Rumors! Rumors! Rumors! Get them now, hot and fresh.
Rumors
- The Red Sox would jump at A-Rod if he hits the open market. (NY Daily News)
- Jorge Posada won't resign with the Yankees during the season. (Newsday)
- With Giants GM Brian Sabean being extended for the Giants, Barry Bonds will likely not be back with the team next season. Rich Aurilia and Randy Winn said that they wouldn't be surprised if they were dealt. (San Jose Mercury News)
- Jim Hendry is confident that the Cubs will resign Carlos Zambrano. (Chicago Tribune)
- Zambrano would be more liekly to resign with the Cubs if Mark Cuban owned the team. (Daily Southtown)
- The Marlins may want to deal Dontrelle Willis, but only a Royals scout was at yesterday's game. (South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
- The Mets and Dodgers top the list of teams interested in Jose Contreras. (Daily Herald)
- The Angels, Dodgers, Braves, Orioles, Yankees, and Giants are all interested in Mark Teixeira. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
- The Dodgers could deal either Matt Kemp or James Loney and Chad Billingsley for either Troy Glaus or Teixeira if available. (Toronto Sun)
- The Minnesota papers are fearing that the big Ichiro contract (5/90) will likely signal the exit of Torii Hunter after this season.
- Dan Johnson could be dealt to either the Twins or Yankees. (Oakland Tribune)
- Brett Tomko would like to start somewhere, and would be willing to go to another team to do so. (LA Times)
- Mike Piazza wouldn't be surprised if he was dealt before the deadline. (Sacramento Bee)
- There is interest in recently designated Julio Franco, and he won't quit just yet. Omar Minaya and Willie Randolph denied that they are at odds with each other. (NY Post)
- Kevin Towers said that it was unlikely that the Padres will trade for a big bat. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Stubhub
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Thursday, July 12, 2007
MLS SoccerTalk
“YEEEEAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!”
The newest version of one of the world’s oldest sport is ripping through the Western Hemisphere like the ecstatic catchphrase of its chief commentator. North America finally knows what it feels like to jump fist-pumping into the air for its own city’s achievements in the game of soccer, and not for some country it pulled out of a hat during World Cup qualifying. Americans (and Torontonians) can now use words like cross and corner without sounding like they’re giving directions to a tourist. The beautiful game can now be considered everyone’s game… or can it?
Do you know the names of at least 3 teams in MLS? Did it take you less than 20 minutes to find the league’s website (mlsnet.com)? Do you think it’s perfectly normal to have an energy drink as the name of your home team? Have you ever even watched a single game?? If you answered no to any of these questions, Major League Soccer has failed. Failed to break through to the closed-minded personalities of North American sports fans across the spectrum. It has failed because we just found out about soccer 5 years ago, and it’s our fault.
It seems as though almost nothing could break through our baseball and football filled hearts, but MLS is really giving it a shot. As America is becoming a true contender on the world stage, its fans need to feel the game back at home on Astroturf and not on the muddy fields of countless European towns. The team after all its recent achievements (at least at this years U-20…) deserves that its fans can actually sit down and enjoy watching a soccer match, and not because it’s the only thing on TV. We can’t keep shouting at the refs that every single slide tackle should be a red card! We need to know what’s going on, and here comes MLS to the rescue.
Players from all over the world are beginning to recognize the rise in maturity of MLS as a league, and are coming over to get in on the action. Scottish league, Spanish league, Premiership, and Dutch league players have already made the transition into the American soccer scene. Some, like Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid’s David Beckham are crossing the Atlantic to reverberate their careers. And the hype doesn’t hurt either. Mlsnet.com has a countdown to the arrival of their Messiah (just kidding) Beckham, and LA Galaxy jersey sales have done through the roof. It appears as though it’s only a matter of time until MLS grows to such a point where marquee European players choose American residency over the big Pound contracts of their home countries.
Will this trend continue in a steady incline as MLS heads into the bright future of American soccer? Only time will tell. But the other burning question of if MLS is the sport of the times in America? Well, just ask its commentator.
The newest version of one of the world’s oldest sport is ripping through the Western Hemisphere like the ecstatic catchphrase of its chief commentator. North America finally knows what it feels like to jump fist-pumping into the air for its own city’s achievements in the game of soccer, and not for some country it pulled out of a hat during World Cup qualifying. Americans (and Torontonians) can now use words like cross and corner without sounding like they’re giving directions to a tourist. The beautiful game can now be considered everyone’s game… or can it?
Do you know the names of at least 3 teams in MLS? Did it take you less than 20 minutes to find the league’s website (mlsnet.com)? Do you think it’s perfectly normal to have an energy drink as the name of your home team? Have you ever even watched a single game?? If you answered no to any of these questions, Major League Soccer has failed. Failed to break through to the closed-minded personalities of North American sports fans across the spectrum. It has failed because we just found out about soccer 5 years ago, and it’s our fault.
It seems as though almost nothing could break through our baseball and football filled hearts, but MLS is really giving it a shot. As America is becoming a true contender on the world stage, its fans need to feel the game back at home on Astroturf and not on the muddy fields of countless European towns. The team after all its recent achievements (at least at this years U-20…) deserves that its fans can actually sit down and enjoy watching a soccer match, and not because it’s the only thing on TV. We can’t keep shouting at the refs that every single slide tackle should be a red card! We need to know what’s going on, and here comes MLS to the rescue.
Players from all over the world are beginning to recognize the rise in maturity of MLS as a league, and are coming over to get in on the action. Scottish league, Spanish league, Premiership, and Dutch league players have already made the transition into the American soccer scene. Some, like Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid’s David Beckham are crossing the Atlantic to reverberate their careers. And the hype doesn’t hurt either. Mlsnet.com has a countdown to the arrival of their Messiah (just kidding) Beckham, and LA Galaxy jersey sales have done through the roof. It appears as though it’s only a matter of time until MLS grows to such a point where marquee European players choose American residency over the big Pound contracts of their home countries.
Will this trend continue in a steady incline as MLS heads into the bright future of American soccer? Only time will tell. But the other burning question of if MLS is the sport of the times in America? Well, just ask its commentator.
N.B.A. Thursday
The free agent season has officially began, I'll get to all the transactions from the first actual day of signing. I'll recap last night's scores in all the summer leagues, and go through the latest rumor all on NBA Thursday.
Free Agent Frenzy
Thank heaven for Pistons fans, as they officially resigned Chauncy Billups to a 5 year deal that could be worth as much as 60 million dollars. This keeps the heart of Detroit in the motor city for a while. The sign and trade is now a done deal that will bring Rashard Lewis to Orlando. Seattle will recieve a 2nd round pick and a 9 million dollar trade exception. Phoenix signed Grant Hill to a 2 year deal and then traded James Jones to Portland for the rights to Rudy Fernandez. The Suns also resigned Sean Marks, and Portland bought out the contract of Steve Francis, who was acquired from New York in the Zach Randolph trade. Toronto signed former Miami sharpshooter Jason Kapono to a contract. New Jersey resigned Vince Carter to a 4 year contract worth 60 million. More on official signings on a saturday special.
Summer League Scores
Vegas League
Randy Foye scored 22 and Craig Smith added 21 as Minnesota beat the Spurs 78-69. Aaron Afflalo and Jason Maxiell each scored 21 as Detroit defeated Washington 84-70 despite 20 from Nick Young. Philadelphia edged Phoenix 104-101. Alando Tucker had 29 in the win loss for the Suns, while Louis Williams scored 23 in the win. Milwaukee defeated Seattle 92-85 as Noel Felix scored 27 for the Bucks. Kevin Durant did not play to be at the ESPY's. Good call.....
Boston embarrassed Team China 80-52 as as Leon Powe had 23 and 12 for the Celts. The Lakers pushed past Portland 81-73 as Javaris Crittenton scored 26 for LA.
Orlando Pro League
Charlotte defeated Orlando 95-77. Gabe Muoneke scored 31 for the Bobcats in the win, and JJ Redick had 24 in the loss. Indiana was all over New Jersey 90-65, as Andre Owens led the way with 23 points. Chicago beat the Heat 77-66, as Aaron Gray had 15 for the Bulls.
Rumors
- Houston, Dallas, Miami, and both LA teams are both interested in picking up Steve Francis. (Houston Chronicle)
- Dallas is interested in Chris Webber. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
- Where Morris Peterson goes may depend on how much he's offered rather then team situation. (Deseret Morning News)
- New Orleans is interested in Peterson, in addition to Utah. The Hornets are also looking at Matt Barnes, Mickael Pietrus, James Posey, and Sasha Pavlovic. (New Orleans Times-Picayune)
- Sources say that Derek Fisher will sign a 3 year deal to rejoin the Lakers. (Riverside Press Enterprise)
- Mo Williams have primary offers from Miami and Milwaukee, but could go to either New York or Indiana in sign and trades. (Miami Herald)
- Miami will turn to Steve Blake if they don't get Williams. (South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
- The Heat and Nuggets will be the main suitors for Blake. (Denver Post)
- The Bucks could also look at former players Desmond Mason and Jamal Magloire. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
- Brevin Knight, Chucky Atkins and Jason Hart are 3 backup PG options for the Knicks. (NY Daily News)
- Detroit has offered a contract to Amir Johnson (3/10) and the Spurs have shown interest. (Detroit News)
Lots of baseball tomorrow, ciao!
Free Agent Frenzy
Thank heaven for Pistons fans, as they officially resigned Chauncy Billups to a 5 year deal that could be worth as much as 60 million dollars. This keeps the heart of Detroit in the motor city for a while. The sign and trade is now a done deal that will bring Rashard Lewis to Orlando. Seattle will recieve a 2nd round pick and a 9 million dollar trade exception. Phoenix signed Grant Hill to a 2 year deal and then traded James Jones to Portland for the rights to Rudy Fernandez. The Suns also resigned Sean Marks, and Portland bought out the contract of Steve Francis, who was acquired from New York in the Zach Randolph trade. Toronto signed former Miami sharpshooter Jason Kapono to a contract. New Jersey resigned Vince Carter to a 4 year contract worth 60 million. More on official signings on a saturday special.
Summer League Scores
Vegas League
Randy Foye scored 22 and Craig Smith added 21 as Minnesota beat the Spurs 78-69. Aaron Afflalo and Jason Maxiell each scored 21 as Detroit defeated Washington 84-70 despite 20 from Nick Young. Philadelphia edged Phoenix 104-101. Alando Tucker had 29 in the win loss for the Suns, while Louis Williams scored 23 in the win. Milwaukee defeated Seattle 92-85 as Noel Felix scored 27 for the Bucks. Kevin Durant did not play to be at the ESPY's. Good call.....
Boston embarrassed Team China 80-52 as as Leon Powe had 23 and 12 for the Celts. The Lakers pushed past Portland 81-73 as Javaris Crittenton scored 26 for LA.
Orlando Pro League
Charlotte defeated Orlando 95-77. Gabe Muoneke scored 31 for the Bobcats in the win, and JJ Redick had 24 in the loss. Indiana was all over New Jersey 90-65, as Andre Owens led the way with 23 points. Chicago beat the Heat 77-66, as Aaron Gray had 15 for the Bulls.
Rumors
- Houston, Dallas, Miami, and both LA teams are both interested in picking up Steve Francis. (Houston Chronicle)
- Dallas is interested in Chris Webber. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
- Where Morris Peterson goes may depend on how much he's offered rather then team situation. (Deseret Morning News)
- New Orleans is interested in Peterson, in addition to Utah. The Hornets are also looking at Matt Barnes, Mickael Pietrus, James Posey, and Sasha Pavlovic. (New Orleans Times-Picayune)
- Sources say that Derek Fisher will sign a 3 year deal to rejoin the Lakers. (Riverside Press Enterprise)
- Mo Williams have primary offers from Miami and Milwaukee, but could go to either New York or Indiana in sign and trades. (Miami Herald)
- Miami will turn to Steve Blake if they don't get Williams. (South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
- The Heat and Nuggets will be the main suitors for Blake. (Denver Post)
- The Bucks could also look at former players Desmond Mason and Jamal Magloire. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
- Brevin Knight, Chucky Atkins and Jason Hart are 3 backup PG options for the Knicks. (NY Daily News)
- Detroit has offered a contract to Amir Johnson (3/10) and the Spurs have shown interest. (Detroit News)
Lots of baseball tomorrow, ciao!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Around The Majors- Wednesday
You guys can do it! Just one more day without baseball until the end of October. Hopefully I can help you get by your baseball blues with a recap of last night's All Star Game, news and notes, studs and duds for the season's first half, and the latest rumors all today on ATM.
Tuesday Recap
Ichrio went 3-3 including the first inside the park homer in ASG history as the AL narrowly edged the NL 5-4 at AT&T Park in San Francisco. Ichiro was named the game's MVP, Josh Beckett picked up the win, Chris Young was the loser, and K-Rod picked up the save when the game got too close for comfort for AL manager Jim Leyland. JJ Putz gave up a 2 run jack to Alfonso Soriano to make it 5-4 and then gave up a walk before the Angels closer was inserted into the game. Rodriguez then walked the bases loaded with 2 outs before retiring Aaron Rowand to end the contest. The NL took an early 1-0 lead when Ken Griffey drove in Jose Reyes with a single. Ichiro's homer was a 2 run shot that made it 2-1 AL. Carl Crawford then homered in the 6th to give the Junior Circuit a 3-1 advantage. A KGJ sac fly made it 3-2 after 6 frames. Victor Martinez then hit a 2 run homer in the 8th to make it the 5-2 game before Soriano made it close in the 9th. Barry Bonds was given the biggest cheers of the night in front of his home crowd, and NL skipper Tony LaRussa benched his star player Albert Pujols. More on that later.
News and Notes
- Ichiro and the Mariners are close to a 5 year contract extension that could pay the outfielder as much as 100 million. The deal could be made official tomorrow. He has seemed more willing to stay in the PacNW since Mike Hargrove resigned.
- Later is now, El Hombre is pissed. "It's the All-Star Game. He (LaRussa) can do what he wants, He does whatever he wants. If I wasn't expecting to play, I wouldn't have come up here." Pujols said. The Cards skipper didn't really care, as per usual:
"If he wants to get upset, he can get upset, whatever he wants to do, he can do. It's America. That wasn't the most important thing tonight."
- Bud Selig still hasn't decided whether he'll attend Barry Bonds' 756.
- The Mets and the Angels have emerged as the primary candidates to host future all star games. Anaheim may host in 2010 and the Mets in 2011 or 2013. Washington, Arizona, Los Angeles, Kansas City, and Tampa Bay also want to host games. The game will be at Yankee Stadium next year, and in St Louis at the new Busch Stadium in 2009.
- It seems quite likely that games will be played in Tokyo next season. The Red Sox, Yankees, A's, Mariners, Dodgers, Pirates, and Padres have shown interest in playing east. MLB may play exhibition games in Beijing, but talk are progressing slowly.
- The Angels finally released Shea Hillenbrand, Toronto released Victor Zambrano, and Cleveland claimed John Koronko off waivers. Tampa Bay optioned JP Howell, and the White Sox sent down Gavin Floyd.
1st Half Studs & Duds
Hitting Studs
1) Alex Rodriguez, 3B, NYY
2) Justin Morneau, 1B, MIN
3) Jimmy Rollins, SS, PHI
4) Chase Utley, 2B, PHI
5) Gary Sheffield, DH, DET
Hitting Duds (min 200 AB's)
1) Dioner Navarro, C, TB
2) Jay Gibbons, OF/DH, BAL
3) Jacque Jones, OF, CHC
4) Adam Kennedy, 2B, STL
5) Ronny Paulino, C, PIT
Pitching Studs
1) Jake Peavy, SP, SDG
2) Dan Haren, SP, OAK
3) CC Sabathia, SP, CLE
4) Brad Penny, SP, LAD
5) Aaron Harang, SP, CIN
Pitching Duds (min 50 innings pitched)
1) Anthony Reyes, SP, STL
2) Edwin Jackson, SP, TB
3) Jeremy Sowers, SP, CLE
4) Jae Seo, SP, TB
5) Casey Fossum, P, TB
Rumors
- The Mets are very interested in Jermaine Dye, and insiders say that the Marlins will trade Dontrelle Willis, but not to anyone in the NL East. (NY Post)
- A-Rod needs to make a decision soon about his future, and the Yanks could get Miguel Cabrera after the 2008 season. Torii Hunter may get even more money now that Ichiro will be off the open market. (NY Daily News)
- Hunter could end up in Texas after the season. The Rangers will likely be much faster in trading Teixeira, Lofton, or Sosa, then in dealing away Gagne or Otsuka. (Dallas Morning News)
- The O's would like to deal Mora, Trachsel, Patterson, Payton, and Gibbons, but it'll be really difficult to trade Tejada. (Baltimore Sun)
- The Indians and Travis Hafner have began talks of a contract extension. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
- The Twins may go after A's 1B Dan Johnson, especially with the emergence of prospect Daric Barton in AAA. (St Paul Pioneer Press)
- Paul Lo Duca appears to be very expendable. (Bergen Record)
- David Ortiz's knee has been hurting all season, and he'll likely need surgery after the season. (Boston Globe)
NBA Free Agent Frenzy starts tomorrow.
Tuesday Recap
Ichrio went 3-3 including the first inside the park homer in ASG history as the AL narrowly edged the NL 5-4 at AT&T Park in San Francisco. Ichiro was named the game's MVP, Josh Beckett picked up the win, Chris Young was the loser, and K-Rod picked up the save when the game got too close for comfort for AL manager Jim Leyland. JJ Putz gave up a 2 run jack to Alfonso Soriano to make it 5-4 and then gave up a walk before the Angels closer was inserted into the game. Rodriguez then walked the bases loaded with 2 outs before retiring Aaron Rowand to end the contest. The NL took an early 1-0 lead when Ken Griffey drove in Jose Reyes with a single. Ichiro's homer was a 2 run shot that made it 2-1 AL. Carl Crawford then homered in the 6th to give the Junior Circuit a 3-1 advantage. A KGJ sac fly made it 3-2 after 6 frames. Victor Martinez then hit a 2 run homer in the 8th to make it the 5-2 game before Soriano made it close in the 9th. Barry Bonds was given the biggest cheers of the night in front of his home crowd, and NL skipper Tony LaRussa benched his star player Albert Pujols. More on that later.
News and Notes
- Ichiro and the Mariners are close to a 5 year contract extension that could pay the outfielder as much as 100 million. The deal could be made official tomorrow. He has seemed more willing to stay in the PacNW since Mike Hargrove resigned.
- Later is now, El Hombre is pissed. "It's the All-Star Game. He (LaRussa) can do what he wants, He does whatever he wants. If I wasn't expecting to play, I wouldn't have come up here." Pujols said. The Cards skipper didn't really care, as per usual:
"If he wants to get upset, he can get upset, whatever he wants to do, he can do. It's America. That wasn't the most important thing tonight."
- Bud Selig still hasn't decided whether he'll attend Barry Bonds' 756.
- The Mets and the Angels have emerged as the primary candidates to host future all star games. Anaheim may host in 2010 and the Mets in 2011 or 2013. Washington, Arizona, Los Angeles, Kansas City, and Tampa Bay also want to host games. The game will be at Yankee Stadium next year, and in St Louis at the new Busch Stadium in 2009.
- It seems quite likely that games will be played in Tokyo next season. The Red Sox, Yankees, A's, Mariners, Dodgers, Pirates, and Padres have shown interest in playing east. MLB may play exhibition games in Beijing, but talk are progressing slowly.
- The Angels finally released Shea Hillenbrand, Toronto released Victor Zambrano, and Cleveland claimed John Koronko off waivers. Tampa Bay optioned JP Howell, and the White Sox sent down Gavin Floyd.
1st Half Studs & Duds
Hitting Studs
1) Alex Rodriguez, 3B, NYY
2) Justin Morneau, 1B, MIN
3) Jimmy Rollins, SS, PHI
4) Chase Utley, 2B, PHI
5) Gary Sheffield, DH, DET
Hitting Duds (min 200 AB's)
1) Dioner Navarro, C, TB
2) Jay Gibbons, OF/DH, BAL
3) Jacque Jones, OF, CHC
4) Adam Kennedy, 2B, STL
5) Ronny Paulino, C, PIT
Pitching Studs
1) Jake Peavy, SP, SDG
2) Dan Haren, SP, OAK
3) CC Sabathia, SP, CLE
4) Brad Penny, SP, LAD
5) Aaron Harang, SP, CIN
Pitching Duds (min 50 innings pitched)
1) Anthony Reyes, SP, STL
2) Edwin Jackson, SP, TB
3) Jeremy Sowers, SP, CLE
4) Jae Seo, SP, TB
5) Casey Fossum, P, TB
Rumors
- The Mets are very interested in Jermaine Dye, and insiders say that the Marlins will trade Dontrelle Willis, but not to anyone in the NL East. (NY Post)
- A-Rod needs to make a decision soon about his future, and the Yanks could get Miguel Cabrera after the 2008 season. Torii Hunter may get even more money now that Ichiro will be off the open market. (NY Daily News)
- Hunter could end up in Texas after the season. The Rangers will likely be much faster in trading Teixeira, Lofton, or Sosa, then in dealing away Gagne or Otsuka. (Dallas Morning News)
- The O's would like to deal Mora, Trachsel, Patterson, Payton, and Gibbons, but it'll be really difficult to trade Tejada. (Baltimore Sun)
- The Indians and Travis Hafner have began talks of a contract extension. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
- The Twins may go after A's 1B Dan Johnson, especially with the emergence of prospect Daric Barton in AAA. (St Paul Pioneer Press)
- Paul Lo Duca appears to be very expendable. (Bergen Record)
- David Ortiz's knee has been hurting all season, and he'll likely need surgery after the season. (Boston Globe)
NBA Free Agent Frenzy starts tomorrow.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Hockeytalk Tuesday
What's gone on during free agency since Saturday? The latest Free Agent Frenzy will give you the 411. Other news will be follwed by the newest rumors on and off the ice. All today on HTT.
Free Agent Frenzy
7/6
Dallas signed a pair of former Oilers, inking Brad Winchester and Toby Peterson to 1 year deals. The Stars also signed D Trevor Byrne to a 1 year contract. Minnesota signed former Islanders veteran D Sean Hill to a 1 year contract.
7/9
Vancouver made a pair of moves, resigning D Kevin Bieksa (3/11.25) and signing Aaron Miller away from Los Angeles for 1 year. Detroit signed ageless winger Dallas Drake to a 1 year contract, and Dallas signed LW Todd Fedoruk to a 1 year pact worth 875k.
News and Notes
- Ottawa has promoted assistant coach John Paddock to be the head man of the Senators.
- Surprise!! While being introduced as the new signing for the Islanders, Bill Guerin found a big white C on the left side of his sweater.
"I'm a little surprised," Guerin said. "I'm thrilled about it. It's a tremendous honor. I don't take this responsibility lightly."
Guerin will be on the top line along with free agent acquisitions Mike Comrie and Ruslan Fedotenko.
Rumors
- Contract extension talks are going well between Sidney Crosby and the Penguins, says agent Pat Brisson. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
- Carolina signed C Jeff Hamilton, but the Canes are still looking for a candidate for 3rd line center, and may try to obtain one via trade. Unhappy D Anton Babchuk is a real candidate to get dealt. (Raleigh News and Observer)
- Calgary needs to resign Mikka Kiprusoff. He's obviously a major piece of the franchise. (Calgary Sun)
- Nashville has 8 defensmen on roster, at least one will likely be dealt. (Tennessean)
- Ottawa GM Bryan Murray is in talks with Phoenix and Los Angeles about dealing G Martin Gerber, but to no success thus far. The Coyotes are asking the Sens to take D Derek Morris and his 3.9 million dollar deal. Tampa Bay and St Louis has also shown interest. Ottawa could send Gerber to AHL Binghampton and not have Gerber's contract count against the cap. The Sens have also held discussions about signing veteran Martin Gelinas. (Ottawa Sun)
- Chicago wants to add a veteran winger and a classic defenseman before the start of the season. (Daily Herald)
- The Wild will sign restricted free agent G Josh Harding. (St Paul Pioneer Press)
Baseball All Star game tonight, AKA the AL annual win-fest. Baseball tomorrow.
Free Agent Frenzy
7/6
Dallas signed a pair of former Oilers, inking Brad Winchester and Toby Peterson to 1 year deals. The Stars also signed D Trevor Byrne to a 1 year contract. Minnesota signed former Islanders veteran D Sean Hill to a 1 year contract.
7/9
Vancouver made a pair of moves, resigning D Kevin Bieksa (3/11.25) and signing Aaron Miller away from Los Angeles for 1 year. Detroit signed ageless winger Dallas Drake to a 1 year contract, and Dallas signed LW Todd Fedoruk to a 1 year pact worth 875k.
News and Notes
- Ottawa has promoted assistant coach John Paddock to be the head man of the Senators.
- Surprise!! While being introduced as the new signing for the Islanders, Bill Guerin found a big white C on the left side of his sweater.
"I'm a little surprised," Guerin said. "I'm thrilled about it. It's a tremendous honor. I don't take this responsibility lightly."
Guerin will be on the top line along with free agent acquisitions Mike Comrie and Ruslan Fedotenko.
Rumors
- Contract extension talks are going well between Sidney Crosby and the Penguins, says agent Pat Brisson. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
- Carolina signed C Jeff Hamilton, but the Canes are still looking for a candidate for 3rd line center, and may try to obtain one via trade. Unhappy D Anton Babchuk is a real candidate to get dealt. (Raleigh News and Observer)
- Calgary needs to resign Mikka Kiprusoff. He's obviously a major piece of the franchise. (Calgary Sun)
- Nashville has 8 defensmen on roster, at least one will likely be dealt. (Tennessean)
- Ottawa GM Bryan Murray is in talks with Phoenix and Los Angeles about dealing G Martin Gerber, but to no success thus far. The Coyotes are asking the Sens to take D Derek Morris and his 3.9 million dollar deal. Tampa Bay and St Louis has also shown interest. Ottawa could send Gerber to AHL Binghampton and not have Gerber's contract count against the cap. The Sens have also held discussions about signing veteran Martin Gelinas. (Ottawa Sun)
- Chicago wants to add a veteran winger and a classic defenseman before the start of the season. (Daily Herald)
- The Wild will sign restricted free agent G Josh Harding. (St Paul Pioneer Press)
Baseball All Star game tonight, AKA the AL annual win-fest. Baseball tomorrow.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Around The Majors- Monday
Baseball's at the break, but that doesn't mean that there's rest for the tri-weekly ATM posts! Today, a look at yesterday's games, a check of the standings, news and notes, a look at yesterday's All Star Futures Game, a preview of the home run derby and the ASG itself, and the latest rumors.
Sunday Recap
Detroit roughed up Dice-K and swept the Red Sox 6-5. A-Rod hit his 30th homer of the year as the Yankees blasted the Angels 12-0. Alex Rios drove in the game's only run in the 9th off of Paul Byrd as Toronto bested Cleveland 1-0. Javier Vazquez threw a complete game as the White Sox tamed the Twins 6-3. The Royals roasted the Rays 12-4, Texas edged the O's 2-1, and Seattle beat Oakland 7-3 in a game that had a benches clearing brawl.
The Reds edged Arizona 4-3 in 11, Washington scored 6 in the 6th to beat the Brewers 7-2, and the Pirates beat the Cubs 6-2. Houston defeated the Mets 8-3, the Cards shut out Zito and the Giants 7-0, and the Phils doubled up Colorado 8-4. The Dodgers snapped a 4 game skid with a 9-3 win over Florida. Brian McCann homered and drove in 4 as Atlanta edged the Padres 5-4.
Standings Check
Boston is 10 games clear of the Yankees and Jays, and Tampa has lost 9 of 10 to fall 19 games out. Detroit has won 5 straight to take a 1 game lead over Cleveland in the NL Central. The Twins are 8 games out. Seattle has won 3 straight and 7 of 10 to pull within 2.5 games of AL West leader Los Angeles. Oakland is 9 games out. The Mets are 2 games clear of Atlanta in the NL East, and the Phillies have lost 7 of 10 to fall 4.5 games back. Milwaukee has lost 7 of 10 and the Cubs are now only 4.5 back in the NL Central. Pittsburgh has won 7 of 10 and are only 9 games back. The Padres have a one game lead over the Dodgers in the NL West, while Arizona has dropped 5 in a row and 8 of 10 to fall 3.5 back. Colorado is 5.5 behind.
News and Notes
- The White Sox have signed highly rumored starter Mark Buehrle to a 4 year, 56 million dollar contract extension. Buehrle will likely not be dealt anymore, but has a salary kicker if he does get traded. There is a partial no trade clause, and Buehrle seems pleased, hugging manager Ozzie Guillen after the announcement was made in the ballpark yesterday.
- Kip Wells will move back into the Cardinals rotation after the break.
- The Phillies proved that good guys do finish first sometimes. With the Colorado grounds crew having trouble putting out the turf with heavy winds pounding downtown Denver, Shane Victorino and the entire Phils team went to help the crew keep things under control. Victorino later hit a 2 run bomb to help Philadelphia to victory.
- The Reds optioned Homer Bailey to AAA, and the Twins did the same with Carmen Cali. The Mets designated Rickey Ledee for assignment, and Oakland designated Dee Brown while activating Bobby Kielty from the DL.
All Star Game Festivities
- The World defeated the US 7-2 at the Futures Game yesterday at AT&T Park. World SS and Dodgers prospect Chin-Lung Hu had 2 RBI's and a steal in the win. Reds 'spect Joey Votto and Astro James Van Ostrand went deep in the World win. Snakes prospect Justin Upton and Ranger prospect John Whittleman each hit homers to account for the US runs.
- Justin Morneau, Vlad Guerrero, Magglio Ordonez, Alex Rios, Albert Pujols, Ryan Howard, and Prince Fielder will compete in the HR derby tonight. I happen to like one of the trio of Guerrero, Howard, and Fielder, but I see Howard successfully defending his crown tonight.
- I like the AL in the ASG, see the Braves of the previous 15 years, pick till they lose.
Rumors
- It appears that the White Sox will not have a fire sale with the recent resigning of Buehrle. It's more likely that they'll deal Jermaine Dye and Juan Uribe to San Diego for Khalil Greene and Scott Linebrink, or trade Jose Contreras to the Dodgers for a package including Matt Kemp or to the Phillies for a package including OF Michael Bourn. It looks like Carlos Zambrano could end up being the top free agent. (Daily Herald)
- Williams might even go into buy mode before the deadline, but don't be surprised if there's the start of a whole lot of John Garland rumors. (Chicago Tribune)
- Torii Hunter said that he'd consider the White Sox after this season. (Daily Southtown)
- Maybe the Twins should trade Hunter, but they should definitely acquire Ty Wigginton. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)
- According to Andruw Jones, the Braves need another starting pitcher. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
- A potent lineup and the imminenet return of Juan Rivera has the Angels thinking that they may not need an impact hitter. (Riverside Press Enterprise)
- Cleveland is looking for some bullpen help. (Akron Beacon Journal)
- The Yankees may sign current Mexican League 1B Erubiel Durazo to help out at 1B for the Yanks. (Journal News)
- Tony LaRussa may not have a desire to return for the Cardinals next season. (St Louis Post-Dispatch)
Sunday Recap
Detroit roughed up Dice-K and swept the Red Sox 6-5. A-Rod hit his 30th homer of the year as the Yankees blasted the Angels 12-0. Alex Rios drove in the game's only run in the 9th off of Paul Byrd as Toronto bested Cleveland 1-0. Javier Vazquez threw a complete game as the White Sox tamed the Twins 6-3. The Royals roasted the Rays 12-4, Texas edged the O's 2-1, and Seattle beat Oakland 7-3 in a game that had a benches clearing brawl.
The Reds edged Arizona 4-3 in 11, Washington scored 6 in the 6th to beat the Brewers 7-2, and the Pirates beat the Cubs 6-2. Houston defeated the Mets 8-3, the Cards shut out Zito and the Giants 7-0, and the Phils doubled up Colorado 8-4. The Dodgers snapped a 4 game skid with a 9-3 win over Florida. Brian McCann homered and drove in 4 as Atlanta edged the Padres 5-4.
Standings Check
Boston is 10 games clear of the Yankees and Jays, and Tampa has lost 9 of 10 to fall 19 games out. Detroit has won 5 straight to take a 1 game lead over Cleveland in the NL Central. The Twins are 8 games out. Seattle has won 3 straight and 7 of 10 to pull within 2.5 games of AL West leader Los Angeles. Oakland is 9 games out. The Mets are 2 games clear of Atlanta in the NL East, and the Phillies have lost 7 of 10 to fall 4.5 games back. Milwaukee has lost 7 of 10 and the Cubs are now only 4.5 back in the NL Central. Pittsburgh has won 7 of 10 and are only 9 games back. The Padres have a one game lead over the Dodgers in the NL West, while Arizona has dropped 5 in a row and 8 of 10 to fall 3.5 back. Colorado is 5.5 behind.
News and Notes
- The White Sox have signed highly rumored starter Mark Buehrle to a 4 year, 56 million dollar contract extension. Buehrle will likely not be dealt anymore, but has a salary kicker if he does get traded. There is a partial no trade clause, and Buehrle seems pleased, hugging manager Ozzie Guillen after the announcement was made in the ballpark yesterday.
- Kip Wells will move back into the Cardinals rotation after the break.
- The Phillies proved that good guys do finish first sometimes. With the Colorado grounds crew having trouble putting out the turf with heavy winds pounding downtown Denver, Shane Victorino and the entire Phils team went to help the crew keep things under control. Victorino later hit a 2 run bomb to help Philadelphia to victory.
- The Reds optioned Homer Bailey to AAA, and the Twins did the same with Carmen Cali. The Mets designated Rickey Ledee for assignment, and Oakland designated Dee Brown while activating Bobby Kielty from the DL.
All Star Game Festivities
- The World defeated the US 7-2 at the Futures Game yesterday at AT&T Park. World SS and Dodgers prospect Chin-Lung Hu had 2 RBI's and a steal in the win. Reds 'spect Joey Votto and Astro James Van Ostrand went deep in the World win. Snakes prospect Justin Upton and Ranger prospect John Whittleman each hit homers to account for the US runs.
- Justin Morneau, Vlad Guerrero, Magglio Ordonez, Alex Rios, Albert Pujols, Ryan Howard, and Prince Fielder will compete in the HR derby tonight. I happen to like one of the trio of Guerrero, Howard, and Fielder, but I see Howard successfully defending his crown tonight.
- I like the AL in the ASG, see the Braves of the previous 15 years, pick till they lose.
Rumors
- It appears that the White Sox will not have a fire sale with the recent resigning of Buehrle. It's more likely that they'll deal Jermaine Dye and Juan Uribe to San Diego for Khalil Greene and Scott Linebrink, or trade Jose Contreras to the Dodgers for a package including Matt Kemp or to the Phillies for a package including OF Michael Bourn. It looks like Carlos Zambrano could end up being the top free agent. (Daily Herald)
- Williams might even go into buy mode before the deadline, but don't be surprised if there's the start of a whole lot of John Garland rumors. (Chicago Tribune)
- Torii Hunter said that he'd consider the White Sox after this season. (Daily Southtown)
- Maybe the Twins should trade Hunter, but they should definitely acquire Ty Wigginton. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)
- According to Andruw Jones, the Braves need another starting pitcher. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
- A potent lineup and the imminenet return of Juan Rivera has the Angels thinking that they may not need an impact hitter. (Riverside Press Enterprise)
- Cleveland is looking for some bullpen help. (Akron Beacon Journal)
- The Yankees may sign current Mexican League 1B Erubiel Durazo to help out at 1B for the Yanks. (Journal News)
- Tony LaRussa may not have a desire to return for the Cardinals next season. (St Louis Post-Dispatch)
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Sunday Football Fix and SoccerScope
All the news and notes and rumors from the football world, a chat question with KC Joyner, and the latest from Major League Soccer.
NFL News and Notes
Thursday
New Orleans will sign former Eagles LB Dhani Jones to a contract. Jones is a solid LB who will do well in the Saints front seven. According to the Arizona Police, they won't charge Tank Johnson with DUI because he wasn't over the legal limit. Oops, their bad. So you should feel bad for Tank right? Not by a longshot. He's been in the public eye ever since he spent 4 months in the slammer on gun charges. And how can someone get caught and booked when he wasn't over the limit? That's impressive (not in a good way) and Tank deserves what he got. Jason Witten's mother was arrested for stealing 5,500 bucks from an account that wasn't her's. Why would she steal if she could just ask her lovely and amazing TE for some lettuce? Lesson learned here, don't covet what thy neighbor has, especially if you'll end up in handcuffs for it. Raiders reserve DE Bryant McNeal was arrested after a traffic stop, Bengals preparing a reply for sometime this week. The Falcons signed Noriaki Kinoshita, a native of Osaka, Japan who played the last three years with the Amsterdam Admirals of NFL Europa, SprungCare level slim to none.
Friday
Michael Vick won't be investigated in a federal dogfighting probe, leaving him to be overrated for many years to come. Miami released WR Kelly Campbell, Vikes QB Brooks Bollinger is running a football summer school in North Dakota, and the Jets signed 6th round pick OL Jacob Bender. Denver DE Kenny Peterson has been suspended for the first 4 games for violating the league's steroids policy.
Sunday
Former NFL player and Fox Sports broadcaster Bill Maas was charged with drug possession and weapons charges following a roadside safety check. Police found a .22-caliber revolver, 5 grams of suspected marijuana, 6 grams of suspected cocaine and 28 pills of Ecstasy. Maas was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, and on a charge of unlawful use of a weapon. Game over.
Rumors
- The 49ers will attend the workout of Maryland 6'9 350 pound OL Jared Gaither, who's the top prospect at this year's supplemental draft. (Sacramento Bee)
- It looks like the Rams will have to pay up for Marc Bulger. (St Louis Post Dispatch)
Question with KC Joyner
How does Roy Williams stack up based on your safety metrics?
[u]KC Joyner:[/u] Williams had bottom 10 of the league coverage metrics in many places, but I didn't put him on the overrated list because everyone knows he has some coverage issues.
SoccerScope
MLS Scores, Schedules, Standings
On Thursday on ESPN2, Houston continued the woes of the New York Red Bulls as the Dynamo punished RBNY 4-0. Joseph Ngwenya scored twice in the win. Yesterday in Chicago, a Maurice Edu goal in the 79th minute earned a 1-1 tie for Toronto FC against the Fire. Barros Schellotto and Gaven scored 4 minutes apart late in the game to earn Columbus a 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake, in a match where star Alecko Eskandarian earned a red card for RSL. Cobi Jones scored in the 61st and 75th minutes to get the Galaxy a 2-2 home draw with Kansas City. New England's Andy Dorman scored in the 64th minute to save a 1-1 draw against Chivas USA. Today, the Red Bulls travel west to face Colorado at 8pm and New England plays at Houston at 8:30. Thursday on ESPN2, Houston faces Chicago at 9pm.
New England and DC United lead the East with 23 points, followed by KC and Columbus with 22, New York with 21, Toronto has 18, and Chicago has 16. FC Dallas paces the West with 29, 3 more than Houston, and 8 clear of Chivas. Colorado has 17, the Galaxy have 13, and RSL has 9.
NFL News and Notes
Thursday
New Orleans will sign former Eagles LB Dhani Jones to a contract. Jones is a solid LB who will do well in the Saints front seven. According to the Arizona Police, they won't charge Tank Johnson with DUI because he wasn't over the legal limit. Oops, their bad. So you should feel bad for Tank right? Not by a longshot. He's been in the public eye ever since he spent 4 months in the slammer on gun charges. And how can someone get caught and booked when he wasn't over the limit? That's impressive (not in a good way) and Tank deserves what he got. Jason Witten's mother was arrested for stealing 5,500 bucks from an account that wasn't her's. Why would she steal if she could just ask her lovely and amazing TE for some lettuce? Lesson learned here, don't covet what thy neighbor has, especially if you'll end up in handcuffs for it. Raiders reserve DE Bryant McNeal was arrested after a traffic stop, Bengals preparing a reply for sometime this week. The Falcons signed Noriaki Kinoshita, a native of Osaka, Japan who played the last three years with the Amsterdam Admirals of NFL Europa, SprungCare level slim to none.
Friday
Michael Vick won't be investigated in a federal dogfighting probe, leaving him to be overrated for many years to come. Miami released WR Kelly Campbell, Vikes QB Brooks Bollinger is running a football summer school in North Dakota, and the Jets signed 6th round pick OL Jacob Bender. Denver DE Kenny Peterson has been suspended for the first 4 games for violating the league's steroids policy.
Sunday
Former NFL player and Fox Sports broadcaster Bill Maas was charged with drug possession and weapons charges following a roadside safety check. Police found a .22-caliber revolver, 5 grams of suspected marijuana, 6 grams of suspected cocaine and 28 pills of Ecstasy. Maas was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, and on a charge of unlawful use of a weapon. Game over.
Rumors
- The 49ers will attend the workout of Maryland 6'9 350 pound OL Jared Gaither, who's the top prospect at this year's supplemental draft. (Sacramento Bee)
- It looks like the Rams will have to pay up for Marc Bulger. (St Louis Post Dispatch)
Question with KC Joyner
How does Roy Williams stack up based on your safety metrics?
[u]KC Joyner:[/u] Williams had bottom 10 of the league coverage metrics in many places, but I didn't put him on the overrated list because everyone knows he has some coverage issues.
SoccerScope
MLS Scores, Schedules, Standings
On Thursday on ESPN2, Houston continued the woes of the New York Red Bulls as the Dynamo punished RBNY 4-0. Joseph Ngwenya scored twice in the win. Yesterday in Chicago, a Maurice Edu goal in the 79th minute earned a 1-1 tie for Toronto FC against the Fire. Barros Schellotto and Gaven scored 4 minutes apart late in the game to earn Columbus a 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake, in a match where star Alecko Eskandarian earned a red card for RSL. Cobi Jones scored in the 61st and 75th minutes to get the Galaxy a 2-2 home draw with Kansas City. New England's Andy Dorman scored in the 64th minute to save a 1-1 draw against Chivas USA. Today, the Red Bulls travel west to face Colorado at 8pm and New England plays at Houston at 8:30. Thursday on ESPN2, Houston faces Chicago at 9pm.
New England and DC United lead the East with 23 points, followed by KC and Columbus with 22, New York with 21, Toronto has 18, and Chicago has 16. FC Dallas paces the West with 29, 3 more than Houston, and 8 clear of Chivas. Colorado has 17, the Galaxy have 13, and RSL has 9.
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