
Leeds as good as safe? Thumping Burnley win opens nine-point gap to drop
Leeds United's 3-1 win over Burnley secures a nine-point gap from relegation.
Munetaka Murakami is having a breakout season with the Chicago White Sox, proving skeptics wrong after his transition from Japan. His performance has made his $34 million contract appear to be a significant bargain.

Munetaka Murakami has proven NL exec wrong with breakout season for White Sox originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Over the MLB offseason, there was much debate about how good Munetaka Murakami would be in the Majors as he made the transition from Japan.
Well, so far, so good. Murakami has been one of the best power-hitters in the Majors this season, and his $34 million deal is looking like a massive steal for the Chicago White Sox.
MLB.com's Mark Feinsand shared that Murakami was rated as the second-best rookie by MLB executives, with one National League exec admitting that they were proven wrong about their concerns with Murakami's game.
"Murakami has been very impressive," this NL exec said. "I wasn't sure he would get to the game power right away, but he looks like a dangerous at-bat every time up."
While there was intrigue in Murakami this past offseason, the concern was palpable over his ability to maintain his status as an elite power hitter in the Majors.
But, as he's shown so far to every one of his doubters, including this anonymous NL executive, he's proving those worries were wrong.
Munetaka Murakami has emerged as one of the top power-hitters in the Majors this season, showcasing impressive offensive skills.
Munetaka Murakami's contract with the Chicago White Sox is valued at $34 million.
MLB executives rated Munetaka Murakami as the second-best rookie, with one National League exec admitting their concerns about him were unfounded.

Leeds United's 3-1 win over Burnley secures a nine-point gap from relegation.

Livingston holds Aberdeen to a 2-2 draw, with Muirhead equalizing late in the match.
Don't miss the 2026 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix this weekend!
Dani Dennis-Sutton aims to excel with Micah Parsons' mentorship at the Packers.
Dani Dennis-Sutton is set to learn from Micah Parsons in the Packers.
Benavidez officially weighs in at cruiserweight for title fight against Zurdo
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
He has 12 home runs this season, is hitting .236, and he's walked 25 times to 46 strikeouts with a .939 OPS on the year.
While his 33.8% strikeout rate is fairly high, he's making up for it with elite power and quality discipline at the plate.
It might not be perfect, but Murakami has been one of the best power-hitters in the sport this season, with his 12 homers through April leading all of Major League Baseball.
This season so far for Murakami has been a great one, and it's proving so many scouts, fans, media, and even executives like this NL exec wrong.
Murakami, the 26-year-old power hitter from Japan, has been a sensation this season, and hopefully he continues to rake for the White Sox and contend with fellow AL Central superstar rookie Kevin McGonigle for the AL Rookie of the Year Award.