Rotoworld: Oregon RB LaMichael James and Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon among top 10 players who are being overhyped for the 2012 draft.
SportsTalk: Albert Pujols signs with the Angels and Prince Fielder joins the Tigers. Which team is better now?
The Detroit Red Wings equaled an NHL record with their 20th straight win at home, beating the Philadelphia Flyers 4-3 Sunday night on the strength of Johan Franzen's tiebreaking goal early in the third period.
PBT: Boston's Rajon Rondo continues to be named in trade talks, which is madness. The Celtics guard creates offense and makes everyone around him better, which was evident in Sunday's win over the Bulls.
Arc's five up, five down: After No. 11 Michigan State's 58-48 upset of No. 3 Ohio State, you'd be a fool to discount the Spartans' national title chances now.
Miami coach Al Golden says the worst is behind him, but his headaches figure to continue now that former booster Nevin Shapiro, now in jail, says his involvement with the Hurricanes program will result in stiff penalties.
Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods greeted their Sunday pairing at Pebble Beach with optimism. But the day would end happily only for one.
The United States completed a 5-0 rout of Switzerland in the Davis Cup on Sunday, with 19-year-old Ryan Harrison and John Isner winning closing singles matches.
Zambia has won the African Cup of Nations, beating pre-tournament favorite Ivory Coast 8-7 on penalties in a dramatic final at Stade de l'Amitie.
Tessa Worley of France fought off gusting winds to win a second consecutive World Cup giant slalom Sunday in the Andorran Pyrenees. Overall leader Lindsey Vonn was more than a second behind and finished eighth.
Robins: It’s the Year of the Dragon on the Lunar calendar, and this Chinese influence could extend to it also being the year of the Pekingese on the green carpet at the 136th Westminster Dog Show on Tuesday.
INFIELDERS
1. Alex Rodriguez, 3B, Yankees. Somehow, Scott Boras will land A-Rod another head-shaking deal.
2. Mike Lowell, 3B, Red Sox. The champs want him back, but will someone overpay to woo him away?
3. David Eckstein, SS, Cardinals. Starter on two World Series championship teams; hit .309 last season but struggled in the field.
4. Pedro Feliz, 3B, Giants. A solid presence who wants more than one year--and should get it.
5. Sean Casey, 1B, Tigers. Lack of power may force him to settle for a backup job.
OUTFIELDERS
1. Torii Hunter, Twins. Drives in runs (107 RBIs in '07) and takes them away (seven straight Gold Gloves).
2. Aaron Rowand, Phillies. Like Hunter, a defensive asset and an offensive threat. Will have many pursuers, including both teams in Chicago.
3. Andruw Jones, Braves. Atlanta didn't waste much time saying goodbye.
4. Kenny Lofton, Indians. Is 40 but still productive; won't have trouble finding an everyday job. Padres would be a good fit. Ask the baseball expert: Tony DeMarco
5. Barry Bonds, Giants. Still a productive slugger, but who wants him?
6. Kosuke Fukudome, Japan. Coming off an injury-plagued season but will be the highest-profile free agent out of Japan. Giants, Rangers and Cubs figure to be in the mix.
7. Jose Guillen, Mariners. Posted strong numbers and avoided controversy in his one season in Seattle -- but then his name popped up last week in a steroids probe.
8. Shannon Stewart, A's. Stayed healthy and likely priced himself out of a return to the A's.
STARTING PITCHERS
1. Tom Glavine, LHP, Mets. Wants to pitch within an easy flight of his home in Atlanta, limiting his choices to the Nationals, Orioles, Phillies and Rays. Oh, and the Braves.
2. Andy Pettitte, LHP, Yankees. Leaning toward retirement after turning down a $16 million option from the Yankees.
3. Carlos Silva, RHP, Twins. You know it's a weak class when perhaps the most sought-after guy has a career 4.31 ERA.
4. Kenny Rogers, LHP, Tigers. If the 43-year-old Rogers comes back, it seems likely he'll return to Detroit.
5. Kyle Lohse, RHP, Phillies. A journeyman--one who likely will end up with a three-year, $20-plus million deal.
6. Livan Hernandez, RHP, Diamondbacks. He'll give his new team 200-plus innings, but will his new team really be getting a 32-year-old pitcher?
7. Hiroki Kuroda, RHP, Japan. He's not on Daisuke Matsuzaka's level, but Kuroda is a free agent, so clubs will not have to post for his services.
|
RELIEVERS
1. Mariano Rivera, RHP, Yankees. Brian Cashman will do what it takes to keep him.
2. Francisco Cordero, RHP, Brewers. Will have plenty of suitors, including the Brewers, but can they afford $10 mil per?
3. Eric Gagne, RHP, Red Sox. Struggles at the end of the season may lead to another one-year deal. A return to the Rangers is possible.
4. Scott Linebrink, RHP, Brewers. Durability and ability to thrive as a setup man have him on a lot of wish lists.
SportsTalk: Albert Pujols signs with the Angels and Prince Fielder joins the Tigers. Which team is better now?
HardballTalk headlines |
 | Interactive |
 |
 | Slideshow |
 | Unbreakable records in baseball A look at the most unbreakable records in baseball including Nolan Ryan's seven no-hitters. |
| Slideshow |
 | The top tools of baseball You hear a lot about the tools of baseball, but who are the best hitters, fielders and pitchers? We break it down. more photos |
Zambia has won the African Cup of Nations, beating pre-tournament favorite Ivory Coast 8-7 on penalties in a dramatic final at Stade de l'Amitie.
Wesseling: Each NFL team enters the offseason with a series of pressing needs. Sometimes a team can address them all, sometimes they ignore them all. But if a team's smart, they'll listen to us. These are the most crucial aspects for AFC teams.
The Red Wings have finally started to embrace a record they've been chasing.
