MLB: Nationals acquire Span from Twins
The Nationals acquired Denard Span from the Twins for minor league pitcher Alex Meyer yesterday, giving the reigning NL East champions a natural center fielder and leadoff hitter — and setting off a chain reaction in the lineup both offensively and defensively.
A career .284 hitter with 90 steals and a .357 on-base percentage during five seasons with the Twins, Span comes to the Nationals with a set of talents the team has been seeking.
Span’s arrival allows the Nationals to move 20-year-old Bryce Harper to a corner outfield spot — probably left field, with Jayson Werth staying in right. Michael Morse could then move to first base — the position played by free-agent slugger Adam LaRoche.
After reportedly making a three-year offer to free agent Mike Napoli, the Red Sox are said to be eyeing Nationals free agent Adam LaRoche as a fallback option. A report on CBSSports.com said because Napoli is seeking a fourth year the Red Sox may not be interested in extending, Boston has begun negotiating with LaRoche.
ETC: Notre Dame topples No. 8 Kentucky
In South Bend, Ind., Eric Atkins scored 16 points and Notre Dame (7-1) beat No. 8 Kentucky (4-2) 64-50. … In Baton Rouge, La., Shavon Coleman scored 14 second-half points as LSU (5-0) rallied for a 72-67 win against Seton Hall (5-2) in a SEC-Big East Challenge game.
USC assistant football coach Monte Kiffin, whose son, Lane, is the head coach, said he will resign after the Trojans’ upcoming bowl game in order to pursue opportunities in the NFL.