Archive for March, 2008

Orioles release outfielder Gibbons

Monday, March 31st, 2008

Orioles release outfielder Gibbons
Outfielder Jay Gibbons was released by the Baltimore Orioles.

Nationals use strong ninth to down Phils

Final opener at Yankee Stadium postponed (AP)
The beginning of the end will have to wait. The final opening day at Yankee Stadium was postponed because of rain Monday, pushing back New York’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays. It was rescheduled for 7:05 p.m. on Tuesday, previously an off day in the series. Yankees right-hander Chien-Ming Wang and Toronto ace Roy Halladay remained slated to pitch.

Webb and 3 HRs lift Diamondbacks by Reds (AP)

Cincinnati Reds right fielder Ken Griffey Jr. catches a ball hit by Arizona Diamondbacks' Conor Jackson for an out in front of center fielder Corey Patterson (23) in the eighth inning of a baseball game Monday, March 31, 2008, in Cincinnati. Arizona won 4-2.

Overpowering pitching, perfect defense and just enough runs. The Arizona Diamondbacks opened the season with the same blueprint that won them 90 games and a division title the last time around. Why change what works? Brandon Webb pitched six innings Monday, and the light-hitting Diamondbacks piled up three solo homers in a 4-2 victory that dampened Dusty Baker’s debut as the Cincinnati Reds manager.



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Baseball Tonight Clubhouse: Open sign

Monday, March 31st, 2008

Baseball Tonight Clubhouse: Open sign
Visit ESPN.com for the complete story.

Dodgers prefer Ethier in left, push Pierre to bench
The Dodgers chose speed over power when they picked up Juan Pierre in free agency, but now they have fast-tracked the outfielder to their bench in year No. 2 of his $44 million contract.

ESPN.com has launched many new baseball widgets that offer scores, stats, and news

Visit the ESPN Widget Center.

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Cubs honor Banks with bronze statue (AP)

Monday, March 31st, 2008

Cubs honor Banks with bronze statue (AP)

Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame baseball player Ernie Banks, bottom left, talks about his career at the foot of his newly unveiled statue outside Wrigley Field during ceremonies in Chicago, Monday, March 31, 2008.

Ernie Banks couldn’t believe what he saw when he yanked away the blue tarp. “Is that me?” he kept asking. “Is that me?” There was No. 14 in his batting stance, clutching a Louisville Slugger and wearing a grin similar to the one on the face of the real Mr. Cub during the ceremony. The Chicago Cubs unveiled a statue outside Wrigley Field on Monday, and on a rainy day in which they would be lucky to…


Rough beginning: Royals’ DeJesus re-injures ankle
Kansas City Royals center fielder David DeJesus aggravated his sprained right ankle and left the game Monday against the Detroit Tigers.

Torre makes managerial debut for Dodgers (AP)
Hello, Joe. So long, Barry. Joe Torre makes his managerial debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the San Francisco Giants play their first game without Barry Bonds on the roster since 1992 when the longtime rivals meet Monday to open the season. The 67-year-old Torre managed the Yankees to 12 straight postseason appearances including four World Series championships before rejecting an offer to…

LIVE: Indians’ offense on fire

Eternal dedication: Mr. Cub gets statue at Wrigley
The Chicago Cubs unveiled a statue outside Wrigley Field on Monday, and on a rainy day in which they would be lucky to play one, let alone two, Ernie Banks saw nothing but sunshine. And who could blame him?

Yanks’ Pettitte looks good in minors, goes on DL
Yankees left-hander Andy Pettitte allowed one hit over six scoreless innings in a minor league game Sunday.

Follow all the Opening Day action
The Tigers came up short in Miguel Cabrera’s debut. Will Johan Santana and the Mets fare any better? Follow Opening Day LIVE.

10 burning questions as ‘08 gets under way
Spring training is over and it’s time to get down to business. But before that, Dayn Perry answers the burning questions of ‘08.

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Cook out 10-14 days with finger fracture

Monday, March 31st, 2008

Cook out 10-14 days with finger fracture
Orlando Magic forward Brian Cook could miss up to two weeks because he broke his right middle finger in practice. The Magic said Monday that Cook would rest 10 to 14 days, then be re-evaluated. The Magic’s season ends with three games from April 13-16. They have eight games remaining. Cook joined Orlando in a November trade with the Los Angeles Lakers. He is averaging four points and two rebounds.NBA/~4/261479892″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Warriors beat Mavs to create 3-way tie (AP)

Golden State Warriors' Kelenna Azubuike (7) shoots and scores over Dallas Mavericks' Jason Terry (31) during furth quarter action of their NBA Basketball game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, March 30, 2008. The Warriors won the game 114-104.

The Golden State Warriors ruined Dallas’ season a year ago by knocking the Mavericks out of the playoffs in a shocking first-round upset. This year, the Warriors could keep the Mavericks out of the postseason all together. Monta Ellis scored 30 points and Kelenna Azubuike hit two clutch shots down the stretch to help the Warriors beat the Mavericks 114-104 Sunday night to create a three-way tie…


Spurs win seventh straight, beat Rockets (AP)

San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (21) is double-teamed by Houston Rockets center Dikembe Mutombo, left, and guard Tracy McGrady, center back, during the fourth quarter of their NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Sunday, March 30 2008. San Antonio won, 109-88.

After missing all his field goals against one of the San Antonio Spurs’ in-state rivals a week ago, Michael Finley tweaked his pregame routine in hopes that he would perform a little better against the other. It seems to have worked. Finley scored 22 points on Sunday and the Spurs picked up their seventh straight win with an easy 109-88 victory over the Houston Rockets.


Bryant rallies Lakers past Wizards in OT (AP)

David Beckham attends an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Washington Wizards, Sunday, March 30, 2008 in Los Angeles.

Kobe Bryant abandoned his one-man show, got his teammates involved and the Los Angeles Lakers prevailed in a shooting contest. Bryant scored six of his 26 points in overtime and the Lakers beat the Washington Wizards 126-120 Sunday night to snap a two-game losing skid and move within a game of the Western Conference lead.



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Crosby, Pens top Rangers, take over 1st in East

Monday, March 31st, 2008

Crosby, Pens top Rangers, take over 1st in East

Avoiding injuries is key for playoff-bound teams
For teams already in the playoffs, the stretch run is all about staying healthy. Inside Hockey says the Habs learned this the hard way.

Sekera’s OT goal lifts Sabres by Bruins (AP)

Boston Bruins left winger Marco Sturm, left, of Germany, celebrates Bruins center David Krejci's (not shown), of Czech Republic, shot get past Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller, right, during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Buffalo, N.Y., on Sunday, March 30, 2008.

Andrej Sekera was unsure whether his 50-foot shot that sealed the Buffalo Sabres’ victory hit anyone on its way into the net. The rookie defenseman also didn’t care. All that mattered was Sekera’s goalscored 39 seconds into overtime — sealed a 2-1 win over the Boston Bruins on Sunday, and kept alive Buffalo’s threadbare playoff hopes entering the final week of the season.


Wild take care of Avs in OT

Red Wings edge Preds in OT

Ducks beat Stars 3-2 in shootout (AP)

Anaheim Ducks goalie Jean-Sebastian Giguere (35) blocks the shot of Dallas Stars' Jere Lehtinen during a shootout to defeat the Stars 3-2 in an NHL hockey game on Sunday, March 30, 2008, in Anaheim, Calif.

In what could be a preview of a first-round playoff matchup, the Anaheim Ducks seem to finally be figuring out the Dallas Stars. “We’ve certainly had our struggles against them this year. The last couple of games, we’ve reversed the fortunes,” Anaheim defenseman Mathieu Schneider said Sunday after he scored twice in regulation in the Ducks’ 3-2 shootout victory.


Linden leads Canucks past Flames 6-2 (AP)

Vancouver Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo stops Calgary Flames' Dustin Boyd during third period NHL hockey action at GM Place in Vancouver, Sunday, March 30, 2008. The Canucks defeated the Flames 6-2.

Desperate to end a four-game slide and get back into the playoff picture, the Vancouver Canucks turned to their veterans. And they certainly responded. Captain Markus Naslund tied the game with 41 seconds left in the first period and former captain Trevor Linden broke it open with two goals 5 minutes apart early in the second period to lead Vancouver to a 6-2 win over the Calgary Flames on Sunday…


Sharks knock Coyotes from playoff hunt (AP)

San Jose Sharks left wing Milan Michalek (9) fights for control of the puck with Phoenix Coyotes' Shane Doan, left, and Martin Hanzal, of the Czech Republic, in the third period of their NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Sunday, March 30, 2008. The Sharks won the game 3-1.

With several key Sharks players resting up for the playoffs, the Phoenix Coyotes had a chance to keep their faint postseason hopes alive. Unfortunately for the Coyotes, Joe Thornton wasn’t one of those Sharks sitting out. Thornton scored two goals in the first period, and streaking San Jose eliminated the Coyotes from playoff contention with a 3-1 victory Sunday night.



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Report: Cincinnati All-American Byrd suspended

Monday, March 31st, 2008

Report: Cincinnati All-American Byrd suspended
University of Cincinnati All-America defensive tackle Terrill Byrd has been suspended by the school for one game following a citation for smoking marijuana on March 5 at his residence.

Paterno not worried about Penn State contract
Munching on a slice of pizza in between sentences, Joe Paterno didn’t look or sound too worried about his future. So what if he’s entering the final year of his contract? “I don’t even care if I get a contract. I’ll be very frank with you,” the 81-year-old Paterno said Saturday in his first meeting with reporters in three months. “I think the university will do what they think is right, whenever the time comes. Right now, I’m very comfortable.

ESPN.com has launched many new college football widgets that offer scores, stats, and news

Visit the ESPN Widget Center.

Pair of Mississippi State players kicked off team
Two Mississippi State players have been kicked off the team and dismissed from the university after their arrests Thursday night.

Paterno not worried about contract
Joe Paterno says he isn’t thinking about retirement, and he’s not worried about his contract situation.

20 Questions: Biggest storylines of ‘08
Sure, there are big questions at Michigan and USC, but the biggest may be how good Matthew Stafford is for Georgia, Pete Fiutak says.

UM’s Rodriguez responds to ‘family values’ issue
Michigan football coach Rich Rodriguez responded Saturday to recent allegations from a now-former player that his program has a lack of family values.

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Warriors beat Mavs to create 3-way tie (AP)

Monday, March 31st, 2008

Warriors beat Mavs to create 3-way tie (AP)

Golden State Warriors' Kelenna Azubuike (7) shoots and scores over Dallas Mavericks' Jason Terry (31) during furth quarter action of their NBA Basketball game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, March 30, 2008. The Warriors won the game 114-104.

The Golden State Warriors ruined Dallas’ season a year ago by knocking the Mavericks out of the playoffs in a shocking first-round upset. This year, the Warriors could keep the Mavericks out of the postseason all together. Monta Ellis scored 30 points and Kelenna Azubuike hit two clutch shots down the stretch to help the Warriors beat the Mavericks 114-104 Sunday night to create a three-way tie…


James’ late basket lifts Cavs by Sixers (AP)

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James grabs a high pass against Philadelphia 76ers' Andre Iguodala during the first quarter in a NBA basketball game Sunday, March 30, 2008, in Cleveland. The Cavaliers won 91-88.

The Philadelphia 76ers learned a painful lesson. On the rare occasion when LeBron James has a poor game, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ next opponent is usually in trouble. James made a twisting bank shot with 19.3 seconds left to put Cleveland ahead to stay and the Cavaliers defeated the 76ers 91-88. James, who finished with 26 points, took the ball at the top of the key, drove through the lane and put…


Jazz lose again on road, fall to Wolves (AP)

Utah Jazz's C.J. Miles, right, gets past Minnesota Timberwolves' Corey Brewer, left, to go to the basket during the first quarter in an NBA basketball game, Sunday, March 30, 2008, in Minneapolis.

After another ugly loss on the road, Utah coach Jerry Sloan thinks his team might be taking a playoff berth for granted. “Obviously, if you don’t win, you don’t get to the playoffs,” Sloan said. “People have us penciled in way too soon.” Al Jefferson had 22 points and eight rebounds and Rashad McCants scored 13 of his 16 points in the second half of Minnesota’s 110-103 victory Sunday over a Utah…


Celts limit shabby Heat to record-low 17 FGs
Visit ESPN.com for the complete story.

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IRS agent: BALCO waste littered with drug evidence

Monday, March 31st, 2008

IRS agent: BALCO waste littered with drug evidence
At the trial of a former elite cyclist, an IRS agent said investigators quickly found evidence that BALCO supplied steroids and other pharmaceuticals to athletes.

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AL West preview: Angels, Guerrero looking heavenly
Previewing the AL West: the star, the breakout, the sage and the X-factor

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More than 100K watch Red Sox-Dodgers in L.A.
As he walked down the Los Angeles Coliseum tunnel and glanced toward the left-field screen, Boston catcher Jason Varitek smiled and said sarcastically: “Wakie’s a fly ball pitcher. That’s great.”

Torre makes managerial debut for Dodgers (AP)
Hello, Joe. So long, Barry. Joe Torre makes his managerial debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the San Francisco Giants play their first game without Barry Bonds on the roster since 1992 when the longtime rivals meet Monday to open the season. The 67-year-old Torre managed the Yankees to 12 straight postseason appearances including four World Series championships before rejecting an offer to…

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Lakers’ Fisher to play through tendon tear in foot

Monday, March 31st, 2008

Lakers’ Fisher to play through tendon tear in foot
Derek Fisher has a partial tear of a tendon in his right foot and the Los Angeles Lakers guard plans to play through it.

Within 10 years, Stern envisions NBA in Europe
More fans, more NBA-style arenas and, of course, more money. Those are the keys to putting an expansion team in Europe, possibly within the next 10 years, according to NBA commissioner David Stern.

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Torre makes managerial debut for Dodgers (AP)

Monday, March 31st, 2008

Torre makes managerial debut for Dodgers (AP)
Hello, Joe. So long, Barry. Joe Torre makes his managerial debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the San Francisco Giants play their first game without Barry Bonds on the roster since 1992 when the longtime rivals meet Monday to open the season. The 67-year-old Torre managed the Yankees to 12 straight postseason appearances including four World Series championships before rejecting an offer to…

Rays shock many by demoting prospect Longoria
The Rays demoted AL Rookie of the Year favorite Evan Longoria in a move that baffled many. Ken Rosenthal explains their thinking.

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Paul is great for Hornets, but not the MVP

Sunday, March 30th, 2008

Paul is great for Hornets, but not the MVP
During the Hornets’ big loss to the Celtics, Chris Paul proved he’s among the league’s best PGs — but not an MVP, Charley Rosen says.NBA/~4/260313427″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

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ESPN.com has launched many new baseball widgets that offer scores, stats, and news

Sunday, March 30th, 2008

ESPN.com has launched many new baseball widgets that offer scores, stats, and news

Visit the ESPN Widget Center.

High fives: MLB’s best, worst, most overrated
The best? The worst? Overrated? Underrated? Joel Sherman breaks his season preview into easy-to-digest lists of five.

Report: MLB-union Mitchell talks hinge on discipline
Baseball commissioner Bud Selig reportedly wants the players named in the Mitchell report to bear some accountability for their involvement in performance-enhancing drugs.

Holliday, Rockies set to open vs. Cards (AP)
When the National League’s last two World Series teams play on opening day, all eyes will be on two of the league’s best hitters: St. Louis’ Albert Pujols and Colorado’s Matt Holliday. Cardinals opening-day starter Adam Wainwright knows firsthand how good both are; Holliday has torn up Cardinals pitching.

Rockies option Sullivan, give Podsednik OF role
Cory Sullivan, the Colorado Rockies’ best defensive outfielder, was optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs on Saturday after he was beaten out for the fifth outfielder job by free agent Scott Podsednik.

Santana set for Mets season debut (AP)
There’s more than a little irony in Johan Santana making his New York Mets’ debut against the Florida Marlins. After all, if it wasn’t for the Marlins, the Mets might not have coveted Santana so much. Go back to the final day of the 2007 season. The Mets were tied with the Phillies for the NL East lead heading into a matchup with last-place Florida.

Bush throws out first pitch at Nats Park (AP)
To a mix of cheers and jeers, President Bush opened baseball’s newest stadium Sunday night with a ceremonial first pitch. Bush waved twice quickly as he strode to the mound at Nationals Park. He wasted little time before throwing a pitch high and to the third-base side of the plate to Washington Nationals manager Manny Acta.

Diamondbacks put Big Unit on 15-day DL (AP)
Randy Johnson was one of three Diamondbacks placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday as Arizona finalized its opening day roster. Arizona also put catcher Miguel Montero and infielder Chad Tracy on the disabled list. The three moves were expected. The 44-year-old Johnson is coming off his second back operation in less than a year.

Tigers put Zumaya, Rodney on DL (AP)
Joel Zumaya and Fernando Rodney were placed on the disabled list Sunday by the Detroit Tigers, whose banged-up middle relief is a concern heading into the season. Zumaya is recovering from shoulder surgery and is expected to be sidelined until midseason. Rodney also has a shoulder injury. Detroit also put right-hander Jordan Tata (hand) and catcher Vance Wilson (elbow) on the DL; optioned…

More than 100K watch Red Sox-Dodgers in L.A.
As he walked down the Los Angeles Coliseum tunnel and glanced toward the left-field screen, Boston catcher Jason Varitek smiled and said sarcastically: “Wakie’s a fly ball pitcher. That’s great.”

Popularity: 3% [?]

More than 100K watch Red Sox-Dodgers in L.A.

Sunday, March 30th, 2008

More than 100K watch Red Sox-Dodgers in L.A.
As he walked down the Los Angeles Coliseum tunnel and glanced toward the left-field screen, Boston catcher Jason Varitek smiled and said sarcastically: “Wakie’s a fly ball pitcher. That’s great.”

Diamondbacks put Big Unit on 15-day DL (AP)
Randy Johnson was one of three Diamondbacks placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday as Arizona finalized its opening day roster. Arizona also put catcher Miguel Montero and infielder Chad Tracy on the disabled list. The three moves were expected. The 44-year-old Johnson is coming off his second back operation in less than a year.

O’s cut Gibbons, eat $11.9M of his contract
Jay Gibbons was released Sunday by the Baltimore Orioles, who lost patience waiting for the oft-injured outfielder to regain the form that enabled him to hit 26 home runs in 2005. Gibbons batted .189 with no homers and four RBIs in 16 games this spring training after playing in only 84 games last season. Baltimore owes him $11.9 million for the next two season as part of a $21.1 million, four-year contract he agreed to in January 2006. The 31-year-old Gibbons was suspended for 15 days on Dec.

Santana set for Mets season debut (AP)
There’s more than a little irony in Johan Santana making his New York Mets’ debut against the Florida Marlins. After all, if it wasn’t for the Marlins, the Mets might not have coveted Santana so much. Go back to the final day of the 2007 season. The Mets were tied with the Phillies for the NL East lead heading into a matchup with last-place Florida.

Baker sails in minor league game, will start Friday
Scott Baker passed his last spring test for Minnesota, pitching six sharp innings in a minor league game Sunday. Baker was bothered by a sore back and then a bad bout with the flu, a setback to his throwing schedule. The Twins wanted to make sure he was strong enough before formally including him in the rotation, so they left him in Florida to pitch in the minor league game. Baker gave up five hits and one run while striking out three and throwing 71 pitches.

Hunter, Angels open season at Minnesota (AP)
Torii Hunter plans to wake up early on opening day and head to his favorite pancake place for breakfast, just as he’s often done before so many games at the Metrodome. “I’m going to do all of the other things that I used to do before I go to the stadium, but once I get to that stadium and put on that Angels uniform,” Hunter said, “I’m the enemy.” Technically, that’s true.

Twins’ Liriano to start regular season in minors
Minnesota Twins pitcher Francisco Liriano will start the season in the minor leagues.

Nationals open new park against Braves
The big day has arrived in D.C., with the Nats set to christen Nationals Park against NL East foe Atlanta. Follow the action LIVE.

High fives: MLB’s best, worst, most overrated
The best? The worst? Overrated? Underrated? Joel Sherman breaks his season preview into easy-to-digest lists of five.

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Nuggets pass Warriors in playoff chase (AP)

Sunday, March 30th, 2008

Nuggets pass Warriors in playoff chase (AP)

From left, Golden State Warriors center Anddris Biedrins, of Latvia, and forwards Al Harrington, Matt Barnes and Brandon Wright look on as time runs out in the fourth quarter of their 119-112 loss to the  Denver Nuggets in an NBA basketball game in Denver on Saturday, March 29, 2008.

The big showdown with the Golden State Warriors had barely tipped off when Allen Iverson banged his broken right ring finger. Try as he might to block out the pain, he just couldn’t shoot straight. “I got hit on it early in the game, and it just bothered me throughout,” Iverson said. “I hope my teammates don’t think I was out there point-shaving or something.” Iverson’s 4-for-20 performance hardly…


Shaq’s free throws on the mark

The Phoenix Suns have a share of first place in the Pacific Division because Amare Stoudemire had another monster game Saturday night and Shaquille O’Neal did the unexpected - he made his free throws.

Pistons hound LeBron, pound slumping Cavs
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Briere’s SO goal gives Flyers key win (AP)

Sunday, March 30th, 2008

Briere’s SO goal gives Flyers key win (AP)

Philadelphia Flyers' Mike Richards (18) shoots the puck past New York Islanders goalie Wade Dubielewicz (34) to tie the game during the third period of a hockey game Saturday, March 29, 2008  in Uniondale,NY. The Philadelphia Flyers won the game 4-3 in a shootout.

The Philadelphia Flyers are living on the edge, earning key points with clutch goals and desperately trying to hold on in the tight Eastern Conference playoff race. For the second straight night, the Flyers got even late in the third period. After taking a tough shootout loss in New Jersey, Philadelphia turned this comeback into a 4-3 shootout win Saturday over the New York Islanders.


Crosby, Pens top Rangers, take over 1st in East

Bruins move up a spot in Eastern playoff race

Caps continue playoff push, top Panthers (AP)

Washington Capitals Jeff Schultz, left, congratulates teammate Alex Ovechkin, center, of Russia, after he scored against the  Florida Panthers during third period of NHL hockey game at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla., Saturday, March 29, 2008.

The Washington Capitals wrapped up their longest road trip of the season in style, and kept their playoff hopes very much alive in the process. Cristobal Huet stopped 32 shots for his fourth shutout of the season, and Viktor Kozlov had a goal and two assists as the Capitals continued their playoff push with a 3-0 victory over the Florida Panthers on Saturday night.


Blackhawks edge Blues to stay alive

Penguins beat Rangers, move atop East (AP)

Pittsburgh Penguins' Maxime Talbot, right squeezes the puck past New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist, of Sweden,to score in the third period of the hockey game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, March 30, 2008. The Penguins won 3-1.

Evgeni Malkin skated off the ice with a nasty gash on his left cheek, a souvenir from a game that was better suited for May than for March. For the Pittsburgh Penguins, who are close to full strength for the first time in weeks, the playoffs already seem to have arrived. Sidney Crosby set up goals by Marian Hossa and Malkin and the Penguins, on the verge of clinching their division, moved into…


Stralman, Tlusty lead Leafs over Habs (AP)

Toronto Maple Leafs' Jiri Tlusty (11), of Czech Republic, is congratulated by teammates on his second goal of the game as Montreal Canadiens' Maxim Lapierre skates past during third period NHL hockey action in Toronto, Saturday, March 29, 2008.

The Montreal Canadiens went into their game against the Toronto Maple Leafs hoping to build on their Eastern Conference lead. Not so fast. Rookies Anton Stralman and Jiri Tlusty each scored two goals and the Maple Leafs beat the Canadiens 4-2 on Saturday night. “We were looking for an easy game, but it wasn’t easy,” Christopher Higgins said.


Hurricanes lose, Southeast lead cut to 2 (AP)

Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Karri Ramo, of Finland, claps in front of the net after the Lightning defeated the Carolina Hurricanes,  2-1, in a hockey game Saturday, March 29, 2008, in Tampa, Fla. Ramo made 38 saves.

The Tampa Bay Lightning aren’t playing like a team that will miss the playoffs. Their latest victory could eventually prove costly to the Carolina Hurricanes. Jeff Halpern scored the go-ahead goal early in the third period and Karri Ramo made 38 saves to lead the Lightning past the Southeast Division-leading Hurricanes 2-1 on Saturday night.


Sabres on brink of playoff elimination (AP)
Dressed in sweats and running shoes, Buffalo Sabres players were hardly noticed in working their way through the crowd of parents and children packing the hallways of a suburban ice rink complex before the team’s brief workout Saturday. It was an unusual experience for anyone not to take a second look at a group of athletes who, only a year earlier, had captivated this hockey-mad community by…

Avery hated by fans, but can get the job done
Sean Avery may be one of the most hated players in hockey, but he’s definitely good at what he does, Brad Kurtzberg says.

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Paterno not worried about contract

Sunday, March 30th, 2008

Paterno not worried about contract
Joe Paterno says he isn’t thinking about retirement, and he’s not worried about his contract situation.

Big 12 roundup: Ruffin it, QB races and Australian rules
Visit ESPN.com for the complete story.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Woody Williams put on waivers by Astros (AP)

Sunday, March 30th, 2008

Woody Williams put on waivers by Astros (AP)
Woody Williams was put on unconditional release waivers Saturday by the Houston Astros, who owe the pitcher $6.5 million. The 41-year-old right-hander was 8-15 with a 5.27 ERA last season and had an 11.32 ERA in spring training this year. He gave up five runs and five hits in three innings Friday during a 10-0 exhibition loss to Detroit.

Injury puts Nomo’s comeback bid on hold (AP)
A groin strain has put Hideo Nomo’s comeback bid with the Kansas City Royals on hold. The right-hander is headed back to Arizona for physical therapy on the right groin muscle he injured earlier this week. But the 39-year-old doesn’t think the injury will end his attempt to return after spending the past two seasons out of the major leagues.

Stark: The Braves are back
While the Mets and Phillies have engaged in a war of words, the Braves have quietly built a team with a mind-set to win it all in 2008.

ESPN.com has launched many new baseball widgets that offer scores, stats, and news

Visit the ESPN Widget Center.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Duncan, Spurs Edge Nuggets

Sunday, March 30th, 2008

Duncan, Spurs Edge Nuggets
Tim Duncan had 23 points and 18 rebounds, and the San Antonio Spurs beat the Denver Nuggets 107-103 on Monday night in the second meeting between the teams in four days.

Race to the MVP Mailbag: Cool To Be A Sixers Fan Again
Maurice Brooks answers questions emailed from readers about the player rankings.

Jordan Jersey Still NBA’s Best Seller
On SI.COM, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS reports “Michael Jordan is still on top as the NBA’s leading salesman five years after he retired. Jordan has the best-selling jersey in the history of the NBA Store, the league announced Wednesday in kicking off plans for its anniversary celebration. Kobe Bryant was second, followed by Allen Iverson. Like Jordan, they also changed uniform numbers or teams, creating more interest in their jerseys. LeBron James was fourth and Shaquille O’Neal rounded out the top five. The remainder of the list included: Tracy McGrady, Dwyane Wade, Jason Kidd, Vince Carter and Tim Duncan.”

Jazz Become Road Warriors to Silence Celtics
Deron Williams had 32 points and eight assists, and Carlos Boozer added 17 points and 12 rebounds Friday night to lead the Utah Jazz to a 110-92 victory over Boston.

Pistons hound LeBron, pound slumping Cavs
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West, Paul Power Hornets Past Jazz
Chris Paul had 24 points, 16 assists and five steals to help the New Orleans Hornets hold off the Utah Jazz 110-98 on Friday night.

Snow Job: Cavaliers Bury Pacers for Fans Who Braved Ohio Weather
LeBron James scored 38 points and Anderson Varejao added 15 points and 16 rebounds in the Cavaliers’ 103-95 victory over the Pacers on Saturday.

Spurs Work Their Road Magic to Beat Orlando
Manu Ginobili scored 28 points and Michael Finley added 24 as the San Antonio Spurs beat the Orlando Magic 107-97 on Tuesday night for their fourth straight win.

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Mets beat ChiSox in Civil Rights game (AP)

Sunday, March 30th, 2008

Mets beat ChiSox in Civil Rights game (AP)
Chicago White Sox general manager Ken Williams views the annual Civil Rights Game as more than a spring-ending exhibition with a reflection on historical significance. He sees it as an opportunity to honor the struggles of the past and continue efforts to strive for equality. “Anytime you can bring attention to a part of our society that needs improvement, and you have a chance to make things…

Largest baseball crowd at LA Coliseum (AP)

This view shows the crowd of 78,682 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum before the baseball game between the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers on opening day in this April 18, 1958 file photo in Los Angeles.  Major league baseball returns to the Coliseum oon Saturday, March 29, 2008, for the first time since 1961 when the world champion Boston Red Sox face the Dodgers.

The Dodgers used a five-man infield against the Boston Red Sox. Too bad they weren’t allowed to put a player or two in the Los Angeles Coliseum stands. Kevin Cash and Kevin Youkilis hit cheap homers off Esteban Loaiza to account for five runs in the first three innings, and the Red Sox beat the Dodgers 7-4 Saturday night before an announced crowd of 115,300 — largest ever to watch a baseball game.


Orioles still unsure on Gibbons’ status (AP)
The Baltimore Orioles were still trying to figure out what to do about Jay Gibbons on Saturday, and manager Dave Trembley said the team would take all the time it has until roster decisions are due. “I have until 3 o’clock tomorrow,” Trembley said before Saturday’s exhibition finale against the Washington Nationals.

AL West preview: Angels, Guerrero looking heavenly
Previewing the AL West: the star, the breakout, the sage and the X-factor

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Arizona sends OF Nixon to minors (AP)
Trot Nixon accepted a minor league assignment from Arizona after he lost out to outfielder Alex Romero for a spot on the Diamondbacks’ opening day roster. The Diamondbacks signed Nixon to a minor league contract at the start of spring training. The former longtime Boston Red Sox outfielder hit .214 with two home runs in 56 at-bats this spring.

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Celtics Trounce Bulls for Seventh Straight Win

Sunday, March 30th, 2008

Celtics Trounce Bulls for Seventh Straight Win
Paul Pierce scored 22 points and Kevin Garnett added 16 and eight rebounds before the Boston Celtics starters sat out the fourth quarter on Friday night in a 116-93 victory over the Chicago Bulls, Boston’s seventh consecutive win.

James’ 50-point Outburst Leads Cavs Over Knicks
LeBron James had 50 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds in one of the most spectacular performances in the NBA this season, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 119-105 victory over the New York Knicks on Wednesday night.

Cavaliers Lose Ilgauskas to Back Strain for at Least Two Weeks
Cleveland Cavaliers center Zydrunas Ilgauskas will be out for at least two weeks because of a strained back.

Davis, Jackson Lead Warriors Over Magic
Baron Davis scored 33 points and Stephen Jackson had 20 as the Golden State Warriors overcame a slow start to beat the Orlando Magic 104-95 on Saturday night.

Grizzlies Snap 18-Game Road Losing Streak With Win Over Knicks
Mike Miller scored 24 of his season-high 34 points in the first half, and the Grizzlies snapped an 18-game road losing streak Friday night with a 120-106 victory over the New York Knicks.

Wade Leads Heat to Victory Over Seattle
Dwyane Wade scored 31 points, leading the Miami Heat to a 103-93 victory over the Seattle SuperSonics on Friday night for just their third victory in the last 30 games.

Nowitzki Tops Franchise Scoring Mark as Mavs Roll Past Flagging Nets
Dirk Nowitzki moved atop the Mavericks‘ career scoring list in Dallas’ 111-91 victory over the Nets on Saturday night.

Clippers Hand Heat Sixth Consecutive Loss
Cuttino Mobley made two free throws with 2.6 seconds left and scored 29 points, and the Los Angeles Clippers beat Miami 99-98 on Monday, hours after the Heat decided to shut Dwyane Wade down for the season.

NBA Store Unveils 10 Most Popular Jerseys From Last 10 Years
The world famous NBA Store on Fifth Avenue tips off a six-month celebration of its 10th anniversary by unveiling the NBA Store Most Popular Jerseys from the past decade.

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