Sports News

Shortstop Dansby Swanson has found a new team after accepting a $177 million seven-year bid from the Chicago Cubs on Saturday.

• Also read: Quebec Capitals: Miguel Cienfuegos gets along with the Padres

The news was reported by New York Post reporter Joel Sherman, who said the deal came with a no-trade clause.

Swanson had the best season of his career in 2022. Whoever spent his first seven years with the Atlanta Braves was invited to the All-Star Game and won a first Gold Glove. He set career highs in RBIs (96) and rounds (99) and had a .277 batting average.

The 28-year-old won the World Series with the Braves in 2021. The Georgia team received a draft pick as compensation after Swanson received a qualifying offer.

The free agent market has been very profitable for expert shortstops. Carlos Correa (San Francisco Giants), Trea Turner (Philadelphia Phillies) and Xander Bogaerts (San Diego Padres) have signed $280 million deals this offseason.

The Dodgers agree to a slugger

In an effort to provide some offense following the departures of Trea Turner, Justin Turner and Cody Bellinger, the Los Angeles Dodgers turned to veteran JT Martinez.

According to ESPN, the former Boston Red Sox have agreed to a one-year, $10 million deal.

At 35, Martinez has slowed down but he still manages to score points and is a crowd favorite. In five seasons in Massachusetts, the Floridian has made four All-Star Game appearances, including 2022. He drove 62 carries last season and had a .274 batting average.

The 2018 World Series Sox hero has won three Silver Sticks in his career. Notably, he reached the plateau of 30 laps four times.

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The legalization of sports betting, coupled with the NFL’s endorsement of multiple gambling sponsors, creates many concerns that would take careful thought, a well-crafted strategy, and lots of money to properly address to give the impression that the league is taking over the situation very seriously. The league arguably chose to throw the book at anyone who steps over the pretty light line of “thou shalt not bet” instead.

Violators who back things up shouldn’t get a one-year minimum sentence, no questions asked. Receiver Calvin Ridley, who bet approximately $1,500 on a five-game parlay during his absence with the Falcons in the 2021 season, drew a one-year minimum suspension. The league imposed the same penalty on Jets receiver coach Miles Austin despite not betting on football.

According to a source with knowledge of the situation, Austin (who made millions during his playing career) was betting about $50 here and there on basketball games. Little did he know he was being prevented from betting on sports other than football.

How could he not know, you might ask? The problem is that there are two standards. Players can bet on sports other than football; Coaches can’t do that. As the source explained, some coaches (especially former players-turned-coaches) are unaware of the distinction.

But the league doesn’t care. There is no explanation or discretion or anything other than “come back a year”.

And the league leaked the information to its internal media conglomerate before Austin’s appeal was decided. Two days before Christmas.

According to the source, Austin’s contract will expire after the season. Why not just let him end the year and walk away calmly?

Of course, that would have prevented the NFL from putting a head on a spike on the border of DraftKing’s landing.

Meanwhile, others receive far lesser penalties for arguably far greater insults to the game or The Shield. Six games for steroids. Six games, baseline, for domestic violence. Eleven games for Deshaun Watson’s expanded pattern of turning massage therapy sessions into sexual encounters.

The league will say that no type of gambling can be tolerated, requiring the extreme punishment of even the most benign cases – and even if the coach can truthfully say he didn’t know he couldn’t bet on other sports like football. That’s fine as long as the league brings the same energy to other areas where the intersection of football and legalized gambling can cause problems.

A simple (but unrealistic) approach would be to stop taking money from sports betting. The fact that Austin was banned for using an app created by a sportsbook that sponsors the NFL makes the whole thing seem crazy.

Of course, the horse has long since left the stable. The source of income is not given up, not at this point. But some of that money should be used to support the functioning (full-time officials to start with), to deploy technologies that support the functioning of games (e.g. cameras in all pylons) and to have clear and firm guidelines adopt and practices to protect inside information (e.g. violations that are not public knowledge).

Until the league clarifies that steps are being taken to avoid far greater threats to the integrity of the game than an assistant coach betting $50 on basketball games, every effort to publicly shame him and then at least ban him from the NFL push a year looks like window dressing aimed at giving the impression that the league takes the many threats posed by legalized gambling seriously.

Even if it isn’t.

The transfer market is still open and Alliance of Lima expects reinforcements for the 2023 season. After the recent hiring of Paul Sabbag, The Blue and Whites would follow in the footsteps of another Colombian footballer in midfield after the frustrated signing of Argentinian Lucas Menossi. It’s about the selected coffee farmer Andres Andrade.

Colombian journalist Salomé Fajardo took to her social media to report that the blue and whites are following in the footsteps of the coffee team player who is currently free after ending his relationship with Atlético Nacional.

“Andrés Andrade is on Alianza Lima’s radar, the Peruvian club are evaluating him as they stopped signing Argentine midfielder Lucas Menossi,” the communicator wrote on her Twitter account.

Publication by a Colombian journalist about Andrés Andrade. Photo: Twitter

Who is Andres Andrade?

Andres Andrade He is a 33-year-old soccer player of Colombian and Mexican nationality who plays as a midfielder and also as a forward.

He was in Colombian league teams like Tolima, Atlético Huila and Atlético Nacional. In fact, his performance in Verdolaga’s box served to earn him a call-up to the Colombia team for Qatar 2022 qualifiers. His debut came in September 2022 in a 1-1 draw with Colombia.

He also played in Liga MX where he defended the colors of Chiapas, León, Atlas and America. With the Eagles team, he won the 2016 Concacaf Champions League title.

Andrés Andrade made his debut for the Colombian national team in Qatar 2022 qualifiers. Photo: Instagram

Week 15 wasn’t good for me with my picks. In fact, it was one of my worst weeks of the season.

Ouch.

So much for having a hot streak in the last month. But it’s Christmas week, which means the best gift I can give you all is a bunch of winners — and I intend to.

But first, a review of last week’s disaster. I went 11-5 with my straight up picks, 5-10-1 with my against-the-spread expert picks, and 1-3-1 with my best bets as part of the pick six podcast. PS Two of my best bets were the Patriots – thanks to the crazy ending – and the Saints – thanks to the two-point conversion.

That brings my records straight up to 136-87-1, 101-114-9 ATS and 47-36-5 with my best bets.

It’s time to pick it up in three weeks. Or the coal goes in my stocking.

Saturday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox, fuboTV)

Featured Game | Baltimore Ravens vs. Atlanta Falcons

The Ravens could have Lamar Jackson back in this one. You need him badly. The passing game is difficult. However, the Falcons have defensive issues that could help. Desmond Ridder was just OK in his first start last week and now faces a tougher defense. Ravens win it.

Choose: Ravens 26, hawks 13

Saturday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox, fuboTV)

Featured Game | Carolina Panthers vs. Detroit Lions

This is an important game for both teams in terms of playoff implications. The Lions are playing back-to-back road games, which will be challenging. Carolina looked bad last week losing to the Steelers. The Lions are a tough challenge on Carolina’s defense, which will make all the difference in the game. The lions keep rolling.

Choose: Lions 27, Panthers 17

Saturday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)

Featured Game | Chicago Bears vs. Buffalo Bills

The Bills are trying to secure the top seed in the AFC playoffs while the Bears are playing the string. But the Bills play the Bengals next week after beating the Dolphins. This looks like a sandwich game. It won’t be. Josh Allen will rack up a ton of points for the Bills as they roll on.

Choose: Bills 37, bears 21

Saturday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)

Featured Game | Cleveland Browns vs. New Orleans Saints

These two are alive in their playoff races, but neither can afford another loss. That makes this game a great one for both of them. The Browns haven’t been great on offense with Deshaun Watson at quarterback, but this could be the game to get it started. Look for the Browns to win it.

Choose: Brown’s 23, Saint’s 16

Saturday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox, fuboTV)

Featured Game | Kansas City Chiefs vs. Seattle Seahawks

The Chiefs are winning games, but they’ve been ripping things off over the past few weeks. Seattle has also had problems in recent games. This is a must for them, but this is a difficult place to play. Their defense has big issues that will surface here as Patrick Mahomes sheds light on them.

Choose: Chiefs 35, Seahawks 21

Saturday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox, fuboTV)

Featured Game | Minnesota Vikings vs. New York Giants

The Vikings won their division while the Giants are playing for a wild card spot. The Giants play back-to-back road games while the Vikings got an extra day off. However, Minnesota’s defense is a major concern, which is why the Giants will be hanging around this game. It’s close, but the Vikings take it.

Choose: Vikings 27, Giants 26

Cincinnati Bengals (-3.5) with the New England Patriots

Saturday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)

Featured Game | New England Patriots vs. Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals are playing back-to-back road games but the Patriots sting after a horrible loss to the Raiders last week. The Bengals have some defensive injuries, but the Patriots are struggling offensively. Make sure Joe Burrow continues to play well if the Bengals win.

Choose: Bengal 30, Pats 17

Saturday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)

Featured Game | Tennessee Titans vs. Houston Texans

The Titans are in danger of missing the playoffs if they don’t turn things around. The Texans have been playing a lot better in recent weeks, but it will be a challenge against a team that badly needs it. The Titans will remedy this with a big performance from Derrick Henry.

Choose: Titans 23, Texans 21

Saturday, 4:05 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)

Featured Game | San Francisco 49ers vs. Washington Commanders

This is a tough journey for Washington against a team that will have four extra rest days. Washington struggles on offense, which never does well against a 49ers defense that’s the best in the NFL. Watch for that defense to shine again if Brock Purdy does enough to win it.

Choose: 49ers 25, commanders 14

Saturday, 4:25 p.m. ET (Fox, fuboTV)

Featured Game | Dallas Cowboys vs Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles will likely start Gardner Minshew here for the injured Jalen Hurts. It changes the way they play offensively. The Cowboys have looked bad on defense for the past two weeks, but I think that’s changing here. They’ll be after Minshew without a quarterback run threatening with him in the game. Cowboys win it.

Choose: Cowboys 33, Eagles 25

Las Vegas Raiders at Pittsburgh Steelers (-3)

Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET (NFL Network, fuboTV)

Featured Game | Pittsburgh Steelers vs Las Vegas Raiders

This is another two-team game with small playoff hopes. The Raiders pull off an amazing victory over the Patriots while the Steelers defeat the Panthers on the road. Kenny Pickett should be back here for the Steelers, which is important. Pittsburgh’s defense will bring out the best in Derek Carr. Steelers take it.

Choose: Steelers 24, Raiders 16

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox, fuboTV)

Featured Game | Miami Dolphins vs. Green Bay Packers

The Packers are still alive after Monday night’s win, but that’s a tough turn in a short week. The Dolphins have lost three times in a row, but they played better last week. This will be a shootout with the Packers staying close while Aaron Rodgers and Tua Tagovailoa put on a show.

Choose: Dolphins 31, Packers 30

Sunday, 4:30 p.m. ET (CBS, Nickelodeon, Paramount+)

Featured Game | Los Angeles Rams vs. Denver Broncos

This is a game that many expected to be an important one, but instead it offers two of the biggest disappointments of the year. Both teams have problems on offense. The Broncos have the better defense and Russell Wilson will be back. The Rams are also playing in a short week. But something says the Rams will find a way to win it.

Choose: Rams 21, Broncos 14

Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC, fuboTV)

Featured Game | Arizona Cardinals vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

These two are in big trouble, but the Bucs are still up first while the Cardinals are done. Arizona could be against third-team quarterback Trace McSorley against a Bucs team that blew a big lead last week. Tom Brady has struggled but I think he will play well here. Bucs take it.

Choose: Bucs 24, Cardinals 20

Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET (ESPN, fuboTV)

Featured Game | Indianapolis Colts vs. Los Angeles Chargers

The Colts have suffered a loss that blew away a 33-point lead, the kind of loss that can pack a team for the year. They will also be able to do without running back Jonathan Taylor. The Chargers beat the Titans last week but didn’t play well. You will here. Justin Herbert is playing big to keep the Chargers en route to the playoffs.

Choose: Chargers 30, Colts 20

The “battle” for broadcasting rights Peruvian soccer. Despite the fact that through an official statement that league 1 has confirmed that first division matches will be broadcast by DirecTV as part of the deal with 1190 Sports, the company that markets those television rights, there are a total of eight clubs – including the popular Alianza Lima and Universitario de Deportes – that don’t accept said agreement with the international chain.

In addition to Alianza and the ‘U’, this group is joined by Cienciano, Deportivo Municipal, Sport Boys, Binacional, FBC Melgar and Cusco FC. Some of them have a contract with the Peruvian Football Consortium (GolPerú) for a few more seasons, and they also announced that they will be renewing their relationship with the television house.

According to Líbero, these eight teams will not accept the agreement between them 1190 sports j DirectTVas they are unaware of this agreement, arguing that the Peruvian Football Federation (FPF) “does not have the necessary authority to negotiate their television rights”.

Clubs with a contract with GolPerú

There are currently four teams with an ongoing contract with GolPerú. They are Universitario, Carlos A. Mannucci, Sport Boys and Municipal. The aforementioned channel will be in charge of broadcasting these clubs’ home games and according to FPF their agreements will be honored until the end of the connection, after which the television rights will belong to 1190 Sports.

After winning the World Cup with the Argentine team, Lionel Messi has not stopped receiving millions of compliments from Argentine fans and fans around the world. One thing, however, hit the captain of the Albiceleste so badly that it not only made him cry, but also his wife Antonella Roccuzzo. Why is? From a nine-minute text by the director of Orsai magazine, Casciari, in which it is entitled “Lionel’s suitcase”.

In this story, the Argentine communicator expressed all his feelings towards the “flea” who had to go a long way to inaugurate himself with the biggest tournament in the history of football. By living in Spain for 15 years, Casciari lived first-hand as Messi, making a name for himself in the lower echelons Barcelona FC until you reach “the top of the world”.

“There were two types of immigrants: those who kept their suitcase in the closet as soon as they arrived in Spain, they said ‘okay’, ‘uncle’ and ‘host’. And those of us who had unsecured suitcases kept our customs, like mate or yeísmo. We said yuvia, we said caye,” reads an emotional Casciari, who continues to praise the Argentina team’s captain.

But what the director of Orsai Magazine could not have guessed is that his text would go to the core Lionel Messi, who was moved to tears with his wife Antonella. He then decided to send a message to Andy Kusnetzoff, the host of the show Casciari is on.

“What about Hernán, what he wrote, what he said, the truth was impressive. We both started crying because all that matters is very true. And nothing, I wanted to greet them both, thank them and tell them that we heard, we were touched, they made us cry. i wanted you to know I send you all a big hug. And thank you again,” were the words of the new world champion.

Lionel Messi’s answer

CNN —

When the Pittsburgh Steelers host the LA Raiders on Saturday, it will be one of those rare moments in sports where the result doesn’t matter.

Instead, thoughts will be with Steelers legend Franco Harris, who died earlier this week at the age of 72.

Harris’ death came just days before the 50th anniversary of the “Immaculate Reception,” a game-winning touchdown catch by Harris that led the Steelers to a famous victory over the Oakland Raiders.

The Steelers will continue to celebrate the anniversary but will also honor Harris’ life by retiring his #32 jersey at halftime in the game.

“We’re all heartbroken, but we look forward to honoring him and his legacy this weekend,” Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin said, per ESPN.

“And obviously our attention needs to be on the preparation that it takes to put together the kind of performance that befits a great man like Franco.”

On the field, the Steelers will be hoping to keep their slim playoff chances alive with another win — the franchise has impressed with three of its last four wins lately.

Similarly with other teams in the NFL, this promises to be an exciting weekend of action during the holiday season.

Christmas will come a day early for Chase Young as the 23-year-old is expected to make his long-awaited season debut for the Commanders on Saturday.

Young hasn’t played since suffering a serious knee injury in November last year, but coach Ron Rivera says he’s excited to finally be back against the 49ers.

“He practiced with confidence,” Rivera said, per NFL.com, discussing Young’s progress.

“He showed us a willingness to stick that leg in the ground and roll away, plant it and cut it down. He’s had a good week so we’re really happy about that.”

The defensive end had returned to training last week but has slowly increased his activity after an already lengthy rehabilitation process.

The Commanders are hoping for an immediate impact from the second draft pick of 2020 as they try to keep their playoff hopes alive after a disappointing loss to the New York Giants on Sunday night.

There’s not much room for another loss as the regular season nears the end of business.

The Eagles (13-1) and Cowboys (10-4) face off Saturday. The stakes are high for these division rivals as post-season positioning is at stake.

The Eagles have an opportunity to win the NFC East and the NFC overall, earning them a first-round bye and home field advantage in the playoffs.

It would be a much bigger challenge for Dallas to win the NFC East. They won the playoffs last week despite losing to the Jacksonville Jaguars. But to win the division, not only would they need to win Saturday, they would need to win the rest of the season and see the Eagles lose their remaining games. It’s a tall order, but not impossible.

The last time these teams met, the Cowboys played without quarterback Dak Prescott. This time the Eagles are without starting quarterback Jalen Hurts.

Hurts suffered a sprained shoulder in the win against the Bears last week. The injury is not considered long-term and he is expected to return for the postseason. In his absence, Gardner Minshew takes over as signal caller.

This game is a great opportunity for the Cowboys to get their feet firmly on the ground between having home advantage and having the advantage of going up against a backup quarterback. They need this win a lot more than the Eagles, especially after last week’s loss; They need all the momentum they can get in the final weeks of the regular season to get into the playoffs.

Tune in to the NFC East Showdown at 4:25 p.m. ET on Saturday.

It’ll be an exciting Christmas Day spectacle with both teams trying to keep their razor-thin postseason hopes alive.

The Dolphins can secure a place in the playoffs by winning all three remaining games, but go into the game on Sunday with three straight losses.

The Packers, meanwhile, have back-to-back victories, but their playoff fate is not yet in their hands.

They must win all three remaining games and hope that either the New York Giants or the Washington Commanders make a mistake.

“The most important thing is that we still have a meaningful football game this Christmas and we have a chance to have a lot of things ahead of us,” Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers told reporters.

“We have to go down and win and I said a couple of weeks ago we just get one, then another and things look a little bit different going into that game. And we get this one, the next one will be a little different.”

The Bears (3-11) will welcome the Bills (11-3) to Chicago.

The forecast predicts freezing temperatures, gusty winds and harsh winter weather that could play a major factor in the outcome of this game. While both teams are used to unfavorable conditions, their game plans will need to be adjusted to the elements.

This game features two quarterbacks that can produce in both the run game and passing game. However, they are most efficient in the opposite way.

Bears quarterback Justin Fields is more effective at rushing while Bills quarterback Josh Allen has the edge. With the opposition clearly lacking in weapons, the Bears will try to run the ball as far as possible. Your game on the ground will not be affected as much by the strong winds and winter weather.

The Bills, on the other hand, won’t be able to rely so much on their superior passing game; Allen must adjust to how the winds affect his accuracy. For these reasons, the bears have a slightly higher chance of giving the bills the surprise.

Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday at 1:00 p.m. ET.

Finally, the Bengals (10-4) have a shot at earning a playoff berth against the Patriots (7-7).

They’ll secure their spot in the postseason if they win or tie or if the Jets lose or tie. The Patriots stand outside of the playoff picture, looking inside. They would need a win on Saturday to keep their hopes alive.

The Pats will host the Bengals in a freezing Gillette Stadium. They enter this game fresh from an embarrassing last-second loss to the Raiders in Week 15. They’ve struggled this season, in large part due to inexperienced leadership and questionable coaching decisions.

Cincinnati is in the midst of the hottest part of the season with wins in the last six competitions. Quarterback Joe Burrow made his move in the most important part of the regular season and is preparing to weather the postseason.

To win this game, the Bengals need to come out strong and take an early lead; they must outperform New England. The Patriots will be playing without three starters, which means they’re already at a disadvantage. When the Bengals come out of the gate and score points early, it becomes difficult for the Pats to crawl from behind.

To see who comes out on top, tune in on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. ET.

Here’s how to catch these teams and others from across the league in action, no matter where you are.

Australia: NFL Game Pass, ESPN, 7Plus

Brazil: NFL Game Pass, ESPN

Canada: CTV, TSN, RDS, NFL Game Pass on DAZN

Germany: NFL Game Pass, ProSieben MAXX, DAZN

Mexico: NFL Game Pass, TUDN, ESPN, Fox Sports, Sky Sports

UK: NFL Game Pass, Sky Sports, ITV, Channel 5

US: NFL Game Pass, CBS Sports, Fox Sports, ESPN, Amazon Prime

The New York Yankees confirmed Tuesday that star player Aaron Judge has agreed to a nine-year contract that will tie the two teams through the end of the 2031 season.

• Also read: The author of the only perfect game in Red history has died

• Also read: Justin Turner would move to Boston

However, the Bronx Bombers have remained silent about the astronomical sum the 30-year-old athlete will earn; However, about two weeks ago, various sources, including the newspaper USA Today, gave a figure of $360 million.

Judge blew free after last season when he set a new American League baseball mark with 62 home runs. The 131-pointer was also close to earning the Triple Crown, but his .311 batting average was slightly lower than point guard Luis Arraez, who batted .316 with the Minnesota Twins.

Number 99 turned down a seven-year, $213.5 million contract extension last spring.