Latest news with #OAA
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Should the Yankees go after this switch-hitting infielder at the deadline?
Yoan Moncada could be a popular name traded at this year's trade deadline, and Francys Romero of Beisbol FR reports that the Yankees are among teams interested. The switch-hitting third baseman has mashed with the Angels, posting a 122 wRC+ with seven home runs in 36 games, but his defense at third base has been brutal. With -8 DRS and -6 OAA, the Yankees would have to stomach some deplorable defensive play with the bat, but as a rental Brian Cashman could acquire him for cheap. A low-cost risk, it would improve the team's situation at third base, but should New York be interested in landing someone with some real flaws? Is Yoan Moncada A Viable Upgrade for the Yankees? Yoan Moncada has a swing that's perfect for Yankee Stadium thanks to his pull-side power when hitting left-handed, holding a 28% Pull AIR rate on the season. The Yankees have the infamous short porch in right field, and Moncada immediately serves as a six or seven hitter in an offense against right-handed pitching. Signed to a cheap $5 million deal, New York would be on the hook for less than $2.5 million towards the Luxury Tax by acquiring him, with zero money committed beyond the 2025 season. Still, there are flaws that the Yankees would have to seriously consider when acquiring a hitter such as Moncada. READ MORE: This season Yoan Moncada is hitting .105 with a 10 wRC+ vs LHP, an issue considering the Yankees would like to add a hitter who can perform as a right-handed bat as well. Moncada has had some success against southpaws before, but the recent power outage in those matchups would be a massive red flag. Furthermore, the Cuban-born infielder has massive injury concerns and has constantly been on the injured list, including an extended stay there this past season. The defense is a very real problem has well; he has been unplayable at the hot corner after having solid defensive production at third base throughout his career. If other options don't end up with New York, perhaps this is a player who can at least be an upgrade over Oswald Peraza, but the Yankees should have options ahead of him on the depth chart. Related Headlines Yankees' blockbuster deadline deals could include front-line starter and elite power bat The Yankees are keeping their eyes on All-Star closer at the deadline Mets are reportedly 'frontrunners' in race for Pirates star pitcher Knicks 88, Pacers 91: Good news and bad news as comeback effort falls short


Observer
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Observer
Porsche Centre Oman signs a two-year partnership with OAA
MUSCAT: Porsche Centre Oman is investing in the future of motorsport in the Sultanate of Oman by entering into a multi-year partnership with the country's governing body of motorsport, the Oman Automobile Association (OAA), to help grow motorsports at the grass roots level. To be run under the banner of the 'Porsche Centre Oman Karting Championships Series', the commitment will cover the next two seasons of the championship. It will support motorsport in Oman and actively contribute to the development of future motor racing talent and karting in the Sultanate of Oman. 'We are proud to sponsor a project that aligns with our legacy of motorsport excellence,' said Mohamed A R Qassim, Director of Porsche Centre Oman. The championship series is distinct in that it will consist of classes to cater for both race license holders and leisure karting participants. Porsche Centre Oman will provide full branding, racing suits and financial support for licensed drivers and cash prizes to the podium winners. 'Supporting the next generation of drivers is key to Porsche Centre Oman's vision in the region and this partnership reflects our commitment to youth development and motorsport innovation in the Sultanate of Oman,' said Mohamed. The calendar season will also include a 24-hour endurance race along with other races scheduled to be taking place at the Muscat Speedway, starting with the first round of races in September. 'This new championship series for both licensed racers in Rotax Max and leisure karts marks a new era for karting in Oman,' said Sulaiman al Rawahi, Managing Director of the Oman Automobile Association (OAA). 'Partnering with Porsche Centre Oman allows us to elevate the level of competition and offer new opportunities for aspiring drivers across the country.' With the partnership running through until the third quarter of 2027, Porsche Centre Oman will provide financial prizes, and equipment such as branded race suits, while a new Instagram channel will also be launched to promote the upcoming series. Supporting youth sports and building engagement within the community has long been a cornerstone of Porsche Centre Oman's philosophy. The opportunity to support the burgeoning motorsport industry and empower future generations of Omani race drivers starting at grassroots levels made an alignment with the Oman Automobile Association a natural alliance. Porsche has a long history of supporting motor racing in the Middle East with the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East being the pinnacle, showcasing 15 seasons of competition across the Gulf. Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East provides the ultimate inspiration for future Omani stars who can now begin their climb up the professional motor racing ladder on leisure karts and then the Rotax Max Challenge as part of the the Porsche Centre Oman Karting Championship Series. • Porsche Centre Oman signs a two-year partnership with the Oman Automobile Association (OAA) on June 30, 2025, to sponsor the National Karting Championship Series. • The Porsche Centre Oman Karting Championship Series will play a key role in the development of motorsport in the Sultanate of Oman.


Observer
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Observer
OAA honours Open Water Swimming team
MUSCAT: The Oman Aquatics Association (OAA) hosted a special ceremony to honour the national open water swimming team for their exceptional performance at the 3rd GCC Beach Games "Muscat 2025", which took place in Muscat from April 5–11. The team earned top spots in the competition, securing a remarkable achievement for the Sultanate of Oman. The event, held under the auspices of Qais bin Saud al Zakwani, CEO of Nama Water Services and Treasurer of the Oman Olympic Committee (OOC), recognised key partners and supporters who played a vital role in the team's success. The ceremony was attended by board members of the OAA and representatives of other national sports federations. Dr Awadh bin Salim al Ojaili, Chairman of Oman Aquatics Association, delivered the opening remarks, emphasising the importance of celebrating such milestones to motivate young athletes and align with the federation's strategy launched in March. 'This recognition reflects our commitment to developing swimming in the Sultanate of Oman and inspiring future generations. We are particularly focused on increasing female participation through the dedicated efforts of the Women's Sports Committee,' he said.


New York Post
19-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Aaron Judge's Hall of Fame resume could add a surprising accolade
Access the Yankees beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees. Try it free Aaron Judge might just add a new trophy to his award case. And no, it's not another MVP or Silver Slugger. After moving back to his original position, the Yankees star is among the top right fielders in the American League nearly halfway through the 2025 season, setting him up for a shot to win the first Gold Glove of his illustrious big league career. Through Wednesday's play, Judge led all American League right fielders with at least 200 innings played at the position with a plus-4 Fielding Run Value, according to MLB's Statcast, suggesting he's much more comfortable manning the green grass in front of the Bleacher Creatures. In terms of Outs Above Average, Judge at plus-2 trails only the Red Sox's Wilyer Abreu and the Astros' Cam Smith, who are both plus-3. 3 New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge makes a catch on a ball hit by Los Angeles Dodgers' Will Smith during the fourth inning of a baseball game on Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Los Angeles. AP On Monday night against the Angels, Judge showed off his outfield prowess with perhaps his most impressive play of the season. In the top of the fifth inning of a scoreless game, Logan O'Hoppe hit a slicing fly ball to the right field corner of Yankee Stadium. Like a wide receiver on a fade route, Judge sprinted toward the foul pole, covering 100 feet of outfield grass to make the running catch just in front of the right field wall. The play was Judge's first 'five-star' catch since 2021, per Statcast, and had a catch probability of just 20 percent. He's also in the Gold Glove conversation thanks to one of the best outfield arms in the league. Judge has prevented two extra runs from baserunners, which is the third-most among all AL outfielders, behind only the Guardians' Steven Kwan and Nolan Jones. CHECK OUT THE LATEST MLB STANDINGS AND YANKEES STATS With a cannon for an arm, runners have been more hesitant to run on Judge than any other outfielder in the league, according to Statcast, meaning opponents are holding tight rather than attempting to take an extra base more often than not when the ball is hit his way. 3 Aaron Judge's arm has been a weapon in right field for the Yankees. JASON SZENES/NY POST Judge's excellent play in right field comes after a lackluster showing as the Yankees' center fielder, where he moved with the addition of Juan Soto last year. In 105 games in center in 2024, Judge had minus-6 OAA — and that doesn't capture his catastrophic center field gaffe in the fifth inning of Game 5 of the World Series in October. Now, after switching back to the corner, not only is Judge much improved in the field, but the Yankees' entire outfield has done an about-face from a year ago. 3 New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) exits the field during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. AP After finishing with minus-11 OAA in 2024, the seventh-worst in baseball, the Yankees outfield is now solidly above average at plus-2 OAA. Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham, two more natural center fielders, have slid into the position nicely, combining for plus-4 OAA. If Judge keeps his current pace, he'll have his best shot at a Gold Glove since the late 2010s, when he was a two-time finalist (2017 and 2018), when the slick-fielding Royals right fielder Alex Gordon beat him out in back-to-back seasons. With a Hall of Fame-worthy resume already, Judge's defense has him on the cusp of adding yet another accolade.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina, the first Arab and African director to win Cannes Palme d'Or, dies aged 91
Algerian director Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina, whose 1975 drama Chronique des Années de Braise (Chronicles of the Years of Fire) won Cannes' Palme d'Or in 1975, has died aged 91. He was the oldest living recipient of the Palme d'Or and Chronicles of the Years of Fire remains Africa's only Palme d'Or to this day. Lakhdar-Hamina's family said the producer and director died at his home in the Algerian capital of Algers on 23 May. Coincidently, the Cannes Film Festival screened Chronicles of the Years of Fire in its Cannes Classics program that day, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the film's Palme d'Or. Set between 1939 and 1954, the movie retells the Algerian War of Independence through the eyes of a peasant farmer, depicting the harshness of French colonial rule. Lakhdar-Hamina competed for the Palme d'Or four times, with The Winds of the Aures, which won the best first film prize in 1967, as well as Sandstorm (1982) and Last Image (1986). After a 30-year break, Lakhdar-Hamina directed Twilight of Shadows, which was Algeria's submission to the Best Foreign Language Film category of the 88th Academy Awards in 2016. Born on 26 February 1934 in M'Sila in the Aurès region of north-east Algeria, Hamina studied in the southern French town of Antibes. During the Algerian war, his father was tortured and killed by the French army. He was called up to the French army in 1958 but deserted to join the Algerian resistance in Tunis, where he did an internship with Tunisian news. He ran Algeria's news service, the l'Office des Actualités Algériennes (OAA) from shortly after the revolution to 1974. He was also head of the Algerian National Office for Commerce and the Film Industry between 1981 and 1984. French distributor Les Acacias Distribution will theatrically re-release Chronicles of the Years of Fire in cinemas in France on 6 August.