Ben Maller’s Sports Rumors & Notes

Rumors Archive for June 18, 2007

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NBA Rumors & Notes

Monday, June 18, 2007

As of yesterday no contact had been made between the Knicks and Lakers, but if the Lakers begin the process, the Knicks are prepared to get involved, hoping that Kobe Bryant will force a trade to them. At the same time, the Knicks are acutely aware that teams, players and agents are not above dragging them into the process in order to get better deals elsewhere. Although the Knicks don't have the talent to equal Bryant, they might be able to give up expensive players whose contracts expire within the next two years -- including Stephon Marbury, Jamal Crawford and Quentin Richardson. By doing that the Lakers could get under the salary cap for 2009, at which point they could go after a marquee free agent such as LeBron James in two years.

A group is trying to sell a juicy Kobe Bryant interview. In what was apparently a chance encounter outside of a Newport Beach deli, Bryant spoke openly about his frustration with the team's personnel decisions. ... Having turned away a lucrative offer (by an unknown party) to destroy the tape, the group has put the video on the market to the highest bidder. Whether they make a little bit, or as one of the gentlemen indicated, "more than a little bit," eventually it will make headlines. ... Bryant is wearing a red shirt and sunglasses. Apparently the videographer and Bryant frequent the same establishment and are on general speaking terms. Interspersed with numerous cuss words, Bryant discusses the Lakers' decision not to trade Andrew Bynum to the New Jersey Nets at the trade deadline in February. "Ship his [rear end] out. We're talking Jason Kidd," said Bryant. "They didn't want to do that. That's why we're in this [messed up] position." ... In addition to the video the group has an audio clip captured on a cell phone on June 10th. Bryant is approached with the query, "Please tell us you're staying!" His response: "Get a [Chicago] Bulls uniform fellas."

Rumors have emerged in recent days that the Hawks might take China’s Yi Jianlian as high as No. 3, and Minnesota general manager Kevin McHale is eying Washington’s Spencer Hawes for the seventh pick. Charlotte could use a center at No. 8 and might select Florida’s Joakim Noah.

What if the Cavs had pulled the trigger on that Mike Bibby deal with the Kings in February, which supposedly was there for the taking? The Cavs probably will revisit it this summer.

The Chauncey Billups-to-the-Bucks’ rumor just won’t fade away. ... Now, only two weeks before the commencement of free agency, the Billups-to-Milwaukee rumor has resurfaced yet again. The scuttlebutt is the Bucks, who are one of the few teams that could have the money to sign a high-profile free agent, want an established veteran to orchestrate their offense and alleviate the pressure on star shooting guard Michael Redd. Thus, there have been whispers the Bucks are working on a lucrative offer for Billups and will try to lure him away from the Pistons.

I don't see any way the Lakers trade him. In three-way deals being proposed involving the Bulls, the Lakers would get Paul Pierce, who hasn't even made the playoffs for two years, or Gilbert Arenas, who is as unpredictable as they come.

The Celtics' Chris Wallace, a knowledgeable personnel guy under Danny Ainge, will get the Grizzlies' GM job this week, probably Monday. And he might be a better candidate to talk to about a trade. Pau Gasol has made it clear he's no fan of the city, either, so with a new coach and GM and declining attendance (they come to see Kobe in L.A.; they don't come to see Pau in Memphis), it seems like it would be a perfect time for the Grizzlies to cash in. And a perfect time for the Bulls to pull off that deal rumored at last season's trade deadline.

The Cavs have salary-cap issues and might be unable to re-sign Anderson Varejao and Sasha Pavlovic, two of their top six players. Don't be surprised to see them offering Drew Gooden, and he could end up with the Bulls, reuniting with college teammate Kirk Hinrich. Gooden, not Nick Collison, is the fellow former Kansas player more likely to join Hinrich.

Reports in New Jersey say that if the Suns are looking to move Kurt Thomas (which they are), they might find a willing trade partner in the Nets. The deal would likely require a third team since Jersey wants to move Jason Collins ($6.1 million).

Any words from Kobe Bryant are treated as gold. Even when those words are 18 days old, it seems. In a story filed Sunday afternoon, the Associated Press referenced a blog posting made by Bryant on his official Web site, in which Bryant strongly implied a disconnect with the Lakers and a desire to be traded. The blog statement seemed to reflect published reports this week that Bryant met with team owner Dr. Jerry Buss in Spain and reiterated his demand to leave the Lakers this summer. The problem is, Bryant's statement was initially posted May30.

Lakers owner Jerry Buss took the unusual step of sending a letter to season-ticket holders Friday that expanded on brief written statements he had dispatched since Kobe Bryant initially began demanding a trade almost three weeks ago. In the letter, Buss said he wanted to address "overriding concerns or questions of the basketball side of the Lakers organization." Buss has owned the Lakers since 1979 and has rarely, if ever, addressed season-ticket holders in such a way. The letter was sent primarily to those who called or e-mailed the Lakers over the last few weeks. "You want to win. We want to win," Buss said in the letter. "We are on the same page. During my 28 years of ownership the Lakers have been to the playoffs 26 times. Lakers teams under my ownership have gone to the finals 12 times and won eight championships. Merely qualifying for the playoffs is certainly an accomplishment; however, we all want more. That said, and we know this from experience, making it to the [NBA] finals is never easy, and winning it all is even harder. "Our goal has been, and remains to be, to build the Lakers into a team that can regularly compete for championships. I believe that we have always shown a willingness to do what needs to be done and spend what needs to be spent to deliver you championship caliber basketball. We remain committed to that philosophy." In fact, the Lakers have been to the NBA Finals 13 times since Buss purchased the team, most recently in 2004. They have not won a playoff series since beating Minnesota in the Western Conference finals that season. The letter does not mention Bryant by name and was believed to have been sent out before Buss' meeting Friday with Bryant in Spain.

If you listen to just about any NBA official, they’ll tell you with certainty it’s a two-player draft: It’s Greg Oden and it’s Kevin Durant. Or vice versa. Those who attended and watched Brandan Wright’s workout for the Milwaukee Bucks Friday at the Cousins Center might respectfully disagree. That’s because Wright didn’t look good; he looked great. The 6-foot-10 power forward from the University of North Carolina put on one of the most impressive workouts ever conducted by the Bucks. In almost every single drill, Wright excelled.

The other reason that the Raptors will be looking for a new small forward is that longtime Raptor Morris Peterson is an unrestricted free agent and it appears that his stay in Toronto could be ending after seven seasons. If a sign-and-trade deal with MoPete could be arranged, that would at least help the Raptors net another asset in return.

The Nuggets do not have a pick in the June 28 NBA draft, but team officials say there remains a chance that could change. "We're open for business," Rex Chapman, the Nuggets' vice president of player personnel, said Sunday. "There's plenty of conversations." The Nuggets, who would have had four selections in this year's draft, find themselves without any because of two trades - the J.R. Smith trade last summer and the Allen Iverson trade in December. ... The Nuggets have been steadfast in saying guard Von Wafer, who the team signed late last season from the D-League's Colorado 14ers, is akin to any second-round draft pick. Still, there might be movement to get into what is being projected as one of the deepest NBA drafts. Asked if Denver might still trade for a pick, coach George Karl said, "Yeah."

On the day the Spurs celebrated their latest championship with a ride down the River Walk, they won again, attracting Rockets vice president for basketball operations Dennis Lindsey to San Antonio. Lindsey accepted an offer to replace Sam Presti as the Spurs' assistant general manager on Sunday, a day after his interview with Spurs GM R.C. Buford. Though Lindsey's title has not been determined, he is expected to serve in a capacity similar to Presti's and his own with the Rockets.

One of the hottest free agents is Grant Hill, whom the Magic wants to keep. But he's drawing interest from the Spurs, Lakers, Suns, Pistons, Raptors, Cavs and Mavericks, just to name a few.

This is the word being passed to teams from the Lakers: If you are not trading us someone comparable, like LeBron James or Dwyane Wade (that would be funny), there is no one close to Kobe Bryant in talent. So we want your two best players—especially if one is a point guard—a young big man to go with Andrew Bynum and a draft pick. Translated for the Bulls, that would be Hinrich, Luol Deng, Thomas and the No. 9 draft pick. So this is what you'd have: Ben Wallace at 33 and heading downhill, Ben Gordon at point guard, Andres Nocioni at small forward and Malik Allen, Michael Sweetney or P.J. Brown at power forward. And you'd be over the salary cap. And you'd have Bryant with an option to leave in two years.

The latest buzz has the Hawks trading out of the third spot or going for Florida power forward Al Horford, the most ready to play of the second tier of players. The buzz had been the Grizzlies aren't enamored of North Carolina's Brandan Wright, who was thought to be the consensus No. 4 pick, and like Joakim Noah, also more ready to play. But all this could change with a new general manager moving in this week.

It looked like assistant Scott Brooks had a lock on the Kings job, but then Reggie Theus and Brian Shaw re-entered the picture and Larry Brown injected himself.

How About That? No team has fewer draft picks playing in the league than San Antonio. Only five players who were drafted by the Spurs are in the league. It just so happens that three of them are the Spurs' "Big Three": Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. No team has fewer home-grown drafted players on its roster than Miami, the 2006 champions. Wayne Simien and Dorell Wright have not borne fruit for the Heat, but taking Dwyane Wade with the fifth overall pick in 2003 changed the complexion of Miami's draft history. Plus, the Heat deserve credit for finding an undrafted plum - forward Udonis Haslem.

The Celtics at No. 5 are said to be most interested in trading down or in taking China's Yi Jianlian or Georgetown's Jeff Green, who played with coach Doc Rivers' son and whom Rivers admires. That could have Wright or guard Mike Conley Jr. sliding to the Bucks at No. 6 for an all-Ohio State backcourt with Michael Redd. That makes sense because the Bucks could lose free-agent point guard Mo Williams. And it would open the No. 5 spot for a possible trade with teams like the Bulls, because if the Celtics really want Green, they could trade down.

Jerome Kersey, who lives in the Portland area, formed Premier Sports International (PSI) a year ago with longtime friends J.R. Harris and Joe Khorasani. The group also brought in former NBA player James Edwards, who played for eight teams during his 19 seasons in the league. Khorasani, who owns car dealerships in the Portland area, said the experience of his brother-in-law, former major league baseball player John Jaha, helped convince him to provide the cash to start the organization. "I saw John's frustration. He went through four different agencies that represented him," Khorasani said. "He and I are very close, so I kind of went through the process with him. I saw how difficult it was and how much difficulty he went through dealing with those agencies."

The Washington Wizards, who will pick 16th and 47th in the June 28 NBA draft, will conduct workouts today with shooting guard Marco Belinelli (Italy), forward Jamareo Davidson (Alabama), center Glen Davis (LSU), shooting guard Brandon Heath (San Diego State) and forward Ali Traore (France). The team will continue to host prospects this week and next and expect to see 40 to 45 players. Two underclassmen the Wizards have worked out -- shooting guards Nick Young (USC) and Daequan Cook (Ohio State) -- recently announced that they will remain in the draft. However, Young may have played himself out of Washington's reach because he is one of 15 top players invited to attend the draft in New York.

Did You Know? The two teams that have kept the most players they brought into the NBA were among the NBA's five worst last season and had fewer combined wins (55) than the Suns, San Antonio Spurs or Dallas Mavericks. The Seattle SuperSonics and Boston Celtics are first in something, though. They each have 10 players on their roster who originated with them.

There's this notion that the Lakers have no leverage with Kobe Bryant, which is ludicrous. They have the league's best coach in Phil Jackson, who embraces Bryant. Bryant cannot leave as a free agent for two years, and leaving would likely endanger all his endorsement deals, which he has worked so hard to retain since the Colorado criminal charges.

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MLB Rumors & Notes

Monday, June 18, 2007

While it's unlikely the Giants will take the extraordinary step of trading Barry Bonds, GM Brian Sabean wouldn't dismiss that possibility either. "I don't know if there is (a chance), because of all the factors involved," Sabean said. "And it wouldn't be my decision unilaterally. So it's a complicated question and it's not a simple answer." He is seven home runs away from matching Hank Aaron's all-time standard, but Bonds has repeatedly stated that his only goal is to win a World Series ring -- and the chances of doing that with the Giants this season appear slim. In a wide-ranging discussion with the San Jose Mercury News before Sunday's game, Bonds gave the impression that he would consider waiving his no-trade provision if the club were to explore deals. "They can trade me," Bonds said. "They can do that. I don't think they will, though. It's not like I want to be traded, man. I'm a Giant. I'm stuck here till the end."

Ken Griffey Jr. has made no secret about his desire to win a World Series ring. Even though it looks like the Reds have no chance of getting there this year, Griffey said he won't ask to be moved to a team in contention. "I don't even think about that," he said. "That's the furthest thing from my mind." Griffey's name has been mentioned in trade rumors. He's having a very good year - .287, 18 home runs, 43 RBI. If the Reds were to trade Griffey, they would have to get his permission. He's a 10-and-5 player - 10-year veteran, five with the same club - and thereby can veto any trade. "I'll cross that bridge when I have to," he said. "It's a matter of trying to do what I can for this team. I can't control what happens upstairs. "I'm employee No. 3."

The Yankees have talked to the Angels about Shea Hillenbrand, a right-handed hitting first baseman they were interested in this past offseason when he was a free agent. Hillenbrand's playing time with the Angels has been reduced because of Casey Kotchman's emergence at the plate (.333, eight HRs, 35 RBIs). Hillenbrand signed a one-year deal worth $6.5 million last December with a club option for $6.5 million in 2008 that has a $500,000 buyout. The option becomes guaranteed if Hillenbrand reaches 600 plate appearances this year but that won't come into play because he only has 175 at-bats so far.

A-Rod is again chasing history, another MVP award and, perhaps, the first $30 million annual contract. In his last 28 games, Rodriguez has 12 homers and 34 RBIs. That is more homers than any Yankee has all season and as many RBIs as Bobby Abreu. Yet it is the 22 games that came before this stretch that accentuates his season. ... A-Rod now has 27 homers and 73 RBIs. He is on pace for a 65-homer, 177-RBI season. Do you wonder what that might mean on the open market? I bet Scott Boras does. In the May 22 edition of LA Weekly, A-Rod’s agent was quoted as saying, “I’ve said it before - there’s going to be a $30 million-per-year contract. I don’t know when, but there will be one, because baseball revenue will keep growing, and I’m all about the percentage of revenues.” Well, Boras has just one client who can pursue that and it is the one already making a record $27 million a year, the one on pace for a 65-homer season. Rodriguez can opt out after this season, and the strong feeling around baseball and within the Yankee organization is Rodriguez will do just that. It is just so interesting that in the season in which he has most conclusively proven he can handle New York, Rodriguez can escape.

With the Cubs headed to Texas, rumors are out in full force, claiming the Cubs are eyeing a Rangers reliever. The New York Daily News speculated Sunday that manager Lou Piniella will urge general manager Jim Hendry to pick up a "power relief arm a la' Eric Gagne" before the July 31 trading deadline.

Alex Rodriguez probably isn't replaceable with a single player. The Yankees could try to trade for the Marlins' Miguel Cabrera, a potential franchise player at third base for the next decade. But between what it would take to get him and the questions marks he'd bring with him (about his weight and attitude), Cabrera may not be worth the risk. The Yankees might be better off signing a solid citizen type like Mike Lowell for third base and bring in offense at first base or in the outfield. Jermaine Dye, Andruw Jones, somebody like tha

Ozzie Guillen has another managerial goal he didn't get to achieve as a player—finish his career with the White Sox. "Hopefully my managing career is here with the White Sox," said Guillen, whose contract runs through 2008 with a team option for 2009. "Because I don't see myself anywhere else because of who I am, and the way I treat people and people don't know who I am. That's why I think it's easy for me to deal with in Chicago. Because I don't know what I can deal with somewhere else." His 13 seasons playing for the Sox gave Guillen a comfort level he wouldn't have elsewhere. "That might mean I'm not going anywhere else," Guillen said. "It's easy for me and my family to deal with Chicago people. … I've known people for so many years, from the parking lot guy to everyone along the way. "You never know. That's my wish. I hope my wish comes true. If not, we move on. But it's nice."

According to sources, the Devil Rays are open to trading troubled outfielder Elijah Dukes. The 22-year-old was back in the news last week with reports that he was facing paternity issues with a sixth child born to a fifth different woman, the latest being a teenager who told police Dukes got her pregnant during consensual sex while she was a 17-year-old foster child at the home of Dukes' step-grandmother

Barry Zito has seen it before, pitchers signing big contracts and struggling right away. He has the biggest contract ever given to a pitcher, seven years for $126 million, and he is 6-7 with a 4.41 ERA. So now he understands how the money changes things. "It's an adjustment year," Zito said Sunday. "You look at a lot of guys in the first year of their big contracts, and we're all trying to adjust to this new thing. You have to focus on pitching for passion even that much more because you know you're going to be here for a certain amount of time and financially you're all set up. "You come up to the league and you're pitching to stay in the big-leagues. 'I can't go back to Triple-A.' Then you get your first contract and you're pitching for your free-agent year, so it's all different steps. I'm going to be pitching here seven years, so now let's get into the art of pitching and the craft. There's not a contract you have to worry about. Just go out and pitch and get in your rhythm and start to figure out what makes you successful." Zito has heard it said he is a $126 million bust. "If people are saying that stuff, sure, let them," he said. "People have to create stories and news, and if I can be their headline, great. If they can use me to fill their airtime, great. It's all good. I know people here and there are saying some stuff. It's the nature of the game, and my job is to stay encapsulated in my little bubble here and treat this like a game and not worry about all the other stuff that can potentially lead to lack of performance in the future."

Chris Carpenter will meet today with Cardinals medical supervisor Dr. George Paletta after throwing 30 pitches from a bullpen mound Sunday, his first such session since undergoing May 9 elbow surgery for removal of bone spurs. All parties described Sunday’s session as an encouraging step. Carpenter will discuss the elbow’s reaction to the session with Paletta today. Carpenter said shortly afterward that he experienced no discomfort while throwing to head trainer Barry Weinberg in the outfield or to a catcher off the mound. "I’m happy with the way I felt. I moved the ball around a little bit. So we’ll just see how it goes tomorrow," Carpenter said.

It's unclear whether the Twins will try to trade Torii Hunter during the season rather than lose him to free agency after the season. But whatever happens, said Hunter, who wants to remain in Minnesota, "I'm at peace with it."

Carlos Beltran's 30-year-old body -- valued to the Mets at $13.5 million this season -- is busted up and breaking down, which has exacerbated his recent struggles at the plate. Beltran finished 1-for-4 last night in the Mets' 8-2 loss to the Yankees, putting him at a grotesque 2-for-14 (.142) in the Bronx version of the Subway Series. There are numerous concerns for the Mets as they head into the dregs of summer, but the lack of production from their high-priced center fielder has been the most troubling. Since Beltran returned from a three-day injury absence on June 5, he's seen his average drop 24 points to its current resting point of .266.

No doubt Twins General Manager Terry Ryan is on the phone trying to land a hitter who would help the team. But the word is that the Twins don't want to take a chance on the Nationals' Dmitri Young, who is having a great year but has had some personal problems that led the Tigers to release him. Ty Wigginton, the Devil Rays third baseman, makes too much money. Matt Stairs of Toronto might be a possibility.

The Cubs could learn today about first baseman Derrek Lee's punishment for fighting with San Diego Padres pitcher Chris Young on Saturday, though the sentence won't be carried out immediately. Major League Baseball took only a day to suspend manager Lou Piniella after his June 2 tirade against umpire Mark Wegner. But no ruling was issued Sunday, a day after a melee ensued when Lee was hit by a Young pitch leading off the fourth inning. No pregame warnings were issued Sunday, and both teams professed a ''move-on'' attitude. ''It's unfortunate the whole thing happened,'' said Lee, who is prepared for his likely suspension. ''The suspension is part of that. I just have to deal with it. Hopefully it's not too bad. What happened [Saturday] happened. It's over, and now we play baseball.'' Lee was in the lineup Sunday and received resounding cheers from the crowd of 40,964 at Wrigley Field when his name was announced in the lineup and before his first at-bat.

Carlos Beltran, the NL's leading vote-getter, has no intention of skipping the July 10 All-Star Game in San Francisco, even though he suggested he could use a week off to rest a nagging left quadriceps injury that he indicated was a tear. "Three days? I don't think three days will help," Beltran said. "I don't think three days will take the pain away completely. If I make the All-Star Game, of course I want to be there."

Even when the Mets have played well this year, the biggest bat in their lineup has been a mystery. Carlos Delgado, a career .280 hitter who has cleared the 30-home run mark in 10 straight seasons, is well into the third month of a season-long slump. He carried a .291 on-base percentage into last night's game. That's a devastating offensive number -- for his own team.

Mets manager Willie Randolph said Paul Lo Duca's elbow started to stiffen up on him. After the game, the catcher said that he could not straighten out the joint. He said he wasn't going to take an X-ray after the game. "I took one last time," Lo Duca said. "We'll see what happens. Hopefully I'll come (to the ballpark today) and it will feel better." It's the fourth time Lo Duca's been hit on the left elbow, and he said he planned on trying out something different -- probably another type of elbow guard -- to protect himself.

The Yankees could call up Kei Igawa sooner than the first time they'd need him to start, which would probably be Friday against the San Francisco Giants. Torre said he doesn't need to have Igawa throw an inning or two in relief before attempting a start, but would like to have pitching coach Ron Guidry take a look at the left-hander.

Waiver Willie is on a roll. Affectionately called “Waiver Willie” by Padres staffers because he avidly trolls the waiver wire, General Manager Kevin Towers is getting plump returns from waived players acquired for $20,000 each. The Padres lead the National League in winning percentage in part because of five players obtained off waivers: Scott Linebrink, Justin Hampson, Justin Germano, Rob Bowen and Hiram Bocachica. Padres scouts are judging well; for his part, Towers usually keeps a 40-man roster spot open so he can add a claimed player. “The beauty of waiver claims is you don't have to give up any players,” Towers said as the Padres were trouncing the Cubs, who spent $300 million on players in the offseason. “Any time you can pick up a player for $20,000, I don't see any risk as long as you have the roster flexibility." Having the majors' worst record allowed the Padres to claim Linebrink in 2003, but they picked 23rd or later when they got Hampson, Germano and Bocachica. The Padres were 18th in the waiver line when they heeded scout Ken Bracey and nabbed Bowen, who has ably replaced Josh Bard.

Future hall of fame manager Bobby Cox, 66, of the Atlanta Braves, who was in town to play the Twins, said he definitely plans to return to the Braves next year.

Levale Speigner, the rookie right-hander who began the year as a long reliever but was thrust into the Nationals' rotation because of injuries, will be skipped on his next scheduled turn, allowing him to return to the bullpen for the time being. Speigner is 1-3 with an 11.79 ERA in six starts and 1-0 with a 3.77 ERA in 12 appearances as a reliever. "I just want the team to win," Speigner said. "Whatever it takes. I'm not going to worry about it." There's a chance Speigner has made his last start for the Nationals.

Brewers manager Ned Yost admitted some concern to using reliever Derrick Turnbow 33 times in the team's first 68 games. Turnbow is a maximum-effort power pitcher who expends a lot of energy, and Yost doesn't want to abuse him. "He's been in half our games," Yost said. "That's a lot. He's been pretty good about telling me (if he's tired)."

The curious numbers for the Red Sox involve the hitting. Although Manny Ramírez, the left fielder, homered for the second consecutive game Sunday, he has only 10 this season, far off his pace from last season, when he hit 35, and from 2005, when he hit 45, and 2004, when he hit 43. David Ortiz, the Red Sox’ other big bopper, has just 11 homers. He hit 54 last season, 47 in 2005 and 41 in 2004. Ortiz spent much of the weekend complaining that umpires were calling too many strikes against him. He was ejected from Friday night’s game for throwing his helmet after taking a third strike. Ortiz said Saturday, “I bet it gets better now,” but he walked angrily to the dugout when called out again on strikes. Afterward, he discussed umpiring in profanity-laced terms. Terry Francona, the manager, in discussing the lack of power, said home runs “are not the end-all, be-all for us.” In their place, the Red Sox have been getting consistent hitting from their infielders.

White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper said he believes Jose Contreras' velocity, down from 94 m.p.h. to 90 m.p.h., will return with an overhand delivery if he makes better use of his lower body. Contreras has made one noticeable improvement in the last two seasons—raising his strike/ball ratio. He threw 68 of 99 pitches for strikes against the New York Yankees on June 7 and 67 strikes in a 98-pitch complete-game victory over Minnesota on May 10.

It was difficult to tell who was harder on Randy Wolf, the Angels' hitters during the game or the Dodgers' pitcher himself in the clubhouse after the game. Wolf gave up seven hits and four runs in five innings, with five of the hits and all four of the runs coming in the third inning. "You could put a Little League team up there and they were going to have success the way I was throwing the ball," said Wolf, who walked three and struck out one. "My fastball was all over the place. I wasn't locating it at all. When you're not locating your fastball and pretty much every other pitch rides off your fastball, it's pretty hard to be effective."

The four hits moved M's star Ichiro into a tie for 594th place all-time in hits and pushed him past Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner -- even though Ichiro has played less than 6 1/2 seasons.

Did You Know? The Mariners have drawn one or no walks 21 times this season (32 percent of their games) and are 8-13 (.381 winning percentage) in those games. Conversely, they are 27-18 (.600) when drawing two or more walks.

Chipper Jones has the most hits in Atlanta Braves history, 100 more than Dale Murphy, but 1,599 behind the great Hank Aaron's all-time franchise record. He had 3,600 with the Braves of Milwaukee and Atlanta. "It's a pretty cool milestone," Jones said. "You think about 2,000 hits, it's a lot of hits. Being able to get 2,000 hits was certainly a goal. "I want to work on the next 1,000. I don't know if I'll play long enough. We'll see."

San Diego manager Bud Black said history was made in Derrek Lee's fight with Chris Young. "It might go down as two of the biggest combatants in baseball history," Black said. Lee is 6 feet 5 inches and 245 pounds, while Young is 6-10, 260.

After winning his 300th game as White Sox manager Saturday night, Ozzie Guillen expressed bigger ambitions. "I want thousands, to be honest with you," Guillen said Sunday morning after becoming the 11th Sox manager to reach the 300 milestone. "I hope I'm in the game long enough to compete with Tony [La Russa], Bobby [Cox] and Joe Torre, those type of guys. Today, you have to be lucky; you have somebody like the way you manage.

Jay Gibbons, who has been rotated in and out of the lineup as the Orioles' offense struggles to find consistency, is 5 for 43 over his last 13 games and he's not surprised at the heckling he and his teammates have received from fans at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. "It's been like that for a couple weeks now. It's the first time I've ever really had that here," said Gibbons, now in his seventh season with Baltimore. "I don't blame them -- we're not playing well. They pay to see a good product on the field and we're not giving it to them."

When Rickie Weeks returns from the disabled list today, some have wondered whether the Milwaukee Brewers manager will return the second baseman to his former spot atop the lineup. While stopping short of absolutely declaring himself on the issue Sunday, Ned Yost didn't sound like someone ready to mess with success. "It's hard to move a guy that's doing really well," Yost said. "The order's been really productive lately. There's going to be a lot of reasons for Corey staying in the No. 1 spot." Hart has provided many of those reasons, batting .352 (19 for 54) with five home runs, 12 runs batted in and seven stolen bases in 13 games atop the lineup. The lanky rightfielder socked two homers Sunday in a 10-9 loss to Minnesota.

Justin Morneau is on nearly the same pace he was last year, when the Twins first baseman won American League MVP honors. After 67 games last year, Morneau was hitting .282 with 13 doubles, 19 home runs, 61 RBI, an on-base percentage of .337 and a .565 slugging percentage. Now in the same number of games, he is hitting .280, with 12 doubles, one triple, 20 home runs, 54 RBI, a .355 OBP and is slugging .568. He finished last season with a .321 average, 34 home runs and 130 RBI. And the team's record is similar to last year's at this point, 35-32 in 2006 compared with 34-33 after Sunday's victory.

Outfielder Kevin Thompson joined the big-league club for the third time this season, called up because the Yankees needed to carry another position player for their National League road trip. Torre said Thompson is purely a reserve, giving the Yankees' pinch-running or double-switch options, and won't start unless it's an emergency situation.

Cardinals manager Tony La Russa and pitching coach Dave Duncan owe it to their players to pull Kip Wells from the starting rotation. How can you look your guys in the eye when you are basically sentencing the team to a likely loss each time Wells starts? True, Anthony Reyes was 0-8 before being demoted to Class AAA Memphis. And he isn't a smart pitcher on the mound. But Reyes won Game 1 of the 2006 World Series, and, unlike the situation with Wells, his teammates know Reyes is fearless. And Reyes' run support was so poor this season, he easily could have had two or three victories.

Who Knew? Braves 3B Chipper Jones needs two doubles to join Eddie Murray and Chili Davis as the only switch-hitters with at least 2,000 hits, 400 doubles and 350 home runs. Jones is the only switch-hitter with at least 300 homers (369) and a .300 career average (.305).

If everyone around you is taking things a little too seriously, go to comedian Will Ferrell’s Web site and watch “Roger Clemens 2057” video made by locals Michael Barber and Matt Oates. It will take 3:44 out of your life that any self-respecting Red Sox fan, Yankees hater and Clemens despiser will be happy to lose. Remember: “I want to pitch.”

The Pirates continue to negotiate a signing bonus with left-hander Daniel Moskos, their first-round pick in the draft. Negotiations include a "start, middle and done," according to Pirates general manager Dave Littlefield. The Pirates, then, would be in the "middle" part of the process.

Today marks the one-year anniversary of third-round pick Joe Smith signing with the Mets for $410,000. Smith did another signing yesterday - a ball at the request of Joe Torre. "The most nervous I've ever been signing a baseball," Smith said about the team-autographed ball.

Hard to believe, but today is the five-year anniversary of Cardinals broadcasting legend Jack Buck's passing.

Joe Mauer, back in the Twins lineup after a 29-game absence, said he hasn't had any problems since he returned after straining his left quadriceps. "My leg feels good; I'm not too worried about it," said Mauer, who has had problems with his legs since spring training. "It was good to get back into a game situation." He doesn't think the problem will return.

The city of Clearwater, Fla., is set to demolish Jack Russell Stadium, which had fallen into disrepair. The Phillies held spring training there from 1955 to 2003. They currently play at Bright House Networks Field. The field, dugouts and an office building will remain.

Cubs OF Cliff Floyd said his father, C.C. Floyd, was scheduled to be taken off a breathing tube Sunday. The elder Floyd has been hospitalized with a kidney ailment. "They hope the dialysis will help alleviate some of the fluid he's had," Floyd said. "By the time we get back from Texas [on Thursday], we should definitely be able to tell you whether it's kidney failure. He's not having surgery, he is trying to talk and he's moving his limbs. That's the great part. Everything looks good, but we still have to figure out whether his kidneys are failing or not." Floyd still hadn't bought his dad a Father's Day gift. "I've got nothing," he said, laughing. "But I've got a couple days to work on it. I'm going to Texas, and when I come back, he won't know I got it late."

The Cardinals' payroll was eighth-highest in the majors in 2003, ninth-highest in 2004 and sixth-highest in 2005. But last season, and again this season, the Cardinals rank No. 11 in payroll spending.

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NFL Rumors & Notes

Monday, June 18, 2007

Pro Football Talk reports that the Dolphins quarterback Daunte Culpepper could be eyeballing the Green Bay Packers as his next NFL landing spot. If it happens, Culpepper would be a candidate to serve as the backup to starter Brett Favre, and could then be the guy to succeed Favre.

Speaking this weekend from Philadelphia, where Bears DT Tommie Harris was a guest of Donovan McNabb's at the quarterback's charity golf tournament, the D-lineman had this to say: "I'd love to have [McNabb] as my quarterback in Chicago. … Hopefully, he comes here and helps the Chicago Bears win the Super Bowl. … If he comes to Chicago, we'll definitely win the Super Bowl. … He's my friend and I would like him to play on my team. … I'd love him to play for the Bears." He just kept going. And Harris wasn't done, capping his comments with, "Hopefully we get Donovan." Harris backtracked on Saturday on WSCR-AM 670, saying he was kidding and if incumbent starter Rex Grossman was offended, Harris would apologize.

The Ravens are scheduled to attend University of Nebraska offensive tackle Chris Patrick’s campus workout today. A 6-foot-4, 300-pounder who reportedly has 5.1 speed in the 40-yard dash and projects to guard, Patrick’s application for the supplemental draft was recently approved by the league office. Other teams expected to attend the workout include: the New York Giants, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings and Miami Dolphins.

Troubled NFL star Adam "Pacman" Jones may be involved in a shooting early Monday at a DeKalb County strip club, WSB-TV reported. Dekalb police said two groups of men got into an argument around 2:30 a.m. at Club Blaze, a Moreland Avenue strip club, WSB said. Three men say they left the club in an SUV and were approached by Jones and his entourage in another SUV. When Jones' vehicle pulled alongside the other vehicle near I-285, someone opened fire. No one was hit by bullets, but one person was scratched by flying plastic, WSB reported. Investigators want to question Jones, a College Park native, about the incident. No charges have been filed.

Jags Coach Jack Del Rio was drawn to Tony Pashos for three reasons. He stands 6 feet 6 and weighs 320 pounds -- a rather undetectable size upgrade over Maurice Williams (6-5, 315) -- but he possesses broad hips and a wide base. Plus, he has a reputation as both a grinder and a locker-room leader. Pashos' execution during 13 organized training activities was more than enough to convince Del Rio the club made the right decision to pay big money to uproot Williams. Williams is now Khalif Barnes' backup at left tackle and possible trade bait as the 2007 season nears.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Daunte Culpepper is in NFL limbo. He's still under contract, but the Dolphins have locked him out of their practice facilities. Culpepper is protesting the team's actions, an arbitration hearing is scheduled for June 29, and he is expected to win his grievance and become an unrestricted free agent. When that happens, the Jets should offer him a contract. ... With Culpepper as Chad Pennington's backup, the Jets wouldn't have to worry that they were one Pennington shoulder injury away from having their season implode before their eyes. Culpepper isn't the star he was a couple of years ago, but he's a capable enough quarterback that he could take over the team if Pennington got hurt.

Andre Wadsworth, who is 32 and married with two children, says a lot of people think his football comeback is a fool’s mission. There is not much precedent for what he is trying to do. In 1995, Bobby Joe Edmonds, a running back who spent three seasons with the Seattle Seahawks and one with the Oakland Raiders, played with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after being sidelined five years with a leg injury. Myers said he had a stock answer for those who asked him if Wadsworth was crazy: “If you have to ask, I can’t explain it to you.” Wadsworth says he is not doing it for money or attention. He has more of both than he needs. What it boils down to, he said, is opportunity. He is doing it because for the first time in seven seasons, he is physically able to.

Kicker Morten Andersen's consortium of trainer, sports psychologist, chiropractor, massage therapist and nutritionist has fared well. As a result of their efforts, the NFL's all-time leading scorer is lining up for a shot at playing past age 50. Even if he doesn't quite reach that milestone in 2010, Andersen could still become the oldest player in NFL history. To break George Blanda's record, he'd have to take the field after Dec. 7, 2008; Blanda was 48 years, 110 days when he played in the Jan. 4, 1976, AFC Championship. "For me, it was always about setting goals," said Andersen, a 24-year veteran. "When I was in my 20s, I said I wanted to play into my 30s. When I was in my 30s, I said I wanted to play into my 40s. "So here we are —- I'm going to be 47 in August, so 50 was just the next step." But Andersen, a seven-time Pro Bowler and a sure bet for the Hall of Fame someday, is currently just another kicker in search of a home. His one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons expired following a brilliant 2006 season in which he made 87 percent (20 of 23) of his field-goal attempts and 27 of his PATs.

Raiders center Jeremy Newberry had microfracture surgery on each knee. That's usually a last-resort treatment. The 49ers were among the doubters and did not re-sign him even after all he had accomplished in San Francisco. Enter the Raiders, who have always had a soft spot in their hearts and a hard spot on the field when it came to centers. Newberry admits he wasn't sure fate was on his side. "I definitely did say that," he said. "Last year I was kind of halfway thinking that until I said, 'I am going to give myself a chance and keep training and see what happens with my legs.' I still had the burning desire to play football. I really wanted to prove to myself as much as anything that I could still do this.

With the Redskins' three-day minicamp over, the hierarchy is clear: Clinton Portis is back, and he is the starter. Ladell Betts is the second running back, followed by the reserve group of Rock Cartwright, Derrick Blaylock and Mike Sellers. "I like the group of guys we have in the locker room. I like the coaching staff. I didn't feel like relocating," Betts said. "There are a lot of things that go into starting over with another team. I just felt comfortable here. To me, being comfortable is more important than the money. That's just me, though. Everybody's different." Betts has always played down his success and role on the team, and said he had no expectations after last season. He said he understood well his chance to go with testing the open market, but wanted to remain in Washington. "Clinton is the starter, but I still feel like I can be an impact player here," he said. "I still prepare as if I'm the number one, and when you work hard and focus on your preparation, there are going to be opportunities for you to make an impact on this team."

The Rams have some things in my mind for Claude Wroten, especially after trading veteran lineman Jimmy Kennedy to Denver. They foresee Wroten getting plenty of work in a rotation with veteran La'Roi Glover on the interior of the line, with some situational action at end plus special-teams duties.\ "With the advent of us playing some left and right tackle and all that, he's not out of the mix," Rams coach Scott Linehan said. "It's a really good situation we have right now."

Redskins coach Joe Gibbs said he was pleased with the progress of backup quarterback Mark Brunell, who is recovering from labrum surgery.

Byron Westbrook may have played at Division III Salisbury and gone unselected in the draft, but that belies the rookie cornerback's NFL pedigree. Westbrook, from Fort Washington, is the younger brother of Philadelphia Eagles star running back Brian Westbrook, and there is no lack of brotherly advice coming his way. Byron Westbrook has made a strong impression on several of Washington's veteran defenders and, though facing a multitude of proven competitors for a roster spot at defensive back, will be someone getting lots of attention come training camp. Westbrook's goal is to merely crack the roster -- he would be eligible for the practice squad as well -- and his work this offseason puts him in a good spot. He has held his own even against the top offensive unit thus far, players said.

Nothing could make a player feel any older than this: When Giants defensive end Michael Strahan first broke into the NFL in 1993, one of his teammates was linebacker Steve DeOssie. Now, entering his 15th NFL season, one of Strahan's teammates is DeOssie's 23-year-old son, Zak. No offensive tackle could hit the 35-year-old Strahan any harder than that.

Ex-Heisman Trophy winner Chris Weinke, who was released by the Charlotte Panthers, was on the Minnesota campus with some Cretin-Derham Hall athletes the other day and he is still looking for a job. You wonder if the Vikings and Brad Childress would at least take a look at him.

Redskins coach Joe Gibbs said his 2-year-old grandson, Taylor, will begin a phase of rigorous cancer treatment today. Gibbs intends to spend as much time between now and July 27 -- the day players report for training camp -- with his family as possible. "He's my hero," Gibbs said of Taylor. Gibbs said that the nature of training camp will not be dramatically different from other years, although several players said they are banking on more two-a-day sessions following last year's 5-11 finish. "We need to come back and straighten this thing out," Gibbs said.

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Odd Notes & Stuff

Monday, June 18, 2007

Eva Longoria's wedding to Tony Parker is fast approaching, and her mane man, Ken Paves, has told the tiny housewife he'll do her hair for free as a gift. Also offering his service free of charge is Longoria's famed stylist, Robert Verdi. Meanwhile, some of Longoria's pals are worried about Parker. "He is just not gracious," one of them said. "He puts himself ahead of her. He always orders at restaurants before her and is rude to waiters. We just don't have a good feeling about him."

QB Eli Manning and his New York Giants teammates surprised center Shaun O'Hara for his 30th birthday Monday night at Retreat on W 17th St., dousing him with Bud Light beers.

Soccer phenom Heather Mitts finally revealed Friday that she and Eagles quarterback A.J. Feeley split up months ago. But the U.S. Women's Soccer star says they may be in the process of reconciling. "We broke up in March and have been free to do whatever," Mitts confirmed. In April, she laughed off rumors that the couple had parted. "It's been hard for both of us with the long distance and other factors. Everybody makes mistakes and we love each other very much," Mitts e-mailed us Friday. They're getting together this week to "figure out what's best for us in the long run." With his freedom, Feeley has been spied of late making out with hotties at La Costa in Sea Isle City and picking up girls at the Public House Logan Square.

Las Vegas Review Journal... New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and supermodel Gisele Bundchen, on their first getaway to Las Vegas, wound up in the same restaurant Friday with Brady's new receiver, Randy Moss. Brady and Bundchen were dining at N9ne Steakhouse (Palms) at the same time as Moss, traded to the Patriots in April. Brady picked up the tab for both parties and posed for photos with Moss. Earlier Friday, Brady and Bundchen played golf at Wynn Las Vegas.

Georgia coach Mark