Latest news with #Palencia
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cubs' World Series Aspirations Hinge on Acquiring a Lockdown Closer at Trade Deadline
Cubs' World Series Aspirations Hinge on Acquiring a Lockdown Closer at Trade Deadline originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Chicago Cubs are one of the best teams in baseball, with a 49-34 record and a two-game lead in the NL Central. Their high-powered offense ranks third in the league, according to FanGraphs, and is feared throughout the majors. While Chicago's starting pitching rotation could use another marquee arm at the deadline, Jameson Taillon and Matthew Boyd did a tremendous job in the absence of Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele. Now, with Imanaga back, the focus of Chicago's trade deadline plans shifts to the bullpen – primarily the closer role. Advertisement ESPN's Jesse Rodgers recently spoke about Chicago's World Series aspirations and why they may hinge on their aggressiveness to acquire a lockdown closer. 'You knew they were serious about the World Series [in 2016] when they went out and traded for Aroldis Chapman,' Rogers told Lance Brozdowski on the Cubs Weekly Podcast. 'You'll know really how serious the Cubs are in terms of going all the way if they replace Palencia with someone better and more experienced. Because it feels like a little bit of a luxury right now the way Palencia is pitching to go out and get another closer.' Shutting down the ninth inning is a necessity during the playoffs. It is rare for teams to succeed in October with a patchwork bullpen or a closer-by-committee and be successful. It is not impossible, but the odds of winning a World Series increase with a secure closer. Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell (11) smiles before a game between the Cubs and Arizona Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field. Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images Porter Hodge was the Cubs' initial closer, but a stint on the injured list thrust Daniel Palencia into the role. Palencia, 25, has been stellar in 27 appearances, pitching to a 1.86 ERA and converting eight of his nine save opportunities. Advertisement While Palencia and Hodge have done enough to keep the Cubs atop the NL Central standings, adding another elite bullpen arm will only deepen their chances of contending for a World Series. A reunion with Chapman is a possibility, but is not the only option. The Baltimore Orioles will likely be sellers, leading to Felix Bautista potentially being available, and even Nationals' All-Star Kyle Finnegan could be an underrated addition to Chicago's pen. The Cubs currently hold the third-best record in baseball, setting themselves up for a postseason appearance. Yet, if they want to increase their World Series odds and further cement their standing among the MLB's elite, acquiring a premium closer should be on the trade deadline itinerary. Related: Cubs Showing Interest in $67 Million Former Yankees Ace This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
Chicago Tribune
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
How Chicago Cubs' Daniel Palencia is honoring Luis Guevara after Baltimore Orioles prospect's tragic death
HOUSTON — The name shimmers in silver on Chicago Cubs reliever Daniel Palencia's cap. Palencia has been pitching with a heavy heart recently after a tragic accident involving Baltimore Orioles minor-leaguer Luis Guevara, his friend and fellow Venezuelan. Guevara, 19, died after a jet ski crash June 15 in Florida. To honor his memory, Palencia wrote Guevara's name and a ribbon image on his Cubs batting practice and game caps. 'It's been hard. You never expect that, especially when he's younger like that,' Palencia told the Tribune. 'But that's part of the life. I'm just trying to keep my my head up and just trying to do my best work for him. All this year is going to be for him.' Palencia, 25, worked out in the offseason with Guevara, an infielder who was three years into his pro career, and had known him for years. Guevara's hometown of Tinaco is roughly 10 minutes from San Carlos, where Palencia is from. Every year, all the professional baseball players from that area of Venezuela play a game in Palencia's town. 'To be honest, I thought he was going to be the second Ronald Acuña Jr.,' Palencia said. 'He had a lot of energy. He liked to play. He worked hard, so he was just excited. He was a funny guy. He was always making jokes about me and everything. It was great.' As Palencia deals with losing his friend, he's in the midst of his best season in Year 3 in the majors. The Cubs trusted him to take over the closer role when Porter Hodge went on the injured list in mid-May, and he has thrived. Since blowing his first save opportunity May 19 in Miami, Palencia has posted a 1.35 ERA while going 8-for-8 in save chances. In that stretch of 13 appearances, he struck out 13 and walked only three. One of his most impressive moments came Thursday in St. Louis when he recovered from putting the first two batters on in the bottom of the ninth. He struck out the next three to finish off the Cubs' 3-0 win. Within Palencia's evolution over the last three years, his mental fortitude and learning how to take situations pitch to pitch has helped him find success beyond his ability to consistently throw 100 mph. 'The interesting thing about the closer's position is that he's been out there, what, 10 times maybe — there's still things left to experience,' manager Craig Counsell said Saturday. 'I thought the game in St Louis was something new. … You've got to really buckle down. 'And there's a little emotion in the game with the hit by pitch and things like that, and those are just learning experiences and he's handling them really well.'
Chicago Tribune
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Emotions flare between Daniel Palencia and Willson Contreras at end of Chicago Cubs victory
ST. LOUIS — Chicago Cubs closer Daniel Palencia didn't seem fazed. Moments after Palencia hit St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Willson Contreras up and in with an errant 100.5 mph fastball on a 1-2 count, the former Cub wasn't pleased with the location where he got drilled. Contreras stared at Palencia as he made his way to first base and had words for the hard-throwing 25-year-old, who suddenly was in a tough spot trying to preserve a three-run lead with two runners on and nobody out in the bottom of the ninth. Palencia collected himself and struck out the next three hitters — Nolan Arenado, Thomas Saggese and Nolan Gorman — to preserve a 3-0 win Thursday. Then emotions set off on both sides. An exuberant Palencia began his typical post-save celebration, screaming and pounding his chest after he froze Gorman looking at a slider to end the game. At one point, Palencia turned and repeated his yells toward Contreras at first base. Contreras immediately appeared to become upset and started walking toward Palencia, prompting both benches to clear and players to step between the two. Once the tension subsided after roughly two minutes, with Contreras' teammates guiding him back to the dugout, the Cubs (48-33) went through their handshake line to celebrate the win. They reached the midpoint of the season on pace for 96 wins, which would be their most since 2016. Palencia's ability to lock in after hitting Contreras showed his self-confidence and mental fortitude not to let the game spiral after the heated exchange. He said he didn't hear what Contreras was saying to him after the game ended. Asked about screaming in Contreras' direction as he celebrated, Palencia said: 'I was just excited. This is my job. … Just the moment of the game. 'It was an intense game, I was really hyped. That's part of the game. Nothing was intentional. I don't want to hit that guy. I've been watching that guy since I was a kid. I really feel proud of him, what he's doing for the game. Like I said, the moment was intense, close game.' Although they briefly overlapped in the Cubs organization, Palencia and Contreras crossed paths only during spring training in 2022. 'He's Venezuelan, too, you know? I don't want to hit that guy,' Palencia said. 'I don't want to hit any guy in this game. I just want to do my job.' Contreras told St. Louis reporters he knows Palencia wasn't trying to throw a fastball at his face, but it wasn't long ago he broke a finger in August when hit by a pitch that ended his 2024 season. He said he repeatedly told Palencia to throw strikes. However, Contreras took ownership of how he responded to Palencia. 'My reaction was bad, I take that back,' Contreras told reporters. 'I apologize to the Chicago Cubs for reacting the way I reacted. But I'm not trying to get another broken bone. … I'm not trying to fight anybody. 'The only thing I didn't appreciate was the way he turned around. But once again, it's just the heat of the game. He came out with good stuff, put another zero on the board and they won today.' Cubs left fielder Ian Happ, who spent six seasons with Contreras in Chicago, said, 'That's Willson.' 'He loves his teammates, he loves to play hard,' Happ said. 'He's a guy that is in at every pitch, and anytime you get hit up and in in a spot like that, guys are scared, guys are frustrated, and so I totally get it. But it's just the heat of the moment and competition.' This week's four-game series was the first time this year the rivals met, with the Cubs recovering from dropping the first two games to salvage a series split with wins the last two days at Busch Stadium. The Cubs-Cardinals rivalry had been missing some juice the last few years. It has been a while since both teams were good enough for the games to matter on each side. And though the charged ending Thursday was largely fueled by Contreras, it could add some fireworks when the Cardinals come to Wrigley Field on Fourth of July weekend.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ana Bárbara, Adriel Favela & Horacio Palencia Hope ‘Pase a la Fama' Gives Mexican Music ‘A Different Level of Visibility'
Pase a la Fama, Telemundo's new television series, is set to premiere on Sunday, June 8 featuring a star-studded panel of judges — Ana Bárbara, Adriel Favela and Horacio Palencia — and original music produced by Latin Grammy-winning hitmaker Edgar Barrera. During the show, participants will compete in a bootcamp-like setting where they will 'train, perform and face challenges,' according to a press statement, vying for a $100,000 prize, a record deal with HYBE Latin America and crowned the next regional Mexican band, which will comprised of five participants. More from Billboard Fuerza Regida's JOP, Gabito Ballesteros & Lupillo Rivera Join 'Pase a la Fama' TV Show Jon Bellion Was Tired of Songwriters Getting 'Paid F-king Dirt' - So He Flipped the Script With 'Father Figure' Elvis Crespo, Elena Rose, Kapo & More: Vote for the Best New Latin Music This Week 'The truth is that it's a project we put our hearts into,' Ana Bárbara tells Billboard during a conversation over Zoom, just days before competition kick off. 'I personally feel moved, excited, thrilled and I think it will be a great project.' The judges will be meticulous about who they choose as finalists. They must have 'discipline and respect for the audience and us as judges, all of those are ingredients that for me are very, very important,' Palencia says. 'In fact, I tell the new generation that, for me, discipline is actually even more important than talent, because sometimes it doesn't matter to have talent if you don't have discipline.' So, what were the main qualities the judges looked for? 'It's a band and, at the end of the day, I believe that there are many components that contribute to what brings success to a career,' Palencia adds. 'The [right] attitude, preparation and how they accept more than just criticism, but the constructive advice we give them,' Palencia adds. 'I believe that the winning band will genuinely work towards achieving all of those characteristics.' The show is set to premiere at a time when some música mexicana artists are facing bans in Mexico (if they sing narcocorridos in certain public settings) or visa delays and revocations in the United States. 'I had no idea that all of this could happen, which is both delicate and strong, yet sensitive, and definitely very sad,' Ana Bárbara says. 'Because it affects all of us in some way, it has an impact. We all admire the music of someone who is having problems for various reasons, beyond whatever the reason may be. This show will provide [Mexican] music with a different level of visibility.' The judges will also focus on emphasizing 'clean song lyrics and about love stories,' Favela says. 'It is nice to realize that music is giving us a chance to go beyond the musical aspect. To see our individual values, to see young people singing themes that, nowadays, I dare to say, are being lost, perhaps more and more. And that there is validity in rescuing all of this, which at the end of the day is the pure root of our Mexican essence.' It was previously announced that Lupillo Rivera, Fuerza Regida's JOP and Gabito Ballestero's will join the show as mentors. The first episode of Pase a la Fama will premiere Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on Telemundo. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Palencia women's team captures Florida State Golf Association Interclub championship
A team from The Palencia Club ended a four-month odyssey April 8-9 at Club Adena in Ocala when they won the Florida State Golf Association Women's Interclub Championship. Monique Perna, Maria Nilsson, Lisa Proctor and Deidre Wray competed over 36 holes in a net Stableford format, with three of the best four scores counting each day. Palencia scored 218 points and defeated the Harbour Ridge Golf and Yacht Club by 11 points. The Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club was second with 206 points and the Estero Country Club was third with 205 points. The Palencia Club won the Florida State Golf Association Women's Interclub Championship April 8-9 at Club Adena in Ocala. From the left are Maria Nilsson, Deidre Wray, Lisa Proctor and Monique Perna. Peg Larson was the team captain. Advertisement Palencia's point total was a tournament record. Fourteen clubs made the championship after a series of six weekly matches began in January. Regional playoffs were held in February and March. Perna scored 78 points in the two rounds to lead Palencia, but it was a balanced performance. Nilsson scored 75 points and Proctor and Wray 64 points each. Palencia was tied with Estero after the first round, then pulled away in the second round. Nilsson had three net birdies on her last five holes to keep the team ahead. NFJG sponsors Gary Vanover event The North Florida Junior Golf Foundation will hold its annual Gary Vanover Step Aside Scramble and Shootout on May 4 at the Marsh Landing Country Club, with a 10 a.m. shotgun start. Advertisement The playing fee is $200 per person, with prizes, food, drinks and course fees included. There are six-player teams, with a $1 million hole-in-one competition. An online auction is also being held May 1-4, with 30 area clubs participating. For information or to register, visit Hipp rallies to win at Jax Beach Charlie Hipp of St. Johns came from four shots back with a final-round 68 to win the Florida Junior Tour 13-15 Jax Beach Open at the Jacksonville Beach Golf Club. Hipp shot 1-over 143 to defeat Ambrose Kinnare of St. Augustine by two shots. Jack Cole of Jacksonville (148) tied for third, Jonah Nacional of St. Augustine (150) was solo seventh, Ethan Grossman of Jacksonville (152) tied for eighth and Brady Dougan of Jacksonville (153) tied for 10th. Advertisement In the girls division, Lily Chiang of Jacksonville (150) tied for fifth, seven shots behind winner Leionie Tavares of St. Jerome. Chloe McGrath of Jacksonville (151) was ninth and Sophia Moody of Fleming Island (153) tied for 10th. ILA Tournament set The 30th annual ILA Scholarship Tournament will be held April 28 at Hidden Hills. Registration is at 8 a.m. and a shotgun start will be at 9 a.m., with the awards banquet following at 2 p.m. The tournament is sponsored by the ILA Local 1408 at the Port of Jacksonville. The fee is $130 per player, which includes playing fees, cart, breakfast, lunch and beverages. Registration forms must be received by April 14. Advertisement Information can be obtained by calling (904) 885-4600 or by visiting xxx xxx xxx This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Palencia wins Florida State Golf Association Interclub championship
