Sports
Arizona Diamondbacks Take Series Of Slights Into Surprise World Series Against Texas Rangers
ARLINGTON, Texas — The Arizona Diamondbacks wanted to rehash a sequence of slights before the World sequence began.
The Diamondbacks, overlooked by oddsmakers and insulted by analysts, have found themselves in a Surprise Series against the equally surprising Texas Rangers. But the mindsets couldn’t be more dissimilar ahead of the first game of Major League Baseball’s third all-wild card title battle on Friday night.
“We just put it on our list, keep those receipts, and walk around with a little bit more of a chip on our shoulder,” Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said on Thursday. “It provides you with a little more motivation.” And you take it when you can get a little bit more.”
Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald has become the receipt keeper, reminding teammates of their perceived disrespect.
“Perhaps I found screenshots that other people didn’t,” he explained, wearing a T-shirt that read “Snakes Alive.” “We took offense to that, and we’re excited that we’re here, and people are still not giving us that much credit here.”
The Diamondbacks are keenly monitoring what the public says, with MLB Network being a constant in the clubhouse. Meanwhile, the Rangers deny they are unconcerned.
The Arizona Diamondbacks wanted to rehash a sequence of slights before the World sequence began.
“We don’t listen to the outside noise all that much,” said second baseman Marcus Semien.
Zac Gallen, a 28-year-old right-hander coming off a career-high 17-win season, begins Game 1 for the Diamondbacks, who are in the World Series for the first time since defeating the New York Yankees in 2001. Texas’ starting pitcher is Nathan Eovaldi, a 33-year-old right-hander and two-time All-Star who has recovered from two Tommy John operations.
Gallen, who grew up in a Philadelphia suburb, tweeted after the pennant-winning Game 7 triumph over the Phillies to highlight the losing team’s spring training and to warn Philadelphia supporters to “make sure to get those tix for your next game.” When the Phillies were up 2-0 in the NLCS, backup catcher Garrett Stubbs mentioned celebrating in the Chase Field pool. Gallen replied to what he described as internet direct messages.
“I just figured if they want to talk junk to me, I’ll say one back,” he remarked. “And I feel like being from there, I knew how to hit them the hardest.”
Both teams worked out beneath a closed canopy at Globe Life Field on Thursday, where the World Series logo had just been freshly painted on the turf. Both teams are coming off 100-loss seasons, and the Diamondbacks might become only the second team to win the World Series with a negative run differential, following the Minnesota Twins in 1987.
Arizona finished the season 84-78, earning the NL’s sixth and final postseason berth, with the second-fewest victories for a Series champion, trailing only the 2006 St. Louis Cardinals’ 83. The Rangers finished 90-72, good for sixth place in the American League.
The Arizona Diamondbacks wanted to rehash a sequence of slights before the World sequence began.
Texas hasn’t won a championship since it began as the expansion Washington Senators in 1961, and the chances of a Diamondbacks-Rangers Series were 1,750 to 1 when betting for the 2023 season began.
“We weren’t concerned with what people thought of us,” said Rangers first-year manager Bruce Bochy, who led San Francisco to three championships from 2010 to 2014. “We thought we belonged and we thought we could win.”
Lovullo, ecstatic about his first World Series as a manager, began his news conference by taking a photo of the assembled media “just to break the ice.” He had a message for MLB Network’s Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, who promised to “retire on the spot” if Arizona won the World Series.
“You’re not getting out of that one, Mad Dog. “You have to do something,” Lovullo stated. “I like Howard Stern’s idea of walking around Midtown Manhattan with a billboard proclaiming that I am whatever—a liar… for half a day.” That’ll do it for me, but I’m not going to forgive you unless you do something incredible, like show up here and apologise to the entire staff.”
The Arizona Diamondbacks wanted to rehash a sequence of slights before the World sequence began.
Eovaldi has a 4-0 record in the postseason. He was supposed to start Game 4 of the 2018 World Series for Boston, but instead relieved in the 12th inning of Game 3 and had a spectacular inning before giving up Max Muncy’s game-winning home run leading off the 18th for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“I kind of had my moment there,” remarked Eovaldi. “Having Game 1, trying to set a tone for the team, there’s a lot of pressure with that, but also a lot of excitement.”
During the season, Arizona had the fewest errors in the big leagues (56), one fewer than Texas. During the postseason, the Diamondbacks have allowed three unearned runs, and the Rangers have allowed one.
Lovullo, who is in his seventh season as a major league manager, lavished accolades on Bochy, who is in his 26th. Lovullo recalls giving Bochy a present during his final season with the Giants in 2019.
“It’s been a privilege to manage against you. “I hope you find your way back to doing this one day,” Lovullo said, adding that Bochy added, “If I do, it will be an honor to manage against you as well.”
“I couldn’t believe he said that to me,” stated Lovullo. “I was simply honored to be in his company.” And I intend to remain for the following nine days.”
SOURCE – (AP)
Sports
Brisbane Mayor Quits 2032 Olympic Organizing Committee, Condemns Stadium Costs
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has resigned from the inter-governmental group planning the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, describing it as a “pointless talkfest” and a “dysfunctional farce.”
It is the first substantial divide for the organizers, whom the International Olympic Committee chose to host the 2032 Summer Olympics in 2021.
The so-called Leaders’ Forum, which includes officials from all three levels of government and various organizations, is intended to deliver the Olympics while leaving a legacy for Queensland. Its mandate is to collaborate with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s Queensland state government to “progress the significant venues, villages, and transportation infrastructure” for the Games.
However, Schrinner claimed that the committee was meant to “place key stakeholders while the state government made all the real decisions behind closed doors.”
Brisbane Mayor Quits 2032 Olympic Organizing Committee, Condemns Stadium Costs
“The truth is that we’ve always wanted to be team players. On Sunday, Schrinner stated, “The state government wanted to play politics.”
He advocated for creating an independent authority, similar to the one that oversaw preparations for the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and the London Olympics in 2012, to bring planning “back on track.”
“We don’t need overpriced stadiums, we need better transport,” Schrinner said. “This week it became very apparent that the Intergovernmental Leaders’ Forum is a dysfunctional farce.”
According to Schrinner, sports have become “more about overpriced stadiums.”
A $2.7 billion US makeover of the existing Gabba stadium in inner-city Brisbane, which would be dismantled and rebuilt, is intended to be the centerpiece of an Olympics with sites around southeast Queensland. However, Schrinner suggested that alternative options be investigated.
He was particularly critical of the state government’s proposals for Brisbane City Council to contribute $91 million to upgrade another local stadium, the RNA Showgrounds, to host cricket and Australian Rules football while the Gabba is redeveloped.
Brisbane Mayor Quits 2032 Olympic Organizing Committee, Condemns Stadium Costs
A 20,000-person stadium will be built within the showgrounds for the next five years to house the Brisbane Lions AFL teams and the Brisbane Heat cricket club. Schrinner resigned in response to the state government’s request for a financial commitment from the city for a temporary cricket and AFL site.
“The state government’s game playing is jeopardizing the games and they are quickly losing the support of the people of Queensland,” Schrinner said in a statement. “It’s clear that the games have become more about overpriced stadiums rather than the promise of vital transport solutions.”
Queensland Sports Minister Stirling Hinchliffe expressed surprise at Schrinner’s decision to resign. If he chooses to return, a place will be reserved for him.
Queensland will have council elections in March of next year. Schrinner’s conservative Liberal National Party alliance and the opposition Australian Labor Party had previously backed the Gabba renovation.
Brisbane Mayor Quits 2032 Olympic Organizing Committee, Condemns Stadium Costs
The Greens’ candidate for mayor of Brisbane, Jonathan Sriranganathan, has stated that if elected, his party would oppose the demolition and rebuilding of the Gabba. He called it a “deplorable waste of money” and a “bad deal for our city.”
SOURCE – (CBC)
Sports
Buffalo Bills Linebacker Von Miller Turns Himself In After He Was Accused Of Assaulting A Pregnant Woman
Von Miller, a Buffalo Bills linebacker accused of abusing a pregnant lady, handed himself in Thursday after an arrest warrant was issued for him, according to Dallas police.
Miller, 34, surrendered to the Glenn Heights Police Department Thursday afternoon, hours after the warrant was issued, according to Dallas police.
Von was escorted to the DeSoto Police Department jail and quickly posted $5,000 bond before being released, according to Glenn Heights Police Chief Nick Bristow, according to CNN affiliate WFAA.
Dallas police responded to a “major disturbance call” around 11 a.m. on Wednesday, according to the police department. According to police, a preliminary investigation showed that Miller and the victim had a verbal altercation and that Miller reportedly assaulted her.
Buffalo Bills Linebacker Von Miller Turns Himself In After He Was Accused Of Assaulting A Pregnant Woman
According to authorities, Von fled the scene before officers arrived, and the woman was treated for minor injuries but not hospitalized.
“This morning, we were made aware of an incident involving Von Miller,” the Bills stated in a statement. “We are in the process of gathering more information and will have no further comment at this point.”
CNN has reached out to Miller for comment.
When reached by CNN, an NFL spokeswoman stated that the league is aware of the situation and has communicated with the Bills, but declined to comment further.
Buffalo Bills Linebacker Von Miller Turns Himself In After He Was Accused Of Assaulting A Pregnant Woman
Von was born in DeSoto, Texas. He has two Super Bowl rings, one with the Denver Broncos and one with the Los Angeles Rams, and he was awarded the Super Bowl 50 MVP.
Von is the host of the Bleacher Report podcast “The Voncast.” Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is the parent company of both Bleacher Report and CNN. When asked about the arrest warrant, WBD remained silent.
Von is a prominent figure in football, known for his exceptional skills as a linebacker. He played a significant role in the Denver Broncos’ defense for many seasons, contributing to their success.
With his agility and strength, Miller has garnered recognition as one of the top players in the NFL. His impact on the field has earned him numerous accolades, making him a key player to watch during football season.
SOURCE – (CNN)
Sports
Stanley Cup Champion Corey Perry Waived By Chicago Blackhawks For ‘Unacceptable’ Conduct
Following an internal inquiry, the Chicago Blackhawks waived veteran forward Corey Perry on Tuesday.
The National Hockey League (NHL) organization said that Perry “engaged in conduct that is unacceptable” and that he was “in violation both of the terms of his Standard Player’s Contract and the Blackhawks’ internal policies intended to promote professional and safe work environments.”
The Blackhawks did not provide any information on the alleged behavior.
CNN has contacted Perry for comment.
The NHLPA, according to a representative, is “reviewing the matter.”
In the summer, Chicago signed the 38-year-old to a one-year contract to help guide an inexperienced, young roster. He appeared in 16 games and scored four goals while assisting on five others.
Perry hasn’t played since an unexpected healthy scratch against the Columbus Blue Jackets on November 22. After the game in Columbus, head coach Luke Richardson told reporters that it was an “organizational decision” not to play Perry, the team’s third-leading scorer with nine points.
‘Hawks general manager Kyle Davidson said on Saturday that the right winger was “away from the team” and would be for the “foreseeable future.”
The Blackhawks announced: “In the event Mr. Perry clears waivers, we intend to terminate his contract effective immediately.”
Perry has appeared in 1,273 NHL games and scored 421 goals. In 2007, he won the Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks.
Corey is a professional ice hockey right winger known for his scoring ability and physical play. He has played for several teams in the NHL, including the Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, and Montreal Canadiens.
Corey is recognized for his skill in front of the net and has a reputation for being a tenacious competitor. He has achieved significant success in his career, including winning the Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007 and earning numerous accolades for his on-ice performance.
SOURCE – (CNN)
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