Cubs add catching depth with Torrens
The Cubs bolstered their catching depth by signing catcher Luis Torrens to a minorleague contract with a spring-training invitation, the club announced Thursday.
Torrens’ production slipped last season, his OPS dropping from .730 in 2021 to .581 last year. The Mariners non-tendered him in November.
Since then, Torrens has put together a strong showing in the Venezuelan Winter League, slashing .387/.484/.600.
The Cubs have their regular catchers in place with Yan Gomes and newcomer Tucker Barnhart.
◆ The White Sox invited 26 non-rostered players to spring training, including veteran outfielders Billy Hamilton, Jake Marisnick and Victor Reyes, infielder Hanser Alberto and right-hander Keynan Middleton, who were among nine players signed to minorleague contracts.
The organization’s top two prospects according to MLB Pipeline, shortstop Colson Montgomery and Cuban outfielder Oscar Colas, were invited to camp.
Colas will be given an opportunity to win the starting job in right field.
The Sox also signed 11 international free agents from Venezuela, including catcher Angel Hernandez, 17, who received the biggest bonus of the group at $500,000.
† Dana Brown, who spent the last four seasons as the vice president of scouting for the Braves, was hired as the Astros’ new general manager.
NBA Randle, Knicks edge Celtics in OT
Julius Randle had 37 points and nine rebounds and hit the free throws that gave the Knicks the lead for good in a 120-117 overtime victory over the Celtics. Jalen Brunson added 29 points, seven assists and a gameending blocked shot for New York. Boston’s Jayson Tatum finished with 35 points and 14 rebounds.
† Saddiq Bey scored 25 points and the Pistons won in Brooklyn for the first time in nearly five years, beating the Nets 130-122. Kyrie Irving scored 40 points for the Nets.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL No. 1 Purdue survives Michigan
Zach Edey scored 15 of his 19 points in the first half and Fletcher Loyer finished with 17 points to help No. 1 Purdue (20-1, 9-1 Big Ten) hold off Michigan 75-70. Hunter Dickinson scored a game-high 21 points for the Wolverines (11-9, 5-4).
† Mady Sisoko had 10 points and 10 rebounds as Michigan State defeated Iowa 63-61. Jaden Akins had a team-high 12 points for the Spartans (14-7, 6-4). Ahron Ulis scored a career-high 17 points for Iowa (12-8, 4-5).
† Abby Ellis scored 16 points and Purdue (14-6, 5-5) upset No. 22 Illinois 62-52 in Big Ten women’s action. Makira Cook shot 8-for-24 from the field to lead Illinois (16-5, 6-4) with 19 points.
FIGURE SKATING Knierim-Frazier lead at championships
Reigning world champions Alexa Knierim and Brandon Frazier scored a personal-best 81.96 for a commanding lead in the first day of the U.S. Championships in San Jose, Calif. Three-time national champs Madison Chock and Evan Bates lead in rhythm dance.