Ben Maller’s Sports Rumors & Notes

Rumors Archive for March 02, 2007

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NBA Rumors & Notes

Friday, March 2, 2007

The Knicks have explored signing free agent swingman Jimmy Jackson to fill the massive void left by Jamal Crawford's season-ending stress fracture injury, The Post has learned.
Jackson, 36, is a burly 6-foot-6 and could play small forward or shooting guard. He is known around the league as a player with good character. Jackson played last season for the Suns and Lakers, but was not picked up this year. He has been working out at his home in Toledo, Ohio. The Knicks made inquiries into Jackson following Wednesday night's crushing loss to the Celtics, the team with the worst record in the Eastern Conference.

So when Jason Hart received the news Wednesday night that he would be released from the Kings and, if all went as planned, eventually join the Clippers, it was the joyful conclusion to a bad situation. "It's an opportunity, and you have to take advantage of the opportunity because they don't come around often," Hart said by telephone Thursday night. "I can't wait. I'm very, very excited. It's going to be exciting, a fresh start." Hart was released Thursday afternoon. He flew with the Kings to Los Angeles, where Sacramento plays the Lakers tonight, only because it coincided with his next destination, as Hart expects to sign Tuesday with the Clippers. He must clear waivers first and would be free to sign Monday.

It was a difficult decision for the Lakers. Do they fine Vladimir Radmanovic $1 million because of a snowboarding excursion gone awry, or do they fine him closer to $100,000 because he is under contract for four more seasons, underscoring the need for an agreeable relationship between player and franchise? The Lakers landed somewhere in the middle and fined Radmanovic $500,000 for a violation of his contract, one of the biggest fines imposed by an NBA team on one of its players. Radmanovic seemed thankful that the team did not try to void his contract, an option never seriously considered by the Lakers, who think they have a decent player at a fair price. Radmanovic signed a five-year, $30.2-million contract last July. "That's their legal right," Radmanovic said when asked if his contract could have been voided. "They didn't do it and I'm really grateful for that." Radmanovic was scheduled to make $5.2 million this season, which puts his fine at about 10% of his salary.

If I'm Orlando chairman Rich DeVos I only have eyes (and a maximum contract) for Vince Carter the moment he opts out of New Jersey. You can't find a more ideal complement to Dwight Howard and restricted free agent Darko Milicic.

Kevin Pritchard, the Blazers assistant general manager, is a candidate for the general manager's job, Leiweke said. Pritchard is credited with having a big part -- along with Patterson and scout John Gabriel -- in the six draft-day trades that brought LaMarcus Aldridge, Brandon Roy and Sergio Rodriguez to the Blazers.

Former gay NBA player John Amaechi, appearing as a guest with Andrew Siciliano on Fox Sports Radio, asked if Jazz coach Jerry Sloan didn't like him because he thought he was gay: "No, it's not because I was gay, that he didn't like me. That was part of it, but it shouldn't have been part of it. He also didn't like me because he thought I didn't like white people. And the fact is my mother is white, so I'm kind of insulted by that in certain. He is a beligerant man. He is a cruel man in many respects. This is not about my inability to take criticism. It's my inability to be called an f'ing c on a daily basis." ... Siciliano: Is he the worst coach you've dealt with? Amaechi: "No, he's the best coach I've ever played for in terms of his technical ability. And without a doubt, he's the worst the person I've ever met in my entire life, in terms of dealing with people."

Drew Gooden has been the Cavaliers' most consistent rebounder for three seasons. For the last month, though, the only constant for Gooden has been pain. Gooden sprained his left wrist chasing a loose ball in the Cavs' loss to the Nuggets in Denver on Jan. 19. He has been getting treatment for six weeks, but the discomfort has not relented. The condition of the wrist isn't dramatically affecting his play, isn't on his shooting hand and isn't restricting movement much, but it is worrying him -- especially the possibility that he may have to explore surgical options after the season to repair the damage.

The Sonics could be without Ray Allen for an extended time as the shooting guard took himself out of the lineup Thursday with left ankle inflammation caused by a bone spur. "The doctor said the bone spur on my left side is the biggest 'I've ever seen in one of my patients,' " Allen said. "It didn't bother me. I know there's soreness in it. But in the last couple of days, I started feeling more soreness in it. It's just been getting worse." Allen said he has bone spurs and scar tissue in both ankles and will undergo offseason surgery to clear up the issues. Allen has been getting special treatment on his ankles for the past several years but has avoided surgery.

Vince Carter is grateful for loyal ownership. Nets majority owner Bruce Ratner said Tuesday he was happy Carter wasn't moved before the trade deadline on Feb. 22. Ratner added he thinks the team wouldn't be where it is now (28-30, eighth in the Eastern Conference before play last night) without him. "It's great to hear," Carter said of Ratner's comments yesterday at practice. "To have an owner who's got your back and thinks you're an important part of this team, it's a great feeling." At the end of this season, Carter can opt out of his current contract, which is slotted to pay him more than $16 million for next year. Re-signing Carter to an extension anywhere near his worth almost definitely would take the Nets' payroll to the next level, forcing them to pay a luxury tax. Ratner said he understands this, but thinks it's a sidenote to the big picture of winning.

Former Wolves coach Dwane Casey, 50, won't pursue another NBA job this season. He has accepted an invitation to instruct at a coaches clinic in Italy in June. "I know I have a lot of basketball left in me," he said. Casey, who will collect about $3.5 million for the remainder of his contract, said firing is part of the business.

Blazers GM Steve Patterson's resignation was stunning not so much because of the result, but because of the timing. The Blazers, enjoying a resurgence in attendance and caliber of play, have 24 games remaining in the 2006-07 season. The move was triggered by a clause in Patterson's contract in which Thursday marked the deadline for Allen to decide on the future of Patterson, whose contract wasn't set to expire until June. When Allen declined the option, Patterson decided to resign, allowing the team to jump-start its search for a new president and new general manager.

Andrea Bargnani, the 21-year-old Raptor rookie, is expected to miss games against Milwaukee tonight at home and in Cleveland tomorrow to return to his native Italy to deal with a family medical issue. Bargnani was not at practice yesterday and while the snowstorm that hammered the area undoubtedly delayed his original travel plans, he's expected to be away until early next week.

Now it's Earl Boykins' turn to be sidelined with torn ligaments in his right thumb. The 5-foot-5 Bucks guard is expected to be out for three weeks but will not undergo surgery and hopes to return this season. That was the evaluation Thursday, one day after Boykins went to see a specialist in his hometown of Cleveland. "He was trying to get us to this point, and he has this happen," said Bucks coach Terry Stotts, whose team will take a two-game winning streak into a road contest tonight against the Atlantic Division-leading Toronto Raptors.

Spencer Haywood said he agrees with the NBA's new rule banning high school players from entering the draft, as does Shawn Kemp, the Sonics' most famous high school entry (just ahead of Rashard Lewis). "For a long time, I thought they shouldn't stop it, and then when you see a couple of guys not make it, then (I thought) well maybe they should," Kemp said. "Some of these guys are not ready. They think the next big guy is the next Kobe or Kevin Garnett and it just doesn't work that way."

Former gay NBA player John Amaechi, appearing as a guest with Andrew Siciliano on Fox Sports Radio, asked if Tim Hardaway is actually representative of a lot of guys who are out there in hiding: "I think that he is no more representative in the NBA, than Charles Barkley is in representative in the NBA, in terms of their view on gay people."

The unusual case of Steve Francis' injured knee took another reverse course yesterday when Francis, who on Monday sounded as if he would be headed for another lengthy rehab assignment, practiced and said he would probably play tonight against Golden State. Francis has been in and out of uniform all season with tendinitis in his right knee, a sprained ankle and the flu, and missed the last three games because of the knee injury. On Monday he said he didn't want to rush back if it would do more damage to his knee, but yesterday he said that's exactly what he's going to do.

Mavs coach Avery Johnson is hopeful that forward Devean George will be ready to practice Monday and possibly play Tuesday against Minnesota. George has missed six games since spraining his right knee Feb. 13 against Milwaukee.

The Sixers are expected to add someone March 8 on a 10-day contract. One possibility is forward Louis Amundson, who turned some heads with his hustle and physical play with the Sacramento Kings in the preseason and who recently completed two 10-day stints with the Jazz.

Coach Don Nelson gave his players Thursday off mostly to "get away from the court" after four straight lopsided losses. Where does Golden State go from here now that Nelson has essentially conceded the playoff race? "I had a great team in Dallas that we built very similar to this and I'm sure I had these moments when I was with them," Nelson said after Wednesday's 30-point blowout by the Bulls. "And you just fight through it and it's hard. It's very difficult. But the best reward is once you turn the team around and get it playing well ... We will turn it around but it will take time."

Did You Know? The victories never came during Steve Patterson's era, a somewhat expected struggle after the team announced a rebuilding plan during the 2004-05 season. A 50-win team that had made the playoffs 21 consecutive seasons when he arrived, the Blazers never made the playoffs while compiling a 113-191 record (.372 winning percentage), which included an NBA-worst 21-61 record last season.

If anyone could come out of retirement and play in the NBA after a 21-month absence, Steve Kerr believes Reggie Miller could have done it. "Reggie keeps himself in great shape," Kerr said of his TNT sidekick. "So if anybody can do it, it would probably be him." This week, a rumor had the Mavs ready to sign Miller for the rest of the season. But management squashed the idea, saying it will never happen.

MSG Network broadcasts of Team Tolerable are up about nine percent compared to the same time period last year. Currently, the Knicks garner an average household rating of 1.44 - approximately 106,000 homes, compared to last year's mark of 1.31, about 96,500 homes. Nets broadcasts on YES, however, have suffered a drastic dip in viewership. The team is averaging a 0.72 (about 53,000 homes), a significant dropoff from the 0.99 (about 73,000 homes) it averaged in the same period last year. But most remarkable in the ratings game is what occurred last Sunday, when the Knicks and Nets squared off on both MSG and YES at 6 p.m. The MSG broadcast pulled a 1.29 (about 95,000 homes), while YES managed just a 0.44 (about 32,500 homes). Outside of the nearly 3-1 disparity, these numbers are noteworthy when you consider that Marv Albert was calling the action on YES.

How About That? Fast-break points have basically determined whether the Nuggets win or lose. Denver (28-28) is 19-3 when it scores at least 110 points and 0-18 when scoring fewer than 100, and the NBA's lone team not to win when failing to reach triple digits.

In his first season with the Hornets, Chandler returns to Chicago for tonight's Hornets-Bulls game ranked second in the NBA in rebounding (12.4 per game) And in the 28 games since Jan. 1, Chandler has averaged an impressive 13.8 rebounds. Since Jan. 1, Chandler has also averaged 11.4 points per game, compared to his season average of 8.6.

Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison joined their teammates for a brief but energetic practice yesterday at Verizon Center and expect to be in the starting lineup tonight when the Washington Wizards attempt to break a four-game losing streak when they host the Atlanta Hawks.

Washington's 4-8 slide has coincided with the absence of Antawn Jamison, the team's third-leading scorer, second-leading rebounder and captain. The absence of Jamison's three-point shooting touch -- he's made 95 of 240 attempts (39.6 percent) this season, including several big ones in tight games -- has allowed opponents to slant their defenses to Arenas and Butler.

Utah Jazz forward Carlos Boozer, appearing as a guest with James Washington and Craig Shemon on Fox Sports Radio, asked about John Amaechi announcing he's gay: "I don't know John Amaechi very much at all. I have no problem with him being gay or whatever. I just don't like it when you throw people under the bus in the process. I'm not a big fan about that."

Asked why he thought Tyson Chandler regressed last season with the Bulls, Scott Skiles frowned. "To say that, you have to be talking about somebody who had multiple great years and then all of a sudden didn't have one," Skiles said. "Tyson is still a young player learning the game. Sometimes change is very beneficial. "I've seen that so many times in the league. People will look at a guy who has gone to a different team and say, 'He would've done the same thing here.' The reality a lot of times is, no, he wouldn't have."

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MLB Rumors & Notes

Friday, March 2, 2007

For the purpose of financial flexibility, and maybe peace of mind too, Alex Rodriguez has not taken the option of opting out of his Yankees contract (worth $25 mil per) off the table. As long as the option to opt out at the end of this season is available, there will be buzz over whether A-Rod already has another destination in mind. Speculation will mount Monday night (10 p.m.) when Rodriguez appears on HBO's "Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel." If you come away sensing the Yankees third baseman has the Windy City on his mind you will have plenty of company. During a profile of new Cubs manager Lou Piniella, who managed Rodriguez for seven seasons in Seattle, A-Rod is interviewed by Frank Deford. While Deford never asks Rodriguez to compare Piniella to Joe Torre, it is abundantly clear the managerial qualities - and style - A-Rod enthusiastically attributes to Piniella are not subscribed to by the Yankees manager. ... And yet, yesterday, Rodriguez told Daily News Yankees beat writer Mark Feinsand a reunion with Pinella is not likely to be in the cards. "He's on a different team in a different league," Rodriguez said. "My memories of Lou are in the present and the past, not the future."

With slugger Mark Teixeira, because he is represented by the dreaded Scott Boras, the assumption by many is that the Rangers never will be able to keep him.

Marlins starting pitcher Josh Johnson might miss at least the first month of the season and could be lost for the year because of possible nerve damage in his right arm, sources said Wednesday. Johnson is scheduled to have an MRI today because of lingering pain that has prevented him from throwing at full speed since September.

The Reds have agreed to terms with right-hander Dustin Hermanson on a minor-league contract. But he could have a major impact. "If he's healthy," Reds manager Jerry Narron said. "We have someone else to pitch at the end of the game." The Reds wanted to make sure Hermanson was healthy. He passed a physical Thursday in Cincinnati. "We wanted (our doctors) to sign off on it," Reds general manager Wayne Krivsky said. "He checked out. So rather than flying back to Scottsdale, he's flying to Sarasota." Hermanson is a potential solution to the Reds' closer situation.

Discussions over whether Jason Schmidt or Brad Penny is more deserving to occupy the No. 2 spot in the starting rotation behind Derek Lowe can cease, as least temporarily. It's going to be Randy Wolf. The left-hander about to begin his first season with the Dodgers is scheduled to start the second game of the season at Milwaukee on April 3. The rotation hasn't been announced by Manager Grady Little, but the order of the first four starters was confirmed by two highly placed sources.

A's centerfielder Mark Kotsay is flying to Los Angeles this morning to get a second opinion about his chronic back trouble. Kotsay has had a herniated disk in his lower back since he was with San Diego in 2003, and he has had occasional back spasms since then, sometimes sidelining him for a week or more. The back tightness cropped up earlier than ever this season, just three days into camp. During Kotsay's time with the A's, he has focused on preventative measures, doing extensive rehab work along with flexibility workouts and Pilates.

Coming off a season for which he was honored as the team's MVP, Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez will draw a salary that is $500 over the major league minimum. Gonzalez's salary will be set at $380,500, General Manager Kevin Towers said yesterday after negotiations failed to reconcile a $26,500 difference. “They should tear up the contract and talk about a multiyear contract,” closer Trevor Hoffman said. Because Gonzalez is ineligible for arbitration, the club can set his salary without his consent, provided his salary isn't cut by more than $20,000 from the previous year or set below the major league minimum.

If the Phillies don't come to an agreement with National League MVP Ryan Howard, they are expected to renew his contract today. Howard is expected to make at least $1 million this season, which would be a record for a player not eligible for salary arbitration. A multiyear contract is unlikely.

“That’s stupid, in my opinion,” John Smoltz said of Curt Schilling’s stance, and said he wouldn’t make a similar demand. “That’s the reason I’ve been here so long, the reason the city is great [to me], the fans are great, is because I’ve avoided all that silly stuff. I had one little hiccup last year, which won’t happen again.” He was referring to his complaint late last season about the Braves’ delay in picking up the relatively bargain-rate $8 million 2007 option on his contract.

When Rangers manager Ron Washington was asked Thursday if he plans to sit his top pitchers against AL West opponents in the spring, he smiled and said: "This was my secret, and you're pulling my secret out of me. I'm going to try to keep [Eric] Gagné away from all American Leaguers. They'll see him when the season starts.... I was in Minnesota one year when they got Jeff Reardon. That was the year (1987) they won the World Series. Jeff never faced an American League team until the season started. By the time they figured Jeff Reardon out, it was too late." Washington said Gagné, who has been sick for two days but returned to practice Thursday, will pitch eight or nine innings in the spring. If he is scheduled to pitch on a day the Rangers play an AL team, he will throw in a simulated situation on the practice field.

Tony La Russa said he "couldn't disagree more" with Detroit Tigers first base coach Andy Van Slyke's critique of Chris Duncan's future in the outfield. Van Slyke, a former Gold Glove center fielder, labeled Duncan potentially "average at best, not worst." La Russa repeatedly has predicted Duncan would leave spring training "average at worst" in the outfield, where he struggled after shifting from first base last season. "I'm surprised, because I know he was an outstanding outfielder, and Jimmy (Leyland) is real pleased with the way he approaches his outfielders," La Russa said about Van Slyke. "But I'm surprised that he doesn't remember experiences where a guy starts out struggling defensively and is permitted to work and becomes better than average."

As it stands now, the crop of free-agent centerfielders next offseason could include Andruw Jones, Ichiro, Torii Hunter and Aaron Rowand.

As it turns out, the 60-yard dash claimed two victims in the Milwaukee Brewers' spring camp. First baseman Prince Fielder was scratched from the starting lineup for the Brewers' exhibition opener Thursday against Oakland with tightness in his left quadriceps. Assistant general manager Gord Ash said Fielder could be sidelined up to a week. Though Fielder said he "wasn't sure" the problem was the result of the 60-yard dash all position players were required to run Wednesday, he began experiencing the tightness shortly afterward. "It just started bothering me," Fielder said. "Whether it happened before or after, I'm not sure." Outfielder Gabe Gross suffered a mild strain of his right hamstring running his second 60-yard sprint the previous day. Gross, who said the injury was not as bad as the left hamstring strain that sidelined him for most of the final month of last season, declined to say the 60-yard dash was a bad idea

It seems not every ex-Jay is a disgruntled malcontent waiting to vent on his former employer. An example of someone refusing to burn his bridges is Eric Hinske of the Red Sox, in town, yesterday, for the Grapefruit League opener. "I started on a high and it went downhill until I found myself in a bench player's role," Hinske shrugged, of his roller-coaster five-year Jays career. "I have no hard feelings against anybody. I had a great time in Toronto. I thank J.P. and the organization for everything they did for me. I think it's a great organization with great people. I don't have a bad word to say about anybody."

MLB Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro is on the Veterans Committee that failed to vote in a new member for the third straight time this week. Niekro, appearing as a guest with Steve Czaban on Fox Sports Radio, offer some good insight into the mentality of the committee: "Stats don't change year after year. It is what it is. And no matter how much one guy could tell you about how great a guy was someplace else, in your own mind you've still got to feel that it's right or wrong. It's tough sometimes. There's so many guys right there on that bubble. You take the Blyleven, and you take the Jim Rice, and you take Jim Kaat, and you got Ron Santo, and you got Tony Oliva. Boy it's difficult in those situations."

Hennepin County has told the Minnesota Twins that building a new ballpark at a preferred site in downtown Minneapolis could likely require the team to spend more money, and has identified six sites across the metro area that could serve as an alternative location for a stadium. The newest disclosures come as county negotiators and a limited liability partnership that controls the 8-acre stadium site remain at an impasse over the sale price, with both sides publicly faulting one another for the standoff. The delay has already forced the Twins to postpone an unveiling of the stadium's detailed design, pushed back this month's site preparation work and threatened to undermine the start of major construction in August.

The Cardinals' enhanced awareness of Mexican talent became tangible earlier this week when the club acquired 21-year-old pitcher Fernando Salas from Saltilla of the Mexican League. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it is believed the Cardinals paid the Mexican club more than $200,000 for Salas, a righthanded reliever who might open the season at Double-A Springfield. "We want to be active," said Jeff Luhnow, Cardinals vice-president for scouting and player development. "I've wanted to get involved in Mexico as long as I've been involved with the Cardinals. It's a unique situation but I think we're figuring it out."

Cliff Lee will be on the sidelines for a while, although Indians officials hope that he misses only a few days with a strained abdominal muscle. ``It happened five days ago during his first batting-practice session,'' head trainer Lonnie Soloff said Thursday. ``He threw a bullpen session yesterday for his start tomorrow and felt it again.'' Lee will miss his start against the Philadelphia Phillies today, but Soloff doesn't think the left-hander will be absent from the mound for long.

Mets 3B David Wright, appearing as a guest on FSN's "Best Damn Sports Show Period," asked if his teammates have given him grief over his GQ photo spread: “Judging by the way my teammates dress, I don’t think they subscribe to GQ.”

Whenever you spot Curtis Thigpen – the young man the Blue Jays hope will be their front-line catcher soon and for years to come – he's got that bat in his hands, usually heading back into the cage for a few extra swings. "Hard worker, tough kid, smart kid," GM J.P. Ricciardi rattles off, summing up the young Texan

Marlins right-handers Wes Obenmueller and Yusmeiro Petit and left-hander Chris George each had a chance Thursday to stake a claim to the fifth rotation spot if Josh Johnson's arm discomfort continues.

Ambiorix Burgos' career ERA in his two seasons is 4.81 (last year it was 5.52), and last year he blew 12 of his 30 save chances. In the winter, he was traded to the Mets for Brian Bannister, and said he was elated with the deal. "I feel like I just got called up to the big leagues," he said when asked what his reaction was about getting dealt to New York. "I feel in Kansas City that I was in Triple-A." Omar Minaya said yesterday Burgos is "not a lock" to make the Mets' roster for Opening Day, but it's clear he will be one of the contenders.

In evaluating the NL East, Cards manager Tony La Russa said yesterday he believes the Mets are the "team to beat," though he called it a "really good division."

Kansas City GM Dayton Moore responds to this latest round of queries and criticism with a question: “Are the Royals better with him or without him? Tell me that. Are the Royals better with Gil Meche or without Gil Meche?”

Twins righthander Sidney Ponson, on being 16 months out of alcohol rehab: "I have a couple glasses of wine here and there, but I used to go out and drink 20 beers and stay up until 5, 6 o'clock in the morning."

Among the pitchers in Padres camp is lefthander Ryan Ketchner, who was diagnosed as being deaf as a child. Manager Bud Black said he and his staff have no problem communicating with Ketchner, who wears a hearing aid in each ear and reads lips.

Cubs infielder
Mark DeRosa played with Gary Matthews Jr. last year in Texas and said he was "shocked" to see Matthews' name associated with a performance-enhancing drug scandal. DeRosa, like Matthews, had a career year in '06, and doesn't believe it's fair to accuse players who have breakthrough seasons of using performance-enhancing drugs. "I have a huge problem with that," he said. "You hear that a lot, and I understand that argument, but bottom line is that performance-enhancing drugs do not give you hand-eye coordination, do not make your eyes better, do not make you stay back on the slider. They don't do those things.

How About That? The 1977 Kansas City Royals were under .500 as late as June 20 and still won 102 games and made the playoffs. The 1973 St. Louis Cardinals started off 2-15 but finished 11/2 games behind the National League East champions, the Mets. They're an example of a team that recovered from a bad start but wished it had a few more early wins.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland acknowledged the importance of the quick start. It was a priceless confidence-builder for a team that hadn't won. Certainly, starting quick was something Leyland stressed in spring training, right? Wrong. He never talked about it, never made it a goal. "It just worked out that way," he said. "I don't talk about that at all. What happens if you stress getting off to a quick start and you don't? Are you going to cancel the season in May? I don't buy that stuff. "In spring training, I don't talk about winning much. I try to get them ready to play and let the chips fall where they may. If we're good enough, we'll win our share."

Carl Pavano yesterday threw off a mound for the first time since taking a comebacker off his left foot and pronounced himself ready for his spring debut this weekend. "I didn't really have too many concerns from the beginning," he said, "just because of the progress I've made." Pavano, who has not pitched in the majors since June 2005, was hit Saturday while throwing batting practice to teammates (he declined to use a protective screen). An MRI showed the injury to be only a bone bruise.

So you want to know who the Mariners' Opening Day starting pitcher will be? All you've got to do is look at today's starting lineup, look at the date of the opener, then start counting backward by five. Today's starter is Felix Hernandez. If the math -- and the staff -- holds up the 20-year-old right-hander will be the starter April 2 at Safeco Field against Oakland.

Mets 3B David Wright, appearing as a guest on FSN's "Best Damn Sports Show Period," on new teammate Moises Alou, who urinates on his hands to ward off calluses: “He can hit. I don’t care what he’s doing. Let him keep peeing on his hands if that’s what it takes…. We give the pound or the fist pump, no hand shaking going on.”

Non-roster invitee Adam Bernero won’t have the opportunity to play for the Sox at all this season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow yesterday in Birmingham, Ala. The 30-year-old right-hander, who is 11-27 with a 5.91 ERA in 150 career appearances with the Tigers, Rockies, Braves, Phillies and Royals, is expected to be back at full strength during spring training next year. The Sox sent Bernero to noted orthopedist Dr. James Andrews on Wednesday when the pitcher complained of soreness after throwing off the mound. “All winter he felt pretty good and he felt good when he got here,” Francona said. “It wasn’t flat-ground throwing, it was when he got on a hill when he started running into problems.”

In 28 career starts, Kyle Davies 9-11 with a 6.15 ERA, and scrutiny has been intense for the hometown boy. John Smoltz is concerned that Davies hasn't had the luxury of learning from mistakes without so much pressure, the way Smoltz and other former Braves greats did in their first seasons with lesser teams. After 28 starts in the majors, Greg Maddux was 8-14 with a 5.39 ERA, Tom Glavine was 5-13 with a 5.44 ERA, and Smoltz was 11-13 with a 3.41 ERA. None of those three had surgery in that period. "Glavine will say the same thing, Maddux will say the same thing — we had our chance to learn in a non-pressure situation," Smoltz said. "These guys [Davies and Chuck James] don't have that luxury."

IF Brendan Harris figures to be among the starters Saturday against Toronto. The utility player already has caught Maddon's eye in his first Rays camp. "I really like what Brendan Harris has done to this point; he's made a great first impression," Maddon said. "He's my kind of player, the way he goes about his business. He is all business, and he's able to execute. I see this guy as being a consistent kind of a player as he matures. I like him. So he's going to get a very good look during this camp."

Yanks manager Joe Torre seemed most pleased with the performance of Ross Ohlendorf, the starter from Princeton who was acquired from Arizona in the trade for Randy Johnson. Ohlendorf pitched two scoreless innings and got ground balls with ease. “He had real good sink,” Torre said. “He looks like he’s real polished out there.”

General manager Dave Littlefield said the Pirates have not received results from outfielder Xavier Nady's colonoscopy, taken Wednesday in Pittsburgh. Nady was due back in Florida yesterday afternoon.

Manager Ozzie Guillen admitted knuckleballer Charlie Haeger might help the White Sox more as a reliever because of his versatility. Haeger helped his chances by pitching two scoreless innings against the Rockies in a 4-3 split-squad loss. "He can be the long man we didn't have last year," Guillen said. "I like what I see."

Manager Lou Piniella was asked Thursday about the rumor that Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was planning to buy the Cubs. "He's a flamboyant guy," Piniella said. Ever met him? "No, I've seen him on television," he said. Piniella worked for loud owners George Steinbrenner and Marge Schott. Could he work for Cuban too? "Listen," he said. "I'm very happy working for Tribune Co."

Mets 3B David Wright, appearing as a guest on FSN's "Best Damn Sports Show Period," responding to Phillies SS Jimmy Rollins saying the Phillies are the team to beat in the NL East: “We don’t feel the need to run our mouths. We’re the defending National League East champions. Last I checked, whoever talks the most doesn’t get the division title. We’re going to go out there and do our talking with our bats and our gloves.”

The Padres plan to unveil a statue of Hall of Famer-elect Tony Gwynn at Petco Park on July 21.

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NFL Rumors & Notes

Friday, March 2, 2007

The move for Dre Bly is just the first of several Denver will attempt to make as they continue trade talks, including a deal for Buffalo running back Willis McGahee. It could take around a third-round pick to get the former University of Miami star. In addition to McGahee, running backs who might be available in a trade include Chicago's Thomas Jones. The team also could look at Jamal Lewis, cut by the Ravens. Travis Henry could be another option if he is cut by Tennessee. One player who might visit is Green Bay's Ahman Green.

Even though he’s an outside player and the Patriots need more help in the middle, Joey Porter possesses ideal physical skills for the New England system. He’s 6-foot-3, 250 pounds, can get after the quarterback, plays with a mean streak, and has spent his career in Pittsburgh’s 3-4 defense. With Baltimore’s Adalius Thomas rumored to be on his way to San Francisco to reunite with head coach Mike Nolan, Porter becomes the No. 1 linebacker on the market and a potential target for 3-4 teams like Cleveland and Dallas. The biggest question will be putting up with his mouth. Porter talks more trash than any player in the league, and unlike Patriots safety Rodney Harrison [stats], isn’t necessarily respected for it. The Patriots, in particular, have taken issue with his proclamations over the years.

The Titans are one of about five teams to apparently be in the running for Buffalo Bills cornerback Nate Clements, though the 49ers and Cleveland Browns are currently believed to be the front-runners. Other teams perhaps in the hunt are the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants.

The news came minutes before the Giants began talking to other free agents, including Colts running back Dominic Rhodes. According to someone who has spoken to Rhodes, the six-year veteran will visit the Giants today. The person requested anonymity because of the private nature of free-agent negotiations. The Giants are also expected to pursue two Eagles defensive backs: Cornerback Rod Hood and safety Michael Lewis. Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo worked with both players while serving as Philly's secondary coach.

The Raiders will find out soon whether their pursuit of Jeff Garcia, the scrambling three-time Pro Bowl quarterback, is successful. Expect the Raiders to get into a bidding war with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who also are eager to land this year's top free-agent quarterback. The Vikings also have expressed interest in Garcia. ... The Raiders may have to turn their sights to free-agent quarterback Brad Johnson, who was cut loose by the Vikings.

A team with the Redskins' financial resources cannot be underestimated. After being unimpressed with Clemson's Gaines Adams and intrigued but not overwhelmed by Michigan defensive tackle Alan Branch -- though sources said the team liked its non-workout meeting with Arkansas defensive end Jamaal Anderson -- sources at the NFL scouting combine last week said the Redskins were deeply interested in former Virginia defensive end Patrick Kerney, an eight-year veteran who has played his entire career with Atlanta. The Broncos appear to have the inside edge on Kerney.

In something of a long shot, the Redskins also could be in the running for left defensive end Michael Strahan, who met with New York Giants officials this week in an attempt to be traded. Strahan has two years left on his current contract.

Because Joey Harrington's bonus money isn't owed until the fifth day (Wednesday) of the new league year, the team still has time to make that move. When it does, the Dolphins would have a slot to fill at quarterback. And although it likely would be done through the draft, the possibility of a trade with Kansas City for an expendable Trent Green still exists. Green, who played for coach Cam Cameron in Washington in 1995 and 1996, is likely to be put on the trading block as a result of the team's decision to re-sign Damon Huard.

Middle linebacker London Fletcher could become a member of the Washington Redskins as early as today, while former Redskins defensive back Fred Smoot also is a top priority at the start of the NFL free agent signing period, which began at midnight. The Redskins appear confident in their ability to sign Fletcher, who played for the Buffalo Bills last season and will meet at Redskins Park with coaches and front-office staff today. Smoot also has a meeting scheduled.

Depending on who you believe, Randy Moss seems destined to be a member of the Green Bay Packers in 2007. An Oakland radio station (KNBR-680/1050) confirmed a report this morning with PackerReport.com that the Packers and Raiders are in "serious negotiations" regarding a trade for Moss. Oh, really? However, PackerReport.com has learned, that the Packers have yet to contact the Raiders about Moss. This came from a source within the Raiders organization. Scout.com senior writer Adam Caplan also said today that the Packers will contact the Raiders about Moss but haven't yet. Moss has made it known that he wants out of Oakland, and fans in the Bay area want him out. Green Bay and Jacksonville reportedly are two teams with the most interest in Moss.

Another interesting possibility for the Jets is Corey Dillon, who was expecting to be released by the Patriots by the end of last night but wants to play another year or two. Eric Mangini knows Dillon, having coached him in New England. Dillon, who gained 812 yards, had a 4.1-yard average and 13 rushing touchdowns last season in a split-time role with Laurence Maroney, surely still has a year or two left on his legs.

Though Chris Simms believes the Bucs gave him starter's money in his new contract, there was growing speculation Thursday that Tampa Bay was planning to give the same kind of money to free-agent quarterback Jeff Garcia. And if the Bucs don't give it to Garcia, then someone such as Jake Plummer, Aaron Brooks or maybe even Brad Johnson could get it because the Bucs officially are on the lookout for a veteran quarterback. The Raiders and Broncos also are expected to make bids for Garcia, whose objectives may have changed in recent days.

Veteran Donnie Edwards is the most likely candidate to become the Saints' "marquee" free agent signing. He is good friends with Saints quarterback Drew Brees, having played with him in San Diego. Edwards can play middle or weakside linebacker. The Saints came close to trading for him last summer.

In limbo is Redskins CB Shawn Springs, who league sources said had been discussed in potential trade talks with Denver and Detroit, but could remain with the team or be cut on June 1.

Several reports and league sources have connected the 49ers with Ravens linebacker Odalius Thomas. Known to Nolan, who coached Thomas for three seasons (2002-04) as Baltimore's defensive coordinator, Thomas could greatly help Nolan's transition to a 3-4 defense. Should the 49ers lose out on Thomas, they could go quickly to Ravens defensive end Jarret Johnson or Patriots defensive end and former Cal player Tully Banta-Cain. Neither are considered to be at the level of Thomas

It is believed that the Titans might not wish to match an overwhelming offer for Drew Bennett, who led the team in receptions with 46 a year ago. The San Francisco 49ers might be an attractive possibility for Bennett.

Chargers restricted free-agent running back Michael Turner, a player the Jets are reportedly eyeing, was given a first- and third-round tender by San Diego. Any team that wants Turner would have to surrender first- and third-round draft picks to sign him. The Jets have tried to acquire Redskins running back Ladell Betts in a trade but a potential deal fell through, according to someone with knowledge of the discussions between the teams. The person requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of trade talks.

The Vikings have expressed interest in Atlanta defensive end Patrick Kerney, a pass rusher who is recovering from a torn pectoral muscle. Tampa Bay defensive end Dewayne White is another potential target.

The first phone call Mike McCartney made Thursday night at a stroke past the start of NFL free agency was to the Seahawks. It's significant because McCartney is the agent for Kris Dielman, the tenacious guard from the San Diego Chargers and one of the most coveted players in his year's free-agent pool. Dielman could visit the Seahawks today. McCartney wants Seattle to be Dielman's first stop. It's up to the Seahawks whether it will be his last. If not Dielman, perhaps Cincinnati Bengals guard Eric Steinbach. Seattle, Tampa and Cleveland are expected to be the first three stops for one of the more highly rated players in free agency.

The Vikings were scheduling a Monday visit for Atlanta receiver Ashlie Lelie, who will be in Houston today. Lelie played for new Vikings receivers coach George Stewart when both were with the Falcons last season.

The Dolphins may be shopping for a replacement linebacker such as San Diego free agent Donnie Edwards. Asked Thursday on ESPN which linebacker he would like to play next to, Edwards' immediate response was the Dolphins' Zach Thomas. Edwards, 33, had 141 tackles last season in the same kind of 3-4 defensive scheme the Dolphins employ.

The Tennessee Titans will continue to talk with the agent for Travis Henry through Sunday night, the day before his $8 million roster bonus is due. The Titans won’t pay that bonus, but continue to try and negotiate a new contract to keep the running back in Tennessee. “We are engaged in on-going conversations,” Henry’s agent Hadley Engelhard said. “And that is a positive.” Henry, 28, enjoyed a solid comeback season rushing for 1,211 yards and seven touchdowns in emerging as the Titans’ No. 1 running back.

Scout.com has learned free agent RB Sammy Morris (Dolphins) has drawn interest from the New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs and one other team. Morris has done a nice job in a backup role the past few seasons and also is one of the NFL's best special teams players.

The Panthers could look to bring in someone like Seattle's Ken Hamlin or Jacksonville's Deon Grant, who began his career with the Panthers.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have scheduled a visit with Cincinnati free agent guard Eric Steinbach, PewterReport.com is reporting. Steinbach, 26, is scheduled to visit One Buccaneer Place on Saturday. Steinbach, 26, is one of the bigger names on the free agent market. He is scheduled to visit Cleveland on Friday and Seattle after his trip to Tampa Bay.

Others who could be coming to Tampa include Bears defensive tackle Ian Scott, Redskins running back T.J. Duckett and safeties Mike Doss, Ken Hamlin and Kevin Kaesviharn. One player who seems destined to become a Buc is Broncos linebacker Patrick Chukwurah, who is said to already have a deal in place.

Nate Clements is a tempting option. The Saints could make a splash by filling their biggest need with the top-rated free agent on the market. But he reportedly is seeking a signing bonus near $18 million. The Saints certainly will pursue the idea, but the next tier of corners, Nick Harper and Roderick Hood, are more likely.

The Broncos are expected to bring Atlanta defensive end Patrick Kerney in for a visit as soon as today. Kerney, who played for new Broncos defensive line coach Bill Johnson at Atlanta