This week in sports—October 20
Over the last several days, there have been many different stories in the world of sports: From the NBA to the NHL, the news has been nonstop. In this issue, we will look at the most recent sports news stories from the last week.
With NHL free agency in full swing, there have been numerous surprises. One of which was Chicago Blackhawks’ general manager Stan Bowman’s decision not to re-sign veteran goaltender Corey Crawford. Crawford was drafted by the Hawks in 2003 and spent 15 seasons in the Blackhawks organization.
The decision came as a shock to many Blackhawks fans and players after the trade of Robin Lehner in February before the trade deadline. This all but guaranteed Corey would be the starter for the Blackhawks for the near future, as he played in every game in the Blackhawks’ playoff run putting up a .917 save percentage in the process — or so was to be believed.
In turn, Bowman re-signed backup goalie Malcolm Subban to a 2-year deal worth $1.7 million. Crawford would later sign a 2-year contract with the New Jersey Devils worth $7.8 million, thus officially ending his tenure as a Blackhawk. Crawford debuted with the Blackhawks in 2005, is the second winningest goalie in franchise history, only behind Tony Esposito with 260 career wins, and won two Stanley Cups during his time in Chicago.
Corey Crawford lifting the Stanley Cup in 2015. Internet Photo.
As we turn to the MLB, the Chicago White Sox announced the dismissal of manager Rick Renteria and pitching coach Don Cooper. The decision was made early Tuesday afternoon on Oct. 13. Renteria’s release ultimately came down to the White Sox’s poor finish over the last few weeks of the regular season and managerial mistakes during the postseason.
In a press conference after the announcement, GM Rick Hahn announced that the White Sox were going to look for a more qualified manager that can take the ballclub to the next step of winning. The top two choices for the next manager are A.J. Hinch and Alex Cora, both of which were involved in the Astros cheating scandal in 2017. The White Sox also announced the possible consideration of 76-year-old Tony La Russa as a managerial candidate.
La Russa, a Hall of Fame manager, last managed the St. Louis Cardinals to a World Series title in 2011 and is currently serving as a senior advisor to baseball operations for the Los Angeles Angels.
This will be the first time the White Sox will be in search of a new pitching coach since Cooper joined the team in 2002.
The MLB initiated their own version of a bubble for the remaining rounds of the playoffs. The ALCS are being held at Petco Park, and the NLCS are being held at Globe Life Field in Arlington, TX. The World Series will take place at Globe Life Field, making it the first time the series will be held in one location in over 75 years.
Rick Renteria looking on from the dugout. Internet Photo.
In the NBA, The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Miami Heat in six games to win their 17th NBA title in Franchise history. LeBron James became a four-time NBA champion and won his fourth finals MVP award. James became the only player in NBA history to win finals MVP with three different teams (Heat, Cavaliers, and Lakers).
LeBron James and the rest of the Lakers posing for a team picture with the Larry O’Brien trophy. Internet Photo