Friday, November 13, 2015
Braves trade Simmons to Aybar, prospects
ANAHEIM, Calif.
The Atlanta Braves traded Andrelton Simmons to the Los Angeles Angels for Erick Aybar and top pitching prospects Sean Newcomb and Chris Ellis on Thursday night.
The Braves also get $2.5 million, while the Angels get minor league catcher Jose Briceno in a deal headlined by two quality major league shortstops trading places on teams with differing needs.
Simmons is arguably the best defensive shortstop in baseball, winning the Gold Glove in 2013 and 2014. He was named the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year on Wednesday, offsetting his mediocre offensive skills with spectacular work in the field.
Simmons also is under contract through 2020, while Aybar could become a free agent next winter.
Aybar has been the Angels’ starting shortstop since 2008 and a key player in Anaheim for a decade, making the AL All-Star team in 2014 while batting .276 in 1,220 regular-season games since 2006. He has been dependable in the field and at the plate, although his offensive contributions slipped slightly last season to his lowest average (.270) and RBI total (44) in a half-decade.
Eagles safety Jenkins played with concussion
PHILADELPHIA
Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins says he played more than half the game against the Cowboys on Sunday with a concussion.
Jenkins returned to practice Thursday after being cleared by doctors. He didn’t tell anyone about his symptoms during the game and played all 78 defensive snaps.
Jenkins told reporters he felt “foggy” after tackling Darren McFadden midway through the second quarter. He kept it to himself partly because of the importance of the game.
Jenkins says the team’s medical staff “wasn’t too happy” with him for his failure to report his injury. None of Philadelphia’s doctors or trainers on the sideline nor the independent ATC spotter in the press box recognized that Jenkins wasn’t right.
Wisconsin RB Clement cuts hand in dispute
MADISON, Wis.
Wisconsin running back Corey Clement cut his hand after getting involved in an argument at his off-campus apartment building, the team said Thursday.
According to a statement, the junior for the 23rd-ranked Badgers was returning to his apartment early Sunday when he saw an argument between a security guard and a group of people. Wisconsin said Clement was cut when he and the guard were assaulted by the others.
The Badgers have a limited schedule this week because they don’t have a game Saturday. Clement attended practice on Wednesday but did not take part as planned as he rehabs from sports hernia surgery.
A team spokesman said it was too early to say whether Clement would face team-related discipline since the police are still investigating.
Another former high-profile Wisconsin running back, Montee Ball, was hurt in August 2012 after authorities said he was attacked while walking behind two friends. Ball was allegedly knocked to the ground and kicked in the head and chest, leaving him unconscious and with a concussion.
Ball had said that he didn’t remember the attack, or why he was targeted. Two men pleaded guilty to battery charges in the case.
Nebraska’s Williams granted sixth season
LINCOLN, Neb.
Nebraska defensive tackle Kevin Williams has been granted a sixth year of eligibility because of his injury issues.
Coach Mike Riley announced Thursday that the NCAA has approved Williams’ petition for the extra year because of knee injuries that kept him from playing in 2011 and 2013.
Williams has been limited to five games this season because of a groin problem.
With Williams a senior next season, the Cornhuskers could have all four of its top defensive tackles back in 2016.
Associated Press