Morning Jolt: Thursday, June 23
Thursday, June 23
Today's must-see content delivered straight to you.
BoSox have majors' worst starter
Just when you thought it was safe to watch a John Lackey performance. In the fourth inning of yesterday's 5-1 loss to San Diego, he looked discombobulated, having obvious problems with the rainy conditions and his grip on the baseball. He hit two batters -- one with the bases loaded -- walked two others -- one with the bases loaded -- and threw a wild pitch, also with the bases loaded. What we know is that, statistically, he is the worst pitcher in Major League Baseball with a 7.36 ERA. ... [Wednesday's] elements were bad for Padres lefty Clayton Richard as well, but he allowed just one run in five innings, while Lackey (5-6) gave up five in 3 1/3. Asked about the conditions, Lackey said, "They weren't great." Asked if that affected the way he pitched, he said, "I don't think I've ever hit anyone with the bases loaded." (The Boston Globe)Comment
What's keeping Ellis in Golden State
Golden State's new coach may have something to say about the team's roster. The Warriors have fielded numerous calls about Monta Ellis, and seem to be cautiously open to discussing the star guard's desire for a change of scenery. Such efforts have become increasingly difficult since the hiring of Mark Jackson as coach. Jackson wants to coach Ellis, and has become well aware that he has emerged as owner Joe Lacob's favorite player on the team. ... A recent conversation between the Warriors and Lakers centered around Lamar Odom and Shannon Brown going to Golden State for Ellis, but those talks went nowhere, sources said. The Bulls would become involved if they were willing to part with Joakim Noah, and Chicago executives have consistently balked at including him in trade talks for the past year. (CBSSports.com)Comment
McNabb opens NICU in return to Philly
Remember him, Philly? A familiar face joined the Eagles for their voluntary workouts in the suburbs on Wednesday. Among the half-dozen or so Eagles practicing on the artificial turf field at the Memorial Sports Complex in Marlton, N.J. was Donovan McNabb. No. 5 is in town for a few days for the dedication of The McNabb Family Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Voorhees Replacement Hospital, to which McNabb has given a six-figure donation. So while in town, McNabb decided to work out with some of his former teammates with the trainers from Power Train in Cherry Hill, N.J. He spent the early morning at the Power Train facility and went to the Memorial Sports Complex in the late-morning hours with Jamaal Jackson, Austin Howard, Trevor Laws, Juqua Parker. (CSNPhilly.com)Comment
Must-See Photo
Alejandro Bedoya of the U.S. battles for the ball during the Americans' 1-0 win over Panama in the Gold Cup. (AP)
Must-See Video
SI.com's Don Banks explains why there's 'cautious optimism' at the NFL meetings.
Game To Watch
Phillies at Cardinals, 8:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network
- Philadelphia Phillies
- St Louis Cardinals
SI Vault: More women in sports
This Day in Sports
- 1917 -- The Red Sox' Ernie Shore relives Babe Ruth with one on and no outs in the first inning and retires all 26 batters he faces.
- 1972 -- Title IX is signed into effect by President Nixon
- 2005 -- The San Antonio Spurs beat the Detroit Pistons in Game 7 of the NBA Finals
