Ben Nicholson-Smith from MLBTradeRumors.com

Take a listen to Ben Nicholson-Smith from MLBTradeRumors.com talking trade deadline with the boys from The Weekend Warm - Up

Monday Morning Quick Hitters

The Dallas Cowboys squeeked out a late win in Tony Romo's return from a finger injury, beating the Washington Redskins 14 - 10

Injury riddled Denver Broncos beat the Atlanta Falcons 24 - 20.

Apparently Donovan McNabb doesn't know that an NFL game could end in a tie..."I didn't know that, I've never been part of a tie. I never even knew it was in the rule book. I was looking forward to getting the opportunity to get out there and try to drive to win the game. But unfortunately with the rules, we settled with a tie."...OK....for the 1st time in 6 years, the Philadelphia Eagles tied Cincinnati Bengals 13 - 13.

The Green Bay Packers manhandled perennial rival Chicago Bears 37 - 3

The Indianapolis Colts no huddled their way past the Houston Texans once again 33 - 27. Peyton Manning had 300 yrds passing and Joseph Addai had 100 yards rushing together for the 1st time this season.

Does anyone care that the New Orleans Saints beat the Kansas City Chiefs 30 - 20? Didn't think so.

The Miami Dolphins squeaked out another win against a bad team, beating the Oakland Raiders on a late field goal, 17 - 15.

The New York Giants proved once again that they are the class of the NFL this season. The Giants rushed for over 200 yards once again, slamming the Baltimore Ravens 30 - 10.

Jeff Garcia drove the Tampa Bay Bucs to 2 4th quarter field goal drives to beat the Minnesota Vikings 19 - 13.

Jake Delhomme threw for only 98 yards, but the Carolina Panthers running game rushed for a franchise record 264 yards beating the still winless Detroit Lions 31 -22.

The San Francisco 49ers scored 28 points in the 2nd Quarter to power the win over the St Louis Rams 35 - 16.

The Arizona Cardinals beat the Seattle Seahawks 26 - 20 Sunday, to move to 7 - 3 for the 1st time since they were in St Louis in 1977.

The Tennessee Titans scored 21 unanswered points to topple the upset minded Jacksonville Jaguars 24 - 14.

The Pittsburgh Steelers hit a late field goal to eek past the San Diego Chargers 11 - 10. The 11 - 10 score is the 1st of that final score in NFL history.



ESPN's Pedro Gomez (HEY, they finally let him away from Barry Bonds) reports the Boston Red Sox were ready to suspend Manny Ramirez.

The World Champion Philadelphia Phillies () will be raising ticket prices next season.



The Phoenix Suns survived a Shaq ejection to beat the Detroit Pistons 104 - 86.

The other team involved in the Chauncey Billups/Allen Iverson trade is going in the other direction, as the Denver Nuggets beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 90 - 84.




The Carolina Hurricanes spoiled Rick Tocchet's debut as the Tampa Bay Lightning coach, beating the Lightning 3 - 2.

Former Portland Pirate Goalie, Jonas Hiller got his 1st NHL shutout for the Anaheim Ducks, beating the LA Kings 2 - 0

Election Day Links

Get out and vote, no matter how long the line is. Or if your town transferred everything to computers in the past year and you have to re-register. Or any other excuse. Go vote.

NFL

The Steelers won the battle 23-6, but may have lost the war, as Ben Roethlisberger left with an injured throwing shoulder. Byron Leftwich had quite a homecoming.

Jim Zorn's team looked unorganized and out of sync in the fourth quarter, invoking memories of opening night's clock management issues.

Brady Quinn gets three days to prepare for his first start.

NBA

The Sixers hammered the Sacramento Kings.

The Magic tamed the Bulls 96-93, but the Magic are still strugg-a-ling

The short-handed and emotionally unstable Pistons plowed over the Bobcats, and Larry Brown is already whining.

GSW hoops ran out of gas in the fourth quarter falling to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Cleveland came into Dallas and won big.

MLB

Matt Holliday is selling his Denver-area home.

My Seattle area sources tell me that Raul Ibanez will NOT be back in Seattle, and that he may look to play closer to his Florida home. Tampa Bay, the Marlins, how about Atlanta? The Braves might be a good fit for Ibanez, but the Rays will be looking for a bat to replace Cliff Floyd and Rocco Baldelli in all likelihood. If Ibanez takes a Luis Gonzalez type deal, he could play for the Marlins, but he surely is worth more than that . I am going to guess Tampa for the win, Atlanta for the Place, and the Marlins for the Show. The Mariners are also very interested in Red Sox bench coach Brad Mills to be thier new manager, and he is number one on their list.

NCAAF

Oklahoma will be without their best pass-rusher for three weeks according to what Bob Stoops told me yesterday in the BIG XII media telconference. Yes, the Central Maine Sports Blog broke a story. No, no one credited us with anything. I do have the proof however, go here, and go to about the 6:30 mark. The stories about this are timestamped 2 hours after this teleconference.

The Guiding Light of Sports Business

This weeks installment of The Guiding Light of Sports Business.

Friday Morning Quick Hitters

Tampa Evan Longoria has been touted as the savior all year, and he picked a great time to prove it. Longoria went 3 - 3, 2 HRs and 3 RBIs to power the Rays to a 6 - 4 win over the Chicago White Sox. The Rays lead the Best of 5 Series 1 Game to None.



In the 1st NL game of the day, Philadelphia, powered by a Shane Victorino grand slam and 7 innings of 2 hit pitching from Brett Myers, beat CC Sebathia and the Milwaukee Brewers 5 - 2. The Phillies go up 2 Games to None in the Series.

In the last game of the day, Chicago may be about to burn again. The Los Angeles Dodgers took it to the hapless Cubbies once again for a 10 - 3 win over the Cubs. The Cubs infielders all committed errors, leading directly to 5 Dodgers run and Manny hit another bomb to finish the Cubs off. The Dodgers lead the Best of 5 Series 2 - 0.

#15 Utah needed a last second field goal to polish off Oregon St. 31 - 28.

Pitt's LeSean McCoy ran for 2 TD's as Dave Wannstedt's Panthers beat their 3rd ranked team of the season, upsetting #10 South Florida 26 - 21. Pitt is now 5 - 1 (2 -0 in the Big East) and South Florida dropped to 5 - 1 (0 - 1 in the Big East)

The Buffalo Bills have locked up an important piece of their offense, signing Lee Evans to a 3 year 37.25 million dollar deal with over 18 million guaranteed.

Redskins likely without top 2 DBacks for Philly game.

The Chicago Bears suspended DT Tommy Harris for violating team rules.


David Stern responds to the report that Tim Donaghy was the only person breaking the law.

Portland Trailblazers fans hold their breath as Greg Oden injures ankle.

Thursday Morning Quick Hitters

The Boston Red Sox used 4 1st inning runs along with a critical hit late to beat the Cleveland Indians 5 - 4. Tampa Bay also won, beating the Baltimore Orioles 11 - 6, so the Rays are still up on the Sox by 3 games for the AL East Division Title.

The Minnesota Twins took the 2nd game in the battle for the AL Central title, beating the White Sox 3 - 2. The Twins are now just 1/2 game back..

The New York Mets blew an opportunity to gain ground on the Philadelphia Phillies, who lost to the Atlanta Braves 10 - 4, by blowing a 4 run lead to the Chicago Cubs and finally losing in the 10th inning 9 - 6. The Mets remain 1 1/2 games behind the Phillies in the NL East and tied for the Wild Card with Milwaukee.

The Milwaukee Brewers gained that tie with the Mets by beating the Pittsburgh Pirates 4 - 2.

The LA Dodgers opened up a 4 game lead on the Arizona Diamondbacks by slamming the San Diego Padres 12 - 4. The D-Backs lost to the St Louis Cardinals 4 - 2.

Troy Brown will make his retirement official today.

The ax finally fell in Detroit. Matt Millen (Patrick Sullivan applauds somewhere) finally wore out his welcome in Detroit.

The New York Giants suspended Plexiglas Burress for 2 weeks and 1 game. Burress will appeal.

Jason Taylor discusses potentially career ending injury.

Former Nebraska Cornhusker RB Thunder Collins charged with murder.

Beanie Wells and Terrell Pryor to start for the Buckeyes



The Boston Celtics brought their trophy, courtesy TD Banknorth Maine, to Maine yesterday. Don't forget, the Sports Vortex had Boston Celtics great Jo Jo White yesterday. You can download the interview on the right Talkshoe widget.

Friday Morning Quick Hitters

Oh no, hide all the neck ties and knives at the Sedenka household, West Virginia loses again, this time to Colorado 17 - 14.




In what could be a AL Divisional Series matchup, Minnesota wins the 1st game, even though Evan Longoria hits 3 HRs, 11 - 8. The Rays are 1 1/2 games up on the Red Sox. The Twins are 1 1/2 games back of Chicago and 6 1/2 back of the Red Sox in the Wild Card.

The Chicago White Sox lost to the New York Yankees in their last game at Yankee Stadium 9 - 2.

The Chicago Cubs scored 4 runs in the bottom of the 9th to tie the Milwaukee Brewers and Derek Lee knocked in the winning run in the bottom of the 12, virtually crushing Milwaukee's playoff hopes winning 7 - 6. The Brewers are now 9 games behind the Cubs and 2 games behind the Mets in the Wild Card.

The NL East stayed the same as the Philadelphia Phillies finished off a sweep of the Atlanta Braves 4 - 3. The New York Mets beat the Washington Nationals 7 - 2. The Phillies are 1/2 game up on the Mets.

The NL West stayed the same as well as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates in 12 innings 4 - 3. The Arizona Diamondbacks beat the San Francisco Giants 3 - 2. The DBacks are
3 1/2 game back of the Dodgers.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall should not have any further suspension.

Adrian Peterson misses Thursday practice.

The Pittsburgh Steelers owners reject Druckenmiller's offer.

Joey Porters garbage isn't flying around Patriots camp.

Former Boston Celtic and current Minnesota Timberwolves center Al Jefferson sprains knee.

Philadelphia 76er Jason Smith out for season.

Thursday Morning Quick Hitters

The Tampa Bay Rays took control of the AL East last night with a 10 - 3 win over the Red Sox at the Trop. In other Sox news, Mike Lowell needs extra attention.

The Minnesota Twins failed to gain ground in the AL Central and the Wild Card race, losing to Cleveland 6 - 4. The Twins are 2 1/2 games back of the Chicago White Sox and 7 games behind the Red Sox in the Wild Card.

Speaking of the Chicago White Sox, they lost to the Yankees 5 - 1.

In the NL East J.A. Happ helps the Philadelphia Phillies to a 6 - 1 win over the Atlanta Braves. The NY Mets finally beat the Washington Nationals..barley..9 - 7. The Mets stay 1/2 game behind the Phillies.

The Milwaukee Brewers finally had a go at the Cubs, winning 6 - 2, but they may have lost Ace Ben Sheets for the rest of the season. The Brewers are virtually out of the NL Central race at 8 games back, but are only 1/2 game behind the Mets in the Wild Card.

The LA Dodgers may have lost...sit down, wait for it....Nomar Garciaparra for an undisclose time, while losing to the Pittsburgh Pirates 15 - 8.

The Arizona Diamondbacks struggled in the 9th inning, but still gained ground on the Dodgers by beating the San Francisco Giants 7 - 6.


The Minnesota Vikings have finally sat Tavaris Jackson.

Wednesday Morning Quick Hitters

The Tampa Bay Rays got men on in the 9th and Navvaro hit a deep fly past the drawn in outfield to propel the Rays to a 2 - 1 win over the Boston Red Sox. The Rays are now 1 game up on the Red Sox. In other Sox news Theo Epstein appears close to signing a new deal.

The AL Central had some movement as the Minnesota Twins lost on a Victor Martinez walk off HR in the 12th inning, 12 - 9. The Chicago White Sox beat the Yankees at Yankee Stadium 6 - 2. The White Sox are 2 1/2 games up on the Twins in the Central and the Twins trail the Red Sox by 7 games in the Wild Card standings. In other Yankee news, Derek Jeter became the all time hit leader in Yankee Stadium.

1st Place in the NL East changed hands on Tuesday as the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Atlanta Braves 8 - 7 and the New York Mets continue their slide by losing to the Washington Nationals 1 - 0. The Phillies are 1/2 game up on the Mets. The Mets are 1/2 game up on the Milwaukee Brewers in the Wild Card standings.

Prince Fielder tried to singlehandedly bring the Brewers back fronm the brink, but a Kerry Wood curve ball ended Fielder's and the Brewers night, leading the Cubs to a 5 - 4 win over the Brewers.

The NL West may still be in play as Arizona hangs tough beating the San Francisco Giants 2 - 0. The LA Dodgers also won, beating the Pirates 6 - 2. The Dodgers are 4 1/2 games up on the D-Backs.


Tommy Kelly, no not Johnny Dangerously's brother, the Oakland Raiders DT, was arrested on suspicion of DUI.

The Seattle Seahawks re-sign embattled former Seahawk Koran Robinson.


The Anehiem Ducks waived veteran defenseman Mathieu Schneider

Patrick Roy's son pleads not guilty in on ice attack. Here is the video.

Saturday Morning Quick Hitters

#19 South Florida upended #13 Kansas with a late field goal, 37 - 34

Beanie will not play in the clash at the Coliseum.

Sedenka's Mountaineers give Bill Stewart some security in a long term contract.



Lots of Rain Outs Friday

The Boston Red Sox stopped the surging Toronto Blue Jays in their tracks Friday, shutting them out 7 - 0.

The Los Angeles Dodgers slammed the Colorado Rockies 7 -2.

The Arizona Diamondbacks kept pace by beating the Reds 3 - 2. The D-Backs are 3 1/2 games back of the Dodgers.

Friday Morning Quick Hitters

The Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox race stayed even Thursday as both teams lost. The Twins lost to the KC Royals 3 -2 and the Pale Hose lost to the surging Toronto Blue Jays 6 - 4. The Twins remain 1 game behind the White Sox.

K-Rod ties Bobby Thigpen's 57 Saves mark as the California Angels beat the Seattle Mariners 7 - 4.

Jamie Moyer and Ryan Howard powered the Philadelphia Phillies to a 6 - 3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers. Philly is 3 back of the Mets in the NL East race and 3 games back of the Brewers in the Wild Card race.

Kerry Wood gets his 30th save as the Cubs beat the Cardinals 3 - 2.


The Houston Texans move game in light of impending hurricane.

Problems in Raider-ville?




Chris Wells status up in the air for Ohio State.

Butch Davis' Tar Heels slam Rutgers on their home field.



Eric Staal signs 7 yr deal with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Wednesday Morning Quick Hitters

The Red Sox went from elation in the Bottom of the 8th inning with Jason Bay's HR to go ahead to deflation when Jonathan Paplebon coughed up the win, allowing Tampa to score 2 runs in the Top of the 9th. The Rays win 5 - 4. The Rays go back up in the AL East by 1 1/2 games.

The Minnesota Twins moved a game closer in the AL Central and the Wild Card standings as they beat the KC Royals 7 - 2.

The Chicago White Sox drop a pair to Toronto as the Blue Jays extend their winning streak to 9 games..can you say 2008 version of the 2007 Colorado Rockies?

The Florida Marlins played HR Derby beating the Philadelphia Phillies 10 - 8.

Carlos Delgado continues his 2nd half power surge, slamming the New York Mets to 10 - 8 win over the Washington Nationals. The Mets are 2 1/2 games ahead of the Phillies in the AL East.

The NL Central stays the same again as both the Cubs and Brewers lose again. The Chicago Cubs lose to the St Louis 4 - 3. The Milwaukee Brewers lose to the Reds in extra innings again 5 - 4. The Brewers stay 4 1/2 games back of the Cubbies.

The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to roll now that they are in 1st place, beating the San Diego Padres 6 - 2.

Arizona loses late to the hapless San Francisco Giants 5 - 4. The Diamondbacks have lost 5 straight and are now 2 1/2 games behind the Dodgers in the NL West.


Shawne Merriman decides to do the right thing and opts for surgery.

The NFL Network is reporting that Chris Simms has signed with the Titans.




Doc Rivers signs extension with the Boston Celtics.

Mo Cheeks and the 76ers agree to terms.

Monta Ellis admits to lying about his injury.

Kobe Bryant will not have surgery on his finger. So many jokes so...so little space..


Jim Tressel says that Wells will play for The Ohio State in their contest with USC.

Former Patriots Offensive Coordinator and current Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis finally explains his comments about Michigan at a ND Booster conference last spring.

Tuesday Morning Quick Hitters

Jon Lester pitches a gem as the Boston Red Sox move 1/2 game back of the Tampa Bay Rays, beating the Rays 3 - 0 at Fenway.

The Philadelphia Phillies moved 1/2 game closer to the New York Mets Monday by beating the Florida Marlins 8 - 6.

The Cincinnati Reds seem to have the Milwaukee Brewers late inning number of late, rallying for 3 9th inning runs to beat the Brew Crew 5 - 4. The brewers still hold a 3 game lead over the Phillies in the Wild Card.

The NL West stayed the same as the LA Dodgers lost to the San Diego Padres 4 - 0 and the Arizona Diamondbacks lost to the lowly San Francisco Giants 6 - 2. The Dodgers are 1 1/2 games up on the D-Backs.

The Oakland Raiders futility continued, as the Denver Broncos stomped all over the Black Hole 42 - 14.

In the early game, the Aaron Rodgers Era started on a high note for the Green Bay Packers by beating division rival Minnesota Vikings 24 - 19.

Obviously, Tom Brady was placed on IR yesterday. Tom Curran of MSNBC got an email from Tom Brady yesterday.

Saturday Morning Quick Hitters

Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell came back from the DL with a bang and propelled the Sox to an 8 - 1 win over the Texas Rangers. Lowell hit a HR in his 1st at bat back and Beckett pitched 5 innings, giving up no runs, 4 hits, walked none and struck out 7 for the win.

The Tampa Bay Rays couldn't surpass possible Cy Young winner Roy Halliday, dropping the game in Toronto 6 - 4. The loss with the Red Sox win shrinks Tampa Bay's lead to 2 1/2 games.

No movement in the AL Central last night as both Chicago and Minnesota won their games. The Minnesota Twins beat the Detroit Tigers behind a huge pitching performance from Francisco Liriano, 10 - 2. The Chicago White Sox beat up on the AL West leading California Angels 10 - 2. In other White Sox news, it appears Carlos Quintin will be lost for the rest of the regular season.

Brett Myers said "Boom.....Outta Here" to the Mets last night as he pitched 8 shutout innings to help Philadelphia gain a game on the Mets with a 3 - 0 win at Shea. The Phillies are back to 2 games behind the Mets in the NL East.

Apparently ther Chicago Cubs got lost on their bus trip to the ballpark and it didn't get much better on the field as they lose to the Cincinnati Reds 10 - 2.

Eric Gagne tried to give the game away from the Brewers, but they survive in 11, beating the San Diego Padres 3 - 2. The win combined with the Cubbies loss puts Milwaukee 4 games back of the Cubs and 4 game lead in the Wild Card over the Phillies.

The Los Angeles Dodgers moved to within 1/2 game of the Arizona Diamondbacks, beating them 7 - 0 Friday. Derek Lowe gave up 2 hits over 8 innings and Andre Either went 5 - 5 on the way to the win.

Sports Vortex Guest Paul Kuharsky has a nice piece on the Jags Richard Collier, who remains in critical condition after being shot.

Jason Peters ends his holdout on the Buffalo Bills.

Former Boston College player Mathias Kiwanuka thinks Redskins DE Chris Samuels play at the end of the game was dirty.

Looks like newly re-instated Packman Jones will start for the Cowboys.

Patrick Ewing and Hakeem Olajuwon enter the Basketball Hall Of Fame. Oh yeah, Pat Riley too.

The Cleveland Cavaliers signed Lorenzen Wright.

ESPN reports Zach Randolph may be headed to the Grizzlies.

Saturday Morning Quick Hitters

CMSB's adopted team had a tough time with Temple on Friday. Temple took advantage of 2 early turnovers to defeat the Black Knights 35 - 7.

The June Jones era begins in College Park, Texas as Rice beats Jones' SMU Mustangs 56 - 27.


Apparently, Ozzie Guillen, the Red Sox were able to muster some emotion to beat your Chicago White Sox on Friday, 8 - 0. Dice K 2 hits the Pale Hose to gets his 16th win.

The Tampa Bay Rays just win baby! The Rays stomp on the Baltimore Orioles 14 - 3.

Ever fickle New York Yankee fans cheered Carl Pavano this time, as he helps the Yankees to a 2 - 1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays.

Joe Mauer and Kevin Slowey had huge games for the Minnesota Twins, as they beat up on the Oakland A's 12 - 2. The win combined with the White Sox loss brings the Twins to within 1/2 game of the White Sox.

The battle between potential NLCS participants went to the Cubbies Friday. Alfonso Soriano's HR in the bottom of the 7th inning caps off a 3 - 2 Cubs win over the Philadelphia Phillies.

Carlos Beltran hit a top of the 9th Grand Slam to power the Mets past the Florida Marlins 5 - 4. The Mets are now 2 games ahead of the Phillies in the NL East.

The Milwaukee Brewers keeps their Wild Card lead with a 3 - 1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The LA Dodgers ship continues to take on water, this time losing to NL West leaders Arizona Diamondbacks 9 - 3. The Dodgers are 11 - 16 since the Manny Ramirez trade and have an 8 game losing streak, just thought I'd throw that it. Oh and the Boston Red Sox are 17 - 8 in the same span and haven't lost more than 2 games in a row. (The opinions of the writer are not necessarily the opinions of the staff and contributors of the Central Maine Sports Blog)

The Colorado Rockies continue to crawl their way back into the race by beating the San Diego Padres 9 - 4.

The NFL suspended Minnesota Viking Offensive Lineman Bryant McKinnie for 4 games for his part in a Miami nightclub street brawl in February.

In yet another bizzare twist, Cincinnati Bengals WR Chad Johnson officially changed his last name to Ocho Cinco. Nope...can't even come up with a joke.

Doubt seems to be lingering if Peyton Manning will start the opener versus the Chicago Bears next week. Everyone involved is using the word "expects" Peyton to play.

Bill Belichick Jr....I mean Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher is being very tight lipped on Vince Young's injured hand.

The New Orleans Saints have, again, more than football to worry about.

Manu Ginobili will have surgery on his ankle.

The 1st moving vans have arrived in Oklahoma City.

Monday Morning Quick Hits

Jed Lowrie bails out the Red Sox in the 11th, beating Toronto 5 - 4.

AJ Pierzynski involved in a controversial play again, helping Chicago to a 6 - 5 win over the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays are now 4 1/2 games up on the Red Sox.

The California Angels came back and K-Rod got his 50th save to beat the Minnesota Twins 5 - 3. The Twins are 1/2 game behind the Chicago White Sox.

The New York Mets lost a game off their NL East lead Sunday, as the Houston Astros took the game in 10, 6 - 4. The Mets are 1/2 game up on Philadelphia.

Speaking of the Phillies, in the ESPN Sunday Night Game, Pedro Feliz got a clutch hit in the 9th inning driving in the tying run and topped the act in the 11th inning by hitting a walkoff 3 run HR. The Phils beat the Dodgers 5 - 2.

The Chicago Cubs and Rich Harden easily handled the Washington Nationals 6 - 1.

The Milwaukee Brewers kept pace with the Cubs by finishing off the sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates 4 - 3. The Brew Crew are 4 1/2 games back of the Cubbies.

The Arizona Diamondbacks missed an opportunity to gain a game on the Dodgers, losing to the Florida Marlins 5 - 2.


The New York Giants DE Osi Umenyiora is done done for the season.

Rookie QB Matt Ryan has been named the Atlanta Falcons starting QB.

The Oakland Raiders are bitten by the injury bug, lose 2 key pieces for the season.

The Indianapolis Colts got to practice pumping in crowd noise, as they cristened their new Lucas Oil Stadium, losing to the Buffalo Bills 20 - 7.

Kurt Warner named Arizona Cardinals starter.

Carson Palmer has broken nose.

Sunday Morning Quick Hitters

Jon Lester had one of his worst outing of the year for the Red Sox as the Toronto Blue Jays pummeled the BoSox 11 - 0. In other Sox news, Josh Beckett's next start pushed back.

Carl Pavano gets his 1st win in oh, forever, for the New York Yankees, beating the Orioles 5 - 3.

A 4 run 8th inning spurs the Tampa Bay Rays over AL Central contender Chicago White Sox 5 - 3. The win, combined with the Red Sox loss puts Tampa 5 1/2 games up on the Sox.

AL West leading California Angels beat AL Central Leading Minnesota Twins 7 - 5.

The NY Mets allowed the Phillies to gain a game in the standings, by losing to the Houston Astros 8 - 3.

The Milwaukee Brewers kept pace with the Cubbies with a 6 - 3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The win puts the Brew Crew 20 games over .500 for the 1st time since 1992.

The Arizona Diamondbacks slammed the Florida Marlins 7 - 1.

The LA Dodgers lose for the 5th time in 7 games, this time to the Philadelphia Phillies 9 - 2.

Aramis Ramirez hits 2 3 run HRs to help the Chicago Cubs to a 9 - 2 blasting of the Washington Nationals.


San Diego Chargers LB Shawne Merriman reveals he has a 2nd ligament tear.

Washington Redskins newly acquired Jason Taylor left Saturdays game against Carolina with a knee injury.

Houston Texans WR Harry Williams to have neck surgery.

New York Giants DE Osi Umenyiora carted off field with "leg" injury.

Jaguars running back Maurice Jones Drew left last night's game with an ankle injury.


The Mens and Women Basketball Teams both took home Gold. The Mens team played a surprisingly close game against Pau Gasol and Spain, finally winning, 118 - 107.

The USA Mens and Womens Track Teams both won 4x100 Gold Relays.

Usain Bolt is the track hit of the Olympics.

Manu Ginobli sits in last game.


The Boston Celtics sign draft pick Bill Walker.

The Philadelphia 76ers hire Jeff Rutland as assistant coach.

Friday Morning Quick Hitters

The Toronto Blue Jays continue to climb the wild card standings by demolishing the New York Yankees 14 - 3.

Carlos Delgado continues his offensive surge, leading the New York Mets over the Atlanta Braves 5 - 4. The Mets now have a 2 1/2 game cushion over the Phillies.

The Philadelphia Phillies lost that ground on the Mets by allowing the Washington Nationals to stop their 12 game losing streak. The Phils lost to the Nats 4 - 3.

The Minnesota Twins move back to within 1/2 game of the Chicago White Sox as they beat the California Angels 2 -1.

The LA Dodgers kept pace with the Arizona D-Backs by beating the Colorado Rockies 3 - 1.


The US Woman's Softball Team lead by Jenny Finch, take a second but turn down the sound, lost their first game since 2000, in a 3 -1 loss to Japan in the gold medal game.

the IOC is asking for an investigation of Chinese atheletes ages.

US Mens Indoor Volleyball Team, after early tragedy, are poised for a Gold Medal run.

Players Association President Gene Upshaw lost his short battle with pancreatic cancer.

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed James Farrior to a 5 yr deal.

Philadelphia Eagles, in dire need of a wideout, have interest in Anquan Boldin.

St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson officially signs deal.


The New Orleans Hornets, which NEVER sounds right, unveiled their new logos.

The Miami Heat signed Dorell Wright and seem close on Jamaal Magloire.

NBA Teams have been cleared to attemp the signing of Iranian 7ft 2in Center Hamed Ehadadi.