Silva: 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 NFC teams.
SportsTalk: Albert Pujols signs with the Angels and Prince Fielder joins the Tigers. Which team is better now?
Ryan Callahan scored three goals as the New York Rangers beat Philadelphia 5-2 on Saturday for their seventh straight win over the Flyers.
Jeremy Lin hit a free throw with 4.9 seconds left to overcome a dreadful second half and lift the New York Knicks to their fifth straight victory, 100-98, over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night.
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.
CFT: Jordan Jefferson makes it clear he wasn't happy with LSU's game plan in the Tigers' BCS Championship Game loss to Alabama.
Move over, Hollywood and NFL types, golf's two real A-listers take center stage Sunday at Pebble Beach, both in need of a win.
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.
Luis Suarez's refusal to shake hands with Patrice Evra overshadowed Manchester United's 2-1 win over rival Liverpool that lifted the defending champions to first place in the Premier League on Saturday.
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.
AP
SAN FRANCISCO - Randy Johnson is expected to miss at least two starts as the 300-game winner recovers from a strained shoulder.
The San Francisco Giants placed the left-hander on the 15-day disabled list Monday after he hurt himself on a swing Sunday. Johnson, who last month became the 24th player in major league history to reach 300 career wins, felt something in his arm but initially tried to pitch through it. He then left his start after committing a throwing error in the top of the fourth inning against the Houston Astros.
The 45-year-old Johnson (8-6) underwent an MRI exam Monday that revealed the strain.
“As of now we hope he can pitch when his 15 days are up,” manager Bruce Bochy said before the Giants opened a series against the Florida Marlins. “We’ll continue to evaluate him but also give him time to get his arm back. ... This guy’s been amazing, what he’s done and what he’s accomplished. I’m sure age becomes a factor at this stage.”
Johnson, who wasn’t available for comment Monday, had managed to stay healthy this season — a major accomplishment considering his recent medical history. Back problems hampered the 6-foot-10 southpaw, a 303-game winner in his 22nd big league season, in each of the previous two years with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
“He’s been unbelievable,” catcher Bengie Molina said. “He’s been pitching great and he’s been a great influence to the young kids.”
Johnson fell on his shoulder during his 300th win at Washington but Bochy isn’t sure the injury is related. He also took a swing in batting practice several days ago and felt some discomfort in his biceps area, then experienced a similar sensation Sunday.
The skipper met with Johnson after the pitcher arrived at the ballpark Monday.
“He was on a pace to win 15 or so games at least,” Bochy said. “He’s disappointed to have to go on the disabled list because he was feeling great.”
It’s unclear whether this injury could jeopardize Johnson’s career. He has said he would evaluate his future and whether he’ll pitch in 2010 after this season.
Jonathan Sanchez, recently demoted to the bullpen, will rejoin the rotation during Johnson’s absence. Infielder Kevin Frandsen was recalled from Triple-A Fresno to fill the roster spot.
SportsTalk: Albert Pujols signs with the Angels and Prince Fielder joins the Tigers. Which team is better now?
DeMarco: Plug in a well-heeled ownership group and negotiate one of those mega-bucks TV deals that are going around, and the Dodgers could become the west coast version of the New York Yankees or Boston Red Sox.
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Jeremy Lin hit a free throw with 4.9 seconds left to overcome a dreadful second half and lift the New York Knicks to their fifth straight victory, 100-98, over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night.
Doron Lamb hit a 3-pointer with 3:18 left to put No. 1 Kentucky ahead to stay, and the Wildcats took a big step toward a Southeastern Conference regular-season title by beating Vanderbilt 69-63 Saturday night for their 17th straight win.
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.