MLB: Most World Series Games to Start Before 8 p.m. ET

Filed under: MLB Biz, MLB Playoffs, World Series, Sports Business and Media

Kids -- and grownups who have to to go work early -- might be able to watch all of the World Series games this year.

Major League Baseball announced Thursday that six of the possible seven games would start before 8 p.m. ET.

"I am extremely pleased we are able to provide our fans the earliest World Series start time since 1987 with Saturday's Game 3," Commissioner Bud Selig said in a prepared statement. "The changes we made with FOX last year to start the World Series games earlier helped increase viewership including more young fans and we are optimistic that the earlier start time for Saturday's Game 3 will keep us moving in the same direction."

The lone Saturday game -- Game 3, on Oct. 30 -- will start at 6:57 p.m., the earliest World Series start time since Game 6 of the 1987 World Series and an hour earlier than last year's Game 3.

Game 4 the next night will start once FOX concludes its NFL coverage, or at approximately 8:20 p.m.

All other games will start at 7:57 p.m. ET.

FOX said Chevrolet's agreement to sponsor an earlier broadcast allowed it to move the games up.

Games 1-2 and 6-7 will be at the National League park, with Games 3-5 hosted by the American League. Pregame show times in parentheses. All times Eastern:

Jim Delany Dick Pound Gene Upshaw Tim Finchem

Jason Williams to Have Knee Surgery Thursday

Filed under: Magic, NBA Injuries, NBA Preseason

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Veteran Magic point guard Jason Williams, who played in all 82 games for the first time in his career last season, likely will miss the start of this season after he undergoes arthroscopic surgery Thursday to his left knee.

Williams is expected to be out for the next four weeks. He complained of soreness after Tuesday's scrimmage, leading to an MRI exam Wednesday, revealing some loose cartilage in the knee. Williams had struggled with knee soreness in recent years, playing in 59, 61 and 67 games, respectively, during his three previous seasons in Miami.

Although Williams was the primary backup to starter Jameer Nelson last season, he already was being dropped to No. 3 this season. The Magic signed free agent Chris Duhon, a starter in New York the last two seasons, to a four-year, $14.4 million contract to be Nelson's backup.

Williams, 34, averaged 6 points and 3.6 assists last season. He also shot 38 percent from 3-point range. He started 18 games when Nelson was out with a knee injury, averaging 8.6 points and 5.1 assists during that time.

Duhon, 28, was signed this summer because the Magic no longer felt that Williams was durable enough to be an adequate backup for Nelson.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Jack Roush Ross Greenburg Robert Kraft John Henry

Spotter's Stand: Setbacks Can't Slow Dale Earnhardt Jr. From Top Five

Filed under: Clint Bowyer, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Denny Hamlin, Jeff Burton, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart, Chase for the Sprint Cup, Sprint Cup, NASCAR

For the first time all season, Dale Earnhardt Jr. had a top-five finish that didn't come at a restrictor plate track. For that matter, it didn't come at Daytona.

Earnhardt weathered two significant setbacks during the course of Sunday's 300-miler at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and avoided other trouble (such as the spinning Denny Hamlin at right) to manage a fourth-place finish, his best since the same result at Daytona in July.

"We had the jack stop break and had to go to the back and then a miscommunication with the No. 78 (Regan Smith) on pit road that cost us a half of a lap under green. . . just battling back from that stuff," Earnhardt said. "Track position was what we needed at the end. We didn't have it."

Earnhardt started 32nd after a slow qualifying run Friday at the one-mile oval, but by the checkered flag he had completed some 68 green flag passes. The No. 88 was scored inside the top 15 for 245 of the 300 laps.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Micky Arison Lesa France-Kennedy David Berson Donna Orender

David Stern's Gag Order on Gilbert Arenas Kills Redemption

Filed under: Wizards, Sports Business and Media

With folks engulfed in the soap operas involving Carmelo Anthony and Miami's Big Three, they've ignored the NBA shadows, where David Stern just used his iron fist as commissioner to give a black eye to one of the best ways to control knuckleheads.

It's called free speech. It's for the good of the country, but it's also splendid for the health of sports leagues.

As for the latter, in the aftermath of your league catching and punishing knuckleheads, you allow them to express themselves openly along the way to showing they finally get it -- or to giving you an early sign that you'd better get rid of them before they embarrass the league, their team and themselves by doing something crazier.

Instead, Stern muzzled Gilbert Arenas, among the kings of knuckleheads after his little gun situation last year.

To worsen matters, Stern also muzzled Arenas' coaches and bosses with the Washington Wizards. They were told by the commissioner, who swings those jabs and hooks when he wants to get his point across, that they aren't to discuss that little gun situation that got Arenas a 50-game suspension and a month's stay in a halfway house.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Heidi Ueberroth Earvin \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"Magic\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" Johnson Billy Beane Micky Arison

Q&A: D.C. United's Clyde Simms

WASHINGTON ? After establishing himself as the club?s first-choice defensive midfielder in 2007, Clyde Simms became a near-constant presence in the D.C. United lineup, logging a remarkable 6,836 total minutes over two seasons to cement his reputation as the club?s ?iron man.? But 2010 has been a...

Myles Brand David Beckham Jacques Rogge LeBron James

For the Fans, Keep the Wade Redden Loophole Open

Filed under: Blackhawks, Devils, Rangers, NHL Free Agency, NHL Economics

Wade Redden, signed by the New York Rangers to a six-year, $39 million contract just two summers ago, is reporting to the Connecticut Whale of the American Hockey League on Wednesday. This is as it should be for all parties involved.

For the Rangers, whose general manager Glen Sather rewarded Redden when almost every other team in the NHL -- at least those with personalities strong enough to talk their bosses out of a preposterous move -- knew Redden was at best Ottawa's fourth defenseman for the previous two seasons. Redden will come off the Rangers' salary cap, but not off the Madison Square Garden payroll.

For the 33-year-old Redden, the second overall pick in 1995 draft, whose performance has mysteriously nose-dived in the last five years from Norris consideration to depth defenseman. More offensively, his passion and work ethic were often missing in his two years with the Rangers.

And for the National Hockey League and the Players Association, which collectively did not cover a loophole in the current Collective Bargaining Agreement that allows teams to run from their free agent mistakes by shipping them to the minors and obtaining salary cap relief.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Katie Bayne Eric Grubman John Galloway Tom Brady

Matt Stajan's Loss is Mikael Backlund's Gain

Filed under: Flames

CALGARY, Alberta -- If Mikael Backlund is feeling the pressure of having to prove himself to the Calgary Flames brass, you'd never know it.

The youngster is all smiles as he takes some time after a pre-season skate to explain just what he's hoping to accomplish this season with the NHL club.

"I guess I've got some speed and pretty good hockey sense that I hope can help bring some wins,'' he noted, describing the qualities he hopes to share. "Just bring some young energy here in the locker room and on the ice.''

The 21-year-old from Vasteras, Sweden, is being touted as the one drop of new blood who can make a difference on this team, a squad that is painfully thin on bona fide prospects. He was Calgary's first-round pick, 24th overall, in the 2007 entry draft and has been slowly groomed to assume a steady and contributive role for the offence-challenged Flames.

But with No. 2 centre Matt Stajan out indefinitely with a separated shoulder, Backlund will be handed an even larger role. He's currently being penciled in to fill Stajan's role as the Flames second-line pivot.

"Of course, you get more of a chance,'' he pointed out. "But I'll just go out and play like I have this camp. Just play my game, work hard and if I do, I think I'll have a good chance to stay around this team and help them win some games.''

Last season, the six-foot, 200-pounder spent most of his time in Abbotsford with the AHL's Heat, where in 54 games he scored 15 goals and added 17 assists. He was called up for 23 games with the big club, collecting a single goal and nine helpers.

His versatility will be put to good use by head coach Brent Sutter.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Robert DuPuy LaDainian Tomlinson Tim Brosnan Jerry Reinsdorf

NFL Presents Players Union With Proposal for 18-Game Season

Filed under: NFL Labor Negotiations

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The current labor deal between the NFL and its players' union contains a provision that allows the league to increase the regular season to 18 games. As the sides try to negotiate a new contract, they are talking again about the possibility of making such a switch.

"An 18-game regular season is not uncharted territory," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press on Wednesday, referring to the 2006 collective bargaining agreement and noting that the CFL and USFL have played schedules of that length.

"The key," Aiello continued, "is to approach it the right way and work closely with our players and clubs to come up with a year-round football calendar that will be better for everyone, including the fans."

League owners and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell want to expand the regular season from 16 games to 18, and cut the preseason from four games to two. The NFL presented the NFL Players Association with its first detailed proposal covering that issue at a bargaining session in Washington on Tuesday.

---

More: Bill Polian Backtracks on 18-Game Season Comment

---

Brian Cashman Joe Gibbs Heidi Ueberroth Earvin \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"Magic\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" Johnson

Dynamo looks to build on forgettable 2010

Casey Wasserman James Dolan John Madden John Kosner

UEFA Champions League: Your Running Commentary

Eric Grubman John Galloway Tom Brady Tony Hawk

Golf Takes New Form for Ryder Cup

Filed under: Ryder Cup

NEWPORT, Wales -- Playing in the Ryder Cup is a pain.

But in an interesting way.

"You have 11 teammates that you don't want to let down," American captain Corey Pavin says. "You're representing all your peers on Tour and of course you are representing the United States of America. You're playing in front of a lot of people that are emotionally charged."

To put it another way: the Ryder Cup is everything golf takes great pride in never being.

The competition between the U.S. and Europe that begins Friday at Celtic Manor is team play, a drastic shift from the every-man-for-himself mentality that rules professional golf. It's us vs. them, an over-excessive exhibition of nationalism by a game that boasts of being boundary-less. There is gamesmanship; there are mind games. Whether the sport's keepers like to admit it or not, opponent's mistakes are often cheered as loudly as the home team's successes.

---

Elliott: Pavin's Ryder Picks Hard to Dispute
More: European Ryder Cup Roster

---

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

LeBron James Tony Ponturo Phil Anschutz Herbert Hainer

It's Closing Time in McCourt Trial, but Will TV Money Save the Dodgers?

Filed under: MLB Media Watch, FanHouse Exclusive, Sports Business and Media

LOS ANGELES -- In a week of scorching weather and blistering testimony on the witness stand, Frank and Jamie McCourt's divorce trial is now literally at the boiling point - and there are no signs of a cool down in the couple's battle over ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Despite a day-long session with a mediator last Friday, the couple is as far apart as ever on a potential settlement, even as more distasteful details emerged in a case that has already damaged their reputation and raised serious questions about the future of one of baseball's iconic franchises. On Wednesday morning, lawyers for the estranged spouses will give their closing arguments in Los Angeles Superior Court.

Barring a settlement, control of the Dodgers will be determined by Judge Scott Gordon, who will have until late December to decide if the Dodgers should be Frank's separate property or should be owned equally by both McCourts. At the center of the dispute is couple's marital property agreement, which was signed shortly after the McCourts purchased the club in 2004 from News Corp. for $430 million. Frank believes the MPA makes him the sole owner of the Dodgers in the event of a divorce, while Jamie contends that it should be invalidated because the couple signed two conflicting versions of the document.

The McCourts' former lawyer in Boston, Larry Silverstein, has already testified that he doctored a signed and notarized version of the agreement that made the team "community property," and inserted a page containing a clause that gave Frank sole control of the Dodgers.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Tim Leiweke Paul Allen Robert DuPuy LaDainian Tomlinson

Tom Lehman Wins Payne Stewart Award, Reflects on the Award's Namesake

Filed under: PGA

ATLANTA -- Over a 30-year professional career, Tom Lehman won a British Open. He played on three Ryder Cup teams and captained another. He was the 1996 PGA Tour Player of the Year. He won this year's Senior PGA Championship.

Those accomplishments, however, did not prepare him for Thursday's victory.

Lehman, known for his benevolence and honor, was presented with the Payne Stewart award, presented annually to a player sharing the late golfer's respect for the traditions of the game, his commitment to upholding the sport's heritage of charitable support and his professional and meticulous presentation of himself and the sport through his dress and conduct.

"You know, winning a golf tournament is one thing," Lehman said. "You work and practice and you prepare and you go out and you give your very best, and hopefully, you're the best this week and you get the trophy.

"An award like this, I'm not really sure how to take quite frankly, just because there's so many conflicting emotions.

"When I was told I was going to receive this award, I started thinking about my years knowing Payne Stewart. I think the overriding feeling is I really wish that this award wasn't being given out for another 30 years."

Stewart, the flashy dresser with a classic swing and three major championships, died in a 1999 private plane crash three days before he was to compete in the Tour Championship.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Robert Kraft John Henry John Walsh Katie Bayne

Notre Dame Will Be Back ... Eventually

Filed under: Notre Dame

The history of a college football program doesn't matter anymore. Sure, it's great to have tradition, and the size of a fan base matters when it comes to facilities, quality of groupies, stadium seating capacity, television contracts, cool apparel and other sundry details that don't have much to do with winning games. But in today's era of college football, history is history. If you have the right coach, you win. And if you have the wrong coach, you lose. Nothing else matters.

Notre Dame has been slow to grasp this reality. It has been too focused on Touchdown Jesus, the ambiance and aura of college football, winning one for the Gipper instead of winning every single one for a coach. Notre Dame's been too content to rely on Notre Dame and not aggressive enough to realize it needs a coach with a profile every bit as big as its school.

The result? Notre Dame hasn't won a BCS level bowl since, wait for it, 1992.

In the meantime, Notre Dame has traded the Four Horsemen for the Four Horsemen of the Coaching Apocalypse: Bob Davie, George O'Leary, Tyrone Willingham, and Charlie Weis. O'Leary, who never coached a game at the school, was the most successful of the four.

David Berson Donna Orender Roger Goodell Tiger Woods

Nazem Kadri in a No-Win Situation With the Leafs

Filed under: Maple Leafs

Nazem Kadri placed himself in a no-win situation as soon as he pulled the Toronto Maple Leafs jersey over his shoulders for the first time two Junes ago.

Firstly, there was the suffocating hype of being the Maple Leafs' first pick, seventh overall, in the 2009 NHL Draft and the added weight of being Brian Burke's first ever draft pick as the general manager of the fabled Leafs.

When Burke used "truculent" to describe the type of team he wanted, Kadri, fairly or unfairly, was tossed into the mix as a top six bruising forward as Burke began to put his stamp on the team.

The fact that Kadri nearly forced management to keep him up as an 18-year-old when he had three goals and five points in six preseason games last season spoke more to the ineptness of the Leafs at that time than his potential. Remember this was a team that wound up finishing 29th overall and had the NHL's worst power-play and penalty-killing units last season.

Suffice to say, expectations were perhaps a tad too high for the young centre, who was practically viewed as the second coming of Doug Gilmour around these parts. But then again, unrealistic expectations aren't exactly a new thing in the hockey-mad city.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Ross Greenburg Robert Kraft John Henry John Walsh

NASCAR Warns Clint Bowyer's Team Over Technical Inspection

Filed under: Clint Bowyer, Chase for the Sprint Cup, Richard Childress Racing , NASCAR

Close is apparently close enough when it comes to NASCAR's technical inspection team. So the sanctioning body, in what is part "courtesy call" and part "wake-up call," is warning the Richard Childress Racing team that its No. 33 Chevrolet driven by Clint Bowyer was dangerously close to failing inspection following the Sept. 11 regular-season finale at Richmond, Va.

NASCAR officials are scheduled to meet with team representatives Tuesday to inform RCR of their concern and they've held the car at their Concord, N.C., Research and Development facility since it was impounded following the race at Richmond International Raceway two weeks ago.

Although the car did pass inspection, NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said Tuesday, "The body was very close to the tolerances permitted and we want to point out to them how close it is. This is standard procedure.''

Poston said the only reason the car has remained at NASCAR's R&D center is because travel schedules didn't allow for an expedited meeting. Bowyer won Sunday in New Hampshire, the opening round of the 10-race Chase playoff, to vault from 12th in the standings to second.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Sidney Crosby Jack Roush Ross Greenburg Robert Kraft

Iowa State Will Stick With Austen Arnaud at Quarterback -- Maybe

Filed under: Iowa State, Texas Tech, Big 12, Injuries

Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads declined to reveal his starting quarterback early Monday.

But later in the day, Rhoads told local reporters in Ames he anticipates senior Austen Arnaud will start Saturday against Texas Tech.

There had been some uncertainty when sophomore Jerome Tiller came in for an injured Arnaud last Saturday and helped lead the Cyclones to a 27-0 win - the program's first shutout since 2004 - against Northern Iowa. Arnaud was pulled after he re-aggravated an injury to his non-throwing shoulder during the opening series.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Rupert Murdoch Michael Jordan Scott Boras Peyton Manning

Monday Postmortem: Dissecting Week 26

Welcome to the first installment of the Monday Postmortem, a new feature here on MLSsoccer.com in which we break down the most recent week of action as the push for the playoffs heats up.As potential weeks to launch a column go, this one could hardly have been better: There was a hat trick in...

The Maloof Family Arnold Palmer Randy Levine Shaquille O\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Neal

Ryan Zimmerman Likely Done for Season

Filed under: Nationals, MLB Injuries

A lingering rib muscle strain likely has brought Ryan Zimmerman's season to a premature end, according to several reports out of Washington.

The Nationals third baseman was out of the lineup once again Monday and is not expected to play again in the season's final week, says the Washington Post. Zimmerman began experiencing pain in his intercostal muscle last week and appears set to miss the last 10 games on the schedule in total.

Obviously there's no reason for the Nationals to push their franchise position player at the moment. If he is indeed done, he'll have wrapped up another stellar season with a .307 average, an .898 OPS and 25 homers.

Zimmerman was limited earlier this season by a hamstring strain, leaving him with only 142 games played this year.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Tony Stewart The Maloof Family Arnold Palmer Randy Levine

Bowyer Penalty Costs Him, Team 150 Points After Car Fails Inspection

Filed under: Clint Bowyer, Chase for the Sprint Cup, Richard Childress Racing, NASCAR

NASCAR has docked championship contender Clint Bowyer and his team owner Richard Childress 150 championship points and suspended Bowyer's crew chief Shane Wilson and car chief Chad Haney for six races after the No. 33 Cheerios Chevrolet failed post-race inspection following its victory Sunday in New Hampshire.

Bowyer's penalty of 150 driver points drops him from second in the Sprint Cup Series championship to 12th among the 12-drive Chase contingent. However, he will get to keep the win in the Chase for the Sprint Cup opener -- his first victory in two years.

In addition to their suspensions Wilson and Haney have been fined $150,000 each. They, along with Bowyer, are on probation until Dec. 31.

"The team was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4 (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules) and 20-3 (car body location specifications in reference to the certified chassis did not meet NASCAR-approved specifications) of the 2010 Rule Book," NASCAR said Wednesday.

In a statement, team owner Richard Childress said the car was legal and that he would appeal the penalties to the fullest extent possible.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Tim Brosnan Jerry Reinsdorf Larry Lucchino Ed Goren

Helio Castroneves Dominates IndyCar Race in Japan

Filed under: IRL

As Helio Castroneves dominated the IndyCar race at Twin Ring Motegi in Japan, an already tight points race tightened even more.

Dario Franchitti finished second, just ahead of series points leader Will Power, but the edge trimmed five points off the 17-point lead Power had coming into this event.

Castroneves, who started from the pole, led 153 laps and won by 4.5 seconds over Franchitti.

Behind Power in third was Ryan Briscoe in fourth, followed by Danica Patrick.

"They gave me a fantastic car," Castroneves said afterwards. "It was awesome. The car was on rails. Every time I wanted to go for it, the car was responding. I am as happy as can be!"

It was the third win of the season and second Motegi victory for Castroneves, who sits third in the title chase, 88 behind Power.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Randy Levine Shaquille O\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Neal Casey Wasserman James Dolan

ESPN to Station Crew Outside Miami Heat Training Camp

by Tom Ziller

Filed under: Heat, NBA Media Watch, Sports Business and Media

Just how closely will ESPN, and by extension the general NBA media, follow the Miami Heat this season? We'll get a taste next week, as USA Today's Michael Hiestand reports the network will ship an anchor, two analysts and at least one reporter to lovely Eglin Air Force Base in Ft. Walton Beach, Fla., where the Heat are scheduled to hold media day Monday and break camp Tuesday.

Typically, ESPN sends reporters to a few media days around the league. The Lakers generally receive top billing, even in years in which Kobe Bryant isn't on the trade block. (Lakers' media day 2007 is legend for the media crush.) One would imagine teams in cities where ESPN has local sites (L.A., Boston, Dallas, New York and Chicago) will receive personal attention as well.

But nothing like what Miami -- err, Ft. Walton Beach -- will see. Hiestand writes that coverage will likely "outdo anything it did on Brett Favre's annual summer soul-searching." That's really saying something, considering ESPN ran live helicopter footage of Favre's SUV ride from the airport to training camp. So I suppose we can look forward to seeing Da'Sean Butler picking up the team's donuts via shopping center surveillance camera, or something.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Micky Arison Lesa France-Kennedy David Berson Donna Orender

Does Maple Matter? Bat Manufacturer Says Wood Species 'Not the Problem'

by Jim Henry

Filed under: MLB Biz, Sports Business and Media

Most professional baseball players want a wooden bat -- ash or maple -- that has a thick barrel supported by a thin handle to help create bat speed, much like the aluminum models they used as a youth.

Estimates vary, but it is believed about 70 percent of professional players use maple at least some of the time, saying they believe the bats allow them to hit for more power. Some players go back and forth between maple and ash.

Of course, talk of banning maple bats was revived after a piece from a broken bat struck Chicago Cubs rookie Tyler Colvin on Sunday, sidelining him for the rest of the season. Colvin was hospitalized and treated for two days with a tube in his chest to prevent a collapsed lung.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Daniel Snyder Derek Jeter Tim Leiweke Paul Allen

Reds Won't Celebrate Potential Playoff Clincher in Absentia

Filed under: Reds, NL Central

It has been 15 years since the Reds' last playoff appearance, and they can clinch a postseason spot Monday night. These days, that usually guarantees a wild, champagne-soaked celebration, but it won't be happening in Cincinnati.

The Reds are off Monday, and manager Dusty Baker said Sunday there were no plans for the team to gather and watch the Cardinals-Pirates game in anticipation of a St. Louis loss locking up the NL Central title for Cincinnati.

"It's the time of year to rest," Baker said. "Guys have stuff to do. They have family stuff, plus you've seen these guys 156 games already, you need some personal time, some family time. Probably some guys will prepare to move out of their places. Some guys only have leases until Oct. 1. There's a lot to do."

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Brian France Dick Ebersol Phil Knight Sean McManus

Broadcast of 1960 World Series Game 7 Found in Bing Crosby's Wine Cellar

by Marc Lancaster

Filed under: Pirates, Yankees, World Series, Sports Business and Media

Chances are, as baseball fans, we've probably all seen the grainy newsreel highlights of Bill Mazeroski's home run from Game 7 of the 1960 World Series -- the culmination of a game considered by many the greatest in the sport's history.

Now, thanks to Bing Crosby of all people, we'll get a chance to watch that seminal contest in its entirety, the New York Times reports.

The legendary crooner -- who had an ownership share in the Pirates -- commissioned a kinescope recording of Game 7 of that Pirates-Yankees World Series. It seems he was so nervous about the series he headed off to Paris with his wife, for fear that he would jinx the Bucs by sticking around stateside and actually watching the games. But he took precautions, in the form of five reels of film that captured NBC's television broadcast, to ensure he'd be able to watch his beloved team later on without fear of a jinx.

Crosby, who died in 1977, did watch the game after returning from Paris, and the film ended up in his wine cellar along with numerous other reels that included home movies and sports instructional films.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Yao Ming Tom Condon Arte Moreno Brian Cashman

The McKelvie Twins: One in the Army, One with the New York Rangers

Filed under: Rangers

Zach McKelvie may not get his shot at pro hockey, but he still keeps his Bauer X-60 skates and 195 sticks in a bag at the United States Army base in Fort Benning. An executive officer at the Basic Training Unit, McKelvie doesn't get many chances to skate in Georgia, but the game of hockey is always on his mind.

"The dream is not dead," said McKelvie, whose plans of playing a season in the the Boston Bruins organization were scrapped last year when the Army reversed its Alternative Services guidelines for exceptional athletes. "But I know a hockey career is probably unrealistic if I go too long between years of development. There are other things in life."

While 25-year-old Zach McKelvie waits for his next appointment -- including possible enrollment in the Army's Ranger school for enlisted officers -- 25-year-old Chris McKelvie (pictured right) is making the most of an invitation to the training camp of the New York Rangers. On Feb. 25, 1985 in New Brighton, Minn., Zach and Chris were born. While Zach went to West Point and Chris spent the last four years at Bemidji State, they remain so close that the Army officer can now live the hockey life through the eyes of his twin brother.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Randy Levine Shaquille O\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Neal Casey Wasserman James Dolan

Redskins Lose Steam Late Yet Again

Filed under: Rams, Redskins, NFC East, NFC West

One game was at home against an unbeaten team. The other was on the road against a winless team. Washington built a 17-point lead in the first contest and quickly fell behind by 14 in the latter.

What the games had in common was how they finished. A week after blowing a 27-10 lead with 16 minutes left in regulation and losing 30-27 in overtime to visiting Houston, the Redskins spotted the Rams a 14-0 lead, then rallied to go ahead 16-14 only to be outscored 16-0 the rest of the way, and lose 30-16 at St. Louis.

"We put ourselves in a deep hole early on," said Redskins center Casey Rabach. "We have flashes of pretty good stuff, but we've got to find a way as an offense to play a complete game."

The Redskins were just 1-for-10 on third down and 0-for-3 in the red zone.

"When you get in the red zone, you have to score," said quarterback Donovan McNabb, who slumped from 426 yards against the Texans to 236 today. "Kicking field goals will come back to haunt you. We have to understand what happened and come out next week ready to make a change.

"There are no excuses. We just have to be able to score. There are definitely plays we should have gotten in the end zone on. It's very frustrating. We're much better than what we showed today."

The disappointment was at least as strong for Washington's defense, which allowed the Rams to score 30 points for the first time since October 2008 even though the Rams lost running back Steven Jackson, the core of their offense for years, to a groin injury in the first half and that rookie quarterback Sam Bradford was making just his third start.

"You definitely don't want them to start fast and that's what we allowed them to do," said Redskins defensive end Phillip Daniels. "We have to jump on a team like this early and give them no momentum. We gotta find a way not to play to a team's level and lose games in this fashion."

Joseph S. Blatter Roger Federer Jim Delany Dick Pound

NASCAR Warns Clint Bowyer's Team Over Technical Inspection

Filed under: Clint Bowyer, Chase for the Sprint Cup, Richard Childress Racing , NASCAR

Close is apparently close enough when it comes to NASCAR's technical inspection team. So the sanctioning body, in what is part "courtesy call" and part "wake-up call," is warning the Richard Childress Racing team that its No. 33 Chevrolet driven by Clint Bowyer was dangerously close to failing inspection following the Sept. 11 regular-season finale at Richmond, Va.

NASCAR officials are scheduled to meet with team representatives Tuesday to inform RCR of their concern and they've held the car at their Concord, N.C., Research and Development facility since it was impounded following the race at Richmond International Raceway two weeks ago.

Although the car did pass inspection, NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said Tuesday, "The body was very close to the tolerances permitted and we want to point out to them how close it is. This is standard procedure.''

Poston said the only reason the car has remained at NASCAR's R&D center is because travel schedules didn't allow for an expedited meeting. Bowyer won Sunday in New Hampshire, the opening round of the 10-race Chase playoff, to vault from 12th in the standings to second.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Sidney Crosby Jack Roush Ross Greenburg Robert Kraft

Redskins Lose Steam Late Yet Again

Filed under: Rams, Redskins, NFC East, NFC West

One game was at home against an unbeaten team. The other was on the road against a winless team. Washington built a 17-point lead in the first contest and quickly fell behind by 14 in the latter.

What the games had in common was how they finished. A week after blowing a 27-10 lead with 16 minutes left in regulation and losing 30-27 in overtime to visiting Houston, the Redskins spotted the Rams a 14-0 lead, then rallied to go ahead 16-14 only to be outscored 16-0 the rest of the way, and lose 30-16 at St. Louis.

"We put ourselves in a deep hole early on," said Redskins center Casey Rabach. "We have flashes of pretty good stuff, but we've got to find a way as an offense to play a complete game."

The Redskins were just 1-for-10 on third down and 0-for-3 in the red zone.

"When you get in the red zone, you have to score," said quarterback Donovan McNabb, who slumped from 426 yards against the Texans to 236 today. "Kicking field goals will come back to haunt you. We have to understand what happened and come out next week ready to make a change.

"There are no excuses. We just have to be able to score. There are definitely plays we should have gotten in the end zone on. It's very frustrating. We're much better than what we showed today."

The disappointment was at least as strong for Washington's defense, which allowed the Rams to score 30 points for the first time since October 2008 even though the Rams lost running back Steven Jackson, the core of their offense for years, to a groin injury in the first half and that rookie quarterback Sam Bradford was making just his third start.

"You definitely don't want them to start fast and that's what we allowed them to do," said Redskins defensive end Phillip Daniels. "We have to jump on a team like this early and give them no momentum. We gotta find a way not to play to a team's level and lose games in this fashion."

Bruton Smith Adam Silver Charlie Denson Tony Petitti

2010-11 Anaheim Ducks Preview: Ready to Bounce Back?

Filed under: Ducks

A year ago, the Ducks were trying to figure out how to fill the void left by Chris Pronger. The team's subsequent disappointing season made it appear at times as if they'd never quite got over losing their big bruiser.

Scott Niedermayer's retirement leaves questions about defense, leadership

Now Anaheim must adjust to another major loss on the blue line: Captain Scott Niedermayer, a sure-fire Hall of Famer, retired this past summer.

"Losing Scotty was a big hit," forward Bobby Ryan said after agreeing to a five-year deal earlier this month. "There's no getting around that."

So where will the defense come from? The leadership? The return of Teemu Selanne, another potential retiree, will help with the latter and Ryan Getzlaf is a candidate for the "C" along with Saku Koivu and Todd Marchant, but the defense remains the top question mark heading into the season.

"Chris and Scott are guys you can't replace quickly," Ducks general manager Bob Murray told FanHouse. "We've tried to make the defense stronger and we saw some improvement last year. We'll see if we can improve more this year."

Anaheim added ex-Sabre Toni Lydman, signing him to a three-year, $9 million deal, but double-vision prevented Lydman from joining the Ducks for the start of their camp, an alarming development. The imposing Andy Sutton also comes aboard; he has Pronger-type size (6-foot-6, 245 pounds) if not quite Pronger-level skill or game-changing intimidation factor.

"He's a big, strong man, and physical, which we'd gotten away from," Murray said.

Lubomir Visnovsky is back for a full season, Paul Mara was signed at the start of camp when the team learned of Lydman's vision issues. Sheldon Brookbank will be a sixth or seventh defenseman, and Luca Sbisa also is an option. Cam Fowler, at the age of 18, could see a lot of time with the Ducks, so great is the need for D. Goaltender Jonas Hiller is good, but he needs far more help in front of him, particularly when it comes to shot-blocking; Sutton is expected to be a big plus there, Murray said.

There is zero concern about the Ducks' ability to put the puck in the net. "Our forwards should be able to score some goals," Murray said, bordering on deadpan.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Mark Parker David Levy Barry Bonds Daniel Snyder

Jim Furyk Leads at Tour Championship

Filed under: PGA, FedEx Cup

ATLANTA (AP) -- Jim Furyk is one round away from the biggest payday of his career.

Furyk took over the lead at the Tour Championship on Saturday with an even-par 70, giving him a one-shot lead over Retief Goosen and Luke Donald going into the final round at East Lake and the conclusion of the FedEx Cup.

All three of them can get the $10 million bonus by winning Sunday.

Furyk was trailing most of the day until a big turnaround on the par-5 15th hole, when he made a 10-foot birdie and Donald hit into a bunker and three-putted for double bogey. Donald shot a 71.

Goosen won the Tour Championship in 2004, back when winning was only worth $1.08 million.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Gary Bettman Alex Rodriguez Joseph S. Blatter Roger Federer

Wednesday notes: new faces in training

HOLDING THE LEADUnited has been burned often in 2010 by giving up goals late in matches following 70 or 80 minutes of hard work on the pitch. Last weekend at the Home Depot Center, the Black-and-Red worked tirelessly to build a 1-0 lead through Andy Najar against the LA Galaxy. Unfortunately, two...

Dick Ebersol Phil Knight Sean McManus Rupert Murdoch

Clint Bowyer Takes First Chase Race at New Hampshire

Filed under: Clint Bowyer, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Denny Hamlin, Jamie McMurray, Kevin Harvick, Tony Stewart, Sprint Cup, NASCAR

Clint Bowyer grabbed his first victory of the season in the Sprint Cup race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway Sunday when Tony Stewart ran out of gas with two laps to go after dominating the later stages of the race.

It wasn't a surprise victory, as Bowyer had dominated the first part of the race and led 177 of the 300 laps overall.

But it was Stewart who led most of the final 100 laps, surviving a brief epidemic of yellow flags only to come up two miles short on fuel.

Stewart finished 24th, coasting ever-so-slowly across the finish line to complete the last of the 300 laps as Bowyer started his burnout not six car lengths behind him (right).

"I think I ran me out of fuel," a philosophical Stewart said after the race. "The guys are saying sorry for running me out of fuel, but I think I ran me out of fuel."

Denny Hamlin, victimized by a bump and a spin in one of the yellows, clawed back from 22nd place with less than 100 laps to go to finish second. Jamie McMurray was third, followed by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Finishing fifth was Kevin Harvick, who also had a subpar day until the very end.

Hamlin now leads the Sprint Cup Chase points, with Bowyer jumping from 12th to second, 35 points behind. Harvick is third, 45 points behind.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Jack Roush Ross Greenburg Robert Kraft John Henry

Ozzie Guillen Wants to Know 'What's in the (White Sox) Plan'

Filed under: White Sox

The White Sox' fade out of playoff contention over the last month has turned 2010 into an ugly season on the South Side, and it could get uglier in the coming weeks as manager Ozzie Guillen presses for a firm declaration on where he stands with the club.

Guillen is under contract for 2011, and the Sox have a team option on him for 2012. He has had discussions with the team about his future, though he insists he hasn't asked for an extension, just a sign that the team wants him around long-term.

Based on the frustration that seems to be growing on Guillen's end that may not be forthcoming anytime soon.

"It's a funny thing because I never asked for an extension," Guillen told reporters Friday. "You guys asked me if I want one. Well, everyone does. Everybody. Even you, you ... everybody. The funny thing about it is people sound as if I asked for an extension. I never did. Because I have one. I have a contract. My thing is, every year, every manager, every player, they want to know what's my stance. That's it. That's what I want to know. Maybe it's a good one. Maybe it's a bad one. But I like to know.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Myles Brand David Beckham Jacques Rogge LeBron James

Favorite Sports Personalities

I\'ll admit, I\'m a huge sports nut. But not with ALL the major US sports. My favorite ones are baseball and football. Plus, I\'m from Boston, so I\'m centric towards the teams there.

So, my top favorite sports people are:

Larry Bird
Tom Brady
Steve Grogan
Nomar Garciapara
David Ortiz
Manny (Who else?)
Jim Rice
Dwight Evans
Yaz (The one and only)