Latest news with #OaklandAthletics
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
A's pregame broadcast shows security guards confronting fan wearing 'SELL' T-shirt
The team formerly known as the Oakland Athletics and soon to be known as the Las Vegas Athletics is currently dealing with a rather unhappy fanbase, so much so that one dispute played out on the team's own broadcast. Before the A's game against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday, one fan stood behind the pregame show set wearing a bright green T-shirt with a single word printed on the chest: "SELL." Advertisement It wasn't long before a security guard at Sacramento's Sutter Health Park came down to confront the fan. And it wasn't long before he was joined by two more guards and a pair of white polo-wearing employees. This all played out while the A's TV hosts were discussing a team that entered Thursday in last place in the AL West. The fan later identified himself as Joe Horton on social media, and revealed he was allowed to stay in his seat after the chat with security. His primary reaction when they first approached him: "You know this too is on TV right?" There are a lot of people not happy with the Athletics, and not just the population of Oakland.. (Photo by) (Ezra Shaw via Getty Images) The A's organization remains in an awkward position and will continue to do so for at least a couple years. Hurt feelings abound from their move out of Oakland, but their new home in Las Vegas won't be ready until 2028 at the earliest. Until then, they'll be playing at a minor-league ballpark in Sacramento. Advertisement It's a situation bad enough that many fans want A's owner John Fisher out of the league. There are no indications he wishes to do so. Despite their struggles and fan backlash, the A's went on to beat the Twins 14-3 on Thursday, their highest-scoring game of the season. Young players Max Muncy, Jacob Wilson and Tyler Soderstrom (twice) all homered, with Soderstrom providing the exclamation point with a grand slam in the fourth inning.
New York Times
a day ago
- Business
- New York Times
Can Jeremie Frimpong boost Liverpool's 2025/26 Champions League winner odds?
For more stories like this, click here to follow The Athletic's sports betting section and have them added to your feed. In the 2011 movie 'Moneyball,' Brad Pitt, portraying Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane, sits in the middle of a conference room table surrounded by scouts during an off-season meeting. As the discussion of the team's direction unfolds, Beane is abruptly cut-off by a scout concerned about their ability to replace a crucial player: Jason Giambi. Advertisement 'Billy,' the scout says, 'we got 38 home runs and 120 RBIs to make up.' 'Guys listen,' Beane interrupts, 'We're still trying to replace Giambi. I told you we can't do it. Now what we might be able to do is recreate him — recreate him in the aggregate.' Losing a generational player like Trent Alexander-Arnold is not something even a club like Liverpool can shrug off. Despite his departure, the Reds still have the best odds to win both the Premier League (11/5) and Champions League (11/2). But should they? With Jeremie Frimpong already in the fold and the potential acquisitions of Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez on the horizon, Liverpool's plan to replace their homegrown star is coming into view. Let's explore if it'll be enough to find value in their current odds. It sounds silly, but Alexander-Arnold is truly a footballing unicorn. A right-back who could hold his own defensively but also doubled as one of the world's best ball-progressors and chance-creators is a rarity. To come in with expectations that Frimpong is Alexander-Arnold's successor would be quite unfair — they're not remotely the same player. Alexander-Arnold ranked 17th in Europe's big five leagues with 65 passes into the penalty area this season. Despite playing as a wing-back in the Bundesliga, Frimpong had just 29 this year. To put that into context, the player in 16th was in the running for the Ballon d'Or — Raphinha — most of this past season. Alexander-Arnold was essentially an attacking midfielder hiding as a right-back whereas Frimpong is, well, not. When it comes to progressive passes (passes that move the ball at least 10 yards closer to the opponent's goal), Alexander-Arnold ranked 19th and was once again surrounded by a bevy of talented midfielders like Nicolò Barella and Youri Tielemans. Frimpong ranked 10th…on his team. Even Leverkusen's defensive midfielder Robert Andrich had more progressive passes than Frimpong this season. Advertisement It's at about this point where you're probably asking, 'So what does Frimpong do exactly?' The answer to this is simple: He runs, quite often and quite fast. According to PFF FC's physical metrics provided to The Athletic, Frimpong sprinted more than any other player in Germany last season. In total, the new Liverpool signee had 800 sprints (classified as runs that exceed 25 KM/hr), 15 more than the next closest player. That willingness to run is far more reminiscent of Andy Robertson than Alexander-Arnold, except that Frimpong is an absolute speed merchant. The 24-year-old was clocked with the second-highest max speed in the Bundesliga last year — 35.33 km/h — only bested by FC Heidenheim's Sirlord Conteh. Alexander-Arnold's on-ball orchestrating is gone, but Liverpool still need someone to play right-back. If you can't replace Alexander-Arnold, you might as well find a player with an elite trait at a cheap price. That's what Liverpool have done. But it's clear with the interest in Wirtz and Kerkez, the Reds know they will need more help to fill the Alexander-Arnold-sized hole. Heading into the 2025-26 campaign without Alexander-Arnold puts a lot more on Mohamed Salah's shoulders. Salah's scoring streaks get plenty of acclaim, but his shot-creation for teammates is underappreciated. The Egyptian led Europe's big five leagues in expected assists while also leading Liverpool in passes played into the penalty area. A large part of Liverpool's success stemmed from Salah's ability to work in concert with Alexander-Arnold. Salah's 488 progressive passes received topped Europe's big five leagues and were fueled by his former right-back's ball-progressing prowess. For anyone who watched the team, the formula was obvious: Alexander-Arnold moved the ball up the pitch to Salah, and then the two of them combined to terrorize opponents in the final third. In order to find value in their title-winning odds, Liverpool need to recreate this dynamic. With Alexander-Arnold headed off to Spain and Frimpong not the creative type, Salah needs a new partner-in-crime. Enter, stage-right: Wirtz. While the odds suggest this transfer is far from sealed, the reason for Liverpool's aggressive pursuit of the 21-year-old is obvious. The Reds' recruitment team likely put far more thought into this, but if Alexander-Arnold was the 17th-best player in the world at playing the ball into the opponent's box, it makes sense to go after the player who finished one spot behind him — Wirtz. Advertisement The problem for Liverpool is that Wirtz alone can't replicate all of Alexander-Arnold. The German midfielder is more of a threat in the attacking third — he led Leverkusen in shot-creating actions with 5.66 — than he is a contributor to a team's build-up play. Wirtz just ranked eighth for Leverkusen when it came to passing the ball into the opponent's final third, miles behind Granit Xhaka, who led the team in progressive passes. To fill that final hole in the build-up play, Liverpool are turning to Kerkez. At first glance, it's hard to see how Kerkez could come close to matching Alexander-Arnold's ability. The 20-year-old did lead Bournemouth in progressive passes with 159, but that number falls well short of Alexander-Arnold's 232 from last season. However, passing isn't the only way to move the ball forward — players can dribble, too. If you combine progressive passes and carries, Kerkez is much closer to Alexander-Arnold's tier of ball progression. Alexander-Arnold authored 283 progressive movements last season. Thanks to 106 progressive carries to go along with those 159 progressive passes, Kerkez was responsible for 265. If Frimpong fills his actual position and Wirtz takes over some of the playmaking in the final third, it's Kerkez's distribution from deep that replicates the last part of Alexander-Arnold's production. On the surface, fading Liverpool and looking for value in clubs like Arsenal (5/2) or Manchester City (13/5) to win the title next season would seem to be the right move. In this transfer window, other title-contending clubs have been acquiring exciting talent, rather than watching helplessly as a prime-age, generational superstar leaves town. But like Beane did with the A's two decades ago, Michael Edwards and Liverpool's front office were tasked with replacing an irreplaceable player. The transfer window isn't close to finished yet, but if Wirtz and Kerkez join Frimpong, there's a chance Liverpool will have accomplished that seemingly impossible feat. They just needed to do it in the aggregate. Betting/odds links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication. (Photo of Jeremy Frimpong: Daniel Kopatsch / Getty Images)
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Why Byron Buxton breakout performance came at perfect time for Minnesota Twins
Why Byron Buxton breakout performance came at perfect time for Minnesota Twins (Image Source: Getty Images) Byron Buxton's 5 RBI performance helped the Minnesota Twins end their losing streak, as they won 10-4 over the Oakland Athletics on Monday night in West Sacramento. The Minnesota Twins struggled for a while after their winning streak and needed a spark to get back on track, which Byron Buxton gave them. He tied his career best for runs batted in and again showed why he is considered a top player when in the lineup. Byron Buxton transforms Minnesota Twins offense in a crucial West Coast showdown Byron Buxton's offensive explosion came at the perfect moment for a Minnesota Twins team searching for consistency after their recent inconsistent play. The 30-year-old outfielder orchestrated the Twins' six-run second inning with a pivotal two-run double that broke open a scoreless game against Oakland Athletics starter Luis Severino. Buxton's timely hitting continued throughout the contest, as he delivered a bases-loaded two-RBI single in the sixth inning before capping his stellar night with a sacrifice fly in the ninth. The performance exemplified Buxton's ability to impact winning when the Minnesota Twins needed him most. His career-high tying five RBIs helped the team improve to 32-27 overall while maintaining their perfect 7-0 record against California-based teams this season. Manager Rocco Baldelli has consistently praised Buxton's leadership qualities, and Monday's game demonstrated why the former first-round draft pick remains central to Minnesota's playoff hopes. Minnesota Twins pitching staff overcomes early struggles to secure victory Even though Buxton got most of the attention, the Minnesota Twins pitchers made sure to keep winning over American League West teams. Starting pitcher Joe Ryan managed to work through five innings, allowing four runs, and his biggest achievement came when he didn't allow any runs in the fifth on a bases-loaded situation with no outs. Ryan forced three outs in a row, first with CJ Alexander and then with Luis Urias, and finally got Drew Evans to ground out to keep Minnesota ahead. Many relievers from the Minnesota Twins bullpen worked without giving up runs to help secure the win. Relying on many different players has become a main characteristic of the 2025 Twins. Pablo Lopez will take the mound for the second game of the series on Tuesday, and the team's depth will be put to another test against the Athletics. The next game for the Minnesota Twins will be shown on Bally Sports North on Tuesday at 9:40 PM ET, and WCCO 830 AM will provide radio coverage. The series is part of the Twins' West Coast trip, as they try to keep dominating California teams. Also Read: Randy Johnson's legendary No. 51 to be retired by Mariners in 2026, honoring franchise's pitching icon The Minnesota Twins' victory over the Oakland Athletics represents more than just another win in the standings. With Byron Buxton healthy and producing at an elite level, this team possesses the offensive firepower necessary to compete with any opponent in the American League. Their perfect record against West Coast teams suggests they've found a formula for success on the road, which will prove invaluable during the playoffs.
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Yankees Trade Idea Solves 3rd Base Problem With Former Orioles Top-10 Prospect
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The New York Yankees are rolling into June, riding a five-game winning streak — and nine wins in their last 10 — into Dodger Stadium for a three-game interleague set and rematch of last year's World Series against Los Angeles. But even as they enjoy a 6 1/2 game lead over the second place Tampa Bay Rays in the American League East, the Bronx Bombers are not without problems that, without solutions, threaten to blow up their season. Among the biggest: what to do about third base. MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 04: Connor Norby #1 of the Miami Marlins walks to the dugout following the sixth inning against the Oakland Athletics at loanDepot park on May 04, 2025 in Miami, Florida. MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 04: Connor Norby #1 of the Miami Marlins walks to the dugout following the sixth inning against the Oakland Athletics at loanDepot park on May 04, 2025 in Miami, injuries to D.J. LeMahieu and Jazz Chisholm, the Yankees have been without a real third baseman all season. Neither of those players, actually, are natural third basemen, both more comfortable at second — though manager Aaron Boone has Chisholm slated to take over third when his current rehab assignment is complete. Just as Oswaldo Cabrera was settling in at the position, he suffered a horrific ankle injury on a play at the plate in Seattle earlier this month, ending his season. Various ideas to fill the hot corner slot at Yankee Stadium have been floated over the past months, but a new trade proposal by writer Jacob Mountz of Yardbarker could give the Yankees the most economical option yet, and one that could solve the defending AL champs' third base problem for the next six years at least. "Miami Marlins third baseman Connor Norby was the Orioles' No. 7 prospect as recently as last year. In his 2024 rookie campaign, Norby hit .236 with nine home runs in 176 at-bats for the O's and Marlins, displaying some promising power potential," Mountz wrote. More MLB: Yankees Trade Pitch Solves Third Base Problem in Deal for $24 Million Veteran He did not propose a return package for the Marlins third baseman, who was drafted by the Orioles out of East Carolina as a 2021 second-round pick, after he batted .415 with a 1.143 OPS and 15 home runs in 246 at-bats in his final season of college baseball. Norby was struck on the helmet by a pitch from San Diego Padres reliever Jason Adam on Wednesday. But surprisingly — perhaps because the pitch was a changeup — Norby remained in the game. Closer look at the Connor Norby hit by pitch. Got him on the side of the helmet. — Fish On First (@FishOnFirst) May 28, 2025 Norby was not only the Orioles' No. 7 prospect in 2024, when he was positioned as a second-baseman and outfielder, he was rated as a top-100 prospect in 2023 by both Baseball America (No. 93) and Baseball Prospectus (No. 82). In 2023, Norby put up a promotion-worthy season for the Norfolk Tides, the Orioles' Triple-A affiliate, with 21 home runs, a .290 batting average and .842 OPS. But rather than bump him up to the big leagues, the Orioles traded him. They sent Norby, along with another prospect, to the Marlins for lefty pitcher Trevor Rogers. "The Marlins, who once again sit at the bottom of the NL East, will undoubtedly be sellers at the trade deadline," Mountz wrote in his trade proposal. "As things stand, Norby would represent a vast improvement over the Yankees' existing (third base) options." So far this season, Norby has played 35 games for Miami with a .744 OPS and .276 vetting average with three round-trippers. In 263 innings at third base, the 24-year-old has committed three errors with a minus-1 defensive runs saved number. Norby is in his sophomore season on a one-year, $765,000 contract, barely over the MLB minimum. He is not eligible for arbitration until 2028, and remains under team control until 2031. More MLB: Yankees Aaron Boone 'Shuts Down' Slugger's Move to Third Base, Insider Says
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Will Bo Bichette play tonight against Athletics? Latest update on Toronto Blue Jays star's injury report (May 29, 2025)
Image Source: Getty Toronto Blue Jays fans are constantly asking on social media about whether their infield star, Bo Bichette, will take the field tonight versus the Oakland Athletics or not. Right now, the 27-year-old is dealing with a back problem, and his team is taking care to prevent further injury. Let's look at the update on his injury and how it affects the Blue Jays. Bo Bichette is sidelined with lower back tightness The Toronto Blue Jays are being extra careful with their star shortstop, Bo Bichette, who has lower back tightness. Sportsnet's Shi Davidi reported that manager John Schneider said Bichette didn't start in Wednesday's game against the Texas Rangers because of this problem. On Tuesday, the team used him as the designated hitter to keep him off his feet, and Schneider said he's feeling better. Still, the Blue Jays want to protect his health and are taking it slow. Bichette could be available off the bench tonight, as long as he feels well before the game. Through 54 games, he's hitting .270 with four home runs so far. Because he's not there, Varsho is leading off and Clement is back in the shortstop role.. Fans are hoping Bichette can return soon to help the team's lineup stay strong. Also Read: 5 most underrated baseball players of MLB 2025 Team adjusts lineup and monitors other injuries With Bo Bichette's status unclear for tonight's 7:07 p.m. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning For Working Professionals. BITS Pilani WILP Apply Now Undo ET game against the Oakland Athletics, the Blue Jays are changing their lineup. Daulton Varsho will come in to bat for the first time, Anthony Santander will bat second, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will be hitting in the third spot for the first time this season. This is one of the many changes intended to keep the lineup strong as they try to take this series, with coverage beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sportsnet ONE and Sportsnet+. Likewise, there are updates on other players from manager John Schneider. Reliever Erik Swanson will play one final rehab game in Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday before joining the club. Andrés Giménez, the second baseman, will be working out his rehab in low-A Dunedin starting Wednesday.. These updates show the Blue Jays are working hard to keep their players healthy. Fans are excited to watch tonight's game to see how the team does and if Bichette can play, even just a little, to help the Blue Jays win. The team is paying close attention to Bichette's health for the upcoming season. Not having him is a big problem because he plays a major role at the plate and in the field. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
