Ben Maller’s Sports Rumors & Notes

Rumors Archive for June 11, 2007

top

NBA Rumors & Notes

Monday, June 11, 2007

It's no secret around Phoenix that Shawn Marion is unhappy with his situation and wouldn't mind going elsewhere. Because he is scheduled to make $16.4 million in 2007-08, and has two years remaining on his deal, moving him isn't that easy, especially because he seems to fit best playing with Steve Nash. Marion is hardly the interior player you'd dish to for inside scoring. He's an energy, hustle player, and he does get his points. That would seem to make him a fit for the Suns—and the Bulls. ... The key for Phoenix probably would be Ben Gordon. He's in an uneasy position with the Bulls with a contract extension on the horizon and questions about whether he should start. Imagine the openings he would have playing with Nash and Stoudemire. And Phoenix has always liked Andres Nocioni, who could play the forward positions Marion played, make a shot and provide toughness.

GM Ernie Grunfeld said yesterday he wasn't surprised Gilbert Arenas plans to enter the free agent market after next season and that he is committed to keeping the All-Star guard with the Washington Wizards for the rest of his career. "We expected and anticipated that Gilbert would elect to opt out of his contract," Grunfeld said. "Gilbert has said that he intended to opt out for business reasons with the ability to sign a longer and more lucrative deal. "As a three-time All-Star and one of the league's best players, we understand why a player of his stature would like to be compensated accordingly." Grunfeld said the organization intends to make Arenas an offer that will keep him in Washington.

While Jermaine O'Neal would improve the Laker defense significantly, his low field goal percentage is a worry. To give up both Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom is simply too much for the Lakers to pay for O'Neal. While a trade built around Odom and Kwame Brown would match O'Neal's salary, LA would be hard pressed to find a workable combination of players to send with Bynum (at least before July). Since Indiana doesn't have a draft pick, LA's 19th selection is an attractive piece . . . but that's a problem if a deal sending out Bynum can't happen until weeks after the draft. While the Pacers may find Bynum a compelling piece, Odom gives them enough to compete now in the East whereas the Laker center is still a year or two away from being a high impact contributor.

What has a better chance of happening? Rasheed Wallace going to the New York Knicks or Knicks coach Isiah Thomas coming to the Pistons to replace Flip Saunders after this season? Put your money on 'Sheed going to the Knicks, although that's not a sure thing. Thomas likes Wallace's veteran experience and his talent. And Wallace would love to play in New York before retiring.

The Bulls would probably be willing to take a chance on Zach Randolph and his troubled past if the price is reasonable. But if the Blazers are asking for Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon or Luol Deng, nothing is going to happen. Obviously, the Bulls are hoping the price comes down this summer, though one popular rumor has Randolph headed to New Jersey for Richard Jefferson.

Lots of questions remain in Memphis with Pau Gasol and the No. 4 pick. "The draft [lottery] didn't go our way, and now other things are going to have to happen to be a better team," Gasol told the Memphis media. "I don't know how much this affects my situation. Let's see how the franchise reacts." The consensus lately is the Grizzlies will keep Gasol, though Spanish reporters at the NBA Finals say Gasol probably would renew his trade request.

Pistons president Joe Dumars is willing to pony up a four-year contract worth around $13 million a season. Keeping Chauncey Billups is a must because finding a quality point guard is difficult. What the Pistons must do in addition to re-signing Billups is find a quick change-of-pace guard that can back him up and be groomed to be his replacement.

At No. 5, Boston seems most likely to trade out of the top 10 (as previously noted, Shawn Marion has been mentioned) because it's not certain Paul Pierce will even introduce himself to yet another rookie. And because Pierce averages almost $20 million a year for the next four seasons, it's unlikely he's going anywhere.

With Stan Van Gundy its new coach, it's sounding more like Orlando will keep restricted free agent Darko Milicic. ... If Orlando keeps Milicic, it probably puts it out of the free-agent bidding for Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis.

Multiple teams have extra first- and second-round picks. Cavs assistant General Manager Chris Grant said the Cavs might have the green light to buy a pick for as much as $3 million, but it would depend on who's available during different points in the draft. The Cavs might look to sign undrafted players to nonguaranteed contracts.

Patrick Ewing wants to get back into coaching, but the Knicks have yet to call on one of their all-time greats after Phil Ford left to join Charlotte's staff. "Until somebody calls me and offers me a job, I've got nothing to talk about," Ewing said last night before Game 2 of the NBA Finals, where he is doing TV work.

Ira Newble has until the end of the week to decide whether to terminate the final year of his Cavs contract. Newble said Sunday that he has come to a decision and he will not exercise the clause, which will mean he'll make $3.4 million next year in the last of a five-year, $15 million deal that he signed in 2003. It will be the most he has made for a season in his career. ``I haven't gotten much playing time and other teams haven't gotten a chance to see me,'' Newble said. ``I'm not going to give back any money.''

Nuggets guard J.R. Smith may face several traffic violations when the investigation into his Saturday crash in New Jersey is completed, authorities said Sunday. Smith, 21, was driving a 2003 GMC sports utility vehicle southbound on Stillhouse Road in Millstone Township, N.J., when he drove around a vehicle that was stopped at a stop sign in front of him, according to a report issued by the New Jersey State Police.

Nuggets guard J.R. Smith rested Sunday, while team front- office personnel expressed concern for all involved in Saturday's auto accident in New Jersey that led to four people being hospitalized. "We're still gathering information, but our prayers are with the people involved, others besides J.R., and our thoughts are 100 percent nonbasketball-related with this," Rex Chapman, the Nuggets' vice president of player personnel, said Sunday. "Our thoughts and prayers are with all people involved, and we are just hoping and praying for the best." According to a police report, Smith drove his sport utility vehicle around another vehicle stopped at a stop sign. In the intersection, his SUV was hit by an oncoming car, which had the right of way, throwing Smith and a friend, Andre Bell, out of the SUV.

The talk all season was Jason Richardson would be the odd man out with his big contract and overlap at wing positions. The Warriors could package Richardson and something for Boston's fifth pick—Theo Ratliff's expiring contract and maybe Sebastian Telfair. Keep an eye on the Warriors.

Former Bulls coach Bill Cartwright interviewed in Sacramento. Lakers assistants Kurt Rambis and Brian Shaw, New Mexico State's Reggie Theus, Kings assistant Scott Brooks and Pistons assistant Terry Porter remain candidates.

With the Spurs having an opportunity to win a fourth NBA title in nine seasons, forward Tim Duncan wonders why coach Gregg Popovich doesn't get as much recognition as other elite coaches. Among current NBA coaches, only Phil Jackson (nine) and Pat Riley (five) have more titles than Popovich. But Popovich entered Sunday's game against the Cavaliers with a 13-9 record in the Finals, giving him the highest championship series winning percentage (.684) in NBA history. But Duncan said Popovich is fine with being overshadowed in the national media by coaches such as Jackson, Riley and Larry Brown. The Spurs' small-market profile has a lot to do with that perception. ''For whatever reason, it's what the Spurs have been labeled as -- we're kind of looked by in that respect,'' Duncan said. ``Honestly, I think Pop likes it that way. He's as good as anyone ever, but it doesn't matter to him. He's about the challenge of putting a team together every year, about getting guys to play the right way [and winning]. He'll deal without any of the extra attention.''

Though San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich generally does not concern himself with the Spurs' place in league history, he was willing to make an exception Sunday to describe the impact and influence of Tim Duncan and David Robinson, putting them in the most elevated class of stars. "The thing that's synonymous with other good teams in the past is having the central player on your team have a great combination of competitiveness, character and talent, and all those teams had it," Popovich said. "(That is) the thing that characterizes us with David and then Tim. "When you look at all those teams, whether it's Bill Russell, Celtics; or Larry Bird, Celtics; or Magic (Johnson) or Kareem (Abdul-Jabbar), Lakers; or Hakeem (Olajuwon), Rockets — whatever you want to say, there's always somebody like that."

The Timberwolves will continue to work out prospects for the NBA draft today with Chris Richard of Florida, Herbert Hill of Providence and Anthony Tolliver of Creighton on hand at Target Center. Two of the players scheduled for Wednesday are Dustin Salisbury of Temple and Finnish point guard Petteri Koponen.

top

MLB Rumors & Notes

Monday, June 11, 2007

At some point, the Rockies need to dip their toes back into the free-agent pool. Among the targets available will be Minnesota's Torii Hunter, Atlanta's Andruw Jones (no chance with him), Seattle's Ichiro Suzuki and Padres setup man Scott Linebrink. I expect the Rockies to aggressively pursue bullpen help, particularly if they deem Brian Fuentes too expensive. It will be interesting to see if they make a play for Houston's Brad Lidge, who just moved into a new home in Castle Rock.

If the Tigers want to get Eric Gagne of the Rangers or Brad Lidge of the Astros, they are going to have to get in line and make a push. It'll probably take an offer of an established player and a prospect. A lot of contending teams -- including the division-leading Indians -- are looking for bullpen help. That's why it wouldn't be a surprise if the Tigers deal a veteran such as Mike Maroth (1-2 with a 6.23 ERA in last four starts) before week's end.

As for Derek Lowe, he is telling pals that he won’t be re-upping with the Dodgers when his $36 million, four-year deal runs out in 2008 - that he wants to test the free-agent market.

If J.D. Durbin or one of his peers doesn't work out, it probably means the Phillies will have to make a trade, one that possibly includes centerfielder Aaron Rowand, their most valuable trade piece and, on paper, their most replaceable. It would be a cutting coincidence if Garcia's injury leads to Rowand's departure from Philadelphia, a town that loves him and one that he loves. Rowand was one of the biggest endorsers of the Garcia acquisition; they were teammate with the White Sox.

If Twins General Manager Terry Ryan is looking for a switch-hitting DH with power, one possibility is Dmitri Young, who is hitting .342 for Washington with 33 RBI and six home runs. A Nationals official here for the Twins series said that Young signed a one-year contract for $850,000 and that he is definitely available for the right deal.

Jason Kendall, whom many A's pitchers credit with the staff's success in 2007, is in the final year of a $60 million contract he signed with the Pirates in November 2000. He has said several times that he would like to return to Oakland and expressed interest in reworking his deal last winter, but the A's have not held talks with Kendall or his agent, Arn Tellem.

The Phillies expect nothing promising from Freddy Garcia's exam with Dr. Michael Ciccotti today, which means they need a long-term solution in their starting rotation. Garcia left Friday's game against the Royals after giving up six runs in 1 2/3 innings with a shoulder strain that has troubled him all season. He landed on the 15-day disabled list, where the club expects him to stay for much, if not all, of the rest of the season.

There are indications that one player the Twins could target is Tampa Bay infielder Ty Wigginton, a righthanded hitter who is batting .263 with 11 home runs and 33 RBI. Wigginton, 29, is making $2.7 million this season, keeping him in the Twins' price range. Tampa Bay needs pitching, making the Devil Rays a good match for a team flush with pitching prospects.

Mark Buehrle hasn't had contract talks with the White Sox since last summer, when he turned down a reported three-year deal at the All-Star break believed to be worth about $34 million. The lefty likely will command more on the free-agent market should he exercise that right after this season. ''It's up to the money,'' Ozzie Guillen said. ''Money talks. I don't blame Buehrle if he tests the market and gets his money. That's his job. He should make as much money as he can because when he's not playing baseball, he's just another guy on the street.''

Is Pat Gillick on his way back to Seattle? There are persistent rumors he's on the verge of leaving the Phillies to become club president of the Mariners. He says he's not going anywhere.

The White Sox have tried in vain to reacquire Aaron Rowand, although they are believed to still be talking to the Phillies, who need bullpen help. "It feels like [Rowand] is still in a White Sox uniform," Guillen said. "He's a big fan of this ballclub. He played his brains out for this ballclub, for the White Sox people, he gave me a ring."

Nationals 1B Dmitri Young, appearing as a guest with Ben Maller and Denny Hocking on Fox Sports Radio, asked how much trouble he had finding a job in the offseason: "There were absolutely no offers. Only offer I had was from Jim Bowden. I just started out at minor league camp and worked my way to being the starting first baseman. I was two days away from shutting it down, but Jim Bowden came calling. It was an opportunity for me to not quit on something that I love to do."

Phillies closer Brett Myers (strained right shoulder) said he would throw off the mound for the first time tomorrow. He still believes he can return to the field by next Monday.

The trade market figures to be quiet for another month or so, but Texas' Mark Teixeira landed on the disabled list over the weekend, taking away a potential target for now. With Doug Mientkiewicz out for at least the next two months, the Yankees will have to go with Miguel Cairo and Josh Phelps, unless Johnny Damon works his way into the mix. "Unless I come up with something different, Joe will make a choice from what we have on the roster right now," GM Brian Cashman said. "I'm always looking to improve the club, but right now, that's what you're going to see. I don't anticipate that changing."

The NY Post reports that legendary third baseman Graig Nettles said at the Perry Ellis/Details magazine event at which he was saluted that he's the only Yankee captain not to have been honored with a day at Yankee Stadium

Yanks GM Brian Cashman doesn't anticipate adding a first baseman in the near-term, and Torre said he has been satisfied with Miguel Cairo and Josh Phelps. "Unless I come up with something different, Joe will make the choice from what we have on the roster right now," Cashman said, adding, "I'm always looking to improve the club."

Jon Lester has one more start remaining on his latest 30-day rehabilitation assignment at Triple-A Pawtucket, but Red Sox manager Terry Francona yesterday cautioned once again that those anticipating the left-hander’s imminent arrival in Boston may have to wait.

So much for that brotherly family reunion of Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano and battery mate Michael Barrett tonight against the Houston Astros. Manager Lou Piniella said the team's scheduled middle-of-the-night arrival into Chicago prompted him to give Barrett tonight off. That means Koyie Hill will catch Zambrano for the second straight start since Zambrano and Barrett tangled in the clubhouse the last time they were paired up, June 1 at Wrigley Field.

Chipper Jones took batting practice Sunday night and said afterward he could return from the disabled list as soon as Tuesday, when the Braves open a series against the Minnesota Twins. Even if he has to take it slower than that, Jones said he hopes to come off the DL no later than the weekend series in Cleveland.

The Mets are getting excited about Pedro Martinez, who is throwing off a mound at their complex in Florida. He's not due back from rotator cuff surgery until August but could provide a great lift in the playoffs, provided his team holds onto its position.

With the return of Roger Clemens, Torre indicated the pitching staff has been stabilized: Tyler Clippard will remain the fifth starter along with ace Chien-Ming Wang and veterans Mike Mussina and Andy Pettitte. The Yankees have an off-day today, and Wang will start tomorrow against Arizona, followed by Mussina and Pettitte. The current plan, Torre said, is to have Clemens open the "Subway Series" against the Mets Friday and start Clippard Saturday. Clippard's spot is safe for now, despite the recent success in Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre of demoted left-hander Kei Igawa, who was optioned to Class-A Tampa on May 7 after inconsistent performances. Igawa fanned eight and allowed just one earned run for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Friday night. But Torre said Igawa is still working on "perfecting his pitches" and is not an option at this time. Still, the young Clippard knows remaining in the rotation is not a sure thing with the Yankees fighting for a playoff spot.

OF Preston Wilson is in Colorado to visit with Dr. Richard Steadman and could have surgery on his injured right knee as early as today. Wilson hasn't appeared in a game since May 5, because of soreness in the knee he attributed to cartilage damage and a bone bruise. Wilson expected to have a cleanup procedure or more serious microfracture surgery done on his knee, the latter of which would end his season. The Cardinals will learn which repair will be used after the consultation.

Pirates GM Dave Littlefield confirmed he is considering bringing up help from Indianapolis to keep the bullpen at full strength, given that Matt Capps' suspension should begin tomorrow and Salomon Torres is on the disabled list. To do that, a position player must be demoted. "We'll consider a few different things," Littlefield said. Littlefield cited Franquelis Osoria, Dan Kolb and Juan Perez as the relievers being considered. Osoria, owner of a 2.35 ERA, is the most likely choice.

To make room for James Loney, the Dodgers designated Brady Clark for assignment. The team has 10 days to put Clark on waivers, trade or release him. He was acquired along with cash considerations for pitcher Elmer Dessens in late March. "I think it's a blessing in disguise," said Clark, who hit .224 in 58 at-bats. "At least I hope it is. There's 29 other teams out there, and hopefully there will be a place out there where I can get some at-bats."

The Angels' offensive surge has placed a heavy burden on their opponents and taken some pressure off owner Arte Moreno, whose promise last fall to make a "major move" to address the team's offensive shortcomings never materialized. The need for a big bat has been mitigated by an offense that before Sunday ranked third in the American League in batting average and fifth in runs, despite the absence of several key players for an extended period this season. The emergence of Reggie Willits and Mike Napoli, combined with the return of Garret Anderson, Chone Figgins and Howie Kendrick from injury and the steady production of Vladimir Guerrero, Orlando Cabrera and Gary Matthews Jr., has made the Angels a formidable offensive threat. "I think the 'big-bat theory' was sound, but sometimes with the emergence of two or three guys or the re-emergence of two or three guys getting back into their game, it's more than getting that big bat, and I think that's what we're seeing," Manager Mike Scioscia said. "We're seeing a team-oriented, consistent offense from one through nine."

Red Sox pitcher Julian Tavarez has been making his last few starts with a torn blister at the tip of his right middle finger, which he has been successfully self-treating in a unique way. He said that he dealt with the problem by: 1) popping the blister, 2) repeatedly swabbing it with rubbing alcohol, 3) crushing aspirin, mixing it with Red Bull energy drink and rubbing it on the wound. The process has dried and hardened the broken skin.

Melvin Mora sat on one of the clubhouse sofas yesterday as the Orioles took batting practice. He glanced at the nearest television, which replayed a game involving the starting pitcher for the Colorado Rockies, right-hander Jason Hirsh. A pitcher that Mora chose not to face. Mora confirmed that he asked for the day off, which manager Sam Perlozzo granted, after Mora went 0-for-4 on Saturday night. Mora's average is down to .242. And he has no clue how to improve it. "I'm [messed] up," Mora said. Asked in what way, he said, "Mentally." "I was fine on the road trip," he added. "I get here and it's kind of ... " Mora made a sound that indicated he's out of sorts, that he doesn't feel right.

Tony Peña Jr. hit his first home run in 235 at-bats, but you know what he was happier with? “My two sac bunts,” he said. “The first one is against a guy like (Jose) Mesa; he’s a tough guy to bunt against. And being able to do those little things like that to help us win ballgames, that’s really important for me.” Peña had one of his best games as a Royal in the team’s 17-5 stomping of Philadelphia on Sunday. There was the 379-foot homer to left, the two sac bunts and a single up the middle.

Negotiations with top pick Casey Weathers will resume this week. There are indications the Rockies would like Weathers to sign for less than $1.8 million - his slot number - because he lacks leverage as a college senior.

Did You Know? O's OF Corey Patterson is the only player listed on the All-Star ballot who started his pro career with the Cubs. There were 15 players who originally signed or were drafted by Toronto and 14 by Atlanta.

On the message board in the Brewers' clubhouse were the words: "Meeting 5:20." Did that mean it was time for one of those clubhouse sessions slumping teams have, a players-only meeting in which players air their grievances? Nope. Instead, Brewers manager Ned Yost got together with his guys to discuss the all-star break and when he expects the players to reconvene for a workout to start the second half.

Asked about getting 300 wins after being stuck on No. 295 for the fourth straight start, Tom Glavine said: "I'm getting tired of talking about the whole 300 thing." Glavine added he fears people think he's consumed by winning 300.

Who Knew? After going four straight games without scoring more than three runs, the Yankees have scored five or more runs in 10 of 11 games. They've won 17 of the last 18 interleague series they've played at Yankee Stadium.

The Reds honored radio broadcasters Waite Hoyt, Joe Nuxhall and Marty Brennaman during a ceremony on the field before Sunday's game at Great American Ball Park. Three replica radio microphones bearing the broadcasters' last names were unveiled on the concrete facade below the WLW radio booth. "This is a real honor," said Nuxhall, whose broadcasting career with the Reds began in 1967. "It's something I never expected. I enjoy the game of baseball and being part of the Reds organization for all these years. To have this happen is, basically, unbelievable as far as I'm concerned." The replica microphones are displayed alongside the eight retired uniform numbers belonging to Fred Hutchinson (1), Johnny Bench (5), Joe Morgan (8), Sparky Anderson (10), Ted Kluszewski (18), Frank Robinson (20), Tony Perez (24) and Jackie Robinson (42). Sunday added to the many memorable moments Nuxhall, the 78-year-old former Reds pitcher whose sign-off "Rounding third and heading for home" became a signature line, has shared with Brennaman. The two partnered on the radio for 31 seasons from 1974-2004.

Who Knew? The White Sox are 23-19 when Scott Podsednik or Darin Erstad leads off, 4-13 when they don't.

Damion Easley spent six-plus seasons playing for the Tigers, so he spent the better part of the Mets' three-day jaunt to Michigan catching up with old friends, reporters and clubhouse attendants. The most notable greeting came from legendary Tigers broadcaster Ernie Harwell, who made a stop by the Mets' clubhouse yesterday to see the infielder.

Twins slugger Justin Morneau is hitting .273 with 46 RBI, second on the team to Hunter's 49, and leads the team with 17 home runs. But the 2006 American League MVP is not happy with his production. "I'm just battling. It's been inconsistent all year. I'll eventually turn it around, and it should be fun," he said after going 0-for-5 on Sunday against Washington.

Nationals 2B Felipe Lopez is now in a 2-for-37 tailspin that has left his average at a season-low .231. "I'm just struggling," Lopez said. He said he did not know what was wrong. "When you're struggling, you're struggling. . . . I try to do the same stuff. It's all about my timing."

Zach Duke should be sent to the minors by, say, this afternoon. Duke's ERA of 5.75 is 52nd of the 55 pitchers who have thrown 60 or more innings. His batting average against (.349) is 55th and a whopping 31 points higher than 54th. A weak offensive team like the Pirates can't afford to face a team where every hitter is a batting champion. Duke needs to fix his problems in the minors, where he won't cost the Pirates any more games. Plenty of players have reestablished their career by returning to the less-stressful atmosphere of the minors.

The Twins have seven players who could be considered for baseball's All-Star Game on July 10 in San Francisco. They are outfielder Torii Hunter, first baseman Justin Morneau, catcher Joe Mauer, second baseman Luis Castillo, and pitchers Johan Santana, Joe Nathan, and, yes, Pat Neshek, who is 3-0 with a 1.26 earned-run average and 34 strikeouts in 29 innings. Neshek has been as effective as any middle reliever in baseball.

Did You Know? The Yankees are a major-league-best 107-73 (.594) against the National League since interleague play began in 1997.

Joe Niekro's widow and Kirby Puckett's children will represent the late Twins at a reunion of the 1987 World Series champions Aug. 18 in the Metrodome.

Not only did Marlins closer Kevin Gregg enter the weekend 9 for 9 on saves, but the pitcher dealt for him -- Chris Resop -- was 1-3 with a 6.54 ERA for the Angels' Triple A team in Salt Lake City. ''Heck of a trade,'' one NL scout said. ``Gregg is what you wanted Resop to be.''

top

NFL Rumors & Notes

Monday, June 11, 2007

The Miami Dolphins want to trade Culpepper. Culpepper wants to be released so he can work out a deal with the team of his choice. Some Lions fans are piling on because Lions coach Rod Marinelli is not interested in Culpepper. Culpepper tore three ligaments in his right knee during the 2005 season and was traded to Miami. The Dolphins tried to rush him back, and he injured his kneecap and had a second surgery to ease the pain. My guess is he will never be the same. I've spoken to people who say he walks on egg shells and believe he won't be 75 percent of his former self. He won't be able to get push off his legs to throw the long balls that once crushed the Lions. The Lions are right in taking a pass.

Based purely on practice, if the Patriots season started tomorrow, veteran Chad Scott likely would be the starter at CB. He took the most reps with the first defense, playing on Asante Samuel’s left side while Ellis Hobbs stayed on the right, where he played most of last year. “I’m comfortable wherever they put me,” Hobbs said. “Obviously, I’m used to staying on one side or the other, but I’m a professional. Whatever environment they put me I have to adapt or I’ll be exposed.”

Dolphins coach Cam Cameron had high praise for two rookies -- Ted Ginn and Samson Satele. Ginn, the ninth pick in the draft, finished his first minicamp, and spent five practices sharing time as a return specialist and wide receiver since Friday. Satele, selected in the second round (60th overall), took snaps as the starting center. Ginn is about 90 percent healthy after sustaining a foot sprain five months ago, but that didn't slow him. The former Ohio State standout showed speed as a returner, and routinely breezed past the secondary in passing drills. ''He was everything I thought he was and then some,'' Cameron said. Cameron, who has a rule about not making comparisons, couldn't help but liken Ginn to a star wide receiver he coached as an assistant at the University of Michigan. He blurted ''Des-,'' before stopping short of saying Desmond Howard, a Heisman Trophy winner at Michigan who went on to become a Super Bowl MVP with the Green Bay Packers in 1996 and a Pro Bowl player in 2000. Cameron relented and said, ``You mean Desmond . . . there are some legit comparisons.''

The acquisition of free-agent cornerback Kelly Herndon over the weekend is an indication that the Titans don't expect Roger Goodell to back off his season-long suspension of Pacman Jones. The Titans now have acquired two veteran corners with NFL starting experience — Nick Harper and Herndon — while third-year pro Reynaldo Hill is in the picture. Herndon also has significant experience at nickelback, which gives the Titans more flexibility in the secondary.

Former Broncos middle linebacker Al Wilson still holds out hope his playing career isn't over. Wilson, who will turn 30 on June 21, said Friday he has been contacted by several NFL teams but he is not yet cleared by doctors to play. A five-time Pro Bowl selection and one of the most popular players in Broncos history, Wilson was carted off the field last season after suffering a neck injury in the fourth quarter on Dec. 3 against Seattle.

LB Joey Porter did not participate in Sunday's Dolphins minicamp because of back spasms, Porter and Cameron said. Porter began the practice icing his right knee -- the same knee he wore a brace on Friday and Saturday. Cameron said Porter looked ''outstanding'' this weekend and let him rest as a precautionary measure.

While Vikings coach Brad Childress doesn't have any choice but to say good things about Tarvaris Jackson, and he has confidence in Jackson, at the same time he also praises Brooks Bollinger. However, there are some Vikings players who believe that Jackson's lack of experience will make it tough for him to do the job and that Bollinger's experience will give him a better-than-average chance to be the No. 1 quarterback.

Wide receiver Derek Hagan spent last season as the fourth wide receiver on a Dolphins team that primarily used three. Now, with a new offensive-minded coach and a year of NFL experience, Hagan has a clearer shot at being one of the Dolphins' top three receivers.

This season, the Texans offense may start only three "Capers players" — linemen Fred Weary and Chester Pitts and receiver Andre Johnson. The defensive changes since 2005 include a new group of starting linemen and a new middle linebacker in DeMeco Ryans.

Only five of 13 defensive linemen on the Rams' current roster boast more than one year of NFL experience. The eight others include five rookies — draft picks Adam Carriker, Clifton Ryan and Keith Jackson, plus free agents Alton Pettway and Ryan Willis. Second-year coach Scott Linehan might not seem like a gambler, but he's ready to roll the dice in this vital area. "We've kind of taken a leap of faith with some of these younger players," he acknowledged. The No. 1 challenge for the Rams defensively is improving against the run. They were 31st in the 32-team league in that category last year and ranked no higher than 15th in any of the past five seasons. During that span, their overall record was 42-41. In contrast, the Rams were the best in the league vs. the run in 1999, when they won the Super Bowl. They were No. 3 two years later, when they lost in the title game. Their combined record those two seasons was 32-6.

In the 10 months since former Giants defensive star Harry Carson's speech, NFL player pensions and disability payments have become hot-button issues. Carson has been invited to testify at a Congressional hearing on June 26 that will deal with the disability payment process.

Voluntary or not, two-hour time limit or not -- new Steelers coach Mike Tomlin wouldn't have scheduled the 14 workouts (officially known as organized team activities) if they weren't important. Under the guise of the workouts being much ado about nothing, Tomlin has been installing a new offense and tweaking the defense in preparation for training camp. Nearly 100 percent participation speaks volumes about how the Steelers feel about their new coach. They don't have to like him, just respect him. They respect him, all right. If not respect for their coach, the Steelers understand that by participating they at least present a united front that they care.

Emmy-winning HBO/NBC/NFL Network analyst Cris Collinsworth said it would have been unrealistic for the Dolphins to allow Daunte Culpepper to compete with Trent Green in training camp because it would be ''virtually impossible'' to give enough snaps to all of the quarterbacks: ``Trent is still in the upper 40 percent of quarterbacks. His numbers last year are not relevant because of the change of style in the offense by Herm Edwards. They're a .500-looking team, but they have a chance for the playoffs because Trent understands this offense.''

top

Odd Notes & Stuff

Monday, June 11, 2007

A shower of four-letter bombs. Cop-on-cop verbal abuse. Clowning around with the manager of the World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals. That's the juvenile stuff that turned this spring's midnight arrest of Cards skipper Tony La Russa into a circus - all reportedly caught by the in-dash camera of a Jupiter PD squad car. Nearly three months later, however, authorities persist in their refusal to release the tape. And with middle-of-the-night DUI stops a hot button in the tony town, a lawyer who's fighting the JPD says he knows why: It makes the department look bad. In fact, he says, JPD officials were so worried about the La Russa tape that they discussed doctoring it. "The officers weren't aware that the camera was rolling," said Jupiter attorney Stuart Kaplan. According to Kaplan and a Page Two source close to the JPD, this is what the La Russa arrest looked like: Responding officer John O'Keefe, a rookie, parks behind a sleeping La Russa, then gets scolded by a colleague, who tells him in no @%#$@&^@ uncertain terms to park in front of the manager's vehicle to prevent an escape. A group of laughing cops discuss how to "scare" the person snoring inside by pushing their faces against the windows and banging loudly. Several officers scram when they find out the motorist is La Russa. And two lawmen prepare a dazed-and-confused La Russa for jail by teaching him gang signs.

One of the biggest weddings on the horizon is the marriage of Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria to her fiancé Tony Parker, a star player in the NBA. The pair are due to be married next month in a lavish Paris ceremony. As usual, the surreal comes as standard with our celebrity friends. The couple have reportedly spent $3,750 - yes, $3,750 - on a wedding cake. In a move that some might consider surprising - given that France is the home of the patisserie and thus a Mecca of luxury baking - Ms Longoria's cake has been prepared in the US and is to be shipped to France at an undisclosed cost, accompanied the whole time by a paid guard - You couldn't make it up!

Dallas Cowboys stars Terrell Owens and Roy Williams, who completed a minicamp earlier in the day at team headquarters in Irving, watched Game 2 from courtside seats across the Spurs bench. "I got T.O. the ticket," said Williams, a Pro Bowl safety. "I'm a basketball fan, so this is great. The Spurs are a great team. There are no individuals. It's all about team. They're a great role model for the NBA." Owens, who sported designer sunglasses, wasn't as cordial as his teammate. "I'm not doing any interviews," the mercurial receiver said tersely. "No interviews. No pictures." Other celebrities in attendance included Texas Gov. Rick Perry, Academy Award-winning actor Tommy Lee Jones, a San Saba native and San Antonio resident, and Academy Award-nominated actor Terrence Howard, who starred in "Hustle and Flow" and "Crash."

Something funny was going on right under David Stern's nose, and the NBA commissioner pretended not to notice. The outcome of several games late in the regular season seemed almost predetermined to many league observers, a group that included bookmakers and gamblers. For some teams, the last month of the season disintegrated into a comical attempt to cover up a desire to lose -- and hopefully win the right to a higher draft pick. "That's something the NBA has to address," MGM Mirage sports book director Robert Walker said. "This happens every year, but maybe not as rampant as it happened this year. It's a sad system when you are getting rewarded by losing." ... Walker said he protected MGM Mirage books by lowering the betting limits on some games, treating the final weeks of the season like the NFL preseason or Week 17, when some teams rest key players. "When we're not confident, we can lower the limits," Walker said. "There were some dramatic (point spread) swings." ... Smart bettors were ahead of the game, and Doug Kezirian was one. Kezirian, the sports director at KTNV-TV (Channel 13), handicaps the NBA and observed betting lines moving against the Bucks and other similarly unmotivated teams. "This was the most ridiculous regular season in recent memory," said Kezirian, who called several of the NBA games in question "essentially fixed."

Concerned that the new stadiums for the Yankees and Mets will make inviting targets for major-league terrorists, the NYPD has asked both clubs to strengthen their sites. Word is that the Bronx Bombers are playing ball by designing the safest ballpark in the land, while the Mets are balking, resisting the Finest's recommendations to discourage bombers of a different stripe.

Mariners closer J.J. Putz went into manager Mike Hargrove's office to ask for some shaving cream, got some Edge gel, foamed it up on a paper plate, crawled behind the media pack, then nailed Sean Green. The rookie reliever is the fourth Seattle pitcher to get a shaving cream pie this year after Brandon Morrow, Sean White and Ryan Feierabend. Lefty Eric O'Flaherty also got his first big league victory this season, but that came on a getaway day in New York and time prevented Putz from striking. ... One more thing about the shaving-cream pie. The Edge gel that Hargrove had available for Putz to use can sting when it gets in the eyes. Putz brought that very point up to Hargrove. The manager said, "So?" And Putz, seeing the logic of that, whipped the gel into the green-tinted foam that Green wound up wearing moments later.

Stefan Effenberg’s second wife announced that she and the retired German soccer stud are divorcing - and she’s blaming Derek Lowe’s ex-wife for the split. Claudia Effenberg, 41, told the Bild Zeitung newspaper in Germany that Trinka Lowe is The Other Woman in the middle of the marital mess, and that because of Trinka, her three-year union with Effenberg “doesn’t work anymore.” “I found out that Stefan still has contact with his alleged ex-love, Trinka,” Claudia told the newspaper. “A lot has happened in the last six months. I couldn’t take it anymore.” But pals of the ex-Mrs. Derek, who was devastated when ex-TV sports reporter Carolyn Hughes broke up her marriage to the former Red Sox [team stats] hurler, say there is nothing going on between T and Stefan, who is her neighbor in Fort Myers, Fla. “Keep an eye on the German tabs,” said a pal. “I bet (Claudia) announces a reconciliation or a new wedding or something in the next couple of weeks . . . That is her track record.” Stefan, 39, and Claudia, 41, have been in Germany for the past month trying to work out their marital difficulties after reports surfaced that he and Trinka, 39, were playing futbol footsie.

WBA welterweight champion Miguel Cotto's win gave Bob Arum a perfect opportunity to begin pitching the fight he wants most -- a unification showdown between Cotto and WBC titleholder Floyd Mayweather Jr. Arum knows getting Cotto and Mayweather in the ring simultaneously won't be easy. Mayweather is the world's best fighter, but he doesn't intend to enter the ring again unless it's against another extremely high-profile opponent. And it appears Cotto did nothing against Judah to whet the appetites of Mayweather or his chief advisor. "What ... did beating Zab Judah mean? We've been there and did that a year and a half ago," said Leonard Ellerbe, who's also Mayweather's closest friend. "They fought Zab after he just got beat by Floyd, then he's suspended for a whole year ... and you can't count that little fight Zab had in April because it didn't even go a round. Zab didn't have a chance to get any work in. "They caught Zab at the right time. His last fight was 12 hard rounds against Floyd (in April 2006). ... Zab is a very good fighter, better than the fighter people saw Saturday night. He was not at his best. "I picked Zab to knock Cotto out early and he almost did that. He just couldn't sustain that attack because he'd been off too long. Cotto's been busy, like he should be. He's a young fighter. What is he 25, 26 years old? He's a good little young fighter."

Geoff Witcher, veteran LA sportscaster and former Dodgers broadcaster, voiced lines for an upcoming animated movie along side comic genius Jerry Senfield, according to Hollywood sources.

For decades, Nike has used its mix of star athletes and savvy marketing to dominate the basketball-shoe market. Now, the company's $90 million investment in LeBron James is being put to its biggest test as the National Basketball Association star's Cleveland Cavaliers continue to face the San Antonio Spurs this week. Adidas, meanwhile, is taking a different approach. Rival Adidas has a star endorser at the finals, too -- veteran Spurs big man Tim Duncan. Adidas is also relying on its merchandising deal with the NBA to showcase its brand in the finals. Because the company is the league's official uniform and apparel provider, its logo appears on NBA players' uniforms and warm-up suits, and on the team jerseys and other NBA merchandise sold to fans. ... "As a brand, it's a bigger picture for us, instead of taking just one guy and hedging all your bets on him," says Adidas basketball spokesman Travis Gonzolez. Adidas's sponsorship of the NBA means the finals are "going to be a huge success for us, even if they [the Cavaliers] win." It's a trademark move for Adidas, which has invested heavily to become an official sponsor for the Olympics and the World Cup. The sponsorship, along with Mr. Duncan's ad campaign, is part of the company's most-aggressive push yet in basketball to try to catch market-leader Nike. That won't be easy. Nike and its subsidiary brands commanded 83% of the U.S.'s $3 billion basketball-shoe market in 2006, up from 79% the year before, according to market-research firm Sports One Source. Adidas's share grew to 11%, or 15% including Reebok, which the company acquired last year.

Las Vegas Review Journal... At the Palms on Saturday: Andre Agassi, at the N9ne Steakhouse bar with friends and Keyshawn Johnson at a table. Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce and actor Corey Feldman, at Moon nightclub and Playboy Lounge.

Real Madrid have already made an astonishing bid to buy back David Beckham from LA Galaxy. SunSport can exclusively reveal the secret swoop came late last week. Real president Ramon Calderon said yesterday his club would make an effort to keep the rejuvenated England star. But we can reveal the Spanish giants contacted LA Galaxy last week — and were promptly turned down. Becks is believed to have a get-out clause in the £128million five-year mega-deal which starts next month. Real even told Galaxy to name their price — but they were having none of it. The Americans also laughed off a proposal to loan Beckham, 32, back to Madrid for up to two years. It is an embarrassing state of affairs for Real who, inspired by Beckham, will win the Spanish La Liga title next Sunday if they beat Real Mallorca.

Las Vegas Review Journal... Former NBA star Karl Malone, at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab on Saturday in Forum Shops at Caesars.

Word from La-La, where Derek Lowe now pitches for the Dodgers, is that Derek and Carolyn are still together but, as yet, have not announced any wedding plans. The Lowes’ divorce was final last Christmas and Trinka walked away with an estimated $5 million, including the house in Fort Myers.

Las Vegas Review Journal... At Pure in Caesars Palace on Saturday: Jewel, Wilmer Valderrama, and boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr.

In 1999, at the height of the Yankees championship run that saw them win 4 World Championships, "The Boss" decided to star in an Adidas ad. George Steinbrenner was 69 years old at the time and as cantankerous as ever. So why is it, that this very clever ad didn't receive more notoriety? Because the ad never saw the light of day. It was banned. Not by the TV networks, but by Steinbrenner's wife Joan. Turns out Mrs. Steinbrenner didn't want her husband showing so much skin

When he starred at running back for Rutgers, Rams No. 2 draft pick Brian Leonard got the chance to hang out with Tony Soprano — or rather James Gandolfini, who plays T. Soprano on the HBO series. Gandolfini, a Rutgers grad, attended several home games last season and sat near Leonard's parents. "He posed for a photo with my parents, and he wore one of my jerseys," Leonard told us on our KSLG (1380 AM) radio show. Another time, Gandolfini had a fender-bender accident on the Rutgers campus near the residence that houses several Rutgers players. While waiting for assistance, Gandolfini hung out with the players. "Tony Soprano is a great guy," Leonard said.

Call them Millennials, Generation Y or baby boom babies, the 7.2 million children who played sports in high school during the 2005-6 school year,