Tag: David Price

Watch: Pinch hitter AJ Pollock has go-ahead double for White Sox

A former Irish player comes through in the clutch.

I don’t care how badly Notre Dame alumnus [autotag]AJ Pollock[/autotag] has struggled so far this season. He plays for my Chicago White Sox, and I’ve decided I’m going to spread as much good news about him this season as I can, .600 OPS be damned.

Pollock wasn’t in the starting lineup Tuesday for the Sox’s series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team that traded him shortly before the season began. Eventually, the game was in a scoreless tie in the bottom of the sixth inning, and the Sox had runners at the corners with two outs. With the Dodgers opting to bring in veteran left-hander David Price in relief, the right-handed Pollock was called on to pinch hit. Pollock needed only one pitch to make Tony La Russa, his oft-criticized manager, look smart:

Pollock came around to score himself when Jake Burger hit his own double, and the Sox breezed to a 4-0 win from that point on. Pollock understandably has taken some heat for not hitting well during the first two months of the season. If he is to bounce back this year, this was a good step toward doing so.

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Geoffrey on Twitter: @gfclark89

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Derek Chisora confirmed for Oct. 31

Heavyweights Derek Chisora and Oleksandr Usyk will finally meet on Oct. 31 after their rescheduled fight was confirmed.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on DAZN.com.

***

Heavyweights Derek Chisora and Oleksandr Usyk will finally meet on Oct. 31, it has been announced.

The fight was originally scheduled for May 23, but it was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Usyk (17-0, 13 KOs), a former unified cruiserweight champion, began his career as a heavyweight with a seventh-round knockout victory over Chazz Witherspoon in October of last year.

Chisora (32-9, 23 KOs), a former world title challenger, beat David Price in four rounds the same month Usyk beat Witherspoon. Usyk isn’t underestimating his opponent.

“I have really missed boxing,” said Usyk. “I am working hard in my training camp to show a spectacular performance on October 31. I expect a real test in Derek. He is strong, tough and resilient. He is a really big guy and he hits hard.”

Usyk explained why he made the move to heavyweight.

“As a cruiserweight, I reached the highest heights as undisputed champion and now I am following the same path as a heavyweight,” he said. “I need to test myself against world class heavyweights on my new road to undisputed and Derek stands in front of me.

“Many people say that Derek is a monster, but deep down he is a kind man. I don’t expect to see that good side of him. I know that he wants to break me, but I am water, wind and fire all together. Derek Chisora, I am coming for you.”

Chisora is similarly keen on getting back into the ring.

“Usyk, I’ve been ready for you all year,” he said. “It’s my home turf and after such a tough year for everyone, I’m going to give the British public the Halloween party they deserve and finally get revenge for my boy Tony Bellew.” he said.

Said promoter Eddie Hearn: “Yesterday’s news from the government was a kick in the nuts, so to bounce back with this fight at this time is so important for boxing. You’ve either got to sit back and say it’s not possible or find a way to make it happen, and I’ve got to say a big thanks to Team Usyk, ‘Del Boy’ and [manager] David Haye for staying patient and helping get this over the line.

“It’s an absolute firecracker and a fight that’s so important to the heavyweight division over the next few months. We saw a stunning victory from Povetkin recently to shake up the mandatory situation, can ‘War’ Chisora spring the upset and KO the undefeated undisputed world champ?

“I know he will do everything he can to try and get the victory and this will be another night of heavyweight drama.”

[lawrence-related id=13466,13358,9758,8587]

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Derek Chisora confirmed for Oct. 31

Heavyweights Derek Chisora and Oleksandr Usyk will finally meet on Oct. 31 after their rescheduled fight was confirmed.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on DAZN.com.

***

Heavyweights Derek Chisora and Oleksandr Usyk will finally meet on Oct. 31, it has been announced.

The fight was originally scheduled for May 23, but it was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Usyk (17-0, 13 KOs), a former unified cruiserweight champion, began his career as a heavyweight with a seventh-round knockout victory over Chazz Witherspoon in October of last year.

Chisora (32-9, 23 KOs), a former world title challenger, beat David Price in four rounds the same month Usyk beat Witherspoon. Usyk isn’t underestimating his opponent.

“I have really missed boxing,” said Usyk. “I am working hard in my training camp to show a spectacular performance on October 31. I expect a real test in Derek. He is strong, tough and resilient. He is a really big guy and he hits hard.”

Usyk explained why he made the move to heavyweight.

“As a cruiserweight, I reached the highest heights as undisputed champion and now I am following the same path as a heavyweight,” he said. “I need to test myself against world class heavyweights on my new road to undisputed and Derek stands in front of me.

“Many people say that Derek is a monster, but deep down he is a kind man. I don’t expect to see that good side of him. I know that he wants to break me, but I am water, wind and fire all together. Derek Chisora, I am coming for you.”

Chisora is similarly keen on getting back into the ring.

“Usyk, I’ve been ready for you all year,” he said. “It’s my home turf and after such a tough year for everyone, I’m going to give the British public the Halloween party they deserve and finally get revenge for my boy Tony Bellew.” he said.

Said promoter Eddie Hearn: “Yesterday’s news from the government was a kick in the nuts, so to bounce back with this fight at this time is so important for boxing. You’ve either got to sit back and say it’s not possible or find a way to make it happen, and I’ve got to say a big thanks to Team Usyk, ‘Del Boy’ and [manager] David Haye for staying patient and helping get this over the line.

“It’s an absolute firecracker and a fight that’s so important to the heavyweight division over the next few months. We saw a stunning victory from Povetkin recently to shake up the mandatory situation, can ‘War’ Chisora spring the upset and KO the undefeated undisputed world champ?

“I know he will do everything he can to try and get the victory and this will be another night of heavyweight drama.”

[lawrence-related id=13466,13358,9758,8587]

David Price speaks out against MLB after the Marlins’ coronavirus outbreak

He’s not regretting the decision to opt out.

Well, it hasn’t taken long for Major League Baseball’s abbreviated season to realize a possible worst-case scenario.

After just an opening weekend of games, the Miami Marlins have a full-on coronavirus outbreak within their team after a road series in Philadelphia. According to USA TODAY Sports, at least 14 Marlins players and staff members have tested positive for the virus. Their scheduled game against the Orioles was postponed — as was the Phillies’ game against the Yankees.

Ahead of the season, players were given the opportunity to opt out of playing in this bubble-less restart. And Dodgers pitcher David Price was among the players to pass on the risk.

And it doesn’t seem like Price is regretting that decision after witnessing how MLB is handling the Marlins outbreak.

Price took to Twitter on Monday and called out MLB for already failing to put player safety and health first. The Marlins were allowed to play on Sunday even after multiple positive tests within the clubhouse, and MLB doesn’t have daily testing.

Price said that he opted out of the season because he didn’t see Rob Manfred putting player safety first. And thus far, the league has done little to prove otherwise.

[jwplayer fOv4bM3m-q2aasYxh]

Dodgers pitcher David Price to sit out 2020 season over coronavirus concerns

David Price announced Saturday that he will sit out the 2020 MLB season.

The significantly shortened 2020 MLB regular season is scheduled to begin later this month, and the World Series favorite Los Angeles Dodgers will be without starting pitcher David Price for the rest of the year.

Price arrived in Los Angeles as a part of a blockbuster trade that also involved former Red Sox star Mookie Betts. Price, the 2012 AL Cy Young award winner, has a record of 7-5 in 22 starts for the Red Sox in 2019.

Price announced his decision in an open letter to fans on social media. Price wrote that he believes it is in his best interest health-wise to skip the season.

By opting out, Price will forfeit his salary for the season. He was originally set to make $32 million in a normal 162-game year, but that total would have been reduced to just under $12 million over the 60-game schedule. As USA TODAY Sports’ Bob Nightengale, the Red Sox – who were paying half of Price’s 2020 salary – will save around $6 million.

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Baseball America reveals never too early rankings, Texas top 15

The 2021 Texas Longhorns baseball team is already receiving attention in Baseball America’s never too early top 25 rankings.

It is really never too early to start talking baseball around Austin. The Texas Longhorns baseball got off to a good start in their 2020 campaign before the pandemic shut down their season. The Longhorns were 14-3 and in the midst of a four-game winning streak before it was ended.

The Longhorns are now looking forward to what should be a full season in 2021, fingers crossed anyway. National baseball publication Baseball America has released their “never too early” top 25 rankings. Texas currently sitting inside the top 15 teams in American at number 11.

The Longhorns are joined by Texas Tech, Texas Christian and Oklahoma in the rankings.

  • Texas Tech (2)
  • Texas (11)
  • Texas Christian (16)
  • Oklahoma (18)

The Longhorns lost two key members from their team a year ago with Duke Ellis and Bryce Elder making the jump to Major League Baseball. However outfielder Austin Todd, first baseman Zach Zubia and catcher D.J. Petrinsky are all back for another season.

Prior to the season, Baseball America ranked their 2020 recruiting class number one in the nation. It will be interesting to see how that group plays for the Longhorns in 2021. One of the top prospects in the MLB Draft went undrafted meaning that Tanner Witt will play for the Longhorns in 2021. His signability being a major concern. MLB teams didn’t want to use a pick on a play they may or may not be able to sign since the draft was only five rounds this year.

Given the players who decided to return in 2021 and the rise of freshman pitcher Pete Hansen, the Longhorns look to rise to the challenge of taking back the Big 12.

Video: DAZN’s Top 10 press conference moments

DAZN put together clips from 10 of the most-memorable moments at press conferences involving its fighters.

Some of the most entertaining moments of a promotion happen at press conferences.

It could be something orchestrated, such as models working for the sponsors being lowered to the stage holding the fighters’ title belts. Or it could be something more spontaneous, such as spirited trash talk, a push or a slap, or, on occasion, something worse.

In this video, the capable digital folks at DAZN put together clips from 10 of the most-memorable moments at press conferences involving fighters affiliated with the sports streaming service.

You’ll recognize many of the faces. You might not know others. Either way, you’re likely to be amused.

Check it out.

[jwplayer N3JYSbud]

 

Mookie Betts trade on hold as Red Sox review medical records

According to a report from The Athletic, the medical records for Brusdar Graterol – a pitcher with a history of injuries, including Tommy John – have the Red Sox projecting him as a reliever, not a starter, therefore changing his value in the blockbuster trade.

According to a report from The Athletic, the medical records for Brusdar Graterol – a pitcher with a history of injuries, including Tommy John – have the Red Sox projecting him as a reliever, not a starter, therefore changing his value in the blockbuster trade.

Twitter crushed the Red Sox for trading Mookie Betts to the Dodgers in blockbuster deal

The Red Sox traded away their best player on Tuesday night.

The Boston Red Sox, who currently don’t even have a manager, put the finishing touches on a dreadful offseason Tuesday night when they agreed on a trade that will send Mookie Betts and David Price to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

This deal instantly makes the Dodgers one of the favorites to win the World Series while it makes the Red Sox the favorites to be looking up to the Yankees in the AL East for years to come.

Betts was the AL MVP in 2018, a year in which he helped lead Boston to a World Series win over the Dodgers.

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale has more details on the deal:

The Dodgers, Red Sox and Minnesota Twins have agreed on a three-team trade that will send outfielder Mookie Betts and starter David Price to Los Angeles, according to an official with direct knowledge of the discussions.

The official spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because the deal was not yet finalized.

Boston’s return package will include outfielder Alex Verdugo from Los Angeles as well as pitching prospect Brusdal Graterol from the Twins. Minnesota will get right-handed pitcher Kenta Maeda from the Dodgers.

Twitter and Red Sox fans crushed the Red Sox:

Joseph Parker still hoping deal with Derek Chisora can be made

Derek Chisora’s manager, David Haye, is targeting Oleksandr Usyk for his fighter but Joseph Parker remains in the running.

Joseph Parker is holding out hope that he’ll fight Derek Chisora yet.

Parker, the former titleholder from New Zealand, was set to fight Chisora on Oct. 26 but pulled out because of what he said was a spider bite. Chisora went on to stop David Price in London, giving him some momentum in his quest to fight for a title.

David Haye, Chisora’s manager, says he wants his fighter to face Oleksandr Usyk next but Parker still wants Chisora. Both Chisora and Parker are promoted by Eddie Hearn.

Parker told Sky Sports that he expects to learn his fate this week.

“He hasn’t won a world title, Chisora, so I think they are trying to look for the fastest and the best way of getting there, and they think Usyk is the best way of getting to a world title,” said Parker, who is ranked No. 4 by one sanctioning body. “But, firstly, it doesn’t make sense, because he’s not ranked and there’s a lot of guys ranked before him. I’m not sure why they want that fight. Obviously the fight was locked in for us both, and I couldn’t control what happened with the illness, but I want to reschedule the fight.

“I’m healthy, I’m fit, I’m ready to go. I know I can smash him, I know I can beat him. He’s going to bring a lot of pressure, but I know I’ve got better boxing skill and better movement than the other guys he’s faced. I told him before that I will retire him and I’ll be his last fight. Lock in the fight, I’ll put in a great show. He will get his money that he wants, but I will put him into retirement. He’s had a good career.”

Parker’s manager, David Higgins, also hopes a Parker-Chisora fight will come together.

“We’ve been advised by Joseph Parker’s promoter Matchroom, led by Eddie Hearn, that we’re going to get some answers next week on who Joseph might fight next, where and when,” Higgins told Sky Sports. “We’re sitting tight, leaving that in the hands of Eddie Hearn and Matchroom. The obvious answer is Derek Chisora. There has been talk of Chisora-Parker for two years now. Chisora has been baying to make that fight happen. On our front, the deal is done. We have a three-fight contract with Matchroom, so the terms are all agreed. It’s an easy one. Chisora wanted it, Parker wanted it. The only thing standing in the way is the Machiavellian David Haye.

“Joseph Parker is an old-school boxer, who fights the guy in front of him and is fearless. I think Chisora is arguably the same, however, enter David Haye the master thief of heavyweight boxing. He was lucky to be heavyweight champion and ‘stole’ the belt in a bizarre spectacle against a giant, somewhere in eastern Europe.”

Haye reiterated that Usyk is his prime target.

“It was all scheduled, four weeks prior to the fight, he gets bitten by a spider and the fight doesn’t happen,” Haye told Sky Sports. “That was Parker’s opportunity for the fight. It could still happen, but for me, Usyk is definitely the frontrunner, the fighter that I want, the fighter that Derek wants.”