IT'S OFFICIAL!!! NBDL Coming to Portland, WJAB TO BE FLAGSHIP BROADCAST STATION

Bill Ryan spoke the words that The CMSB reported on yesterday..."It's official" Along with Jon Jennings, Ryan broke the news on Sports Radio WJAB in Portland at 7:24 AM on Wednesday morning. Stay tuned for audio and press conference information later today right here on The CMSB.com.

Bill Ryan also announced that WJAB will be the flagship radio broadcast station for the new team. PM Jab host Chris Sedenka will serve as play by play voice of the D-League Team.

Audio of Announcement

Part 1 Part 2

NBA Maine Basketball Announces Flagship Radio Station

Portland, Maine, February 25, 2009 - NBA Maine Basketball and Atlantic Coast Radio today announced THE BIG JAB 1440 AM and 96.3 FM will become the flagship station of the new Portland NBA D-League team. THE BIG JAB will broadcast all 50 games as well as a weekly interviews and updates. In addition, Chris Sedenka, host of the PM JAB, has agreed to become the voice of the new team.

"We are thrilled to be broadcasting our games on THE BIG JAB. It is the place to go to hear sports in Maine and we are very excited about the partnership." said Jon Jennings, Team President and General Manager of NBA Maine Basketball.

"We are honored to be named the flagship station for NBA Maine Basketball. The arrival of this team adds a new dimension to the local sports scene in Portland and southern Maine. We look forward to this partnership with NBA Maine Basketball. We also are proud to announce that Chris Sedenka, host of the PM JAB, will be the new play by play voice for the team. NBA Maine Basketball is bringing big time hoops to our city and the Celtics connection is fabulous. Stay with THE BIG JAB as we welcome the NBA D-league to Portland." said Jon Van Hoogenstyn, General Manager, Atlantic Coast Radio.

Fans in Maine can catch all home and away regular season and post-season games live on the flagship station BIG JAB 1440 AM and 96.3 FM.

NBA Maine Basketball will begin play this November at the Portland Expo Building. Fans can purchase season ticket packages for games now by calling (207) 210-6655 or visit www.nbamaine.com for more information.

THE BIG JAB, 1440 AM and 96.3 FM. THE BIG JAB, is owned and operated by Atlantic Coast Radio, southern Maine's only locally owned and operated broadcast group, also the flagship for the Boston Red Sox, and the WEEI sports radio network. THE BIG JAB is home to the top rated Shoe and Joe morning show, and the PM JAB, hosted by Chris Sedenka.

The NBA Development League, founded in 2001, is the NBA's official minor league and features 16 teams with direct affiliations to NBA teams. The league has produced 15 percent of the players on 2007-08 end-of-season NBA rosters and continues to develop current NBA coaches and referees. In fostering the league's connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote youth basketball, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA D-League Cares programs. The NBA D-League also advances the game of basketball as the research and development arm of the NBA. Throughout this season fans can watch all NBA D-League games on NBA Futurecast, the free live Web-streaming initiative found at nba.com/futurecast.

Thursday Morning Quick Hitters

Playoff atmosphere was in full force Wednesday Night at the Boston Garden, as the undefeated Atlanta Hawks squared off against the Champs. The game did not disappoint, the Hawks jumped out to a 16 point lead shooting over 60% until the Celtics scratched and clawed their way back. The Hawks Marvin Williams nailed a 3 with 7 seconds left to put the Hawks up by 1, but the Celtics got the ball in the hands of the captain, Paul Pierce, who drained a fall away jumper with a half a second left. The Celtics beat the Hawks 103 - 102.


The LA Lakers stayed perfect by holding off the New Orleans Hornets 93 - 86.

The San Antonio Spurs fall to 2 - 5, losing to the Milwaukee Bucks 82 - 78.

The Washington Wizards got their 1st win of the season, beating the Utah Jazz 95 -87.

The New York Knicks move to 5 - 3 and hit a franchise record 19 3 pointers in a 132 - 103 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.



Central Michigan squandered a 24 point lead over Northern Illinois, but pulled out a field goal victory in OT, 33 - 30.





Brian Burke, General Manager of the Aneheim Ducks, who help build a contender for the Portland Pirates and a Stanley Cup Champ, stepped down yesterday for "family" reasons. Speculation is Burke wants the Toronto Maple Leafs GM job.

Wednesday Morning Quick Hitters

The San Francisco Giants Tim Lincecum takes home 2 prizes yesterday. MLB announced Lincecum as the 2008 NL Cy Young Award winner. Lincecum was 18 - 5, a 2.62 ERA and ML Leading 265 strikeouts. Lincecum became only the 2nd San Francisco Giant to take home the award. In Lincecum's 2nd win yesterday, 2K Sports announced Lincecum would be the cover boy for the MLB 2K9 Baseball Video Game.



The Atlanta Hawks move to 6 - 0 beating the Chicago Bulls 113 - 108. Al Horford scored a career high 27 for the Hawks. Atlanta returns to the scene of their last game of last year, against the Boston Celtics.

The Utah Jazz Deron Williams returned from his ankle injury to help blast the Philadelphia 76ers 93 - 80.

The LA Lakers also move to 6 - 0 as they rally to beat the Dallas Mavericks 106 - 99.


Tom Brady was in the building yesterday...but not to learn the gameplan.

49ers offensive coordinator Mike Martz blames refs for loss.





#14 Ball State handled Miami of Ohio 31 -16

Monday Morning Quick Hitters

The New England Patriots began a very important stretch of 3 divisional games in a row by beating the Buffalo Bills 20 - 10. BenJarvus Green-Ellis looked like an all pro RB yesterday especially on a franchise record 19 play, 92 yard drive, capping the drive with a 1 yrd TD run. Green-Ellis finished with 105 yards on 26 carries. The win was not without a price, Michael Smith of ESPN is reporting Adalius Thomas is done for the season with a broken arm. Thomas left the game in the 2nd quarter and didn't return.

Matt Ryan seems to get better every game. Ryan made nice throws and managed a great game against the weak New Orleans Saints defense. The Falcons remain undefeated at home, beating the Saints 34 - 20.

The Tennessee Titans were held to 20 rushing yards vs the Chicago Bears, but Kerry Collins stepped up and passed the Titans to a 21 -14 win over the Bears. Collins threw 30 - 41 for 289 yards, 2 TDs and no interceptions.

Not much to say about this game...the Jacksonville Jaguars beat the Detroit Lions 38 - 14.

The Miami Dolphins squeeked out a win over the Seattle Seahawks yesterday. The Dolphins needed a stop on a 2 point conversion, a replay to overturn a fumble and a late defensive stop to outlast the Seahawks 21 - 19.

Adrian Peterson ran angry yesterday. He was a man possessed running for 192 yards and a TD as the Minnesota Vikings beat division rivals Green Bay Packers 28 - 27.

THANK YOU FOX FOR BRINGING US IN NON JETS COUNTRY FOR THAT FANTASTIC DISPLAY OF NFL FOOTBALL IN NEW YORK. The New York Jets demolished the St Louis Rams 47 - 3.

The Baltimore Ravens offense looked like a powerhouse yesterday and the defense forced Texans QB Sage Rosenfels into 4 INTs on the way to a Ravens 41 - 13 win over the Houston Texans.

The Carolina Panthers squeeked out a 17 - 6 win over the Oakland Raiders despite 4 INTs by Jake Delhomme.

Big Ben Roethlisberger threw 3 picks including a costly one in the 4th quarter allowing Peyton Manning to do his 4th Quarter magic, driving the Colts to a 24 - 20 win in Pittsburgh.

With nothing to lose Herm Edwards played to win the game Tyler Thigpen played a strong game and drove them down to score a late TD and Herm Edwards, with nothing to lose, went for 2 and the win. Thigpen's attempt to hit Tony Gonzalez fell short and the San Diego Chargers beat the Kansas City Chiefs 20 - 19.

The New York Giants proved once again that they are the best team in the NFL....and that Andy Reid may have worn out his welcome in Philly. Reid had a questionable 4th quarter of play calls and challenge choices, helping the Giants to a 36 - 31 win over division rival Philadelphia Eagles.


The Boston Celtics spoiled the home debut of Allen Iverson, beating the Detroit Pistons 88 - 76 in Detroit.

Look out now....Mike D'Antoni has the Knicks 4 - 2 after a 107 - 99 win over the Utah Jazz

The Los Angeles Clippers got their 1st win of the season, 103 - 92 against the Dallas Mavericks.

On the other locker room at Staples Center, The Los Angeles Lakers stayed undefeated as they beat the Houston Rockets 111 - 82.

Thursday Morning Quick Hitters

The Thunder, really, the Thunder...in a state as rich with identifiable places, names, attractions and you come up with Thunder (the views and opinions are not necessarily those of the other staff and contributors to the Central Maine Sports Blog). The Boston Celtics allowed the OKC Thunder to stick around in the 1st half, but turned on the gas and played solid D down the stretch to top the Thunder 96 - 83.

The San Antonio Spurs avoided going 0 - 4 Wednesday night by beating the Minnesota Timberwolves in Double Overtime 129 - 125. Tony Parker led the NBA last night in a wild night for scorers with 55 points.

Amare Stoudemire is good, really good. Armare scored 49 points 10 rebounds 5 Blocks and 5 Assists, putting him in an exclusive list to have those numbers in 1 game (Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde the Glide Drexler). The Suns beat the Indiana Pacers 113 - 103.

LeBron James scores 41 points in a Cleveland Cavaliers 107 - 93 win over the Chicago Bulls.

Miami Heat rookie Mario Chalmers misses setting a rookie record for most steals in a game with 9 (Ron Harper holds the record with 10) helping the Heat to a big win over the Philadelphia 76ers 106 - 83.

In a battle of 2 teams going in completely different directions in the same city, the Los Angeles Lakers (4 - 0) beat the listless Los Angeles Clippers (0 - 5) 106 - 88. Kobe Bryant had 27 points in the win.


EDITORIAL NOTE - Keep a close eye on the Central Maine Sports Blog as we will be unveiling or own hot stove rumor central "The Steamer" Make sure you stay close because we will have our own Central Maine Sports Blog Sources at the Winter Meetings, so who knows, the CMSB might be breaking news.

The LA Dodgers have apparently made a HUGE offer to Manny Ramirez. The Dodgers also declined the option on Brad Penny.

The National League handed out their Gold Glove Awards yesterday, some notables, Greg Maddox won his record 18th Gold Glove. Here is the list of Winners

Pos.	Winner
P	Greg Maddux, Dodgers
C	Yadier Molina, Cardinals
1B	Adrian Gonzalez, Padres
2B	Brandon Phillips, Reds
3B	David Wright, Mets
SS	Jimmy Rollins, Phillies
OF	Nate McLouth, Pirates; Carlos Beltran, Mets; Shane Victorino, Phillies

Former Portland Pirate Ryan Getzlaf nets 2 to help the Aneheim Ducks to an 8 - 0 - 1 record. The Ducks beat the St Louis Blues 5 - 2.

The NHLPA files suit about players release.



#17 Ball State pounds Northern Illinois 45 - 14

The Better Late Than Never Quick Hitters

The Boston Celtics get back to their winning ways, beating the Houston Rockets at home 103 - 99. Ray Allen scored 11 straight points for the C's before fouling out, finishing with 29 points. Tracy McGrady had a team high 26 for the Rockets.

Remember the stat The Central Maine Sports Blog gave you about the San Antonio Spurs starting the season 0 - 2? How about this. With the Spurs 98 - 81 loss last night, it is the 1st time the San Antonio Spurs have been 0 - 3 since 1973...WOW.


The Exodus out of Oakland may have already begun. DeAngelo Hall and Javon Walker appear to be gone.

Brady Quinn is officially the starting QB in Cleveland




The Sand Diego Padres say that the Jake Peavy Sweeps are down to 3 NL teams.

The New York Yankees decline options on Jason Giambi and Carl Pavano.

Saturday Morning Quick Hitters

The Boston Celtics had little trouble dispatching the Chicago Bulls Friday Night. The Celtics continued their stifling defense, holding the Bulls to just 31 1st half points. The Bulls Rookie Derrick Rose had 18 points as did Boston's Kevin Garnett, who was playing in his 1000th NBA Game. The Celtics beat the Bulls 96 - 80

The Portland Trail Blazers, minus Greg Oden, pushed the San Antonio Spurs to 0 - 2 for the 1st time since the 1996-1997 season, beating the Spurs 100 - 99.



The Vancouver Canucks beat the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in the 13 round of a shootout, finally prevailing 7 - 6. No emails please...I know they aren't the Mighty Ducks anymore, I just will always fondly remember Emilio Estevez as the head coach...


Seems New York Rangers #1 draft pick Alexei Cherepanov was illegally transferred to the Russian club on which he passed away.


The Boston Red Sox picked up the 2009 option for Tim Wakefield for a $4 Million price tag. Yesterday saw 44 players file for free agency, most noteably John Smoltz and Pedro Martinez.

The New York Mets exercised their 12 million dollar option on Carlos Delgado. Delgado at age 36, had a monster 2nd half of 2008 season hitting .303, with 21 HRs a .606 SLG and a .991 OPS.

Thursday Morning Quick Hitters

The Philadelphia Phillies topped off a great season with a World Series Championship, their 1st since 1980 and the cities 1st since 1983. Geoff Jenkins started the Phillies 6th inning off with a double and Jason Werth singled him home with the Phillies taking a 3 - 2 lead. Rocco Baldelli tied the game with a great HR off Ryan Madson in the Top of the 7th. The Phillies came right back in their half of the 7th with Pat Burrell blasting a double and Pedro Feliz singled him home for the winning run. JC Romero and Brad Lidge closed it out for the 2008 World Series Championship.








Greg Oden is out for 3 to 4 weeks with an ankle strain.









North Carolina tops the ESPN/USA Today poll. Here are the top 10 teams

1. North Carolina 6. Pitt
2. Connecticut 7. Michigan State
3. Louisville 8. Texas
4. UCLA 9. Notre Dame
5. Duke 10. Perdue

Wednesday Morning Quick Hitters

The Boston Celtics opened up the 2008-2009 Season by remember a special Banner 17 Season, handing out rings and raising banners along with...oh yeah they had a game. The Celts played Eastern Conference Semis foe Cleveland Cavaliers and King James. Paul Pierce, who started the night crying, ended Cleveland's night with 27 points and a few big 3's along the way. The Celtics beat the Cavaliers 90 - 85.

Michael Redd scored 30 for the Milwaukee Bucks, but that did no good as the Chicago Bulls beat the Bucks 108 - 95.

Sam Bowie....calling Sam Bowie....errr....Greg Odin. Not the debut Mr. Oden expected. He left the game with a turned ankle and finished the game with ZERO points and 5 rebounds. The Lakers defended their Western Conference Championship by destroying the young Portland Trailblazers 96 - 76.



Bud Selig says we won't play the rest of Game 5 until the weather is ready. Hmm OK Bud..







Jason Witten has broken ribs, possibly will play.

Ho Hum...Rams want to accuse Patriots of cheating...oh my

Ted Cottrell out for Chargers.

Wednesday Morning Quick Hitters

2 struggling MAC teams battle...kinda...Temple wins 14 - 10.





Rodney Harrison's career possibly over.

The Cleveland Browns suspended TE Kellen Winslow Jr for 1 game.

Reggie Bush has surgery.

London gets ready for Chargers - Saints.



The Boston Bruins came away unsatisfied again as they lose to the Buffalo Sabres in a shootout, 3 - 2.

Russian police are taking over the investigation of Alexei Cherepanov's death.




Wondering why no Boston writer has done a story about the death of Harry Mangurian Jr., Boston Celtics owner at the start of the Larry Bird era. He was 82.

Kobe Bryant injures knee during the Lakers 102 - 98 pre-season win over the Bobcats.

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.

Tuesday Morning Quick Hitters

The San Diego Chargers got their 1st win of the season against the NYJ 48 - 29.

Green Bay's Al Harris may have a torn spleen.

The ever popular sports hernia get another player, this time Jeremy Shockey.


The Boston Red Sox had to put off their celebration for another night, losing to the Cleveland Indians 4 - 3. The Sox magic number is still 1 and with Tampa Bay's 4 - 2 win over the Orioles they are 2 1/2 games back in the AL East. The Red Sox are 7 games up on Minnesota in the Wild Card.

The Philadelphia Phillies increased their lead over the New York Mets on Monday. The Phillies beat up on the Atlanta Braves 6 - 2. The New York Mets lost to the Chicago Cubs at Shea 9 - 5. The Chicago Cubs clintched the NL Central. Philadelphia leads the NY Mets by 2 1/2 games in the NL East and the Mets lead the Milwaukee Brewers in the Wild Card race by 1 game.

The Arizona Diamondbacks gain 1/2 game on the Dodgers in the NL West by beating the St Louis Cardinals 4 - 2. The D-Backs are now 2 games behind the Dodgers.


USC's top DB Shareece Wright might be lost for "weeks"





Boston Bruins Patrice Bergeron is back on the ice for the 1st time since he took the cheap shot hit from the thug of the Phialdelphia Flyers. The Bruins beat the Canadiens 8 - 3.

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.

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.

Wednesday Morning Quick Hitters

The Boston Red Sox demolish the Baltimore Orioles 12 - 4 and finally gain a game on the Tampa Bay Rays, as the Rays lose to the New York Yankees 7 - 2.

The Minnesota Twins lost a game to the Red Sox in the Wild Card Standings, losing to the Toronto Blue Jays 7 - 5. The Chicago White Sox lost to the Cleveland Indians 9 - 3. The White Sox and the Twins stay tied for the Central lead.

The Atlanta Falcons beat the Miami Dolphins with a late safety.

The NL East stays status quo as the Mets and the Phillies both win. The Mets beat the Milwaukee Brewers 6 - 5 in 11 innings. The Phillies beat Nationals 4 - 0. The Phillies stay 2 games behind the Mets for the NL East lead, while the Brewers loss keeps them 4 1/2 games back of the Chicago Cubs.

Speaking of the Cubs, they lose the game to the Houston Astros 9 -7, but the bigger loss may be to Carlos Zambrano.

The LA Dodgers finally gained a game on the Arizona Diamondbacks as the Dodgers beat the Padres 8 - 4, and the D-Backs lose to the Cardinals 8 - 2. The Dodgers are 1 1/2 games back of Arizona on the NL West.

Jacksonville Jaguars player Richard Collier was critically shot yesterday.

The New Orleans Saints will stay at the Superdome for Sunday's game.

Rudi Johnson now a Detroit Lion.

The Denver Broncos trade Dominique Foxworth to the Falcons for undisclosed draft pick.

The Miami Heat signed center Jamaal Magloire.

The Philadelphia 76ers sign Donyell Marshall.

Monday Morning Quick Hitters

The Boston Red Sox lost to the Chicago White Sox at Fenway 4 - 2.

CC Sebathia was robbed of a no-hitter by a Pittsburgh score keeper on Sunday. The Brewers beat the Pirates 7 - 0. The Brew Crew are back to 4 1/2 games back of the Cubbies.

The Philadelphia Phillies kept pace with the New York Mets, who beat the Marlins 6 - 2, by beating the NL Central leading Chicago Cubs 5 -3.

The Minnesota Twins beat up on the Oakland A's 12 - 4. The Twins stay 1/2 game back of the White Sox.

The Los Angeles Dodgers lost Jeff Kent for the rest of the season, but beat up on NL West division leading Arizona Diamondbacks 8 - 1. The Dodgers are 2 1/2 games back.


The NBA Player's Association has suspended OJ Mayo's former agent for a year.





Georgia loses important piece for the season.