Ben Maller’s Sports Rumors & Notes

Rumors Archive for March 23, 2007

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NBA Rumors & Notes

Friday, March 23, 2007

The Sonics' most pertinent offseason concern is the coach. Bob Hill is not under contract past next month and there has been no word on his status for next season.

Rashard Lewis is the likely free agent who fits the description Grunwald gave when asked what he wants: "versatile, athletic, long players." But the Knicks would have to give up Channing Frye and/or David Lee to get him. Ron Artest falls in that category, too.

If he wanted to, Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin said he could have pushed the rehabilitation regimen on his left knee to make himself available for the playoffs. And as much as he wants to, he said his best course of action is to take it easy to be fully ready for next season. "It's a daily struggle to not make myself come back for the playoffs," Martin said, "especially when guys were struggling with stuff I can help with. It definitely crosses my mind, but I think the more time I take off, the better it will be next season."

Celtics captain Paul Pierce said he has yet to discuss his immediate on-court future with the club, but added he will speak with the medical staff “(today) or Monday” about whether his collection of injuries warrants him taking a seat for the rest of the season. . . . Pierce came face to face Tuesday with the lose-to-win theme proffered by many fans. “I went to the movies two days ago,” he said, “and the movie guy was like, ‘Hey, how you doin’, Paul. I hope you guys lose.’ I was like, wow, that’s crazy. I didn’t know what to say to him. I just laughed it off.”

Ron Artest's court appearance, as it turns out, brought more trouble than he had expected. The Kings small forward, who was arraigned Thursday morning in Placer County to face four misdemeanor charges of domestic violence, was unable to make it to Phoenix in time to play. According to a team spokesman, Artest -- who pleaded not guilty to the charges during a 12-minute court session -- boarded a commercial flight out of Sacramento at 12:30 p.m. with a team security guard. After the plane was airborne, it was diverted to Ontario because of Phoenix-area thunderstorms. The plane then sat on the tarmac for more than two hours before it was pulled back to the gate. No flights were available thereafter that would put Artest in Phoenix in time for the game, so Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie directed Artest to return to Sacramento.

Injured forward Caron Butler remained in Washington on Thursday as he awaited clearance from team doctors to return to action after missing three games with a left knee contusion. Butler had hoped to fly out and join the team in San Francisco on Thursday, and Coach Eddie Jordan said there was a chance the all-star could play before the five-game road trip ends Monday night at Utah if team athletic trainers and doctors gave Butler clearance.

Nets center Nenad Krstic, rehabbing six days a week for a torn left knee ACL, basically defused a wild rumor he might try to play in playoffs. "Probably not. You never know, but probably not," Krstic said.

6: Is the jersey number forward Kenyon Martin won't wear next season. Martin said he has petitioned the NBA to change, but he wouldn't reveal what he'll wear. "Because No. 6 wasn't working in Denver," the often-injured Martin said of the change.

As the Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies played Thursday night at FedExForum, fans erupted in cheers at inopportune times that had nothing to do with the antics of the Grizzlies' mascot. Fans were simply watching the Memphis Tigers play Texas A&M in the NCAA tournament, a game shown on the scoreboard at FedExForum for the final minutes of the Tigers' 65-64 victory over the Aggies. Grizzlies fans cheered during dramatic moments of the Tigers' game several times, including two occasions while Lamar Odom was shooting free throws. Odom missed both free throws during one of the crowd's outbursts and missed one of two a little later during another eruption. Lakers Coach Phil Jackson eventually complained to referee Bob Delaney, who told Grizzlies game-operations officials to stop showing the Tigers' game on the scoreboard. "I went to the scorer's table and said, 'That's not right,' " Jackson said later. "This is the game that's being played here. Delaney did the right thing."

Unable to play since November, Peja Stojakovic feels awkward around his teammates, although he has been cleared to practice since March 14. That feeling likely won't change tonight when the Hornets play the Los Angeles Lakers at the New Orleans Arena. Stojakovic is not expected to play.

Knicks center Eddy Curry hinted at some frustration with his teammates, saying: “We just got to make shots. If we can make them pay from the outside, they’ll stop doing it” — meaning double-teaming him.

TOP 5 ALL-TIME NBA ANALYSTS - Seattle Post-Intelligencer

1. Charles Barkley: Not in the broadcast booth much, but has entertained fans with his zany, controversial and brutally honest analysis since his retirement in 2000. Barkley is a natural for an analyst because he is a Hall of Famer who is not politically correct nor does he care what the players think of his opinions. He also has no trouble making fun of himself.

2. Billy Cunningham: This may get a lot of flak, but the former 76ers coach was as solid as there was in the booth, not hitting you over the head with pro-76ers rhetoric and giving solid analysis. His broadcasting career didn't last long but he made a good impression and CBS couldn't ever quite replace him.

3. Hubie Brown: Was great at analyzing the game without too much coach-speak or sophisticated terms, making fans feel more comfortable. Was at his best during the 1980s with Dick Stockton but still solid today, although probably needs to step away as he enters his mid-70s.

4. Rick Barry: Started calling games during his playing career, and his critical opinions of players and coaches probably cost the Hall of Famer a chance to coach and damaged his reputation. But you have to credit Barry for being honest, unlike many current analysts who slap hands with the players after the games.

5. Tommy Heinsohn: The former Celtic made it clear of his bias toward Boston but also was critical of the home team when players like Andrew Toney scored at will on Gerald Henderson. Hard to believe he was the color man for those great Celtics-Lakers series of the 1980s but fans either loved or hated him and CBS enjoyed the ratings.

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MLB Rumors & Notes

Friday, March 23, 2007

If A-Rod splits, the Yankees will be in need of a right-handed bat and could go after outfielder Andruw Jones, another Boras client. Room in the Yankees' outfield could be made by not picking up Bobby Abreu's $16 million option for 2008 or by picking it up and trading him a la Gary Sheffield. Melky Cabrera would be a lot cheaper choice to replace Abreu but won't come close to matching A-Rod's power. The Yankees could also use A-Rod's money to keep Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera.

Twins first baseman Justin Morneau said talks of a multiyear deal came to an end last weekend when his agent, Mark Pieper, was in Fort Myers. Morneau said he was "kind of" surprised that no deal could be reached and that the Twins' offer during this round of talks was "not really different" than when talks broke down during the offseason. "I don't know what we were really trying to do," Morneau said. "It never got to the point where we were even considering it, so in that sense it was kind of frustrating because we didn't go to them saying we wanted a long-term deal. They came to us, and it didn't work out, so it's kind of frustrating that way."

"I might think twice about trading a starter," Phils GM Pat Gillick said. "I might trade somebody else." That somebody else could be starting center fielder Aaron Rowand, who still is coveted by his old team, the White Sox. The Phils are desperate to improve their shaky bullpen, and dealing Rowand and a prospect to the Sox for reliever Mike MacDougal and utility infielder/outfielder Rob Mackowiak is a possible match. One NL scout said the Phillies have to do something to address their bullpen woes. "It’s not looking too good," the scout said.

The Phillies say they don't believe Freddy Garcia was damaged goods when he came over from the Chicago White Sox in December. "We did our due diligence on his health," assistant general manager Ruben Amaro said yesterday, the morning after Garcia was shut down with right-biceps tenderness. "We feel he was a healthy enough player that it was important to make the move." Garcia, 30, left Wednesday night's game against Toronto after one inning. His fastball barely hit 85 m.p.h., and he was racked for three runs. Yesterday, the pitcher pointed to the area where his biceps connects to his shoulder and said he was feeling soreness in the area. Garcia said that he was not worried and that he hoped to be ready by the team's April 2 season opener, but it is difficult to imagine that he will not begin the season on the disabled list. Several scouts who have watched Garcia this spring have remarked that his velocity was down late last season. The Phillies were aware of Garcia's reduced velocity but were not wary of making the trade.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland has heard this opinion about his bullpen: If Todd Jones has falters at any point, Joel Zumaya should replace Jones as the closer. Leyland addressed the issue this spring when he talked about how a manager never gets questioned about using his closer in the ninth inning -- until the closer lets a few leads get away in a short span. "Then they want to know if you're going to make Zumaya the closer," Leyland said. "No, I'm not making Zumaya the closer." He said Jones is the closer -- "period."

Randy Johnson’s morning bullpen session went well, and he is expected to throw again Saturday. The Diamondbacks are still projecting a mid-to-late April return for the Big Unit.

In one season with the Baltimore Orioles, Corey Patterson, a center fielder, remade his approach and revived his career, setting a career high with 45 steals and playing stellar defense. The Orioles think Patterson -- a free agent after this season -- can improve on those numbers, and he might have to if he wants a lucrative, multiyear contract. The market will be flooded with talented center fielders during the next offseason, including Andruw Jones, Torii Hunter and Ichiro Suzuki. ... Orioles Vice President Jim Duquette said the team is certainly interested in bringing back Patterson, but won't visit that issue until the end of the season. The club would like to see another season of improvement before making a long-term commitment.

Cubs manager Lou Piniella left the door open for Mark Prior's possible return to the rotation, and though it seems unlikely Prior could make a late rush to beat out Wade Miller, nothing is impossible. In Prior's mind, it's not only likely he will be ready by Opening Day, it's inevitable. "There was never any doubt," he said.

Willie Randolph said yesterday Shawn Green is the starting right fielder for the Mets, but there are no guarantees it will stay that way. "I'm going to keep an open mind about what I see towards the end of camp," Randolph said. "But yeah, Green is my right fielder. That's always subject to change no matter what you do. "We have another week to 10 days to go, and things could possibly change." Randolph said there could be a right-field platoon, presumably with Lastings Milledge, early in the season.

KC veteran utility candidate Alex Gonzalez, in camp on a minor-league contract, has a clause in his contract that allows him to become a free agent if not placed on the major-league roster by next Thursday. The Royals must already find space on their 40-man roster to accommodate Gordon and pitcher Brandon Duckworth before the 3 p.m. deadline on April 1 for setting the 25-man roster.

One day after a "clean" MRI scan showed no structural damage to his shoulder, pitcher John Thomson made a surprise return to Blue Jays camp yesterday morning. Thomson, a veteran free agent signed over the winter, came into this camp with a spot to lose in Toronto's starting rotation. But two poor outings and a recurrence of pain in the same shoulder that sidelined him for a major chunk of last season have left him struggling to assert himself amidst a crowded field of hopefuls. Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi confirmed that Thomson was back: "He seems okay. He can keep throwing." One surprised onlooker said, "Wow." Thomson is in a dogfight with five others – Tomo Ohka, Josh Towers, Shaun Marcum, Casey Janssen and Victor Zambrano – for two slots in the starting rotation. Thomson is with the Jays on a guaranteed $500,000 (all figures U.S.) major-league contract. If he is on the opening day roster, his salary increases to $1.5 million.

Jeff Francoeur, Brian McCann's best friend and former housemate, said he wasn't aware of any contract discussions between his own agent and the Braves. Andruw Jones was asked if a commitment like the one to McCann might influence Jones' decision. He can be a free agent after the season. "No idea what will happen, or what's going on," he said. "Hopefully we're making progress to keep guys in the organization and they can work something out with me. We'll see."

Yanks 3B Alex Rodriguez said he would not be distracted by the ongoing issue of his contract. “It can come up every day of the year and I’m going to give you the same answer,” he said. “It’s all good.” General Manager Brian Cashman said Wednesday that the Yankees had no plans to extend Rodriguez’s contract to prevent him from exercising the opt-out clause that allows him to become a free agent this winter.

Astros general manager Tim Purpura said he expects it will take the remainder of camp to decide the club's remaining key roster questions, including who starts in right field and the last two spots in the pitching rotation. The Astros likely will carry 12 pitchers, considering Woody Williams is unlikely to go deep into the games and the uncertainty at the back of the rotation. That would make it difficult to find a place for utility man Eric Bruntlett. "All those pieces eventually have to be resolved and they all kind of spin off of each other," Purpura said. Either Jason Lane or Luke Scott will start in right field. Richard Hidalgo is still in camp but is a long shot, hitting .132.

Replacing Jason Repko is more easily done. Larry Bigbie has had an excellent spring and the Dodgers have been scratching their heads trying to find a way to keep him around.

Padres manager Bud Black said he will wait a bit longer before announcing his Opening Day starter; for now, it appears Jake Peavy will get the honor and Chris Young, who considers Peavy the rotation's ace, will pitch the second game at San Francisco. Unless the Padres juggle their rotation, the normal-rest schedule would have Peavy, Young and then Clay Hensley starting the opening series. Maddux would start the home opener against the Colorado Rockies on April 6, followed by David Wells. Peavy said it doesn't matter to him where he is slotted. Last year Peavy started the opener and went seven innings to pick up the victory, a 6-1 decision over the Giants at Petco Park.

Reds pitcher Gary Majewski, in fact, told general manager Wayne Krivsky it might be better if he starts the season in the minors or on the disabled list pitching on rehab when the season begins.

The Mets continue to weigh keeping Lastings Milledge on the major-league roster for the season's first two weeks while carrying only four starting pitchers, though they don't want Milledge to be a bench player for a prolonged period.

Carl Pavano’s raw numbers this spring have been poor. He has pitched 12 1/3 innings and allowed 25 base runners via hits or walks. His earned run average is 5.84. But he is healthy, he is pitching confidently with his changeup and sinker, and his spot in the rotation is secure. “We’re definitely counting on him,” Manager Joe Torre said. “The spot was his to lose, and he certainly has seized the opportunity. We obviously favored his taking that spot, with everything he’s had to deal with the last couple of years. We’re very pleased with what we’ve seen.” Pavano is slotted fourth in the rotation, and he will probably make one more exhibition start and work on the side before the season opener April 2. His first start would likely be Friday, April 6, against Baltimore at Yankee Stadium.

Veteran reliever Rudy Seanez has pitched well enough to make the opening-day roster, but finding a spot for him could be difficult because the Dodgers plan to keep only 11 pitchers. About the only person it doesn't seem to bother is Seanez. "I look at this way," he said. "If they send me home, at least I can say I did all right. If I'd done [poorly], maybe I'd have a different attitude." And home to his wife and two daughters in El Centro is where he would head if the Dodgers tried to send him to triple A. "I'm set," he said. "There's no reason to be stressed at all. I gain either way."

“Soon. Very soon.” -- Royals second baseman Mark Grudzielanek, recovering from March 5 knee surgery, on when he expects to return to the lineup

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire admitted that "it did scare" him when he learned that Joe Mauer, his All-Star catcher and batting champion, needed an MRI on his left leg. "Any time you get an MRI you get a little nervous," Gardenhire said. "It wasn't the best thing you could wake up to." Gardenhire felt better by midday, when he was told Mauer has a stress reaction in his left fibula, the bone on the outside of the leg, and should only need a few days of rest. The Twins expect Mauer to be able to play next week, as spring training finishes up, and he should be in the lineup on Opening Day.

The competition for the Rays fifth starter's job is down to RHP Edwin Jackson and LHP J.P. Howell, and the two will make their closing arguments the next two days. RHPs Jae Kuk Ryu and Tim Corcoran, the other acknowledged contenders for the last rotation spot, effectively have been eliminated from the picture.

Rays manager Joe Maddon said CF Rocco Baldelli's status was "the same" Thursday as he continued to work through tightness in his right hamstring. "Just moving around a little bit, he felt pretty good," Maddon said. "We're just going to wait and see how it all plays out. Nothing specifically new at this time." The Rays now hope to see Baldelli back on the field Sunday at the earliest, though there is nothing resembling a firm timetable.

Guillermo Mota will make his first appearance in Mets camp this weekend. General manager Omar Minaya said yesterday that he expects the reliever, who is suspended for the first 50 games of the regular season due to his violation of MLB's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, to arrive on Sunday. While he will be allowed to work out, Mota will not be allowed to participate in any exhibition games. Mota, 3-0 with a 1.00 ERA in 18 games after joining the Mets last September, will remain behind in the extended spring training program when the team breaks camp at the end of the month. Minaya said that, under the terms of his suspension, Mota is not allowed to appear in any games to which admission is charged. The GM also said that once the Mets have played 45 games during the regular season, Mota will be allowed to go out on what amounts to a minor-league rehab assignment to ready himself to return to the majors.

When asked about the DUI arrest of his good friend, St. Louis manager Tony La Russa, Brewers manager Ned Yost noted, "That's why I go to bed at 7:30." During spring training Yost is well-known for his early-to-bed, early-to-rise lifestyle, retiring each night by 8 p.m. and getting to the ballpark around 4 in the morning.

In the end, Steve Finley chose the Rockies, believing Colorado was a place he could still contribute. "I have always refused that label," he said of being called a role player. "I refused it last year when I was in San Francisco. I will never lose the drive to play. So I will be ready to go out there every day, just like I was ready every day last year."

Red Sox outfield prospect Chris Durbin surprised the organization earlier this week by leaving minor league camp and announcing his retirement. The 25-year-old outfielder, who was rated as having the best outfield arm in the Sox system by Baseball America following the 2006 season, cited his family and religious devotion for the abrupt departure.

Julian Tavarez has said all along this spring that if he had a choice, he would opt to be a starter instead of a reliever. He finally got his wish yesterday, when the Red Sox’ decision to move Jonathan Papelbon back to closer opened up the fifth spot in the rotation for Tavarez.

Against left-handers this season, Pudge Rodriguez will be the Tigers' leadoff hitter. While it was no surprise, because Rodriguez has hit first in many games against lefties during spring training, manager Jim Leyland disclosed his plan before the Tigers beat the Indians 5-4 Thursday night on Curtis Granderson's sacrifice fly in the ninth. Granderson will hit leadoff against right-handers as he did last year. Speaking about the lineup for the first time, and why it appeals to him to hit Rodriguez first, Leyland said: "I think Pudge is one of our better runners. He's one of the few guys we have who can score from first every time."

Phillies OF Jayson Werth might never end up catching a major league game this season, but he's preparing himself just in case. Werth, who was drafted No. 1 by Baltimore as a catcher in 1997, caught in a minor league game yesterday. Werth said the work he has put in behind the plate will only make him more valuable. "In my case, with me not being an everyday player, the more positions you can play, the more valuable you can be to any ballclub," Werth said. It's obviously a big challenge for Werth, who hasn't caught in a game at any level since 2002.

A week from now, Mets Manager Willie Randolph would love to have another right-hander aside from Aaron Heilman whom he can trust. It has not happened yet. Jon Adkins has struggled, Ambiorix Burgos throws hard but rarely knows where the ball is going, and Jorge Sosa and Chan Ho Park appear to be washouts from the competition to be the fifth starter. Aaron Sele, who allowed one run in five innings in the Mets’ 7-1 loss to Atlanta on Thursday in Lake Buena Vista, has overcome a poor start to challenge for the role of long reliever or emergency starter

Tony Armas Jr. moved a huge step closer to claiming a spot in the Pirates' rotation with five solid innings against Toronto in the Pirates' 5-3 loss yesterday. "That's not something we'll make an announcement [on] today," manager Jim Tracy said. "But, obviously, he's not doing anything to hurt himself." Does he think he is about to land a spot in the Pirates' rotation? "I don't know, man. It's not up to me," he said. "I'm just trying to do my job and make them think a little bit." Armas would be either the fourth or fifth starter, depending on where the Pirates want to slot left-hander Tom Gorzelanny.

Rickie Weeks is not the prototypical leadoff hitter. And manager Ned Yost doesn't want him to be one, either. That means that Milwaukee Brewers fans should not expect to see Weeks taking pitches and simply trying to work his way to a walk every time he gets up. It also means his on-base percentage might not be quite as high as most other leadoff batters. ... Weeks is batting .279 for the spring and has an on-base percentage of .360. He has walked just five times in 51 plate appearances and has struck out 13 times.

O's manager Sam Perlozzo continues to insist rookie pitcher Hayden Penn has an opportunity to make the team. Perlozzo said he told Penn recently: "Hayden, I'm not going to give you the job. I don't give a job to anybody. Go get it. Don't feel like you have something just because other people are writing it. Think about it. You don't have that. Nobody has that. Everybody has to earn it."

O's bullpen candidate Jeremy Guthrie had two scoreless innings and three strikeouts. With each outing Guthrie seems to be solidifying his chances of making the team. "It was a great two innings he pitched today," Orioles Manager Sam Perlozzo said. "He located and changed speeds. Great location today. It was a pretty impressive two innings."

Rays first-base coach George Hendrick is scheduled to undergo minor surgery on his left knee today. Team orthopedist Koco Eaton will perform the procedure. Hendrick, 57, played 18 years in the majors, including six on the artificial turf in St. Louis.

As the Washington Nationals roster continues to take shape, it is becoming clearer that the team is almost certain to carry a pair of players selected in December's Rule 5 draft -- right-hander Levale Speigner and catcher Jesus Flores. In order to retain a player taken in the Rule 5 draft, a club must keep him on the major league roster for the entire year. Flores, a 22-year-old from Venezuela, has been a sure bet all spring, and the club will keep veteran Robert Fick as another viable backup to starter Brian Schneider.

Some of the losers for the final spots in Washington's rotation (a group that could include Redding, Lewis, Jerome Williams, Joel Hanrahan and Jason Bergmann) will fill out the Columbus rotation, as well as younger pitchers like Beltran Perez and Josh Hall. Bowden will choose from among those candidates when in need of a quick fix. All the while, though, he will be keeping an eye on the bigger names lurking in the lower levels of the organization's farm system. And no name is bigger than Collin Balester. The 20-year-old right-hander has been wowing club officials with his arm this spring, prompting some to wonder whether he will be ready to make the leap at some point this season (even though he made only three starts at Class AA Harrisburg last year).

Tony La Russa's arrest came five weeks after he encouraged his team to avoid distractions following the club's first World Series title since 1982. Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. said La Russa would not be disciplined and has the organization's full support. "We intend to help him any way we can."

The Rays pared their roster to 38 players Thursday, reassigning 1B Hee Seop Choi and C Yamid Haad to minor-league camp. Choi came to camp with an outside chance to win a roster spot but never got going offensively. He hit .158 (3-for-19) and drove in two runs in 12 Grapefruit League appearances.

Pirates pitcher Masumi Kuwata, 38, pitched a perfect sixth inning, just his fifth inning of work this spring. He has been slowed by a sore left ankle and likely will begin the season as a reliever with Indianapolis. "He threw great," Tracy said. "This was a little bit of an opportunity to see what he's all about."

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NFL Rumors & Notes

Friday, March 23, 2007

The Raiders were intrigued with Daunte Culpepper last offseason before he was dealt to Miami. Now there is a chance they might be able to land him without any compensation. He could be the perfect bridge, the quarterback to play until the Raiders deem potential No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell ready to take the field. And just imagine this unlikely possibility: Oakland decides not to trade disgruntled wide receiver Randy Moss. And the Raiders do land Culpepper. It would be, once again, Culpepper to Moss.

One such coveted Chargers player is backup tailback Michael Turner, who is a restricted free agent. This means he can talk to other clubs and, if he reaches an agreement elsewhere, the Chargers can match it or allow him to leave. Thing is, GM A.J. Smith has put a first-and-third-round tag on Turner, meaning any club that wants him has to surrender those two draft choices. That's a mighty steep price to pay, but apparently there are some teams thinking about it. “There's lots of activity (on Turner), that's all I'm going to say, and I'm not telling you what teams are interested,” Smith says. “Let's say it's still a one and a three right now.”

The Giants are engaged in trade talks with the Denver Broncos for Pro Bowl middle linebacker Al Wilson, a team official said last night. The official requested anonymity because the talks are in the "very initial stages." It might seem like an odd acquisition for the Giants, who already have a middle linebacker in Antonio Pierce. But according to two people familiar with the team's plans, the 29-year-old Wilson would move to the weak side if acquired. The people, who requested anonymity because the deal isn't complete, said Pierce, 28, who has four years left on a six-year contract, likely would remain in the middle. The logistics of such a move might be part of what's holding the trade up. Other issues include compensation and a possible renegotiation of Wilson's contract. He's owed $5.2 million in base salary alone. The NFL Network reported last night that the Lions and Eagles have also discussed a trade for Wilson with the Broncos recently.

Randy Moss, who spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Vikings before being dealt to Oakland, has been the frequent subject of offseason trade rumors. "He's not on my radar," coach Brad Childress said. "It would probably cost you an arm and a leg to get him out of Oakland, and I'm not sure that's the prudent thing for our team right now."

RB Chris Brown has four teams that he is considering, with the Titans and Buffalo Bills still among that mix. Agent Ryan Morgan said he spoke to Titans general manager Mike Reinfeldt on Wednesday about the unrestricted free agent, who started for two years in Tennessee.

The Dolphins brain trust spent part of Thursday speaking with the Houston Texans about quarterback David Carr and investigating all aspects of a possible trade for the former first overall pick in the 2002 draft. Carr ending up in Miami is not a certainty. But it is a possibility that speaks to Miami's uncertain quarterback situation. The team's interest in Carr, and even in Kansas City quarterback Trent Green, coupled with coach Cam Cameron's cautious words when he last spoke about Daunte Culpepper, indicate that Culpepper is not assured of being the team's starter in 2007. One NFL personnel official with interest in the situation said the Oakland Raiders and Minnesota Vikings also had shown interest in Carr. But if the Dolphins really want Carr, they can have him, the personnel official said, by exchanging first-round picks with the Texans. The Texans have the No. 10 pick. The Dolphins are scheduled to pick at No. 9.

The Jets remain interested in Dolphins' DE David Bowens, who has 18 sacks in the last three seasons. The two sides are still working on an agreeable number. Two other teams, believed to be Carolina and New England, are interested as well. And, Bowens has not ruled out returning to the Dolphins.

Vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato denied reports the Redskins want to trade up for the top pick in next month's draft to take LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell. He also said the Redskins do not want to deal their first-rounders in 2007 and 2008 for Chicago Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs, who vowed never to play for the Bears again after his market value was reduced when they made him their franchise player. "There's no merit whatsoever," Cerrato said of those rumors.

An Internet report as to Kellen Winslow possibly sitting out the 2007 season — he had recent knee surgery — got Browns fans buzzing last week. “The procedure was done to help him be better this year than he was last year,” Phil Savage said. “Toward the end of the year, he did struggle some from that knee. We feel like he’ll be back. He’s been around the building. He should be good to go in June or July. “There’s never been any talk about (Winslow missing 2007) that I’m aware of. We’ve never even given a second thought he wouldn’t be back with us for this next season.”

The Texans have made it clear they’re shopping long-time starter David Carr, but don’t be surprised if he’s simply released when the team finds no suitors. It’s difficult to trade a player, especially one like Carr with a big contract, when everyone knows he’ll be released soon. Carr isn’t likely to be on Carolina’s wish list anyway since he’d likely want a chance to start, some-thing he won’t get here as long as Delhomme is on the roster. Don’t be surprised if Carr lands in Minnesota.

One interesting theory includes the Panthers going after Charlie Frye, who played under new Panthers offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson last season. The Browns apparently aren’t all that enamored with Frye, and there are some in the organization who’d like to see them draft Notre Dame’s Brady Quinn or LSU’s JaMarcus Russell.

Some have thought David Carr might be on the Vikings radar. But coach Brad Childress was candid in his assessment of Carr, the top overall pick in the 2002 draft. "I always struggled with where his release came from," Childress said. "It's kind of a drop-down, three-quarter, not overhand, over the top release. Just in the tape I've watched [since] he's been in the league, he can make some of the throws, he can't make all the throws. He gets some balls batted [down] at the line of scrimmage just because of where that ball comes from. ... "He's a smart guy, he's a decent athlete but when you're buying a quarterback at this level and you kick the tires, there shouldn't be a lot of things that you're trying to straighten out."

If Trent Green is traded to Miami, Daunte Culpepper could find himself unemployed soon, as well.

If Al Wilson is dealt, the Broncos could move D.J. Williams to the vacated inside linebacker spot. The team has been looking for ways to get Williams on the field more. Earlier this month, new linebackers coach Joe Baker said Williams would have a chance to get on the field in nickel-defense packages, where just two linebackers play. Ian Gold is Denver's other starting linebacker. If Wilson is traded, Denver likely would address the linebacker position in the draft. Veteran Nate Webster also could be a candidate for extensive playing time.

Bears LB Lance Briggs acknowledged the importance of middle linebacker Brian Urlacher but reiterated: "I don't fit in the plans for Chicago next year, and they've already poisoned it. They can't pay [Urlacher and me]; they can't pay us both. My position is, well, then I have to go."

If general manager Rick Smith is unable to trade quarterback David Carr, the Texans will release him. Carr could be released or traded before the weekend is over. Neither side wants to drag it out. "David's done right by us, and we want to do right by him," Texans owner Bob McNair said Thursday. The NFL spring meetings start Sunday in Phoenix. The Texans would like to move on, and Carr would like to know where his new home will be. Several teams are interested in signing Carr, but they don't want to surrender a draft pick. Nor do they want to take on his base salaries of $5.5 million this year and $6 million next year. Minnesota, Oakland and Miami are possibilities.

Free agent fullback Terrelle Smith visited the Cardinals Thursday as the team continues its quest to find a blocking backfield mate for Edgerrin James. The Arizona State product, cut earlier this month by Cleveland, also entered into negotiations Thursday, Smith’s agent, Ryan Tollner, said. Tollner said he was also talking contract with Green Bay — where Smith visited before flying to the Valley Wednesday night — and “potentially one other team.” Smith is expected to choose a landing spot soon. He not only would walk into a starting job with the Cardinals, but he also played for Cards running backs coach Maurice Carthon when both were in Cleveland.

Make no mistake, Jon Kitna is aware of what has been circulating out there -- the cyberspace chatter and mock draft boards that have the Lions, 3-13 in 2006, possibly selecting a quarterback with their No. 2 overall pick in next month's draft. And the player mentioned most is Notre Dame's Brady Quinn, who just happened to hold his third workout for scouts and coaches Thursday in South Bend. Among the attendees were Lions president Matt Millen and coach Rod Marinelli. Nothing against Quinn, but here's Kitna's take: "I just don't think that's our greatest need." Kitna elaborated, mentioning the burgeoning hype surrounding Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who some believe fits Marinelli's description of a perfect player.

Byron Leftwich hasn’t spoken to the media but he’s been in communication with the Jaguars since being reinstated as the team’s starting quarterback on Feb. 22. “Dirk (Koetter) talked to him (on Wednesday). He’s getting the information,” Jack Del Rio said of communication between Leftwich and the team’s new offensive coordinator. The Jaguars will begin their offseason conditioning program on Monday (March 26) and Del Rio said Leftwich will be a no-show, but that’s no problem for the Jaguars head coach. "He’ll be here when we’re on the field. He’ll be here for football,” Del Rio said.

The Broncos received salary-cap relief from receiver Javon Walker. The team saved about $3.2 million as Walker converted a roster bonus into signing bonus money.

The Jets signed DE Michael Haynes, the 14th pick overall out of Penn State in 2003 by the Chicago Bears. He has been a huge disappointment to date and was cut by the Bears and Saints in training camp last summer after being slowed by a back injury.

The Jaguars added their third offensive free agent Thursday night when they came to terms on a one-year deal for slightly less than $1 million for veteran tight end Jermaine Wiggins. Wiggins asked for his release from the Vikings earlier in the offseason because he felt he wasn’t a good fit for coach Brad Childress’ West Coast offense. Wiggins led the Vikings in receptions in 2004 and 2005 with 71 and 69 under coach Mike Tice, now a Jaguars' assistant coach, but caught only 46 passes last year in the Childress system.

"I don't regret signing with the Redskins," said Adam Archuleta, who chose Washington over Chicago as a free agent in 2006 and is now reunited with Bears coach Lovie Smith, his defensive coordinator during his first three NFL seasons. "The communication between me and certain members of the coaching staff was pretty nonexistent for the last few months of the season. I could air a whole bunch of different laundry. There's a lot more going on [at Redskin Park] than people understand."

Quarterback John David Booty said he was excited for his brother, Josh, who signed a free-agent contract with the Oakland Raiders. Josh Booty, who played in the major leagues for the Florida Marlins, was a quarterback at Louisiana State and was on the Cleveland Browns' roster in 2003. Josh Booty worked out for Raiders Coach Lane Kiffin earlier this week. "It's a great opportunity for him," John David said. "Hopefully, he can stick."

Brad Childress seemed to leave the door open Thursday to the possibility that he might reconsider handling the Vikings' playcalling duties, but he continued to make it clear he has faith in his current quarterback tandem of Tarvaris Jackson and Brooks Bollinger.

The Redskins released seldom-used wide receiver David Patten. ... Patten, 32, long expected to be released after two injury-plagued seasons, was one of the club's bigger additions in 2005, but played just 14 games with the team, failing to score a touchdown.

Vikings coach Brad Childress continued to say little about Troy Williamson's recent trip to Nike corporate headquarters in Beaverton, Ore., where the receiver had his eyes and body movements tested by coordination specialists. Childress indicated the topic will be discussed publicly more in a couple of months but called it a "great visit," and said, "we're turning over every rock, every stone to make him a better football player."

Brad Childress describes it as a quarterback classroom, where Vikings quarterbacks Tarvaris Jackson, Brooks Bollinger and Drew Henson are meeting every morning with quarterbacks coach Kevin Rogers and then doing some throwing on the field after that.

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Odd Notes & Stuff

Friday, March 23, 2007

Williamson County sheriff’s investigators are still looking for possible suspects for a January burglary at the home of Tennessee Titans cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones. Jones, who has a legal issue of his own pending in Georgia and faces disciplinary action from the NFL, was in Atlanta at the time of the incident that occurred around Jan. 2 or 3 of this year. According to the police report, Jones and his business manager Chris Alan Horvath, who along with the Titans player is listed as a resident at the home at 4282 North Chapel Road in Franklin, claim that more than $209,000 in television sets, video games and equipment, jewelry, computers, recording equipment, surveillance equipment and cash were taken from the home. Most notable among the items listed missing were a watch valued at $80,000, a necklace and chain listed at $75,000 and $25,000 in cash.

It's time to look at the issue of fighting in the NHL, says the league's disciplinarian. "I think it's time to ask the question," says Colin Campbell. "I think you have to ask the question because of what's happening out there. It's incumbent on me, because of my position, to ask the question." The latest evidence in the case against fighting was Todd Fedoruk being stretchered off the ice Wednesday night. Campbell is no namby-pamby. He used to drop the gloves in his day as an NHL player. But the NHL's director of hockey operations worries about what could happen today. "I'm not afraid now to talk about the fact that we should look at fighting in hockey," said Campbell. "I think if you discussed this even three or four years ago you would have got pooh-poohed out of the game. "But now I think because of the size of our players, where we're at in sports and in life, I think we have to look at it."

Tom Brady’s baby-mama drama heated up yesterday with ex-galpal Bridget Moynahan parading her five-month bump on “Live with Regis and Kelly” - one day after current paramour Gisele Bundchen denied she was in the family way. “I can still button my jeans, so I feel good about that,” Bridget told Kelly Ripa and “How I Met Your Mother” star Neal Patrick Harris, who is subbing for Regis Philbin as he recuperates from bypass surgery. “I wouldn’t even know I was pregnant except that it started jumping around in there now.” Moynahan, who is making the rounds to promote the return of her ABC series “Six Degrees,” also taped Martha Stewart’s “Martha” in NYC yesterday. (It airs Monday.) Anyway, Martha, like Kelly, felt the need to comment on B’s preggo glow. “Now wouldn’t you like to look like that (while pregnant)?” Martha said to the audience as she introduced the glammed-out mama-to-be. “What month are you in?” Replied B, “This week (it will be) five months.” There was no mention of Bridget’s ex, the New England Patriots QB, during either of her interviews.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman offered two words of advice for Kansas City in its quest for an anchor tenant for the new Sprint Center. Be patient. “The best thing Kansas City can be is patient,” Bettman said Thursday in a phone interview with The Star. “These types of processes take time. I don’t know if anyone thought that the building would have a tenant overnight.” “The priority was to keep the team in Pittsburgh; everyone understood that,” Bettman said. “Just as if teams in Kansas City have issues, you’d want to know the league is doing everything it could to keep them there. “But Kansas City put itself on the map as an attractive, viable place for a future arena franchise, be it the NHL or NBA. I can’t speak for the NBA, but no doubt if we were considering a relocation or expansion — neither of which we are considering at the time — we would have to consider Kansas City.” No NHL team has moved since 1997 when the Hartford Whalers became the Carolina Hurricanes. A few clubs, such as Nashville and Phoenix, have issues with lack of corporate support or attendance, and Bettman is aware that William “Boots” Del Biaggio of San Jose, Calif., who has a contract to own an NHL team that would play in Sprint Center, is talking to clubs that might consider Kansas City.

In his first public comments on the subject, Falcons quarterback Michael Vick said Thursday the hidden compartment in a water bottle he tried to take through Miami airport security contained jewelry. His account was disputed by the police department that investigated the Jan. 17 incident. "I had earrings in it, and I had jewelry in it," Vick said of the 20-ounce Aquafina bottle, which was red-flagged at the security checkpoint because liquid containers of that size can't be carried through. "They took the bottle. I don't know what they did with the bottle. I guess they were trying to, I don't want to say frame me, but at the same time look at what I had to go through." ... "That's the first we've heard of that," Detective Nelda Fonticella, spokeswoman for the Miami-Dade Police Department, said when asked if Vick was carrying jewelry in the bottle. "If he has any kind of problem with the way things were handled, then he needs to talk to internal affairs." There is no mention of jewelry in the police report, the statements provided by both security agents involved, in the Florida state attorney's case memo or any of the other related documents obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

eBay removed Red Sox spaceshot Manny Ramirez’s Jenn-Air gas grill from the cyber-auction site Wednesday because the webmasters couldn’t smoke out whether the super-deluxe rig was actually being sold by No. 24. And that’s against the rules. But while eBay wasn’t so thrilled with the sale of the grill, the Jenn-Air people, according to Manny, were fired-up about it! “The grill people called my agent; they want me to do a commercial for them,” he told redsox.com yesterday.

Nuggets assistant coach Doug Moe requires three things on a road trip: an iPod full of music, Sudoku puzzles and a Valium. This road trip will test the former Nuggets head coach as Denver travels to five cities in eight days. Moe is doing his best to survive. "I'm still not a fan of flying," Moe said. "So it's hard. Some of these late nights make it a little tough."

Eli Manning doesn't have a ring yet, but at least his new fiancée does. Manning, the Giants' fourth-year quarterback, proposed to Abby McGrew, his girlfriend of five years on Tuesday night. The Nashville native, who met Manning during their college years at Mississippi and now lives and works in New York, said yes. No date has been set, but the wedding will likely take place after the upcoming season.

Ron Darling is close to a three-year contract extension with SportsNet New York, NYP TV Sports has learned. The deal would keep Darling as a game analyst on Mets telecasts through the 2010 baseball season, sources said. The former Mets pitcher will join analyst Keith Hernandez and play-by-play man Gary Cohen for the majority of Met-casts on SNY.

Scott Wetzel, former popular Sporting News Radio host, has been working at SIRIUS satellite radio over the last month. Wetzel will be filling in as co-host of "Press Pass" this Sunday morning from 8:00am-Noon EDT along with Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News.