NCAA names Baker new president
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker will be the next president of the NCAA, stepping in to lead an organization with diminished power amid sweeping change across college sports.
The NCAA announced Thursday that Baker will replace Mark Emmert as the head of the largest college sports governing body in the country, with some 500,000 athletes at more than 1,100 schools.
Baker, a Republican, has been governor of Massachusetts since 2015. He announced a year ago he would not seek re-election. His second term ends in January and he will start is new job in March.
He has never worked in college sports.
“I must say that when I was first approached about this, my initial reaction was that I was not exactly what you would call a traditional candidate,” Baker said on a video conference call with reporters.
He said his time in state government, building consensus among various constituencies, coalitions and factions, should help in leading a diverse association with a wide range of priorities.
“I certainly think the challenges here are significant,” Baker said.
He said he was approached by the NCAA’s search firm about two months ago.
College football
MISSISSIPPI STATE HIRES DC ARNETT TO REPLACE LEACH >> No. 24 Mississippi State is promoting defensive coordinator Zach Arnett to head coach to replace Mike Leach, who died suddenly of a heart condition earlier this week.
Mississippi State was working to finalize a fouryear contract with the 36-year-old Arnett, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because a deal had not yet been completed.
UNLV HIRES PETRINO TO RUN OFFENSE >> Bobby Petrino, known for his high-powered offenses and messy departures, was hired as UNLV’s new offensive coordinator.
Petrino, who went 18-15 over the past three seasons at FCS-level Missouri State, will be part of UNLV coach Barry Odom’s staff. Odom was hired Dec. 6 to replace Marcus Arroyo, who was fired after the Rebels went 5-7 this season.
Petrino was 119-56 over 14 seasons as an FBS head coach, taking Louisville to eight bowl appearances over two stints and Arkansas to three bowls.
With all of his success, Petrino also had his shares of controversies. He signed a 10-year contract before the 2006 season with Louisville but left a year later for the Atlanta Falcons. After a 3-10 start in 2007, he left for Arkansas.
Petrino twice won at least 10 games with the Razorbacks, including two New Year’s Six bowl appearances, but he was fired in 2012. He lied about a motorcycle accident involving a female staffer and failed to disclose when she was hired that the two were in an extramarital relationship.
MLB RED SOX SIGN JAPANESE BATTING CHAMP MASATAKA YOSHIDA >>
The Boston Red Sox have signed outfielder Masataka Yoshida, who won a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics and twice led Japan’s Pacific League in batting, to a five year deal that will pay him $90 million.
Yoshida, 29, helped Orix to a victory in the Japan Series in October, homering twice in Game 5 – including a walk-off as the Buffaloes rallied from a ninth-inning deficit.
Yoshida has a .326 average with a .419 on-base percentage in seven seasons in Japan, all with Orix. DODGERS ACQUIRE INF HERNÁNDEZ FROM A’S FOR CASH >> The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired infielder Yonny Hernández from the
Oakland Athletics in exchange for cash.
The 24-year-old switchhitter played in 12 games for Arizona last season after being traded by Texas in April. Hernández was claimed by Oakland last month and was designated for assignment this week.
He played 10 games at third base and two at second base for the Diamondbacks. Hernández has hit .198 with 13 stolen bases while playing shortstop, second base and third base in 55 career major-league games with the Rangers and D-backs.
Hernández spent seven seasons in the minors, mostly with the Rangers organization, hitting .262 with 21 triples and 184 stolen bases in 532 games. KIERMAIER, BLUE JAYS FINALIZE $9M, 1-YEAR CONTRACT >> Gold Glove-winning centerfielder Kevin Kiermaier finalized a $9 million, one-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.
The 32-year-old slumped to a .228 average with seven homers and 22 RBIs in 63 games this year in a season cut short by left hip surgery in August. Tampa Bay declined a $13 million option for 2023.
His addition provides some outfield stability after the departure of slugger Teoscar Hernández, who was traded to Seattle. The Blue Jays also allowed outfielders Raimel Tapia and Bradley Zimmer to go free. CUBS AGREE TO DEAL WITH BOXBERGER >> The Cubs added bullpen help, agreeing to a $2.8 million, oneyear contract with veteran right-hander Brad Boxberger.
The 34-year-old Boxberger was 4-3 with a 2.95 ERA and one save over 70 appearances and 64 innings with Milwaukee last season.