By JOSH HELLER
Staff Writer
1. USMNT Stunned in World Cup Qualifier
In an absolute shocker, the Dos a Cero streak was broken, and Mexico upended the US 2-1 in their World Cup Qualifier.
The US found themselves down first, with Mexico’s Miguel Layun putting one home in the 20th minute. This goal broke the famous Dos a Cero streak, as the last four World Cup Qualifier games between the US and Mexico in the US have ended in a 2-0 US win.
The Americans fought back, though, as Bobby Wood knotted things up in the 49th minute. Tim Howard looked strong in net for the Americans, and it looked like this game was destined for a draw.
Unfortunately for the US, things fell apart in the 89th minute. Mexico’s Rafa Marquez received a beautiful corner from Layun, and put it home to give Mexico the lead, the win, and the three points.
While this loss was a big one for the US, all hope is not lost, as there are still plenty of qualifying games left to play. Later tonight, the Americans take on Costa Rica, as Mexico is up against Panama in their next qualifiers.
2. Roster Moves Around MLB
As the offseason is just kicking off, plenty of big names are involved in the hot stove.
The Blue Jays have been making some of the biggest noise this offseason. Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion, two of the best power hitters in the game, may not return to Toronto, and to compensate for that, the Jays signed former Royal Kendrys Morales to a three-year, $33 million deal. Morales hit 30 home runs with a .263 average last year in Kansas City.
In addition, they signed top Cuban prospect Lourdes Gurriel to a massive seven-year deal. Lourdes defected to America with brother Yulieski (infielder for the Astros) back in February.
The Braves have also been making a lot of noise, as they signed two former Mets: 42-year-old R.A. Dickey, and 43-year-old Bartolo Colon. Dickey, the former Cy Young winner, struggled a bit last year with the Blue Jays, posting a 4.46 ERA, but his deal with Atlanta is for one year, at $7.5 million ($8 million team option for 2018). Colon was one of the few Mets pitchers to come out of 2016 healthy, and he signed a one-year, $12.5 million contract.
Two trades came about over the weekend, the first one between the Dodgers and the Phillies, as Howie Kendrick was sent to Philadelphia in exchange for Darnell Sweeney and Darin Ruf. Kendrick spent time as a utility player for the Dodgers before losing playing time to Chase Utley at second base, and Andrew Toles in left field. Kendrick is expected to take over left field full-time for the Phillies.
A day later, the Athletics announced that they sent infielder Danny Valencia to Seattle for prospect pitcher Paul Blackburn. Valencia hit for a .287 average last season with a .346 on-base percentage. Valencia can play first, second, and third base, as well as the outfield.
3. Cowboys’ Gregory Faces One-Year Ban
While serving his current 14-game suspension, Cowboys’ defensive end Randy Gregory has reportedly failed yet another drug test, and could now face a one-year ban by the league.
Gregory, drafted by the Cowboys in the second round in 2015, was originally suspended four games last season, and had ten more games tacked on to that back in September.
Before the draft, coming out of Nebraska, Gregory was a consensus top-ten pick, before failing a drug test prior to the NFL Combine.
The Cowboys lead the NFC East, and with Tony Romo cleared to play, are looking to be a contender in the NFC. While Gregory had a lackluster 2015, he would have added another option on defense, and as the adage goes, “Defense wins championships.”
Gregory has gotten into trouble with the league before even being drafted, so hopefully he can find the help he needs before it’s too late for his career.
4. LeBron the Youngest to 27,000
At just 31 years and 317 days old, Cavaliers forward LeBron James became the youngest player in NBA history to hit the 27,000-point milestone.
This record was previously held by now-retired Laker Kobe Bryant, who accomplished the feat at 32 years, 160 days old. James, drafted first-overall back in 2003, is a 12-time All-Star, and is coming off a championship year in Cleveland.
James is in the top-ten in all-time scoring, and is less than 275 points away from ninth on that list, Elvin Hayes. Cleveland kept many of their main pieces from last year’s championship run, and are off to another good start this season. The Cavaliers remain the consensus favorite in the East, and many expect a rematch of last year’s contest against the “Super Villain” Warriors.
5. Hurricanes’ Bickell Diagnosed with MS
In depressing news, the Carolina Hurricanes announced last Friday that forward Bryan Bickell was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Bickell, 30, played seven games in Carolina this season, following being traded from Chicago in the offseason (along with Teuvo Teravainen) for two draft picks. The deal was a salary dump for Chicago, that cost them Teravainen, an exciting forward prospect. Bickell was slated to earn $4.5 million this season.
Carolina can place Bickell on Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR) for some salary relief in his absence, but the exact figure has not been worked out. Bickell has skated in 391 games in his career.
