Ben Maller’s Sports Rumors & Notes

Rumors Archive for March 19, 2007

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NBA Rumors & Notes

Monday, March 19, 2007

Heat center Shaquille O'Neal, who still has a home in Central Florida, put in his plug before the game to county and city leaders who still are debating whether or not to fund a new downtown arena in Orlando. First he asked where the issue stood, then he made his feelings clear. "If they get that new arena, maybe I'll come back and run the team,'' he said. "A new arena, that would be worth coming back for.''

Even though the teams couldn't come to an agreement, Pau Gasol said he liked the idea of joining the Bulls. ''Absolutely,'' he said. ''The Bulls are a very good team, very talented. They have very good options to move forward and become a dominant team in the East. ''They're a young team, and they have the right pieces. I just think they need somebody in there that provides the scoring and allows them to control the tempo of the game a little better, especially down the stretch.'' The Bulls could consider Gasol again if he asks the Grizzlies -- who are up for sale -- to move him this summer.

Michael Jordan also disclosed Bernie Bickerstaff would not return as coach, and North Carolina's Larry Brown is considered the favorite. However, Jordan is known to favor close allies, so don't overlook Hornets assistant Darrell Walker, the Chicagoan who coached the Raptors, played with the Bulls on the 1993 champions and has long been close friends with Jordan. Or perhaps Patrick Ewing, another Jordan confidante, who was an assistant with the Rockets.

Mo Peterson's status will likely remain a question mark. If he becomes a free agent, it be would hard to imagine him signing with Toronto next season, or the Raptors bending over backward to keep him, which would mean Peterson's tenure with the team can likely be measured in weeks.

A big real estate transaction would suggest that KG is not thinking about leaving town. According to Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal, William D. Larson sold a piece of Orono property to the Kevin Garnet Revocable Trust for $6.5 million. According to other public records -- where Garnett's last name is also misspelled, perhaps intentionally -- the two-story structure built in 1998 has 10 bathrooms. That's a lot of cans! It has 11 bedrooms, 16 "other rooms," and two living rooms. In square footage terms, the garage area has 2,265; the ground floor 8,263; the second floor 2,790; the porch 3,375, and the basement 826. There is no mention of a kennel area on the documents, which state that the annual taxes on the lakeshore property are $69,083.

Bucks coach Larry Krystkowiak won't go so far as to say players have been playing for contracts at times this season, but he does point out that a number of players on the team are in the final years of their contracts. Ruben Patterson, Charlie Bell, Earl Boykins and Mo Williams are among the Bucks who could be testing the free-agent market after this season. "We have an inordinate amount of free agents," Krystkowiak said. "Numbers come into play. I was there once. I can remember that I wanted to put up some numbers. But one of the best numbers that we can think about is whether we're winning our fair share of games. That's going to help a lot of those guys out in the free-agent market. But I really think the key to success is doing it together."

Ira Newble said this week that he and agent Steve Kauffman have not yet decided on whether he'll exercise an opt-out clause in his contract for next season. Newble has until June 15 to decide if he wants the $3.4 million. Even though he's concerned about playing time issues, the high probability is he'll not opt out because he's unlikely to get near that much as a free agent. He'll also become a candidate to be traded because he has an expiring contract. Both Newble and Wesley figure to be trading chips for the Cavs this summer. Wesley has an excellent contract for it, his salary cap number for next season is $1.8 million but only $250,000 of it is guaranteed.

Heat coach Pat Riley said Dwyane Wade is making strides with the therapy on his dislocated left shoulder. "I see him on the court every day. He's up there working," Riley said. "He seems to be progressing. But we won't know for a while exactly when the day comes. We're not even thinking about it right now."

According to sources, in an announcement expected to come later this month, the Cavs and the NBA will announce a preseason game against the Orlando Magic in early October in Shanghai, China. Then the Cavs will play an exhibition with the Chinese National Team in Macau, a gambling mecca in Southern China not far from Hong Kong, before returning home. The Cavs probably will be given a waiver by the league to start training camp early to accommodate the jet-lag issues that will arise out of spending a week in the Far East.

Jazz coach Jerry Sloan is believed to be the NBA's all-time leader in technical fouls with 413 and is two away from 15 this season, which triggers an automatic one-game coaching suspension. According to records of longtime 76ers statistician Harvey Pollack, since 1970 Sloan is the leader followed by Don Nelson, Dick Motta, Kevin Loughery (also a former Bulls coach with Sloan and Motta), Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, Cotton Fitzsimmons, Bill Fitch, Gary Payton and Rasheed Wallace, the latter 10th with 263.

The Cavs don't expect the NBA office to levy a fine on Scot Pollard for his bad ``hey kids, do drugs'' joke on television last week. The team, however, did hit Pollard with a fine, which will not be announced.

Pistons president Joe Dumars asked the league to review Rasheed Wallace's technical foul from Friday night in Phoenix, but the league has upheld referee Mike Callahan 's ruling. Callahan gave Wallace the tech for taunting the crowd. Wallace contended he was merely celebrating the Pistons' 15-point lead. It is Wallace's 17th technical foul of the season; one more and he will serve his second one-game suspension.

Did You Know? Heat center Alonzo Mourning moved within 14 of passing Glen Rice's 9,248 for the franchise's all-time scoring lead.

How About That? Sacramento guard Kevin Martin became the second player in NBA history Saturday night against the Magic to score at least 20 points and make only one basket. He was 17-of-20 from the line. Tiny Archibald was the first to pull off the feat in 1980, hitting one basket and making 20-of-22 free throws.

If the guy who got whacked doesn't think Kobe Bryant is a dirty player, maybe that should settle it, as far as the Wolves are concerned. Guard Marko Jaric, who got hit by Bryant's notorious flailing arm in the team's March 6 meeting at Target Center, waved off the claim. "There are a lot more players in this league that you have to be concerned about," Jaric said. "To be a dirty player, you're trying to hurt somebody and you're trying to make a dirty move when the referee doesn't look. ... There are at least five, six dirty players in the league that I know of." But not Bryant.

The great mystery around the Jazz has been the disappearance of Andrei Kirilenko, the team's highest-paid player and an All-Star three years ago when he was celebrated for his versatility and defense. Now, he's being replaced for defense late in games by Matt Harpring. He has failed to score in double figures or get five assists in his last eight games. At 8.4 points per game, he's on pace to average fewer than 10 for the first time in his six-year career.

The NBA fined Bobcats boss Michael Jordan $15,000 for telling Charlotte media, "the kid in Texas [shows] all the right signs." Contact with and comment on potential NBA draft picks is not allowed until college players declare for the draft. Jordan seemed to be leaning toward the versatile Kevin Durant over Ohio State center Greg Oden—assuming they enter the draft—if the Bobcats get the top pick since they have Emeka Okafor inside.

Celtics coach Doc Rivers was asked who will end up in the Finals. "Miami, especially if [Dwyane] Wade returns," Rivers said. "Detroit, Chicago [or] Cleveland." Anyone else possible, Toronto, Washington? "No," Rivers said. "Those are the teams that play defense."

Flip Murray may wind up back on the bench when Lindsay Hunter returns, but it won't be because he didn't get the job done during Chauncey Billups' absence. After a slow start following Hunter's suspension earlier this month, Murray has been arguably Detroit's best player the last two games. His ability to drive and finish in the lane, and get steals are reasons the Pistons signed him to a two-year, $3.6 million contract last summer. Of course, two games can't replace what has been a season's worth of erratic play by Murray. But considering he was out of the playing rotation, the last two games have been a real plus.

Who Knew? The Wizards improved to 14-0 when shooting better than 50 percent with Saturday's 125-103 win over New Orleans at Verizon Center.

At the tender age of 22 and in just his second NBA season, Andrew Bogut of the Milwaukee Bucks may have already established himself as the most complete all-around center in the Eastern Conference. Based on five statistical categories — points, rebounds, field goal percentage, assists and blocked shots — Bogut has the best score of the 15 centers in the Eastern Conference. What’s more, the Bucks’ 7-foot center is the only center in the Eastern Conference that ranks in the top seven in each category.

Heat guard Gary Payton said he never has seen a coach change as much during a season as Pat Riley has. But then again, ``I never had a coach take a little time off to get back to himself. . . . We needed a change. The change came, and now look what happened.'' Riley ''spoke to all the players before he came back and let everyone know it was going to be a little different,'' center Michael Doleac said. Not only has Riley cut the length of practice since returning from knee and hip surgeries, but players have responded to his new demeanor -- a change that's easier because Miami is winning, but also has been noticed after losses and poor stretches in games. ''He's changed a lot,'' Payton said. ``He's been more patient with us. He's not blowing up. . . . Probably a lot of people did get a little mad or rebellious against him [earlier this season]. Some people don't like people to scream. . . . Now, he understands how to relate to people.''

Rip Hamilton is an 87 percent free throw shooter. He was at a complete loss to explain how he missed five of seven in the fourth quarter of the Pistons' 92-88 loss to Dallas Sunday. "It was crazy," he said. "That's all I kept thinking. This is crazy. I never expected to miss back-to-back free throws twice in a row. It's tough." Hamilton wouldn't use it as an excuse, but both coach Flip Saunders and Rasheed Wallace mentioned the F-word. "This was like a road game for us, coming off that long road trip," Saunders said. "I am sure fatigue was a factor." Wallace agreed. "You are going to have that fatoogie sometimes," he said -- fatoogie being Sheed-speak for fatigue.

Not that Rasheed Wallace should be an expert, but asked whom he would vote for MVP between Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash, he said, "Neither. [I'd vote for] somebody who plays defense. None of them play any defense."

Studio analyst Charles Barkley of TNT offered his perspective on the Milwaukee Bucks' firing of head coach Terry Stotts with the team at 22-41. "This goes back to my theory," Barkley said during TNT's doubleheader Thursday night. "Everybody thinks they are married to a Playboy bunny, but some are really just married to rabbits. The Milwaukee Bucks are rabbits. They have a bright future if they get a few more players."

There was Jon Barry, here with the ABC broadcast team, checking out his old space in the Pistons locker room. "That's where the magic happened," he said.

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MLB Rumors & Notes

Monday, March 19, 2007

A decision on whether to keep or trade Armando Benitez could be made by this time next week. If the Giants choose to deal him, there could be multiple suitors. The Marlins remain in the picture, and major-league sources said the Reds are interested, too. According to league sources, there is some sentiment in the ownership suite to see Benitez gone, given how ticket-holders feel about the closer, but the front office is inclined to keep him unless a team offers valuable players in return.

It’s probably news to Cubs general manager Jim Hendry and Carlos Zambrano’s agents, but the big right-hander said Sunday he believes he’s close to a new multiyear contract. Cubs insiders have said only that they’ve begun talks with Zambrano’s people. “Yeah, probably, we’re close to that,” Zambrano said after pitching 5¿ innings during Sunday’s 4-0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels. “We’re just talking. Let’s see what happens from there. “That’s what I think (about a multiyear deal). I always say that because I want to put in my mind positive things. I always say I must sign, and we want to be there.”

Jake Westbrook said his agent, Michael Maas, has started talking with the Indians about a multiyear deal. "We're talking, that's all I know," said Westbrook. Westbrook, making $6.1 million this year, is a free agent at the end of the 2007 season. Indians General Manager Mark Shapiro repeated Sunday what he said when he signed his five-year extension Thursday - he would not give daily updates on negotiations. "We will update you before we leave spring training," said Shapiro.

15 minutes later, at the end of a wide-ranging interview with reporters, a cheerful O's owner Peter Angelos had said: He would not sell the Orioles anytime soon, the Washington Nationals have cut into his team's profits, he broke up trade talks involving Brian Roberts, he has asked for a salary cap to curb escalating salaries and he has been unfairly criticized by fans and media.

As for Josh Fogg, he's still on the Baltimore Orioles' radar. After nearly acquiring him from the Rockies in the trade for Rodrigo Lopez over the winter, the Orioles are monitoring his situation closely.

There has been no progress on a multi-year contract for Twins first baseman Justin Morneau, the American League's most valuable player.

Adjusting to a secondary role in his first camp with the Cardinals, Preston Wilson ran afoul of the Redbirds skipper when Tony La Russa read comments in which Wilson played down the significance of Grapefruit League numbers. La Russa, who is deflated by exhibition losses, suggested Wilson take a more urgent approach during what the player called an "honest dialogue." "There are innings available. There are at-bats available," La Russa asserted. "Do you want 100 at-bats or do you want 400? This club is serious about winning. It's not 'whatever happens, happens.' " La Russa summoned Wilson into his office for what the player later described as "an honest conversation" after the team's workout. Though neither offered specifics about their 15-minute, closed-door talk, the theme was obvious. "Before we signed him, if you look at our set-up, there was 300 or 400 at-bats out there for the right guy. We were looking for the right guy, and we chose Preston. He's got to be the guy who earned them," La Russa said.

David Wells' life changed two weeks ago when he learned he has Type 2 diabetes, also called adult-onset diabetes. “Obviously, this is a concern,” the Padres' 43-year-old pitcher said yesterday. “But it's beatable. And I'm going to beat it. It's going to take some lifestyle changes. And I'm already making them. “From the time I found out, I made changes. No more starches and sugar. No more rice, pasta, potatoes and white bread. No more fast food. I've cut out alcohol.” That's right, Boomer Wells has given up drinking. Well, not entirely. “I can still have a glass of wine now and then,” said Wells. “I can still run with the guys. But I've got to watch what I'm doing. I'm not drinking. “This is a major lifestyle change. I don't want this going to Type 1 diabetes. I want to be around for a while. If you don't take care of this, it can lead to some scary stuff . . . like losing limbs. If anyone has this, it's a red flag, period. “But if I follow the rules I've been given, there's no problem.”

The Reds aren't going to make any announcement, but the feeling in camp is that they've found their closer. The question about Dustin Hermanson was whether his back was sound. Through three outings, several bullpen sessions and one very tough play at first, his back has been fine. If Hermanson can be what he was in the 2005 - when he saved 34 games and had a 2.04 ERA with the Chicago White Sox - one of the biggest questions about the Reds will be answered. "It would be huge for us," Reds manager Jerry Narron said.

Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano was asked about contract negotiations, seeing that his agents have come to town. Can something get done before Opening Day? "Yeah, probably," he said. "We talked to them, we're talking. We'll just see what happens." Are you close to signing? "That's what I think," he said. "I always say that because I want to put in my mind positive things. I always say I'm going to sign. We want to get it done." It turns out, according to insiders, the two sides have barely talked, although they could begin bargaining in earnest soon. And one final Zambrano thought about whether negotiations could continue after Opening Day: "Not during the season. After the season when we win the World Series."

Phillies closer Tom Gordon continued to insist yesterday that his shoulder, built up by a new set of exercises he's been doing over the winter, is fine and that he just wanted to make sure he's doing all he can to be certain his forearm and elbow are also in the best condition possible. Since he's made only three official appearances this spring, the challenge now is to be certain he gets enough work to be ready when the regular season opens against the Atlanta Braves 2 weeks from today at Citizens Bank Park. "He was a little rusty," said manager Charlie Manuel. "He needs to pitch. [Pitching coach Rich Dubee] and I will sit down and try to get a plan."

Nats manager Manny Acta confirmed that rookie lefty Matt Chico would be the team's No. 4 starter -- behind right-handers John Patterson, Shawn Hill and Jason Simontacchi -- "if things continue to develop the way they are." That leaves five pitchers -- right-handers Jason Bergmann, Levale Speigner, Joel Hanrahan, Tim Redding and Jerome Williams -- competing for the remaining rotation job, although Bergmann and/or Speigner also could wind up in the bullpen as long or middle relievers.

Edward Campusano, the Rule 5 left-hander who was looking as if he might make manager Jim Leyland's 25-man roster, left Sunday's split-squad game against Atlanta at Lake Buena Vista with "left elbow discomfort." It will be further examined today. Campusano, 24, was selected from the Cubs in last December's Rule 5 draft. An injury to Campusano would not necessarily end his Tigers audition. He could be placed on the disabled list. But the Tigers would need to retain him for a full season on either their 25-man roster or the disabled list, and then extract 90 days of 25-man roster service from Campusano -- this season or next -- before they could lay claim to him. Otherwise, he must be offered back to the Cubs for half of the $50,000 Rule 5 fee. What the Tigers would do if Campusano falls out of contention for the left-handed relief spot is unknown. Bobby Seay, Tim Byrdak and Felix Heredia remain contenders, at least officially. The Tigers could decide to go with only Wilfredo Ledezma and take an additional right-hander instead. It is just as likely the Tigers are keeping trade options wide open as they get closer to a decision on their bullpen, as well as position-player issues (utility infield, backup first baseman).

Less than two weeks after Washington Nationals Manager Manny Acta declared Ryan Church would be the starting left fielder even if he went "0 for the rest of . . . spring training," General Manager Jim Bowden declared the left field situation an open competition because of the inspired play of newcomer Chris Snelling. "We know he's on the team," Bowden said of Snelling, heretofore considered a fourth-outfielder candidate. "The only question is who's going to start in left field. The way he's been swinging the bat, he's in a good competition right now to be the everyday left fielder."

Cameron Maybin has done just about everything a 19-year-old could do to impress the Tigers during the first month of spring training. But it's the fact he still is 19 that the Tigers can't forget. The team's 2005 first-round draft choice soon will be headed to a minor league camp, probably Class A Lakeland. It would not surprise anyone if he arrives at spring training next season competing for an Opening Day job.

Sunday was the day the Nationals finally brought Dmitri Young, 33, over from their minor league facility, where he had spent the last five weeks getting back in shape following a tumultuous 2006 with the Detroit Tigers. But the move came with a sobering corollary: Larry Broadway was sent to the minors, left to face a third straight year at Class AAA and, at 26, the growing realization that what may have been his best shot at the majors had just slipped away.

With Lou Piniella's emphasis on fielding in Cubs camp, left fielder Cliff Floyd can only think: Don't forget about me. Thought to be the weak link in the outfield defense, especially as he recovers from off-season left heel surgery, Floyd insists, "I have never been a liability on defense."

The evasions come accompanied these days with knowing smiles as Royals officials continue to resist confirming rookie Alex Gordon will be the club’s starting third baseman when the regular season opens two weeks from today. “It’s still early,” general manager Dayton Moore insisted, “but he’s doing everything that we expected that he would do. We’ll have some more meetings at the start of (this) week and look at some things.”

Livan Hernandez is the first to admit that he would be hard-pressed to make a major-league team based on his spring training statistics. For the veteran right-hander, exhibition games are about building endurance and working all of his pitches to get ready for the regular season. If the other team sprays the ball around the park, well, that’s the breaks. The Diamondbacks know this, which is why they are not that concerned about Hernandez’s performance on Sunday, in which he allowed 11 hits and seven runs in four innings against the Oakland Athletics to raise his ERA to a robust 13.06 this spring.

Orioles Manager Sam Perlozzo named Erik Bedard the Opening Day starter, the first time since 1997 a left-hander has had that distinction for Baltimore. Perlozzo said he'd wait until later to announce the rest of his rotation and informed Bedard of the assignment during the team's stretch before its game against the Boston Red Sox on Sunday.

In his last outing, Rays RHP Edwin Jackson appeared to take a step forward in the battle for the fifth starter's spot. Sunday, he may have walked back to the pack. Jackson walked five in a three-inning relief outing against the Tigers, showing a frustrating lack of command of his fastball, though allowing only one run. LHP J.P. Howell, his primary competition, allowed one run on three hits in his three innings. Manager Joe Maddon said the field, which includes RHPs Tim Corcoran and Jae Kuk Ryu, will be further trimmed, and possibly finalized, after each pitches again.

A day after Ambiorix Burgos suggested he's confident he'll make the Mets, he continued to make a case for opening the season at Triple-A New Orleans. The 22-year-old reliever, obtained from the Royals for Brian Bannister, allowed two runs on four hits in two innings in a 5-4 loss to the Cardinals yesterday, though that slightly trimmed his ERA to 9.58.

Orlando Hernández’s performance helps bring the Mets’ season-opening rotation closer into view. Tom Glavine is primed to be the No. 1 starter, with Hernández second. John Maine, the likely No. 3 starter, has pitched well this spring, as has Oliver Pérez, who has the inside track on the fourth spot. Mike Pelfrey, who has allowed one run in nine innings, has established some distance between him and the veterans Chan Ho Park and Aaron Sele for the fifth spot.

The Cardinals made five cuts Sunday, including outfielder Rick Ankiel. He drove in the winning run with a broken-bat sacrifice fly after starting his day going two for three with a two doubles for Class AAA Memphis. He'll join the team permanently today. On a minor league contract, Ankiel did not have to clear waivers to get to Class AAA. "I just need to get at-bats. The more I get, the better," Ankiel said. "I just want them to keep my name in mind." Said manager Tony La Russa: "Never underestimate talent."

Ask Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez who has caught his eye, and he quickly mentions Alejandro De Aza, who could emerge as a center-field option later this summer or in 2008. ''He's been impressive -- brings a lot of energy, can spray the ball to all fields,'' general manager Larry Beinfest said.

A's Manager Bob Geren confirmed Sunday what had been obvious for the past week: Right-hander Dan Haren will be his opening-day starter April 2 in Seattle. It marks the first opening-day assignment for Haren, one of the game's up-and-coming young pitchers who entered camp eager to take on the role of a staff leader. "I'm very excited. I kind of figured the way it was lined up that I had that game," said Haren, 26. "I'm not going to read too much into it. (Rich) Harden obviously was very deserving. As long as we both make 34 starts, we'll all be happy at the end of the year."

Until now, Indians manager Eric Wedge and General Manager Mark Shapiro have said that if Ryan Garko's defense was found to be wanting, the club would carry two utility infielders. But unsaid is that instead of keeping Garko, the Tribe could carry one reserve infielder and another extra outfielder, either Franklin Gutierrez or Ben Francisco.

Did You Know? The Rockies hit just 75 homers at humidor-equipped Coors, the fewest in club history. Their 157 total homers were the third-fewest in the National League and the fourth-lowest figure for a full season in club history.

The battle between Royals incumbent catcher John Buck and newcomer Jason LaRue remains a push. “Neck and neck,” Buddy Bell said. “I like both of them, and they’ve both played well. I had hoped to pick a clear No. 1 guy, but it’s going to be hard to do that.” Bell said current plans call for Buck and LaRue to each start one of the regular season’s first two games.

How About That? Gary Sheffield has 971 career strikeouts, the fifth fewest in major-league history for any player with at least 450 home runs (behind Stan Musial, Ted Williams, Lou Gehrig and Mel Ott).

Mariners reliever Julio Mateo has pitched well this spring, and will play a big part out of the bullpen. In five innings, Mateo, 29, has an ERA of 1.80, walked none and struck out six of the 19 batters he has faced. "My control, my velocity, it's there, and I'm throwing strikes like I used to," Mateo said. "Everything is good so far. I'm healthy and I'm trying to have a good finish here." The native of the Dominican Republic was having a strong 2006 campaign until he missed the final month of the season after he broke his left hand when he dropped a 35-pound dumbbell on it. The right-hander did not have surgery after the injury, which cut short a season in which he was 9-4.

Chris Basak seems unlikely to unseat Miguel Cairo for the utility-infielder roster spot because Cairo has a major-league contract and Basak is a nonroster invitee. But if the Yankees need another infielder this season, Basak has made a case to be the first man promoted from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Gavin Floyd, John Danks and Charlie Haeger are battling for the Chicago White Sox final rotation spot. "The way they're pitching right now, we can't make a decision," manager Ozzie Guillen said. "That's why we have to be patient and think about what we're going to do and what's best for us." Each candidate will probably have two more outings to strengthen his case.

In a move that paves the way for Tadahito Iguchi to drop down in the batting order, manager Ozzie Guillen said Sunday he plans to bat Darin Erstad second against right-handed starters. "[Scott Podsednik] is a better leadoff guy, and [Erstad] handles the bat better than Pods in hit-and-run situations," Guillen said. "We can play games even though Pods is our leadoff guy." Over the previous three seasons with the Angels, Erstad has a higher batting average from the second spot (.277) than the leadoff spot (.259).

Gary Sheffield isn't supposed to say much about his ongoing arbitration case with ex-agent Scott Boras, but he did have a couple of interesting lines about it Sunday. Without ever referring to Boras by name, he said: "You'd think some people would have enough money." He also said, referring to the scheduling of the case: "That's the plan, to irritate me, to get me to give in. When you're right, I'm willing to die behind my cause. If I was wrong in any kind of way, I would own up to it."

Is Humberto Sanchez damaged goods and the Yankees simply don't want to admit it? The hard-throwing South Bronx product, who was the primary pitcher obtained from the Tigers in the Gary Sheffield trade, has been sidelined all spring with an elbow inflamation. And in the Yankee press guide, three of Sanchez's earlier disabling injuries that appear in last year's Tiger guide - to the right shoulder and bicep in 2002 and a season-ending elbow ailment in 2003 - have been curiously omitted.

Kenny Rogers' reaction to not being the Tigers' opening day starter this year was what you'd expect. "I'm very happy for Bondo," Rogers said after manager Jim Leyland named Jeremy Bonderman to start April 2 against Toronto. "He is very deserving of the honor of starting opening day. He doesn't have to apologize for anything. He's earned the right to be the opening day pitcher."

Interesting side note: Mariners reporters were allowed to speak to Seattle's trainer in detail about J.J. Putz's recent arm injury after Putz signed a waiver allowing the trainer to give out the information.

Yanks DH Jason Giambi, who had been 5 for 30 (.167) this spring after his off-season operation on his left wrist, hit three balls hard in a 2-for-4 day, including a grand slam in the seven-run fourth inning off ZacH Duke. “I’m excited where I’m at,” Giambi said. “I thought it would take a little bit longer to get my swing back.”

RHP Nick DeBarr was greeted like an astronaut just back from outer space. "What was it like?" his old buddies asked as they greeted him Sunday morning at Progress Energy Park. Beamed down from the traveling circus that is Red Sox spring training to the anonymity of Rays minor-league camp, DeBarr had some stories to tell his friends. He knew the percentages were stacked against him remaining with Boston after the Red Sox selected him in the Rule 5 draft last December, but he did what he could to open some eyes during his three weeks in Fort Myers before being returned to the Rays last week.

The Pirates have signed Cuban defector Alay Soler, who was released by the New York Mets recently. Soler, a right-handed starter, signed a minor-league contract and could begin the season with Class AA Altoona. "Our people liked him a little bit," Littlefield said. "It's a limited-risk [situation]."

If spring is any indication, the Padres' trade of second baseman Josh Barfield to the Indians for third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff is shaping up as one of those rare deals that actually helps both clubs. Padres GM Kevin Towers is thrilled with the power Kouzmanoff has shown to all fields as well as his improved defense, while Barfield has impressed Indians GM Mark Shapiro with his defense, range and top-of-the-order speed.

Former Tribe reserve Gomer Hodge, who was on the roster in 1971 and became something of a cult hero, is critically ill with Lou Gehrig's disease.

Commissioner Bud Selig visited camp, meeting with Padres owner John Moores and CEO Sandy Alderson.

Randy Maris, Roger Maris' son, threw out the first pitch at the Yanks spring game yesterday. Jorge Posada caught it while Rudy Giuliani and Yogi Berra looked on.

Miami-Dade County tax collector Ian Yorty said if the Marlins' stadium is built on the Orange Bowl site, some people probably would continue parking in front of homes, but there likely would be garages and other new parking, creating 5,000-plus spaces. Yorty said the cost to build at the OB or the downtown site are the same, and that the city won't need to buy more land near the OB.

Former Red Cesar Geronimo showed up in camp Sunday. He's working with the outfielders. George Foster and Dave Concepcion had been in camp. Ken Griffey Sr., a Reds scout, passed through camp Sunday. It made for a mini-Big Red Machine reunion. Griffey was riding Concepcion, who is a bit above his playing weight. "You're (butt) is big enough for three people," Griffey said. "Your (butt) wouldn't fit in that dryer in Chicago." Concepcion famously crawled into a dryer in the Wrigley Field clubhouse in an effort to get out of slump. The gag was turned around on Concepcion when someone turned the dryer on.

If I were the Commissioner of All Sports: Greg Anderson, personal trainer and possible supplier of illegal drugs to Barry Bonds, would be presented an offer he couldn't refuse to write a tell-all book on his relationship with the soon-to-be record-breaking slugger. It must be Bonds' worst nightmare.

The Pohlad family and the Hennepin County commissioners are reported to be close to a deal where the Twins will agree to go along with the county plan to condemn the land in back of the Target Center, where the ballpark would be built. It might take a year to get the final condemnation price, and if that runs over the figure the county can pay, which is about $13.5 million, the Pohlads would pay the difference. The actual deadline to start construction so the ballpark will open on schedule for the 2010 season is Aug. 1, according to a Twins official.

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NFL Rumors & Notes

Monday, March 19, 2007

The Giants spent big money to make sure Eli Manning remains their quarterback for many years to come. Forget about Manning's inconsistency in his first three seasons; he's here to stay. The Giants exercised a "buy-back" of Manning's contract earlier this month, a move that keeps the fourth-year quarterback under contract through the 2012 season, Newsday has learned. Had the Giants not made the move, Manning would have become a free agent after the 2007 season. The move wasn't cheap. According to league sources familiar with Manning's contract, the Giants gave him a $5-million buy-back bonus as well as a $3-million roster bonus.

Backup quarterback Matt Schaub and outside linebacker Demorrio Williams are both restricted free agents whose place on the opening-day roster isn't guaranteed. Atlanta doesn't want to lose either player and has tendered each a lucrative, one-year qualifying offer with hefty compensation attachments to dissuade opposing teams from trying to sign them. That hasn't stopped other teams from inquiring. The Falcons have taken several calls about Schaub, however no team has signed him to an offer sheet. Atlanta has the right to match any offer to Schaub or recoup first- and third-round draft picks if they opt not to. Williams' dowry would be a second-round pick.

The Vikings have no interest in bringing Randy Moss back, and the odds are good that the Packers won't be able to make a deal with the Raiders, who want quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a former No. 1 pick, in the deal.

The Titans had veteran free agent linebacker Shawn Barber in for a visit on Friday. According to Barber’s agent, Brian Mackler, the visit to Tennessee went well, and Barber could make a decision on his future as early as today.

The Packers probably will sign a few veterans before the draft. Just don't expect anything like the seven-year, $39M deal Charles Woodson received on April 26 unless the Raiders cut wide receiver Randy Moss.

Coach Brad Childress said he didn't feel that former Michigan and NFL quarterback Drew Henson got a fair opportunity with the Vikings last year, spending six weeks with the practice squad, and said he deserved a training camp to see if he could fit it.

Wade Phillips, Dallas Cowboys head coach, appearing as a guest on Out of Bonds on Fox Sports Radio, asked how he will handle Terrell Owens: "He's one of the Dallas Cowboys. And I don't really handle players, I work with players. That's been what I've done throughout my career. I've never really had a problem with any player as a Head Coach or a coordinator, which I've been basically 25 years as a coordinator or head coach. I've been in those positions before, and I've seen a lot of different players. And we've always worked well together. It's being honest with a player. That's what they want first. Make sure that you're honest with them about everything. I just don't foresee any problems with any of my players."

Mike Nolan is positioning himself to be the idol of every cornerback, safety and strong-side linebacker in the NFL. He thinks the league's pass-interference rules stink, and he wants them changed. As it stands, a defensive pass-interference penalty rewards the offense by placing the ball at the spot of the foul or at the 1-yard line if the infraction occurs in the end zone. That's too stiff, the 49ers' coach said, especially for a penalty that is so subjective and one that can't be reviewed and overturned under the current rules. He also said he believes the rules encourage offensive coaches to try to draw penalties in third-and-long situations instead of trying to complete a pass. What Nolan would like to see are two degrees of pass interference. Flagrant infractions, he said, should be spot-of-the-foul infractions. The run-of-the-mill variety should draw a 15-yard penalty, which is the way college football handles it. Nolan would be happy if the rule were changed later this month at the owners' meeting in Arizona. The feedback he has received so far, however, has not made him optimistic the proposal will pass, and he's not yet certain the 49ers even will submit it.

There's still a chance the Vikings could trade with the Kansas City Chiefs for veteran quarterback Trent Green in exchange for a low-round draft pick.

FB Terrelle Smith, cut last week by the Browns, is the perfect fit in Arizona, unless he wants too much money.

Daylon McCutcheon was surprised to learn that the Browns reported that he had failed his physical when they released him last week. ``How can I fail a physical when I can't run?'' McCutcheon asked. ``That'd be like telling Kellen (Winslow) he failed his physical. He's still rehabbing from surgery. Like me.'' McCutcheon and Winslow had microfracture surgery on their knees, and both intend to return this season. McCutcheon said he visited team doctor Anthony Miniaci about two weeks ago. ``He told me everything was good,'' McCutcheon said. Apparently, the Browns had no choice. The team wanted to release him, and if he can't play on the day that he's released, they have to report him as failing his physical. McCutcheon said he will try to run at full speed in May or June. If he can't, the fact that he was released while injured means he will receive an injury settlement. If he plays, the Browns owe him nothing.

The 49ers were close to a deal with free agent Colby Bockwoldt, a special-teams standout who played with New Orleans and Tennessee.

The Vikings still might bring back veteran offensive tackle Mike Rosenthal, whom they told to shop around and then come back to them, coach Brad Childress said.

They would like to add more, such as defensive lineman Chris Cooper, who played well for them in a reserve role last year. He is an unrestricted free agent, and the Cardinals would like him back, at the right price.

Don't be surprised if RB DeShawn Wynn ends up with the Cincinnati Bengals on draft day. The Florida Gator running back has eased his way up the charts ever since his performance in the National Championship game against Ohio State. Wynn continued to improve on his stock with a stellar performance at the Scouting Combine last month.

Since the signing and trading periods opened March 2, a total of 108 players have changed teams via unrestricted free agency (76), restricted free agency (three), "street" free agency (18) and trades (11). The National Football League average is 3.38 new players per team. Two teams, Chicago and San Diego, haven't added a player. They also had the top two records of any team in 2006. Green Bay, which signed cornerback Frank Walker for $1.24 million over one year, is one of seven teams with just one newcomer. The others are Baltimore, Carolina, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, the New York Giants and Pittsburgh. All of those teams except Cincinnati have been to the Super Bowl this decade. Tampa Bay leads with nine newcomers, followed with Cleveland with eight, Denver with seven and New England and San Francisco, each with six.

The Patriots should bring back Troy Brown this fall for a 15th NFL season, but not because he deserves it. They should do it because he can help them win football games - maybe even another championship. If there’s one thing about Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli you’ll never have to worry about, it’s them letting emotion or reputation creep into the decision-making process. If they did, Brown would have a job for life.

Chad Greenway, the Vikings' first-round draft pick from last year who missed the entire season because of knee surgery, is one of the first ones at the Vikings complex each weekday morning. The problem the trainers have is trying to hold him back.

One reason the Dolphins released defensive end Kevin Carter is a belief that Matt Roth is good enough to start. ''I feel I'm ready,'' Roth said. ''I've been taking martial arts classes. It helps with conditioning and speed. It's like ultimate fighting.''

If the Vikings' lack of spending on talent continues, there is a real chance the team could be $45 million under the projected $116 million salary cap at this time next year. The Vikings currently are about $21 million under the cap

Vikings coach Brad Childress is pretty excited about the new players who have signed with the club. Regarding receiver Bobby Wade, Childress said he was told by Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow and quarterback coach Craig Johnson that Wade was the team's best receiver. "When I saw Norm Chow and Craig Johnson, their quarterback coach, down at the LSU workout, Norm Chow looked at me and said, 'You took our best wide receiver, you took our only guy who can make plays there in the slot,' " Childress said. Childress is convinced that Wade can fit in.

Did You Know? Nine of the top-30 rushers in the NFL last season will be retired or on different teams this season: Tiki Barber (fourth-leading rusher), Travis Henry (10th), Thomas Jones (11th), Jamal Lewis (16th), Ahman Green (19th), Tatum Bell (22nd), Willis McGahee (24th), Corey Dillon (28th) and Reuben Droughns (30th).

A Dolphins official mentioned how much more pleasant the atmosphere is with Cam Cameron as coach instead of Nick Saban. Cameron will hold a barbecue today for players, coaches and wives.