseball - the only team still in the single digits in the loss column halfway through May.
The Cubs sit at 27-9 overall with a +109 run differential. In fact, their run differential was higher than the next two teams (Red Sox +58) and Cardinals (+46) combined entering play Sunday.
Following Sunday's loss, the Cubs have outscored the Pirates 38-13 in the six head-to-head games this season.
Cole had a rough go of it last time out against the Cubs, failing to go even five innings while allowing six runs (five earned) on six hits and four walks. He was 2-1 with a 2.13 ERA and 0.947 WHIP in four starts against the Cubs during the 2015 regular season, but lost that one-game wild-card playoff when he surrendered four runs in five innings, including homers to Kyle Schwarber and Dexter Fowler.
Cubs preaching patience on Jorge Soler's development.
By Tony Andracki
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
As Joe Maddon passed by a small contingent of fans beyond the left field bleachers at Wrigley Field before Friday's game, one fan found the courage to yell "try not to suck" at the Cubs manager.
That "Maddonism" has become the rallying cry for Cubs Nation in 2016, but baseball isn't always that simple.
Maddon can't simply tell Jorge Soler to "try not to suck."
Soler entered play Sunday hitting .174, which would be the lowest mark in the National League if he had enough plate appearances to qualify. His .530 OPS would also be the fourth-lowest mark in the NL if he qualified.
Soler's struggles culminated in a rough game Wednesday night, as he struck out all four times up and left four men on base in the Cubs' 1-0 loss to the San Diego Padres. Still, Maddon kept trotting Soler out there, giving him the start in left field each of the first two games against the Pittsburgh Pirates over the weekend. Soler went 1-for-6 with a walk and a run in those two games against a pair of left-handed pitchers.
"He just has to go out there and play," Maddon said. "He needs opportunity. When a guy has a tough day, I don't get really carried away in a negative way. It's part of development. It's part of making a young player a good major league player.
"When you're attempting to develop young players, there's a lot of patience involved. And then if you put your scout's hat on, you can see what the eventual reward is going to look like. A guy like Jorge, you have to be patient."
Soler flashed his potential when he posted a .903 OPS and 20 RBIs during his 24-game cup of coffee in 2014.
He also set a record by reaching base nine straight times to begin the postseason, drawing five walks and collecting four hits — including a double and two homers — to help jumpstart the Cubs' offense against the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLDS.
It's that potential — and the fact that Soler just turned 24 in February — that explains why the Cubs aren't so quick to just bench Soler or give up on him in any form.
"That's absurd. If we had walked away from him last year, we probably don't get out of that Cardinals series," Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said. "He and (Kyle) Schwarber were our two best hitters in that series. He played a primary role in helping us win a couple of those games.
"That's how good he's capable of being, and you need to invest in him in order to help him get to that level on a more consistent basis. And you have to win games along the way. We have good problems to have."
Like Epstein said, the Cubs have proven they've placed an emphasis on winning now so they have to manage Soler's development with what's best for the entire team.
Still, the Cubs entered play Sunday 27-8 with a plus-110 run differential, one of the best starts the game has ever seen.
Epstein predicted Soler will get hot and carry the Cubs at some point like he did in the playoffs.
He also reminded everybody this is actually the normal development path for young players, referencing the Kansas City Royals' patience with guys like Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas and Alex Gordon.
But Cubs fans and Chicago media have gotten a little spoiled of late, watching how guys like Kris Bryant, Addison Russell and Schwarber have been key contributors from the first second they stepped foot on a big league field.
"We have to be patient," Epstein said. "The fans have to be patient, too, because not everyone steps right in and wins the Rookie of the Year and takes off and puts up a .900 OPS.
"There are more variations of performance. It comes more sporadically. If you invest in young players over time, you get rewarded. His talent is there. It's undeniable.
Look what he did against the best pitchers in the league at the most important time last year."
Soler's playing time has become a source of debate, too. Those who look at his numbers cry for the Cubs to bench him or send him back down to Triple-A Iowa.
There are also those who believe Soler's slump is at least partially due to inconsistent playing time with Bryant drawing a bunch of starts in left field.
Epstein and Maddon both acknowledged Soler would have plenty of opportunity to play as the season wears on, but Maddon also pointed to Soler's overall inexperience in professional baseball.
Soler has played in just 158 big league games and only 155 minor league games while battling injuries throughout his career. He also spent about two years where he didn't play much competitive baseball in defecting from Cuba before signing with the Cubs.
"His development has been spotty, in a sense, because of injuries," Maddon said. "He's shown flashes of brilliance. I guess from a fan's perspective or (media) asking me questions, I can understand where you're coming from.
"But from where I sit, it's very easy to see what the right thing to do is. I can't and I won't get caught up in that kind of rhetoric. It's about a young man developing. ... You just gotta keep throwing him out there until eventually it clicks and it will."
Maddon also has learned the need to be extra patient with young Latin players who are tasked with the culture shock of adjusting to life in a new country as well as learning a new language on top of developing on-field skills.
Soler admitted in spring training he had concentration and focus lapses last season but had no problem turning it on in the playoffs when the stakes were raised.
Maddon isn't willing to point to concentration issues as a reason for Soler's struggles this year.
"Actually, I think that's really done well," Maddon said. "He's done a lot of work with the hitting coaches, with our sports psych guys. If you watch him in the batter's box when he might not like something, he just takes the walk back and forth in the box (he doesn't get out of the box because that is a finable offense).
"Even that's a mindful moment for me right there. His self-awareness is growing. Of course you want to see more performance right now, but I know that's gonna be forthcoming. I'm not worried about that.
"He's really trying to do the right things and that matters a lot. You've got this 6-foot-5 behemoth, strong man, tremendous power, working on different things, making the adjustments to the United States. He'll figure it out."
Too many mistakes sink White Sox in loss to Yankees.
By Dan Hayes
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
No aspect of the White Sox performance Sunday afternoon was without its mistakes.
If any had been, they might have walked away a winner.
The White Sox didn’t catch the ball, their starting pitcher couldn’t command it, the offense missed several chances and the bullpen struggled yet again. All of that added up to a near-miss and a 7-5 loss to the New York Yankees in front of 41,979 at Yankee Stadium.
Instead of heading home with their first series win at Yankee Stadium since 2005 and a .500 road trip, the White Sox traveled back to Chicago with their fourth loss in five games. However, they maintained a five-game lead in the American League Central as Cleveland lost again to Minnesota.
“It was a good back and forth game, but it was a frustrating one at times too,” catcher Alex Avila said. “We weren’t able to make that one pitch, two or three mistakes today on the pitching side, and we weren’t able to get that hit to make it a two- or three-run lead.”
The bullpen will catch much of the heat for Sunday’s loss. But the mistakes could be found in almost every nook and cranny.
Ultimately, the Yankees scored four times against White Sox relievers in their final three times at bat.
Zach Duke surrendered a go-ahead, two-run shot to Carlos Beltran in the sixth, the 400th home run of the outfielder’s career putting the Yankees ahead 5-4. Chase Headley’s pinch-hit RBI double in the seventh off Matt Albers broke a 5-all tie. And Brian McCann added a critical insurance run with a solo homer off Nate Jones in the eighth.
“You always know there are going to be blips in there at some point,” manager Robin Ventura said.
The defense played a role, too.
Brett Lawrie’s throwing error in the sixth ended a 12-game errorless stretch for the White Sox — the longest in franchise history — and brought Beltran to the plate with the tying run aboard. Instead of staying with Dan Jennings, Ventura opted for Duke, who had retired Beltran in 22 of 27 career meetings. But Duke left a 2-2 fastball up, and Beltran planted it in the left-field bleachers for a two-run shot and 5-4 Yankee lead.
Lawrie also skipped a throw in the first inning that Jose Abreu couldn’t scoop, which allowed the first batter of the game (Jacoby Ellsbury) to reach against Miguel Gonzalez. Ellsbury later scored on a Beltran sac fly that made it a 1-0 game.
“It’s going to happen,” third baseman Todd Frazier said. “We worry about the mental mistakes, not the physical ones because we know eventually it’s going to happen.”
Making his second straight start, Gonzalez struggled with command and only lasted 4 2/3 innings. He walked five batters, hit another and gave up three earned runs and five hits before giving way to Jennings.
“Control wasn’t there today,” Gonzalez said. “Ball was moving a lot. I tried to stay under control, kept the team in the game. It was a battle out there.
“I thought I could have gone more, but that control wasn’t there. It’s part of the game sometimes.”
The offense also was susceptible to a mistake or two, too.
Though the group finished a strong road trip with five more runs, giving it 37 in six games, missed opportunities were everywhere.
The White Sox stranded nine runners.
No chance was bigger than the one in the seventh, when the White Sox tied the game against Dellin Betances but couldn’t convert despite having two runners in scoring position and none out.
Abreu and Frazier singled to open the inning, and Melky Cabrera doubled in a run to make it 5-5. But Lawrie grounded out, and Betances struck out Avisail Garcia and Avila to keep it even.
The White Sox — who struck out 12 times — also stranded a pair of runners in the second, third and fifth innings.
“We had a lot of guys, second and third and couldn’t get them in.,” Ventura said. “But there was some tough pitching going on out there. It’s a tough go, and it’s a tough day.
“We just couldn’t hold it. We’d get a lead, they kept fighting back, and even for us, late, the seventh inning you end up tying it back up, but we just couldn’t pin it down.”
White Sox defense sees record streak come to an end.
By Dan Hayes
If any had been, they might have walked away a winner.
The White Sox didn’t catch the ball, their starting pitcher couldn’t command it, the offense missed several chances and the bullpen struggled yet again. All of that added up to a near-miss and a 7-5 loss to the New York Yankees in front of 41,979 at Yankee Stadium.
Instead of heading home with their first series win at Yankee Stadium since 2005 and a .500 road trip, the White Sox traveled back to Chicago with their fourth loss in five games. However, they maintained a five-game lead in the American League Central as Cleveland lost again to Minnesota.
“It was a good back and forth game, but it was a frustrating one at times too,” catcher Alex Avila said. “We weren’t able to make that one pitch, two or three mistakes today on the pitching side, and we weren’t able to get that hit to make it a two- or three-run lead.”
The bullpen will catch much of the heat for Sunday’s loss. But the mistakes could be found in almost every nook and cranny.
Ultimately, the Yankees scored four times against White Sox relievers in their final three times at bat.
Zach Duke surrendered a go-ahead, two-run shot to Carlos Beltran in the sixth, the 400th home run of the outfielder’s career putting the Yankees ahead 5-4. Chase Headley’s pinch-hit RBI double in the seventh off Matt Albers broke a 5-all tie. And Brian McCann added a critical insurance run with a solo homer off Nate Jones in the eighth.
“You always know there are going to be blips in there at some point,” manager Robin Ventura said.
The defense played a role, too.
Brett Lawrie’s throwing error in the sixth ended a 12-game errorless stretch for the White Sox — the longest in franchise history — and brought Beltran to the plate with the tying run aboard. Instead of staying with Dan Jennings, Ventura opted for Duke, who had retired Beltran in 22 of 27 career meetings. But Duke left a 2-2 fastball up, and Beltran planted it in the left-field bleachers for a two-run shot and 5-4 Yankee lead.
Lawrie also skipped a throw in the first inning that Jose Abreu couldn’t scoop, which allowed the first batter of the game (Jacoby Ellsbury) to reach against Miguel Gonzalez. Ellsbury later scored on a Beltran sac fly that made it a 1-0 game.
“It’s going to happen,” third baseman Todd Frazier said. “We worry about the mental mistakes, not the physical ones because we know eventually it’s going to happen.”
Making his second straight start, Gonzalez struggled with command and only lasted 4 2/3 innings. He walked five batters, hit another and gave up three earned runs and five hits before giving way to Jennings.
“Control wasn’t there today,” Gonzalez said. “Ball was moving a lot. I tried to stay under control, kept the team in the game. It was a battle out there.
“I thought I could have gone more, but that control wasn’t there. It’s part of the game sometimes.”
The offense also was susceptible to a mistake or two, too.
Though the group finished a strong road trip with five more runs, giving it 37 in six games, missed opportunities were everywhere.
The White Sox stranded nine runners.
No chance was bigger than the one in the seventh, when the White Sox tied the game against Dellin Betances but couldn’t convert despite having two runners in scoring position and none out.
Abreu and Frazier singled to open the inning, and Melky Cabrera doubled in a run to make it 5-5. But Lawrie grounded out, and Betances struck out Avisail Garcia and Avila to keep it even.
The White Sox — who struck out 12 times — also stranded a pair of runners in the second, third and fifth innings.
“We had a lot of guys, second and third and couldn’t get them in.,” Ventura said. “But there was some tough pitching going on out there. It’s a tough go, and it’s a tough day.
“We just couldn’t hold it. We’d get a lead, they kept fighting back, and even for us, late, the seventh inning you end up tying it back up, but we just couldn’t pin it down.”
White Sox defense sees record streak come to an end.
By Dan Hayes
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
After playing record-breaking defense for a dozen games, the White Sox defense made its first error of the month on Sunday.
Ironically, it came back to hurt them.
Second baseman Brett Lawrie’s throw on a sixth-inning Jacoby Ellsbury grounder pulled Jose Abreu off the base and snapped a 12-game stretch — the longest in club history, according to Elias Sports — in which the White Sox defense didn’t commit an error.
Two batters later, Carlos Beltran gave the New York Yankees a one-run lead in a game they ultimately won, 7-5. Beltran’s two-run homer, the 400th of his career, off reliever Zach Duke put New York up 5-4 on the White Sox.
“That’s something, you see it happen on days,” White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. “It gets unfortunate when you end up losing a game, a close one.
“We’ll clean it up and it will get better.”
Lawrie’s smooth transition to second base is one reason why the White Sox have improved defensively this season. The error was his fourth in 38 games.
Overall, the White Sox defense entered Sunday seventh in Ultimate Zone Rating (4.8) and 13th in Defensive Runs Saved (5). Those figures are much higher than in 2015 when the White Sox finished in the bottom three in the majors in both categories.
It was the second time in the contest where a throw by Lawrie later resulted in a run.
He made a nice play and one-hopped a throw to Jose Abreu in the first inning in an attempt to throw out Ellsbury. But Abreu couldn’t scoop it and Ellsbury would score on a Beltran sac fly.
The White Sox were also charged with a second error in the seventh inning for catcher’s interference on Alex Avila.
Prior to Sunday, the White Sox hadn’t committed an error since April 30, when they made two.
Ironically, it came back to hurt them.
Second baseman Brett Lawrie’s throw on a sixth-inning Jacoby Ellsbury grounder pulled Jose Abreu off the base and snapped a 12-game stretch — the longest in club history, according to Elias Sports — in which the White Sox defense didn’t commit an error.
Two batters later, Carlos Beltran gave the New York Yankees a one-run lead in a game they ultimately won, 7-5. Beltran’s two-run homer, the 400th of his career, off reliever Zach Duke put New York up 5-4 on the White Sox.
“That’s something, you see it happen on days,” White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. “It gets unfortunate when you end up losing a game, a close one.
“We’ll clean it up and it will get better.”
Lawrie’s smooth transition to second base is one reason why the White Sox have improved defensively this season. The error was his fourth in 38 games.
Overall, the White Sox defense entered Sunday seventh in Ultimate Zone Rating (4.8) and 13th in Defensive Runs Saved (5). Those figures are much higher than in 2015 when the White Sox finished in the bottom three in the majors in both categories.
It was the second time in the contest where a throw by Lawrie later resulted in a run.
He made a nice play and one-hopped a throw to Jose Abreu in the first inning in an attempt to throw out Ellsbury. But Abreu couldn’t scoop it and Ellsbury would score on a Beltran sac fly.
The White Sox were also charged with a second error in the seventh inning for catcher’s interference on Alex Avila.
Prior to Sunday, the White Sox hadn’t committed an error since April 30, when they made two.
Chris Sale improves to 8-0 as White Sox top Yankees. (Friday night's game, 05/13/2013).
By Dan Hayes
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
With another big cushion courtesy of his offense, Chris Sale cruised to his eighth victory in eight starts on Friday night.
Sale took advantage of two early crooked numbers and the White Sox rebounded from a pair of tough losses with a 7-1 victory over the New York Yankees in front of 34,264 at Yankee Stadium. Jimmy Rollins hit a two-run homer and Adam Eaton and Jose Abreu each drove in two runs for the new-and-improved Sale, who became the fourth White Sox pitcher to ever win his first eight starts. Sale, who at one point retired 15 straight batters, needed only 99 pitches for his second complete game of 2016.
“Any time Chris gets (run support) he’s going to be extremely tough,” White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. “Tonight, not gearing it up [unless] he had to. He can go get it, but for him this is a different guy. He can strike people out, but you’re seeing a more effective guy who can go deeper into games. The last couple of years he wouldn’t have been able to do this, finish off games.”
The White Sox haven’t had much of an offense to brag about the past few seasons.
While more proof is needed, and another left-handed bat would be swell, the White Sox have been a tough out the past 17 games. Entering Friday, they scored 94 runs in a 16-game span after only producing 61 in their first 19 contests.
The White Sox broke through in the second inning against Yankees starter Luis Severino (0-6), who needed a nice defensive play with two outs in the first inning to rob Melky Cabrera of an RBI single.
Alex Avila got them going with an RBI double in the second inning and Abreu singled in two more with two outs to make it a 3-0 game.
The White Sox poured it on in the third inning when Eaton, who reached base in four of five trips, doubled in two and Rollins followed with a second-deck homer to right to make it 7-1. It’s the fourth straight start in which the offense has produced at least six runs for Sale, who entered ranked 26th of 147 starting with a per game run support average of 5.47.
“You’re not going to hear me complain,” Sale said. “When the guys go out there and do that, it takes the pressure off you and your main goal after that is just throwing strikes. I was using my defense and I started getting to where I was abusing them a little bit.
“It takes the pressure off of you as a pitcher.”
Sale makes it sound as if he has eased off the accelerator.
He hasn’t.
He continues to attack the strike zone and keep hitters off balance by adding and subtracting fastball velocity to go with a nasty slider and changeup. The combination has produced a lot of weak, early contact and a plethora of quick innings.
Sale allowed a Chase Headley homer in the second inning to make it 3-1, but bounced back fast.
He retired the side in order in the third inning on five pitches and never looked back. Sale needed only nine pitches in the fifth, 11 in the sixth and 11 in the eighth. The low pitch count and an overworked bullpen made it an easy decision for Ventura to send Sale back out for the ninth inning.
“It's something we had talked about in spring training, as far as adding that,” Avila said. “A guy like him, he can strike guys out. You want him to take that next step where he can be that ace, going out for that seventh, eighth, ninth inning is huge. It's huge over the course of a season, being able to give the guys in the bullpen a blow, being that guy that stops a losing streak. There's gonna be times where he's gonna need to just air it out. That's the way it is. But being able to pitch at different speeds gives him another pitch, we're able to get quick outs that way and kind of pick and choose when you need to go get a strikeout.”
After Brett Gardner’s second-inning single, Sale retired 20 of 21 batters into the ninth. He allowed a run and six hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
Sale joins Eddie Cicotte (who won 12 straight in 1919), John Whitehead (eight in 1935) and Jon Garland (eight in 2005) as the only White Sox to win their first eight starts.
“I wouldn’t be here without these guys,” Sale said. “When your team puts you in a position like that, it makes it a little bit less stressful.”
Just Another Chicago Bulls Session..... The Derrick Rose point guard experience could be on borrowed time.
By Joe Cowley
(Photo/chicagosun-times.com)
It’s a self-assessment that Derrick Rose has no problem reminding the media of on a weekly basis.
The Bulls guard often points out his “high basketball IQ’’ whenever his decision making or film study is brought in question.
The Bulls guard often points out his “high basketball IQ’’ whenever his decision making or film study is brought in question.
A self-evaluation, however, that many in the organization don’t share with Rose.
There’s a reason John Paxson and Gar Forman will have all eyes on point guards during this week’s NBA draft combine in Chicago. Not only because Rose could be exiting stage left entering the final year on his current contract, but also because there’s not a lot of faith that Rose can be a full-time point guard in Fred Hoiberg’s system.
It’s not that Rose is difficult to coach or that he’s incapable of doing what was asked of him under his first-year coach. As a matter of fact, Hoiberg went out of his way to praise Rose in his willingness to accept a new system.
But what the veteran did need from Hoiberg was constant supervision.
It was in late March that Hoiberg admitted how often his tutoring sessions had to take place with Rose, frequently reminding the former MVP of what was expected of him both offensively and defensively.
“It is important,’’ Hoiberg said, when asked about the constant communication he had to have with Rose. “He and I watch clips before the game, sometimes five to 10 minutes before we meet as a group with 32 minutes before the game, just show him the things I think are important. Clips from the previous game I think he needs to improve on, show some positive clips that he can build on.’’
And even that didn’t take at times.
Case in point was a Mar. 28 loss to Atlanta in which Rose was beaten on back-cuts twice by Jeff Teague, and then allowed Teague to go down the court unopposed for a jumper, as he was arguing a call.
Hoiberg called a timeout and had to remind Rose of what was discussed in the game-planning and shootaround, as well as getting the guard refocused.
That’s also why Hoiberg had no problem handing the point-guard reins over to Jimmy Butler in the four April games Rose missed, watching the Bulls go 3-1 in that span, while Butler averaged an eye-popping 21.5 points, 10.3 assists and 9.3 rebounds per game in those contests.
Sources indicated that the Bulls were set to draft a point guard last season, but when Bobby Portis was all but gift-wrapped to them, falling on draft night to 22nd, they couldn’t pass up the big man.
That likely won’t be the case come this June, as the Bulls will spend the next month inspecting the likes of point guards Kris Dunn, Tyler Ulis and Demetrius Jackson.
The hope is whichever rookie they pick, along with Butler and E’Twaun Moore – if they can re-sign the free agent-to-be – will give Hoiberg options, allowing Rose to move to the off-guard spot and focus on what he does best – scoring.
And as far as Rose moving to the two and being a defensive liability? Well, he was a defensive liability at times this season playing the point, so call it a wash.
“We couldn’t keep people in front of us, and that’s important,’’ Paxson said of Rose and his defense. “Especially, that always starts with your guards, especially your point guard, creating, setting a tone. That’s an area Derrick’s really going to have to work on this summer. We need our point guard to set the tone defensively, there’s no question about that.’’
No matter who that point guard eventually is.
Follow-up: What's Your Take? Friday, 05/13/2016. Stephen Curry says he's 'ignoring' LeBron James' MVP remarks, but don't buy it.
Sporting News
There’s a reason John Paxson and Gar Forman will have all eyes on point guards during this week’s NBA draft combine in Chicago. Not only because Rose could be exiting stage left entering the final year on his current contract, but also because there’s not a lot of faith that Rose can be a full-time point guard in Fred Hoiberg’s system.
It’s not that Rose is difficult to coach or that he’s incapable of doing what was asked of him under his first-year coach. As a matter of fact, Hoiberg went out of his way to praise Rose in his willingness to accept a new system.
But what the veteran did need from Hoiberg was constant supervision.
It was in late March that Hoiberg admitted how often his tutoring sessions had to take place with Rose, frequently reminding the former MVP of what was expected of him both offensively and defensively.
“It is important,’’ Hoiberg said, when asked about the constant communication he had to have with Rose. “He and I watch clips before the game, sometimes five to 10 minutes before we meet as a group with 32 minutes before the game, just show him the things I think are important. Clips from the previous game I think he needs to improve on, show some positive clips that he can build on.’’
And even that didn’t take at times.
Case in point was a Mar. 28 loss to Atlanta in which Rose was beaten on back-cuts twice by Jeff Teague, and then allowed Teague to go down the court unopposed for a jumper, as he was arguing a call.
Hoiberg called a timeout and had to remind Rose of what was discussed in the game-planning and shootaround, as well as getting the guard refocused.
That’s also why Hoiberg had no problem handing the point-guard reins over to Jimmy Butler in the four April games Rose missed, watching the Bulls go 3-1 in that span, while Butler averaged an eye-popping 21.5 points, 10.3 assists and 9.3 rebounds per game in those contests.
Sources indicated that the Bulls were set to draft a point guard last season, but when Bobby Portis was all but gift-wrapped to them, falling on draft night to 22nd, they couldn’t pass up the big man.
That likely won’t be the case come this June, as the Bulls will spend the next month inspecting the likes of point guards Kris Dunn, Tyler Ulis and Demetrius Jackson.
The hope is whichever rookie they pick, along with Butler and E’Twaun Moore – if they can re-sign the free agent-to-be – will give Hoiberg options, allowing Rose to move to the off-guard spot and focus on what he does best – scoring.
And as far as Rose moving to the two and being a defensive liability? Well, he was a defensive liability at times this season playing the point, so call it a wash.
“We couldn’t keep people in front of us, and that’s important,’’ Paxson said of Rose and his defense. “Especially, that always starts with your guards, especially your point guard, creating, setting a tone. That’s an area Derrick’s really going to have to work on this summer. We need our point guard to set the tone defensively, there’s no question about that.’’
No matter who that point guard eventually is.
Follow-up: What's Your Take? Friday, 05/13/2016. Stephen Curry says he's 'ignoring' LeBron James' MVP remarks, but don't buy it.
Sporting News
The two-time defending MVP is definitely unbothered about whether or not LeBron James thinks he's the most "valuable" player. (Photo/thesportingnews)
LeBron James spoke his piece about Stephen Curry’s unanimous Most Valuable Player Award earlier this week.
On the record, Curry says he doesn't have a response.
On the record, Curry says he doesn't have a response.
“I’ve gotten really good at ignoring people,” Curry told reporters (via ESPN) when asked about James' remarks on his second MVP award. “That is the theme of the last two years. So I’m good."
James said that Curry “definitely deserved” the MVP, but said that the “valuable” part was ambiguous.
"I think sometimes the word 'valuable' or best player of the year, you can have different results," he said. "When you talk about most 'valuable' then you can have a different conversation."
James, a four-time MVP, finished one vote away from an unanimous declaration in 2013. He could have made it a non-issue by simply saying that Curry deserved the award, but his debate about the word "valuable" showed that James isn't willing to declare himself subservient to the league's Golden Child.
But just because Curry isn't getting into a war of words with James doesn't mean he isn't paying attention.
All you have to do is look at his MVP acceptance speech on Tuesday. Curry talked about getting back to where people thought he couldn't following last year's MVP award.
While Curry is one of the NBA's best-liked players, he's also one of its most competitive. The fact that he mentioned the last two years after being asked about James' comments shows he definitely keeps a mental Rolodex of what's being said about he and his team.
Instead of being lured into a verbal spat with the man they call "King James," the NBA's freshly crowned king is wisely focusing on the Oklahoma City Thunder. But if he and James should meet in the Finals again, he'll do everything in his power to make James' words come back to bite him.
Golf: I got a club for that..... Day cruises to four-stroke victory at The Players.
By Doug Ferguson
(Photo/thegolfchannel.com)
The best field in golf was no match for Jason Day at The Players Championship.
Day caused only a little drama Sunday in what otherwise felt more like another coronation for the 28-year-old Australian. He led by at least two shots the entire round, played bogey-free again on the back nine at the TPC Sawgrass and closed with a 1-under 71 to win golf's richest tournament.
''I just wanted to win this so bad,'' Day said.
Along the way, he put a stamp on his No. 1 ranking.
Day won for the seventh time in the last 10 months, titles that include a major, a World Golf Championship and a pair of FedEx Cup playoff events. He became the first wire-to-wire winner in 16 years at Sawgrass.
Day won $1.89 million from the $10.5 million purse.
He won by four shots over Kevin Chappell, who closed with a 69 to pick up a $1,134,000 consolation check.
The greens at the Stadium Course were not nearly as severe as Saturday, when only six players managed to break par and Day made a pair of double bogeys to slow what had been shaping up as a runaway. This time, Day inflicted his own damage by missing greens and flubbing three chips on his way to a bogey on the par-5 ninth that cut his lead to two shots going to a back nine filled with possibilities.
With two quick birdies, the outcome soon was inevitable.
Day poured in a 15-foot birdie on No. 10 and another one from that range on No. 12. His last challenge was to make sure he found land on the island-green 17th, and his wedge made it with about 10 feet to spare.
''Playing the way I did on the back side, just bearing down, I'm going to hold this memory for a long time,'' Day said.
He finished at 15-under 273, and he left his peers wondering what it would take to beat him when Day is on his game.
''It's no coincidence he's No. 1 in the world,'' Justin Thomas said after closing with a Sunday-best 65 to tie for third. ''He drives it extremely far, extremely straight. He hits it to the moon, so he can access pins that most people can't. His short game is ridiculous. I think I've pretty much covered it all there when it comes to the golf.''
Day is the third No. 1 player to win The Players Championship, joining Greg Norman (1994) and Tiger Woods (2001 and 2013).
Perhaps even more telling about the state of his game is that he joined Woods, Tom Watson and Johnny Miller as the only players since 1970 to go wire-to-wire twice in the same season. Day led from start to finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill.
Day also won the Dell Match Play, winning six of his seven matches before they reached the 18th green.
Chappell made bogey on the final hole at Bay Hill to lose to Day. This time, he tried to catch up with a 32 on the back nine. Day simply wouldn't let anyone catch him.
The consolation for Chappell is his third runner-up finish this year moves him well inside the top 50 in the world, assuring him exemptions into the U.S. Open and British Open this summer.
Thomas, who started 11 shots behind, stuck around Sawgrass to see if 10-under 278 would have a chance. He wound up tied for third with Matt Kuchar (68), Colt Knost (69) and Ken Duke (72).
Hideki Matsuyama, playing in the final group with Day, was 3 over after three holes and quickly out of the mix. The pressure didn't come from anyone else, rather from Day. The Aussie hit only three greens on the front nine, dropping a shot on No. 6 and having to make a 15-foot par putt on No. 7.
After chopping up the rough to the right of the ninth green, he had to make a 6-foot putt for bogey.
But he was flawless on the back nine, going bogey-free the entire week.
He now has a large lead in the world rankings over Jordan Spieth, who missed the cut, and Rory McIlroy at No. 3, who was never a factor on Sunday at Sawgrass. Dating to his 81 last year at The Players to miss the cut, Day has finished out of the top 10 only seven times in his last 20 starts.
Adam Scott referred to it as ''Tiger-esque.''
''That's one of the hardest things to do when you are hot like that, to keep pushing,'' Scott said. ''But he has a very strong desire to achieve so much, and I think probably his goals are changing throughout this period, and he's expecting more and more of himself. He's got that ability to push himself and accomplish.''
Rory comes up short: 'Everything is just not clicking'.
By Rex Hoggard
(Photo/thegolfchannel.com)
It’s become a familiar refrain, and Rory McIlroy knows it.
“I've been saying I'm close for a very long time. Feels like I've been saying I'm close all year,” he said on Sunday at The Players.
McIlroy finished tied for 12th, his fifth top 15 finish in his last six starts, but that didn’t stop the Northern Irishman from lamenting his inability to break through for his first victory in 2016.
Although he said his tee-to-green game has been solid, and for the week at TPC Sawgrass he ranked second in strokes gained-tee to green, he talked of too many wasted shots and playing too defensive the last few months.
“I seem to play the wrong shot or I seem to hit a bad shot at the wrong time,” said McIlroy, who closed with a 2-under 70 for a 7 under total after derailing his title chances with a third-round 75. “Everything is just not clicking, and hopefully as the summer approaches, everything can start to click and I can go on a run, because I really don't feel like it's too far away.”
Still, his play at the Stadium Course was encouraging, particularly his second-round 64 that included a bogey at his final hole, and he was looking forward to the U.S. Open at Oakmont next month.
The world No. 3 will play next week’s Irish Open, which he hosts, followed by the Memorial before heading up to Oakmont for his first look at the course.
“I’m looking forward to going to a nice, traditional course. Not like we’re playing on the moon,” said McIlroy in a reference to last year’s U.S. Open at Chambers Bay.
Chicago Sports & Travel Inc./AllsportsAmerica 2016 Invitational Golf Tournament Invitation.
Chicago Sports & Travel, Inc.
And
AllsportsAmerica
Cordially invites you to participate in our 6th biennial CS&T/AA Invitational Golf Tournament. Our tournament is held every two years, the same year as the Ryder Cup. The date of this year's tournament is June 26th, 2016, and will be held at the Bloomingdale Golf Club, 181 Glen Ellyn Road, Bloomingdale, IL 60108-1538, (located one block west of Medinah Country Club on Lake Street).
Our tournament starts at 11:00 AM and ends around 5:00 PM. Our field includes 40 players, (10 foursomes). This year's theme is as always, "Hot Fun in the Summertime". We are lining up our field now so that you will have plenty of time to hone your skills. The basic rules and awards are listed below. Many of you have played in our tournament before and we look forward to having you participate again. For those of you that have not, give it strong consideration because we guarantee you a terrific day of fun and a superb day of golf.
We look forward to having our five previous champions, Tim Norum, 2007; Takis Sarantos, 2008; Chuck Fricke, 2010; Dan Palicka, 2012; and repeat winner, Chuck Fricke, 2014, shooting for the championship. Not so fast fellas, there's a lot of talent playing this year and there's always room for a new winner. In our tournament, "Competition truly does breed excellence."
Left to right, Chicago Sports & Travel Inc./AllsportsAmerica Tournament winners, Tim Norum, 2007; Takis Sarantos, 2008; Chuck Fricke, 2010, 2014 and Dan Palicka, 2012. Will you be added to the winner's gallery in 2016?
This is our sixth tournament and the fee is the same as always, $115.00 and includes:
1) 18 Holes of Golf and Cart
2) A Sign-in Gift Pack
3) A Fantastic Bar-B-Que Rib & Chicken Dinner (Buffet) and
4) The Awards Ceremony
We award six trophies in our tournament. They are listed in the awards section below.
Bloomingdale Golf Club Scorecard, Bloomingdale, IL
Basic Rules
1) There is no such thing as a mulligan or give me putt. All shots count and all putts must hit the bottom of the cup.
2) The official tees are the white markers. Many players (better golfers) like to play from the blue markers (tips) and that's fine. There is no relief or handicap for playing from the tips. In an effort to keep pace and save time, we request that all four players in the group play from the same tee marker.
3) Each foursome must pick a player to keep score. The scorer must sign and attest to the scores. All scorecards must be turned in to the Pro Shop by the scorer at the completion of the round.
4) Ties: In the event of a tie for the low gross champion, the club pro will take the #1 handicap hole and compare the tied players' scores. The lowest score wins. If necessary he will use the #2 handicap hole and so on until the tie is broken.
5) For the Peoria Handicap Scoring System, the club pro will pick a par 3, par 4 and par 5 from the front and back nine holes. He will be the only person that will know which holes have been selected. Groups tee off and complete their rounds in the normal fashion with one exception; double par is the maximum (i.e., 8 is the maximum score on a par 4; This is used for PHSS scoring purposes only. You must still put your actual score on your scorecard.)
6) All players should be at the golf course no later than 20 minutes before your tee off time.
7) Last but not least, please stay focused, concentrate and play well. However, we do need your group to keep pace. Your round should not exceed 4 & 1/2 hours from the time you originally tee off.
17th Hole Green and 18th Hole Fairway at Bloomingdale Golf Club, Bloomingdale, IL
The awards are:
1) Lowest Gross Score: 1st Place CS&T/AA Low Gross Trophy, CS&T/AA Camouflage Jacket, a $50.00 Cash Award and an exemption for the 2016 tournament.
2) 2nd Place Lowest Gross Score: 2nd Place Trophy.
3) 3rd Place Lowest Gross Score: 3rd Place Trophy.
4) Lowest Net Score (Peoria Handicap Scoring System): 1st Place CS&T/AA Low Net Trophy and a $50.00 Cash Award. This scoring system will be calculated by the club pro at the Bloomingdale Golf Club.
5) 2nd Place Lowest Net Score (PHSS): 2nd Place Trophy.
6) 3rd Place Lowest Net Score (PHSS): 3rd Place Trophy.
7) Closest To The Pin Front Nine, (Hole to be selected); $25.00 Cash Award.
8) Longest Drive Front Nine, (Hole to be selected); $25.00 Cash Award.
9) Closest To The Pin Back Nine, (Hole to be selected); $25.00 Cash Award.
10) Longest Drive Back Nine, (Hole to be selected); $25.00 Cash Award.
We really want you to have a great time, test yourselves and your golfing skills. The day will be what you make of it, so enjoy your day of "Hot Fun in the Summertime."
Please let us know of your intentions. We will fill our tournament commitments by May 30, 2016. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact us by email at chicagosportsandtravel@yahoo.com or by telephone at (630) 894-9076 (Office) or (312) 593-0928 (Cell).
*****************************************************************
You can pay by check or through Paypal.
To pay by Paypal:
Go to http://www.paypal.com/, hit make a payment prompt and send your payment to chgtrnsprt@aol.com. Please use the family and friends prompt so that you don't incur any additional charges. When we receive your payment, you will receive a confirmation from Paypal and Chicago Sports & Travel, Inc./AllsportsAmerica.
To pay by check, use the entry form below:
Mailing Address:_______________________________________________________
City:_____________________________ State:_______________________
Zip Code:____________
Telephone Number:_______________________________________________________
"Chicago Sports & Travel/Allsports America Golf Tournament."
116 Fairfield Way
Bloomingdale, IL 60108
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We really look forward to hearing from you and anxiously await your response.
Good luck and good golfing. Is this your year to win legendary "Camouflage Jacket?"
Scenic View and Sand Traps at Bloomingdale Golf Club, Bloomingdale, IL
Good luck and good golfing,
Marion P. Jelks
CS&T/AA 2016 Golf Tournament Chairman
NASCAR: Matt Kenseth holds off Kyle Larson to win at Dover.
By Nick Bromberg
Matt Kenseth holds off Kyle Larson to win at Dover. (Photo/yahoosports.com)
Matt Kenseth withstood a fury of charges from Kyle Larson over the last 35 laps of Sunday's race at Dover to grab his first win of the season and deny Larson the first win of his career.
Kenseth was the leader on the race's final restart and kept the lead over Larson, who had one of the fastest cars over the second half of the race. Larson made multiple attempts to dive underneath Kenseth – especially in turns 3 and 4 – but Kenseth was able to keep Larson pinched down enough to halt Larson's momentum and prevent him from jumping ahead.
Complicating matters for Larson was also the presence of Chase Elliott. As Kenseth and Larson battled shortly after the restart, Elliott closed in on Larson and briefly passed him for second.
Larson got back by him but it's fair to wonder how much he used up while keeping Elliott at bay. Larson was able to make one last attempt at Kenseth over the final three laps but was unable to gain enough of an advantage to complete a pass.
"We were quite tight most of the day," Kenseth said. I watched [teammate Carl Edwards] earlier in the race use some grip off of turn 4 in the middle of the track and a few other guys I kind of saw that as they were going by me."
"Kyle Larson is extremely talented and I knew if I was on the bottom, he was going to be on the top. We got so free, I started working that middle groove and I was able to get just far enough ahead. If he would have snuck outside of me, it would have been over. I had just enough momentum to stay in front of him.”
Kenseth grabbed the lead off pit road before a restart with 47 laps to go and kept the lead following the restart when second-place Jimmie Johnson had a transmission issue that led to an 18-car pileup. In addition to Johnson, the accident took out Kevin Harvick, the race's early dominator, and Martin Truex Jr., the driver who had arguably had the fastest car of the previous 50 laps.
And if it's fair to wonder how much Larson's pursuit of Kenseth was affected by Elliott, it's also fair to assume that the sprint to the finish was greatly affected by what immediately happened after the 18-car pileup.
Edwards, another driver who was fast throughout the entirety of Sunday's race, got loose shortly after the restart following the melee and slammed into the inside wall after contact from Larson. Edwards might have had a car capable of passing Kenseth for the lead and keep everyone else at bay.
So perhaps the events of the final 50 laps were a balancing of the karmic universe in Kenseth's favor. While the final 35 were nothing short of a master class in car control and not overdriving, he got there because events went his way.
And nothing much had gone Kenseth's way throughout the first 11 races of the season. There was the final two corners at Daytona, his penalty and the miscommunication that followed at Atlanta, a crash at Las Vegas, a crash at Bristol and his flip at Talladega, just to name a few.
But throughout the madness Kenseth has shown the same speed his Joe Gibbs Racing teammates have had en route to six wins. He just simply needed some good fortune. He finally got it Sunday.
Crafton wins NASCAR Truck Series race at Dover.
Matt Crafton had long considered the menacing Miles The Monster trophy the coolest in the series.
He finally has one of his own.
Snapping a winless streak at Dover International Speedway that stretched 15 years, Crafton held off Daniel Suarez down the stretch and raced to a Truck Series victory Friday.
The 39-year-old Crafton was 0 for 15 at Dover.
''I always wanted Miles,'' he said. ''We've gotten close. We've had very fast trucks. But our Toyota was very, very good today.''
The two-time season champion had been unable to turn 75 career laps led into a victory in his previous starts on the mile concrete track. Crafton had said he never thought he'd be able to break though and win at a track that had given him fits. Coming off a second-place finish last weekend at Kansas Speedway, Crafton led 78 of the 200 laps in the No. 88 Toyota.
Crafton holds a two-point lead over Timothy Peters in the points race and all but secured a spot in the Truck Series' eight-driver version of the Chase. He has 12 career Truck victories.
''I've got some cool trophies in my collection, no doubt, but Miles, he's cool,'' Crafton said.
With truck owner Kyle Busch rooting him on from pit road, Suarez was second. Kyle Busch Motorsports driver William Byron won last week at Kansas.
''I was trying to ride the wheels off of this thing to try and complete the pass,'' Suarez said. ''I thought we were faster than the 88 but clean air is the difference there.''
Christopher Bell, Johnny Sauter, and Cole Custer completed the top five. Peters was 14th and Byron, the pole-sitter, led a race-high 80 laps and was 11th. Byron was running sixth late in the race until he was penalized for having a pit crew member tagged for going over the wall too soon.
Suarez is still looking for his first career NASCAR win in the Xfinity or Trucks series. But he pushed Crafton hard and they matched the 1-2 finish of last year's race at Texas Motor Speedway.
''He definitely made me nervous,'' Crafton said. ''There were a couple times they said he was (close) and I thought, 'I better go now.' We were 21st that last practice and my guys never gave up.''
Crafton joked that he had always eyed the Monster trophy in four-time series champion Ron Hornaday Jr.'s collection and used it as motivation to win one of his own. He had four top-five finishes and nine top 10s over his previous 15 starts.
Crafton joked that he had always eyed the Monster trophy in four-time series champion Ron Hornaday Jr.'s collection and used it as motivation to win one of his own. He had four top-five finishes and nine top 10s over his previous 15 starts.
''To not win here as long as it's taken me, it's much sweeter,'' Crafton said.
SOCCER: Fire lose in New England in David Accam's return.
By Dan Santaromita
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
David Accam wasn't the answer to the Chicago Fire's offensive problems. At least not Saturday night in a 45-minute substitute appearance.
Accam played for the first time since March 11, but the Fire lost 2-0 in New England. The Ghanaian entered the match at the start of the second half in place of Gilberto, but was unable to spark the Fire's attack.
Without Accam, the Fire (1-4-4, 7 points) scored four goals in six and a half games. On Saturday, the Fire didn't manage a shot on target unless the deflected header by New England defender Andrew Farrell in added time counts.
"David recovered well," Fire coach Veljko Paunovic said in the postgame quote sheet. "Our plan today was to play some minutes, [not 45], but in the end we had to make decisions. He was very aware of his abilities and what he needed to bring to the game. He is important for us, but we need to keep working on him and be careful; after being out for two months, you need to be careful, but we expect David to be fine for the next game."
Accam played for the first time since March 11, but the Fire lost 2-0 in New England. The Ghanaian entered the match at the start of the second half in place of Gilberto, but was unable to spark the Fire's attack.
Without Accam, the Fire (1-4-4, 7 points) scored four goals in six and a half games. On Saturday, the Fire didn't manage a shot on target unless the deflected header by New England defender Andrew Farrell in added time counts.
"David recovered well," Fire coach Veljko Paunovic said in the postgame quote sheet. "Our plan today was to play some minutes, [not 45], but in the end we had to make decisions. He was very aware of his abilities and what he needed to bring to the game. He is important for us, but we need to keep working on him and be careful; after being out for two months, you need to be careful, but we expect David to be fine for the next game."
The loss to the Revolution (2-3-7, 13 points) could be the low point of the Fire's season so far. It is the first time the Fire have played a match that was decided by more than one goal and it marks back-to-back losses for the first time this season. In additon, New England was a team near the bottom of the standings. The Revolution had just one win in 11 matches coming in and comfortably got win No. 2 on Saturday.
With seven points from nine matches, the Fire have matched the worst start in club history. The 2013 team was 2-6-1 through nine matches.
Lee Nguyen got the scoring going with an impressive curling shot that found the upper 90 in the 22nd minute. Nguyen played a short corner and quickly received the return feed and scored off the inside of the post from a tight angle.
Femi Hollinger-Janzen put the game away in the 84th minute by heading into an open net after Juan Agudelo drew out Fire goalkeeper Matt Lampson (four saves) and crossed the ball.
From a lineup standpoint, Fire coach Veljko Paunovic made a few changes from Wednesday's match in Vancouver. Given the cross-continent travel and the short turnaround, that shouldn't be a surprise.
Khaly Thiam got the start in his Fire debut, sitting next to Matt Polster in the Fire midfield. Thiam was replaced by Razvan Cocis in the 64th minute. Gilberto returned to the starting lineup after not playing in Vancouver. Brandon Vincent, who came off the bench Wednesday in place of Michael Harrington, made his first start since March 19 against Columbus.
Kei Kamara, whose trade from Columbus was announced early on Thursday, made a start in his debut for the Revolution. He had a shot on goal and was a focal point of the attack, but didn't factor directly into either of the goals.
The Fire conclude the road trip on Wednesday when they take on the New York Red Bulls.
Man United-Bournemouth rescheduled for Tue. after Old Trafford bomb scare.
By Andy Edwards
(Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images)
The season finale fixture between Manchester United and Bournemouth has been rescheduled for Tuesday afternoon (3 p.m. ET) after the game, initially scheduled to be played Sunday at 10 a.m. ET, was postponed due to a bomb scare inside Old Trafford and the stadium consequently evacuated.
The Premier League issued the following statement late Sunday night UK time:
By Andy Edwards
“We can confirm that today’s abandoned fixture between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth will be played on Tuesday 17 May at 8:00pm.
“We would like to thank Manchester United’s staff, the police and other emergency services for all their efforts today as well as rearranging the match for this coming Tuesday.
“Both Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth’s management has been extremely helpful in reaching a swift resolution, which is the best possible given today’s events.Greater Manchester Police have since confirmed the device, which was found in an Old Trafford toilet, was left inside the famous venue on accident following a training exercise held for safety responders in recent days:
Assistant Chief Constable John O’Hare from Greater Manchester Police said: “I am grateful to the Manchester United and Bournemouth supporters for their support and assistance today.
“Following today’s controlled explosion, we have since found out that the item was a training device which had accidentally been left by a private company following a training exercise involving explosive search dogs.
“Whilst this item did not turn out to be a viable explosive, on appearance this device was as real as could be, and the decision to evacuate the stadium was the right thing to do, until we could be sure that people were not at risk.”La Liga & Serie A roundup: Who’s joining champs Barca, Juve in Champions League?
By Andy Edwards
(Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
A roundup of the weekend’s action in Spain and Italy’s top flights…
Granada 0-3 Barcelona
The math was simple for Barcelona: win, and they’re champions. Playing away to Granada on the final day of the La Liga season, Luis Enrique’s side did just that, with many thanks to another Luis — Suarez — who bagged yet another hat trick (below videos) — his third in five games — giving the Uruguayan 40 goals in 35 league games this season (to go with 16 assists).
After a three-game slip-up in April, Barca finished the season with five straight wins by a combined score of 24-0. Thanks for making it interesting, Barca.
Deportivo La Coruña 0-2 Real Madrid
Because Barca won, Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory away to Deportivo La Coruña was consequential only in clinching a second-place finish ahead of their capital rivals, Atletico Madrid.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored the game’s only goals (below videos), giving him 35 on the season (to go with four assists), meaning Suarez is the winner of this season’s Golden Boot. There’s still a matter of an UEFA Champions League final between the Madrid sides, though. Since both sides failed in their bid to win the league title, that’s how this season’s final bragging rights will be won or lost.
Champions League group stage qualifiers | Qualification playoff
Team
|
GP
|
W
|
D
|
L
|
GF
|
GA
|
GD
|
Home
|
Away
|
PTS
|
| Barcelona | 38 | 29 | 4 | 5 | 112 | 29 | 83 | 16-1-2 | 13-3-3 | 91 |
| Real Madrid | 38 | 28 | 6 | 4 | 110 | 34 | 76 | 16-1-2 | 12-5-2 | 90 |
| Atletico Madrid | 38 | 28 | 4 | 6 | 63 | 18 | 45 | 15-3-1 | 13-1-5 | 88 |
| Villarreal | 38 | 18 | 10 | 10 | 44 | 35 | 9 | 12-4-3 | 6-6-7 | 64 |
| Athletic | 38 | 18 | 8 | 12 | 58 | 45 | 13 | 11-4-4 | 7-4-8 | 62 |
| Celta Vigo | 38 | 17 | 9 | 12 | 51 | 59 | -8 | 9-6-4 | 8-3-8 | 60 |
| Sevilla | 38 | 14 | 10 | 14 | 51 | 50 | 1 | 14-1-4 | 0-9-10 | 52 |
Elsewhere in La Liga
Atletico Madrid 2-0 Celta Vigo
Sporting Gijon 2-0 Villarreal
Athletic Bilbao 3-1 Sevilla
Malaga 4-1 Las Palmas
Valencia 0-1 Real Sociedad
Espanyol 4-2 Eibar
Rayo Vallecano 3-1 Levante
Real Betis 2-1 Getafe
Juventus 5-0 Sampdoria
Crowned champions weeks ago, Juventus truly had nothing to play for in Saturday’s finale, but that didn’t stop Massimiliano Allegri’s side from putting five past Sampdoria anyway. Paulo Dybala fell 17 goals short of Gonzalo Higuain in the race for the Golden Boot, but the 22-year-old scored twice on Saturday to finish second (19 goals) behind his prolific countryman.
Patrice Evra, Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci provided the other goals, as Juve clinched a nine-point triumph to win their fifth straight Serie A title.
Napoli 4-0 Frosinone
There was plenty to play for on the final day, as Napoli and Roma entered the day separated by just two points in second and third, respectively. A minute before halftime, everything was up for grabs with Napoli sitting 0-0 at home against 19th-place and already-relegated Frosinone.
Marek Hamsik put the home side ahead in the 44th minute and was quickly followed by a second-half hat trick from Higuain (52nd, 62nd and 71st minutes) to put the game safely away and clinch automatic qualification into next season’s Champions League group stage.
AC Milan 1-3 Roma
Mohamed Salah, Stephan El Shaarawy and Emerson bagged the goals as Roma did all they could do, hammering AC Milan at the San Siro Stadium. Carlos Bacca scored Milan’s only goal, giving him 18 on the season, good for a third-place finish behind Higuain and Dybala. Milan finished the season in seventh and will miss out on European qualification for a third straight season.
Champions League group stage qualifiers | Qualification playoff
Team
|
GP
|
W
|
D
|
L
|
GF
|
GA
|
GD
|
Home
|
Away
|
PTS
|
| Juventus | 38 | 29 | 4 | 5 | 75 | 20 | 55 | 16-2-1 | 13-2-4 | 91 |
| Napoli | 38 | 25 | 7 | 6 | 80 | 32 | 48 | 16-3-0 | 9-4-6 | 82 |
| Roma | 38 | 23 | 11 | 4 | 83 | 41 | 42 | 13-5-1 | 10-6-3 | 80 |
| Inter Milan | 38 | 20 | 7 | 11 | 50 | 38 | 12 | 13-2-4 | 7-5-7 | 67 |
| Fiorentina | 38 | 18 | 10 | 10 | 60 | 42 | 18 | 11-5-3 | 7-5-7 | 64 |
| Sassuolo | 38 | 16 | 13 | 9 | 49 | 40 | 9 | 8-8-3 | 8-5-6 | 61 |
| AC Milan | 38 | 15 | 12 | 11 | 49 | 43 | 6 | 9-6-4 | 6-6-7 | 57 |
| Lazio | 38 | 15 | 9 | 14 | 52 | 52 | 0 | 10-3-6 | 5-6-8 | 54 |
Elsewhere in Serie A
Sassuolo 3-1 Inter Milan
Lazio 2-4 Fiorentina (ongoing)
Empoli 2-1 Torino
Chievo 0-0 Bologna
Genoa 1-2 Atalanta
Palermo 3-2 Hellas Verona (ongoing)
Udinese 1-2 Carpi (ongoing)
Takeaways, standings: How the (almost) final Premier League table looks.
By Joe Prince-Wright
The 2015-16 Premier League season has been a beauty.
On Championship Sunday the final slate of games took place with plenty of the loose ends all but tied up.
However with the news that Manchester United’s game against Bournemouth had to be postponed due to security concerns at Old Trafford, the final Premier League standings won’t be available until that game is replayed in the coming days.
That said, we can still look at the table and see who finished where after an enthralling final day.
Here’s a brief explanation on what was decided on Sunday:
- Arsenal jumped ahead of Tottenham to finish second, extending their record of finishing above Spurs to 21 years. St. Totteringham’s Day continues.
- Manchester City drew 1-1 at Swansea, meaning fourth place is all but secured. Manchester United would have to win 19-0 against Bournemouth. Not happening.
- Southampton jumped to fifth and sealed Europa League qualification and can now finish no lower than sixth
Here’s what hinges on the Man United vs. Bournemouth game:
- If Man United win or draw, they will leapfrog Southampton and finish in fifth, if they lose they will finish sixth
- West Ham lost, meaning they’ve finished in seventh and need Manchester United to win the FA Cup to get a Europa League spot
- Bournemouth can climb to 15th place with a draw against Manchester United, a win would see them climb to 14th and potentially 13th but they’d have to win by 10 goals
Below is the final Premier League standings without the one Manchester United vs. Bournemouth game. Look at Leicester City, 10 points clear at the top.
NCAAFB: How Jim Harbaugh is changing recruiting by not giving a ...
By Zach Braziller
What, you thought Jim Harbaugh was going to stop with sleepovers?
The controversial Michigan football coach was apparently just getting started with that odd technique of recruiting that has drawn nationwide headlines. Harbaugh, who made the uncommon move of staying over at recruits’ homes, an unheard-of practice in the wacky world of recruiting, now has moved on to satellite camps, taking his coaching staff around the country, even outside of the Unites States.
Satellite camps aren’t new. They are hosted by high school or small colleges and run by college coaches, often representing several different schools, designed mostly for prospects who can’t afford to attend camps at big-time schools or are under the radar. The coaches come to them, teaching technique and running drills. Kids pay for the camps, and the money goes to the hosts.
“I think he’s really creative, and I give him a ton of credit,” Scout.com national recruiting analyst Brian Dohn said in a phone interview. “He has the financial backing to be able to do all that stuff. There’s not many programs who can do this.”
The camps were never an issue until Harbaugh — who landed a consensus top-five class in his first full recruiting cycle in February — started running them in SEC and ACC country last summer. Coaches complained, notably Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze, who said, “I’m away from my family enough, and I just did not want to go.” To which Harbaugh responded: “What most of these coaches are saying is they don’t want to work harder.” SEC commissioner Greg Sankey called them “recruiting tours.”
The NCAA initially banned the camps in April, before it reversed course weeks later. New legislation is expected next year on the matter.
The controversy, it seems, only has emboldened Harbaugh. He is taking his camps to the extreme, scheduling close to 30 of them, much more than anyone ever has done, and more than double the number Michigan participated in last year. The Wolverines will come to New Jersey for camps at Paramus Catholic and The Hun School, make stops in Alabama and Florida, and go as far as Australia. There has been talk of camps in Samoa and Hawaii, too.
“This is why a lot of the coaches wanted some sort of reform,” Rivals.com national recruiting analyst Mike Farrell said.
“He’s doing it because every kid in the country now knows Michigan,” Dohn said. “The kids Michigan is going to get, they’ll figure out a way to get to Ann Arbor. Will it help them ID a few kids? Probably. At the end of the day, this is more about PR, and every school is reacting to Michigan and every kid thinks Michigan is setting a trend.
“It’s about publicity, it’s about branding, and it’s about Jim Harbaugh now being on the tips of every kid’s tongue across the country. It’s daily publicity for Michigan.”
Some scoff at the notion Harbaugh’s tour will make a difference in recruiting. Farrell, the Rivals recruiting expert, pointed out only a few prospects Michigan had in their satellite camps last year ended up committing to the Wolverines, and they weren’t highly rated prospects. Dohn recently did a study of the top recruiting schools over the last decade, and few were active in satellite camps.
Farrell sees it as Harbaugh thumbing his nose at those who opposed satellite camps, proving how hard he works. Even so, Farrell does see the bonus the camps could provide. Any extra contact between a coach and a player can be a bonus. It obviously won’t hurt Harbaugh to spend more time with Paramus Catholic four-star linebacker Drew Singleton, a Michigan target.
“It’s part strategy, part bravado and part exposure,” Farrell said.
Just as Harbaugh wasn’t breaking any rules by staying over at recruits’ homes, he isn’t playing outside of the lines by spending his summer holding satellite camps. Whatever the ultimate reason is behind this trend — whether he’s trying to prove a point to rival coaches, the NCAA or both; whether he thinks they can give Michigan a leg up in recruiting; or whether he just wants to spread the Wolverine brand — it’s getting plenty of attention.
“When you can make the college football world react to what you do,” Dohn said, “you’re doing something right.”
NCAABKB: NCAA asks Supreme Court to hear O'Bannon case.
By Sam Cooper
(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)
In March, the plaintiffs in the Ed O’Bannon vs. NCAA antitrust case expressed a desire for the case to be presented to the Supreme Court. On Friday, the NCAA, in a separate court filing, did the same.
A September 2015 ruling from the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a previous decision which declared that the NCAA is “not above” federal anti-trust laws, meaning the NCAA can not limit its athletes to only receiving tuition, room, board and books. However, a previous decision from U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken allowing college football and men’s basketball athletes to be paid up to $5,000 per year in deferred money was thrown out.
The NCAA believes providing an athlete’s cost of attendance is enough while the plaintiffs in the case hope the ruling regarding payments to players is reversed. It made its filing official on Friday.
The NCAA believes providing an athlete’s cost of attendance is enough while the plaintiffs in the case hope the ruling regarding payments to players is reversed. It made its filing official on Friday.
As a whole, the case centers on the NCAA’s use of the images and likenesses of student-athletes and their ability to receive compensation for that use. And in a broader sense, the case examines the NCAA’s definition of amateurism.
In multiple instances related to this case, including Friday, the NCAA has referenced 1984 Supreme Court case NCAA vs. Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma, a case that mainly focused on television rights for college sports. However, that case included the following language: “In order to preserve the character and quality of the (NCAA’s) ‘product,’ athletes must not be paid, must be required to attend class, and the like.” The NCAA cites this when it defends its definition of amateurism and said Friday that the Ninth Circuit did not adhere to decisions from the Supreme Court and other federal appeals courts.
From USA Today:
In Friday's filing, the association said the 9th Circuit panel failed to follow decisions of the Supreme Court and other federal appeals courts "under which rules that define the character of NCAA athletics, and are thus essential for the NCAA's distinct product to exist, are upheld without" detailed analysis.
Having incorrectly undertaken this analysis, the NCAA argued that the 9th Circuit panel then further erred by holding the NCAA responsible for having allowed schools to cover some, but not all, of the expenses the 9th Circuit deemed appropriate. "That micromanagement was improper," the NCAA argued, adding that it was not for the 9th Circuit to determine which of the athletes' expenses should be covered.
The NCAA also returned to a First Amendment argument it made at several stages of the case, which began in the summer of 2009 and eventually boiled down to the plaintiffs seeking an injunction that would heavily overhaul the NCAA's limits on what Bowl Subdivision football and Division I men's basketball players can receive for playing sports and for the use of the names, images and likenesses in in live television broadcasts, rebroadcasts of games and video games.
In Friday's petition, the NCAA wrote that the 9th Circuit erroneously interpreted the First Amendment as allowing student-athletes named or portrayed in video games to be protected by state laws governing the use of their names, images and likenesses. "That interpretation ... implicates a severe splintering of lower courts regarding important free-speech principles."
NCAA chief legal officer Donald Remy also released a statement Friday: "For different reasons, both the NCAA and Ed O'Bannon believe the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals used the wrong tests to analyze the NCAA rules. The NCAA asked the Supreme Court to hear the case to obtain unquestionable clarity on key issues of law affecting the NCAA and other similar organizations.
"In short, we are asking the Supreme Court to reaffirm its antitrust holding in the Board of Regents case, endorse the 9th Circuit's affirmation of amateurism, and define the appropriate scope of the First Amendment. We believe the Supreme Court can conduct this review properly and dictate the appropriate tests by accepting the questions we have presented and rejecting those presented by O'Bannon."
Despite the request from both sides, it is no certainty that the Supreme Court will take the case. On average, the Court hears about one percent of petitioned cases. In the past, the Supreme Court has heard three NCAA-related cases: NCAA vs. Board of Regents, NCAA vs. Jerry Tarkanian, and NCAA vs. R.M. Smith.
Back in August 2014, Wilken ruled in favor of the plaintiffs (led by former UCLA basketball player Ed O’Bannon), saying the NCAA cannot fully limit college football and basketball players from profiting off the use of their names, images and likeness. In her decision, Wilken said “NCAA rules unreasonably restrain trade in the market for certain educational and athletic opportunities offered by NCAA Division I schools.”
The decision sparked a series of appeals and legal proceedings.
New NCAA Rule A Benefit To Players Uncertain About NBA Draft Futures.
By Shannon Ryan
Melo Trimble, from Maryland, participates in the NBA draft basketball combine Thursday, May 12, 2016, in Chicago. (Charles Rex Arbogast/AP)
Wisconsin forward Nigel Hayes will keep his mind and his phone line open until May 25 as he waits to hear from an NBA team willing to select him in the draft.
"If a team tells my family or myself, 'Hey, we want you,' then my decision is made," Hayes said Friday at the NBA draft combine at Quest Multisport Complex. "If they want to wait until May 24 (at) 11:58 p.m. to let me know, that's when it will happen. It's really still up in the air."
Hayes, a junior this past season, was one of 17 players at the combine who had not signed with an agent, preserving his right to return to college and retain his eligibility. Thanks to a new NCAA rule, players have extended time this year to decide about their futures.
Prospects can decide to return to college within 10 days of the combine ending. Last year, players had until only April 16 to pull their names from the draft, which was just 10 days after the NCAA tournament ended.
"It's definitely good for the players," said Hayes, who is not projected as a first- or second-round pick in most mock drafts. "It gives them a chance to not make a mistake.
"A lot of kids listen to people around them saying, 'You should go, you should go,' and they end up going and they're not ready. Then they're in Czechoslovakia or the D League. (The rule) is a win-win."
The rule makes it tougher on college coaches to plan for next season and organize their rosters, but it's a benefit to players and NBA teams, who can get an extra look at on-the-fence players at the combine.
Hayes and Maryland point guard Melo Trimble were two players scouts roundly said this week should return to college, according to a tweet from ESPN's Jeff Goodman.
"I just want to feel the process out," said Trimble, a sophomore last season whom DraftExpress.com projects to be picked in the second round (38th overall) by the Bucks. "Anything can change within a week. (Thursday) I didn't put on the best performance I could have put on. (Friday) was better. Going through these (upcoming individual team) workouts, I'm going to have to show what I can do best."
Trimble said he has no regrets about returning to Maryland after his freshman season, when his draft stock was higher.
"I just right away said I would come back," he said. "I had to come back to get better, even though my situation isn't the same."
Purdue forward Caleb Swanigan and Indiana forward Troy Williams also were among the 17 combine participants who hadn't signed with an agent, as was Syracuse guard Malachi Richardson, the most outstanding player of the NCAA Midwest Regional at the United Center. Richardson, however, reportedly told NBA teams Friday he is staying in the draft.
Most of the bubble players were waiting to hear an assurance from an NBA team that they would be selected in the first round before making a decision.
"The second round or after that is not as glorious or not the path I want to take," Hayes said.
Risky or not, some players decided to sign with an agent despite questions about their stock.
"I feel like I was ready for the NBA," said Connecticut sophomore forward Daniel Hamilton, projected by NBAdraft.net to be picked in the second round (33rd overall) by the Clippers. He signed with an agent before the combine.
"I didn't want to just go in and test the waters. I felt like I was ready and I just went with my heart. It definitely motivates me when people question my decision. Some people have their own opinion. I want to prove them all wrong. That's what I'm here to do."
The players on the fence understood what was at stake at the combine but appreciated having options.
"I have to go as hard as I can," Trimble said. "Whether the feedback is good or not, I'm going to be honest with myself and make a decision from there."
Serena Williams ends 9-month title drought at Italian Open.
Associated Press
Serena Williams ended a nine-month title drought with a 7-6 (5), 6-3 win over Madison Keys in an all-American Italian Open final Sunday.
Williams’ previous title came in Cincinnati in August – a month before her attempt at a calendar-year Grand Slam ended with a semifinal loss to Roberta Vinci at the U.S. Open.
“It feels great,” Williams said, pointing out that she’s only played four tournaments since Cincinnati. “So it’s not like I was playing every week. So that’s kind of how I look at it. But it feels great to win a title, especially on clay.”
It’s Williams’ fourth title in Rome and it comes exactly a week before the French Open begins.
“I’m feeling pretty fit. So I’m looking forward to it,” said Williams, who will be attempting to defend her title at Roland Garros, but won’t have to answer any questions about a potential calendar-year Grand Slam this year. “I’m going to definitely go in there and feel more calm and (not) feel stress to have to win.”
Williams addressed the crowd in Italian during the post-match ceremony then took a selfie as she posed with the trophy.
It was the first time two American women have met in a final on clay since Serena beat older sister Venus in the 2002 French Open.
When they met at the net after the match, Serena told the 24th-ranked Keys that she can be No. 1 one day.
“Too bad what she says doesn’t just happen,” the 21-year-old Keys said. “But it’s always great to hear that from her. … Hearing that is definitely something that makes me just work harder.”
The last all-American final in Rome was in 1970, when Billie Jean King beat Julie Heldman.
In the men’s tournament, top-ranked Novak Djokovic was facing Andy Murray in a rematch of last week’s Madrid Open final.
In the Rome record book, Serena drew level with Conchita Martinez and Gabriela Sabatini, who also took four titles at the Foro Italico. Chris Evert holds the women’s record with five titles while Rafael Nadal holds the overall mark with seven.
It was the 70th title overall in Serena’s career.
Keys was playing in the biggest final of her career. She posted personal best results at all four majors last year, including reaching the Australian Open semifinals and the Wimbledon quarterfinals.
Keys broke Serena at love in the opening game of the match and hit six aces in her opening two service games to take a 3-1 lead.
As Serena became more aggressive, however, Keys hit two double faults to hand the break back, making it 3-3.
In the tiebreak, Serena took control with a wicked cross-court forehand that Keys couldn’t get back then closed it out on her first set point with a big serve out wide that Keys returned long.
After taking the first set, Serena pumped her fists and yelled to herself, `Come on!”‘
In the second set, Serena’s only real trouble came when she was broken while serving for the match at 5-2. But she quickly ended it the next game, concluding the tournament without dropping a set.
Serena hit only 13 winners to Keys’ 17 but had fewer unforced errors – 24-32 – and converted five of her six break-point opportunities.
Serena improved to 16-0 against Americans since losing to Venus in the Montreal semifinals in 2014. Her last loss to an American in a final came against Venus at Wimbledon in 2008.
Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist will face a slew of new challengers in the Preakness.
"In short, we are asking the Supreme Court to reaffirm its antitrust holding in the Board of Regents case, endorse the 9th Circuit's affirmation of amateurism, and define the appropriate scope of the First Amendment. We believe the Supreme Court can conduct this review properly and dictate the appropriate tests by accepting the questions we have presented and rejecting those presented by O'Bannon."
Despite the request from both sides, it is no certainty that the Supreme Court will take the case. On average, the Court hears about one percent of petitioned cases. In the past, the Supreme Court has heard three NCAA-related cases: NCAA vs. Board of Regents, NCAA vs. Jerry Tarkanian, and NCAA vs. R.M. Smith.
Back in August 2014, Wilken ruled in favor of the plaintiffs (led by former UCLA basketball player Ed O’Bannon), saying the NCAA cannot fully limit college football and basketball players from profiting off the use of their names, images and likeness. In her decision, Wilken said “NCAA rules unreasonably restrain trade in the market for certain educational and athletic opportunities offered by NCAA Division I schools.”
The decision sparked a series of appeals and legal proceedings.
New NCAA Rule A Benefit To Players Uncertain About NBA Draft Futures.
By Shannon Ryan
Wisconsin forward Nigel Hayes will keep his mind and his phone line open until May 25 as he waits to hear from an NBA team willing to select him in the draft.
"If a team tells my family or myself, 'Hey, we want you,' then my decision is made," Hayes said Friday at the NBA draft combine at Quest Multisport Complex. "If they want to wait until May 24 (at) 11:58 p.m. to let me know, that's when it will happen. It's really still up in the air."
Hayes, a junior this past season, was one of 17 players at the combine who had not signed with an agent, preserving his right to return to college and retain his eligibility. Thanks to a new NCAA rule, players have extended time this year to decide about their futures.
Prospects can decide to return to college within 10 days of the combine ending. Last year, players had until only April 16 to pull their names from the draft, which was just 10 days after the NCAA tournament ended.
"A lot of kids listen to people around them saying, 'You should go, you should go,' and they end up going and they're not ready. Then they're in Czechoslovakia or the D League. (The rule) is a win-win."
The rule makes it tougher on college coaches to plan for next season and organize their rosters, but it's a benefit to players and NBA teams, who can get an extra look at on-the-fence players at the combine.
Hayes and Maryland point guard Melo Trimble were two players scouts roundly said this week should return to college, according to a tweet from ESPN's Jeff Goodman.
"I just want to feel the process out," said Trimble, a sophomore last season whom DraftExpress.com projects to be picked in the second round (38th overall) by the Bucks. "Anything can change within a week. (Thursday) I didn't put on the best performance I could have put on. (Friday) was better. Going through these (upcoming individual team) workouts, I'm going to have to show what I can do best."
Trimble said he has no regrets about returning to Maryland after his freshman season, when his draft stock was higher.
"I just right away said I would come back," he said. "I had to come back to get better, even though my situation isn't the same."
Purdue forward Caleb Swanigan and Indiana forward Troy Williams also were among the 17 combine participants who hadn't signed with an agent, as was Syracuse guard Malachi Richardson, the most outstanding player of the NCAA Midwest Regional at the United Center. Richardson, however, reportedly told NBA teams Friday he is staying in the draft.
Most of the bubble players were waiting to hear an assurance from an NBA team that they would be selected in the first round before making a decision.
"The second round or after that is not as glorious or not the path I want to take," Hayes said.
Risky or not, some players decided to sign with an agent despite questions about their stock.
"I feel like I was ready for the NBA," said Connecticut sophomore forward Daniel Hamilton, projected by NBAdraft.net to be picked in the second round (33rd overall) by the Clippers. He signed with an agent before the combine.
"I didn't want to just go in and test the waters. I felt like I was ready and I just went with my heart. It definitely motivates me when people question my decision. Some people have their own opinion. I want to prove them all wrong. That's what I'm here to do."
The players on the fence understood what was at stake at the combine but appreciated having options.
"I have to go as hard as I can," Trimble said. "Whether the feedback is good or not, I'm going to be honest with myself and make a decision from there."
Serena Williams ends 9-month title drought at Italian Open.
Associated Press
(Photo/Getty Images)
Serena Williams ended a nine-month title drought with a 7-6 (5), 6-3 win over Madison Keys in an all-American Italian Open final Sunday.
Williams’ previous title came in Cincinnati in August – a month before her attempt at a calendar-year Grand Slam ended with a semifinal loss to Roberta Vinci at the U.S. Open.
“It feels great,” Williams said, pointing out that she’s only played four tournaments since Cincinnati. “So it’s not like I was playing every week. So that’s kind of how I look at it. But it feels great to win a title, especially on clay.”
It’s Williams’ fourth title in Rome and it comes exactly a week before the French Open begins.
“I’m feeling pretty fit. So I’m looking forward to it,” said Williams, who will be attempting to defend her title at Roland Garros, but won’t have to answer any questions about a potential calendar-year Grand Slam this year. “I’m going to definitely go in there and feel more calm and (not) feel stress to have to win.”
Williams addressed the crowd in Italian during the post-match ceremony then took a selfie as she posed with the trophy.
It was the first time two American women have met in a final on clay since Serena beat older sister Venus in the 2002 French Open.
When they met at the net after the match, Serena told the 24th-ranked Keys that she can be No. 1 one day.
“Too bad what she says doesn’t just happen,” the 21-year-old Keys said. “But it’s always great to hear that from her. … Hearing that is definitely something that makes me just work harder.”
The last all-American final in Rome was in 1970, when Billie Jean King beat Julie Heldman.
In the men’s tournament, top-ranked Novak Djokovic was facing Andy Murray in a rematch of last week’s Madrid Open final.
In the Rome record book, Serena drew level with Conchita Martinez and Gabriela Sabatini, who also took four titles at the Foro Italico. Chris Evert holds the women’s record with five titles while Rafael Nadal holds the overall mark with seven.
It was the 70th title overall in Serena’s career.
Keys was playing in the biggest final of her career. She posted personal best results at all four majors last year, including reaching the Australian Open semifinals and the Wimbledon quarterfinals.
Keys broke Serena at love in the opening game of the match and hit six aces in her opening two service games to take a 3-1 lead.
As Serena became more aggressive, however, Keys hit two double faults to hand the break back, making it 3-3.
In the tiebreak, Serena took control with a wicked cross-court forehand that Keys couldn’t get back then closed it out on her first set point with a big serve out wide that Keys returned long.
After taking the first set, Serena pumped her fists and yelled to herself, `Come on!”‘
In the second set, Serena’s only real trouble came when she was broken while serving for the match at 5-2. But she quickly ended it the next game, concluding the tournament without dropping a set.
Serena hit only 13 winners to Keys’ 17 but had fewer unforced errors – 24-32 – and converted five of her six break-point opportunities.
Serena improved to 16-0 against Americans since losing to Venus in the Montreal semifinals in 2014. Her last loss to an American in a final came against Venus at Wimbledon in 2008.
Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist will face a slew of new challengers in the Preakness.
By RICHARD ROSENBLATT
Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist will face a slew of new challengers in the Preakness next Saturday at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.
Runner-up Exaggerator and ninth-place finisher Lani are two Derby horses taking him on again. Here's a look at some of the new shooters, including possible rising star Stradivari, a pair of colts who weren't able to run in the Derby and another 3-year-old from Triple Crown-winning trainer Bob Baffert.
STRADIVARI
For now, here's your hottest new shooter. With just three races on his resume, this 3-year-old son of Medaglia 'Oro is looking to follow a similar path taken by 2006 Preakness winner Bernardini.
The bay colt makes his stakes debut in the second leg of the Triple Crown. But, oh boy, his two victories have been eye-catching: one by 11 ¼ lengths at Gulfstream Park last year, the latest a 14 ½ lengths at Keeneland on April 17. Both races were around two turns, an encouraging sign for trainer by Todd Pletcher.
Pletcher is well aware Stradivari is taking on much-more experienced 3-year-olds, but "from a talent standpoint he belongs.
"You just hope you have enough seasoning," he added, pointing to the approach taken by Bernardini, who was trained by Tom Albertrani.
Like Stradivari, Bernardini ran fourth in his first race, then broke his maiden at Gulfstream by 7 ¾ lengths and won the Withers at Aqueduct by 3 ¾ lengths. A slight difference is Bernardini did not run as a 2-year-old.
"Hopefully," says Stradivari's jockey John Velazquez, "he can handle it."
COLLECTED
A well-traveled 3-year-old, this Baffert-trained Lexington winner seems to be improving. The son of City Zip clinched his Preakness chance after a solid seven-furlong workout Friday at Churchill Downs.
He opened his 2016 campaign with a win the Sham Stakes and ran fourth in the Southwest at Oaklawn Park. He then rebounded and won the Sunland Park Festival of Racing Stakes and the Lexington. Baffert has won the Preakness six times, four times with Derby winners. His two non-Derby Preakness winners are Point Given in 2001 and Lookin at Lucky in 2010.
LAOBAN
Like Nyquist, a son of Uncle Mo. Based on that alone, who can discard this colt? Laoban was an also-eligible but not get into the field limited to 20 starters. Trainer Eric Guillot has himself a speedy, front-running horse that could shake things up in the Preakness. In his last start, Laoban (Lay-ban) set the pace in the Blue Grass despite a slow start but faded to fourth. His career record says he doesn't have much chance, though — he's 0 for 5.
UNCLE LINO
Yet another son of Uncle Mo? Well, yes. With a leading 20 horses nominated to Triple Crown races, Uncle Mo is racing's top sire these days with his first class of 3-year-olds. A remarkable feat.
In Uncle Lino, here's a colt making his first start outside California, which has been home base for three of the last four Preakness winners.
In his last race for trainer Gary Sherlock, Uncle Lino won the California Chrome Stakes at Los Alamitos on April 30. He ran second, fourth and third, respectively, in the Robert B. Lewis, the San Felipe and the Santa Anita Derby.
CHERRY WINE
Dale Romans is looking to pull off a surprise and win his second Preakness. The trainer won the 2011 race with Shackleford at 12-1 odds. Unlike Shackleford, Cherry Wine prefers to come from off the pace. In his past two races, the gray son of Paddy O'Prado finished fourth in the Rebel and rallied for third in the Blue Grass — behind winning stablemate Brody's Cause. An also-eligible for the Derby, Cherry Wine did not make the field.
On
emoriesofhistory.com
1869 - The Cincinnati Reds played their first baseball game.
1914 - The American Horseshoe Pitchers Association (AHPA) was formed in Kansas City, Kansas.
1925 - WHAS made the first network broadcast of the Kentucky Derby.
1932 - The New York Yankees got their fourth consecutive shutout. The feat tied the record with Cleveland and Boston.
1933 - Cecil Travis became the first player to get five hits in his first game.
1939 - The Philadelphia Athletics and the Cleveland Indians met at Shibe Park in Philadelphia for the first baseball game to be played under the lights in the American League.
1954 - Ted Williams got 8 hits in his first game (a double-header) back after breaking his collarbone.
1965 - Jim Palmer (Baltimore Orioles) made his pitching debut.
1972 - Greg Luzinski hit a home run in which the ball hit the Liberty Bell monument in Philadelphia's Veterans Stadium.
1979 - The National League approved the sale of the Astros from Ford Motors to John J. McMullen for $19 million.
1981 - Craig Reynolds (Houston Astros) hit 3 triples against the Chicago Cubs.
1985 - Michael Jordan was named Rookie of the Year in the NBA.
1994 - Jennifer Capriati was arrested on charges of possession of marijuana.
1996 - Sammy Sosa became the first Chicago Cub player to hit two home runs in one inning.
1997 - Gary Gaetti (St. Louis Cardinals) recorded his 2,000th hit.
2003 - The Anaheim Mighty Ducks defeated the Minnesota Wild 2-1. The win advanced the Mighty Ducks to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in franchise history.
1914 - The American Horseshoe Pitchers Association (AHPA) was formed in Kansas City, Kansas.
1925 - WHAS made the first network broadcast of the Kentucky Derby.
1932 - The New York Yankees got their fourth consecutive shutout. The feat tied the record with Cleveland and Boston.
1933 - Cecil Travis became the first player to get five hits in his first game.
1939 - The Philadelphia Athletics and the Cleveland Indians met at Shibe Park in Philadelphia for the first baseball game to be played under the lights in the American League.
1954 - Ted Williams got 8 hits in his first game (a double-header) back after breaking his collarbone.
1965 - Jim Palmer (Baltimore Orioles) made his pitching debut.
1972 - Greg Luzinski hit a home run in which the ball hit the Liberty Bell monument in Philadelphia's Veterans Stadium.
1979 - The National League approved the sale of the Astros from Ford Motors to John J. McMullen for $19 million.
1981 - Craig Reynolds (Houston Astros) hit 3 triples against the Chicago Cubs.
1985 - Michael Jordan was named Rookie of the Year in the NBA.
1994 - Jennifer Capriati was arrested on charges of possession of marijuana.
1996 - Sammy Sosa became the first Chicago Cub player to hit two home runs in one inning.
1997 - Gary Gaetti (St. Louis Cardinals) recorded his 2,000th hit.
2003 - The Anaheim Mighty Ducks defeated the Minnesota Wild 2-1. The win advanced the Mighty Ducks to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in franchise history.
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