BOSTON -- The Boston Red Sox acquired All-Star Drew Pomeranz from the San Diego Padres on Thursday night, adding a third left-hander to the rotation as they push to return to the playoffs after consecutive last-place finishes.Boston sent righty Anderson Espinoza to San Diego. The 18-year-old righty was ranked the No. 15 prospect in the country by Baseball America.We think (Pomeranz) makes us better now, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said in a conference call with reporters. We know theres a sacrifice for the future.Pomeranz, 27, who will make his Boston debut Wednesday, is 8-7 with a 2.47 ERA in 17 starts for San Diego this season. He pitched a scoreless inning in Tuesday night in the All-Star game.Hes not an easy guy to deal, Padres general manager A.J. Preller said. Any time you have a left-handed starter who performs the way he has, resulting in an All-Star berth, you have to feel very good about the return that youre getting.I think it says a lot to Espinoza as far as what our guys thought about him. From that standpoint, we looked at it that its something where were getting a premium guy.Pomeranz joins fellow lefties David Price and Eduardo Rodriguez in a Boston rotation that includes Rick Porcello and AL ERA leader Steven Wright. Except for Wright, all have been inconsistent this season, and injuries to closer Craig Kimbrel and setup man Junichi Tazawa threatened to further strain the rotation.There are only a couple of pitchers we thought had a chance to be available that we thought would give us an upgrade on our pitching staff, Dombrowski said.Its the fourth trade in a week for Dombrowski, who also made a big splash in the offseason by signing Price to a seven-year, $217 million free-agent contract. The Red Sox acquired third baseman Aaron Hill from Milwaukee, second baseman Michael Martinez from Cleveland and righty Brad Ziegler over the last seven days without giving up any major leaguers.They have also managed to hang onto most of their top prospects. Espinoza was 5-8 with a 4.38 ERA in 17 starts for Single-A Greenville this season.He was ranked as the No. 3 prospect in the Red Sox system and the No. 4 pitching prospect in the country, according to Baseball America.Hes a youngster that we liked a great deal, Dombrowski said. He was a few years away from the major leagues. Not somebody that we wanted to give up.Preller, who traded Kimbrel to Boston over the offseason, has now traded two All-Stars in two weeks; he sent closer Fernando Rodney to Miami on June 30. Pomeranz is under Bostons control through 2018.To make room for Pomeranz on Bostons 40-man roster, infielder Josh Rutledge was transferred to the 60-day disabled list. He has left knee tendinitis.---AP Sports Writer Bernie Wilson in San Diego contributed to this report. Eric Hosmer Jersey . -- Five former Kansas City Chiefs players who were on the team between 1987 and 1993 filed a lawsuit Tuesday claiming the team hid and even lied about the risks of head injuries during that time period when there was no collective bargaining agreement in place in the NFL. Rollie Fingers Jersey . From filmmaker Nanette Burstein (On the Ropes), The Price of Gold revisits the saga that rocked the figure skating world ahead of the 1994 Lillehammer Olympic Winter Games: the assault on Nancy Kerrigan, and the plot that led its way back to her rival Tonya Harding. http://www.padressale.com/padres-ozzie-smith-jersey/ . Bradwell was scheduled to become a free agent Tuesday. Born and raised in Toronto, Bradwell is entering his sixth CFL season, with all six played for his hometown Argonauts. Franchy Cordero Padres Jersey . With the first unit struggling of late and Amir Johnson - one of the teams iron men - hobbling on an injured right ankle, Patterson knew he could get the nod in a challenging matchup against one of the leagues up and coming players at his position. Jose Pirela Padres Jersey . Clarke was injured while practicing on the Doha Golf Club range after the pro-am on Tuesday. The Northern Irishman arrived at the course on Wednesday hoping to start, but after hitting a few balls on the practice putting green Clarke advised officials he was not fit to play. Its the college football postseason, which means about two-thirds of FBS teams are playing one more game ... but four teams are hoping to play two.With that in mind, we asked 10 of our writers to grade players from across the country on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best performance possible in the postseason.Here are our experts top 50 players heading into the bowl games. If youre looking for Lamar Jackson, Jabrill Peppers or anybody else who was at the Heisman ceremony at the very top, youll have to scroll down. An Alabama defensive star was our panels No. 1 player.Jonathan Allen Alabama Crimson Tide Senior | Defensive lineman? Score: 9.9 Previous rank: 3 If Allen is sour about not getting invited to the Heisman Trophy ceremony, heres his chance to show it. Washington hasnt seen a defensive lineman with his size (294 pounds) and speed (8.5 sacks, 15 QB hurries, a blocked kick and two defensive touchdowns). -- Alex ScarboroughDede Westbrook Oklahoma Sooners Senior | Wide receiver Score: 9.75 Previous rank: 1The Heisman finalist is averaging 48.8 yards on his touchdown catches. Its safe to say that Auburn hasnt had to deal with a deep threat like that all season. -- Jake TrotterLamar Jackson Louisville Cardinals Sophomore | Quarterback Score: 9.7 Previous rank: 2Jackson will be playing in his first game since he won the Heisman Trophy, so here is betting LSU will come after him hard to make a statement. But Jackson has a statement of his own to make, after the Cards lost their final two games and he had a crucial fumble late against Kentucky. Last years bowl performance was a springboard for 2016. Hes hoping for the same into 2017. -- Andrea AdelsonDeshaun Watson Clemson Tigers Junior | Quarterback Score: 9.65 Previous rank: 11A year ago, Watson nearly single-handedly led Clemson to a national championship, so the task will at least be a familiar one this season. Watson has played his best football during November and December (1,784 yards, 20 TDs) and has the Tigers offense clicking in time for a tough matchup with Ohio States defense. -- David M. HaleMyles Garrett Texas A&M Aggies Junior | Defensive line Score: 9.6 Previous rank: 21Some teams were fortunate to face a less-than-100 percent Garrett, who was affected by an ankle injury for half the season. Kansas State wont be so fortunate. With a month of rest before the AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl, a full-strength Garrett should be primed for a possible multiple-sack game. -- Sam Khan Jr.Reuben Foster Alabama Crimson Tide Senior | Linebacker Score: 9.55 Previous rank: 12Washington is likely to spread the field and force extra defensive backs into action, leaving Foster on an island against a strong running game that includes Myles Gaskin and Lavon Coleman. Foster already leads Alabama with 94 tackles. You can count on him to break 100 in a few weeks. -- Alex ScarboroughJourdan Lewis Michigan Wolverines Senior | Cornerback Score: 9.5 Previous rank: 7The veteran cornerback doesnt get all that many chances to get his hands on the football, as its usually safer to not test Lewis at all. But if Florida State wants to try to open up the passing attack, odds are at some point it will have to throw Lewis way -- and he will be ready to cap his Michigan career with a memorable performance. -- Austin WardBaker Mayfield Oklahoma Sooners Junior | Quarterback Score: 9.45 Previous rank: 9Mayfield is on track to break the FBS record for passing efficiency. Although Auburn was stout against the run this season, the Tigers were gashed by the SECs better quarterbacks. -- Jake TrotterJabrill Peppers Michigan Wolverines Junior | Linebacker Score: 9.4 Previous rank: 5If this is the end of the line for Peppers with the Wolverines, expect Jim Harbaugh to pull out all the stops for the versatile star by featuring him heavily in all three phases against Florida State. Harbaugh has been almost over-the-top with his praise of all the ways Peppers can impact a football game, and Peppers will likely get a significant showcase for NFL scouts before potentially declaring for the draft. -- Austin WardMinkah Fitzpatrick Alabama Crimson Tide Sophomore | Defensive back Score: 9.35 Previous rank: 13 Washingtons Jake Browning threw just two interceptions in his first seven games. In his past six games, however, he has thrown five picks. Thats good news for Alabamas sophomore safety, who has a team-high five interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns. -- Alex ScarboroughDalvin Cook Florida State Seminoles Junior | Running back Score: 9.3 Previous rank: 8Michigan is the eighth team in the top 25 of defensive efficiency that Cook will face in 2016, and the third in the top 10. Against Florida (ranked fifth) and Clemson (ninth), Cook combined for 322 rushing yards and five touchdowns. But Michigan (third), with its 13th-ranked rush defense, is the toughest group hell see. -- Jared ShankerZach Cunningham Vanderbilt Commodores Junior | Linebacker Score: 9.25 Previous: unranked The high-flying linebacker was one of the SECs most productive players during the regular season, leading the league with 119 tackles. He also has 16.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups, four fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and that amazing blocked kick against Auburn. -- Edward AschoffEd Oliver Houston Cougars Freshman | Defensive tackle Score: 9.2 Previous rank: 22The nations best true freshman had his best performances against Houstons toughest opponents (Oklahoma and Louisville), so when the Cougars defensive tackle gets to meet San Diego States NCAA rushing record seeker, Donnel Pumphrey, you can bet Oliver will aim for another dominant showing. -- Sam Khan Jr.Christian McCaffrey Stanford Cardinal Junior | Running back Score: 9.15 Previous rank: 19 McCaffrey went on an absolute tear to close the season against some of the Pac-12s weakest run defenses. Now, North Carolina awaits with the nations No. 113-ranked unit, so expect McCaffrey to put on another show, especially because the Hyundai Sun Bowl will be his last time wearing a Stanford uniform. -- David LombardiDerek Barnett Tennessee Volunteers Junior | Defensive end Score: 9.1 Previous rank: 18Barnett finished the regular season with an SEC-high 12 sacks, which gave him 32 for his career and tied Tennessee career sack leader Reggie White (1980-83). Barnett has at least 10 sacks in each of his three seasons at Tennessee, and he has an SEC-high 18 tackles for loss this year. -- Edward AschoffAdoree Jackson USC Trojans Junior | Defensive back Score: 9.05 Previous rank: 6Jacksons services will be needed in the Rose Bowl Game Presented By Northwestern Mutual, in which Penn State awaits with one of the nations top passing offenses. Jackson will likely cover the Nittany Lions Chris Godwin, who has grabbed nine touchdowns this season. And, yes, hell be returning kicks and punts. -- David LombardiMalik Hooker Ohio State Buckeyes Sophomore | Defensive back Score: 9 Previous rank: 16The redshirt sophomore made the most of his opportunity to step into the starting lineup, and he has capitalized on virtually every chance that has come his way since then. Hooker already has six interceptions and three touchdowns this season, and with Clemsons Deshaun Watson prone to turning over the football, a couple more golden chances could be heading his way. -- Austin WardDemarcus Walker Florida State Seminoles Senior | Defensive end Score: 8.95 Previous rank: 20 There wasnt a more disruptive defender in the ACC this season, and now Walker turns his attention toward Michigan, a team that allowed its QB to be pressured on 28 percent of dropbacks (47th in Power 5). When Walker had two or more sacks against FBS foes this year, FSU was 5-0 and allowed 17 points per game. When he didnt, the Seminoles were 3-3 and allowed 33 points per game. -- David M. HaleJohn Ross III Washington Huskies Junior | Wide receiver Score: 8.9 Previous rank: 27 The Huskies offense was a hallmark of efficiency throughout most of the regular season, thanks in large part to Ross speed. Now Washington faces its biggest test against Alabama in the College Football Playoff. Ross has successfully stretched every defense that he has faced; he leads the Power 5 with 17 touchdown catches. -- David LombardiPat Elflein Ohio State Buckeyes Senior | Offensive line Score: 8.85 Previous rank: 40Most of the to-do list he made when the senior decided to come back for another season with the Buckeyes has already been accomplished, including winning the Rimington Trophy. But the hardware Elflein really wants will require two more Ohio State victories, and its safe to assume the anchor of the offensive line will do everything he can to be at his best against Clemson in the College Football Playoff. -- Austin WardTim Williams Alabama Crimson Tide Senior | Linebacker Score: 8.8 Previous rank: 34 Washingtons Trey Adams earned his status as first-team All-Pac-12, but he hasnt seen an edge rusher with Williams speed this season. The senior outside linebacker is tied for the team lead in sacks (8.5) and could bolster his résumé as a first-round pick with a big game. -- Alex ScarboroughCam Robinson Alabama Crimson Tide Junior | Offensive line Score: 8.75 Previous rank: 47Neither Myles Garrett, Arden Key nor Carl Lawson could get the best of Alabamas franchise left tackle, so dont expect first-team All-Pac-12 defensive lineman?Elijah Qualls?of Washington to cause a ruckus. Robinson has passed every major test he has faced this season on his way to being potentially the first offensive lineman taken in next years draft. -- Alex ScarboroughBudda Baker Washington Huskies Junior | Defensive back Score: 8.7 Previous rank: 25 The Huskies secondary has proven itself as one of the nations most talented units, and Baker is its field general. He delivered more spectacular anticipation and closing speed in the Pac-12 championship game. Now, can he win the chess match against Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts while offering the same level of suffocating run support? -- David LombardiDonnel Pumphrey San Diego State Aztecs Senior | Running back Score: 8.66 Previous rank: 10This will be fun: Pumphrey, who has rushed for 2,018 yards this season, is 108 yards shy of breaking the FBS career record. Pumphrey will face Houston, the nations No. 2-rated run defense (allowing only 2.9 yards per carry) in the Las Vegas Bowl presented by Geico. -- David LombardiRaekwon McMillan Ohio State Buckeyes Junior | Linebacker Score: 8.65 Previous rank: 14There will be some familiar faces lining up on the other sideline in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl, and Ohio States junior linebacker will no doubt be fired up to make a good impression on the Clemson Tigers. McMillans individual numbers were slightly down this season, but make no mistake: He is playing at a high level and will be in the middle of the effort to slow Deshaun Watson. -- Austin WardJames Washington Oklahoma State Cowboyys Junior | Wide receiver Score: 8.dddddddddddd6 Previous rank: 44Although Washington will have Colorados attention, Oklahoma States improved rushing attack figures to set up opportunities for the receiver downfield in play-action against an aggressive Buffs defense. -- Jake TrotterLeonard Fournette LSU Tigers Junior | Running back Score: 8.55 Previous rank: unranked Assuming Fournette follows through on his plan to participate in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl and his gimpy ankle holds up, hell have his work cut out in his final college game. LSUs star running back will go up against a Louisville defense that is one of only four in the FBS to allow fewer than 3 yards per carry (2.99). -- David ChingDesmond King Iowa Hawkeyes Senior | Defensive back Score: 8.5 Previous rank: 29 King, last years Thorpe Award winner as the nations best defensive back, has only two interceptions this season because teams largely avoid targeting him. Even so, he could produce a big game against the Gators in the Outback Bowl. Florida quarterbacks tied for 95th in the country with 13 interceptions. Kings ability to impact the game as a kick returner also shouldnt go unnoticed. -- Jesse TempleChristian Wilkins Clemson Tigers Sophomore | Defensive line Score: 8.45 Previous rank: 24In last years playoff semifinal against Oklahoma, Wilkins proved to be Clemsons secret weapon, catching a pass on a fake punt that served as a turning point in the game. This year, theres no secret about what Wilkins brings to the table. Hes one of the most athletic linemen in the country, and hell be tasked with stuffing Ohio States big-play ground game. -- David M. HaleT.J. Watt Wisconsin Badgers Junior | Linebacker Score: 8.4 Previous rank: 28 Watt has been a disruptive force in the backfield and might present Western Michigan quarterback Zach Terrell with problems he hasnt seen all season. Watt has 3.5 sacks, a forced fumble and an interception return for a touchdown the past three games, which means hes on a hot streak entering the postseason. He wont be too keen on watching the Broncos row the boat. -- Jesse TempleJake Butt Michigan Wolverines Senior | Tight end Score: 8.35 Previous rank: 35Besides Amara Darboh, Butt is Michigans favorite receiving threat. The Wolverines can run the football with multiple players, so if Florida State gets sucked up to the line of scrimmage, Butts route running and catching ability could be key in the Orange Bowl. -- Jesse TempleEthan Pocic LSU Tigers Senior | Center Score: 8.33 Previous rank: 37The All-American center will go head-up in the bowl game against a veteran and longtime starter, Louisville nose tackle DeAngelo Brown. Fifth-year senior Brown made the All-ACC team this season, posting 11 tackles for loss and three sacks while anchoring a defensive front that ranks 10th nationally against the run. -- David ChingJ.T. Barrett Ohio State Buckeyes Junior | Quarterback Score: 8.3 Previous rank: 42 Maybe the offense wasnt as explosive through the air this season as the junior mightve liked, but as far as down seasons go, accounting for 33 touchdowns doesnt leave all that much to complain about for Ohio State. The Buckeyes have complete trust in Barrett to run the power spread offense and have long bought what he sells as the unquestioned leader. Both will be vitally important heading into the biggest games of Barretts career. -- Austin WardMike Williams Clemson Tigers Junior | Wide receiver Score: 8.25 Previous rank: 30 Ohio State allowed just three red zone touchdowns to wide receivers this year, but Williams presents a different type of target. At 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, he is both fast and physical and happy to go over, past or through a defender. He finished the regular season second in the nation in both targets (27) and touchdowns (9) in the red zone. -- David M. HaleSaquon Barkley Penn State Nittany Lions Sophomore | Running back Score: 8.2 Previous rank: 23 With a month of rest, Barkley should be primed for a big day against USC in the Rose Bowl. USCs run defense has been stingy and ranks 29th nationally. But if any player can break through, its Barkley, who is one of the most exciting, dynamic runners in college football. -- Jesse TempleTeez Tabor Florida Gators Junior | Defensive back Score: 8.18 Previous rank: 26Tabor might not have been as active as he was last season, but hes still considered a first-round draft pick, thanks to his shutdown corner skills. He has four interceptions and has defended nine passes on the season, and he has plenty of postseason motivation after not being named a Jim Thorpe finalist. -- Edward AschoffSam Darnold USC Trojans Freshman | Quarterback Score: 8.15 Previous rank: 41 Darnold ranks second nationally with an 87.0 QBR. His excellent play is a huge reason USC is in the Rose Bowl. Now the freshman has a chance to showcase his versatility in the Granddaddy Of Them All, in which a solid Penn State pass defense awaits. The Nittany Lions have allowed 6.2 yards per attempt, which ranks them 14th nationally. -- David LombardiJake Browning Washington Huskies Sophomore | Quarterback Score: 8.1 Previous rank: 17A large portion of the Huskies chances against Alabama rest on Brownings shoulders. He is throwing a touchdown pass once every 8.4 attempts -- an NCAA record -- but he has also experienced struggles against the better defenses Washington has faced. The Crimson Tide give Browning the opportunity to address some nagging doubts. -- David LombardiTreDavious White LSU Tigers Senior | Cornerback Score: 8.05 Previous rank: unranked Defending the nations most explosive offense will be a major challenge for the LSU cornerback/return man, but White should have plenty of opportunities to make game-changing plays against Louisville. The Cardinals have turned the ball over 31 times, fourth-most in the FBS, and rank 83rd nationally in punt return defense, at 9.2 yards per return. -- David ChingDorian Johnson Pittsburgh Panthers Senior | Offensive line Score: 8 Previous rank: 37 Pitt will face a tough winter test in the Bronx against Northwestern and its stingy run defense. That will be a fitting finale for Johnson, who is as strong a reason as any for the Panthers ground success. Hes Pitts first first-team All-American O-lineman in 22 years, and hes positioning himself for a nice payday come spring. -- Matt FortunaSamaje Perine Oklahoma Sooners Junior | Running back Score: 7.95 Previous rank: unranked If Oklahoma can get up on Auburn in the second half, expect the Sooners to turn to Perine to put the game away. Perine is just 82 yards away from breaking Billy Sims Oklahoma record of 4,118 career rushing yards. -- Jake TrotterJames Conner Pittsburgh Panthers Junior | Running back Score: 7.9 Previous rank: 36 Conner announced over the weekend that he is NFL-bound, so he will be making his collegiate finale against Northwestern. After another 1,000-yard season, numerous ACC touchdown records and more inspirational speeches and hardware than anyone can count, the cancer conqueror will take a curtain call at Yankee Stadium, which is no stranger to chilling moments. -- Matt FortunaBen Boulware Clemson Tigers Senior | Linebacker Score: 7.85 Previous rank: unrankedBoulware leads the Tigers with 113 tackles, and he is the emotional leader of the team. He will be at his best in the final game (or games) of his career. Also, lets not forget Boulware was named defensive MVP in the Capital One Orange Bowl semifinal against Oklahoma last year, after he recorded eight tackles, a sack and a fourth-quarter interception in the 37-17 victory. -- Andrea AdelsonEjuan Price Pittsburgh Panthers Senior | Defensive line Score: 7.8 Previous rank: 33 The Hendricks Award finalist and sixth-year senior overcame numerous injuries to post a ridiculously efficient final two seasons of production. Hell take his 12 sacks and ACC-leading 21 TFLs this season into the finale against Northwestern, which has surrendered 35 sacks on the year and will have its work cut out for it in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl. -- Matt FortunaJuJu Smith-Schuster USC Trojans Junior | Wide receiver Score: 7.75 Previous rank: 32 Penn States pass defense has delivered solid numbers this year, but Schuster and his fellow Trojans receivers will test that unit in the Rose Bowl. Schusters production -- 63 catches for 781 yards -- is down from last season, but quarterback Sam Darnold is spreading the ball around well, so dont read too deeply into the smaller numbers. -- David LombardiCurtis Samuel Ohio State Buckeyes Junior | Running back Score: 7.7 Previous rank: unranked The most versatile weapon on the Ohio State offense has become the one it might not survive without, and Samuel will be in for a heavy workload against Clemsons defense in the College Football Playoff. With a month to cook up new ways to get the H-back involved, theres really no way to predict just how Samuel might be unleashed to add to his total of 15 touchdowns this season. -- Austin WardCorey Davis Western Michigan Broncos Senior | Wide receiver Score: 7.65 Previous rank: unranked Wisconsins secondary struggled in the second half of the Big Ten championship game against Penn State. That means Davis, the FBS leader in receiving yards, could replicate his success against the Badgers in the Cotton Bowl. He is quarterback Zach Terrells favorite target for a reason. -- Jesse TempleCarlos Watkins Clemson Tigers Sophomore | Defensive end Score: 7.6 Previous rank: 50 Ohio States best offensive play right now might be J.T. Barrett on the keeper, which means Clemson will need Watkins to plug the middle when the Buckeyes quarterback takes off. On passing downs, Ohio State might task center and Rimington Award winner Pat Elflein with stopping Watkins one-on-one, which might mean Watkins adds to his 8.5 sacks. Double Watkins, and it frees up Clemsons myriad pass-rushers. -- Jared ShankerAustin Carr Northwestern Wildcats Senior | Wide receiver Score: 7.55 Previous rank: unrankedCarr terrorizes even the best defenses, and Pittsburgh doesnt even remotely qualify for that category. Pitt ranks 109th in the FBS in scoring defense (35.6 points per game) and 127th out of 128 in pass defense (343.1 yards). If a 4-8 Syracuse team can throw for 440 yards and score 61 points against Pitt in the regular-season finale, imagine what Carr and the Wildcats can do against the Panthers in the Pinstripe Bowl. -- Jesse TempleArden Key LSU Tigers Sophomore | Defensive end Score: 7.5 Previous rank: 49LSUs star edge rusher has to be licking his chops over the opportunity that awaits in the bowl matchup against Louisville. Chasing down Lamar Jackson isnt much fun, but Louisville has surrendered 39 sacks this season, more than all but two Power 5 teams, including 11 in a blowout loss to Houston. -- David Ching ' ' '