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Hungry for another World Series, Clayton Kershaw believes he can pitch a full season

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Hungry for another World Series, Clayton Kershaw believes he can pitch a full season

Ultimately, Clayton Kershaw’s resolution got here down to 1 easy issue.

Even after 14 MLB seasons, three Cy Younger Awards, an MVP and a once-elusive World Collection title, his main motivation hasn’t modified. Considered one of baseball’s final rivals continues to be obsessive about profitable.

That’s why the pitcher was again at Camelback Ranch on Sunday, his look sending a couple of hundred Dodgers followers right into a frenzy on the afternoon his one-year, $17 million contract to return to the workforce was finalized on the primary official day of spring coaching.

“On the finish of the day, I wished to be right here and win a World Collection,” Kershaw mentioned. “I believe the Dodgers give me the perfect likelihood to try this and I’m excited to be again.”

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A free agent for the primary time in his profession this offseason, Kershaw fielded loads of curiosity from different groups — particularly the Texas Rangers, a membership that isn’t solely proper close to his house in Dallas, the place Kershaw, his spouse Ellen and their 4 youngsters reside within the winter, but in addition a workforce run by one in all his shut pals within the sport, common supervisor Chris Younger.

Whereas the Dodgers all the time felt considerably assured the soon-to-be 34-year-old would return — one thing president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman described on Sunday because the workforce’s high offseason precedence — there have been instances that religion wavered, when some within the group puzzled in the event that they’d ever see Kershaw’s No. 22 take the sector with them once more.

“I knew going into the lockout that it was favorable for us,” mentioned Friedman, who wasn’t allowed to have contact with Kershaw throughout an MLB work stoppage that lasted from the beginning of December to Thursday. “However I didn’t know over that time frame, and him having a child, if issues would change. I had no thought.”

Friedman cited a information report from final month, during which a former teammate of Kershaw’s predicted the pitcher would be part of the Rangers, as casting additional uncertainty. And Kershaw himself acknowledged that his resolution did come all the way down to the Rangers and Dodgers.

Clayton Kershaw is assured he can pitch a full season for the Dodgers.

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(Aaron Doster / Related Press)

By the point the lockout was over, nonetheless, Kershaw’s thoughts was made up. He wished to come back again to Los Angeles, the place he’s hopeful of being prepared for opening day subsequent month and staying wholesome over the course of the whole season after battling an elbow damage a yr in the past.

“I wouldn’t come again if I didn’t suppose I might pitch a full season and be able to go,” he mentioned. “That’s what I’m right here to do.”

After MLB’s new collective bargaining settlement was ratified on Thursday, ending the work stoppage after 99 days, Kershaw knowledgeable each Younger and Friedman of his resolution by the top of the night time.

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“Having to name CY as quickly because the lockout ended and inform him what our resolution was, it wasn’t a simple telephone name,” Kershaw mentioned. “However he understood.”

The dialog with Friedman had a distinct tone.

“Put up-lockout, he was the primary telephone name I made,” Friedman mentioned. “We labored rapidly to get it achieved.”

Kershaw’s return was set into movement months earlier, when Friedman and the Dodgers determined at the start of the offseason to not give him a qualifying provide forward of his impending free company.

Had they achieved so, Kershaw would have been compelled into a fast resolution — having 10 days to both settle for the one-year provide of $18.4 million, or decline it and threat his worth on the open market being diminished by the very fact one other workforce would have been compelled to present the Dodgers a draft choose to signal him.

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“Credit score to Andrew as effectively for not having to do the qualifying provide,” Kershaw mentioned. “That was very nice … It simply gave me time to determine it out.”

After that, Kershaw took his winter routine slowly, permitting his elbow further time to heal from a major late-season damage that compelled him to overlook the 2021 postseason and practically required Tommy John surgical procedure.

Clayton Kershaw pitches during a game.

Clayton Kershaw didn’t overwork himself in the course of the the offseason as he rehabbed from damage.

(Ross D. Franklin / Related Press)

He didn’t choose up a baseball till New 12 months’s Day, and nonetheless hasn’t confronted any reside hitters (he’ll try this for the primary time on Monday). However it didn’t take lengthy for him to know his elbow was progressing effectively sufficient to pitch in 2022, eliminating any lingering ideas he had about an early retirement from the game.

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“I wasn’t going to retire,” Kershaw mentioned. “I imply, until my elbow was actually dangerous. But when I used to be wholesome, I used to be going to play.”

He added: “As I began throwing in January, I began feeling higher and higher and each day I might throw extra and I wasn’t as sore, then I threw off the mound just a little extra and stored bouncing again. I used to be like ‘Man, I’m wholesome.’ ”

From there, Kershaw started to really feel a pull to stay with the Dodgers.

He mentioned that whereas the concept of being a one-franchise participant is cool, it “didn’t play a giant function in my resolution.” The very fact his 2021 season ended with an damage didn’t sway him a lot both.

As an alternative, it was all about his want to “simply win a World Collection,” he reiterated. “As soon as my youngsters are older and getting at school [in Texas], the draw of being house extra and protecting them at school is massive. There’s no secret to that. However Ellen was on board, she wished to do that once more. … We’re part of one thing particular right here. We all know that.”

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Now that he’s again with the Dodgers, Kershaw is aiming to be a key contributor once more too.

He mentioned Sunday that his elbow feels 100% and that, regardless of being just a little behind in his throwing program in comparison with regular, he ought to nonetheless be prepared for the beginning of the season in lower than a month.

Wanting again, he realizes he tried to push himself too onerous final season, when he missed greater than three months from July to September with left elbow irritation earlier than speeding again and reaggravating the damage in the course of the Dodgers’ closing sequence of the common season.

Now that he had the prospect to present his arm loads of time to correctly get well — he mentioned all the MRI exams he took over the weekend seemed good — he’s assured he can deal with the workload of a full season.

“I didn’t need to come again if I assumed that there’s going to be an opportunity I get harm,” he mentioned. “Clearly well being is unpredictable at instances, however I’d somewhat not play than receives a commission and be harm, truthfully, at this level in my profession.”

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Certainly, after all the things else he’s achieved, Kershaw was as soon as once more making it clear that his sole pursuit now could be reaching the last word workforce success once more. One World Collection title hasn’t fully quenched his aggressive thirst. And he was steadfast in his perception the Dodgers gave him the perfect likelihood to get there.

“It’s sort of a blur proper now, however it’s good to be right here,” Kershaw mentioned. “It’s good to be a Dodger once more.”

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Heisman straw poll: Ashton Jeanty has one more chance to change minds as Travis Hunter sits

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Heisman straw poll: Ashton Jeanty has one more chance to change minds as Travis Hunter sits

Colorado receiver/cornerback/flawed Heisman poser/presumed Heisman winner Travis Hunter has achieved perfection in The Athletic’s Heisman Trophy straw poll.

Of the 27 writers and editors who voted this week, all 27 voted Hunter first, giving him the maximum possible 81 points. Two first-place votes for Ashton Jeanty and one for Cam Ward in the previous poll switched this week to Hunter, who wrapped up his Colorado season with three touchdown catches, an interception and two pass break-ups in a 52-0 rout of Oklahoma State.

Hunter “clinched the Heisman,” coach Deion Sanders said afterward, and while that may not be officially true, Hunter couldn’t have gone out with a stronger closing statement — other than the fact that his Heisman pose still needs work to better emulate the trophy itself. In all seriousness, it would have helped him with naysayers focused on team success for the Buffaloes to get the help necessary to make the Big 12 title game. They didn’t.

And the fact that Jeanty gets to play Friday for No. 11 Boise State (11-1) against No. 22 UNLV (10-2) in the Mountain West title game for a national Fox audience at least gives him the final word. It will have to be the running back performance equivalent of “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” Like, how about 341 yards to reach 2,629 on the season and break Barry Sanders’ single-season NCAA rushing record? Would that do it?

Maybe? Jeanty lost ground in the straw poll this week after going for 226 yards and a touchdown in a win over Oregon State so … the bar is high. The pathway to change hearts and minds is narrow. The nation’s leading rusher got 25 second-place votes and two third-place votes for a total of 50 points.

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The Athletic follows the same voting protocol as that of the Heisman: three points for a first-place vote, two points for a second-place vote, one point for a third-place vote.

Player Team Pos 1st 2nd 3rd Pts

Travis Hunter

WR/DB

27

0

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0

81

Ashton Jeanty

RB

0

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25

2

52

Tyler Warren

TE

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0

0

8

8

Dillon Gabriel

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QB

0

1

5

7

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Cam Ward

QB

0

0

6

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6

Cam Skattebo

RB

0

0

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5

5

Kaleb Johnson

RB

0

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1

0

2

LaNorris Sellers

QB

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0

0

1

1

At the least, Jeanty knows he’s going to New York and should be a lock to come in second by a safe margin. There’s no obvious third place this year, which will make the voting and the number of candidates invited to New York interesting.

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Miami quarterback Cam Ward fell from 15 points to six in the poll after Saturday’s loss at Syracuse, dropping him to fifth place behind Penn State tight end Tyler Warren (eight points) and Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel (seven points).

That also means no ACC title game platform for Ward while Warren and Gabriel will face each other for the Big Ten championship in Indianapolis, thanks to Ohio State’s shocking loss to Michigan to let the Nittany Lions sneak in the back door.

The poll’s rising No. 6 vote-getter, Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo (five points), also gets an opportunity to make his case when the surprising Sun Devils take on Iowa State for the Big 12 title.

Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson (two points) is the third running back among the eight vote-getters. That’s the same as the number of quarterbacks — and there’s a new quarterback, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, picking up a third-place vote.

Sellers will not make it to New York this year. But that’s a hint of things to come in 2025 when he should be high on the list of preseason hopefuls for the award.

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(Photo of Ashton Jeanty: Brian Losness / Imagn Images)

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Michigan fires offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell despite team's upset win over Ohio State

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Michigan fires offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell despite team's upset win over Ohio State

The Michigan Wolverines pulled off a massive upset on the road Saturday, beating Ohio State to continue their recent dominance in the rivalry. 

Despite the win, Michigan made a big coaching change. 

Kirk Campbell, the Wolverines’ offensive coordinator, was fired by head coach Sherrone Moore Tuesday.

The university released a statement, saying Moore would conduct a national search to find Campbell’s replacement. 

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Michigan offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell reacts to a play against Ohio State during the second half at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (Imagn)

“After a thorough assessment of our offense, I made the decision to relieve Kirk Campbell of his duties and move in a different direction,” Moore said in the statement. “This was a decision that I felt was in the best interest of our football program. I want to thank Kirk for his hard work and dedication to the university, Michigan Football and our student-athletes. I wish him well in his future coaching endeavors.”

Tight ends coach Steve Casula will serve as interim offensive coordinator for the remainder of the season, the statement said.

FOX NEWS DIGITAL SPORTS’ COLLEGE FOOTBALL WINNERS AND LOSERS: WEEK 14

The Wolverines’ offense struggled after winning the national championship and the departure of Jim Harbaugh as head coach. Moore was Harbaugh’s offensive coordinator. 

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Michigan did lose key offensive players, including quarterback J.J. McCarthy, running back Blake Corum and receiver Roman Wilson. But the team is 7-5 after 12 games. 

Kirk Campbell talks to quarterback

Michigan offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell talks to quarterback Davis Warren (16) during a timeout against Ohio State in the second half at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (Imagn)

The Wolverines are near the bottom of the NCAA in yards per game, sitting at 128th out of 134 FBS schools. They are also 125th in first downs per game and 111th in points. 

The Wolverines scored just one touchdown in the win Saturday against Ohio State’s defense, which is one of the best in the country. 

Campbell worked his way through the Wolverines’ ranks, becoming the team’s quarterbacks coach in 2023 during the national championship run. When Moore took over as head coach after Harbaugh joined the Los Angeles Chargers, Campbell was quickly promoted again, but he only lasted one season.

Kirk Campbell walks on field

Michigan offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell watches warmups before the Oregon game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich., Nov. 2, 2024. (Imagn)

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Michigan will look to make a big hire for this role, especially considering the commitment flip of quarterback Bryce Underwood, the Michigan native who is first overall in the Class of 2025 prospect rankings. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

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Prep basketball roundup: Westchester survives rally to beat Brentwood

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Prep basketball roundup: Westchester survives rally to beat Brentwood

Westchester started the high school basketball season with losses to Chatsworth, Crespi and Harvard-Westlake. The Comets, filled with transfer students, took out their frustration on unbeaten Brentwood on Tuesday night in the Redondo Union tournament, only to come within seconds of losing.

With Tajh Ariza leading the way, Westchester built up a 21-point lead going into the fourth quarter. Brentwood came back behind Shane Frazier, who made four threes in the quarter. The Eagles twice had the ball in the final seconds with a chance to take the lead before the Comets finally prevailed 74-72.

“We have to finish off games,” said Ariza, who finished with 21 points and is the son of former Westchester and NBA player Trevor Ariza.

Brentwood (7-1) received 21 points from AJ Okoh and 18 points from Frazier. The Eagles outscored Westchester 24-6 in the fourth quarter.

Brentwood got the ball back with 8.8 seconds left after Ariza missed two free throws. But the Eagles could not pull out the victory. It was a tough night for Gold Coast League teams, as the Eagles, Viewpoint and Windward all were beaten.

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Ty Ingram helped Westchester (1-3) with 17 points.

Harvard-Westlake 67, San Gabriel Academay 48: It was a bit of a struggle in the second half for the Wolverines (5-0) after building a 20-point halftime lead. Joe Sterling finished with 21 points and Nikolas Khamenia had 19. Sophomore Mahamadou Diop had 16 points for San Gabriel, which has lost to the Wolverines, Sierra Canyon and Sherman Oaks Notre Dame this season.

Long Beach Poly 62, Windward 60: The Jackrabbits continue to play a tough schedule and came away victorious behind Jovani Ruff, who had 13 points. JJ Harris scored 23 points for Windward.

Redondo Union 97, Oak Park 39: Brayden Miner, the son of former USC and NBA dunk champion Harold Miner, scored 27 points for Redondo Union (4-0).

Leuzinger 55, Crean Lutheran 51: Arnez Reynolds had 15 points for Crean Lutheran (3-1).

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Loyola 87, Hacienda Heights Wilson 35: Tyson Powell made four threes to finish with 12 points.

Crescenta Valley 90, University Prep Value 21: Vaughn Zargarian had 38 points for Crescenta Valley.

Damien 83, Orange Vista 63: Eli Garner had 27 points and Nate Garcia 23 for Damien.

JSerra 66, La Jolla Country Day 44: BJ Davis-Ray had 17 points for the Lions.

Moorpark 64, South Hills 51: Sophomore Levi Oaks had 27 points and freshman Logan Stotts added 13 points for Moorpark.

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Campbell Hall 89, Venice 56: The Vikings (4-0) received 29 points from Isaiah Johnson and 22 points from James Bass.

Murrieta Valley 72, Sun Valley Poly 70: JD Wyatt had 28 points in his season debut for Poly.

St. Francis 67, Lake Stevens (Wash.) 58: Freshman Luke Paulus scored 21 points and Noah Henry had 20 points and 10 rebounds for St. Francis.

Chaminade 54, Santa Monica 53: Koby Nichols led the way for the Eagles (8-0) with 14 points.

Canyon 63, Saugus 51: Max Guardado led Saugus with 22 points.

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Shalhevet 70, Viewpoint 69: A 31-point outburst from Aiden Bitran lifted Shalhevet to the win in double overtime.

Mater Dei 71, San Juan Hills 55: Luke Barnett scored 22 points to help coach Gary McKnight become the second winningest coach all-time.

Inglewood 95, St. Bernard 92: Jason Crowe Jr., cleared by the Southern Section to play, scored 43 points in Inglewood’s overtime victory.

Girls basketball

Mater Dei 80, King 22: Kaeli Wynn had 21 points and 10 assists for Mater Dei (5-0).

Redondo Union 38, Harvard-Westlake 32: Chloe Choy led Redondo Union with 13 points.

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Hart 65, Valencia 35: Morgan Mack finished with 27 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists for Hart.

Bishop Montgomery 67, Brentwood 57: Lev Feiman and Payton Sugar each scored 16 points for Brentwood.

Birmingham 62, Mira Costa 52: The Patriots won the Gold Division championship of the Battle of the Beach. Camille Newton had 17 points. Tournament MVP Lili Martinez had 16 points and 10 rebounds.

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