Juan Soto arrived at Petco Park on Wednesday promising to bring “good vibes” to the San Diego Padres and issuing a warning to opposing teams.
The acquisition of the 23-year-old generational talent in perhaps the biggest deadline deal ever energized the Padres and their long-suffering fans, and there is more to come.
Soto and Josh Bell joined a lineup anchored by All-Star slugger Manny Machado. Star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr is expected to return from a broken left wrist within a few weeks.
Photo: AP
When that lineup hits the field, “it’s going to be really exciting. It’s going to be really tough to go through and I wish good luck to the other pitchers,” Soto said with a laugh at an introductory news conference.
The Colorado Rockies needed it in their first look at the new Padres.
Soto, acquired from the Washington Nationals in a massive trade along with switch-hitting first baseman Josh Bell, walked on four pitches in his first at-bat.
Machado doubled behind him, Bell also walked and then lesser-known deadline pickup Brandon Drury — acquired from the Cincinnati Reds amid a breakout season — crushed a grand slam. The Padres went on to win 9-1.
The group posed together for a Polaroid photograph in the dugout after rounding the bases — the signature celebration for the club known as Slam Diego.
The price for Soto and Bell was significant: rookie left-hander MacKenzie Gore, first baseman/designated hitter Luke Voit and prospects James Wood, C.J. Abrams, Robert Hassell III and Jarlin Susana.
Washington general manager Mike Rizzo set a lofty asking price last month after reports emerged that Soto rejected the team’s latest contract offer of US$440 million over 15 years.
The uncertainty over his future began weighing on Soto, who said after Sunday’s game against the St Louis Cardinals: “I just want to get it over with and see what’s going to happen. Start over here or wherever I’m at.”
In other games, it was:
‧ Yankees 3, Mariners 7
‧ Rays 3, Blue Jays 2
‧ Braves 1, Phillies 3
‧ Guardians 7, D’backs 4
‧ Twins 4, Tigers 1
‧ Rangers 3, Orioles 6
‧ White Sox 4, Royals 1
‧ Angels 1, Athletics 3
‧ Astros 6, Red Sox 1
‧ Nationals 5, Mets 9
‧ Marlins 3, Reds 0
‧ Pirates 8, Brewers 7
‧ Giants 0, Dodgers 3
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely