Ben Maller’s Sports Rumors & Notes

Rumors Archive for June 01, 2007

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NBA Rumors & Notes

Friday, June 1, 2007

An NBA source said some teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, have called the Nuggets to inquire about center Marcus Camby, although nothing imminent is on the table.

I can tell you with complete certainty Chauncey Billups market value has not decreased one iota in the minds of Pistons management -- from owner Bill Davidson to Joe Dumars and John Hammond. Whatever salary number they had in mind a month ago, two months ago, is the same today. I can also tell you there are a host of point guard-challenged teams with some financial maneuverability, if not cap space -- Milwaukee, Orlando, the Lakers and Clippers, New York, Houston, Memphis, Denver and Miami -- who could make a bid for Billups. Billups will be leaving $6.8 million on the table when he opts out of the final year of his contract with the Pistons. He's going to at least double that salary, in all likelihood.

Several NBA officials are convinced the Pacers will trade Jermaine O’Neal to the Lakers for Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum.

The buzz at pre-draft camp has the Kings shopping Ron Artest. Despite Isiah Thomas' love of Artest's game, the Knicks appear to be mixed on him because of his baggage.

Lakers asst Kurt Rambis seems to have a slight edge over Scott Brooks for the vacant Sacramento head coaching job.

Isiah Thomas revealed yesterday he began constructing trade offers to the Lakers on Wednesday afternoon when he heard Kobe Bryant's emphatic trade demand. The Knicks coach/president has backed off for now after Bryant flip-flopped four times Wednesday. "For the hour he was available [Wednesday], we all had a scenario and it didn't take us long to figure out how we would get him," Thomas said yesterday at the NBA pre-draft camp at the Milk House Arena at Walt Disney World. "I'm sure every GM in the league had a scenario on how to get him." If the Lakers were not interested in Stephon Marbury, Thomas likely would have to string together a package of David Lee, Jamal Crawford, Channing Frye and Malik Rose. Thomas said Eddy Curry would not be part of any package for Bryant, his strongest indication of the Knicks center's untouchable status. "We want to build around him . . . what he's doing and what he's going to be," Thomas said of Curry. "There aren't many big men in the league like him. "You try to add that player to somebody; you try to put them together," Thomas added. "For the one hour [Bryant] was leaving, you try to put him together with someone he likes." Thomas has not approached Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak and won't unless further developments occur in the Bryant soap opera.

Pau Gasol sounded as though he wasn't concerned about the possibility of the Grizzlies trading him this offseason. As the team management contemplates how to continue to reshape the roster and re-establish it as playoff caliber, there are questions that linger. Do they keep the one-time All Star and continue to build around Gasol? Do the Grizzlies trade the offensive dynamo and move toward a full-blown rebuilding plan? "I'm optimistic," Gasol said. "I think we can get back to being competitive in a sense that we're working toward winning a championship."

Former NBA guard Tim Hardaway attended the pre-draft camp Thursday, making one of his first appearances at a NBA-sanctioned event since uttering homophobic remarks in February. His "I hate gay people" response to an inquiry about former NBA player John Amaechi led to Hardaway's removal from league-sanctioned events during All-Star weekend.

Florida's Billy Donovan, who is expected to officially sign a contract today as the Orlando Magic’s new head coach, could be receiving another early Christmas present beside his annual salary of $6 million: free-agent in-waiting forward Rashard Lewis.

GM Kevin Pritchard maintains there is still a debate within the Blazers organization about whom to take, and that the decision won't be determined until Greg Oden and Kevin Durant visit Portland. Oden is scheduled to arrive June 19 and work out June 20; Durant will come June 21 and work out June 22.

No decision has been reached as to who the Grizzlies will hire as general manager and/or team president upon Jerry West's departure at the end of June. Griz majority owner Michael Heisley and West will travel this weekend to Scotland on a golf trip. Heisley indicated he will announce a decision sometime after his return, scheduled for the week of June 10. And while Heisley suggested that Phoenix executive David Griffin is a front-runner because of his relationship with newly signed Griz head coach Marc Iavaroni, he hasn't agreed to terms with Griffin, contrary to media reports. A source within the Phoenix Suns organization confirmed that Griffin had not received an offer from the Griz as of Thursday, and added that the Suns would make a pitch to retain their vice president of basketball operations. Heisley plans to conduct at least one more interview before deciding between known candidates such as Griffin, Mark Jackson, Kiki Vandeweghe and Chris Wallace. Former Chicago Bulls guard B.J. Armstrong also remains a person of interest for the Grizzlies. It is believed that Griffin and Jackson -- the former NBA point guard turned television analyst -- are on equal footing as front-runners in the process.

Indiana Pacers president of basketball operations and NBA legend Larry Bird, asked by inside hoops if he plans to return to coaching someday: "No, I enjoyed it while I did it, but I just want to do three years, so I'm moving on."

Portland's John Gabriel may be the frontrunner for the Seattle GM job, although Washington’s Tommy Sheppard, San Antonio’s Sam Presti and Atlanta’s Gary Fitzsimmons are in the hunt as well.

Warriors GM Chris Mullin last spoke to Don Nelson before the holiday weekend and said the coach, who will decide by July 1 if he plans to return for another season, sounded well and was trying to rest up in Maui while working off the extra pounds he gained during the season. Nelson is skipping this week's camp in Orlando, but should return to Oakland in time to watch some workouts of prospective draft picks.

Depending on who you ask, the Sonics' threat to move to Oklahoma City or Kansas City either has had no effect on the team's search for a general manager and coach, or it has turned away potential candidates. When told on Wednesday that Sonics chairman Clay Bennett plans to immediately petition the NBA for relocation after an Oct. 31 deadline, Denver coach George Karl said: "That's a shame. It really is. For that city and that team, that's sad." Karl, who spent 6 ½ seasons in Seattle, has the best winning percentage and has won more games than any other coach in franchise history. During the 1995-96 season, he led the Sonics to a team-record 64 wins and the NBA Finals. "If it's certain that they're moving, good luck finding somebody to take that job," he said. "That changes everything. You have to take that into consideration, I would think."

Jim O'Brien's version of the "three-second rule" has nothing to do with standing in the lane too long, and everything to do with speeding the tempo. If his Indiana Pacers can adhere to it next season, fans should be entertained. "Make or miss, if you get the ball across halfcourt in three seconds, we're playing basketball," O'Brien said Thursday after being introduced as the Pacers' new coach. "It's not going to be set offense. "Everyone in the NBA is so well prepared to stop your set offense that you have to push the ball."

Jim O'Brien soon will begin assembling his Pacers staff. He is expected to hire former Pacers assistant Dick Harter, who was with O'Brien in Boston and Philadelphia. Lester Connor, also a former O'Brien assistant, is another possibility. The Pacers must get permission from Milwaukee to talk to Connor, who is under contract. It's uncertain if any of Carlisle's assistants will be retained.

Kevin Durant has one tattoo -- his mother's first name over his heart -- which was etched on his birthday this year, but has vowed to remain "tattoo-less" for the rest of his life. "My mom has meant so much to me, and I always beat on my chest when I do something good in basketball. My mom is my heart, so I decided to get it on the top of my heart," Durant said. "I like how tattoos look, but I don't think they are for me. I'm not a big, strong guy. . . . They don't look right on me."

New Charlotte Bobcats general manager Rod Higgins said he has the resources and mandate to pursue whatever would help the team. Including a trade for Kobe Bryant. "In this business, you go down every road, every dark alley. You shake every bush you can," Higgins said Thursday, when asked about investigating Bryant's availability. "I don't know what's going on there, obviously," he said of the rift between Bryant and the Lakers, "(But) we're not afraid to go down that road." He believes Bobcats ownership is prepared to spend for a star, and Bryant is all that with a star's salary: $88.6 million over the next four seasons.

The Lakers' offices continued to get flooded with e-mails and phone calls. Since Kobe Bryant began his trade demands, 500 e-mails have been received from season-ticket holders and 90% have been in favor of keeping him. The Lakers have tried to keep season-ticket holders in the loop with daily e-mails that included Buss' statements, and they have reached out to some corporate sponsors and high-profile business partners with a simple message: We're not trading Kobe. The organization realizes it has the most dynamic player in the league. His departure could create a ripple effect, including lower TV ratings and a decrease in attendance. Lakers season-ticket holders renewed at a 97% rate before the 2006-07 season, an astounding number that would be tough to match next season if Bryant left. Furthermore, Bryant had the league's top-selling jersey this season and remained one of the top draws on the road.

LeBron James was called for 15 personal fouls in the six-game conference semifinal series against the Nets. There were a couple of games where he actually had to sit down because of foul trouble. Through the first five games against the Pistons, he has been called for seven personals. But before you start talking about superstar favoritism, hear what Flip Saunders had to say. "Richard Jefferson (Nets small forward) was extremely aggressive in that series," he said. "We haven't been what you would call extremely aggressive going to the rim." Tayshaun Prince has been James' primary defensive responsibility. But the Pistons have tried to involve James in pick-and-rolls, and James usually switches, leaving Prince guarded by a smaller defender. James has also been active away from the ball, which isn't conducive to drawing fouls.

With two Bucks’ assistant coaching vacancies – and a third one perhaps on the horizon – Larry Harris and Larry Krystkowiak have been inundated with interview requests. Barring last-minute glitch, however, the two current openings could be filled as soon as today. One of the jobs is expected to go to former Bucks forward Tony Brown, who has been an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics. Brown, who was a finalist for the Indiana Pacers’ head coaching position which went to Jim O’Brien, attended Thursday’s pre-draft camp but politely declined comment. As for the other coaching position, all signs point toward the Bucks hiring Bill Peterson, who is the associate head coach at Colorado State.

Power forward Joakim Noah of Florida, considered one of the top eight players in the draft, said he doesn’t intend to work out for the Bucks, who have the sixth overall selection. Noah refused to elaborate on the situation.

Wisconsin standout forward Alando Tucker isn’t playing at the pre-draft camp because he believes he’ll be a first-round draft choice. Tucker has piqued the curiosity of several teams, one being the Philadelphia 76ers.

Texas A&M point guard Acie Law IV and Florida State small forward Al Thornton said yesterday that they have workouts scheduled with the Sixers. Thornton has been projected as a possible Sixers pick at No. 12, but Law is expected to be gone by then. "I was a big [Allen] Iverson fan and I know that they are rebuilding," Thornton said. "If I go there, I will be happy and I think I can help them."

The Wolves don't have any intention of re-signing free-agent guard Bracey Wright, the former second-round pick from Indiana.

Speaking of Jeff Grayer, he blew out his left knee early in his rookie season with the Bucks and has had chronic pain ever since. “I went to the doctor the other day and he said I had the knee of a 70-year-old man,’’ said the 40-year-old Grayer, one of the nicest persons to ever don a Bucks uniform.

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MLB Rumors & Notes

Friday, June 1, 2007

So don’t expect Braves prospect Jarrod Saltalamacchia to be sent to Chicago for Carlos Zambrano. Zambrano is scheduled to be a free agent, and the Braves’ new world doesn’t have space for pricey imports. “Free agency is so inefficient,” Terry McGuirk, still the team’s president after the transfer of ownership says. “It’s the easiest way to waste a franchise’s money. … Anything that’s happened from 2000 on is tough to justify, and we learned that ourselves. Our payroll was going up like a rocket ship, and the fans stopped coming. That seemed a major statement as to what this franchise should be about.”

OF Bobby Abreu has a $16 million option for next season that the Yankees seem unlikely to exercise if his slump continues. Bowa said the uncertainty may be weighing on Abreu. “I think he likes it here,” Bowa said. “That started it. I think he wanted to impress people — ‘I want my option picked up’ and all that. Now it’s snowballed and he’s probably thinking, ‘Now what?’ ” Abreu said he had enough to worry about without thinking too far ahead.

While Torii Hunter's pending free agency gets a lot of attention, little has been said of the fact that Twins second baseman Luis Castillo also will be a free agent after the season. Castillo, who is earning $5.75 million this year, is hitting .335 and has gone 139 consecutive games without making an error.

The Yankees will be without their No. 2 power threat at least a month and possibly the rest of the season. Designated hitter Jason Giambi, second on the team with seven homers, has a torn left plantar fascia -- the tight band of muscle beneath the arch of the foot. Giambi yesterday was placed in a protective walking boot and the team said he will be reevaluated in three weeks. ... "It's going to be more than that," general manager Brian Cashman said. Asked if it could be season-ending, Cashman said, "I can't say yes or no. I don't think anybody can speak to it either way." A Yankees official, who requested anonymity because Cashman announces all injury news, said Giambi has a 75 percent tear.

Miguel Tejada reiterated yesterday that he'd like to stay with the Orioles, but acknowledged that it is largely out of his control. At this point, the Orioles have had no serious discussions about trading Tejada, but that could change if the club falls further out of it near the trade deadline. "There is nothing I can do about it. I just work here," said Tejada. "I play here and I am going to be here until the team decides that I am not going to be here. For me, I hope there are no rumors about trading me. But if they come, there is nothing I can do. They are going to be out of my mind. I am just going to play baseball."

Rangers slugger Mark Teixeira said he has not given much consideration to the possibility of a trade or where he'll be playing in the second half of 2007 or 2008. "I don't really worry because it's out of my control," Teixeira said. "I will play the same way I always do no matter who I play for."

Alex Rodriguez will be opting out of $81 million over three years in exchange for at least $125 million over six years, and that sounds a lot like the Angels, who have the cash and the desire. They’re also in Orange County, which is about as far from New York, in every way imaginable, as A-Rod can hope to get.

Of his contemporary managers, La Russa said he sees New York Yankees manager Joe Torre and Atlanta manager Bobby Cox as the composites of virtues he believes are Hall of Fame-worthy. Tony La Russa insisted his résumé, which includes two World Series titles and the third-most wins of any manager in history, is not. La Russa's self-deprecation came as a result of the profile that ran in this week's Sports Illustrated. The article details the stops in his career, his successes, and his failings, both personal and professional. The article makes it clear "that it is not a Hall of Fame career," La Russa said, expanding on a familiar topic that hinges on his stance that he's had good teams and better situations than his peers. "There is no Hall of Fame credential that has to do with being lucky. Read that (article) — no Hall of Fame career. ... My No. 1 quality is good fortune. That to me is not Hall of Fame."

Owner Drayton McLane, president of baseball operations Tal Smith, general manager Tim Purpura and manager Phil Garner met to discuss the state of the team Thursday morning at Union Station. The Astros broke a 10-game losing streak on Thursday night, missing the club-record streak of 11 which came two years after McLane purchased the team in 1993. "I feel very confident we have the caliber of team that can succeed," McLane said. "It needs some tweaking, and we're going to work on that." McLane reiterated what he told the Chronicle last week, saying he still has confidence in Purpura and Garner.

Giants GM Brian Sabean said Armando Benitez seemed "stunned" when told of the deal. Sabean left no doubt he was unhappy that he was forced by public opinion to consummate a trade that leaves the Giants with no experienced closer. "The type of person or professional I am, I don't take any satisfaction in anybody's demise or inability to do his job," Sabean said. "I'll say one thing about Armando. He was strong enough to be a whipping boy. "The first game here (in New York) we had three players who were not available. That was not Armando's fault. Tonight we had three hits and looked dead as a doornail. That was not Armando's fault. We are at a crossroads in my mind, and apparently the fans, the press and some people in the clubhouse felt he needed to go. "Now we're going to find out what they're made of. We'll see who's strong enough to be the whipping boy now. ... We're going to find out who, when and how we're going to step up. Right now, as we speak, we're heading closer to last place than first place. I don't know that that was Armando Benitez's fault."

As for Johnny Damon, with three elite center fielders on the free-agent market this winter — Torii Hunter, Andruw Jones and Ichiro Suzuki — he knows the Yankees will have options and the outfield could look different next season. “It could be,” said Damon, who has a limited no-trade clause. “That’s how baseball is.”

The Yankees will attend a second workout held by former Angels closer Troy Percival, who is attempting a comeback.

Cardinals outfielder Chris Duncan was admitted to a St. Louis-area hospital Thursday night and is expected to meet with a specialist to determine what kind of infection has taken root in his injured left knee, the club said. "I think they don't want to speculate or take a chance with what he's dealing with," manager Tony La Russa said after the Cardinals' 7-3 victory Thursday. "We need a real good read on it." The Cardinals had hoped that Duncan would come to the ballpark Thursday and be able to play. Hours before game time, after a check of his knee, Duncan was instead on a flight back to St. Louis.

Alex Rodriguez's verbal assist on Wednesday became the most talked-about story in baseball, but Mariners second baseman Jose Lopez knows it was no isolated incident. "That same guy does it all the time," Lopez said of the Yankees third baseman. "Every time, he does it. It's stupid." In a game against Toronto on Wednesday, Rodriguez was running from first base on a high popup toward third base. He shouted something as he passed behind third baseman Howie Clark, and Clark believed it was shortstop John McDonald calling him off the ball. Clark let the ball drop for a key RBI single. The play set off arguments all over the field. Mariners first baseman Richie Sexson said he wasn't surprised. "That's bush league," Sexson said of Rodriguez's actions. "It's happened to me in the minors or Little League or something, but not in the big leagues. "Baseball's baseball, and I realize you're trying to win, but it's just a no-no. You just don't do that."

White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen kept the bull's-eye on himself Thursday night, one day after angrily saying he should be fired if team officials believe he's not correctly handling an underachieving team. "Obviously, we're not playing the way we should be playing, and I blame myself," Guillen told a beehive of reporters. "I don't care who anyone else blames, I blame myself because I'm the one who is supposed to put those guys in position to win. "I'm not going to take credit when we do good and then all of a sudden we're not doing good and I step out. No, I'm here. I'm not going to hide from anybody."

Four days from now, Pedro Martinez is scheduled to throw off a mound for the first time this season. Martinez, who's recovering from a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder, is scheduled for his initial bullpen session on Tuesday. He also will long toss that day. Martinez said he has been long tossing up to 230 feet. But a successful mound session would be a big step forward in his rehabilitation. Martinez is still set to return to the Mets in August.

Who is the Giants new closer? Setup man Brad Hennessey figures to get first crack. Bruce Bochy emphatically said rookie Tim Lincecum will not become a reliever. Asked if he was up for the job, Hennessey said, "I don't see why not. I don't have a problem with it. If that's what they choose to do, that's what they choose to do. I don't feel added pressure. It's just the eighth inning all over again."

A member of Red Sox management said he was unaware of a rumor that Runelvys Hernandez, who opted out of his contract at Pawtucket yesterday, would be signing a minor league deal with the Yankees. Hernandez, who signed a minor league deal with the Sox last Dec. 22, was 0-3 with a 3.06 ERA in seven starts for Pawtucket and was victimized by spotty run support. The hefty right-hander, who was 25-33 with a 5.38 ERA in 78 starts for the Kansas City Royals from 2002-06, had the contractual right to flee Pawtucket on June 1 if he wasn’t in the majors. “He was great here and a great teammate,” Johnson said. “It’s a reminder that this is a business, and he’s got to do what’s best for him.”

Since Commissioner Bud Selig is expected to decide soon whether to discipline Jason Giambi for his tacit admission of steroid use, there is a chance that Giambi could receive a suspension and miss even more time than the stint on the D.L. If Selig did try to suspend Giambi, Giambi would then decide if he wants the players union to file a grievance on his behalf.

Carlos Beltran became the latest Mets outfielder to join the ranks of the limping wounded when he left last night's game after the first inning with what the team described as a bruised right knee. Beltran, who said he had been playing with tendinitis in the knee for about a month, will undergo an MRI today in Manhattan. But he was optimistic following the Mets' 4-2 victory over the San Francisco Giants. "The pain went away," he said. "It's weak, but it's feeling better." A preliminary examination by Mets doctors at Shea Stadium last night revealed no structural damage. But today's MRI is necessary to confirm those findings. "Everything is in place," Beltran said the doctors told him. "It's just swollen and sore."

Darin Erstad didn't break his left ankle, but his injury Thursday night was severe enough for the White Sox to search deeper for remedies for their frustrating season. Erstad, one of the Sox's few consistent offensive players, will be lost for at least two weeks after suffering ligament damage in a 2-0 loss at Toronto. Left-handed-hitting outfielder Jerry Owens, who is batting .305 with 23 stolen bases at Triple-A Charlotte, is expected to be promoted and join the team in time for Friday night's game against Toronto at the Rogers Centre.

The Reds' update on Ryan Freel Thursday was pretty vague: ". . . Freel today was examined by head and spine specialist Dr. John Brannan. Dr. Brannan recommended rest and limited activity. Freel will be examined again next week." But no one was saying how long the club expected Freel to be out. Freel obviously is going to be out at least until June 13 - that's when he's eligible to come off the disabled list - but the Reds have no firm timetable on when he'll actually return to play. "No idea," Reds manager Jerry Narron said. No one from the team has had any luck contacting Freel.

MLB officials have wrapped up their "investigation" into Jason Giambi's controversial steroid statement, and could announce as early as today whether he will be suspended or fined for his apparent admission. Sources close to Bud Selig said they don't know what the commissioner has decided but added that they wouldn't be surprised if he suspended or fined Giambi, even though any such action would be challenged by the Players Association.

Could the Pirates begin their 2008 season in the Far East? Kevin McClatchy, their chief executive officer, is one of three team executives who are part of Major League Baseball's delegation touring China this week as part of an effort to grow the sport there. And Bob DuPuy, MLB's president and CEO, yesterday told reporters in Beijing that several teams could play spring training exhibitions there next year. "I think there is an excellent chance we will have some games next spring, and there are lots of teams who are interested in coming," DuPuy said. "There is certainly no shortage of teams who are interested in being the first to play in China."

How About That? Rafael Furcal's hitting streak came to an end at 15 games Thursday, but not before the Dodgers shortstop raised his average 84 points to .302.

When former Rockie Aaron Miles returned to Coors Field this week as a Cardinal, one thing caught his attention. "Immediately I saw the length of the grass, and how thick it was," Miles said. "That's great for the pitchers, not so much for the hitters. Even the dirt itself doesn't seem quite as hard. But this is a big outfield here, so maybe you take something away from the infield." Miles sees a long-term plan hiding in the green grass. "I don't think it's a bad idea," Miles said. "I think they are maybe trying to appeal to some of the pitchers out there on the free-agent market who might be reluctant to come here."

You have to wonder if throwing 117 and 129 pitches in back-to-back starts had an effect on Red starter Bronson Arroyo. The numbers say it did. He is 0-2 with a 16.36 ERA in his three starts since.

Twins closer Joe Nathan has been a great buy for the $5.3 million he's making this season and $6 million he's guaranteed next year. But an even better bargain might be catcher Mike Redmond, who is hitting .413 (26 for 63 with six doubles and six RBIs) since May 6. He has taken over for injured Joe Mauer, who was hitting .353 before going on the disabled list with a left quadriceps injury. During his hot stretch, Redmond has nine games with at least two hits. Redmond is signed this season for $950,000 and next year for $950,000 and would receive a $100,000 check if the Twins don't pick up a $950,000 option for 2009.

Did You Know? Twins slugger Justin Morneau's 29 runs batted in, it turns out, tie a 46-year-old team record set in 1961. The other guy? Hall of famer Harmon Killebrew.

New Giants pitcher Randy Messenger is from Reno, Nev., and said he was looking forward to being closer to his home and family. He said he also looks forward to watching first-hand Barry Bonds' pursuit of Hank Aaron's home run record. ''Now I just get to follow the freak show,'' he said. ``It'll be a good thing.''

The Padres yesterday claimed right-handed-hitting outfielder Hiram Bocachica off waivers from the Oakland A's.

Three years after drafting Matt Bush first overall and signing him for a franchise-record $3.15 million, the Padres are moving the injury-prone, underachieving shortstop to the mound. Bush, 21, will work with Single-A pitching coach Steve Webber this week and, after participating in a minicamp in Oregon, the 5-foot-11, 180-pounder is to pitch in late June for an entry-level club in Peoria, Ariz. “I just think now is the time,” said Vice President of Scouting and Development Grady Fuson, who made the decision. Fuson said Bush is “ecstatic” about returning to the mound, where he last performed in 2004 for Mission Bay High. In his prep career, Bush had 29 wins with a 0.92 ERA (No. 3 all-time in the section) and struck out 274 (14th-best in section history). His fastball regularly topped 90 mph.

The Milwaukee Brewers have placed second baseman Rickie Weeks on the 15-day disabled list because of continuing problems with his surgically repaired right wrist and have called up pitcher Jose Capellan to take his place on the roster. Before the game, Ned Yost wasn't sure how long Weeks might be out. "We've just got to take it day by day and see how Rickie feels," Yost said Weeks is batting just .243 with five homers and 16 RBI. For the second straight game, rightfielder Corey Hart batted in the leadoff spot.

Even when it comes to a choice of surgeons, things get confusing for Carl Pavano. He was slated to have Tommy John surgery done by Dr. James Andrews today or Tuesday in Birmingham, Ala. Then yesterday, the Yankees announced Pavano will be operated on by Dr. David Altchek in Manhattan’s Hospital for Special Surgery. Either way, Pavano’s Yankees career is over.

Who Knew? Over a 22-year career, Barry Bonds has hit 64 of his 746 home runs against the Phillies, including 29 in Philadelphia. Only the San Diego Padres have surrendered more.

The Braves said left-hander Mike Gonzalez had successful ligament reconstruction surgery on his pitching elbow Thursday. The operation was performed by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham. Recovery from the surgery is typically about 12 months for pitchers, six months for position players.

Who Knew? Among players with 70 or more at-bats this month, Mets catcher Paul Lo Duca entered last night’s game against San Francisco with the highest batting average in baseball for May at .413 (33 for 80).

How About That? Lou Piniella's starting lineup Wednesday had nine players with a combined $353.6 million in guaranteed contracts. They lost 9-0 as the no-name Florida Marlins completed a sweep and left the Cubs seven games below .500.

With seven pitchers -- four starters -- still on the disabled list and Joel Hanrahan on the mend at Class AAA Columbus, Nats Manager Manny Acta said reliever Levale Speigner will get another turn in the starting rotation tomorrow. Speigner has a 14.81 ERA in his three starts, lasting a combined 10 1/3 innings. But the 26-year-old rookie, who had never pitched above Class AA before this season, will get at least one more start, essentially because there are no other options.

What does Jim Leyland think about former Tigers reliever Jamie Walker naming his newborn son James Leyland Walker -- even though it wasn't in honor of the manager? "I'm broken-hearted," Leyland said. "I thought it was after me. I was touched, but now it's just ancestry." James and Leyland, it turns out, are Walker family names.

When Twins manager Ron Gardenhire signed his three-year extension last October, keeping him under contract through 2009, his coaches all signed deals through 2008. In the major leagues, a lot of teams give coaches only a one-year contract.

This is the 27th year Rick Stelmaszek has been a member of the Twins coaching staff, a team record for longevity. So when Stelly speaks of first baseman Justin Morneau in the same breath as Kirby Puckett as a hitter, you listen. Stelmaszek describes Morneau as "probably a taller Puckett." Stelmaszek, the Twins bullpen coach since 1981, was here from Day 1 of Puckett's Hall of Fame career. Stelmaszek also has watched Morneau from the 2006 American League MVP's first days with the team. "He's got a high ceiling. He's still young, he's still learning and he's a very competitive person," Stelmaszek said of Morneau, who is hitting .294 with 16 home runs and 44 RBI, one RBI behind team leader Torii Hunter. "He's using the whole field. He can juice the ball out of any part of the ballpark."

Masumi Kuwata could experience two significant firsts when he joins Class AAA Indianapolis tonight: He could make his North American debut and, if he does, he will pitch as a reliever after 21 seasons of starting in Japan. There soon could be another first, too, if he makes it to Pittsburgh. And that hardly can be ruled out, given the state of the Pirates' right-handed relievers not named Salomon Torres or Matt Capps. This year, the team already has gone through John Wasdin, Marty McLeary and Brian Rogers, and what is there now is hardly a sure thing. Jonah Bayliss, owner of a 7.07 ERA, has been maddeningly inconsistent. Josh Sharpless, the third reliever recalled from Indianapolis this season, has not shown encouraging command in three outings. Put together, Wasdin, McLeary, Rogers, Bayliss and Sharpless have a 7.71 ERA and have allowed 69 hits, 25 walks and 12 home runs in 51 innings.

How dismal is the Pirates' bench? The team's pinch-hitters have two hits in their past 31 at-bats, and their season average is .122 with three extra-base hits. Nate McLouth's seventh-inning double last night snapped a personal 0-for-20 slump as a pinch-hitter.

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NFL Rumors & Notes

Friday, June 1, 2007

The Dolphins recently modified their trade offer for Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Trent Green, his agent, Jim Steiner, said Thursday morning. And although the Chiefs didn't immediately accept, Steiner said he continues to believe Green will end up with the Dolphins. ''I think we will get a deal done,'' Steiner said. ``There have been a lot of conversations.'' But Steiner said he has no idea when Green will become a Dolphin or whether it will be in time for the team's final minicamp June 8-10. According to Steiner, the Dolphins offered a conditional sixth-round pick that would become a fifth-rounder if Green meets certain undisclosed conditions. But the Chiefs have asked for a fourth-round pick.

This year, June 3 is a key date -- specifically to the Dallas Cowboys and wide receiver Terrell Owens. If T.O. is on the Cowboys roster June 3 -- meaning the team does not release him June 1 or 2 -- then the mercurial wide receiver will earn a $3 million roster bonus, officially assuring his presence in Dallas for the coming season. But barring any unforeseen events, the bonus is expected to be paid. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones already has stated he expects T.O. to return to Dallas for 2007, one year after the wide receiver caught 85 passes for 1,180 yards and 13 touchdowns for Dallas. Owens even participated in the Cowboys' mandatory mid-May minicamp, despite undergoing two operations this offseason to repair a torn tendon in his right ring finger.

Now with the 49ers about $10 million under the cap and with three inviting roster spots open, the team is in a buying mode. Colts defensive tackle Corey Simon could be available. A Pro Bowl player in 2003 with Philadelphia, Simon didn't play last season after his placement on the non-football injury list with a knee problem that lingered from 2005. After filing a grievance, he's now trying to get money out of the Colts. Nevertheless, apples could tumble from the June 1 tree. Fullback/tight end/special teams player Obafemi Ayanbadejo of the Cardinals might get his release. He's from Santa Cruz and could be a backup to starting fullback Moran Norris and could also provide competition to Delanie Walker as the team's backup "F-back," a hybrid fullback/tight end spot filled by Norris and Vernon Davis last year. Others who could be released are Eagles defensive lineman Jerome McDougle, Seahawks safety and former 49er Kelly Herndon (still recovering from a fractured ankle sustained in the season finale) and former Cal and Bengal cornerback Deltha O'Neal, whose commitment to the game may be wavering. Even if these players aren't released today, they could come available in training camp, which also is a possibility with Jets cornerback David Barrett.

Jets CB David Barrett ($3.6 million cap number in 2007) and WR Justin McCareins ($2.9 million) appear to be safe, although each may be asked to rework their contracts. Barrett, who was slowed by a sports hernia last season that required off-season surgery, worked with the first-team yesterday over rookie first-round pick Darrelle Revis.

The Eagles announced yesterday that tight end L.J. Smith underwent surgery Wednesday to repair a sports hernia, the same injury that eventually ended quarterback Donovan McNabb's 2005 season. Smith, who is entering the final year of his contract, will miss the team's final full-squad minicamp, which begins Tuesday and runs through June 14. The Eagles said his condition would be evaluated over the next several weeks to determine whether he will be ready for training camp. The Eagles said they found out about Smith's abdominal pain a week ago Wednesday, when he reported it to team trainer Rick Burkholder. A team source said that Smith's surgery was not as involved as the surgery that McNabb required after his season was cut short two years ago. A league source indicated that Smith, 27, would be recovered by the start of training camp.

There remains no sign of Pats cornerback Asante Samuel, but that shouldn’t come as a surprise. While he was given the franchise tag, he’s technically not under contract, given he hasn’t signed the one-year tender. The team can’t fine him for missing a voluntary camp, or next week’s mandatory minicamp. They held that leverage over Deion Branch last year, given the receiver was a holdout, with a contract in place. The two sides have until mid July to strike a long-term deal. Then Samuel will only be allowed to sign his one-year tender, or hold out.

Pacman Jones will be allowed inside Baptist Sports Park today for the first time since April 10, when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended the Titans cornerback for a year.
According to terms of the suspension, Jones will be permitted to spend one day a week at the team facility for conditioning, film study and other "similar activities.'' He is required to meet with Tina Tuggle, the team's player development director, once a week. The Titans wrapped up May minicamps Thursday, so most players and coaches aren't expected to be at Baptist Sports Park today and there are indications Jones may not make his first appearance until next week.

Falcons quarterback Michael Vick said in 2004 that he wouldn't cut his hair until after the team won a Super Bowl. Thursday, he showed up to offseason workouts with his trademark braids sheared and his hair in a short, natural cut, much like the one he sported upon being drafted in 2001. Vick, who has been embroiled in a dogfighting investigation at a Virginia property he owns, said two weeks ago that he planned unspecified changes in his life and that people would have wait and see what those would be. The haircut apparently is one of those changes. Vick declined comment Thursday.

Legal proceedings continue dominating headlines, and probably will until training camp. The next one will involve Chicago defensive tackle Tank Johnson, whose suspension could come as soon as June 1 and no later than June 4. The NFL spent much of this past week wrapping up all the discussions it needed to have about Johnson. All that now remains is for NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to write his decision letter, which could happen June 1. When Johnson's suspension is handed down, it is expected to be between six and eight games. Some have speculated between two and four games; but based on the evidence and Johnson's legal history, there is next to no chance of that happening.

Jets left guard Pete Kendall, who's due to make about $2 million this season, feels he's underpaid and his absence is a statement to express his disdain. "He's extremely frustrated and disappointed and unhappy over the economic status of his contract," Kendall's agent, Neil Schwartz, told The Post yesterday. Schwartz said he believes the Jets should "make it right" with Kendall, who's been a good soldier as a Jet, changing positions in 2005 when center Kevin Mawae was injured and helping to tutor D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold. "It's easy," Schwartz said. "What we're asking for is extremely fair. It's not like we're asking for something that's unconscionable." Mangini did his best to downplay the situation yesterday, saying, "All these camps are voluntary."

The Vikings expect veteran cornerback Antoine Winfield to be at Winter Park today as they open their three-day minicamp. Winfield skipped last week's organized team activities (OTAs), but those were optional workouts; the minicamp is mandatory, and Winfield could be fined if he stays away. Winfield's agent, Richard Katz, told the NFL's website last week that his client would attend this camp, which will consist of two practices today and Saturday and a final session Sunday morning. Katz did not return calls or e-mails Thursday.

Packers QB Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers, who were limited in the off-season as they continued their recoveries from surgery, were cleared to resume full activity and took part in all portions of practice Thursday. "I thought they looked good," coach Mike McCarthy said. "I mean, (Favre) just anticipates so well, and those are valuable reps for the younger players. You can see, one or two to James Jones, coming out of the break and the ball's there, those are the little things that you just can't get enough of, and I thought he threw the ball well. "I think Aaron's throwing the ball extremely well. He's been throwing the ball well all spring, and now we've cut him loose medically. I'm very pleased with the progress he's made."

Jets rookie wide receiver Chansi Stuckey, a seventh-round pick out of Clemson, was one of two men reportedly with cornerback/kick returner Justin Miller the night he was charged with third-degree misdemeanor assault for allegedly striking a woman at a Manhattan night spot in the early morning of May 20, a team official told The Star-Ledger yesterday. The official requested anonymity because such matters are handled internally. Stuckey, who played with Miller at Clemson, has been fined an undisclosed amount, the official said. The team, however, is awaiting the outcome of police and NFL investigations before taking disciplinary action, the official said. Miller is expected to be fined as well. The league isn't expected to take any action against Miller because he's a first-time offender, the official said. Under terms of the league's conduct policy, a first-time offense generally doesn't result in discipline.

Veteran nose tackle Grady Jackson might be close to reaching an accord with the Falcons after skipping all voluntary workouts because of a legal dispute with the team. Jackson recently started physical training with the team's strength coaches in Flowery Branch. Jackson has not participated in offseason training activities, which are similar to mini-camp practices. Jackson is seeking damages from the Falcons for allegedly leaking private medical information to the media last summer after he failed a physical as part of a free-agent visit.

Sometime soon, maybe as early as June 1, Miami linebacker Joey Porter will be invited to NFL headquarters in New York to explain to the league's management council his version of events in the March fight he had with Cincinnati offensive tackle Levi Jones.

Those waiting for Roger Goodell's decision on Adam "Pacman" Jones' appeal of his season-long suspension will have to wait a while longer. The league is not expected to announce its verdict until the end of next week, at the earliest, and it could well be the week after, in mid-June.

NFLPA boss Gene Upshaw, who has headed the players association for nearly 24 years, has been reluctant to lash back at his critics, because he knows how it will sound. "If I speak the truth, I'm portrayed as a guy who isn't sympathetic, who has a million-dollar job and just cares about himself," he said this week during a 75-minute interview with the Daily News. The truth, Upshaw insists, is that he always has looked out for the welfare of retired players. The truth, he insists, is that thanks to the improvements in pension benefits in the last four labor extensions, many retired players make more today than they did as players. "Some of these [retired] guys have claimed that no one's representing them," Upshaw said. "That's crazy. We've always represented them. I'm the only one at the bargaining table who represents those retired players. "When I go in [to negotiate a new CBA], I've got to fight for our 60 percent [the players' cut of the league revenue]. When I fight for the 60 percent, I'm also fighting for their piece. Because their piece has to come out of our piece. That's the only place it's going to come from."

Falcons wide receiver Brian Finneran likely will have surgery to repair damage to his left knee in the coming weeks, if not days, according to Petrino. "He's had a couple different opinions, and he's probably going to have to get something done here quickly, in the near future," Petrino said. Petrino did not disclose the nature of Finneran's injury, the type of procedure expected to be performed or a projected return date. Finneran, who missed all of the 2006 season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament, re-injured his knee at a May mini-camp while doing some rehabilitative running.

The moment the Cowboys signed receiver Terrell Owens to a three-year $25 million contract, the countdown began on when his services would be terminated. It doesn't appear it will be this season. The Cowboys are expected to pay Owens a $3 million roster bonus today to stay with the team. After last season ended, owner/general manager Jerry Jones told everyone who asked that Owens, the Cowboys' leading receiver, would return in 2007. Jones even got snippy on his weekly radio show at season's end. Asked if Owens would return, Jones replied, "I said yes, OK. I don't know how I can answer you any clearer."

Signed as a free agent to be the Broncos' backup quarterback, Patrick Ramsey has surprised even himself by how quickly he is learning the offense. Ramsey, a sixth-year pro who has 24 career starts in the NFL, isn't sure the smooth adjustment is a result of him being older and wiser, or because Mike Shanahan's offense makes so much sense. "It's my first time in this system, and I'm still adjusting," Ramsey said. "But I feel like I'm picking it up quicker than I have with other systems. "Maybe the teams I've been with ran kind of a hybrid of what we're doing. Everybody kind of takes from other teams."

New Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said one of his goals this season will be keeping Kenechi Udeze at left end. Udeze shifted to the right side after Erasmus James suffered a season-ending knee injury in last year's second game. Udeze didn't have a sack all season. "That's where he feels most comfortable at," Frazier said of Udeze. "We need to let him be where he feels confident and give him the best chance to be successful. We're committed to doing that, and hopefully we'll get the results out of it that we're looking for." James is expected back for training camp, but it's uncertain how much of a workload he will be able to handle early in the season.