Morning Sports Update: Pablo Sandoval ‘starting from scratch’ next season
The 'Kung Fu Panda' is hoping a revitalized work ethic will improve his performance.
The Bruins dropped another game, and the Patriots slid into the AFC’s top seed.
Pablo Sandoval got ‘complacent’ with big Red Sox deal: In his first interview since the trades that sent fellow third basemen Yoan Moncada and Travis Shaw to Chicago and Milwaukee respectively, Pablo Sandoval expressed a renewed commitment to winning. “I am not taking anything for granted,” Sandoval said. “I am here to work hard.” Sandoval added that his newborn son was a driving factor in his desire to win another championship, this time in Boston. (ESPN Boston/Deportes)
Farrell: Mitch Moreland at 1B, Hanley Ramirez at DH most days: With the signing of first baseman Mitch Moreland now official, manager John Farrell outlined his plan for the incoming former Ranger. “Against right-handed starters, Mitch would be the first baseman,” manager John Farrell said. The team will also have the option of using Hanley Ramirez in the field, and Chris Young at designated hitters against left-handed starters, as well as prospect Sam Travis. (Boston Herald)
Sources: Former Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine being considered for US Ambassador to Japan: Former manager Bobby Valentine’s Boston tenure ended unceremoniously, but the eccentric skipper may be in line for a far more prestigious post. According to a recent report, Valentine, currently serving as athletics director at Sacred Heart University, has began preliminary talks with president-elect Donald Trump’s transition team about becoming the US Ambassador to Japan. (WEEI)
John Harbaugh still angry about Patriots’ trick play two seasons ago: The Baltimore Ravens nearly stopped the Patriots’ Super Bowl run two years ago, but New England was able to use deceptive formations to squeak by, a tactic John Harbaugh took exception too. “I don’t even want to get into all that. That’s all been hashed out, as far as that goes,” he said. “I believe what I believe and I think it’s all been proven to be right. But the point about that is that’s been talked about…” (Boston Herald)
Patriots signing wide receiver Griff Whalen to fill in for Danny Amendola: In a depth move following the injury to Danny Amendola, the Patriots reportedly cut defensive tackle Darius Kilgo and signed wide receiver Griff Whalen. A standout at Stanford, Whalen’s most recent NFL action came with the Chargers, but Patriots fans may recognize him as being the snapper on the Indianapolis Colts’ ill-fated fake-punt trick play. (NESN)
#Patriots signing Griff Whalen (center in worst fake in history v Pats) miiiiight just be trolling #Ravens & their fear of odd formations… pic.twitter.com/EWXy74sZnE
— Matt Chatham (@chatham58) December 8, 2016
Deceased Astronaut John Glenn flew with Ted Williams in the Korean War:
https://twitter.com/BeschlossDC/status/806982986805706753
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com