Pads’ Young ready to go after taking shot to face
Chris Young has no apprehension about returning to the mound for the first time since he was hit in the face by Albert Pujols’ line drive more than two months ago, breaking his nose and fracturing his skull.

Twins gain ground as Slowey blanks White Sox
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Orioles end Yanks’ home win streak at 10 (AP)

Adam Jones, Kevin Millar and the rest of Baltimore’s boppers strolled into Yankee Stadium and put an emphatic end to New York’s home winning streak. Jones hit a grand slam and an RBI triple to back Jeremy Guthrie’s strong start, leading the Orioles to a 13-4 blowout Monday night that ended the Yankees‘ 10-game run in their own ballpark.

Marlins rally past Mets, now 1 game back (AP)

With another come-from-behind win, the surprising Florida Marlins are on the verge of erasing the New York Mets‘ lead in the NL East. Dan Uggla and Cody Ross hit RBI singles to spark a five-run eighth inning, and Florida overtook New York 7-3 Monday night. The Marlins have rallied to win 31 times this year, most in the National League.

Twins‘ Slowey 6-hits White Sox 7-0 (AP)

Denard Span waited a lot longer than he wanted to make it to the majors. The Minnesota Twins will have a hard time sending him back down with him playing like this. Kevin Slowey pitched a six-hitter, Span hit his first career home run and the Twins beat the Chicago White Sox 7-0 on Monday night to strike first in this key AL Central series.

Lee’s double in 9th gets Cubs by Brewers (AP)

Derrek Lee gave Milwaukee all the momentum. Reed Johnson just made sure Lee got a second chance. Lee doubled with one out in the ninth to score Alfonso Soriano and the Chicago Cubs rallied to beat the Milwaukee Brewers 6-4 on Monday night to take a two-game lead in the NL Central. “The way we’ve been playing, we just needed a win.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Orioles end Yanks’ home win streak at 10 (AP)

Adam Jones, Kevin Millar and the rest of Baltimore’s boppers strolled into Yankee Stadium and put an emphatic end to New York’s home winning streak. Jones hit a grand slam and an RBI triple to back Jeremy Guthrie’s strong start, leading the Orioles to a 13-4 blowout Monday night that ended the Yankees‘ 10-game run in their own ballpark.

Burnett wins 12th, staying with Jays (AP)

A.J. Burnett is off the trade market, and he’s just fine with it. So are the Toronto Blue Jays, who hope Burnett can pitch them into contention. Burnett (12-9) matched his career-high in wins, Matt Stairs hit a two-run homer and the Toronto Blue Jays won for the sixth time in seven games Monday, beating the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1.

Evaluating the deals that went down over the weekend
The Yankees filled a pair of holes by adding outfielder Xavier Nady and reliever Damaso Marte. The deal also gives some balance to the Yanks’ offense and the bullpen.

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Astros‘ Oswalt picks up victory in return from DL
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What a relief: No deals are necessary for some contenders
As teams scramble to fill a perpetual need for relief pitching before Thursday’s non-waiver trade deadline, some contenders have found help right in their backyards.

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Lee’s double in 9th gets Cubs by Brewers (AP)

Derrek Lee gave Milwaukee all the momentum. Reed Johnson just made sure Lee got a second chance. Lee doubled with one out in the ninth to score Alfonso Soriano and the Chicago Cubs rallied to beat the Milwaukee Brewers 6-4 on Monday night to take a two-game lead in the NL Central. “The way we’ve been playing, we just needed a win.

Posada to have season-ending surgery (AP)
If the New York Yankees are going to earn a 14th consecutive playoff berth, they’ll have to do it without Jorge Posada. The five-time All-Star catcher will have season-ending surgery on his right shoulder, ending his attempt to return to the lineup for New York’s postseason push. Posada has struggled with shoulder pain most of the season, weakening his throws and limiting his playing time behind…

Yankees‘ Posada to have season-ending surgery
Jorge Posada will have season-ending surgery on his right shoulder, ending his attempt to return to the New York Yankees‘ lineup for the team’s playoff push.

Twins‘ Slowey 6-hits White Sox 7-0 (AP)

Denard Span waited a lot longer than he wanted to make it to the majors. The Minnesota Twins will have a hard time sending him back down with him playing like this. Kevin Slowey pitched a six-hitter, Span hit his first career home run and the Twins beat the Chicago White Sox 7-0 on Monday night to strike first in this key AL Central series.

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Ex-Razorback gets 15-year prison term (AP)
Elmer Martin Jr., who played on Arkansas’ 1994 NCAA championship basketball team, received a 15-year prison term after pleading guilty to drug charges. Martin pleaded guilty Thursday to delivery of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia and misdemeanor marijuana possession, deputy prosecutor David Harris said.

Georgia Tech C Dickey leaves for Europe (AP)
Georgia Tech center Ra’Sean Dickey has given up his senior season to play professionally in the Ukraine. Coach Paul Hewitt said Wednesday the 6-foot-10 Dickey signed a contract with Budivelnyk Kiev of the Ukrainian Super League. He redshirted last season to recover from acute tendinitis in his right knee and had a year of eligibility remaining.

Basketball: Player Caught in a Web Not of His Spinning
Bol Kong has received a scholarship offer from Gonzaga, but he has been denied a visa because of his origins in Sudan, a state sponsor of terrorism.

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Ex-Sonics owner fights back

Former Seattle SuperSonics owner Howard Schultz has said NBA Commissioner David Stern told him in a phone conversation that it would be “very expensive” for Schultz to pursue a lawsuit seeking to return the …

NBA Notebook: Donaghy associates sentenced in scandal

Two former high school classmates of disgraced NBA referee Tim Donaghy were both sentenced to more than a year in prison Thursday for their roles in a betting scandal that embarrassed the league.

Donaghy described as compulsive gambler (AP)
Disgraced NBA referee Tim Donaghy was a compulsive gambler whose road to professional and personal ruin began on the golf course, where he bet up to $500 a hole, according to an evaluation filed on the eve of his sentencing. “In short, he could not stop himself from gambling,” wrote Stephen Block, a longtime New York-based gambling treatment counselor.

Nuggets Acquire Renaldo Balkman And Cash

The Denver Nuggets have acquired SF/PF Renaldo Balkman and cash for PG Taurean Green, SG/SF Bobby Jones, and the second round pick Denver received in the Marcus Camby trade.

Lakers sign G Vujacic to 3-year contract (AP)

Had it been strictly a matter of economics, Sasha Vujacic would have left the Los Angeles Lakers to play in Europe. Turns out Vujacic’s decision was based on more than just the money. “I’m glad it worked out. Tough month,” Vujacic said Monday at team headquarters after signing a three-year, $15 million contract to return to the Lakers.

Team USA looks committed to winning gold
Team USA has the pieces in place to win gold. Randy Hill says it’d be nice, but doubts the long-term prospects of domestic hoops.NBA/~4/348553643″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

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Piniella: Wood no closer to returning (AP)
Cubs reliever Kerry Wood threw in the bullpen on Monday, but manager Lou Piniella said his closer is not close to returning from a blister on his pitching hand. Wood is eligible to return Tuesday at Milwaukee, but still hasn’t fully recovered from the blister on his right index finger that’s kept him out since July 11.

Popularity: 2% [?]

NBA Notebook: Donaghy associates sentenced in scandal

Two former high school classmates of disgraced NBA referee Tim Donaghy were both sentenced to more than a year in prison Thursday for their roles in a betting scandal that embarrassed the league.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Cards, Pujols put away Mets in 14 to snap five-game slide
Albert Pujols hit a two-run homer in the 14th inning for his fifth hit of the night, Skip Schumaker did him one better with a …

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Red-hot since trade, Sabathia takes aim at Cubs
The Milwaukee Brewers hope to continue reaping the benefits of early shopping Monday night.

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Santana 6-hits Cardinals as Mets win 9-1 (AP)

Johan Santana took in six innings at Shea Stadium on Saturday night before heading home. He flipped on the TV and proceeded to watch the Mets‘ bullpen doggedly battle St. Louis into the 14th before finally succumbing. The two-time Cy Young Award winner woke up Sunday knowing exactly what he needed to do.

Gossage, Dick Williams join Hall of Fame (AP)

Even after his induction was complete and the crowd had wandered off, Rich “Goose” Gossage was still trying to come to grips with his new status as a Hall of Famer. “I still have to pinch myself to realize that I’ve had the type of career I’ve had,” said Gossage, after becoming just the fifth reliever enshrined at Cooperstown.

Manny: I’d OK trade, but deal unlikely (AP)

Manny Ramirez is “tired” of the Boston Red Sox and would agree to a trade that would make both him and the team happy. But he doesn’t think it will happen and Boston, battling for a playoff spot, needs the production of its cleanup hitter despite its oft-contentious relationship with him. Four days before the non-waiver trading deadline, Ramirez said Sunday, “I’m tired of them.

Big Unit dominates, wins fourth straight (AP)

Randy Johnson threw a pitch to Fred Lewis that the radar gun couldn’t get a read on. It was too slow. The suddenly slow tossing strikeout king tossed seven shutout innings to win his fourth straight start and the Arizona Diamondbacks completed their first sweep in San Francisco in seven years, beating the Giants 7-2 on Sunday.

Phils RHP Eaton agrees to go to minors (AP)
Already bumped from the Philadelphia Phillies‘ starting rotation, Adam Eaton now is off the roster. The struggling right-hander agreed to go to the minors Monday, a day after he pitched poorly in relief. A decision on where to send Eaton has not been made. The Phillies will fill Eaton’s spot before Tuesday’s game at Washington.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Panthers extend D Bouwmeester for 1 year (AP)
Defenseman Jay Bouwmeester agreed to a one-year contract extension with the Florida Panthers on Monday, one day before the sides were scheduled to go to salary arbitration. Bouwmeester will make between $4 million and $5 million next season, nearly doubling his salary, but the sides couldn’t agree on a long-term deal that the Panthers sought.

Popularity: 2% [?]

NBA files for rights to six nicknames
The NBA has filed for trademark rights to six nicknames for the league’s new Oklahoma City franchise: Barons, Bison, Energy, Marshalls, Thunder and Wind. An attorney for the league made the filing Monday with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Marshal is usually spelled with one l. It’s not clear why the league used a variant spelling. The filing is listed on the patent office’s Web site.NBA/~4/346114207″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Donaghy described as compulsive gambler (AP)
Disgraced NBA referee Tim Donaghy was a compulsive gambler whose road to professional and personal ruin began on the golf course, where he bet up to $500 a hole, according to an evaluation filed on the eve of his sentencing. “In short, he could not stop himself from gambling,” wrote Stephen Block, a longtime New York-based gambling treatment counselor.

NBA Notebook: Donaghy associates sentenced in scandal

Two former high school classmates of disgraced NBA referee Tim Donaghy were both sentenced to more than a year in prison Thursday for their roles in a betting scandal that embarrassed the league.

Athletes’ Village opens in Beijing

The Athletes’ Village for the Beijing Olympics held its official opening ceremony Sunday, an all-Chinese curtain raiser with basketball stars Yao Ming, Yi Jianlian and Wang Zhizhi heading a 265-member …

Popularity: 3% [?]

Ramirez, Ortiz lead 15-hit attack as Sox take finale
The David Ortiz-Manny Ramirez combo struck again though for the first time in a while shifting the focus from Ramirez’s talk …

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Phils rally from 5-0 hole to beat Braves
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Evaluating the deals that went down over the weekend
A closer look at trades consummated during the weekend:

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Pirates call up RHP Davis, demote Van Benschoten
The Pittsburgh Pirates called up right-handed starter Jason Davis from Triple-A Indianapolis and sent former first-round draft pick John Van Benschoten back to the minor leagues before Sunday’s game against the San Diego Padres.

Ziegler breaks 101-year-old record as A’s get win
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Butler drives in 4 as Royals salvage split with Rays
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Rockies’ rout completes sweep as Reds shut out
Visit ESPN.com for the complete story.

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

Visit the ESPN Widget Center.

O’s upend Angels, Santana; claim rare Sunday win
Visit ESPN.com for the complete story.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Krzyzewski and U.S. Have Gold as Only Aim
If Mike Krzyzewski cannot win in Beijing with the most talented team he has had, it may be time to wonder if Krzyzewski is little more than an elite college coach.

Off-Season of Problems for New Indiana Coach
As if Tom Crean did not have enough to worry about with an N.C.A.A. investigation, he is wrestling with an academic problem that threatens to cost the program up to two scholarships.

Popularity: 2% [?]

NBA has 6 nicknames in mind for Oklahoma (AP)
The NBA has filed for trademark rights to six nicknames for the league’s new Oklahoma City franchise: Barons, Bison, Energy, Marshalls, Thunder and Wind. An attorney for the league made the filing Monday with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Marshal is usually spelled with one l. It’s not clear why the league used a variant spelling.

Jazz match Okla. City’s offer for Miles (AP)
C.J. Miles will stay in Utah after the Jazz matched the deal offered by Oklahoma City to the restricted free agent. On July 18, Oklahoma City offered a four-year deal worth about $15 million to Miles, who will be entering his fourth NBA season. Under the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, the Jazz had a week to match that offer and said Friday they would do so.

Schultz warned by Stern on lawsuit (AP)
Former SuperSonics owner Howard Schultz said he was warned by NBA commissioner David Stern that it would be “very expensive” to pursue a lawsuit seeking to return the team to Seattle from Oklahoma City. Schultz made the claim in a declaration filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Seattle. Schultz has sued to try to reverse his sale of the franchise to Clay Bennett, claiming the Oklahoma City…

Popularity: 3% [?]

Red-hot since trade, Sabathia takes aim at Cubs
The Milwaukee Brewers hope to continue reaping the benefits of early shopping Monday night.

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Manny: I’d OK trade, but deal unlikely (AP)

Manny Ramirez is “tired” of the Boston Red Sox and would agree to a trade that would make both him and the team happy. But he doesn’t think it will happen and Boston, battling for a playoff spot, needs the production of its cleanup hitter despite its oft-contentious relationship with him. Four days before the non-waiver trading deadline, Ramirez said Sunday, “I’m tired of them.

Cubs regain NL Central lead, top Marlins (AP)

The offense was stalling and the losses were mounting. Derrek Lee could sense the frustration, but he noticed something else on Sunday. High-fives. Smiles. And a sense of relief. “It’s nice to see some excitement on the bench, guys coming in high-fiving,” Lee said after the Chicago Cubs rallied for a 9-6 win over the Florida Marlins.

Big Unit dominates, wins fourth straight (AP)

Randy Johnson threw a pitch to Fred Lewis that the radar gun couldn’t get a read on. It was too slow. The suddenly slow tossing strikeout king tossed seven shutout innings to win his fourth straight start and the Arizona Diamondbacks completed their first sweep in San Francisco in seven years, beating the Giants 7-2 on Sunday.

O’s end Sunday slide at 15, beat Angels (AP)

Dave Trembley walked into the interview room puffing a cigar and wearing a mischievous smile. The Baltimore Orioles had just ended a run of 15 straight losses in Sunday games, defeating Ervin Santana and the Los Angeles Angels 5-2, and Trembley made it clear he was tired of talking about the quirky streak.

Big Unit providing a boost, pitches D’backs past Giants
After spending the better part of July trying to climb over .500, the NL West-leading Arizona Diamondbacks are now ensconced two games above the break-even mark, thanks to a weekend sweep of the San Francisco Giants.

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Blum’s 2 HRs lead Astros over Brewers (AP)

Geoff Blum has had little trouble launching breakballs thrown by Jeff Suppan, so the Milwaukee Brewers right-hander peppered him with a steady supply of fastballs on Sunday. It didn’t help Suppan a bit. Blum hit a pair of Suppan’s fastballs for home runs, including a three-run shot that capped a seven-run fifth, and the Houston Astros beat the Milwaukee Brewers 11-6 on Sunday.

Pettitte strong as Yanks rip Red Sox for 8th straight win
Robinson Cano homered and drove in three runs, Andy Pettitte gave the Yankees another strong start and New York beat the Boston Red Sox 10-3 Saturday for its eighth straight win.

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Knicks in 2008/09

The New York Knicks have silently put themselves in position to compete in a couple of years.

Bobcats GM confident Okafor will re-sign (AP)
Nearly a month since becoming a restricted free agent, Emeka Okafor is not close to a new deal with the Charlotte Bobcats. Yet general manager Rod Higgins remains confident Okafor will remain a Bobcat. Higgins insisted Friday that talks have not reached a stalemate. He said he’s spoken to Okafor’s agent, Jeff Schwartz, as recently as Thursday and said the team is not entertaining sign-and-trade…

NBA has 6 nicknames in mind for Oklahoma (AP)
The NBA has filed for trademark rights to six nicknames for the league’s new Oklahoma City franchise: Barons, Bison, Energy, Marshalls, Thunder and Wind. An attorney for the league made the filing Monday with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Marshal is usually spelled with one l. It’s not clear why the league used a variant spelling.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Oregon LB Garrett suspended indefinitely (AP)
Oregon linebacker Kevin Garrett was suspended indefinitely for breaking team rules. Coach Mike Bellotti announced the suspension Saturday. Details of the violation were not released. Garrett, a junior from Harbor City, Calif., was at the top of the depth chart at weakside linebacker heading into preseason practice.

Oregon linebacker Garrett suspended indefinitely
Oregon linebacker Kevin Garrett was suspended indefinitely for breaking team rules.

Arkansas WR Wade arrested for drunken driving
Arkansas wide receiver Marques Wade faces a drunken driving charge after authorities said he nearly hit a police officer with his car late Saturday night.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Manny’s tired of Red Sox, won’t block a trade
Manny Ramirez is tired of the Red Sox and would not block a trade.

Ziegler breaks 101-year-old record as A’s get win
Visit ESPN.com for the complete story.

Lowe dominates as Dodgers two-hit Nationals
Derek Lowe allowed one hit over eight innings, Matt Kemp and Nomar Garciaparra homered, and the Los Angeles Dodgers gave Odalis …

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Popularity: 2% [?]

Wild sign Bouchard to five-year deal
The Minnesota Wild re-signed right wing Pierre-Marc Bouchard to a five-year, $20.4 million contract on Saturday. A first-round selection by the Wild in 2002, the 5-foot-10 and 172-pound Bouchard had a career-high and franchise-record 50 assists last season. The 24-year-old Bouchard also had 13 goals. Bouchard’s new contract includes a no-trade clause for the first two years.

Caps sign Morrisonn to one-year contract
The Washington Capitals signed defenseman Shaone Morrisonn to a one-year contract on Saturday. The 25-year-old played his third full season with the team in 2007-08, totaling 10 points and 63 penalty minutes in 76 games. He also played in the Capitals’ playoff series against the Flyers. The Vancouver native was acquired from Boston in 2004.

Bruins buy out final year of Murray’s deal
The Boston Bruins have bought out the final year of veteran right-winger Glen Murray’s contract. The team announced the move Saturday. The 35-year-old Murray, a 16-year veteran, has scored 337 goals with 314 assists in 1,009 regular season games. Murray was in his second stint with the Bruins and was their first-round pick in 1991. He’s also played with the Los Angeles Kings and Pittsburgh Penguins. Murray had 17 goals and 13 assists in 63 games with Boston last season.

Bruins buy out final year of Murray deal (AP)
The Boston Bruins bought out the final year of veteran right-winger Glen Murray’s contract Saturday. The 35-year-old Murray, a 16-year veteran, has scored 337 goals with 314 assists in 1,009 regular season games. Murray was in his second stint with the Bruins and was their first-round pick in 1991. He’s also played with the Los Angeles Kings and Pittsburgh Penguins.

Wild keep Bouchard for 5 years, $20.4M (AP)

After trying to trade him earlier this summer, the Minnesota Wild avoided a salary arbitration hearing with Pierre-Marc Bouchard by re-signing the right wing to a five-year, $20.4 million contract. The deal was finalized late Friday. General manager Doug Risebrough said Saturday he considers the 24-year-old Bouchard still in the developmental stage of his career.

Capitals D Morrisonn signs 1-year deal (AP)
The Washington Capitals signed defenseman Shaone Morrisonn to a one-year contract on Saturday. The 25-year-old played his third full season with the team in 2007-08, totaling 10 points and 63 penalty minutes in 76 games. He also played in the Capitals’ playoff series against the Flyers. The Vancouver native was acquired from Boston in 2004.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Lakers G Vujacic gets 3-year, $15M deal (AP)
Lakers restricted free agent guard Sasha Vujacic has agreed to a three-year, $15 million contract after emerging last season as a key member of the Western Conference champions. “We felt Sasha made great progress in this past year, and our coach showed great confidence in playing him the second half of the season,” Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said Friday in confirming the agreement, first…

NBA has 6 nicknames in mind for Oklahoma (AP)
The NBA has filed for trademark rights to six nicknames for the league’s new Oklahoma City franchise: Barons, Bison, Energy, Marshalls, Thunder and Wind. An attorney for the league made the filing Monday with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Marshal is usually spelled with one l. It’s not clear why the league used a variant spelling.

Jazz match Okla. City’s offer for Miles (AP)
C.J. Miles will stay in Utah after the Jazz matched the deal offered by Oklahoma City to the restricted free agent. On July 18, Oklahoma City offered a four-year deal worth about $15 million to Miles, who will be entering his fourth NBA season. Under the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, the Jazz had a week to match that offer and said Friday they would do so.

Athletes’ Village opens in Beijing

The Athletes’ Village for the Beijing Olympics held its official opening ceremony Sunday, an all-Chinese curtain raiser with basketball stars Yao Ming, Yi Jianlian and Wang Zhizhi heading a 265-member …

Source: Hawks, Maurice Evans near deal (AP)
Looking to fill the void left when Josh Childress bolted for Greece, the Atlanta Hawks are close to completing a deal with free agent Maurice Evans. A person within the league, speaking on condition of anonymity because the contract had not been completed, told The Associated Press on Sunday a deal could be signed by midweek.

Elder Kidd has game, rep to make Team USA go
He’s 35 and a step slow, so why is Jason Kidd starting for Team USA? Mark Kriegel says he has the chops to bring home gold.NBA/~4/345865333″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Rockets forward Landry considering options

The agent for Rockets restricted free agent Carl Landry said Thursday that Landry is not considering any specific offer, that no decision is imminent and that nothing has changed in Landry’s options.

NBA files for rights to six nicknames
The NBA has filed for trademark rights to six nicknames for the league’s new Oklahoma City franchise: Barons, Bison, Energy, Marshalls, Thunder and Wind. An attorney for the league made the filing Monday with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Marshal is usually spelled with one l. It’s not clear why the league used a variant spelling. The filing is listed on the patent office’s Web site.NBA/~4/346114207″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Popularity: 2% [?]

Webb posts 1,000th K, outduels Lincecum (AP)

Brandon Webb enjoys matching up with other major league aces, especially when Arizona gets the win. Webb struck out eight to pass 1,000 for his career and got the win in a matchup with fellow All-Star right-hander Tim Lincecum, leading the Diamondbacks to a 5-3 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Saturday night.

Carpenter may return Wednesday for Cards (AP)
The suddenly slumping Cardinals, trying to stay in contention in the NL Central, expect to get a boost from within just before the trade deadline. Chris Carpenter, out since opening day 2007 because of an elbow injury, is scheduled to return to the St. Louis rotation Wednesday against Atlanta, manager Tony La Russa said Saturday.

Crasnick: How nasty was Goose? Just ask his peers
Before radar guns were in vogue and closers became a pampered and well-compensated breed, Goose Gossage was both a workhorse and a star.

Popularity: 2% [?]

LeBron leaves Team USA practice with ankle sprain

LeBron James, of the Cleveland Cavaliers, lies down on a training bench following a USA Basketball team practice on Tuesday, July 22, 2008, at Valley High School in Las Vegas.

Warriors re-sign Ellis to multiyear deal
The Golden State Warriors made sure they would have Monta Ellis in their backcourt at least for the near future, re-signing the explosive guard to a six-year deal worth about $66 million Thursday. Ellis, who was a restricted free agent, is expected to take over at point guard next season in Don Nelson’s up-tempo offense after two-time All-Star Baron Davis opted out of his contract earlier this month to join his hometown team, the Los Angeles Clippers.NBA/~4/345320691″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Popularity: 3% [?]

Cards, Pujols put away Mets in 14 to snap five-game slide
Albert Pujols hit a two-run homer in the 14th inning for his fifth hit of the night, Skip Schumaker did him one better with a …

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Jays’ McGowan to have season-ending surgery
Blue Jays right-hander Dustin McGowan will have season-ending surgery Thursday to repair fraying of the labrum in his shoulder. McGowan, who is 6-7 with a 4.37 ERA in 19 starts, has not pitched since leaving a July 8 game against Baltimore after four innings, saying that the ongoing pain had become too much to bear. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list the next day. Last September, an MRI revealed McGowan had a partial tear in his rotator cuff.

Quentin, Dye homers help White Sox top Tigers
Visit ESPN.com for the complete story.

Blue Jays’ McGowan to have season-ending surgery
Blue Jays right-hander Dustin McGowan will have season-ending surgery Thursday to repair fraying of the labrum in his shoulder. …

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Phils edge Braves, ruin Hampton’s first start in nearly three years
Mike Hampton waited 1,072 days to return to the major leagues, so he won’t dwell on wasting a six-run lead. Pinch-hitter Greg …

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Fields has value to ChiSox on many levels
Josh Fields went from bargaining chip to ChiSox savior in the course of a week. Now that he’s up, what can the team do for a deal?

Hermida’s two HRs lift Marlins as Cubs boil over in 3-2 loss
Jeremy Hermida hit two homers and scored the decisive run on Jorge Cantu’s 12th-inning double to lead the Florida Marlins over …

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Tribe acquires Reyes from Cards, activates Carmona
Anthony Reyes, who won Game 1 of the 2006 World Series for St. Louis, was traded by the Cardinals on Saturday to the Cleveland …

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Popularity: 2% [?]

Brewers grab share of NL Central lead (AP)

Ryan Braun is not scoreboard watching — yet. He does know, however, exactly where the Milwaukee Brewers are in the NL Central standings: tied for first place with the Chicago Cubs. Braun homered and drove in four runs, Bill Hall hit a tiebreaking RBI single in the eighth inning and the Brewers grabbed a share of the NL Central lead with a 6-4 victory over the Houston Astros on Saturday night.

D’backs’ Webb reaches milestone while outdueling Giants‘ Lincecum
Brandon Webb struck out eight to pass 1,000 for his career and got the win in a matchup with fellow All-Star right-hander Tim …

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Hermida leads Marlins past Cubs again (AP)

Jeremy Hermida and the Florida Marlins are enjoying the October-type energy at Wrigley Field. Hermida hit two homers and scored the decisive run on Jorge Cantu’s 12th-inning double to lead Florida over the Chicago Cubs 3-2 on Saturday. Rich Harden struck out 10 for the third time in three starts with Chicago, but the Marlins fought back to win despite striking out 20 times.

Nady debuts, Cano stars as Yanks rip BoSox

Tribe acquires Reyes from Cards, activates Carmona
Anthony Reyes, who won Game 1 of the 2006 World Series for St. Louis, was traded by the Cardinals on Saturday to the Cleveland …

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Nady, Marte on way to Yanks in six-player swap with Pirates
Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte were on their way to join the Yankees after New York finalized a six-player trade with the Pittsburgh …

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Webb posts 1,000th K, outduels Lincecum (AP)

Brandon Webb enjoys matching up with other major league aces, especially when Arizona gets the win. Webb struck out eight to pass 1,000 for his career and got the win in a matchup with fellow All-Star right-hander Tim Lincecum, leading the Diamondbacks to a 5-3 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Saturday night.

Carpenter may return Wednesday for Cards (AP)
The suddenly slumping Cardinals, trying to stay in contention in the NL Central, expect to get a boost from within just before the trade deadline. Chris Carpenter, out since opening day 2007 because of an elbow injury, is scheduled to return to the St. Louis rotation Wednesday against Atlanta, manager Tony La Russa said Saturday.

Phils edge Braves, ruin Hampton’s first start in nearly three years
Mike Hampton waited 1,072 days to return to the major leagues, so he won’t dwell on wasting a six-run lead. Pinch-hitter Greg …

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Schultz warned by Stern on lawsuit (AP)
Former SuperSonics owner Howard Schultz said he was warned by NBA commissioner David Stern that it would be “very expensive” to pursue a lawsuit seeking to return the team to Seattle from Oklahoma City. Schultz made the claim in a declaration filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Seattle. Schultz has sued to try to reverse his sale of the franchise to Clay Bennett, claiming the Oklahoma City…

NBA has 6 nicknames in mind for Oklahoma (AP)
The NBA has filed for trademark rights to six nicknames for the league’s new Oklahoma City franchise: Barons, Bison, Energy, Marshalls, Thunder and Wind. An attorney for the league made the filing Monday with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Marshal is usually spelled with one l. It’s not clear why the league used a variant spelling.

What next for Okafor?

A source with knowledge of the negotiations says Emeka Okafor is ready to move on, rather than accept what the Charlotte Bobcats have offered long-term for his services.

Lakers agree to terms with G Vujacic
Lakers restricted free agent guard Sasha Vujacic has agreed to a three-year, $15 million contract after emerging last season as a key member of the Western Conference champions. “We felt Sasha made great progress in this past year, and our coach showed great confidence in playing him the second half of the season,” Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said Friday in confirming the agreement, first reported by the Riverside Press-Enterprise.NBA/~4/346162391″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

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Phillies rally to spoil Hampton’s return (AP)

Mike Hampton waited 1,072 days to return to the major leagues, so he won’t dwell on wasting a six-run lead. Pinch-hitter Greg Dobbs delivered a three-run homer in a seven-run fifth inning and the Philadelphia Phillies rallied past the Atlanta Braves 10-9 Saturday to spoil Hampton’s first start in nearly three years.

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Ex-Miami QB Kelly busted on drug charges (AP)
Former Miami Hurricanes quarterback Kenny Kelly was arrested on three felony drug counts. The 29-year-old Kelly turned himself into the Plant City Police Station on Wednesday. Police said he was charged with possession of marijuana and purchase and solicitation to deliver marijuana — all third-degree felonies.

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Miles ahead: Jazz match offer, keep C.J. around

The Jazz on Friday decided to match the four-year, roughly $15.8 million offer sheet that restricted free agent swingman C.J. Miles signed with Oklahoma City last week.

Paul, Williams form dynamic duo for Team USA
What can we learn from Team USA’s rout of Canada? Jeff Goodman says Dwyane Wade is back and two points are better than one.NBA/~4/346396819″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

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Bruins buy out final year of Murray’s deal