Retired World Series Champion Ready for One Last Ride In WBC Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher James Paxton, 37, is set to make his final professional pitching appearance in the World Baseball Classic after retiring from Major League Baseball following an injury-plagued career. Despite missing significant time in his final years with the league, Paxton will represent Team Canada in the tournament, marking the end of his 11-year MLB journey. Paxton’s MLB career was marked by frequent injuries, which limited his playing time in recent seasons. Between 2020 and 2022, he appeared in five games or fewer each year, bouncing between teams including the Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Boston Red Sox. His most notable achievement came in 2024 when he helped the Dodgers secure their first World Series title in franchise history. Though Paxton’s MLB career has concluded, he will return to the mound for Team Canada in the WBC. Mike Vorel of The Seattle Times noted that Paxton’s career was “pocked with injuries,” yet he compiled a 73-41 record with a 3.77 ERA and 1,005 strikeouts across 177 starts. After retiring in 2024, Paxton spent over a year away from the game before accepting his invitation to join Team Canada. Team Canada’s WBC campaign begins with a pool play matchup against Colombia, followed by a game against Panama. While Paxton is not scheduled to start either match, he is expected to pitch in one of the tournament’s later games, providing a fitting finale to his professional career. The decision to include him in the roster underscores his experience and value to the team, even as he prepares to step away from the sport. Paxton’s participation highlights the competitive nature of the WBC and the opportunities it provides for players seeking to make a final impact on the global stage.#world_baseball_classic #james_paxton #los_angeles_dodgers #team_canada #mike_vorel

Ex-Mariner James Paxton's Final Chapter in World Baseball Classic James Paxton, the former Seattle Mariners pitcher known as “The Big Maple,” is set to conclude his baseball journey by representing Canada in the World Baseball Classic. After a 11-year MLB career marked by recurring injuries and a series of setbacks, Paxton is taking one last shot at the mound, this time on his own terms. Paxton’s MLB career was defined by resilience in the face of persistent physical challenges. From a lat strain in 2014 to a Tommy John surgery in 2021, his body endured a litany of injuries that disrupted his prime. Despite these obstacles, he compiled a 73-41 record with a 3.77 ERA and 1,005 strikeouts over 177 starts. His tenure with the Mariners included 583 2/3 innings, 619 strikeouts, and a 3.42 ERA across seven seasons. One of his most memorable moments came in 2018 when he became the first Canadian to throw a no-hitter in his home country, blanking the Toronto Blue Jays. He also earned a World Series ring with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024. Paxton retired in 2024, choosing to step away from the game to focus on family and personal growth. He and his wife, Katie, along with their two young children, settled in the Seattle area, where he bought a home. The decision to retire also allowed him to pursue an undergraduate degree in business and culture at the University of Kentucky, a program he began taking online 16 years after his initial enrollment. Looking ahead, he plans to complete his degree and eventually pursue a master’s in sports psychology, aiming to mentor players and work in sports psychology. The WBC represents a final opportunity for Paxton to play, even if it’s not in the MLB.#world_baseball_classic #seattle_mariners #james_paxton #katie_paxton #university_of_kentucky

Mariners News: James Paxton, Darell Hernáiz, and Ozzie Albies The Seattle Mariners’ spring training updates and World Baseball Classic highlights were the focus of recent news, with standout performances from several players and key developments in team dynamics. James Paxton, a veteran pitcher for the Mariners, has officially retired from Major League Baseball but remains committed to representing Team Canada in international competition. His decision marks the end of a storied career, though he continues to contribute to the sport through his national team efforts. Meanwhile, the World Baseball Classic (WBC) delivered dramatic moments, including two walk-off home runs in a single day. Darell Hernáiz of Puerto Rico became the first player in WBC history to hit a walk-off homer in the tournament’s second round, capping off a thrilling game in San Juan. His feat followed a similar achievement by Ozzie Albies of the Netherlands, who launched a three-run walk-off shot against Nicaragua earlier in the day. Albies’ home run secured a victory for the Netherlands and marked the second such walk-off in WBC history. The WBC also sparked controversy when Team Italy was accused of using performance-enhancing drugs, though the allegations remain unproven. Meanwhile, Luis Arraez’s standout performance in the tournament, where he slugged .200 points higher than his MLB average, drew praise for his clutch hitting. In Mariners news, mental performance coach Adam Bernero shared insights into his methods for helping players reach their peak, including his work with Shannon Drayer. The team also faced challenges, as injuries and roster adjustments continued to shape their spring training outlook.#ozzie_albies #world_baseball_classic #seattle_mariners #james_paxton #darell_herniz

De'Aaron Fox Falls Short of Double-Double in Clippers Victory De'Aaron Fox contributed 19 points, 9 field goals made out of 18 attempts, and 1 three-pointer made out of 8 attempts, along with two rebounds, nine assists, and one steal in the Sacramento Kings' 116-112 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. The 28-year-old guard narrowly missed recording his seventh double-double of the season, falling just short of the double-digit mark in rebounds. Fox has now gone 13 consecutive games without reaching double figures in assists, marking a slight decline in his playmaking role. During this stretch, he has averaged 16.2 points, 6.0 assists, 2.8 rebounds, 1.6 three-pointers, and 1.2 steals per game, despite maintaining a 50.0% shooting accuracy from the field. His overall impact remains significant, though his role in orchestrating the offense has seen a modest reduction in usage. The Kings' victory extended their winning streak, with Fox's performance playing a key role in securing the win. His ability to balance scoring and playmaking continues to be a vital asset for the team, even as his assist numbers have dipped slightly in recent games. The result highlights the importance of his all-around contributions in driving the team's success.#nba #double_double #de_aaron_fox #los_angeles_clippers #sacramento_kings
De'Aaron Fox flirts with double-double Friday against Clippers De'Aaron Fox nearly recorded a double-double in the Spurs' 116-112 victory over the Clippers on Friday. The guard contributed 19 points, including 9 of 18 field goals and 1 of 8 three-pointers, along with nine assists, one steal, and two rebounds. His performance helped secure the win for San Antonio, showcasing his ability to impact the game both offensively and playmaking-wise. Fox has been consistent in his contributions over the past five games, posting three or more assists and seven or more points in each contest. This consistency has made him a reliable option for head coach Mitch Johnson, who has relied on Fox's versatility within a deep San Antonio roster. The guard’s efforts have translated to solid averages this season, with 18.8 points and 6.2 assists per game, alongside a usage rate of 24.3%. His ability to distribute the ball and score efficiently has been a key factor in the Spurs' success, particularly in high-pressure matchups. Against the Clippers, Fox’s nine assists highlighted his role as a playmaker, while his 19 points demonstrated his scoring capability. The performance also underscored his adaptability, as he managed to contribute in multiple facets of the game despite facing a strong defensive challenge from the Clippers. Fox’s recent stretch of productivity has positioned him as a critical piece of the Spurs' offensive strategy. His combination of scoring, playmaking, and defensive contributions has made him a valuable asset for the team, especially in games where the Spurs need to generate consistent production from their backcourt. As the season progresses, Fox’s ability to maintain this level of performance will be crucial for the Spurs’ chances of competing in the competitive Western Conference.#san_antonio #spurs #de_aaron_fox #clippers #mitch_johnson

Spurs' De'Aaron Fox: Just Misses Double-Double Friday De'Aaron Fox contributed 19 points, nine assists, two rebounds, and one steal in the San Antonio Spurs' 116-112 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. The 28-year-old guard fell short of recording his seventh double-double of the season, finishing with 19 points on 9-of-18 shooting from the field and 1-of-8 from beyond the arc. His performance came over 30 minutes of play, marking a key contribution to the Spurs' win. Fox's near double-double highlights a recent trend in his game. Over the past 13 consecutive games, he has failed to reach double digits in assists, a departure from his earlier season output. During this stretch, he has averaged 16.2 points, 6.0 assists, 2.8 rebounds, 1.6 three-pointers, and 1.2 steals per game. Despite the decline in assist numbers, his shooting efficiency remains strong, with a 50.0% field goal percentage. The Spurs' victory over the Clippers showcased Fox's ability to impact the game in multiple ways. While his assist total fell short of a double-double, his scoring and playmaking helped drive the team's offensive efforts. The result underscores his value as a versatile offensive threat, even when his traditional assist numbers dip. Fox's performance also reflects a broader adjustment in his role within the Spurs' system. As his usage has slightly decreased, his focus has shifted toward scoring and ball distribution, with the team relying on him to create opportunities for teammates. This balance has allowed him to maintain a high level of production while adapting to the team's evolving strategies. The game against the Clippers provided a clear example of Fox's impact.#de_aaron_fox #san_antonio_spurs #los_angeles_clippers #double_double #spurs_v_clippers

Savannah Guthrie Plans Return to NBC as Search for Missing Mother Continues Savannah Guthrie, a co-host of NBC’s Today programme, has visited the network’s New York office as she prepares to return to the airwaves while the search for her missing mother continues. Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother, Nancy, has been missing from her home in Arizona since 1 February, when authorities believe she was abducted. No significant clues have emerged in the nearly five weeks since her disappearance. Guthrie has remained off-air, though she has shared emotional appeals on social media for her mother’s safe return. Her co-host, Jenna Bush Hager, revealed that Guthrie had visited the Today set and expressed her intention to return to the show. However, Hager noted that no specific timeline has been set for her return. “Even though it feels like the hardest thing to do, it’s also her home and where she feels so loved,” Hager said. “And she is beyond loved here.” Guthrie last appeared on the show on 30 January, two days before her mother’s disappearance. She also stepped away from NBC’s coverage of the Winter Olympic Games as the search for Nancy intensified. The family recently offered a $1 million reward for her safe return. Authorities believe Nancy was taken from her home against her will, possibly during the night. Investigators have released images of a suspect captured on her home’s doorbell camera. Cryptocurrency ransom demands totaling around $6 million have been sent to media outlets, including one with a deadline that expired on 9 February. Detectives have received nearly 40,000 tips from the public. DNA evidence recovered from a glove—similar to one worn by the suspect in doorbell footage—found near the home did not match any profiles in the FBI database.#nbc #nancy_guthrie #savannah_guthrie #today_programme #pima_county_sheriff_office

NBC Staffers Reportedly Hoped Savannah Guthrie Wouldn’t Return Amid Tragedy: ‘You Can’t Trust Anyone’ Savannah Guthrie, the co-anchor of NBC’s Today show, plans to return to the network despite the ongoing search for her missing mother, Nancy Guthrie. The 54-year-old anchor revealed her intention to return to work at some point, though her focus remains on locating Nancy, who has been missing since February 1. Earlier this week, Guthrie visited colleagues at NBC’s Today studio, but a new report suggests some staffers were frustrated by the news of her eventual return. According to a March 6 report in the Daily Mail, multiple sources claimed that production staff at Today were relieved when Guthrie’s absence was initially announced. Many had grown accustomed to Hoda Kotb, who has filled in for her since Nancy’s disappearance. Some staffers reportedly felt more comfortable with Kotb’s presence, as they believed the show’s dynamic had shifted in her absence. One insider told the Daily Mail that the environment at Today had become “a viper’s nest,” with tensions running high among the team. The source added that even in difficult circumstances, the staff could not trust one another, with some fearing that colleagues might betray their positions or steal opportunities. “From the hair and makeup people to the producers, you can’t trust anyone, they all talk,” another source claimed. While the majority of staff expressed hope for Nancy’s safe return, a few were more focused on their own futures within the morning program. Some reportedly considered how they could secure more screen time or influence over the show’s direction. However, the report emphasized that the staff’s primary concern remained the search for Nancy.#nbc #nancy_guthrie #today_show #savannah_guthrie #daily_mail

Savannah Guthrie made a heartfelt return to NBC’s Today studio on March 5, 2026, for the first time since her mother, Nancy Guthrie, was reported missing on January 31. The reunion, described as emotional by colleagues, marked a significant moment for the co-anchor as she shared her intentions to eventually return to the show despite the ongoing search for her mother. Guthrie expressed gratitude for the support her family has received since the disappearance, addressing her Today team during the visit. “I wanted you to know that I’m still standing, and I still have hope, and I’m still me,” she told her colleagues. “I don’t know what version of me that will be, but it will be. I’m holding onto my faith. I still believe. And as my mom would say, ‘Where else would I go?’” Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen on January 31 in Tucson, Arizona, where police believe she was abducted. Investigators have released doorbell camera footage of a masked suspect and shared a description of the potential abductor, though no suspects or persons of interest have been publicly named. Guthrie’s return to the studio came just weeks after her mother’s disappearance, during which she has been on hiatus from the show. Retired Today host Hoda Kotb has been filling in for her. Guthrie emphasized her desire to return to the Today team, though she has not set a specific timeline. “I don’t know how to come back, but I don’t know how not to. You’re my family. And I would like to try,” she said. Her colleagues praised her resilience and the emotional impact of her visit. During the reunion, Today’s weather correspondent Dylan Dreyer led a group prayer, stating, “We’re here holding hands as a family, in a place where we don’t understand why this is happening. It is not too bold to ask God for the biggest miracles every day.#savannah_guthrie #nancy_guthrie #tucson_arizona #today_show #hoda_kotb

Wahl in Baden-Württemberg: AfD-Frohnmaier ist ein Fake-Kandidat Die AfD könnte in Baden-Württemberg historische Ergebnisse erzielen, wie Umfragen zeigen. Die Rechtsrandpartei könnte bei 18 Prozent liegen, was deutlich über dem vorherigen Wert von 9,7 Prozent liegt. Dieser Erfolg könnte sich besonders in der Region um Stuttgart manifestieren, wo die Partei ihre Stärke aufbauen will. Ein zentraler Fokus der Wahlkampagne ist Markus Frohnmaier, der als „Ministerpräsidentenkandidat“ präsentiert wird. Frohnmaier, 35 Jahre alt, ist jedoch nicht auf der Wählerliste der 7,7 Millionen Wahlberechtigten in Baden-Württemberg verzeichnet. Die AfD hat ihn als Fake-Kandidaten aufgestellt, um ihn in der Öffentlichkeit präsentieren zu können, ohne tatsächlich zur Wahl zu stehen. Dieses Vorgehen ist für die Partei strategisch sinnvoll, da in Baden-Württemberg auch jemand zum Regierungschef gewählt werden kann, der nicht im Landtag sitzt. Frohnmaier ist bereits Bundestagsabgeordneter und hat seine Karriere weit außerhalb der Landespolitik verbracht. Frohnmaier gilt als umstrittener Politiker. Er war lange mit dem Etikett „Russland-Nähe“ versehen, da er enge Kontakte zu Moskau unterhielt. Berichte beschrieben ihn als „unter absoluter Kontrolle“ stehenden Abgeordneten, der in Kreml-Dokumenten erwähnt wurde. Zudem standen seine Ehefrau, eine russische Journalistin, und andere Vertrauten in Verbindung mit Kreml-treuen Rechtsaußen. Frohnmaier war zudem eng mit Alice Weidel, der Parteichefin der AfD, verbunden. Er war ihr Sprecher und Büroleiter und führte deren Landesverband in Baden-Württemberg. Zudem hatte er eine Schlüsselrolle bei den Kontakten zur Trump-Gruppe in den USA. Seine Karriere ist von einer starken Förderung durch die Partei geprägt.#markus_frohnmaier #afd #baden_wurttemberg #alice_weidel #trump_group

AfD Calls for Conservative Government Amid Election Results | swp.de The state branch of the AfD in Baden-Württemberg has expressed support for the CDU despite the party's gains in the recent election, indicating a potential coalition offer. The AfD's leadership, however, acknowledges that their electoral performance fell short of expectations. The election results, which saw the AfD secure a smaller share of the vote than anticipated, have prompted the party to shift its focus toward forming a conservative government with the CDU. The AfD's state leadership, led by its top officials, has decided to approach the CDU with a coalition proposal, despite the CDU's earlier advances in the race. This move comes as the AfD's election campaign, which initially aimed for a stronger showing, has been deemed less successful than hoped. The party's top candidate, Markus Frohnmaier, has been at the center of the campaign, expressing satisfaction with the results despite not achieving the higher goals initially set. The election results in Baden-Württemberg have highlighted the AfD's struggle to gain significant traction in the state, with their vote share remaining relatively low compared to the CDU and other mainstream parties. The AfD's leadership has emphasized the need for a united conservative front, positioning itself as a key player in the state's political landscape. However, the party's ability to secure a substantial role in the coalition remains uncertain, given the current electoral standings. Frohnmaier's campaign, which was expected to attract a broader voter base, has faced challenges in mobilizing support. While the AfD has managed to secure some votes, the overall outcome has not met the party's ambitions.#election_results #markus_frohnmaier #afd #cdu #baden_wurttemberg
