Pirates Trade Starling Marte To D-Backs
The Pittsburgh Pirates announced a trade deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday. The Pirates sent the D-Backs Starling Marte in exchange for two prospects, as well as $250,000 in international signing bonus pool money. Before, Marte spent his entire 8-year career with the pirates. He also has a career batting average of .287 and 420 RBIs.
Last season, Marte had career highs, with 23 homers and 82 RBIs. In return, the Pirates received right-handed pitcher Brennan Malone and shortstop Liover Peguero. “We’re excited about adding two young players of this caliber and the opportunity we’ll have to help them continue to grow,” Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said.
Shaquille O’Neal On Kobe Bryant:
Overcome with emotion, Shaquille O’Neal broke down on Tuesday during a conversation about former teammate Kobe Bryant. After Bryant’s tragic death on Sunday, Shaq realized he would never be able to talk to him again or celebrate his induction into the Hall of Fame.
“I haven’t felt a pain that sharp in a while,” O’Neal said. “We, our names will be attached together for what we did. People always ask about our relationship, and I tell them it’s just like me and Charles [Barkley]. You got two strong-minded people that are going to get it done that way … going to say certain things, but the respect will never be lost, but when it comes to being inside the lines and winning, that is what me and him, that is what we did.”
Chris Doleman Dies At 58
Hall of Famer defensive end Chris Doleman died Tuesday night at the age of 58. Reports say he died following his hard battle with cancer. “The entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Chris Doleman after a prolonged and courageous battle against cancer,” said David Baker, the Hall of Fame’s president and CEO. “I had the honor of getting to know him not only as a great football player but an outstanding human being.”
Ed Belfour Arrested At Hotel
Police arrested Hall of Fame goaltender Ed Belfour early Tuesday morning at a hotel in Ohio. They charged him with public intoxication and criminal mischief. According to a police report, they found him on the floor “clutching a curtain rod that [he] ripped out of the drywall above a window next to him. The subject was kicking the spa door while he was laying on the ground”. Police released Belfour later on his own recognizance.
Daniel Suarez Gets Contract With Gaunt Brothers Racing
Two weeks before the NASCAR season starts, the Gaunt Brothers Racing signed Mexican racer Daniel Suarez to the No. 96 Toyota. “It’s great to be back with Toyota and back in the NASCAR Cup Series,” Suarez said. “My NASCAR career started off really well, and Toyota was a very big part of that. To have them in my corner again gives me a lot of confidence.
