MLB
The California Angels take game 1 of the 3 games series against the Boston Red Sox 7 – 5. Dice K had set down 8 Angels in a row until the wheels came off in the 6th inning. Casey Kotchman and Torii Hunter both homered in the 6th to blow the game open. The Sox attempted a comeback but MLB saves leader Francisco Rodriguez closed it out after allowing a Manny HR. The latest Red Sox Trade Blog is here
Another day, another monster loss by the Atlanta Braves. The St Louis Cardinals gained a game on Milwaukee by beating the Braves 12 – 3. The Braves are taking bids , the leading contender for Mark Teixeira is Arizona.
Speaking of the Brewers, the Brewers lost a hard fought game with NL Central Division Leading Chicago Cubs 6 – 4. CC Sabathia and Ted Lilly both gave up 3 earned runs and didn’t factor in the decision. This game went back and forth until Salomon Torres set the stage for the Cubbies win by walking 2 batters in the 9th. The Brew Crew is now 2 games back of the Cubs.
The NY Yankees train came to a screeching halt again, losing to Orioles Magic crooner Kevin Millar ( 3 – 5, 3 RBIs) 13 – 4. Mike Mussina lasted just 5 innings giving up 6 earned runs as the Orioles rolled.
The AL Central showdown Part 1 was won by the Minnesota Twins. Kevin Slowey pitched a complete game 6 hitter, shutting out the White Sox 7 – 0. Justin Morneau and Denard Span both hit 2 run HRs in the 3rd inning. Span’s HR was his 1st career HR. Minnesota is now 1 1/2 games back of the Pale Hose. Late news that the Twins might still be in hot pursuit to bring back LaTroy Hawkins.
The Florida Marlins continued their trek to 1st place in the NL East, and beat the Mets 7 – 3. The Marlins got good news off the field as well, as former Red Sox farmhand Anibal Sanchez will start on Thursday
The Philadelphia Phillies had the night off, but Pat Gillick reveals Chase Utley injury, which Utley denies. If he played for the Patriots, they would list him as questionable, then just start him every game.
The NL West keeps the status quo, Arizona over the Dodgers by 1 game, as the Giants beat the Dodgers 7-6 and the DBacks lose to the Padres 8 – 5.
The Toronto Blue Jays kept the Tampa Bay Rays at bay for the Red Sox another night. Former Portland Sea Dog pitcher, AJ Burnett, matched his career high in wins with 12, beating Tampa 3 -1. Former Red Sox player and Bangor, Maine hockey coach Matt Stairs hit a 2 run HR in the 6th inning to put Toronto up for good. JP Ricciardi addressed rumors that AJ might be moved at the trade deadline. Tampa designates Gary Glover for assignment. His brother Danny had no comment.
Ken Rosenthal’s early morning wrap-ups including Miguel Tejada is off the table. Apparently the Red Sox had interest.
NBA
Former UConn standout Emeka Okafor reached agreement on a 6 year deal.
Another UConn star, Ben Gordon, and the Bulls are getting nowhere fast.
Delonte West’s agent doesn’t like how the Cavs are negotiating. There is word within that article that both Miami and Boston approached Cleveland about a sign and trade but were rebuffed.
Toronto Raptors add another guard to the mix.
Sasha Vujacic, I have a name for him that I won’t use here…just go download any old Sports Vortex from the NBA Finals and you will hear it over and over and over again (it rhymes with Moo-Ya-Witch), signed his deal with the Lakers.
Kwame Brown has a new home, I assume it’s nowhere near 8 Mile or Rick Mahorn.
The Pistons feel that the asking price for Josh Smith is too steep.
The Tim Donaghy Saga should come to some kind of an end today as he is sentenced for his crimes.
Ricky Davis goes to yet another team, signing with the LA Clippers.
The NY Knicks traded away one fan favorite Renaldo Balkman to the Denver Nuggets basically for draft picks and cap space.
NFL
Mike Reiss has observations from Patriots Camp .
Ryan Grant is not pleased with the Packers latest offer.
NY Daily News hypothesizes that Eric Mangini gave the NYJ the day off from camp yesterday to secretly talk to Brett Favre. The Jets deny that statement, saying they needed a break after 5 days. In related news, Patriots Fans laugh their asses off.
Joe Horn still wants out of Atlanta. The Falcons have yet to comply.
Terence Newman is injured in The Cowboys AM session yesterday. The Cowboys are taking cues from the New England Patriots and not saying a freaking thing.
Steven Jackson still holding out of Rams camp.
Shawn Andrews is still MIA for the Eagles, and DeSean Jackson and Asante Samuel have something in common.
The Titans are trying to figure out who their returner is going to be.
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