Sportingnews - 20090519

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Top spot for Toronto For the second straight week, the Blue Jays are No. 1 in the Power Poll

NBA AWARDS

Page 14

TONY DEJAK / AP

Cavs’ Brown is our pick Mike Brown’s reformation of the Cavaliers into a defensive force makes him SN’s NBA coach of the year. Page 5

Scoreboard

TUESDAY MAY 19, 2009

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME VOLUME 1 ISSUE 301

Vick debate: Ban or reinstate? BY MATT CROSSMAN [email protected]

Twenty-one months after a dogfighting conspiracy landed him behind bars, Michael Vick ick gets out of prison this week. Sporting News Today asked five Pro Football Hall of Famers: Should the he former Falcons QB get a second chance in the NFL? GENE J. PUSKAR / AP

Evgeni Malkin and the Penguins struck first in the Eastern Conference finals, beating Carolina 3-2 in Game 1. Page 11

Michael Vick SN

NHL Playoffs Eastern Conference Pittsburgh 3, Carolina 2 (Pittsburgh leads series 1-0)

Baseball American League Toronto 3, Chicago White Sox 2 N.Y. Yankees 7, Minnesota 6 Tampa Bay 13, Oakland 4 L.A. Angels 10, Seattle 6 National League Colorado 5, Atlanta 1 Pittsburgh 12, Washington 7 Milwaukee 8, St. Louis 4 L.A. Dodgers 3, N.Y. Mets 2, 11 innings Arizona at Florida, ppd., rain

SAM HUFF

PAUL HORNUNG

RAYMOND BERRY

HARRY CARSON

“He’s paid a helluva price. He’ll carry that tattoo, so to speak, for the rest of his life. What did Clark Gable say to (Vivian Leigh), ‘Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn?’ That’s almost the way I feel about Michael Vick. I don’t know him, he doesn’t know me. (Deciding) is the new commissioner’s job. That’s why he makes millions of dollars.”

“Let me put it this way: I love dogs. If I was the commissioner, I’d be a lot tougher on these guys. I’ll go along with whatever they decide—and it will be soft. I’ve got my own opinion—I just don’t think he should get in. It all depends on who wants him back and how much strength they have with the league.”

“I’d like to know a whole lot more of the facts of his case. But on a general philosophy standpoint, I feel strongly that the National Football League needs to take a much firmer line on everything in the discipline area. I think the integrity of the National Football League with the public is at stake. To (fix) this properly, you lay it at the feet of the 32 owners.”

“Michael Vick was charged, he was tried, he was convicted, he paid the price. I don’t see any reason why he should not be able to come back and play. I’m not the jury, I’m not the judge. But I do know that we all make mistakes.”

TED HENDRICKS CKS “He’s paid hiss debt to society, so I think he should be reinstated. I’m sure ure he’ll be an assett to whoever signs him.” Vick will be on a short leash after release , Page 30

The feeble five How to repair the NFL’s most defenseless teams, Page 28

JEFF ROBERSON / AP

Blake Griffin would be a boon to Oklahoma City, on and off the court.

Looking for luck at the NBA lottery While four teams are still making championship drives, the NBA’s 14 non-playoff teams are hoping to jumpstart their rebuilding with a little luck in the draft lottery tonight (8:30 ET, ESPN). Here’s what to watch for:

Can OKC get a break? PF Blake Griffin is the big prize, and it so happens that the Thunder—just 30 minutes north of Norman, home of Griffin’s Oklahoma Sooners—are in need of a tough, athletic big man who can run the floor (and drum up local interest). Who’s No. 2? It’s probably C Hasheem Thabeet or PG Ricky Rubio, though neither is a sure thing. Where those guys are chosen probably depends on who lands the second pick. Is there a Portland in the bunch? The Blazers were already building a playoff team when they won the lottery in 2007. Several teams—Phoenix, Toronto, Washington, Indiana, Charlotte— would be playoff-bound if their number comes up.

— Sean Deveney Lottery history lessons, Page 8

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TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009

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Five things about ... DeMaurice Smith

Tune In Today

‘If it’s going to be a fight, let’s just kick it off now’

A quick look at the best sports on TV — all times Eastern

BY VINNIE IYER [email protected]

NBA

Draft Lottery 8:30 p.m., ESPN

For all the focus on the playoffs, it’s time to celebrate one dreadful team’s newfound fortune. The Kings have the best shot at landing the No. 1 overall pick and thus Oklahoma star PF Blake Griffin, though it’s hardly a guarantee that the worst team ends up picking No. 1. No doubt everyone in the state of Oklahoma is pulling for the Thunder to get the top pick, as their native son wouldn’t have far to travel. Oklahoma City has the fourth-best chance at landing No. 1.

NHL

Blackhawks at Red Wings 7:30 p.m., Versus

The Red Wings did a splendid job of holding Blackhawks star Patrick Kane pointless and shotless in Game 1, but it shouldn’t have come as a surprise. Kane had only one goal in six regular season games against the Red Wings, proving the youngster has more to learn about how to attack this deep, talented and veteran Red Wings roster. Detroit defensemen Nicklas Lidstrom and Brian Rafalski just don’t make many mistakes—they’re both in the top 10 in plus/minus rating during the playoff run.

BASEBALL

Cubs at Cardinals 8 p.m., WGN

These two rivals faced each other six times in April, with each team winning three. But momentum is on the side of the Cubs, who have gone 11-4 thus far in May compared to the Cardinals, who are 5-10 this month. Ted Lilly should help keep things rolling for Chicago, as he’s 3-0 with a 2.66 ERA in three May starts. St. Louis’ Joel Pineiro is going in the other direction, having dropped three straight starts after opening the year 4-0.

— Compiled by Roger Kuznia

GUIDE MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL 8:05 p.m. WGN — Chicago Cubs at St. Louis NBA BASKETBALL 8:30 p.m. ESPN — Draft Lottery, at Secaucus, N.J.

9 p.m. ESPN — Playoffs, Western Conference finals, game 1, Denver at L.A. Lakers NHL HOCKEY 7:30 p.m. VERSUS — Playoffs, Western Conference finals, game 2, Chicago at Detroit

Five things you will learn about the NFL Players Association’s new executive director, DeMaurice Smith, on HBO’s Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel tonight at 10 ET:

1.

He is a fighter. Who is DeMaurice Smith? Take it from his own answer to interviewer Andrea Kremer: “He is the guy who you’ll know will be in the foxhole once the fight starts, and I’ll be there once the fight is over. I’d much rather get to things without it being a fight, but if it’s going to be a fight, let’s just kick it off now.” Smith has been thrown in the ring right away. If he can’t negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement with the NFL by next March, the players face a probable lockout in 2011.

2.

He is fearless. When working as a prosecutor for the U.S. attorney’s office, a D.C. gang member once put out a contract on Smith’s life. So don’t expect him to be intimidated by anything in negotiations. “I’m not concerned about threats,” Smith said. “The carryover is: You never lose sight of what your main focus is.” His immediate focus is getting full financial disclosure from the owners and keeping the players from giving ground.

3.

He is a fan of football, and the players already are fans of his. Growing up in Washington, D.C., Smith rooted for the Redskins and played football through high school but now standing 5-8, 160, avoided enough hits to become a college track star. At Cedarville University in

Ohio, he found his calling as the school’s first African-American student body president and a future in law. Despite having no NFL playing experience, Smith impressed the players with his presentation to beat out former NFL players Troy Vincent and Trace Armstrong for the job. “He is the best candidate that we never knew we had,” Giants center Shaun O’Hara said. “He represents a change that I think guys are really refreshed about.”

4.

He is friendly. Smith is shown on camera introducing himself to almost everyone at the NFL draft, and the man who prefers to be called “D” continues to visit teams to become a familiar face to players and owners. The owners who meet him, knowing “D” is on the players’ side, still are well aware that familiarity can breed contempt. “This business can be very cruel and unforgiving at times,” Patriots owner Robert Kraft said. “Until you get roughed up a little, you’re probably not ready for it.”

5.

He has friends in high places. Smith has ties to President Barack Obama and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder. Smith served as an assistant U.S. Attorney under Holder before joining Holder as an Obama campaign operative. Smith said he is unafraid to use those connections, perhaps getting help to persuade Congress to hold hearings on whether to extend the NFL’s federal antitrust exemption. “(The owners) are dealing not with a former player, with all due respect, but with a very accomplished lawyer,” Holder said. “They better be ready for him.”

GARY HE / AP

During his time as a U.S. attorney, DeMaurice Smith made important friends and dealt with real threats.

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TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009

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‘Smart and funny’ Gruden to Former MLBer O’Leary replace Kornheiser on MNF OFF THE FIELD

takes swing at reality Former big leaguer Troy O’Leary is ready to jump into the world or reality TV. O’Leary, who played 11 seasons in the major leagues—primarily with Boston—is staying in an area he knows best: baseball. He has developed a show titled Play Big or Go Home, an American Idol of sorts show for the up-and-coming baseball player, according to The Boston Globe. The concept is simple. Fifteen players—five each from the East, Midwest and West regions—will compete for a spring training invitation or to play for an independent league team. “Some of them, just because nobody’s hear of them or because they didn’t show up on a scout’s radar, or maybe because they went to a small college that wasn’t scouted, they’re not given the chance to even get their foot in the door,”O’Leary told the Globe. O’Leary has recruited former players Reggie Jefferson, Darren Lewis, John Valentin, Jeff Cirillo and Rafael Naboa to commit to roles.

Quick hits The WWE may see its Monday Night Raw pushed out of the Pepsi Center in Denver in favor of Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, and they are not happy. “Even though the Denver Nuggets had a strong team this year and were projected to make the playoffs, obviously Nuggets and Pepsi Center owner Stan Kroenke did not have enough faith in his own team to hold the May 25th date for a potential playoff game,” said WWE chairman Vince McMahon in a news release. IRL driver Danica Patrick has

ORLIN WAGNER / AP

Danica Patrick is the latest high-profile athlete to join Twitter, and she has corporate backing. launched a Twitter feed at the behest of watch sponsor Tissot, located @DanicaPatrick, SportsBusiness Journal’s Eric Fisher reported. She is believed to be the first major athlete to join Twitter in conjunction with a corporate entity, and Tissot will receive extensive exposure on her feed. Buffalo Bills defensive back Donte Whitner says he has videotaped evidence showing he did nothing wrong during an altercation with police outside a Cleveland nightclub. Speaking after a voluntary practice Monday, Whitner added he is confident charges against him could be dropped as early as today. Sounds of Faith: The Wayman Tisdale Story, a documentary focusing on former NBA player Wayman Tisdale’s losing battle with cancer, is scheduled for a November release, the Tulsa World reported. Proceeds will benefit the Wayman Tisdale Foundation. Tisdale, 44, died Friday. — SportsBusiness Daily, sportsbusinessdaily.com

BRISTOL, CONN.—Former Bucs coach Jon Gruden is replacing Tony Kornheiser on ESPN’s Monday Night Football broadcast team. Kornheiser cited a fear of flying in his decision to leave after three years. The network said Monday that Gruden will be in the booth with playby-play man Mike Tirico and ex-QB Ron Jaworski when the show starts its 40th season this fall. “If I could handpick a replacement of a football guy, I would cast a net and drag in Jon Gruden,” Kornheiser said in a statement. “He is the two things you most want—smart and funny—and has the two things I don’t—good hair and a tan.” Gruden led the Bucs to the 2003 Super Bowl title but was fired after this past season after his team lost four consecutive games to miss the playoffs. He worked as a guest analyst this year with the NFL Network during the draft and NFL Scouting Combine. “To join Mike and Jaws in the booth and to work alongside this top-notch team is going to be a real thrill,” Gruden said. Gruden will make his debut with ESPN with a Cardinals-Steelers preseason game Aug. 13. Kornheiser will continue to appear on ESPN’s Pardon the Interruption and is relieved it doesn’t require air travel. “My fear of planes is legendary and sadly true,” he said. “When I looked at the upcoming schedule it was the perfect storm that would’ve frequently moved me from the bus to the air.” Gruden was an NFL head coach the past 11 seasons, with Tampa Bay (200208) and Oakland (1998-2001). He had a 100-85 record, leading his teams to five division titles. His best season came in 2002, when the Buccaneers went 12-4 and then beat the Raiders 48-21 in the Super Bowl.

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REINHOLD MATAY / AP

After 11 seasons as a head coach, Jon Gruden will work the other side of the microphone for ESPN. Gruden was 38 at the time and the youngest coach to win a Super Bowl. Gruden began his NFL coaching career in 1990 when San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Mike Holmgren hired him as an assistant. When Holmgren was hired to coach the Packers in 1992, Gruden became his wide receivers coach. After three seasons, Gruden went to the Eagles as an offensive coordinator, and in 1998 became coach of the Raiders at 34. — The Associated Press

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TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009

Lou Holtz

THE WORLD’S FIRST DIGITAL DAILY SPORTS NEWSPAPER

Former Notre Dame football coach (What you won’t find on Facebook … even if you are approved as a friend) Born: January 6, 1937, Follansbee, W.Va. Alma mater: Kent State Status: Married What I’m up to these days: Work at ESPN, play golf and do speaking events. I thought I was retired, ESPN found out I was retarded. What’s on TV: All sporting events, news shows, The First 48 What’s in my iPod: ’50s music, Country & Western, Elvis Presley, The Platters, Dean Martin, Johnny Cash What I drive: For 15 years, a 1990 Tempo. Last year, my wife gave it to charity to auction without my approval. Now I drive a Honda, but looking to buy a Toyota. Favorite flicks: Patton, Hud, My Cousin Vinny What I’m reading: Peaks and Valleys, by Spencer Johnson Magazine subscription: Golf Digest Bookmarks: ESPN, University of Notre Dame, NCAA Division I Football Superstition: It’s bad luck if you fail to block, tackle and protect the ball. Worst habit: Smoking a pipe. Never smoked cigarettes or cigars. At age 26, my wife bought me a pipe and I enjoy a pipe. On my office walls: Pictures of the holes I’ve made a hole-in-one on here at Lake Nona—holes 4, 13 & 17; 4 honorary degrees—from Kent State, Gonzaga, Benedictine & Wingate; pictures of Ara Parseghian and myself, Bo Schembechler and myself, Fr. Hesburgh and myself; picture of Pope John Paul, (wife) Beth and myself; picture of Pope Benedictine and my wife and 2 grandchildren; pictures of myself and 5 presidents—Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush. Love to trade places for a day with … Tiger Woods. Have never reached a par 5 in 2. First job: Paper route, age 9. Had 64 customers,

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poor section of town. Made $6 a week if everyone paid. East Liverpool, Ohio, paper—El Review. All get. I got 25¢ my earnings went into the family budget. my life now a week allowance. Best experience of that I look back on it. Talent I’d most like to have: Play the piano. no. I took lessons, “Teaching Little Fingers to Play,” lay,” but the teacher said I had no chance. Favorite meal: Filet, french fries, Caesar ar salad Favorite athlete to watch in another sport: Tiger Woods Favorite value in others: Courage to do what they know is right and be truthful, not be politically correct and tell you what you want to hear. Favorite cities to visit: Las Vegas, 2. Orlando— ando— means I am home. Favorite physical attribute about myself: None. one. I’m small, weak and unattractive. I am a good od listener, good speaker and I see humor in most things. And least … I look like I have Beriberi and Scurvy. Dream date: Meghan Kelly—FOX News. But my wife of 48 years would go with me. My greatest love: 1. My wife, 2. My children, 3. Golf My hero: My wife Beth of 48 years. Great mother of 4 children, great grandmother of 9. Had stage 4 cancer, 13 hours of surgery, 83 radiation treatments and never complains. Just helps other people. My bucket list: 1. Go on a photo safari in Africa, 2. Speak two languages, 3. Run n for political office My motto: Don’t run if you can walk. Don’t walk if you can stand. Don’t stand if you can n sit. Don’t sit if you can lie down. — Jeff D’Alessio

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Next Gen: Recruiting / Awards

RECRUITING DISH

Corner from Maryland returns to his first choice—Stanford Louis Young was a tentative Stanford commitment last fall. Then, this spring, he decided to drop the school and check out the programs that were a little bit closer to his roots in Washington D.C. It turns out he was right the first time. The Good Counsel (Olney, Md.) DB has committed to Stanford, and this time it’s for good, he told Sporting News Today. The 6-foot, 185-pound cornerback also seriously considered Illinois, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest, among others. “I’m loving every minute of it, and I just got off the phone with another recruit, Tai-ler Jones, and we’re real happy about everything,” Young told SN Today. “I’m just going to try to start recruiting teammates ... Coach (Jim) Harbaugh is a powerful coach, a strong guy with a lot of charisma, and I like that. He’s a winner and I’m a winner myself.” As a junior, Young intercepted five passes and had 33 tackles and broke up 13 passes. He also caught 18 passes for 400 yards and four touchdowns on offense. Young is rated a fourstar prospect by Rivals.com. Joining the four-star recruit as Stanford commitments on Monday were Edison (Huntington Beach, Calif.) LB Jordan Zumwalt (6-4/220) and Cy-Creek (Cypress, Texas) DT Will Hampton (6-3/270). Zumwalt also had BCS offers from Arizona, Colorado, Washington and Washington State, while Hampton had Northwestern and Nebraska. Santee (Los Angeles) WR Tevin Carter has committed to Washington, The Seattle Times reported. He also had scholarship offers from California, Oregon, Washington State, Arizona and Arizona State. Carter (6-3, 190) is the Huskies’ ninth commitment for 2010. As a junior, he caught 28 passes for 833 yards, an average of 29.8 yards per reception. He also had 11 touchdowns.

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009

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SN’s 2008-09 AWARDS Throughout the week, we’ll unveil our NBA and NHL award winners. The full package can be found in the new issue of Sporting News Magazine.

WINSLOW TOWNSON / AP

Bruins coach Claude Julien beefed up the offense.

NHL COACH OF THE YEAR

COURTESY OF LOUIS YOUNG

The prestige of a Stanford degree helped lure Louis Young. Smithfield (N.C.) Selma Senior ATH Joshua Snead has committed to Duke, Rivals.com reported. He also reported scholarship offers from Louisville, Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt, Oregon, N.C. State and Wake Forest. Snead (5-9, 170) is expected to play on offense. He has run a 4.33-second time in the 40-yard dash. “I plan on going into sports medicine, and Duke gives me that opportunity,” Snead told Rivals.com. “It’s one of the top universities in the country and I can’t pass it up. Carter (Dallas) S Russell Polk has committed to Texas Tech, Rivals.com reported. He also reported scholarship offers from Nebraska and UTEP. Polk (5-11, 200) had 78 tackles and four interceptions as a junior. “They are one of the schools that I’ve followed; I’ve been a fan of going there,” Polk said of Texas Tech to Rivals.com. “I was happy. I actually found out that Texas Tech offered me from a former player on my team that signed with Texas Tech.”

TONY DEJAK / AP

Cleveland’s Mike Brown was voted coach of the year by his peers after his team won an NBA-best 66 games.

NBA COACH OF THE YEAR Mike Brown Cleveland Cavaliers The Cavaliers’ Mike Brown, who led Cleveland to an NBA-best 66 wins in the regular season, has been selected by league coaches and executives as Sporting News’ 2009 coach of the year. Brown won the award in a vote of 41 coaches and executives. He received 18 votes, 11 more than the Magic’s Stan Van Gundy, whom Brown will face in the Eastern Conference finals. Jazz coach Jerry Sloan was third with six votes; no other coach received more

than two votes. The Cavaliers’ 66 wins were a franchise record, as Brown helped mold LeBron James and a supporting cast into one of the NBA’s best defenses— Cleveland was first in points allowed (91.4) and second in field-goal percentage defense (.431). “He treats you like an adult,” veteran Cavs big man Ben Wallace told Sporting News Today. “I think that is the first thing, and you’d be surprised, because you don’t always get that with coaches. … I think players appreciate that he is honest, he holds you accountable, but he always has your back.”

Claude Julien Boston Bruins Claude Julien, the man who guided Boston to the top of the Eastern Conference standings, has been named NHL coach of the year by Sporting News in a vote by 39 coaches and executives from throughout the league. Julien, whose team posted a gaudy 53-19-10 record and 116 points in his second season at the helm, molded the Bruins into a league power by instituting a more offensive style and an effective blueprint for dealing with players. “When things are going well, he doesn’t mess them up,” goalie Tim Thomas said. “He knows how to step back and let go. But if he sees something he wants to do better, he also lets it be known.”

Awards schedule Coming this week in Sporting News Today: Wednesday: NBA, NHL executives of the year Thursday: NBA, NHL players of the year Friday: NBA, NHL all-star teams

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AMERICAN LEAGUE

NATIONAL LEAGUE

L.A. Angels 10, Seattle 6

Angels’ offense bails out ho-hum Lackey debut SEATTLE—As if he hadn’t heard enough ribbing about getting ejected in his season debut after just two pitches, John Lackey heard more. This time, in the visitor’s bullpen before his second start in three days. “Yeah, I heard plenty about that warming up. I’ll throw a guy a ball if I hear a good one,” Lackey said. “I’ve hooked up guys in New York who had good ones.” Lackey’s real season debut for the Angels was about like the barbs of Seattle’s fans: not great. But Torii Hunter hit a three-run double in a five-run fifth inning and Kendry Morales homered twice, rallying Lackey and Los Angeles to a 10-6 victory over the Mariners on Monday night. The Angels’ ace returned from a strained forearm Saturday for his season debut only to get ejected at Texas for throwing behind and then hitting Ian Kinsler. This time, Lackey slogged through five innings and allowed five runs, four earned. “For his first time out, his fastball looked good. Maybe his command wasn’t crisp as it will be,” Angels manager Mike Scioscia said, dismissing the Texas fiasco as a non-debut. “Hopefully, this is a good stepping stone for him. “It’s nice to have a lead dog (again).” Now, Lackey will wait to see if the commissioner’s office will bite back with a suspension, though he doesn’t expect it to. He does expect a fine that usually comes with an ejection. “I’d tell you if did something on purpose. I didn’t,” Lackey said. — The Associated Press

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TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009

Angels 10, Mariners 6 Los Angeles AB R Figgins 3b 5 0 E.Aybar ss 5 1 Abreu rf 2 1 Hunter cf 5 0 Napoli c 5 0 Quinlan dh 2 0 a-Mthws Jr. ph-dh 3 1 J.Rivera lf 4 3 K.Morales 1b 5 3 Kendrick 2b 5 1 Totals 41 10

H BI 2 1 2 1 0 0 2 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 3 3 2 1 15 10

BB 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 5

SO 1 0 0 1 2 1 1 0 0 2 8

Avg. .277 .309 .289 .313 .327 .150 .272 .292 .287 .236

Seattle AB R H BI BB SO I.Suzuki rf 5 1 2 0 0 0 Jo.Lopez 2b 5 1 1 0 0 1 Griffey Jr. dh 4 0 2 1 0 0 Balentien lf 3 0 1 1 0 1 Branyan 1b 3 2 2 1 1 1 Johjima c 4 1 1 0 0 0 F.Gutierrez cf 3 1 1 1 0 0 Y.Betancourt ss 3 0 0 0 0 0 Cedeno 3b 3 0 0 1 0 0 Totals 33 6 10 5 1 3

Avg. .324 .234 .219 .288 .309 .250 .272 .258 .186

Los Angeles 001 052 011 — 10 15 1 Seattle 120 111 000 — 6 10 1 E: Napoli (2), Y.Betancourt (7). LOB: Los Angeles 9, Seattle 5. 2B: Figgins (5), Hunter (9), Napoli (8), Kendrick (6), Balentien (8), Branyan (11). HR: J.Rivera (2), off Washburn; K.Morales (7), off Morrow; K.Morales (8), off Stark; Branyan (10), off Lackey. RBIs: Figgins (9), E.Aybar (10), Hunter 3 (30), J.Rivera (12), K.Morales 3 (26), Kendrick (18), Griffey Jr. (8), Balentien (6), Branyan (20), F.Gutierrez (17), Cedeno (3). SB: E.Aybar (1), Abreu (14), Hunter (6). CS: Figgins (3). S: Y.Betancourt, Cedeno. SF: Balentien, F.Gutierrez. Runners left in scoring position: Los Angeles 7 (E.Aybar, Napoli, J.Rivera 2, Hunter 2, Figgins); Seattle 1 (F.Gutierrez). DP: Los Angeles 1 (Abreu, Abreu, Napoli). Los Angeles IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Lackey W, 1-0 5 7 5 4 0 3 82 9.00 Oliver H, 2 2 1 1 1 0 0 26 1.47 Arredondo H, 11 1 1 0 0 1 0 22 5.19 J.Speier 1 1 0 0 0 0 14 6.14 Seattle IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Washburn L, 3-3 5 7 6 6 2 4 94 3.86 Morrow 2 4 2 2 1 3 42 9.58 Stark 2 4 2 1 2 1 52 11.12 Umpires: Home, Dana DeMuth; First, Doug Eddings; Second, Hunter Wendelstedt; Third, Brian Knight. T: 3:04. A: 17,340 (47,878).

TED S. WARREN / AP

Kendry Morales hit two home runs in Monday’s game and finished with three RBIs in the win.

L.A. Dodgers 3, N.Y. Mets 2, 11 innings

Mistakes are costly for Mets LOS ANGELES—Errors by Gold Glove center fielder Carlos Beltran and fill-in first baseman Jeremy Reed in the 11th inning cost the New York Mets, who had the go-ahead run taken away on an appeal play after Ryan Church missed third base in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 3-2 victory Monday night. The Dodgers have won five of their last six games. They are a major league-best 27-13 overall, and 14 games over .500 for the first time since finishing the 2006 season 88-74. New York made five errors and blew a chance to take the lead in the 11th on a play that was right out of the Mets’ 1962 playbook. Church singled with two outs against Ramon Troncoso and came all the way around on Angel Pagan’s drive to the fence in right-center. But Church missed third base with his right foot and the Dodgers retired him on an appeal play. So instead of an RBI triple, Pagan had to settle for a single, his fourth hit of the game. The next half-inning was just as embarrasing for the Mets. Xavier Paul’s fly ball to leftcenter against Brian Stokes (1-2) fell between Pagan and Beltran—who was charged with an error after the near collision. — The Associated Press

Dodgers 3, Mets 2, 11 innings New York AB R H BI BB Pagan lf 6 1 4 0 0 Castillo 2b 5 0 0 0 0 Beltran cf 4 0 0 0 1 Sheffield rf 3 0 1 1 1 Putz p 0 0 0 0 0 S.Green p 0 0 0 0 0 Feliciano p 0 0 0 0 0 d-Reed ph-1b 1 0 1 0 0 D.Wright 3b 3 1 2 0 2 Tatis 1b 5 0 0 0 0 Stokes p 0 0 0 0 0 R.Martinez ss 5 0 0 1 0 R.Castro c 5 0 0 0 0 Redding p 2 0 1 0 0 a-Dan.Murphy ph 1 0 0 0 0 Parnell p 0 0 0 0 0 Church rf 2 0 2 0 0 Totals 42 2 11 2 4

SO 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 4

Avg. .500 .278 .367 .257 ------.379 .359 .286 --.000 .254 .500 .269 --.276

Los Angeles AB R H BI BB SO Pierre lf 3 1 0 0 3 0 Furcal ss 6 1 2 0 0 2 Hudson 2b 5 0 2 1 1 1 Ethier rf 5 0 0 0 0 1 Troncoso p 0 0 0 0 0 0 Martin c 4 0 0 0 0 0 Loney 1b 3 0 1 1 1 0 Kemp cf 5 0 0 0 0 0 J.Castro 3b 2 0 0 0 1 1 b-Loretta ph-3b 1 1 0 0 1 0 Wolf p 3 0 0 0 0 1 Wade p 0 0 0 0 0 0 Broxton p 0 0 0 0 0 0 c-Paul ph-rf 2 0 0 0 0 0 Totals 39 3 5 2 7 6

Avg. .403 .237 .341 .264 .000 .272 .273 .277 .409 .359 .105 .000 --.273

New York 010 000 010 00 —2 11 5 Los Angeles 200 000 000 01 —3 5 0 One out when winning run scored. a-flied out for Redding in the 7th. b-popped out for J.Castro in the 8th. c-grounded out for Broxton in the 9th. d-singled for Feliciano in the 10th. E: R.Martinez 2 (2), Beltran (2), S.Green (1), Reed (1). LOB: New York 11, Los Angeles 14. 2B: Pagan (1), D.Wright 2 (12). RBIs: Sheffield (8), R.Martinez (1), Hudson (26), Loney (28). SB: Loney (2). CS: Furcal (3). SF: Loney. Runners left in scoring position: New York 4 (Castillo, Tatis 3); Los Angeles 6 (Kemp 2, Wolf 2, Loretta, Ethier). DP: New York 1 (R.Castro, R.Castro, Castillo); Los Angeles 1 (Furcal, Hudson, Loney). New York Redding Parnell Putz S.Green Feliciano Stokes L, 1-2 Los Angeles Wolf Wade BS, 4-4 Broxton Troncoso W, 1-0

IP 6 1 1 2⁄3 1⁄3 1 1⁄3 IP 7 2⁄3 1⁄3 1 2

H 2 1 1 1 0 0 H 6 1 1 3

R ER BB SO 2 2 4 4 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 R ER BB SO 2 2 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1

NP ERA 93 3.00 13 1.96 16 3.68 15 7.94 2 2.81 35 0.52 NP ERA 96 2.72 13 4.50 14 1.42 37 1.82

Inherited runners-scored: Feliciano 2-0, Wade 1-1. IBB: off Redding (J.Castro), off Stokes (Pierre). HBP: by Redding (Martin). WP: Redding. Umpires: Home, James Hoye; First, Dale Scott; Second, Jerry Meals; Third, Mike DiMuro. T: 3:41. A: 37,136 (56,000).

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TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

Series glance

L.A. LAKERS VS. DENVER BY SEAN DEVENEY [email protected]

ously, a big Laker advantage.

Edge: Lakers.

Frontcourt

Bench

It would be easier to size up the frontcourts if we had some idea what to expect from L.A.’s big men. PF Pau Gasol has been up-and-down. SF Trevor Ariza has been up in odd-numbered playoff games (13.7 points) and down in evennumbered games (7.6 points). C Andrew Bynum has been mostly down, but up a bit lately, perhaps finally putting to rest any notion of re-inserting PF Lamar Odom into the starting five. Gasol presents a difficult matchup for rough-andtumble Nugs PF Kenyon Martin, and the Lakers need Bynum to be effective, because he is bigger and heavier than Nuggets’ C Nene. The Lakers should have an advantage in the post, but they’ve been nothing but inconsistent this postseason. And with George Karl getting sterling play out of SF Carmelo Anthony, this category belongs to Denver.

Phil Jackson still seems to be trying to figure out his reserves. Odom we know. We’re seeing more of PG Jordan Farmar now, and less of G Shannon Brown. There’s a bit of SF Luke Walton, and who knows what to expect from G Sasha Vujacic? On the other hand, the Nuggets have SG J.R. Smith, PG Anthony Carter, PF/C Chris Andersen and, if needed, SF Linas Kleiza. Karl knows what he is getting out of his reserves, and he needs his bench to outplay the Lakers’ backups by a significant margin.

Edge: Nuggets.

Backcourt The Nuggets, of course, would not be here without PG Chauncey Billups, who, in addition to providing muchneeded leadership, has also made 54.1 percent of his playoff 3s and 95.7 percent of his free throws. That’s in sharp contrast to Lakers PG Derek Fisher, who is 6-for-31 (19.4 percent) on 3-pointers in the playoffs, and got himself suspended for a game with a boneheaded play in the last series. The Lakers, though, do have SG Kobe Bryant, and though he will have to deal with defensive pest SG Dahntay Jones, he is, obvi-

Edge: Nuggets.

Go-to guy The Nuggets have the advantage of two go-to guys, with Anthony ranking among the NBA’s best fourth-quarter players (according to 82games.com) and with Billups having the ability to create points at the foul line and the willingness to take big shots. The Lakers, though, have Bryant. He has taken over games when needed, and fizzled a few times, but he’s still the guy most NBA-types would want taking the final shot. That gives Bryant a slight—very slight—advantage over the two guys in powder blue.

Edge: Lakers.

X-factor Martin’s defense against Gasol could determine this series. Martin, at times, did a good job on Dirk Nowitzki, but there were times when he was lit up by Nowitzki. Gasol could do the same, and

Today: Denver at L.A. Lakers, 9 p.m., ESPN Thursday: Denver at L.A. Lakers, 9 p.m., ESPN Saturday: L.A. Lakers at Denver, 8:30 p.m., ABC Monday: L.A. Lakers at Denver, 9 p.m., ESPN Wednesday, May 27: Denver at L.A. Lakers, 9 p.m., if necessary, Friday, May 29: L.A. Lakers at Denver, 9 p.m., if necessary Sunday, May 31: Denver at L.A. Lakers, 8:30 p.m., if necessary

could easily get Martin in foul trouble.

SN Number The Nuggets ran past the Mavs, averaging 19.8 fast-break points. Denver had a 54-13 fast-break edge in the first two games, after which the Mavericks started to find ways to catch up. By then, it was too late. The Lakers just finished a series against a Rockets team that doesn’t run (Houston averaged 4.1 break points). They’ll have to make an adjustment to Denver’s running game. If they wait till Game 3 to figure it out, like Dallas did, they’ll suffer Dallas’ fate.

Who’s hot? Anthony averaged 30 points and shot 44.0 percent from the 3-point line in the Nuggets’ last series. Who’s not? Vujacic was 4-for-7 from the field in Game 7, but his playoff shooting percentage is still just 28.1.

Outlook The Lakers need a stranglehold on this series, which means sweeping the first two games in L.A. They must keep the momentum from their Game 7 win, and can’t afford to go to Denver—where the Nuggets have been especially dangerous—in a 1-1 series. Ultimately, homecourt advantage figures to play a big role here, and because the Lakers have that edge, they should take the series.

Lakers in 6.

CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP

Lakers G Kobe Bryant, right, has struggled at times in the playoffs, based on his standards—but he’s still the game’s best go-to guy.

MATT SLOCUM / AP

Nuggets F Carmelo Anthony, who rates as one of the NBA’s best in the fourth quarter, averaged 30 ppg in the series against the Mavs.

Denver Nuggets

Los Angeles Lakers 3-Pnt. Player Bryant Gasol Odom Ariza Fisher Brown Farmar Bynum Walton Vujacic Powell Mbenga

G 12 12 12 12 11 12 9 12 10 12 10 2

MIN 39.1 38.9 31.6 30.0 26.3 15.9 16.1 15.5 15.6 14.3 5.5 4.0

TEAM 12 240.0 OPPONENTS 12 240.0

FGM-FGA 121-264 86-156 58-102 47-86 26-71 27-55 19-47 27-54 14-41 18-64 8-20 1-4

PCT FGM-FGA .458 17-49 .551 0-0 .569 9-18 .547 20-40 .366 6-31 .491 10-17 .404 8-18 .500 0-0 .341 4-10 .281 10-33 .400 0-0 .250 0-0

452-964 .469 408-952 .429

84-216 72-230

3-Pnt. FTM-FTA 70-81 50-74 22-41 17-32 21-24 14-17 10-14 13-17 8-10 1-1 4-4 0-0

PCT .864 .676 .537 .531 .875 .824 .714 .765 .800 1.000 1.000 ---

PTS 329 222 147 131 79 78 56 67 40 47 20 2

AVG 27.4 18.5 12.3 10.9 7.2 6.5 6.2 5.6 4.0 3.9 2.0 1.0

HG 40 30 26 21 12 14 13 14 9 9 10 2

230-315 .730 1218 101.5 119 233-306 .761 1121 93.4 109

Player Anthony Billups Smith Hilario Martin Jones Andersen Kleiza Carter Petro Balkman Hart

MIN 37.9 37.5 26.9 33.3 33.0 18.6 21.2 14.5 16.6 2.9 2.8 2.1

TEAM 10 240.0 OPPONENTS 10 240.0

REBOUNDS Player Bryant Gasol Odom Ariza Fisher Brown Farmar Bynum Walton Vujacic Powell Mbenga

G 10 10 10 10 10 10 9 8 10 8 6 7

FGM-FGA 98-204 61-124 59-119 47-85 41-78 27-50 21-30 16-36 16-37 1-7 2-4 1-2

PCT FGM-FGA .480 17-38 .492 33-61 .496 24-59 .553 0-0 .526 1-4 .540 3-10 .700 0-0 .444 8-21 .432 1-9 .143 0-0 .500 0-1 .500 0-0

390-776 .503 324-739 .438

87-203 64-196

FTM-FTA 57-69 66-69 21-33 31-49 16-25 19-25 20-31 11-15 2-4 5-8 0-0 0-0

PCT .826 .957 .636 .633 .640 .760 .645 .733 .500 .625 -----

PTS 270 221 163 125 99 76 62 51 35 7 4 2

AVG 27.0 22.1 16.3 12.5 9.9 7.6 6.9 6.4 3.5 0.9 0.7 0.3

HG 41 36 21 25 15 12 11 14 12 4 4 2

248-328 .756 1115 111.5 124 243-304 .799 955 95.5 119

REBOUNDS

OFF 8 42 33 9 1 6 2 17 8 6 5 0

DEF 52 87 84 36 18 13 12 28 19 16 8 2

TOT AVG. 60 5.0 129 10.8 117 9.8 45 3.8 19 1.7 19 1.6 14 1.6 45 3.8 27 2.7 22 1.8 13 1.3 2 1.0

AST AVG. 54 4.5 26 2.2 26 2.2 35 2.9 22 2.0 11 0.9 19 2.1 5 0.4 22 2.2 9 0.8 2 0.2 0 0.0

PF 28 37 33 34 27 20 9 35 17 25 5 0

TEAM 137 OPPONENTS 142

375 358

512 42.7 500 41.7

231 19.3 244 20.3

270 260

DQ 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

STL 26 9 7 16 9 10 7 4 9 10 0 0

2 107 0 95

TO BLK 30 11 26 22 23 18 23 6 11 1 7 1 8 2 12 10 9 0 7 3 2 0 1 1 161 185

75 38

Player Anthony Billups Smith Hilario Martin Jones Andersen Kleiza Carter Petro Balkman Hart

OFF 17 3 5 22 14 6 17 3 8 2 1 0

DEF 47 35 29 51 37 18 38 18 14 4 2 3

TOT AVG. 64 6.4 38 3.8 34 3.4 73 7.3 51 5.1 24 2.4 55 6.1 21 2.6 22 2.2 6 0.8 3 0.5 3 0.4

AST AVG. 43 4.3 73 7.3 25 2.5 25 2.5 26 2.6 4 0.4 8 0.9 5 0.6 28 2.8 1 0.1 1 0.2 4 0.6

PF 37 24 27 37 36 22 29 9 19 4 2 5

DQ 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

STL 20 12 11 13 12 7 3 3 9 0 3 2

TEAM 98 OPPONENTS 94

296 291

394 39.4 385 38.5

243 24.3 174 17.4

251 259

4 4

95 62

TO BLK 20 8 17 3 13 2 22 8 19 6 8 4 4 17 2 1 7 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 119 164

52 28

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8

Draft lottery, Today, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

Annual event ‘another way to promote the potential’ Patrick Ewing and Dwight Howard worked out at one end of the court, a couple guys who know what it’s like to be the grand prize in the draft lottery. At the other end Sunday night were the Boston Celtics, who’ve been ruined and resurrected by the NBA’s ultimate game of luck—without ever winning it. After a quarter century of building champions and breaking hearts, the lottery celebrates its 25th birthday today, with the real party being held by the team that wins it and earns the right to pick Oklahoma’s Blake Griffin. “I think it’s pretty much accepted by our fans now and our teams get into it,” commissioner David Stern said. “It’s just another way to promote the potential for next season, particularly and for the most part for those teams who have the most need for next season. And that’s what makes it good.” Sacramento, after finishing with a league-worst 17-65 record, has a 25 percent chance of landing the No. 1 pick. The Kings shouldn’t prepare a jersey for the All-American forward just yet, though: Not since 2004, when the Orlando Magic ended up with Howard, has the team with the worst record won the lottery. That’s why some teams hate it. Jerry West blasted the system in 2007, when his Memphis Grizzlies had the best chance to win one of the most anticipated lotteries ever and ended up falling to the fourth pick. The Celtics didn’t like it much either that night, since they had the

SUE OGROCKI / AP

Oklahoma F Blake Griffin, left, is expected to be taken by the team that wins the No. 1 pick. second-best shot at Greg Oden or Kevin Durant, and settled for the No. 5 pick. That came 10 years after they were heartbroken by missing out on Tim Duncan despite the best odds of winning the lottery. At least the second time they didn’t let their bad luck lead to more bad play, sending that No. 5 pick to Seattle in a trade for Ray Allen, a move that convinced Kevin Garnett to accept a move to Boston and leading to the Celtics’ 17th NBA title last season. The easier way is for teams to have the lottery create the luck for them. No team has done that better than San Antonio, which used lottery wins 10 years apart to land David Robinson and Duncan, starting its run of four NBA titles. Orlando won consecutive lotteries in 1992 and ’93, getting Shaquille O’Neal

the first time and trading the rights to the second for Penny Hardaway, and those two would team on an Eastern Conference championship squad in 1995. “What we tell our fans is that if a team is well managed and it isn’t doing so well, it will have the opportunity under the NBA system to improve,” Stern said. Instead of Howard, a high school player, the Magic could have gone for Emeka Okafor, who had a decorated career at Connecticut but has been only solid, not spectacular, as a pro. Houston also went for the lesser known in 2002 and it paid off, taking Yao Ming instead of Duke AllAmerican Jay Williams, whose career was wrecked after leg injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. “You’re hoping that the players

turn out to be what you expect them to be. And again, a lot of things play into it,” said Magic guard Rafer Alston, who this season played with both Yao and Howard. “You remember with Sam Bowie, health issues played a major role, he never overcame health issues so could never become the dominant player he was coming out of Kentucky. Ewing just continued to get better and better, and he turned not only a franchise but a whole city around. I think Dwight is on that path, a Ewing path, an (Hakeem) Olajuwon path.” Ewing was the first lottery prize, going to the New York Knicks in 1985. The NBA changed how the top pick was awarded following the 1984 draft, when Olajuwon and Bowie went 1-2—with Michael Jordan going third—after concerns that teams were losing on purpose to finish with the worst record possible and secure a high pick. The lottery has undergone some tweaks since. It was changed to set only the top three picks, with the remainder of the first round going in inverse order of a team’s finish. The system was later weighted to give teams with the worst record the most chances to win, and modified again in 1993 to further favor the teams that needed the most help after Orlando went .500, just missed the playoffs, and won the lottery. Washington (17.8 percent) and the Clippers (17.7 percent) follow Sacramento with the best chances for No. 1. “I think it has become part of the sport’s culture now,” Stern said. — The Associated Press

2009 NBA draft order/lottery odds No. Team (Lottery chances)

Rcrd

tbd. Sacramento (250 of 1000)

17-65

tbd. Washington (178)

19-63

tbd. LA Clippers (177)

19-63

tbd. Oklahoma City (119)

23-59

tbd. Minnesota (76)

24-58

tbd. Memphis (75)

24-58

tbd. Golden State (43)

29-53

tbd. New York (28)

32-50

tbd. Toronto (17)

33-49

tbd. Milwaukee (10)

34-48

tbd. New Jersey (9)

34-48

tbd. Charlotte (7)

35-47

tbd. Indiana (6)

36-46

tbd. Phoenix (5)

46-36

15. Detroit

39-43

16. Chicago

41-41

17. Philadelphia

41-41

18. Miami (to Minnesota)

43-39

19. Atlanta

47-35

20. Utah

48-34

21. New Orleans

49-33

22. Dallas

50-32

23. Houston (to Sacramento)

53-29

24. Portland

54-28

25. San Antonio (to Okla. City)

54-28

26. Denver (to Chi via Okla. City)

54-28

27. Orlando (to Memphis)

59-23

28. Boston (to Minnesota)

62-20

29. LA Lakers

65-17

30. Cleveland

66-16

Second Round 31. Sacramento 32/33. LA Clippers (to Portland) 32/33. Washington 34. Oklahoma City (to Denver) 35/36. Memphis 35/36. Minnesota (to Detroit) 37. Golden State (to SA via Phoenix)

38. New York (to Portland via Chicago) 39. Toronto (to Detroit) 40/41. New Jersey (to Char. via Okla. City) 40/41. Milwaukee 42. Charlotte (to LA Lakers) 43. Indiana (to Miami) 44. Detroit 45. Philadelphia (to Minnesota via Miami) 46. Chicago (to Cleveland) 47. Miami (to Minnesota) 48. Phoenix 49. Atlanta 50. Utah 51. New Orleans (to SA via Toronto) 52. Dallas (to Indiana) 53. Houston (to San Antonio) 54. San Antonio (to Charlotte) 55. Denver (to Portland) 56. Portland 57. Orlando (to Phoenix via Oklahoma City) 58. Boston 59. LA Lakers 60. Cleveland (to Miami) Teams that finished the regular season with identical records will select in the second round in the reverse of the order in which they select in the first round. With respect to the ties between the Los Angeles Clippers and Washington (32 and 33); Memphis and Minnesota (35 and 36); and New Jersey and Milwaukee (40 and 41): since the order of selection in the first round for each set of teams may change based on the results of the Draft Lottery, the order of selection in the second round cannot be determined until after the Draft Lottery is conducted on May 19.

NBA draft lottery’s first pick The odds they had of winning 2008 Bulls—1.7 percent chance (9th best) 2007 Trail Blazers—5.7 percent chance (6th best) 2006 Raptors—8.8 percent chance (5th best) 2005 Bucks—6.3 percent chance (6th best) 2004 Magic—25 percent chance (best) 2003 Cavaliers—25 percent chance (best) 2002 Rockets—8.9 percent chance (5th best) 2001 Bullets—15.7 percent chance (3rd best) 2000 Nets—4.4 percent chance (7th best)

Source: NBA

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INSIDE DISH

Playoff glance

Celtics know their window’s closing

CONFERENCE FINALS

After failing to defend their titles— Eastern Conference and NBA champs—the Celtics will now have to figure out how to make the most of what is a fast-closing window. Coach Doc Rivers admitted that the reason PF Kevin Garnett did not have surgery to repair the right knee he injured in February was to keep alive some hope that, at some point, Garnett would feel healthy enough to play. “Clearly that’s why we didn’t do surgery,” Rivers said. “I think that’s not a secret.” Rivers did say that Garnett would have surgery soon, so getting him rehabbed is the first order of business. Beyond that, the Celtics will have a fair bit of business to address. PG Rajon Rondo is eligible for an extension, and his agent, Bill Duffy of BDA Sports, told Sporting News Today that he’s ready to start those discussions, “as soon as the Celtics are ready.” But, because the deadline for an extension is not until October 31, Duffy added that the issue would probably wait till later in the summer. The Celtics must also decide what to do with restricted free agent PF Glen Davis, who averaged 15.8 points in Garnett’s absence. March signees (and unrestricted free agents) C Mikki Moore and G Stephon Marbury have expressed interest in coming back to the Celtics, but it’s unlikely either will be kept. — Sean Deveney

Cleveland vs. Orlando

Another player for an ousted conference semifinalist—SF Ron Artest of the Rockets—also stated, emphatically, that he wants to stay put. As quoted by the Houston

presumably, would look for a taker for injured SF Tracy McGrady in a trade, so Artest could remain a starter. Assuming Artest has reasonable salary demands, Houston should be able to get a deal done, because the Rockets are below the league’s luxury-tax threshold. Houston coach Rick Adelman said he has enjoyed coaching Artest, whom he also had with the Kings. “When I first met Ron in Sacramento, I told him the same thing I tell everyone, ‘You have a clean slate,’” Adelman said. “I don’t prejudge anyone. And Ron has been great. I’ve never had a problem with Ron.” Perhaps not coincidentally, almost immediately after Portland’s Tom Penn withdrew from consideration for the Timberwolves’ general manager’s job, he was promoted by the Blazers, from assistant general manager to vice president of basketball operations. In a statement released by the team, Portland GM Kevin Pritchard said, “When we talk about team chemistry, it extends to our staff and the role everyone plays in creating a winning culture here. Tom has had a huge hand in our success, and I’m pleased that he will remain and continue to help us build this franchise.”

NAM Y. HUH / AP

Even though PF Glen Davis, left, played well in his absence, the Celtics are painfully aware of how important it is to get Kevin Garnett healthy. Chronicle, Artest was asked about staying in Houston and said, “Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. That is yes. I just

know this team was so good, I think we’ll grow together.” The Rockets would like to keep Artest and,

Cavaliers C Zydrunas Ilgauskas figures that it will only be a matter of time before PF Anderson Varejao gets under the skin of either Orlando C Dwight Howard or PF Rashard Lewis in the Eastern Conference finals. Ilgauskas should know. “He gets under my skin and I’m his

9

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009

teammate,” he said. “He is one of those guys, I guess, maybe like Dennis Rodman was with the Bulls. He does stuff that doesn’t show up in the box score.” Varejao has averaged 5.6 points and 7.8 rebounds (as well as 1.3 steals and 1.4 blocks) this postseason. According to The Associated Press, the Sixers will officially interview their second coaching candidate this week, Boston assistant Tom Thibodeau, in their search for a replacement to interim coach Tony DiLeo. Thibodeau received permission from the Celtics, even though the Sixers are a division rival. Philadelphia earlier interviewed former Wizards coach Eddie Jordan, who is also being considered for the Sacramento job. The Kings are also considering former NBA coach Paul Westphal. Nets owner Bruce Ratner announced that, after several delays because of financing and legal issues, he expects to break ground on an $800 million Brooklyn arena for the team this year. On Friday, the state Supreme Court’s appellate division struck down a legal challenge to Ratner’s Atlantic Yards development. The Bucks had some good news on Monday, announcing that the stress fracture in C Andrew Bogut’s back has healed and that he is cleared for workouts. After signing a five-year extension with the Milwaukee last summer, Bogut played only 36 games this season.

(Best-of-7)

EASTERN CONFERENCE Wednesday: Orlando at Cleveland, 8:30 p.m., TNT Friday: Orlando at Cleveland, 8:30 p.m., TNT Sunday: Cleveland at Orlando, 8:30 p.m., TNT Tuesday, May 26: Cleveland at Orlando, 8:30 p.m., TNT Thursday, May 28: Orlando at Cleveland, 8:30 p.m., if necessary Saturday, May 30: Cleveland at Orlando, 8:30 p.m., if necessary Monday, June 1: Orlando at Cleveland, 8:30 p.m., if necessary

WESTERN CONFERENCE L.A. Lakers vs. Denver Today: Denver at L.A. Lakers, 9 p.m., ESPN Thursday: Denver at L.A. Lakers, 9 p.m., ESPN Saturday: L.A. Lakers at Denver, 8:30 p.m., ABC Monday: L.A. Lakers at Denver, 9 p.m., ESPN Wednesday, May 27: Denver at L.A. Lakers, 9 p.m., if necessary, Friday, May 29: L.A. Lakers at Denver, 9 p.m., if necessary Sunday, May 31: Denver at L.A. Lakers, 8:30 p.m., if necessary

Betting line Today FAVORITE ..........LINE at L.A. Lakers............6½

O/U ........UNDERDOG (214½) ............Denver

Wednesday at Cleveland .............8½

(185) ..............Orlando

Odds to Win Series L.A. Lakers Cleveland

-280 -900

Denver Orlando

+240 +600

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TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009

10

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS Q&A with ... Blackhawks F Kris Versteeg

‘We’ll come out a lot stronger in Game 2’ Chicago rookie forward Kris Versteeg might have finished behind Steve Mason in the voting for Sporting News’ rookie of the year, but he has one serious advantage over the other rookie finalists: He’s still playing. And that means a lot to Versteeg, who has 11 points in his first 13 NHL postseason games. He spent a few minutes with Sporting News Today’s Craig Custance following Monday’s practice.

Q:

It’s hard to consider you a rookie anymore considering the experience you’ve gained this season and in the playoffs. How has the entire experience been? This has been absolutely amazing from start to finish. From the Winter Classic, to the (YoungStars) game to the nomination and everything. It’s just been a whirlwind season. I’m just so happy to be a part of this organization and to be a part of everything they’ve been going through.

A:

Q: A:

Is it a source of pride to be the last of the Calder Trophy nominees still playing? There’s a lot of pride there. To say at the start of the season, if anyone even knew my name, let alone being a part of the Calder nomination—it’s been a whirlwind. I knew I could do it, I knew what I could always do. Some guys get a chance to play a little later and I got my chance a little bit later. I’ve got to stick with it and run with it.”

JIM PRISCHING / AP

Kris Versteeg, SN’s runner-up for NHL rookie of the year, has 11 points in his first 13 postseason games.

Q: A:

How valuable a learning experience has this playoff run been for a young player like you? This has been huge. To win the first two rounds—this isn’t just a learning experience for us. We’re not taking it as that.

We want to win; we want to win the whole thing. We’re not just happy to be here like some people are saying. We’re here to win and we’re here to stay. We’ve been having so much fun in this whole thing. For myself, it’s been a learning experience and a lot of fun.

Q:

Has that been the attitude the whole way, or was there a point when you guys realized you could advance further than you first thought? Definitely after the first couple ones against Calgary, you could see the confidence grow in the room. We have a lot of confident guys here. We have one loss but we always seem to rebound with guys that are confident and know what they’re doing. We’ll come out a lot stronger in Game 2.

A:

Q:

Detroit coach Mike Babcock was saying that he can’t wait until Chicago’s young players are making more money and the Blackhawks run into salary cap issues. Do you feel like this is a window to win now with a collection of young, cheap talent that might be hard to keep together because of the cap? I don’t know. I kind of heard about the salary cap issues a bit. That’ll happen with all the teams, especially the top teams in the league. With a lot of young guys here, that have played really well and exceeded expectations, who knows what will happen with the salary cap?

A:

Q:

I know you’re trying to beat them, but can you learn something from the two-way play of Detroit’s talented forwards?

A:

I’ve learned something from them since I was 10 years old and Steve Yzerman was my favorite player growing up. I’m playing against probably my favorite team growing up, and it has been pretty cool. You have to put that aside and realize you’re here to win and you’re here to stay. You learn from guys like (Pavel) Datsyuk, watching him over the last six or seven years, and (Henrik) Zetterberg. You have to take things from their game and put it in your game as much as you can. You may never be as good as them and things like that, but you always try to take something from great players.

Q: A:

So, do you have a Steve Yzerman poster in your room back home? I have his poster and his jersey and everything. Never met the guy, but he’s still my favorite.

Q: A:

You know, you really should take that stuff down now that you’re playing his team. Yeah, I won’t take his stuff down, but any other Red Wings stuff I have is down.

Today’s game Conference finals (Best-of-7), all Times (ET) Chicago at Detroit, 7:30 p.m., Versus

Betting lines Today FAVORITE ..........LINE at Detroit ................-200

UNDERDOG.......LINE Chicago..............+170

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TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS Pittsburgh 3, Carolina 2

Unexpected duo fuels Penguins’ opening-game victory PITTSBURGH—Philippe Boucher and Miroslav Satan were missing when the Pittsburgh Penguins made the late-season surge that carried them from 10th place in the Eastern Conference to a third consecutive trip to the playoffs. In the opener of the conference finals, Boucher and Satan proved as important to beating the Carolina Hurricanes as Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby did. Satan and Boucher scored their first goals of the playoffs and goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury prevented Carolina from getting its offense going, leading the Penguins to a 3-2 victory over the Hurricanes on Monday night. Game 2 will be Thursday night following the first of as many as three two-day breaks in the drawnout series. Malkin and Boucher each had a goal and an assist on a night Crosby, the leading scorer in the playoffs with 22 points, was limited to an assist. Satan and Malkin scored less than 90 seconds apart midway through the first period to make it 2-0 for the Penguins, who are trying to win back-to-back conference championships for the first time since 1991-92. The Penguins got major contributions from Satan, who fell into such disfavor in March that he was sent to the minors, and Boucher, a defenseman who sat out 30 games during the second half of the season following foot surgery. “We like to believe we’re deep— whoever we dress, we’ve got some good players that are not playing

GENE J. PUSKAR / AP

Miroslav Satan exited the penalty box and beat Cam Ward with a move he said he’s used for ‘25 years’ to get the series’ first goal. right now and everybody can come in and help out. It’s good that we both did it,” said Boucher, who played four of the Penguins’ first 13 playoff games. Boucher, in uniform because Sergei Gonchar’s sore right knee led coach Dan Bylsma to dress seven defensemen, scored what proved to be the decisive goal on a power play at 11:33

of the third, a shot from the left circle that trickled across the goal line. “He’s been ready, he stayed ready and worked hard,” Bylsma said. “He didn’t get a lot of minutes (8½), but when he did he cashed in.” Boucher’s goal was his first in the playoffs since April 12, 2004, and proved significant when Joe Corvo scored on a power play with 1:26

remaining for Carolina, which has dropped Game 1 in each of its three playoff series. Eric Staal missed a chance from in close that would have tied it during the final minute. “It looked like Staal had the whole net, but that’s indicative of the way Fleury played all night,” defenseman Brooks Orpik said. Fleury didn’t make as many tough

saves as Carolina’s Cam Ward, who turned aside 28 shots, but he kept the Hurricanes from getting any offensive flow going in a game when many of their best scoring chances came in the opening and closing minutes. Fleury made 23 saves. “Fleury came up with some timely saves early to settle them down and give them the opportunity to get going, and once they get going they’re a very quick team,” Ward said. The Hurricanes were better than they were in losing Game 1 to New Jersey and Boston, each time 4-1, but played from behind after Satan came out of the penalty box and scored at 9:17 on a breakaway created by Matt Cooke’s up-ice pass. “It’s a move I’ve probably used for 25 years,” said the 34-year-old Satan, who shifted from his forehand to his backhand before tucking a shot inside the near post. Cooke had no idea Satan was coming out of the box. “As soon as I got the puck on my stick, I just tried to get it out to the neutral zone so I could get a (line) change,” Cooke said. Malkin made it 2-0 at 10:41 on another backhander, to Ward’s stick side, after Boucher found him with a pass to the slot. “I thought our game was there, and Fleury made some huge saves in the first period,” said Staal, who is competing against Pittsburgh’s Jordan Staal in the first brother vs. brother matchup in the conference finals in 35 years. “We’ve just got to be better, tighten up and not have breakdowns early.”

Series glance (Pittsburgh leads series 1-0) Monday: Pittsburgh 3, Carolina 2 Thursday: Carolina at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m., Versus Saturday: Pittsburgh at Carolina, 7:30 p.m. Versus Tuesday, May 26: Pittsburgh at Carolina, 7:30 p.m., Versus Friday, May 29: Carolina at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m., if necessary, Versus Sunday, May 31: Pittsburgh at Carolina, 7:30 p.m., if necessary, Versus Tuesday, June 2: Carolina at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m., if necessary, Versus

Carolina Pittsburgh

0 2

1 0

1 1

— —

2 3

First Period: 1, Pittsburgh, Satan 1 (Cooke, Gill), 9:17. 2, Pittsburgh, Malkin 7 (Boucher), 10:41. Penalties: E.Staal, Car (interference), 2:37; Walker, Car (interference), 5:01; Satan, Pit (holding), 7:07. Second Period: 3, Carolina, LaRose 3 (Cole, Cullen), 13:04. Penalties: Cole, Car (interference), 15:13. Third Period: 4, Pittsburgh, Boucher 1 (Crosby, Malkin), 11:33 (pp). 5, Carolina, Corvo 2 (Whitney, Brind’Amour), 18:34 (pp). Penalties: Cullen, Car (delay of game), 9:50; Orpik, Pit (elbowing), 17:26. Shots on Goal: Carolina 12-6-7: 25. Pittsburgh 9-12-10: 31. Power-play opportunities: Carolina 1 of 2; Pittsburgh 1 of 4. Goalies: Carolina, Ward 8-7-0 (31 shots-28 saves). Pittsburgh, Fleury 9-5-0 (25-23). A: 17,132 (16,940). T: 2:20. Referees: Dave Jackson, Dan O’Halloran. Linesmen: Steve Miller, Jean Morin.

While the Hurricanes didn’t have a letdown after an emotional sevengame, second-round series against top-seeded Boston, they again lacked goals. That’s been an ongoing problem for a team that came in averaging 2.36 goals per game, far less than Pittsburgh’s 3.46 average. —The Associated Press

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INSIDE DISH

Report: Roy is considering offer to coach Avalanche Patrick Roy, a three-time Vezina Trophy winner and the second-winningest goaltender in NHL history, is considering an offer to become coach of the Colorado Avalanche, according to sources cited by a story in The Denver Post. The Post reports that Roy has been offered the job currently held by Tony Granato. The Hall of Fame goalie denied the report to the French language website SRC.ca., but The Post said it talked to multiple sources who confirmed Roy has an offer. Granato, who has two years remaining on his contract, reportedly has not been told he’s out of a job. Since a well publicized meeting last week between Roy and Avalanche president Peter Lacroix, nothing has been said about Granato’s standing with the team. Lacroix recently fired general manager Francois Giguere in what was described as a front-office restructuring, but no replacement has been named. Roy is the co-owner, G.M. and coach of the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL. He has made no secret of his desire to get into NHL coaching and speculation has centered on the Avs and Montreal Canadiens, his two former teams. The Canadiens currently have an opening because interim coach Bob Gainey is returning to his full-time duties as G.M. “Patrick is a very deliberate guy who analyzes everything,” Jacques Demers, Roy’s former coach, told The Post. “He’s not necessarily going to take the first job that might come along. He’s going to want to go into a situation he thinks is on the right track and that he’s going to feel comfortable with.” And that might not be Colorado, a team that sank last season to last place in the Western Conference with 69 points—the worst finish since it moved from Quebec to Denver in 1995. According to The (Toronto) Globe and Mail, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman sent an

12

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009

CONFERENCE FINALS (Best-of-7), all times ET

EASTERN CONFERENCE Carolina vs. Pittsburgh Monday: Pittsburgh 3, Carolina 2 Thursday: Carolina at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m., Versus Saturday: Pittsburgh at Carolina, 7:30 p.m. Versus Tuesday, May 26: Pittsburgh at Carolina, 7:30 p.m., Versus Friday, May 29: Carolina at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m., if necessary, Versus Sunday, May 31: Pittsburgh at Carolina, 7:30 p.m., if necessary, Versus Tuesday, June 2: Carolina at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m., if necessary, Versus

WESTERN CONFERENCE Chicago vs. Detroit (Detroit leads series 1-0) Sunday, May 17: Detroit 5, Chicago 2 Today: Chicago at Detroit, 7:30 p.m., Versus Friday: Detroit at Chicago, 8 p.m., Versus Sunday: Detroit at Chicago, 3 p.m., NBC Wednesday, May 27: Chicago at Detroit, 7:30 p.m., if necessary, Versus Saturday, May 30: Detroit at Chicago, 8 p.m., if necessary, Versus Monday, June 1: Chicago at Detroit, 7:30 p.m., if necessary, Versus DAVID ZALUBOWSKI / AP

Since retiring in 2003, two-time Cup champ Patrick Roy has served as co-owner, G.M. and coach of a junior team in Quebec. Now, he could be on the verge of a return to the NHL.

Betting line

internal e-mail to deputy commissioner Bill Daly last month stating that the league should offer the Phoenix Coyotes to Winnipeg before relocating the team anywhere else. In an e-mail dated April 4, 2009, Bettman described his reaction to news from Earl Scudder, a lawyer working for Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes, that he had recently heard from Richard Rodier, a Toronto lawyer representing Canadian businessman Jim Balsillie, who expressed interest in buying the club and relocating to southern Ontario. “I told (Scudder) that at some point, if we don’t have an alternative, I will have to start looking at the moving option,” Bettman wrote

Today

in the e-mail, which was filed in court. When Scudder asked specifically about southern Ontario and Hamilton, Bettman said, “I responded that it’s a league opportunity, the building is too old etc. and, frankly, if this team had to move it should first be offered to Winnipeg.”

Phil Kessel and David Krejci, the Boston Bruins’ second and third-leading scorers, will undergo surgeries that could keep them from playing in early games next season. The 21-year-old Kessel, who led the team with 36 goals, will have surgery for a torn rotator cuff and labrum in his shoulder. The

23-year-old Krejci, who finished behind only Marc Savard with 73 points, will undergo hip surgery. G.M. Peter Chiarelli also said D Andrew Ference will have surgery to deal with a torn groin, a bruised pelvis and a hernia. TSN reports that Philadelphia C Danny Briere will have corrective eye surgery today. G.M. Paul Holmgren says Briere will have a procedure called photorefractive keratectomy and will need only a few weeks to recover. Briere says his contact lenses bothered him at times during the season so he elected to have the surgery, which will be performed at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia.

FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG at Detroit -200 Carolina

LINE +170

Odds to win Stanley Cup TEAM Detroit Pittsburgh Chicago Carolina

CURRENT ODDS 3-2 8-5 7-2 6-1

OPENING ODDS 4-1 7-1 25-1 35-1

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TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009

INSIDE DISH

THE LAUNCHING PAD

Brewers’ Weeks done for season; Surgery for Delgado Brewers 2B Rickie Weeks will miss the rest of the season because of a tear in his left wrist, a severe setback for the N.L. Central leaders. Weeks, who had a similar injury to his right wrist in 2006, hurt himself while striking out Sunday in St. Louis. He left Busch Stadium wearing a brace and underwent an MRI exam Monday in Arizona that revealed the extent of the damage. “We’re going to miss the guy,” manager Ken Macha said before Monday night’s game against the Cardinals. “He was having a tremendous year, a great start. But nobody’s going to feel sorry for you.” The Brewers had won 11 of 13 and led the division by 1½ games, recovering from a 4-9 start with Weeks as a catalyst. “I was enjoying myself watching him play,” Macha said. “This is one tough guy, a grinder, very intense. It’s a shame.” Weeks was hitting .272 with nine home runs and 24 RBIs. The Brewers said Weeks had a torn sheath in his left wrist and will likely have surgery this week. Recovery time is four to six months and surgery is likely on Wednesday. “Rickie was making progress. He was showing he could be the kind of player we all thought he could be,” general manager Doug Melvin said. Mets slugger Carlos Delgado will have arthroscopic surgery Tuesday on his right hip, and there’s no immediate word on when he might return to the lineup. The Mets, who entered Monday leading the N.L. East by a half-game over Philadelphia, said Delgado has a bone spur and a torn labrum in his

13

What to expect in the major leagues today

The wait is over The A.L. East’s top two teams finally meet tonight in Boston when the Blue Jays and Red Sox begin a three-game series. They have split their season series in each of the past two seasons, though this is the first meeting between them this season. (Meanwhile, Boston already has faced Tampa Bay 10 times.) The Red Sox are coming off a tough West Coast road trip, but at 13-4, they have the fewest home losses in the A.L. Tonight also marks the return to the starting lineup for Boston DH David Ortiz, who was benched the past three games in an effort to get him back on track. In 131 career games, Big Papi has 31 homers and 104 RBIs against Toronto.

hip.“The way Carlos was responding to all the things he was trying—and it wasn’t getting any better—I wasn’t too optimistic about it,” Mets manager Jerry Manuel said. “What we have to do now is try and find out how we’re going to continue to play good baseball without Carlos Delgado.” Delgado is hitting .298 with four home runs and 23 RBIs in 26 games.

Triple Crown? Rays third baseman Evan Longoria is a legitimate MVP candidate and Triple Crown threat. When Tampa Bay begins a three-game series against Oakland tonight, Longoria will be facing a player who won an MVP award and made a run at the Triple Crown just a couple of years ago. A’s outfielder Matt Holliday—then a member of the Rockies—led the N.L. with a .340 average and 137 RBIs in 2007, but his 36 homers were 14 fewer than Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder.

The Rays have put DH Pat Burrell on the disabled list and called up RP Jason Isringhausen to help out their weary bullpen. Burrell, who has been bothered by neck pain, is not expected to be sidelined for long. He was put on the D.L. retroactive to May 11 and could return May 26. Isringhausen is fully rehabbed from September elbow surgery and has made 10 appearances between Class A Montgomery and Class AAA Durham.

Fear Fukudome The Cubs and Cardinals have split their first six games this season and will begin another three-game set tonight at Busch Stadium. In Chicago’s three wins over St. Louis, it has scored 25 runs. In its three losses, it has managed only nine. The Cub who has done the most damage against the Cardinals in 2009 is an unlikely one: Outfielder Kosuke Fukudome is hitting .423 with two homers and 10 RBIs. Meanwhile, seven different Cardinals have homered off Cubs pitching, with third baseman Brian Barden, outfielder Ryan Ludwick and shortstop Khalil Greene going deep twice.

— Chris Bahr According to The Detroit News, the mystery surrounding a leave of absence granted to Tigers OF Magglio Ordonez was cleared up Monday when the team announced he will miss at least two games so he can be with his wife, who is undergoing surgery. The Houston Chronicle reports that Astros closer LaTroy Hawkins was unavailable Sunday after hurting his right hip when he slipped while trying to catch an errant throw in the ninth inning of Saturday’s game against the Cubs. “I’m sore everywhere,” a limping Hawkins told the newspaper. “I feel like I was in a car accident. Just slipped backing up home plate. I got jarred.” Orioles SS Cesar Izturis suffered a

MORRY GASH / AP

Rickie Weeks, right, had been a catalyst for the surging Brewers, but a wrist injury ended his year. groin strain in Sunday’s game against the Royals and says he’s not sure if it will force him out of the lineup. “We’ll see how it feels after the day off (today),” Izturis told The Baltimore Sun. “It’s sore right now. We’ll wait and see what happens.” Rockies RP Matt Daley will be placed on the disabled list after stepping on a bat and spraining his left foot in the seventh inning of Sunday’s game against the Pirates. The Athletics put RP Dan Giese on the 15-day disabled list and recalled lefthander Gio Gonzalez from Class AAA Sacramento on Monday. Giese

has a nerve problem near his right elbow. He is 0-3 with a 5.32 ERA in seven games, including one start this season. Also, IF Nomar Garciaparra ran the bases, fielded grounders at third and took batting practice. Garciaparra, placed on the 15-day D.L. April 29 due to a strained right calf, might be ready to return Wednesday. Ranger closer Frank Francisco threw a bullpen session Monday and is scheduled to throw a simulated game Wednesday in Detroit. Francisco, who hasn’t appeared in a game since May 6, went on the disabled list Saturday with right biceps tendinitis.

CHRIS CARLSON / AP

After three games on the bench, David Ortiz returns to Boston’s lineup tonight.

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TONY GUTIERREZ / AP

Ian Kinsler (5) and Josh Hamilton are big reasons the Rangers are so hot lately.

Power Poll BY RYAN FAGAN [email protected]

If you haven’t already, start paying attention to the Rangers. They’re a legitimate threat to claim the A.L. West title. They have, as always, the hitting. Ian Kinsler is in the conversation about the best leadoff hitter in baseball, and now Josh Hamilton is back in the lineup. Chris Davis and Hank Blaylock both have double-digit homers. They have a defensive confidence that had been as scarce as solid starting pitching there, deep in the heart of Texas. And they have some pretty decent pitching, with a bullpen that has started to get key outs on a regular basis (notice the four-person committee that shut out the Angels on Sunday?). And more help is on the way. Youngster Derek Holland, a future top-notch starter, is cutting his teeth in the bullpen and fellow neophyte Neftali Feliz will follow the same training schedule at some point this season. There’s a long way to go for the Rangers to get back to the posteason for the first time since 1999, to be sure, but this group of players is starting to believe.

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009

14

1. Blue Jays (1)

Second baseman Aaron Hill, who already has 11 homers and 33 RBIs this season, is just about a lock to win comeback player of the year.

2. Dodgers (4)

Young lefty Clayton Kershaw continued his hot-or-not pattern on Sunday, holding the Marlins hitless into the eighth inning.

3. Brewers (6)

In their first two games of an N.L. Central showdown in St. Louis this weekend, starters Jeff Suppan and Manny Parra allowed a total of two runs in 13 innings.

4. Rangers (12)

Now that was a homestand. The Rangers swept the Mariners and the Angels, and it wasn’t just because of their big bats.

5. Mets (21)

Would have been nice to close out a four-game sweep in San Francisco but taking three of four still is pretty good.

6. Red Sox (2)

The Big Papi slump is hitting critical stage. Which, at least, has deflected some of the attention from Jon Lester’s crummy start to the season (2-4, 6.51 ERA).

7. Tigers (7)

Theses guys have scored at least nine runs in four of their past five games. The concern is about Armando Galarraga, who has allowed at least five earned runs each of his past four starts.

8. Yankees (17)

Finally, a bit of magic in the new Yankee Stadium. Walk-off hits in three consecutive games against the Twins could be the spark this team needs.

9. Cubs (10)

The loss Sunday to the Astros snapped a five-game winning streak, but there was a silver lining. Struggling Derrek Lee went 4-for-5 with a homer and a pair of RBIs.

10. Phillies (15)

Funny how a four-game series against the Nationals can cure what ails a team. Brad Lidge ended his streak of five consecutive appearances with at least one earned run allowed.

11. Cardinals (3)

Rough week for the Birds, who lost slugger Ryan Ludwick to the disabled list and four of five games against the Pirates and Brewers.

12. Reds (9)

The week that started so well—a road sweep of the hapless Diamondbacks—ended with a road sweep (the wrong kind) by the not-as-hapless Padres.

13. Royals (8)

When will Luke Hochevar figure out how to get major league hitters out? Will he ever? He had a 0.90 ERA at Class AAA Omaha, but in two starts for K.C., his ERA is 16.88.

14. Rays (18)

The Rays haven’t quite been world-beaters lately, but they’re 8-4 in their past dozen, which is a start. Now, if B.J. Upton can get that average back over .200 …

15. Angels (13)

The current 10-game road trip started with a thud, with three losses to the upstart Rangers. Now, four in Seattle and three “on the road” against the Dodgers.

16. Giants (14)

This should be the year Bengie Molina earns his first All-Star nod; he’s batting better than .300 and leading the Giants in homers and RBIs.

17. Twins (19)

If the Twins had won those three games that the Yankees claimed in dramatic fashion, they’d be tied for first place in the A.L. Central.

18. Braves (20)

For all the time the Braves have spent around the .500 mark, they’re still only barely out of first. Winning at home would be a great place to start an upward trend.

19. Marlins (11)

The Marlins’ fall from grace has been pretty much a team effort, but if you’re looking to assign specific blame, the top of the order isn’t a bad place to start.

20. Astros (22)

This team has issues, but Pudge Rodriguez, the 37-year-old catcher the team brought in as a free agent, hasn’t been one of them.

21. Mariners (16)

The Brandon Morrow debacle (pair of blown saves, demotion from closer’s job) is the negative headline for this week in Seattle.

22. Padres (24)

Think the Cubs noticed that Jake Peavy pitched a complete-game four-hitter against the Central’s Reds on Sunday? Probably so.

23. Orioles (25)

Interleague play (and a series against the Nationals) can’t come soon enough.

24. Pirates (26)

The Bucs wrapped up a solid 4-2 homestand with an impressive 10-run seventh inning Sunday against the Rockies.

25. White Sox (21)

Just 4-11 in May, the season is starting to show a disturbing trend. You, know, like going 4-11 to start a month.

26. Rockies (27)

You know something’s wrong with the pitching staff when a team (the Pirates) tied its single-game scoring high (10 runs) in one inning.

27. Indians (30)

At what point is Eric Wedge legitimately worried about his job security?

28. Diamondbacks (23)

At what point is A.J. Hinch legitimately worried about his job security?

29. Athletics (28)

What’s the over-under on the number of teams Billy Beane already has exchanged Matt Holliday-themed trade ideas with?

30. Nationals (29)

After climbing out of this poll’s basement last week, the Nats promptly dropped seven of eight.

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Fantasy Focus

LEAGUE LEADERS Batting Average

Start ’em, Sit ’em A.L.

CHRIS PARK / AP

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009

Player VMartinez Bartlett MiCabrera AdJones MYoung AHill Longoria

Player Beltran Votto DWright Zimmerman Ibanez Hawpe HaRamirez

.401 .384 .375 .370 .351 .345 .345

American League Standings

Home Runs

N.L.

Team Cleveland Tampa Bay Detroit Baltimore Texas Toronto Tampa Bay

A.L.

Team New York Cincinnati New York Washington Philadelphia Colorado Florida

.367 .366 .359 .358 .357 .345 .343

Player CPena Morneau Bay AHill Kinsler Longoria Seven tied

N.L.

Team Tampa Bay Minnesota Boston Toronto Texas Tampa Bay

Player AdGonzalez Ibanez Pujols ASoriano Bruce Dunn Two tied

13 12 11 11 11 11 10

Team San Diego Philadelphia St. Louis Chicago Cincinnati Washington

15 13 13 12 11 11 10

San Diego P Chris Young Runs

Start ’em Chris Young, SP, Padres. Young’s ERA (5.56) and WHIP (1.51) are reprehensible, but he’s maintained 3.14 ERA over 10 career starts against the Giants. Young is 2-0 with a 2.37 ERA at PETCO Park. Hunter Pence, OF, Astros. Pence will bounce back from Sunday’s 0-for-4, four-strikeout debacle. He is 5-of-11 (.455) with a homer against Milwaukee’s Dave Bush. Andruw Jones, OF, Rangers. Jones could get a start against Detroit’s Dontrelle Willis. Jones is 15-of-48 (.313) lifetime against the D-Train.

Sit ’em Jhonny Peralta, SS, Indians. Peralta’s bat finally is warming up, but he’s 2-of-17 (.118) lifetime against Kansas City’s Brian Bannister. Skip Schumaker, OF, Cardinals. Schumaker is just 1-of-12 (.083) against Chicago lefthander Ted Lilly and is hitting just .211 against lefties this season. Scott Baker, SP, Twins. Baker’s career ERA against the White Sox (6.81) is a near match with his ERA this season (6.95). Owners trolling for strikeouts will be disappointed. — Bill Bender

MORE COVERAGE Get everything you need to dominate your fantasy league at sportingnews.com/fantasy/baseball

A.L.

Player Scutaro AdJones Markakis BRoberts Bay Three tied

Stolen Bases N.L.

Team Toronto Baltimore Baltimore Baltimore Boston

Player Pujols Ibanez ASoriano Zimmerman Werth Hudson Five tied

36 35 35 33 32 31

A.L.

Team St. Louis Philadelphia Chicago Washington Philadelphia Los Angeles

34 33 33 33 31 29 28

Player Crawford Figgins Ellsbury Abreu BUpton Bartlett Crisp

N.L.

Team Tampa Bay Los Angeles Boston Los Angeles Tampa Bay Tampa Bay Kansas City

RBIs A.L.

Player Longoria Bay Lind AHill Markakis Three tied

Player Pujols Fielder Ibanez Cantu Hawpe Dunn Zimmerman

46 40 35 34 34 33

A.L.

Team St. Louis Milwaukee Philadelphia Florida Colorado Washington Washington

37 36 35 33 32 31 31

Player Palmer Frasor Halladay Greinke Slowey Buehrle

Player Longoria Callaspo Byrd Lind MYoung Markakis Polanco

4-0 4-0 8-1 7-1 5-1 5-1

Player FSanchez Hudson HaRamirez Zimmerman Kotchman Four tied

16 15 14 14 14 13 13

A.L.

Player Crisp Andrus JBuck Crawford 14 tied

Team Pittsburgh Los Angeles Florida Washington Atlanta

15 14 14 14 13 12

5 3 3 3 2

5-0 4-0 4-0 5-1 4-1 4-1

1.000 1.000 1.000 .833 .800 .800

Player Verlander Greinke Halladay Lester FHernandez Beckett Garza

Team Detroit Kansas City Toronto Boston Seattle Boston Tampa Bay

Player Peavy JSantana JVazquez Lincecum Billingsley Haren Harden

69 65 57 54 53 46 45

Player Kemp Bourn Morgan Victorino Winn DWright 19 tied

A.L.

Team Los Angeles Houston Pittsburgh Philadelphia San Francisco New York

4 3 3 3 3 3 2

Player Papelbon Fuentes FFrancisco Jenks Sherrill Soria MaRivera

Team San Diego New York Atlanta San Francisco Los Angeles Arizona Chicago

69 67 67 66 56 56 53

N.L.

Team Boston Los Angeles Texas Chicago Baltimore Kansas City New York

10 9 9 8 7 7 7

Player FrRodriguez Cordero Franklin Broxton BWilson Bell Hoffman

East Toronto Boston New York Tampa Bay Baltimore

W 27 22 21 20 16

L 14 16 17 20 22

Pct .659 .579 .553 .500 .421

GB WCGB L10 — — 7-3 3½ — 5-5 4½ 1 8-2 6½ 3 6-4 9½ 6 5-5

Str W-4 L-1 W-6 W-4 L-1

Home 16-6 13-4 10-7 10-8 11-11

Away 11-8 9-12 11-10 10-12 5-11

Central Detroit Kansas City Minnesota Chicago Cleveland

W 20 20 18 15 14

L 16 18 21 22 25

Pct .556 .526 .462 .405 .359

GB WCGB L10 — — 6-4 1 2 3-7 3½ 4½ 5-5 5½ 6½ 2-8 7½ 8½ 3-7

Str W-3 W-1 L-4 L-5 L-3

Home 11-5 13-8 14-9 8-8 7-11

Away 9-11 7-10 4-12 7-14 7-14

West Texas Los Angeles Seattle Oakland

W 23 19 18 13

L 14 18 21 22

Pct .622 .514 .462 .371

GB WCGB L10 — — 8-2 4 2½ 6-4 6 4½ 3-7 9 7½ 4-6

Str W-7 W-1 L-1 L-4

Home 14-6 12-8 9-9 8-10

Away 9-8 7-10 9-12 5-12

National League Standings East Philadelphia New York Atlanta Florida Washington

W 20 21 18 18 11

L 16 17 19 20 26

Pct .556 .553 .486 .474 .297

GB WCGB L10 — — 6-4 — 1 6-4 2½ 3½ 6-4 3 4 3-7 9½ 10½ 2-8

Str W-4 L-2 L-2 L-1 L-5

Home 8-12 12-8 6-11 7-9 5-12

Away 12-4 9-9 12-8 11-11 6-14

Central Milwaukee Chicago St. Louis Cincinnati Houston Pittsburgh

W 24 21 21 20 17 17

L 14 15 17 17 19 21

Pct .632 .583 .553 .541 .472 .447

GB WCGB L10 — — 8-2 2 — 7-3 3 1 3-7 3½ 1½ 6-4 6 4 6-4 7 5 5-5

Str W-6 L-1 L-3 L-3 W-1 W-3

Home 12-7 12-7 12-8 7-9 8-10 11-9

Away 12-7 9-8 9-9 13-8 9-9 6-12

West W Los Angeles 27 San Francisco 19 San Diego 16 Colorado 15 Arizona 14 z-first game was a win

L 13 18 22 22 23

Pct GB WCGB L10 .675 — — 6-4 .514 6½ 2½ 5-5 .421 10 6 4-6 .405 10½ 6½ 4-6 .378 11½ 7½ 3-7

Str W-2 W-1 W-3 W-1 W-1

Home 15-3 13-8 11-6 7-10 9-15

Away 12-10 6-10 5-16 8-12 5-8

Pitching Matchups Today’s Games (All times Eastern)

Saves N.L.

Team Kansas City Texas Kansas City Tampa Bay

Team Washington San Diego Los Angeles Los Angeles Cincinnati Los Angeles

N.L.

Triples A.L.

Player Martis Meredith Broxton Billingsley Cueto Stults

1.000 1.000 .889 .875 .833 .833

Strikeouts

N.L.

Team Tampa Bay Kansas City Texas Toronto Texas Baltimore Detroit

13 11 10 10 10 10 10

N.L.

Team Los Angeles Toronto Toronto Kansas City Minnesota Chicago

Doubles A.L.

Team Houston New York San Francisco Colorado Pittsburgh Cincinnati New York

Pitching (4 decisions) N.L.

Team Tampa Bay Boston Toronto Toronto Baltimore

Player Bourn JosReyes Burriss Fowler Morgan Taveras DWright

24 17 16 14 12 11 11

15

Team New York Cincinnati St. Louis Los Angeles San Francisco San Diego Milwaukee

11 10 9 9 9 9 9.

American League The Line Baltimore (Bergesen 1-1) at N.Y. Yankees (Sabathia 3-3), 7:05 p.m. at NY -260 Bal +230 Texas (McCarthy 3-1) at Detroit (Willis 0-0), 7:05 p.m. Tex -115 at Det +105 Oakland (Outman 1-0) at Tampa Bay (J.Shields 3-4), 7:08 p.m. at TB -180 Oak +170 Toronto (Tallet 2-1) at Boston (Wakefield 4-2), 7:10 p.m. at Bos -155 Tor +145 Cleveland (Cl.Lee 2-5) at Kansas City (Bannister 3-1), 8:10 p.m. Cle -135 at KC +125 Minnesota (S.Baker 1-4) at Chicago White Sox (Buehrle 5-1), 8:11 p.m. at Chi -140 Min +130 L.A. Angels (Palmer 4-0) at Seattle (F.Hernandez 4-2), 10:10 p.m. at Sea -160 LA +150 National League Pittsburgh (Karstens 1-2) at Washington (Martis 5-0), 7:05 p.m. Philadelphia (Hamels 1-2) at Cincinnati (Cueto 4-1), 7:10 p.m. Arizona (Garland 3-2) at Florida (Jo.Johnson 3-0), 7:10 p.m. Colorado (Hammel 0-2) at Atlanta (Jurrjens 3-2), 7:10 p.m. Milwaukee (Bush 2-0) at Houston (Hampton 2-3), 8:05 p.m. Chicago Cubs (Lilly 5-2) at St. Louis (Pineiro 4-3), 8:15 p.m. San Francisco (Zito 1-3) at San Diego (C.Young 2-2), 10:05 p.m. N.Y. Mets (Maine 3-2) at L.A. Dodgers (Billingsley 5-1), 10:10 p.m.

The Line at Was -130 Pit +120 at Cin -115 Phi +105 at Flo -180 Ari +170 at Atl -200 Col +185 at Hou -105 Mil -105 Chi -110 at STL +100 at SD -135 SF +125 at LA -150 NY +140

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Baseball NATIONAL LEAGUE

Milwaukee 8, St. Louis 4

Brewers keep on winning ST. LOUIS—Braden Looper had no idea Milwaukee Brewers leadoff man Rickie Weeks was out for the season until after he beat his former team. Looper had his own job to worry about. The righthander carried a two-hitter into the seventh inning, Mat Gamel hit a three-run homer in his first career start and the Brewers completed a three-game sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals with an 8-4 victory Monday night. “Obviously, it’s a huge loss, but to be honest I didn’t know until just a few minutes ago,” Looper said. “I’m in my own world with the headphones, not really knowing what’s going on. “But you feel for the guy.” Jason Kendall became the eighth full-time catcher to reach 2,000 hits for the Brewers, who have won 12 of 14 overall and 10 of 11 over the Cardinals the last two seasons. They won their sixth in a row hours after learning Weeks will miss the rest of the season with a wrist injury, and are a major league-best 20-5 since a 4-9 start. “I love Rickie, and I told everybody that,” Milwaukee manager Ken Macha said. “He’s a tremendous guy but we need to go out and play, too.” Craig Counsell, who replaced Weeks in the leadoff spot and at second base, was 1 for 6. Kyle Lohse (3-3) struggled with control on two days’ rest after working two innings in Friday’s rainout, trailing 4-0 after four innings while throwing 89 pitches. Colby Rasmus and Skip Schumaker hit two-run homers in the seventh for St. Louis, which totaled two runs the first two games in the series. “Everything was up,” Lohse said. “About eight

at-bats went six pitches or more and anytime you have that, you’re working really hard and they’re seeing everything you’ve got. “You leave one up, and they hit it.” The Cardinals converted Looper (4-2) to a starter in 2007 and he settled for a free-agent deal with Milwaukee after going 12-14 last year. Rasmus’ third homer off Looper came after first baseman Prince Fielder’s fielding error to start the seventh and represented St. Louis’ first earned run off him in 23 career innings over 17 appearances, the first 16 in relief. Looper, though 62-60 for his career, is the winningest pitcher at 4-year-old Busch Stadium with a 21-13 record and 3.52 ERA. “You obviously want to win every game, but I have a lot of friends over there and people I’ve played with for quite a few years,” Looper said. “I’d be lying if I didn’t say it’s a little extra sweet.” Cardinals pitchers combined for 11 walks in the finale, and 23 in the series. Fielder had an RBI single and walked four times for the second time in his career—the first also came in St. Louis on April 15, 2008. Looper said umpire Tim Timmons’ strike zone was minuscule for both teams, venting his frustration before leaving the mound. “Luckily we got the four runs,” Looper said. “So I just kept trying to throw the ball down the middle, to be honest with you, just to get a strike.” Gamel was recalled from Class AAA Nashville on Thursday. He had one at-bat this season before getting the start at third base. — The Associated Press

16

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009 Brewers 8, Cardinals 4 Milwaukee AB R Counsell 2b 6 0 Hardy ss 4 2 Braun lf 3 4 Fielder 1b 1 1 M.Cameron cf 2 0 Hart rf 4 0 Gamel 3b 3 1 c-Hall ph-3b 1 0 Kendall c 5 0 Looper p 3 0 DiFelice p 0 0 Stetter p 0 0 Villanueva p 1 0 Totals 33 8

H 1 1 2 1 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 8

BI 0 0 1 1 1 1 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 8

BB 0 1 2 4 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 11

SO 1 0 1 0 1 2 1 1 1 2 0 0 0 10

Avg. .324 .220 .328 .271 .285 .248 .250 .260 .234 .071 ----.500

St. Louis Schumaker 2b Stavinoha rf Pujols 1b Duncan lf Y.Molina c McClellan p b-Br.Ryan ph-ss Rasmus cf Barden 3b Boyer p D.Reyes p d-K.Greene ph Franklin p T.Miller p Lohse p C.Perez p a-Robinson ph Motte p LaRue c T.Greene ss-3b Totals

H 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 6

BI 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4

BB 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3

SO 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 5

Avg. .301 .273 .321 .258 .291 .000 .268 .248 .270 ----.202 ----.214 --.240 --.333 .250

Milwaukee St. Louis

AB 5 5 3 3 2 0 2 3 3 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 4 35

R 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4

004 012 010 — 000 000 400 —

8 8 3 4 6 0

a-grounded out for C.Perez in the 5th. b-reached on error for McClellan in the 7th. c-struck out for Gamel in the 8th. d-struck out for D.Reyes in the 8th. E: Looper (1), Fielder (1), Gamel (1). LOB: Milwaukee 12, St. Louis 7. 2B: Hardy (5), Braun (9), T.Greene (2). HR: Gamel (1), off Lohse; Rasmus (3), off Looper; Schumaker (2), off DiFelice. RBIs: Braun (29), Fielder (36), M.Cameron (20), Hart (16), Gamel 3 (3), Kendall (14), Schumaker 2 (12), Rasmus 2 (13). SB: Br.Ryan (2). S: Looper. SF: M.Cameron. Runners left in scoring position: Milwaukee 7 (Hart 2, Counsell, Looper 2, Gamel, Hall); St. Louis 3 (Duncan 2, LaRue). DP: Milwaukee 1 (Looper, Counsell, Fielder).

TOM GANNAM / AP

Mat Gamel’s three-run home run, his first in the majors, in the third inning gave Milwaukee a 4-0 lead.

Milwaukee IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Looper W, 4-2 6 3 3 1 2 0 100 4.26 DiFelice 2⁄3 2 1 1 1 0 24 1.42 Stetter H, 8 1⁄3 0 0 0 0 1 6 2.92 Villanueva 2 1 0 0 0 4 30 4.74 St. Louis IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Lohse L, 3-3 4 4 4 4 3 5 89 4.66 C.Perez 1 1 1 1 3 3 34 3.00 Motte 1 1 2 2 3 0 30 4.30 McClellan 1 0 0 0 0 0 7 2.60 Boyer 1⁄3 1 1 1 0 0 5 12.00 D.Reyes 2⁄3 0 0 0 2 1 19 3.65 Franklin 2⁄3 1 0 0 0 1 10 1.10 T.Miller 1⁄3 0 0 0 0 0 2 3.27 Looper pitched to 3 batters in the 7th. Inherited runnersscored: DiFelice 1-1, Stetter 2-0, D.Reyes 1-1, T.Miller 1-0. HBP: by Lohse (Hardy). Umpires: Home, Tim Timmons; First, Gerry Davis; Second, Jeff Kellogg; Third, Mark Wegner. T: 3:21. A: 39,136 (43,975).

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TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009

NATIONAL LEAGUE Colorado 5, Atlanta 1

Fewest fans ever at Turner Field see Braves fall to 6-11 at home ATLANTA—Jason Marquis got the better of Derek Lowe in a pitchers’ duel and there weren’t a whole lot of people there to see it. The righthanders went at it for eight innings before Colorado added three runs against two relievers in the ninth for a 5-1 victory over Atlanta on Monday night. The Braves dropped to 6-11 at Turner Field this season, and the latest loss was in front of 15,364, the smallest paid crowd since the stadium opened in 1997. Marquis had the right strategy to keep Atlanta’s hitters off balance. “I pounded the bottom of the strike zone,” he said. “I was able to attack the strike zone and put the ball on the ground.” Marquis (5-3) scattered five hits and allowed one run in eight innings to end a two-start losing streak. He struck out three and walked three. Marquis gave up 16 runs—14 earned—in his previous two starts, a span of 9 2/3 innings against San Francisco and Houston. Even so, the right-hander believes his talent doesn’t match his career 4.56 ERA. “I feel like every time I get the ball, I’m going to shut them down,” Marquis said. “I’m out there every pitch battling.” Lowe (5-2) was attempting to become the N.L.’s first six-game winner. He allowed two runs, three hits and one walk in eight innings, losing for the first time in five starts. He dropped to 7-7 against the Rockies, but improved his ERA 20 points to 4.50 in 17 career starts. “They beat us at every aspect of the

game, and that’s ultimately why we came up a little short,” Lowe said. “They did a good job of manufacturing a run in the sixth inning and that was the ball game.” Colorado, which had lost three out of four and seven of 10, snapped a two-game losing streak. The Braves have lost two straight and three of four. “We hit three bullets in the eighth inning,” said Braves manager Bobby Cox, whose team grounded into a season-high four double plays. “That was a game-changer. We didn’t have any luck at all. We had one hit less than they did, and they got five runs. Figure that one out.” Dexter Fowler, who gave Colorado a 1-0 lead in the third with an RBI groundout, doubled leading off the sixth. He moved to third on a groundout and made it 2-1 on Todd Helton’s RBI fielder’s choice grounder. Atlanta tied it at 1 in the sixth on a double-play grounder by Casey Kotchman. The Rockies scored three runs in the ninth. Eric O’Flaherty, who relieved Lowe to start the inning, was charged with two runs after Troy Tulowitzki singled and Helton reached on shortstop Yunel Escobar’s fielding error. Peter Moylan, who relieved O’Flaherty, gave up consecutive RBI singles to Chris Iannetta and pinchhitter Ryan Spilborghs. Iannetta scored from third on Clint Barmes’ grounder, which third baseman Chipper Jones misplayed for an error. Marquis, whom Atlanta drafted between the first and second rounds

Rockies 5, Braves 1 Colorado AB Fowler cf 4 Tulowitzki ss 4 Helton 1b 4 Hawpe rf 4 Iannetta c 4 S.Smith lf 3 Spilborghs lf 1 Stewart 3b 3 Barmes 2b 4 Marquis p 3 b-Atkins ph 1 Street p 0 Totals 35

SO 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3

Avg. .250 .250 .336 .345 .244 .294 .270 .198 .238 .235 .194 ---

Atlanta AB R H BI BB SO K.Johnson 2b 4 0 0 0 0 0 O’Flaherty p 0 0 0 0 0 0 Moylan p 0 0 0 0 0 0 Escobar ss 3 0 1 0 1 0 C.Jones 3b 3 1 1 0 1 0 G.Anderson lf 4 0 1 0 0 0 McCann c 2 0 1 0 1 0 Kotchman 1b 3 0 0 0 0 1 Francoeur rf 3 0 0 0 0 1 Schafer cf 3 0 0 0 0 0 D.Lowe p 2 0 1 0 0 1 a-Infante ph-2b 1 0 0 0 0 0 Totals 28 1 5 0 3 3

Avg. .225 --.000 .304 .314 .239 .282 .289 .247 .215 .143 .337

Colorado Atlanta

R 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 5

H 1 1 0 0 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 6

BI 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 4

BB 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

001 001 003 — 000 100 000 —

5 6 0 1 5 2

a-flied out for D.Lowe in the 8th. b-fouled out for Marquis in the 9th. E: C.Jones (5), Escobar (4). LOB: Colorado 4, Atlanta 3. 2B: Fowler (7). RBIs: Fowler (10), Helton (22), Iannetta (17), Spilborghs (17). SB: Spilborghs (6). Runners left in scoring position: Colorado 2 (Tulowitzki, Atkins); Atlanta 3 (G.Anderson, Schafer, Francoeur). DP: Colorado 4 (Helton, Tulowitzki, Marquis), (Tulowitzki, Barmes, Helton), (Barmes, Tulowitzki, Helton), (Barmes, Tulowitzki, Helton); Atlanta 1 (Escobar, K.Johnson, Kotchman).

JOHN BAZEMORE / AP

Colorado 3B Ian Stewart barehands a ball hit by Atlanta’s Yunel Escobar, who eventually reached first base in the first inning. in 1996, came up through the Braves’ farm system and made his debut in the majors four years later. He was traded to St. Louis the following winter after a 2003 season that included 19 relief appearances, two starts and

a 0-0 record with a 5.53 ERA. “He kept us off balance,” Braves catcher Brian McCann said. “A lot of

us were swinging at stuff out of the zone.” — The Associated Press

Colorado Marquis W, 5-3 Street Atlanta D.Lowe L, 5-2 O’Flaherty Moylan

IP 8 1 IP 8 1⁄3 2⁄3

H 5 0 H 3 1 2

R ER BB SO NP ERA 1 1 3 3 103 4.75 0 0 0 0 7 3.86 R ER BB SO NP ERA 2 2 1 3 109 3.58 2 1 0 0 11 2.45 1 0 0 0 21 5.93

Inherited runners-scored: Moylan 2-2. PB: Iannetta. Umpires: Home, Jeff Nelson; First, Mark Carlson; Second, Tim Tschida; Third, Bob Davidson. T: 2:30. A: 15,364 (49,743).

The Arizona-Florida game was rained out and will be played Wednesday at 5:10 p.m. as part of a doubleheader.

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NATIONAL LEAGUE

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Pittsburgh 12, Washington 7

Pirates latest to pick on Nats

EVAN VUCCI / AP

Washington’s Cristian Guzman has the look of frustration as the team gave up three runs in the ninth. WASHINGTON—Jack Wilson already had a single and a pair of doubles when he ripped his first triple of the year, a drive into the right-field corner in the eighth inning. “I’m not going to lie,” the 31-year-old shortstop said. “I got to third base and said, ‘I’m getting old.’ ” Not to worry. After all, it was a near certainty that the many of the Pittsburgh Pirates would get tired running the bases Monday night. They’ve been scoring runs aplenty, and no one gives them up like the Washington Nationals. The Pirates have tallied 30 runs in a three-game winning streak, and they faced little resistance in a 12-7 win that opened a 10-game road trip. The Nationals made four errors and had another lead-blowing bullpen implosion, standard fare for the team with the worst record, pitching and fielding in the majors.

18

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009

“It was just sad to see the way things are going with our bullpen. I’ve been in the game for a while, and I’ve never seen anything like it before,” Washington manager Manny Acta said. “We have to change it up because it’s not working. We went to young guys, veteran guys, and veterans or young, they’re not getting it done.” A five-run sixth inning spurred Pittsburgh’s win, which ended an eight-game road losing streak. Ross Ohlendorf (5-3) picked up the victory despite allowing four extra-base hits in a five-run fifth, and Craig Monroe hit a three-run homer. “We’re swinging the bats well,” Pittsburgh manager John Russell said. So are the Nationals, who have lost five straight despite scoring at least five runs in every game. But they also began the day with 37 errors, five more than any team in baseball. — The Associated Press

N.Y. Yankees 7, Minnesota 6

Pirates 12, Nationals 7 Pittsburgh AB R Delw.Young rf 6 1 F.Sanchez 2b 5 1 McLouth cf 4 1 Monroe lf 5 1 Ad.LaRoche 1b 3 2 R.Diaz c 3 1 An.LaRoche 3b 4 1 Ja.Wilson ss 4 3 Ohlendorf p 2 0 b-Moss ph 1 1 J.Chavez p 0 0 Gorzelanny p 0 0 c-Hinske ph 1 0 Grabow p 0 0 e-R.Vazquez ph 1 0 Capps p 0 0 Totals 39 12

H 2 1 1 1 0 0 1 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 12

BI 2 0 1 3 0 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 12

BB 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4

SO 3 2 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10

Avg. .351 .307 .293 .244 .230 .318 .261 .293 .059 .255 ----.254 --.190 ---

Washington C.Guzman ss N.Johnson 1b Zimmerman 3b Dunn rf Willingham lf W.Harris cf A.Hernandez 2b K.Wells p Beimel p d-Kearns ph Hanrahan p J.Bard c Detwiler p a-Cintron ph Mock p Colome p Belliard 2b Totals

H 2 1 2 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 11

BI 0 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 7

BB 1 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 6

SO 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4

Avg. .385 .336 .358 .286 .221 .244 .277 ----.216 --.208 .000 .080 ----.200

AB 4 2 5 3 5 5 3 0 0 1 0 4 1 1 0 0 1 35

R 1 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 7

Pittsburgh 003 005 013 — 12 12 0 Washington 000 050 011 — 7 11 4 a-flied out for Detwiler in the 5th. b-doubled for Ohlendorf in the 6th. c-grounded out for Gorzelanny in the 8th. d-struck out for Beimel in the 8th. e-doubled for Grabow in the 9th. E: C.Guzman 2 (5), N.Johnson (5), A.Hernandez (4). LOB: Pittsburgh 7, Washington 8. 2B: McLouth (6), Ja.Wilson 2 (6), Moss (6), R.Vazquez (1), C.Guzman (9), Zimmerman (14), Willingham (5), W.Harris (2), J.Bard 2 (2). 3B: Ja.Wilson (1). HR: Monroe (3), off Detwiler; N.Johnson (4), off Ohlendorf; Zimmerman (10), off Ohlendorf. RBIs: Delw. Young 2 (7), McLouth (29), Monroe 3 (14), An.LaRoche (16), Ja.Wilson 2 (13), Moss (7), R.Vazquez 2 (6), N.Johnson 3 (24), Zimmerman (31), Dunn (31), J.Bard 2 (2). CS: F.Sanchez (1), R.Diaz (1), C.Guzman (2). S: An.LaRoche. SF: Dunn. Runners left in scoring position: Pittsburgh 4 (Ad.LaRoche, Delw.Young 2, Monroe); Washington 5 (Willingham, Dunn 2, C.Guzman, W.Harris). DP: Pittsburgh 1 (Ja.Wilson, F.Sanchez, Ad.LaRoche). Pittsburgh IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Ohlendorf W, 5-3 5 6 5 5 3 1 91 4.31 J.Chavez H, 3 1 2⁄3 2 0 0 1 1 26 2.20 Gorzelanny H, 1 1⁄3 0 0 0 0 1 5 0.00 Grabow 1 2 1 1 1 1 33 5.50 Capps 1 1 1 1 1 0 23 7.62 Washington IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Detwiler 5 4 3 2 0 6 84 3.60 Mock L, 0-2 BS, 2-2 1⁄3 1 3 3 1 0 15 6.92 Colome 2⁄3 3 2 2 0 0 2022.50 K.Wells 1 2⁄3 2 1 1 1 2 31 6.00 Beimel 1⁄3 0 0 0 0 0 3 4.50 Hanrahan 1 2 3 3 2 2 32 6.75 Inherited runners-scored: Gorzelanny 2-0, Colome 1-1, Beimel 1-0. HBP: by Mock (R.Diaz), by Detwiler (McLouth). WP: Mock, Hanrahan. PB: R.Diaz. Umpires: Home, Paul Nauert; First, Joe West; Second, Ed Rapuano; Third, Chad Fairchild. T: 3:30. A: 14,549 (41,888).

Teixeira starting to get it going for Yankees NEW YORK—Mark Teixeira was hitting .198 on May 8 with five homers and 15 RBIs. Since Alex Rodriguez returned to the lineup that night, Teixeira has raised his average to .239, doubled his home run total and increased his RBIs to 29. “Pitchers are just making a few more mistakes,” Teixeira said. “It puts a lot of pressure on them when Alex is in the lineup and, you know, a pitcher is not going to want to get into deep counts and maybe walk me with a guy like A-Rod behind me.” Teixeira homered from both sides of the plate, combining with Rodriguez for back-to-back drives in a six-run first inning against ailing Glen Perkins, and New York beat the Minnesota Twins 7-6 on a chilly Monday night to complete a four-game sweep. After stringing together three straight walk-off wins for the first time since 1972, the Yankees overcame a 2-0 first-inning deficit and hung on to extend their winning streak to a season-high six. New York improved to 23-3 at home against the Twins during the regular season since the start of 2002. “I can’t wait to get out of here,” Minnesota’s Denard Span said. “Not just the stadium, but the whole city.” Andy Pettitte (4-1) won consecutive starts for the first time this year, allowing four runs and 12 hits in 6 2/3 innings. Jose Veras escaped a basesloaded jam in the seventh and Phil Coke got four outs for his first career save, finishing as Mariano Rivera was given a night off. “It’s hard,” Coke said. “I’m completely and totally gassed right now.”

Yankees 7, Twins 6 Minnesota AB Span lf 5 B.Harris 2b 5 Mauer c 4 Morneau 1b 5 Crede 3b 4 1-Tolbert pr 0 Kubel dh 4 Cuddyer rf 4 Gomez cf 3 Punto ss 4 a-Redmond ph 1 Totals 39

R 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 6

H 2 2 1 4 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 13

BI 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 6

BB 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 5

SO 0 0 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 4

Avg. .288 .296 .417 .340 .223 .179 .326 .252 .242 .196 .250

New York AB R H BI BB SO Jeter ss 5 1 2 0 0 1 Damon lf 4 1 1 0 1 1 Teixeira 1b 4 2 2 4 0 0 A.Rodriguez dh 3 1 1 1 1 1 Swisher rf 4 0 0 0 0 0 Cano 2b 4 1 2 0 0 0 Me.Cabrera cf 4 1 2 1 0 1 R.Pena 3b 4 0 1 0 0 0 Cervelli c 2 0 2 1 0 0 Totals 34 7 13 7 2 4

Avg. .275 .322 .239 .188 .236 .301 .317 .263 .375

Minnesota 200 101 011 — New York 600 000 10x — KATHY WILLENS / AP

Mark Teixeira hit two home runs on Monday, including one in the seventh that proved to be the difference against the Twins. Span homered off Edwar Ramirez in the eighth and Coke faced Justin Morneau with a runner on. Morneau had four hits against Pettitte and had homered off Coke on a slider Saturday but struck out against him this time on fastballs away. Coke then allowed an RBI grounder in the ninth to Michael Cuddyer before retiring pinch-hitter Mike Redmond on a game-ending grounder. Coke was so overwhelmed he made a point of finding Rivera in the back of the clubhouse to tell him of his newfound appreciation for the closer’s role. “Hey, you’re way better at that than me,” Coke recalled telling him. — The Associated Press

6 13 1 7 13 0

a-grounded out for Punto in the 9th. 1-ran for Crede in the 9th. E: Punto (3). LOB: Minnesota 12, New York 7. 2B: B.Harris (4), Morneau 2 (11), Cano (10). HR: Cuddyer (4), off Pettitte; Span (2), off E.Ramirez; Teixeira (9), off Perkins; A.Rodriguez (4), off Perkins; Teixeira (10), off Ayala. RBIs: Span 2 (20), Mauer (17), Morneau (33), Cuddyer 2 (20), Teixeira 4 (28), A.Rodriguez (8), Me.Cabrera (14), Cervelli (2). SB: Gomez (4). CS: Punto (1), Cano (1). S: Cervelli 2. Runners left in scoring position: Minnesota 6 (B.Harris 2, Kubel 2, Gomez 2); New York 4 (Damon 4). DP: Minnesota 1 (Punto, B.Harris, Morneau). Minnesota Perkins L, 1-3 Dickey Ayala Breslow Crain New York Pettitte W, 4-1 Veras H, 2 E.Ramirez H, 1 Coke S, 1-3

IP 2⁄3 4 1⁄3 1 1⁄3 2⁄3 1 IP 6 2⁄3 1⁄3 2⁄3 1 1⁄3

H 7 3 3 0 0 H 12 0 1 0

R ER BB SO NP ERA 6 6 0 0 34 5.36 0 0 1 1 60 3.63 1 1 1 2 23 5.71 0 0 0 1 16 6.75 0 0 0 0 9 8.25 R ER BB SO NP ERA 4 4 1 3 105 4.18 0 0 1 0 6 6.61 1 1 1 0 22 5.19 1 1 2 1 36 4.76

Breslow pitched to 1 batter in the 8th. Inherited runners-scored: Dickey 1-0, Breslow 1-0, Crain 1-0, Veras 2-0, Coke 1-0. HBP: by Pettitte (Gomez). WP: Coke. PB: Mauer. Balk: Perkins. Umpires: Home, John Hirschbeck; First, Wally Bell; Second, Marty Foster; Third, Mike Estabrook. T: 3:29. A: 43,244 (52,325).

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19

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009

AMERICAN LEAGUE Toronto 3, Chicago White Sox 2

Tampa Bay 13, Oakland 4

Jays rally, continue to hand it to White Sox

Bartlett’s hot bat does it again

TORONTO—The Chicago White Sox can’t get out of Canada quickly enough. Alex Rios hit a go-ahead triple in the eighth inning Monday and the Toronto Blue Jays completed a four-game sweep, beating the Chicago White Sox 3-2. Chicago lost its season-high fifth in a row and has dropped 10 straight at Toronto. “It seems like every time we come to Toronto ... we can’t do anything,” Chicago catcher A.J. Pierzynski said. After Jim Thome tied it in the top of the eighth with his 548th career home run, Toronto bounced back against Octavio Dotel (1-1). The Blue Jays own the A.L.’s best record at 27-14. They start a nine-game road trip Tuesday night at Fenway Park when they play Boston for the first time this season. For Toronto’s Kevin Millar, who hit a solo homer, it’s a return to the city where he won the 2004 World Series. “It’s a part of you, no matter what,” Millar said. “I had some good years back there. It’s a fun place to play, one of my favorite parks and it’s nice going there leading the East.” Chicago scored just eight runs in this series and went 2-for-23 with runners in scoring position. “We’ve got guys, especially at the plate, trying too hard and I’m one of them,” Pierzynski said.” The White Sox finished 1-6 on its road trip that started in Cleveland, a week that manager Ozzie Guillen described before the game as “horrible.” “It’s kind of a crazy week,” Guillen said afterward. “I can’t describe it. We’re losing games in different ways all the time, late in the game, early in the game, by a lot of runs, by a few runs. There’s so many

Blue Jays 3, White Sox 2 Chicago AB R H Podsednik cf 4 0 1 J.Nix lf 4 0 1 Dye rf 4 1 1 Thome dh 3 1 1 Konerko 1b 4 0 1 Pierzynski c 4 0 0 Al.Ramirez ss 3 0 1 Getz 2b 4 0 1 Fields 3b 4 0 0 Totals 34 2 7

BI 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2

BB 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 2

SO 1 1 0 2 2 0 1 1 0 8

Avg. .271 .241 .273 .240 .316 .266 .214 .238 .224

Toronto Scutaro ss A.Hill 2b Rios rf V.Wells cf Lind lf Snider lf Rolen 3b Millar 1b R.Chavez c Bautista dh Totals

BI 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 3

BB 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 4

SO 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 3

Avg. .284 .345 .265 .259 .322 .240 .318 .299 .241 .301

Chicago Toronto

FRANK GUNN/ AP

Alex Rios hit the go-ahead triple during the eighth inning that gave Toronto the lead for good. different ways to lose, you can’t describe each of them.” The White Sox have lost 12 of 15 since May 2 to drop from first to fourth in the A.L. Central. “We should be embarrassed because I think we’ve got a better ballclub than we’re showing right now,” Guillen said. Dotel had not allowed a run in 14 games this season, a span of 12 1/3 innings, when he relieved in the eighth with the score 2-all. Jose Bautista drew a leadoff walk and moved up on Marco Scutaro’s sacrifice. Bautista stole third with one out, racing in without a throw as Dotel looked in for the sign while third baseman Josh Fields played well behind the bag. Rios scored Bautista with a triple that

skipped past a diving Scott Podsednik in center field. “You can’t keep bad things in your mind,” Dotel said. “Bad things, you’ve got to throw away as soon as possible and just look for the next day. Today is over, there’s nothing we can do right now. If there was, it would be nice, but there’s nothing we can do. We’ve just got to think about tomorrow.” Toronto led 2-0 until Thome’s two-run homer. He tied Mike Schmidt for 13th on baseball’s career home run list. “It’s nice to do things like that but you definitely want to win the game, that’s No. 1,” Thome said. “We’ve got to go back home and get back on track, start swinging the bats and start winning some games.” — The Associated Press

AB 1 3 4 3 3 0 3 3 3 2 25

R 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 3

H 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 4

000 000 020 — 011 000 01x —

2 7 1 3 4 0

E: Podsednik (2). LOB: Chicago 7, Toronto 4. 3B: Podsednik (1), Rios (2). HR: Thome (7), off Carlson; Millar (2), off Richard. RBIs: Thome 2 (20), A.Hill (34), Rios (21), Millar (13). SB: J.Nix 2 (2), Bautista (3). S: Scutaro. SF: A.Hill. Runners left in scoring position: Chicago 3 (J.Nix, Thome, Fields); Toronto 2 (Lind, V.Wells). GIDP: A.Hill, Rios. DP: Chicago 2 (Fields, Getz, Konerko), (Richard, Al.Ramirez, Konerko). Chicago IP Richard 7 Dotel L, 1-1 1 Toronto IP Richmond 7 Carlson W, 1-2 BS, 2-2 1 Downs S, 5-5 1

H 3 1 H 5 2 0

R ER BB SO NP ERA 2 1 3 3 94 4.33 1 1 1 0 21 0.68 R ER BB SO NP ERA 0 0 1 7 109 3.64 2 2 0 0 18 3.43 0 0 1 1 16 1.86

WP: Richard. Umpires: Home, Sam Holbrook; First, Charlie Reliford; Second, Adrian Johnson; Third, Dan Iassogna. T: 2:18. A: 24,206 (49,539).

ST. PETERSBURG, FLA.—Jason Bartlett goes about his business quietly with the A.L. champion Rays, content to stay out of the spotlight in a clubhouse full of rising young stars. The slick-fielding shortstop solidified Tampa Bay’s defense during last season’s run to the World Series. Now, his hot bat is one of the reasons the team has been able to put together a season-best four-game winning streak and is back to .500 for the first time since mid-April. “I know he played really well last year. But at no point did I see him play this well,” manager Joe Maddon said after Bartlett drove in a career-high five runs in Monday night’s 13-4 rout of the Oakland Athletics. “I’m talking a complete game.” Bartlett went 3-for-3 with a walk to raise his batting average to .384. He had a two-run single off Sean Gallagher (1-2) in the first, as well as a runscoring triple in the fifth and a two-run single in the sixth off Gio Gonzalez. Jason Isringhausen, who came off the disabled list Sunday, pitched the ninth for Tampa Bay—his first appearance in a major league game since undergoing right elbow surgery in September, when he was with the St. Louis Cardinals. “It was good to get out there,” said Isringhausen, who had last thrown in a game Aug. 16 at Cincinnati. — The Associated Press

Rays 13, Athletics 4 Oakland AB R O.Cabrera ss 3 1 Cunningham lf 1 0 K.Suzuki c 4 1 Cust dh 4 1 Holliday lf 3 0 Hannahan 3b 1 0 Giambi 1b 2 0 Powell 1b 1 0 Kennedy 2b 4 0 R.Sweeney cf 3 0 b-R.Davis ph 1 0 Crosby 3b-ss 4 0 T.Buck rf 3 1 Totals 34 4

H 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 2 9

BI 1 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4

BB 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

SO 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3

Avg. .233 .000 .320 .270 .261 .133 .200 .194 .367 .250 .179 .224 .225

Tampa Bay AB R H BI BB SO B.Upton cf 3 1 0 0 1 1 Gross rf 1 0 0 0 0 1 Crawford lf 3 0 0 0 0 0 a-Kapler ph-cf 2 0 0 0 0 1 Longoria 3b 5 2 2 0 0 1 C.Pena 1b 2 3 1 0 3 1 Zobrist rf-lf 3 1 0 1 2 2 W.Aybar dh 2 3 1 1 2 0 Bartlett ss 3 3 3 5 1 0 Iwamura 2b 4 0 2 3 0 1 M.Hernandez c 4 0 0 1 0 2 Totals 32 13 9 11 9 10

Avg. .183 .254 .327 .212 .345 .248 .279 .263 .384 .291 .258

Oakland 101 000 020 — 4 9 0 Tampa Bay 603 022 00x — 13 9 1 a-grounded out for Crawford in the 6th. b-fouled out for R.Sweeney in the 9th. E: Bartlett (3). LOB: Oakland 4, Tampa Bay 5. 2B: T.Buck (2). 3B: Bartlett (2). HR: O.Cabrera (2), off Niemann; Cust (6), off Niemann. RBIs: O.Cabrera (12), Cust 2 (23), Giambi (17), Zobrist (20), W.Aybar (6), Bartlett 5 (22), Iwamura 3 (15), M.Hernandez (8). SF: Giambi. Runners left in scoring position: Oakland 2 (Kennedy, Crosby); Tampa Bay 2 (B.Upton, Iwamura). DP: Oakland 1 (O.Cabrera, Kennedy, Giambi); Tampa Bay 2 (Longoria, Iwamura, C.Pena), (Longoria, Iwamura, C.Pena). Oakland Gallagher L, 1-2 G.Gonzalez K.Cameron Tampa Bay Niemann W, 4-3 Isringhausen

IP 2 1⁄3 3 2⁄3 2 IP 8 1

H 3 6 0 H 8 1

R ER BB SO NP ERA 9 7 5 1 76 8.16 4 4 3 6 91 7.27 0 0 1 3 33 2.45 R ER BB SO NP ERA 4 3 0 3 110 4.97 0 0 0 0 17 0.00

Inherited runners-scored: G.Gonzalez 3-3. HBP: by Gallagher (W.Aybar). WP: Gallagher. PB: K.Suzuki. Umpires: Home, Mike Winters; First, Lance Barksdale; Second, Alfonso Marquez; Third, Randy Marsh. T: 2:55. A: 11,420 (36,973).

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

Baseball

www.sportingnews.com

20

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009

NATIONAL LEAGUE TEAM STATS THROUGH MONDAY’S GAMES ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS BATTERS

ATLANTA BRAVES

AVG OBA AB

R

H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E

AVG OBA AB

R

H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E

AVG OBA AB

R

H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E

AVG OBA AB

R

H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E

.385 .429

13

3

5

0

2

1

5

1

0

0

2

0

Infante

.337 .367

83

12

28

4

0

1 10

7

1

0

2

Ramirez

.364 .417

66

8

24

3

0

4 16

8

0

0

1

Votto

.366 .470 112

18

41 10

0

5 27 20 21

2

1

3

Roberts

.320 .419

25

3

8

1

0

0

3

4

9

1

0

0

C. Jones

.314 .443 105

20

33

6

1

4 14 24 15

1

1

5

Fukudome

.333 .454 114

24

38

9

1

4 17 25 21

4

4

0

Janish

.313 .389

32

3

10

3

0

0

2

2

7

0

0

1

Lopez

.317 .375 145

18

46 12

0

4

9 13 26

4

1

4

Escobar

.304 .375 135

21

14

Ojeda

.310 .383

71

9

22

4

0

1

3

7

0

1

2

Prado

.295 .367

44

4

Upton

.310 .394 116

22

36

8

2

7 19 15 33

3

1

1

Kotchman

.289 .355 128

11

Reynolds

.244 .338 127

21

31

5

1

8 16 17 47

4

1

7

McCann

.282 .388

71

11

20

5

0

3 12 11

Montero

.240 .321

50

4

12

4

0

2

6

6 13

0

0

4

Ross

.264 .381

53

8

14

4

0

3

Drew

.214 .297

56

5

12

3

1

2

7

7 11

0

1

0

Diaz

.261 .342

69

8

18

3

1

2 14

Snyder

.214 .371

70

8

15

4

0

2 13 17 20

0

0

0

Francoeur

.247 .266 146

18

36

4

2

Byrnes

.210 .257 100

12

21

8

0

4 14

6 10

5

2

0

Anderson

.239 .280

67

6

16

5

0

Tracy

.193 .247

88

10

17

7

0

2

7

9

0

0

0

Johnson

.225 .306 111

14

25

5

1

Jackson

.182 .264

99

8

18

4

0

1 14 11 16

5

0

2

Schafer

.215 .349 121

13

26

7

0

2

4 25 45

1

Clark

.179 .258

28

3

5

1

0

2

5

3 15

0

0

1

Norton

.130 .333

2

3

1

0

0

2

7

0

Young

.177 .227 124

13

22

9

1

2

8

7 33

4

2

0

Team Totals

.259 .342 1241 157 322 74

5 28 146 151 228

7

7 23

0

3

1

0

0

0

5

0

0

1

Whitesell

.115 .258

Team Totals

.234 .310 1236 144 289 75

PITCHERS

26

W

L ERA

G

Pena

3

1 1.56 18

0

Haren

3

4 2.09

8

8

GS SV

9

7

7 38 138 131 287 26 11 28 IP

H

R

ER HR BB SO

0

17.1

15

5

3

0

5

12

0

56.0

39

13

13

4

9

56

Schoeneweis

0

0 2.53 19

0

0

10.2

11

3

3

2

4

6

Qualls

0

0 2.57 13

0

8

14.0

13

4

4

1

2

17

Davis

2

5 3.22

8

0

50.1

43

19

18

9

16

35

8

Scherzer

1

3 3.35

7

7

0

37.2

33

15

14

4

17

33

Rosales

0

0 3.38

4

0

0

5.1

5

2

2

0

1

4

Gutierrez

1

2 3.66 18

0

0

19.2

18

8

8

1

7

25

Garland

3

2 5.18

7

7

0

41.2

48

25

24

5

16

16

Vasquez

1

1 5.40

9

0

0

11.2

13

7

7

1

7

9

Rauch

0

0 6.60 18

0

0

15.0

21

13

11

1

9

10

Augenstein

0

1 7.11

1

1

0

6.1

8

5

5

0

2

3

Petit

0

3 8.03

6

5

0

24.2

33

24

22

8

10

19

Webb

0

0 13.50

1

1

0

4.0

6

6

6

2

2

2

Gordon Team Totals

0

1 21.60

3

0

14 23 4.43 37

37

0

1.2

3

4

4

0

3

0

8 331.0 333 172 163 40 120 256

PITCHERS

23

G

5

BATTERS

CINCINNATI REDS

Parra

8

BATTERS

CHICAGO CUBS

41 10

0

3 18 13 16

1

1

4

Scales

.333 .407

24

7

8

2

1

1

6

0

0

1

Hanigan

.311 .360

45

5

1

0

0

2

4

2

0

0

0

6

0

2

3

0

1

1

Hoffpauir

.309 .368

68

9

21

5

0

4 13

7 12

0

0

1

Nix

.294 .338

68

13

20 10

1

3

9

5 22

0

0

0

37 13

0

2 15 11 16

0

0

0

Hill

.306 .405

36

5

11

2

0

1

5

9

0

0

0

Taveras

.293 .351 133

26

39

1

1

7 11 17 10

1

1

GS SV

7

5

5

3

BATTERS

13

6

6

8

1

1

2

Theriot

.294 .366 136

22

40

7

2

5 18 15 23

7

2

4

Hernandez

.283 .349 113

9

32

5

0

1 13 11 13

0

0

2

9 10 21

0

0

0

Soriano

.280 .343 150

33

42

9

0 12 25 13 35

4

2

2

Rosales

.271 .353

59

9

16

2

0

2

9

0

2

1

8 18

1

0

1

Johnson

.236 .317

8

13

1

1

0

0

0

Phillips

.262 .336 130

18

34

7

0

6 27 16 16

4

3

3

3 19

5 19

0

1

0

Lee

.226 .300 106

15

24

6

0

4 18 12 25

0

0

0

Hairston Jr.

.247 .298

97

21

24

7

1

3

6 16

4

0

2

0

5

5

0

0

2

Miles

.217 .270

83

12

18

6

0

0

6 13

3

0

1

Bruce

.231 .309 134

22

31

4

0 11 23 13 26

3

0

1

3 11 11 17

1

1

2

Fontenot

.204 .307 108

12

22

4

0

5 17 16 25

1

1

2

Dickerson

.230 .356

7

17

2

1

0

2

3

1

0

Soto

.204 .324

93

8

19

3

0

1 10 15 21

0

0

1

McDonald

.212 .257

33

4

7

0

0

0

Bradley

.195 .333

77

11

15

1

0

4

9 13 19

0

0

0

Gonzalez

.171 .225

82

4

14

3

Freel

.143 .143

7

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Encarnacion

.127 .286

63

2

8

1

0

1

Team Totals

.256 .339 1221 182 312 61

Team Totals

.253 .327 1261 167 319 64

8

7

W

L ERA

IP

H

R

Soriano

0

0 1.59 17

0

3

17.0

10

3

3

1

6

24

Jurrjens

3

2 2.06

8

0

48.0

39

12

11

3

17

24

Wells

8

5

55

0

6

4

4

0

9

2

5 46 171 144 268 20 11 20

74

6

6

9

2

7 14 24

1

0

1

0

2 11

8

0

0

2

5 17

2

0

0

2

6 13 19

1

1

3

6 38 157 129 250 24 10 29

ER HR BB SO PITCHERS

W

L ERA

G

0

0 0.00

2

GS SV 2

0

IP

H

R

ER HR BB SO

11.0

9

0

0

0

5

PITCHERS

W

L ERA

G

GS SV

IP

H

R

8

1

1

0

5

9

9

Rhodes

0

0 0.75 16

0

0

12.0

ER HR BB SO

O'Flaherty

0

0 2.45 19

0

0

14.2

10

5

4

0

1

7

Lilly

5

2 3.27

7

7

0

44.0

37

17

16

9

9

38

Masset

1

0 1.23 11

0

0

14.2

5

2

2

0

8

12

Bennett

1

1 2.60 17

0

0

17.1

25

6

5

0

12

13

Guzman

1

0 3.32 16

0

0

19.0

12

7

7

2

6

19

Herrera

0

1 1.80 17

0

0

15.0

15

6

3

0

7

14

Lowe

5

2 3.58

9

9

0

55.1

47

22

22

2

20

37

Marmol

0

1 4.00 20

0

3

18.0

12

9

8

1

17

22

Cueto

4

1 1.93

7

0

46.2

34

10

10

4

13

36

7

Vazquez

3

3 3.71

8

8

0

53.1

47

23

22

6

13

67

Marshall

2

2 4.02

8

5

0

31.1

32

14

14

4

10

20

Cordero

0

2 2.40 15

0 10

15.0

14

5

4

0

7

16

Gonzalez

2

0 3.78 19

0

6

16.2

14

8

7

2

5

23

Zambrano

3

1 4.50

6

6

0

38.0

40

20

19

4

14

33

Weathers

0

0 2.70 15

0

0

13.1

9

4

4

1

8

9

Parr

0

0 4.50

0

0

10.0

10

5

5

0

4

7

Dempster

3

2 4.65

8

8

0

50.1

44

27

26

7

21

46

Harang

3

4 3.44

8

0

52.1

55

23

20

5

12

43

7

8

Campillo

1

0 5.40

4

0

0

3.1

6

3

2

0

3

3

Harden

4

2 4.74

8

8

0

43.2

39

24

23

8

21

53

Owings

3

4 3.95

7

6

0

41.0

39

22

18

5

17

24

Kawakami

2

5 5.73

7

7

0

37.2

42

27

24

5

19

35

Heilman

2

2 4.86 18

0

0

16.2

14

10

9

2

12

14

Volquez

4

2 4.25

8

8

0

48.2

32

24

23

6

31

45

Moylan

1

2 5.93 20

0

0

13.2

11

10

9

0

10

13

Cotts

0

1 5.87 15

0

0

7.2

9

5

5

1

9

6

Burton

0

0 4.67 16

0

0

17.1

18

9

9

1

10

13

Reyes

0

2 6.58

5

5

0

26.0

25

23

19

4

12

20

Gregg

0

1 6.06 18

0

6

16.1

19

11

11

4

10

19

Arroyo

5

3 6.56

8

8

0

48.0

57

35

35 11

19

27

Carlyle

0

1 8.27 12

0

0

16.1

25

17

15

3

9

10

Ascanio

0

0 6.75

2

0

0

4.0

2

3

3

1

0

5

Lincoln

0

0 9.64 12

0

0

14.0

20

15

15

11

5

18 19 4.19 37

37

Patton

1

1 8.03

9

0

0

12.1

13

12

11

2

9

11

0

0 135.00

2

0

0

0.1

2

5

5

0

3

0

21 15 4.50 36

36

Team Totals

9 330.2 314 170 154 26 134 285

Fox Team Totals

9 319.2 293 167 160 45 148 303

Team Totals

20 17 3.96 37

3

37 10 339.0 311 161 149 37 148 255

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

Baseball

www.sportingnews.com

21

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009

NATIONAL LEAGUE TEAM STATS THROUGH MONDAY’S GAMES COLORADO ROCKIES BATTERS

FLORIDA MARLINS

AVG OBA AB

R

H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E

AVG OBA AB

R

H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E

AVG OBA AB

R

H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E

AVG OBA AB

R

H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E

.345 .412 113

20

39 11

1

6 32 14 20

0

1

2

Ramirez

.343 .421 134

24

46 14

0

6 20 16 26

6

4

2

Lee

.331 .373 139

19

46 10

0

8 29 11 13

1

1

0

Castro

.409 .462

22

8

9

2

0

1

4

3

5

0

0

0

Helton

.336 .390 125

20

42

7

1

4 22 13 16

0

0

1

Baker

.277 .370

94

23

26

8

0

5 17 13 23

0

0

2

Pence

.323 .399 133

21

43

8

1

4 15 18 22

5

2

0

Pierre

.403 .477

77

17

31

8

1

0 12

9

2

7

3

0

Smith

.294 .442

68

12

20

3

1

3

8 18 11

2

0

0

Cantu

.264 .336 125

18

33

8

0

8 33 11 21

1

0

3

Keppinger

.321 .400

53

5

17

4

1

1

2

0

0

0

Mientkiewicz

.400 .400

5

0

2

1

0

0

2

0

2

0

0

0

Murton

.273 .304

22

4

6

2

0

1

3

5

1

0

0

Bonifacio

.261 .304 157

24

41

3

2

1

9 10 35

7

3

5

Tejada

.318 .344 148

21

47 12

0

2 21

5 11

1

1

6

Loretta

.359 .479

39

9

14

2

0

0

7

8

4

0

0

0

Spilborghs

.270 .331 126

20

34 10

1

3 17 10 27

6

2

2

Hermida

.258 .387 124

15

32

4

1

3 14 25 33

2

1

1

Bourn

.298 .370 131

24

39

3

1 10 14 27 13

3

1

Ausmus

.346 .393

26

4

9

1

0

0

3

2

6

1

0

0

Torrealba

.257 .341

35

7

9

1

0

2

0

0

0

Ross

.225 .268 129

14

29

6

0

6 23

Fowler

.250 .317 112

16

28

7

0

2 10 12 29 10

5

4

7

3

1

Gload

.224 .350

49

10

11

0

1

1

4 10

6 32

Tulowitzki

.250 .345 120

18

30

6

2

5 12 17 27

3

3

2

Paulino

.224 .345

49

6

11

2

1

1

BATTERS

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

Hawpe

1

BATTERS

HOUSTON ASTROS

6

3

6

BATTERS

1

1

1

I. Rodriguez

.286 .336 112

15

32

6

2

5 19

8 26

0

2

0

Hudson

.341 .413 164

29

56 14

2

3 26 22 27

4

0

2

4

0

0

1

Blum

.269 .342 104

11

28

5

0

0 12 11 14

0

1

1

Kemp

.277 .349 148

23

41

8

4

4 25 16 40

8

2

0

5

9 11

1

0

1

Matsui

.238 .301 122

15

29

4

1

1 12 10 24

5

3

2

Blake

.276 .350 123

21

34

7

1

8 23 13 33

0

0

3

Iannetta

.244 .364

90

14

22

4

0

7 17 16 23

0

1

0

Amezaga

.217 .267

69

6

15

3

0

0

5

5 16

1

1

0

Berkman

.230 .367 122

19

28

4

0

8 21 26 27

0

2

3

Loney

.273 .347 150

16

41

7

0

2 28 18 12

2

1

0

Barmes

.238 .274 101

20

24

5

0

4 13

4 20

3

0

1

Helms

.217 .260

46

3

10

2

0

0

5

3 13

0

0

2

Michaels

.207 .343

29

1

6

4

0

0

2

5

9

1

1

0

Paul

.273 .385

11

3

3

1

0

1

3

0

1

0

Stewart

.198 .288

91

14

18

4

0

7 20 10 29

2

1

1

Uggla

.190 .309 126

13

24

6

1

4 21 20 31

0

0

4

Erstad

.167 .200

42

4

7

1

1

0

2

2 14

0

0

0

Martin

.272 .397 125

18

34

6

0

0 15 24 26

5

3

1

Atkins

.194 .268 124

14

24

5

0

3 14 13 18

0

0

5

Coghlan

.167 .276

24

3

4

0

0

1

4

4

6

1

0

0

Quintero

.133 .133

15

0

2

1

0

0

2

0

4

0

0

1

Ethier

.264 .369 148

24

39

8

0

6 29 23 28

2

0

2

Quintanilla

.143 .250

14

3

2

1

0

0

0

2

8

0

0

0

De Aza

.000 .000

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Smith

.000 .000

25

1

0

0

0

0

1

0

9

0

0

0

Furcal

.237 .292 156

24

37

6

0

1

3

3

6

Baker

.130 .167

23

0

3

0

1

0

3

1

7

1

0

1

Team Totals

.237 .317 1298 174 307 60

Team Totals

.267 .332 1256 164 335 65

Team Totals

.285 .371 1390 225 396 82

Team Totals

.255 .330 1241 188 316 68

W

L ERA

G

GS SV

Flores

0

0 0.00

1

0

Grilli

0

1 2.57 17

De La Rosa

0

3 3.16

7

Morales

1

0 3.38

2

9 30 154 119 224 26 16 18

2

9 12 28

8 32 212 186 268 32 13 17

7 47 181 138 272 28 11 23 PITCHERS

PITCHERS

7 37 166 144 322 21 11 25

1

IP

H

R

0

1.1

2

0

0

1

14.0

15

7

0

42.2

34

2

0

8.0

7

3

ER HR BB SO

W

L ERA

IP

H

R

PITCHERS

W

L ERA

G

IP

H

R

ER HR BB SO

W

L ERA

IP

H

R

Pinto

2

0 1.02 21

G

GS SV 0

0

17.2

14

2

ER HR BB SO 2

0

10

16

W. Rodriguez

4

2 1.90

8

GS SV 8

0

52.0

37

12

11

0

15

48

Broxton

PITCHERS

4

0 1.42 17

G

0

9

19.0

5

3

3

0

7

31

ER HR BB SO

9

4

3

1

3

21

Sampson

2

0 2.22 18

0

1

24.1

21

8

6

1

8

9

Kuroda

1

0 1.59

1

0

5.2

4

1

1

0

1

2

0

1

Meyer

0

0 1.62 17

0

0

16.2

1

6

18

Nunez

2

0 2.00 17

0

0

18.0

9

4

4

1

8

15

Arias

0

0 2.70

7

0

0

6.2

4

2

2

1

0

6

Troncoso

1

0 1.82 15

0

2

24.2

20

5

5

0

4

12

2

16

45

Johnson

3

0 2.50

8

8

0

54.0

48

16

15

3

11

46

Hawkins

1

1 2.70 18

0

5

16.2

16

5

5

1

6

14

Billingsley

5

1 2.30

8

8

0

54.2

37

15

14

1

24

56

3

1

9

Calero

1

0 2.84 22

0

0

19.0

12

6

6

0

10

27

Byrdak

0

0 3.21 15

0

0

14.0

10

5

5

3

6

10

Wolf

2

1 2.72

9

9

0

56.1

41

20

17

5

19

46

Volstad

2

3 3.35

8

8

0

48.1

39

22

18

8

16

36

Oswalt

1

2 4.50

9

9

0

50.0

51

25

25 10

14

35

Belisario

1

2 2.78 19

0

0

22.2

19

9

7

2

9

23

Lindstrom

1

1 5.40 16

0

7

15.0

14

10

9

2

10

15

Brocail

1

0 4.76

7

0

0

5.2

5

3

3

2

8

4

Weaver

2

1 3.38

5

2

0

16.0

16

6

6

1

7

13

1

0 5.71 12

0

0

17.1

20

15

11

1

13

23

Hampton

2

3 5.31

7

7

0

39.0

43

26

23

4

17

29

Stults

4

1 3.82

7

7

0

37.2

37

16

16

2

16

25

0

0

4

4

18

15 3

1

GS SV

Street

0

1 3.86 18

0

5

16.1

16

7

7

3

3

18

Daley

0

1 4.15

9

0

0

8.2

5

4

4

0

4

7

Jimenez

3

4 4.30

8

8

0

46.0

45

22

22

1

23

41

Penn

Hammel

0

2 4.62

7

4

0

25.1

35

17

13

4

8

16

Sanchez

1

4 5.79

6

6

0

32.2

43

21

21

6

15

25

Ortiz

2

1 5.55

8

4

0

24.1

27

17

15

2

20

19

Milton

0

0 4.50

1

1

0

4.0

2

2

2

0

4

3

Marquis

5

3 4.75

8

8

0

53.0

53

30

28

5

18

23

Miller

1

1 5.94

5

3

0

16.2

18

11

11

0

12

7

Valverde

0

1 5.63

8

0

2

8.0

7

5

5

3

3

11

Wade

0

2 4.50 12

0

0

12.0

12

6

6

0

3

7

Speier

0

0 4.76

5

0

0

5.2

6

3

3

0

3

2

Badenhop

2

2 6.00

9

0

0

15.0

19

10

10

2

6

16

Fulchino

0

0 5.91

8

0

0

10.2

10

7

7

2

4

7

Kershaw

2

3 4.60

8

8

0

45.0

32

23

23

4

24

48

Nolasco

2

4 7.78

41.2

58

38

36

6

12

35

Paulino

1

3 6.93

7

4

0

24.2

36

21

19

3

14

19

Ohman

0

0 5.40 18

0

1

11.2

11

7

7

4

6

6

341.0 348 193 174 36 152 300

Moehler

1

2 7.71

5

5

0

21.0

33

18

18

2

7

16

Kuo

1

0 6.75

7

0

0

5.1

5

4

4

1

4

4

Wright

1

1 7.71 16

0

0

11.2

20

10

10

2

6

12

Leach

0

0 8.10

5

0

0

3.1

3

3

3

0

2

4

1

3 8.10 16

0

0

20.0

30

19

18

4

10

12

Mota

2

1 9.00 15

0

0

15.0

22

15

15

2

11

6

17 19 4.71 37

37

Embree

1

2 4.91 17

0

0

11.0

11

8

6

2

5

5

8

8

0

Cook

2

1 5.71

8

8

0

41.0

47

27

26

7

20

21

Team Totals

18 20 4.59 38

38

7

Corpas

0

3 7.02 18

0

1

16.2

27

13

13

1

3

10

Team Totals

18 20 4.59 38

38

7 341.0 348 193 174 36 152 300

1

1 7.63 13

0

0

15.1

18

13

13

4

3

9

15 22 4.70 37

37

Belisle Team Totals

7 323.2 356 184 169 36 116 238

Geary Team Totals

8 328.2 350 183 172 40 138 251

Team Totals

27 13 3.72 40

40 12 358.0 293 154 148 27 158 301

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

Baseball

www.sportingnews.com

22

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009

NATIONAL LEAGUE TEAM STATS THROUGH MONDAY’S GAMES MILWAUKEE BREWERS BATTERS

NEW YORK METS

AVG OBA AB

R

H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E

AVG OBA AB

R

H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E

AVG OBA AB

R

H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E

AVG OBA AB

R

H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E

.375 .353

16

0

6

2

0

0

3

0

0

0

Pagan

.500 .500

8

1

4

1

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

Ibanez

.357 .425 140

33

50

9

1 13 35 15 21

4

0

1

Young

.351 .415

37

6

13

3

0

0

7

4

9

1

0

0

Braun

.328 .450 131

28

43

9

0

8 29 23 30

3

3

0

Reed

.379 .419

29

1

11

1

1

0

2

2

7

0

0

1

Stairs

.318 .500

22

5

7

1

0

2

6

0

0

0

Diaz

.318 .362

44

5

14

3

0

1

5

1

2

0

1

1

7 26

0

7

7

BATTERS

Counsell

.324 .413

68

14

22

6

0

1

9

0

0

2

Beltran

.367 .466 147

27

54 11

1

6 28 26 24

6

1

2

Feliz

.308 .380 120

15

37

8

0

2 21 15 16

0

0

2

Sanchez

.307 .344 150

22

46 15

2

3 12

3

1

1

Cameron

.285 .400 123

20

35 11

0

7 20 25 25

2

0

0

Wright

.359 .447 145

27

52 12

3

3 27 23 41 10

7

6

Werth

.294 .396 126

31

37

8

1

7 24 19 30

8

1

0

Morgan

.304 .384 138

22

42

2

3

0 17 16 25 10

5

0

Weeks

.272 .340 147

28

40

5

2

9 24 12 39

2

2

6

Cora

.333 .435

17

1

0

1

1

Utley

.291 .443 117

28

34

5

0 10 25 24 23

2

0

4

McLouth

.293 .380 123

21

36

6

0

7 29 16 17

5

0

0

Fielder

.271 .429 129

20

35

6

1

9 36 34 40

0

0

1

Delgado

.298 .393

94

15

28

7

1

4 23 12 20

0

0

2

Howard

.266 .346 143

25

38 10

1

8 28 16 44

1

0

0

Wilson

.293 .333

75

8

22

6

1

0 13

5

8

1

1

4

Hall

.260 .336 104

13

27

8

0

4 10 12 29

1

0

3

Tatis

.286 .342

70

14

20

4

1

2

2

1

0

Victorino

.256 .304 156

27

40

7

3

4 23 11 14

3

2

0

Jaramillo

.280 .390

50

5

14

7

0

0

9

6

1

0

1

Gamel

.250 .400

4

1

1

0

0

1

2

0

0

1

Reyes

.284 .363 141

18

40

7

2

2 15 18 18 11

2

5

Ruiz

.255 .397

47

0

12

4

0

0

5 11

4

0

1

1

An. LaRoche

.261 .333 119

13

31 10

0

1 16 10 23

1

0

4

Hart

.248 .335 141

28

35

9

1

4 16 19 38

3

3

2

Castillo

.278 .360 108

19

30

2

2

0 11 15 12

6

1

4

Coste

.236 .333

55

5

13

6

0

1

6

7 12

0

0

0

Moss

.255 .307 106

19

27

6

2

1

7

7 18

0

0

0

Kendall

.234 .326 111

14

26

3

1

0 14 12 14

0

1

4

Church

.276 .336 116

9

32

6

0

1

2

1

1

Rollins

.222 .268 153

22

34

7

1

2 13

9 20

4

4

2

Hinske

.254 .353

59

9

15

5

0

0

5

6 15

0

0

0

Hardy

.220 .313 127

16

28

5

1

5 21 16 26

0

0

3

Murphy

.269 .336 108

19

29

4

1

3 12 12

9

1

0

2

Bruntlett

.138 .206

29

5

4

4

0

0

4

3

7

0

0

0

Doumit

.244 .271

45

5

11

4

0

2

9

2 10

0

0

1

McGehee

.188 .188

16

1

3

0

0

0

0

0

3

0

0

0

Santos

.264 .283

53

8

14

3

1

1 12

3 12

0

0

0

Dobbs

.125 .200

32

1

4

0

0

0

3

3

6

0

0

0

Monroe

.244 .292

45

6

11

Duffy

.125 .222

32

3

4

1

0

0

3

4 12

0

0

0

Sheffield

.257 .395

70

16

18

4

1

2

8 15 13

1

1

1

Team Totals

.262 .349 1235 207 323 71

Ad. LaRoche

.230 .314 139

21

Team Totals

.254 .352 1250 194 317 66

Castro

.254 .333

67

4

17

3

0

2 12

0

0

2

Vazquez

.190 .333

Schneider

.143 .250

21

3

3

1

0

0

3

3

1

0

0

0

Team Totals

.265 .334 1288 174 341 86

Martinez

.000 .000

5

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

2

Team Totals

.291 .371 1303 191 379 70 15 26 177 165 215 42 15 31

PITCHERS

G

GS SV

7 10

BATTERS

PITTSBURGH PIRATES

Rivera

1

BATTERS

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

3

1

6 50 190 175 307 11

9 24

W

L ERA

IP

H

R

Hoffman

0

0 0.00 10

0

9

10.0

3

0

ER HR BB SO 0

0

0

9

DiFelice

3

0 1.42 18

0

0

19.0

13

3

3

2

4

18

9

G

4

GS SV

4 10

9

4

5

3

5

8 10 16

8 14

Stetter

2

0 2.92 19

0

0

12.1

8

4

4

1

7

11

W

L ERA

IP

H

R

McClung

0

1 3.00 14

0

0

18.0

14

6

6

1

14

13

Stokes

1

2 0.52 16

0

0

17.1

14

3

1

0

4

7

Gallardo

4

1 3.09

7

0

46.2

33

16

16

5

16

47

Rodriguez

1

0 0.96 18

0 11

18.2

11

4

2

1

9

7

PITCHERS

51

ER HR BB SO

PITCHERS

GS SV

7 50 197 151 231 22

W

L ERA

G

IP

Escalona

1

0 0.00

1

0

0

Happ

2

0 2.49 12

0

0

Condrey

3

0 2.61 20

0

1

20.2

8 11

ER HR BB SO

58

7

H

R

1.0

1

0

0

0

0

1

21.2

14

6

6

1

9

17

PITCHERS

W

L ERA

G

15

6

6

3

6

16

Gorzelanny

0

0 0.00

1

5

2

0

3 14

3 13

0

0

0

32 11

1

6 16 17 39

0

0

1

11

0

0

0

0

1

1

GS SV 0

0

6 12 15

9 25 167 122 274 22

IP

H

R

0.1

0

0

8 17

ER HR BB SO 0

0

0

1

Madson

2

1 3.57 17

0

1

17.2

16

7

7

0

6

18

Chavez

0

1 2.20 18

0

0

16.1

13

4

4

1

7

13

Taschner

1

1 3.86 13

0

0

18.2

17

8

8

2

14

10

Duke

5

3 2.84

8

8

0

57.0

49

20

18

3

13

32

19

Eyre

0

1 4.00 16

0

0

9.0

5

5

4

2

7

6

Burnett

1

1 2.95 18

0

0

18.1

12

7

6

2

8

14

Coffey

1

0 3.26 17

0

2

19.1

21

7

7

1

4

13

Santana

5

2 1.36

8

8

0

53.0

42

14

8

3

13

67

Durbin

1

1 4.03 20

0

0

22.1

15

10

10

3

12

20

Meek

0

0 3.29 10

0

0

13.2

10

5

5

0

10

10

Bush

2

0 3.83

8

7

0

47.0

39

22

20

8

10

36

Parnell

2

0 1.96 20

0

0

18.1

21

6

4

0

6

14

Myers

3

2 4.50

8

8

0

50.0

51

25

25 12

19

38

Maholm

3

1 3.51

8

8

0

51.1

50

21

20

2

15

25

Looper

4

2 4.26

8

8

0

44.1

47

24

21

8

16

27

Feliciano

0

1 2.81 21

0

0

16.0

14

9

5

3

3

16

Hamels

1

2 5.04

6

6

0

30.1

37

18

17

6

7

31

Veal

0

0 4.15

4

0

0

4.1

2

2

2

1

9

4

Parra

3

4 4.57

8

8

0

43.1

43

24

22

4

26

39

Redding

0

0 3.00

1

1

0

6.0

2

2

2

0

4

4

Blanton

1

3 6.86

7

7

0

39.1

50

30

30

8

16

33

Ohlendorf

5

3 4.31

8

8

0

48.0

43

23

23

7

12

23

Suppan

3

3 4.63

8

8

0

44.2

45

25

23

7

19

23

Takahashi

0

1 3.38

6

0

0

8.0

8

3

3

1

2

5

Park

1

1 7.08

8

7

0

34.1

41

27

27

5

17

21

Snell

1

5 4.93

8

8

0

42.0

42

25

23

6

25

30

Villanueva

1

3 4.74 18

0

3

19.0

16

11

10

1

8

16

Putz

1

2 3.68 21

0

1

22.0

18

9

9

1

10

15

Moyer

3

3 8.15

7

7

0

35.1

52

32

32 11

13

19

Karstens

1

2 5.06

6

6

0

32.0

32

19

18

6

13

14

Julio

1

0 8.49 10

0

0

11.2

11

12

11

2

9

11

Maine

3

2 4.24

7

7

0

40.1

30

20

19

3

24

29

Lidge

0

1 8.31 18

0

7

17.1

23

16

16

10

18

Grabow

1

0 5.50 19

0

0

18.0

25

12

11

1

10

16

Riske

0

0 18.00

0

0

1.0

4

2

2

0

0

0

Pelfrey

4

1 4.61

7

7

0

41.0

46

21

21

4

17

11

Team Totals

20 16 5.39 36

36

9 322.0 345 195 193 58 139 252

Hansen

0

0 5.68

5

0

0

6.1

6

4

4

1

4

5

Hernandez

3

1 5.59

7

7

0

38.2

47

24

24

6

12

23

Yates

0

2 7.50 15

0

0

12.0

14

12

10

2

7

9

Green

0

2 7.94 18

0

0

17.0

23

15

15

3

11

15

Capps

0

3 7.62 14

0

7

13.0

20

11

11

2

8

9

Perez

1

2 9.97

5

0

21.2

28

24

24

3

21

20

Team Totals

17 21 4.19 38

38

Team Totals

1

24 14 3.86 38

38 14 337.2 299 157 145 40 134 265

Team Totals

5

21 17 3.90 38

38 12 341.2 332 167 148 29 145 263

5

7 332.2 318 165 155 34 141 205

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

Baseball

www.sportingnews.com

23

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009

NATIONAL LEAGUE TEAM STATS THROUGH MONDAY’S GAMES SAN DIEGO PADRES BATTERS

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

AVG OBA AB

R

H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E

Macias

.375 .545

8

2

3

2

0

1

AVG OBA AB

R

H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E

AVG OBA AB

R

H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E

AVG OBA AB

R

H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E

0

0

0

Sandoval

.314 .351 140

16

44 12

2

3 17

6 20

2

0

0

LaRue

.333 .391

21

5

7

1

0

4

0

0

0

Guzman

.385 .390 122

24

47

Hairston

.340 .390

97

10

33

9

1

4 17

7 20

3

0

0

Molina

.304 .312 135

18

41

7

1

8 30

2 17

0

0

1

Pujols

.321 .427 134

34

43

6

0 13 37 24 12

6

1

5

Zimmerman

.358 .411 162

33

Cabrera

.308 .357

13

4

4

1

0

3

0

A. Gonzalez

.294 .388 143

28

42

3

0 15 29 21 35

0

1

1

0

0

Lewis

.294 .391 119

21

35

9

1

1

4 15 38

3

2

2

Schumaker

.301 .351 123

19

37

8

1

2 12 10 13

1

1

2

Johnson

.336 .433 137

0

2

Holm

.286 .444

7

1

2

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Molina

.291 .373 117

13

34

4

1

3 15 15 11

1

1

0

Flores

.311 .382

90

Hundley

.258 .355

93

6

24

5

2

2

9 14 23

1

1

2

Burriss

.258 .326 128

11

33

3

0

0

6 11 21 10

3

2

Ludwick

.274 .339 106

16

29

4

0

8 26

2

0

1

Dunn

Rodriguez

.256 .396

78

11

20

4

0

1

7 20

9

Headley

.246 .307 126

12

31

7

1

3 15 11 34

0

0

2

Renteria

.256 .336 121

21

31

6

0

2 17 14 19

2

2

3

Stavinoha

.273 .273

11

0

3

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

4

1

1

Winn

.255 .323 137

20

35

7

3

2 18 14 27

6

1

0

Barden

.270 .329

63

9

17

2

0

3

7

4 10

0

0

2

Eckstein

.242 .318 132

14

32 10

1

0 10 13 10

1

0

0

Rowand

.248 .331 117

15

29

8

0

3 16 13 24

1

0

1

Ryan

.268 .326

41

6

11

3

1

0

3

3

9

2

0

13

31 11

3

0

2

0

BATTERS

WASHINGTON NATIONALS

1

2

BATTERS

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

1

1

1

9 20

BATTERS

9

1

1 10

1 17

1

2

5

58 14

0 10 31 16 29

0

0

4

25

46

5

0

4 24 22 25

0

0

5

13

28

3

2

4 15 11 26

0

0

1

.286 .425 133

22

38

6

0 11 31 33 41

0

1

4

Dukes

.277 .347 112

12

31

8

1

4 24 12 29

2

6

1

Hernandez

.277 .364

94

13

26

5

0

0

9 13 15

3

1

4

1

Nieves

.275 .326

40

4

11

1

0

0

3

2 12

0

0

3

Kouzmanoff

.237 .289 139

9

33

6

1

2 11

7 33

1

0

0

Ishikawa

.236 .296

89

9

21

3

1

0 12

5 28

0

0

1

Duncan

.258 .350 120

2

3 23 18 27

0

1

3

Bernadina

.250 .400

4

1

1

1

0

0

0

1

1

1

0

0

Gerut

.223 .250 112

17

25

6

0

4 14

5 22

2

0

0

Torres

.222 .417

9

4

2

0

0

1

1

3

3

1

0

0

T. Greene

.250 .273

32

3

8

2

0

1

0 10

2

0

0

Harris

.244 .397

45

9

11

2

1

1

8

9

9

1

0

0

C. Burke

.216 .326

37

4

8

4

0

0

5

2

1

4

Schierholtz

.217 .245

46

5

10

3

1

0

2

2

8

0

1

0

Rasmus

.248 .333 105

19

26

5

0

3 13 11 22

1

0

2

Willingham

.221 .348

77

10

17

5

0

6

9 12 20

0

0

1

Giles

.173 .263 139

10

24

5

0

2 15 17 16

1

0

0

Aurilia

.196 .232

51

3

10

2

0

0 10

3

7

0

0

0

Ankiel

.247 .326

81

11

20

6

0

2 11

7 19

0

0

0

Kearns

.216 .367

88

14

19

5

2

3 15 18 24

1

0

0

E. Gonzalez

.163 .255

49

7

8

1

2

3

6

5

9

0

1

2

Velez

.111 .143

27

1

3

1

0

0

0

0

6

0

0

1

Thurston

.242 .339

95

14

23

8

1

1 14 14 18

1

1

4

Bard

.208 .240

24

2

5

2

0

0

2

1

5

0

0

0

Blanco

.136 .240

44

6

6

0

0

3

4

6 11

0

0

0

Frandsen

.000 .000

4

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

Robinson

.240 .231

25

1

6

1

0

0

2

1

0

0

Belliard

.200 .245

50

4

10

1

1

1

4

3 14

0

0

2

Wilson

.000 .000

7

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

Team Totals

.256 .316 1253 150 321 64

9 20 139 98 264 25 10 16

K. Greene

.202 .283

99

13

20

4

0

2 11 10 14

2

1

6

Cintron

.080 .148

25

1

2

0

0

0

0

2

0

0

1

Team Totals

.236 .314 1278 145 301 64

Team Totals

.261 .335 1270 186 331 69

Team Totals

.280 .364 1345 199 376 72

1

6

2

8 40 141 140 256 16

4 17 PITCHERS

PITCHERS

W

L ERA

G

GS SV

IP

H

R

ER HR BB SO

Miller

W

L ERA

G

1

0 2.00 16

GS SV 0

0

IP

H

R

18.0

15

4

2

1

0

6 42 181 131 220 20

6 28

7

8 46 193 167 312 14 10 41

ER HR BB SO 4

2

7

12

PITCHERS

W

L ERA

G

GS SV

IP

H

R

ER HR BB SO

PITCHERS

W

L ERA

G

GS SV

IP

H

R

ER HR BB SO

Bell

1

0 0.00 14

0

9

15.0

7

0

0

0

5

18

Affeldt

0

1 2.50 20

0

0

18.0

17

6

5

1

9

17

Carpenter

1

0 0.00

2

2

0

10.0

5

1

0

0

2

9

Villone

1

0 0.00

7

0

0

6.0

3

0

0

0

2

1

G. Burke

0

0 0.00

1

0

0

1.0

0

0

0

0

0

1

Cain

4

1 2.65

8

8

0

51.0

44

15

15

6

25

34

Franklin

1

0 1.10 16

0

9

16.1

8

2

2

2

3

14

Detwiler

0

0 3.60

1

1

0

5.0

4

3

2

1

0

6

Thatcher

0

0 0.00

1

0

0

0.1

0

0

0

0

0

1

Medders

2

1 3.63 16

0

0

17.1

18

7

7

1

12

13

McClellan

2

1 2.60 17

0

1

17.1

11

6

5

2

11

15

Lannan

2

3 4.00

8

8

0

45.0

50

24

20

7

16

22

Mujica

1

1 3.44 15

0

0

18.1

13

9

7

2

5

16

Lincecum

3

1 3.75

8

8

0

50.1

50

22

21

1

16

66

Perez

1

1 3.00 15

0

1

12.0

7

4

4

1

12

15

Martis

5

0 4.10

7

7

0

41.2

40

20

19

3

17

21

Peavy

3

5 3.82

9

9

0

61.1

49

27

26

7

19

69

Valdez

1

0 3.75 12

0

0

12.0

12

5

5

1

6

7

Miller

1

0 3.27 15

0

0

11.0

11

5

4

2

3

12

Beimel

0

2 4.50 16

0

0

14.0

20

7

7

2

3

6

Meredith

4

0 3.86 16

0

0

14.0

20

8

6

1

5

12

Zito

1

3 3.89

7

7

0

41.2

40

18

18

2

15

29

Reyes

0

1 3.65 20

0

1

12.1

10

5

5

2

5

13

Cabrera

0

5 5.95

8

0

39.1

48

39

26

4

32

16

Gregerson

0

3 4.57 19

0

0

21.2

22

11

11

1

11

21

Wilson

2

2 4.12 19

0

9

19.2

18

11

9

2

7

20

Wainwright

3

2 3.83

8

8

0

49.1

46

24

21

6

23

40

Wells

0

1 6.00 14

0

2

18.0

16

12

12

1

14

13

Perdomo

1

0 4.70 11

0

0

15.1

13

10

8

2

7

7

Howry

0

2 4.80 16

0

0

15.0

16

8

8

1

6

12

Pineiro

4

3 4.17

7

7

0

45.1

56

25

21

2

7

14

Tavarez

0

3 6.32 19

0

1

15.2

15

15

11

1

11

17

Gaudin

0

3 4.91

4

0

22.0

17

12

12

0

17

18

Sanchez

1

3 5.06

7

6

0

32.0

30

20

18

3

25

32

Motte

1

1 4.30 18

0

0

14.2

14

7

7

0

7

10

Zimmermann

2

1 6.35

6

6

0

34.0

40

24

24

5

11

32

2

0

1

2

Thompson

0

1 4.30

9

0

0

14.2

16

7

7

1

2

6

Hanrahan

0

1 6.75 18

0

3

17.1

21

13

13

3

8

22

31 10

16

42

Lohse

3

3 4.66

8

8

0

46.1

45

26

24

5

16

32

Mock

0

2 6.92 13

0

0

13.0

16

10

10

0

8

6

1

0

Wellemeyer

3

4 5.87

8

8

0

46.0

59

31

30

4

21

27

Olsen

1

4 7.24

8

8

0

41.0

60

36

33

8

18

29

0

0 7.04 11

0

0

7.2

7

7

6

1

3

7

Colome

0

0 22.50

4

0

0

2.0

6

5

5

0

1

1

11 26 5.90 38

38

4

Correia

1

2 5.06

7

7

0

37.1

36

21

21

3

21

28

Martinez

1

0 6.75

2

0

0

2.2

4

2

Hill

1

1 5.25

3

3

0

12.0

15

7

7

1

3

7

Johnson

3

4 6.86

8

8

0

40.2

47

31

Young

2

2 5.56

8

8

0

43.2

44

28

27

5

22

34

Misch

0

0 12.00

2

0

0

3.0

4

4

Geer

0

1 5.61

6

5

0

33.2

37

24

21

7

7

14

Team Totals

19 18 4.27 37

37

Silva

0

0 6.52

2

2

0

9.2

10

7

7

2

7

3

16 22 4.75 38

38

Team Totals

9 339.1 329 192 179 38 159 266

4

0

9 332.2 332 165 158 33 152 292

Boyer Team Totals

21 17 4.23 38

38 12 338.1 340 175 159 34 136 245

Team Totals

8

6 334.0 392 247 219 42 171 221

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

Baseball

www.sportingnews.com

24

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009

AMERICAN LEAGUE TEAM STATS

THROUGH MONDAY’S GAMES BALTIMORE ORIOLES BATTERS

BOSTON RED SOX BATTERS

CHICAGO WHITE SOX

AVG OBA AB

R

H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E

AVG OBA AB

R

H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E

AVG OBA AB

R

H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E

Jones

.370 .426 127

35

47 12

1

8 26 10 25

3

2

2

Youkilis

.393 .505

89

23

35 11

0

6 20 16 18

1

0

1

Konerko

.316 .362 136 18

43

12 0

4

23 9

20 0

0

0

Carroll

.417 .417

12

1

5

Markakis

.336 .414 146

35

49 13

0

6 34 19 18

1

1

3

Lugo

.333 .407

48

8

16

1

1

1

5

1

0

3

Anderson

.288 .383 52

15

2

0

4

14 2

3

1

Martinez

.401 .478 152

Scott

.303 .384

99

14

30

6

0

5 15 12 19

0

0

0

Pedroia

.317 .412 145

30

46 11

0

1 13 22 12

4

3

1

Dye

.273 .324 128 20

35

4

0

8

20 9

34 0

2

1

Cabrera

Roberts

.294 .374 153

33

45 11

0

5 16 20 23

9

3

2

Green

.302 .368

86

10

26

8

0

1 13

4 18

1

2

8

Podsednik

.271 .294 48

13

2

1

0

2

2

3

1

1

2

Choo

Huff

.281 .355 146

19

41 11

0

7 33 18 21

0

3

2

Ellsbury

.300 .331 160

20

48

6

1

1 13

8 16 16

4

0

Pierzynski

.266 .298 109 11

29

3

1

4

10 5

8

1

0

2

Hafner

Mora

.262 .319

84

6

22

1

0

2 15

7 13

1

2

2

Bay

.295 .434 132

32

39

9

1 11 40 31 34

4

0

0

Betemit

.250 .325 36

2

9

5

0

0

3

4

13 0

0

2

Dellucci

.263 .326

38

3

10

3

Andino

.250 .280

24

4

6

0

0

0

1

1

5

1

0

0

Lowell

.289 .321 149

19

43 12

1

6 28

6 18

0

0

5

Nix

.241 .324 29

2

7

1

0

2

3

4

4

2

0

0

Garko

.258 .352

89

5

23

4

Izturis

.243 .281 115

12

28

5

1

1 13

4

7

8

0

4

Drew

.261 .384 115

23

30

9

1

6 20 22 34

0

1

1

Thome

.240 .367 100 19

24

5

0

7

20 20 37 0

0

0

Peralta

.257 .322 136

15

35

8

Reimold

.235 .235

17

0

4

1

0

0

2

0

2

0

0

0

Varitek

.231 .315 108

12

25

9

0

5 16 12 22

0

0

1

Getz

.238 .296 105 13

25

5

1

0

6

6

12 3

1

2

Francisco

.248 .322 109

18

27

Montanez

.217 .288

46

4

10

4

0

1

6

4

9

0

0

0

Ortiz

.208 .318 130

14

27 10

1

0 15 20 30

0

1

0

Wise

.238 .238 21

5

0

0

0

0

0

6

0

1

0

DeRosa

.242 .313 149

23

36

Moeller

.216 .256

37

1

8

2

1

1

1

2

5

0

0

0

Baldelli

.200 .243

35

4

7

0

0

1

4

2 13

0

0

0

Quentin

.229 .333 118 19

27

4

0

8

18 11 15 1

0

1

Sizemore

.220 .302 159

21

4

6

BATTERS

AVG OBA AB

CLEVELAND INDIANS

R

6

3

0

H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E

0

8

BATTERS

1

1

0

1

0

0

1

31

61 12

1

7 26 24 14

0

0

1

.311 .376 148

29

46

9

2

1 19 16 31

6

0

2

.286 .412 133

21

38

8

1

5 23 26 32

6

0

3

.270 .370

10

17

5

0

4

8

8 18

0

0

0

0

0

1

2 11

0

0

0

0

2 15 13 11

0

0

1

0

1 16 12 39

0

0

3

6

0

4 13

8 24

7

1

1

8

0

6 25 14 34

0

1

5

35

8

0

7 25 19 41

6

6

0

63

0

0

Wigginton

.210 .254 119

7

25

4

0

2 11

5 17

1

1

2

Bailey

.182 .318

55

8

10

2

1

2

7

8 17

0

0

2

Fields

.224 .302 125 13

28

2

2

2

12 12 41 0

2

5

Shoppach

.210 .364

62

9

13

2

0

2

7

7 27

0

0

0

Pie

.203 .284

79

9

16

2

1

2

4

9 20

1

2

0

Kottaras

.143 .265

28

4

4

2

0

0

3

5 10

0

0

0

Ramirez

.214 .254 117 7

25

3

0

1

13 7

15 6

1

2

LaPorta

.194 .278

31

7

6

1

0

1

3

3

7

1

0

1

Zaun

.198 .294

96

11

19

6

0

1

3 12 14

0

0

3

Lowrie

.056 .150

18

0

1

0

0

0

0

2

8

0

0

0

Miller

.207 .281 29

4

6

2

0

0

5

3

7

0

0

0

Valbuena

.105 .261

19

2

2

2

0

0

0

4

5

0

0

0

Team Totals

.270 .339 1303 192 352 78

Velazquez

.000 .333

2

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

Lillibridge

.162 .260 68

7

11

2

0

0

0

8

21 4

1

2

Team Totals

.269 .354 1359 203 366 79

Team Totals

.274 .363 1316 208 361 90

PITCHERS Baez

W

L ERA

G

2

1 2.11 13

GS SV 0

0

4 41 181 128 202 25 14 24

IP

H

R

21.1

11

5

7 42 200 166 264 27 11 26

Team Totals .246 .315 1233 144 303 52 5

ER HR BB SO 5

2

9

17

PITCHERS PITCHERS

W

L ERA

G

GS SV

IP

H

R

ER HR BB SO

PITCHERS

W

L ERA

G

GS SV

5 40 186 159 309 27

9 21

36 139 111 253 21 12 25

IP

H

R

ER HR BB SO

Aquino

W

L ERA

G

0

0 0.00

1

GS SV 0

0

IP

H

R

2.1

1

0

ER HR BB SO 0

0

2

1

Walker

0

0 3.12 17

0

0

8.2

12

3

3

2

0

9

Bard

0

0 0.00

2

0

0

3.1

3

0

0

0

1

1

Dotel

1

1

0.68 15 0

0

13.1

8

1

1

0

9

15

Herges

0

0 2.08

5

0

0

8.2

3

2

2

2

1

10

Hill

1

0 3.18

1

1

0

5.2

7

2

2

0

2

6

Ramirez

4

1 0.86 20

0

0

21.0

9

2

2

1

6

11

Linebrink

1

2

2.08 13 0

0

13.0

14

3

3

0

5

11

Lee

2

5 3.00

8

8

0

54.0

63

18

18

3

13

42

Sherrill

0

1 3.45 16

0

7

15.2

17

6

6

3

7

14

Delcarmen

1

1 0.96 17

0

0

18.2

17

5

2

0

8

15

Thornton

1

1

2.63 15 0

0

13.2

14

4

4

1

7

22

Laffey

2

0 3.41

8

4

1

31.2

28

12

12

1

18

18

Uehara

2

3 4.34

8

8

0

47.2

47

26

23

6

9

35

Papelbon

0

0 1.06 16

0 10

17.0

14

2

2

1

10

19

Jenks

0

1

2.77 13 0

8

13.0

11

5

4

2

5

13

J. Lewis

2

3 4.50 17

0

1

20.0

22

11

10

6

6

18

Johnson

2

2 4.42 18

0

0

18.1

19

9

9

2

5

11

Okajima

2

0 2.89 19

0

0

18.2

12

6

6

2

9

22

Broadway

0

1

2.84 7

0

0

12.2

12

4

4

0

7

7

Betancourt

1

1 4.95 18

0

0

20.0

21

14

11

3

10

21

Bass

2

1 5.04 12

0

0

25.0

32

16

14

5

7

22

Saito

0

0 3.86 14

0

2

14.0

16

6

6

2

4

12

Buehrle

5

1

3.00 7

7

0

45.0

37

15

15

5

12

30

Carmona

2

4 5.70

8

0

47.1

47

32

30

5

26

27

Guthrie

3

3 5.21

8

8

0

46.2

53

30

27

8

16

29

Wakefield

4

2 4.03

7

7

0

44.2

38

20

20

3

21

27

Carrasco

1

0

3.00 14 0

0

27.0

33

10

9

1

7

16

Wood

1

1 5.84 14

0

5

12.1

13

8

8

2

6

18

Bergesen

1

1 5.27

5

5

0

27.1

40

18

16

4

8

14

Masterson

2

2 4.57 10

6

0

41.1

45

21

21

3

14

35

Gobble

0

0

3.86 2

0

0

2.1

2

1

1

0

0

5

Pavano

3

4 6.33

8

8

0

42.2

56

30

30

5

10

32

Ray

0

0 5.68 14

0

0

12.2

17

8

8

1

9

15

Beckett

4

2 5.85

8

8

0

47.2

56

33

31

5

23

46

Colon

2

3

4.21 7

7

0

36.1

38

19

17

4

14

25

Reyes

1

1 6.88

7

7

0

35.1

39

29

27

5

17

21

8

Hendrickson

1

4 6.03

8

7

0

31.1

45

29

21

7

13

22

Lester

2

4 6.51

8

8

0

47.0

60

34

34 10

16

54

Richard

0

0

4.33 14 2

0

27.0

32

14

13

3

11

15

Smith

0

0 7.11

8

0

0

6.1

7

6

5

0

5

6

Sarfate

0

0 6.39

8

0

0

12.2

13

11

9

3

7

10

Penny

3

1 6.69

7

7

0

36.1

45

31

27

5

16

20

Danks

2

3

4.82 7

7

0

37.1

40

20

20

5

11

34

S. Lewis

0

0 8.31

1

1

0

4.1

7

4

4

2

1

3

Eaton

2

4 7.93

7

7

0

36.1

48

32

32

7

16

27

Jones

0

0 8.00

8

0

0

9.0

10

8

8

2

4

7

Floyd

2

4

7.71 8

8

0

44.1

60

39

38

6

23

35

Huff

0

1 17.18

1

1

0

3.2

7

7

7

0

4

2

0

1 9.95

2

2

0

6.1

8

7

7

5

2

3

0

1 12.79

2

2

0

6.1

14

9

9

3

5

5

Team Totals 15 22 4.76 37 37

8

321.2 356 179 170 32 136 248

0

1

1

0

0

0.0

1

1

1

1

0

0

16 22 5.49 38

38

14 25 5.65 39

39

Simon Team Totals

7 331.1 399 225 202 56 123 244

Matsuzaka Team Totals

22 16 4.77 38

38 12 339.1 360 190 180 38 147 281

Vizcaino Team Totals

---

7 341.0 380 225 214 45 156 251

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

Baseball

www.sportingnews.com

25

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009

AMERICAN LEAGUE TEAM STATS

THROUGH MONDAY’S GAMES DETROIT TIGERS BATTERS

KANSAS CITY ROYALS

AVG OBA AB

R

H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E

AVG OBA AB

R

H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E

AVG OBA AB

R

H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E

AVG OBA AB

R

H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E

.375 .444 136

25

51

7

0

8 30 16 18

1

2

4

Callaspo

.341 .396 126

19

43 15

1

2 16 12 11

0

0

3

Willits

.333 .333

6

2

2

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

Mauer

.417 .521

60

13

25

Santiago

.352 .386

54

9

19

3

1

3 19

3 15

0

1

2

Bloomquist

.333 .410

13

24

2

1

6

1

2

Napoli

.327 .419 107

16

35

8

0

6 17 16 23

2

3

2

Morneau

.340 .414 150

30

Thomas

.311 .392

45

8

14

3

1

0

6

8

1

0

0

Teahen

.289 .368 135

19

39

8

0

4 14 13 26

1

0

1

Hunter

.313 .397 134

29

42

9

1

9 30 19 21

6

2

0

Morales

.333 .385

48

7

Everett

.306 .333

85

14

26

7

0

1 16

3 13

2

1

4

Guillen

.279 .398

86

11

24

3

0

3 15 14 12

1

0

1

Aybar

.309 .323

94

9

29

7

2

1 10

3

9

1

1

3

Kubel

.326 .366 132

20

Anderson

.297 .338

64

11

19

3

2

0

4

9

6

1

1

Butler

.278 .359 126

20

35 11

0

3 18 16 22

0

0

0

Rivera

.292 .331 113

11

33

5

0

2 12

7

9

0

0

0

Harris

.296 .341

81

12

24

Inge

.279 .389 122

27

34

4

0 10 27 18 35

1

2

4

Maier

.267 .405

30

5

8

2

0

0

6

2

0

0

Abreu

.289 .390 135

14

39

6

1

0 14 23 17 14

0

2

Span

.288 .373 153

21

Larish

.278 .409

36

12

10

0

1

4

8

0

0

0

Jacobs

.262 .338 122

15

32

7

0

8 22 12 37

0

0

2

Morales

.287 .327 136

20

39 10

1

8 26

0

2

2

Cuddyer

.252 .352 139

19

Polanco

.264 .311 140

16

37 13

1

0 15

9 12

0

1

1

Crisp

.245 .361 139

28

34

8

5

3 14 25 17 11

2

3

Figgins

.277 .366 141

24

39

5

1

0

9 21 24 17

3

5

Redmond

.250 .321

48

2

Granderson

.259 .345 147

27

38

4

1 10 24 20 32

5

1

0

DeJesus

.237 .288 135

16

32

8

2

3 15

8 27

0

1

0

Matthews Jr.

.272 .307

81

13

22

4

1

0 12

5 18

0

0

1

Gomez

.242 .320

66

12

16

4

Ordonez

.256 .340 133

18

34

5

0

2 17 17 22

0

0

1

Buck

.236 .309

72

7

17

4

3

3 19

8 19

0

0

4

Izturis

.262 .289

84

14

22

3

0

0 11

3

9

4

0

2

Crede

.223 .292 103

14

23

6

Thames

.222 .250

2

4

1

1

0

0

0

0

Olivo

.222 .250

81

6

18

1

1

3 12

1 28

1

1

0

Mathis

.259 .313

58

8

15

1

0

0 12

5 18

0

0

1

Buscher

.217 .351

46

5

10

2

1

3

12

20

2

0

0

9 16 18

4

1

3

6

7

2

0

0

4

0

0

0

18

9

5

8

2

1

6

72

1

5 10

0

7

8

BATTERS

MINNESOTA TWINS

Cabrera

5

BATTERS

LOS ANGELES ANGELS

1

0

9 28

3

7

0

0

0

51 11

0 12 33 19 25

0

0

0

16

3

0

0

7

0

0

2

43 11

1

5 20

9 24

0

0

0

4

0

2

6 14

0

0

0

44

4

2

2 20 19 25

9

2

1

35

6

2

4 20 22 28

4

1

2

12

1

0

0

3

5

0

0

0

1

0

2

7 16

4

3

0

0

5 15 10 18

0

0

1

1

0

0

0

Laird

.219 .315

96

15

21

4

1

1

9 10 19

1

0

0

Aviles

.194 .221 108

9

21

3

1

1

8

4 22

1

0

4

Guerrero

.250 .314

32

3

8

0

0

1

3

0

0

0

Punto

.196 .306 102

Guillen

.200 .267

90

11

18

4

0

0

6

8 15

1

0

0

Hernandez

.167 .286

6

0

1

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

Kendrick

.236 .287 127

19

30

6

1

3 18

6 26

5

0

2

Tolbert

.179 .283

Raburn

.167 .265

30

5

5

1

0

2

9

4

7

0

0

1

Gordon

.095 .269

21

2

2

0

0

1

3

3

8

1

0

1

Quinlan

.150 .150

1

3

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

Team Totals

.272 .349 1334 189 363 61

Sardinha

.063 .059

16

1

1

1

0

0

1

0

7

0

0

0

Pena Jr.

.000 .083

11

1

0

0

0

0

1

1

2

0

0

1

Team Totals

.283 .344 1277 185 361 65

Treanor

.000 .071

13

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

4

0

0

0

Team Totals

.260 .337 1277 173 332 73 15 35 163 135 247 24

Team Totals

.270 .343 1225 201 331 60

9 41 194 128 230 18

PITCHERS

GS SV

ER HR BB SO

L ERA

G

GS SV

IP

H

R

3

ER HR BB SO

W

L ERA

G

GS SV

Oliver

0

0 1.47 10

1

39

0

6 17 13

2

4

7

7

7

9 11

6 13

8 38 177 155 252 25

9 14

8 30 175 121 210 50 11 23 PITCHERS

PITCHERS W

0

5 26

9 18 PITCHERS

20

3

BATTERS

IP

H

R

0

18.1

14

3

3

0

3

W

L ERA

IP

H

R

Mijares

0

1 2.25 11

0

0

12.0

9

3

3

1

4

12

13

Nathan

1

1 3.07 15

0

6

14.2

11

5

5

2

5

15

ER HR BB SO

G

GS SV

ER HR BB SO

W

L ERA

G

IP

H

R

Greinke

7

1 0.60

8

8

0

60.0

40

5

4

0

10

65

Weaver

3

2 2.59

8

8

0

55.2

41

17

16

7

13

42

Dickey

1

0 3.63 11

1

0

22.1

27

9

9

3

12

16

French

0

0 0.00

2

0

0

3.0

0

0

0

0

3

3

Cruz

3

0 1.45 16

0

1

18.2

7

3

3

1

10

13

Palmer

4

0 3.38

4

4

0

26.2

16

11

10

2

10

16

Guerrier

1

0 3.92 19

0

0

20.2

14

9

9

4

4

14

Zumaya

1

0 1.74

7

0

0

10.1

8

2

2

1

0

5

Wright

0

1 1.66 15

0

0

21.2

19

11

4

2

5

14

Saunders

5

2 3.59

8

8

0

52.2

49

23

21

7

13

26

Blackburn

2

2 4.38

8

8

0

49.1

55

28

24

4

14

23

Jackson

3

2 2.42

8

8

0

52.0

43

18

14

4

11

41

Bannister

3

1 1.80

5

5

0

30.0

23

9

6

1

12

17

Moseley

1

0 4.30

3

3

0

14.2

20

8

7

3

3

8

Slowey

5

1 4.50

8

8

0

48.0

65

24

24

8

4

35

Perry

0

1 2.76 16

0

0

16.1

11

7

5

0

13

16

Soria

1

0 2.08

8

0

7

8.2

8

3

2

0

4

10

Fuentes

0

2 4.97 14

0

9

12.2

15

7

7

1

6

16

Liriano

2

4 5.21

8

8

0

46.2

42

28

27

6

22

39

Porcello

4

3 3.86

7

7

0

39.2

36

18

17

6

13

25

Tejeda

0

0 2.87 11

0

0

15.2

11

5

5

0

12

23

Arredondo

1

0 5.19 18

0

0

17.1

20

10

10

0

5

20

Perkins

1

3 5.36

8

8

0

47.0

50

28

28

6

12

26

Rodney

0

0 4.20 15

0

6

15.0

13

7

7

1

4

11

Mahay

1

0 3.38 15

0

0

13.1

17

7

5

1

5

15

Loux

2

3 5.40

8

6

0

38.1

52

24

23

2

14

14

Ayala

1

1 5.71 16

0

0

17.1

26

12

11

2

6

12

Verlander

3

2 4.29

8

8

0

50.1

43

27

24

3

17

69

Waechter

0

0 4.50

3

0

0

4.0

5

2

2

2

1

3

Santana

0

0 5.40

1

1

0

5.0

7

3

3

0

3

5

Breslow

1

2 6.75 16

0

0

13.1

11

11

10

3

11

10

Miner

3

1 4.61

9

4

0

27.1

35

19

14

4

15

21

Meche

2

4 4.60

8

8

0

47.0

51

27

24

1

16

38

Speier

0

1 6.14 12

0

0

14.2

13

10

10

2

7

13

Baker

1

4 6.95

6

0

33.2

38

26

26

8

6

25

Crain

2

2 8.25 15

0

0

12.0

12

11

11

3

7

8

18 21 5.20 39

39

Seay

0

1 5.40 16

0

0

11.2

11

7

7

0

3

7

Farnsworth

0

3 4.73 14

0

0

13.1

13

7

7

2

4

12

Bulger

1

1 7.30 13

0

0

12.1

14

10

10

2

8

11

Galarraga

3

3 5.62

8

8

0

41.2

43

26

26

7

23

33

Davies

2

2 5.01

8

8

0

46.2

45

26

26

6

21

33

Shields

1

3 7.90 16

0

1

13.2

13

13

12

1

12

9

Robertson

1

0 6.30

8

0

0

10.0

10

7

7

0

6

7

Ponson

1

4 6.16

8

6

0

38.0

48

28

26

4

16

22

Lackey

1

0 9.00

2

0

5.0

7

6

5

1

0

3

Lyon

1

3 6.89 13

0

0

15.2

16

12

12

3

11

5

Ramirez

0

1 6.59 11

1

0

13.2

19

11

10

2

6

9

Willis

0

0 7.71

1

1

0

4.2

8

4

4

1

2

0

Hochevar

0

1 16.88

2

2

0

5.1

10

11

10

1

5

2

20 16 4.16 36

36

20 18 3.59 38

38

Team Totals

6 318.1 309 170 147 36 131 260

Team Totals

8 336.0 316 155 134 23 127 276

Team Totals

2

19 18 4.68 37

37 10 327.0 344 186 170 35 120 216

Team Totals

6

6 346.1 376 207 200 53 113 241

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

Baseball

www.sportingnews.com

26

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009

AMERICAN LEAGUE TEAM STATS

THROUGH MONDAY’S GAMES NEW YORK YANKEES BATTERS

OAKLAND ATHLETICS

SEATTLE MARINERS

AVG OBA AB

R

H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E

Cervelli

.375 .400

24

2

9

0

0

4

0

0

0

Kennedy

.367 .424

30

4

1

0

1

3

3

3

1

0

1

Damon

.322 .390 146

30

47

9

2 10 27 16 26

3

0

1

Suzuki

.320 .367 128

18

41 12

0

2 15

8

8

1

1

1

Cabrera

.317 .374 104

17

33

5

0

4 14 10 15

3

1

1

Cust

.270 .372 126

22

34

0

6 23 20 37

1

0

Posada

.312 .402

77

10

24

6

0

5 20 12 19

1

0

1

Cano

.301 .337 156

23

47 10

0

6 19

9 13

1

1

2

Nady

.286 .310

28

4

8

4

0

0

1

6

0

0

0

Jeter

.275 .351 153

22

42

6

0

5 15 16 22

8

1

2

Molina

.273 .333

5

12

2

0

1

0

0

1

44

0

2

1

2 6

4

6

BATTERS

AVG OBA AB

R

H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E 11

5

BATTERS

TAMPA BAY RAYS

AVG OBA AB

R

H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E

Suzuki

.324 .361 139

14

45

7 13

5

3

1

Bartlett

.384 .423 138

27

53

Branyan

.309 .372 123

24

38 11

0 10 20 11 37

1

0

2

Longoria

.345 .405 148

31

51 16

0 11 46 16 36

1

Balentien

.288 .325

10

21

0

1

0

0

Crawford

.327 .383 159

28

52 10

73

2

8

1

4 12

1

6

5 12

BATTERS

AVG OBA AB

R

H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E 9

2

5 22

8 21 11

1

3

2

0

3

3

1 18 13 30 24

0

1

Holliday

.261 .331 134

17

35

5

1

4 23 11 25

1

0

0

Chavez

.273 .336 110

11

30

2

0

1

8 11 15

6

1

1

Iwamura

.291 .358 134

16

39 12

0

0 15 14 27

8

1

5

Sweeney

.250 .304 144

19

36

7

0

2 10 11 24

2

2

1

Gutierrez

.272 .349 114

17

31

3

0

3 17 13 26

2

2

0

Zobrist

.279 .374

86

15

24

7

1

7 20 13 21

3

1

0

Cabrera

.233 .283 146

17

34

4

0

2 12 11 12

1

3

6

Betancourt

.258 .284 128

9

33

5

1

2 14

2

0

7

Aybar

.263 .358

57

8

15

4

0

0

0

0

0

Garciaparra

.231 .262

39

5

9

1

0

1

7

2

7

0

0

0

Johjima

.250 .271

68

7

17

2

0

2

9

2

2

1

0

1

Hernandez

.258 .281

31

2

8

2

0

.225 .295

71

6

16

2

0

1

6

7 16

1

1

0

Sweeney

.246 .297

69

7

17

4

0

2

9

3

9

0

0

1

Gross

.254 .365

63

12

16

3

0

.224 .348

76

9

17

3

2

0

8 13 14

1

0

5

Lopez

.234 .280 145

18

34

6

0

3 19

9 19

0

1

6

Burrell

.250 .349 108

9

27

4

9

5 11

6

8 10

1

8

1

5

1

1

0

1

7 11 14

2

1

0

0

1 17 16 25

1

0

0

1

Pena

.263 .311

57

7

15

2

1

0

9

1

0

3

Buck

Matsui

.261 .357 111

11

29

8

1

4 13 15 18

0

0

0

Crosby

Gardner

.244 .315

82

16

20

3

2

2

8 14

6

1

0

Ellis

.206 .265

63

6

13

2

0

0

5 10

2

1

2

Griffey Jr.

.219 .342

96

11

21

4

0

3

0

0

0

Riggans

.250 .250

4

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

Teixeira

.239 .358 134

24

32

7

0 10 28 24 30

0

0

0

Giambi

.200 .329 115

19

23

6

0

3 17 19 26

0

0

3

Beltre

.211 .242 152

18

32 10

0

2 15

6 28

5

2

7

Pena

.248 .373 141

28

35

8

1 13 33 27 50

0

1

5

Swisher

.236 .367 123

22

29

9

1

8 22 24 38

0

0

3

Powell

.194 .250

36

2

7

4

0

0

9

3

9

0

0

2

Johnson

.206 .227

63

4

13

3

1

0

8

2 19

0

1

1

Kapler

.212 .288

52

5

11

6

0

0

2

2

0

1

Rodriguez

.188 .395

32

4

6

0

0

4

8 10

7

0

0

1

Davis

.179 .258

28

2

5

0

0

0

0

3 10

3

2

0

Cedeno

.186 .239

43

6

8

1

1

1

3

3 12

1

1

1

Upton

.183 .294 131

25

24

7

0

2

6 21 41 12

2

0

Ransom

.180 .226

50

4

9

5

1

0

6

3 15

1

0

2

Hannahan

.133 .212

30

4

4

3

0

1

4

3

0

0

0

Team Totals

.255 .307 1336 156 341 61

Navarro

.179 .205 112

13

20

4

0

1

7

0

1

Berroa

.167 .167

12

4

2

0

0

0

0

0

3

0

0

2

Chavez

.100 .129

30

0

3

1

0

0

1

1

7

0

0

0

Team Totals

.275 .351 1377 221 378 93

Cash

.100 .100

10

0

1

1

0

0

0

0

3

0

0

0

Cunningham

.000 .000

5

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

3

0

0

0

Team Totals

.272 .351 1343 205 365 77

Team Totals

.239 .311 1229 153 294 57

PITCHERS

W

L ERA

G

GS SV

Aceves

2

0 2.16

4

0

Rivera

0

1 2.76 16

0

4

4

8

8 59 194 157 248 24

4 20

IP

H

R

ER HR BB SO

0

8.1

5

2

2

1

2

9

7

16.1

18

5

5

4

1

22

Bruney

2

0 3.38

9

0

0

8.0

3

3

3

0

2

12

Sabathia

3

3 3.70

8

8

0

56.0

48

25

23

3

20

37

Chamberlain

2

1 3.76

7

7

0

40.2

40

20

17

5

21

40

Tomko

0

0 3.86

3

0

0

2.1

4

1

1

1

0

0

Pettitte

4

1 4.18

8

8

0

51.2

59

26

24

6

16

28

PITCHERS

W

L ERA

G

GS SV

7

3 23 148 120 221 14 10 27

IP

H

R

ER HR BB SO

PITCHERS

W

L ERA

G

GS SV

8 18 20

4 34 148 96 226 24 11 33

IP

H

R

1

0

6 11

2 20

1

7 45 210 157 314 67

8 24

ER HR BB SO

Rowland-Smith

0

0 0.00

1

1

0

3.1

4

2

0

0

4

1

PITCHERS

W

L ERA

G

IP

H

R

Vargas

1

0 1.29

4

2

0

14.0

15

3

2

2

6

8

Isringhausen

0

0 0.00

1

GS SV 0

0

1.0

1

0

ER HR BB SO 0

0

0

0

Aardsma

1

1 1.45 18

0

4

18.2

10

3

3

1

12

19

Cormier

0

0 2.17 14

0

1

29.0

25

7

7

1

7

12

Bailey

3

0 1.54 17

0

1

23.1

7

4

4

2

9

28

Kelley

1

1 1.54 10

0

0

11.2

11

2

2

2

1

11

Howell

0

2 2.60 18

0

1

17.1

17

5

5

1

6

20

Wuertz

2

1 1.83 18

0

2

19.2

12

5

4

1

3

17

White

0

0 2.50 13

0

0

18.0

12

6

5

2

12

7

Shouse

1

1 3.29 17

0

0

13.2

14

5

5

2

2

8

Cameron

0

0 2.45

7

0

0

11.0

8

3

3

0

3

9

Bedard

2

1 2.53

7

7

0

42.2

39

14

12

3

11

43

Garza

4

2 3.50

8

8

0

54.0

36

22

21

5

23

45

Springer

0

1 2.76 18

0

0

16.1

18

6

5

3

7

18

Batista

2

0 2.61 14

0

0

20.2

22

10

6

1

12

19

Shields

3

4 3.98

8

8

0

52.0

56

26

23

8

15

35

Casilla

0

1 3.07 11

0

0

14.2

8

6

5

1

6

9

Hernandez

4

2 3.53

8

8

0

51.0

47

21

20

5

15

53

Percival

0

1 4.91 13

0

6

11.0

13

6

6

3

3

7

Braden

3

5 3.64

8

8

0

47.0

55

21

19

4

15

32

Washburn

3

3 3.86

8

8

0

51.1

47

23

22

5

15

37

Niemann

4

3 4.97

8

8

0

41.2

47

26

23

7

21

21

0

0 3.86 13

0

4

16.1

21

8

7

0

6

12

Lowe

0

1 4.15 17

0

0

17.1

21

12

8

1

7

16

Balfour

1

0 5.60 18

0

1

17.2

18

11

11

0

12

17

1

0 4.05

5

0

26.2

25

14

12

5

12

25

Olson

0

1 4.85

4

1

0

13.0

14

8

7

3

7

7

Wheeler

1

0 5.79 16

0

0

14.0

13

9

9

4

4

12

Coke

1

2 4.76 18

0

1

17.0

13

12

9

4

7

12

Ziegler

Albaladejo

2

1 4.82 17

0

0

18.2

19

12

10

3

10

10

Outman

Burnett

2

1 5.02

8

0

52.0

48

29

29

7

25

43

Cahill

2

3 5.01

8

8

0

41.1

46

24

23

6

22

14

Jakubauskas

2

4 7.13

8

6

0

35.1

41

29

28

4

11

15

Nelson

0

0 5.94 17

0

2

16.2

15

11

11

4

12

17

0

3 5.32

7

1

0

22.0

22

13

13

5

9

11

Corcoran

1

0 7.27

8

0

0

8.2

13

7

7

0

9

4

Kazmir

4

3 6.97

8

8

0

41.1

52

34

32

7

25

32

0

4 6.03

6

6

0

31.1

39

29

21

5

11

15

Silva

1

3 8.48

6

6

0

28.2

38

27

27

5

9

10

Sonnanstine

2

4 7.36

8

8

0

40.1

58

34

33

5

14

24

Morrow

0

3 9.58 11

0

6

10.1

13

11

11

3

11

12

Team Totals

Stark

0

1 11.12

0

0

5.2

10

8

7

2

6

4

8

7

Ramirez

0

0 5.19 15

0

0

17.1

18

11

10

6

15

16

Giese

Veras

2

1 6.61 17

0

0

16.1

13

12

12

2

12

13

Anderson

Hughes

1

2 7.56

4

0

16.2

23

15

14

4

12

10

Gonzalez

0

0 7.27

2

0

0

8.2

11

7

7

0

7

7

1

2 8.16

6

2

0

14.1

21

16

13

1

7

10

13 22 4.50 35

35

4

Marte

0

1 15.19

7

0

0

5.1

9

9

9

3

3

6

Gallagher

Wang

0

3 34.50

3

3

0

6.0

23

23

23

2

6

2

Team Totals

21 17 5.32 38

38

Team Totals

8 343.1 359 218 203 53 164 272

7 321.2 341 183 161 36 136 225

Team Totals

5

18 21 4.29 39

39 10 350.1 357 186 167 39 148 266

20 20 4.79 40

40 11 349.2 365 196 186 47 144 250

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

Baseball

www.sportingnews.com

AMERICAN LEAGUE TEAM STATS THROUGH MONDAY’S GAMES TEXAS RANGERS AVG OBA AB

R

H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E

Vizquel

BATTERS

.378 .425

37

6

14

AVG OBA AB

R

H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E

4

1

0

4

2

0

0

Hill

.345 .382 177

30

61

Young

.351 .392 148

25

52 14

0

7 17 10 24

3

1

3

Lind

.322 .398 152

25

49 14

Kinsler Byrd

.314 .385 153

31

48 11

1 11 32 17 24

9

1

3

Rolen

.318 .381 132

22

42 10

0

3 15 12 17

2

0

4

.309 .333 123

15

38 14

0

2 17

5 16

2

0

0

Barajas

.310 .339 113

14

35 11

0

3 22

6 16

0

0

4

Jones

.297 .439

64

14

19

7

0

4 11 16 14

1

0

0

Bautista

.301 .427

73

15

22

4

0

1

6 15 20

3

0

0

Andrus

.276 .315 105

18

29

2

3

2

6 16

4

0

7

Millar

.299 .338

67

10

20

5

0

2 13

4 10

0

0

1

Cruz

.271 .322 133

18

36

7

0

7 22 11 34

4

0

3

Scutaro

.284 .415 155

36

44 10

1

5 20 35 19

3

2

0

Saltalamacchia .267 .315 101

13

27

5

0

3 16

0

1

1

Rios

.265 .326 170

23

45

9

2

5 21 14 30

3

0

1

6

3

BATTERS

6

American League

National League

TEAM BATTING AND FIELDING

TEAM BATTING AND FIELDING

0 11 34 11 27

2

1

5

0

0

0

0

7 35 19 30

CLUB

BA

SLG OBP G

AB

R

H

TB

2B 3B HR RBI

Toronto L.A. Angels Texas Tampa Bay Boston Minnesota N.Y. Yankees Baltimore Detroit Cleveland Kansas City Seattle Chicago White Sox Oakland

.289 .283 .278 .275 .274 .272 .272 .270 .270 .269 .260 .255 .246 .239

.462 .417 .494 .450 .449 .415 .473 .431 .434 .423 .423 .383 .384 .347

1462 1277 1309 1377 1316 1334 1343 1303 1225 1359 1277 1336 1233 1229

234 185 209 221 208 189 205 192 201 203 173 156 144 153

422 361 364 378 361 363 365 352 331 366 332 341 303 294

137 116 114 157 172 142 141 170 92 157 137 148 147 98

93 65 81 93 90 61 77 78 60 79 73 61 52 57

DP TP 40 36 41 42 26 30 38 30 32 51 43 33 26 32

87

14

21

1

2

5 19

7 23

3

0

0

Wells

.259 .317 170

27

44 10

1

5 21 15 17

6

0

0

20

31

7

1 10 24

5 25

0

0

0

Overbay

.247 .357

93

13

23

8

0

5 19 17 16

0

0

0

Davis

.227 .283 128

21

29

4

0 10 21

8 54

0

0

0

Chavez

.241 .241

29

1

7

0

0

0

2

0

0

1

Teagarden

.206 .308

34

3

7

1

0

0

3

4 15

0

0

0

Snider

.240 .291

96

12

23

6

0

3 12

7 24

1

0

1

Murphy

.203 .293

64

11

13

4

0

1

8

9 16

1

2

0

McDonald

.235 .235

17

3

4

0

0

0

0

0

2

0

0

0

Team Totals

.278 .334 1309 209 364 81

Barrett

.167 .211

18

3

3

0

0

1

2

1

5

0

0

0

TEAM PITCHING

Team Totals

.289 .357 1462 234 422 93

PITCHERS

G

GS SV

5 19

W

L ERA

IP

H

R

Francisco

1

0 0.00 14

0

9

14.2

7

0

0

0

4

13

O'Day

1

0 2.00 11

0

1

9.0

7

2

2

1

1

10

Millwood

4

3 2.93

8

8

0

58.1

53

21

19

7

13

Jennings

1

1 3.24 11

0

0

16.2

14

9

6

2

7

Wilson

2

2 3.86 18

0

2

16.1

16

12

7

1

Feldman

2

0 4.04

8

5

0

35.2

30

16

16

Harrison

4

2 4.23

7

7

0

44.2

48

21

21

Padilla

3

2 4.71

8

8

0

49.2

50

27

Holland

1

1 4.85

7

0

0

13.0

13

7

McCarthy

3

1 5.92

7

7

0

38.0

39

25

Eyre

0

0 6.23

3

0

0

4.1

5

3

Guardado

0

1 6.23 14

0

0

8.2

13

Benson

1

1 8.36

3

2

0

14.0

21

Madrigal

0

0 13.50

3

0

0

2.2

1

4

Team Totals

23 14 4.54 37

4 51 222 156 235 20

3 20

ER HR BB SO W

L ERA

Frasor

4

0 0.64 16

0

32

Cecil

2

0 1.80

3

11

Downs

0

0 1.86 18

9

10

Halladay

8

1 2.78

9

3

12

19

Wolfe

1

0 3.00

2

0

0

3.0

3

1

1

0

0

3

4

13

24

Carlson

1

2 3.43 21

0

0

21.0

17

8

8

2

6

12

26

4

20

26

Ray

1

1 3.60

3

3

0

20.0

17

10

8

3

5

9

7

2

6

6

Richmond

4

2 3.64

8

8

0

47.0

44

21

19

6

17

38

25 10

PITCHERS

G

GS SV

IP

H

R

ER HR BB SO

1

14.0

9

1

1

0

1

9

3

0

20.0

17

5

4

2

4

15

0

5

19.1

13

5

4

1

2

22

9

0

68.0

63

23

21

5

8

57

16

29

Camp

0

1 4.20 13

0

0

15.0

16

8

7

2

7

7

3

0

3

1

League

1

1 4.50 16

0

0

18.0

16

9

9

1

8

13

6

6

2

4

4

Tallet

2

1 4.68 10

6

0

42.1

33

23

22

7

21

31

14

13

4

6

8

Litsch

0

1 9.00

2

2

0

9.0

14

9

9

4

1

8

4

0

5

1

Ryan

1

0 9.45

7

0

2

6.2

8

7

7

2

6

6

27 14 3.85 41

41

37 12 331.1 331 179 167 43 125 196

Team Totals

8 373.2 340 174 160 41 127 284

222 175 204 210 200 177 194 181 194 186 163 148 139 148

CS GDP LOB SHO E

.241 .296

8 62 204 108 299 29

51 30 62 45 42 38 59 41 41 40 35 34 36 23

3 11 5 8 11 9 4 14 9 9 5 11 12 10

.237 .271 131

0

4 8 8 7 7 8 8 4 9 5 15 4 5 3

10 14 7 7 0 10 13 3 13 7 11 17 3 6

Blalock

2

41 37 37 40 38 39 38 38 36 39 38 39 37 35

SH SF HBP BB IBB SO SB

Hamilton

7 33

.357 .344 .334 .351 .363 .349 .351 .339 .343 .354 .337 .307 .315 .311

CLUB Toronto L.A. Angels Texas Tampa Bay Boston Minnesota N.Y. Yankees Baltimore Detroit Cleveland Kansas City Seattle Chicago White Sox Oakland

8

(Through May 18)

(Through May 18)

TORONTO BLUE JAYS

27

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009

15 15 13 12 11 14 10 7 8 11 6 11 9 11

9 6 9 12 24 11 12 12 12 26 16 8 17 13

156 121 108 157 166 155 157 128 128 159 135 96 111 120

11 7 4 9 15 7 8 5 6 5 11 9 1 2

235 210 299 314 264 252 248 202 230 309 247 226 253 221

20 50 29 67 27 25 24 25 18 27 24 24 21 14

43 20 17 22 43 34 30 20 40 29 34 38 29 23

597 461 511 547 559 569 542 467 466 609 503 460 496 484

0 1 1 2 1 3 0 1 2 3 1 3 6 4

20 23 19 24 26 14 20 24 18 21 26 33 25 27

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

CLUB

BA

SLG

OBP G

AB

R

H

TB

2B

3B HR RBI

N.Y. Mets L.A. Dodgers Washington Houston Pittsburgh Philadelphia St. Louis Atlanta Chicago Cubs San Francisco Colorado Milwaukee Cincinnati Florida San Diego Arizona

.291 .285 .280 .267 .265 .262 .261 .259 .256 .256 .255 .254 .253 .237 .236 .234

.427 .424 .448 .404 .404 .452 .424 .395 .427 .370 .434 .436 .404 .379 .392 .398

.371 .371 .364 .332 .334 .349 .335 .342 .339 .316 .330 .352 .327 .317 .314 .310

1303 1390 1345 1256 1288 1235 1270 1241 1221 1253 1241 1250 1261 1298 1278 1236

191 225 199 164 174 207 186 157 182 150 188 194 167 174 145 144

379 396 376 335 341 323 331 322 312 321 316 317 319 307 301 289

118 123 173 162 151 106 122 163 108 116 128 117 138 131 111 122

70 82 72 65 86 71 69 74 61 64 68 66 64 60 64 75

15 8 8 9 9 7 6 5 5 9 7 6 6 7 8 7

CLUB

SH

SF HBP BB IBB SO

SB CS GDP LOB SHO E

DP TP

N.Y. Mets L.A. Dodgers Washington Houston Pittsburgh Philadelphia St. Louis Atlanta Chicago Cubs San Francisco Colorado Milwaukee Cincinnati Florida San Diego Arizona

24 13 16 20 17 13 20 20 9 15 13 15 26 19 21 9

17 16 8 16 10 13 16 12 10 13 13 14 11 8 7 9

215 268 312 224 274 231 220 228 268 264 272 307 250 322 256 287

42 32 14 26 22 22 20 7 20 25 28 11 24 21 16 26

29 33 29 42 41 24 38 27 27 40 32 28 31 21 38 37

CG 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 1

SHO 3 2 2 6 2 4 1 5 4 1 0 1 2 0 0 0

11 13 15 12 18 21 20 11 15 17 9 22 15 12 9 9

165 186 167 119 122 151 131 151 144 98 138 175 129 144 140 131

38 40 38 37 38 36 38 37 36 37 37 38 37 38 38 37 21 24 9 8 9 3 9 12 6 12 6 7 9 9 9 9

15 13 10 16 8 8 6 7 11 10 11 9 10 11 4 11

35 37 27 28 20 24 25 32 24 28 27 31 28 18 26 16

559 596 628 480 513 481 490 512 511 479 471 533 473 501 478 489

1 0 1 4 4 2 1 3 2 2 3 1 1 2 3 3

26 32 46 30 25 50 42 28 46 20 47 50 38 37 40 38 31 17 41 18 17 11 28 23 20 16 23 24 29 25 17 28

177 212 193 154 167 197 181 146 171 139 181 190 157 166 141 138 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

TEAM PITCHING

(Through May 18)

(Through May 18)

CLUB

W

L

ERA

G

CG

SHO

SV

INN

H

R

ER

Kansas City Toronto Detroit Seattle Oakland Texas L.A. Angels Chicago White Sox Boston Tampa Bay Minnesota N.Y. Yankees Baltimore Cleveland

20 27 20 18 13 23 19 15 22 20 18 21 16 14

18 14 16 21 22 14 18 22 16 20 21 17 22 25

3.59 3.85 4.16 4.29 4.50 4.54 4.68 4.76 4.77 4.79 5.20 5.32 5.49 5.65

38 41 36 39 35 37 37 37 38 40 39 38 38 39

4 2 1 1 0 3 4 0 2 0 0 2 1 0

4 3 5 3 0 2 3 2 0 1 1 2 1 1

8 8 6 10 7 12 10 8 12 11 6 8 7 7

336.0 373.2 318.1 350.1 321.2 331.1 327.0 321.2 339.1 349.2 346.1 343.1 331.1 341.0

316 340 309 357 341 331 344 356 360 365 376 359 399 380

155 174 170 186 183 179 186 179 190 196 207 218 225 225

134 160 147 167 161 167 170 170 180 186 200 203 202 214

CLUB

HR

HBP

BB

IBB

SO

WP

BK

Kansas City Toronto Detroit Seattle Oakland Texas L.A. Angels Chicago White Sox Boston Tampa Bay Minnesota N.Y. Yankees Baltimore Cleveland

23 41 36 39 36 43 35 32 38 47 53 53 56 45

11 16 6 13 5 19 12 7 27 12 10 24 13 12

127 127 131 148 136 125 120 136 147 144 113 164 123 156

4 4 7 4 9 5 5 12 8 6 5 8 14 9

276 284 260 266 225 196 216 248 281 250 241 272 244 251

20 12 13 19 8 12 14 16 10 18 13 17 8 12

2 0 0 1 0 4 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1

CLUB L.A. Dodgers Milwaukee N.Y. Mets Cincinnati Atlanta Pittsburgh St. Louis San Francisco Arizona Chicago Cubs Florida Colorado Houston San Diego Philadelphia Washington

W 27 24 21 20 18 17 21 19 14 21 18 15 17 16 20 11

L 13 14 17 17 19 21 17 18 23 15 20 22 19 22 16 26

ERA 3.72 3.86 3.90 3.96 4.19 4.19 4.23 4.27 4.43 4.50 4.59 4.70 4.71 4.75 5.39 5.90

G 40 38 38 37 37 38 38 37 37 36 38 37 37 38 36 38

SV 12 14 12 10 9 7 12 9 8 9 7 7 8 9 9 6

INN 358.0 337.2 341.2 339.0 330.2 332.2 338.1 332.2 331.0 319.2 341.0 323.2 328.2 339.1 322.0 334.0

H 293 299 332 311 314 318 340 332 333 293 348 356 350 329 345 392

R 154 157 167 161 170 165 175 165 172 167 193 184 183 192 195 247

CLUB

HR

HBP

BB

IBB

SO

WP

BK

L.A. Dodgers Milwaukee N.Y. Mets Cincinnati Atlanta Pittsburgh St. Louis San Francisco Arizona Chicago Cubs Florida Colorado Houston San Diego Philadelphia Washington

27 40 29 37 26 34 34 33 40 45 36 36 40 38 58 42

20 19 11 17 15 17 15 9 8 12 8 11 16 10 22 19

158 134 145 148 134 141 136 152 120 148 152 116 138 159 139 171

16 8 15 7 15 9 2 15 4 6 15 11 5 16 8 10

301 265 263 255 285 205 245 292 256 303 300 238 251 266 252 221

18 14 11 10 11 9 9 17 17 16 15 9 10 13 7 22

0 0 6 1 0 1 4 2 0 3 1 1 1 1 0 2

ER 148 145 148 149 154 155 159 158 163 160 174 169 172 179 193 219

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TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009

28

Defenseless: NFL’s five worst overhaul coaches, personnel Bad defense is difficult to overcome. The Lions discovered that last season. Not only were they winless, but in many games they looked defenseless. Detroit had the NFL’s worst defense, allowing 404.4 yards per game, followed by the Chiefs (393.2), Seahawks (378), Broncos (374.6) and Rams (371.9). Not surprisingly, none of Clifton Brown those teams made PRO FOOTBALL the playoffs. Not surprisingly, all five have new head coaches, new defensive coordinators and plenty of new personnel. Here’s a closer look at what the feeble five have done in the offseason:

Detroit Lions What’s different: New coach Jim Schwartz does not want to hear about last season. Linebacker Larry Foote, who left the Steelers to sign as a free agent, has the kind of attitude Schwartz seeks. “I think the first thing he brings is a couple Super Bowl rings and success in the league,” Schwartz said of Foote. “That’s street cred, instant credibility, whatever you want to say.” The Lions have revamped the linebacker corps, signing Foote and Cody Spencer and trading for Julian Peterson. Two more veterans, defensive tackle Grady Jackson and cornerback Phillip Buchanon also have been added, and the coaches have high hopes for rookie safety Louis Delmas.

Why they should worry: When you finish 0-16, you are a long way from being good. The Lions spent their two first-round picks on offense— QB Matthew Stafford and tight end Brandon Pettigrew. Why not help the offense? Fixing the defense is a long-term project. “Quite honestly, we needed to improve special teams and offense also,” Schwartz said. “It wasn’t like we were in a situation maybe like Denver. I think they were second in the league on offense and down toward the bottom in defense. We weren’t real high on offense, either. So there were a lot of things to address.”

Kansas City Chiefs What’s different: New G.M. Scott Pioli has a strong draft record, and he liked defensive end Tyson Jackson enough to make him the No. 3-overall pick. Jackson, who got his first taste of the NFL at a recent minicamp, sounds realistic about the work he must do to become an impact rookie. “Everything’s much faster, guys are bigger, stronger,” Jackson said. “You’re a professional now. You got to get adjusted quick. I have to step up my game a lot more. I can’t continue playing the college game and bring it to the NFL.” Pioli also added three veteran linebackers—Mike Vrabel, Zach Thomas and Monty Beisel—to accelerate the switch to a 3-4 scheme. Defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast gets another chance after being fired by the Cardinals despite their Super Bowl run. Why they should worry: After a disappointing rookie year, defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey might not

be a good fit at nose tackle or end in a 3-4 defense. The Chiefs had the worst pass rush in the league with just 10 sacks, and on paper they have not improved.

Seattle Seahawks What’s different: The coaches expect linebacker Aaron Curry, the No. 4-overall pick, to start immediately. Cornerback Ken Lucas was signed as a free agent, and they traded for defensive tackle Cory Redding. New defensive coordinator Casey Bradley will bring some of the cover-2 principles he learned under former Buccaneers’ coordinator Monte Kiffin. Why they should worry: The Seahawks allowed more passing yards than any team, despite having a decent pass rush. They still have question marks in the secondary. If defensive end Patrick Kearney does not fully recover from shoulder and elbow surgeries, the pass rush too could suffer.

Denver Broncos What’s different: Veterans like safety Brian Dawkins and linebacker Andra Davis should add swagger. Rookie Robert Ayers expects to see time at outside linebacker and defensive end. With 22 years of NFL coaching experience, defensive coordinator Mike Nolan will be leaned on heavily by new coach Josh McDaniels. Why they should worry: The Broncos’ front seven still has serious question marks. If Redskins rookie defensive end Brian Orakpo becomes a star, the Broncos might regret passing on him with the No. 12 pick.

GENE J. PUSKAR / AP

Former Steelers LB Larry Foote will try to bring a Super Bowl swagger to his hometown Detroit Lions.

St. Louis Rams What’s different: New coach Steve Spagnuolo did a superb job as the Giants’ defensive coordinator. This is a tougher job. Strong safety James Butler and rookie middle linebacker James Laurinaitis are fresh

faces, and second-year defensive end Chris Long should be improved. “We’re taking from a lot of different teams—five, six teams we’ve been watching tape of,” Long said. “Hopefully we can do a little bit of everything.”

Why they should worry: The Rams have won only five games the last two seasons, and the defense has been weak for years. When a team sinks this low, rebuilding usually takes time. [email protected]

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29

Scouts’ views

Fullback rankings: Jaguars’ Jones the most versatile in NFL Back in the days of John Facenda, the fullback essentially was an extra lineman. He had to be a big bodied runner with quick footwork and a nose for contact. That remains a major requirement, but the fullback job has evolved into a role that requires a good deal of athletic ability and varied skills. Most of today’s best fullbacks also are capable receivers, run with power between the tackles and move the pile as a blocker in short-yardage situations. Some on this list also can run like halfbacks when necessary. The importance of each skill varies between offensive schemes, but versatility is critical. RealScouts, SN Today’s team of former NFL scouts, rank their top 10 fullbacks for ‘09:

1.

Greg Jones, Jaguars. A former running back, Jones has turned himself into an elite lead blocker. He also is a tough inside runner in short-yardage and goal-line situations and is a solid receiver. Jones will get more carries in ’09, too, after the team released Fred Taylor.

2.

Le’Ron McClain, Ravens. At 260 pounds, McClain is a punishing blocker. Last season, when injuries crippled the running back position, he showed the athleticism to become the featured ballcarrier and led the team in rushing. He can fill multiple roles within the offense, critical in the Ravens’ run-first attack.

3.

Ovie Mughelli, Falcons. Mughelli doesn’t rack up big personal statistics, but the Falcons were second in the NFL in rushing average last season—152.7 yards per game. Mughelli is aggressive and strong enough to deliver blows between the tackles and athletic enough to make open-field blocks. He also has

improved in pass protection, which will become more important as QB Matt Ryan matures.

4.

Justin Griffith, Seahawks.

Griffith was Mughelli’s predecessor in Atlanta from 2004-06, when the Falcons led the league in rushing for three consecutive seasons. In ’07, he moved to Oakland and the woeful Raiders ranked sixth and 10th in his two years with the team. It’s no coincidence. He’ll immediately upgrade Seattle’s running game under new coach Jim Mora, who was with Griffith in Atlanta.

5.

Lousaka Polite, Dolphins. Polite initially made his name in the NFL as a special teams ace for Bill Parcells in Dallas. A hard-working, physical player who likes contact, he endeared himself to Parcells and ended up in Miami and emerged as a starter in ’08. Coach Tony Sparano says Ronnie Brown will be the focus of the offense this season, and he will have Polite to thank for many of the yards he gains.

6.

Madison Hedgecock, Giants. Scouts were shocked when the Rams released Hedgecock in ’07, and he was quickly signed by the Giants. As the lead blocker, he turned the Giants’ running game from good to devastating. Though he touched the ball only nine times last year, he is a 265-pound bowling ball of a blocker with good receiving skills.

7.

Heath Evans, Saints. He is the short-yardage back New Orleans has needed. He runs with

power and can move the pile. He also is strong enough to take on linebackers on isolation blocks and has adequate athleticism to get outside and lead perimeter runs. Though he hasn’t done a lot of it, he also is a capable receiver.

8.

Mike Karney, Rams. A hardworking, lunch-pail type of player, Karney isn’t particularly athletic but can be effective between the tackles as a runner and blocker in short-yardage situations. New coach Steve Spagnuolo has promised that the offense will revolve around Steven Jackson, using more two-back sets. Karney will play a significant role in ’09.

9.

Leonard Weaver, Eagles. The Eagles’ biggest struggles in ’08 came in short-yardage situations. Weaver is a power back who can pick up those yards as a runner and be a physical lead blocker for Brian Westbrook, who could use help in deflecting initial contact between the tackles. Weaver, a former tight end, might be the best receiver on this list and regularly makes plays after the catch.

10.

Peyton Hillis, Broncos. Hillis is a versatile back who makes plays as a runner and receiver, but he also is a willing blocker. That wide range of skills will be put to good use in new coach Josh McDaniels’ system. —RealScouts analyze NFL and college players, coaches and teams exclusively for Sporting News Today.

MARK HUMPHREY / AP

Jacksonville FB Greg Jones, left, entered the NFL as a big tailback, but has developed into an elite lead blocker.

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New Orleans seeks to land 2013 Super Bowl at owners’ meeting FT. LAUDERDALE, FLA.—New Orleans could get back in the Super Bowl rotation this week. NFL owners will award the 2013 Super Bowl to New Orleans, Glendale, Ariz., or South Florida. The Super Bowl has been staged in New Orleans nine times, tied with Miami for the most years hosting the big game. Miami will break that tie in February. But bringing the Super Bowl back to the bayou for the first time since 2002 not only would be a boon to the Louisiana city but would display the NFL’s satisfaction with how New Orleans has recovered as a sports city from Hurricane Katrina. A few weeks ago, the state and the Saints announced a lease extension through 2025 that, if approved by the state legislature, also will include $85 million in upgrades to the Superdome in time for the 2013 game. “In a lot of ways, we’re providing a new stadium with the advantages of the old stadium,” Saints vice president Ben Hales said. Other issues that could be discussed:

Expanded season. The owners could vote on a proposal to expand the regular season to 17 or 18 games. Commissioner Roger Goodell has mentioned in the last few months the need to replace preseason games in which few star players get on the field with “meaningful” football. “The idea has merit, I think,” he said last month. “You are taking the quality and improving it, taking two meaningless games and making them meaningful within the

ROB CARR / AP

The Superdome has hosted nine Super Bowls and could be in for a major pre-2013 makeover. 20-game framework.” In late March, Goodell said he hoped a plan for restructuring the schedule could be presented to the owners in Fort Lauderdale. Regardless, there will be discussion of the matter. “A vote has not been ruled out,” NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said.

coaches after two longtime Colts assistants, Tom Moore and Howard Mudd, retired last week rather than lose benefits. The owners voted in March to make the pension, the 401K and the supplemental retirement plan non-mandatory for the clubs. Nine teams have dropped the program.

Sponsorships. Owners plan to vote on proposals to allow teams to sell lottery and alcohol sponsorships. Current league rules prohibit clubs from selling in those areas. With teams struggling to find sponsorships in an ailing economy, clubs are unlikely to pass on the opportunity to sell new categories. Each of the sponsorships could be worth up to $1 million annually per club.

Tampering. Possible modifications to the league’s tampering rules would create a window before free agency begins in which teams could contact the representatives of unrestricted free agents and enter contract negotiations. No contract could be executed during that time period.

Pension changes. The owners are likely to be questioned about changes in the pension plan for

NFLPA. New players union executive director DeMaurice Smith is expected to address the owners. — The Associated Press & SportsBusiness Journal 5 things about DeMaurice Smith, Page 2

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009

30

Vick must follow strict rules upon release RICHMOND, VA.—Even though Michael Vick is leaving prison this week, he won’t exactly be a free man. For two months, the suspended NFL star will be largely confined to his Hampton, Va., home and will wear an electronic monitor that allows federal probation officials to track his movements. He will be allowed to go to his full-time construction job and likely will be allowed about five hours a week for other court-approved activities, according to Ed Bales, managing director of Federal Prison Consultants, an inmate rehabilitation advocacy group. Permissible activities for inmates on home confinement typically include things like medical appointments, religious obligations and meetings with probation officials. No dinners out. No chilling at a friend’s house. And definitely no bars. “He’s going to be pretty much read the riot act: ‘If we catch you in one situation like that, it’s back to you know where,’ ” Bales said. The tight restrictions are designed to ease Vick’s transition from the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kan., back into the community. He is serving a 23-month sentence for a dogfighting conspiracy and is expected to be released from federal custody on July 20. After that, Bales said, Vick will have 72 hours to report to the probation officer to find out what new rules he will have to follow during three years of supervised probation. Typically, those rules include travel restrictions, holding down a job and avoiding known criminals.

STEVE HELBER-POOL / GETTY IMAGES

For two months, Michael Vick will be confined to his home, save mostly for a construction job. To reenter the NFL, commissioner Roger Goodell has said Vick must show true remorse and that he has learned from his mistakes and is prepared to live a different life. Only then would Goodell consider lifting Vick’s indefinite suspension. One restriction tailored specifically for Vick: He never again can own a dog. U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson made that decision when he sentenced Vick. He also ordered enrollment in a substance abuse program if Vick’s parole officer deems it necessary. During the day, Vick will earn $10 an hour as a general laborer at one of W.M. Jordan Co.’s 40 commercial construction sites, company president John R. Lawson has said. Bales said less than 5 percent of

federal inmates are transferred directly from prison to home confinement. The more usual scenario is a transfer to a halfway house, but all the beds in the area were booked beyond Vick’s release date. In some ways, Bales said, a halfway house is an easier gig than home confinement. Residents generally have a couple of hours of free time after work and are furloughed on weekends, he said. The downside: “You’re with other people, and there are problems that can occur,” Bales said. The only people Vick will be with during his home confinement are his fiancee and their children. The five-bedroom, 3,538-squarefoot brick home has an assessed value of $748,100, according to Hampton city tax records. — The Associated Press

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TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009

31

INSIDE DISH

Favre may meet with Andrews; Eagles’ Johnson takes leave Retired QB Brett Favre reportedly has scheduled an appointment today to meet with famed orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews at his Birmingham, Ala., office. Favre, who turns 40 on Oct. 10, is considering another comeback to the NFL but has a partially torn biceps tendon in his throwing arm. According to The (St. Paul) Pioneer Press, Andrews will examine Favre and determine if surgery to sever the tendon is necessary. If so, the paper reports the surgery could be performed later this week. However, ESPN.com reported that Favre doesn’t have an appointment with Andrews, and does not feel that surgery is imminent, instead focusing on non-surgical options to release the tendon. Rehabilitation from such a surgery typically is 6-8 weeks. If the surgery eliminates his pain, Favre would be ready to throw before the start of training camp in late July. The Vikings are considered his likely destination should his arm bounce back. Should Andrews find more significant damage in the throwing shoulder, Favre is expected to stay retired rather than undergo major surgery. Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson has taken an indefinite leave of absence while he continues treatment for a cancerous tumor on his spine. Johnson, who turns 68 next week, complained of back pain in early January. He coached from the press box in a playoff win over the Giants and in the Eagles’ loss to the Cardinals in the NFC championship. An

MRI after the playoff win against the Giants on Jan. 11 alerted doctors that something might be wrong. Johnson was treated for melanoma in 2001. Following the Arizona loss, the team announced the cancer had returned. “Jim and I agreed that he needs to concentrate all of his efforts on his recovery,” Eagles coach Andy Reid said Monday. “He’s struggling, but he’s a tough guy and a true battler.” Secondary coach Sean McDermott will run the defense in Johnson’s absence. Vikings DE Kenechi Udeze reports he is fully recovered from his battle with leukemia and ready to participate in offseason workouts and practices, which begin today. “I feel really good,” Udeze told The Star-Tribune. “I don’t know exactly what they’re going to have me doing, because they kind of want to ease me into this offseason minicamp schedule. Whatever they throw me into, I think I’ll be capable of doing. “Honestly, I wouldn’t be attempting this again or if I had a negative test, if I knew my health was at risk. My health is doing just fine now.” No stranger to attention, Bills WR Terrell Owens drew plenty of it Monday as he joined his new teammates for a voluntary practice. After the workout, Owens filmed segments for his VH1 reality show and held a press conference at an art gallery, where he was presented the key to the city by Buffalo mayor Byron Brown. “This is nothing,” Owens said with a smile following practice while standing in front of 12 TV cameras.

Bengals. Last season, Washington caught one pass and blocked a punt. Browns WR/KR Josh Cribbs plans to skip the Browns’ offseason practices, which begin today, in an effort to get an upgraded contract. Cribbs claims both owner Randy Lerner and former G.M. Phil Savage had promised to redo his contract but new G.M. George Kokinis has been unwilling, sources told ProFootballTalk.com. Cribbs is under contract for four more seasons with base salaries of $620,000, $635,000, $650,000 and $790,000. He can earn up to $400,000 in incentives each year . Vikings rookie WR Percy Harvin, who missed his rookie minicamp with flu-like symptoms, is expected to practice today, when the team’s full-squad workouts begin.

DAVID DUPREY / AP

Terrell Owens filmed reality TV segments after his workout with the Bills Monday afternoon. “I played in Philly, played in Dallas, this is light.” On one play during practice, Owens, a 13-year veteran, burst up the right sideline and beat CB Terrence McGee to make a catch and tiptoe into the end zone. “I thought I was going to get my hands on the ball, but when I missed it I didn’t think he was going to catch it,” McGee said. “When I’m diving and I see it in his hands, it was a great throw and a great catch.” Chiefs G Brian Waters, in a

meeting with new coach Todd Haley on Monday, again has asked to be traded or released, according to The Kansas City Star. The Dolphins are considering using WR Ernest Wilford in more of a tight end/H-back role in ’09, according to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus. The Ravens signed WR Kelley Washington to a one-year contract Monday. Washington, a six-year vet, spent the past two seasons with the Patriots after being released by the

So why did the Raiders pass on Michael Crabtree, the consensus top receiver in the draft, and instead select WR Darrius Heyward-Bey? One theory, according to the Contra-Costa Times, is that the team already had a player similar to Crabtree and saw Heyward-Bey as a complement. That speaks to the confidence the coaches have in second-year man Chaz Schilens. At 6-4, Schilens is 2 inches taller than Crabtree, is faster and has a 43-inch vertical leap. The coaches say Crabtree and Schilens would have had to be used similarly on short and intermediate routes, but Heyward-Bey is more of a big-play guy. Schilens did play more down the stretch of his rookie year, catching 15 passes for 226 yards and two touchdowns.

Packers NT B.J. Raji’s college coach, Jeff Jagodzinski, says to hold off on those comparisons to Warren Sapp— for now. “I think (Raji) will be pretty darn good,” Jagodzinski told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “Especially with what they’re asking him to do, he’s so strong at the point of attack. He can hold the point because he’s so strong and he’s built low to the ground, I mean he’s so thick. He’s a 600 pound squat guy, too, I think. “I remember Warren Sapp—you couldn’t block him now. I mean you couldn’t. He was such a disruptive force. I mean, (Raji) has yet to take a snap. That’s a pretty hefty comparison. Warren is going to be a Hall of Fame player.”

Minicamp schedule A listing of upcoming NFL minicamps (all include rookies and veterans unless otherwise noted): Buffalo—June 9-11 Cincinnati—June 18-20 Cleveland—Today-Thursday (voluntary); May 26-28 (voluntary); June 11-13 Dallas—June 16-18 Denver—June 12-14 Detroit—June 23-25 (voluntary) Green Bay—June 23-25 Houston—June 15-17 Indianapolis—June 5-7 Kansas City—June 5-7 Miami—June 12-14 Minnesota—May 29-31 New England—June 10-12 New Orleans—June 5-7 N.Y. Giants—June 16-18 N.Y. Jets—June 9-11 St. Louis—June 5-7 San Francisco—June 5-7 Seattle—June 10-12 Tampa Bay—June 16-18 Note: Teams are allowed to have rookie minicamps separate from the full-squad minicamp, and teams with first-year head coaches are allowed to add up to two voluntary minicamps.

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Top free agents enjoying up year despite down economy BY LIZ MULLEN SportsBusiness Journal

ALEX BRANDON / AP

Redskins DT Albert Haynesworth signed a deal worth up to $115 million, including $41 million guaranteed.

The average annual value of the contracts of NFL unrestricted free agents this year increased 13 percent over last year’s free agents, an NFL Players Association official said last week. The average value for 205 players who signed free-agent contracts from the start of free agency until May 6 was $2.2 million, versus $1.95 million for 207 NFL unrestricted free agents who signed in the same period last year, said Mark Levin, director of salary cap and agent administration. There were fewer free agents

available this year, so it is significant that about the same number signed, Levin said. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello declined to comment. “I think it was a good market for front-line players,” agent Drew Rosenhaus said. “For young starters, it was a great market. But it was a tough market for veteran backups. For 30-something players, it was difficult.” Despite the economic crisis, teams “are not spending less at all,” Rosenhaus said. “But I think there is a movement in the league to paying younger players in their prime and lesser amounts to older players. I definitely notice that.”

The vibrancy of the NFL market is a stark contrast to Major League Baseball, where the value of the average annual free-agent contract fell nearly 2 percent, to $4.68 million. The average overall value declined almost 15 percent in baseball, from $13.35 million to $11.38 million, and average contract length was down about 12 percent, to 2.43 years. Comparing the baseball and football free-agent markets, however, is like comparing apples to oranges for a number of reasons, agents said, including that baseball contracts are fully guaranteed. [email protected]

REED SAXON / AP

Lions rookies Derrick Williams (12), Brandon Pettigrew (84) and Matthew Stafford model the team’s new uniforms for the upcoming season.

Remaining free agents A quick look at the remaining NFL free agents by position (R-restricted free agent, F-franchise tagged player): OFFENSE Quarterbacks—Brooks Bollinger, Dallas; Ken Dorsey, Cleveland; Gus Frerotte, Minnesota; Charlie Frye, Seattle; Drew Henson, Detroit; Quinn Gray, Kansas City; Trent Green, St. Louis; Rex Grossman, Chicago; Brad Johnson, Dallas; J.P. Losman, Buffalo; Jamie Martin, San Francisco; Craig Nall, Houston; Marques Tuiasosopo, Oakland; Anthony Wright, NY Giants. Running backs—Darian Barnes, New Orleans; Tatum Bell, Denver; Brian Calhoun, Detroit; Jesse Chatman, NY Jets; P.J. Daniels, Baltimore; Reuben Droughns, NY Giants; Warrick Dunn, Tampa Bay; DeShaun Foster, San Francisco; Samkon Gado, St. Louis; Nick Goings, Carolina; Ahman Green, Houston; Andre Hall, Denver; Kay-Jay Harris, NY Giants; Maurice Hicks, Minnesota; Edgerrin James, Arizona; Rudi Johnson, Detroit; Deuce McAllister, New Orleans; Travis Minor, St. Louis; Chris Perry, Cincinnati; Andrew Pinnock, Denver; Michael Pittman, Denver; P.J. Pope, Denver; Cecil Sapp, Houston; Aaron Stecker, New Orleans; Selvin Young, Denver. Wide receivers—Drew Bennett, St. Louis; Marty Booker, Chicago; Drew Carter, Oakland; Jason Carter; Carolina; Keary Colbert, Detroit; Jayson Foster, Denver; D.J. Hackett, Carolina; Dante Hall, St. Louis; Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis; Ike Hilliard, Tampa Bay; Darrell Jackson, Denver; Nate Jackson, Denver; Matt Jones, Jacksonville; Joe Jurevicius, Cleveland; Ashley Lelie, Oakland; Brandon Lloyd, Chicago; Dane

Looker, St. Louis; Anthony Mix, Tampa Bay; Ben Obomanu (R), Seattle; Tab Perry, Miami; Jerry Porter, Jacksonville; Kevin Robinson, Kansas City; Koren Robinson, Seattle; Edell Shepherd, Denver; Travis Taylor, Detroit; Amani Toomer, NY Giants; Kelley Washington, New England; Todd Watkins (R), Oakland; Harry Williams, Houston; Reggie Williams, Jacksonville; Wallace Wright (R), NY Jets. Tight ends—Courtney Anderson, Houston; Adam Bergen, Denver; Mark Bruener, Houston; Scott Chandler, San Diego; Owen Daniels (R), Houston; Nate Lawrie, Cincinnati; Michael Merritt, Kansas City; Chad Mustard, Denver; Jeff Robinson, Seattle; Derek Schouman (R), Buffalo; Stephen Spach (R), Arizona; Daniel Wilcox, Baltimore; Kris Wilson, San Diego. Offensive tackles—Tyson Clabo (R), Atlanta; Anthony Davis, St. Louis; Jon Dunn, Detroit; Wayne Gandy, Atlanta; Kwame Harris, Oakland; Jonas Jennings, San Francisco; Levi Jones, Cincinnati; James Marten (R), Oakland; Fred Miller, Chicago; Rob Petitti, St. Louis; Jon Runyan, Philadelphia; Ephraim Salaam, Houston; Charles Spencer, Jacksonville; Barry Stokes, New England; Mark Tauscher, Green Bay; Mark Wilson (R), Oakland. Guards—Lennie Friedman, Cleveland; Adrian Jones, Kansas City; Pete Kendall, Washington; Matt Lentz, Detroit; Terrence Metcalf, Chicago; Edwin Mulitalo, Detroit; Chris Naeole, Jacksonville; Tutan Reyes, Jacksonville; Grey Ruegamer, NY Giants; Kendall Simmons, Pittsburgh; Rob Sims (R), Seattle; Jason Whittle, Buffalo. Centers—Brennen Carvalho, Green Bay; Jean-Philippe Darche, Kansas City; Melvin Fowler, Buffalo; Matt Lehr, New Orleans; Andy McCollum, Detroit; Jeremy Newberry, San Diego; Scott Peters, Arizona; Bryan Pittman, Houston; Cory Withrow, St. Louis.

DEFENSE Defensive ends—Kevin Carter, Tampa Bay; Earl Cochran, Houston; Sean Conover, NY Jets; Nick Eason, Pittsburgh; Kalimba Edwards, Oakland; Ebenezer Ekuban, Denver; John Engelberger, Denver; Simon Fraser, Atlanta; Roderick Green, San Francisco; Travis LaBoy, Arizona; Jayme Mitchell, Minnesota; Jerome McDougle, NY Giants; Julius Peppers (F), Carolina; Anthony Weaver, Houston; James Wyche, Jacksonville. Defensive tackles—Kenderick Allen, Minnesota; Gary Gibson, Carolina; La’Roi Glover, St. Louis; Vonnie Holliday, Miami; Antwan Lake, New Orleans; Langston Moore, Detroit; Kindal Moorehead, Atlanta; Dewayne Robertson, Denver; Orpheus Roye, Pittsburgh; Hollis Thomas, New Orleans; Josh Thomas, Indianapolis; John Thornton, Cincinnati; Darwin Walker, Carolina; Ellis Wyms, Minnesota; Brian Young, New Orleans; Jeff Zgonina, Houston. Linebackers—Rufus Alexander, Indianapolis; Jason Babin, Kansas City; Rocky Boiman, Kansas City; Derrick Brooks, Tampa Bay; Khary Campbell, Washington; Anthony Cannon, Detroit; Dan Cody, Baltimore; Rosevelt Colvin, New England; Donte’ Curry, Carolina; Donnie Edwards, Kansas City; Keith Ellison (R), Buffalo; Troy Evans, New Orleans; Gilbert Gardner, Chicago; Curtis Gatewood, Kansas City; Morlon Greenwood, Houston; Marques Harris, San Diego; Napoleon Harris, Minnesota; Abdul Hodge (R), Cincinnati; Mike Humpal, Pittsburgh; Brad Kassell, NY Jets; Jason Kyle, Carolina; Teddy Lehman, Buffalo; Paris Lenon, Detroit; Wesly Mallard, Seattle; Jim Maxwell, Cincinnati; Willie McGinest, Cleveland; Marques Murrell (R), NY Jets; Ryan Nece, Detroit; Shantee Orr, Cleveland; Antwan Peek, Cleveland; Carlos Polk, Dallas; Junior Seau, New England; Matt Sinclair, Wash-

ington; Gary Stills, St. Louis; Terrell Suggs (F), Baltimore; Dontarrious Thomas, Minnesota; Pisa Tinoisamoa, St. Louis; Marcus Washington, Washington; Nate Webster, Denver. Cornerbacks—David Barrett, NY Jets; Dre’ Bly, Denver; Fakhir Brown, St. Louis; Terry Cousin, Cleveland; Jason Craft, St. Louis; Travis Fisher, Detroit; Reynaldo Hill, Tennessee; Roderick Hood, Arizona; William James, Jacksonville; Michael Lehan, New Orleans; Sam Madison, NY Giants; Ricky Manning Jr., St. Louis; Derrick Martin (R), Baltimore; Chris McAlister, Baltimore; Mike McKenzie, New Orleans; R.W. McQuarters, NY Giants; Deltha O’Neal, New England; Dunta Robinson (F), Houston; Lewis Sanders, New England; Duane Starks, Jacksonville; Brandon Sumrall, NY Giants; DeJuan Tribble, San Diego; Jason Webster, New England; Jimmy Williams, Houston; Stanley Wilson, Detroit. Safeties—Oshiomogho Atogwe (F), St. Louis; Michael Boulware, Minnesota; Mike Brown, Chicago; John Busing, Cincinnati; Oliver Celestin, Kansas City; Corey Chavous, St. Louis; Keith Davis, Dallas; Will Demps, Houston; Mike Doss, Cincinnati; Hiram Eugene, Oakland; Mike Green, Washington; Rodney Harrison, New England; Terrence Holt, New Orleans; Dexter Jackson, Cincinnati; Sammy Knight, NY Giants; Marquand Manuel, Denver; Marlon McCree, Denver; Lawyer Milloy, Atlanta; Chad Nkang, Jacksonville; Jarrad Page (R), Kansas City; Pierson Prioleau, Jacksonville; Chris Reis (R), New Orleans; Dwight Smith, Detroit; Cameron Worrell, Chicago. SPECIAL TEAMS Kickers—John Carney, NY Giants; Matt Stover, Baltimore. Punters—Mitch Berger, Pittsburgh; Mike Dragosavich, Indianapolis; Sam Koch (R), Baltimore; Kyle Larson, Cincinnati; Ryan Plackemeier, Cincinnati.

Lions’ marketing approach: ‘Product will speak for itself’ BY DANIEL KAPLAN SportsBusiness Journal

The Detroit Lions might be paying No. 1-overall draft pick Matthew Stafford $41.7 million in guaranteed money, but that’s not enough to gain the quarterback a starring role in the team’s forthcoming marketing campaign. Lions president Tom Lewand said individual players will not be highlighted in the campaign, which is expected to hit midsummer. The campaign will not carry a tag line either, Lewand said. “This is not a city looking for marketing slogans,” Lewand said of economically struggling Detroit. “The product will speak for itself.” Lewand declined to reveal details of the campaign other than noting that it would be built around the themes of delivering on-field results and quality to fans. The Lions are coming off a season in which they became the first team in NFL history to go 0-16. Some season-ticket pitches already have been mailed to existing ticket holders, Lewand said, but the big sales push will begin in a few months. Last month, the team unveiled a new logo and new uniforms. [email protected].

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Miller’s challenge of raising Arizona likely to take time

MATT CILLEY / AP

Sean Miller has already landed some prized recruits, but most the the Wildcats’ top talent has opted to go pro early.

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Sean Miller has been in Tucson less than two months, and already he talks like a Chamber of Commerce lifer. Perhaps it is force of habit. Part of his job description as Arizona head coach is to sell the place to recruits, and now he is pitching a visit to the desert to an old acquaintance. It is there in his voice: Miller is convinced he made the correct decision in taking on the responsibility of returning Arizona basketball to the stature its fans believe the program should occupy. Mike DeCourcy (And some fans believe it COLLEGE BASKETBALL still does). It wasn’t easy to leave what should be a terrific Xavier team, and it won’t be easy to make the Wildcats great again, but Miller is energized by the opportunity. He’s been an Eastern time zone guy almost his entire life, save one year spent working for Stu Jackson as a graduate assistant at Wisconsin. But he rapidly is growing to love his new home in the West. “Living in the desert is an adjustment. You start falling in love with certain things about it,” Miller said. “The one thing that really is amazing is the incredible love for the basketball program. I don’t think that part is nationally as known because it’s so far in the Southwest. And Lute (Olson) was such a dynamic figure that it was him everybody thought about it. “But when you start talking about Lawrence, Kansas; Lexington, Kentucky—the madness that follows those programs, that is here.” A little patience will be required from the

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people who matter most, however. There is the false perception that because the Wildcats have made the NCAA Tournament for 25 consecutive years they have continued to reach the same standards of excellence and dominance in recent seasons. Not true. Arizona advanced to the second weekend of the tournament only twice in the past six years. The Wildcats were plagued by selfish players, problem players and underachievers. They’ve had a different head coach in each of the past three seasons. Most important, Olson’s leave of absence two seasons ago and his sudden retirement before last season ruined consecutive recruiting classes, leaving the Wildcats with virtually no replacements for center Jordan Hill, forward Chase Budinger and, possibly, point guard Nic Wise–depending on whether he remains on the NBA’s early entry list. One of the concerns about taking on this job—for every coach approached—was whether the first year or two would be spent in a situation similar to what Mick Cronin experienced early on at Cincinnati or Tom Crean endured this past season at Indiana. Cronin was, literally, a few miles up the highway from Miller when he won just two Big East games his first season after inheriting a near-empty roster. That isn’t even the hardest part of it, though. It’s that the journey back from such hardship might not be immediate, and it’s difficult to take for fans unaccustomed to struggle. Miller’s early recruiting success has infused a degree of Pac-10 talent into the program. Wait. That’s putting it too nicely. He averted an absolute disaster by landing three players in his first few weeks.

Center Kyryl Natyazhko of Florida’s IMG Academy and wings Solomon Hill of Los Angeles and Kevin Parrom of Connecticut are all top-100 types. They’ll join athletic forward Jamelle Horne and serviceable guard Kyle Fogg to give the Wildcats a decent core. If Wise were to return, he could provide the group with direction. “I like the guys we got,” Miller said. But he will not be signing a few more players just to add some bodies he’d wish to dump in a few years. Those scholarships are better reserved for the classes of 2010 and 2011. Miller only will pursue players he believes can help the program their entire careers. It’s unlikely Arizona will add guard Lance Stephenson, the New York prep star who lists the Wildcats among his finalists. Stephenson is a talent, but Miller will concentrate on landing players who have a serious future with the program. Arizona’s conference affiliation and brand recognition are improvements over Xavier. One advantage that’s less obvious is that Miller was able to hire his brother, Archie, as assistant coach. A nepotism rule prevented that five years ago at Xavier. Miller also brought along assistants James Whitford and Book Richardson from his Musketeers staff and will fill his director of basketball operations position once he finds the right person with West Coast connections. “Having so many kids coming out of here and doing well helps us in recruiting,” Miller said. “It’s such a credible place. It’s not a hard sell, especially if you do things the right way.” [email protected]

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Paulus will compete for Syracuse’s starting QB job

Ole Miss signs former Hoosiers starting guard

Syracuse coach Doug Marrone said Monday he has never seen new Orange QB Greg Paulus throw a football in person. And NCAA rules dictate Marrone won’t get that chance until August. “I can’t judge him on that,” Marrone told Sporting News Today. “But the reports have come out, from people I respect, that he’s thrown the ball well.” Still, Marrone sounded confident Monday that Paulus could contribute for the Orange this season. The coach pledged in an interview that the transfer from Duke would receive enough snaps in August to compete for the starting spot. “We know he’s a talented player,” Marrone said. “He just has to get his mind and body right to play football.” More paperwork and NCAA approval remain before Paulus is allowed to begin his battle with redshirt freshman Ryan Nassib for the No. 1 job. Paulus could start working out with his Orange teammates and team strength coach Will Hicks by the end of the week. Marrone said he’s encouraged by two factors—positive reports about Paulus’ workout for the Green Bay Packers and the football aptitude Paulus showed during his April official visit to Syracuse. “He’s showed us maturity, leadership and knowledge of the sport,” Marrone said. “He had tremendous recall of what he had done in high school. And the concepts we have are similar.” — Dave Curtis

Former Indiana starting G Nick Williams is transferring to Mississippi. Rebels coach Andy Kennedy announced Williams’ signing on Monday. Williams will have to sit out next season because of NCAA transfer rules and will have three years of eligibility beginning in 2010-2011. “Nick is a talented, versatile wing who we are fortunate to welcome into our program,” Kennedy said in a prepared statement. “The experience he gained as a freshman at IU, coupled with his outstanding prep career, make him exactly what we were looking for in filling our last scholarship.” Williams averaged 8.9 points and 4.5 rebounds as a freshman last season at Indiana. He played in all 31 games, starting in 29.

Where will Georgia and Florida play in 2011? That question might be answered this summer. The current contract with Jacksonville, Fla., where the game has been played all but twice since 1933, runs through 2010. “I’d venture a guess that over the summer we would need to make a decision,” Georgia athletics director Damon Evans told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Why move the game from Jacksonville? Georgia coach Mark Richt said recently that he doesn’t consider the Gator Bowl a neutral site. And the Atlanta Sports Council has said it wouldn’t mind having the game in the Georgia Dome once every four years. How about playing on the campuses? “I’m going to sit back and listen to the city of

STEPHEN MORTON / AP

Georgia and Florida are still looking for a place to play in 2011. Jacksonville and look at the pros and cons of everything involved,” Evans told the newspaper. Prosecutors have dropped criminal charges against Connecticut junior LB Scott Lutrus, a co-captain and two-year starter. Lutrus was arrested last month and charged with interfering with police following a fight at an off-campus apartment complex. What would the late Bo Schembechler think of Rich Rodriguez? It’s impossible to know, but the son of the legendary Michigan coach doesn’t seem entirely sold on the Wolverines’ second-year head man. “I’m not here to say Rich has done a bang-up job,” Glenn “Shemy” Schembechler, a scout for the Washington Redskins, told The Columbus Dispatch. “I know what he has said (about Michigan lacking talent), but he brings in a certain offense and tries to (force it). There is a learning curve, so it’s not so cut and dried.” Schembechler, 39, made the comment at the Michigan Alumni Club of Central Ohio spring dinner last Thursday.

Louisville will need more than production from senior Gs Jerry Smith and Edgar Sosa next season. Both will be co-captains and both need to be leaders, coach Rick Pitino says, on a team that will be full of younger players. Smith and Sosa each played in all 37 games last season in Louisville’s run to the finals of the Midwest Regional. Smith averaged 7.8 points and 2.1 rebounds in 21.2 minutes per game, and Sosa averaged 7.3 points and 2.4 assists in 19.8 minutes per game. “Jerry’s always been a quiet type of guy,” Pitino told The (Louisville) Courier-Journal. “But now both guys have to step up, because they’re going to have eight or nine (freshmen and sophomores).” Pitino said Sosa gained a better understanding of playing to his strengths toward the end of last season. “He was Muhammad Ali trying to fight like George Foreman,” Pitino told the newspaper. “He had to understand where his skill levels lie.” Notre Dame coach Mike Brey is in favor of speeding up the pace of games. One way to do that, he said: take 5 seconds off the current 35 on the shot clock. “Anything we can do to keep moving this game

AL GOLDIS / AP

Nick Williams averaged nearly 9 ppg his freshman season at IU. along, get the ball going to the basket more, is a good thing,” Brey told The (Fort Wayne) Journal Gazette. Brey, who is on the NCAA rules committee, said he thought the idea would have generated more discussion at the recent committee meetings. “You look, most shots are taken before 30 anyways, but we do need to examine that,” he told the newspaper. “Next year, that would be something I would really want to talk about, bringing that shot clock down.” Western Kentucky coach Ken McDonald says rising senior F Jeremy Evans is trying to add some weight to help him hold up better inside. Evans, who was the Sun Belt Tournament MVP in 2008, was listed at 190 pounds last season, but McDonald said it was 185. Evans averaged 8.8 points and 5.7 rebounds in 34 games. “We have to continue to hope that over time that he will fill out a little bit,” McDonald told The Courier-Journal. “Part of his success is not having to play as many minutes. After banging for a while at 185, that’s tough.”

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Mayfield’s All-Star visit was an ill-conceived surprise What was Jeremy Mayfield thinking? Suspended indefinitely May 9 by NASCAR for a positive drug test and subsequent positive second sample, the Sprint Cup owner/driver certainly wasn’t maintaining a low profile during Saturday night’s Sprint All-Star Race festivities at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Deliberately visible at the National Guard hospitality Reid Spencer coach parked in the THE COOL DOWN LAP infield near the backstretch tunnel, Mayfield made sure he was spotted, and when members of the media descended on his position, he willingly answered questions, insisting the positive result of the test administered May 1 at Richmond International Raceway was not produced by an illegal substance. Mayfield’s presence was a distraction, to say the least. For one thing, it stole some of the thunder from the best racing we’ve seen in NASCAR’s new racecar. The race itself will be remembered for the final 10-lap shootout, and the memories are indelible—Kyle Busch splitting the two front-row cars on a late restart; Busch, Jeff Gordon and Ryan Newman running three wide through Turn 4, with Gordon spinning out of control and losing his chance at a record fourth win in the event; Tony Stewart passing Matt Kenseth on the next-to-last lap to secure his first victory in the all-star race and his first as an owner/driver. Tempering the excitement was Mayfield’s summit at the motor coach, which was preceded by the appearance of a plane circling the speedway

HAROLD HINSON FOR SN

Jeremy Mayfield’s appearance at Saturday’s All-Star race was a big distraction. pulling a banner that read: “Free Jeremy.” In comments to SceneDaily. com’s Bob Pockrass, Mayfield denied prior knowledge of the airplane display. NASCAR has labeled Mayfield’s failed drug test as a “serious” offense. Dr. David Black of Aegis Sciences Corp., who administers NASCAR’s testing program, characterized the substance that showed up in Mayfield’s urine as a “drug of concern.” Mayfield, on the other hand, says he took Claritin-D, an allergy medication, in conjunction with a prescription drug he declined to name. Mayfield has contended since receiving news of the positive test that the combination of a prescription drug and an over-the-counter medication triggered the positive test. Dr. Black has rejected that explanation. Unlike the governing bodies of other major sports, NASCAR chooses not to name specific substances responsible for suspensions of its competitors. NASCAR cites privacy considerations as justification for the policy, but the practice has a downside. Keeping the results a mystery expands the latitude a competitor has in questioning the credibility of a

positive test or in presenting an alternative explanation in the court of public opinion, as Mayfield has done. Failing to identify the substances in question also tars all suspended competitors with the same brush. Shooting heroin carries a much greater social stigma than abusing Adderall, but under NASCAR’s policy, fellow competitors and fans who look up to the stars of the sport won’t know who did what. If talk show host Rush Limbaugh, for example, had admitted an addiction to crack cocaine rather than to prescription painkillers, his audience likely would have deserted him, and his days on the radio would have been in jeopardy. Mayfield has indicated he does not need and will not participate in a rehabilitation program, the first step toward reinstatement as a NASCAR owner and driver. Mayfield’s position is understandable, if he interprets participation in rehab as an admission of guilt, which comes with a heavy price. “This sport is one in which you have to have support of corporate America,” said driver Jeff Burton in arguing that a competitor who tests positive ought to have every opportunity to prove his innocence. “You cannot have the image of a drug abuser and make it in this sport, I don’t think.” On the other hand, you can’t flout NASCAR’s authority, either, and that’s what Mayfield was doing with his appearance at the track on Saturday night. Mayfield may not have good choices at this juncture, but his flirtation with the point of no return is ill-considered—particularly when NASCAR can make “no return” his permanent reality. [email protected]

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INSIDE DISH

Gibbs development driver to debut in October Joe Gibbs Racing development driver Matt DiBenedetto is scheduled to make his Nationwide Series debut at Memphis Motorsports Park in October. DiBenedetto, who last month won the NASCAR Camping World Series East race at TriCounty (N.C.) Motor Speedway in his second start in the series, turns 18 in July. “With testing out of the way, it’s a lot harder to bring guys along, but everything he has done has been real encouraging,” JGR president Joe Gibbs said. “We’ve watched him for years. He’s got a real gift. He went and tested with our guys last year and did a great job.” JGR isn’t afraid to put young drivers in cars. One of its Sprint Cup drivers, Joey Logano, turns 19 on Sunday. “It would be good for the sport, too, to get some young guys in there,” Gibbs said about the upcoming Nationwide debut for DiBenedetto. “We throw them in there. We learn real quick, sink or swim—but (DiBenedetto) can swim pretty well.” — Bob Pockrass, SceneDaily.com Forty-six teams are on the preliminary entry list for this weekend’s Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Part-time drivers entered in the race are David Starr, Mike Bliss, Max Papis and Bill Elliott. Also, Tony Raines remains in the Front Row Motorsports Chevrolet; regular driver John Andretti is competing in the Indianapolis 500. Ten drivers will be competing for the seven spots available to

REINHOLD MATAY / AP

Joe Gibbs has proven before that he isn’t afraid to put teenagers in Sprint Cup cars. those not in the top 35 in owner points. Elliott is locked into the field, if he fails to earn a berth through qualifying, by virtue of being the most recent past champion not in the top 35. Starr, Bliss, Papis, Raines, Scott Riggs, Todd Bodine, Dave Blaney, David Gilliland, Scott Speed and Joe Nemechek will vie for those seven positions. — SceneDaily.com Fifty-two cars are on the preliminary entry list for this weekend’s Carquest Auto Parts 300 at

Lowe’s, one of the largest entry lists for a Nationwide Series race this season, although one has already withdrawn. On the entry list are 13 fulltime Sprint Cup drivers: Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, Dale Earnhardt Jr., David Ragan, Greg Biffle, Jeff Burton, Brian Vickers, Kevin Harvick, Paul Menard, Logano, Gilliland, Nemechek and Speed. Gilliland replaces regular Smith-Ganassi driver Kenny Hendrick in the team’s No. 42 Dodge. — SceneDaily.com

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Tennis

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ATP top 10 rankings Here’s an updated look at the top 10 players in the South African Airways 2009 ATP Rankings as of Monday. The top eight players in the Nov. 17 rankings qualify for the season-ending Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London to be held Nov. 23-29. The ATP World Tour Champion will be named to the No. 1 player at the end of the season. — ATPWorldTour.com

Rafael Nadal, Spain Last week’s result: The ATP World Tour No. 1 reached the final at the Madrid Open where he lost to rival Roger Federer 6-4, 6-4. … In the semifinals he saved three match points in the longest threeset singles match on the ATP World Tour in the Open Era, prevailing in four hours and three minutes over Novak Djokovic 3-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(9). … The loss ended a 33-match winning streak on clay going back to May 7, 2008. … It was also only his second loss in a clay final in his career (25-2), both coming to Federer. … Has a 150-5 clay mark since 2005. Year in review: The 22-year-old Spaniard has won an ATP World Tour-best five titles in seven finals en route to a 41-4 record (19-1 on clay). … He captured his sixth Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, his first on hard courts, with a fiveset victory over Federer. ... Also won titles in Indian Wells, MonteCarlo, Barcelona and Rome.

1.

Roger Federer, Switzerland Last week’s result: The Swiss native broke nearly a seven-month title drought by earning his 15th career ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title in Madrid with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over rival Rafael Nadal. … Broke a five-match losing streak to the Spaniard with

2.

his 58th career title in his 80th final. … Has won at least one ATP World Tour title for nine straight years. … Along the way also beat No. 16-ranked Blake, No. 6 Roddick and No. 5 del Potro. … Only lost his serve twice in 55 games. Year in Review: The 27-year-old star has compiled a 26-6 match record (9-2 on clay) in his first seven tournaments. … He reached the final at the Australian Open (l. to Nadal in five sets), his first loss in a Grand Slam hard court final (8-1). … He’s one title short of tying Pete Sampras’ all-time record of 14 Slam titles. … Also reached the semifinals in Doha (l. to Murray), Miami (l. to Djokovic) and Rome (l. to Djokovic).

Andy Murray, Great Britain Last week’s result: The 22-year-old Scot reached the quarterfinals in Madrid, losing to No. 5 Juan Martin del Potro 7-6(4), 6-3. Year in review: The British star is off to a career-best 31-5 start, including an 8-3 mark vs. Top 10 opponents (losing twice to Nadal and once to No. 5 del Potro). … In his first nine tournaments, he’s won three ATP World Tour titles (Doha, d. Roddick; d. Rotterdam, d. Nadal; Miami, d. Djokovic) and reached another final, ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Indian Wells (l. to Nadal). ... He opened the season by defending his title in Doha

3.

DANIEL OCHOA DE OLZA / AP

Rafael Nadal saved three match points against Novak Djokovic in the Madrid semifinals.

with back-to-back wins over No. 2 Federer (SF) and No. 8 Roddick (F). ... Held serve 47 of 50 games throughout the tournament. … In March to reach the final at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, falling to World No. 1 Rafael Nadal 6-1, 6-2.

Novak Djokovic, Serbia Last week’s result: The Belgrade native reached the semifinals in Madrid where he lost to No. 1 Nadal 3-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(9), after holding three match points in the final set tie-break. … The four hour and three minute match was the longest three-set singles match

4.

on the ATP World Tour in the Open Era. Year in review: The 21-year-old Serb (turns 22 on Friday) has a 37-11 match record on the season (15-5 on clay) and 2-3 in finals. … He has reached the final in four of his past five tournaments (Miami, MonteCarlo, Rome, Belgrade). … He picked up his first ATP World Tour title of the year on Feb. 28 in Dubai (d. Ferrer). … The Monte-Carlo resident opened his clay court campaign by reaching the final at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters (l. to Nadal). … Then advanced to the final in Rome (l. to Nadal) before winning title in his

DANIEL OCHOA DE OLZA / AP

Roger Federer knocked off a quartet of top-20 players, including Nadal, in the Madrid Open.

hometown of Belgrade (d. Kubot).

Juan Martin del Potro, Argentina Last week’s result: The towering Argentine reached his second ATP World Tour Masters 1000 semi-final of the season in Madrid where he beat No. 11 seed Stanislas Wawrinka and No. 3-ranked Andy Murray in the quarter-finals before losing to eventual champion Roger Federer 6-3, 6-4. Year in review: The 20-year-old is the youngest player in the Top 10 and he’s off to a career-best 24-8 start, reaching the quarterfinals or

5.

better in eight of nine tournaments. … He began the season by capturing his fifth career ATP World Tour title in Auckland (d. Querrey) ... He followed by advancing to his second straight Grand Slam quarterfinal at the Australian Open (d. Cilic, l. to Federer). ... In March, reached the quarterfinals in Indian Wells (l. to Nadal) and followed with semifinal in Miami where he beat No. 1 Nadal (l. to Murray). … On clay, reached quarterfinals at ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Rome (l. to Djokovic). Players 6-10, Page 37

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Tennis

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TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009

ATP top 10 rankings: 6-10 Andy Roddick, United States Last week’s result: The top American made his season clay court debut in Madrid and beat former No. 2 Tommy Haas in his opening round (saving two match points) before losing to eventual champion Federer in three sets in the quarterfinals. Year in Review: The Austin, Texas resident has a 27-6 record on the ATP World Tour. … He opened the season by reaching the final in Doha (l. to Murray) and advancing to his fourth semifinal at the Australian Open (d. No. 3 Djokovic, l. to Federer) … Continued success in February with semifinal in San Jose (l. to Stepanek) and title in Memphis (d. Hewitt in SF, Stepanek in F). ... Improved his title streak to nine consecutive years (since 2001). … In March, he led the U.S. to a 4-1 first round Davis Cup victory over Switzerland with two wins . … Then reached the semifinals (l. to Nadal) and quarterfinals in Miami (l. to Federer). … Married Brooklyn Decker on April 17 in Austin.

6.

Gilles Simon, France Last week’s result: The 24-year-old lost in the third round (after a bye) in Madrid where he lost to Ivan Ljubicic in three sets. Year in review: The top Frenchman has compiled an 18-13 record and advanced to the quarterfinals or better four times this season. … In January reached his first Grand Slam quarterfinal at the Australian Open (l. to eventual champion Nadal). … Then advanced to back-to-back semifinals in Marseille (l. to Llodra) and Dubai (l. to eventual champion Djokovic). … In March, reached the fourth round (after a bye) in Miami with wins over former ATP World No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt and No. 29 seed Rainer Schuettler (l. to Tsonga). … On clay, reached the third round in Rome and followed with quarterfinals showing in Estoril, losing to eventual champion

7.

ATP World Tour schedule/winners

Albert Montanes of Spain (after holding one match point).

Fernando Verdasco, Spain Last week’s result: The Madrid native performed well in his hometown by reaching the quarterfinals for the first time, losing to countryman Nadal 6-4, 7-5 (after holding a 4-0 lead in the second set). Year in review: The Spanish lefthander is off to a career-best 23-8 start and he reached a career-high No. 7 on Apr. 20. … Has advanced to the quarterfinals or better in all eight tournaments. … He opened the first month of the season winning nine of 11 matches, highlighted by his first ATP World Tour hard court final in Brisbane (l. to Stepanek). … Then followed with a career-best SF showing at Australian Open. ... Posted back-to-back wins over No. 4 Murray in five sets in 4th Rd. and No. 6 Tsonga in QF before falling in an epic five-set marathon to Nadal. ... Played longest singles match in tournament history (5:14) and afterwards broke into Top 10 for first time at No. 9 (from No. 15) on Feb. 2. … Also quarterfinalist in Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, Barcelona and Rome.

8.

PAUL WHITE / AP

Andy Roddick in 27-6 so far this year, but lost to Roger Federer in the quarterfinals at the Madrid Open.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, France Last week’s result: The 23-yearold Frenchman lost in the second round in Madrid, beating former No. 1 Marat Safin before losing to Ivan Ljubicic in straight sets. Year in review The No. 2 Frenchman has advanced to the quarterfinals or better in seven of 10 tournaments this season en route to a 26-7 match record, which is tied for sixth on the ATP World Tour. … Last year he didn’t win his 26th match until lateOctober in Lyon…Has already captured titles in Johannesburg (d. Chardy) and Marseille (d. Llodra) in the first two months. ... In March, reached the quarterfinals at ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Miami,

9.

37

defeating countryman Gilles Simon in three sets before falling to eventual finalist Novak Djokovic. … In his season clay court debut in Rome, lost in the first round to countryman Richard Gasquet.

Nikolay Davydenko, Russia Last week’s result: The 27-yearold reached the third round in Madrid, winning both matches in straight sets before withdrawing vs. Roddick due to a leg injury. Year in Review: The top Russian has played in only seven tournaments this year (12-5 record, 10-4 on clay) due to a left heel injury he suffered in the first week

10.

in Chennai where he withdrew from his second round match. ... Also withdrew from Indian Wells and the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami where he captured the title last year due to a left heel injury. … Also withdrew from Australian Open, breaking a streak of 29 consecutive Grand Slam tournaments played (since ‘01 US Open) ... After a two-month absence, returned in midApril to reach the quarterfinals at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, (d. No. 12 Nalbandian, l. to No. 4 Murray). … Followed with semifinals in Barcelona (l. to Nadal) and also in Estoril (l. to Blake) … Fell out of the Top 10 on Apr. 27 for the first time since May 23, 2005.

Jan. 4-11 — Brisbane International, HO (Radek Stepanek) Jan. 5-10 — Qatar ExxonMobil Open, HO (Andy Murray) Jan. 5-11 — Chennai Open, HO (Marin Cilic) Jan. 12-17 — Medibank International, HO (David Nalbandian) Jan. 12-17 — Heineken Open, HO (Juan Martin del Potro) Jan. 19-Feb. 1 — Australian Open, HO (Rafael Nadal) Feb. 2-8 — Movistar Open, CO (Fernando Gonzalez) Feb. 2-8 — PBZ Zagreb Indoors, HI (Marin Cilic) Feb. 2-8 — SA Open, HO (Jo-Wilfried Tsonga) Feb. 9-14 — Brasil Open, CO (Tommy Robredo) Feb. 9-15 — SAP Open, HI (Radek Stepanek) Feb. 9-15 — ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament, HI (Andy Murray) Feb. 15-22 — Open 13, HI (Jo-Wilfried Tsonga) Feb. 16-22 — Regions Morgan Keegan Championships, HI (Andy Roddick) Feb. 16-22 — Copa Telmex, CO (Tommy Robredo) Feb. 23-28 — Abierto Mexicano Telcel, CO (Nicolas Almagro) Feb. 23-28 — Barclays Dubai Championships, HO (Novak Djokovic) Feb. 23-March 1 — Delray Beach International Championships, HO (Mardy Fish) March 2-8 — Davis Cup I March 12-22 — BNP Paribas Open, HO (Rafael Nadal) March 25-April 5 — Sony Ericsson Open, HO (Andy Murray) April 6-12 — U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships, CO (Lleyton Hewitt) April 6-12 — Grand Prix Hassan II, CO (Juan Carlos Ferrero) April 12-19 — Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, CO (Rafael Nadal) April 20-26 — Barcelona Open Banco Sabadell, CO (Rafael Nadal) April 27-May 3 — Internazionali BNL d’Italia, CO (Rafael Nadal) May 3-10 — Estoril Open, CO (Albert Montanes) May 3-10 — BMW Open, CO (Tomas Berdych) May 4-10 — Serbia Open, CO (Novak Djokovic) May 10-17 — Mutua Madrilena Masters Madrid, CO (Roger Federer) May 17-23 — Interwetten Austrian Open, Kitzbuehel, Austria May 17-23 — ARAG ATP World Team Championship, Duesseldorf, Germany, CO May 24-June 7 — Roland Garros, Paris, CO June 8-14 — Gerry Weber Open, Halle, Germany, GO June 8-14 — AEGON Championships, London, GO June 14-20 — Ordina Open, Den Bosch, Netherlands, GO June 14-20 — AEGON International, Eastbourne, England, GO June 22-July 5 — The Championships, Wimbledon, England, GO July 6-12 — Davis Cup II July 6-12 — Campbell’s Hall of Fame Championships, Newport, R.I., GO July 13-19 — Catella Swedish Open, Bastad, Sweden, CO July 13-19 — Mercedes Cup, Stuttgart, Germany, CO July 19-26 — Indianapolis Championships, Indianapolis, HO July 26-Aug. 2 — Allianz Suisse Open Gstaad, Gstaad, Switzerland, CO July 27-Aug. 2 — LA Tennis Open, Los Angeles, HO July 27-Aug. 2 — Studena Croatia Open Umag, Umag, Croatia, CO Aug. 2-9 — Legg Mason Classic, Washington, HO Aug. 10-16 — Rogers Cup, Montreal, HO Aug. 16-23 — Western & Southern Financial Group Masters, Mason, Ohio, HO Aug. 23-29 — Pilot Pen Tennis, New Haven, Conn., HO Aug. 31-Sept. 13 — U.S. Open, New York, HO Sept. 14-20 — Davis Cup III Sept. 21-27 — Open de Moselle, Metz, France, HI Sept. 21-27 — BCR Open Romania, Bucharest, Romania, CO Sept. 29-Oct. 4 — Thailand Open, Bangkok, Thailand, HI Oct. 5-11 — China Open, Beijing, HO Oct. 5-11 — Japan Open, Tokyo, HO Oct. 12-18 — Shanghai ATP Masters, Shanghai, China, HO Oct. 19-25 — If Stockholm Open, Stockholm, Sweden, HI Oct. 19-25 — Kremlin Cup, Moscow, HI Oct. 25-Nov. 1 — St. Petersburg Open, St. Petersburg, Russia, HI Oct. 26-Nov. 1 — Grand Prix de Tennis de Lyon, Lyon, France, HI Oct. 26-Nov. 1 — Bank Austria Tennis Trophy, Vienna, Austria, HI Nov. 2-8 — Davidoff Swiss Indoors Basel, Basel, Switzerland, HI Nov. 2-8 — Open de Tenis Comunidad Valenciana, Valencia, Spain, HI Nov. 8-15 — BNP Paribas Masters, Paris, HI Nov. 22-29 — Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, London, HI Nov. 30-Dec. 5 — Davis Cup Final

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Lacrosse / IRL

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TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009

38

Indianapolis 500, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, ABC

Four things to watch at the final four scoring depth if it expects to upset top-seeded Virginia on Saturday. The Big Red got just two goals from their midfield (one each from Seibald and Romero) in a 14-10 loss to Virginia in March.

BY SEAN BURNS InsideLacrosse.com

More than 23,000 lacrosse fans watched the NCAA Quarterfinals this past weekend at Hofstra and Navy. That number should more than double this weekend at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., for the NCAA’s championship weekend. Here’s four storylines to follow.

Can Syracuse limit Duke’s Ned Crotty?

Who plays in goal for Syracuse? Al Cavalieri stepping in goal for the ailing John Galloway and stifling Maryland’s offense in an 11-6 win was even more impressive considering the junior didn’t know it was going to happen until about three minutes before game time. How did he respond in his first career start? Fourteen saves and six goals allowed, with a few highlight-reel stops for good measure. Now the question is, if Galloway is less than 100 percent this week, does Cavalieri start against Duke?

What’s next for the Brattons? One of the big stories from this season has been the continued emergence of Shamel Bratton as an offensive force. That continued Sunday with a career-best five goals for Shamel, but Virginia got another encouraging sign out of brother Rhamel, who appeared to be over some midseason injuries that hampered his production. The two goals gave the brothers a combined seven in the 19-8 win over Hopkins and increased Rhamel’s point-scoring streak to five games. A healthy Rhamel makes an already deep Virginia offense that

JOHN MECIONIS / AP

Syracuse junior Al Cavalieri got the win in goal in last week’s win over Maryland. much tougher to defend.

Tewaaraton Trophy finalist Ned Crotty posted a workman-like two goals and six assists in Sunday’s 12-11 edging of ACC-rival North Carolina. The mark, which moved him ahead of Billy Bitter for the NCAA points lead (Crotty owes Mike Manley something if he takes that title home, since the sophomore held UNC’s sophomore attacker to a pair of assists), also leaves Crotty just three points shy of tying former teammate Matt Danowski’s Duke and ACC singleseason assists record of 59. Crotty makes Duke’s offense go, so Syracuse needs to find an answer for him Saturday.

How deep is Cornell’s midfield? Everybody knew about Cornell’s Max Seibald and John Glynn coming into the playoffs. Not only are the dynamic do-it-all middies are among the nation’s most wellrounded players, but they had 60 combined points coming into Saturday’s Quarterfinal matchup with Princeton. The Tigers held the duo to just one goal from Glynn, yet the Big Red midfield stepped up bigtime with two goals from Rocco Romero, a goal and an assist from Jonathan Thompson and another goal from George Calvert in the 6-4 win. Cornell will need that kind of

Final four Saturday at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass. All Times (ET) Syracuse (14-2) vs. Duke (15-3), noon, ESPN 2 Virginia (15-2) vs. Cornell (12-3), 2 p.m., ESPN 2 Championship Monday, 1 p.m. ESPN

MORE COVERAGE For more Tournament coverage, go to: InsideLacrosse.com

Lloyd wrestling with due date vs. race date INDIANAPOLIS—Alex Lloyd’s most important race this weekend might not come at the Indianapolis 500. It could be rushing his expectant wife safely to the hospital. Or making that mad dash on a golf cart to the track’s infield medical center. Or helping her deliver their second child. Fathers around the world know this drill well: Stay on high alert, be prepared for a surprise and when the call comes, don’t ask questions. Just drive. So as Lloyd prepares for the biggest event of the IndyCar season, his wife, Samantha, will be sitting patiently and quietly along pit road hoping the doctors got that May 24 due date wrong. “When they told us, I thought, it’s just typical,” Samantha Lloyd said, laughing in her husband’s garage. “We already have a name picked out, Bethany. But if she arrives on race day, we’ll probably have to switch and go with something with a little more racing flavor.” The convergence of a due date and race date may be unprecedented in Indianapolis’ 100-year history, at least among drivers’ families. Longtime track historian Donald Davidson said he could not recall any babies being delivered at the 2.5-mile oval, but speedway officials do not have documents to verify whether it would be a new track record. Regardless, the Lloyds are prepared for all contingencies. The 24-year-old Englishman has not lined up a relief driver and

does not intend to look for one before race day. He does not want crew members providing in-race updates if Samantha suddenly goes into labor, and he’s comfortable with somebody else making the quarter-mile journey from pit road to the medical center, if necessary. There are no plans to induce labor. After the race, Lloyd will immediately focus on his fatherly duties. “I’m just going to drive faster and when I get the checkered flag, then they can tell me if something has happened,” he said. “If they tell me, I’m just going to tell them to open the gates and let me go because I can get there in this car a lot faster than I can in another car.” Samantha Lloyd thinks it’s much ado about nothing because she’s convinced the doctors are wrong about the date. After watching his wife endure 28 hours of labor when their first child, Ava, was born in October 2007, Lloyd figures he has plenty of time to finish the race and get to the hospital. “I’d probably have time to finish the race, chill out, have a cup of tea and still have 12 hours to go,” he said, likely drawing the ire of pregnant women everywhere. Just don’t tell Lloyd how much quicker those second births can go. Whatever happens, Samantha Lloyd has promised not to speak on the radio Sunday. She doesn’t want anything—even the impending birth—to distract her husband from his job.

Indianapolis 500 lineup Row 1 1. (3) Helio Castroneves, 224.864. 2. (6) Ryan Briscoe, 224.083. 3. (10) Dario Franchitti, 224.010. ROW 2 4. (02) Graham Rahal, 223.954. 5. (9) Scott Dixon, 223.867. 6. (11) Tony Kanaan, 223.612. ROW 3 7. (5) Mario Moraes, 223.331. 8. (26) Marco Andretti, 223.114. 9. (12) Will Power, 223.028. ROW 4 10. (7) Danica Patrick, 222.882. 11. (99) Alex Lloyd, 222.622. 12. (2) r-Raphael Matos, 223.429. ROW 5 13. (15) Paul Tracy, 223.111. 14. (14) Vitor Meira, 223.054. 15. (18) Justin Wilson, 222.903. ROW 6 16. (27) Hideki Mutoh, 222.805. 17. (20) Ed Carpenter, 222.780. 18. (4) Dan Wheldon, 222.777. ROW 7 19. (41) A.J. Foyt IV, 222.586. 20. (16) Scott Sharp, 222.162. 21. (67) Sarah Fisher, 222.082. ROW 8 22. (44) Davey Hamilton, 221.956. 23. (06) r-Robert Doornbos, 221.692. 24. (8) Townsend Bell, 221.195. ROW 9 25. (17) Oriol Servia, 220.984. 26. (19) Tomas Scheckter, 221.496. 27. (24) r-Mike Conway, 221.417. ROW 10 28. (43) John Andretti, 221.316. 29. (13) E.J. Viso, 221.164. 30. (23) Milka Duno, 221.106. ROW 11 31. (00) r-Nelson Philippe, 220.754. 32. (21) Ryan Hunter-Reay, 220.597. 33. (36) r-Alex Tagliani, 221.115.

Lloyd will start 11th Sunday, the middle of Row 4 between Danica Patrick on the inside and rookie Raphael Matos on the outside, after qualifying with a four-lap average of 222.622 mph. That’s a big jump from starting 19th last year, when he finished 25th as an Indy rookie. — The Associated Press

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Golf

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TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009

Two Texas tournaments fight economy BY KATHERINE CROMER BROCK Dallas Business Journal

DALLAS—The PGA Tour’s classic Texas two-step has a little less bounce this year. The Dallas-Fort Worth area’s golf tournaments this week and next— the HP Byron Nelson Championship, which traces its roots to 1944, and the Crowne Plaza Invitational at the Colonial, which dates to 1946—are struggling with ticket sales and corporate sponsorships. In response, both have opened up marketing efforts to new demographics. The Byron Nelson last year brought in $13 million and donated $6.1 million to the Salesmanship Club Youth and Family Centers. Two weeks before the tournament organizers typically are announcing a sellout; this year’s event, which starts Thursday at the TPC Four Seasons Las Colinas, saw sales top $10 million last week, roughly 15 to 18 percent lower than the same time last year. A more clear indicator: For the first time in more than a decade, tickets will be sold at the gate. “I can pretty much assure you,” said 2009 Nelson tournament chair Charley Spradley, “we won’t be setting any sales records.” Spradley said he expects to see total attendance hit 250,000 this year, but not until tickets are sold at the event. “There was a rapid change in the economic landscape,” he said. That change affected how businesses spend their marketing and sales dollars, and many have pulled away from spending on networking at golf outings—a longtime standard of the corporate world. “We had a bit of a challenge to keep delivering the message that has been previously delivered so clearly: This is a very legitimate event that serves a very important purpose,” Spradley said. Tracy Cobb, spokeswoman for the Byron Nelson, said PGA Tour events across the board are reporting revenue 15 to 25 percent lower revenues than last year. The Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial, next

LM OTERO / AP

With less fans attending, the TPC Four Seasons Las Colinas has been forced to do something rare, offer tickets at the gate. week in Fort Worth, is seeing similar trends, director of sales Michael Tothe said. Declining to discuss specific financial details, Tothe said corporate sales are down 15 percent from 2008. Overall sales are about $200,000 shy of the goal of $2 million. And speculation has arisen that title sponsor Crowne Plaza may exit its agreement after 2010. In a typical year, 125,000 attend the event at Fort Worth’s historic Colonial Country Club. Some longtime business clients, including financial institutions and energy companies, will not be there this year, Tothe said. Normally, the tournament has a turnover of four or five major clients. This year, it’s about 10, he said. This year, the Dallas-Fort Worth tournaments are marketing toward families and young adults, not considered the stereotypical golf fan. For the Byron Nelson, a daily grounds ticket costs $45 for adults and children under 13 are free.

A weekly pass costs $90. To attend the Colonial, an adult day pass costs $30 or $45 and a youth ticket, for children ages 7-17, is $15. A weekly Colonial pass is $100. The Nelson has a KidsZone for children and nightly concerts to appeal to a younger audience. Both tournaments have been using Internet social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, to reel in fans. “We’re focusing on a person that’s never been to Colonial,” Tothe said. “We’re shifting gears from corporate, to getting folks on the grounds.” Spradley said the Byron Nelson is being marketed as a spring social event. “With the Memorial Day Weekend in this economy, there will be a base that will not be traveling as much and looking for entertainment that is accessible,” he said. “We think we will be the rite of spring even more than in previous years.” [email protected].

39

PGA Tour schedule Jan. 8-11 — Mercedes-Benz Championship (Geoff Ogilvy) Jan. 15-18 — Sony Open in Hawaii (Zach Johnson) Jan. 21-25 — Bob Hope Chrysler Classic (Pat Perez) Jan. 29-Feb. 1 — FBR Open (Kenny Perry) Feb. 5-8 — Buick Invitational (Nick Watney) Feb. 12-15 — AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am (Dustin Johnson) Feb. 19-22 — Northern Trust Open (Phil Mickelson) Feb. 25-March 1 — WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship (Geoff Ogilvy) Feb. 25-March 1 — Mayakoba Golf Classic (Mark Wilson) March 5-8 — The Honda Classic (Y.E. Yang) March 12-15 — WGC-CA Championship, (Phil Mickelson) March 12-15 — Puerto Rico Open (Michael Bradley) March 19-22 — Transitions Championship (Retief Goosen) March 26-29 — Arnold Palmer Invitational (Tiger Woods) April 2-5 — Shell Houston Open (Paul Casey) April 9-12 — The Masters (Angel Cabrera) April 16-19 — Verizon Heritage (Brian Gay) April 23-26 — Zurich Classic of New Orleans (Jerry Kelly) April 30-May 3 — Quail Hollow Championship (Sean O’Hair) May 7-10 — The Players Championship (Henrik Stenson) May 14-17 — Valero Texas Open (Zach Johnson) Thursday-Sunday — HP Byron Nelson Championship, TPC Four Seasons Resort, Irving, Texas May 28-31 — Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial, Colonial CC, Fort Texas, Texas June 4-7 — The Memorial Tournament, Muirfield Village GC, Dublin, Ohio June 11-14 — Stanford St. Jude Championship, TPC Southwind, Memphis, Tenn. June 18-21 U.S. Open, Bethpage State Park (Black Course), Farmingdale, N.Y. June 25-28 — Travelers Championship, TPC River Highlands, Cromwell, Conn. July 2-5 — AT&T National, Congressional CC (Blue Course), Bethesda, Md. July 9-12 — John Deere Classic, TPC Deere Run, Silvis, Ill. July 16-19 — The Open Championship, Turnberry (Ailsa Course), Turnberry, Scotland July 16-19 — U.S. Bank Championship in Milwaukee, Brown Deer Park GC, Milwaukee July 23-26 — RBC Canadian Open, Glen Abbey GC, Oakville, Ontario July 30-Aug. 2 — Buick Open, Warwick Hills G and CC, Grand Blanc, Mich. Aug. 6-9 — WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, Firestone CC, Akron, Ohio Aug. 6-9 — Legends Reno-Tahoe Open, Montreux G and CC, Reno, Nev. Aug. 13-16 — PGA Championship, Hazeltine National GC, Chaska, Minn. Aug. 20-23 — Wyndham Championship, Sedgefield CC, Greensboro, N.C. Aug. 27-30 — The Barclays, Liberty National GC, Jersey City, N.J. Sept. 4-7 — Deutsche Bank Championship, TPC Boston, Norton, Mass. Sept. 10-13 — BMW Championship, Cog Hill GC, Lemont, Ill. Sept. 24-27 — The Tour Championship, East Lake GC, Atlanta Oct. 1-4 — Turning Stone Restort Chamnpionship, Atunyote GC at Turning Stone Resort, Verona, N.Y. Oct. 8-11 — The Presidents Cup, Harding Park GC, San Francisco Oct. 15-18 — Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, TPC Summerlin, Las Vegas Oct. 22-25 — Frys.com Open, Grayhawk GC, Scottlsdale, Ariz. Oct. 29-Nov. 1 — Viking Classic, Annandale GC, Madison, Miss. Nov. 12-15 — Children’s Miracle Network Classic, Walt Disney World Resort (Magnolia Course, Palm Course), Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

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Collegiate Baseball poll TUCSON, Ariz.—The Collegiate Baseball poll with records through May 17, points and previous ranking. Voting is done by coaches, sports writers and sports information directors: Record Pts Pvs 1. U.C. Irvine 40-12 490 1 2. Louisiana St. 41-15 487 2 3. Arizona St. 41-11 485 3 4. North Carolina 41-14 483 4 5. Cal. St. Fullerton 38-14 481 5 6. Texas 38-12-1 479 6 7. Florida St. 40-14 478 7 8. Mississippi 40-15 473 13 9. Florida 38-18 470 11 10. Oklahoma 40-16 467 20 11. Rice 35-15 464 9 12. Alabama 37-17 462 10 13. Clemson 39-17 459 17 14. Georgia Tech. 34-15-1 458 8 15. Missouri 32-23 457 14 16. Miami, Fla. 35-18 453 21 17. Louisville 40-14 450 28 18. East Carolina 41-15 446 30 19. Texas Christian 35-14 443 23 20. South Carolina 37-19 441 — 21. Virginia 39-12-1 439 12 22. Kansas St. 39-15-1 437 18 23. Ohio St. 39-15 434 — 24. Minnesota 35-15 433 24 25. Cal Poly 35-17 430 22 26. Coastal Carolina 42-13 428 — 27. Washington St. 28-22 426 — 28. Missouri St. 32-19 425 — 29. Texas St. 38-14 423 25 30. George Mason 40-10 420 29

Baseball America Top 25 poll DURHAM, N.C.—The top 25 teams in the Baseball America poll with records through May 17 and previous ranking (voting by the staff of Baseball America): Record Pvs 1. UC Irvine 40-12 1 2. Louisiana State 41-14 2 3. Arizona State 41-11 3 4. Cal State Fullerton 38-14 5 5. Texas 38-12 6 6. North Carolina 41-14 8 7. Mississippi 40-15 9 8. Oklahoma 40-16 15 9. Florida 38-18 13 10. Texas Christian 35-14 14 11. Rice 35-15 4 12. Florida State 40-14 17 13. Clemson 39-17 19 14. Georgia Tech 34-15 7 15. East Carolina 41-15 20 16. Virginia 39-12 10 17. Kansas State 39-15 11 18. Alabama 37-17 12 19. Cal Poly 35-17 18 20. Louisville 40-14 23 21. Minnesota 35-15 21 22. Elon 37-14 22 23. Miami 35-18 24 24. Missouri 32-23 25 25. South Carolina 37-19 NR

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009

IN BRIEF

TRANSACTIONS

Phelps takes training to the mountains CHARLOTTE—Michael Phelps is heading to the mountains. Eat. Sleep. Swim. That’s about all the winningest Olympian will be doing during his time at the U.S. training center in Colorado Springs. He can’t wait. “The next three weeks are going to be real important when we go to altitude,” Phelps said. “That’s going to be a big part of the summer.” He already crossed the first major threshold of his post-Beijing career this past weekend, competing in five events at the Charlotte UltraSwim. Phelps won two and was runner-up in two others, losing to a couple of world-record holders. He swam only the preliminaries of his fifth event (50-meter freestyle), using it as training run for his new straight-arm stroke. Considering Phelps had not raced since the Olympics—the nine-month layoff was by far the longest of his career—and he was coming off a wave of bad publicity over that infamous photo of him using a marijuana pipe, this was certainly an encouraging start to the final chapter in his master plan. “I’m happy to be back in the pool,” Phelps said. “I’m happy to have that first meet under my belt.”

Cycling CUNEO, ITALY—Lance Armstrong was apologetic and avoided launching into a verbal war with race organizers following the protest that marred the ninth stage of the Giro d’Italia. “It’s an unfortunate situation, an accumulation of days and days of frustration and I think fear on a lot of people’s parts and then this war of words and this war of power afterwards that we have to avoid,” Armstrong said in a video message posted late Monday, the Giro’s first rest day.

40

WEMBLEY, ENGLAND—David Beckham teamed up with Prime Minister Gordon Brown to launch England’s bid for the 2018 World Cup on Monday, saying that winning the right to host would be as satisfying as anything he’s accomplished on the field.

Volleyball LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND—A high-profile women’s volleyball championship will go ahead this summer in Mexico despite concerns about swine flu. The outbreak of the virus has been blamed for 68 deaths in Mexico and 10 elsewhere. The FIVB, volleyball’s governing body, said Monday that the women’s junior world championship would be played in the border cities of Tijuana and Mexicali on July 16-25 as scheduled. — The Associated Press GERRY BROOME / AP

Michael Phelps is headed to Colorado Springs. Armstrong played an integral role in a group protest that ended up annulling times in Sunday’s stage because riders considered the city circuit through downtown Milan overly dangerous. Armstrong was seen discussing the perils of the circuit with the race organization’s car as he pedaled through Milan, and he stood next to overall leader Danilo Di Luca when the Italian addressed the fans in the middle of the stage with a microphone to explain the protest, interrupting the race briefly.

Major League Soccer EASTERN CONFERENCE W Chicago 3 D.C. 3 Kansas City 4 Toronto FC 3 New England 2 New York 2 Columbus 1 WESTERN CONFERENCE W Chivas USA 7 Seattle 4 Colorado 3 Houston 3 Real Salt Lake 3 Los Angeles 1 San Jose 1 FC Dallas 1

L 0 1 4 3 2 5 2

T 6 6 2 4 4 3 5

Pts 15 15 14 13 10 9 8

GF 16 17 14 13 7 10 11

GA 11 15 12 15 13 12 14

L 1 2 2 2 5 1 5 6

T 2 3 3 3 1 6 2 2

Pts 23 15 12 12 10 9 5 5

GF 14 12 11 8 14 10 8 8

GA 5 6 9 6 13 10 16 16

NOTE: Three points for victory, one

Soccer TURIN, ITALY—Juventus fired coach Claudio Ranieri on Monday, saying a shake-up was the only way to salvage what’s left of a disappointing season in which the Turin club has gone winless in its last seven games.

point for tie. All times ET. May 16

Chicago 2, Toronto FC 0 New England 1, Colorado 1, tie New York 1, Houston 1, tie FC Dallas 1, Seattle FC 1, tie Kansas City 2, Real Salt Lake 0 Chivas USA 2, D.C. United 2, tie May 17

Los Angeles 1, Columbus 1, tie

Saturday’s games

New England at Toronto FC, 4 p.m. Real Salt Lake at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m. CD Chivas USA at Kansas City, 8:30 p.m. Los Angeles at FC Dallas, 8:30 p.m. San Jose at Houston, 8:30 p.m. Seattle FC at Colorado, 9:30 p.m. Sunday’s game

Chicago at New York, 3 p.m.

BASEBALL American League DETROIT TIGERS: Announced RHP Juan Rincon refused his outright assignment and elected free agency. OAKLAND ATHLETICS: Placed RHP Dan Giese on the 15-day DL, retroactive to May 16. Recalled LHP Gio Gonzalez from Sacramento (PCL). National League COLORADO ROCKIES: Placed RHP Matt Daley on the 15-day DL. Purchased the contract of RHP Joel Peralta from Colorado Springs (PCL). Designated RHP Steven Register for assignment. FLORIDA MARLINS: Purchased the contract of RHP Brian Sanches from New Orleans (PCL). Designated LHP John Koronka for assignment. NEW YORK METS: Activated RHP Tim Redding from the 15-day DL. Designated RHP Nelson Figueroa for assignment. Purchased the contract of INF Ramon Martineaz from Buffalo (IL). Placed INF Alex Cora on the 15-day DL. PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES: Agreed to terms with C Paul Bako on a minor league contract. PITTSBURGH PIRATES: Claimed RHP Steven Jackson off waivers from the N.Y. Yankees. Released RHP Jimmy Barthmaier. WASHINGTON NATIONALS: Placed LHP Scott Olsen on the 15-day DL, retroactive to May 17. Recalled LHP Ross Detwiler from Harrisburg (EL). Can-Am League AMERICAN DEFENDERS: Signed RHP Brett Palanski, INF Boomer Berry and C Argenis Tavarez. United League LAREDO BRONCOS: Acquired OF Selwyn Langaigne from the Shreveport-Bossier (AA). SAN ANGELO COLTS: Announced the retirement of 2B John Anderson. BASKETBALL Women’s National Basketball Association DETROIT SHOCK: Signed F Kristen Rasmussen and G Sequoia

Holmes. FOOTBALL National Football League ARIZONA CARDINALS: Agreed to terms with WR Edward Gant. BALTIMORE RAVENS: Signed WR Kelley Washington to a one-year contract. Released WR Marcus Maxwell. DALLAS COWBOYS: Signed DT Jonas Seawright. HOUSTON TEXANS: Signed S John Busing and G Adrian Jones. MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Signed FB Nehemiah Broughton. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: Announced defensive coordinator Jim Johnson has taken an indefinite leave of absence. Signed QB Adam DiMichele and DT Jervonte Jackson. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: Signed S Curtis Taylor to a four-year contract. Released S Jimmy Williams. LACROSSE Major League Lacrosse MLL: Suspended Chicago D Steve Holmes and coach John Combs one game apiece for the use of illegal equipment in a May 16 game against Denver. COLLEGE METRO ATLANTIC ATHLETIC CONFERENCE: Announced it is adding the University of Detroit as a men’s lacrosse member beginning next season. EASTERN NEW MEXICO: Named Dr. Jeff Geiser athletics director. KANSAS STATE: Named John Currie athletic director. MINNESOTA: Announced the resignation of women’s assistant basketball coach Marisa Moseley to take a similar job with Connecticut. NEWBERRY: Named Brad Edwards athletic director. ST. AUGUSTINE’S: Announced the retirement of men’s golf coach Lawrence Coleman. TENNESSEE: Announced the retirement of Bill Webb, track and field coach, at the end of the current season. UTAH STATE: Fired softball coach Candi Letts.