Digital Sports Desk

The online destination for sports purists

Red Sox vs Twins Game Scout

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Boston at Minnesota

When: 8:10 PM ET, Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Where: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
By Gracenote

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MINNEAPOLIS – The Minnesota Twins remain the only team in the majors without three consecutive losses, a streak they kept intact by prevailing in a 17-inning marathon against the Boston Red Sox. The American League Central-leading Twins will try to avoid their first series loss at home in more than two months when they host Boston in Wednesday night’s rubber match of the three-game set.

Max Kepler did not enter Tuesday’s contest until the eighth inning but certainly earned his game check with a walk-off single after delivering a stay-alive homer in the 13th and a tying single in the eighth of the 4-3 victory. Eddie Rosario collected four hits, including one of his three doubles during the winning rally to settle the longest game by innings in the history of Target Field. Rafael Devers homered among three hits — his fifth multiple-hit performance in seven games — for the Red Sox, who had their season-high six-game winning streak snapped. Boston’s bullpen, which used eight relievers to cover the final 11 1/3 innings, blew a pair of saves in the contest to increase its season total to 14. 

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Eduardo Rodriguez (7-4, 4.67 ERA) vs. Twins RH Kyle Gibson (7-3, 3.70)

Rodriguez matched his longest outing of the season last time out in Baltimore, picking up the victory by holding the Orioles to one run and six hits over seven innings to improve to 3-1 in his last four turns. Consistency has been an issue for the 26-year-old Venezuelan, who has permitted two runs or fewer in seven starts and four runs or more in his other seven outings. Marwin Gonzalez is 3-for-3 with three RBIs off Rodriguez, who owns a 1-1 record and 3.91 ERA in four starts against Minnesota.

Gibson also earned his seventh victory with a superb performance in his last outing, blanking Kansas City on two hits over a season-high eight innings for his third win in four starts. It marked the seventh time in 10 starts that the 31-year-old permitted two runs or fewer and boosted his record at Target Field to 4-0 with a 2.45 ERA over five appearances. Mookie Betts is 6-for-16 with three homers versus Gibson, who posted a 1.93 while splitting two decisions against the Red Sox in 2018.

WALK-OFFS

1. Kepler is the only Minnesota player since 2010 to reach safely three times after coming on as a pinch hitter, doing it for the second time Tuesday.

2. Red Sox DH J.D. Martinez was 0-for-8 with five strikeouts in Tuesday’s marathon.

3. Minnesota place OF Byron Buxton (wrist) and INF Ehire Adrianza (abdomen) on the 10-day disabled list Tuesday.

PGA Tour: Travelers Preview

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LAST TOURNAMENT: U.S. Open (Gary Woodland)
THIS WEEK: Travelers Championship, June 20-23
TPC River Highlands, Cromwell, Conn. (Par 70, 6,841 yards)
Purse: $7.2 million (Winner: $1.26 million – Based on 2018)
Defending champion: Bubba Watson
FedEx Cup leader: Matt Kuchar
Television: Thursday-Friday, 3-6 p.m. ET (Golf Channel). Saturday-Sunday, 1-2:45 p.m. (GC), 3-6 p.m. (CBS).

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NOTES: Norway’s Viktor Hovland makes his professional debut after taking low amateur honors with a T12 at the U.S. Open. So, too, does former Oklahoma State teammate Matthew Wolff, the consensus collegiate player of the year. Wolff finished 50th at this year’s Waste Management Open after opening with a 67. … Watson is a three-time winner of the event, one shy of Billy Casper’s record four. Watson will be paired with Brooks Koepka and Tony Finau for the first two rounds. … Phil Mickelson is the event’s only back-to-back champion (2001-02) and is in the field for the first time since 2003. He is paired with 2017 event winner Jordan Spieth and 2012 winner Marc Leishman. … Jim Furyk holds the 18-hole course record with a 58 in the fourth round in 2016, which is also the lowest round in PGA Tour history. Kenny Perry (258, 2009), holds the 72-hole record. … Paul Casey failed to close out a four-shot lead entering the final round last year, and lost out to Watson in a playoff in 2015.


BEST BETS: Koepka (7/1 by PointsBet) has only two PGA Tour wins outside of his four major titles. The world’s top-ranked player is coming off his third runner-up finish of the season at the U.S. Open. … Patrick Cantlay (10/1) won three weeks ago at the Memorial and returns to the site where he set a PGA Tour 18-hole amateur record with a 60 in 2011. … Francesco Molinari (18/1) has a win and two other top-5s this season, along with the stellar iron play to go low on a very scorable course. … Hovland (60/1) held his own while paired with Koepka and Molinari for the first two rounds at Pebble Beach before closing with a 67 to break Jack Nicklaus’ 72-hole amateur scoring record in the U.S. Open. He was also the low amateur at this year’s Masters and won the Ben Hogan Award as the nation’s top collegiate player.


NEXT WEEK: Rocket Mortgage Classic, Detroit.

The House That Red Built

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BOSTON LANDING – (Staff Report from Official News Release) – One year after The Auerbach Center at New Balance World Headquarters opened its doors for the first time, the Boston Celtics are launching “The House That Red Built” – a 27-minute documentary highlighting the development and detail of the team’s first-rate facility.

“This documentary offers Celtics fans a unique glimpse into the detailed process, effort, and inspiration that went into envisioning, designing, and building this unique facility from the ground up,” said Celtics Team President Rich Gotham.

In addition to behind-the-scenes video footage of the building’s external and internal development, the documentary includes interviews with Celtics Lead Owner and Governor Wyc Grousbeck, Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge, and Gotham. It also provides context to the relationship between the Celtics and New Balance, in addition to the original connection between the Davis family and Red Auerbach.

“New Balance is extremely proud to join with the Boston Celtics in honoring Red Auerbach’s professional achievements and personal values of teamwork and integrity through the opening of ‘Red’s House’ at Boston Landing,” said Jim Davis, Chairman at New Balance. “Red Auerbach was a true entrepreneur whose passion for winning and dedication to the sport of basketball and the Boston Celtics was equally matched with his commitment to people and the Boston community.”

“The House That Red Built”, a documentary produced by ELEMENT Productions in partnership with the Boston Celtics, is now live for viewing on Celtics.com and the Celtics’ official YouTube and Facebook channels.

All Betts Are Off

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Minnesota Twins 4, Boston Red Sox 3

When: 8:10 PM ET, Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Where: Target Field, Minneapolis,
Attendance: 25,741
Special to digital Sports Desk by Field Level Media

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MINNEAPOLIS – Max Kepler singled with the bases loaded in the 17th inning to give the Minnesota Twins their first walk-off win of the season, 4-3 over the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday night in Minneapolis.

Kepler, who finished 3-for-5 with three RBIs, including a game-tying homer in the 13th inning, drove in Luis Arraez in the 17th.

Arraez singled with one out off Brian Johnson (1-1) and the advanced to third on Eddie Rosario’s third double of the game. C.J. Cron was intentionally walked to load the bases, and Mookie Betts was brought in as a fifth infielder. Kepler then lined his game-winner down the right field line to end the longest game in Target Field history in terms of innings.

Rosario finished 4-for-8 for Minnesota, which snapped a two-game losing streak. Zack Littell (1-0), the ninth pitcher for the Twins, picked up his first major league victory by pitching two shutout innings.

Rafael Devers went 3-for-8 with a homer and two RBIs, and Andrew Benintendi and Brock Holt also had three hits for Boston, which had its season-high six-game winning streak snapped.

Betts, who finished 1-for-6 with two runs, gave Boston a 3-2 lead when he led off the 13th inning with 12th home run of the season midway up the left field foul pole. But Kepler tied it while leading off the bottom half when he lined a Hector Velazquez fastball 391 feet into the upper deck in right-center.

Boston took a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning when Betts led off with a walk, stole second and then scored two outs later on a single by Devers.

Minnesota, shut out for the first time since April 30 in a 2-0 loss in the series opener on Monday night, tied it in the bottom of the fourth. Rosario doubled with two outs and scored on a single to right-center by Cron.

The Red Sox regained the lead in the seventh when Devers led off with his 12th home run of the season off reliever Ryne Harper, a 374-foot drive into the right field bleachers.

The Twins tied it, 2-2, in the eighth against reliever Brandon Workman on a two-out RBI single by Kepler, driving in Mitch Garver, who led off the inning with a walk and advanced to second on a wild pitch.

Minnesota shortstop Jorge Polanco singled leading off the bottom of the first to extend his consecutive on-base streak to 32 games, the longest in the majors this season. However, Polanco finished the night 1-for-8.

–Field Level Media

Kyrie Changes Agents

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BOSTON – Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving parted ways with his longtime agent Jeff Wechsler is expected to sign with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, according to multiple reports.

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Irving is set to opt out of the final year of his five-year contract to become an unrestricted free agent as of June 30, multiple media outlets reported Wednesday.

Roc Nation also represents Golden State Warriors star Kevin Durant, fueling rumors that Irving and Durant hope to play with the same team.

Irving, the first overall pick in the 2011 draft by the Cavaliers, was scheduled to make $21.3 million for the final year of the $94.3 million pact he originally signed with Cleveland. Irving, who won the 2016 championship with the Cavs, is a six-time All-Star who joined the Celtics for the 2017-2018 season.

Durant, whose Golden State Warriors trails the Toronto Raptors 3-2 in the NBA Finals, ruptured his right Achilles tendon in the second quarter of a Game 5 victory on Monday night in Toronto after returning for the first time since injuring his right calf in early May.

Durant, 30, tweeted out a photo of himself recovering in a hospital bed after surgery Wednesday in New York. He will be sidelined for up to 12 months.

Durant has to choose between taking his $31.5 million player option for the 2019-20 season and recovering with Golden State or going ahead and testing free agency this offseason. He also could wait and try free agency next summer.

The Knicks and Nets have both created enough space to pursue Irving, according to reports.

–Field Level Media

Pelicans Pick Up Gentry’s Option

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NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Pelicans picked up the 2020-21 option for head coach Alvin Gentry on Monday, putting him under contract for the next two seasons.

“We couldn’t be happier to extend our relationship with Alvin,” executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin said in a statement. “He is exactly the right coach at the right time for this franchise. As I have mentioned several times previously, the shared vision we have for the future of Pelicans basketball both on and off the floor will enable us to build a roster that fits both culturally and tactically.

“Perhaps more importantly, the relationship we have built over our many years together will enable us to challenge, empower and further one another and our franchise.”

Gentry, 64, has spent the past four seasons coaching the Pelicans, going 145-183 with three losing years. He led the team to the second round of the playoffs in 2017-18 before a drop-off this year.

The Pelicans went 33-49 this season. All-Star forward Anthony Davis requested a trade in the middle of the campaign and sat out or had his minutes limited for much of the second half.

Davis was dealt to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this week for a package of three players — Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart — and three first-round picks. The Pelicans are expected to rebuild around those players and former Duke star Zion Williamson, the presumptive first overall pick in Thursday’s draft, after winning the lottery for the top pick earlier this month.

Gentry has also been a head coach for the Miami Heat, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns, going 480-533 in the regular season across parts of 16 seasons and 17-13 in three playoff appearances.

–Field Level Media

DIGITAL SPORTS DESK’s While We’re Young (Ideas) – Episode 8

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BOSTON – The great debate is on. It’s time to take your pick:

The Beatles or The Rolling Stones?

Bird or Magic?

Tastes Great or Less Filling?

The Red Sox or the Yankees? Even if they’re playing in London?

Coke or Pepsi?

Dogs or Cats?

Chevy or Ford?

Blue or Gray?

Cubs or Sox?

Cubs or White Sox? (Wrigley Field/Getty Images).

Earl “The Pearl” or “Clyde” Frazier?

Affirmed or Alydar?

Felix or Oscar?

Russell or Chamberlain?

White Rice or Brown Rice?

Speaking of Rice, why does Rice play Texas?

These choices are not easy, they are HARD.

Hertz or Avis?

The Gap or Old Navy?

Sears or Roebuck? Eastman or Kodak?

Ben or Jerry?

Ginger or Mary Ann?

Marvel or DC?

India or Pakistan? (in Cricket)

Panathinaikos or Olympiakos? (in Everything)

Montagues or Capulets?

Sharks or Jets?

Connors or McEnroe … or Borg?

And, you might as well get right to Chrissy or Martina?

Barca or Real Madrid?

Man United or Liverpool?

Celtic or Rangers, and/or Islanders or Rangers?

Michigan or Michigan State, or better yet?

Michigan or Ohio State? (I have no horse in THAT race but wish I did)!

BC or BU?

Hopkins or Maryland? (Lax)

Harvard or Yale?

Florida or Florida State?

Cincy or Xavier (hoops)? Look out!

Duke or Carolina? Coach K or Dean Smith?

McDonald’s or Burger King?

The Globe or The Boston Herald? Trib or Sun-Times? The NY Post or The Daily News (Back in the day, it mattered)?

CBS, NBC or ABC?

Huntley or Brinkley?

Today Show or Good Morning America?

Truth be told? We’re a CBS This Morning Family! (Eye-Opener at 7am).

Rocky or Rocky II?

Good Humor or Mister Softee?

Godfather or Godfather II?

The Tattaglias, Barzinis, Cuneos, or Brazzis (as in Luca).

The Hatfields or the McCoys?

Those are the great debates and many of us have an opinion or a favorite to choose for each rivalry. While this @DigSportsDesk reporter tried to cover them all, and this list is long and varied, it’s inevitable that we’ve missed a few. (Tweet your suggestion for adding to the list to @DigSportsDesk please).

You might note that each rivalry has one of the two combatants listed in BOLD to show my own personal preference, there is one and only one left without a choice. It was The Beatles or the Stones, an unsolvable dilemma for mankind. 

For this exercise, I consulted with a long-distace but dear friend of my youth, otherwise known as my high school days. I checked in with a wonderful person, a rock n’ roller, an “OR” nurse (that’s Operating Room) from New York’s Long Island. One day a long while ago, we suprised her after an ABB concert at The Beek, by (not telling her) we were headed downtown to meet-up with Derek Trucks and a few of the guys after a show. It was fun to see her reaction in meeting the guy who had just performed miracles on the stage in front of us.

To get a grip on these rivalries of life, I consulted this fellow Allman Brothers/Tedeschi Trucks fan and asked her, one Kathryn Field who used to be known to her friends as “Kit McDonald,” a friend since about 1975. She had the only right answer to the question Beatles or Stones that I’ve ever heard.

“The Beatles by day and the Stones by night,” said Field, as a matter of fact while she scrubbed-up and prepped for another session of intensity in Stony Brook’s operating room.  I imagined there was a life to save. A miracle to be performed by regular people in the OR…everyday.

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Pretty cool stuff. Remember! The Rolling Stones tour chugs through New England with a July 7 show at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. Tickets available online at Ticketmaster.

Here Now, The Notes: The NFL and HBO Sports came to terms with the Oakland Raiders to do the 2019 version of “HARD KNOCKS,” arguably the best sports series on TV. Coach Jon Gruden might be the man straight out of Central Casting for the show, which goes far behind the scenes of an NFL training camp. HBO plans to air the series debut on Aug. 6 at 10 p.m. ET. … “Everybody wants to be a Raider,” team owner Mark Davis said in a statement. “Now they’ll find out what it takes to become one.” … Speaking of HARD KNOCKS, how about an NBA version? It could start with a “shoot itself in the foot” episode starring Toronto Raptors team president Masai Ujiri who is an the center of controversy and an investigation by Oakland area authorities for actions taken during the Raptors’ celebrations and the presentation of the NBA’s Larry O’Brien Trophy on the court at Oracle Arena this week. Ujiri got into it with a deputy of the Oakland Alameda County Sheriff’s office who was hired to do security at Courtside of Game 6 of the Nba Finals. …”Mr. Ujiri was unknown to the deputy at that time. He [the deputy] asked him for a credential,” said Sgt. Ray Kelly, a spokesman for the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office. “He shoved the deputy out of the way and walked toward the court. The deputy pushed back. The (team) president came forward more with a more significant push and ended up striking the deputy in the face.” … In a video posted by NBC Bay Area showing the end of the incident, Raptors guard Kyle Lowry is shown pulling Ujiri onto the court. The video does not show Ujiri, or anyone else, striking the officer but instead of the post series banter being about the game or the series, the NBA ends up with the black eye. … Regardless, you’ve gotta give credit to Nick Nurse, the Toronto Raptors and its deep bench of primetime players (see Fred VanVleet) a ton of credit. … Surprise Stanley Cup winner St. Louis is listed at 14-1 to take the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, with the recent odds posted at Westgate. The Blues had the worst record in the NHL as of Jan. 1, but a dramatic turnaround — 30 wins in 49 games — ended Wednesday night with the franchise’s first-ever Stanley Cup. … The 2019 regular season front-running Tampa Bay Lightning are listed as 2020 faves at 6-1. … The Boston. Bruins are listed at 7-1. … Somehow, the NHL doesn’t seem to earn as much offseason buzz as does the NBA.  That said, NHL forward Jordan Eberle agreed to a five-year contract that will keep him with the New York Islanders, the team announced on Friday. … Financial terms were not disclosed, but The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported that it is worth $27.5 million. … Rick Nash‘s NHL playing career began with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2002. His front office career began Thursday, with those same Blue Jackets, who 17 years ago made him the No. 1 overall draft pick. Nash, 35 and a former NY Rangers and Boston Bruins winger, was named special assistant to general manager Jarmo Kekalainen.

Toronto Star

Sad times for the NFL: Pat Bowlen, who won three Super Bowls over three decades as owner of the Denver Broncos, died Thursday at age 75 after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. … The Broncos revealed in a statement shortly after midnight local time Friday that Bowlen passed away at his home in Denver. … The Bowlen family released a comment via the team’s statement that said: “We are saddened to inform everyone that our beloved husband and father, Pat Bowlen, passed on to the next chapter of his life late Thursday night peacefully at home surrounded by family. His soul will live on through the Broncos, the city of Denver and all of our fans. … “Our family wishes to express its sincere gratitude for the outpouring of support we have received in recent years. Heaven got a little bit more orange and blue tonight.” … Bowlen will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer in Canton, Ohio. … On sports franchise ownership, we made note of the fact NBA Commissioner Adam Silver wants to change the lexicon from “owner” to team governor, but in a “Player’s League” that the NBA surely is, wouldn’t;t it be better if the NBA’s “Larry O’Brien Trophy” were presented to the team captain of the NBA champion instead of the Governor? … The visual of the captain of the NHL champion hoisting the Stanley Cup is one of the most endearing images locked in the mind of every kid in Canada. Why not the NBA “Larry” too? … Toronto team guv Larry Tanenbaum could get that done. … The NBA’s “Real Season,” the one that fans seem to care most about begins in earnest this week with the June 20th NBA Draft. The rumor-mill is now in full gear, as reports were filed that note the GS Warriors intend to offer “Mighty Max” contracts to the injured duo of Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson, both likely to miuss the 2019-20 season. In Philly, Jimmy Butler‘s had enough and plans to opt-out of his deal and file for free agency. … NBA Finals 2-time MVP winner (SA and Toronto) Kawhi Leonard plans to test the free agent waters as well. Along with Leonard, Anthony Davis, the former New Orleans Pelicans start center, is the prize of the free agent pool this summer. Boston’s rent-a-guard Kyrie Irving is reportedly headed for Brooklyn, a place where former Celtics greats go when they’re “washed up.”

Twelve international players, led by prospective top-10 pick Sekou Doumbouya of Guinea, remained in the NBA Draft at the final deadline for “Early Entry” candidates to withdraw this past Tuesday. Doumbouya, an 18-year-old power forward who plays for Limoges in France, is rated the ninth-best draft prospect by both ESPN and CBS. … The NBA released the names of 47 international players who withdrew from the annual NBA Draft, including two U.S. college players who pulled out after getting their names out to the masses. They are North Carolina State junior Sacha Killeya-Jones and TCU sophomore Kouat Noi. … May 29 was the deadline for U.S. college players to withdraw from the draft while retaining NCAA eligibility. … Two other international players who are potential first-round selections are among the thousands of athletes in the “normal” timeframe for drafting players.. ESPN and CBS have Goga Bitadze, a Georgian national who plays in Montenegro, as the 17th-ranked prospect, and ESPN has Luka Samanic, a Croatian who plays in Slovenia, listed as the 28th-rated prospect. … The NBA Draft is scheduled for June 20 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York and Digital Sports Desk will be on-site to cover the proceedings.

Digital Sports Desk posts a once-a-week Sunday Notes column, entitled: “While We’re Young Ideas.” The reference salutes the great Dick Young, of course, but the obvious Rodney Dangerfield connection connotes the style and humorous nature for a notebook we plan to publish.

 I welcome feedback and suggestions (psst, they call ’em pitches) for mentions within “While We’re Young Ideas” or Digital Sports Desk.Please follow and encourage another person or two to plug into (@DigSportsDesk) and/or (@WhileYoungIdeas) and (@terrylyons). 

Callan Named FIBA Americas Prez

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MIAMI – (Staff Report from Official News Release) – It’s oh so rarely, but every now and then, the “Basketball Gods” get it right.  Every now and then, the very best people – the so-called “good guy” – is rewarded for years of hard work, years of incredible competence and performance, years of doing the right thing, years of guiding and being a guiding light, years of consistence, and of persistence.

In this case, the “good guy” is a woman – the first woman to ever be named president of FIBA Americas.

USA Basketball Women’s National Team director Carol Callan was elected as the 11th president of FIBA Americas during the 2019 FIBA Americas Assembly in Miami, Florida. Callan, the first female president of a FIBA zone, takes the reins from past president Usie Richards from the U.S. Virgin Islands, who has served in the role since March 2014.

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In her role as FIBA Americas president, which is a four-year appointment, Callan will oversee the governance and organization of the major international tournament in the Americas zone, which includes 43 federations spanning North, South and Central America and the Caribbean. She also will serve on the FIBA Central Board through 2023.

“On behalf of everyone associated with USA Basketball, I want to congratulate Carol on her historic election as president of FIBA Americas,” said USA CEO Jim Tooley. “USA Basketball was proud to nominate Carol and we know her many years of experience in international basketball make her amazingly qualified for the position and the challenges ahead.” 

“This is a humbling opportunity,” said Callan. “I would like to thank my colleagues from the North American Sub-Zone for their continued support. I would like to say thanks to Usie for a job well done, and his encouragement and counseling. I look forward to working with everyone for the betterment and expansion of basketball in the Americas.”

Hired in February 1995 to oversee all facets of the historic 1995-96 USA Basketball Women’s National Team that posted a perfect 52-0 record, Callan also assisted with team operations for the 1996 U.S. Olympic Women’s Basketball Team that reclaimed the gold medal with an 8-0 record.

Following the successful run in Atlanta, Callan assumed duties as the USA Basketball Women’s National Team director in October 1996, and is responsible for all USA Basketball women’s team programs, including competitions, trials, training camps, and serves as a liaison to women’s competition committees.

A primary architect for the historic, first-time USA National Team program, Callan was responsible for team logistics, travel, and scheduling of games and training. Since its inception in 1995, the highly successful USA National Team has posted an 100-1 slate in major international competitions winning six-straight Olympic gold medals and five of the past six FIBA World Cup gold medals, in addition to the numerous gold medals at the junior national team level.

Callan is a member of several USA Basketball selection committees – the National Team Steering Committee (chair), the National Team Player Selection Committee and the Developmental National Team Committee (non-voting chair). She serves on the FIBA and FIBA Americas Women’s Commissions, the WBCA Board of Directors and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame Board of Directors.

Prior to taking the reins of the USA National Team program, Callan was involved with USA Basketball for almost seven years as a volunteer committee member. She served on USA Basketball’s Executive Committee as secretary from 1992 to 1995, and from 1989 to 1995 was a member of the Women’s Player Selection Committee, and served as chair from 1992-1995. Additionally, Callan was a member of the Women’s Programs Committee from 1992 to 1995.

Callan came to USA Basketball after spending 10 years (1986-1995) as director of athletics /activities and two years as an assistant principal (1993-1995) for Fairview High School in Boulder, Colo. Earning two master’s degrees from the University of Colorado, Callan holds a master’s in business administration and a master of science in physical education. She earned a bachelor of arts degree from William Woods College (Mo.) in 1975, graduating magna cum laude in mathematics and physical education.

Davis to LA in Blockbuster Deal

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NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Pelicans agreed to trade All-Star big man Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers in return for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and three first-round picks — including the No. 4 overall selection in next week’s draft — ESPN reported Saturday.

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The deal, which cannot be made official until July 1, gives the Pelicans two of the top four picks next week, after they won the lottery for the top overall pick. According to ESPN, they will take Duke star Zion Williamson first overall and consider trading the fourth overall pick, with several teams already expressing interest.

The New York Times reports Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker is expected to be a top target in free agency for the Lakers in the wake of the deal for Davis.

The Boston Celtics were also involved in separate talks with the Pelicans for Davis, ESPN reported earlier this week, and the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers had interest in Davis but didn’t make much progress in discussions with New Orleans.

Earlier this week, Davis’ agent, Rich Paul, who also represents the Lakers’ LeBron James, told Sports Illustrated a deal to Boston would have resulted in a one-year rental agreement before Davis enters free agency in July 2020.

The Lakers pursued Davis after Paul announced the big man wanted a trade last winter. With Magic Johnson (Lakers) and Dell Demps (Pelicans) both out of jobs after leading those trade talks, and a fresh list of demands provided teams on Monday by first-year Pelicans team president David Griffin, there was optimism the Davis deal would happen.

New Orleans has the benefit of starting over with Williamson as a centerpiece.

One of the lingering doubts for a Lakers-Pelicans match was whether Griffin valued Ingram and Hart more than Demps did when talks fizzled in February.

–Field Level Media

Kyrie to Brooklyn?

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BROOKLYN – All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving is “preparing to sign with the Brooklyn Nets” when contracts can officially be completed in free agency on July 6, the Boston Herald reported.

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The Herald report cited separate sources pointing to an Irving-Nets union but said the Boston Celtics have not been informed of Irving’s plans and remain optimistic he could remain with the team.

The top pick in the 2011 draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Irving is a six-time All-Star viewed as one of the best players available in a loaded free agent class this summer. 

Prior to the just-completed season, Irving grabbed the microphone at TD Garden and told a packed house of season-ticket holders he planned to commit to the Celtics long-term.

“I needed just some time to kind of be back in Boston and feel great about different things I wanted to explore in my career,” Irving said at the time.

He said he dreamt of his No. 11 hanging from the rafters one day, joining the retired numbers of legendary Celtics.

“Obviously, a lot of great players have come before me, but to grow my name in Boston Celtics tradition and history is something I’m glad I can do, and I plan on,” said Irving, who added he confirmed the Celtics want him back.

“Honestly, it just was like, ‘Man, I do not want to move again.’ I do not want to uproot my family and just be dealing with anything new again. No disrespect to other organizations, but here is perfect for me.”

Much has changed since the October 2018 comments. And change seems to be the one constant that travels with Irving, 27.

While a union with Anthony Davis in Boston rumored to be in the works since 2018 still could have life, Irving reportedly became disliked in the locker room, openly critiquing younger players and not denying friction existed on occasion with coach Brad Stevens.

The Nets have plenty of money to unload in a bid to add Irving to a roster that made the playoffs and has one All-Star, guard D’Angelo Russell.

Acquired prior to the 2017-18 season from the Cavaliers, Irving also has been linked to being part of other superstar tandems in Brooklyn. In one such scenario, Irving could team with Kevin Durant. The Golden State Warriors star can become a free agent on June 30 by opting out of the final year of his deal.

When Irving arrived in Boston, he said he “craved” an “intellectual mind” in a coach like Stevens. Irving had been a championship-winning sidekick to LeBron James with the Cavaliers.

Boston, the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks are reportedly engaged with the New Orleans Pelicans in talks regarding Davis.

It’s not out of the realm of possibility the Nets could swing a deal for Davis if a third team is involved, especially if Brooklyn would part with Russell, a restricted free agent.

Of course, Irving himself isn’t officially a free agent until he declines a player option in his contract. However, that is considered a formality at this stage.

Celtics team president Danny Ainge has tiptoed around the topic of bringing back Irving, but there are no other indications of where the trade-happy executive might go with his roster this summer. NBC Sports Boston reported Ainge is ready and willing to part with all three of his first-round draft picks (Nos. 14, 20 and 22) to land Davis, even as agent Rich Paul warned the Celtics that Davis wouldn’t sign there long-term.

–Field Level Media

Tampa Bay Tops NHL 2020

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LAS VEGAS – NHL President’s Trophy-winning Tampa Bay is the favorite to win the Stanley Cup next season, with the Lightning opening Thursday at 6-1 at Caesars and Westgate sportsbooks.

Bounced from the 2019 postseason in a first-round stunner, the Lightning had the NHL’s best regular-season record. Ottawa, which finished last with 64 points this season, has the lowest odds at both books (300-1).

A surprise Stanley Cup winner, St. Louis is listed at 14-1 at Westgate. The Blues had the worst record in the NHL as of Jan. 1, but a dramatic turnaround — 30 wins in 49 games — ended Wednesday night with the franchise’s first-ever Stanley Cup.

Runner-up Boston is 7-1 with the Bruins in a grouping that includes Toronto and the Vegas Golden Knights. PointsBet and FanDuel have both teams listed at 10-1.

At 10-1, the Colorado Avalanche are fifth at Westgate; San Jose is 14-1.

Red Sox Game Scout

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Boston Red Sox at Minnesota Twins

When: 8:10 PM ET, Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Where: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Preview for Digital Sports Desk by Gracenote

MINNEAPOLIS – The Boston Red Sox look to extend their season-best winning streak to seven games when they visit the Minnesota Twins tonight for the middle contest of their three-game set. The defending World Series-champion Red Sox are a season-high six games over .500 after posting a 2-0 win in Monday’s series opener.

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J.D. Martinez recorded a run-scoring single and Xander Bogaerts delivered an RBI double as Boston won a low-scoring contest after racking up 39 runs in its five previous victories. Martinez and Bogaerts each notched two of the Red Sox’s seven hits as Rick Porcello and two relievers combined on a five-hit shutout. The Twins have lost back-to-back games after winning seven of their previous nine and need to go 7-3 over their next 10 to match the best 81-game start in franchise history (54-27 in 1970). Jorge Polanco, who leads the American League with a .332 average, went 1-for-3 in the series opener and has reached base safely in each of his last 31 contests.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH David Price (4-2, 3.52 ERA) vs. Twins RH Michael Pineda (4-3, 5.04)

Price was fortunate to escape with a no-decision in his last outing as he gave up six runs and five hits in just 1 1/3 innings against Texas. The 33-year-old pitched well in his previous three starts, going 2-0 while allowing three runs and 14 hits in 18 1/3 frames. Price is 10-4 with a 2.62 ERA in 18 career appearances (17 starts) versus the Twins and has struggled against Eddie Rosario (5-for-9) while shutting down Miguel Sano (1-for-11).

Pineda is 2-0 over his last six starts, settling for no-decisions in each of his last three turns. The 30-year-old allowed one run and five hits over 5 2/3 innings against Seattle in his last outing, making it seven straight times in which he has given up three runs or fewer. Pineda is 5-5 with a 4.23 ERA in 12 career starts against Boston and has had difficulties with Mookie Betts (7-for-23, two homers).

WALK-OFFS

  1. Red Sox LF Andrew Benintendi (quadriceps) went 1-for-4 in the series opener after missing Sunday’s game against Baltimore.
  2. Minnesota CF Byron Buxton (wrist) could miss his fourth straight contest.
  3. Boston activated Hector Velazquez (back) from the 10-day injured list and Ryan Brasier from the bereavement list while optioning fellow RHPs Travis Lakins and Josh Smith to Triple-A Pawtucket.

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