White Sox release Ozzie Guillen
Ozzie Guillen, the oft-outspoken and controversial manager of the Chicago White Sox has managed his last game as a member of the White Sox, after being released from his contract on Monday. Guillen, who went 678-617 in his eight seasons at the helm, including a World Series title in 2005, was seeking a contract extension with more money, something that White Sox General Manager Kenny Williams did not want to give him. Under Guillen, the team had five seasons in which they finished above .500, but they only managed to reach the postseason twice. The White Sox swept the Houston Astros in the 2005 World Series, winning their first title since 1917, and Guillen became the first Hispanic manager to win a World Series. Guillen is expected to become the next manager of the Florida Marlins, who will be opening up a new ballpark in Miami next season. Current Marlins manager Jack McKeon is retiring after this season, and sources say Guillen and the Marlins are currently finalizing a deal to bring him to Miami.
Winter Classic participants announced
The 2012 NHL Winter Classic participants were announced, as the annual game will feature the New York Rangers taking on the Philadelphia Flyers at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. The Winter Classic has become an annual tradition for the NHL, and features two teams playing in an outdoor stadium just after the New Year. This game will take place January 2, 2012 in the 45,000 seat stadium, usually reserved for the Philadelphia Phillies. Last season, the Rangers were eliminated 4 games to 1 in the first round of the playoffs by the Capitals, while the Flyers were swept in the conference semi-finals by the eventual Stanley Cup champions, the Boston Bruins. Future venues for the Winter Classic have been discussed, and could include the University of Michigan stadium in Ann Arbor, and Cowboys stadium in Dallas Texas.
Orioles end Verlander’s winning streak
Justin Verlander, the ace pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, pitched seven innings and garnered a no-decision against the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday, ending his personal nine game win streak. Verlander finished the season with an amazing 24-5 record, while recording a 2.40 ERA and 250 strikeouts. Depending on Jared Weaver’s final start tonight, Verlander has an outside shot at winning the pitching Triple Crown, (first in the AL in wins, ERA and strikeouts) which would be the first in the AL since 2006, when Johan Santana achieved this feat. Even more amazingly, Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw has already clinched the National League Triple Crown, racking up a 2.28 ERA with 21 wins and 248 strikeouts. Going into the American League playoffs, Verlander may stand to get two starts in the first round, which means the Tigers will certainly be the favorite against whomever they play.
Aggies joins Southeastern Conference
The Texas A&M Aggies were officially welcomed into the Southeastern Conference, and will be playing in the league starting in the 2012-2013 season. The Aggies had previously been a part of the Big 12 Conference since the 1996 season, and with the jump to the SEC, becomes the 13th member of the conference. The SEC boasts the last five college football champions, with the most recent championship coming from the Auburn Tigers. Conference realignment has taken center stage recently, as numerous teams are choosing to leave their conferences for others in favor of more money.
