No surprise, Bochy talks of return to managing
If retirement goes as planned for former Giants manager Bruce Bochy, it’s a period of his life that won’t last long.
Bochy is already talking about going back to work.
During an appearance with Chris “Mad Dog” Russo on his radio show Thursday, Bochy explained that he does have a desire to manage again.
“I’m just hitting the pause button,” Bochy told Russo. “That’s all, you know, I’m taking a sabbatical here for a year and then, you know, I’ll see where I’m at. I don’t know how I’m going feel but I’d love to have one more shot.”
For much of his final season with the Giants — and especially during his last month — Bochy was asked if he would ever consider managing again. He often spoke about how he was “good with my decision,” and said he was looking forward to time away from baseball, but many close to Bochy believe he has much more left to offer as a manager.
Bochy never went as far as calling his decision to step away a “sabbatical,” but he rarely used the word “retire” after doing so when he made his initial announcement in February.
— Kerry Crowley COMEBACK HONOR FOR
PENCE » After a trying final season with the San Francisco Giants, outfielder Hunter Pence sparked an unlikely, successful return to the major leagues. Pence was voted by his peers as the American League Comeback Player of the Year Award winner.
Pence hit .297 with 18 home runs and a .910 OPS in 83 games for the Texas Rangers this season, earning an All-Star nod and enjoying his best season since 2014. Despite battling injuries, Pence was one of the Rangers’ most productive players. — Kerry Crowley THREE-FOURTHS OF A’S INFIELD UP FOR GOLD GLOVES
» A’s third baseman Matt Chapman, first baseman Matt Olson, shortstop Marcus Semien and left fielder Robbie Grossman were nominated for Gold Glove Awards, Rawlings Sports announced. Olson, who won the Gold Glove in 2018, will be up for consecutive honors. He was nominated along with Houston’s Yuli Gurriel and Toronto’s Justin Smoak. — Shayna Rubin
Soccer
USWNT READY TO NAME NEW COACH » Vlatko Andonovski will be named head coach of the U.S. women’s national soccer team on Monday, Sports Illustrated reported Thursday. The 43-year- old has been the head coach of Reign FC in Tacoma, Washington, in the National Women’s Soccer League for the past two seasons.
An official presentation is planned for Monday in New York City to introduce Andonovski, according to the report. EARTHQUAKES SIGN D JUNG
WIRTH TO NEW DEAL » The San Jose Earthquakes announced the signing of defender Florian Jungwirth to a new multi-year contract. Jungwirth, 30, joined the Earthquakes ahead of the 2017 MLS season following an extensive career in Germany. He has since made 87 starts in 91 total appearances. GRESSEL, MARTINEZ PUSH ATLANTA UNITED INTO CONFERENCE FINAL » Julian Gressel scored in the 10th minute, Josef Martinez added a late goal and defending champion Atlanta United beat the Philadelphia Union 2- 0 to advance to the Eastern Conference final.
United will host Toronto FC on Wednesday night.
Golf
WOODS TIED FOR LEAD, BUT SECOND ROUND IN JAPAN IS
POSTPONED » Organizers on Friday postponed the second round of the Zozo Championship in Japan due to heavy rain. Tiger Woods was tied with Gary Woodland after both players shot 64 in the opening round of the PGA’s first event in Japan.
“Due to heavy rain in the area, the second round has been postponed for the day,” the PGA said in a statement.
The Zozo tournament is part of three tournaments that make up the PGA Tour’s Asia Swing, including the CJ Cup in South Korea won last week by Justin Thomas and the HSBC Champions in Shanghai next week.
LEE LEADS IN SOUTH KOREA, KHANG TRAILS BY ONE » Australian Minjee Lee overcame a series of changing weather conditions at the Buick Ladies Championship to take a one- stroke lead with a bogey-free 6-under 66 after the first round of the LPGA tournament in Busan, South Korea. Danielle Kang, who won last week’s tournament at Shanghai, was in a group tied for second with Jin Young Ko, Jeongeun Lee6 and Seung Yeon Lee on the LPGA International Busan course.
College football
BUECHELE, JONES LIFT NO. 16 SMU PAST HOUSTON » Shane Buechele threw for 203 yards and two touchdowns, Xavier Jones ran for 133 yards and two touchdowns, and No. 16 SMU held off host Houston 3431. Buechele was 20 of 38. James Proche caught seven passes for 83 yards and a touchdown for SMU (8- 0, 4- 0 American).
Houston (3- 5, 1- 3) outgained SMU, 510-385 yards and got within three with 4:47 left on a 96-yard touchdown pass from Clayton Tune to Marquez Stevenson, but the Mustangs held on for the win.