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GLENDALE, Ariz. -- One team is a worldwide attraction fresh off its eighth World Series title. The other just lost an MLB record 121 games and hasn't won a playoff series since 2005. The one thing they have in common?

A spring training parking lot.

Both the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox reside at Camelback Ranch during February and March, but life couldn't be more different as the two franchises prepare for a new season.

When Dodgers players reported to camp earlier this month, their clubhouse looked like a who's who of MLB All-Stars, while a trip through the White Sox's side of the building required frequent glances at the nameplates above the locker stalls to know who was who.

In the days since arriving, the Dodgers have been asked regularly about the opportunity to repeat. The White Sox are contemplating a host of other questions: How do you restore confidence in the clubhouse? What message of optimism can you deliver after a historic season of losing?

Even the Dodgers' morning workouts, normally a mundane early-spring ritual, have served as a celebration of the team that ruled baseball last October and dominated the offseason headlines again, with 1,000-plus fans showing up to get a glimpse of their favorite players. On the White Sox side of the facility, ESPN counted only 21 fans taking in one recent workout.

Still, entering a year in which their focus will be on finding the positives wherever they can, the White Sox are looking at the upside of sharing a spring home with the team certain to be the talk of baseball all season.

"It's a great opportunity to be matched up in a facility with a team that won the World Series, to have something to aim towards," general manager Chris Getz said. "How do we get to beat them? How can we compete? So yeah, the Dodgers have been a very successful organization. With that being said, we know what we need to do and we're set out to do that."

For Chicago, the season will be measured mostly by the steps taken by young players, and despite the ups-and-downs that come with trying to integrate them into a major league roster, the on-the-field results must add up to a better record than last year's 41-121 mark.

"I do think we're going to win more games than we did last year," Getz said as camp opened. "Unfortunately, there are going to be some growing pains along the way that at times is going to challenge your emotions, but that's part of the development of some of these players.

"Last year provided a lot of clarity for a lot of people, including myself. We had a lot of work to do, a lot more changes that needed to be made, and we were able to accomplish a lot of that this offseason, and that started with hiring Will Venable."

Venable is the first-time manager who checks all the boxes the front office was looking for when it set out to find someone to guide the White Sox through a fresh start. The 42-year-old former major league outfielder retired within the past decade and has since worked under some of the best managers in the business, including Joe Maddon, Alex Cora and Bruce Bochy.

"It's really about being present and doing the things that we can control now," Venable said of his opening message to his team.

Venable's roster is missing last season's best player, left-hander Garrett Crochet, who was traded to the Red Sox during the offseason. It does feature a smattering of holdovers, such as Luis Robert Jr. and Andrew Vaughn and Andrew Benintendi (although the start of the outfielder's season will come later after he suffered a broken hand Thursday), who are hungry for an opportunity to be remembered for something other than last season's futility.

"When I signed here, I signed for five years knowing that there could be ups and downs, but I'm here for it and it's my job to go out there and perform," Benintendi said. "And last year I didn't do that. And not only do I feel like I let the fans or team down, I think [I let] myself down. You have such high expectations going into a season, and when you don't hit them, it's frustrating, but you just gotta keep going."

The White Sox also added a group of journeyman free agents looking to reboot their careers -- including Joey Gallo, Brandon Drury and Michael A. Taylor -- who were signed to short-term deals with an opportunity to compete for the playing time they weren't as likely to get elsewhere.

But the real excitement on Chicago's side of Camelback Ranch this spring is about a group of prospects -- six of whom appear on ESPN's Kiley McDaniel's top 100 list, including lefties Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith, the team's top picks in the 2022 and 2024 drafts, respectively. Both made their spring debuts Wednesday but won't break camp with the big league club. Also providing promise for the future is catcher Kyle Teel, who was the centerpiece of the White Sox's return for Crochet, and shortstop Colson Montgomery, who homered in the team's first spring game.

"We brought in a lot of really good veterans, so it's really cool just to talk to them, pick their brains, not even about baseball, just kind of how they go about their business, how you go about yourself as a pro," Montgomery said. "We also have a lot of really young talent, and I think that's what the fans and everybody should be really excited for."

Envisioning a future with Montgomery anchoring the lineup while Schultz and Smith top the rotation has helped Getz stay the course in Chicago's rebuild even as the losses at the major league level have piled up.

"There's no time to complain. And there's no one really to complain to," Getz said. "We got our hands dirty and got to work. There honestly wasn't a day to get away from it because we didn't want to get away from it. We wanted to dive in and continue to build this forward.

"Physically, mentally you rid yourself of negative things, but I personally have just channeled it for motivation to get better. And I know that is a cliché, in itself, but it's the truth of the matter."

Across the parking lot earlier this week, after watching $325 million starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto throw a bullpen session, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman reflected on the plight of his White Sox counterpart.

Friedman and Getz sometimes meet on the backfields at Camelback Ranch. Friedman sympathizes with Getz despite the vast disparity between their two rosters, which includes a payroll difference of more than $300 million. L.A. enters the season with an MLB-leading payroll that's approaching $400 million, compared with Chicago's 29th-ranked $83 million total, a number the franchise has pared down during its rebuild.

"It's certainly a challenge, but in a lot of ways there are a lot of fun aspects of it, building up and growing the various departments. And it's critical for everyone to work well together," said Friedman, who helped build winning teams in Tampa Bay without high payrolls. "And it doesn't mean you don't disagree, but putting those processes in place and being more innovative when you're at this point, it's similar to how we were in 2006 and 2007 with the Rays.

"There is a lot of strong foundation you can build during that time period that while mired in it is not fun. But when you look back, when you've reached a point of a steady state of success where a lot of that can be attributed to those early years, it can be very rewarding."

While Getz can only dream of those days for now, he is using his unique spring training vantage point to soak up how a model organization is run. Asked what he admires about the Dodgers, he pointed to the detailed ground-up approach that often gets overlooked amid the franchise's splashy offseason signings.

"Being a former farm director and being attached to a complex with the Dodgers and seeing what they do on a regular basis, having conversations, seeing the work that's being done, it's almost a small-market mindset in terms of really valuing the development of players," Getz said. "I respect how they go about it. It's not just spending; they do a lot of little things."

Of course, it is going to take more than little things for the White Sox to make up the distance between them and the Dodgers -- or even most of the rest of the other 28 major league teams -- and that was apparent as soon as the curtain opened on a new season of Cactus League games.

Last Thursday, 10,959 fans dressed primarily in Dodger Blue showed up for L.A.'s opener. Four days later, the White Sox played their first home game of the spring in front of an announced crowd of 2,636. The fans who did make their way to Camelback Ranch for the Monday afternoon matchup with the Texas Rangers were greeted with a familiar sight to anyone who followed the 2024 season: Chicago promptly gave up nine runs in the top of the first inning.

"Obviously, you're not going to meet a fan that wants to be where we're at right now," Getz said. "But if they're sticking by our side, when we get there, it's going to be a really special moment for a lot of people."

Sinner's Laureus award nomination withdrawn after ban

Published in Tennis
Thursday, 27 February 2025 10:24

Jannik Sinner's nomination for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award has been withdrawn after he was given a three-month doping ban.

The world number one accepted an immediate three-month ban from tennis earlier this month after reaching a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency over his two positive drugs tests last year.

The 23-year-old Italian, who won the Australian Open in January, is suspended from 9 February until 4 May.

"Following discussions by the Laureus Academy, it has been decided that Jannik Sinner's nomination for this year's Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award is to be withdrawn," Laureus World Sports Academy chairman Sean Fitzpatrick said.

"We have followed this case, the decisions of the relevant global bodies and - whilst we note the extenuating circumstances involved - feel that the three-month ban renders the nomination ineligible.

"Jannik and his team have been informed."

Raducanu to play Indian Wells after stalking ordeal

Published in Tennis
Thursday, 27 February 2025 07:39

Raducanu is likely to be flanked by increased security at the event.

The WTA, whose full-time security arm is led by former US Secret Service agent Bob Campbell, says it can provide enhanced security if a player has been the target of a credible threat.

Players are usually escorted to and from the match court by at least one security officer.

But the Dubai incident raised questions about the security measures in place to protect players.

Raducanu had spotted the man in the first few rows of the stand during her match against Karolina Muchova.

A day before, Raducanu was approached by the same man in a public area close to the tournament.

Police said he gave the 2021 US Open champion a letter, which sources told BBC Sport included his name and telephone number, and took a photograph.

After raising her concerns with the WTA, the tournament's security team were informed and told to be on alert.

However, the man was still able to enter the small stadium where Raducanu played later that evening.

Jones retains Wales captaincy under new coach Lynn

Published in Rugby
Thursday, 27 February 2025 08:35

Lynn was appointed Ioan Cunningham's successor in January.

He will link up with the Wales squad full time after completing the Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) season with Gloucester-Hartpury, who are chasing a third successive title.

"I know how much being Wales captain means to Hannah," said Lynn

"She is somebody who wants to win and has been a mainstay at centre for club and country.

"I know how important leadership is to every side and have worked with three national captains and they all set the standards and drive the team culture.

"The Wales team culture will be a family one where we all care for each other, but we will challenge each other."

Wales kick off their Six Nations campaign away to Scotland on Saturday, 22 March.

Pollock has 'wonderful future', says Sinfield

Published in Rugby
Thursday, 27 February 2025 14:04

Uncapped back-row forward Henry Pollock has a "wonderful future ahead of him", says England skills coach Kevin Sinfield.

The 20-year-old has enjoyed a stellar season with Northampton Saints and was called up to the England training camp before their Calcutta Cup meeting with Scotland.

Pollock was influential as England Under-20s won the World Cup last summer and Sinfield says the flanker has been impressive in training since stepping up to the senior set-up.

"Pollock has been outstanding," Sinfield told BBC Sport at England's training camp in York.

"He's been great and has massively impressed not just the coaches, but the players as well.

"He's got a wonderful future ahead of him."

England remain in contention to win the Six Nations after dramatic one-point home wins over both France and Scotland.

There are no games in the Six Nations this weekend and Steve Borthwick's side return to Allianz Stadium on Sunday, 9 March to host Italy in their penultimate match of this year's tournament, with Sinfield saying Pollock is in contention to make his Test debut.

"Henry's in a squad of 29 here that are fit and available, with four or five that are here rehabbing," said Sinfield.

"He's in with a shout [of making the squad] but they all are."

However, Leicester lock George Martin is out of contention for England's final two fixtures with a knee injury.

The 23-year-old started alongside captain Maro Itoje in the second row against Ireland and France, but was replaced in the squad by Ted Hill for the win over Scotland.

"He's actually got two injuries - the knee, which has been a niggle for some time, and the shoulder as well," said Sinfield.

"It will be the shoulder that will keep him out.

"We're very hopeful it won't be long after the Six Nations, but there's still some medics investigating further."

Ireland's Ringrose banned for France Six Nations game

Published in Rugby
Thursday, 27 February 2025 09:19

Garry Ringrose will miss Ireland's Six Nations match with France following his red card in last weekend's win over Wales in Cardiff.

Leinster centre Ringrose has been handed a three-match suspension after being charged with an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.13, which states that a player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously.

Significantly, the three-game ban includes Leinster's United Rugby Championship fixture against Cardiff this weekend, while he will return for Ireland's final Six Nations encounter against Italy if he completes World Rugby's Coaching Intervention Programme.

The 30-year-old was initially shown a yellow card after making head contact with Wales' Ben Thomas during Saturday's game at Principality Stadium.

It was upgraded to a 20-minute red card following an off-field review, which meant Ireland were able to later replace Ringrose with Bundee Aki.

Ringrose appeared before an independent disciplinary committee on Thursday morning. The committee determined that the mid-range entry point of a six week/match suspension was appropriate for Ringrose's foul play.

However, after taking into account his guilty plea and previous disciplinary record, that punishment was reduced by 50%.

Ireland, who are also chasing a third straight Six Nations title, host France on 8 March and travel to Italy on 15 March in their final two matches.

Random Vandals Expands To Second GT Entry

Published in Racing
Thursday, 27 February 2025 09:18

CONCORD, N.C. Random Vandals Racing announced the expansion of its GT3 program with a second full-season entry in GT World Challenge America powered by AWS.

The Vbrick Systems / Franck Muller BMW M4 GT3 will be driven by sports car racing legend Bill Auberlen alongside rising talent Varun Choksey for their second year together.

This expansion also marks the beginning of an exciting new partnership between Random Vandals Racing and luxury Swiss watchmaker Franck Muller. As the teams newest key partner, Franck Muller brings its legacy of precision, innovation, and performance to RVRs growing program.

Its an incredible privilege to have Bill Auberlen in a Random Vandals BMW. Bill and Varun have folded in with the team quickly, and we are confident that between our drivers and our engineering team, we will have a very strong 2025, said Paul Sparta, Team Principal of Random Vandals. Huge thanks goes to BMW Motorsport for its confidence in RVR. Its always been our aim to field a true world-class program, and we are doing just that.

Im bringing in the 2025 racing season with a giant grin! Varun and myself will be teamed up with Random Vandals racing and I couldnt be happier, said Bill Auberlen. Paul Sparta and the team have welcomed us with open arms and my hopes of landing the 2025 championship are at an all-time high. We will be racing the new BMW M4 GT3 EVO and I cant wait to see how amazing our new ride is. I also love our new sponsors, Franck Muller and Vbrick. I have been lucky enough to wear their watches for years now and they are an amazing time piece. Its time to win this thing and I cant wait to get started.

Im incredibly excited to be joining RVR alongside Bill for my second year in GTWCA, said Varun Choksey. I think I can speak for the entire team when I say that we want to be fighting for wins and a championship this season. With the team Paul has put together I think we have every chance of doing exactly that. I cant wait to get the season underway; Sonoma cant get here soon enough.

Alongside its previously announced entry featuring Connor De Phillippi and Kenton Koch, the addition of Auberlen and Choksey in the Franck Muller BMW M4 GT3 EVO sets the stage for a highly competitive campaign.

Ryder Laplante To Chase ASCS National Tour

Published in Racing
Thursday, 27 February 2025 10:15

CONCORD, N.C. Over the past three seasons, Ryder Laplante has spent his full-time racing career in transition from micro sprints to the sprint car world. This year, hes taking on his biggest challenge yet.

The 18-year-old from Calera, Okla., has committed to chasing the American Sprint Car Series National Tour schedule, piloting the family-owned Oklahoma Truck Driving Academy, Moss Racing Engines-powered Maxim Chassis No. 88r.

While hes made only seven career appearances with the National Tour, Laplante had a standout performance against the field in May at Rush County Speedway, driving from seventh to third behind Matt Covington and race winner Seth Bergman.

I ran with [ASCS] quite a bit last year and I could keep up with them, I could outrun them, I could beat them, for sure, Laplante said. Just needed some luck. We were kinda underpowered last year, but weve got some more power coming, so they better watch out.

Before jumping into 360 sprint cars, Laplante was a National Open Wheel 600cc Micro Sprint Series champion of the Restricted A-Class division in 2018. He continued with micro sprints through 2021 until mixing-in 305 Sprint Car events starting in 2022, and made his 410 sprint car debut the following year.

After a mix of 305, 360 and 410 sprint car starts last season, Laplante has settled on the 360 division to be his careers next step. While hes refrained from jumping directly into the 410 division, he said he learned a lot from his time spent in the seat last year.

I started with a 410 and went down to a 360, and it kinda felt slow to me  thats why we were so good out of the gate, Laplante said. That helped me out a lot.

While getting to know his new competitors on the road, Laplante will also get accustomed to the ASCS race format, in which qualifying results can significantly contribute to or disrupt a drivers chances for success in the feature.

Youve gotta be smart, but youve also gotta be fast, Laplante said. Youve got to unload fast, and qualifying is everything.

2025 will mark Laplantes first season following a national Sprint Car tour of any kind. Its a goal hes worked toward for several years, though not his final destination as he begins to carve out a career path to the top of the open-wheel racing world.

Hopefully, (I can) do this for a living and travel around the world and do it, Laplante said. Thats my goal. Id like to do the best I can with ASCS, get my name out there, and see where it takes me.

Laplante continues his rookie season on the ASCS National Tour April 12 at Salina (Okla.) Highbanks Speedway.

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Revchem Extends With Kalitta Motorsports

Published in Racing
Thursday, 27 February 2025 11:39

YPSILANTI, Mich. Revchem Composites extended its partnership with Kalitta Motorsports for a sixth-consecutive season.

The 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series begins March 7-9, 2025 at the Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla.

Celebrating its 50th season in business in 2025, Revchem Composites is a leading provider of composite raw materials and supplies. Since 2020, Revchem branding has been prominently featured on the three Kalitta Motorsports entries driven by 2023 NHRA Top Fuel champion Doug Kalitta, 2018 NHRA Funny Car champion J.R. Todd and 2013 NHRA Top Fuel champion Shawn Langdon.

Revchem Composites, a leader in supplying motorsports manufacturers- alongside their partners at Prototype Concepts- collaborated with Toyota Motorsports to create the Toyota Gazoo Racing GR Supra Funny Car body now used in NHRA Drag Racing. Revchem is committed to increasing the productivity and profitability of composites fabricators with six strategically-located United States distribution centers that stock some 4,000 products from more than 200 suppliers.

Our Revchem team provides technical support and solutions for composites manufacturers in many unique industries: aerospace, aviation, surfing, marine, theming and motorsports, Revchem president Pete Pendleton said. We are proud to once again partner with Kalitta Motorsports this season.

Revchem will continue to increase its brand awareness and business-to-business relationships by hosting both existing and potential customers in the Kalitta Motorsports VIP hospitality area, which travels the entire 20-race NHRA series throughout the United States.

Our race cars are lighter and stronger thanks to Revchem products, Kalitta Motorsports General Manager Chad Head said. Team Kalitta counts on Revchem Composites in many areas their overall motorsports knowledge is vital for our race team. They partnered with us on creating the current GR Supra Funny Car body, and we rely on their expertise on a regular basis. They come to races and invest time in our hospitality area building relationships with our other partners, and its great that they take advantage of the business-to-business opportunities available to them through our partnership.

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