I Dig Sports
In last year of deal, Cubs' Hoyer under pressure
MESA, Ariz. -- Chicago Cubs president Jed Hoyer, who has yet to make a playoff appearance as he enters the final season of his five-year contract, knows that 2025 looms large for the team and his career.
After nearly a decade-and-a-half in Chicago's front office, after working under former team executive Theo Epstein, and with a new-look roster, Hoyer knows the expectations.
"Does it feel different than it has in the past?" Hoyer asked Sunday during the Cubs' first day of spring training. "A little bit. I've been here for 14 years and sort of generally in my career, I haven't had much uncertainty. And so I think with uncertainty does come a level of anxiety. I think that would be a lie to say that it doesn't."
Hoyer was tasked with rebuilding the team after its championship core from the past decade got stale. It has been a slow progression as the organization hasn't signed any top free agents over the past few winters.
Instead, the Cubs have built through the draft while signing selected free agents such as Dansby Swanson and Seiya Suzuki. This past winter, they showed more aggression in the trade market, dealing three players for former Astros right fielder Kyle Tucker, who might be with the team for only one season. It displayed an urgency around the organization for the first time in several years.
"Wins are going to be in a premium in the National League, in particular this year," Hoyer said. "And so I think we're in a competitive window. I think we've gotten better each year. I think we're at a place where we have a chance to be really good and trying to really maximize our resources within our budget to make sure that we could do that."
Could that budget include free agent third baseman Alex Bregman? He could push the team over the 90-win total after back-to-back 83-win seasons -- and the team has an opening at that position. Hoyer was noncommittal about adding before the Cubs open the season against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Japan next month. But the team has a recent history of a late spring signing when it brought back Cody Bellinger in February last year.
"I think offseasons have drifted later, whether it's waiver claims, trades, free agent signings," Hoyer said. "Things happen a little bit later now, but I think given that it's Feb. 9, I think we're focused on the guys that are here."
Those guys in camp will likely determine whether Hoyer gets a contract extension. A playoff appearance would get him one -- if he isn't signed before then. But an underachieving season could also seal his fate. Hoyer didn't shy away from that conversation.
"Has it caused some introspection along the way?" Hoyer asked. "I think that's fair to say, but ... we have a great front office, we have an incredible manager and a great coaching staff. I think we put together a really good team.
"I think every arrow is sort of pointing up on this organization right now. So, I just think there's a lot more opportunity for me and for [GM] Carter [Hawkins] than there is risk, and I'm super proud of what we built with a lot of really good people. So that's kind of how I look at it."
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Enrique Hernandez, their ever popular super-utility player, have a deal in place, pending a physical, a source told ESPN on Sunday.
Hernández hinted at his return by posting a Dodgers hype video on X.
Hernández, 33, will return to the Dodgers for the fourth time, having been acquired twice via trade and twice via free agent deals.
The Dodgers have long been drawn to Hernández's versatility and have grown to appreciate how his personality blends within their clubhouse, but it's his knack for elevating his game in October that attracts them most.
Hernández has a career .238/.308/.405 slash line during the regular season but is at .278/.353/.522 in the postseason. Last fall, when the Dodgers secured their first full-season championship since 1988, Hernández played a major role in several victories, ultimately posting an .808 OPS in 14 games.
On the current Dodgers, who have made a multitude of star-studded additions for a second straight offseason, Hernández will likely spend most of his time at second base or center field, drawing most of his starts against left-handed pitchers.
The Dodgers are soon expected to also bring back Clayton Kershaw, who is coming off knee and foot surgery and isn't expected to be ready to join the rotation until around June.
Paul Coll claims first title of season after Motor City Open win
He had to do it the hard way even if there was no top seed Diego Elias after the Peruvians withdrawal.
World No.4 Paul Coll captured his first title of the season after defeating Mexicos Leonel Cardenas in a marathon 91-minute encounter at the DR21 Motor City Squash Open 2025 in Detroit.
No.2 seed Coll, a strong favourite in the 25th edition of the Silver-level event after the withdrawal of four-time champion Diego Elias, was pushed all the way throughout the brutal encounter at the Birmingham Athletic Club, eventually taking the match by an 8-11, 12-10, 11-9, 11-9 scoreline.
The four-game win was a demonstration of Colls relentless hitting, physical power and mental steeliness, with the New Zealander having to fight back from 1-0 down, game ball down in the second, on his way to capturing the title.
Narrow margins separated the two players throughout the match, but it was No.2 seed Coll who managed to draw upon his experience at the pivotal moments. The 32-year-old moved away from 7-7 and 8-8 in the third and fourth games, respectively, to claim his first Motor City Open title at the third time of asking.
Its been pretty tough for me all week, said Coll after he had to topple Briton Jonah Bryant early in the draw in another marathon.
I havent been on my top form, but Im very proud of how I got through it mentally. To get the title here today in my third final here at the Motor City Open, Im really happy.
Leonel [Cardenas] was impressive. I thought he was getting very tired, but he never gave me any cheap errors. I had to hit winners to win it. Credit to him because he was playing very well and very tough. It was nice to see him playing like that. He made it very tough today, a bit tougher than I would have liked, but it was a good battle.
Colls name will now join an elite list of champions on the Motor City Open trophy, with the likes of David Palmer, Jonathon Power, Amr Shabana, and Mohamed ElShorbagy, having all won the Detroit-based event in the past.
Result: Final
[2] Paul Coll (NZL) bt [7] Leonel Cardenas (MEX) 3-1: 8-11, 12-10, 11-9, 11-9 (91m)
Gatland future in doubt as Wales leave Rome in ruins
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) boasted on Friday that an agreement had been reached with the four regions over the future of the game.
Were they anticipating what was coming when they timed the announcement for the eve of the Italy match?
And, tellingly, the deal has still not yet been signed and there was little detail included in the announcement.
WRU chief executive Abi Tierney and chairman Richard Collier-Keywood were in the Rome crowd on Saturday and are also facing criticism for the state of the national game.
Former Wales captain Ken Owens said: "After the review, they didn't do anything. They didn't say they have a plan and it's going to take time, but they didn't back Warren either. It's like they will see how it goes in the Six Nations and have another review.
"It's going to take five to 10 years to sort out the shambles we're in at the moment, at least.
"That's what Italy have done. When they were losing every game in the Six Nations, they went to the academy, to the under-18s and under-20s and built from there."
Ex-Wales lock Andrew Coombs added: "It's the CEO of the business that has to make the decisions and Abi Tierney was not doing her job when Warren Gatland offered to resign [following the last defeat by Italy in March 2024] and give his contract back to the WRU.
"Abi Tierney said 'no, we're right behind you' but there's no CEO in the world that does that."
Fin Smith's composure gives England vital new dimension - Dawson
It showed that England have the ability to dominate teams in those "championship minutes" the times that really matter, the ones that France fluffed in the first half.
Marcus Smith is a game-breaker. He score tries, he is on all the posters and is so exciting to watch - his is probably the one name that kids growing up who want to get into rugby know about.
But at that level yesterday, it is very difficult to integrate those type of players into key decision-making roles.
While George Furbank recovers from his injury, I think Marcus Smith will play at full-back, but I don't necessarily think he is the long-term solution there.
Fin Smith showed there is a difference in the way you can compete. There has to be an element of calmness and control. For all his individual gifts perhaps because of them - that isn't Marcus Smith's forte.
I don't think it will be a difficult decision for Steve Borthwick.
In opting for Marcus Smith over Freddie Steward at full-back, you sacrifice aerial security for more of an attacking threat, but I think that is a price worth paying for this England team.
Long-term though, particularly with the Northampton connection, I foresee George Furbank coming back into the team at 15.
Test match rugby is tough.
It is uncompromising high-performance environment. We are now more mindful of looking after each other in the work place and that is vital and important. But this is sport and it is a strict meritocracy. If there is someone who will serve the team better, you are out. And that is OK.
CLEWISTON, Fla. Mark Smith patiently waited his turn to take the lead and collect the $10,000 King of the 360s title Saturday night at Hendry County Motorsports Park.
The event, which moved from East Bay Raceway Park this season was co-sanctioned by the United Sprint Car Series and the Top Gun Sprints.
Smith methodically worked his way to the front from his fifth starting spot to take the lead on lap 22.
Friday night winner Tyler Clem led for six laps, but had to settle for second and third went to Matt Covington.
Blake Hahn and Dale Howard completed the top five.
Ive got to thank Terry Whitherspoon for letting me drive his car this weekend, Smith said. Things got pretty intense in the second half of the race, and I could see I needed to be patient when I saw what was going on in front of me. I just waited to make my move at the right time.
In preliminary action, Sam Hafertepe was the fast qualifier among the 34 entrants from 16 different states with a lap around Hendry County Motorsports Park in 13.147 seconds.
Scotty Thiel took the lead at the start of the race followed by Clem, Hafertepe, Smith, and Covington. The first of two caution flags came out on lap five when Chase Moran and Garrett Green tangled in turn two. The second caution flag came out on the restart when Robbie Smith spun in turn two.
On the next restart, Thiel took to the high side of the track from the point, while Clem worked the bottom groove in second. Franek passed Covington for the fifth spot. Clem chipped away at Thiels lead and got the better bite off the bottom of turn four on lap nine to take the lead.
Hafertepe got by Thiel for second on the 12th circuit and then sailed around the outside of Clem to take the lead on lap 14. Mark Smith drove by Thiel on lap 15 to move up to the third spot, as the leaders caught the cars on the tail of the lead lap. This brought about wholesale position changes among the top five divers in the second half of the race.
Thiel regrouped and passed Smith and Clem to take over the second spot on lap 16, and Covington got by Franek to move back into the top five on lap 17. Lap 20 and 21 saw Clem and Thiel swap the second spot. Hafertepe bounced off the backstretch wall on lap 22 and Clem pounced to retake the lead, and Mark Smith moved up to second.
Smith was on the charge and passed Clem for the lead on lap 23 and Covington took over the third spot on lap 24. Hahn and Howard moved up to the fourth and fifth spots respectively on lap 26. Smith took a 1.875-second margin of victory under the checkered flag over Clem in a race that took 14 minutes and 39.243 seconds to complete.
The event was broadcast by SPEED SPORT affiliate DoneRight.tv.
The finish:
Feature (30 Laps): 1. 43 Mark Smith, Sunbury, PA (5); 2. 6 Tyler Clem, St. Petersburg, FL (2); 3. 95 Matt Covington, Glenpool, OK (4); 4. 52 Blake Hahn, Sapulpa, OK (8); 5. 47 Dale Howard, Byhalia, MS (9); 6. 28 Davie Franek, Wantage, NJ (10); 7. 10 Terry Gray, Bartlett, TN (12); 8. 11 Trey Meredith, Dade City, FL (16); 9. 15h Sam Hafertepe, Sunnyvale, TX (3); 10. 45x Kyler Johnson, Quinter, KS (13); 11. 51t Scotty Thiel, Sheboygan, WI (1); 12. 116 Nick Snyder, Marco Island, FL (17); 13. 9w Lane Whittington, Denham Springs, LA (7); 14. 4 Danny Smith, Chillicothe, OH (14); 15. 83 Mark Ruel Jr., Jacksonville, FL (11); 16. 41 Luke Hill, Odessa, FL (21); 17. 28 Jeff Willingham, Ripley, MS (23); 18. 23 Lance Moss, Cherryville, NC (25); 19. G6 Brandon Grubaugh, Ocala, FL (15); 20. 68c Robbie Smith, Ocala, FL (22); 21. 51 Dustin Burtron, Seminole, FL (20); 22. 16 Tyler Porter, Pinellas Park, FL (24); 23. 4p Chase Moran, Fultonville, NY (19); 24. 5h Colby Thornhill, Enumclaw, WA (6); 25. 82 Garrett Green, Dade City, FL (18).
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. Patrick Emerling took the lead late in the race and held on during a green-white-checkered finish to win Saturdays NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season opener at New Smyrna Speedway.
It was Emerlings eighth career Tour victory.
Emerling grabbed the lead on lap 182, but the New Smyrna Beach Visitors Bureau 200 was extended by six laps to 200 circuits of the half-mile track because of a late caution flag.
But despite the two-lap dash to the checkered flag, Emerling held off Craig Lutz by .380 seconds to earn the victory.
I just have to thank everyone involved for this opportunity, Emerling said. This wouldnt happen if it werent for Rich Gautreau, my family, and this whole awesome crew right here.
We have the best crew in the garage, best team, best everything. Thank you for everyone involved. This is incredible. This is what we expected to do.
Justin Bonsignore, Luke Baldwin and Austin Beers completed the top five.
Spencer Davis won the pro late model feature that was also on the card.
The finish:
Patrick Emerling, Craig Lutz, Justin Bonsignore, Luke Baldwin, Austin Beers, Stephen Kopcik, Eric Goodale, Ryan Newman, Ron Silk, Andrew Krause, Tyler Rypkema, Brian Robie, Trevor Catalano, Tommy Catalano, Matt Hirschman, Max Zachem, Mark Stewart, Tyler Catalano, Ken Heagy, Dave Sapienza, Mike Marshall, Tyler Barry, Norman Newman, Gary McDonald, Chris Hatton, Jeremy Gerstner, Kyle Bonsignore, Frank Fleming, Chase Dowling, Brian Sones, Jacob Lutz.
BRADENTON, Fla. The second annual SCAG Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout concluded tonight with Shawn Reed capturing his first professional Top Fuel career win, Ron Capps defeating Austin Prock in an epic Funny Car final and Troy Coughlin Jr., winning Pro Stock over No. 1 qualifier Cory Reed.
A near capacity crowd at Bradenton Motorsports Park was treated to a full day of elimination rounds and a free concert from Andy Ross, the American Rebel, at the conclusion of the three-day mega racing event.
In the Top Fuel final Reed was facing Floridian and multi-time Top Fuel national event winner Josh Hart. Hart had posted the two quickest elapsed times in the first and second round of race day.
Both 11,000-horsepower Top Fuel dragsters jumped off the starting line together and it was Reed getting to the finish line first with a strong 3.699 second run at 330.39 mph just in front of Harts equally impressive 3.724 second run at 321.27 mph. Reeds pass was the quickest of the day in Top Fuel as cooler temperatures created optimal racing conditions.
This is flat out incredible right now, said Reed. Its impossible to think ahead because you havent done anything. I have to thank Red Line Oil, Matco Tools, All American Automotive. Thanks to all the fans. Man, its been great with all these people out here. Im more than blessed right now, and Im probably happy as Ive been in a long, long time.
Im so happy for my crew guys. They put up with a lot last year. I lost a lot of races for them, said Reed. We won a race, and they cant take that back from us. And this is a pretty big race, too, by the way, its the eight best, guys in the NHRA.
Three-time Funny Car world champion Capps was looking to stop the Funny Car driver with the most momentum heading into the final in Austin Prock. As the defending event winner and reigning Funny Car champion Prock was looking to go back-to-back in Bradenton, but Capps and crew chief Dean Guido Antonelli took the win in a spectacular final round.
Capps turned on the win light with a 3.870 second run at 330.47 mph to get to the stripe first in front of Procks 4.003 second, 316.60 mph pass.
At the top end Capps was overjoyed and surprised to realize he had stopped one of the hottest drivers in the category. Nice new-look NAPA Auto Care Toyota GR Supra started the season with three win lights and a trip to the PRO Superstar Shootout winners circle.
This event is special. Its the second year weve done anything like this, but you have an all-star cast, said Capps. Back in the day, as a kid, you know, I read about the Orange County races and all the stuff, where everybody showed up. This SCAG PRO Superstar Shootout is what its all about. A lot of our sponsors are big supporters of this event, so thank you, SCAG, for putting all that money up. Were gonna love it, but our NAPA guys, (crew chief) Guido. I cannot say enough about how hard hes worked, and this is the fruit of our teams labor.
The professional final rounds started with Pro Stock showcasing the young talent of Cory Reed, driving for KB Titan Racing and Troy Coughlin Jr. representing Elite Motorsports.
Reed, a second year Pro Stock driver, was looking for his first career win after a dominating performance on the track over the past two days. Coughlin Jr. secured the win immediately when Reed jumped the starting system, forcing a red-light disqualification.
His winning time was a pedestrian 11.859 seconds at 121.67 mph after his yellow JEGS Chevrolet Camaro overpowered the track just as he was passing the Christmas Tree.
You know winning this race is so surreal, said Coughlin Jr. I havent even really let it sink in yet. Were gonna enjoy this. Thank you to the PRO group, and all the sponsors involved especially SCAG. This was a huge win and its a great way to start the season. Cory is a great guy and a tough competitor, and this class is awesome.
OCALA, Fla. Devin Moran outdueled Jonathan Davenport to claim victory in the 50-lap Wieland Winter Nationals finale on Saturday night at Ocala Speedway after starting from the inside of the fourth row.
This event marked the largest payout in track history, with Moran taking home $25,000 for his third series win of the season.
Davenport crossed the line in second, followed by Ricky Thornton Jr., Brandon Overton and Garrett Alberson.
Davenport seemed to control the race until Moran went to the top side of turns one and two, successfully tracking down Davenport to take the race lead for good with about 12 laps remaining after the two had exchanged the lead several times. Moran had claimed the second position from Thornton following a caution at the halfway point and then aggressively pursued Davenport after the last caution occurred with 20 laps left.
Moran, in Lucas Oil Victory Lane for the 18th time in his career, came from the seventh starting spot to claim the win. It was Morans third career win at Ocala.
I just gassed on it. This is why we come to Florida for Speedweeks, Moran said. Everybody has been talking about this or that, and obviously, we arent at East Bay. We all love East Bay, but this is my favorite time of year. We just put on one hell of a show for the crowd here and everyone watching home.
Davenport, who led the most laps during the race, came home with his third runner-up finish during Speedweeks.
We I went with a soft tire there, and I think we were the only car in the field to do so, Davenport explained. I dont know if that played a role, but I probably wouldnt have gotten the lead without the soft tire. Devin did a great job; I knew it was going to be moving around. I just got slower and slower on the bottom, and I was kind of stuck there with that tire, so I couldnt really move around a lot. Once I moved all the way to the top, I was OK, but it was a long way around and pretty treacherous. What a cool race track to be that wide. It actually raced a lot better than I thought it would there.
Thornton, the defending series champion, rounded out the podium.
The the race track was awesome, Thornton said. Bubba told us he was going to get us to where we were running the wall, and I literally think I was on the wall. It was probably the best race track we had all week. In the end, I think I made the wrong tire call; we went hard, and the track didnt slow down as much as I needed it to. Congrats to Devin and JD; they each drove a great race. I almost wish I had in-car camera because it was pretty fun watching those two race it out out.
The finish:
Devin Moran, Jonathan Davenport, Ricky Thornton Jr., Brandon Overton, Garrett Alberson, Drake Troutman, Hudson ONeal, Max Blair, Mark Whitener, Tanner English, Ross Robinson, Daniel Hilsabeck, Dennis Erb Jr., Clay Harris, Tyler Erb, Daulton Wilson, Brandon Sheppard, Brenden Smith, Dan Ebert, Donald McIntosh, Spencer Hughes, Jimmy Owens, Tim McCreadie, Carson Ferguson, Boom Briggs.
BARBERVILLE, Fla. Kyle Larson closed the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series segment of the DIRTcar Nationals with another impressive win Saturday night.
The win in anything driver left Volusia Raceway Park with a collection of Little Gators and his first Big Gator representing the mini-series point championship after besting fast-timer Logan Schuchart and defending series champion David Gravel in the 30-lap feature, the longest of the week.
Larson earned $20,000 for the victory.
While the five extra laps did not appear to change anything, the fact that the sprints ran after the 30-lap UMP modified finale did, as the modifieds used every inch of the big half-mile and left the surface black for the Outlaws, who ended the feature with bald tires.
Dash winner Tyler Courtney and Gravel led the field to green, with Gravel riding the outside banking to the lead off turn two. Courtney dropped in line second with the fourth-starting Larson third but that only lasted a lap, as Larson blew by Courtney the second time around.
A scramble behind the leaders saw Bill Balog take a hard tumble that same lap in turn four, leaving his mount badly bent with Balog, who was reported to be conscious and alert, transported to the hospital for further care.
The return to green saw Gravel initially take command again but Larson hounded him for a couple of laps, then shot by on lap five to seal his second win in as many nights. Three laps later he was lapping the back markers as Schuchart began challenging Gravel for second, finally getting the spot on lap 13.
As the lap counter approached 20, Schuchart began noticeably gaining on Larson and was closing fast amidst lapped traffic when a car slowed on lap 21 to draw the second yellow of the night.
Larson got a great start when green returned and with the lapped cars out of the way edged away from his pursuers again. But he was back in traffic again with three to go, allowing Schuchart to get close again on the last lap but not tight enough for a serious challenge.
If Id pushed the issue in traffic I might have made it but it was tough going, offered Schuchart. I was hoping hed send it in too hard and Id get in there but it didnt happen. Still, we had two podiums this week so Im leaving happy.
I could hear Logan back there but this time, the caution helped me, tipped Larson. Its nice to finally get one of the Big Gators to go with all the small ones.
Gravel, on the other hand, was a bit frustrated with third after holding the early lead. The track took rubber and the tires are bald but that was the same for everybody. I need to see what the others are doing and react. When I was leading, I didnt really know where to go and that hurt me.
Along with his podium finish, Schuchart also claimed fast time honors over Larson, with both out in Flight A.
The finish:
Feature (30 Laps): 1. 57-Kyle Larson[4]; 2. 1S-Logan Schuchart[5]; 3. 2-David Gravel[2]; 4. 41-Carson Macedo[10]; 5. 7BC-Tyler Courtney[1]; 6. 10-Ryan Timms[19]; 7. 15-Donny Schatz[12]; 8. 83-Michael Kofoid[6]; 9. 71-Parker Price Miller[8]; 10. 26-Justin Peck[11]; 11. 3Z-Brock Zearfoss[9]; 12. 24D-Danny Sams III[16]; 13. 48-Danny Dietrich[20]; 14. 49-Brad Sweet[14]; 15. 21-Brian Brown[7]; 16. 18-Giovanni Scelzi[25]; 17. 1A-Jacob Allen[17]; 18. 88-Austin McCarl[24]; 19. 5-Brenham Crouch[15]; 20. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild[18]; 21. 7S-Chris Windom[23]; 22. 6-Zach Hampton[26]; 23. 23-Garet Williamson[21]; 24. 55-Hunter Schuerenberg[27]; 25. 39M-Anthony Macri[13]; 26. 28-Conner Morrell[22]; 27. 17B-Bill Balog[3]
Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: 
Email: 
