QUICK LINKS: MLB > 18 NFL > 28 NBA > 10 NHL > 13 NASCAR > 33 > 16 COLLEGE > 8 MLB DRAFT > 5

NFL Old masters ThumbsThum up for Cox Sporting News Today’s former NFL beats GeorgiaGeor QB Joe Cox solidified scouts rank their top defensive his sspotpot as Matthew Stafford’s coordinators: Nats, is 24th replacement.replace Dick LeBeau to get milestone win “It wwould be very difficult to 1. Steelers Page 20 knockknoc him out of the box,” GeorgiaGeo coach Mark Richt tells Jim Johnson SNSN Today. 2. Eagles

Leslie Frazier FRIDAY Richt Q&A, Page 16 3. Vikings JUNE 5, 2009 SEE A DIFFERENT GAME Jim Bates JOHN BAZEMORE / AP 4. VOLUME 1 ISSUE 318 Bucs

Dom Capers 5. Packers NBA FINALS GAME 1: L.A. LAKERS 100, ORLANDO 75 STANLEYS CUP FINALS GAME 4: 4, DETROIT 2 Full list, Page 30

Scoreboard Lakers open with domination Cup chase down to best-of-3 NBA LOS ANGELES—Finally. It’s taken time, but it PITTSBURGH—After the game, Sidney Crosby seems the team many expected the Lakers to could admit it. It felt good to get that first Finals be—a big, strong bunch capable of dominat- of the finals. The fact that it was L.A. Lakers 100, Orlando 75 ing at both ends—has arrived for good. the game-winner? Even better. (L.A. Lakers lead series 1-0) That version of the Lakers has made only With their 4-2 win over Detroit, the Penguins NHL cameo appearances this postseason, but in evened the finals, 2-2, and seized momentum in Stanley Cup finals The Finals opener, the Lakers were back, a series that once looked like a Detroit lock. Pittsburgh 4, Detroit 2 winning handily, 100-75. “Both teams held serve at home, now it’s a As Magic coach Stan Van best of three,” Pittsburgh’s (Series tied 2-2) Gundy said, “We were totally Mark Eaton said. dominated at both ends of the Three things we floor and on the boards.” learned L.A. Angels 6, Toronto 5 Three things we Boston 6, Detroit 3 MARK J. TERRILL / AP Pittsburgh’s stars are learned clicking: N.Y. Yankees 8, 6 Kobe Bryant 16 of 34 shots for 40 points and added 1. Crosby had his The Magic will reconsider eight rebounds and eight assists in L.A.’s rout. best game of the series with GENE J. PUSKAR / AP Minnesota 11, Cleveland 3 Sean Deveney 1. the plan on Kobe Bryant. Craig Custance a goal and a pretty assist on Sidney Crosby scored his first goal of the finals as the Oakland 7, 0 PRO BASKETBALL Orlando attempted to put and he carried himself well, scoring six points HOCKEY Tyler Kennedy’s goal in the Pens evened the series. Tampa Bay 3, Kansas City 2 Bryant in single coverage, and giving out four assists in 23 minutes. second period. “I was happy focusing on stopping the players around him. to see one go in,” Crosby said. Evgeni Malkin Marc-Andre Fleury has emerged: After get- Pittsburgh 11, N.Y. Mets 6 But Bryant killed Orlando’s defense in pick- The Lakers will lean on their bigs. L.A. did a scored his 14th goal of the playoffs and, at 3. ting outplayed by opposing goalie Chris San Francisco 5, 1, 1st game and-rolls , tallying 40 points, and the Magic 3. terrific job shutting down Orlando’s front times, was the most dominant player on the Osgood earlier in the series, Fleury was sharp couldn’t keep L.A.’s supporting cast in check. line, and the Lakers outscored the Magic in the ice. in Game 4 and finished with 37 saves. “He San Fran. 4, Washington 1, 6 inn., 2nd game “Offensively, Kobe was amazing tonight,” paint, 56-22. “We’ve got to keep that up,” forward The Red Wings are worn out: Detroit wasn’t knows when the important time is to make at Atlanta, ppd., rain forward Lamar Odom said. “Defensively, Pau Gasol said. “No let-up. This is just the first 2. crazy about playing back-to-back games you a big save,” Crosby said. “He’s been huge Florida 4, Milwaukee 3 too.” game.” to open the series and looked exhausted on for us.” Colorado 10, Houston 3 Jameer Nelson will be a factor. Nelson’s [email protected] Thursday, the fourth game in six nights. [email protected] St. Louis 3, Cincinnati 1 2. return to action after more than three “Tonight, they had more energy than us,” 3, L.A. Dodgers 0 months off was a bit of a surprise in Game 1, Loss in ‘08 Finals drives Lakers, Page 10 Detroit coach Mike Babcock said. Pens pumped, Wings wilting, Page 13 SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com See A Different Game FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 2

GUIDE OFF THE FIELD Are you a fan with AUTO RACING 7 p.m. Tune In Today 7 a.m. ESPN—NCAA SPEED—Formula Division I, Super something A quick look at the best sports on TV One, practice for Regionals, Game 1, — all times Eastern Turkish Grand Prix, Rice at LSU Browns’ Stallworth at Kadikoy, Turkey to say? 10:30 p.m. Noon ESPN2—NCAA COLLEGE BASEBALL SPEED—NASCAR, Division I, Super pleads not guilty Sprint Cup, prac- Regionals, Game 1, tice for Pocono Louisville at NCAA Super Regionals 500, at Long Pond, Cal St. Fullerton wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth pleaded not guilty to DUI man- Noon-10:30 p.m., Pa. GOLF slaughter charges from a fatal Miami car ESPN, ESPN2 3:30 p.m. 10 a.m. crash in which a pedestrian died. SPEED—NASCAR, TGC—European The plea was entered at a brief court Sprint Cup, pole After taking down unbeaten pitcher PGA Tour, Wales hearing Thursday by defense attorney qualifying for Open, second of San Diego State and Christopher Lyons. The 28-year-old Stall- sweeping top-ranked UC-Irvine in the Pocono 500, at round, at Newport, regionals, the baseball team can Long Pond, Pa. Wales worth did not appear in court. A trial take another step toward the College World date has not been set. Stallworth faces Series today. The Cavaliers, in their first trip 6 p.m. Noon up to 15 years if convicted. JOIN THE SPORTING NEWS to the NCAA super regionals, face Ole Miss ESPN2—NASCAR, ESPN2—LPGA, FAN NETWORK at 2 p.m. on ESPN2 in Game 1 of the best- Nationwide State Farm Classic, Quick hits of-three series. “Confidence-wise, we’re Series, practice second round, at Team up with the Sporting News Fan Network and have your sky-high,” Virginia sophomore Phil Gosselin for Federated Springfield, Ill. Colorado catcher Yorvit Torrealba’s voice heard! You’ll have the opportunity to interact with other said. The winners of the eight super region- Auto Parts 300, at 11-year-old son and his brother-in-law Sporting News insiders, provide your thoughts on everything Lebanon, Tenn. als will meet in Omaha, Neb., for the College 1 p.m. are free again after being kidnapped from current sports subjects for publication in Sporting News Magazine TGC—Nationwide , starting June 13. Other Game in Venezuela. Police in Venezuela said to valuable feedback on marketing strategies of our partners, 1 matchups today are -Florida State 9 p.m. Tour, Prince the pair were abducted on their way to MARICE COHN BAND / AP (noon, ESPN), Rice-LSU (7 p.m., ESPN) and SPEED—NASCAR, George’s and win special prizes. Louisville-Cal State Fullerton (10:30 p.m., Truck Series, County Open, the boy’s school and that the kidnap- Donte Stallworth faces 15 years in prison if ESPN2). WinStar World second round, at pers demanded $466,000 in ransom. convicted of DUI manslaughter. —Derek Samson Casino 400, at Fort Mitchellville, Md. Wilmer Flores Trossel, director of Venezu- EXCLUSIVE MEMBER BENEFITS: Worth, Texas ela’s federal police, said no ransom Sept. 20 and 27 immediately after FOX’s s!CCESSTOPRE RELEASEPRODUCTSANDEXCLUSIVEOFFERSFROM More on Super regionals, Pages 36-37 3 p.m. our partners BOXING TGC—PGA Tour, was paid. He said police “established a NFL broadcasts. 8:30 p.m. The Memorial circle” around the kidnappers, and s/PPORTUNITIESTOATTENDREGIONALSporting News events GOLF ESPN2— Tournament, the “pressure was fruitful.” Nets owner Bruce Ratner has replaced s5PDATESONNEWSporting News features and product offerings Welterweights, second round, at the architect of a pricey planned arena in Carlos Molina Dublin, Ohio The Memorial Hall of Famers Lawrence Taylor, Marcus Brooklyn. The arena is a centerpiece of (16-4-1) vs. Danny MEMBERSHIP IS FREE! Tournament Perez (34-5-0), at 6:30 p.m. Allen, Eric Dickerson, Jim Rice and Goose Gos- the $4 billion Atlantic Yards develop- Miami TGC—Champions sage will usher in a new era in golf long ment of office towers and apartments. To join log on to 1 p.m., The Golf Channel Tour, Triton drive competitions later this month in The project has been delayed by the eco- COLLEGE Financial Classic, the Big Shots/Titans of the Tee, a team- nomic downturn, years of opposition sportingnews.com/fannetwork BASEBALL first round, at Well, so much for Jack Nicklaus making based tournament that will air this fall lawsuits and the near $1 billion price of Noon Austin, Texas his Muirfield Village course too hard for (same-day tape) on FOX. The competition tees off June the Frank Gehry-designed arena. Ratner the PGA Tour players. Rain-softened greens ESPN—NCAA 23 at the Lake of Isles course at Fox- says “the economic climate is not right” took care of that as Britain’s Luke Donald Division I, Super woods Casino Resort in Ledyard, Conn. for Gehry’s design. led the charge against par in the opening Regionals, Game 1, 10 a.m. round, shooting an 8-under 64. A cast of Arkansas at The Hall of Famers, as well as other NBC—French Americans—led by Jim Furyk, who shot a Florida St. celebrities such as Oscar-nominated coach Andy Open, men’s first-round 67—are chasing. And what about 2 p.m. actor Mark Wahlberg and Olympic gold Reid’s 24-year-old son, Britt Reid, has grad- semifinals, at Paris Tiger? He’s lurking, after a first-round 69. ESPN2—NCAA medalist Bruce Jenner, will compete for uated from a drug court program. Reid Division I, Super (same-day tape) — Bob Hille Regionals, Game charity while paired with professional enrolled in the program early last year 1, Virginia at long drivers competing for prize money after a series of -ins with the law. Mississippi in the competition that will be shown — SportsBusiness Daily, sportsbusinessdaily.com SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com My Profile FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 3 THE HOT CORNER Federer Express: Grand slam streak Brian Leetch THE WORLD’S FIRST DIGITAL DAILY SPORTS NEWSPAPER Roger Federer enters a record 20th con- 1994 Conn Smythe Trophy winner with Rangers secutive Grand Slam semifinal today at Roland CHAIRMAN & CEO ...... Ray Shaw Garros against No. 5-ranked Juan Martin del (What you won’t find on Facebook … even if you are approved as a friend) PRESIDENT ...... Whitney Shaw Potro. During Federer’s incredible run, he has PUBLISHER ...... Ed Baker lost to only three players: rival Rafael Nadal (six Born: March 3, 1968, in Corpus Christi, back of my bike. Only had a couple crashes EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ...... Jeff D’Alessio times), Novak Djokovic (once) and Marat Safin Texas over the years and onlyly was bitten bbyy a dodogg MANAGING EDITOR ...... Paul Kasko (once). He has a 125-8 record in the past 20 Status: Married once. CREATIVE DIRECTOR ...... Keith Wood Grand Slam tournaments. Here is a breakdown Alma mater: Boston College Talent I’d most like to have:ave: GGoodood sinsingingging VP, GENERAL MANAGER, ONLINE . . . . . Jeff Gerttula of his finishes entering today’s action: What I’m up to these days: Enjoying spending voice, play guitar VP, INTEGRATED MARKETING & SALES .Stuart Marvin Champion — 11 times time with my 3 kids—Jack (9), Riley, girl (6) Favorite meal: Breakfastast any time ooff the DIRECTOR, DIGITAL MEDIA...... Geoff Shaw Runner-up — 5 times (all to Nadal) and Sean (3); helping out with friends’ day—French toast, pancakes,ncakes, eggs, bacon, VP, MARKETING & SALES DEVELOPMENT . .Eric Karp Semifinalist — 3 times charity events hash browns — ATPWorldTour.com What’s on TV: Lost, American Idol, NHL on Favorite athletes to watchch in other sports: TigerTiger EDITORIAL OFFICES the Fly, SportsCenter and LeBron 120 West Morehead Street, Suite 200 What’s in my iPod: Pearl Jam, Counting Favorite city to visit: NYC—IYC—I lived there for Charlotte, NC 28202 Crows, Dave Matthews, Top 40, Beyonce 18 years but now live iinn Boston. OtOtherwise,herwise, 704-973-1550 What I drive: Black ’03 GMC Yukon, black Miami. 1-800-443-1886 ’05 Mercedes Favorite team as a kid: YankeesYankees Favorite flicks: Stripes, Pulp Fiction, The Lord Favorite physical attributeute about Letters to the editor: of the Rings trilogy, Old School myself: I broke both myy [email protected] Bookmarks: National Weather Service ankles at different timesmes General feedback: Marine Forecasts—offshore and coastal; and have a plate and 9 [email protected] ESPN.com; Canoe—SLAM! Sports— screws in my right Kobe Bryant AP Hockey; NYPost.com; Boston.com; PGA- one. I like how the National Digital Sales Managers Tour.com scars look running Joey Glowacki, 704-973-1856 Double digit dynamos On my office shelves: Books—fiction, non- up both sides of [email protected] Players averaging 20 points in the regular fiction and sports; photo albums—college my leg. I pretend I Gary Strauss, 212-500-0672 season on NBA championship teams: and NHL trophies; replicas of the Stanley was bitten by a [email protected] Cup, Norris, Conn Smythe and Calder shark or survived YEAR TEAM PLAYER(S), PPG AVG trophies; mail that needs to be filed; jumping out of a planee ON NEWSSTANDS NOW 2008 Celtics None (Paul Pierce, 19.6 ppg) ; pictures of my children with no parachute. Love to trade places for a day with … Eddie And least … My baldinging head and 2007 Spurs 1 (Tim Duncan, 20.0 ppg) Vedder on the day of a concert. Would love to expanding waistline 2006 Heat 2 (Dwyane Wade, 27.2 ppg and see if the nerves are the same pre-concert as Favorite value in others: LoyaltyLoyalty Shaquille O’Neal, 20.0 ppg) pre-NHL game and would love to be able to Dream date: Heidi Klumum 2005 Spurs 1 (Tim Duncan, 20.3 ppg) sing, play guitar and feel the energy of the My heroes: My mom aandnd dad 2004 Pistons 0 (Richard Hamilton, 17.6 ppg) crowd for those 2-plus hours. Would want to My bucket list: 1. Attendnd a practice 2003 Spurs 1 (Duncan, 23.3 ppg) see if the feeling after a concert is the same or round or Thursday roundound at the better than after an NHL victory. Masters; 2. Play golf foror a week 2002 Lakers 2 (O’Neal, 27.2 ppg, Kobe First job: Paper route, 11 or 12, Cheshire, in Ireland w/ friends Bryant, 25.2 ppg) CT. Had to deliver 35 papers over a 6-mile — JeJeffff D’Alessio 2001 Lakers 2 (O’Neal, 28.7 ppg, Bryant, route. I’d bungee-cord the papers to the 28.5 ppg) PETER NEWCOMB FOR TSN 2000 Lakers 2 (O’Neal, 29.7 ppg, Bryant, A Division I head basketball coach at 31? If 22.5 ppg) anyone can do it, it’s Memphis’ Josh Pastner, Sporting News college hoops expert Mike — World Features Syndicate DeCourcy explains in the new magazine. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Overnight Report FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 4 NATIONAL LEAGUE If you deliver Philadelphia 3, L.A. Dodgers 0 it daily, they Phils win 7th in row behind dominant Hamels will come. LOS ANGELES— turned back the Phillies 3, Dodgers 0 calendar to last October, when he and the Philadelphia AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Rollins ss 5 0 0 0 0 0 .224 left Dodger Stadium as Utley 2b 3 1 1 0 2 1 .299 the newly crowned National League Werth cf 4 1 2 1 1 0 .257 Howard 1b 2 0 0 1 1 1 .263 champions. Ibanez lf 4 0 1 1 0 2 .335 Hamels turned in another dominant per- Feliz 3b 4 0 1 0 0 0 .297 Bruntlett rf 4 0 0 0 0 1 .122 formance against Los Angeles on Thursday Ruiz c 3 1 2 0 1 1 .303 night, pitching a five-hitter for his third Hamels p 2 0 0 0 0 1 .154 career , and the defending World Totals 31 3 7 3 5 7 Series champions extended their winning Los Angeles AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Pierre lf 4 0 1 0 0 0 .367 streak to seven games with a 3-0 victory. Furcal ss 4 0 0 0 0 1 .239 Hamels was the MVP of last year’s NLCS Hudson 2b 3 0 0 0 0 1 .324 Blake 3b 3 0 0 0 0 1 .290 and World Series. He won both starts against Loney 1b 3 0 1 0 0 1 .285 Los Angeles in the playoffs, including a 5-1 Martin c 3 0 0 0 0 0 .263 Ethier rf 3 0 1 0 0 0 .263 decision at Chavez Ravine that wrapped up Kemp cf 3 0 1 0 0 1 .311 the Phillies’ first pennant since 1993. Kershaw p 1 0 1 0 0 0 .167 Belisario p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 For those wondering what the 25-year-old a-Loretta ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .283 left-hander could possibly do for an encore Wade p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 Leach p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- this season, this was a good start. Mota p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 FREE! “That’s always something that kind of gets b-Hoffmann ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .158 Sign up Totals 29 0 5 0 0 5 in your mind,” said Hamels, 4-0 with a 2.84 Today! ERA over his last seven outings. “I mean, you Philadelphia 000 101 100 — 3 7 0 don’t have the type of time off to really gather Los Angeles 000 000 000 — 0 5 0 your thoughts and get prepared for another a-popped out for Belisario in the 6th. b-flied out for Mota in the 9th. LOB: Philadelphia 9, Los Angeles 2. season. I had a little bump in the road with 2B: Utley (9), Ibanez (14), Feliz (14), Ethier (13). RBIs: the elbow soreness, and that kind of delayed Werth (28), Howard (46), Ibanez (53). SB: Ruiz (3). The country’s fi rst and only S: Hamels 2. SF: Howard. Runners left in scoring some things. But I’m ready to go now.” position: Philadelphia 5 (Rollins 2, Bruntlett, Howard, Hamels (4-2) threw 97 pitches, retiring 18 LORI SHEPLER / AP Werth); Los Angeles 2 (Pierre, Furcal). DP: Philadelphia daily digital sports newspaper. of his last 20 batters and allowing only two Cole Hamels threw only 97 pitches and gave up just five hits for his fourth victory of the season. 2 (Rollins, Utley, Howard), (Rollins, Howard). runners as far as second base—one of them Philadelphia IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Hamels W, 4-2 9 5 0 0 0 5 97 4.40 on defensive indifference in the ninth. He big guy because it’s hard on you In his May 14 start against the Dodgers at Los Angeles IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Delivered via email every morning, 7 days a became the first opposing pitcher to throw a and that really pushes up your pitch count,” Philadelphia, Hamels gave up two runs in Kershaw L, 3-4 5 1⁄3 4 2 2 3 5 105 4.26 Belisario 2⁄3 0 0 0 0 0 4 2.18 week, Sporting News Today is your one-stop shutout at Dodger Stadium since ’s Hamels said. “My past three or four games seven and settled for a no-decision in Wade 2⁄3 2 1 1 1 0 16 5.12 on Aug. 5, 2007. I’ve been going 110 pitches and only getting the Phillies’ 5-3 loss. Leach 2⁄3 0 0 0 0 1 8 5.19 destination for breaking sports stories plus Hamels, whose 196 last season through the sixth. So pitch efficiency is some- “The kid is good. What can you say? When Mota 1 2⁄3 1 0 0 1 1 18 6.04 were the third-most among lefties behind for- thing I’ve been trying to work on.” he’s on the mound, he ain’t got time to be put- Inherited runners-scored: Belisario 2-0, Leach 2-0. news about every team, every game and IBB: off Mota (Utley), off Wade (Utley), off Kershaw mer Award winners CC Sabathia The was Hamels’ fifth in 94 ting guys on base. He lets them make contact (Ruiz). Umpires: Home, Chris Guccione; First, Todd every score from coast-to-coast. and Johan Santana, fanned five and walked career starts, and the first this season by the and he trusts his defense,” Orlando Hudson Tichenor; Second, Mike Winters; Third, Tony Randazzo. none while lowering his ERA to 4.40. Phillies’ staff. said. “He throws strikes, he doesn’t walk T: 2:31. A: 33,839 (56,000). “Sometimes I’ll have a lot of strikeouts and “This is one you just forget about, basically, anybody, he trusts his offspeed pitches and sometimes I won’t. But I don’t want to be the and chalk it up to the fact that he pitched does a great job of moving the ball up and Experience America’s hottest new product. well,” Juan Pierre said. “He threw strikes down and in and out.” Sign up at sportingnewstoday.com. It’s free. Johnson wins No. 300, Page 20 and we couldn’t put any heat on him.” — The Associated Press SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Next Gen: MLB Draft FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 5 Q&A with ... Tanner Scheppers, St. Paul Saints/Fresno State ‘I just kind of threw hard and that was that’ Tanner Scheppers appeared on his way to being I was at Athletes’ Performance for a Top 10 selection in the 2008 draft, but a shoulder A: about four months out in Carson, injury at Fresno State sidelined him and he dropped California, out in L.A. It’s a pretty respected to the second round, 48th overall, to Pittsburgh. program. A lot of big-league guys have gone The two sides couldn’t come to terms and he’s through there. I worked out with (Yankees back in ’09, considered a first-round choice again. pitcher) Phil Hughes, (Blue Jays pitcher) Ricky Spending some time with the Independent league Romero, during the offseason , St. Paul Saints, Scheppers caught up with Sporting Milton Bradley, a couple people like that. They News Today’s Ken Bradley to discuss his career and had me on a food plan, a nutritionist—I gained Tuesday’s draft. 15-20 pounds and really just kind of got me ready for this season. Out of Dana Hills High School Q: in California, you were a At what point in your career did shortstop. Fresno recruited you as a Q: you start thinking you had what shortstop. How’d you become a it took to be a Major League pitcher? pitcher, much less one who’s a likely (Laughs) Probably my junior year first-round draft pick Tuesday? A: (at Fresno). I didn’t think too much My pitching coach at Fresno of it until then. A: when I got there, Bobby Jones, sat me down after the first month and How many teams and scouts he’s like, “you have a great arm and Q: have been coming to see you everything and I know we recruited pitch for the Saints? you as a shortstop, but I really feel like Normally around 20 on average. your future is pitching and maybe you A: should shut down shortstop and make pitching your ideal focus. I took a few You get the impression most are days to think about it and I wasn’t Q: wanting to see how the really getting too much playing time at shoulder is holding up? shortstop my freshman year with LENNY IGNELZI / AP Obviously they’re watching my Christian Vitters there at short. So I Tanner Scheppers was a second-round pick by the Pirates in last June’s draft, but the sides could not come to an agreement. A: every move and making sure decided I’d give it a shot and start everything is all right. It’s their job to do pitching. So you don’t think Coach Jones The Pirates gave me a program they Was it difficult for you that and they’re more than welcome. I’ve Q: was trying to get you to switch A: wanted me to follow—where they Q: realizing you were not going to been more than happy for them to be at all Did you pitch some in high because of your work at the plate, do wanted me to be by the time I went to Pitts- be pitching at Fresno or in the minors my private workouts when I wasn’t here in Q: school? you? burgh and pitch for them. During all of that, I for a full year? Was there any panic? St. Paul. I’m definitely not hiding Yeah I did. I pitched—I think it (Laughs) I don’t really know. I had one of their scouts following me for about a You know, there really wasn’t any anything. A: was like 30 innings throughout A: wasn’t good enough to play my month, videotaping me and being with me A: panic on my part. In my heart I my high school career. I just kind of freshman year, so maybe … during all my workouts. To all my knowledge, I knew my arm was fine and everything Your bio says Ichiro is your threw hard and that was that. did exactly what they wanted me to do. When I was going to be OK. Pittsburgh just didn’t Q: favorite player. He’s on a A May 2008 shoulder injury went up there, they said I wasn’t where they want to take that chance on me and now 27-game hitting streak right now. Now that you’re a pitcher, you Q: dropped you from a potential wanted me to be, so there was some confusion I’m here in this current situation. Think you have an idea how to get him Q: ever miss the chance to swing Top 10 pick to a second-round there. Then we just couldn’t come to an out? the bat? selection last year. You didn’t sign. agreement. My advisor, my agent Greg Genske What have you done the past I think I’d just try to challenge him (Laughs) No, no. I haven’t missed Why was that? advised me not to sign. So I didn’t and I’m Q: year to stay in shape and keep A: and hope he makes a mistake. He’s A: that in a long, long time. lucky enough to play here at St. Paul. your arm strong? a tough one. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Next Gen: MLB Draft FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 6 Q&A with ... Aaron Crow, Fort Worth Cats/Missouri Draft order First round ‘You can’t really control which team picks you’ 1. Washington Nationals 2. 3. Aaron Crow is a familiar name—he was and 127 strikeouts in 107.1 4. taken ninth last year and likely will improve innings and Big 12 pitcher of the 5. Baltimore Orioles on that this year after not reaching an year? 6. 7. agreement with the Nationals. The 6-foot-3 When I was a freshman, the 8. righthander has spent some time with the A: thing was repeating my 9. Detroit Tigers Fort Worth Cats of the American Association delivery. I was throwing strikes, but 10. Washington Nationals (9B, for independent league team recently, fine- they were belt high all the time. The unsigned 2008 No. 9 overall pick Aaron tuning his game for Tuesday’s MLB Draft. whole time I was in college, I was Crow) 11. He recently caught up with Sporting News working out and getting better and 12. Today’s Ken Bradley to talk about the draft. stronger. My delivery was getting 13. Oakland A’s better. By my sophomore year, I was 14. You were the ninth throwing harder and my location 15. overall pick last year by was better. It was a progression—I 16. Q: 17. Arizona Diamondbacks (from the Washington Nationals but made a pretty big jump from my Dodgers - Orlando Hudson) never reached an agreement. Do freshman to junior years. 18. Florida Marlins you still feel good about your 19. St. Louis Cardinals decision to sit out and re-enter When it became reality 20. Toronto Blue Jays the draft this year? that you weren’t going to 21. Houston Astros Q: 22. I’m happy with where I’m at sign, what went through your 23. Chicago White Sox A: right now. I’m enjoying my mind—you were finished at 24. (from Mets— time in Fort Worth. The time Missouri, wouldn’t be in the Francisco Rodriguez) between now and last August, I’ve minors anywhere. What went 25. Los Angeles Angels (from Yankees— gotten in a lot better shape, put on through your mind? Mark Teixeira) 26. some weight. I’m just glad to be back The thing I realized this past 27. Seattle Mariners (from Phillies—Raul playing again. A: year is that you can’t really Ibanez) control which team picks you. You 28. Did things really start just go out and put together the best 29. (28B, for unsigned coming together in the body of work you can—you can’t 2008 No. 28 overall pick Gerrit Cole) Q: 30. Cape Cod League in 2007 when control the rest. Whoever drafts me 31. Chicago Cubs you were dominant (3-1, 0.67 this year, I’m sure they’ll be happy 32. Colorado Rockies (from Angels— ERA) playing for Falmouth? with what I can do. Brian Fuentes) Playing up in Cape Cod was awesome. It was probably the Who’s the one major Compensation round A A: 33. Seattle Mariners (Raul Ibanez) best team I’ve ever played on—we Q: leaguer you’re looking 34. Colorado Rockies (Brian Fuentes) had like five guys on that team taken forward to getting the 35. Arizona Diamondbacks (Orlando in the first round and (then-Mis- opportunity to face? Hudson) souri teammate) Kyle Gibson. It was The first one who comes to 36. () a real confidence booster going into mind is Albert Pujols 37. Toronto Blue Jays (A.J Burnett) A: 38. Chicago White Sox (Orlando Cabrera) my last season. because he’s the best hitter in 39. Milwaukee Brewers (CC Sabathia) baseball. His numbers are stupid— 40. Los Angeles Angels (Mark Teixeira) What happened between he’s the best hitter I’ve seen in my 41. Arizona Diamondbacks (Juan Cruz) Q: your first year at Mizzou whole life. It would be great to say I 42. Los Angeles Angels (Francisco (1-4, 4.06 ERA, 60 strikeouts in had a chance to pitch against a guy Rodriguez) 77-plus innings) to 2008 when who’s going to be in the Hall of Fame DAVID ADAME / AP you were 13-0 with a 2.35 ERA one day. Aaron Crow went from 1-4 as a freshman to 13-0 in his sophomore season at Missouri. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Next Gen: NBA Draft FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 7 Q&A with ... SG Marcus Thornton Q&A with ... G Stephen Curry ‘I am blessed to be in this position’ Curry sees himself at point, as a Knick

Marcus Thornton might be the embodi- In three years, Stephen Curry went from ment of a bubble player in this year’s too skinny for the ACC to more than ready draft—he has first-round talent, is a very for the NBA draft. Curry recently spoke good shooter and averaged 21.1 points with Sporting News Today’s Dave Curtis for LSU this year. But, because he’s only and other reporters about his pedigree, 6-4, most scouts consider him a late his recruitment, and his potential future first-rounder, or possibly an early second- destinations: rounder. Sporting News Today’s Sean Deveney talked to Thornton about han- How much has your dad dling the workout circuit, and about his Q: (former NBA player attempts to prove some of his detractors Dell Curry) influenced your wrong. basketball career? He’s meant so much. From You have something in A: the beginning, I’ve tried to Q: the range of 4 percent follow his model in a lot of ways. I body fat. Do you only eat remember being 7 years old and salads, or what? going to his practices, throwing up No, no, it’s nothing like NBA 3s and trying to be like my A: that. I eat like a kid. dad. In high school and college, I Snacks, candy, all of that. My mom went to him for advice so many always warns me about that. But I times. don’t put a whole lot of weight on, for some reason. Given how everything JEFF SINER / AP Q: turned out for you, are Stephen Curry, a projected Top 10 pick in the draft, doesn’t fault ACC schools for passing on him. You went to junior you surprised you weren’t Q: college and then to LSU recruited harder out of high What about a position in playing in the Garden 41 games and now you’re trying to get BILL FEIG / AP school? Q: the NBA? Where do you every year. That’s a legacy. How drafted. You’ve kind of done LSU’s Marcus Thornton had to go the junior-college route, but feels it made him a better man. Not really. You know, I see yourself? can you beat that? this the hard way. Can that be A: probably wasn’t that I’m a true point guard. It’s beneficial now, as you go I see all of that. I can take team gets me, I can say this: They’ll attractive to a lot of the bigger A: something I’ve been What’s most appealing through the process? A: constructive criticism, that be getting a special player. schools. If I was a coach, and I was working toward, and I’ve really Q: about the Garden? I took the long route, but I is how I look at it. That motivates recruiting a guy like myself— focused on my ballhandling and All the great players who A: don’t think that is a bad me every day, to see the things that Have you been able to scrawny, 150 pounds—as an ACC my shooting to be able to do that. A: have played there before. thing. I had to prepare myself to get people think I can’t do. I saw a Q: speak much to your old coach, it would be tough to take a The great games, the crowds, the to this position. But obviously it couple of things, like my ballhan- friend and former LSU player chance on a guy like that. … Everybody’s linking you big city. When we played there in worked out for the best, and I am dling. OK, when the time comes, I Tyrus Thomas? Physically, I’m sure they thought, Q: to the Knicks, including college, it was so much fun. And I blessed to be in this position. Going will show them that I can do that. Yes, I talked to him. When “could he get through the season?” yourself. What’s the lure? played maybe the worst 35 min- to junior college, that’s not the usual A: I have free time, I go to his Mike D’Antoni’s system. utes of basketball before I made path, but I think, school-wise, it Is there a team you want house and hang out and joke What’s your biggest A: They run, get up and down, some shots down the stretch and worked out for me, and in the end, it Q: to go to? around. We grew up together, so Q: memory from the NCAA and that’s what I’ve done my whole we ended up beating West Vir- has made me become a better man. I Any team that needs it’s good to have him behind me. Tournament run in 2008? life. They need a point guard who ginia. Maybe I can pick up right am grateful for that. A: scoring. Any team that Going through this process, he is The best part was probably can shoot. And the other part is where I left off. needs a guy to go to when they need like my big brother. He has been A: seeing that sea of red at Ford Do you hear the things a basket. Any team that needs a telling me the ins and outs of all Field. You would look up into the Q: scouts say about you, winner, too. I feel I can help any the stuff I am going through, crowd, and it really sunk in, what MORE COVERAGE from sportingnews.com the negative things? team that needs that. Whatever because he went through it, too. we were doing and how big it was. Video of Curry’s putback dunk in Bobcats workout: sportingnews.com/blog/The_Baseline SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Next Gen: Recruiting / College Basketball FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 8

RECRUITING DISH COLLEGE BASKETBALL INSIDE DISH Five-star CB Milliner Mizzou’s Anderson joins USA Basketball staff chooses Crimson Tide Missouri coach Mike Anderson will work as a USA Basketball assistant Stanhope Elmore (Millbrook, Luke Graham had been working on after leading the Tigers to a school- Ala.) CB Demarcus Milliner committed getting him to commit to the Nit- record 31 wins in the 2008-09 sea- to Alabama during a press confer- tany Lions. Dieffenbach made his son. Anderson will help train 40 ence Thursday afternoon. announcement earlier this week. athletes trying to earn spots on the Listed as a five-star prospect by Ricketts and Dieffenbach are rated national teams for the U19 World two recruiting services, Milliner four-star prospects by Scout.com. Championship and the World Uni- (6-1, 180) said he chose the Crim- “Aggressiveness is something I versity Games. son Tide over Auburn, LSU, Geor- like to pride myself on,” Ricketts told Team trials take place later this gia and South Carolina. SN Today. “I like being in the other month at the U.S. Olympic Training “I am going to be wearing that guy’s face; I’m mean on the field. Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. Crimson jersey,” Milliner told The “I’d like to get better as an ath- Anderson’s fellow assistant Tuscaloosa News. “I love the tradi- lete—stronger, faster.” coaches include John Beilein of tion of the program. I will get a Michigan, Gonzaga’s Mark Few and great education at Alabama. I will Jake Heaps of Skyline (Samma- Herb Sendek of Arizona State. Pitts- have a great opportunity for play- mish, Wash.), Sporting News’ top- burgh’s Jamie Dixon is the under-19 ing time. Those were some of the rated for 2010, made team’s coach, with Bo Ryan of Wis- main reasons I decided to commit his commitment to BYU official consin leading the university to Alabama.” Thursday during a press confer- team. ANDRES LEIGHTON / AP As a junior, Milliner had seven ence in Salt Lake City. Also, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski Missouri coach Mike Anderson will help train players trying to make the U19 team. interceptions and scored two What wasn’t expected were com- will stay involved with the U.S. on returns. He also mitments to BYU from two other Olympic Team and may be Team strength and conditioning coach Former Kentucky walk-on had 57 tackles and returned three highly-touted prospects. USA’s head coach in London in 2012, while former G Michael Neal will serve Landon Slone wants to appeal the kicks for scores. BETH HALL / AP Ross Apo, a wide receiver from The Charlotte Observer reported. as a graduate assistant manager. NCAA requirement that he sit out “He has so much range that he can Tide coach Nick Saban has landed CB Demarcus Oakridge School in Arlington, “I’m going to be with the Olym- Szendrei played mostly as a the upcoming season following a cover a large amount of ground and Milliner, who had seven picks as a junior. Texas, dropped his commitment to pic Team in some capacity,” reserve for Oklahoma on teams transfer to Morehead State, the be dangerous from any part of the Texas and announced he was going Krzyzewski said during his K that made it to the Final Four in Lexington Herald-Leader reported. field,” Stanhope Elmore coach Jeff to a five-year NFL career. to BYU during the same press con- Academy camp at Duke. 2002 and Elite Eight in 2003. Neal Slone said the transfer is invol- Foshee, a former Alabama player, told The younger Ricketts said his ference that Heaps revealed his was a starter in the Sooners’ back- untary, forced on him by the new the newspaper. “He’s basically the final choices were Penn State, decision. Apo is rated a four-star Washington State’s Charlie court from 2005 to 2007. coaching staff. air traffic controller coming out of Maryland and Pitt. His final top prospect by Rivals.com. Enquist has been awarded a scholar- “It was kind of set on me,” he told the defensive backfield. six also included Boston College, Zac Stout, a linebacker out of Oaks ship for next season after he spent Tom Green, who won more than the newspaper. “I had to leave.” “Demarcus can cover receivers Florida State and Stanford. Christian (Westlake Village, Calif.) last season as a walk-on. The Cou- 400 games in 26 seasons as basket- and also be a sure tackler.” “I’m excited,” Ricketts told SN also committed to the Cougars. gars also announced that Fabian ball coach at Fairleigh Dickinson, has Wisconsin-Platteville, a Division Today. “From this point on, it’s the Stout is rated a four-star recruit by Boeke will end his playing career been fired, the Star-Ledger of Newark, III school, is interviewing Will Ryan, a Another four-star offensive start of something big. I’m really two recruiting services. He is a due to continuing back problems N.J., reported. No decision has been North Dakota State assistant and the lineman is heading to Happy Valley. excited for what the future holds. high school teammate of QB Nick and freshman Nick Witherill has been made yet on a replacement. Green son of Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan, for its North Allegheny (Wexford, Pa.) OL “... In the end, this was going to Montana, son of Joe Montana, and released from his scholarship. took over as Fairleigh Dickinson’s head coaching job. Bo Ryan compiled Thomas Ricketts has committed to Penn be the school I picked. I was always SN100 players Erik Kohler (OL) and coach in 1983 and who guided the a 353-76 record at Wisconsin-Platte- State, he told Sporting News Today. sure that I wanted to be at Penn Malcolm Jones (RB). Two former Oklahoma players team to seven 20-win seasons, four ville with four NCAA Division III Ricketts (6-6, 265) is the son of Tom State when I visited.” Heaps, Apo and Stout are partici- are returning to campus to join coach NCAA Tournament berths, and two national championships from 1984 to Ricketts, who played college football Ricketts said fellow Penn State pating in junior day at BYU today. Jeff Capel’s staff. Former Sooners C appearances in the NIT. He leaves 1999. The basketball floor is called “Bo for Pitt in the late 1980s and went on OL recruits Miles Dieffenbach and — Brian McLaughlin Joszef Szendrei will be the team’s new with a career record of 407-35. Ryan Court.” SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com College Basketball FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 9 Lee an example of NCAA’s superior development

Courtney Lee was a star in high seasons with the Hilltoppers and Jennings’ teammates with Roma school, no question about that. As a now is South Carolina’s head coach. was 28. The two players younger junior, he was a key member of a state “The other thing is he got in a sit- than him, both from Italy, played a championship team at Indianapolis uation that was great for him. And I combined 52 minutes all season. Pike. He was second-team all-state as think that can be different for every The basic U.S. structure—high a senior and played for Indiana in its kid. He got to contribute right away school to college to pro—frequently traditional all-star series against the and developed while playing and transforms young men such as Lee best players from gained confidence by producing.” from prospects into players. Kentucky. The story of Lee’s ascendance is “By the time he was a junior, he But all that got not entirely uncommon here in the was on the NBA’s radar. Not a can’t- him a ticket to the . Jameer Nelson was miss, but definitely on the radar,” Sun Belt Confer- not an elite recruit but exploded to Horn said. “As a senior, it wasn’t ence, where he excellence in four years at Saint his game so much. It was, ‘We just played four years Joseph’s, where he became national want to see him dominate. We want for Western Ken- player of the year. After missing to see him mature. We want to see Mike DeCourcy tucky. Why? much of the season with injury, him be aggressive.’ And as a senior, COLLEGE BASKETBALL Because at the Nelson joins Lee for the Magic in he was finally able to take that step. time there their series against the Lakers. “I think there’s LeBron, D-Wade, appeared to be better prospects for Delonte West, an essential part of Kobe and those guys—and every- the big-timers to pursue. Talent Cleveland’s league-best regular sea- body else is trying to make a living. scout Dave Telep remembers Lee son, was even less esteemed upon You might never dominate a game, as a “three-star recruit … thought entering St. Joe’s than Nelson. Miami but if you can’t prove you can domi- he’d be good, but not top 100.” Heat guard Dwyane Wade was not a nate a game on the college level and So how does Lee go from maybe top-100 prospect out of high school change games you’re going to strug- the 120th player in his high school but became an NBA great after three DAVID RICHARD / AP gle to make an impact in the league.” class to the No. 22 pick in the 2008 years under Tom Crean at Marquette. While some preps are opting for Europe over college, Orlando’s Courtney Lee (11) has proven his four years at Western Kentucky made him NBA ready. Lee went from Pike’s state cham- NBA draft to the sixth-leading Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah pionship to Western Kentucky’s scorer for the Orlando Magic, who was ranked No. 75 by Rivals.com in career. Point guard Brandon Jen- players. There are important play- players during summer months. 2008 Sweet 16 appearance to the opened the NBA Finals on Thurs- his high school class. Upon leading nings played last season in Italy. Big ers in these Finals, certainly, that What college offers, though, is the NBA Finals in his rookie season. day night? Florida to consecutive NCAA titles, man Jeremy Tyler is passing up his have been imported from that sys- opportunity to play important min- “I don’t think he’s ever been on a Hard work, athletic gifts, quality he became the No. 9 selection in the senior year of high school to pursue tem. But what you’re getting is basi- utes in meaningful games. There is team that didn’t win a bunch of coaching and, for the purposes of 2007 draft. a pro deal overseas. cally the absolute best from a variety no substitute for that experience, games,” Horn said. this discussion, the too-often-over- They’re not working this sort of Aside from the obvious lure of of nations: Spain (Pau Gasol), Tur- and college puts young players in Had Lee tried his luck as a teen- looked developmental value of magic—oops, sorry—anywhere else being paid to play, what is stressed key (Hedo Turkoglu), Poland (Mar- that position more frequently. ager in Spain, that sentence might NCAA basketball. in the world. There suddenly is a most often as Europe’s advantage is cin Gortat). The better European leagues are have been translated to: I don’t think “He needed time to mature, like fantasy being pitched to particular the unrestricted practice time the Practice drills can help to improve not built for development. These he’s ever been on a team where he didn’t probably every 18-year-old—over- young players that signing profes- players experience. But all that skill, and the NCAA certainly are professional teams trying to watch them win a bunch of games. all, not just as a player,” said Darrin sional contracts in Europe is a supe- practice isn’t turning out an over- needs to abandon its archaic rules win meaningful championships. See the difference? Horn, who coached Lee’s four rior means of preparing for an NBA whelming number of excellent NBA against coaches working with their That’s why the average age of [email protected]

WEEKDAYS 10AM–1PM ET Listen on Sirius Satellite Radio Channel 127, online at SportingNews.com or check your local listings for broadcast times in your area. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NBA FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 10 NOTEBOOK NBA FINALS GAME 1: L.A. LAKERS 100 ORLANDO 75 Playing Nelson a tough decision

Magic coach Stan Van Gundy agonized over the decision Last year’s Finals loss still driving Lakers to activate point guard Jameer Nelson and use him in the Finals—choosing to play him was, according to Van Gundy, actually the more difficult way to go. “The easiest decision, LOS ANGELES—The Lakers had been Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu the one that would create no problems, would have been waiting for this for nearly a year. to just three 3-pointers. In the paint, not to play him,” Van Gundy said. “He would have under- They remembered, all too well, the the Lakers outscored the Magic, stood, it wouldn’t have upset our rotation or any of our sting of losing the NBA Finals to Bos- 56-22. players and I wouldn’t open myself to any criticism not ton last year, a six-game series that Most of all, though, it was Kobe playing him.” included a 39-point loss in the finale. Bryant’s night. Bryant has been espe- What was especially difficult was moving point guard “It definitely made us hungry,” said cially short with the media lately, and Anthony Johnson to third on the point guard depth chart, forward Pau Gasol. he admits that his kids are calling him and bumping Tyronn Lue onto the inactive list. “I tell you “We’re mad, obvi- “Grumpy” at home. “Like in the seven what, it was really, really tough to take two great veteran ously. We’re upset dwarfs,” Bryant said. “I have been a guys and tell them, to take Ty Lue and tell him he was going about losing in The grouch.” to be on the inactive list and to tell Anthony Johnson that, at Finals, especially He’s been a grouch because he’s least in the beginning here, I am going to play Jameer ahead the way we lost.” made this series all about erasing the of him,” Van Gundy said. “That’s a very, very difficult thing And so there was sting of last year’s Finals. “I just want to do.” something cathartic it so bad, that’s all,” Bryant said. Nelson played 23 minutes in Game 1, finishing with six Sean Deveney about finally getting He got off to a good start. He scored points and four assists. Johnson did not play. PRO BASKETBALL a shot at redemp- 40 points, adding eight rebounds and tion, starting Tues- eight assists. He was as intense as he’s Jackson knows Magic’s situation day night in Game 1 of this year’s NBA been in the playoffs. At one point, Speaking of Nelson, Lakers coach Phil Jackson was in a Finals. Certainly, the Lakers played Bryant committed a reaching foul on similar situation last year, when he brought back small for- like a team with a year’s worth of Dwight Howard in the third quarter, ward Trevor Ariza from a broken foot and played him in the frustration tugging at their shoulders, which caused him to grimace, slam conference finals and The Finals. Ariza did not play more crushing Orlando, 100-75, in a game his foot and chirp at referee Dan than nine minutes in any game, however. “I didn’t think that was as much about erasing the Crawford. His reaction might have (Ariza) felt comfortable, otherwise we probably would have pain of last year as it was taking a 1-0 been expected in the heat of a tight played him more,” Jackson said. lead in this year’s series. game. But the Lakers were up by 25 at “Of course last year is something that point. LeBron: My bad that still motivates us,” forward “We understand how much he NBA commissioner David Stern spoke to the media before Lamar Odom said. “That is some- wants this,” Odom said. “We all know the game, and he said Cavs star LeBron James understood thing we had talked about since train- how badly he wants this why he was fined $25,000 for skipping his media obligation ing camp.” championship.” after Cleveland lost the conference finals. Which made this an especially sat- And, because of that, there won’t be “He expressed to me that when the left the building and did isfying win for the Lakers. They much dwelling on the blowout win in not meet the media or did not congratulate the Magic, he was dominated in every facet. They held Game 1. The Lakers are well aware wrong,” Stern said. the Magic to 29.9 percent shooting. that Orlando has a history of digging They outrebounded the Magic, 55-41. holes and climbing out of them, hav- CHRIS CARLSON / AP Always time for sports They were credited with 18 assists, ing bounced back from a 2-1 deficit in Pau Gasol, right, and the Lakers are hungry to redeem their poor showing against Boston. Van Gundy did see that President Obama picked the Lak- compared to just 10 for Orlando. They the first round and a 3-2 deficit in the ers to win The Finals in six games. “I hope that President held Dwight Howard—who scored second. The Lakers were dominant, performance. But there’s still a long “We have to move on. This is a resil- Obama, with what’s going on with our economy and over- 40 in his last outing—to a measly 12 they were looking like themselves way to go. ient Orlando Magic team. We still seas, I hope he’s got a lot more things to be concerned about,” points on 1-for-6 shooting, and lim- again and they were able to start mak- “The best thing we can do with this have a lot of work to do.” Van Gundy said. ited the deep-shooting tandem of ing amends for last year’s Finals win is forget about it,” Bryant said. [email protected] — Sean Deveney SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NBA FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 11

Glance NBA FINALS GAME 1: L.A. LAKERS 100 ORLANDO 75 (Best-of-7) All times, ET (L.A. Lakers lead series 1-0)

Thursday: L.A. Lakers 100, Orlando 75 ‘Black Mamba’ lethal, sparks blowout with 40 Sunday: Orlando at L.A. Lakers, 8 p.m., ABC Tuesday: L.A. Lakers at Orlando, 9 LOS ANGELES—Kobe Bryant has used that humiliation to motivate p.m., ABC waited a year, a long year, for them all season and throughout Thursday, June 11: L.A. Lakers at another chance at NBA title. He’s these playoffs. Orlando, 9 p.m., ABC not about to let this one slip away. They are on a mission. Sunday, June 14: L.A. Lakers at The Olympic gold medal was The Magic, who went 2-0 against Orlando 8 p.m., if necessary, ABC nice. Not nearly enough. the Lakers in the regular season, Tuesday, June 16: Orlando at L.A. He covets another golden trophy. appeared a touch overwhelmed in Lakers, 9 p.m., if necessary, ABC “I just want it so bad, that’s all,” their first finals appearance since Thursday, June 18: Orlando at L.A. Bryant said. “I just want it really 1995. Not even the return of All- Lakers, 9 p.m., if necessary, ABC bad.” Star point guard Jameer Nelson Bryant, playing like a man pos- from a four-month layoff following sessed, scored 40 points and the shoulder surgery could help the Orlando 24 19 15 17 — 75 Los Angeles Lakers, who have Eastern Conference champions. L.A. Lakers 22 31 29 18 — 100 waited nearly one year for a chance Orlando center Dwight Howard ORLANDO Min FG FT Reb A PF PTS to erase bitter memories of a Bos- was engulfed by two and three Turkoglu 33:05 3-11 6-6 0-4 2 2 13 ton beatdown and a championship Lakers every time he touched the Lewis 35:32 2-10 2-2 2-5 0 4 8 Howard 34:58 1-6 10-16 5-15 2 3 12 they felt belonged to them, pounded ball and scored 12 points—10 on Alston 24:32 2-9 2-2 0-2 1 1 6 the Orlando Magic 100-75 in Game free throws—on just 1-of-6 Lee 22:45 3-10 0-0 1-1 0 3 7 Pietrus 32:25 5-13 1-3 1-3 0 4 14 1 on Thursday night. shooting. Battie 5:24 1-3 0-0 0-1 0 0 2 This year, nothing short of a 15th And the Magic’s outside shoot- Gortat 20:06 2-4 0-0 1-8 0 3 4 Nelson 23:28 3-9 0-0 0-2 4 1 6 title will do for the Lakers. ers, so deadly while eliminating Redick 7:45 1-2 0-0 0-0 1 0 3 And with the sensational Bryant MVP LeBron James and the Cleve- Totals 240:00 23-77 21-29 10-41 10 21 75 out front, they may be on their land Cavaliers in the conference Percentages: FG .299, FT .724. 3-Point Goals: 8-23, .348 (Pietrus way. finals, were off the mark. 3-5, Lewis 2-4, Redick 1-1, Turkoglu 1-3, Lee 1-4, Nelson 0-2, Alston 0-4). Team Rebounds: 8. Team Turnovers: 8 (11 PTS). Blocked Game 2 is Sunday night at star- The Magic went just 8-of-23 on Shots: 8 (Gortat 4, Howard 2, Battie, Turkoglu). Turnovers: 8 studded Staples Center, where actors 3s and shot only 30 percent (Turkoglu 4, Howard 2, Lee, Nelson). Steals: 8 (Gortat 2, Howard 2, Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio overall. Alston, Lee, Redick, Turkoglu). Technical Fouls: None. and rapper Kanye West had front- “We’ve never had a shooting L.A. LAKERS Min FG FT Reb A PF PTS Ariza 23:47 1-4 0-0 1-2 2 3 3 row seats to see another virtuoso night this bad,” Howard said. Gasol 37:18 7-12 2-2 3-8 3 3 16 performance by Bryant, who scored “We’ve just got to come out and Bynum 22:23 3-8 3-4 3-9 0 4 9 Fisher 32:00 4-6 0-0 1-3 1 3 9 18 points in the third quarter as the play a lot harder than we did Bryant 37:58 16-34 8-8 1-8 8 1 40 Lakers opened a 26-point lead and tonight.” MARK J. TERRILL / AP Odom 31:39 5-11 1-2 2-14 0 3 11 Walton 24:13 4-5 1-2 1-2 2 3 9 embarrassed the Magic. Orlando is facing some daunting Kobe Bryant, right, and the Lakers stayed a step ahead of Dwight Howard and the Magic, dominating the visitors after the first quarter. Farmar 12:32 0-3 0-0 0-2 1 1 0 The last time the Lakers were odds, too. Vujacic 5:18 0-1 0-0 0-1 1 2 0 Powell 2:50 1-2 0-0 2-4 0 0 3 seen in the finals, they were head- Lakers coach Phil Jackson, seek- adverse situations before. This is Nothing worked. “He was great. He was tremen- Brown 8:12 0-2 0-0 1-1 0 0 0 ing toward their locker room in ing a record 10th title, is 43-0 in nothing new to them. We’ve got to The self-proclaimed “Black dous,” said Van Gundy, who felt his Mbenga 1:50 0-1 0-0 0-1 0 0 0 Boston last June and summer break series in which his team wins forget about this and move on.” Mamba” slithered around Magic team did a poor job defending the Totals 240:00 41-89 15-18 15-55 18 23 100 after being drubbed by 39 points in Game 1. On the dry-erase board in Orlan- defenders with ease. Bryant scored Lakers’ pick and roll. “We were Percentages: FG .461, FT .833. 3-Point Goals: 3-9, .333 (Fisher 1-1, Powell 1-1, Ariza 1-2, Bryant 0-1, Farmar 0-1, Odom 0-3). Team a series-ending Game 6 by the Celt- Bryant, who added eight do’s locker room, coach Stan Van an effortless 18 points in the first giving him too much space on his Rebounds: 9. Team Turnovers: 9 (8 PTS). Blocked Shots: 7 (Bryant ics. The renewed rivalry between rebounds and eight assists, knows Gundy, in handwriting as neat as a half and then took over in the third pull-up jumpers and he did a good 2, Gasol 2, Ariza, Bynum, Odom). Turnovers: 8 (Gasol 2, Odom 2, Bryant, Farmar, Mbenga, Vujacic). Steals: 4 (Bryant 2, Odom, Wal- the league’s superpowers never the Magic are still dangerous. schoolteacher’s, devoted two sec- quarter, scoring 18 of L.A.’s 29 job of attacking us. I know this: We ton). Technical Fouls: None. panned out. “This is a resilient team,” he said. tions on how he wanted his team to points with an assortment of jump- are a lot better than we showed.” A: 18,997 (18,997). T: 2:28. Officials: Dan Crawford, Joe DeRosa, Bryant and his teammates have “They’ve been through a lot of defend Bryant. ers, fadeaways and layups. — The Associated Press Ken Mauer. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NBA FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 12

INSIDE DISH NBA FINALS GAME 1: L.A. LAKERS 100 ORLANDO 75 Bosh planning Howard: ‘We just weren’t fighting’ free-agent route LOS ANGELES—Rashard Lewis Raptors PF Chris Bosh doesn’t plan to sign a contract clanged jumpers, Dwight Howard extension this summer and is preparing to become a was anything but Super. free agent at the end of next season. And once their two top threats Bosh is in the final year of a deal that will pay him AMY SANCETTA / AP couldn’t get going, the Orlando $15.7 million. While Raptors general manager Bryan LeBron James was fined $25,000 for skipping postgame interviews. Magic had nowhere to look for Colangelo has spoken optimistically in the past about offense. signing Bosh to an extension this summer, Bosh said the organization begins to review the season and look The Magic shot just 29.9 percent that isn’t his intention. ahead to the draft, free agency and next season. from the field in their return to the “(When) I signed a three-year (extension in 2006)... Gilbert, who said the team was in the “break-even NBA finals and were overmatched I had a goal in mind, and that was to put myself in the neighborhood” financially, pledged to do whatever it by the Los Angeles Lakers in a 100- best position (in 2010) ... I’m thinking I just want to will take to win that title. 75 loss in Game 1 on Thursday stick to my goal, stick to what I was doing,” Bosh told night. reporters. “That’s a part of the plan ... I just want to Stern said LeBron James has been fined $25,000 “Our effort tonight, it just wasn’t address things (after) next season. There’s a reason for skipping the postgame news conference after there,” Howard said. “Nobody’s why I did things the way I did them back then.” Cleveland lost to Orlando in the Eastern Conference effort was there. We didn’t go for finals. Stern said Thursday night that he spoke with any loose ball, we just weren’t fight- Before Game 1 of The Finals, commissioner David the Cavaliers star on Wednesday and that James ing. That’s not Magic basketball.” Stern defended the work of the referees, adding they admitted he was wrong to not congratulate Orlando’s Orlando led early, sparked by the will eventually be helped by expanded instant replay, players and coaches after the loss. return of Jameer Nelson, but the and said the technical foul system in which players momentum was quickly lost under are suspended a game in the postseason after accu- Heat G Dwyane Wade has sued a former business a flurry of missed shots. The Magic mulating seven, is working. However, NBA president partner for $100 million, claiming the man maligned weren’t far from the worst shooting MARK J. TERRILL / AP Joel Litvin told ESPN.com that he anticipates an inter- his reputation by making false allegations of illegal drug effort in finals history, Syracuse’s nal re-evaluation after the season to determine if that and steroid use in an e-mail to team president Pat Riley. 27.5 percent performance against Dwight Howard was held to 12 points Thursday after averaging 25.8 in the previous series. number should be increased. Wade’s lawsuit accuses Richard von Houtman of libel and Fort Wayne in 1955. pivotal third quarter, when the inside. I thought they did a good job “Certainly given the attention that this rule has slander. According to the lawsuit, von Houtman accused Nelson was a rusty 3-of-9, but Lakers extended a 10-point half- making that difficult, and we’ve got received, I have no doubt that we’ll be discussing this Wade and other unnamed Heat players in a March 15 that counts as a good night for the time lead to as much as 26. to find a way to get better ball after the playoffs,” Litvin said. message of smoking marijuana and using cocaine and guys in blue uniforms. Orlando’s offense flows best when movement.” steroids. Wade flatly denies the allegations. Howard had 12 points and 15 Howard forces teams to double him, Lewis was averaging 19.4 points Celtics PF Kevin Garnett’s recovery from knee surgery rebounds, but was only 1-of-6 from so he can kick it out to the Magic’s in the postseason, causing matchup apparently is going well—so well that he’s making bold Pacers G Mike Dunleavy had minor arthroscopic sur- the floor. Lewis managed only eight plethora of perimeter threats. But he nightmares for opponents as a statements about the Celtics’ future. According to The gery on his left hip. The team said the operation was points, going 2-of-10. didn’t have many options when he 6-foot-10 3-point threat. Boston Globe, Garnett told team owner Wyc Grousbeck that done to clean up a long-standing injury and was not Howard averaged 25.8 points in threw it back out Thursday. The Lakers forced Lewis to put the Celtics would bring home titles the next two seasons. related to Dunleavy’s rehabilitation of his right knee, the conference finals against Cleve- Hedo Turkoglu was 3-of-11, the ball on the floor, and he’s not as “I talked to (Garnett) and he guaranteed the cham- which forced him to miss all but 18 games last season. land, capped by a 40-point perfor- Courtney Lee 3-of-10, Rafer Alston comfortable shooting off the drib- pionship in 2010 and in 2011,” Grousbeck said. “He Dunleavy also had surgery in March to remove a bone mance in Orlando’s Game 6 clincher. 2-of-9, and Mickael Pietrus 5-of-13. ble. He made two 3-pointers but was as fired up as he’s ever been.” spur that had damaged the patellar tendon in the knee. The Lakers never let him get going in “I thought Dwight made some was 0-for-6 inside the arc. Game 1, sending two or three defend- good passes out. Second half we “It’s only one game. Game 2 we’re Garnett isn’t the only one making title predic- Hornets G Devin Brown has exercised a player’s ers anytime Superman caught the weren’t able to make any shots out going to go back, watch film, figure tions. Cavs owner Dan Gilbert told reporters, “We will option in his contract to return to New Orleans next ball too close to the basket. of that,” Orlando coach Stan Van out a way to move the ball a lot win a championship in Cleveland, Ohio. It will hap- season. The team did not release financial terms of He took only two shots, missing Gundy said. “But I thought we had better.” pen.” Gilbert said he met with general manager Danny the contract. Brown averaged 5.2 points and 1.9 both, and scored two points in the a lot of trouble getting the ball — The Associated Press Ferry and coach Mike Brown all day on Wednesday as rebounds in 13.8 minutes for the Hornets last season. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NHL FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 13

STANLEYS CUP FINALS GAME 4: PITTSBURGH 4 DETROIT 2 NOTEBOOK Exhausted Wings can’t catch energized Penguins Datsyuk warms up, but is held out again PITTSBURGH—It was something he has have allowed during these playoffs. The seldom seen from the Detroit players, and period also marked the return to form of Detroit forward Pavel Datsyuk said his injured Brooks Orpik is getting to know these Sidney Crosby, who scored his first goal foot continues to feel better and was hoping to Red Wings pretty well. of the finals and made a pass few others play Thursday night. But even though he went On their way to a series squaring 4-2 can make in feeding Kennedy for the through a brief warmup before the game, he was win, the Penguins took a one-goal lead fourth goal of the game. held out again. when Sidney Crosby scored his first goal But most telling, it was the period in Datsyuk hasn’t played since Game 2 of the of the Stanley Cup which Orpik noticed that the reigning Western Conference finals. finals. champs were starting to crack—for the “Pavel was pushing it to try to go,” coach Mike Fellow defenseman first time in a long time. Babcock said. But the Hart Trophy candidate Mark Eaton nudged If the Penguins go on to win the Cup, ultimately didn’t get clearance from the team’s Orpik and told him to it’ll be because of Thursday’s second medical staff. check out Detroit’s period. Datsyuk had an extended skating session dur- bench after Crosby’s “If you do the math, it definitely shifted ing the morning skate and afterward said he felt goal. the game, and by winning this game some as good as he had since injuring it. Craig Custance The players were of the momentum has shifted,” Eaton “I feel much better today,” Datsyuk said. HOCKEY slumped over. said. His optimism and quality time in practice left Exhausted. Nothing Yeah, some. How about all of it? teammates to believe Datsyuk should be ready close to the dominant, After losing the first two games, the to go in Game 5 Saturday. immovable force the Penguins saw last Penguins maintained they were a confi- “We’re hoping to get him back in the next year. dent team and this was similar to the game,” Detroit captain Nicklas Lidstrom said. “They looked frustrated, looked like second-round series they won in seven “If he comes back for the next one, he just adds they had no energy,” Orpik said. “When games over the Washington Capitals that extra dimension to our team. He works you see that, you feed off it.” after dropping the first two games. really hard defensively. He’s just tough to play When Tyler Kennedy scored to open The Red Wings aren’t the Capitals, but against.” the Pittsburgh lead to two goals later in the Penguins are treating them the same that same period, Orpik saw something way. Draper returns else from the Red Wings he had never Factor in the feeling that Pittsburgh The Red Wings got one of their injured play- seen. They were talking more, mixing it actually outplayed Detroit and deserved ers back on the ice when veteran center Kris up after the whistle. The kind of stuff to win one of the first two games at Joe Draper replaced rookie Justin Abdelkader in the opponents like to do to Detroit, but some- Louis Arena, and this series could easily lineup. Draper had been out with a groin injury thing in which the veteran, professional be a 3-1 Pittsburgh advantage. that has limited him throughout this playoff Red Wings rarely engage. Even worse, But they’ll take 2-2 and the momentum, run. Orpik said he noticed Red Wings players especially with the way everything came Draper played 8:10 in his first game back, getting on each other. together Thursday. skating primarily with Kirk Maltby and Ville “Which you never see out of those With Crosby’s arrival on the scoresheet, Leino. He won 55 percent of his faceoffs. guys,” he said. “It’s something you don’t both Pittsburgh stars—Crosby and The veteran admitted that all the practice time expect from them or see too often. I guess, Evgeni Malkin—are playing at a high GENE J. PUSKAR / AP in the world doesn’t simulate playing in a Stan- a good sign for us.” level. Penguins D Mark Eaton could sense the Wings were missing their usual jump. ley Cup finals game. Yes, a good sign. There were a lot of Detroit, meanwhile, is still waiting for “There’s nothing like going out and doing it in good signs in that pivotal second period. Pavel Datsyuk’s finals debut and a Stan- very, very good players that can, on any “If we play the right way, we give our- a game,” Draper said before taking the ice. It started with Jordan Staal’s short- ley Cup finals goal from Marian Hossa. given night, get two points and add to the selves a pretty good chance to win.” “Especially in this atmosphere.” handed goal, the first one the Red Wings “We have the luxury of having two win,” Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma said. [email protected] — Craig Custance SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NHL FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 14

STANLEYS CUP FINALS GAME 4: PITTSBURGH 4 DETROIT 2 Stanley Cup finals (Best-of-7), All times ET (Series tied 2-2) May 30: Detroit 3,Pittsburgh 1 May 31: Detroit 3, Pittsburgh 1 Staal’s goal starts comeback June 2: Pittsburgh 4, Detroit 2 Thursday: Pittsburgh 4, Detroit 2 PITTSBURGH—The Pittsburgh Pen- they killed off a lengthy Pittsburgh Saturday: Pittsburgh at guins’ fresh legs and fast feet changed 5-on-3 advantage, and now these the Stanley Cup finals in a flash, and finals are the best-of-three. Detroit, 8 p.m., NBC now a series that looked to be over is Game 5 is Saturday night in Detroit, Tuesday: Detroit at only getting started. with Game 6 in Pittsburgh on Tues- Pittsburgh, 8 p.m., NBC Jordan Staal’s shorthanded goal day night after the series’ first two- Friday, June 12: Pittsburgh at during back-to-back Detroit power day break. Game 7 would be June 12 Detroit, 8 p.m., if necessary, NBC plays started Pittsburgh’s comeback, in Detroit. and the Penguins scored three goals “It’s a race to four (wins) now,” in less than 6 minutes of the second Pittsburgh’s Pascal Dupuis said. Detroit 1 1 0 — 2 period Thursday night to win 4-2 and The Red Wings certainly lost all Pittsburgh 1 3 0 — 4 tie the series at 2. the races in Game 4, done in by a bad First Period: 1, Pittsburgh, Malkin 14 (Letang, Staal), 2:39 (pp). 2, Evgeni Malkin, enjoying the best second period and dreadful special Detroit, Helm 4, 18:19. Penalties: Kronwall, Det (tripping), 1:12; Eaton, Pit (cross-checking), 11:09; Ericsson, Det (high-sticking), postseason scoring run since Wayne teams. Pittsburgh has converted on 4 16:27; Guerin, Pit (high-sticking), 16:37. Gretzky’s in 1993, and Sidney Crosby of 9 power plays, and this game Second Period: 3, Detroit, Stuart 3 (Zetterberg, Rafalski), :46. 4, Pittsburgh, Staal 3 (Talbot, Eaton), 8:35 (sh). 5, Pittsburgh, Crosby had a goal and an assist each to help swung when the Penguins scored— 15 (Malkin), 10:34. 6, Pittsburgh, Kennedy 4 (Crosby, Kunitz), 14:12. rally the Penguins from a 2-1 deficit a and the Red Wings didn’t—during Penalties: Malkin, Pit (hooking), 5:44; Orpik, Pit (tripping), 7:43. Third Period: None. Penalties: Kronwall, Det (hooking), 18:27; year to the day Detroit raised the 3:59 of continuous Detroit power- Cleary, Det (tripping), 20:00; Orpik, Pit (roughing), 20:00. Stanley Cup in Pittsburgh by win- play time. Detroit was 0-for-4 with Shots on Goal: Detroit 19-9-11: 39. Pittsburgh 11-11-9: 31. Power-play opportunities: Detroit 0 of 4; Pittsburgh 1 of 3. ning Game 6. the man advantage. Goalies: Detroit, Osgood 14-6-0 (31 shots-27 saves). Pittsburgh, Tyler Kennedy also scored and With Detroit up 2-1 following goals Fleury 14-7-0 (39-37). A: 17,132 (16,940). T: 2:31. Marc-Andre Fleury, with his second by Darren Helm and Brad Stuart less Referees: Marc Joannette, Bill McCreary. Linesmen: Steve Miller, successive excellent game, made 37 than 3 minutes apart to end the first Jean Morin. saves. All the Penguins’ goal scorers and start the second, Staal—who had are 22 or younger—Sid isn’t their only two goals in 20 playoff games— of 5:37 by scoring off two quick passes only kid—and it may have made a big got loose after Max Talbot’s up-ice by Crosby and Chris Kunitz. Ken- difference as the older Red Wings pass. nedy won the race to a loose puck played their fourth game in six The 6-foot-4 Staal used his lengthy with Henrik Zetterberg, who may be nights. stride to thread defenseman Nicklas wearying from shadowing Crosby “It seemed like all their guys were Lidstrom and Brian Rafalski and and Malkin shift after shift. really slumped over tired and looked beat Chris Osgood at 8:35 of the sec- “They had some 3-on-2s and 2-on- like they were frustrated, really,” ond. Staal had a record-tying seven FRANK GUNN / AP 1s, and we can’t do that against them defenseman Brooks Orpik said. short-handed goals as an 18-year-old Jordan Staal’s second-period, shorthanded goal tied the game and, ‘was a big momentum changer for us,’ teammate Max Talbot said. because they’re too skilled,” Zetter- “When you see that you just kind of rookie in 2006-07, but had only one berg said. feed off of it.” since. control not only of the game but the of emotion.” power play and, less than a minute On the Detroit bench, a sour-faced Until Game 4, the finals followed “Max made a great play. I saw Lid- series into a tie game, and the 17,132 Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said, later, Crosby and Malkin—their sig- Mike Babcock had the look of a coach the same pattern as last year’s: Detroit strom and Rafalski both kind of flat- jammed into a suddenly rocking Mel- “They have a chance to go up 3-1, but nature stars—worked a 2-on-1 rush wondering if the compressed schedule won the first two at home, then footed,” Staal said. “I kind of just lon Arena sensed how big the play Jordan speeds up ice, makes a strong for Crosby’s 15th of the playoffs and is favoring the younger Penguins. dropped Game 3 in Pittsburgh. But buried my head, went for it and kind might be. move to the net like he can with his 30th point. “We were playing all right, but the the Red Wings couldn’t follow up of snuck it in.” “That was a big momentum big body and scores a great goal for us Kennedy, a Staal linemate who had power play hurt us for sure,” Babcock their 2-1 road victory in Game 4 of Staal’s goal instantly changed a changer for us,” Talbot said. “The ... and kind of got us rolling.” no goals in five games, finished it off said. “It sucked the life out of us.” last year, one decided largely when major opportunity by Detroit to seize building was so loud, it gave us a lot The Penguins killed the second with Pittsburgh’s third goal in a span — The Associated Press SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NHL FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 15

STANLEYS CUP FINALS GAME 4: PITTSBURGH 4 DETROIT 2 Fleury takes back seat

INSIDE DISH to offense in 2nd period

PITTSBURGH—Marc-Andre Fleury with a short-handed goal at 8:35 saved the in that tied it. Sidney Crosby and Fast-moving Avalanche hire Sacco as coach the second period in Game 3 of the Tyler Kennedy also scored to Stanley Cup finals. complete the surge of three goals Joe Sacco envisions himself as the additional contact with Richards. His offense took care of him in in 5:37 that built the Penguins’ coach of a fast and feisty team that According to the Toronto Sun, if Game 4. edge to 4-2. attacks and stays aggressive—in Maple Leafs G.M. Brian Burke’s efforts Just 46 seconds into the middle “We want to make sure we other words, an extension of the to move up in the draft and grab frame Thursday night, Detroit’s make life on him as easy as possi- way he played the game for five projected No. 1 pick John Tavares fail, Brad Stuart scored through a ble,” Crosby said of Fleury. “We NHL teams over 13 seasons. he might instead try to move up double screen to give the Red don’t always do that, but you Sacco was introduced as the new high enough to get C Brayden Schenn, Wings a 2-1 lead. Two nights ear- know we try to. We did a good job coach of the the younger brother of Leafs’ young lier, Fleury kept the Penguins of putting a lot of pressure in the Thursday, a day after the club fired D Luke Schenn. locked in a 2-2 tie despite Pitts- offensive zone and creating some Tony Granato and shook up its front Brayden Schenn, who played last burgh being outshot 14-4. good chances. That’s a big key for office. season for the Brandon Wheat They called it their worst period our team. That’s where we want Flanked by newly appointed Kings of the WHL, projects as a top in the playoffs, but because Fleury to play. general manager Greg Sherman and five pick, which means Burke still was on top of his game, Pittsburgh “We definitely owed him one new assistant coach Sylvain Lefebvre, would have to move up at least two pulled out a 4-2 win in Game 3. for sure.” Sacco talked about carving out a slots from No. 7. The Penguins rallied from a The final 20 minutes were new identity for a team coming off “We would have interest in (the hole this time and took over with scoreless and the Penguins skated its worst finish since moving to Schenn) scenario,” Burke admitted three quick goals that changed off with their second straight 4-2 Denver in 1995. to the newspaper. “But it’s not our the game. victory. They sent the series back “We want to be a team that plays top priority right now.” “Well, you can’t really compare to Detroit tied 2-2 and guaranteed with a lot of energy. We want to them,” Penguins forward Bill it would return to Pittsburgh for play on our toes, we don’t want to DAVID ZALUBOWSKI / AP Buffalo G Patrick Lalime told read- Guerin said of the two second Game 6. play on our heels,” Sacco said. “We Joe Sacco, left, served the past four seasons with three of the Avalanche’s minor-league affiliates. ers on the Sabres’ website Wednes- periods. “One was awful, one was “They took a lead 2-1 early in want to be a team that attacks, we day that his 2008-09 season ended really good. It’s something that the second, and to see my team- want to be a team that doesn’t sit four seasons. regular season. early because of injuries that resulted we’ve tried to work on because mates respond and get three goals back.” in two postseason surgeries. we’ve had that problem before—a against that team in the second Most of all, Sacco wants this Boston G.M. Peter Chiarelli told The Minneapolis Star Tribune, Lalime, commenting for the first good first but a bad second. was huge,” Fleury said team to return to the glory associ- The Boston Globe that star F David citing sources, reported that Todd time since coach Lindy Ruff ruled him “We’re just trying to focus and After the early hiccup on Stu- ated with Avalanche teams that Krejci had successful hip surgery Richards appears to be the leading out for the final three weeks of the play 60 minutes because the sec- art’s drive, Fleury finished the have consistently challenged for Thursday—only a few days after candidate for the Wild’s coaching season, said he had a sports hernia ond period is so big and (creates) second with eight saves. His task Stanley Cups. Sherman shares Krejci signed a three-year, $3.75 vacancy. procedure after first undergoing momentum for the third period.” wasn’t nearly as difficult in this that vision. million contract extension. But G.M. Chuck Fletcher also has arthroscopic surgery on his hip. It appeared Fleury wouldn’t be middle period because the offense “We all want the Avalanche to ‘’In the old days, it would have interviewed former Edmonton “A couple of surgeries back-to- able to steal another second period kept the puck at the other end of return to the standards that made been a far more major, invasive coach Craig MacTavish and shown back, but we’re doing good now,” when Stuart’s shot from the right the ice for the majority of it. this franchise so successful,” he operation,’’ Chiarelli told the interest in Peter Laviolette and Detroit said Lalime, who said he should be point sailed past Pittsburgh’s Ser- “They got that goal in the first said. “There will be no shortcuts to newspaper. assistant Paul MacLean. ready for training camp. “We’re two gei Gonchar and Guerin, who minute of the second period, and return to those standards.” “But they were able to noodle the The newspaper also said Fletcher months in, basically, and we’re blocked his view, and found the I’m sure there were more people Sacco, 40, was promoted from scope into the joint and knock out flew to California last week to inter- looking at another month before we net. The Penguins’ early 1-0 lead than myself thinking, ‘Oh good- the Avalanche’s AHL affiliate. He the impingement fairly easily.’’ view Richards, an assistant under can play and feel good again.” was gone as Detroit connected ness,’ ” Penguins coach Dan coached the Lake Erie Monsters Still, Krejci will be sidelined at San Jose coach Todd McLellan and a Lalime was 5-13-3 in his first Buf- twice in a 2:27 span bridging the Bylsma said. “Give credit to our for the last two seasons and has least four months and probably former University of Minnesota falo season with a 3.10 goals-against first two periods. guys. been employed by the franchise for miss the first few weeks of the star. Fletcher reportedly has had average. Jordan Staal turned it around — The Associated Press SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com College Football FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 16 Q&A with ... Georgia coach Mark Richt In SEC, ‘We all know we have to win, but it’s pretty civil’

Mark Richt has averaged 10 wins a responsibility. We all know that Maybe FSU will have the same season in eight years as coach at Georgia, any given day, something could kind of success in their appeal. including SEC Championships in 2002 and happen that could change our 2005. This fall, he begins his ninth season professional lives in a hurry. We You vote in the coaches as the longest tenured coach in the league all know we have to win, but it’s Q: poll. We hear stories of (at the same school). Sporting News Today pretty civil. coaches having others vote for college football columnist Matt Hayes them and other shenanigans. recently caught up with Richt: You were a highly What’s your process, and would Q: regarded assistant at you mind the vote being public? The quarterback situation Florida State. Was it a matter I vote myself. I don’t give it to Q: this season looks very of waiting for the right job to A: a graduate assistant. I familiar to a few years ago when come along? usually don’t sleep after a game, a senior (Joe Tereshinki) started I didn’t plan it; I just put it to anyway. I might call in my vote at 1 and was eventually replaced by a A: prayer. Five years prior to me or 2 in the morning sometimes. I try high-profile freshman (Matt taking the job, I really believed that I to make it make sense. I want to be Stafford). Do one or both of the was going to be a head coach. I felt able to defend it every week whether freshmen—Aaron Murray, Zach the spirit tell me that. I had an offer it’s public or not. But obviously what Mettenberger—have enough to to coach Pitt five years earlier, but to you don’t want is to have to defend it push starter Joe Cox? me, God was saying, “You’re not every week. If that happened, I’m Not to say Aaron Murray ready. But you better get ready, out. Not because I’m worried about A: and Zach Mettenberger because your time is coming.” So I my integrity; it’s more about defend- aren’t fine , but I had time to think about what was ing it every week: Why did you vote really believe Joe Cox’s situation is the right place, a place that you didn’t this way or that way, or for that team where it would be very difficult to look at as a steppingstone. I wanted over this team, or that team ahead of us? knock him out of the box. to make one move from Florida You just don’t have time for it all State, and that’s it. I wasn’t in a rush week long. Has the team rallied to become a head coach because I Q: around Cox? know it comes with a price. You began last season He played against Colorado a Q: ranked No. 1 in the A: couple of years ago and led us FSU is appealing the 14 nation. Is that a good or bad to a big win, and that adds to his Q: wins stripped from thing for teams in that credibility with the staff and his Bobby Bowden’s record because position? teammates. They know he under- of NCAA sanctions stemming I’d just as soon not be stands the system well, they know he from academic fraud. Is it fair to A: preseason No. 1. But I guess puts team first and they can see how punish a coach for the misdeeds if you’re around there every year you accurate of a passer he is every day in of players? get used to it. I’d really be for voting practice. They believe in Joe. We have ED REINKE / AP I hate that for Coach after four or five games have been exit meetings with each player after Mark Richt said he turned down Pitt’s offer five years before taking the Georgia job because he didn’t think he was ready to be a head coach. A: Bowden. I love Coach played. It’s a better starting point for spring practice to talk about Bowden. I haven’t followed it, and the polls. As a voter, I’d like that. But strengths and weaknesses. And we years ago, and everyone on the team The first SEC meetings I there’s a camaraderie I didn’t I don’t know exactly what hap- as a fan, I can see where it generates always ask the question: Who are the says he’s the guy. A: went to, I thought I’d just think would exist. I thought it pened. But there’s a little precedent a fair amount of interest. leaders on this team? They could keep my mouth shut and listen and would be more intense. It’s just a there. At Oklahoma a couple of write one guy or five guys, and 107 Has too much been made learn. It’s a little intimidating for bunch of guys doing a very diffi- years ago, the NCAA was getting guys wrote Joe Cox. Here’s a guy who Q: of the offseason bickering any coach walking into the great- cult job, and we need to watch ready to strip wins, and they MORE COVERAGE started one game in his career three between coaches in the SEC? est conference in America. But what we say. We all have a huge appealed and it was overturned. More with Richt: sportingnews.com SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com College Football

Top 100 countdown INSIDE DISH Sporting News Today is counting down its Top 100 college football teams for 2009, N?8KK@D<@J@K66 featuring one team each day leading into the season opener Thursday, Sept. 3. Gundy to sign extension

Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy still hasn’t signed a contract extension that was approved last December and bumped his com- pensation to more than $2.2 mil- >8D<;8P lion per season through 2015. Athletic director Mike Holder 91 said in an e-mail to Tulsa World that there would be no problems with Gundy signing the contract. “The process is ahead of sched- ule. (Gundy’s) original contract agreed upon in January of 2005 was not signed until October or MATT SLOCUM / AP November of 2005,” Holder Oklahoma State’s A.D. expects coach Mike wrote in the e-mail. “I remember Gundy to re-up soon. because I signed it as athletic director, but it was negotiated understanding is that the NCAA when I was coaching golf. There did not move from its position that are no issues, and it will be signed Florida State must vacate victories in the next few weeks.” in 10 sports, including as many as Gundy is 27-23 in four seasons 14 in football. at his alma mater. CHARLIE NEIBERGALL / AP Nebraska’s Sept. 19 game at Despite throwing for nearly 2,800 yards, QB Former Florida LB John Jones is Virginia Tech will be televised Austen Arnaud ranked ninth in the Big 12. transferring to Tennessee State regionally by ABC. Kickoff is and will be eligible to play this fall. 3:30 p.m. ET. He told The Tennessean he wants IOWA STATE more playing time. Jones played North Carolina C/G Aaron Stahl in 11 games for the Gators last has decided to forego his final year 2008 record: 2-10 overall, 0-8 Big 12 season and had 18 tackles. of eligibility. He graduated in May :FCC<><=FFK98CC Coach: Paul Rhoads with a bachelor’s degree in exercise Outlook: The coach swap—Au- The NCAA denied a request and sports science. ON SALE 6/2/09 burn took Iowa State head coach by Florida State to release its Stahl played in all 13 games last and the Cyclones response to the school’s appeal of season and started six at either answered by hiring Rhoads, sanctions from an academic center or guard. He had shoulder Auburn’s defensive coordinator—is cheating scandal, according to surgery in January. the primary story line in Ames. QB university president T.K. Wetherell. Austen Arnaud returns after “It’s not us, it’s the NCAA” New Wyoming coach Dave ($/''$*/'$.+'+ throwing for 2,792 yards last year Wetherell said in a report by the Christensen won’t get to face Mis- www.sportingnews.com or www.streetandsmiths.com (32nd in the nation). Unfortunately Tallahassee Democrat. “We don’t souri, where he was offensive SHIPPING: + $3.50 for the first magazine + 50¢ each additional magazine for the Cyclones, he ranked ninth want to keep it private.” coordinator, in 2011 as was previ- in the passing-crazed Big 12, which Betty Steffens, the school’s general ously scheduled because the devoured ISU’s secondary. counsel, told the newspaper she Cowboys are moving the two- — Derek Samson had not seen the document, but her game series to 2017 and 2018. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 18

INSIDE DISH THE LAUNCHING PAD What to expect in the major leagues today Mets say Reyes has hamstring tear, Putz hurting

The Mets got a double dose of bad Earlier in the game, Texas P Vicente news Thursday: injured SS Jose Reyes Padilla twice had hit Mark Teixeira. now has a tear in his right hamstring Burnett and Padilla were fined and reliever J.J. Putz is experiencing undisclosed amounts by MLB. pain in his elbow. Meanwhile, the Rangers have Reyes, who has been on the dis- placed Padilla on outright waivers, abled list since May 21 with right calf the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported. tendinits, felt the hamstring injury The move was supposed to be Wednesday during a rehabilitation confidential, but the newspaper’s game. sources indicated that the Rangers “(An) MRI revealed a small tear in could have two motives: to free up his right hamstring tendon, a new money that could be used later in injury. Reyes will rest for two days the season to upgrade the team, and and then resume treatment,” the to rid themselves of Padilla’s incon- Mets said in a statement. sistent competitiveness on the Putz will leave the team and return mound. TONY DEJAK / AP to New York to be examined by team Still, Padilla (3-3 with a 5.57 ERA) David Price will test the homer-happy new tonight. doctors today after experiencing remains on Texas’ active roster and “sharp pain” in his right elbow while is scheduled to pitch Sunday against Price vs. pinstripes pitching in a game against the Pitts- the Red Sox. Last September, Rays phenom David Price made his major league debut at Yankee Stadium, pitching 5 1/3 innings of two-run ball in relief. Tonight, burgh Pirates on Thursday. KATHY WILLENS / AP Price will make his new Yankee Stadium debut. The Rays won both of their th Putz, acquired in an offseason Rangers CF Josh Hamilton Yankees P A.J. Burnett would miss one start if MLB upholds his suspension. games at the new park in early May. The first was a 10 - win, and the trade with Seattle to be a dominant (abdominal strain) will meet with a second came after Tampa Bay scored twice in the ninth inning (with two solo eighth-inning presence, has given up hernia specialist Monday in Phila- the D.L., but the Angels manager FOXSports.com that it was unfair to homers off Yankees closer Mariano Rivera). New York will counter with an eight runs and nine hits in a com- delphia for a second opinion. Ham- won’t yank him after today’s game release Glavine after his minor league exceptional lefthander of its own, with CC Sabathia scheduled to start. After a slow start with his new team, Sabathia has won his past four decisions. bined 1 1/3 innings during his past ilton, placed on the 15-day disabled in Detroit, even if he pitches poorly rehab assignments but before he had three outings, seeing his ERA climb list Tuesday, is resting and taking for a third consecutive game, the a chance to show what he could do to 5.22. anti-inflammatory medication with Los Angeles Times reported. “One with the big club. “That’s not how Mr. Automatic We won’t be treated to a classic Cy Young showdown between Zack the hope that he can avoid surgery. and done? That’s not the case,” Sci- you treat people. He didn’t have a Greinke and in this weekend’s Royals-Blue Jays series, but Yankees SP A.J. Burnett was sus- If surgery is required, Hamilton oscia told the newspaper. chance to fail at that level.” Greinke will try to tie Halladay for the major league lead in wins (nine) tonight. pended six games Thursday for could be out until September. Greinke fanned eight Blue Jays en route to a win in late April (at the time, throwing high and tight to the Rang- Within hours of P ’s Rays 3B Evan Longoria, who left both teams had at least a share of first place in their respective divisions). ers’ earlier this week. Bur- White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen release Wednesday by the Braves, Tuesday’s game with tightness in Kansas City won three of the four games in that series, which was played at Kauffman Stadium. Greinke leads the majors with five complete games and nett, 4-2 with a 4.69 ERA in 11 starts, confirmed to the Chicago Tribune three clubs had contacted the his left hamstring, is likely to return still hasn’t allowed a this season. appealed ’s that P Jose Contreras would return lefthander’s agent, FOXSports.com to the lineup by Saturday in New , which was to have taken from the minors to start one game reported. But Glavine—who has York. Longoria didn’t start for the Going streakin’ effect immediately. He can continue of Monday’s split doubleheader 305 career victories and had gotten second straight day Thursday These days, only a scheduled off day can slow down Mariners outfielder to pitch until a hearing is conducted. against the Tigers and that he his arm strength back enough to against Kansas City but said before Ichiro Suzuki. Seattle was off Thursday, but Ichiro will take his 27-game hit- “You kind of expect something to would stay on the major-league ros- throw his typical 83-86 mph in his the game that he’d be ready in “a ting streak into tonight’s game against Minnesota. Ichiro already has set a happen when the ball comes that ter if he pitches well. minor league rehab starts—is not day or two.” Mariners record with his streak and is just three games shy of this season’s close,” Burnett said Thursday sure he wants to continue pitching. longest hitting streak (Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman hit in 30 consecutive games from April 8-May 16). On the mound for the Twins will before the Yankees’ series finale Mike Scioscia won’t promise a Friend and former Atlanta team- Miguel Cabrera (.351, 10 HRs, 38 be struggling lefthander Francisco Liriano, against whom Ichiro is 6-for-15 against the Rangers. permanent spot in the rotation to mate , now pitching for the RBIs) left the Tigers’ game Thurs- (.400) in his career. Burnett sailed a fastball near SP Ervin Santana, 0-2 with a 9.50 Red Sox after a less-than-friendly day against the Red Sox with a left — Chris Bahr Cruz’s head in a 12-3 win Tuesday. ERA in four starts since coming off breakup with the Braves, told hamstring injury. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 19

LEAGUE LEADERS Fantasy Focus American League Standings Batting Average Home Runs East W L Pct GB WCGB L10 Str Home Away Start ’Em, Sit ’Em Boston 32 22 .593 — — 6-4 W-4 17-6 15-16 A.L. N.L. A.L. N.L. New York 32 22 .593 — — 7-3 W-1 16-10 16-12 Player Team Player Team Player Team Player Team Toronto 30 26 .536 3 3 3-7 L-2 19-9 11-17 Bartlett Tampa Bay .373 Beltran New York .356 CPena Tampa Bay 17 AdGonzalez San Diego 22 Tampa Bay 28 28 .500 5 5 5-5 W-3 16-11 12-17 Baltimore 24 30 .444 8 8 6-4 L-2 16-13 8-17 MiCabrera Detroit .354 Tejada Houston .350 Bay Boston 16 Ibanez Philadelphia 19 ISuzuki Seattle .353 Hawpe Colorado .348 NCruz Texas 16 Pujols St. Louis 17 Central W L Pct GB WCGB L10 Str Home Away Morneau Minnesota .348 Pujols St. Louis .346 Teixeira New York 16 Dunn Washington 16 Detroit 28 24 .538 — — 4-6 L-3 15-10 13-14 Minnesota 27 28 .491 2½ 5½ 5-5 W-1 21-12 6-16 VMartinez Cleveland .346 HaRamirez Florida .342 Morneau Minnesota 15 Howard Philadelphia 16 Chicago 25 28 .472 3½ 6½ 6-4 L-3 13-13 12-15 AdJones Baltimore .345 Pence Houston .339 Dye Chicago 14 Bruce Cincinnati 14 Kansas City 23 30 .434 5½ 8½ 2-8 L-7 15-15 8-15 MYoung Texas .338 Ibanez Philadelphia .335 Kinsler Texas 14 Three tied 13 Cleveland 23 33 .411 7 10 5-5 L-1 12-14 11-19 ELISE AMENDOLA / AP West W L Pct GB WCGB L10 Str Home Away Runs Stolen Bases Texas 31 22 .585 — — 5-5 L-1 18-9 13-13 Jason Varitek has 10 homers this season. Los Angeles 27 25 .519 3½ 4 5-5 W-2 14-12 13-13 A.L. N.L. A.L. N.L. Seattle 26 28 .481 5½ 6 6-4 W-2 14-13 12-15 Oakland 22 30 .423 8½ 9 5-5 W-3 11-13 11-17 Start Player Team Player Team Player Team Player Team Jason Varitek, C, Red Sox. Some Crawford Tampa Bay 43 Ibanez Philadelphia 44 Crawford Tampa Bay 34 Bourn Houston 18 National League Standings owners haven’t noticed Varitek Damon New York 43 Pujols St. Louis 43 Ellsbury Boston 22 DWright New York 13 East W L Pct GB WCGB L10 Str Home Away has 10 homers, just three off his Morneau Minnesota 43 Zimmerman Washington 40 Figgins Los Angeles 20 Kemp Los Angeles 12 Philadelphia 32 20 .615 — — 8-2 W-7 12-14 20-6 Pedroia Boston 43 AdGonzalez San Diego 39 BUpton Tampa Bay 17 Taveras Cincinnati 12 New York 28 24 .538 4 2 5-5 L-3 17-9 11-15 total from 2008. He also is BRoberts Baltimore 43 Hudson Los Angeles 39 Abreu Los Angeles 15 Six tied 11 Atlanta 26 26 .500 6 4 4-6 L-1 12-13 14-13 10-for-24 (.417) lifetime against Florida 26 29 .473 7½ 5½ 6-4 W-1 12-15 14-14 Scutaro Toronto 43 Utley Philadelphia 39 Bartlett Tampa Bay 14 Washington 14 38 .269 18 16 2-8 L-2 8-18 6-20 Texas’ Kevin Millwood. AdJones Baltimore 42 Victorino Philadelphia 38 Span Minnesota 12 Pedro Feliz, 3B, Phillies. Feliz’s Central W L Pct GB WCGB L10 Str Home Away Milwaukee 31 23 .574 — — 5-5 L-1 16-9 15-14 average is hovering around .300, RBIs Pitching (5 decisions) St. Louis 31 23 .574 — — 5-5 W-1 19-11 12-12 and he is 6-of-11 (.545) with a homer Cincinnati 28 25 .528 2½ 2½ 5-5 L-1 13-12 15-13 A.L. N.L. A.L. N.L. Chicago 26 25 .510 3½ 3½ 5-5 W-1 16-10 10-15 against Los Angeles’ Eric Milton. Player Team Player Team Player Team Player Team Pittsburgh 25 28 .472 5½ 5½ 6-4 W-3 15-11 10-17 David Price, SP, Rays. The Yan- Longoria Tampa Bay 55 Ibanez Philadelphia 53 Palmer Los Angeles 5-0 1.000 Broxton Los Angeles 5-0 1.000 Houston 23 29 .442 7 7 5-5 L-1 12-16 11-13 kees are hitting .308 against left- Bay Boston 53 Fielder Milwaukee 52 Feldman Texas 5-0 1.000 Cain San Francisco 7-1 .875 West W L Pct GB WCGB L10 Str Home Away ies, but Price had success against Morneau Minnesota 50 Pujols St. Louis 48 Halladay Toronto 9-1 .900 Martis Washington 5-1 .833 Los Angeles 37 19 .661 — — 6-4 L-1 20-7 17-12 Teixeira New York 47 Howard Philadelphia 46 Greinke Kansas City 8-1 .889 JoJohnson Florida 5-1 .833 San Francisco 27 25 .519 8 3 7-3 W-2 18-9 9-16 New York in a relief appearance San Diego 25 28 .472 10½ 5½ 4-6 L-3 17-9 8-19 TorHunter Los Angeles 43 AdGonzalez San Diego 43 Slowey Minnesota 8-1 .889 LiHernandez New York 4-1 .800 last season. Don’t bench a poten- Arizona 23 31 .426 13 8 4-6 L-2 12-19 11-12 CPena Tampa Bay 42 Dunn Washington 42 Penny Boston 5-1 .833 Lincecum San Francisco 4-1 .800 Colorado 21 32 .396 14½ 9½ 3-7 W-1 9-14 12-18 tial 10-strikeout performance. Two tied 41 Three tied 41 Baez Baltimore 4-1 .800 Gallardo Milwaukee 5-2 .714 z-first game was a win Sit HIts Strikeouts Pitching Matchups Today’s Games (All times Eastern) Michael Cuddyer, OF, Twins. Cud- A.L. N.L. A.L. N.L. American League The Line dyer is nursing a finger injury, and Player Team Player Team Player Team Player Team L.A. Angels (E.Santana 0-2) at Detroit (Verlander 6-2), 7:05 p.m. at Det -165 LAA +155 he is 2-for-18 (.222) against Seat- AHill Toronto 77 Tejada Houston 76 Verlander Detroit 90 Lincecum San Francisco 91 Tampa Bay (Price 1-0) at N.Y. Yankees (Sabathia 5-3), 7:05 p.m. at NYY -200 TB +185 VMartinez Cleveland 74 Hudson Los Angeles 71 Greinke Kansas City 88 JSantana New York 89 tle’s Felix Hernandez. Kansas City (Greinke 8-1) at Toronto (R.Romero 2-2), 7:07 p.m. KC -130 at Tor +120 Crawford Tampa Bay 73 Ibanez Philadelphia 69 Halladay Toronto 82 JVazquez Atlanta 86 Chone Figgins, 3B, Angels. Figgins Texas (Millwood 4-4) at Boston (Penny 5-1), 7:10 p.m. at Bos -135 Tex +125 is 1-for-11 (.091) with seven strike- Morneau Minnesota 72 Zimmerman Washington 69 Lester Boston 74 Billingsley Los Angeles 85 ISuzuki Seattle 72 HaRamirez Florida 67 FHernandez Seattle 72 Peavy San Diego 84 Cleveland (Pavano 5-4) at Chicago White Sox (Danks 4-3), 8:11 p.m. at ChW -140 Cle +130 outs in his past encounters with Ellsbury Boston 70 FSanchez Pittsburgh 67 Beckett Boston 68 Haren Arizona 78 Baltimore (Guthrie 4-4) at Oakland (Braden 4-5), 10:05 p.m. at Oak -125 Bal +115 Detroit’s Justin Verlander. MYoung Texas 70 Two tied 65 Garza Tampa Bay 66 JoJohnson Florida 72 Minnesota (Liriano 2-7) at Seattle (F.Hernandez 5-3), 10:10 p.m. at Sea -150 Min +140 Ervin Santana, SP, Angels. Don’t start the struggling Angels pitcher. Doubles Saves National League The Line He’s 2-2 with a 7.17 ERA in four A.L. N.L. A.L. N.L. N.Y. Mets (Redding 0-2) at Washington (Martis 5-1), 7:05 p.m. at Was -125 NYM +115 career starts at Comerica Park. Player Team Player Team Player Team Player Team Chicago Cubs (Zambrano 3-2) at Cincinnati (Owings 3-6), 7:10 p.m. ChC -135 at Cin +125 — Bill Bender Lind Toronto 21 Tejada Houston 20 Fuentes Los Angeles 14 Bell San Diego 15 San Francisco (Zito 1-6) at Florida (Volstad 4-4), 7:10 p.m. at Fla -160 SF +150 Longoria Tampa Bay 20 FSanchez Pittsburgh 19 Papelbon Boston 14 Cordero Cincinnati 14 Milwaukee (Gallardo 5-2) at Atlanta (Jurrjens 5-2), 7:35 p.m. at Atl -130 Mil +120 MORE COVERAGE MYoung Texas 20 AdLaRoche Pittsburgh 18 Jenks Chicago 12 FrRodriguez New York 14 Pittsburgh (Karstens 2-2) at Houston (Hampton 3-4), 8:05 p.m. at Hou -125 Pit +115 Byrd Texas 19 Hudson Los Angeles 17 MaRivera New York 12 Hoffman Milwaukee 14 Colorado (De La Rosa 0-6) at St. Louis (Wainwright 5-3), 8:15 p.m. at StL -175 Col +165 Get everything you need to Callaspo Kansas City 17 HaRamirez Florida 17 FFrancisco Texas 12 Four tied 13 Arizona (D.Davis 2-6) at San Diego (Gaudin 2-3), 10:05 p.m. at SD -115 Ari +105 dominate your fantasy league at Lowell Boston 17 Three tied 16 Sherrill Baltimore 11 Philadelphia (Moyer 4-5) at L.A. Dodgers (Milton 2-0), 10:10 p.m. at LAD -130 Phi +120 sportingnews.com/fantasy/baseball Morneau Minnesota 17 Two tied 10 SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 20 NATIONAL LEAGUE Giants 5, Nationals 1 Giants 4, Nationals 1, 6 innings San Francisco 5, Washington 1, 1st game; San Francisco 4, Washington 1, 6 innings, 2nd game First Game Second Game San Francisco AB R H BI BB SO Avg. San Francisco AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Rowand cf 4 1 1 0 0 1 .293 Rowand cf 3 1 1 1 1 0 .294 Renteria ss 4 1 1 0 0 2 .245 Renteria ss 3 1 1 0 0 0 .247 Winn rf 4 1 1 2 0 0 .283 Torres lf 3 1 1 0 0 2 .250 Johnson on 300: ‘It’s a career achievement’ B.Molina c 4 0 1 0 0 2 .247 Sandoval 1b 3 0 1 1 0 0 .301 F.Lewis lf 3 1 1 0 0 0 .276 Aurilia 3b 3 0 2 1 0 0 .221 c-Sandoval ph-1b 0 0 0 1 0 0 .301 Whiteside c 3 0 1 1 0 0 .300 WASHINGTON—The emotions finally flowed did it 10 years ago,” Johnson said. Ishikawa 1b 3 1 1 0 0 1 .264 Schierholtz rf 3 0 1 0 0 1 .242 Burriss 2b 3 1 1 0 0 1 .273 for Randy Johnson when the final out was It was hardly the ideal setting for a historic d-Torres ph-lf 1 0 0 0 0 0 .231 Uribe 3b 4 0 0 1 0 0 .299 Cain p 3 0 1 0 0 1 .263 made. moment. The crowd was small and the Burriss 2b 3 0 1 1 0 0 .272 Totals 27 4 10 4 1 5 A hug for his son, who was serving as bat- weather was wet. Some of the few thousand Ra.Johnson p 2 0 0 0 0 2 .059 Medders p 1 0 0 0 0 1 .000 Washington AB R H BI BB SO Avg. boy. Hugs for every teammate, plus a really fans who witnessed the feat—the Nationals Affeldt p 0 0 0 0 0 0 1.000 C.Guzman ss 3 1 1 0 0 1 .326 N.Johnson 1b 3 0 1 0 0 1 .330 big one for his manager. The game ball pre- have trouble drawing a crowd for anything B.Wilson p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 Totals 33 5 7 5 0 9 Zimmerman 3b 1 0 1 1 1 0 .321 sented to his wife as his three daughters these days—chanted “Randy! Randy!” in the Dunn lf 2 0 0 0 1 2 .261 Dukes rf 2 0 0 0 0 0 .270 beamed with pride. A news conference that bottom of the ninth, and he tipped his hat to Washington AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Alb.Gonzalez ss 4 1 0 0 0 0 .271 W.Harris cf 2 0 1 0 0 1 .273 lasted a half-hour from a player who usually them all. N.Johnson 1b 2 0 1 1 2 0 .330 J.Bard c 2 0 0 0 0 0 .212 A.Hernandez 2b 2 0 1 0 0 0 .287 doesn’t have much to say. Someone even Family and friends from all over flew in Zimmerman 3b 3 0 0 0 1 0 .318 Dunn lf 4 0 0 0 0 2 .263 Detwiler p 2 0 0 0 0 2 .000 spotted a smile. for the occasion to see Johnson (5-4) become Dukes cf 4 0 1 0 0 2 .275 Totals 19 1 5 1 2 7 The Big Unit admits he can come across as the first pitcher to get 300 on his first try Kearns rf 3 0 0 0 1 3 .218 Belliard 2b 4 0 1 0 0 0 .178 San Francisco 000 130 — 4 10 0 surly, and he did his best over the past few since in 1985. Nieves c 4 0 1 0 0 1 .279 Washington 100 00x — 1 5 0 weeks to downplay his pursuit of 300 wins. “He’s become one of the dinosaurs with Zimmermann p 1 0 0 0 0 0 .000 a-A.Hernandez ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .283 LOB: San Francisco 7, Washington 6. 2B: Sandoval (15), Once he got there—with a steady, six-inning the other 23, and he didn’t want to make a big Villone p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Schierholtz (4), Burriss (6), C.Guzman (11), A.Hernandez (6). 3B: W.Harris (2). RBIs: Rowand (25), Sandoval performance in the San Francisco Giants’ deal out of it,” Giants manager Bruce Bochy MacDougal p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- b-C.Guzman ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .325 (22), Aurilia (12), Whiteside (2), Zimmerman (38). SB: 5-1 victory over the Washington Nationals said. “But you could see after the game—I’m Hanrahan p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Torres (2). SF: Zimmerman. Runners left in scoring position: San Francisco 1 (Whiteside) Washington 4 in the opener of a doubleheader Thursday— sure he’s had his eye on this 300 for a while. Beimel p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Totals 31 1 4 1 4 8 (W.Harris 2, C.Guzman, Detwiler). Runners moved he was free to express that, yes, it really is a He’s done an incredible job with keeping his up: Sandoval, Dukes. big deal. self in shape, pitching at 45 and still throw- San Francisco 020 000 003 — 5 7 1 Washington 000 001 000 — 1 4 0 San Francisco IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA “I think it kind of hit me when I walked on ing the ball the way he’s throwing is quite an Cain W, 7-1 5 5 1 1 2 7 82 2.27 Washington IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA the field,” Johnson said. “It’s a long-range accomplishment.” a-grounded out for Zimmermann in the 6th. b-flied out for MacDougal in the 8th. c-hit a sacrifice fly for F.Lewis Detwiler L, 0-2 52⁄3 10 4 4 1 5 76 5.23 achievement. It’s not a one-game or a one- Johnson had to leave the game because of in the 9th. d-flied out for Ishikawa in the 9th. E: Renteria WP: Cain. Umpires: Home, Rob Drake First, Jeff Kel- year achievement, it’s a career achievement. what he called a “senior moment”—his deci- (5). LOB: San Francisco 2, Washington 7. 2B: Renteria (8), Winn (15), Ishikawa (4), N.Johnson (8). RBIs: Winn 2 logg Second, Mark Wegner Third, R.J. Thompson. T: Who knows how many teammates I’ve had sion to go after a comebacker that he knocked (23), Sandoval (21), Uribe (10), Burriss (12), N.Johnson 1:37 (Rain delay: 1:07). A: 16,787 (41,888). over my 21 years, but they had a great deal to down in the sixth inning. The 6-foot-10 John- (27). SF: Sandoval. Runners left in scoring position: Washington 4 (Nieves, Dunn 3). Runners moved up: do with my success. I’m going to think about son barehanded the ball while falling for- Uribe, Alb.Gonzalez, Zimmerman. GIDP: Belliard. DP: this for a long time.” ward to throw out the runner and bruised San Francisco 1 (Burriss, Renteria, Ishikawa). In the nightcap, the Giants completed a his pitching shoulder on the play. He’s San Francisco IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA sweep with a rain-shortened 4-1 victory. The expected to make his next start. Ra.Johnson W, 5-4 6 2 1 0 2 2 78 5.12 Medders H, 3 1 1 0 0 0 2 14 2.66 game was called with two outs in the top of San Francisco led 2-1 when Johnson Affeldt H, 13 2⁄3 0 0 0 1 0 9 1.88 the sixth after a 67-minute delay. departed, but he nearly wound up with a no- B.Wilson S, 13-16 11⁄3 1 0 0 1 4 34 3.86 Washington IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Johnson became the 24th pitcher to reach decision. The Nationals loaded the bases Zimmermann L, 2-3 6 3 2 2 0 7 92 5.71 the 300-win milestone, and he did it as a with two outs in the eighth before Adam Villone 1 0 0 0 0 1 9 0.00 MacDougal 1 0 0 0 0 1 9 8.53 mature pitcher, not the overpowering tangle Dunn was called out on strikes with a full Hanrahan 0 4 3 3 0 0 9 6.66 of arms and legs who was all about strike- count on a knee-high fastball from reliever Beimel 1 0 0 0 0 0 11 4.64 outs early in his career. He walked two, Brian Wilson. Hanrahan pitched to 4 batters in the 9th. Medders struck out two, allowed only an unearned The 45-year-old Johnson is the sixth pitched to 1 batter in the 8th. Inherited runners- scored: Affeldt 1-0, B.Wilson 2-0, Beimel 2-1. PB: run and threw 50 of his 78 pitches for strikes. lefthander to win 300 games and the second- B.Molina. Umpires: Home, Tim Timmons; First, R.J. He faced four batters above the minimum oldest pitcher to reach the milestone. Knuck- Thompson; Second, Jeff Kellogg; Third, Mark Wegner. T: 2:30. A: 0 (41,888). and got shutout relief from his bullpen. leballer was 46 when he won his NICK WASS / AP “I get more gratification out of that because 300th with the New York Yankees in 1985. Randy Johnson is the sixth lefty to win 300 games and, at 45, the second-oldest of the way I’m doing it now than the way I — The Associated Press behind 46-year-old Phil Niekro. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 21

300 Wins List Winningest active 1. Cy Young, 511 2. Walter Johnson, 417 Pitcher Age Wins-losses 3. Grover Cleveland Alexander, 373 Randy Johnson 45 300-164 3. , 373 Jamie Moyer 46 250-190 5. Pud Galvin, 365 Andy Pettitte 36 220-128 6. , 363 John Smoltz 42 210-147 7. , 361 Tim Wakefield 42 184-160 8. , 355 Bartolo Colon 36 153-101 9. Roger Clemens, 354 Livan Hernandez 34 151-140 10. , 342 Tim Hudson 33 146-77 11. , 329 Kevin Millwood 34 146-115 12. , 328 36 144-109 13. Eddie Plank, 326 Roy Halladay 32 139-67 14. , 324 14. Don Sutton, 324 16. Phil Niekro, 318 17. , 314 Johnson career stats 18. Tom Seaver, 311 Regular Season 19. Hoss Radbourn, 309 Year, Team IP W-L BB SO ERA 1988, Mon 26 3-0 7 25 2.42 20. Mickey Welch, 307 1989, Mon 29.2 0-4 26 26 6.67 21. x-Tom Glavine, 305 1989, Sea 131 7-9 70 104 4.40 1990, Sea 219.2 14-11 120 194 3.65 22. Lefty Grove, 300 1991, Sea 201.1 13-10 152 228 3.98 22. Early Wynn, 300 1992, Sea 210.1 12-14 144 241 3.77 1993, Sea 255.1 19-8 99 308 3.24 22. x-Randy Johnson, 300 1994, Sea 172 13-6 72 204 3.19 (x-active) 1995, Sea 214.1 18-2 65 294 2.48 1996, Sea 61.1 5-0 25 85 3.67 1997, Sea 213 20-4 77 291 2.28 Winningest 1998, Sea 160 9-10 60 213 4.33 1998, Hou 84.1 10-1 26 116 1.28 lefthanders 1999, Ari 271.2 17-9 70 364 2.48 2000, Ari 248.2 19-7 76 347 2.64 2001, Ari 249.2 21-6 71 372 2.49 Warren Spahn 363 2002, Ari 260 24-5 71 334 2.32 Steve Carlton 329 2003, Ari 114 6-8 27 125 4.26 2004, Ari 245.2 16-14 44 290 2.60 Eddie Plank 326 2005, NYY 225.2 17-8 47 211 3.79 Tom Glavine 305 2006, NYY 205 17-11 60 172 5.00 2007, Ari 56.2 4-3 13 72 3.81 Lefty Grove 300 2008, Ari 184 11-10 44 173 3.91 Randy Johnson 300 2009, SF 58 5-4 21 56 5.12 Totals 4097.1 300-164 1487 4845 3.29 Milestone Wins 1st Win: Sept. 15, 1988 vs. Pittsburgh (with Montreal). 100th Win: April 6, 1996 vs. Milwaukee (with Seattle). 200th Win: Oct. 2, 2001 vs. Colorado (with Arizona). 250th Win: May 18, 2004 at Atlanta (with Arizona). Randy Johnson hugs son Tanner after the 300th Win: June 4, 2009 at Washingotn (with San Francisco). Giants beat Washington 5-1 for Johnson’s 300th career win. NICK WASS / AP BASEBALL COVERAGE IS OUR BREAD & BUTTER 35"3#2)"%4/$!9!.$3!6%/.%9%!2*534s   sWWWSPORTINGNEWSCOM SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 22 NATIONAL LEAGUE Q&A with ... Nationals 3B Ryan Zimmerman Colorado 10, Houston 3 ‘To get a hit every day, a lot of things have to happen right’ Atkins gets it right Although his team continues to languish DiMaggio’s record? in the N.L. East cellar, Zimmerman has been That record and the consecu- HOUSTON—Garrett Atkins Rockies 10, Astros 3 making headlines for all the right reasons. His A: tive games played are going to couldn’t get himself to stop Colorado AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Spilborghs cf-lf 4 2 2 2 0 0 .263 30-game hitting streak, which ended May 13, be really hard to break. Not to take making bad swings for more Barmes ss 4 1 2 1 1 0 .266 captured the attention of the baseball world. anything away from what DiMaggio than a month. He got it right Helton 1b 4 1 2 1 1 2 .315 Murton lf 5 0 1 2 0 3 .267 That streak has been part of a torrid start did, because it’s unbelievable. At the twice on Thursday night and Grilli p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 for Zimmerman. Sporting News Today’s Bill end of my streak, I still had a month hopes he can finally put his Embree p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Hawpe rf 5 1 1 1 0 0 .348 Eichenberger recently spoke with the slick- left to go to catch DiMaggio. But sluggish start behind him. Atkins 3b 4 2 2 3 0 0 .194 fielding, 24-year-old third baseman about during his 56-game streak, I read Atkins broke out of a slump Quintanilla 2b 1 0 0 0 0 0 .217 Stewart 2b-3b 5 1 3 0 0 0 .205 the streak, his defense and a couple of his where he faced 40-some pitchers. with two home runs and the Bellorin c 4 1 1 0 1 1 .250 boyhood teammates who also have reached During my 30-game streak, I faced Colorado Rockies snapped a Hammel p 3 0 0 0 0 2 .000 c-Fowler ph-cf 0 1 0 0 1 0 .255 the majors. 50-some pitchers. But it doesn’t four-game losing skid with a Totals 39 10 14 10 4 8 matter if you’re facing the same 10-3 win over the Houston Houston AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Why are hitting streaks pitcher 56 games in a row, to get a hit Astros. Bourn cf 5 0 2 1 0 0 .297 Q: like the one you just had every game is pretty unbelievable. Ryan Spilborghs and Brad Tejada ss 5 0 0 0 0 1 .350 Pence rf 4 0 0 0 0 2 .339 so hard to put together? Hawpe added solo homers and Ca.Lee lf 4 1 1 0 0 1 .315 Hitting is hard. To get a hit Did you see your fast start Jason Hammel pitched seven Berkman 1b 3 1 1 0 1 1 .242 I.Rodriguez c 4 0 1 1 0 0 .266 A: every day, a lot of things have Q: coming? effective innings for the Rock- Blum 3b 3 0 0 0 1 0 .271 to happen right. Some days you are Not really. I just never had ies, who avoided a sweep and Maysonet 2b 4 1 2 1 0 1 .382 going to hit a couple of balls hard and gotten off to a good start. The stopped Houston’s four-game W.Rodriguez p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .043 A: CHARLES DHARAPAK / AP a-Kata ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .000 they might get caught. A lot of luck is first three years of my career it has winning streak. R.Ortiz p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .200 Ryan Zimmerman batted .382 during his 30-game hitting streak. b-Erstad ph 0 0 0 0 1 0 .137 involved, I guess. You get jam shots, been .200-something Aprils and Atkins came into the game Backe p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- shots off the end of the bat, things battling from there. To be able to get I’ve matured into the hitter that I success all three of you have batting .188 and had only 11 hits d-Michaels ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .167 like that. off to a nice start and have a base to guess everyone thought I could be. experienced so early in your in his last 86 at-bats. He never Totals 34 3 7 3 3 6 go off has been a lot better. I’m still very young and have a long major league careers? lost his confidence at the plate Colorado 004 120 030 — 10 14 1 Are there factors that way to go. But this is the first year I think we all know how hard and didn’t make any adjust- Houston 001 000 110 — 3 7 0 Q: make it more difficult to How big of a boost has it where I have ... not figured it out but A: it is to be good at this level. ments before Thursday’s game. a-flied out for W.Rodriguez in the 5th. b-walked for R.Ortiz in the 7th. c-walked for Hammel in the 8th. keep a hitting streak going today Q: been having Adam Dunn have more of an idea of what I want But we all also know that we can get “Just kept believing in myself d-popped out for Backe in the 9th. E: Atkins (7). LOB: than when Joe DiMaggio set the hitting cleanup behind you every to do at the plate. I don’t feel lost ever, better, and we all work hard at it. that it was going to turn,” Colorado 7, Houston 8. 2B: Spilborghs (13), Stewart (5), Bourn (10), Berkman (8). 3B: Barmes (3). HR: Atkins 2 record, hitting in 56 straight? day in the lineup? or searching for answers. I guess it’s Atkins said. “As long as you (5), off W.Rodriguez 2; Spilborghs (5), off W.Rodriguez; I think the game has changed. It’s helped me. He’s one of the part of growing up and learning With the five-year, $45 believe in yourself, you’re likely Hawpe (8), off W.Rodriguez. RBIs: Spilborghs 2 (25), Barmes (20), Helton (36), Murton 2 (6), Hawpe (41), A: Now from the sixth and A: best power hitters in the yourself. Q: million contract you to turn it around.” Atkins 3 (20), Bourn (13), I.Rodriguez (24), Maysonet seventh inning on, you are going to game for the past five years, and to signed this spring, you are Colorado manager Jim Tracy (6). CS: Barmes (3). S: W.Rodriguez. SF: Spilborghs. Runners left in scoring position: Colorado 3 (Hawpe face a guy who is specialist. Off the have a presence like that behind you Do you stay in touch with committed to the Nationals only wants Atkins to watch his 2, Hammel); Houston 4 (Tejada, Bourn 2, Blum). starter, you get two or three at-bats affects everything throughout the Q: David Wright and B.J. through 2013. How close is this two home run swings on video Colorado IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA against a guy that you might be good whole lineup. Upton, your former summer ball team to turning it around? before the Rockies open a series Hammel W, 2-3 7 4 2 2 2 4 96 4.50 against or bad against. But after that, teammates in Virginia? I think it’s real close. ... We’re in St. Louis this weekend. And Grilli 1 2 1 1 1 1 26 6.05 Embree 1 1 0 0 0 1 15 6.19 the other team is going to match up How does it feel to finally We talk a lot during the A: young, we’re talented, we’re Atkins probably will. Houston IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA and put someone out there against Q: have people talking more A: offseason, but during the growing up and maturing together. “Hopefully, these swings W.Rodriguez L, 5-5 5 10 7 7 2 7 98 2.97 R.Ortiz 2 1 0 0 0 1 24 4.46 whom you don’t have the best chance about your hitting than your season not as much. We text back Once it clicks, I think it is going to be today, I can kind of get that Backe 2 3 3 3 2 0 28 15.00 to be successful. fielding? and forth and stay in touch that way. exciting. ... Like I’ve told everyone, I muscle memory going that way IBB: off Backe (Helton), off W.Rodriguez (Bellorin). It’s kind of weird because my wouldn’t have signed if I thought we and continue it on for a nice lit- Umpires: Home, Lance Barksdale; First, Randy Marsh; How hard will it be for A: fielding has always been the Do you have an were going to lose 100 games every tle streak,” Atkins said. Second, Marvin Hudson; Third, James Hoye. T: 2:47. A: Q: someone to break headline. This is the first year that Q: appreciation for the year. — The Associated Press 26,671 (40,976). SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 23 NATIONAL LEAGUE St. Louis 3, Cincinnati 1 McLouth surprised at trade, ready to help

ATLANTA—Nate McLouth embraced his new oppor- Carpenter gets rare complete game tunity with the Atlanta Braves on Thursday only after an emotional departure from the Pittsburgh Pirates. ST. LOUIS— liked what Cardinals 3, Reds 1 McLouth said he was excited about the chance to he saw right from the start. Cincinnati AB R H BI BB SO Avg. win in Atlanta but was sad to be dealt from the Pirates, Carpenter took advantage of Cincin- Hairston Jr. 3b 4 0 0 0 0 0 .260 his only professional home before the trade. He said Dickerson cf 3 0 2 0 0 0 .250 nati’s free swingers, pitching a three- B.Phillips 2b 3 0 0 0 0 1 .285 Wednesday’s trade for three minor league players— hitter for his first complete game in Bruce rf 3 0 0 0 0 0 .212 outfielder Gorkys Hernandez and pitchers Charlie R.Hernandez 1b 3 0 0 0 0 1 .276 more than two years, and Albert Pujols L.Nix lf 3 1 1 1 0 0 .288 Morton and Jeff Locke—“was shocking.” took care of the offense with a two-run Ale.Gonzalez ss 3 0 0 0 0 0 .215 “It was the last thing on my mind, to be honest with Hanigan c 3 0 0 0 0 1 .316 homer and RBI double as the St. Louis Harang p 2 0 0 0 0 0 .167 you,” McLouth said Thursday before the Braves Cardinals beat the Reds 3-1 on Thurs- a-Gomes ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .316 played the Cubs. “To get a call from a G.M. on your Totals 28 1 3 1 0 3 day night. cell phone is pretty rare, so I knew something was up “They showed it from the beginning St. Louis AB R H BI BB SO Avg. when I got the call. He told me I was coming on over Schumaker 2b 3 1 1 0 1 0 .302 of the game that they were going to be Barden 3b 0 0 0 0 0 0 .242 here.” aggressive early in the count, they Rasmus cf 4 1 1 0 0 1 .248 Wednesday’s call from Pirates general manager Pujols 1b 4 1 2 3 0 0 .346 weren’t going to let me get deep,” he Ludwick rf 4 0 1 0 0 1 .240 Neal Huntington led to an emotional send-off Thurs- said. “I was able to make good quality Ankiel lf 3 0 1 0 0 1 .226 day morning. Y.Molina c 2 0 0 0 1 0 .259 pitches down in the strike zone. That’s Thurston 3b-2b 3 0 0 0 0 0 .261 McLouth fought back tears, wiped his eyes, sniffled what happens when you get an aggres- C.Carpenter p 3 0 1 0 0 0 .083 repeatedly and paused a few times when speaking Br.Ryan ss 3 0 1 0 0 1 .281 sive team that wants to hit and you’re Totals 29 3 8 3 2 4 with reporters while cleaning out his locker in Pitts- able to make quality pitches, you’re burgh. He said he was surprised because the trade Cincinnati 000 000 010 — 1 3 1 going to be able to get quick outs.” St. Louis 002 001 00x — 3 8 0 deadline is still about eight weeks away and because The victory gave St. Louis a split of he signed a three-year contract less than four months a-popped out for Harang in the 9th. E: B.Phillips (4). the four-game series and put the Cardi- ago. TOM GANNAM / AP LOB: Cincinnati 0, St. Louis 4. 2B: Pujols (13). HR: L.Nix nals in a tie for first in the National (7), off C.Carpenter; Pujols (17), off Harang. RBIs: L.Nix After his arrival in Atlanta, McLouth’s thoughts Chris Carpenter limited the Reds to three hits. (18), Pujols 3 (48). Runners left in scoring position: League Central with Milwaukee, which St. Louis 4 (C.Carpenter 2, Y.Molina, Schumaker). GIDP: and emotions were still mixed. lost to the Florida Marlins. mistake the whole game and Nix is B.Phillips 2, Schumaker, Pujols, Y.Molina, C.Carpenter. “Pittsburgh’s the only organization I had ever been GENE J. PUSKAR / AP DP: Cincinnati 4 (Hairston Jr., B.Phillips, R.Hernandez), Carpenter (4-0) needed just 95 pitches swinging the bat really good, took (Ale.Gonzalez, B.Phillips, R.Hernandez), (B.Phillips, Ale. with; they drafted me out of high school almost 10 Nate McLouth had spent his entire career with Pittsburgh. for his 26th complete game and first advantage and hit it out of the park.” Gonzalez, R.Hernandez), (R.Hernandez, Ale.Gonzalez, years ago,” he said. “I got to know a lot of great people. R.Hernandez); St. Louis 2 (Thurston, Schumaker, Pujols), since September 11, 2006, at Houston. Carpenter had retired 12 straight (Thurston, Schumaker, Pujols). That’s going to be the hard part, the relationships and hitter, but after talking with manager Bobby Cox he With the help of two double plays, he before Nix’s hit. He struck out three, the people.” agreed to hit fourth to accommodate McLouth. Cincinnati IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA faced the minimum through 7 2-3 walked none and singled in the seventh Harang L, 5-6 8 8 3 3 2 4 115 4.11 But there was little time for looking back. McLouth “I talked to Bobby about it and told him I was open innings. Carpenter’s ERA rose to 0.71 for his first hit of the year. He gave up St. Louis IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA was in Thursday night’s starting lineup as the No. 3 to whatever is best for the club,” Jones said. “I don’t C.Carpenter W, 4-0 9 3 1 1 0 3 95 0.71 ERA. singles to Chris Dickerson in the first hitter and the starting center fielder, although the know if this is permanent. We’ll see. If I get more RBI Laynce Nix spoiled the shutout bid and third, but got Brandon Phillips to Umpires: Home, D.J. Reyburn; First, Jim Joyce; Second, game was rained out. opportunities out of it, I’ll be happy with it. I make no Brian Runge; Third, Derryl Cousins. T: 2:05. A: 39,249 with his seventh homer to right field in ground into double plays both times to (43,975). McLouth said the opportunity to win “is what every bones about it, I’d prefer to hit third but I’ve always the eighth. end the inning. player wants.” been willing to try to do what’s best for the club.” Since returning from the disabled list Aaron Harang (5-6) went the distance “The people are going to be hard to leave, but I lost a Jones has hit .316 in 5,726 career at-bats as the No. 3 May 20 with an oblique injury, Carpen- in losing his second straight. He gave lot of games there and that’s hard to do as an athlete,” hitter and .297 in 1,643 at-bats hitting fourth. ter has allowed three earned runs and up eight hits, striking out three and he said. “When you talk about winning, the Atlanta The 27-year-old McLouth set career highs last sea- 14 hits in 28 innings. For Pujols, it was walking two in eight innings. He han- Braves are one of the top organizations that come to son with a .276 batting average, 26 homers and 94 another Carpenter gem that didn’t com- dled the Cardinals well in a 8-3 victory mind. To be a part of it is something special.” RBIs. Atlanta outfielders have only 10 homers mand too much analysis. May 9 at Busch, spreading seven hits in has been a fixture as Atlanta’s No. 3 through 52 games. McLouth has nine homers and 34 “It’s not rocket science,” Pujols said. seven innings and striking out seven. RBIs and is hitting .256. “Look at the job he did. He made one — The Associated Press Cubs at Braves was postponed — The Associated Press SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 24 NATIONAL LEAGUE Florida 4, Milwaukee 3 Pittsburgh 11, N.Y. Mets 6 Johnson helps himself with three-run shot McCutchen has huge debut PITTSBURGH—Prized prospect Pirates 11, Mets 6 Marlins 4, Brewers 3 New York AB R H BI BB SO Avg. MIAMI—Winning a game with his arm Andrew McCutchen did his best Cora ss 5 0 1 1 0 0 .321 was nothing unusual for Josh Johnson. Milwaukee AB R H BI BB SO Avg. to make the Pittsburgh Pirates L.Castillo 2b 4 1 1 1 1 0 .284 Counsell 2b 4 0 0 0 0 0 .305 Beltran cf 4 1 2 1 1 1 .356 Hitting a big home run was. Hardy ss 4 1 1 0 0 0 .238 forget about Nate McLouth—at Sheffield rf 5 0 0 0 0 1 .269 Johnson hit a three-run shot for his Braun lf 4 1 2 0 0 1 .316 least for now. D.Wright 3b 3 2 2 1 2 0 .326 Fielder 1b 4 1 3 3 0 0 .286 Dan.Murphy 1b 4 0 1 1 1 0 .248 first career homer and pitched into the M.Cameron cf 4 0 0 0 0 4 .282 A day after the team traded the F.Martinez lf 4 1 2 1 0 0 .222 eighth inning Thursday night, leading Hart rf 4 0 1 0 0 1 .251 All-Star outfielder, McCutchen Santos c 4 0 1 0 0 0 .261 Hall 3b 3 0 0 0 0 1 .211 Pelfrey p 2 1 0 0 0 0 .059 the Florida Marlins to a 4-3 victory over c-Gerut ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .209 had a productive major league Takahashi p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 a-Brown ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .000 the Milwaukee Brewers. Mi.Rivera c 2 0 0 0 1 2 .303 debut to help Pittsburgh complete Bush p 1 0 0 0 0 0 .150 S.Green p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- “I kind of ran into a ball and got pretty a rain-shortened, three-game Putz p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- a-Gamel ph 1 0 0 0 0 1 .229 b-Reed ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .322 lucky,” Johnson said. “But I’ll take it.” Stetter p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- sweep of the with Feliciano p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Coffey p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 Totals 37 6 10 6 5 2 John Baker had an RBI single in a four- Totals 32 3 7 3 1 10 an 11-6 victory Thursday. Pittsburgh AB R H BI BB SO Avg. run fourth for the Marlins, who took “Everybody’s talking about the McCutchen cf 4 3 2 1 1 0 .500 Florida AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Morgan lf 4 2 2 1 0 0 .280 three of four from the Brewers. Coghlan lf 3 0 1 0 0 2 .205 future. We’re not looking to the F.Sanchez 2b 5 0 0 0 0 1 .321 Johnson (5-1) allowed two runs and b-B.Carroll ph-rf 1 0 0 0 0 1 .214 future. This is the now,” Pirates Ad.LaRoche 1b 3 2 1 1 2 0 .245 Bonifacio 3b 4 0 0 0 0 0 .246 An.LaRoche 3b 3 2 1 2 0 1 .298 five hits in 7 2/3 innings. He walked one, Ha.Ramirez ss 4 0 1 0 0 0 .342 manager said. S.Jackson p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- struck out eight and hit a batter with a Cantu 1b 4 1 1 0 0 1 .280 “We’re very excited about where c-Monroe ph 1 0 0 0 0 1 .229 Hermida rf-lf 2 1 1 0 1 1 .265 J.Chavez p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- pitch in earning his first home victory Uggla 2b 2 0 0 0 1 1 .216 we’re at, and we added a very tal- Moss rf 4 1 1 1 1 1 .264 Jaramillo c 4 0 2 4 0 0 .282 since April 12. Jo.Baker c 3 1 1 1 0 0 .261 ented player.” C.Ross cf 3 0 1 0 0 0 .259 R.Vazquez ss 4 1 4 1 0 0 .270 He connected off Dave Bush (3-2) in Jason Jaramillo drove in a Ohlendorf p 3 0 0 0 0 2 .048 Jo.Johnson p 3 1 1 3 0 1 .107 Gorzelanny p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 the fourth to give Florida a 4-1 lead. Meyer p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 career-high four runs, Ramon S.Burnett p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 Nunez p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Hinske 3b 1 0 0 0 0 0 .267 “I saw (center fielder Mike) Cameron Lindstrom p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Vazquez went 4-for-4 and Andy Totals 36 11 13 11 4 6 running and I said, ‘Please, drop ... do Totals 29 4 7 4 2 7 LaRoche had two RBIs and New York 030 110 001 — 6 10 1 Pittsburgh 410 400 20x — 11 13 0 something,’ ” Johnson said. “As soon as I Milwaukee 000 100 020 — 3 7 0 scored twice for Pittsburgh, a-grounded out for Takahashi in the 5th. b-grounded saw him get to the fence I was like, ‘OK, I Florida 000 400 00x — 4 7 0 which roughed up Mike Pelfrey out for Putz in the 8th. c-struck out for S.Jackson in the 8th. E: Dan.Murphy (5). LOB: New York 9, Pittsburgh got it.’ ” a-struck out for Bush in the 7th. b-struck out for Coghlan to win its fourth in five games. 7. 2B: Cora (5), Beltran (16), D.Wright (13), F.Martinez Johnson earned a curtain call from the in the 7th. c-grounded into a double play for Hall in the Wednesday night’s game was (3), Ad.LaRoche (18). 3B: Morgan (5). HR: Beltran (7), 9th. LOB: Milwaukee 5, Florida 3. 2B: Braun (11), Cantu off Ohlendorf. RBIs: Cora (5), L.Castillo (13), Beltran crowd of 11,623 but needed to be pushed (11), C.Ross (14). 3B: Fielder (2). HR: Fielder (13), off rained out, but at about the time it (32), D.Wright (31), Dan.Murphy (18), F.Martinez J PAT CARTER / AP (4), McCutchen (1), Morgan (18), Ad.LaRoche (24), out of the dugout by his teammates. Meyer; Jo.Johnson (1), off Bush. RBIs: Fielder 3 (52), was supposed to start the Pirates Josh Johnson (55) picked a pretty good time to hit his first career homer, a three-run blast in the fourth. Jo.Baker (20), Jo.Johnson 3 (5). CS: Hermida (2). S: An.LaRoche 2 (27), Moss (13), Jaramillo 4 (12), R.Vazquez “Pretty much everyone in the dugout dealt an All-Star outfielder for (8). SB: D.Wright (13), McCutchen (1), R.Vazquez (1). S: Bush. Runners left in scoring position: Milwaukee 3 Morgan. Runners left in scoring position: New York was laughing or smiling, one of the two,” “It wasn’t a cheap one. He hit it to one Bush gave up four runs and seven hits (Counsell, Hart 2); Florida 2 (Jo.Johnson 2). DP: Milwau- the second consecutive season. 6 (Sheffield 3, Pelfrey, Brown, Dan.Murphy); Pittsburgh kee 2 (M.Cameron, Hardy, Fielder), (Mi.Rivera, Mi.Rivera, 4 (Ohlendorf 2, An.LaRoche, F.Sanchez). DP: New York 1 he said. of the deepest parts of the ballpark,” in six innings. He walked two and struck Counsell); Florida 1 (Uggla, Ha.Ramirez, Cantu). The move made room for the (Pelfrey, Santos, Dan.Murphy). Jorge Cantu led off the inning with a Bush said. out four. 22-year-old McCutchen, a speedy New York IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Milwaukee IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Pelfrey L, 4-2 3 2⁄3 9 9 8 4 3 83 4.85 double into the left-field corner. He held Johnson gave way to Dan Meyer with Fielder’s run-scoring triple gave the Bush L, 3-2 6 7 4 4 2 4 84 4.52 center fielder who was immedi- Takahashi 1⁄3 1 0 0 0 1 10 2.77 at second when Jeremy Hermida reached two outs and a runner on first in the Brewers a 1-0 lead in the fourth. Fielder Stetter 2⁄3 0 0 0 0 1 10 3.78 ately called up from Triple-A S.Green 2 0 0 0 0 1 16 5.96 Coffey 1 1⁄3 0 0 0 0 2 14 2.36 Putz 1 3 2 2 0 0 23 5.22 on an infield single to shortstop. After eighth. Meyer promptly gave up Prince finished with three hits. Florida IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Indianapolis. Feliciano 1 0 0 0 0 1 7 2.42 Cantu went to third on Dan Uggla’s fly- Fielder’s 13th home run, a two-run drive J.J. Hardy opened the fourth with a Jo.Johnson W, 5-1 7 2⁄3 5 2 2 1 8 107 2.63 He went 2-for-4 with three Pittsburgh IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Meyer 0 1 1 1 0 0 3 2.63 Ohlendorf 4 1⁄3 9 5 5 3 1 84 4.85 out to deep center, Baker lined a run- that cut Florida’s lead to 4-3. bloop single and advanced to second on Nunez H, 10 1⁄3 0 0 0 0 1 5 3.33 runs, a walk, an RBI and a stolen Gorzelanny 2⁄3 0 0 0 0 0 6 6.75 Lindstrom S, 11-13 1 1 0 0 0 1 10 5.56 S.Burnett 1 0 0 0 0 1 17 3.04 scoring single to center to tie it 1-all. “I don’t know what (Meyer) was think- Ryan Braun’s groundout. Fielder then base against the Mets. S.Jackson W, 1-0 2 0 0 0 1 0 30 0.00 After an out, Johnson hit a pitch over ing. He threw a fastball and I got it,” hit a liner to right, and Hermida charged “With what happened J.Chavez 1 1 1 1 1 0 17 3.13 Meyer pitched to 1 batter in the 8th. Inherited Inherited runners-scored: Takahashi 2-1, Gorzelanny the wall in straightaway center. His Fielder said. but failed to make the catch. The ball runners-scored: Meyer 1-1. HBP: by Jo.Johnson (Mi. (Wednesday), this was a big win 1-0. IBB: off Pelfrey (Ad.LaRoche). HBP: by Pelfrey (An. Rivera). Umpires: Home, Damien Beal; First, Mike LaRoche). WP: J.Chavez. Umpires: Home, Tim McClel- homer was the first by a Marlins pitcher Matt Lindstrom pitched a scoreless rolled past him, allowing Fielder to reach DiMuro; Second, Dale Scott; Third, Jerry Meals. T: 2:25. for us as a team and for the city,” land; First, Adrian Johnson; Second, Scott Barry; Third, since connected against ninth for his 11th save in 13 opportuni- third. A: 11,623 (38,560). LaRoche said. Ted Barrett. T: 2:49. A: 20,683 (38,362). Atlanta on Aug. 29, 2007. ties. The game took 2 hours, 25 minutes. — The Associated Press — The Associated Press SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 25 AMERICAN LEAGUE N.Y. Yankees 8, Texas 6 Boston 6, Detroit 3 Wang’s struggles don’t slow down Yankees Tigers left guessing in sweep DETROIT—The Detroit Tigers Red Sox 6, Tigers 3 NEW YORK—Chien-Ming Wang bounced Yankees 8, Rangers 6 started the week getting frus- Boston AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Texas AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Pedroia 2b 4 1 1 0 1 0 .325 a few sinkers, slipped on the mound and Kinsler 2b 4 2 1 1 1 2 .282 trated by Daisuke Matzusaka J.Drew dh 1 1 0 1 4 1 .253 watched his final pitch sail far over the M.Young 3b 5 0 3 0 0 0 .338 and overpowered by Josh Youkilis 1b 1 1 0 1 1 0 .362 Blalock dh 5 0 2 1 0 1 .262 a-Kotsay ph-1b 3 0 0 0 0 0 .000 fence. N.Cruz rf 5 1 1 1 0 3 .295 Beckett. Bay lf 5 1 1 2 0 2 .283 David Robertson took a more simple Dav.Murphy lf 4 1 1 0 1 1 .240 On Thursday, they were Lowell 3b 4 0 2 1 1 0 .302 Byrd cf 3 1 1 0 1 1 .296 Baldelli rf 3 0 1 1 1 0 .265 approach. C.Davis 1b 4 1 2 2 0 1 .198 baffled again by Tim Ellsbury cf 3 1 1 0 0 1 .313 Melky Cabrera hit a tiebreaking, two- Teagarden c 3 0 0 0 0 1 .239 Wakefield. Lugo ss 3 1 0 0 1 1 .266 Andrus ss 4 0 0 0 0 1 .277 Kottaras c 4 0 0 0 0 2 .188 run homer in the eighth inning and the Totals 37 6 11 5 3 11 The 42-year-old knuckle- Totals 31 6 6 6 9 7 New York Yankees overcame yet another baller beat the Tigers for the New York AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Detroit AB R H BI BB SO Avg. poor start by Wang to beat the Texas Damon lf 3 2 1 1 1 0 .297 16th time—the most by any Thomas rf 4 0 0 0 0 1 .247 Rangers 8-6 Thursday. Swisher rf 3 1 2 1 1 1 .251 active pitcher—and the Boston Santiago 2b 4 0 2 0 0 0 .306 1-Gardner pr-cf 0 0 0 0 0 0 .265 Ordonez dh 4 0 1 0 0 0 .275 The Yankees rallied from a 5-1 deficit Teixeira 1b 4 1 2 3 0 0 .284 Red Sox beat Detroit 6-3 to fin- Mi.Cabrera 1b 1 1 1 0 0 0 .354 and took two of three from the A.L. West A.Rodriguez 3b 4 0 1 1 0 0 .250 ish a three-game sweep. Larish 1b 2 0 0 0 1 0 .224 Cano 2b 3 1 1 0 1 0 .305 Granderson cf 4 1 1 0 0 1 .271 leaders. Robertson threw only one pitch H.Matsui dh 3 0 0 0 1 0 .256 Wakefield (7-3) gave up three Inge 3b 4 1 3 2 0 0 .280 and wound up with the win. Me.Cabrera cf-rf 4 1 1 2 0 1 .311 runs and eight hits in 6 2/3 Raburn lf 4 0 1 0 0 1 .265 Cervelli c 4 1 1 0 0 1 .283 Everett ss 3 0 0 1 0 1 .267 “Never knew it was going to come out R.Pena ss 3 1 1 0 1 1 .243 innings. c-Polanco ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .250 like that,” Robertson said. “Every now Totals 31 8 10 8 5 4 “He’s been a blessing for us,” Sardinha c 2 0 1 0 0 1 .115 b-Laird ph-c 1 0 0 0 0 1 .224 and then you’re going to catch a lucky Texas 002 211 000 — 6 11 1 Red Sox manager Terry Fran- Totals 34 3 10 3 1 6 one.” New York 100 050 02x — 8 10 1 cona said. “He’s a good pitcher. Boston 006 000 000 — 6 6 0 Cabrera kept up his run of big hits and 1-ran for Swisher in the 7th. E: Dav.Murphy (1), Cervelli He’s unconventional, but that’s Detroit 030 000 000 — 3 10 0 helped the Yankees win for the 17th time (1). LOB: Texas 8, New York 4. 2B: M.Young (20), Byrd OK.” (19), C.Davis 2 (6), Swisher (13), Teixeira 2 (14). HR: a-flied out for Youkilis in the 4th. b-struck out for in 22 games. They did it despite Wang’s FRANK FRANKLIN II / AP N.Cruz (16), off Wang; Kinsler (14), off Aceves; Damon Wakefield allowed three Sardinha in the 8th. c-grounded into a fielder’s choice wobbles. Melky Cabrera’s two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning broke a 6-6 tie. (11), off McCarthy; Me.Cabrera (6), off C.Wilson. RBIs: runs in the second inning, but for Everett in the 9th. LOB: Boston 8, Detroit 5. 2B: Bay Kinsler (41), Blalock (29), N.Cruz (41), C.Davis 2 (26), (14), Inge (8), Raburn (2). RBIs: J.Drew (27), Youkilis Wang returned to the rotation and Damon (33), Swisher (32), Teixeira 3 (47), A.Rodriguez shut down the Tigers after (34), Bay 2 (53), Lowell (36), Baldelli (7), Inge 2 (35), produced his best start of the season. ton at Fenway Park. sixth tied it at 6. (22), Me.Cabrera 2 (22). SB: Dav.Murphy (4), Cano (3). that. Everett (18). CS: Inge (3). Runners left in scoring CS: R.Pena (1). S: Teagarden. Runners left in scoring position: Boston 3 (Kotsay, Pedroia 2); Detroit 2 Too bad for him, it was another stinker The former ace lost his first three C.J. Wilson (3-3) relieved to begin the position: Texas 4 (N.Cruz, Kinsler, C.Davis, Dav.Murphy); “After that inning, I felt (Everett, Polanco). DP: Boston 2 (Pedroia, Kotsay), as his sinkers were either too high or too starts of the season. He went on the dis- eighth and issued a leadoff walk to Rob- New York 3 (Cano, Me.Cabrera 2). DP: Texas 3 (N.Cruz, really comfortable,” he said. “I (Wakefield, Pedroia, Lugo, Kotsay); Detroit 2 (Everett, N.Cruz, Andrus), (Kinsler, Andrus), (Kinsler, Andrus, Santiago, Mi.Cabrera), (Inge, Santiago, Larish). low. abled list with a 34.50 ERA because of inson Cano. One out later, Cabrera C.Davis). only needed 80 pitches, so Texas tagged him for five runs and weakness in the muscles in his hips and launched a drive over left fielder David that’s great, and I got some Boston IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Texas IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Wakefield W, 7-3 6 2⁄3 8 3 3 0 3 80 4.50 seven hits in 4 2-3 innings. Nelson Cruz came back with three solid relief Murphy’s leap. McCarthy 4 6 6 6 3 3 79 4.92 offensive support.” Masterson H, 2 2⁄3 0 0 0 0 2 11 4.20 chased him with a long home run—the appearances. “It was a deep fly ball to short left Jennings 3 3 0 0 1 0 41 3.12 Three Boston relievers fin- Okajima H, 9 2⁄3 1 0 0 0 1 10 2.25 C.Wilson L, 3-3 1 1 2 2 1 1 16 3.47 Papelbon S, 14-15 1 1 0 0 1 0 21 2.25 first by a righthanded hitter off Wang in Wang said he felt OK and was excited field,” Wilson said. New York IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA ished, with Jonathan Papelbon Detroit IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA 22 starts, since Adrian Beltre connected to make this start. Robertson (1-0) relieved with two outs Wang 4 2⁄3 7 5 5 1 5 69 14.46 pitching the ninth for his 14th Willis L, 1-3 2 1⁄3 0 5 5 5 3 53 6.84 Aceves 1 2⁄3 2 1 1 2 2 34 2.95 Miner 4 4 1 1 2 2 67 5.29 in September 2007. “It’s not the Wang I’m used to seeing,” and none on in the eighth and retired Coke 1 1⁄3 0 0 0 0 2 19 4.50 save in 15 attempts. The Tigers Perry 2⁄3 0 0 0 0 0 4 3.27 “I thought he pitched better than his Texas manager Ron Washington said. Elvis Andrus on a fly ball, and Cabrera D.Robertson W, 1-0 1⁄3 0 0 0 0 0 1 2.08 put two runners on base, but Zumaya 1 2 0 0 1 1 24 2.65 numbers indicated,” Yankees manager “I’m sure he’s got some things to work delivered in the bottom half. Ma.Rivera S, 12-13 1 2 0 0 0 2 24 2.38 Dustin Pedroia’s diving stop at Rodney 1 0 0 0 1 1 24 2.86 Joe Girardi said. on. But I thought he threw pretty well.” “He has a knack of doing it,” Girardi McCarthy pitched to 5 batters in the 5th. Inherited second base helped Papelbon Inherited runners-scored: Masterson 1-0, Miner 3-3, runners-scored: Jennings 1-1. WP: Wang. Umpires: Perry 1-0. HBP: by Willis (Ellsbury). Umpires: Home, “I’m not making excuses,” he said. “I It was another game of home run said. Home, Brian Knight; First, Dana DeMuth; Second, Doug escape unscathed. Jeff Nelson; First, Mark Carlson; Second, Tim Tschida; was happy with what I saw. I know peo- derby at the new Yankee Stadium. Mariano Rivera worked the ninth for Eddings; Third, Hunter Wendelstedt. T: 2:58. A: 45,713 “I was just trying to get an Third, Bob Davidson. T: 2:53. A: 31,353 (41,255). ple are going to say, ‘Oh boy, he gave up Johnny Damon started it with a leadoff his 12th save in 13 chances. With runners (52,325). out,” Pedroia said. “I didn’t five runs.’” shot for New York, Cruz finished Wang at the corners, he struck out Cruz and want the tying run to come to Wang will make his next start as in the fifth with a long drive and Ian retired Murphy on a popup to end it. Yankees P suspended six the plate.” scheduled, Tuesday night against Bos- Kinsler’s solo homer for Texas in the — The Associated Press games, Page 18 — The Associated Press SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 26 AMERICAN LEAGUE Tampa Bay 3, Kansas City 2 L.A. Angels 6, Toronto 5 Upton helps Rays make most of few chances Kendrick feeling better now TORONTO—A difficult series Angels 6, Blue Jays 5 ST. PETERSBURG, FLA.—B.J. Upton turned a Rays 3, Royals 2 for Howie Kendrick ended Los Angeles AB R H BI BB SO Avg. game of missed opportunities into a vic- Kansas City AB R H BI BB SO Avg. with a daring dash for home Figgins 3b 4 1 2 1 1 1 .307 Crisp cf 4 1 0 0 0 1 .228 E.Aybar ss 5 0 0 0 0 2 .275 tory for Tampa Bay. Callaspo 2b 4 0 1 0 0 1 .298 plate. Guerrero dh 5 1 2 1 0 1 .271 Upton hit a go-ahead two-run homer Pena Jr. ss 0 0 0 0 0 0 .059 Kendrick raced home with Tor.Hunter cf 4 1 2 1 0 2 .312 Butler 1b 4 0 3 2 0 0 .288 J.Rivera rf-lf 4 0 1 1 0 0 .301 in the eighth and James Shields allowed Jacobs dh 4 0 0 0 0 2 .232 some bold baserunning, scor- K.Morales 1b 3 0 0 0 1 0 .278 two runs over eight innings as the Rays J.Guillen rf 4 0 0 0 0 2 .255 ing the go-ahead run on a Napoli c 4 1 1 1 0 2 .270 Teahen 3b 3 0 0 0 0 0 .277 Quinlan lf 3 1 1 0 0 1 .238 completed a three-game sweep of the Olivo c 3 0 0 0 0 3 .239 ninth-inning double play to Matthews Jr. rf 1 0 0 0 0 0 .257 Kansas City Royals with a 3-2 win DeJesus lf 3 0 1 0 0 0 .237 help the Los Angeles Angels Kendrick 2b 3 1 1 0 1 0 .229 Bloomquist ss-2b 3 1 1 0 0 0 .286 Totals 36 6 10 5 3 9 Thursday. Totals 32 2 6 2 0 9 beat the Toronto Blue Jays 6-5 “It was great to see,” Tampa Bay man- on Thursday. Toronto AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Tampa Bay AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Scutaro ss 3 0 0 1 1 0 .294 ager Joe Maddon said. “I really felt we B.Upton cf 4 1 1 2 1 1 .218 Mired in a 1-for-17 slump A.Hill 2b 5 0 0 1 0 1 .316 were going win somehow.” Crawford lf 4 1 2 1 1 1 .327 coming in and still stinging Rios cf 5 0 0 0 0 5 .266 W.Aybar 3b 3 0 0 0 1 0 .252 Lind lf 5 2 5 0 0 0 .313 Upton’s two-out shot off Jamey Wright C.Pena 1b 2 0 0 0 2 1 .226 from his blunder in the series Millar dh 4 1 1 0 1 0 .267 (0-2) helped the Rays overcome an 0-for- Zobrist 2b 3 0 0 0 1 0 .296 opener, when he lost track of 2-V.Wells pr 0 0 0 0 0 0 .257 Joyce rf 4 0 0 0 0 1 .240 Overbay 1b 5 1 2 3 0 1 .282 13 performance with runners in scoring Dillon dh 4 0 3 0 0 0 .333 the number of outs and was Bautista 3b 3 1 0 0 2 3 .265 position. Carl Crawford homered in the M.Hernandez c 4 1 1 0 0 0 .286 doubled off first base, Kend- R.Chavez c 3 0 2 0 0 0 .282 Brignac ss 4 0 1 0 0 1 .233 1-Jo.McDonald pr 0 0 0 0 0 0 .211 seventh for the Rays’ first run. Totals 32 3 8 3 6 5 rick was all smiles after spark- Barajas c 1 0 1 0 0 0 .289 “Whatever happened we just knew we ing the game-winning rally. Inglett rf 3 0 1 0 1 0 .154 Kansas City 002 000 000 — 2 6 0 Totals 37 5 12 5 5 10 had to keep grinding at the end,” Rays left Tampa Bay 000 000 12x — 3 8 0 “I ain’t going to lie to you—I fielder Crawford said. “B.J. hitting the was happy,” said Kendrick, Los Angeles 300 101 001 — 6 10 0 LOB: Kansas City 3, Tampa Bay 11. 2B: Butler (16), Toronto 000 100 130 — 5 12 1 homer at the end, that’s from us just keep- STEVE NESIUS / AP DeJesus (10). 3B: Brignac (1). HR: Crawford (4), off held out of the lineup Wednes- ing at it. We just didn’t worry about what B.J. Upton, right, hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning that scored Michel Hernandez Meche; B.Upton (3), off J.Wright. RBIs: Butler 2 (25), day. “It feels good after the ups 1-ran for R.Chavez in the 7th. 2-ran for Millar in the 9th. B.Upton 2 (13), Crawford (26). SB: Crawford (34), E: Bautista (1). LOB: Los Angeles 6, Toronto 11. 2B: we did earlier in the game.” and gave Tampa Bay the lead for the first time. Zobrist (6). Runners left in scoring position: Kansas and downs. I felt like today was J.Rivera (8), Lind 3 (21), Overbay (14). HR: Napoli (8), Upton has two consecutive games with City 1 (Jacobs); Tampa Bay 7 (Zobrist, B.Upton 2, Joyce a good day.” off Tallet. RBIs: Figgins (14), Guerrero (6), Tor.Hunter 3, Crawford). DP: Tampa Bay 2 (J.Shields, M.Hernandez, (43), J.Rivera (21), Napoli (21), Scutaro (26), A.Hill (38), two RBIs after not having a multiple RBI consecutive starts, allowing four runs season-high seven games. C.Pena), (W.Aybar, C.Pena). Facing righthander Brandon Overbay 3 (27). SB: Guerrero (1), Tor.Hunter (11), Bara- effort in his previous 46 games this year. over 15 innings. Billy Butler had a two-run, two-out League (1-2), Kendrick opened jas (1). SF: Scutaro. Runners left in scoring position: Kansas City IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Los Angeles 2 (Napoli, E.Aybar); Toronto 8 (Bautista 2, “The important thing is we got a win,” “That’s what this team is all about. It double to put the Royals ahead 2-0 in the Meche 6 6 1 1 5 2 110 4.08 the ninth with a bunt single A.Hill 3, Overbay, Rios 2). DP: Los Angeles 1 (Kendrick, Upton said. brings back memories of last year,” third, which ended Kansas City’s stretch Bale H, 2 1 0 0 0 1 2 19 6.23 and went to third on Chone E.Aybar, K.Morales); Toronto 1 (A.Hill, Scutaro, Overbay). J.Wright L, 0-2 BS, 3-3 1 2 2 2 0 1 20 4.05 Upton’s homer came on a first pitch Shields said. of 15 scoreless innings. The double came Tampa Bay IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Figgins’ single to right. Erick Los Angeles IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA sinker and made it 3-2. The defending A.L. champion Rays after Alberto Callaspo had hit into a J.Shields W, 5-4 8 6 2 2 0 8 107 3.40 Aybar grounded into a 4-6-3 Lackey 7 7 2 2 3 6 113 5.13 Howell S, 2-5 1 0 0 0 0 1 7 2.28 Oliver 0 3 3 3 0 0 15 3.18 “I’ve thrown that pitch a million times returned to the .500 mark at 28-28. bases-loaded double play. double play, but Kendrick J.Speier W, 2-1 BS, 1-1 1 1 0 0 1 1 21 5.06 and it’s been fouled off and hit into the Tampa Bay has lost four times previ- Tampa Bay threatened in each of the Meche pitched to 1 batter in the 7th. WP: Meche. raced home as the second out Fuentes S, 14-17 1 1 0 0 1 3 22 5.03 Umpires: Home, Dan Iassogna; First, Sam Holbrook; Toronto IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA ground a million times,” Wright said. ously when having an opportunity to first six innings, but failed to score after Second, Charlie Reliford; Third, Larry Vanover. T: 2:41. was made at first, sliding in Tallet 6 6 5 5 3 6 109 4.54 “He just got underneath it and crushed climb above .500 since starting the sea- going hitless in 12 at-bats with runners in A: 16,103 (36,973). ahead of the throw from first Hayhurst 1 2 0 0 0 2 12 0.00 League L, 1-2 2 2 1 1 0 1 21 4.01 it.” son 4-3. scoring position. The Rays left 10 run- baseman Lyle Overbay, who The Rays finally got on the scoreboard “We need to maintain our traction and ners on base over the stretch. hesitated after making the Oliver pitched to 3 batters in the 8th. Inherited runners-scored: J.Speier 1-1. WP: Lackey, Oliver. when Crawford hit a leadoff homer in the keep moving it forward,” Maddon said. “It wasn’t an easy six innings,” said catch and didn’t appear to see Umpires: Home, Bill Welke; First, Tim Welke; Second, seventh that ended the day for Kansas The Rays have won five of six following Meche, who is winless in his last six that Kendrick had made a late Jim Reynolds; Third, Angel Hernandez. T: 3:00. A: 31,163 (49,539). City righthander Gil Meche. Three of a season-high five-game losing streak. starts. “The good thing was I kept getting break for the plate. Crawford’s four homers this season have J.P. Howell pitched the ninth for his sec- out of it. I just kept waiting to get through “Howie reacted and made a come in the last six games. ond save. a couple innings that somehow weren’t so great read,” Angels manager Shields (5-4) gave up six hits and had Meche gave up one run and six hits in tough, and it just never happened.” Mike Scioscia said. eight strikeouts. He has won two six-plus innings. The Royals have lost a — The Associated Press — The Associated Press SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 27 AMERICAN LEAGUE Minnesota 11, Cleveland 3 Oakland 7, Chicago White Sox 0 Kubel leaves Indians feeling pain with blasts Beckham blanked in debut CHICAGO—Visiting pitchers are Athletics 7, White Sox 0 MINNEAPOLIS—Jason Kubel didn’t want Twins 11, Indians 3 supposed to have trouble Oakland AB R H BI BB SO Avg. O.Cabrera ss 3 1 0 1 1 0 .225 to make another trip to the disabled list Cleveland AB R H BI BB SO Avg. against the Chicago White Sox. Kennedy 2b 4 0 0 0 0 0 .333 with knee pain. If he continues to hit the B.Francisco rf 4 0 0 0 0 1 .263 Not this year. Holliday lf 3 2 2 0 1 1 .280 J.Carroll 3b 3 1 1 1 0 2 .304 Giambi dh 4 1 1 3 0 0 .220 way he did Thursday, he won’t have to Barfield 2b 1 0 0 0 0 1 .750 Jason Giambi hit a three-run K.Suzuki c 3 0 1 1 0 0 .284 worry about any down time. V.Martinez c 4 0 0 0 0 1 .346 homer and Brett Anderson Crosby 1b 4 1 1 0 0 0 .207 Garko 1b 0 0 0 0 0 0 .250 Cunningham rf 3 1 1 2 1 1 .143 Kubel hit a pair of three-run homers Choo lf 4 0 1 0 0 1 .297 pitched seven impressive R.Davis cf 4 1 1 0 0 1 .188 to back Scott Baker, who pitched seven Jh.Peralta ss-3b 4 0 0 0 0 1 .263 innings, sending the Oakland G.Petit 3b 3 0 1 0 0 1 .269 DeRosa dh 4 0 1 0 0 2 .264 Hannahan 3b 0 0 0 0 1 0 .179 effective innings for the Minnesota Gimenez 1b-c 4 1 2 1 0 1 .500 Athletics to a 7-0 victory over Totals 31 7 8 7 4 4 Twins in an 11-3 victory over the Cleve- Crowe cf 3 0 1 0 1 2 .182 Chicago on Thursday. Valbuena 2b-ss 3 1 1 0 1 1 .203 Chicago AB R H BI BB SO Avg. land Indians. Totals 34 3 7 2 2 13 The White Sox are batting Podsednik lf 4 0 1 0 0 1 .284 Kubel injured his left knee chasing a just .220 at home, and five of Al.Ramirez ss 4 0 2 0 0 1 .254 Minnesota AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Dye rf 4 0 0 0 0 1 .278 fly ball at Chicago on May 21 and missed Span lf 4 2 1 1 1 0 .307 their major league-worst eight Konerko 1b 4 0 2 0 0 0 .302 the next three games. Since he returned, Mauer dh 4 4 3 0 1 0 .436 have come at their Pierzynski c 4 0 1 0 0 0 .297 Morneau 1b 3 3 3 3 2 0 .348 Fields dh 4 0 0 0 0 1 .239 he was 4-for-26 until hitting a single in Kubel rf 4 2 3 6 1 0 .322 hitter-friendly park. Wise cf 2 0 1 0 0 1 .182 the fourth inning Wednesday night. Crede 3b 4 0 1 1 0 1 .232 “That’s a terrible stat,” Paul Beckham 3b 3 0 0 0 0 1 .000 B.Harris ss 5 0 1 0 0 1 .279 J.Nix 2b 3 0 0 0 0 1 .214 On Thursday, Kubel’s first homer Redmond c 4 0 0 0 0 0 .250 Konerko said. “Some statistics Totals 32 0 7 0 0 7 capped a four-run first against Fausto Gomez cf 4 0 1 0 0 0 .218 lie—that one doesn’t. That’s Tolbert 2b 4 0 0 0 0 0 .179 Oakland 000 103 003 — 7 8 0 Carmona. The cleanup batter followed Totals 36 11 13 11 5 2 bad.” Chicago 000 000 000 — 0 7 1 an inning later with his second to give Aaron Cunningham added a Cleveland 000 002 100 — 3 7 0 E: Dye (2). LOB: Oakland 4, Chicago 6. 2B: Holliday (9), Minnesota a 7-0 lead. Minnesota 430 003 01x — 11 13 1 two-run shot in the ninth for R.Davis (1), Konerko (13). HR: Giambi (8), off Buehrle; “The swing’s come back and that’s all Oakland, which won the final Cunningham (1), off Dotel. RBIs: O.Cabrera (17), Giambi E: B.Harris (1). LOB: Cleveland 6, Minnesota 7. 2B: 3 (27), K.Suzuki (18), Cunningham 2 (4). SB: Crosby (2), I can ask for,” Kubel said. DeRosa (11), Valbuena (7), Morneau (17), Kubel (13), three games of the four-game Podsednik (5). S: Kennedy. SF: O.Cabrera, K.Suzuki. It was his fourth career two-homer B.Harris (8). HR: Gimenez (1), off S.Baker; Kubel 2 series. The White Sox fell to Runners left in scoring position: Oakland 1 (Cun- (7), off Carmona 2; Span (4), off Ohka; Morneau (15), ningham); Chicago 5 (Konerko, J.Nix, Podsednik, Pier- game and second of the season. off Ohka. RBIs: J.Carroll (4), Gimenez (1), Span (24), 13-13 at home. zynski, Fields). DP: Oakland 2 (Bre.Anderson, O.Cabrera, Morneau 3 (50), Kubel 6 (31), Crede (23). SB: Choo “He was out of whack a little bit, get- JIM MONE / AP Top prospect Gordon Beck- Crosby), (Kennedy, O.Cabrera, Crosby); Chicago 2 (Bueh- (9). SF: Crede. Runners left in scoring position: rle, Konerko), (Buehrle, Al.Ramirez, Konerko). ting his legs underneath him,” Twins Minnesota’s Jason Kubel hit two three-run homers to account for more than half of his team’s RBIs. Cleveland 3 (Crowe, Jh.Peralta, Valbuena); Minnesota 3 ham made his major league manager Ron Gardenhire said. “I think (Gomez, B.Harris 2). debut at third base for Chicago, Oakland IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Bre.Anderson W, 3-5 7 6 0 0 0 4 109 4.97 he was rolling over balls and it looked Baker (3-6) has felt different his past Baker struck out a career-high 10 and Cleveland IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA going 0 for 3 with a strikeout. Wuertz 1 0 0 0 0 2 14 2.42 like he got a little pull happy because of few starts. walked just one. He allowed three Carmona L, 2-6 2 5 7 7 3 1 54 7.42 He hit into a fielder’s choice in S.Casilla 1 1 0 0 0 1 13 5.75 Ohka 5 6 3 3 1 0 82 5.40 Chicago IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA that. But he says he’s feeling better. And The right-hander took advantage of runs—two earned—and six hits. J.Lewis 1 2 1 1 1 1 19 5.46 his first at-bat. Buehrle L, 6-2 8 5 4 4 3 4 101 2.91 he doesn’t want to go on the DL, so that the early run support, staying around “I threw down about as well as I have Minnesota IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA White Sox manager Ozzie Dotel 2⁄3 3 3 3 1 0 21 2.41 S.Baker W, 3-6 7 6 3 2 1 10 106 5.88 Whisler 1⁄3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0.00 always motivates people to swing the strike zone and retiring his first all season,” Baker said. “I left a couple Henn 2 1 0 0 1 3 36 2.57 Guillen likes Beckham, but is better.” eight batters. He didn’t allow a hit until pitches up, but we’re human beings. already sick of the hype sur- Inherited runners-scored: Whisler 1-0. IBB: off IBB: off J.Lewis (Kubel). Umpires: Home, Joe West; Buehrle (Holliday). HBP: by Bre.Anderson (Wise). WP: Kubel had surgery on his left knee the fifth inning while winning for the That’s just part of it. It’s definitely a First, Paul Nauert; Second, Paul Schrieber; Third, Chad rounding the promotion. How Buehrle, Dotel. Balk: Bre.Anderson. Umpires: Home, and missed the entire 2005 season. second time in three starts. game of adjustments and as long as you Fairchild. T: 2:40. A: 20,897 (46,632). did Guillen think Beckham Dan Bellino; First, Phil Cuzzi; Second, Tom Hallion; Third, After recovering from the injury, he Baker credited a small change in his continue to make those adjustments you looked? Jerry Crawford. T: 2:15. A: 18,219 (40,615). broke through with 20 home runs last mechanics—standing taller in his deliv- should be fine.” “Really bad,” Guillen said. season. ery—for a victory against the Brewers Meanwhile, Carmona (2-6) failed to “He struck out, what am I going Assured of an everyday spot in the on May 24, but then allowed four runs reach the third inning for the second to say? He was good? That kid’s lineup this year, Kubel has responded. and seven hits in a loss to Tampa Bay in time in three starts. He’s allowed four or going to be all right. ... He’s just “Just from the beginning of the sea- his last start. more runs in his last five starts, and has another player. He had a bad son, it’s been a different feeling,” he Against Cleveland, he appeared to be walked 24 batters in his last six. day, just like everyone else.” said. back in good form. — The Associated Press — The Associated Press SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NFL FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 28

NFL hot topics ... with Tony Dungy & Rodney Harrison

This week, NBC announced that two recent NFL retirees—former Colts coach Tony Dungy and former Patriots safety Rodney Harrison—will join its weekly pregame show, Football Night in America. Considering their outspoken and pas- sionate natures, it’s no surprise that they were chosen for national TV work. Here are some of the opinions Dungy and Harrison shared with Sporting News Today’s Vinnie Iyer on the hot offseason topics:

L.M. OTERO / AP WINSLOW TOWNSON / AP Former Colts coach Tony Dungy says Michael Vick, above, deserves a Rodney Harrison says his ex-teammate , above, would second chance. not air the team’s dirty laundry in public. Tony Dungy: ‘I would definitely give (Vick) an opportunity’ ‘Give Brady the edge over Manning in terms of leadership’ Topic: Jim Caldwell, his replacement as Colts coach. great story to tell. If he does come back and make it, it Topic: QB vents about the Colts’ coaching become a starter in the next two years, you’ll find him Dungy: “He is going to have a challenging schedule can be very inspiring to young people who make a mis- turnover. as a career backup.” early on (Jacksonville, at Miami, at Arizona, Seattle, take to realize that one mistake doesn’t doom you. If I Harrison: “That really gives Tom Brady the edge over at Tennessee before the bye), and dealing with those were running a team, what I know about Michael Vick Peyton Manning in terms of leadership because he’s a Topic: Team of the decade. expectations of being able to go on the road and win is and what I’ve seen from him, I would definitely give guy that if this went on in New England he wouldn’t Harrison: “The Patriots. Look at all the transition. going to be the test. They are going to be up to it, but him an opportunity to play. If I needed a quarterback, come out publicly and he wouldn’t make a big fuss about Then you look at their consistency, the it’s funny how the schedule has been I would not be afraid of his past.” it. I think as a leader on a team, you victories.” laid out. Those challenges are right being Peyton Manning, a Hall of there early, and it’s going to be Topic: says he wants to start or be traded. Famer, you need to keep it in-house. Topic: Covering his former team, the Patriots. important for them to get off to a Dungy: “I am a big Vince Young fan, and I have got- You have so many guys looking up to Harrison: “If there is a question in Week 8 or Week good start because if they don’t, it’s ten to know him from playing against him twice a year. you and once they see the panic on 10—when the Patriots play against the Colts—and going to be, ‘Coach Dungy would He did a tremendous job at the University of Texas your part, then all of a sudden they Tom Brady is not performing, everyone is going to have done this, would have done this leading that program, and he was on his way in Ten- start getting nervous.” question his knee. And if I feel like it’s his knee that is differently.’ ” nessee but some things happened. He is going to have bothering him, then I’m going to have to mention that Tony Dungy to recover and rebound and reestablish that leader- Rodney Topic: , find or fluke? and Tom would have to respect that. As a player, you Topic: QB Peyton Manning vents about the ship. Right now, I think the team does look at Kerry Harrison Harrison: “As long as you have have to respect the fact that you are going to be criti- Colts’ coaching turnover. Collins as being the leader and that is going to be a hill the ingredient (quarterback) in cized. And that’s something that I’m not afraid to Dungy: “I was a little surprised to see some of the (Young) is going to have to climb. It will be interesting place, you have a chance to win. They re-signed Kurt bring. When I played, I didn’t have many friends and remarks in public. One of our things was to keep to see if he does it.” Warner and have a young, fast defense. The biggest I’m sure I’m not going to make a lot of friends now.” everything in-house. I’m pretty sure Peyton regrets issue is combing back strong. It only takes a little lack now some of those comments getting out because you Topic: Team of the decade. of focus to finish 7-9.” Topic: His role on Football Night in America. don’t want to air your laundry; you want to keep it Dungy: “The Patriots. They (are) the team everyone Harrison: “Just like I played the game, I’m going to in-house.” is chasing.” Topic: Vince Young says he wants to start or be traded. be honest and I’m going to be forthright and I’m going Harrison: “Unfortunately for Vince Young, this is to do it with passion. Certain guys you definitely Topic: Michael Vick possibly returning to the NFL. Topic: His role on Football Night in America. not the University of Texas, this is the National Foot- respect their opinions, but other guys I felt like they Dungy: “I do hope Michael gets the opportunity to Dungy: “Trying to bring a coach’s view of the big ball League. ... I think what happened to him is that were afraid to come out and really tell the hard truth. come back for a number of reasons. I think that he has picture to the fans. I think one of the enticing things he got caught up in somewhat of the dark side, party- And as an analyst, it is your job be fair but honest. paid for his crime, and I think that he deserves a sec- about this is that we are going to do a lot of explaining ing, not prioritizing and making football his No. 1 And sometimes you have to be brutally honest with ond chance. He is a talented young man, and he has a why things happen.” thing. ... So this is a critical time for him. If he doesn’t guys who you have played with.” SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NFL FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 29 Ryan’s bravado rubbing off on confidence-starved Jets Questions for FLORHAM PARK, N.J.—Still months from coach- assumed a bigger role. rookie coaches ing his first Jets game, Rex Ryan is talking a “He has been groomed for this,” Scott said. good game. “Last year, with a young coach, he took more The Jets’ Rex Ryan is not the NFL head coaches are supposed to speak in responsibility. He had to be more of a head only first-year coach facing bland clichés, but Ryan is all about bold state- coach. He was the more the interpreter of questions. Here’s a quick look ments. He expects to win big. Just ask him. what Harbaugh wanted to accomplish. He at the other rookie coaches and “I’m not here for the security of it,” Ryan settled that whole situation down.” their most daunting question: said. “I want to be special. Ryan said he coached the Ravens’ defense “This (practice) facility with a daring attitude last season, thinking he , Raiders: Can he that (owner) Woody (John- might never get the chance to become a head turn a struggling franchise son) put together was not to coach. Following the ’07 season, Ryan inter- back into a winner? go .500. It’s to win champi- viewed for head coach vacancies in Baltimore, Jim Caldwell, Colts: Will he onships and multiple cham- Atlanta and Miami—only to see someone else continue the consistency estab- pionships. We’ll see if I’m get the job. lished by Tony Dungy? the right guy for it.” “I thought I was right for a particular team Todd Haley, Chiefs: Can he Clifton Brown Ryan has difficulty mak- and was passed over,” Ryan said. “But it made succeed without Larry Fitzger- PRO FOOTBALL ing it through an interview me focus. I told the G.M. of that team that I ald, Anquan Boldin and Kurt without a proclamation. would make the league pay.” Warner? Wednesday on WFAN radio in New York, All of Ryan’s tough talk will not change , Browns: Which Ryan said among other things, “I never came serious questions about the Jets. Their start- quarterback will he start, here to kiss ’s, you know, rings.” ing quarterback either will be a rookie, Mark Derek Anderson or Brady At his introductory Jets press conference, Sanchez, or Kellen Clemens, who has just Quinn? Ryan made reference to visiting the White eight career starts. Their two best backs, Josh McDaniels, Broncos: Can House, an invitation given to the Super Bowl Thomas Jones and Leon Washington, are he prove that trading Jay Cut- champion every year. both unhappy with their contracts and ler was not a major mistake? If nothing else, Ryan has added swagger to skipped recent voluntary practices. Jim Mora, Seahawks: Was last the Jets’ culture, and the players are buying Having not been to the Super Bowl since year an aberration, or the in. When current Browns coach Eric Mangini 1969, the Jets fight for respect everywhere— beginning of a rebuilding was fired after the Jets’ collapse in December, around the league, in the AFC East and in project? nose tackle Kris Jenkins called the move a New York. Jets guard Alan Faneca likes the , Bucs: Will mistake. Now, Jenkins feels differently. way Ryan has barged through the front door, this job make the NFL’s young- “At the time they let Mangini go, we didn’t rather than tiptoeing through the back. est head coach feel old? know about Rex Ryan,” Jenkins said. “All we “He’s a breath of fresh air, putting his stamp Jim Schwartz, Lions: Can he knew is that our coach had got fired. Now? It’s on this team,” Faneca said. “He is who he is. resist the temptation not to not a situation where I’m going to slight my He’s not going to change.” rush QB Matthew Stafford into old coach or put him down. But I’m going to Ryan clearly hopes his bravado and confi- action? give credit where credit is due. Rex is a heck of dence rubs off on a franchise starving for sus- Mike Singletary, 49ers: Will a football coach.” tained success. Coaches can’t win NFL games he become that rare great Jenkins’ assessment is based partially on in June but can establish a winning chemistry, player who also becomes a what Ryan accomplished last season as the something the Jets felt they had last season great coach? Ravens’ defensive coordinator. Only the Steel- before blowing a playoff spot in December. , Rams: ers and Titans allowed fewer points than the Having yet to coach a game with the Jets, Things cannot get much worse, Ravens, who never surrendered more than 13 Ryan sounds and looks the part of a coach but can he make them much points at home. who means business. That will keep things better? John Harbaugh was a rookie head coach interesting until September. From that point, — Clifton Brown with the Ravens last season, and according to only how the Jets play will matter. BILL KOSTROUN / AP Jets linebacker Bart Scott, Ryan naturally [email protected] Rex Ryan hasn’t coached a game yet for the Jets, but the players are already praising his approach. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NFL FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 30 Scouts’ views Defensive coordinator rankings: Steelers’ LeBeau still the best It seems the whole league is changing Jim Bates, Bucs. Look for the upgrades in the secondary, Pees pre-snap movement to confuse to a 3-4 these days, and there are plenty 4. Bucs to move away from the will have more options in the pass opponents, but after the snap he of those system gurus on this list. But the traditional Tampa-2 zone scheme rush. Pees is a name to watch. keeps it pretty basic. best coordinators are the coaches who can and have defensive backs making adapt the talent at their disposal and attack more plays on the ball, while the Mike Zimmer, Bengals. The Larry Coyer, Colts. A former an offense in a variety of ways. defensive front will be less about 9. Bengals likely will continue to 17. defensive line coach, he will RealScouts, Sporting News Today’s team stunts and twists and more about employ a 4-3 scheme as it has emphasize the importance of line of former NFL scouts, ranks its top 20 getting pressure off the edges. throughout Marvin Lewis’ tenure. play—in pressuring the quarter- defensive coordinators: Cincinnati has a lot of linebackers back and defending the run. Dom Capers, Packers. He is a and converted college ends, so Dick LeBeau, Steelers. LeBeau 5. diehard believer in the 3-4 Zimmer could tinker with some , Browns. Look for a 1. perfected the zone blitz, and scheme, even though the ’09 3-4 alignments. 18. lot of different formations you’ll see Pittsburgh continue to Packers might not have the pieces and movement within the Browns’ run this defense as long as he’s the to make it work well. Capers has Paul Pasqualoni, Dolphins. Bill 3-4 scheme, which will look a lot coordinator. He likes to mix looks been through the transition before 10. Parcells and Tony Sparano like brother Rex’s hybrid scheme and bring pressure from different and can guide Aaron Kampman, love him, and after watching that made famous in Baltimore. We points on the field. He lacks a great A.J. Hawk and and turnaround last year who are we to will see a lot of press coverage by secondary, so he attacks offenses others through struggles. argue? Pasqualoni has the knowl- the cornerbacks and be aggres- with all-out pressure. edge and adaptability skills to be sive, mostly using man-to-man. Greg Blache, Redskins. He relies an asset within any scheme, but he Jim Johnson, Eagles. Another 6. on pressure at every level. He is an old-time coach who can teach Greg Manusky, 49ers. He 2. disciple of the zone blitz, likes to get a big push inside from technique on a one-on-one level. 19. emphasizes a 3-4 press-type Johnson likes to bring pressure his tackles, explaining the Albert Joey Porter’s career was over until style with lots of different looks and from up and down the line and Haynesworth signing. Blache also Pasqualoni arrived in Miami. frequent shifting of personnel. asks defensive backs to jam likes linebackers who run to the Frequent blitzing by cornerbacks receivers and play physical. ball and corners and safeties who Clancy Pendergast, Chiefs. He is and safeties is a staple—as well as Typically, he prefers quicker one press and play close to the line. 11. unpredictable—at times GENE J. PUSKAR / AP lots of man-to-man coverage—but gap-shooting linemen and active Expect Washington to harass the unorthodox—and is tough to game Pittsburgh defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau created and honed the zone blitz. the main pass rush must come from linebackers. The ’09 Eagles have QB consistently in ’09. plan against. The Chiefs will use a the outside linebackers. His defense upgraded the athleticism in the 3-4 scheme as their base defense, with his linemen. Speed at and letting Shawne Merriman will resemble the Steelers’ at times, front seven, and here’s hoping Mike Nolan, Broncos. He will have but liberal usage of the 4-3 in nickel defensive end is important. In the loose behind a more talented front. and don’t be surprised if LB Patrick Johnson recovers from his illness 7. a challenge this season, but if sets keeps opponents guessing. secondary, New Orleans will Willis becomes a star in ’09. to coach this improved group. anyone can turn around a moribund utilize a mixture of zone and Gunther Cunningham, Lions. defense it’s Nolan. An ardent 3-4 John Marshall, Raiders. Mar- man-to-man schemes with a lot of 15. Big and physical is the way Ron Meeks, Panthers. He likes Leslie Frazier, Vikings. He has the man, Nolan must employ a hybrid in 12. shall, who comes to Oakland cornerback man-to-man cover- Cunningham and new coach Jim 20. to play zone schemes 3. horses up front to send a nice ’09. His priority is shoring up the after a six-year stint as Mike Hol- ages with safety help over the top Schwartz like defensive players. behind stunting linemen, using pressure package at quarterbacks, run defense. He must rely on a mgren’s defensive coordinator in in combination schemes. The first priority is stopping the constant movement to confuse and he likes to play some mixed strong secondary to play well in Seattle, is all about pressure. He likes run and solidifying the front blockers. The back seven play it zones behind it with CB Antoine coverage while he figures out how to to mix coverages and formations, so Ron Rivera, Chargers. He has seven. Look for plenty of aggres- sound and simple; they try to keep Winfield more often in press generate pressure. versatility in the front seven is 14. experience coaching the sive calls and blitz schemes. everything in front of them and coverage. With DE Jared Allen critical. There is talent on the 4-3, the Tampa-2 and now the 3-4 prevent big plays. Meeks doesn’t joining the team last year, the blitz Dean Pees, Patriots. He is learn- Raiders’ roster, so don’t be surprised scheme. Although the Chargers Perry Fewell, Bills. He runs a blitz much and shouldn’t have to if package is a thing of the past, 8. ing from the master, Bill to see more success in ’09. will remain a 3-4 front, Rivera 16. conservative version of the DE returns. though it could return if the Belichick. No team does a better incorporates aspects of the other 4-3 scheme, blitzing sparingly. He — RealScouts analyzes NFL and college players, Williams Wall misses significant job of adapting personnel and Gregg Williams, Saints. He uses schemes. That means more aggres- likes to utilize a lot of cover-2 zone coaches and teams exclusively time. playing the matchup game. With 13. a lot of stunts and twists sive play-calling in terms of blitzes schemes. Fewell uses some for Sporting News Today. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NFL FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 31

INSIDE DISH Fisher: QB Young will be Titans’ starter ‘eventually’ Titans coach Jeff Fisher says that if Packers coaches can’t decide Vince Young can remain patient, he’ll be whether B.J. Raji fits better at nose the team’s starting quarterback tackle or defensive end, and their Bills’ Wilson makes odd choice sooner or later. Earlier this week, indecision is having a negative for Hall of Fame induction Young said he wanted to start or be impact on their first-round pick. traded. “I’m not going to lie—at times, it’s Ralph Wilson, the nonagenarian owner of the Bills, has selected “Let me say this: I didn’t bat an eye overwhelming,” Raji told the Green ESPN’s Chris Berman to be his presenter when Wilson is inducted at it,” Fisher told WDKF Radio. Bay Press-Gazette. “But at this level, into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August. Wilson noted that Ber- “When I saw Vince today, we didn’t you have to grasp a lot. That’s just man is a longtime friend who “really embodies the Bills fans.” bring it up. He was in the weight the nature of this game. All I can do That’s fine. Wilson is entitled to select whomever he wants to pres- room working out, had a great work- is keep studying my playbook and ent him. But any of these three men would have been more appropri- out. He knows there is no potential trying to stay as attentive in meet- ate choices: for us to move him. Kerry is our ings as I possibly can.” Marv Levy. He had a 123-78 regular-season record in 12 seasons as starter, but Vince is eventually going Buffalo’s coach and led the Bills to four consecutive Super Bowl to be our starting quarterback and The Cardinals signed S Adrian appearances. Levy was inducted into the Hall in ’01. the quarterback we drafted him to Wilson to a five-year contract exten- Jim Kelly. The former Bills quarterback was the trigger-man for be, period.” sion through the ’13 season. Wil- those Super Bowl teams. He also is in the Hall. son, 29, is the hard-hitting leader of Bud Adams. A fellow member of the “Foolish Club,” the original The NFL Players Association MARK HUMPHREY / AP the defense and was a ’06 group of League team owners, Adams has owned has reached a $26.25 million settle- Titans coach Jeff Fisher says Kerry Collins (5) is the starter, but Vince Young is staying put. selection. His old contract was to the Titans/Oilers as long as Wilson has owned the Bills. And this is ment with retired players who had expire after the ’09 season. the 50th anniversary of the AFL. successfully sued the union for cut- returned to practice Thursday, a third consecutive practice Thurs- — Dennis Dillon ting them out of lucrative market- day after he limped off the field fol- day because of a dislocated shoul- The Cardinals also signed ing deals. Hall of Fame cornerback lowing a collision with RB Willie der, an injury coach Jack Del Rio rookie fifth-round pick Herman John- Herb Adderley, who filed the suit, con- Parker during practice. Roethlis- questioned earlier in the week. son (6-7, 382) to a three-year contract. Hester and TE Desmond Clark seconded of a friend’s mother. Winfield had firmed the settlement on Thursday, berger had his left knee wrapped “I was a little upset, but we talked Cutler’s motion this week. been participating in the offseason telling The Associated Press that Thursday but apparently did not about it and everything is all right,” LT has agreed to a six- “Talent is talent,” Clark told the strength and conditioning program he’s “elated that this thing is com- require treatment. Henderson said. “We talked like year contract extension with the Chicago Sun-Times. “But the one until talks broke off. ing to a close.” men. I let him know about the 49ers that will keep him with the thing you don’t want are bad guys. The NFL Players Association shoulder. He saw the X-rays.” club through ’17. Staley, a ’07 first- Just from people I talk to, every- The Eagles and QB Donovan Bucs LG Arron Sears, who sus- is investigating how new Browns round pick, started every game at body says he is a really, really good McNabb could be getting closer to a tained a concussion midway through coach Eric Mangini is conducting Packers ILB Nick Barnett, who right tackle as a rookie before shift- guy. ... If a guy like that gets in trou- contract extension, according to the last season, still hasn’t been cleared “voluntary” practices, according to underwent surgery Nov. 20 to repair ing to the left side last year to ble and he’s not around the team, if Philadelphia Inquirer and Comcast to participate in practice drills. The Plain Dealer of Cleveland. a torn ACL in his right knee, took replace injury-prone Jonas Jennings. people didn’t like him they would SportsNet. McNabb, who turns 33 in Recent neurological exams report- Mangini sent 19 rookies on a part in walkthrough portions of Staley has not missed a snap in his take their shots at him right there. November, has two years remaining edly haven’t been promising. 10-hour bus trip each way last practices this week but says he might two-year career. Nobody took a shot at Plaxico. He’s on a deal signed in ’02. He is sched- “Obviously, we are all concerned weekend, to work his football camp not be ready to participate fully in going to sign with somebody, no uled to make $9.2 million this year about Arron,” coach Raheem Morris in Hartford, Conn. The NFLPA practice until after training camp If troubled but talented WR doubt, because he is a great talent.” and $10 million in ’10, but those sala- told reporters. “Realistically, it’s a also is concerned about the length begins Aug. 1. can escape or delay ries are not guaranteed. private matter. I would respect of his spring practices and the “By the time the regular season prison and/or an NFL suspension, Pro Bowl CB Antoine Winfield is Arron enough not to even talk amount of hitting involved. pops, I should be 100 percent. I teams will be lining up to sign him skipping the Vikings’ voluntary The Patriots signed RB Patrick about that. I’ll leave it as concerned feel good,” Barnett said. “We’re for the ’09 season. The Bears, Jets practices this week as negotiations Pass, a member of the team from and as a private matter.” Jaguars Pro Bowl DT John Hen- headed in the right direction. I and Bucs all are viable options. on a contract extension have stalled. 2000-06, on Thursday. He appeared derson wants to make it clear: He’s think I’ll be feeling very good in New Bears QB Jay Cutler has been He missed a mandatory minicamp in one game with the ’07 Giants and Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger not faking an injury. He missed his late July.” lobbying Burress, and WR Devin last weekend to attend the funeral was out of football in ’08. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NFL FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 32

DEFENSE Remaining free agents Defensive ends—Kevin Carter, Tampa Bay; Earl As Boldin sits, Breaston emerges as Cardinals’ next star receiver Cochran, Houston; Sean Conover, NY Jets; Nick Eason, A quick look at the remaining NFL free agents by posi- Pittsburgh; Kalimba Edwards, Oakland; Ebenezer tion (R-restricted free agent, F-franchise tagged player): TEMPE, ARIZ.—As Anquan Boldin Ekuban, Denver; John Engelberger, Denver; Simon stays away in a contract dispute, Fraser, Atlanta; Roderick Green, San Francisco; Travis OFFENSE LaBoy, Arizona; Jayme Mitchell, Minnesota; Jerome Steve Breaston has confidently Quarterbacks—Brooks Bollinger, Dallas; , McDougle, NY Giants; Julius Peppers (F), Carolina; Josh moved up to the No. 2 wide receiver Cleveland; Gus Frerotte, Minnesota; Charlie Frye, Savage, New Orleans; Anthony Weaver, Houston; James Seattle; Quinn Gray, Kansas City; Trent Green, St. Louis; Wyche, Jacksonville. spot for the Cardinals. , Chicago; Drew Henson, Detroit; Brad Breaston, entering his third NFL Defensive tackles—Kenderick Allen, Minnesota; Johnson, Dallas; J.P. Losman, Buffalo; Jamie Martin, Gary Gibson, Carolina; La’Roi Glover, St. Louis; Vonnie season, knows the importance of San Francisco; Craig Nall, Houston; Marques Tuiasosopo, Holliday, Miami; Antwan Lake, New Orleans; Langston these spring/summer “voluntary” Oakland; Anthony Wright, NY Giants. Moore, Detroit; Kindal Moorehead, Atlanta; Dewayne practices. It was a year ago, in the Running backs—Shaun Alexander, Washington; Robertson, Denver; Orpheus Roye, Pittsburgh; Hollis J.J. Arrington, Denver; Darian Barnes, New Orleans; Thomas, New Orleans; Josh Thomas, Indianapolis; John searing Arizona heat, that Breaston Tatum Bell, Denver; Jon Bradley, Detroit; Brian Calhoun, opened the coaches’ eyes. Thornton, Cincinnati; Casey Tyler, Dallas; Darwin Walker, Detroit; Jesse Chatman, NY Jets; P.J. Daniels, Baltimore; Carolina; Ellis Wyms, Minnesota; Brian Young, New “When it came to game time, they , NY Giants; Warrick Dunn, Tampa Bay; Orleans; Jeff Zgonina, Houston. could trust in me,” Breaston said. DeShaun Foster, San Francisco; Samkon Gado, St. Louis; Linebackers—Rufus Alexander, Indianapolis; Jason Nick Goings, Carolina; Ahman Green, Houston; Andre Babin, Kansas City; Rocky Boiman, Kansas City; Derrick “They could rely on me to do good Hall, Denver; Kay-Jay Harris, NY Giants; Maurice Hicks, things.” Brooks, Tampa Bay; Khary Campbell, Washington; Minnesota; , Arizona; Rudi Johnson, Anthony Cannon, Detroit; Dan Cody, Baltimore; Breaston went on to become Ari- Detroit; Deuce McAllister, New Orleans; Travis Minor, St. Rosevelt Colvin, New England; Donte’ Curry, Carolina; zona’s third 1,000-yard receiver in Louis; Chris Perry, Cincinnati; Andrew Pinnock, Denver; Donnie Edwards, Kansas City; Greg Ellis, Dallas; Gilbert ’08, catching 77 passes for 1,006 Michael Pittman, Denver; P.J. Pope, Denver; Cecil Sapp, Gardner, Chicago; Curtis Gatewood, Kansas City; Morlon Houston; , New Orleans; , Greenwood, Houston; Napoleon Harris, Minnesota; Brad yards, an average of 13.1 yards per Denver. catch. That compares with 96 Kassell, NY Jets; Jason Kyle, Carolina; Teddy Lehman, Wide receivers—Drew Bennett, St. Louis; Marty Buffalo; Wesly Mallard, Seattle; Willie McGinest, catches for 1,431 yards for Larry Booker, Chicago; Drew Carter, Oakland; Jason Carter; Cleveland; , Detroit; Shantee Orr, Cleveland; Fitzgerald and 89 catches for 1,038 Carolina; Keary Colbert, Detroit; Biren Ealy, New Antwan Peek, Cleveland; Carlos Polk, Dallas; Junior Orleans; D.J. Hackett, Carolina; Dante Hall, St. Louis; Seau, New England; Matt Sinclair, Washington; Gary yards for Boldin. , Indianapolis; Ike Hilliard, Tampa Bay; In four playoff games last season, Stills, St. Louis; (F), Baltimore; Dontarrious Darrell Jackson, Denver; Nate Jackson, Denver; Matt Thomas, Minnesota; Marcus Washington, Washington; Breaston caught 13 passes for 148 Jones, Jacksonville; , Cleveland; Ashley , Denver. yards. Lelie, Oakland; , Chicago; Dane Looker, St. Cornerbacks—David Barrett, NY Jets; Fakhir Brown, Louis; Marcus Maxwell, Baltimore; Anthony Mix, Tampa Boldin, in a long contract dispute ROSS D. FRANKLIN / AP St. Louis; Terry Cousin, Cleveland; Jason Craft, St. Louis; Bay; Tab Perry, Miami; Jerry Porter, Jacksonville; Koren with the Cardinals, didn’t partici- In just his third season in the NFL, Steve Breaston is already going to be counted on to fill some big shoes as Arizona’s No. 2 receiver. Travis Fisher, Detroit; Reynaldo Hill, Tennessee; William Robinson, Seattle; Edell Shepherd, Denver; Travis Taylor, James, Jacksonville; Adam Jones, Dallas; Michael pate in last month’s mandatory mini- Detroit; , NY Giants; Reggie Williams, Lehan, New Orleans; , NY Giants; Ricky camp because of what he said was a need look no farther than Breaston. (voluntary workouts). It carries over where it gets valuable for Steve run- Jacksonville. Manning Jr., St. Louis; Chris McAlister, Baltimore; Mike sore hamstring. He has not taken Breaston was no sure bet to even to the games.” ning with the No. 1 against the No. 1 Tight ends—Courtney Anderson, Houston; Adam McKenzie, New Orleans; R.W. McQuarters, NY Giants; Bergen, Denver; Mark Bruener, Houston; Owen Daniels Deltha O’Neal, New England; Dunta Robinson (F), part in any of the subsequent volun- make the team when he was drafted in As the season went on, Warner defense, but also for the guys that are (R), Houston; Nate Lawrie, Cincinnati; Marcus Pollard, tary workouts. the fifth round out of Michigan in ’07, gained more and more confidence in moving up a step behind him.” Houston; Lewis Sanders, New England; Duane Starks, Atlanta; Jerame Tuman, Arizona; , Jacksonville; DeJuan Tribble, San Diego; Jason Webster, That has cleared the way for Breas- the 142nd player chosen overall. He his young receiver. Now, all those doubts about Baltimore. New England; Jimmy Williams, Houston; Stanley ton to work with QB was looked upon as perhaps a kick “There was so much pressure, but I whether Breaston could catch seem Offensive tackles—Anthony Davis, St. Louis; Jon Wilson, Detroit. and the first-team offense. returner, but there were questions embraced the pressure, just playing ancient history. Dunn, Detroit; George Foster, Detroit; Wayne Gandy, Safeties—Michael Boulware, Minnesota; Mike Atlanta; , Oakland; Jonas Jennings, San “I’ve just got more opportunities about his ability to catch the ball. alongside Anquan and Larry,” Breas- “I told a lot of people that once I left Brown, Chicago; Oliver Celestin, Kansas City; Corey Francisco; , Cincinnati; Fred Miller, Chicago; Chavous, St. Louis; Will Demps, Houston; Mike Doss, now,” he said. “Just with Q not being He returned kickoffs and punts as ton said, “just how good of receivers my school there was a big cloud Rob Petitti, St. Louis; Jon Runyan, Philadelphia; Charles Cincinnati; Mike Green, Washington; Terrence Holt, here—and it’s trouble him not being a rookie, including a 73-yard they are. You don’t want that big drop- lifted,” Breaston said. “What they Spencer, Jacksonville; Barry Stokes, New England; Mark New Orleans; , Cincinnati; Sammy here—but it’s good for me getting return for a against the off. You want to keep going.” said back in college or what I did in Tauscher, Green Bay. Knight, NY Giants; , Atlanta; Chad Nkang, Guards—Lennie Friedman, Cleveland; Pete Kendall, Jacksonville; Pierson Prioleau, Jacksonville; Dwight more reps. It’s good for everybody. Steelers, but saw only sparse time on Warner said Boldin’s absence will college, it doesn’t determine where Washington; Matt Lentz, Detroit; Terrence Metcalf, Everybody gets a lot more.” offense (nine caches, 82 yards). He help all the young receivers. I’m going or what I’m going to do in Smith, Detroit; Jimmy Williams, San Francisco; Cameron Chicago; Edwin Mulitalo, Detroit; Chris Naeole, Jack- Worrell, Chicago. The team’s other receivers—Jer- vowed to show last summer that he “So much of this game is getting this league. When I got here, I had a sonville; Grey Ruegamer, NY Giants; Kendall Simmons, heme Urban, Early Doucet and was more than just a kick returner. reps and seeing things live,” Warner chip on my shoulder but the cloud Pittsburgh; Jason Whittle, Buffalo. SPECIAL TEAMS Lance Long—also have had more “I think the biggest thing was I said. “It’s one thing to talk about it in a was gone. No matter what people Centers—Brennen Carvalho, Green Bay; Jean-Philippe Kickers—John Carney, NY Giants; Matt Stover, Darche, Kansas City; Melvin Fowler, Buffalo; Matt chances to impress the coaches. was reliable,” Breaston said. “Going meeting room or draw it on a board or say, they can’t determine the out- Baltimore. Lehr, New Orleans; Andy McCollum, Detroit; Jeremy Punters—Mitch Berger, Pittsburgh; Kyle Larson, If they need an example of how the against DBs, making plays, I think see it on film, it’s completely another come I will have in the NFL.” Newberry, San Diego; Scott Peters, Arizona; Cory Cincinnati; Ryan Plackemeier, Cincinnati. summer can make a career, they that’s important, even in OTAs thing to see it in front of you. That’s — The Associated Press Withrow, St. Louis. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NASCAR FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 33

INSIDE DISH Goodyear officials say more than 1,200 laps were completed during the tire manu- Skinner: ‘We WinStar Casino World 400 facturer’s three-day test at Indianapolis Where: Texas Motor Speedway; Fort Worth Double-file starts Motor Speedway this week. generally run When: Today, 9 p.m. ET return to NASCAR Nine teams participated, including Roush TV: SPEED, 8:30 p.m. ET Fenway Racing’s Greg Biffle, Richard Childress good at Texas’ Radio: MRN/Sirius XM Satellite Ch. 128 NASCAR announced Thursday that it Racing’s , ’s Track layout: 1.5-mile oval will implement double-file lead-lap-car , Wood Brothers Racing’s Bill BY TIM TUTTLE Race distance: 167 laps/250.5 miles restarts with this weekend’s NASCAR Elliott, Robby Gordon Motorsports’ Robby Gor- For Sporting News Today 2008 winner: Ron Hornaday Jr. Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway. don, Motorsports’ , 2008 polesitter: Justin Marks The double-file restarts will be used for HAROLD HINSON FOR SN Earnhardt Ganassi Racing’s Juan Pablo Montoya, Mike Skinner has a robust record at Points leaders: 1. Ron Hornaday Jr., 1,056; all restarts at all tracks for the Sprint Cup NASCAR reacted to fans who called for a shootout style. Stewart-Haas Racing’s Tony Stewart and Penske Texas Motor Speedway in the Camping 2. Mike Skinner, 1,029; 3. Matt Crafton, Series. Implementation for the Nationwide Racing’s David Stremme. After the session, World Truck Series, but it comes with a 1,027; 4. Kyle Busch, 1,000; 5. Brian Scott, and Camping World Truck series will come $350 million. To assess the value, Forbes uses a Goodyear officials said that all results indi- tinge of frustration, too, that he’d like to 949; 6. , 946; 7. Terry Cook, in the near future. formula that involves adding up what teams cated they were on target with the tire that will end today with a victory in the WinStar 920; 8. Chad McCumbee, 916; 9. David The former restart procedure had lap- receive from sponsors, their winnings and be used in this year’s Allstate 400. Casino World 400. Starr, 903; Johnny Benson, 887. down cars on the inside, and the lead-lap funds from any businesses such as engine-leas- Skinner has three second-place finishes, cars on the outside for the restarts. ing programs. It applies multiples ranging from Bobby Hamilton Jr. will return to the Mac- two thirds and a fourth at the high-banked “We’ve heard the fans loud and clear: ‘Dou- 1.25 to 1.80 based on past relevant deals in Donald Motorsports No. 81 in this week- 1.5-mile track in Fort Worth. He has an KHI truck, chassis No. 024. The three-time ble-file restarts—shootout style’ are coming to the formula. end’s NASCAR Nationwide Series Federated average finish of 5.5, the best among the series champion drove that same truck to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series,” NASCAR The top 10 teams, and their projected value Auto Parts 300 at Nashville Superspeed- drivers entered for the eighth race of the victory at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in May. Chairman and CEO Brian France said in a news in millions that follow Hendrick are Roush way, Hamilton’s hometown track. He drove season, and has led 458 laps in his 10 starts. Hornaday is the all-time leader in the release. “This addition to the race format is Fenway Racing ($270), Richard Childress for the team at Dover International Speed- Skinner has also completed all 1,580 laps truck series with 40 wins, but he has never good for competition and good for the fans.” Racing ($167), ($144), Rich- way last weekend and finished 15th. in the truck races he has run at Texas. put together three straight at one track. — Bob Pockrass, SceneDaily.com ard Petty Motorsports ($131), Penske Racing “The racetrack has really been good to “To win three races in a row at the same ($111), Racing ($100), Stew- Sprint Cup Series driver Joey Logano will me at times and it has been bad to me at place shows just how dominant a team Hendrick Motorsports tops Forbes. art-Haas Racing ($80), Earnhardt Ganassi compete in the Bennett Lane Winery 200 times, but it is definitely on my top-five can be there,” Hornaday said. “Brendan com’s annual ranking of NASCAR teams by Racing ($70) and Red Bull Racing ($55). Camping World West Series race on June 20. list of favorite racetracks we go to,” Skin- (Gaughan) won four in a row (at Texas) a estimated value, with an estimated value of — SceneDaily.com — SceneDaily.com ner said. “We generally run good at Texas. few years ago, so I guess I would just be I don’t want to sound like a broken record, trying to catch him.” but to win any one of these races at any driver Todd Bodine has four of his Denny Hamlin: “To get the two wins in my track is special, but to win at Texas would 16 career wins in the truck series at Texas. for the 2. rookie season was an incredible start. At the be a little more special. It would be like “When Germain Racing takes the Copart time, because the car was so good and I felt really winning at Daytona. I have a Bristol win Tundra to Texas, we know we can win road comfortable here, I probably took those wins for and that is such a prestigious race to win, there,” Bodine said. “We know how to get The 14th race of the granted a little. I was still new and didn’t have so I would love to add a win at Texas.” around that track. It’s still up to us to make Sprint Cup season a good sense of how hard it is to win in the Cup Skinner has had an outstanding start sure we have the Copart Tundra set up to do is Sunday at Pocono series so as more and more time passes, just how in his first season with it, but, obviously with that history, you cool it was to win both those races, and do it from Motorsports, particularly considering know what you are capable of at Texas.” 3 Raceway. Three the pole both times, has really sunk in.” the effort wasn’t put together until Febru- Kyle Busch, in fourth place in the Sprint Cup drivers discuss their ary. Skinner, the 1995 series champion, points, will miss his second truck race of experiences at the 2.5-mile track : “The front straightaway had to scramble after his previous orga- the season because he’s racing in the 3. there, you come off the corner which is nization, Bill Davis Racing, was sold in Sprint Cup race at Pocono and the Nation- nicknamed the Tricky Triangle. pretty slow but you pick up so much speed down the offseason and the new owners shelved wide race at Nashville Superspeedway Jamie McMurray: “Due to the unique lay- the front straightaway that it is just forever, forever, TERRY RENNA / AP the racing portion of the business. this weekend. Brian Ickler will replace 1. out of the track, it forces us to look at a few forever. And then you just say, ‘Oh my gosh, I’ve Bobby Labonte understands the challenges of Turn 1. Skinner drove RMM’s Toyota to its first vic- him in the No. 51 Billy Ballew Motor- different aspects of our racecar for this weekend’s got to let off here, I’m probably going about 205 tory in the rain-shortened fifth race at Kansas sports Toyota. Ickler finished fifth at race. Horsepower is the key at Pocono, and you (mph). And it’s hard on the brakes getting it to turn think about it, but it’s a long enough straightaway and five top fives have him in second place in Kansas in his previous race in the No. 51 need to have a fast and powerful car since there and everything. You’ve got a lot of time to think that you can’t ignore that you’re going to be haul- the points, 27 behind leader Ron Hornaday Jr. with crew chief Doug George. He also has are three different straightaways.” about Turn 1. Best thing to do is probably to not ing butt when you get down there.” Hornaday had back-to-back wins at Texas driven Ballew’s No. 15 at Lowe’s, finish- last season and will be driving the same ing 16th, and at Dover, finishing 25th. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Golf FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 34

Donald needs just 20 putts to set record Memorial Member of NCAA champs Site: Dublin, Ohio. DUBLIN, OHIO—Tiger Woods hardly missed a fairway, a Schedule: Through-Sunday. helping Hamilton as caddie big improvement. Luke Donald hardly missed a putt, Course: Muirfield Village Golf Club (7,366 yards, par 72). and that was far more rewarding Thursday at the Purse: $6 million. Winner’s share: $1.08 million. DUBLIN, OHIO—Todd Hamilton’s caddie at the Memo- Memorial. TV: Golf Channel (Today, 3-6 p.m., 8:30-11:30 p.m.; rial Tournament is a kid from back home who’s had a Donald set a tournament record by taking only 20 Saturday, 12:30-2:30 p.m., 9:30-11:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon-2 better last couple of weeks than Hamilton has. putts, which allowed him to tie a tournament record by p.m., 9:30-11:30 p.m.) and CBS (Saturday, 3-6 p.m.; Sunday, Conrad Shindler, a 20-year-old sophomore, was on opening with an 8-under 64 and a three-shot lead over 2:30-6 p.m.). the Texas A&M team that captured the NCAA team championship last Saturday with a dramatic victory a group that included Jim Furyk and Jason Day, who James Nitties 37-36—73 +1 Leaderboard Webb Simpson 37-36—73 +1 over Arkansas. bogeyed his last two holes. K.J. Choi 35-38—73 +1 What seemed like a normal round at Muirfield Vil- Thursday Dustin Johnson 34-39—73 +1 Shindler and Hamilton are both members at Vaquero At Muirfield Village Golf Club Nick Watney 34-39—73 +1 Golf Club in Westlake, Texas. Even though Hamilton lage turned extraordinary for Donald when he rapped Dublin, Ohio Chris DiMarco 37-36—73 +1 in a 12-foot birdie putt from the fringe on the par-3 Purse: $6 million Shaun Micheel 36-37—73 +1 is an Oklahoma graduate, he asked the Aggie to fill in Yardage: 7,366; Par: 72 (36-36) Nick O’Hern 35-38—73 +1 eighth hole, starting a streak of six consecutive birdies. Bart Bryant 36-37—73 +1 when his regular caddie took some time off. First Round Matt Kuchar 36-37—73 +1 “It’s a great experience,” Shindler said. “I plan on He one-putted nine straight holes until a routine par on Luke Donald 34-30—64 -8 Alex Cejka 37-36—73 +1 the 18th hole to match the lowest opening round at the Jim Furyk 33-34—67 -5 Jose Maria Olazabal 37-37—74 +2 being out here someday, so it’s kind of a way to get the Ted Purdy 32-35—67 -5 Hunter Mahan 35-39—74 +2 inside access of it.” Memorial. MIKE MUNDEN / AP Jason Day 31-36—67 -5 Scott McCarron 37-37—74 +2 Thomas Aiken 34-33—67 -5 Richard Sterne 35-39—74 +2 On Monday, Shindler is set to play 36 holes in the “That doesn’t happen very often,” Donald said. While all eyes were on Tiger Woods, it was Luke Donald, above, who Steve Marino 34-34—68 -4 Brett Quigley 33-41—74 +2 Even rarer is the sight of Woods spending so much stole the thunder and the early lead with his first-round 64. Stewart Cink 35-33—68 -4 Bill Haas 37-37—74 +2 U.S. Open sectional qualifier in Columbus. His caddie? Mark Wilson 34-34—68 -4 Billy Mayfair 35-39—74 +2 Hamilton will return the favor. time in the middle of the fairway. Troy Matteson 35-34—69 -3 Greg Owen 38-36—74 +2 Johnson Wagner 31-38—69 -3 Marc Leishman 37-37—74 +2 “Whatever he asks me to do, I’ll do,” Hamilton said. Woods went with a slightly higher loft in his driver “It was just kind of a normal, everyday round until I Kevin Sutherland 35-34—69 -3 Jeff Quinney 38-37—75 +3 (10 degrees) and continued to make strides with his got to the eighth and made a nice putt from the fringe. Nicholas Thompson 36-33—69 -3 Lucas Glover 38-37—75 +3 “If he says, ‘Hey, don’t say anything until I say some- Rod Pampling 35-34—69 -3 Padraig Harrington 36-39—75 +3 thing, that’s fine with me. I’m the same way.” swing. He didn’t miss a fairway until his 3-wood on the That kind of sparked off a run of six birdies. Just really Tiger Woods 33-36—69 -3 Vijay Singh 36-39—75 +3 Mike Weir 33-36—69 -3 John Mallinger 38-37—75 +3 18th hole deflected off a tree and landed in a bunker. got on a hot streak.” Jonathan Byrd 34-35—69 -3 Ryan Moore 37-38—75 +3 Scoring starts with the putter, however. Woods He made eight birdies over the last 11 holes. And his Reinier Saxton 33-36—69 -3 Tim Herron 36-39—75 +3 Head shot Steve Stricker 35-35—70 -2 Ian Poulter 36-39—75 +3 David Duval was on a roll. He was 5 under as he teed missed an 8-foot par putt on the final hole, and his score was an eyesore for those teeing off in the Will MacKenzie 36-34—70 -2 Charles Howell III 39-36—75 +3 other bogey came on a three-putt at the 13th. He had to afternoon. Ernie Els 37-33—70 -2 Woody Austin 35-40—75 +3 off on the par-4 ninth hole, and was leading the Memo- Ryuji Imada 34-36—70 -2 Mark Brooks 38-37—75 +3 settle for a 69, and few complaints. “That’s rough when you walk to the first tee and Bubba Watson 34-37—71 -1 D.A. Points 38-37—75 +3 rial Tournament. David Duval 31-40—71 -1 Jeff Klauk 37-39—76 +4 But Duval’s ball sailed just to the right of the fairway, “Everything felt pretty good to some degree,” Woods you’re already eight behind,” defending champion John Senden 32-39—71 -1 Billy Andrade 38-38—76 +4 said. “My swing felt good. Even my putting stroke felt Kenny Perry. He finished the day eight shots behind Charley Hoffman 36-35—71 -1 George McNeill 37-39—76 +4 and his round was never the same afterward. Camilo Villegas 34-37—71 -1 Steve Lowery 37-39—76 +4 Duval’s drive struck a spectator near the large bun- good. A couple of bad pitches here and there, but over- after two late bogeys have him a 72. Chez Reavie 36-35—71 -1 Tim Petrovic 38-38—76 +4 Martin Kaymer 36-35—71 -1 Ken Duke 39-37—76 +4 ker that gobbles up shots to the right of the fairway. all, I felt like I controlled the ball well all day. With the Stewart Cink was among those at 68, while those at Kevin Na 35-36—71 -1 Jeff Overton 36-40—76 +4 wind blowing like this, you have to hit it flush. I did 69 with Woods included Mike Weir and British Ama- Zach Johnson 36-35—71 -1 Sean O’Hair 39-37—76 +4 The ball hit the man in the head and what Duval con- Ben Curtis 34-37—71 -1 Richard S. Johnson 37-39—76 +4 fronted when he reached the ball was enough to leave that all day. I didn’t miss any shots.” teur champion Reinier Saxton. Tom Lehman 34-37—71 -1 Fredrik Jacobson 38-39—77 +5 Tom Pernice, Jr. 35-36—71 -1 Jason Dufner 38-39—77 +5 him shaken. Furyk, who won the Memorial seven years ago, bird- Woods has a streak of 16 consecutive top 10s in Matt Bettencourt 34-37—71 -1 Peter Lonard 41-36—77 +5 ied three of his final four holes for a 67. He was joined stroke play, but scrutiny followed him home from The Jerry Kelly 36-36—72 E Charles Warren 41-36—77 +5 “It’s easier to swallow if there’s not blood coming out Robert Allenby 37-35—72 E Adam Scott 38-39—77 +5 of somebody’s head. And the guy was shook up,” said by Ted Purdy, Thomas Aiken and Day, the 21-year-old Players Championship last week because he played in Davis Love III 38-34—72 E James Driscoll 34-43—77 +5 Geoff Ogilvy 37-35—72 E Chris Stroud 37-40—77 +5 Duval, who said he was with the 60-year-old Colum- Australian who missed a playoff by one shot last week the final group and couldn’t break par. Stuart Appleby 37-35—72 E James Kamte 38-39—77 +5 at Colonial. Day was at 7 under with three holes to play, He has said he is still making adjustments because of Mark Calcavecchia 36-36—72 E Kevin Streelman 37-40—77 +5 bus-area man until he received medical attention. Erik Compton 37-35—72 E Brian Davis 38-40—78 +6 Duval said he was told the man was OK. but made bogey from the bunkers on his final two surgery last year on his left knee, and has said for the Michael Letzig 37-35—72 E Aaron Baddeley 38-41—79 +7 holes. last month that he is still missing his power. But he is Kenny Perry 36-36—72 E Danny Lee 40-39—79 +7 The last time Duval said he had struck a fan with a Daniel Chopra 36-36—72 E Cliff Kresge 42-37—79 +7 All of them were chasing Donald throughout a day back to hitting balls on the range, which is where he Marc Turnesa 37-35—72 E Scott Piercy 37-42—79 +7 shot was 10 years or so ago at The Players Lee Janzen 34-38—72 E Chris Wilson 38-41—79 +7 Championship. that began cool and breezy and became warm and could be found late Thursday afternoon. And he Charl Schwartzel 34-38—72 E John Rollins 43-37—80 +8 blustery. painted an optimistic view of his immediate future. Rocco Mediate 37-36—73 +1 Ryan Palmer 40-40—80 +8 Duval, winless since capturing the 2001 British Paul Casey 36-37—73 +1 Justin Rose 41-39—80 +8 Open, admitted that he was rattled for a couple of holes. Donald, who had only two sub-70 rounds at Muir- “The swing is starting to come around,” he said. “I’m Y.E. Yang 36-37—73 +1 Jesper Parnevik 40-41—81 +9 Todd Hamilton 37-36—73 +1 Bo Van Pelt 40-41—81 +9 He bogeyed the 10th hole and double-bogeyed the 12th, field Village, hit the opening tee shot and made bogey. starting to feel good now. It’s been a long time. I’m Carl Pettersson 35-38—73 +1 Parker McLachlin 39-42—81 +9 He was headed for another bogey on the second hole starting to get my power back. Everything is starting Steve Flesch 36-37—73 +1 J.B. Holmes 40-42—82 +10 shooting a 4-over 40 on the back and finishing at D.J. Trahan 34-39—73 +1 Brad Faxon 41-42—83 +11 1-under 71. until he chipped in from 80 feet short of the green. to come around now.” Mathew Goggin 34-39—73 +1 Kevin Chappell 42-44—86 +14 “I guess all good rounds start with a bogey,” he said. — The Associated Press — The Associated Press SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Tennis FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 35 FRENCH OPEN

Solovieva, Russia, 6-2, 7-5. Results Kristina Mladenovic (9), France, def. Chanel Simmonds, South Africa, 7-6 (2), 6-2. Thursday French final, Russian accent: Safina-Kuznetsova Daria Gavrilova, Russia, def. Bianca Botto, At Stade Roland Garros, Paris Peru, 6-4, 2-6, 6-2. Purse: $21.8 million (Grand Slam) Surface: Clay-Outdoor Junior Doubles Singles Glance Boys, Quarterfinals Women, Semifinals A look at the French Open on Thursday: and Dino Marcan, , Dinara Safina (1), Russia, def. Dominika def. Evan King and Denis Kudla (5), United Weather: Sunny. High of 68 degrees. Cibulkova (20), Slovakia, 6-3, 6-3. States, 6-0, 7-6 (4). Attendance: 16,622. Svetlana Kuznetsova (7), Russia, def. Patrk Brydolf, Sweden, and Radim Urbanek, Samantha Stosur (30), , 6-4, 6-7 Women’s semifinals: No. 1 Dinara Czech Republic, def. Devin Britton and Jordan (5), 6-3. Safina def. No. 20 Dominika Cibulkova Cox, United States, 2-6, 6-2, 10-6 tiebreak. 6-3, 6-3, No. 7 Svetlana Kuznetsova def. Guilherme Clezar, Brazil, and Huang Liang- Doubles No. 30 Samantha Stosur 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-3. chi (4), Taiwan, def. Hiroyasu Ehara and Men, Semifinals Stat of the day: 0-2 — Safina’s Shuichi Sekiguchi (7), Japan, 6-2, 6-3. Wesley Moodie, South Africa, and Dick record in Grand Slam finals heading into Dominik Schulz, Germany, and David Souto Norman, Belgium, def. Bob and Mike Bryan Saturday’s championship match against (6), Venezuela, def. Karim Maamoun, Egypt, (2), United States, 0-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4. Kuznetsova. and Nikila Scholtz, South Africa, 6-1, 3-6, Lukas Dlouhy, Czech Republic, and Leander 10-6 tiebreak. Quote of the day: “Doesn’t matter Paes (3), India, def. Daniel Nestor, Canada, Girls, Quarterfinals LIONEL CIRONNEAU / AP if I won 15 times before or she won and Nenad Zimonjic (1), , 7-6 (4), Ksenia Kirillova, Russia, and Martina 15 times before. It’s a completely new 7-6 (5). Dinara Safina is one match from joining brother Marat Safin as the only brother-sister team to win a Grand Slam. Trevisan, Italy, def. Isabella Holland and day. Everything could be different.” — Mixed , Australia, walkover. Kuznetsova, who is 4-7 against Safina in Championship Elena Bogdan, Romania, and Noppawan PARIS—Dinara Safina cursed at herself in but she stumbled a bit before getting past No. tour-level main-draw matches. Liezel Huber and Bob Bryan (1), United Lertcheewakarn (2), Thailand, def. Beatrice English, muttered to herself in Russian and 30 Samantha Stosur of Australia 6-4, 6-7 (5), Men’s semifinals today: No. 2 Roger States, def. Vania King, United States, and Capra and Lauren Embree (7), United States, generally carried on in much the same man- 6-3. Federer vs. No. 5 Juan Martin del Potro, Marcelo Melo, Brazil, 5-7, 7-6 (5), 10-7. 6-1, 6-4. ner of older brother Marat Safin. “She’s going to be favorite to win,” Kuz- No. 12 Fernando Gonzalez vs. No. 23 Robin Yana Buchina and Ksenia Pervak (6), Russia, Legends Doubles Safina’s face bears a striking resemblance netsova said, looking toward her match with Soderling. def. Kristina Mladenovic, France, and Silvia Round Robin Today’s forecast: Sunny. High of 70 Njiric (4), Croatia, 3-6, 6-3, 10-6 tiebreak. to Safin’s, and she shares his broad shoulders, Safina. “She’s No. 1. She played an unbeliev- Men Under 45 degrees F. Timea Babos, Hungary, and Heather Watson too. Both have been ranked No. 1—the only able season.” , Australia, and Emilio Sanchez, (3), Britain, def. Katarena Paliivets, Canada, Today’s TV: NBC, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. all Spain, def. Goran Ivanisevic, Croatia, and brother-sister combo to do so—and now Safina holds a 7-4 career edge over Kuz- CHRISTOPHE ENA / AP and Chanel Simmonds, South Africa, 6-3, time zones; Tennis Channel, 4-11 p.m. ET Michael Stich, Germany, 6-3, 2-6, 10-5 Safina is one victory from joining Safin as a netsova, including a win in last year’s Svetlana Kuznetsova has won just four of 11 6-4. tiebreak. Grand Slam champion. French Open semifinals. The two go back matches against Dinara Safina. Paul Haarhuis, Netherlands, and Cedric Wheelchair Yearning to justify her ranking and live about a decade, to age 12 or 13, when Kuz- Pioline, France, def. Sergi Bruguera, Spain, Singles up to her bloodlines by winning a major netsova was living in St. Petersburg, and Grand Slam and tie Pete Sampras’ record of Cibulkova did well in long exchanges at the and Richard Krajicek, Netherlands, 2-6, 7-6 Men, Semifinals (4), 10-5 tiebreak. title, the top-seeded Safina overcame a poor Safina in Moscow, where her father was 14 major titles. Federer lost to Rafael Nadal baseline, where much of the match took place: Shingo Kunieda (1), Japan, def. Michael Men Over 45 start Thursday and held her temper in the director of a tennis club and her mother in the past three finals at Roland Garros, but Each woman won 15 points that lasted at least Jeremiasz, France, 6-1, 6-2. Andres Gomez, Ecuador, and Victor Pecci, Stephane Houdet (2), France, def. Nicolas check enough to beat No. 20 Dominika was a coach who started Safin on his way the Spaniard is no longer around this year 10 strokes. Paraguay, def. Peter McNamara, Australia, Peifer, France, 7-5, 6-2. Cibulkova 6-3, 6-3 and reach a second con- to titles at the 2000 U.S. Open and 2005 after being upset by Soderling in the fourth Safina won five consecutive games to go and Ilie Nastase, Romania, 6-2, 6-1. Women, Semifinals secutive French Open final. . round. ahead 5-2, and that was pretty much that. Korie Homan (2), Netherlands, def. Sharon Junior Singles “I’m trying to control my emotions,” Safina “I had no chance playing against her. I “At this stage, I expected I would be in Her grunts growing louder and longer Walraven, Netherlands, 6-0, 6-2. Boys, Quarterfinals Esther Vergeer (1), Netherlands, def. Florence said. “I’m not playing my best, but still, it’s not remember, I lose to her 6-1, 6-0 or something,” semifinals,” Federer said, “but I was not with each game, Safina double-faulted Dominik Schulz (14), Germany, def. Gravellier, France, 6-2, 6-2. easy to beat me.” Kuznetsova said. “She was very good then, expecting Rafa to be out before the seven times and made more unforced errors Guilherme Clezar, Brazil, 4-6, 7-5, 6-4. Doubles Not lately: Safina has won 20 of 21 and then her brother was huge. I was coming semifinals.” than Cibulkova—marking many mistakes Daniel Berta, Sweden, def. Richard Becker, Men, First Round Germany, 6-3, 6-3. matches since rising to No. 1 in April. The to Marat, ‘Hey, I know your sister, Dinara. Can The women’s semifinals figured to be mis- with some sort of yell. Robin Ammerlaan and Maikel Scheffers, Henri Laaksonen, Finland, def. Filip Horansky, only woman to defeat her in that span, 2004 you give me autograph?’ ” matches: Neither Stosur nor Cibulkova had At least twice, Safina said something in Netherlands, def. Shingo Kunieda, Japan, Slovakia, 6-3, 6-4. and Stefan Olsson (2), Sweden, 6-7 (2), 6-2, U.S. Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova, In the men’s semifinals today, No. 2 Roger been past the fourth round at any Grand English that prompted an announcer on a Gianni Mina (11), France, def. Andrea 10-8 tiebreak. will get another crack at Safina on Saturday Federer plays No. 5 Juan Martin del Potro, Slam tournament until this week—and nei- European broadcast to apologize to listen- Collarini (3), Argentina, 1-6, 6-2, 6-3. Women, First Round Girls, Quarterfinals in the third all-Russian major final in ten- and No. 12 Fernando Gonzalez meets No. 23 ther has won a singles title on tour. ers. When she plopped one backhand into Annick Sevenans, Belgium, and Aniek Van Sloane Stephens (15), United States, def. nis history. Robin Soderling. The 5-foot-11½ Safina has an 8½-inch height the clay at her feet, Safina opted for sarcasm, Koot, Netherlands, def. Florence Gravellier, Silvia Njiric (11), Croatia, 6-2, 6-2. France, and Jiske Griffioen (2), Netherlands, The seventh-seeded Kuznetsova seemed Federer is trying to win his first French advantage over Cibulkova, who surprised saying: “That was a great shot.” Ksenia Pervak (3), Russia, def. Valeria 6-4, 7-6 (5). well on her way to an easy semifinal victory, Open championship to complete a career Maria Sharapova in the quarterfinals. Yet — The Associated Press SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com College Baseball FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 36 NCAA SUPER REGIONAL PREVIEWS UNC, Texas open with in-state foes A look at the matchups for the eight best-of-3 NCAA Super Regionals

TCU (39-16) at SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI CLEMSON (44-20) EAST CAROLINA (46-18) TEXAS (44-13-1) (38-24) at FLORIDA (42-20) at ARIZONA STATE (47-12) at NORTH CAROLINA (45-16) UFCU Disch-Falk Field; Austin, McKethan Stadium; Gainesville, Packard Stadium; Tempe, Ariz. Boshamer Stadium; Chapel Hill, Texas. Fla. HOW THEY GOT HERE: Clemson won N.C. HOW THEY GOT HERE: TCU won Forth HOW THEY GOT HERE: Southern Miss Clemson Regional: beat Tennessee HOW THEY GOT HERE: East Carolina Worth Regional: beat Wright State won Atlanta Regional: beat Elon Tech 5-4; lost to Oklahoma State 3-2; won Greenville Regional: beat Bing- 6-3; beat Oregon State 13-1; beat Ore- 17-15; beat Georgia Tech 10-7; lost to beat Tennessee Tech 10-0; beat hamton 11-7; lost to South Carolina gon State 5-4. Texas won Austin Georgia Tech 10-3; beat Georgia Oklahoma State 15-1; beat Oklahoma 12-2; beat Binghamton 16-9; beat Regional: beat Army 3-1; beat Bos- Tech 12-8. Florida won Gainesville State 6-5. Arizona State won Tempe South Carolina 8-6; beat South Car- BOB BOOTH / AP ton College 3-2 in 25 innings; beat Regional: beat Bethune-Cookman Regional: beat Kent State 17-6; beat olina 10-9 in 10 innings. North Car- TCU 1B Matt Vern, whose team plays Texas, leads the Frogs in batting (.363) and home runs (15). Army 14-10. 8-7; beat Miami 8-2; beat Miami Oral Roberts 4-1; beat Oral Roberts olina won Chapel Hill Regional: beat COACHES: TCU, Jim Schlossnagle 16-5. 8-3. Dartmouth 5-2; beat Coastal Caro- (250-118, sixth season). Texas, Augie COACHES: Southern Miss, Corky COACHES: Clemson, Jack Leggett lina 14-5; beat Kansas 5-1. Super Regionals glance Garrido (561-266-2, 12th season). Palmer (456-279, 12th season). Flor- (724-329-1, 16th season). Arizona COACHES: East Carolina: Billy God- All times ET (Best-of-3) TOURNAMENT APPEARANCES (LAST): ida, Kevin O’Sullivan (76-44, second State, Pat Murphy (625-282-1, 15th win (161-88, fourth season). North TCU, eight (2008). Texas, 53 season). season). Carolina: Mike Fox (497-206-1, 11th At Dick Howser Stadium At Boshamer Stadium Tallahassee, Fla. Chapel Hill, N.C. (2008). TOURNAMENT APPEARANCES (LAST): TOURNAMENT APPEARANCES (LAST): season). Today Saturday PLAYERS TO WATCH: Southern Miss, 10 (2008). Florida, Clemson, 34 (2007). Arizona State: TOURNAMENT APPEARANCES (LAST): East Arkansas (37-22) vs. Florida State (45-16), Noon East Carolina (46-18) vs. North Carolina (45-16), Noon Saturday Sunday TCU: 3B Matt Carpenter (.335, 9, 25 (2008). 33 (2008). Carolina, 24 (2008). North Carolina: Arkansas vs. Florida State, Noon East Carolina vs. North Carolina, Noon 45), OF Jason Coats (.335, 6, 31), OF PLAYERS TO WATCH: PLAYERS TO WATCH: 24 (2008). Sunday Monday Arkansas vs. Florida State, Noon, if necessary East Carolina vs. North Carolina, 1 or 7 p.m., if necessary Chris Ellington (.342, 6, 52), RHP Southern Miss: 1B Joey Archer (.310, Clemson: OF Wilson Boyd (.349, 3, PLAYERS TO WATCH: Paul Gerrish (6-2, 4.00), RHP Greg 10, 58), RHP J.R. Ballinger (6-3, 46), LHP Chris Dwyer (5-5, 4.85), East Carolina: OF Stephen Batts At Alex Box Stadium At Packard Stadium Holle (5-2, 3.89), RHP Tyler Lock- 3.92), OF Kameron Brunty (.347, 7, 2B Mike Freeman (.338, 4, 44), LHP (.358, 14, 63), 1B Brandon Hender- Baton Rouge, La. Tempe, Ariz. Today Saturday wood (4-1, 4.41), RHP Eric Marshall 52), RHP Collin Cargill (4-3, 3.25, 11 Casey Harman (7-3, 3.78), OF Kyle son (.327, 12, 54), RHP Chris Heston Rice (43-16) vs. LSU (49-16), 7 p.m. Clemson (44-20) vs. Arizona State (47-12), 9 p.m. (2-2, 1.30, 8 saves), 1B Matt Vern saves), OF Bo Davis (.367, 13, 52), 2B Parker (.263, 12, 52), 1B Ben Paulson (7-0, 4.17), RHP Seth Maness (9-2, Saturday Sunday Rice vs. LSU, 5 p.m. Clemson vs. Arizona State, 10 p.m. (.363, 15, 50), RHP Kyle Winkler James Ewing (.298, 3, 39), RHP Todd (.369, 13, 60), OF Jeff Schaus (.326, 4.41, 2 saves), RHP Brad Mincey Sunday Monday, June 8 (7-0, 3.95). McInnis (9-4, 3.21), DH Corey Ste- 12, 49), RHP Graham Stoneburner (10-5, 2.84), DH Kyle Roller (.337, 16, Rice vs. LSU, 7 p.m., if necessary Clemson vs. Arizona State, 7 p.m., if necessary Texas: 1B Brandon Belt (.338, 8, 38), vens (.330, 8, 55), 3B Taylor Walker (7-3, 3.19), RHP Matt Vaughn (4-1, 74), RHP Seth Simmons (3-1, 3.32, 9 At UFCU Disch-Falk Field At Oxford-University Stadium RHP Cole Green (5-2, 2.98), RHP (.306, 3, 29). 2.30, 4 saves). saves), OF Trent Whitehead (.380, 7, Austin, Texas Oxford, Miss. Saturday Today Taylor Jungmann (7-3. 2.45), OF Florida: 2B Josh Adams (.343, 8, Arizona State: RHP (7-2, 47), 2B Ryan Wood (.383, 14, 57). TCU (39-16) vs. Texas (44-13-1), 6 p.m. Virginia (46-12-1) vs. Mississippi (43-18), 2 p.m. Kevin Keyes (.305, 6, 37), SS Bran- 50), OF Avery Barnes (.359, 8, 42), 3.16), OF Kole Calhoun (.297, 9, 39), North Carolina: 1B-OF Dustin Ackley Sunday Saturday TCU vs. Texas, 3 p.m. Virginia (46-12-1) vs. Mississippi (43-18), Noon don Loy (.307, 0, 26), OF Connor RHP Billy Bullock (3-2, 2.12, 11 OF Jason Kipnis (.387, 15, 68, 24 (.417, 21, 66), OF Ben Bunting (.336, Monday Sunday Rowe (.276, 6, 33), RHP Chance Ruf- saves), LHP Tony Davis (5-0, 2.27), SBs), LHP Mitchell Lambson (8-3, 2, 35), C Mark Fleury (.311, 12, 58), TCU vs. Texas, 1 or 7 p.m., if necessary Virginia (46-12-1) vs. Mississippi (43-18), 3 p.m., if necessary fin (9-2, 2.95), C Cameron Rupp RHP Anthony DeSclafani (6-3, 2.81, 4 saves), RHP (15- RHP Matt Harvey (7-2, 5.35), 2B At McKethan Stadium At Goodwin Field (.282, 8, 39), LHP Austin Wood (5-1, 4.98), OF Matt den Dekker (.297, 5, 1, 1.23, 143 Ks), SS Drew Maggi (.305, Levi Michael (.293, 13, 54), LHP Gainesville, Fla. Fullerton, Calif. 2.03, 15 saves). 35), LHP Stephen Locke (5-2, 4.02), 0, 21, 20 SBs), DH Matt Newman Brian Moran (7-1, 2.00, 4 saves), 3B Saturday Today Southern Mississippi (38-24) vs. Florida (42-20), 3 p.m. Louisville (47-16) vs. Cal State Fullerton (45-14), 10:30 p.m. 3B Brandon McArthur (.337, 2, 37), (.310, 7, 51), C Carlos Ramirez (.341, Kyle Seager (.379, 4, 55), RHP Adam Sunday Saturday 1B Preston Tucker (.357, 14, 83). 18, 69), LHP Josh Spence (8-1, 2.37). Warren (8-2, 3.19), RHP Alex White Southern Mississippi vs. Florida, 7 p.m. Louisville vs. Cal State Fullerton, 5 p.m. Monday Sunday (7-4, 4.42). Southern Mississippi vs. Florida, 1 or 7 p.m., if necessary Louisville vs. Cal State Fullerton, 10 p.m., if necessary — The Associated Press SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com College Baseball FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 37 NCAA SUPER REGIONAL PREVIEWS FSU, Arkansas have met little resistance A look at the matchups for the eight best-of-3 NCAA Super Regionals

LOUISVILLE (47-16) ARKANSAS (37-22) VIRGINIA (46-12-1) RICE (43-16) at CAL STATE FULLERTON at FLORIDA STATE (45-16) at MISSISSIPPI (43-18) at LSU (49-16) (45-14) Dick Howser Stadium; Talla- Oxford-University Stadium; Alex Box Stadium; Baton Rouge, Goodwin Field; Fullerton, Calif. hassee, Fla. Oxford, Miss. La. HOW THEY GOT HERE: Louisville HOW THEY GOT HERE: Arkansas HOW THEY GOT HERE: Virginia won HOW THEY GOT HERE: Rice won won Louisville Regional: beat won Norman Regional: beat Irvine Regional: beat San Diego Houston Regional: beat Sam Indiana 8-2; beat Middle Tennes- Washington State 10-3; beat Okla- State 5-1; beat UC Irvine 5-0; beat Houston State 5-2; lost to Kansas see 3-2; lost to Vanderbilt 8-4; beat homa 17-6; beat Oklahoma 11-0. UC Irvine 4-1. Mississippi won State 7-6 in 10 innings; beat Xavier Vanderbilt 5-2. Cal State Fullerton Florida State won Tallahassee Oxford Regional: beat Monmouth, 12-5; beat Kansas State 8-0; beat won Fullerton Regional: beat Utah Regional: beat Marist 16-4; beat N.J., 8-1; beat Western Kentucky Kansas State 13-4. LSU won Baton 18-2; beat Gonzaga 7-4; beat Utah Georgia 8-2; beat Ohio State 37-6. 7-4; lost to Western Kentucky Rouge Regional: beat Southern 16-3. COACHES: Arkansas, Dave Van 10-9; beat Western Kentucky 4-1. 10-2; beat Baylor 3-2 in 10 innings; COACHES: Louisville, Dan McDon- Horn (272-156, seventh season). COACHES: Virginia, Brian beat Minnesota 10-3. nell (135-61, third season). Cal Florida State, Mike Martin (1,583- O’Connor (262-101-1, sixth sea- COACHES: Rice, Wayne Graham State Fullerton, Dave Serrano (86- 536-4, 30th season). son). Mississippi, Mike Bianco (830-315, 18th season). LSU, Paul 36, second season). TOURNAMENT APPEARANCES (LAST): (364-201-1, ninth season). Mainieri (127-61-2, third season). TOURNAMENT APPEARANCES (LAST): Arkansas, 22 (2008). Florida TOURNAMENT APPEARANCES (LAST): TOURNAMENT APPEARANCES (LAST): Louisville, four (2008). Cal State State, 47 (2008). Virginia, nine (2008). Mississippi, Rice, 15 (2008). LSU, 23 (2008) Fullerton, 31 (2008). PLAYERS TO WATCH: 15 (2008). PLAYERS TO WATCH: PLAYERS TO WATCH: Arkansas: 3B-RHP Zack Cox PLAYERS TO WATCH: Rice: RHP Ryan Berry (7-1, 2.00), Louisville: 1B Andrew Clark (.356, (.266, 11, 35; 5-1, 3.50), RHP Brett Virginia: RHP Kevin Arico (2-2, OF Michael Fuda (.351, 3, 18), SS 9, 55), 3B Chris Dominguez (.348, Eibner (5-4, 4.25), LHP Dallas 2.01, 11 saves), SS Tyler Cannon Rick Hague (.324, 9, 57), 2B Brock 23, 80), 2B Adam Duvall (.335, 11, Keuchel (7-3, 4.12), OF Chase (.349, 1, 35), RHP Andrew Carr- Holt (.346, 10, 40), RHP Mike 51), LHP Dean Kiekhefer (6-4, Leavitt (.306, 1, 30), DH Scott away (7-1, 4.30), DH Phil Gosselin Ojala (5-0, 1.73), 3B Anthony Ren- 4.56), LHP Justin Marks (11-2, Lyons (.311, 8, 43), LHP Stephen (.302, 6, 61), OF Dan Grovatt (.378, don (.384, 19, 70), RHP Jordan 3.40), RHP Derek Self (7-0, 3.25, 1 Richards (5-1, 1.09, 9 saves), LHP 7, 50), OF John Hicks (.313, 7, 36), Rogers (8-3, 4.42, 7 saves), C Diego save), OF Ryan Wright (.336, 5, Drew Smyly (3-1, 4.72), SS Ben 1B-LHP Danny Hultzen (.335, 3, Seastrunk (.289, 6, 44), LHP Tay- 66), DH Phil Wunderlich (.372, 18, Tschepikow (.317, 9, 46), 1B Andy 33; 9-1, 2.01), OF Jarrett Parker lor Wall (7-5, 3.45). 78), RHP Tony Zych (6-2, 3.25, 2 Wilkins (.329, 17, 51). (.378, 16, 64), 3B Steven Proscia LSU: RHP Louis Coleman (12-2, saves). Florida State: LHP Brian Busch (.325, 9, 56). 2.72), DH Blake Dean (.326, 15, 64), Cal State Fullerton: OF Gary Brown (6-2, 4.04), SS Stephen Cardullo Mississippi: RHP Scott Bittle (5-2, OF Leon Landry (.305, 12, 41), 2B (.337, 3, 35), 1B Jared Clark (.350, (.383, 10, 48), LHP Sean Gilmartin 2.17), LHP Brett Bukvich (9-3, D.J. LeMahieu (.339, 4, 38), OF 11, 74), SS Christian Colon (.351, 7, (12-3, 3.48), OF Tyler Holt (.390, 5, 4.42), 2B Tim Ferguson (.361, 2, Jared Mitchell (.333, 9, 42, 33 SBs), 35), OF Khris Davis (.330, 16, 55), 26, 33 SBs), RHP Jimmy Marshall 21), OF Jordan Henry (.347, 0, 31, 1B Sean Ochinko (.333, 7, 47), RHP OF Josh Fellhauer (.399, 5, 53), (3-2, 4.62, 10 saves), OF-RHP Mike 35 SBs), RHP Phillip Irwin (8-3, Matty Ott (3-2, 2.22, 15 saves), RHP Tyler Pill (11-3, 3.95), LHP McGee (.377, 18, 75; 6-2, 4.04), 3.84), 3B Zach Miller (.338, 5, 38), RHP Anthony Ranaudo (9-3, Nick Ramirez (3-1, 2.70, 7 saves; RHP Geoff Parker (6-1, 4.41), 2B LHP Drew Pomeranz (8-4, 3.46), 3.09), OF Ryan Schimpf (.33, 18, .287, 10, 31), RHP Noe Ramirez Jason Stidham (.366, 12, 75), 3B OF Logan Power (.319, 6, 55), 1B 59). ED REINKE / AP (8-1, 2.91), RHP Daniel Renken Stuart Tapley (.316, 13, 59). Matt Smith (.342, 7, 57). — The Associated Press Louisville freshman pitcher Tony Zych has made an immediate impact with a 6-2 record with a 3.25 ERA. (10-2, 2.56). SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Horse Racing FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 38

141ST BELMONT STAKES Saturday 6:30 p.m. ET, ABC

Odds Lucas takes a shot in the Belmont Stakes The field for Saturday’s 141st Belmont Stakes. HORSE JOCKEY ODDS NEW YORK—D. Wayne Lukas has a history of winning the Belmont Stakes with long 1. Chocolate Candy Gomez 10-1 shots. 2. Dunkirk Velazquez 4-1 The Hall of Fame trainer returns Satur- 3. Mr. Hot Stuff Prado 15-1 day after a three-year gap with two more 4. Summer Bird Desormeaux 12-1 outsiders: Flying Private, 12-1, and Luv Gov, 20-1. 5. Luv Gov Mena 20-1 After finishing last in the Kentucky 6. Charitable Man Garcia 3-1 Derby, Flying Private bounced back with 7. Mine That Bird Borel 2-1 a rallying fourth in the Preakness. Flying 8. Flying Private Leparoux 12-1 Private joins Derby winner Mine That Bird as the only two horses to contest all 9. Miner’s Escape Lezcano 15-1 three legs of the Triple Crown. 10. Brave Victory Maragh 15-1 It took Luv Gov 10 tries to finally win a race. Following that victory, Lukas put the colt in the Preakness, where he ran eighth. horse is coming into this race,” Garcia Between them, Flying Private and Luv said. Gov are a combined 2-for-23, a record that Garcia will try to become the eighth does not inspire confidence. jockey to win consecutive Belmonts, and But this is Lukas, a four-time Belmont the first since Ron Turcotte rode Riva winner. He has won the race with well- Ridge and Secretariat in 1972-73. backed horses like Tabasco Cat (1994, 3-1) “He’s riding very well,” Kiaran and Thunder Gulch (1995, 3-2). Lukas also McLaughlin, Charitable Man’s trainer, scored with lightly regarded runners: Edi- said. “He and Calvin are in a bit of a zone. tor’s Note (1996, 5-1) and Commendable Calvin’s zone is a little bigger because he’s (2000, 18-1). won the first two legs of the Triple Crown. “We’ve won this race before with horses Alan has been doing very well and we’re no one gave a shot to,” Lukas said. “We happy to have him.” knew they were developing horses coming into the race at the right time and the right On the mend way.” The one-horse stable of former high Lukas says the key to winning the school principal Tom McCarthy is now 1½-mile Belmont is having a horse with empty while General Quarters recovers the style and stamina to handle the longest JULIE JACOBSON / AP from surgery to remove a chip from his of the Triple Crown races. Trainer D. Wayne Lukas, right, leads Belmont Stakes hopeful Flying Private off the track with exercise rider Taylor Carty up after a workout at Belmont Park. Lucas also has right knee. “All of them can run a mile-and-a-half,” Luv Gov, a 20-1 favorite, in Saturday’s race. The 75-year-old McCarthy has been one Lukas said. “Some take a little longer. of the feel-good stories of the Triple Crown There’s a gut-check with the pedigree. We the all-time leader with 8 Belmont wins 38-1. All eyes were on Kentucky Derby Bird in the Derby and the filly Rachel series. Unfortunately, General Quarters think we have a couple of horses that fit followed by Sam Hendreth, 7, “Sunny Jim” and Preakness winner Big Brown, who Alexandra in the Preakness. Garcia has could not deliver a storybook ending, fin- that mold to, at least in my opinion, be Fitzsimmons, 6, and Woody Stephens, 5. was pulled up as the 3-5 favorite. also been riding in top form, having cap- ishing 10th in the Derby and ninth in the competitive.” Garcia goes for a Belmont double aboard tured the Met Mile on Memorial Day with Preakness. The four Belmont victories put Lukas in Garcia double Charitable Man, the 3-1 second choice. Bribon and the Peter Pan Stakes with McCarthy hopes to have General Quar- a three-way tie for fifth place with Max Few noticed last year when Alan Garcia Calvin Borel grabbed the headlines this Charitable Man. ters racing early next year. Hirsch and R.W. Walden. James Rowe is won last year’s Belmont aboard Da’Tara at spring with victories aboard Mine That “I am very excited about the way this — The Associated Press SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Back Page FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009 39

IN BRIEF TRANSACTIONS BASEBALL ARIZONA CARDINALS: Signed OL Herman Pak’s 66 gives her share of lead in Springfield MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL: Suspended N.Y. Johnson to a three-year contract and S Adrian Yankees RHP A.J. Burnett six games, pending Wilson to a five-year contract. SPRINGFIELD, ILL.—Hall of Famer Se Ri business manager since getting a appeal, and fined him an undisclosed amount ATLANTA FALCONS: Signed G Tyson Clabo Pak shot a bogey-free 6-under 66 on business degree from Rice. for intentionally throwing a pitch in the head and WR Bradon Godfrey. Released LB Brock area of Texas OF Nelson Cruz on Tuesday. Fined Christopher. Thursday for a share of the first-round This will be Monk’s first official Texas RHP Vicente Padilla an undisclosed : Signed RB Patrick lead with fellow South Korean Jee fight after several attempts at amateur amount for intentionally throwing a pitch at Pass. Released DL Kenny Smith, LB Angelo Young Lee in the State Farm Classic. bouts fell through. N.Y. Yankees 1B Mark Teixeira on Tuesday. Craig, RB Omar Cuff and DB Marcus McClinton. A five-time major winner, the American League : Signed T Joe Staley to a CHICAGO WHITE SOX: Purchased the contract six-year contract extension. 31-year-old Pak is seeking her first Soccer of INF Gordon Beckham from Charlotte (IL). Top 10 finish in 10 starts this year. If LONDON—The Netherlands can Designated INF Wilson Betemit for assignment. WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS: Signed RB she does, it’ll come against a field that become the first European team to KANSAS CITY ROYALS: Activated OF Coco Crisp Ramonce Taylor. features 49 of the LPGA Tour’s top 50 clinch a place at the 2010 World Cup from the bereavement list. Optioned INF Tug HOCKEY Hulett to Omaha (PCL). money winners. on Saturday. Eastern League Kris Tamulis opened with a 66, and While England and Denmark are ATLANTA THRASHERS: Re-signed D Anssi TRENTON THUNDER: Announced INF Reegie Salmela to a multiyear contract. Natalie Gulbis, Suzann Pettersen and among the other teams able to move Corona was transferred from Scranton/Wilkes- COLORADO AVALANCHE: Named Joe Sacco Anja Monke shot 67s at Panther Creek closer to a spot in South Africa, the Barre (IL). coach. in the final tuneup for the McDonald’s Dutch can get there with two games American Association ST. LOUIS BLUES: Extended the contracts of FORT WORTH CATS: Traded LHP Eric Domangue LPGA Classic next week at Bulle remaining if they win at Iceland. trainer Ray Barile, equipment manager Bert to Edinburg (United) for a player to be named. Godin, equipment assistant Ray Halle and mas- Rock in Maryland. The Netherlands has almost a full- GRAND PRAIRIE AIRHOGS: Claimed RHP Jeff sage therapist Jeff Wright. Promoted trainer Cristie Kerr and Paula Creamer strength side for the game in Reykja- Jamnik off waivers from Sioux City. Mike Hannegan from Peoria (AHL) to assistant were in a large group at 69, and vik, one of 14 qualifiers in Europe on SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CAPTAINS: Traded INF athletic trainer. Named Joel Farnsworth as- Aaron Cone to Rockford (Frontier) for future sistant equipment manager. Michelle Wie shot a 70. Kraft Nabisco Saturday. considerations. Signed OF Rodney Medina. COLLEGE SIOUX CITY EXPLORERS: Released LHP Curtis winner Brittany Lincicome was in Only midfielders Wesley Sneijder AMERICAN U.: Named Eddie Jackson men’s Pasma and LHP Tim Layden. Signed RHP David danger of missing the cut after open- and Ibrahim Afellay are missing for assistant basketball coach, Bryce Simon Trahan and OF Reggie Taylor. ing with a 75. the Group 9 leaders, who have won all director of men’s basketball operations, David Can-Am League JUSTIN L. FOWLER / AP five of their qualifiers and are eight Bierwirth senior associate athletics director for NEW HAMPSHIRE AMERICAN DEFENDERS: development and special events and Nancy NEWPORT, WALES—Veteran David Se Ri Pak is seeking her first Top-10 finish this year in 10 starts on the LPGA Tour. points clear of second-place Scotland. Released C Ken Lup. Yasharoff associate athletics director for com- Frost shot a 5-under 66 Thursday to — The Associated Press NEW JERSEY JACKALS: Released RHP Michael munications. share the first-round lead in the Wales Jacobsen has two victories on the history. She won six tournaments this Vicaro. ARKANSAS: Announced the resignation of Joe Open with Thomas Bjorn, Nick Dough- Champions Tour, including the 2004 season, and birdied two of her final Northern League Sheehan athletic trainer. Major League Soccer GARY SOUTHSHORE RAILCATS: Agreed to terms CHATTANOOGA: Announced the resignation of erty and Alan Mclean. The 49-year-old U.S. Senior Open. But he has been three holes to win the NCAA individ- EASTERN CONFERENCE with INF Christopher Carrara. Released LHP wrestling coach Chris Bono to become assistant South African birdied four holes out of slowed by a series of surgeries over ual title. She had a low round of 67 W L T Pts GF GA Alain Quijano. Chicago 5 1 6 21 20 16 wrestling coach at Iowa State. five in the middle of his round and col- the last 18 months. and a 72.8 stroke average. D.C. 4 2 7 19 20 17 JOLIET JACKHAMMERS: Released OF Horace FRANKLIN PIERCE: Announced the resignation lected another at the last. This year’s 54-hole tournament has Kansas City 4 4 4 16 16 14 Lawrence. of women’s basketball coach Mark Swasey Toronto FC 4 4 4 16 16 19 Southern League to become women’s basketball coach at drawn 12 of the top 14 money winners Boxing Columbus 2 2 7 13 15 17 CAROLINA MUDCATS: Released LHP Kyle California, Pa. LAKEWAY, TEXAS—Peter Jacobsen this season, missing only last year’s HOUSTON— III will New England 3 3 4 13 10 17 New York 2 8 3 9 12 18 Aselton. INDIANA: Named Joe Dubuque assistant wrestling coach. returns to the Champions Tour today runner-up Nick Price and Andy Bean, become the first son of the former WESTERN CONFERENCE BASKETBALL at the Triton Financial Classic, the who withdrew earlier in the week. heavyweight champ to fight profes- W L T Pts GF GA National Basketball Association IPFW: Announced women’s basketball G Kayla Drake will transfer from Eastern Kentucky and first time he’ll play competitively sionally Saturday when he faces Chivas USA 7 2 3 24 17 9 NEW ORLEANS HORNETS: Announced G Kevin Houston 5 2 3 18 14 7 Brown exercised his option to return to the be eligible for the 2010-11 season. Seattle 4 2 5 17 15 9 since knee replacement surgery NEW YORK—Maria Hernandez, who Clyde Weaver in Kinder, La. A sister, team for the 2009-10 season. IOWA STATE: Named Yero Washington assistant Colorado 4 2 4 16 16 13 wrestling coach. nearly a year ago. helped Purdue win three Big Ten Freeda George, had a short boxing Los Angeles 1 1 9 12 13 13 Women’s National Basketball Association NEBRASKA: Announced the resignation of Jacobsen will tee it up in the $1.6 team championships, has been cho- career early in the decade. Real Salt Lake 3 6 2 11 15 15 INDIANA FEVER: Released G Tan White and C men’s gymnastics coach Francis Allen, effective FC Dallas 2 6 3 9 12 17 Danielle Campbell. million event at The Hills Country sen the nation’s top college golfer. George III, who is nicknamed San Jose 2 7 2 8 12 22 July 1. SACRAMENTO MONARCHS: Waived G Charel Club, in the city that spawned the The senior earned the Honda Sports “Monk,” is 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds. NOTE: Three points for victory, one point for tie. NORTH CAROLINA: Announced OL Aaron Stahl Allen, G Whitney Boddie and G Morgan Thursday’s Game Columbus at Kansas City, 8:30 p.m. has left the football program. original Champions Tour event nearly Award on Thursday, given annually He may have gotten to the ring sooner Warburton. D.C. United 2, New York 0 Colorado at Real Salt Lake, 10 p.m. SAINT AUGUSTINE’S: Named Daryl McNeill run- 30 years ago. to female athletes in 12 NCAA sports. if not for his father’s insistence on put- FOOTBALL Today’s Game Seattle FC at Chivas USA, 10:30 p.m. ning backs and assistant special teams coach. “I’m not in pain, but there is a lot of Hernandez, of Pamploma, Spain, is ting education first. The 26-year-old Houston at Chicago, 9 p.m. Sunday’s Games Saturday’s Games San Jose at FC Dallas, 3 p.m. rust,” Jacobsen said Thursday. the most decorated golfer in Purdue son has worked as his father’s Los Angeles at Toronto FC, 3:30 p.m. Chivas USA at New England, 6 p.m..