Hello everyone, but especially to…
BRITTNEY GRINER
WNBA star Britney Griner come home. Griner was released from a Russian penal colony on Thursday morning in a one-for-one prisoner exchange for a convicted Russian arms dealer Victor Bout.
Griner had been detained in Russia since his arrest on February 17 at Sheremetyevo International Airport, when the Russian Federal Customs Service found vape cartridges containing marijuana concentrate hash oil in his luggage.
- The exchange took place in the United Arab Emirates after President Biden gave final approval to the swap after weeks of negotiations.
- According to CBS News, the United States and Russia agreed to the exchange last Thursday.
- Griner was sentenced to nine and a half years in prison in August after being found guilty of drug trafficking by a Russian court. You can read about the complicated question of the whole ordeal here.
After CBS News reported the exchange, President Biden’s official Twitter account confirmed the news in a few short sentences: “She’s safe. She’s on a plane. She’s on her way home.”
Check back for more Griner release details here as they arrive..
AND ALSO HELLO TO XANDER BOGAERTS AND THE SAN DIEGO PADRES
Getty Images
The padres‘The offseason had been mostly defined by big swings and misses. They had the biggest offer for Judge Aaronwho decided to stay with the Yankees. They too had the highest bid for Trea Turnerwho chose the Phillies.
Early this morningthey finally got good news when they agreed to an 11-year, $280 million contract with star shortstop Xander Bogaerts.
- Bogaerts, 30, is a pretty impressive consolation prize, however. It was the fifth best free agent in this class according to our RJ Anderson. He is a four-time All-Star who slashed .307/.377/.456 in 2022, and he’s finished in the AL MVP top 12 in voting three of the last four years. He is also an outstanding defender.
- Of course, the Padres still have Fernando Tatis Jr. on their roster, and that acquisition could push him to the outfield.
The Padres’ already formidable collection of top-notch talent just got better: Bogaerts. Tatis Jr. Juan Soto. Manny Machado. Josh Hader. Yu Darvisch.
Now the question is, can that core lead them to their first World Series title? We will have to see.
Honorable Mentions
And not such a good morning for…
USATSI
VON MILLER AND THE BUFFALO BILLS
The news surrounding Von MillerThe knee injury went from a sigh of relief to “at least he’ll be back” to the worst-case scenario in a hurry. The Invoices‘star pass rusher is done for the year with a torn ACL.
Last week, Von Miller revealed he had lateral meniscus damage and hoped to be back for the Invoices‘ Week 14 contest against the Jets. But a few days later, the bills placed it on IRmeaning he couldn’t return until week 17.
- This week, during surgery to reposition the lateral meniscus and clean up cartilage damage, doctors discovered the torn ACL, which had not shown up on early scans. It’s the same ACL that Miller tore in 2013.
- Miller signed a six-year, $120 million contract this offseason will be a key part of the Bills’ pass rush — especially in the playoffs.
- According to SportsLine forecasts, Buffalo’s odds of winning the AFC drop from 39.1% to 32.7% without Miller, and their odds of winning the Super Bowl drop from 24.8% to 19%.
This last point is not a surprise: Miller had four sacks in four playoff games last year for the Super Bowl champion Ramsand his 10.5 career playoff sacks are tied for 11th since individual sacks became official in 1982.
Miller had eight sacks, including two in a win at Chiefs – this season, and the Bills have posted a 7.3% sack rate with him on the court, compared to 6.0% without. Also, no other Bills player has more than five sacks this season. Youth Gregory Rousseau, AJ Epenesa and Boogie Basham will be called upon to intervene, and while they are able, they just don’t have Miller’s proven and devastating track record..
Not so honorable mentions
The Yankees signed Aaron Judge. Now what? ⚾
Getty Images
The Yankees supported by far their greatest off-season need by keeping Judge Aaron pinstripe thanks to a nine-year, $360 million deal. They still have work to do, however.
Their biggest moves this offseason have been retaining Judge, resigned Anthony Rizo and signature Tommy Kahnle. These first two names were all part of the 2022 team – the 2022 team that was swept away by the Astros in the ALCS. So, naturally, our MLB expert Mike Axisa has three more things for the Yankees to do this offseasonincluding…
Mike notes the Yankees also need to add a starter after Jameson Taillon signed with the Cubs. You can see the entire Yankees to-do list here.
Fantasy Football tips for your last week of the regular season 🏈
USATSI
If your fantasy football league is like most, it’s the last week of your regular season. Whether you’re already in the playoffs, already out of action, or watching your season end this week, everyone wants to finish strong.
In my family league (which, I admit, my mom and dad dominated), I need a win to make the playoffs. Luckily for me (and for you), our fantasy experts are here to help. I always look at Dave Richard Start, sit, cross and bust Thursdays and this week one of Dave’s favorite starts is in action tonight.
- Richard: “Throw it: Derek Carr — Carr plays very well… okay, okay, Davante Adams played very well. It’s helped. But it’s about Rams defense ranging from fabulous to flawed, making Carr a reasonable starting option. I would do it again Kirk Cousins, Tom Brady and Mike White. … FINAL FIVE: Carr scored more than 20 Fantasy points in each, attempted at least 30 passes in each and threw multiple touchdowns in each.
We also have top waiver thread adds if you get confused… and guys you can cut to make room for them on your list. As for everything else:
College Football Awards Ceremony, Plus Dennis Dodd’s Heisman Pick 🏈
CBS Sports Chart
On Tuesday we revealed the CBS Sports All-America Teams. On Wednesday, our experts handed out individual prizes for Coach, Player and Rookie of the Year.
However, only one of the three winners is heading to the college football playoffs, and that’s TCU’s Sonny Dykeswho led a remarkable turnaround in Fort Worthwrites college football expert Chip Patterson.
- Paterson: “TCU has overcome second-half deficits in five of its 12 wins this season – and nearly did it again in the Big 12 Championship Game before narrowly missing in overtime against Kansas State. They’re a resilient team that don’t waver, and by many accounts that comes from the top with Dykes’ influence in the dressing room.”
Speaking of individual awards, the Heisman Trophy will be announced this weekend, and college football insider Dennis Dodd wrote about how he would vote if he had a ballot. Dennis relinquished his vote a few years ago, so he was free to share his thoughts ahead of this weekend’s ceremony. Here is his choice:
- Dodd: “1. Caleb Williams, QB, USC –Friday Night’s knee-jerk reaction: USC lost the Pac-12, CFP spot and Heisman with Williams limping off the field. A night later, I changed my mind. Even with a hamstring, Williams was able to bravely stand in the pocket — virtually motionless — and throw for 363 yards and three touchdowns. …Williams grew as a person, passer and leader. He ran a locker room as an outsider from Oklahoma. He built a talented receiving room throwing for over 4,000 yards.”
You can see the full ballot here.
What we’re watching on Thursday 📺
🏀 Heat mowers7:30 p.m. on NBA TV
🏈 Raiders at Rams8:15 p.m. on Prime Video
🏀 Nuggets at Trail Blazers10 p.m. on NBA TV
