Talking Points: Renteria moving on up

What’s the buzz from the world of sports? Here are some items that will have people talking:

1

This is for all you “Bring Back the Portland Beavers” crowd.

Rick Renteria, the 2007 manager of the Portland Beavers back when they played baseball at PGE Park as the Triple-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres, is now the manager for the Chicago Cubs.

Can’t say much remarkable about that Beavers squad as they went 58-86.

But it’s Renteria’s ability to develop young talent that caught the eye of Cubs general manager Theo Epstein.

“Rick’s reputation is impeccable,” Epstein said. “He stood out throughout the process to lead the Chicago Cubs into our next chapter.”

2

Oregon basketball players Dominic Artis and Ben Carter both were suspended nine games for selling team gear, the school announced Thursday.

The No. 19-ranked Ducks open their season today against Georgetown in South Korea at American military base Camp Humphreys.

Selling team gear is obviously a violation and a suspension is warranted. But such transgressions are no longer a negative mark on a player’s character. Not compared to the alleged transgressions of Johnny Manziel (selling autographs) and Cam Newton (selling talent). Selling gear seems quaint.

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