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Marlins demote slumping Brinson, activate Cooper

Published in Baseball

Tuesday, 30 April 2019 14:28

MIAMI -- Miami Marlins outfielder Lewis Brinson was optioned Tuesday to Triple-A New Orleans, the latest setback for the team's centerpiece in the Christian Yelich trade.

Brinson is hitting .197 with 28 strikeouts in 76 at-bats for the Marlins, who have the worst record in the majors. He batted .199 last year in his first season with Miami and missed two months because of a hip injury.

"There's no doubt in my mind that I can play up here, and that I can be one of the best players in the big leagues when I do get back," Brinson said. "I've just got to go down and find myself again. I'll be back soon."

The Marlins reinstated outfielder Garrett Cooper from the 10-day injured list. He has been their opening day right fielder the past two years, but because of injuries, Tuesday night's game was just his 18th since the beginning of 2018.

Brinson will be an everyday center field for New Orleans.

"We felt it was best for him at this time to go down and sort of clear his head," Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill said. "We're still immensely confident in Lewis and his ability and how he will help this organization in the long term."

Brinson, now 24, was a highly regarded prospect when acquired in the trade that sent Yelich to the Milwaukee Brewers for four prospects before the 2018 season. Yelich was the NL MVP last year and ranks among the major league leaders this year in batting, home runs and RBIs.

Hill disputed the idea Brinson felt pressure from comparisons with Yelich.

"It wasn't a one-for-one deal," Hill said. "There were a lot of other pieces that make up that deal."

None of the other prospects acquired has reached the majors yet.

The Marlins put no timetable on Brinson's return from the minors.

"I wasn't getting it done," Brinson said. "It's about results up here. I've got to go down there and regroup."

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How Cole Hamels found the secret to pitching in 2019

Published in Baseball

Tuesday, 30 April 2019 05:52

SEATTLE -- For 22 straight innings earlier this month, Chicago Cubs pitcher Cole Hamels was doing exactly what he wanted with a baseball: throwing it over the plate. The results showed in the form of three consecutive starts without his issuing a walk, leading to three wins for his team.

No pitcher in the history of the game wants to walk opposing hitters, but Hamels has taken a desire to avoid walks to a new level, one that is tailored to today's era. It goes like this: Walks are bad, really bad. Home runs are OK. More specifically: Solo home runs are OK.

"Even the best starters are going to give up homers," Hamels said in a dugout interview earlier this week. "If you're telling me I'll give up about 40 solo home runs, I still have room to work with to be successful. Obviously, you don't want to give them up with the game on the line."

A pitcher being OK with 40 home runs? Aces of the past might beg to differ, but even a Sandy Koufax or Bob Gibson would likely find the launch-angle era perplexing. Hamels has decided to turn into the skid, so to speak. He'd rather pump the zone with strikes, give up a few long balls and keep his team in the game without a big, multirun home run forcing him out of it. With balls leaving the yard at record rates, Hamels is trying to use the launch-angle phase to his advantage.

"I think the hitters have realized they're only going to stay around and get contracts based on home runs," he said. "You're not getting paid if you're a .300 hitter. You're not getting acknowledged on ESPN or MLB Network if you're going 3-for-4 with three singles. They don't care. It's not the fantasy talking points. They've come up with a new understanding, so you have to counter it.

"I was always a blow-them-away, down-in-the-zone-type pitcher. Now, you can try to go up there and keep walking the ladder up. I'm starting to use that to my advantage, seeing how far I can take a hitter up in the zone."

Hamels has recent experience to lean on when it comes to the dangers of walks. In his first start of the season in March, he was squeezed by the plate umpire, eventually issuing two free passes to load the bases. The next batter hit a grand slam. Those were the last walks Hamels issued until his most recent start, in which he walked six Dodgers.

"That was the thing about my last game," Hamels said. "It was 0-0, so I couldn't give up any runs, so I was a little more cautious. I ended up walking a few more guys."

That kind of game has been the exception for Hamels. His walk percentage as he takes the mound Tuesday in Seattle is his lowest since 2013 -- about the time the launch-angle phase took hold. Hamels took some beatings in the American League before he adjusted.

"You go to the AL, and you realize what damage control is," he said with a smirk. "The nature of a 1-9 lineup and what AL baseball is about. Then you start pitching around guys because of that, and it starts to get you out of whack of what pitching is all about. Coming back to the NL got me back into that mindset of what I was conditioned and how I evolved in the big leagues."

Evolving has been key for Hamels, as he's no longer in search of perfection. He thinks it's nearly impossible, as today's No. 8 hitters can launch unlike at any time in the past. Instead, he's finally taking some advice -- even if it is about 10 years old.

"A lot of information I got from older guys is coming back to me, and I'm starting to go, 'Yeah, you're right,'" Hamels said. "When you have Jamie Moyer and Roy Halladay and Cliff [Lee] and Roy Oswalt, you hear them talk, but you're young and dumb and full of all sorts of internal numbers that you want to accomplish, and that takes away from the actual goal as a team."

Hamels likely no longer has the stuff to put up those elite numbers, and the era he plays in doesn't allow for it. It's almost as if he's in damage-control mode before he even takes the mound. All of this will be put to the test on Tuesday, as the Mariners have hit the most home runs in baseball while drawing the most walks in the AL. Damage control will again need to be the name of the game for Hamels

"I look at it that way now," Hamels said. "As opposed to 'I have to go and strike out nine or 10' -- you know, getting to those numbers that you get acknowledged for -- I would rather just come away with the win."

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Join Lily Partridge and Susie Chan at The Campus Run Academy

Published in Athletics

Tuesday, 30 April 2019 09:45

Improve your performance with a running camp in southern Portugal

Autumn can be the ideal time to assess your running regime and set new goals – and what better way to do it than in the warmth and sunshine of the Algarve, with good company and under the guidance of professional coaches?

Following a successful first edition in 2018 which proved to be a sell-out, The Campus Run Academy is returning this year, with two four-day options to choose from.

Taking place on October 17-20 or 24-27 this year and led by 2018 British marathon champion Lily Partridge and ultra marathon runner Susie Chan, The Campus Run Academy is a running camp which caters for all abilities and is designed to help take your training to the next level in what is a unique and stunningly beautiful environment.

For four days and three nights, participants can experience coaching expertise, exclusive workshops and the remarkable coastline luxuries on offer at Quinta do Lago’s renowned resort in southern Portugal.

There will be access to advice on training, performance, recovery and nutrition, not to mention access to the host athletes and guided runs along miles of beautiful, soft and hard-packed trails next to the Atlantic ocean.

The luxury hotel stay also provides full access to the Quinta do Lago resort and its array of facilities, including the state of the art multi-sports complex, The Campus.

Places filled up quickly last year so if you’re inspired by the London Marathon to set your own targets, to improve your performance or simply to give yourself an opportunity to run and train in a glorious setting, then now’s the time to act!

To book your place visit www.fortesportsmanagement.com

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Eliud Kipchoge remains focused after fourth London Marathon win

Published in Athletics

Tuesday, 30 April 2019 14:25

“It is better to be humble and succeed for a long time,” says the world record-holder, whose winning celebrations were confined to the finish line

As he crossed the finish line, arms aloft and with a big smile spread across his face, it was clear how much a fourth Virgin Money London Marathon victory meant to Eliud Kipchoge.

He was the huge favourite going into the race, but never takes anything for granted.

The Kenyan’s time of 2:02:37 improved his own London course record. It was the second quickest ever mark on a record-eligible course, after his own world record of 2:01:39 from Berlin. He won by 18 seconds, leading Ethiopia’s Mosinet Geremew and Mule Wasihun both inside 2:03:30, to take his marathon winning streak to an impressive 10 races.

Such a performance must demand some lavish celebrations? Of course, the answer is no. As has come to be expected from this marathon master, his post-race ritual proved just as humble as his low-key lifestyle.

“I am a man who doesn’t like celebrations,” said the 34-year-old.

“I think celebrations ended yesterday at the finish line.

“I have a great team with my sponsors, management and coaches. I will get together and have tea and dinner with them.

“It’s good to go back on a low profile and just chill, stay with the family, plan for the next season and stay focused.”

How will @EliudKipchoge celebrate after his fourth @LondonMarathon win? “I think celebrations ended yesterday at the finish line. It’s good to go back on a low profile and just chill, stay with the family, plan for the next season and stay focused.” #LondonMarathon pic.twitter.com/VAMupmVRjO

— Athletics Weekly (@AthleticsWeekly) April 29, 2019

He added: “The more you are humble, the more you become successful. The more you have a lot of pride, the more you can fall. It is better to be humble and succeed for a long time.”

Given all he has achieved, just how does he maintain that motivation?

“I love the sport,” he said. “That’s what drives me and that’s what acts as my ignition key.”

After all his success, how does @EliudKipchoge remain motivated? “I love the sport. That’s what drives me and that’s what acts as my ignition key.” #LondonMarathon pic.twitter.com/nB3IyMWalW

— Athletics Weekly (@AthleticsWeekly) April 29, 2019

Kipchoge has previously spoken of his intention to defend his Olympic marathon title in Tokyo next year and although reluctant to voice specific plans for further into the future, he has confirmed that he would like to complete the World Marathon Majors series.

“I trust that before I see the sport out, I will run all six major marathons,” said the three-time Berlin champion.

With 2014 Chicago victory added to his London wins and Berlin titles, Kipchoge would need to run New York, Boston and Tokyo to complete the six-race series.

As for other global goals he must be targeting a world marathon title, perhaps in Doha later this year, to go with his Olympic gold from Rio?

“But I am world champion on the track!” the 2003 5000m winner replied with a smile.

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Wimbledon goes digital with 2020 ticket ballot

Published in Tennis

Tuesday, 30 April 2019 08:43

Fans will no longer need to use pen, paper and a stamped addressed envelope to apply for Wimbledon tickets after the grass-court showpiece announced an end to a 95-year tradition.

The move to an online ballot from 2020 was among several changes confirmed by the All England Club on Tuesday.

Prize money will increase by 11.8% this year, with the total pot at the Grand Slam standing at £38m.

The men's and women's singles champions will win £2.35m, a rise of £100,000.

Prize money for early-round losers will increase by more than 10%, while there is also a double-digit increase for men's and women's doubles.

The new retractable roof over Court One will be in operation this year but the shot-clock - used at January's Australian Open - will not be.

But the device, which counts down the seconds allowed between points, is "very likely" to be introduced from 2020, All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) chief executive Richard Lewis told a news conference.

Meanwhile, the wheelchair event has been expanded to include quad singles and doubles after a trial last year.

This year's grass-court Grand Slam runs from 1 to 14 July.

Going digital

Since 1924 Wimbledon has sold the majority of its tickets through a postal ballot, which requires fans to send a stamped addressed envelope to receive an application form, which they then need to post back to the All England Club to enter the ballot.

The completed forms need to be returned by the end of the December before the July championships and fans cannot apply for specific dates or courts.

The system is set to remain the same for the online application, just without the paper and stamps.

The new online ballot does not affect the popular queue - where people often camp overnight to buy on-the-day tickets.

Prize money increases

Wimbledon has once again announced higher percentage increases in prize money for players who go out in the first three rounds of the main draw or in qualifying.

"It is a clear demonstration, once again, of our continued commitment to do what we can for players for whom it will have the most impact," AELTC chairman Philip Brook said.

Since 2011, the prize money for first-round losers has increased almost four fold, from £11,500 to £45,000.

Meanwhile, if Britain's Jamie Murray wins the men's doubles title this year, he would share £540,000 with his partner, which is a rise of 20% compared to last year.

A Wimbledon wildcard for Murray?

Wimbledon is still in the dark about whether British two-time champion Andy Murray will be playing there this year.

The 31-year-old Scot is recovering after a hip resurfacing operation in January, which he had said could end his career.

He has since said he feels no pressure to return to tennis but that he will try if his body will allow it.

The 2013 and 2016 champion could use his protected ranking to enter Wimbledon but may opt to apply for a wildcard to save that ranking for another event.

AELTC chief executive Lewis told BBC Sport that while the deadline for Murray to apply for a wildcard was 18 June, "it's not unprecedented for us to allow players a bit more time to see whether an existing injury clears up".

What are the other changes for 2019?

Among other changes announced on Tuesday was that play on the outside courts will begin half an hour earlier than previously, at 11:00 BST, and four more courts will offer Hawk-Eye technology for line calls.

The capacity of the grounds will rise to 42,000, an increase of 3,000 following the completion of work to put a roof on Court One.

The cost of the project, which comes 10 years after Wimbledon installed a retractable roof over Centre Court, has not been disclosed but Brook said it had been completed on time and on budget.

The roof will be tested at a tennis and music exhibition event on 19 May, which will be broadcast live on the BBC and raise money for a homeless fund set up by the Wimbledon Foundation.

Organisers also announced plans for a greener championships, by using only 100% recycled and recyclable water bottles and scrapping plastic bags from its racquet-stringing operation.

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Thank You for the Memories Budapest!

Published in Table Tennis

Tuesday, 30 April 2019 05:25

Dear Table Tennis lovers,

What an amazing week in Budapest. For the new ITTF – from Halmstad to Budapest, it was “Game on, round 2”. The ITTF, together with the Hungarian Table Tennis Association, showed the world that great things can be achieved with a professional operation. The moves to become a more professional and modern commercial sport are now starting to shine, and we will only see even better things in the future after the wonderful decisions made in Budapest. It is not always easy to achieve change, but we knew this was not a game for “weak hearted fools”.

The performance of the Chinese team was simply amazing and won the 5 gold medals on offer in Budapest, “they play the sport like piper plays the flute”. Liu Guoliang will be smiling and hopefully move his thinking now on how to grow the sport together with the new ITTF. Saying that, there was a feeling of change in the international table tennis landscape emerging – at least on the men’s side. Ma Long is a superstar and maybe soon becomes the best ever, Tokyo is maybe needed to confirm that. But it was not all about China. A stunning silver result to Sweden’s Mattias Falck in the Men’s Singles event strikes a question – is Sweden coming back as a power? And not to forget the amazing run of the Korean teenager An Jaehyun who had fought his way into the semi-finals from the qualification rounds. And what about Spain and Romania in the Men’s Doubles – could anyone have ever predicted that? It was so close for Portugal, settling for a bronze medal in Budapest.

On the Women’s side, it was still largely dominated by China, with Japan continuing to knock on the door. Our sport needs to look at this imbalance to get more nations in Women’s table tennis at the highest level, it’s now becoming a serious issue. That said, Liu Shiwen’s stunning run from almost being out in recent years was one for the ages. In Tokyo, we will play the Mixed Doubles event for the first time at the Olympic Games, and we saw in Halmstad the importance as the teams try to prepare themselves. Whilst China and Japan dominated, the German team reminded us that they are still very much a threat.

Off the table, the 2019 World Championships is also a wonderful success, expected to be the most followed and reported table tennis event in history. The global media coverage will be huge simply due to the spread of success at the tournament, as well as the amazing amount of content the ITTF media team has been producing.

Some of the reforms are starting to pay off also. After the changes to expand the World Championships in Halmstad, the hosting of the 2021 World Table Tennis Championships Finals was awarded to Houston, USA. This was a historic moment for the ITTF because it meant that the World Championships will be hosted in the USA for the first time, and it will be the first time our event will be hosted outside of Asia or Europe since 1939 when the event was held in Cairo, Egypt. It is really something to be proud about. It will also be 50 years of Ping-Pong diplomacy when table tennis helped build relations between China and the USA – so I wonder if we will be able to get the leader of both countries to attend the Championships, at least we should try.

The 2022 event was awarded to Chengdu, China and whilst the World Championships have been hosted in China 5 times previously, it will be the first time to be held in Chengdu. It was also for the first time there was a competition in the number of bids, and Chengdu had to fight off serious challenge from Lisbon, Portugal and Kitakyshu, Japan for the hosting rights. All of this was only possible due to the reforms made and whilst some feel disenfranchised by these reforms, we will promise to find ways to find new benefits for all our members for supporting us on these vital and crucial decisions, especially related to the new World Championships. There were numerous other changes and in fact every proposition that the ITTF Executive committee put forward passed, that is a sign of strength that is undeniable, we are indebted to our membership for giving us time and trust.

And now we go home to prepare for the 2020 World Championships to be held in Busan next year. As we leave, we look forward for the rest of the year to achieve what we believe will be the biggest success for our sport with a new commercial future for the ITTF to start in 2021, which we must prepare now.

There are too many persons to thank – Firstly thank you Budapest and the Hungary Table Tennis Association for an amazing Job, Roland Natran and Gabor Felegyi, you are both superstars and we hope that you will continue to help table tennis on an international level. All ITTF officials who work tirelessly as volunteers, and especially the ITTF staff and everyone involved in the event whom I hope will take some rest after assisting to deliver an amazing, jam packed event.

And to end, I hope we learnt and to quote from the official song:

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Josh Ibuanokpe: Saracens sign Harlequins' ex-England age-group prop

Published in Rugby

Tuesday, 30 April 2019 02:29

Saracens have signed prop Josh Ibuanokpe from Harlequins on an undisclosed-length contract.

The 23-year-old tighthead has spent five years with Quins, signing his first professional deal last summer.

He made his Premiership and European debuts this season but will leave The Stoop this summer.

"Saracens have a history of developing young players and I'm excited to see how far my game can develop with them," he said.

"I know a few of the players at the club and they've spoken about the tight-knit nature of the squad."

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall said: "We are excited to have signed a player of Josh's potential and look forward to working with him at Saracens."

The signing of the former England age-group forward comes after Saracens announced that Cornish Pirates scrum-half Alex Day and Worcester hooker Jack Singleton will be joining the reigning Premiership champions at the end of the season.

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Harry Thacker: England hooker is in All Black mould, says Bristol boss Lam

Published in Rugby

Tuesday, 30 April 2019 04:49

Bristol's in-form hooker Harry Thacker would be in contention for All Blacks selection if he were a New Zealander, according to his boss Pat Lam.

Englishman Thacker has been instrumental in Bristol securing their Premiership status, scoring the winning try at Leicester last weekend.

Lam feels his style of rugby would suit the world's best team.

He said: "I have no doubt Harry would be in the interest of Steve Hansen and New Zealand rugby, the way he plays."

Lam told the Rugby Union Weekly podcast he is in constant contact with England head coach Eddie Jones and forwards coach Steve Borthwick over the prospect of his players stepping up to international level.

"I have had conversations with Eddie and Borths - there has been a really good relationship there," he said.

"Piers O'Connor is another young guy who has been outstanding this season and is absolutely coachable.

"Then there are Andy Uren and Harry Randall, the two young nines, who have been superb. And the more [fly-half] Callum Sheedy plays as well, the more all those guys will come through."

Lam says he hopes to emulate the example of Saracens, where a number of academy graduates have forged long careers at the club, earning international recognition along the way.

"What I am excited by - and you look at teams such as Saracens - is trying to grow guys," Lam added.

"I want them here six, seven, eight, nine years and celebrating their 200th game for the club.

"That is when we are going to be really humming, when we have a core group of guys all coming through."

Meanwhile, Bristol have confirmed that 11 players will exit the club at the end of the season.

Among them is veteran Australia back row George Smith, who will reach the end of his one-year deal at Ashton Gate in the summer.

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Leicester and England centre Tuilagi to miss rest of season with injury

Published in Rugby

Tuesday, 30 April 2019 08:02

Leicester centre Manu Tuilagi will miss the last two games of the Premiership season with a hamstring injury.

The England player, 27, was forced off towards the end of Leicester's win at bottom side Newcastle on 12 April.

Tuilagi spent time on the sidelines last year with knee and groin injuries.

"It's probably a three or four-week injury, so he'll be out until the season's done for us," Tigers head coach Geordan Murphy told BBC Radio Leicester.

In March, Tuilagi rejected a lucrative offer from French club Racing 92 to sign a new two-year deal at Welford Road.

The Tigers are away to Harlequins in their next game on Friday (19:45 BST).

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Kaulig Nods To Autism Awareness With Dover Scheme

Published in Racing

Tuesday, 30 April 2019 06:00

LEXINGTON, N.C. – As Autism Awareness Month comes to a close, Kaulig Racing will support the cause at Dover Int’l Speedway for the Allied Steel Buildings 200.

Justin Haley, who recorded his fifth-straight top-10 finish at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, will sport a colorful puzzle pattern onboard the No. 11 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Chevy.

The puzzle pieces represent the complexity of the autism spectrum and the diversity of those living with autism.

Autism, a developmental disorder which affects communication and social behaviors, affects 1 in 59 children in the United States, according to Autism Speaks.

“We are so excited to be able to pay tribute to those with autism this weekend at Dover,” said Kaulig Racing President, Chris Rice. “Little do people know, autism affects many people within our industry. We want to honor those families and showcase the heroes that battle this illness every single day.”

Haley finished seventh in Saturday’s MoneyLion 300, the third time in the last four races that he’s come home in that position.

Seventh marks Haley’s season-best Xfinity Series finish so far. He heads to Dover 10th in points, the first time this season that he’s been ranked inside the top 10 in the standings.

In addition, Haley celebrated his 20th birthday on April 28 by making his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series debut at Talladega in the No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Spire Motorsports.

Haley charged through the field to finish 11th in stage one and was among the lead pack, despite being a lap down, when he was involved in a multi-car incident on the backstretch inside of 10 laps to go that ended his afternoon.

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