Astros Land Greinke To Completely Fill Out Rotation
In what may be the biggest deal of Wednesday’s trade deadline, the Houston Astros acquired RHP Zack Greinke from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Now, Greinke joins a fearsome pitching rotation that includes Justing Verlander and Gerrit Cole. In return, the Astros sent RHP Corbin Martin, RHP J.B. Bukauskas, first baseman Seth Beer and infielder Josh Rojas.
In addition to Greinke, the Astros also acquired right-handers Aaron Sanchez and Joe Biagini from the Toronto Blue Jays. However, the Diamondbacks are looking to replace Greinke with Mariners RHP Mike Leake. Now, because of the trade, the Astros are one of two teams who have two active Cy Young winners on their roster.
Hall of Fame Nick Buoniconti Dies At 78
Hall of Famer Nick Buoniconti died Tuesday at the age of 78. Buoniconti, a middle linebacker, helped lead the Miami Dolphins to the NFL’s only perfect season. Unfortunately, a cause of death is not available at this time. After two Super Bowl wins with the Dolphins, he worked as an attorney following his retirement.
“Today, with a heavy heart and profound sorrow, my family and the entire Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and Buoniconti Fund community mourn the loss of a man who was truly larger than life, my father, NFL Hall of Famer Nick Buoniconti,” Marc Buoniconti said in a statement. “My dad has been my hero and represents what I have always aspired to be: a leader, a mentor and a champion.
Blazers Give McCollum 3-Year, $100M Extension
Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum has agreed to a 3-year, $100M contract extension. This extends his current contract to 5 years and $157M. McCollum became eligible for the extension last Saturday, and he joins teammate Damian Lillard with summer deals that ensure the Blazers backcourt.
“CJ McCollum is a franchise cornerstone and a critical part of our future,” the Blazers’ president of basketball operations Neil Olshey said. “This extension represents a strong level of commitment between CJ, the Trail Blazers and the city of Portland.”
Wild Fires GM Paul Fenton After 15 Months
After only 15 months, the Minnesota Wild fired GM Paul Fenton. “Our organization and our culture were a little different than the way Paul wanted to handle things. We just felt this was the time to do it,” owner Craig Leipold said. “It wasn’t a good fit. That was really it. The culture wasn’t the same. I didn’t have the same vibes with our employees in hockey ops, and I think the attitude of some of the players and all the people and the coaching and in the locker room and in the training room, it was just a feeling that we didn’t have the right leader for our organization.”
Denny Hamlin Closing In On Pocono Record
Denny Hamlin grabbed his fifth Pocono win last Sunday. This ties him in second place for most wins with Bill Elliot, with only one race between him and the current record holder Jeff Gordon. His win comes as his 28th race at the track, ending a 19 race long losing streak at the track. However, he is the fastest racer to ever achieve a fifth Pocono win.
