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 for the fifth time in four days and defenseman Ryan McDonagh snapped a second-period tie to lift the New York Rangers to a 3-2 victory over the Washington Capitals on Sunday.
Kobe Bryant hit a baseline jump shot with 4.2 seconds left and the Los Angeles Lakers wrapped up a six-game road trip by holding on to beat the Raptors 94-92 on Sunday, their eighth victory in nine meetings with Toronto
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.
Golf's dream pairing - Woods and Mickelson - is on the course in the final round at Pebble Beach. Jason Sobel has hole-by-hole reports.
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.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS
2005 finish: 56-106, 6th place in AL Central
Manager: Buddy Bell (1st full season)
Free agents: RHP Jose Lima, LHP Brian Anderson, RHP Scott Sullivan, IF/OF Joe McEwing, IF/OF Denny Hocking
On the block: 1B/DH Mike Sweeney, RHP Mike MacDougal, LHP Jeremy Affeldt
Looking for: A starting pitcher or two, power-hitting corner outfielder, second baseman, backup catcher
Incoming: LHP Bobby Madritsch
What’s going on: The only big salary belongs to Mike Sweeney at $22 million over the next two years. They have been hesitant to part with him, however, as the offers haven’t been enticing enough and there is no need for a salary dump. In fact, owner David Glass says he will add to the payroll after the club’s third 100-loss season in the last four, pushing it to about $50 million. That means GM Allard Baird can get in on the free-agent starting pitcher pool, starting right at the top with A.J. Burnett and Kevin Millwood. But more likely is veteran swingman Elmer Dessens, who also was courted by Colorado. A deal involving one of the young relievers — Mike MacDougal or Jeremy Affeldt — could be made to add offense or a starting pitcher. Jeromy Burnitz is a free-agent possibility. There isn’t much interest in retaining their free-agents, but a couple could be back. Lefty Bobby Madritsch, recovering from surgery and not likely to pitch until late next season, was claimed on waivers from Seattle. They also are exploring options at second base, including Mark Grudzielanek and Bret Boone, as they don’t think Andres Blanco is ready offensively.
|
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.
INTERACTIVE |
 |
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 |
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.
Ryan Callahan scored for the fifth time in four days and defenseman Ryan McDonagh snapped a second-period tie to lift the New York Rangers to a 3-2 victory over the Washington Capitals on Sunday.
NBC Sports TV and livestream listings
/peacock_7788aa.gif){kind=small}