MLB: M’s hire Hansen to replace Chambliss
The Mariners hired former major leaguer Dave Hansen to be their new hitting coach, replacing Chris Chambliss, who was fired after the season.
The Padres plan to bring in portions of the outfield wall at Petco Park and move the visitor’s bullpen from right-field foul territory to behind the home bullpen beyond the fence in left-center. Chairman Ron Fowler says the change is needed because Petco Park is “the most extreme run-suppressing ballpark” in the majors.
The Twins hired Tom Brunansky as their new hitting coach, Bobby Cuellar as their bullpen coach and Terry Steinbach as bench coach and catching instructor.
The Rockies appointed Mark Wiley to a new position of director of pitching operations.
GOLF: Grand Slam tees off in Bermuda
Keegan Bradley will be competing against Masters winner Bubba Watson, U.S. Open champ Webb Simpson and Padraig Harrington when the PGA Grand Slam of Golf tees off today in Bermuda. Harrington gained entrance to the elite field when British Open champ Ernie Els withdrew on Saturday with ankle injury. Bradley replaced PGA champ Rory McIlroy, who withdrew because of a scheduling conflict.
USGA executive director Mike Davis met with the PGA Tour’s policy board last week at Sea Island to let it know it’s getting widespread support for a potential ban on belly-anchored putters, Golfweek reported. Davis said he expects to announce a decision by the end of the year, though he has stressed the USGA and R&A have not decided anything yet.
FOOTBALL: Idaho names interim coach
Jason Gesser was introduced as the interim head coach at Idaho He will coach the Vandals in their remaining four games, replacing Robb Akey, who was fired over the weekend.
Wyoming coach Dave Christensen was suspended one week and fined $50,000 for his actions following an Oct. 13 loss to Air Force.Assistant head coach Pete Kaligis will serve as interim head coach this week against No. 21 Boise State.
Florida State senior running back Chris Thompson is out for the rest of the season after injuring his left knee in the Seminoles’ win at Miami on Saturday.
Hoops: Fordham lands Suarez
Fordham picked up a verbal commitment from 6-foot-10 senior Manny Suarez of Marist High in Bayonne, N.J. A standout center, Suarez picked Tom Pecora’s Rams over Drexel, Penn State, Monmouth and Long Beach State, among others.
— Zach Braziller