Ben Maller’s Sports Rumors & Notes

Rumors Archive for October 31, 2006

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NBA Rumors & Notes

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

The Heat is considering signing 12-year veteran Jalen Rose, who was waived by the New York Knicks on Monday. Rose, a 6-8 guard-forward who was scheduled to make $16.9 million this season, is expected to clear waivers on Wednesday. The 33-year-old Rose could back up Heat point guard Gary Payton, even though he primarily has played small forward during the past several years with Toronto and New York. He would have to consider his role with the Heat once Jason Williams returns and the team has its regular rotation intact.

Vince Carter doesn't want to worry about it. He certainly doesn't care to spend much time discussing it. When it comes to the question of whether he will be a Net next season, Carter would rather let others speculate while he concentrates on doing what he does best. "I'm worried about going out there and playing my best basketball first," says Carter. "That'll take care of itself once the season is over." Though the 2006-07 season doesn't begin until tomorrow night - when the Nets take on Carter's old team, the Toronto Raptors - the biggest question the Nets likely will face next summer already has begun to echo throughout the Meadowlands: Will Carter exercise his right to opt out of the final year of his contract, making him a free agent and leaving the Nets without one of their three biggest stars? Though few teams would be able to match the $16.1 million he is already owed for next season, rumors of Carter's departure already have started. The most common one has him heading to Orlando, where he owns a mansion.

Jalen Rose is free to sign with any team he chooses after reaching a buyout agreement (believed to be between $12 million and $15 million) Monday with the Knicks. "I love Jalen, and I have known him since he was a little kid," Knicks president and coach Isiah Thomas said. "I hope he picks a spot where he has a chance to win a championship." Could that spot be Detroit? It's likely remote but not completely out of the question. "I told Jalen that he would have a limited role here in Detroit," said Pistons president Joe Dumars, who spoke to Rose on Monday. "I told him that we were not opposed to bringing him here under the right circumstances. But it would have to be a win-win for both sides."

T.J. Ford, drafted one spot behind Kirk Hinrich in 2003, agreed to a five-year extension with the Raptors on Monday that averages roughly $8.2 million per season. The Bulls have offered Hinrich more than that but less than what his camp wants. Hinrich still is tempted by five years of security. If Hinrich doesn't accept the Bulls' final five-year offer by 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, he becomes a restricted free agent next off-season. That allows the Bulls to match any offers for him. Coincidentally, Ford's old team, the Bucks, will have significant salary cap room and be in the market for a point guard.

Coach Nate McMillan acknowledges that the Blazers might need to give up parts of their young core if they are to acquire the veteran help he covets. But for Portland to become a winning team again, he said adding experience will be vital. "When you get to this level, you gotta have guys who've been through wars and they know what they're doing," he said. "You gotta have that blend."

Knicks GM Isiah Thomas also indicated that the days of the payroll growing exponentially without any restraint are over, too -- unless it leads to getting an elite player such as Kevin Garnett, LeBron James (in four years) or Jermaine O'Neal. "I think we'll use our rescues wisely now," he said. ""I don't think we'll ever see the days that we were at, unless you're talking about some great players in this league."

Entering only his fourth season as a professional, Cleveland's LeBron James has already become one of the league's most dynamic players, and PinnacleSports.com lists "King James" as a 2/1 favorite to become the youngest MVP in NBA history. Dwayne Wade already has an NBA title and Finals MVP on his resume and currently has the second-best odds to win the league's most valuable player award at 9/2. Two-time winner Tim Duncan is listed at 6/1 to add a third MVP to his trophy case, while Lakers star Kobe Bryant is 7/1 to capture his first, and Dallas Dirk Nowitzki is 8/1 to become the first European to be named the league's top player.

Golden State Jason Richardson said it will be a group decision on whether he plays or sits, but he passed another test as his knee held up for consecutive practices without any pain or soreness. Don Nelson even said Richardson's movement and timing looked much better than it did Sunday.

Phil Jackson will coach tonight's game at Staples Center but will not travel with the team for Wednesday's road game against Golden State.

Clippers swingman Corey Maggette says he has something to prove. Maggette is in his eighth season in the NBA, he has twice averaged more than 20 points a game and is considered among the league's best players at getting to the free-throw line, but his standing on the Clippers isn't as high as it once was.

The competition between Etan Thomas and Brendan Haywood for the Wizards' starting center position was so tight that Coach Eddie Jordan waited until yesterday afternoon to announce his final decision: Thomas will be in the lineup for tomorrow's regular season opener at Cleveland. "There were some good things that Etan did and there were some good things Brendan did," Jordan said. "It was close. It wasn't a landslide."

The Knicks remain, by far, the league’s most expensive team. Their payroll of $122 million is more than double the salary cap ($53 million), and far in excess of the luxury-tax threshold ($65.4 million). Only two other teams are expected to break the $90 million mark — Dallas and Philadelphia. Even after waiving Jalen Rose, the Knicks have two players among the 25 highest-paid in the league — Marbury ($17.3 million) and Francis ($15.1 million). But for the first time since Thomas arrived, the Knicks’ payroll could actually be decreasing.

Rockets owner Leslie Alexander said the team's "reasonable goal" was to have 20 sellouts this season, one more than the previous Toyota Center record and 19 more than are sold out going into the season. Only Saturday's home opener against the Mavericks has sold out.

The Mavericks coaching staff is staying mum on who will open in the backcourt with Jason Terry. It will either be Devin Harris, Anthony Johnson or Greg Buckner. But whoever starts in the opener might not have the job for more than a game or two if the Mavericks run that position by committee

Quentin Richardson and Jared Jeffries will assume most of the Knicks minutes at small forward, where Jalen Rose played. Channing Frye and David Lee will assume most of the minutes at power forward, where Taylor played. Isiah Thomas said Rose “is going to help somebody’s team, big time.” But when asked if he had better options, Thomas said, “Yes, that’s accurate. And fair.”

Knicks coach Isiah Thomas announced that Quentin Richardson and Channing Frye would start tomorrow's opener in Memphis alongside Stephon Marbury, Steve Francis and Eddy Curry.

Moses Malone, a part-time rebounding instructor, assumed his full-time duties as a Sixers assistant coach yesterday. His advice to the big men: "Get meaner. You win games by playing defense and rebounding." Longtime TV analyst Steve Mix filled in for Malone during training camp and the preseason.

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MLB Rumors & Notes

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Aramis Ramirez exercised his opt-out clause on Monday and filed for free agency, leaving $33.5 million on the table. Whether it's simply a procedural move or an indication he intends to flee the Cubs for more money is something only Ramirez knows. Agent Paul Kinzer insisted the Cubs remain Ramirez's first choice. They'll retain exclusive negotiating rights to him until the free-agent signing period begins on Nov. 11. But the Los Angeles Angels already have indicated that Ramirez will be their primary free-agent target, and the Dodgers are expected to join in the bidding as well. "He knows those teams will be highly involved, and they're both good teams," Kinzer said. Kinzer said he expects five or six "serious suitors." Houston, Philadelphia and Detroit also might show interest, along with the Angels and Dodgers.

The Baltimore Orioles, according to a team source, began preliminary discussions with Washington Nationals left fielder Alfonso Soriano , and were floored by the free agent's initial contract outline. According to the source, Soriano is seeking a deal similar to the seven-year, $119 million deal given to center fielder Carlos Beltran by the New York Mets before the 2005 season. It's unlikely the Orioles will be in the running for Soriano if he doesn't back off those demands.

The Yankees' auction of Gary Sheffield has progressed to the point that general manager Brian Cashman has a potential deal in place if he wishes to pull the trigger, an official from another American League team told Newsday yesterday. But Cashman is not quite ready to make a trade. A person familiar with the team's plans said "there is no urgency" to the process. The Yankees seem inclined to wait at least a little longer with the hope that the market for Sheffield improves. The Cubs and Phillies are believed to be among the most aggressive teams in pursuit of Sheffield. Although the Rangers and Indians are among the AL teams believed to be interested, the Yankees could decide to trade him to a National League team to avoid facing him next year.

The Yanks are open to seeing what soon-to-be free agent right-hander Jeff Suppan, who played a big part in the Cardinals' improbable journey to a World Series title, is looking for. "His name is on their list of pitching possibilities," a member of another organization told The Post yesterday. Although the Yankees aren't going to pick up Mike Mussina's $17 million option for next season, it's believed they will retain Mussina with a two-year deal that likely will be in the $10 million a year range. It could be a little higher because Mussina, rightfully so, wants to be paid more than Carl "American Idle" Pavano, who makes $10 million a year to do nothing.

If Aramis Ramirez leaves, the Cubs will likely have to go outside the organization to get a third baseman. Former Cub Nomar Garciaparra, who hit .303 with 20 homers and 93 RBIs with the Dodgers, is a free agent who could be displaced at first base by prospect James Loney. Garciaparra played third during Ramirez's absence in '05, and left on good terms with the Cubs. Boston's Mike Lowell also may be on the trading block, and of course Alex Rodriguez's name is likely to surface, despite assurances from the Yankees he won't be dealt.

Barry Bonds' agent does not buy into the theory that most teams will treat Bonds like a leper this winter. To the contrary, Jeff Borris sounds ready to market Bonds aggressively, not to five teams, nor 10, nor even 15. "When you analyze the economics and demographics that Barry might mean to a franchise, I believe all 30 teams would be interested in him based on the revenue he could bring to the franchise," Borris said Monday. In fact, he said, "more than one team" has phoned to ask about Bonds since he filed for free agency Saturday. Borris would not say how many have called or how interested they are. Even if he is a shade optimistic about the market for a 42-year-old outfielder with baggage, these comments suggests Bonds will not hammer out a quick deal at the right price to stay in San Francisco. One Giants employee said Bonds told him he wants $14 million for 2007, which sounds way out of line with what the team has suggested it will pay.

I don't think the Marlins are looking to bring Juan Pierre back. I can't see the Marlins shelling out $5 million a season for Pierre, and I'd be surprised if he doesn't make at least that somewhere else. I'm sure the Cubs will try to lure him back, but if Jim Edmonds leaves St. Louis, I think Pierre will consider the Cardinals.

A potential destination for Ryan Klesko is San Francisco, where he would re-unite with manager Bruce Bochy.

A relatively light cast of game-changing free agents are on the market, although the Tigers could always renew inquiries about two big hitters they considered during July's trade-deadline discussions: outfielders Carlos Lee of Texas and Alfonso Soriano of the Washington Nationals. Detroit more likely would pursue first baseman Aubrey Huff of Houston, another player the Tigers considered before he departed Tampa Bay for the Astros in a July trade. Detroit more likely would pursue first baseman Aubrey Huff of Houston, another player the Tigers considered before he departed Tampa Bay for the Astros in a July trade.

Few industry people expect Jason Schmidt to wind up with the Mets, because the righthander, who turns 34 in January, lives in Washington State and is said to enjoy the West Coast. Yesterday, however, one of Schmidt's agents said the Mets - and any other East Coast team - shouldn't count themselves out. "I think it's real accurate to say that geography is not going to eliminate anybody. That's a safe thing to say," said Scott Sanderson, the former pitcher for the Yankees and other clubs, who works with Michael Moye in representing Schmidt. "We talked to [Schmidt] about it. Just because a team is in a location is not going to take them out of the race." If he wants to stay out West, he should have multiple options. The Mariners, Padres and Dodgers likely will be willing to spend generously for starting pitching.

Playing for the Mets appeals to Adam Kennedy. Kennedy, one of the elite options among free-agent second basemen this winter, has spent the last seven seasons with the Angels. He filed for free agency on Sunday, however, and yesterday his agent, Paul Cohen, said he has "definite interest" in the Mets. Cohen, who said several teams have inquired about Kennedy so far, but the Mets have not. The agent added being on a "winning team" is Kennedy's top priority.

In an effort to increase team speed, the Rockies began their serious run at San Diego Padres free-agent outfielder Dave Roberts on Monday. Roberts fits their need for a center fielder and leadoff hitter with base-stealing ability. And he's open to the Rockies, especially since the Padres haven't initiated talks to bring him back. "Of course Dave has interest in Colorado. And I told them that. He likes the direction they are going," agent John Boggs said. "He's not going to just wait around (for San Diego)."

The Orioles, according to the source, have also had initial conversations with the New York Yankees about outfielder Gary Sheffield, though no serious discussions have taken place. The Orioles have an interest in several outfielders including free agents Cliff Floyd and Carlos Lee and the Philadelphia Phillies' Pat Burrell. But, according to a source close to Burrell, the outfielder won't waive his no-trade clause to play for the Orioles because he would prefer to play for a contending team.

The Giants have until Nov. 12 to negotiate exclusively with their 11 free agents, and they are talking turkey with at least one: third baseman Pedro Feliz. The club is in the process of exchanging figures with Feliz's agent, Mike Arias. While he wouldn't comment on the parameters of a potential deal, Arias said Feliz would pass up a chance to test the market if he can agree to terms with the Giants. "I'm going to take advantage of these two weeks and my hope is that we can bridge the gap," Arias said. "Pedro is a known commodity to them and he'd be a hot commodity on the market."

The Mets have two first-rate trading chips in Lastings Milledge and Aaron Heilman and may use them, in the same or separate deals, to acquire the pitcher they desire. With their surplus of starting pitching, the White Sox would be an attractive trading partner. Chicago would like to open a rotation slot for Brandon McCarthy and would not hesitate to trade Javier Vázquez or Freddy García. Vázquez pitched in Montreal when Mets General Manager Omar Minaya worked there.

Not content with giving Russell Branyan the job, the Padres will look to acquire a third baseman. Kevin Towers has said the club is interested in signing Japanese star Akinori Iwamura, a left-handed hitter who batted .311 with 32 home runs and 77 RBI for the Yakult Swallows this year. “Right now, Branyan's our third baseman,” Towers said. “He gives us protection at third. For a million bucks, a guy that versatile with that type of power – it's pretty much a no-brainer.”

Although there have been suggestions that Takashi Saito might want to return to play in Japan, technically, he is the property of the Dodgers and can play only for them unless he is granted a release. On the flip side, if a Major League club were to prevent a Japanese player from returning to play in Japan, it would damage that Major League club's ability to lure players from Japan in the future.

Agent Jeff Barry insisted it's Mark Buehrle's preference to remain with the White Sox despite persistent rumors that he wants to become a free agent and sign with his hometown St. Louis Cardinals. The Sox would have received no compensation had they given Buehrle the buyout.

Jeff Weaver acknowledged after pitching the World Series-clinching game that he'd love to be back in St. Louis. But his agent is Scott Boras, a man not exactly known for giving hometown discounts.

Of the two top free-agent pitchers — Barry Zito and Jason Schmidt — the Mets appear to have a better chance at signing Zito, a durable left-hander who worked with the Mets’ pitching coach, Rick Peterson, in Oakland. But the Mets do not seem inclined to pay top dollar for someone they view as a No. 2 or a No. 3 pitcher.

Orioles pitcher Kris Benson will likely decide this week whether he will ask the Orioles to trade him, as is his right as a veteran traded in the middle of a multi-year contract, according to agent Gregg Clifton. "He's thinking about it," Clifton said. "If I was a betting man, I would say he won't" ask for a trade.

The Rockies also made overtures to Jason Jennings' agent regarding a multiyear deal. But there have been no discussions. Jennings has a $5.5 million club option for next season that will be picked up. He will be a free agent after 2007.

The Pirates are in negotiations to sign Cuban defector Yuslan Herrera, a 25-year-old right-handed pitcher. A Pirates spokesman confirmed that the two sides are talking, but said no deal has been reached. Herrera helped his country win the gold medal at the Athens Olympics in 2004, and he has an 18-7 record and 3.72 ERA in international play. He recently became "unblocked," a process that allowed him to negotiate with major-league clubs, and the Pirates entered the bidding.

Rangers general manager Jon Daniels expressed relief Monday that he will be able to interview all five candidates for the managerial opening in person. There had been some uncertainty whether he would be able to meet with Trey Hillman, the manager of the Japan Series champion Nippon Ham Fighters. Although Daniels has never commented on who the leading candidates are, some think Hillman and Rangers bench coach Don Wakamatsu are the favorites. Wakamatsu, 43, is well-regarded after four years in the organization. Hillman, also 43, who grew up in Arlington, was a candidate for the managerial job four years ago. The Rangers are scheduled to talk with Hillman today and Wakamatsu on Wednesday. They have already interviewed New York Mets third-base coach Manny Acta, Oakland A's third-base coach Ron Washington and Philadelphia Phillies Triple A manager John Russell.

Lining up candidates for the Padres managerial opening, Kevin Towers plans to interview Cardinals third-base coach Jose Oquendo today, Angels pitching coach Bud Black tomorrow, Japan League manager Trey Hillman on Thursday, Giants bench coach Ron Wotus on Friday and former Dodgers hitting coach Tim Wallach later in the week.

Rodrigo Lopez is still under contractual control, and the O's will likely try to trade him in the early part of the winter. That's really the only recourse. Lopez, who holds a career record of 60-61, is a year shy of free agency. The Orioles will likely decline to offer him arbitration, because the process would all but guarantee a raise. In this case, that would mean a salary of $4 million or more. If a trade proves unlikely or impossible, Baltimore's only other option is to refuse to offer him a contract. In that case, Lopez would become a free agent.

Most likely, Mike Piazza will listen to overtures from other clubs, notably in the American League. He had to see what Frank Thomas accomplished as a DH in Oakland. If the Angels, clearly in need of offensive juice, were to come after Piazza as their DH and part-time catcher, I'd have to believe that would have some appeal.

Padres broadcaster Tim Flannery is a candidate to join Bruce Bochy's Giants staff as a third-base coach. Flannery was Bochy's third-base coach with the Padres on division winners in 1996 and 1998.

The Yankees have to decide by Nov. 12 whether to buy out Jaret Wright for $4 million or pay him $7 million next season, and they have until Nov. 15 to decline Mike Mussina's $17-million option.

A source with knowledge of the Nationals' search told The Post on Sunday night that Washington had contacted the Cardinals to request permission to speak with Jose Oquendo. However, two sources said yesterday that Oquendo isn't on the Nationals' list.

Gary Sheffield would easily collect his fair share of homers at GABP, no doubt. But if the Yankees pick up his $13 million option for 2007 as many expect, I don't envision the Reds dealing for a guy who would be a free agent in 2008.

Adam Dunn to Houston has been speculation for years because he's a Houston native who wouldn't mind playing near home. But if I'm a Reds executive, I'm apprehensive about trading a guy like that within the division. Even if Cincinnati got a fair return on the deal, it still makes a National League Central rival better. Also, would you want Dunn hitting in the middle of Houston's lineup against the Reds 15-18 times a year -- with half of those games played at Great American Ball Park? Would Houston want Lidge, or say Roy Oswalt, turning their hitters' lights out? If a change of scenery helps Dunn cut down on strikeouts and become a more complete hitter, let it happen in Baltimore, Boston or some other American League city or at least in the NL East or NL West.

With Scott Boras signed as Daisuke Matsuzaka's agent, and already positioning his client as deserving to be paid like an established No. 1 starter, the Mariners apparently are not willing to get heavily into bidding that could reach $20 million or $30 million just for the right to negotiate a contract with Matsuzaka.

Among free-agent second basemen, Julio Lugo, a native of Brooklyn who played last season for Tampa Bay and the Los Angeles Dodgers, is the most dynamic option, but two other players are also intriguing. Mark Loretta, who committed four errors last season playing for Boston, is the best defensive player of the group and is a career .299 hitter. But there is also Ronnie Belliard, who played for the World Series champion Cardinals and has been where the Mets want to go.

One free agent who does not seem to be a fit for a team hoping to get younger is Arizona left fielder Luis Gonzalez, 39. However, the Tribune in suburban Phoenix reported the Giants have inquired about him.

GM Brian Sabean said approximately $15-$18 million will help the Giants sign a star player -- maybe an Alfonso Soriano -- but certainly the likes of a Dave Roberts and others, spreading the wealth and improving the team.

It now looks like it would be in the Braves' best interest to attempt to trade Horacio Ramirez. Given that injuries have sidelined him for eight of the past 18 regular-season months that have been played, he may not bring a great return. But left-handed starters like Ramirez will always draw interest, meaning the Braves would be able to get a decent return. If the Braves were to trade Ramirez, they'd still have a formidable starting rotation that would consist of John Smoltz, Tim Hudson, Mike Hampton, James and possibly Kyle Davies. They'd also have an extra $3 million to spend on some of their other needs.

No deal appears imminent with first baseman Shea Hillenbrand, who said the Giants told his agent it was interested in re-signing him. That was three weeks ago, and Hillenbrand said he has not heard from agent Dan Lozano about any contract talks since then.

Red Sox GM Theo Epstein also said a decision on reliever Keith Foulke would probably not come until the end of a 12-day window that began Saturday. The Red Sox have a $7.5 million team option, or a $1.5 million buyout, and Foulke has a $3.75 million player option.

According to Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez's agent, Greg Genske, the veteran righty has spoken to the Mets about coming back. "El Duque's preference is to remain with the Mets. He loves New York and has had a terrific experience with the Mets organization," Genske said in an e-mail yesterday. "While we are in discussions about a potential return to the Mets, several other clubs have called to express interest in El Duque."

With Doug Mirabelli filing for free agency, and coming off a season in which his .191 average was the worst among all major league catchers with 150 or more plate appearances, Tim Wakefield is also facing the possibility that he’ll have to break in another catcher to handle his knuckleball. That experiment was a failure last spring, and led to the reacquisition of Mirabelli after he had been traded to the Padres.

Tigers 1B Sean Casey was in the last year of a deal that paid him $8.5 million this season. He can't expect to make nearly that much on the market, but at 32, it's not certain what he could draw. "I guess we'll have to see what happens here," Casey said on Friday. "But I love it here in Detroit, I really do. I've really enjoyed my time here."

Since Alfonso Soriano filed for free agency on Sunday, I have to say -- for right now -- that it's 50-50 he stays with the Nationals. If he signs with another team, the Nats will get a first-round pick and a sandwich pick, which they wouldn't mind having. The organization's top priority is to improve the farm system.

Ray Durham's agent, Ed Setlik, said he has had one conversation with the Giants since the end of the season, "and we didn't talk about anything specific. We talked around everything."

As for developments in the Gary Sheffield saga, his lawyer, Rufus Williams, was tight-lipped. "I have nothing to talk to you about," Williams said. The Yankees have until Nov. 6 to pick up Sheffield's $13 million option for next season.

The Mets have granted permission for the Dodgers to speak with Gary Carter regarding their Triple-A managing job, according to an industry source. The source also said Carter is one of the contenders to be the Rockies' hitting coach.

According to Jose Valentin's agent, Dave Elston, "The Mets and Jose are talking about Jose coming back." Elston said the free agent second baseman has spoken with other teams, including one that has interest in using him at shortstop. The Mets also have had interest in free-agent second baseman Julio Lugo, who told The Post in September that playing at Shea "would be a dream come true."

The Angels had some interest in Cubs 3B Aramis Ramirez at the trading deadline, and the 28-year-old would solve the club's problems at the position, but he's looking to sign an extension to remain with the Cubs. Joe Crede's name has also been tossed about in a possible swap for Chone Figgins.

Joe Nathan is definitely locked up to be a Twin for the 2007 season. The pitcher signed a contract extension in March of 2005 that paid him $5.25 million in '07 and gave the Twins a $6 million option for the 2008 season. That means Nathan should be here for the next two seasons. But what the Twins need to do if they are to keep Nathan around for a while longer is to sign the closer to a multi-year deal now. Nathan clearly has shown that he is one of the elite closers in the league, and if he gets near the free-agent market, then the Twins likely would have a difficult time retaining him.

Mark Mulder told Tony La Russa that he'd love to show Cardinals fans what he can do, following an injury-ravaged 2006 and an '05 season that was good but not up to his standards.

Before he stumbled in his final two outings, Francisco Cordero was fantastic as the Brewers closer, and had three good months before that as the Rangers' setup man. They'll be paying him more than $5 million, so the Brewers need Cordero to be just as good. He's a free agent after the year.

Sometime this week the Orioles will announce the hiring of Juan Samuel and Sammy Mejia to their coaching staff. Samuel, the former Phillies great, will be the third base coach, and Mejia will coach at first. Tom Trebelhorn becomes the bench coach with Rick Dempsey becoming the bullpen coach. Former Class AAA Ottawa manager Dave Trembley will be hired as a major league field coordinator. Pitching coach Leo Mazzone and hitting coach Terry Crowley will retain their positions.

The Yankees could announce Kevin Long as their hitting coach this week. The club also is waiting to see if Tony Peña has a chance at the Nationals' managing job. Peña said yesterday, "I haven't spoken to them since we talked on the phone" after the Yankees were eliminated by the Tigers.

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NFL Rumors & Notes

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Jags coach Jack Del Rio kept the quarterback issue on the front burner Monday when he declined to name his starter for Sunday's game against Tennessee because he wants to keep the Titans guessing. "I'd just as soon hold that competitive advantage and not give it to them," Del Rio said. Del Rio, though, denied reports in the national media last week that he actually benched Leftwich because he was losing confidence in him. Del Rio also said that he hasn't changed his stance that Leftwich is the starter when healthy.

Coach Andy Reid confirmed a report in yesterday's Inquirer that the Eagles were bringing cornerback Will Peterson to the NovaCare Complex for a physical. Peterson, 27, has not played since suffering a season-ending stress fracture in his back after two games with the Giants in 2005. The Eagles did not say how yesterday's physical went. Peterson was with the Giants for five seasons before being released in the spring. At 6 feet and 200 pounds, he has good size for a cornerback.

Visiting with Bears general manager Jerry Angelo before Sunday's game was high-powered agent Drew Rosenhaus, who has six clients on the team. There wasn't any talk of extending linebacker Lance Briggs. He will hit the free-agent market in March.

The Jets' future Hall of Fame running back Curtis Martin won't play this season because of a bone-on-bone condition in his right knee and his career is likely over, several players and a team official told The Star-Ledger yesterday. They all spoke on the condition of anonymity because of Jets coach Eric Mangini's policy of giving few details on injuries.

Dennis Green had few answers at his weekly news conference, the second consecutive Monday he was peppered with questions about his job security as Cardinals head coach. With Arizona off until a Nov. 12 home game against Dallas, Green's job appears safe for the duration of the regular season.

A first-round draft pick will start at left cornerback for the Titans on Sunday in Jacksonville, but there's a good chance it won't be Pacman Jones. Coach Jeff Fisher said Monday he hopes to announce disciplinary action against Jones for his latest off-field incident by Wednesday when the Titans return to practice.

One day after Texans coach Gary Kubiak benched quarterback David Carr against Tennessee and announced he would return to the starting lineup against the New York Giants, Carr's teammates were confident he would bounce back from one of the most embarrassing episodes of his five-year NFL career. "We're going to ride with Carr because he's the starter, and we believe he can get the job done," cornerback Dunta Robinson said. "You can't sit a guy after one bad half.

The Bucs have six days before their evaluation period of QB Luke McCown expires. It probably won't take that long before they add McCown, sidelined since tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a June minicamp, to the 53-man roster. "We like the fact that Luke has come back from his injury as quickly as he has," Coach Jon Gruden said. "He has taken some snaps on the practice field. We will make that determination here in the next four or five days. But we are gaining confidence in his return." To make room for McCown, the Bucs likely will place Chris Simms on injured reserve.

Quarterback Aaron Brooks has been cleared to practice in full-squad drills for the first time since he sustained a strained pectoral muscle Sept. 17, coach Art Shell said Monday. ... Andrew Walter has started in Brooks' absence. Shell said Monday in his weekly news conference that Walter is the starting quarterback until further notice. He won't consider going back to Brooks until he shows that he can do all the things expected of the quarterback.

The Lions didn't lose a game in their bye week, but jobs and starting positions were another matter. They returned to practice Monday to find one veteran without a job and a shuffle of positions at linebacker and the offensive line. Most surprising of all was the release of wide receiver Az-Zahir Hakim, who seemed to have found a comfortable niche in the offense in his second tour with the Lions. Hakim, signed before the second game of the season, was third among the team's wide receivers with 17 catches.

The Redskins return to practice tomorrow, and Mark Brunell, who also sat out last week's abbreviated on-field schedule, said he will be able to participate fully. Reserve quarterback Jason Campbell took much of the work last week, a first for the 2005 first-round pick, and Joe Gibbs said that Campbell and veteran backup Todd Collins each worked with the first team yesterday. Gibbs said that the rotation for Sunday's game remains unchanged, with Brunell the starter, Collins No. 2 and Campbell designated the third quarterback.

As of last night, Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman was still considering when to drop his appeal and begin his four-game suspension for violating the NFL's steroid policy. An announcement could come as soon as today, meaning Merriman would not play Sunday when the Chargers host Cleveland. “Whatever decision I make will be the best for the team and myself,” Merriman said yesterday before leaving Chargers Park to speak with his advisers.

Chris Claiborne, an eight-year veteran who began his career with the Lions before short stints with the Vikings and Rams, is now a Giant, the team announced. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Claiborne has primarily been a middle linebacker for most of his career, but will be able to play elsewhere in Tim Lewis' defense. In Lewis' 4-3 system, the weakside spot is almost identical to that of an inside linebacker in a 3-4 alignment. The weak side is where the Giants need depth because Brandon Short suffered a quad injury on Sunday and Carlos Emmons -- the starter at the position for the first three games -- has already missed a few games with a strained pectoral muscle.

Who Knew? Before last weekend, Michael Vick had never thrown for more than two touchdowns in a game. But in the past two games, he has thrown for seven.

Ravens coach Brian Billick, appearing as a guest on Fox Sports Radio, asked if he thought Bart Scott tried to hurt Reggie Bush: "No, no, no. You have to recognize Bart Scott. He's a great story. He was an undrafted free agent who scratched and clawed his way into the NFL. Bush is a magnificant athlete and a great guy but he came into the league a little differently than Bart. I don't know whether he took a cheap shot at Bart. Certainly no player is going to willfully try to hurt another player, but he's going to go out and do his job and if you look at the play, all he did was tackle him."

The Cardinals did not fire Dennis Green, nor did the head coach step aside. Now it doesn't look like either will happen before the end of the season. Green went to work Monday and acted as if there were little speculation about his future. He did his weekly press conference. He did his weekly radio show. He did everything he was supposed to do, even with the Cardinals suffering their fourth straight season of losing their first four road games. For now, Arizona isn't making any coaching changes. It sets up the most intriguing showdown left on the Cardinals schedule -- Green versus the Bidwills. It should happen near the end of the season, or shortly after it. Few expect Green to survive, but how the situation resolves itself is of interest. Green has one year remaining on his contract in which he is scheduled to make $2.5 million. If he quits, he's not entitled to the money. If he's fired he is. A compromise would be the two sides reaching a settlement that would enable each to go its own way.

Colts defensive tackle Montae Reagor was released from Methodist Hospital early Sunday afternoon. According to Dungy, Reagor — who had been hospitalized since his involvement in a traffic accident on Oct. 22 as he drove to the RCA Dome for a home game with the Washington Redskins — spent the day watching the Colts’ win over Denver. There has not been a timetable set for deciding when the veteran defensive lineman might, or might not, be able to return.

Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher sounded like a man Monday who had had his fill of Adam “Pacman” Jones’ tricks, perhaps enough to treat the controversial cornerback to a suspension this weekend in Jacksonville or even beyond. Jones, who returned a punt for a touchdown and had his first career interception in Sunday’s win over the Houston Texans, could be facing discipline from the coach as a result of an alleged spitting incident at Club Mystic early Thursday morning. Jones did not practice later that day for the Titans from what Fisher termed at the time a “virus.”

The Cowboys' charter from Charlotte, N.C., made an emergency landing early Monday morning in Nashville after assistant strength and conditioning coach Tony Ollison became ill. Ollison was taken to Southern Hills Medical Center, where he is listed in stable condition. Ollison's problems were believed to be heart-related. His heart rate was low and team doctors used an automatic external defibrillator on the plane. Cowboys coach Bill Parcells said doctors were doing a couple of tests on Ollison on Monday to find out exactly what was wrong.

Colts WR Brandon Stokley continues to rehabilitate a sprained left knee. Stokley injured the knee against Tennessee on Oct. 8. Colts coach Tony Dungy indicated that the team preferred to not rush Stokley back to practice until the knee is completely healed and he has been cleared to return.

The Dolphins will make a change to their starting lineup Sunday when they promote Yeremiah Bell to starting strong safety, replacing Travares Tillman. Tillman had started 17 consecutive games at strong safety for the Dolphins and he is the team's third-leading tackler, but will be relegated to a backup role and special teams duties when Miami plays at Chicago. The change was made primarily because Bell was consistently among the defense's most productive players despite getting limited snaps in the team's multiple-defensive-backs packages.

The two biggest acquisitions the Falcons made this offseason, according to Jim Mora, have been Lawyer Milloy and offensive tackle Wayne Gandy. Combined, they have played 23 NFL seasons.

Falcons RB Warrick Dunn, appearing as a guest on Fox Sports Radio, asked about the poise that Michael Vick is playing with. “He’s poised but it’s also the guys up-front giving him the opportunity to throw the football- the receivers are making plays after the catch and they’re making great catches at key times in games. It’s good that Mike has confidence in those guys and realizes hey it’s a team effort- he can’t do it alone.”

Jason Campbell accepted a fair amount of hazing during yesterday's interview session from Redskins teammates, razzing him that he "might actually get into a game." Mark Brunell, however, is expected to play against Dallas.

Chances are that Curtis Martin will be unable to make it back, forcing the Jets and Martin to decide how they want to best handle the situation. But the Jets know that Martin deserves every minute he can get to try to recover from the surgery on his right knee. For that, the Jets will wait. "We're going to go through Monday of next week, at least," said Jets coach Eric Mangini. "That'll give us the maximum amount of time should he return to practice."

Who Knew? If the Steelers don't win soon, they could go down as the biggest loser for a defending Super Bowl champion. The other Super Bowl teams that started like the Steelers 2-5 finished this way: the '81 Raiders 7-9, the '82 49ers 3-6 (another strike season), and the '99 Broncos 6-10.

Tennessee Titans linebacker Rob Reynolds entered a guilty plea Monday to a misdemeanor charge of criminal damaging and also to an amended charge of disorderly conduct in the wake of his Oct. 21 shoving incident involving his estranged wife Jennifer in Upper Arlington, Ohio. Rob Reynolds received a $200 fine plus court costs and a 180-day suspended sentence for the criminal damaging charge, and a $150 fine plus costs and a 30-day suspended sentence for the disorderly conduct charge. He was originally charged with domestic violence and assault, but pled guilty to the lesser charge of disorderly conduct to Judge Carrie Glaeden.

As pleased as Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy was about Sunday’s 34-31 come-from-behind win over the Denver Broncos and the production of the team’s offense in leading the second-half comeback, the ragged play of the Colts’ defense continues to cause a measure of consternation. “We played pretty well in the first half. We gave up a couple of passes on some bootlegs, one dash throwback that [Denver] coach [Mike] Shanahan brought out from the old days and we hadn’t really worked on that one. That was a big play for them to get their first touchdown drive going,” the Colts coach said. “The second half they came at us offensively, ran some plays that they have in their arsenal that they don’t run a lot. They changed some blocking things and we didn’t really respond quick enough. But we made a couple of plays, had a couple of stops early in the half to get our offense the ball. And we got the stop at the end of the game. But we’ll continue to improve. We have to. But as we improve and guys play a little