By JOSH HELLER
Staff Writer
1. Yankees Bullpen Takes Big Blows
In one of their final games of spring training, two key Yankees in the bullpen suffered big-time injuries.
The bigger injury came when Andrew Miller, the Yankees sure-fire closer and part of the Yankees’ big three, took a line drive off his right wrist. Luckily, the Yankees dodged a bullet, this being his non-throwing hand, but the line drive did cause a chip fracture.
However, Miller plans to pitch through the injury, as he was told by a hand specialist that he could do so. Miller is coming off a great season in the Bronx, posting 36 saves and a 2.04 ERA.
Another big hit came when 24-year-old Bryan Mitchell was expected to be a key part of the Yankees’ bullpen following the departure of Justin Wilson. Now, Mitchell will miss at least three months with a fractured left big toe and grade-three turf toe, according to the team.
Mitchell played very well this spring, posting a 0.57 ERA and 12 strikeouts in 15.2 innings. Mitchell spent last season splitting time between Triple-A and the majors, where he struggled in the big show. The Yankees will now have to look toward others in the bullpen before relying on the big three.
2. Old Faces, Different Places Around NFL
As the NFL offseason continues, a lot of old faces around the NFL are finding new places to play next season.
Washington lost out on a defensive tackle, as Terrance “Pot Roast” Knighton signed a deal with the Patriots. New England dealt a top defensive lineman in Chandler Jones, and they found their replacement with Knighton. The deal is reported to be for one year at $4.5 million. Knighton, 29, finished last season with 1.5 sacks and 17 tackles.
Former Auburn star and Lions and Rams defensive tackle Nick Fairley signed a deal with the New Orleans Saints. The Saints had one of the worst defenses in the league last season, and along with firing Rob Ryan, this signing should help the squad. The deal was reported to be one year for $3 million. Fairley, 28, finished last season with 0.5 sacks and 18 tackles in 16 games (no starts) last season.
The Patriots decided not to bring back wide receiver Brandon LaFell after a disappointing season in 2015, and he signed a deal with the Bengals. The deal is reported to be one year for $2.5 million. LaFell, 29, dealt with some injuries last season, and totaled just 515 yards and zero touchdowns in 11 games.
Two tight ends made headlines as well, as both Vernon Davis and Jared Cook found new homes. First, Davis, coming off a poor season split between San Francisco and Denver, signed a one-year deal with Washington. Next, speedy tight end and former Ram Jared Cook signed a one-year, $2.75 million deal with the Packers.
Davis had no touchdowns last season, but leaves Denver with a new ring. Cook, meanwhile, also had zero touchdowns, but now has a proper quarterback to throw to him with Aaron Rodgers.
3. Ming Elected to Hall of Fame
In an unsurprising move, superstar bigman Yao Ming has been elected to the NBA Hall of Fame.
The eight-time All-Star was elected in his first year of eligibility. Ming’s career was cut short in 2011 due to injuries, notably a left foot fracture. Ming, now 35, was a number-one pick back in 2002.
Ming, known for his size, stood at 7’6” and had a lot to do with the NBA’s reach over in China, his home country. Ming finishes his career with 19 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game.
4. No Canadian NHL Teams in Playoffs
For the first time since 1970, there will be no Canadian NHL teams in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Of the seven Canadian teams, five of them sit in the bottom seven of the league, with Toronto, Vancouver, and Edmonton all competing for the number-one pick. Edmonton and Toronto have very bright futures, while Vancouver has become the laughingstock of the league.
Montreal and Ottawa rank as the highest among the Canadian teams. The Canadiens took a huge hit at the beginning of the season, when star goaltender Carey Price went down after an impressive 9-0 start. The Senators were led by an outstanding Erik Karlsson, but the rest of the team struggled.
Winnipeg and Calgary, meanwhile, were contending for playoff spots, but took steps back after the trade deadline. The Flames accepted their position at the deadline, sending out Jiri Hudler, whose contract expires in the summer. The Jets also dealt a top forward at the deadline, sending captain Andrew Ladd to Chicago.
5. Sandoval Loses Starting Job
Following a disappointing spring, the Red Sox turn to Travis Shaw over Pablo Sandoval as starting third baseman.
Sandoval, 29, batted .233 this spring, but severely struggled in 2015, posting a .245 average, a .295 on-base percentage, and a .366 slugging percentage. Sandoval joins Hanley Ramirez and Rick Porcello to make up a third of the Red Sox’s payroll.
Meanwhile, a lot of eyes were on Shaw this spring, hitting .317. Shaw, 25, spent time last season between Triple-A and the majors, the more notable being in Boston, where in 65 games, he hit for a .270 average, a .327 on-base percentage, and a .487 on-base percentage.
Sandoval has brought headlines with him since being brought over from San Francisco, often garnering attention with his weight. Shaw finally looks like a guy ready to break through in the majors, and it’s not just a big hit for Sandoval as a player; this could help the Red Sox’s overall roster.
