Sports

Kings F Nocioni arrested for DUI

2009-11-05T15:02:00.000-08:00

Sacramento, CA (Sports Network) - Sacramento Kings forward Andres Nocioni was arrested on Thursday morning just after the team played the Atlanta Hawks.

Nocioni was released later Thursday after posting bail. According to a report from the Sacramento Bee, Nocioni was weaving within his lane and had an odor of alcohol when speaking with a police officer.

The 29-year-old released a statement through the team saying he was apologetic for his actions.

Nocioni was acquired by Sacramento last season from Chicago in a trade that sent Brad Miller to the Bulls. In 379 career games with the Bulls and Kings over six seasons, Nocioni has averaged 11.8 points and 5.0 rebounds.

Read Article Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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Future uncertain for Matsui, Pettitte

2009-11-05T14:58:00.000-08:00

In the waning days of the season, it seemed overwhelmingly unlikely that Hideki Matsui would figure into the Yankees' future plans. Despite a season perhaps better than anyone around the game could have predicted, Matsui had 35 years of age weighing on two bad knees.

In the waning days of the season, also, the future for Andy Pettitte appeared cloudy. A near-retiree the past two winters, Pettitte had a tired left shoulder and a resolute goal: win the World Series.

Both veterans played convincing and decisive roles in the Yankees' 27th World Series title, Matsui taking home the Most Valuable Player Award and Pettitte winning the clinching game in all three rounds of the postseason. Both contributed perhaps more than the Yankees and their fans could have imagined. And both now have no real concept what the future holds.

Read Article MLB

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Chivas USA's Thornton wins Goalkeeper of the Year

2009-11-04T16:01:00.000-08:00

In what isn't exactly a huge surprise, Chivas USA goalkeeper Zach Thornton was awarded MLS Goalkeeper of the Year for 2009.

Leading the league in shutouts and goals against, Thornton was a near shoe-in for the award that was given out Wednesday afternoon.

Playing in what is being considered the best year of his 13 in MLS, Thornton led Chivas to a 13-11-6 record with a career-high 12 shutouts.

His playing career had led him across Major League Soccer with spots in New York, Chicago, Colorado and Chivas. He spent the majority of his career with the Fire, making more than 200 appearances for the club from 1998 to 2006.

A native of Edgewood, Md., Thornton has also had eight caps with the U.S. national team between 1994 and 2001.

Read Article Sports Illustrated

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Dallas Football Classic bowl will debut New Year's Day 2011

2009-11-04T15:59:00.000-08:00

The replacement for the Cotton Bowl game has been lined up.

Dallas city leaders say the Dallas Football Classic is planned for New Year's Day 2011. The plan calls for using teams from the Big 12, Big Ten and perhaps Conference USA.

The first game will likely pit the seventh-ranked team from the Big 12 against the sixth-ranked team from the Big Ten, should those teams be excluded from Bowl Championship Season consideration.

The plan needs NCAA approval. It would run through the 2013 season.

The Cotton Bowl game is moving to the new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington this season. That prompted officials to come up with a replacement game for the 77-year-old Fair Park venue.

Read Article Sports Illustrated

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Phillies make the right deal in trading for Lee

2009-07-29T17:28:00.000-07:00

Ruben Amaro, Jr., Philadelphia's rookie general manager, earned the National League executive-of-the-year award on Wednesday.

Amaro acquired a top-end starter without having to meet the heavy price set by the extortionists from Toronto. Amaro made a move that helps the Phillies now without harming their future.

The Phillies, defending World Series champions, passed on Toronto ace right-hander Roy Halladay and acquired Cleveland left-hander Cliff Lee as the centerpiece in a six-player deal. The move establishes the Phillies, suddenly rich in pitching, as the top club in the NL.

To appreciate what Amaro accomplished, the deal must be put into context.

Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi, scrambling to keep his job, aimed high and asked for the most advanced young players in the Phillies organization: left-hander J.A. Happ, who is in the major-league rotation; minor-league right-hander Kyle Drabek, getting closer to being major-league ready with each start; and an outfielder — Dominic Brown or Michael Taylor.

Read Article Fox Sports

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Favre's shadow will follow Vikings

2009-07-29T17:27:00.000-07:00

All was right in the Upper Midwest football universe Wednesday in the wake of Brett Favre's re-re-reassessment of his comeback plans with the Minnesota Vikings (spot me a re- or two, since I've lost track).

Fans of the Vikings could go back to disliking Favre, a nemesis nonpareil and a turncoat the likes of which they would abhor had he been pondering a move from Minnesota to Green Bay rather than vice versa. Meanwhile, Packers fans could revel in the Vikings' troubles on the eve of training camp the way good. nasty rivals are supposed to. Even those dairylanders who might have been rankled by the manner in which Favre ended, dragged out, then ended again his stellar career in Green Bay could get behind the quarterback now for putting Minnesota through a wringer one more time, as he had on all those Sundays, without ever taking off his ball cap.

Then things got even better: Almost instantly with the news that Favre had told Minnesota coach Brad Childress that he would not be playing there in the 2009 season, people and pundits started speculating that the Vikings might be a logical destination for Michael Vick.

Read Article Sports Illustrated

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Nix the Vick-can-play talk, backing up is his future

2009-07-29T12:51:00.000-07:00

Mike Vick can play. Mike Vick can play. Mike Vick can play.

Those words came pouring out of many mouths Monday, the excitement evident in most of them after NFL commissioner Roger Goodell conditionally reinstated Vick for the 2009 season. Two lost years, a lengthy prison sentence, loss of millions and a beatdown in the court of public opinion later, Vick can once again play football in the NFL.

Prison-yard flag football is a thing of the past (Word is there is video of him playing it somewhere), and he's ready to lace up those high-tops again.

Mike Vick can play.

So he's eligible to play again, but can he play? By that I mean is he capable of playing at a high level?

The euphoria we heard Monday about Vick's return overshadowed the reality of things from a playing standpoint: Is Vick worth signing?

His agent keeps saying teams are calling, but I tend to believe that's more hype than reality. Why isn't he signed yet?

Vick, right now, is really just a backup quarterback.

Read Article CBS Sports

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A perfect illustration of Buehrle

2009-07-29T12:50:00.000-07:00

So that's what it looks like when Mark Buehrle allows a baserunner.

It had been so long since the White Sox lefty had been anything but perfect, it was easy to forget.

After jumping ahead 0-2 on Minnesota Twins No. 9 hitter Alexi Casilla with two outs in the sixth inning and with a perfect game still in the works Tuesday night at the Metrodome, Buehrle walked the least likely batter to present a threat -- a second baseman who was hitting .161 with a team-low 15 walks.

''To be honest, I didn't even know I had him 0-2,'' Buehrle said. ''A 3-2 changeup, which the last game and a half, that's all I've been throwing. No complaint on the pitch selection. I threw it too low and he took it, so there's no complaint there.''

It was the most heart-wrenching base on balls -- on his 81st pitch -- you'll ever see in the regular season.

Read Article Sun Times

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FIA said budget cap would have saved BMW

2009-07-29T12:49:00.000-07:00

Formula One's governing body said BMW Sauber would not have quit the sport if the leading teams had supported its proposed financial restraints for next season.

The FIA used BMW's exit on Wednesday to restate its case for a budget cap despite it being dropped when the Formula One Teams Association — which includes BMW_ threatened to form a rival series.

FIA presidential candidate Ari Vatanen told The Associated Press that the loss of BMW should provide an "alarm call" for feuding factions to unite and safeguard the future of motor racing's premier competition.

Vatanen, a 57-year-old former world rally champion from Finland, is campaigning to replace Max Mosley, whose 16-year reign ends in October.

After Honda quit F1 due to financial problems last year, Mosley had hoped his plan for a $66 million budget cap would secure the sport's future.

Instead it caused a rift that threatened to tear the sport apart before a compromise was reached with FOTA. However, FIA's frustration at the cap being dropped was clear in its statement to announce Honda's withdrawal at the end of the season.

"Had these regulations (the budget cap) not been so strongly opposed by a number of team principals, the withdrawal of BMW and further such announcements in the future might have been avoided," the FIA said.

Read Article Associated Press

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Northside hotels busy, not full during Senior Open

2009-07-29T12:47:00.000-07:00

This week's U.S. Senior Open golf tournament at Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel is giving a lift to Hamilton County hotels.

Brenda Myers, executive director of the Hamilton County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the hotels most benefiting are the ones along U.S. 31.

"We were surprised last week how much availability there was," Myers said. "Each day is filling up. I'm not sure you could get a percentage, because the numbers are changing by the hour."

Myers said people are making their travel decisions late, a trend during the recession.

"Our limited-service, lower-rate hotels and suite hotels are already mostly full for the weekend ahead," Myers said in an e-mail. "We assume these are attracting a lot of the out-of-area volunteers who are staying longer and either want to watch their pennies or want to be able to have suite amenities.

Read Article Indianapolis Star

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Distractions loom in Pittsburgh as Steelers, Big Ben start camp

2009-07-29T12:46:00.000-07:00

Just two weeks ago, there was little reason to worry about the Pittsburgh Steelers heading into the 2009 season.
The Super Bowl XLIII champions lost only two starters in the offseason. No major medical or contractual issues were lingering. Heck, with the Steelers' successfully completed quest to "win one for the other thumb" — the club's record sixth Super Bowl ring — perhaps its biggest challenge was to come up with a catchy slogan to mark their next title drive.

Maybe "The Extra Point" or "Pittsburgh is Seventh Heaven."Nevada casino worker Andrea McNulty filed a civil lawsuit against the two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback July 17, accusing him of rape.

Roethlisberger vehemently denied the allegations six days later. He contended that the "false and vicious allegations are an attack on my family and on me" while saying he had never forced himself on any woman.

"I'm gonna fight to protect my family and my reputation," Roethlisberger added in a brief news conference, concluding, "I have an obligation to our fans, to my teammates, to my coaches and everyone in the organization to remain focused on the Pittsburgh Steelers, and I will do that. The allegations against me are reckless and false. … I am confident that the truth will prevail."

Read Article USA Today

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Indians expected to trade Martinez

2009-07-29T12:45:00.000-07:00

Now that the Indians have traded Cliff Lee, rival executives fully expect Cleveland to deal All-Star catcher Victor Martinez in the 48 hours before the trade deadline.

"I don't think they'd move one without thinking about moving the other," said an AL official.

The Indians had indicated to other teams for weeks that they would have to be overwhelmed in a deal for either Lee or Martinez, because they considered both players to be crucial to their chances for contending in 2010, at reasonable salaries. But with some sources indicating that Cleveland is under pressure to cut payroll, the Indians dealt Lee, who will earn $8 million for next season.

And Martinez could be next to go. Martinez, 30, is hitting .283 this season, with 15 homers and 67 RBIs, with an on-base percentage of .367. Martinez represented the Indians at the All-Star Game in St. Louis earlier this month.

The switch-hitter is earning $4.45 million this year, and he is set to earn $7 million for next year, through an option.

Read Article ESPN

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Ex-Giant Burress testifies before NYC grand jury

2009-07-29T12:44:00.000-07:00

Former New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress testified Wednesday before the grand jury that is investigating weapons charges against him and told reporters outside that he was sorry for his actions.

"I was truthful, I was honest, and I'm truly remorseful for what I've done and for what happened," Burress said outside a Manhattan courthouse.

Burress' attorney, Benjamin Brafman, said the one-time Super Bowl star wanted to address the grand jury.

"I agreed that in order to humanize him they needed to see who he was and what this man was about," Brafman said.

The 31-year-old Burress shot himself in the thigh at a Manhattan nightclub in November. He was charged with weapon possession and faces up to 3 1/2 years in prison. He has pleaded not guilty and is free on $100,000 bail. The Giants released him in April.

The New York Post reported earlier this week that Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau is insisting on jail time. Morgenthau's office has declined to comment to The Associated Press.

Brafman criticized Morgenthau for speaking out, saying the district attorney's comments could prejudice the grand jury proceedings.

Read Article Associated Press

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Wright diagnosed with dehydration

2009-07-29T12:42:00.000-07:00

Astros relief pitcher Wesley Wright was to spend Wednesday resting in his hotel room after being diagnosed with dehydration following his appearance in Tuesday's 11-6 win over the Cubs, general manager Ed Wade said.

Wright was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital after seemingly suffering from symptoms of appendicitis, but doctors ruled that out late Tuesday and sent Wright back to his hotel. Astros head athletic trainer Nate Lucero and director of research Charlie Norton texted Wade early Wednesday and informed him of the dehydration diagnosis.

"They were concerned about possible appendicitis based on some of the symptoms he was showing and they ruled that out over there [at the hospital]," Wade said. "I talked to [manager Cecil Cooper] this morning, and Wesley was going to hang back at the hotel and just rest up and get himself better."

Wright gave up three runs and walked five batters (one intentionally) in 2 1/3 innings of work Tuesday. He replaced injured starter Roy Oswalt in the second inning and had to warm up on the mound at Wrigley Field.

Wright, a left-hander, is in his third stint with the Astros this year and is 2-1 with a 5.92 ERA in 28 games pitched. He was 1-1 with a 3.94 ERA in 10 games at Round Rock.

Read Article mlb.com

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Yao Ming likely out next season

2009-07-17T17:47:00.000-07:00

The Houston Rockets thought they had become championship contenders last summer when they acquired Ron Artest to join Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming, a pair of perennial All Stars.

Less than a year later, the Rockets are rebuilding from scratch with no Artest and no idea when McGrady or Yao will play again.

The final blow came Friday, when Yao announced he would have surgery next week on his broken left foot, a decision that will likely keep him out all of next season. The team said there is no timetable set for the return of the 7-foot-6 Yao, a seven-time All Star, but that he is "expected to be available for the team's training camp in 2010."

McGrady, also a seven-time All Star, could be sidelined until next February as he recovers from risky microfracture surgery on his left knee.

Artest? He said at the end of last season that he wanted to stay in Houston — but only if he felt the Rockets had a legitimate chance to win the NBA title. He's now getting ready to play with Kobe Bryant and the NBA champion Lakers after signing a multiyear deal a few days after the start of the free agency negotiating period.

Read Article Associated Press

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Man arrested in connection with gun used to kill NFL star

2009-07-17T17:45:00.002-07:00

The Tennessee man accused of selling the gun used to kill former NFL quarterback Steve McNair is in custody facing a federal charge of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, authorities said Friday.

"This is another example of what can happen with a gun when a felon is selling it on the street with little to no interest other than just selling it for 100 bucks," said Nashville, Tennessee, Police Chief Ronal Serpas.

Authorities said federal agents traced the gun used in the Fourth of July murder-suicide to Household Pawn in Nashville, which sold it in January 2002.

"Further investigation revealed the 9 mm pistol was later sold for approximately $100 to Adrian Gilliam approximately one to one and a half years ago," Nashville police said in a news release.

Read Article cnn.com

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Armstrong 3rd as rain, shooting part of Tour stage

2009-07-17T17:45:00.001-07:00

Lance Armstrong stayed in third place after a wet and chilly ride Friday and lost a crucial ally for the rest of the Tour de France when teammate Levi Leipheimer withdrew because of a broken wrist.

The 13th stage from Vittel to Colmar, won by Germany's Heinrich Haussler, was less secure for riders Julian Dean and Oscar Freire: they were lightly injured by shots from a suspected air rifle from the roadside.

The top standings didn't change in the 124-mile stage through the rolling hills of northeast France that featured three big climbs, including the demanding Col du Platzerwasel.

Armstrong, who trails overall leader Rinaldo Nocentini of Italy by eight seconds and Astana teammate Alberto Contador by two, said a crucial showdown awaits in Sunday's ride into Switzerland.

"That one is almost a guarantee because it's uphill," the seven-time champion said of the ride from Pontarlier, France, to the Swiss ski station of Verbier. "For sure, it's a decisive stage and exciting for the fans."

Armstrong and Contador expressed regret about the withdrawal of Leipheimer before the stage. Leipheimer, who had been fourth overall, 39 seconds behind Nocentini, fell off his bike and broke his wrist in the last two miles of Thursday's stage.

Read Article Associated Press

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Red Sox cut ties with underachieving Lugo

2009-07-17T17:44:00.000-07:00

Willing to admit that the signing of free agent Julio Lugo was an expensive mistake, the Red Sox cut ties with the underachieving shortstop by designating him for assignment on Friday.

Thus, Lugo's disappointing two-and-a-half year tenure with the Red Sox has come to an end with roughly $13.5 million left on the four-year, $36 million contract that was signed in December 2006.

"I think ownership has been consistent that we'll do what we need to do to put the best possible team on the field and the sunk cost is the sunk cost," said Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein. "We're sorry it didn't work out better with Julio, obviously, but keeping him on the team wasn't going to change that. Sometimes the best organizations admit their mistakes and move on, and that's what we're doing here.

Read Article mlb.com

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Tiger has himself to blame for missing Open cut

2009-07-17T17:41:00.000-07:00

When the end came, he seemed to accept his fate like the soldier he would've been if he hadn't been diverted by a freakish ability to get a little white ball into a hole.

Tiger Woods understood there was no point praying for the late collapse of others which would've delivered the 'small m' miracle he needed just to make the cut at this 138th British Open.

He knew, well before it was official, that it was too much to ask that the cut line would move up to five over par and that, consequently, he would not be playing on the weekend at a major for only the second time as a professional (and only the first time without a legitimate reason given the death of his father and mentor, Earl, prior to the 2006 U.S. Open).

Woods gritted his teeth and stepped forward to face the media scrum, his metaphorical firing squad, and didn't ask for a blindfold.

"I just made mistakes," he said of his catastrophic second-round 74, "And obviously you can't make mistakes and expect to not only make the cut but also try and win a championship. You have to play clean rounds of golf and I didn't."

And therein lies the truth of perhaps the most shockingly disappointing day of Tiger Woods' career in majors.

His demise came entirely at his own hands.

Read Article Fox Sports

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UFC's Frank Mir is looking for respect in octagon

2009-07-10T18:25:00.000-07:00

Frank Mir, surprisingly, is not the favorite heading into his rematch against Brock Lesnar for the undisputed UFC heavyweight championship at UFC 100 on Saturday night at 7 PDT at Mandalay Bay Events Center on pay-per-view.

Mir submitted Lesnar with a nifty kneebar in 90 seconds in their first bout at UFC 81 in February 2008. Mir followed that victory by becoming the first fighter to stop Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira when he showed off his much-improved striking skills to score a second-round TKO over the Brazilian to capture the interim UFC heavyweight title at UFC 92 in December.

But Mir (12-3) will be a 2.5-1 underdog when he hooks up with Lesnar (3-1).

“I don't know? After the Nogueira fight I thought I wouldn't be the underdog,” Mir said. “My friends and I were speaking afterwards and, obviously, being a Vegas person we were talking about the sportsbooks and the odds. I was like, ‘Nah, guys. I'm not going to be the underdog.' When the odds came out, I was like, ‘What I can I say? Go bet guys, it's your money.'”

Read Article Houston Chronicle

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With Phelps out of pool, Lochte grabs spotlight

2009-07-10T18:24:00.002-07:00

Michael Phelps called it quits because of a sore neck at the U.S. nationals, leaving the spotlight to rival Ryan Lochte, who qualified Friday for the world championships later this month.

Phelps withdrew from the 100-meter freestyle heats in the morning on the advice of a doctor after waking up a day earlier with a kink on the left side of his neck. He swam through the pain to set a world record in the 100 butterfly on Thursday, but said he felt worse Friday despite receiving numerous treatments.

"It wasn't fun swimming the 100 fly with that," he said. "I could barely move my neck to breathe. I definitely didn't feel 100 percent."

The 100 free, in which Phelps owns the American record, was going to be his final event at nationals. He said he was willing to try, but his coach Bob Bowman vetoed the idea.

"We're going to err on the safe side," Bowman said.

Phelps qualified for the world championships in Rome, where he'll swim the 100 and 200 flys and the 200 free. He will likely swim on three relays, too.

Read Article Associated Press

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Kerr leads Creamer at U.S. Women's Open

2009-07-10T18:24:00.001-07:00

Former champion Cristie Kerr shot a one-under 70 to take the second-round lead Friday at the U.S. Women's Open.

Kerr, the 2007 winner, finished 36 holes at three-under 139 and will carry a one-stroke lead over Paula Creamer into the weekend.

Creamer, still seeking her first major championship, fired a three-under 68 to move into second place at two-under 140.

Jean Reynolds, a developmental tour player who made the Open through a qualifier, was the only other player under par after 36 holes on the tough Saucon Valley course. Reynolds had a one-over 72 and stood at one-under 141.

Giulia Sergas carded the low round of the championship so far, a four-under 67 that moved her into a share of fourth place with first-round leader Na Yeon Choi (74) at even-par 142.

World No. 1 Lorena Ochoa, who has never won the U.S. Women's Open, struggled to a 79 in the second round. The Mexican star, just one shot off the lead overnight, fell nine strokes back at six-over 148.

Kerr, meanwhile, scratched out a round that was just good enough for her first 36-hole lead in 10 months.

Read Article Miami Herald

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Pujols, Ludwick lead Cards past Cubs

2009-07-10T18:22:00.000-07:00

When Derrek Lee's game-tying three-run homer off Chris Carpenter sailed over the right-field fence in the third inning Friday, Ryan Ludwick had one simple thought.

"We need more runs," Ludwick said. "That's all."

The Cardinals got plenty, thanks in large part to Ludwick and Albert Pujols, who led the team to an 8-3 win over the Cubs in the opener of a four-game series. Ludwick and Pujols combined to go 5-for-6 with six RBIs, leading a 10-hit, nine-walk performance against the Chicago pitching staff.

With the score knotted at 3, Pujols led off the fifth against Rich Harden (5-6) and lifted what initially looked like a playable fly ball to center. But the ball caught the wind that was blowing out and landed in the basket just over the 400-foot sign.

"Our lineup is good from the leadoff guy on," Pujols said. "We know what kind of talent we have. Obviously we haven't clicked where we want to be like we were in April, but it's a long season."

Read Article Mlb.com

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Yao’s Foot Injury Threatens His Career

2009-06-29T18:47:00.000-07:00

Rockets center Yao Ming’s broken left foot could end his career. Dr. Tom Clanton, the Houston Rockets’ team physician, told The Houston Chronicle that Yao’s injury “has the potential for him missing this next season and could be career-threatening.” Yao sustained a hairline fracture of the tarsal navicular bone late in playoff game against the Los Angeles Lakers on May 8. The team said last week that the injury had not healed and that he was out indefinitely.

Yao had expected the injury to be well on the way to being healed when he was examined last week. Instead, the crack had expanded. “The findings on the CT were shocking for him and for us,” Clanton said. Yao, who is 7 feet 6 inches, played in 77 regular-season games in 2008-9, his most injury-free year since 2004-05, when he played in 80. Before last season, Yao missed chunks of previous three seasons with leg and foot injuries.

Read Article New York Times

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Guerin, Pens agree on deal

2009-06-29T18:46:00.000-07:00

The Pittsburgh Penguins made a move to retain a key piece of their Stanley Cup-winning team on Monday, agreeing to terms with winger Bill Guerin.

Guerin will receive a one-year deal for $2 million, a source told ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun.

The Penguins acquired Guerin from the New York Islanders at the trade deadline last season. He went on to score five goals and record 12 points in 17 games with Pittsburgh. He had seven goals and 15 points in 24 playoff games.

"We are excited to agree to terms with Billy on this one-year deal," Pens general manager Ray Shero said in a statement. "He made a tremendous impact on this team with his scoring ability, physical play and outstanding leadership and was a key factor in our drive to the Cup. I know our players, coaches and fans will be happy to have him back in Pittsburgh."

Read Article ESPN.com

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Under the Lights on Centre Court, Waiting for Federer

2009-06-29T18:45:00.000-07:00

Nighttime tennis at Wimbledon, long and loud, just the way it is at that other Grand Slam tournament in New York. There was nothing at all quaint about it.

Nobody was kept awake into morning, but Andy Murray needed 3 hours 57 minutes to subdue Stanislas Wawrinka, a Swiss compatriot of Roger Federer’s, under the new Centre Court roof Monday night. The final ball was struck at 10:39. Consider tradition officially turned on its head.

“Always when you play indoors, the atmosphere is great,” Murray, the third-seeded Scotsman said after his 2-6, 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 victory — a classic five-set match without classic British tennis heartbreak.

Everything under the roof was louder, from the nervous murmurs on points that Murray lost to the momentous roar of the crowd after Murray broke Wawrinka with a forehand winner for a 5-3 lead in the fifth set.

Outside, on the hill formerly named for Tim Henman, thousands more erupted in the darkness.

Read Article New York Times

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Beltran examined again; Perez to Buffalo

2009-06-29T18:44:00.000-07:00

Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran was in Colorado on Monday to seek a second opinion on the bone bruise in his right knee, Mets assistant general manager John Ricco said.

Beltran, who went on the 15-day disabled list on June 22 with a bruise under his right knee cap, was examined by Dr. Richard Steadman, who specializes in the surgical and conservative treatment of knee disorders.

Ricco said nothing has changed from Beltran's initial diagnosis and that the 32-year-old simply wanted another opinion.

"He asked to go get a second opinion, which is his right," Ricco said. "There's no reason for us to not be in favor of that. Our doctors are fully on board with that and we'll see what Steadman says."

Read Article mlb.com

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All signs point to Venus vs. Serena in the final

2009-06-29T18:42:00.000-07:00

There have been bumps in the road to Wimbledon glory before for the willful Williams sisters, but if Venus and Serena play anywhere close to as well as they did in thrashing high-quality opponents in the fourth round on Monday, they are sure to meet in Saturday's final.

Their head-to-head matchup is locked at 10-10 and they've met four times at Wimbledon, each winning twice and Venus having taken her sister down in a brilliantly played 2008 final.

They have combined for seven out of the last nine titles and clearly, Centre Court at Wimbledon is the House of Williams and someone is going to have to steal the keys to the front door if they want to keep the family from pocketing their eighth combined title.

"Definitely (it's ours to lose)," Serena said. "I feel like if I'm not playing well, if I don't do the right things, I definitely lose it on my racket."

Read Article Fox Sports

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Duval Enjoys Revival at U.S. Open

2009-06-22T14:59:00.000-07:00

Ten years ago, David Duval was the best golfer in the world. He was in the midst of a season in which he wrested the top ranking from Tiger Woods, matched the lowest round in PGA Tour history with a closing 59 at the Bob Hope and won four times.

These days, Duval simply is trying to remain relevant in his profession. The 2001 British Open champion has not had a top 10 finish on tour since 2002, and this year he had missed the cut or withdrawn in nine of 13 events before his improbable second-place finish at the U.S. Open on Monday.

"I just knew that I had developed some very bad swing problems and through it had lost all confidence," Duval said. "I may have taken it a little bit for granted years ago."

Duval's game had fallen into such disrepair that all he could do was walk away in 2003. After withdrawing from a tournament in Japan that year, Duval took a seven-month hiatus before coming back to play in the 2004 U.S. Open.

Read Article Washington Post

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Balky putter, unlucky draw cost Tiger an Open win

2009-06-22T14:57:00.002-07:00

I had barely gotten out the first part of the question, "Do you beat yourself up over this one, or ..." and Tiger Woods snapped back an answer.

"Yes," he said, not bothering to hide the disgust.

Was failing at Bethpage Black more frustrating than failing at Augusta two months ago?

Another affirmative from a grim-faced Woods, who finished in a tie for sixth at even par after failing to capitalize on a host of opportunities at this 109th United States Open.

Read Article Fox Sports

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Pujols named NL Player of the Week

2009-06-22T14:57:00.001-07:00

Albert Pujols, who highlighted his typically productive week by scoring the 1,000th run of his career, earned his second weekly award of the season in being named the National League Player of the Week presented by Bank of America for the period ending June 21.

The Cardinals first baseman led the NL with a slugging percentage of 1.111, while stroking four homers and driving in 11 runs.

The Majors' all-time top Interleague hitter (.349) led St. Louis' sweep in Kansas City with 10 RBIs in the three games, punctuating his weekend with a six-RBI game on Sunday that included a grand slam.

The slam was Pujols' third of the season and ninth of his career, both tying franchise records, the latter held by Hall of Famer Stan Musial.

Read Article mlb.com

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New look for Centre Court, new look for Federer

2009-06-22T14:56:00.001-07:00

Roger Federer thought Centre Court looked smashing, what with its new retractable roof at the ready, all white fabric and steel trusses.

The fans at Wimbledon thought Federer looked smashing, too, what with his new collar-up, military-style jacket and formfitting tuxedo vest, all white with gold trim.

As for Federer's play Monday at the All England Club? Well, for a few minutes, that did not look quite so good. But only for a few minutes. After trailing by a break in the first set of his first match since winning the French Open to complete a career Grand Slam, Federer righted himself and beat Yen-hsun Lu of Taiwan 7-5, 6-3, 6-2 to take the first step toward a record-breaking 15th major championship overall.

"Solid performance," Federer said. "It's funny: I actually didn't even think about it — I didn't have a grass-court match yet this year. It's something I completely forgot about."

Read Article Associated Press

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Defensive tackle La'Roi Glover retires after 13 seasons in NFL

2009-06-22T14:51:00.000-07:00

Veteran defensive tackle La'Roi Glover is retiring after 13 NFL seasons.
Glover, who turns 35 on July 4, spent the past three seasons with the St. Louis Rams. He was not re-signed following the 2008 season, when he had 30 tackles only one-half sack.

He was selected by Oakland in the fifth round of the 1996 draft. After a year with the Raiders, he played five seasons in New Orleans and four in Dallas before signing with the Rams as a free agent prior to the 2006 season.

Glover had 627 tackles and 83.5 sacks for his career. He led the NFL with 17 sacks for the Saints in 2000, a rare feat for a defensive tackle.

Read Article USA Today

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UFC hopes to change minds with 1st Germany show

2009-06-12T18:00:00.000-07:00

Rich Franklin has never hesitated to take his mixed martial arts career on the road, with the goal of spreading his sport while chasing another UFC title.
The former math teacher from Cincinnati with a master's degree in education has fought in Belfast, Montreal and Dublin in the past two years, all in front of eager fans in otherwise skeptical nations that didn't know exactly what to make of MMA. He'll take on Wanderlei Silva on Saturday night in UFC 99 in Cologne, Germany -- the UFC's first show in the newest territory for its sport.

Franklin sees it all as part of his job. While MMA still is viewed ambivalently by much of North America, what little is known and said about the sport in large parts of Europe is still mostly negative. Franklin is hoping a compelling card at Lanxess Arena will be the first step in changing that.

"I've always been one of those fighters that whatever the organization needs from me, I'm pretty much willing to do anything," Franklin said.

Read Article USA Today

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What Falcons’ release means for Vick’s football future

2009-06-12T17:59:00.002-07:00

The Falcons’ expected release of Michael Vick puts him one small step closer to a return to the NFL.

It doesn’t necessarily mean, though, that he’ll be suiting up this fall.

While Vick is now free to negotiate a contract with all 32 teams in the NFL, he still must be reinstated by league commissioner Roger Goodell in order to play. Further, Vick must find a team willing to accept the risk of signing him and his accompanying baggage.

Goodell indefinitely suspended Vick at the time of his federal dogfighting conviction. Goodell has said that he won’t meet with him to consider reinstatement until after his sentence ends July 20.

Teams are free to sign suspended players, but any team that signs him would have to wait on Goodell to reinstate Vick for him to play. Goodell has said in the past that he wants Vick to show remorse for the actions that led to the conviction.

Read Article Atlanta Journal Constitution

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Phil Jackson dishes out philosophy after Lakers' Game 4 win

2009-06-12T17:59:00.001-07:00

The numbers are stacked in the Los Angeles Lakers' favor. Sooner or later, the statistics suggest, the Lakers are going to win the NBA championship.
•No team in NBA history has come from a 3-1 deficit and won the title. The Lakers are up 3-1 against the Orlando Game.

•Phil Jackson teams are 43-0 when they win Game 1 of a series. L.A. won Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

•Jackson, Los Angeles' coach, is 50-21 in potential series-clinching playoff games. That's a 70% winning percentage, and it's tough to envision the Lakers losing three consecutive games, the final two in Los Angeles.

Of course, the Orlando Magic will have a say, starting with Game 5 Sunday in Orlando (8 p.m. ET, ABC).

Read Article USA Today

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The Curtain Is About to Rise on Hockey’s Highest Honor

2009-06-12T17:35:00.000-07:00

It comes down to one game. Red Wings and Penguins for the Stanley Cup, the “greatest prize in hockey,” Detroit Coach Mike Babcock said.

“Sixty minutes,” Pittsburgh Coach Dan Bylsma said. “We’ve got a chance.”

It may come down to a single lucky (unlucky) bounce, as it did in 1954, the last time Game 7 of the Cup finals went to overtime and Montreal’s Doug Harvey accidentally gloved a routine clearing pass by Detroit’s Tony Leswick into his own net.

Or it may be decided by one player’s extraordinary efforts. Ruslan Fedotenko, now a Penguin, scored both goals in Tampa Bay’s 2-1 Game 7 victory over Calgary in 2004.

Or it may come down to home ice. The Red Wings could become the fourth team since 1954 to win all four home games and the 13th victorious home team in 15 Cup-deciding Game 7’s. “This is where we work; this is where we live,” Babcock said. “It’s our fans. It’s our city.”

Read Article New York Times

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Double Bryant? Magic won't tell

2009-06-05T17:45:00.002-07:00

The Orlando Magic couldn't stop Kobe Bryant, who scored 40 points, his high in an NBA finals game, in a dominant Game 1 performance.
So how about putting another body on him?

That question certainly made the rounds Friday before Orlando had its practice session at Staples Center. Don't expect the Magic to give away any strategies, though.

"We're going to make sure we make an adjustment on everybody," said Mickael Pietrus, who split time with rookie Courtney Lee guarding Bryant. "The thing we're going to try to do is make sure he doesn't move freely. Hopefully we're going to come out hard on him."

So is that a yes on doubling the Lakers' star?"I'm not going to give you my game plan. People read the news, so it's all about team," Pietrus said. "Sometimes you have to say stuff and sometimes you have to keep stuff for yourself. (But) we're going to make some changes, so hopefully you guys are going to see it."

Read Article USA Today

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Red Wings hope home-ice advantage is relevant

2009-06-05T17:45:00.001-07:00

The NHL's regular season is often dismissed.
It starts in early October during baseball's playoffs and the heart of football season and rolls along in relative anonymity for the next six months.

The Stanley Cup playoffs usually feature upsets, showing seedlings don't matter much, and recent defending champions have been getting bounced in the first round.

Detroit is desperately hoping to prove this past regular season was relevant against the Pittsburgh Penguins, starting with Game 5 Saturday night at Joe Louis Arena -- and winding up back there with Game 7 if necessary.

"That's one of the reasons you want to finish as high as possible, to gain that home-ice advantage," Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom said. "You have to take advantage of that, too, when you have a chance."

Read Article USA Today

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Federer, Soderling outlast tough semifinal foes

2009-06-05T17:44:00.000-07:00

After the remarkable Robin Soderling had recovered from a 1-4 fifth-set deficit against Fernando Gonzalez to become one of the least likely Grand Slam finalists of recent years, Roger Federer lit up a chilly, overcast evening on Court Philippe Chatrier by outplaying a gallant Juan Martin del Potro from the unenviable position of two sets to one down to reach his fourth consecutive French Open final.

Both matches offered some terrific tennis, but the lasting memory will be of Federer yet again getting better and better as the match wore on.

He was awful at the beginning of his second-round match against Jose Acasuso but won the fourth set 6-2 to take the match. He lost the first set against Paul-Henri Mathieu but was majestic by the time he wrapped it up 6-4 in the fourth. Tommy Haas led him two sets to love, but Federer won the last three 6-4, 6-0, 6-2. Only in his first-round match and his quarterfinal contest against Gael Monfils was he in charge from start to finish.

Read Article FOX Sports

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NASCAR's new restart rule sparks shock, speculation

2009-06-05T17:42:00.000-07:00

NASCAR's decision to immediately implement double-file restarts in all Sprint Cup races took some drivers by surprise and sparked speculation about pros, cons and loopholes.
NASCAR's attitude: Why wait?

"I'm shocked that we are doing this this year," driver Jeff Burton said. "I have become very used to the ship liner analogy about how it is hard to turn a ship real quick. (I) believed we would do it in the Nationwide and Truck Series and do it in Cup Series in 2010, I'm shocked

David Reutimann wasn't even aware that the new rule would be in effect this weekend at Pocono Raceway.

Read Article USA Today

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Big Unit wins 300th, now trade him in fantasy

2009-06-05T17:30:00.000-07:00

Not only did Randy Johnson win his 300th game on a rainy Thursday in Washington, he really helped fantasy owners in the process. Johnson didn't allow an earned run in six strong innings of work, so he helped you not only in wins, ERA and WHIP, but in the most important area of all: His value shot up. His name will be everywhere for the next few days as the baseball world celebrates his significant accomplishment.

What better time could there be to thank the Big Unit by trading him?

Look, I'm a huge baseball fan and I've enjoyed what Johnson has done in a memorable career and the memories fantasy owners have of him, but the guy is, after all, 45 years old and has an ERA on the wrong side of 5. He's allowed a total of two earned runs in his past three starts against, shall we say, somewhat dubious offenses and managed to win two of those games. If someone's buying on the Hall of Famer, you should take this exciting news of 300 wins and be selling.

Read Article ESPN

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Vlad diagnosed with pectoral tear

2009-04-17T16:49:00.001-07:00

An examination of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Vladimir Guerrero's chest by Dr. Lewis Yocum on Friday revealed a tear in the right pectoral.

"Obviously, short of needing surgery, this is a big blow," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said before the Angels, off to a slow start with four wins in nine games, opened a three-game weekend series against the Twins. "Vlad will be reevaluated in a month, and we'll see where we are with it.

"We don't have a timetable right now. We'll see how it progresses. There are some optimistic windows we're getting, and some that might take longer."

Guerrero, who underwent right knee surgery in October, was brought along slowly during Spring Training. He initially felt pain in his right arm above the elbow after making a throw from right field in a preseason game against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on April 2. The pain moved toward the shoulder, settling in the pectoral.

Guerrero felt swelling in the area while the team was in Seattle and returned to Southern California to see Dr. Yocum, the team orthopedist. Examining an MRI taken in Seattle, Dr. Yocum concluded that there was a tear.

Guerrero will go on the 15-day disabled list, Scioscia said. An addition to the roster will be announced after tonight's game, the manager said.

Read Article mlb.com

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Celtics shake off bad day, prepare for Bulls

2009-04-17T16:47:00.000-07:00

Doc Rivers laughed. Paul Pierce smiled. The emotional shock of a tough day had worn off for the Boston Celtics.
More than 24 hours had passed since they learned that Kevin Garnett would miss the first round against the Chicago Bulls, and probably the rest of the playoffs, and that general manager Danny Ainge suffered a heart attack that later was described as minor by the team.

The mood had lightened enough Friday for second-year forward Glen "Big Baby" Davis to joke about his role as the replacement for "The Big Ticket," Garnett's nickname, in Saturday's series opener.

"I'm not the Big Ticket. I'm the Ticket Stub," Davis said with a grin. "So don't count the Ticket Stub out. You might need the ticket to get into the game, but you leave with the ticket stub because you'll never forget this game. You need it as a souvenir."

Read Article USA Today

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Solo Home Runs Power Yankees

2009-04-17T16:45:00.000-07:00

It was the kind of swing Derek Jeter took so many times at the original Yankee Stadium, waiting just long enough to muscle a fastball to deep right field, then flinging his bat to the grass and bolting down the line.

The best of those drives would carry into the nearby right-field seats, a friendly porch for a left-handed hitter or an opposite-field specialist like Jeter. As it was in the original, it is at the successor. Jeter’s eighth-inning homer to right broke a tie and led the Yankees to a 6-5 victory over the Cleveland Indians, their first win at new Yankee Stadium.

The Yankees were 0 for 9 with runners in scoring position and are 1 for 20 in that situation in the first two home games. But five homers with the bases empty — and a costly error by Indians pitcher Vinnie Chulk — made the difference.

Read Article New York Times

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Martinez recovering from line drive

2009-04-10T18:36:00.000-07:00

Giants right-hander Joe Martinez remained hospitalized on Friday after sustaining a concussion and three hairline fractures on the right side of his head after being struck by a batted ball on Thursday, according to a statement released by the club.

The statement said that Martinez, who was hit by a searing line drive off the bat of Milwaukee's Mike Cameron, is in stable and alert condition and is expected to recover fully. He will remain in the hospital for observation for the next three to four days.

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Driver charged in Adenhart's death

2009-04-10T18:35:00.000-07:00

The Orange County District Attorney has charged the driver of the minivan that killed Angels rookie pitcher Nick Adenhart and two others with three counts of murder, among a number of felony violations that could place him in prison for almost 55 years.

In addition to the three homicide charges, Andrew Thomas Gallo, 22, of San Gabriel, Calif., was charged with one felony count of fleeing the scene of a traffic collision involving death or permanent injury, one felony count of driving under the influence causing injury and one felony count of driving with a blood-alcohol level above .08 percent (the legal limit in California) and causing bodily injury.

Read Article mlb online

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Vick says he could play football for 10 more years

2009-04-03T13:00:00.000-07:00

Suspended NFL star Michael Vick began to outline plans for life after prison Friday, telling a judge his time behind bars gave him a chance to reflect and that he hopes to play pro football for another 10 years.

The ex-Atlanta Falcons quarterback, who is serving a 23-month prison sentence for bankrolling a dogfighting operation, said he knows he committed a "heinous" act that was very irresponsible.

"I can't live like the old Mike Vick," he told a courtroom filled with his family, friends and fiancee. "I was very immature. I did a lot of things I wasn't supposed to do being a role model."

In prison, he's filled his days by reading, writing, playing basketball and working a 12-cent-an-hour job as a janitor, he said. The experience has given him a chance to develop he called "an exit strategy."

Read Article Associated Press

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Giants release Burress 4 months after shooting

2009-04-03T12:58:00.000-07:00

The New York Giants released Super Bowl hero Plaxico Burress on Friday, a little more than four months after the talented but troubled wide receiver accidentally shot himself in the thigh in a New York City nightclub.

Burress' four-year tenure with the Giants was highlighted by a game-winning touchdown catch in the Super Bowl against the previously undefeated New England Patriots in February 2008, but it was also dogged by fines and suspensions.

Burress' status has been uncertain since he shot himself in the thigh on Nov. 29 with an unlicensed gun he'd stuffed into his waistband. He faces a felony weapons charge that could put him in prison for at least 3 1/2 years if convicted.

Read Article Associated Press

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Federer loses cool in semi defeat by Djokovic

2009-04-03T12:57:00.000-07:00

An out-of-sorts Roger Federer smashed his racket in frustration during a 3-6 6-2 6-3 defeat by Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the semi-final of the Sony Ericsson Open Friday.

Djokovic, ranked third, will now play the winner of the second semi between Britain's Andy Murray and Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro in Sunday's final.

After Del Potro eliminated Rafael Nadal on Thursday, the Miami crowd backed Federer in the hope of seeing one of the world's two best players in Sunday's final.

But Federer, who made 47 unforced errors, did not look like the man who dominated the sport for so long.

Read Article Washington Post

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Braves' Tommy Hanson is just one prospect creating a buzz this spring

2009-03-19T11:27:00.000-07:00

Top Braves pitching prospect Tommy Hanson blew away scouts in the Arizona Fall League and again early this spring. But he couldn't deal with Fernando Tatis (two-run home run), didn't completely control his fastball and didn't necessarily impress all the scouts who saw him on Wednesday vs. the Mets. One scout rated him as "just OK'' after seeing the effort. Yet he still has a 2.45 ERA this spring, with 14 strikeouts in 14 2/3 innings, and a great majority of baseball insiders see him as a top-of-the-rotation starter.

"The Braves are high on him, and they should be,'' one scout said. "He's going to be a good one.''

"He's definitely got good stuff,'' another scout said. "He's got the ability to spin the curve and a feel for four pitches.''

The mixed reviews on this day notwithstanding, most love the big, 22-year-old right-hander with a fastball clocked in the mid 90s (mostly 93 Wednesday), and excellent curve, which was on display here. Opposing teams say the Braves did right not trading him for Jake Peavy. The only small concern seems to be over the delivery and the issue of a long-term durability.

Read Article Sports Illustrated

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Few roadblocks in Venezuela's way

2009-03-19T11:26:00.000-07:00

It can hit the ball with frequency and authority. It enters the knockout round with two starting pitchers who are going strong. Its closer is as good as any on earth. When everything clicks, Venezuela can be -- and at times has been -- the best team in the World Baseball Classic. Now everything needs to click for two more games.

A country as baseball-mad as any on earth now stands two victories away from a world championship that would send the nation into a frenzy. Three years after a second-round exit in the World Baseball Classic, Venezuela is the champion of Pool 2, and it will play the runner-up from Pool 1 on Saturday night at 9 ET. Win that, and it's on to the championship game on Monday at 9 ET.

Read Article mlb.com

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Calhoun will not coach in first round

2009-03-19T11:24:00.000-07:00

Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun will not be on the sideline for the Huskies' NCAA tournament first-round game against UT-Chattanooga on Thursday, the school announced.

Associate coach George Blaney will direct the Huskies in Calhoun's absence on Thursday.

"Coach Calhoun has not been feeling well for the past several days and it is best that he not coach the team today for precautionary reasons," UConn director of sports medicine Dr. Jeff Anderson said, according to a release issued by the school.

Anderson was with Calhoun, but the school did not say what was wrong with the coach.

UConn spokesperson Kyle Muncy reiterated that Calhoun hadn't been feeling well and speculating on any causes was not appropriate. Calhoun had his second battle with cancer this past summer, receiving treatment for skin cancer, but showed no signs of any issues throughout the course of the season once he was done with his radiation treatments in August.

Read Article ESPN

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Davis leads Illinois past Michigan 60-50

2009-03-13T18:55:00.000-07:00

Illinois needed two players to make up for the loss of Chester Frazier on Friday night.

Fortunately it had both.

Mike Davis provided a steadying influence, scoring 22 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, while Calvin Brock shut down Michigan's Manny Harris, a combination that led second-seeded Illinois past Michigan 60-50 and into the Big Ten tournament semifinals.

Illinois (24-8) has reached the semis 11 of the past 12 seasons and now faces either third-seeded Purdue or sixth-seeded Penn State, who were playing the last quarterfinal game.

Read Article mlive.com

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St. Louis Rams release star WR Torry Holt; Giants, Jets not interested

2009-03-13T18:53:00.000-07:00

The housecleaning by new coach Steve Spagnuolo and GM Billy Devaney has begun. Two days after the Rams cut left tackle Orlando Pace, they have given another future Hall of Famer, wideout Torry Holt, his walking papers.

He is now an attractive free agent but willl be 33 in June. We've heard from an NFL executive with knowledge of the Giants' thinking that they have no interest in Holt at the present time. No indication from the Jets yet but rest assured, Jets Nation, our Dave Hutchinson is on it.

Read Article Star Ledger

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