Former Red Sox IF Alex Cora Joins ESPN as MLB Analyst in Multiplatform Role

Here's a release from ESPN announcing that former Boston Red Sox IF Alex Cora will be joining ESPN:

Former Major League Baseball player Alex Cora has joined ESPN and ESPN Deportes as an MLB analyst. Cora will provide insights and analysis for various platforms across both networks, including Baseball Tonight, Beisbol Esta Noche, SportsCenter and other studio programming. He will also contribute to ESPN Radio and ESPN Deportes Radio. 

“Television will be an exciting new challenge for me,” said Cora. “I look forward to joining ESPN’s deep bench of analysts to share my insights, experience and passion for baseball with fans and viewers on Baseball Tonight, Beisbol Esta Noche and across ESPN’s various platforms.”

Added Mike McQuade, vice president, production, “Alex is a tremendous acquisition for us. He is well-regarded across baseball as an astute student of the game and prospective manager. His unique combination of major league experience, thoughtful analysis and polished communication skills in two languages will strengthen our baseball coverage across several ESPN platforms.”

Cora, a Puerto Rican native, was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 1993 First-Year Player Draft but opted to play for the University of Miami, where he reached the College World Series three times. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1996 and made his major league debut on June 7, 1998.

After seven years with the club, Cora signed as a free agent with the Cleveland Indians in 2005. He was traded to the Boston Red Sox midway through the season. He stayed with Boston for three seasons and won a World Series with the club in 2007. Throughout his 14-year career, he also spent time with the New York Mets, Texas Rangers and Washington Nationals. Cora was a solid defensive player (career .976 fielding percentage) and a versatile infielder with strong knowledge of the game and leadership skills.

Most recently, Cora lead Puerto Rico’s Caguas Criollos to the 2013 Caribbean Series in his first year as general manager of the club. Cora previously played for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic – both in 2006 and 2009.

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photo credit: tumblr

Paw Prints – The Daily UConn Roundup – 2/19

UConn Huskies Daily Roundup

Paw Prints is our daily look at the happenings for the UConn Huskies football, men's basketball and women's basketball teams as well as the other sports the student-athletes engage in. We will do our best to bring you the links from all of the media that covers the Huskies on a daily basis. As always, links can be found by clicking on the read more button below if you're on the home page.

Thank you for stopping by and making SOX & Dawgs your home for UConn Huskies news.

To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click

UConn Women's Basketball links

UConn Women To Wear Nike KD V "Aunt Pearl" Against Baylor [mo better shoes]

Top-ranked Baylor, Griner get past UConn [carl adamec – snyuconn.com]

Not much more Mosqueda-Lewis could have done [carl adamec – snyuconn.com]

Notebook: Tuck makes mark off the bench [carl adamec – snyuconn.com]

A Taste Of Postgame Geno Following Baylor [john altavilla – hartford courant]

UConn Just Wasn’t Good Enough To Beat Baylor [john altavilla – hartford courant]

Geno: Performance By Mosqueda-Lewis Reminded Him Of Maya [rich elliott – ct post]

Auriemma, Mulkey Shared In Some Pregame Fun Monday Night [rich elliott – ct post]

Jefferson excited to see old friends [jim fuller – new haven register]

UConn fails to seal the deal [jim fuller – new haven register]

Geno’s gesture … explained [lee lewis – republican-american]

Griner, Baylor topple UConn [ct post]

KML does about everything for UConn in loss [ct post]

Maybe this season UConn just is not good enough [ct post]

Baylor Outlasts The Huskies Down The Stretch, 76-70 [hartford courant]

As Usual, Auriemma Loves Playing Against The Best [hartford courant]

Game Breakdown [hartford courant]

UConn's Downfall Was Giving Baylor A Second Chance [hartford courant]

No. 1 Baylor defeats Huskies [new haven register]

Moriah Jefferson chose Huskies over hometown Lady Bears [new haven register]

Griner rallies No. 1 Baylor past No. 3 UConn 76-70 [the day]

Sims, Baylor edge UConn [graham hays – espnW]

Griner gets best of Dolson, UConn [mechelle voepel – espnW]

Griner, Lady Bears power through first-half deficit, win at hostile UConn, 76-70 [waco tribune]

Griner reaches 3,000 points as Baylor beats UConn [ap]

UConn Men's Basketball links

The Future of the Four Guards… [kevin duffy – ct post]

UConn Football links

DC answered a few questions in his mailbag [desmond conner – hartford courant]

Other UConn related links

Thoughts on Big East TV deal [john silver – snyuconn.com]

Baseball. Catching Up With UConn Baseball [uconnhuskies.com]

M. Golf. UConn 13th After 1st Round at Wexford [uconnhuskies.com]

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

Video: Griner, Baylor Too Much For UConn, 76-70

If UConn Huskies women's basketball head coach Geno Auriemma wanted an idea of where his team was, the Baylor Lady Bears would be a good measuring stick.

And when all was said and done, Auriemma found out his team isn't quite as a good as the No. 1 team in the land.

After a rough first half, Brittney Griner poured in 21 of her 25 points to lead Baylor to a 76-70 win over the Huskies in front of a pink-clad sellout crowd and a nationally televised audience on ESPN2 at the XL Center on Monday night.

UConn falls to 24-2 while the Baylor improved to 25-1 and picked up their 23rd straight win since their loss to Stanford.

Kaleena Mosqueda Lewis led the Huskies with a double-double of 26 points and 15 rebounds while blocking three shots. Bria Hartley had 13 points and five assists while Stefanie Dolson had 11 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

Morgan Tuck had 11 points and five rebounds off the bench. Breanna Stewart struggled in the game and had no points and no rebounds in just seven minutes of action.

Griner's 25 points allowed her to become the 8th player in women's basketball history to score 3,000 points in her career. She also pulled down nine rebounds to lead Baylor.

Brooklyn Pope added 18 points and nine rebounds while Kimetria Hayden 11 points.

UConn jumped out quickly in this one getting out to a 12-2 lead. But the Bears rallied back too cut the lead to 16-12 with just over eight minutes remaining in the half. The Huskies would get the lead back up to eight only to see Baylor cut it back down to four.

The Huskies then rolled off five straight points to increase their lead back to nine at 27-18. But once again Baylor followed up with an 8-0 run to cut the lead to one. Two free throws by KML with less than a second in the half gave UConn a three point lead.

UConn could have been lucky to enjoy this three point lead at the half as Griner and Odyessy Sims both strugged from the floor.

Baylor started out the second half with four straight points to take the lead. UConn bounced back though and got their lead back to seven points at 41-34.

Things changed in this game when Griner picked up a flagrant one foul for pushing Dolson to the floor. It was like it woke up Baylor.

The Bears used an 8-0 run to take a one point lead and for the next few minutes, the teams exchanged the lead. But a Sims three-pointer with 9:48 to go in the game gave Baylor the lead, one they wouldn't relinquish the rest of the way.

That's not to say UConn didn't keep it close because they did, they just couldn't cross the hump so to speak.

As I said above, Auriemma got a chance to see where his team stands. And right now they aren't good enough to beat Baylor.

You could tell that the UConn players were physically tired and that's not something we're used to. And when you're physically tired, mental fatigue becomes a factor and the Huskies couldn't overcome that either.

KML tried her best to keep the Huskies in this one but with no support from anyone else it was a hard thing to do.

One thing's for certain, Auriemma will make sure that this doesn't happen to his team again. You can bet your last dollar on that. When this team is on and clicking, they are an outstanding team.

But this loss showed they are just another good team.

The odds are these two teams will meet again but not until a possible Final Four matchup or even in NCAA Championship game. But until then all UConn can do is try to get better.

In the end, it's good preparation for the stretch run of the Big East where in the last game another big test comes against Notre Dame.

UConn returns to action on Saturday afternoon when they host the Seton Hall Pirates at Gampel Pavilion. Tip is scheduled for 4 p.m. I fully expect to see a different UConn team in that one.

To continue reading, please click on the continue reading button below if you're on the home page.

Baylor Lady Bears @ UConn Huskies 2.18.13 box score

Here are the postgame quotes from UConn head coach Geno Auriemma and Baylor head coach Kim Mulkey.

Here are your UConn's postgame notes.

Here's a video of a pinked out XL Center.

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photo credit: john woike – hartford courant (no. 9 in gallery)

UConn Women To Wear Nike KD V “Aunt Pearl” Against Baylor

When the UConn Huskies women's basketball team takes the court in an hour and half against the Baylor Lady Bears in what is their Play4Kay game, they'll do so wearing uniforms with pink trim.

They'll also be wearing the Nike KD V "Aunt Pearl". The shoe is a celebration of Kevin Durant's Aunt Pearl.

"In memory of Aunt Pearl, who inspired us all to continue to fight for a cure."

KD V "Aunt Pearl

Baylor will be wearing a pink version seen in the picture below.

Nike KD V "Aunt Pearl"

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photo credit: nike facebook, nike basketball facebook

Rangers Recall Brandon Mashinter From Whale

NEW YORK, February 18, 2013 –New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that the club has recalled forward Brandon Mashinter from the Connecticut Whale of the American Hockey League (AHL).

CT WhaleMashinter, 24, has tallied a point in each of the last three contests (two goals, one assist), including the game-winning goals on Friday against Portland and yesterday against Manchester. He has registered five goals and six assists for 11 points, along with 23 penalty minutes in 14 games with Connecticut. Mashinter was acquired by the Rangers from San Jose in exchange for forward Tommy Grant and a conditional pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft on January 16. He posted a four-game point streak from January 20 at Providence to January 26 against Springfield, registering two goals and four assists over the span. Mashinter has recorded seven goals and nine assists for 16 points, along with 67 penalty minutes in 44 total games with Connecticut and Worcester this season.

The 6-4, 230-pounder has skated in 250 career AHL games over four seasons with Connecticut and Worcester, registering 59 goals and 60 assists for 119 points, along with 347 penalty minutes. At the time of his trade, he ranked fourth on Worcester’s all-time goals list and seventh on the team’s all-time points list. Mashinter established AHL career-highs in games played (79), goals (22), points (37) and penalty minutes (117) as a rookie in 2009-10. He became the first player in Worcester Sharks history to record double-digits in goals and fighting majors (13) in a single season, and one of two rookies in franchise history to surpass the 20-goal mark. Mashinter tied for third among AHL rookies in goals that season.

The Bradford, Ontario native has skated in 13 career NHL contests with the San Jose Sharks, making his NHL debut on December 29, 2010, at Minnesota. Mashinter was originally signed by San Jose as an undrafted free agent on March 3, 2009.

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Rangers Agree To Terms With Goaltender Cam Talbot

NEW YORK, February 18, 2013 – New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that the club has agreed to terms with goaltender Cam Talbot on a new contract.

CT WhaleTalbot, 25, is 19-19-1 with a 2.52 goals against average, .919 save percentage and one shutout in 39 appearances with the Connecticut Whale of the American Hockey League (AHL) this season. He leads the team in wins, goals against average and save percentage, and is tied for fourth in the league in wins and 11th in save percentage. Talbot made 26 saves in a 2-1 win against Norfolk on Saturday to extend his current winning streak to a career-high-tying, four games, beginning with a 4-1 win on February 9 at St. John’s. On January 26, he established an AHL career-high with his 15th win of the season, stopping 26 shots in a 3-2 victory against Springfield. Talbot also posted his first shutout of the season, and seventh of his AHL career, with a 25-save effort in a 3-0 win on January 4 against Adirondack.

The 6-3, 205-pounder has appeared in 95 career AHL contests with Connecticut/Hartford, posting a record of 44-43-4 along with a 2.65 goals against average, .913 save percentage and seven shutouts. He established a career-high with four shutouts in 2011-12, which tied for eighth in the league. Talbot posted shutouts in Game 1 (42 saves) and Game 2 (41 saves) of Connecticut’s Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series against Bridgeport in the 2012 Calder Cup Playoffs, to become the first goaltender in franchise history to record back-to-back postseason shutouts. His 42-save shutout in Game 1 on April 19, 2012, at Bridgeport also marked a franchise record for most saves in a postseason shutout.

Talbot made his professional debut in a relief appearance, stopping eight shots in 19 minutes of ice time on April 7, 2010, against Worcester. He posted his first professional win with a 41-save shutout, while making his first professional start on October 17, 2010, at Providence. With the shutout, Talbot became the first Connecticut goaltender to post a shutout in his first professional start, and he tied the Whale franchise record for saves in a shutout victory.

The Caledonia, Ontario native originally signed with the Rangers as an undrafted free agent on March 30, 2010, following a three-year collegiate career with the University of Alabama-Huntsville (CHA). Talbot was named the 2010 CHA tournament MVP and selected to the CHA All-Tournament Team after backstopping the Chargers to their second CHA tournament championship while in his final collegiate season.

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Omar Calhoun Named Big East Freshman of the Week

For the second time this season, UConn Huskies freshman guard Omar Calhoun has been named the Big East Freshman of the Week.

Here's the release from UConn:

STORRS (Feb. 18, 2013) — For the second time this season, UConn freshman guard Omar Calhoun (Brooklyn, N.Y.) has been named BIG EAST Conference Rookie of the Week.

Calhoun scored 15 points and grabbed six rebounds to help the Huskies defeat No. 6 Syracuse, 66-58, on Wednesday at the XL Center. Calhoun hit 3-of-5 three-pointers and 4-of-5 free throws.

On Saturday, the 6-5 freshman scored a team-high 16 points and pulled in a team-high six rebounds in UConn’s 70-61 loss to Villanova at the XL Center. In that game, Calhoun was 9-of-9 from the foul line.

Calhoun also won BIG EAST Rookie of the Week honors on Dec. 24 after averaging 19.5 points and shooting 14-of-21 in wins over Maryland Eastern Shore and Fordham.

St. John’s freshman JaKarr Sampson and Villanova freshman Ryan Arcidiacono are the only other players to win multiple BIG EAST Rookie of the Week honors this season.

For the season, Calhoun, who has started every game for the Huskies, is averaging 11.5 points and 3.6 rebounds per game.

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

Paw Prints – The Daily UConn Roundup – 2/18

UConn Huskies Daily Roundup

Paw Prints is our daily look at the happenings for the UConn Huskies football, men's basketball and women's basketball teams as well as the other sports the student-athletes engage in. We will do our best to bring you the links from all of the media that covers the Huskies on a daily basis. As always, links can be found by clicking on the read more button below if you're on the home page.

Thank you for stopping by and making SOX & Dawgs your home for UConn Huskies news.

It's game day for the UConn Huskies women's basketball team as they'll host the No. 1 Baylor Lady Bears at the XL Center. Tip is scheduled for 9 p.m. and you can watch the game nationally on ESPN2. You can also watch the game online at WatchESPN. You can also listen on the IMG/UConn Radio Network.

To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click

UConn Women's Basketball links

Maya Moore Gives Us First Look at Air Jordan XX8 – Citrus [mo better shoes]

Dolson takes center stage against Baylor [carl adamec – snyuconn.com]

Notebook: Big game excites Jefferson [carl adamec – snyuconn.com]

Can Doty make a point versus Baylor? [carl adamec – snyuconn.com]

Griner Will Give Dolson A Totally New Perspective [john altavilla – hartford courant]

All The News That’s Fit To Blog: UConn Vs. Baylor [john altavilla – hartford courant]

Bria Hartley Back In Business – And More [john altavilla – hartford courant]

Baylor: The Kind Of Game Coaches Love [john altavilla – hartford courant]

Ten Things To Keep An Eye (Or Two) On Tonight [john altavilla -hartford courant]

Hartley, Faris, Mosqueda-Lewis Discuss Being Benched At Rutgers [rich elliott – ct post]

Winning Big 12 More Important To Mulkey Than Beating UConn [rich elliott – ct post]

UConn-Baylor: A Look Back At The Series [rich elliott – ct post]

UConn coaches to receive Olympic rings at Pittsburgh game [jim fuller – new haven register]

Bria Hartley said she is feeling better [jim fuller – new haven register]

Let's get ready to rumble [jim fuller – new haven register]

UConn hosts No. 1 Baylor: Details, video [lee lewis – republican-american]

No. 3 Huskies Face Top-Ranked Baylor Monday on ESPN2 at 9 p.m. [uconnhuskies.com]

This Time, Stefanie Dolson Has Someone To Look Up To [hartford courant]

Griner Has Changed The Way Women's Basketball Is Played [hartford courant]

Baylor's Kim Mulkey Guilty Of Underplaying This One [hartford courant]

Huskies will have to bear down on more than just Brittany Griner against Baylor [new haven register]

UConn women face tall order in Griner, No. 1 Baylor [the day]

Brittney Griner and No. 1 Baylor women set to visit UConn [ap]

Big 12 champ Lady Bears face UConn in midyear showdown [waco tribune]

UConn Men's Basketball links

Under Armour Charge BB Low “Houston Lights” Kemba Walker PE [mo better shoes]

Dom answered a question in his mailbag [dom amore – hartford courant]

Rebounding Woes Catch Up To Huskies [uconnhuskies.com]

Calhoun Fulfilling More Of His Promise [hartford courant]

Three points from Saturday's loss to Villanova [new haven register]

UConn Football links

Senior Bowl scouting reports on Gratz, Wreh-Wilson [jim fuller – new haven register]

Other UConn related links

Softball. Huskies Split Two Games Against Binghamton [uconnhuskies.com]

W. Track. Seniors Guide Huskies to Second Place at BIG EAST Championships [uconnhuskies.com]

M. Track. Men's Track & Field Wins Ninth Indoor BIG EAST Championship [uconnhuskies.com]

Baseball. UConn Swept in Weekend Action to Purdue [uconnhuskies.com]

W. Ice Hockey. Women's Hockey Falls to No. 2 Boston College [uconnhuskies.com]

'Catholic 7' likely will grow to 12-team league [ap]

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.