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.
SAN DIEGO PADRES
2005 finish: 82-80, 1st place in NL West
Manager: Bruce Bochy (12th season)
Free agents: RHP Trevor Hoffman, OF Brian Giles, C Ramon Hernandez, 3B Joe Randa, RHP Rudy Seanez, IF/OF Eric Young, 1B Robert Fick, 1B Mark Sweeney, RHP Pedro Astacio, LHP Chris Hammond, IF Manny Alexander
On the block: OF Ryan Klesko, 3B Sean Burroughs, RHP Adam Eaton
Looking for: Speedy outfielders, relievers, catcher if free agent Ramon Hernandez leaves
Incoming: 3B Vinny Castilla
Long gone: RHP Brian Lawrence, IF/OF Damian Jackson
What’s going on: As it turns out, GM Kevin Towers isn’t going anywhere. After flirting with Arizona and being rumored in Boston, Towers will co-exist with CEO Sandy Alderson. But other things are changing, and not necessarily for the better. Brian Lawrence was sent to Washington for Vinny Castilla, which means Joe Randa won’t be-resigned and Sean Burroughs will be dealt. Franchise icon Trevor Hoffman was insulted enough by the team’s initial offer to clean out his locker at Petco Park. Brian Giles is expected to sign elsewhere, possibly St. Louis, and Ramon Hernandez probably will price himself out of the Pads’ budget, leaving Miguel Olivo as his successor They may move in the fence in right-center field, and are looking to remake the club to better fit Petco Park, and that means right-handed power and speedy outfielders. Mike Cameron could be a possibility when he proves he is healthy. Tampa Bay’s Joey Gathright could be another. They could give arbitration-eligible Adam Eaton a long-term deal, but have at least explored dealing him. David Wells could be reacquired, especially if Eaton is dealt. Role players Mark Sweeney and Robert Fick could return. Ironically, Trevor’s older brother Glenn Hoffman is the new third-base coach, and Tye Waller replaces Davey Lopes at first base.
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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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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.
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