NEWTON, Iowa(AP) Kyle Busch raced to his sixth victory in his last seven Nationwide starts and ninth of the season Saturday night, leading 209 of 250 laps in a... More...
Headlines
Columns
Bobby Colton take the lead and tells you all you need to know about the fantasy effects of the deadline deals in this week's Week That Was
Chris Paul's people are saying he wants to play for the Magic, but we think his long-term goal is a different team in Florida.
In this week's installment of In the Crease, Ryan Dadoun previews the NHL's Atlantic Division.
Evan Silva looks at a recent 12-team PPR industry draft, with commentary.
Rotoworld's Anthony Ballantoni suggests drivers outside the Top 15 in points for the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania.
John McNamara previews the Greenbrier Classic and discusses the history of the famous resort in West Virginia.
Blogs
Sports Talk
The biggest stories out of the NFL Training Camp
POLL
Which sport is the most exciting to watch?
TRIVIA
Which of the following sports was invented first?
Player News
Russell Branyan returned to action on Saturday July 31.
Mauer is expected to miss two games after receiving a cortisone shot in his right shoulder following the Minnesota Twins' 4-0 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Saturday night. The reigning American League MVP, Mauer has been dealing with tendinitis since he took a foul tip off the shoulder earlier in July. Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire said an MRI on the shoulder came back clean. Gardenhire says he will miss Sunday and likely Monday. He says Mauer likely would have sat Sunday anyway. The soreness hasn't seemed to hurt his swing. Mauer hit .344 in July with 19 runs, 12 doubles, three home runs and 19 RBI in 23 games.
Balfour went on the 15-day disabled list with a ribcage strain. Balfour's injury was the result of what manager Joe Maddon described as horseplay between the reliever and pitching coach Jim Hickey. "It was just kind of a freaky thing, just messing around. Pitching coach and a pitcher that know each other well. ... Something guys do almost every day and nothing ever happens," Maddon explained. "It's just a freaky, goofy thing. It's really unfortunate." Balfour, who could be sidelined four to six weeks, is 1-1 with a 2.08 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 43 1-3 innings.
Rich Harden limited the Angels to one run over seven innings to win Saturday in his return to the rotation. While he struck out just three, Harden threw better tonight than he did at any point before going on the DL in June. That's not to say it will last -- he's a tough guy to rely on -- but he suddenly looks like an option in mixed leagues again.
Dan Haren went the distance Saturday night, but he took the loss to the Rangers in a 2-1 game. Vladimir Guerrero's fourth-inning homer with David Murphy on base was all the Rangers needed tonight. Haren, who left his first start for the Angels after taking a liner off his right forearm, allowed five hits, walked two and struck out six in this one.
Gonzalez hit a game-ending home run leading off the ninth inning Saturday to become the sixth player in Colorado Rockies history to hit for the cycle. The last Rockies player to hit for the cycle was Troy Tulowitzki, who did it Aug. 10, 2009, against the Cubs.
Veteran guard Juan Dixon has contacted multiple teams this summer as he attempts to return to the NBA. Dixon was playing for the Spanish team Unicaja until the International Basketball Federation suspended him for testing positive for steroids. He could find a franchise willing to sign him for the veteran's minimum, but it's just as likely that his NBA career is over.
There are rumors that the Bulls could trade Taj Gibson to the Trail Blazers for Rudy Fernandez. "From what I've heard it's in Portland's hands now for what they want," writes Sam Smith for Bulls.com. "I've heard the Bulls have a pretty good shot, but nothing matters until it's done." Rudy would be a nice fit in Chicago's second unit, where he could get the larger role he has been pining for.
Yi Jianlian injured his arm during an international tournament in China, though the injury doesn't seem too serious. Jianlian will likely backup the Wizards frontcourt this season, a situation that won't improve his already-shaky fantasy value. We should have more details on the injury over the next few days.
Veteran big man Rasho Nesterovic is close to signing with the Greek team Olympiakos. Nesterovic hails from Slovenia and played for Greece from 1993 to 1995, but he spent the last 12 years in NBA.
Rockets forward Luis Scola will play for Argentina in the World Championships this summer. Scola is fresh off signing a five-year, $47 million deal with Houston. The Argentines won't have veteran Manu Ginobili this year, but the NBA is still well-represented by Andres Nocioni and Carlos Delfino.
Bulls forward Taj Gibson is still rehabbing his ailing left foot. Gibson has been battling plantar fasciitis for months, and hopefully enough rest will have him ready to go by training camp. Unfortunately, his fantasy prospects have dimmed since the arrival of Carlos Boozer.
The Edmonton Oilers have re-signed goalie Jeff Deslauriers. After Nikolai Khabibulin's status was determined questionable because of a DUI, Deslauriers needed to be locked up. The Oilers did just that, signing him to a one-year contract. He has avoided arbitration because of the signing. Last season he had a 16-28-4 record with a 3.34 goals-against average and a .901 save percentage. The move means the Oilers will not bring Devan Dubnyk back next season.
Washington GM George McPhee had some harsh words for Stefan Della-Rovere. McPhee said he acquired winger D.J. King because he did not have use for Della-Rovere. "We have no use for tough players who can't play or hurt you defensively.what we see in this player is someone who brings grit but looks like he could be a reliable player. If we could add a player to the club who is gritty and can play, that makes us a better team. We think if we get working with this player, he can become a reliable player who can play a little bit more." McPhee clearly saw no use for an antagonizer like Della-Rovere on his squad.
Brian Burke claims that the market for Tomas Kaberle will pick up after the Ilya Kovalchuk saga. Toronto fans seem to be getting tired of the Tomas Kaberle trade rumors. Burke has until August 15th to deal Kaberle. Expect many more rumors to come and go before the Leafs make a deal for the star defenseman.
Niemi has been awarded a $2.75 million salary for next season after helping the Chicago Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup in June. The arbitrator's decision could force the Blackhawks to make some tough decisions in order to stay under the NHL's $59.4 million salary cap. Niemi earned $826,875 last season as a rookie. He played all but one period of the Blackhawks' postseason run to the championship, going 16-6 with a 2.63 goals-against average, .910 save percentage and two shutouts.
Brandon Witt has cleared waivers. There is speculation that Witt will be bought out by the New York Islanders sometime this week. Witt has been a disappointment, registering two goals and three assists in 42 games last season. He also posted a minus-18 rating.
The Montreal Canadiens have signed defenseman Alexandre Picard. The deal is a two-way contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Montreal beat writers have said that there is no way it will be worth more than $850,000. The move seems to be for depth, ensuring they have enough bodies for the upcoming season.
Seahawks signed No. 14 overall pick CB Earl Thomas to a five-year, $21.1 million contract, including $12.32 guaranteed. Last year's 14th pick, Malcolm Jenkins, received $19 million with $11 million guaranteed. Thomas, possessing the best ball skills of any safety in the draft, will step right into the starting lineup at free safety. A favorite of NFL Network's Mike Mayock, he's a potential impact player on a defense starving for big plays.
According to ESPN's John Clayton, Joe Flacco's late-season "bruised quad" was much worse than reported, extending from his right hip to his right ankle. Coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron waited until after the season over to acknowledge Flacco's toughness, but they never fully disclosed the severity of the injury. It's amazing that Flacco was able to suit up in the playoffs, and the injury undoubtedly was behind his late-season fade. Clayton is one of the few national writers that likes Flacco as much as we do. He's poised to break out as an elite quarterback in 2010.
SI.com's Don Banks believes Torry Holt could be fighting rookie Taylor Price for the final receiver spot this summer. Julian Edelman and Brandon Tate are considered "sure bets" to make the roster. As predicted, Holt has struggled to separate from corners early in training camp. Price, meanwhile, is already showing big-time potential as a pass-catcher and route-runner. The Pats wouldn't risk losing the third-rounder on waivers. Holt is undraftable this year.
According to SI.com's Don Banks, many Patriots observers believe unsigned restricted free agent OG Logan Mankins is "just stubborn/principled enough" to sit out the entire 2010 season. Under current rules, Mankins would have to sign by Week 10 to prevent losing a season of NFL service. In the meantime, the Pats have slid Nick Kaczur inside to guard with the promising Sebastian Vollmer entering the lineup at right tackle. What the Pats are losing at guard, they're gaining at tackle.
Coach Pete Carroll isn't expecting newly signed OG Chester Pitts (microfracture surgery) to be ready for football activities any time soon. "It could be a couple months even before he gets [football activities] done," Carroll said, "but we'd like to see if we can get him ready to play in the preseason before it's over." Pitts will assume a backup role when he's ready for action.
Coach Sean Payton indicated that Devery Henderson is nearly 100 percent recovered from offseason sports hernia surgery. The Saints' top three receivers all underwent offseason procedures, and Henderson is the closest to returning to full health. He had appeared to look gimpy in Saturday morning's practice, but he had no problems in the afternoon. "I don't know that he's quite 100 percent yet," said Payton "But he's doing well."
Jason Leffler makes the most improvement in the Nationwide Series after this weekend's race. His 6th place finish in the U.S. Cellular 250 was 27 places better than his last NNS finish. This earned the No. 38 driver the Featherlite "Most Improved Driver" award. Leffler is currently 10th in the 2010 Nationwide Series point standings.
Kyle Busch wins the U.S. Cellular 250, his 39th victory in 190 NASCAR Nationwide Series races. This is the No. 18 Z-Line Designs Toyota driver's ninth victory and 14th top-10 finish in 2010. It is his first victory and second top-10 finish in two races at Iowa Speedway. Busch, who made 17 of the 21 starts this season so far, moved up one spot to 3rd in the 2010 NNS point standings.
Eric McClure's qualifying speed was not good enough to make the field for the July 31st Nationwide Series U.S. Cellular 250 at Iowa Speedway. The No. 24 driver ran a lap of 129.555 mph. It was 39th quickest but not quick enough to make the field for the race.
Dennis Setzer secures the last qualifying slot open to teams outside of the top 30 in owners points for the Nationwide Series race. The No. 92 driver's lap of 129.270 mph was 38th fastest in qualifying. He will line up 43rd for the U.S. Cellular 250 at Iowa Raceway.
Kevin Lepage runs quickest Iowa Nationwide Series qualifying lap of the go-or-go-homer drivers. Of the drivers required to make the field on speed, his lap of 131.568 mph in the No. 56 was the fastest. His qualifying speed puts him 10th in the lineup for the Nationwide Series U.S. Cellular 250.
Matt Crafton and the No. 88 team win the O'Reilly Auto Parts award in the Camping World Truck Series Pocono Mountains 125 at Pocono Raceway. The O'Reilly Auto Parts award is presented to the eligible driver who improves the most positions from their starting position (18th) to their finishing position (3rd). Crafton moved up two spots to 5th in the 2010 NCWTS point standings.
Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema is pleased with tailback John Clay's progress from offseason surgeries on his ankles, saying he was pleased with the way he looked. Bielema then went into Master of the Obvious mode, calling his junior tailback "one of our better players." In addition to that news, Bielema mentioned Clay and Heisman mix in the same sentence. So we're not the only ones expecting huge things from the State Street Steamroller. And yes, I just made up that nickname.
Although former Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli is headed to Ole Miss he still must be accepted to grad school and must receive a NCAA waiver to be eligible to play this year. There are also still some matters of probation that Masoli must deal with. If Masoli is able to play this year, he will provide decent quarterback depth for the Rebels and could make an impact on the field.
In this video by ESPN blogger Chris Low, Chris Relf is projected to be the starter for the Mississippi State Bulldogs with redshirt freshman Tyler Russell seeing some playing time as well. By most accounts it seems as if this is an open battle with Russell the better passer but with Relf the better runner and most experienced. Expect Relf to start but Russell to eventually take away the job with Relf still coming in as a runner.
Anthony Chiang of Alligator.org believes that the Florida offense will be better off with John Brantley at the helm than when Tim Tebow ran the offense. Read his analysis on the matter at:
http://www.alligator.org/sports/sports_columns/article_4e0ce2c6-9aa3-11df-b301-001cc4c002e0.html Regardless of what stance you take on the matter, Brantley will make an impact as a first-year starter and will be a good quarterback to nab for a couple of years.
Despite exiting spring practice atop the depth chart, Wake Forest quarterback Skylar Jones doesn't appear locked in to the starting slot. Said head coach Jim Grobe "What we try to be is fair. That means you treat them no different than any other positions. All of our other position groups have to earn their jobs and I don't think the quarterback should be any different." Ted Stachitas and Brendan Cross will be given every opportunity to win the gig. Grobe doesn't appear afraid to play more than one guy while hoping to set on a starter ten days before Wake's opener against Presbyterian. Translation - more reason to move Josh Adams up in your rankings.
In another update on the most famous foot in college football, Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett has been starting to run on a treadmill in an effort to strengthen his foot. Mallett is going to be fine and should be considered a QB1 in any league.
:
Coming Soon!
Aug 1, 2:48AM
NCAA Basketball player news is coming soon!
Ricky Barnes carded a third round of 2-under-par 68, but will miss the secondary cut at The Greenbrier Classic. A total of eight players will be cut from the field after Saturday evening's secondary cut. Joining Barnes on the MDF list are: Brian Stuard, Cameron Beckman, Bill Lunde, John Huston, amateur Jonathan Bartlett, Troy Merritt and Charley Hoffman. The MDF is a heavy blow for John Huston, who was playing on the last start of his Major Medical Extension (Q School/Nationwide Tour category) and will now have to play out of the Past Champions category.
D.A. Points fired a third round of 9-under-par 61 and is in second place at The Greenbrier Classic. Earlier in the day, J.B. Holmes looked to have a lock on the low round of the day until D.A. Points scorched the opening nine holes for six birdies, with no blemishes to make the turn at 6-under-par. On the back nine, Points opened with three birdies in his first four holes and with five holes left, including the par-5 17th, it looked like he had very real chance at a round of 59. Points birdied the par-4 16th hole to get within a stroke of 59, but a poor teeshot on the par-5 17th hole set-up an approach to the front greenside bunker and after he found the putting surface Points three-putted from 32-feet. The round of 9-under-par 61 is a career best for Points and on Sunday he will be looking for his first career championship on the PGA Tour.
J.B. Holmes posted the low third round at The Greenbrier Classic on Saturday, when he signed his card for 10-under-par 60. This week Holmes made the cut on the number and he was even-par after three holes of his third round. He then went on a run of four birdies in his next six holes to make the turn at 4-under-par. On the back nine, Holmes opened with a pair of birdies, and after another pair of birdies starting at the par-5 12th hole, he was able to close out the round with birdies at his last three holes. The round of 60 is a career best for Holmes and he becomes the fourth player in the last four weeks on the Tour to card a round of 60 or better.
Jeff Overton carded a third round of 4-under-par 66 and leads The Greenbrier Classic by three-strokes over D.A. Points. Overton started the day with an ice-cold putter and he found himself 2-over-par after seven holes, which left him three-strokes in back of D.A. Points. A 20-foot birdie conversion at the par-3 8th hole got him with two-strokes of the lead and on the back nine he looked like a different player as he went on a run starting at the 12th hole of five birdies in six holes. The remarkable turnaround gave Overton a three-stroke advantage over D.A. Points, who flirted with a round of 59 until the par-5 17th hole, where he three-putt bogeyed the hole. On Sunday, Overton will be looking to for his first career championship on the PGA Tour.
Roland Thatcher birdied his last two holes today to make the cut on the number at The Greenbrier Classic. Thatcher rolled in a birdie attempt from 8'1" at the 18th to sneak into the weekend at 2-under-par 71-67=138. He played his last seven holes in bogey-free 4-under, a noteworthy feat considering he hadn't cashed in his previous six starts. Seventeen golfers finished the day tied for 69th place, which means the 85 made the cut. Therefore, another cut of top 70 and ties after 54 holes will fall on the weekend.
Gary Woodland shot even-par 71-69=140 at The Greenbrier Classic, missing the cut by two strokes. Woodland couldn't avoid the big number yet again, swallowing one double bogey in each round. This drops him to two starts on his Major Medical Extension (Q School/Nationwide Tour category) to earn $445,837 and get elevated to the MME category. He'll try again at next week's Turning Stone Resort Championship, where he'll be making his first appearance.
Featured Games
CURRENT
UPCOMING
MLB - The Ultimate Draft "Pro"
Check back soon!
MLB - Playoff Commissioner
Check back soon!
NCAAB - Commissioner
Check back soon!
NBA - Salary Cap "Challenge"
Check back soon!
NBA - The Ultimate Draft "Pro"
Check back soon!
NHL - Salary Cap "Challenge"
Check back soon!
NHL - The Ultimate Draft "Pro"
Check back soon!
NFL - Salary Cap "Challenge"
Check back soon!
NFL - The Ultimate Draft "Pro"
Check back soon!
NCAAF - The Ultimate Draft "Pro"
Check back soon!
NASCAR - The Ultimate Draft "Standard"
Check back soon!
PGA - The Ultimate Draft "Standard"
Check back soon!
