Top News:
Julia Poe / Chicago Tribune:
Patrick Williams — back with the Chicago Bulls tonight for the 1st time in 5 months — credits teammates for keeping his spirits up — Patrick Williams hadn't felt butterflies before a basketball game in years. But after nearly five months off the court, the Chicago Bulls power forward expected …
Discussion:
Mercury News
RELATED:
Kristian Winfield / New York Daily News:
Nets say Ben Simmons has herniated disk in back — Nets head coach Steve Nash confirmed reports that star forward Ben Simmons has aggravated his herniated disk, a back injury he's been dealing with for several years dating back to his time with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Discussion:
New York Post and NetsDaily
The Athletic:
'The most toxic environment I've ever been a part of': Inside Urban Meyer's disastrous year with Jaguars — Urban Meyer burst into a room full of players at the Jaguars' facility. He was furious. — One of his players had missed an assignment during a preseason game, leading to a busted play.
Discussion:
Bleacher Nation, Sports Illustrated, Los Angeles Times, ProFootballTalk, New York Post and USA Today
ESPN:
Sources: Carlos Correa, Minnesota Twins agree to 3-year, $105.3 million deal with opt-outs — Shortstop Carlos Correa and the Minnesota Twins are in agreement on a three-year, $105.3 million contract that includes opt-outs after the first two seasons, sources confirmed to ESPN's Jeff Passan.
Discussion:
Associated Press, MLB Baseball News …, Cubbies Crib, USA Today, Bleacher Nation and NBCSports.com
RELATED:
Stefan Bondy / New York Daily News:
Breaking down the likelihood (or unlikelihood) of Donovan Mitchell coming to the Knicks — Ever since Leon Rose took over as Knicks president two years ago, the home run has lurked. It has taken on different forms and players, but it's always chilling in the background …
Discussion:
Orange County Register
ESPN:
Boston Red Sox, Trevor Story agree to six-year, $140M contract, sources confirm — Trevor Story and the Boston Red Sox have agreed to a six-year, $140 million contract, sources confirmed to ESPN. — The deal includes an opt-out after the fourth season, sources said.
Discussion:
NBCSports.com, CBS Boston, Cubs Insider, FanSided, USA Today and Boston.com
RELATED:
Bob Hohler / The Boston Globe:
David Ortiz was targeted by drug kingpin in 2019 shooting, according to Ed Davis's findings — Red Sox great David Ortiz was shot point-blank in the back in his native Dominican Republic in 2019 because a notorious international drug kingpin whose path he crossed multiple times wanted him dead …
Discussion:
The Guardian, Sports Illustrated, CBSSports.com, New York Post and CBS Boston
Meghan Montemurro / Chicago Tribune:
Top Chicago Cubs pitching prospect Brailyn Marquez in camp after testing positive for COVID — and dealing with myocarditis last season — MESA, ARIZ. — Brailyn Marquez built up in the offseason while waiting for the MLB lockout to end, hoping to make an impression in Chicago Cubs camp.
Discussion:
NBCSports.com and Cubs Insider
Tim Healey / Newsday:
Pete Alonso feeling strong and believes Mets' culture will be changed on field — WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — These first years of Pete Alonso's career have been full of wild statistics, from him leading the majors in home runs since his debut (106, the only player to reach triple digits) …
Bruce Levine / Audacy:
Willson Contreras understands he could soon be an ex-Cub — MESA, Ariz. (670 The Score) - Midway through an interview, Cubs catcher Willson Contreras had to excuse himself for a second to compose himself. He was emotional while reflecting on everything the organization has meant to him over the years …
Discussion:
Bleacher Nation and MLB Trade Rumors
Bobby Nightengale / Cincinnati.com:
Reds notes: Jose Barrero sidelined; Vladimir Gutierrez not taking anything for granted … GOODYEAR, Ariz. - Jose Barrero, competing for the Cincinnati Reds' starting shortstop job, didn't participate in Saturday's workout and won't play in at least the first few spring training games because of a sore left wrist.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Deesha Thosar / New York Daily News:
Mets starting third baseman Eduardo Escobar ready to take on leadership role in clubhouse — PORT ST. LUCIE — Almost every morning, Eduardo Escobar begins his day by spreading positivity. — Escobar posts a supportive message on Instagram, encouraging his fans to work hard and follow their dreams.
Dan Martin / New York Post:
Yankees' catching depth takes blow with Ben Rortvedt injury — SARASOTA - The Yankees' already thin catching situation has taken another hit this spring, as newly acquired Ben Rortvedt has been sidelined with an oblique injury, according to Aaron Boone. — The 24-year-old is still doing …
Discussion:
Sports Illustrated, Cubbies Crib, Pinstripe Alley and MLB Trade Rumors
Kristian Winfield / New York Daily News:
Seth Curry returns to help Nets avoid devastating loss to Trail Blazers — There was no way the Nets were giving away another game. — After Spencer Dinwiddie hit the buzzer-beating shot to win it at Barclays Center on Wednesday, the Nets stared another disappointing defeat in the face …
Discussion:
New York Post, NetsDaily and Denver Post