Giants land their center fielder in Jackson
Even after the big acquisitions of Evan Longoria and Andrew McCutchen, the Giants still had a glaring need in center field. They have now found a solution.
The Giants confirmed Monday that they have agreed to a two-year, $6 million deal with center fielder Austin Jackson. Incentives in the contract could push the deal up to $8.5 million. Jon Heyman of MLB Network was first to report the signing.
Jackson, who turns 31 next month, played for the Cleveland Indians in 2017, batting .318 with seven home runs and 35 RBIs in 85 games. Jackson figures to slot into the Giants lineup as the starting center fielder.
Once a stellar defensive center fielder, Jackson’s prowess seems to have regressed in that area. He finished below average in defensive runs saved the past three seasons.
In addition to the Indians, Jackson has also played for the Tigers, Mariers, Cubs, and White Sox. In eight seasons at the big-league level, Jackson is a career .275 hitter. CUBS’ DUENSING RE-UPS >> Left-hander reliever Brian Duensing finalized a $7 million, two-year deal to remain in Chicago, although the Cubs likely aren’t done.
The team reportedly is having active talks with free-agent right-hander Yu Darvish. The conversations come amid reports
the Cubs have agreed to a minor-league deal with Chris Gimenez, who regularly caught Darvish while they were in Texas and developed a trusted working relationship with the Japanese pitcher.
ALLEN TO PADRES >> Former Cal star Allen Craig, an All-Star with the Cardinals in 2013, reportedly has signed a minor-league deal with the Padres. Craig, 33, has not played in the majors since 2015.
College football
STANFORD RB AMONG LOMBARDI FINALISTS >> Stanford running back Bryce Love and fellow Heisman finalists Baker Mayfield of Oklahoma and Lamar Jackson of Louisville, both quarterbacks, are among the finalists for the Lombardi Award — given to the nation’s top player based on performance as well as leadership, character and resiliency.
The other finalists are Penn State running back Saquon Barkley, Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick, Central Florida linebacker Shaquem Griffin and Iowa State linebacker and quarterback Joel Lanning.
The award will be presented Saturday.
Gymnastics
ABUSE CASE PROMPTS USA GYMNASTICS SHAKEUP >> Three top board members of USA Gymnastics resigned, and the man who coached the 2012 Olympic team was suspended, after calls from angry gymnasts who say the organization did nothing to protect them after they were abused by former team doctor Larry Nassar.
Chairman Paul Parilla, vice chair Jay Binder and treasurer Bitsy Kelley announced they were stepping down as testimony in Nassar’s sentencing hearing in Michigan moved into its second week. Nassar faces a minimum prison sentence of 25 to 40 years.
Later Monday, USA Gymnastics suspended the coach of the 2012 Olympics team, John Geddert, who worked with Nassar at his gyms in Michigan.
A number of Olympians have been among those testifying in the Nassar hearing. Many have also sued the U.S. Olympic Committee and USA Gymnastics and called for the sport’s leaders to leave their jobs. KAROLYI RANCH UNDER INVESTIGATION >> Authorities in Texas say they’re investigating the Karolyi Ranch, which was a training site for U.S. Olympic gymnasts until the Nassar sexual abuse case cast a shadow over the facility.
Walker County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Marlene Wells would not say what the investigation is about or when it began. But she confirmed her office has an open investigation.
Olympics
USOC HEAD DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER >> Scott Blackmun, the 60-year-old CEO of the U.S. Olympic Committee, announced he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and will not travel to the Olympics next month.
Motor sports
DANICA GETS DAYTONA RIDE >> Danica Patrick is set to drive for Premium Motorsports in next month’s Daytona 500, her final NASCAR race. She also plans to race in the Indianapolis 500 in May.
The one-race deal will put Patrick in the seat of the No. 7 GoDaddy Chevrolet, the same number she drove when she entered stock-car racing in 2010.
Soccer
GALAXY SIGNS MIDFIELDER >> Veteran MLS midfielder Chris Pontius signed with the L.A. Galaxy.