Latest news with #ex-MLB
UPI
15-07-2025
- UPI
Ex-MLB pitcher Daniel Serafini guilty of father-in-law's 2021 murder
July 15 (UPI) -- A jury convicted ex-MLB player Daniel Serafini in the four-year-old murder of his father-in-law and attempted killing of his mother-in-law at their California home. On Monday, jurors in Placer County found Serafini, 51, guilty of first-degree murder, attempted murder and burglary in the community of Homewood on the west shore of Lake Tahoe where he shot the couple in June 2021. Robert Spohr, 70, was shot and killed execution-style, according to investigators. His wife, 70-year-old Wendy Wood, was shot in the head twice but survived. However, she died a year later. Following a two-year investigation, Serafini was arrested in October 2023 with his nanny-turned-lover Samantha Scott, 33. Scott admitted to driving Serafini to his in-laws home. In February, she pleaded guilty after the fact to accessory but was released from custody and awaits sentencing. Serafini's wife, Erin Spohr, testified during the trial that she had an open marriage with her husband but still trusted him. Richard Miller, the assistant chief deputy DA who prosecuted Serafini, told jurors that Serafini hated his wife's well-off parents and allegedly told other people that he was willing to pay $20,000 to get them killed, the Sacramento Bee reported. Adrienne Spohr, her sister, has been pushing for justice in the case since the deadly attack. She commented Monday that the Placer County DA and sheriff's office "never gave up." "It's been four years since my mom and dad were shot, and it's been four years of just hell," she told CBS outside the courthouse. Serafini is a San Francisco-born native and in 1992 got selected by the Minnesota Twins in that year's MLB draft. In addition to a tour in Italy during the 2013 World Baseball Classic, he played for the Chicago Cubs, Colorado Rockies and in August 2003 was signed to join the Cincinnati Reds. He has a scheduled sentencing on August 18 and faces a max sentence of life in prison without a chance of parole.
USA Today
14-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
MLB Draft Tracker 2025: Sooner State shines on first day of the draft
The first day of the Major League Baseball Draft was a good one for Sooners. Sunday proved it was a special year to be a baseball player from the Sooner State. The first day of the Major League Baseball Draft concluded Sunday night with several Oklahomans selected, including No. 1 overall pick Eli Willits from Fort Cobb-Broxton High School. Willits is the younger brother of Sooners infielder Jaxon Willits and son of ex-MLB outfielder and ex-Sooners outfielder Reggie Willits. Willits was the first of a number of players with ties to Oklahoma who were selected by MLB clubs. Most of those taken on Sunday will ultimately sign with their professional teams. However, any could choose to continue or, in the case of high-schoolers selected, start their collegiate careers. Odds are long that the Witherspoon brothers will return to Norman. Kyson Witherspoon went in the top 15, and his elder brother Malachi was taken in the second round. Their catcher, Easton Carmichael, joined them as one of the OU baseball players taken on the first day. Here's a look at all the players with Oklahoma ties who have been taken in the Draft. Note: the list will update periodically as the draft continues on Monday. Eli Willits, shortstop - Fort Cobb-Broxton High School Round 1, Pick 1 - Washington Nationals Willits is the third youngest player ever taken No. 1 overall behind only Ken Griffy Jr. in 1987 and Tim Foli in 1968. Nationals general manager Mike DeBartolo said Willits ranked as both the best hitter and the best fielder in the draft by Washington's scouts. The son of former MLB outfielder Reggie Willits, Eli signed with the Sooners earlier this year, but almost certainly won't make it to Norman after his selection. *Ethan Holliday, shortstop - Stillwater High School Round 1, Pick 4 - Colorado Rockies Some prognosticators had Holliday, the son of former MLB outfielder Matt Holliday, as the possible No. 1 overall selection. Instead, Holliday fell to Colorado, where Matt Holliday broke out during his time in the bigs, at pick No. 4. Holliday projects as having more power than Willits but not as consistent a bat. Though not an Oklahoma commit, Holliday's selection is a sign that America's Pasttime is alive and well in the State of Oklahoma. Kyson Witherspoon, pitcher - University of Oklahoma Round 1, Pick 15 - Boston Red Sox Kyson Witherspoon was the first collegiate right-handed pitcher taken in the draft and ultimately landed about where projections had him, in the middle of the first round. Kyson Witherspoon was stellar for the Sooners in 2025, racking up 124 strikeouts against just 23 walks over 95 innings. With his selection, Kyson Witherspoon became the first picher taken by the Red Sox in the first round since Tanner Houck in 2017. Malachi Witherspoon, pitcher - University of Oklahoma Round 2, Pick 62 - Detroit Tigers Malachi Witherspoon's selection in the second round came as a surprise to most projections. rated him the 121st prospect in the draft and FanGrafs tabbed him at No. 98. The Tigers took him a whole round, or two, above expectation. Like Kyson Witherspoon, Malachi throws hard, but will need to work on command after walking 32 batters in 74 1/3 innings last year with the Sooners. Easton Carmichael, catcher - University of Oklahoma Round 3, Pick 82 - Pittsburgh Pirates Carmichael landed around expectations after being rated as the 93rd-ranked prospect in the draft by A three-year starter at catcher, Carmichael will leave OU ranked in the top 10 in several hitting categories. The native Texan was the fourth collegiate catcher taken on the day.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Dominican Republic nightclub tragedy goes viral as owner and sister arrested after roof collapse kills 236
In a dramatic development two months after one of the deadliest nightclub disasters in Caribbean history, Dominican Republic authorities have arrested nightclub owner Antonio Espaillat and his sister Maribel Espaillat. The arrests come in connection with the roof collapse at Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, which killed 236 people and injured over 180 more on April 8. 🚨 Dominican Republic Nightclub Roof Collapse (Apr 8)Tragedy at Jet Set nightclub, Santo Domingo—roof collapsed at 12:44 am during Rubby Pérez's live merengue show98+ dead & 160+ injuredAmong victims: singer Pérez, ex-MLB players, & a provincial governor#DominicanRepublic Arrest follows national tragedy According to a statement from the Attorney General's Office, the siblings demonstrated 'immense irresponsibility and negligence' by failing to take preventive action, despite longstanding issues with the building's structure. Prosecutors now have 48 hours to formally present charges. At 12:34 a.m. Tuesday, April 8, 2025 the roof of the Jet Set Nightclub, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic least 113 people were killed and another 155 injured including Nelsy Cruz, governor of the Monte Cristi province and former MLB players, Octavio Dotel and Tony… A night of celebration turns into horror The tragedy unfolded during a packed performance by legendary merengue singer Rubby Pérez. Over 500 people had gathered to celebrate the club's 50th anniversary, a legacy venue passed down to the Espaillats from their mother. Among the dead were prominent figures, including Pérez himself, former MLB stars Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco, and Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi and sister of baseball icon Nelson Cruz. What was supposed to be a night of music and celebration quickly turned into an unspeakable catastrophe. The cause of the structural failure remains under investigation. Tragedy in Dominican Republic: Nightclub Roof Collapse During Concert Kills 44, Including Province Governor. Longstanding warning signs While Antonio Espaillat claimed during a local television interview that 'there was no warning' the roof was compromised, he also admitted the venue had experienced routine water leakage from its air conditioning system for years. These filtration issues, prosecutors suggest, may have signalled the potential danger long before the collapse. 🎙 #EstaNocheMariasela | Caso Jet Set'Gregory advirtió… y no fue escuchado.'Así lo afirma el abogado Plinio Pina, representante de Gregory Adames, quien asegura que su cliente advirtió en múltiples ocasiones a Antonio Espaillat sobre el peligro que representaba el techo. During the same interview, Antonio stated he would cooperate fully and remain in the country to face any consequences. He expressed deep remorse, saying he felt 'completely destroyed' and that there were no words to convey the pain caused by the incident. Allegations of witness intimidation Authorities have also accused the Espaillats—described as influential figures in the Dominican Republic's entertainment and media industry—of attempting to manipulate or intimidate potential witnesses. The pair reportedly own several elite venues and dozens of radio stations across the country. President Luis Abinader addressed the nation on social media shortly after the tragedy, expressing heartfelt condolences and assuring citizens that rescue and relief efforts were being carried out with urgency. As the case unfolds, the country watches closely, demanding justice for the 236 lives lost in what is now considered one of the deadliest entertainment venue disasters in the region.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Paul Skenes trade grades for ex-MLB GM's Cubs-Pirates hypothetical
The post Paul Skenes trade grades for ex-MLB GM's Cubs-Pirates hypothetical appeared first on ClutchPoints. Paul Skenes broke onto the scene in 2024 when the Pittsburgh Pirates brought him up to the major leagues in 2024. He went 11-3 en route to starting in the All-Star game, making Skenes the first Pirates pitcher to do so in 50 years. In 2025, Skenes has shone as an individual, but the team around him has faltered. The Cubs could be a dark horse team to entice Pittsburgh to give him up this summer. Advertisement Former Major League Baseball general manager Jim Bowden put together deals from every team for Skenes, and the Chicago Cubs' package features top prospects like Matt Shaw and Cade Horton. Almost every potential deal for the 23-year-old would require a team's best young players. The Cubs are one of the more interesting packages in the league; their top two prospects are already playing in the majors. Skenes and the Pirates have been fighting trade rumors since they started after the team's slow start. However, experts like Bowden continue to explore the possibilities. According to him, the Chicago Cubs' players provide the most immediate upgrades to the Pittsburgh. Proposed package: RHP Cade Horton, 3B Matt Shaw, OF Kevin Alcántara, SS Juan Tomas 'The Pirates would acquire Horton, the Cubs' top pitching prospect, who could immediately go into their rotation, and he'd come with an extra year of control than they have with Skenes,' Bowden. 'Shaw could be moved to second base. Alcántara could be promoted to the majors to play left field, and he'd be an instant upgrade in the Pirates' lineup. Tomas, 17, is a solid prospect who could develop into their long-term solution at shortstop. Meanwhile, Skenes would make the first-place Cubs a real October threat.' Why the Chicago Cubs should make the trade Adding Skenes would take teams from the fringe of contention to serious World Series consideration. The Cubs' rotation is led by Shota Imanaga, who would be in All-Star consideration if he wasn't on Chicago's injury list. Behind him, Matthew Boyd and Jameson Taillon have been serviceable, but Craig Counsell is in need of a second star. Skenes fills that hole emphatically and could be the team's ace for the next decade if they can keep him in a Cubs uniform. Advertisement Both Imanaga and Skenes have ERAs less than 2.90. If they joined forces, they would be one of best pitching duos the league has to offer. For a team that is always done in by their pitching in the postseason, bringing in the young ace would give the Cubs peace of mind in tense playoff matchups. Skenes has yet to pitch in the playoffs, but odds of him translating poorly from the regular season to the playoffs are slim considering just how dominant he has been so far in his career. Shaw and Horton recently made their MLB debuts for Chicago and have impressed so far. Giving them up leaves some immediate holes in the Cubs' roster, but it is well worth the price to bring in Skenes. However, losing both of them, along with two promising prospects still in the minor leagues is enough to give Chicago's front office a reason to step back and look at the deal closely. Many of the Cubs' concerns would go away if they sign Pete Crow-Armstrong to a long-term deal. Doing so would secure their star of the future and allow them to be more aggressive. The move guts the top of their farm system, but Chicago is capable of developing talent as well as most other teams in the league. Cubs Trade Grade: B+ Why the Pittsburgh Pirates should make the trade Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds, and Ke'Bryan Hayes are the leaders of the Pittsburgh Pirates' offense. However, Cruz and Skenes have both been thrown out as potential trade candidates. The future of the Pirates cannot be carried by just their ace, no matter how good he is. For that reason, Pittsburgh could make the tough call to bring in a variety of players instead of putting all their hopes into one. Advertisement The Pirates moved on from Derek Shelton, a sign that more changes are coming. Things around Pittsburgh are in a state of flux, including the roster. However, losing so many games makes it difficult for the organization to determine which players are worth keeping. Because of that, the Pirates could chose to stand still at the deadline. If they do make a deal, they need to make sure it is the right one for their future. Pittsburgh needs a miraculous turnaround to return to contention. Despite losing so many games, fans expect improvement from a roster that surprised the league in the second half of last season. Bringing in prospects would definitely give the team a different look. Horton would immediately have a spot in the rotation. Straw would move from third base, but the Pirates' infield is in need of an upgrade as well. Alcántara is a bigger question mark. With Andrew McCutchen mentoring him, though, he could turn into an asset in the field. The Pirates struck gold when they picked Skenes in the 2023 draft. However, if they team can't pay him what he will want in free agency, the best move could be a trade. The Cubs give them players to build around, but it is a tough sell to their fans. However, big risks are necessary for the Pirates to eventually get over the hump. Pirates Trade Grade: B
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong joins rare HR-steal club in win vs. Nationals
The post Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong joins rare HR-steal club in win vs. Nationals appeared first on ClutchPoints. Pete Crow-Armstrong is a former first-round draft pick who was the main selling point in the 2021 trade the New York Mets completed with the Chicago Cubs for Javier Baez. So, he was always projected to do big things. But few people expected him to morph into a complete talent at just 23 years of age. Advertisement The Cubs center fielder displayed excellent defense and speed in a 123-game sample size in 2024, but he managed little production in the batter's box. Crow-Armstrong's struggles continued to begin the 2025 season, as he slashed a ghastly .197/.264/.258/.521 in his first 17 games. It did not take long for everything to click, however. Fast forward to now, and Crow-Armstrong is one of MLB's best players. He punctuated Chicago's fantastic 60-game start (38-22) by achieving a truly remarkable feat in Tuesday's 8-3 win versus the Washington Nationals (28-32). The Los Angeles, California native hit a double, scored two runs, walked twice and recorded two stolen bases. His active outing lifted him into rarefied air. Crow-Armstrong is the fourth-fastest player in the modern era (since 1900) to belt 15-plus home runs and steal 20-plus bags, trailing only Bobby Bonds, Ken Williams and Eric Davis, per the MLB X account. Cubs star Pete Crow-Armstrong has raced his way toward the top early in 2025 And the myth grows. The Cubs have one of the most lethal lineups in baseball, with Kyle Tucker and Seiya Suzuki both posting Silver Slugger-worthy campaigns so far, but the man they call PCA is a huge reason why they are tied with the Mets for the top record in the National League. He is leaving a sizable imprint all over the field, displaying his entire skill set en route to posting an NL-best 3.6 WAR. Advertisement Pete Crow-Armstrong has 15 homers, 21 stolen bases, a .281 batting average, .562 slugging percentage, .880 OPS, 51 RBIs and 15 doubles this season. Although it is still early, he is firmly in the NL MVP race. Actually, one can argue he is leading the pack right now. What is maybe most astounding about this terrific run is that there is considerable room for improvement. The left-handed hitter has a substandard .313 on-base percentage and concerning 43.8 chase rate, illustrating a lack of discipline at the dish. And yet, he is still smashing the ball. If Crow-Armstrong can become a bit more selective during at-bats, he could enter truly special territory. As it stands, PCA is already joining exclusive clubs and epitomizing two-way star power. Crow-Armstrong and the Cubbies will try to stay in full-throttle mode when they return to Nationals Park on Wednesday. Related: Paul Skenes trade grades for ex-MLB GM's Cubs-Pirates hypothetical Related: Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong emerging as legitimate MVP candidate
