Is Brady Quinn pushing Tim Tebow to third on the depth chart?

There are a lot of people who believe that Tim Tebow(notes) should be the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos. Maybe these people need to get together, organize, and focus their efforts on making sure Tebow is at least the number two quarterback.

According to Mike Klis of the Denver Post, Brady Quinn is making a pretty strong claim on the backup job, too.

Quinn is closing in on his desire to lead a team full time, if not yet at the threshold. Since his splendid preseason performance at Dallas, Quinn has been alternating second-team reps in practice with Tebow. [. . . ]

With the NFL no longer forcing teams to make a No. 3 quarterback designation on game day, there's a chance Tebow would be used for the occasional "Tebow package" plays, but Quinn would get the longer-term backup role.

"I don't know why it is, or exactly how to explain it, but Brady is much better this year than he was last year, " Broncos star cornerback Champ Bailey(notes) said. "He just seems much more confident. "

With the Notre Dame pedigree, the manicured hair and the dripping-with-schadenfruede draft slide, it's been easy (and for some, pleasurable) to dismiss Quinn. But there's got to be something there. He has had two or three games as a professional where he's looked like a viable NFL quarterback.

He hasn't done it consistently, obviously (he didn't play a down in 2010), but at age 26, there's still time for him. Plenty of quarterbacks have blossomed at ages past 26. Physically, Quinn's got the tools. He was once thought of as a potential first-overall pick, and David Lee, a quarterback coach who worked with Quinn in the offseason, says he's got a stronger arm than either Manning brother.

Hughes misses trip in order to Mn, causes Mauer in order to perform outfield

Legitimate account: Mn Twin babies business catcher May well Mauer(information) obtained their very first profession begin in correct area Thurs evening simply because teammate Lomaz Hughes(information) virtually visited the incorrect airport terminal entrance as well as skipped their trip in order to Minneapolis.

"The problems individuals help make, inch Twin babies director Ron Gardenhire stated.

Ongoing their brand new part since the most expensive power participant within the majors, Mauer performed beautifully within correct, producing 3 putouts within an 8-4 reduction towards the Ny Yankees from Focus on Industry. Nevertheless, this Twin babies might have favored to make use of another person available.

Requiring a sound body, the particular Twin babies arranged Hughes, who had been actively playing regarding Triple-A Rochester, on the journey from Lehigh Area International airport within Allentown, Pennsylvania., upon Thurs. He or she reached the actual airport terminal in advance, however visited Entrance 9B rather than the appropriate Entrance 9A. Regardless of the entrance becoming correct subsequent to one another, Hughes in some way overlooked the actual headline associated with their trip.

Press reporter Phil Mackey, which handles the actual Twin babies with regard to ESPN stereo within Minneapolis, speculated which Hughes' headsets had been resulted in as well noisy to know any kind of bulletins.

"I clearly all messed up right now there, inch mentioned Hughes.

The actual Twin babies went along to the problem associated with reserving another trip with regard to Hughes, nevertheless the flight that was not Qantas -- this is a laugh due to the fact Hughes will be through Sydney -- would not allow him or her upon. He or she did not possess the appropriate credit rating cardHughes ultimately received their behave with each other and also attained Targeted Area as well past due to begin, however in period to become crunch player.

Commensurate with the particular concept associated with their day time, he or she hit out there.

Just about everyone has have missed the trip. This occurs. Yet which is not weird concerning possessing prepared their own boarding complete, IDENTITY, suitcases, whichever, any time traveling today? And also envision in the event you have been touring in the overseas region, since Hughes will be. You would acquire added making positive you're inside the proper spot.

The actual Twin babies discovered on their own inside a crunch since the typical proper fielder, Jerr Kubel(information), has been away from city going to a household issue. And also since they have seen a horrible break outs regarding accidents; Denard Span(information), Shiny Tolbert(information) as well as Erina Cuddyer(information) have been almost all out there.

Entering Thursday's online game, the actual Twins' beginning outfield trio associated with Mauer, Rene Tosoni(information) (within remaining) as well as Bill Revere(information) blended with regard to 4 house goes.

Mn basically acquired simply no additional options -- apart from Hughes, who was simply occupied undertaking their Ben Hanks within "The Terminal" effect.

Kennedy’s streak ends in Arizona’s loss

PHILADELPHIA (AP)-If the Arizona Diamondbacks end up playing Philadelphia in the postseason, they won’t be discouraged about losing their last series.

After all, they did beat Roy Halladay(notes) and they split six meetings.

John Mayberry(notes) Jr. hit a two-run homer, David Herndon(notes) tossed three scoreless innings in relief and the Phillies beat the Diamondbacks 4-1 Thursday night in a matchup of division leaders.

The major league-leading Phillies took two of three in a potential playoff preview, improving to 14-1-1 in their last 16 series.
“We’ve got a long way to go, ” shortstop Willie Bloomquist(notes) said. “To be the best, you’ve got to beat the best. We did beat Halladay, so that’s a positive. ”

A thunderstorm delayed the game for 2 hours, 17 minutes after three innings. Neither starting pitcher returned when play resumed.

Herndon (1-2) gave up one hit and struck out four to earn his second career win. Ryan Madson(notes) finished for his 23rd save in 24 tries.

“They just pounded the zone, all of them, ” Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson said. “They did a good job shutting us down. ”

Ian Kennedy(notes) (15-4) gave up three runs and five hits in three innings, failing to become the NL’s first 16-game winner. He had won his previous seven starts.

Arizona remained 2 1-2 games ahead of the defending World Series champion San Francisco Giants in the West.

Phillies starter Vance Worley(notes) allowed one hit in three scoreless innings. The rookie remained 8-1, but Philadelphia has won his last 11 starts.

Paul Goldschmidt(notes) homered for the Diamondbacks. The rookie has four homers in 47 at-bats since getting called up on Aug. 1.

“Goldschmidt and (Lyle) Overbay were our offense in the series, ” Gibson said.

The Phillies, who lead Atlanta by 8 1-2 games in the East, are a season-best 38 games over. 500 and have reached 80 wins in the second-fastest time in franchise history. They did it in 121 games in 1976.

Wilson Valdez(notes), who hit a tiebreaking two-run double in Wednesday’s 9-2 win, put the Phillies up 1-0 with an opposite-field RBI double in the second. Raul Ibanez(notes) hit a one-out double and scored on Valdez’s liner to right.

Mayberry connected in the third, launching a drive high off the left-field foul pole. Mayberry has settled in nicely as the team’s fourth outfielder. It was his 10th homer this season and seventh in 73 at-bats since being recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on July 5.

Ibanez hit an RBI double in the fifth off Micah Owings(notes) to make it 4-0. Chase Utley(notes) doubled and scored on Ibanez’s drive to left.

The Phillies played without four regulars. All-Star center fielder Shane Victorino(notes) served the first of his two-game suspension for his part in a benches-clearing brawl at San Francisco on Aug. 5. First baseman Ryan Howard(notes) (hand), catcher Carlos Ruiz(notes) (groin) and All-Star third baseman Placido Polanco(notes) (sports hernia) also were out. Howard and Ruiz are day to day and could return Friday.

NOTES: Jimmy Rollins(notes) has hit safely in 18 straight games against Arizona, dating to 2007. … A crowd of 45, 633 was the 200th straight sellout at Citizens Bank Park, including postseason play... Kennedy’s streak of 22 straight starts throwing at least 100 pitches ended. … Arizona’s Kelly Johnson(notes) was 0 for 3. He’s 15 for 89 (#(. 169) since the All-Star break. … Roy Oswalt(notes) (5-7) takes the mound for the Phillies at Washington on Friday night. He’ll face Livan Hernandez(notes) (7-11). Oswalt is 6-4 in 19 career games against the Nationals. … Daniel Hudson(notes) (12-8) pitches for the Diamondbacks at Atlanta against Derek Lowe(notes) (7-11) on Friday. He’s never faced the Braves

Scottie Pippen wins a chunk of change back from his failed airplane venture

Scottie Pippen has won a $2. 37 million settlement against a Miami businessman who is on the hook for acting as the biggest reason behind Pippen's failed attempt at owning and maintaining his own airplane.

Pippen's financial issues date back to his NBA career. Though endorsements helped, Pippen was famously the 122nd-highest paid NBA player in 1997-98 when he helped lead the Chicago Bulls to their sixth NBA title. A boffo max contract signed a year later made up for that contributions/compensation disparity, but poor planning along the way did not, and nothing typifies this better than the "Air Pip" story.

During the early part of the last decade, Pippen purchased a private airliner to shuttle him between his various homes in Miami, Portland and Chicago. When that purchase started to go sour, Pippen attempted to make up for that particular money pit by agreeing to a final season with the Bulls at an average salary (well more than twice what he made in 1997-98) in 2003-04. That final year of NBA money definitely worked in his favor, but it could not stop the flurry of allegations, suits and semi-settlements around "Air Pip" that followed.

According to South Florida Business Journal, though, this may all be over:

In 2010, widespread media covered a Cook County jury verdict for Pippen related to the deal: He won $2 million in a malpractice case against Chicago law firm Pedersen & Houpt. Pippen alleged the firm failed to closely monitor his plane purchase. Pippen originally sought $8 million in that case.

The final judgment against [Miami businessman Craig] Frost was recently registered in Miami-Dade Circuit Court. It said Frost had agreed to a confidential settlement in September 2010, but had failed to pay Pippen under the terms of that settlement.

Pippen hasn't enjoyed the same sort of retirement duties that most players of his generation have been able to take on. The Bulls hired him last year as an ambassador of sorts in part to help him with his financial woes, and while that isn't the toughest gig around (and last season's Chicago Bulls run was pretty fun to watch from a courtside seat), he'd still likely prefer being on the beach down in Miami with his wife as opposed to leading an NBA Cares program in Highland Park, Ill., in January.

Not exactly a sob story, I know, but if Pippen was wronged it's still pretty nice to see him get back some of what he earned during a gritty, all-out basketball career.

Strikeforce Challengers 19 adds Larkin-Zwicker, Couture-Watson, Johnson-Jordan

Three fights are now set for the next Strikeforce Challengers show.


MMAjunkie. com (www. mmajunkie. com) previously reported one of the Strikeforce Challengers 19 fights: light-heavyweights headliners Lorenz Larkin (11-0 MMA, 2-0 SF) vs. Virgil Zwicker (10-2 MMA, 1-1 SF).


Additionally, previously reported competitor Ryan Couture (2-1 MMA, 2-1 SF) now has an opponent: Hawaiian lightweight Maka Watson (4-1 MMA, 0-1 SF).


Also scheduled for the Sept. 23 event is a heavyweight bout between Lavar Johnson (15-4 MMA, 3-1 SF) and Shawn Jordan (11-3 MMA, 0-1 SF).


Strikeforce Challengers 19 takes place at the Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. All of the three above fights are slated for the Showtime-televised main card.


Larkin recently moved to 11-0 with a unanimous-decision victory over Gian Villante at Strikeforce Challengers 16, which followed a Strikeforce Challengers 15 TKO victory over Scott Lighty. Zwicker made his promotional debut in October at Strikeforce Challengers 11 and suffered a KO loss to heavyweight Lavar Johnson. However, he then returned to light heavyweight and scored a recent TKO victory over Brett Albee on the preliminary card of "Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley. "


Meanwhile, Couture's quick rise was temporarily halted when Matt Ricehouse outpointed him in June at Strikeforce Challengers 16. Prior to the setback, Couture had racked up Strikeforce wins against Lucas Stark and Lee Higgins, which built on a 5-1-1 amateur record. He now meets Watson, who went 4-0 at Rumble on the Rock from 2007 to 2008. He recently returned from a three-year layoff and suffered a submission loss to Bill Cooper at Strikeforce Challengers 17.


Finally, Johnson looks to rebound from a submission loss to Shane Del Rosario at February's "Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva" event. The loss snapped a seven-fight win streak that included a trio of Strikeforce Challengers wins. He now meets Jordan, a former fullback on the LSU football team who had a four-fight stint with Bellator. In his Strikeforce debut (and as a late replacement), he suffered a decision loss to Devin Cole at Strikeforce Challengers 17.


For more on Strikeforce Challengers 19, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of the site.




Check out more UFC News at MMAjunkie. com. This story originally appeared on MMAjunkie. com and is syndicated on Yahoo! Sports as part of a content-partnership deal between the two sites.

Lincecum deals as Giants avoid sweep by Phils

SAN FRANCISCO (AP)-Tim Lincecum’right knee still throbbing, Chase Utley(notes) hustled out toward the mound to apologize that his bat had struck the pitcher

A tense four-game series featuring a benches-clearing brawl between NL division leaders ended with an act of sportsmanship.
“He said, ‘Sorry, man, ”’ said Lincecum, San Francisco’s ace. “Bad hop. Bad luck. ”

Lincecum stayed sharp until Utley accidentally lost his grip and the Giants ended the Philadelphia Phillies’ season-high nine-game winning streak, tagging Roy Oswalt(notes) in a 3-1 win Sunday.

Jeff Keppinger(notes) had four hits as the Giants spoiled Oswalt’s return from the disabled list and avoided a four-game sweep.

“That was one of the biggest games of the year, really, ” Giants first baseman Aubrey Huff(notes) said. “Four-game sweeps are tough to deal with, especially in your home yard. ”

Lincecum (10-9) went down in the eighth inning when Utley’s bat skittered back at him. Utley went out to check on Lincecum, who handed back the bat, walked it off and stayed in the game. Utley then hit a one-out single.

Lincecum left later in the eighth after Hunter Pence(notes) reached with two outs on first baseman Aubrey Huff’s error. Javier Lopez(notes) relieved and retired Raul Ibanez(notes) on a fly ball.

Brian Wilson(notes) finished for his 34th save in 38 chances, closing out the Giants’ second win in 10 games.

New Giants star Carlos Beltran(notes) left after the seventh. He felt a sharp pain in the top of his right hand on a swinging strikeout to end the sixth. X-rays were negative and Beltran was expected to play Monday night against Pittsburgh.

The NL East-leading Phillies, with the majors’ best record at 74-40, hadn’t lost since dropping two of three to the Giants in Philly from July 26-28.

Lincecum allowed seven hits and one run, struck out five and walked one in 7 2-3 innings. The two-time NL Cy Young Award winner and four-time All-Star beat the Phillies for the second time in three starts. After walking leadoff man Jimmy Rollins(notes) on four pitches to start the game, Lincecum worked from the stretch the rest of the way to “simplify things. ”

He was determined to get the Giants back on track.

“With the funk we’ve been in, you hope this is something to build on, ” Lincecum said. “We don’t want to be content just winning one here and there. ”

It was a timely performance for the reigning World Series champions, who have been struggling to score enough runs for their talented pitching staff. San Francisco held its half-game lead on Arizona in the NL West after the Diamondbacks beat the Dodgers.

“He gave us what we needed, ” manager Bruce Bochy said.

Oswalt (4-7), facing Lincecum in their seventh career regular-season meeting, gave up a season-high 12 hits in his first start since June 23. The right-hander missed 37 games with lower back inflammation. He is 1-7 since beginning the year 3-0.

“That was better than I thought I was going to be, ” he said. “It wasn’t like I was giving up doubles into the gap. It feels good to be back on the field. Hopefully I can finish out the year. ”

Phillies slugger Ryan Howard(notes) went 1 for 12 with eight strikeouts in the series and was 3 for 24 in seven games against the Giants this year. He struck out 12 times in 22 at-bats last October when San francisco beat Philadelphia in the six-game NL championship series.

Orlando Cabrera(notes) hit a go-ahead sacrifice fly in the fifth and Keppinger added one of his own in the sixth.

The Giants produced 13 hits and avoided their first four-game sweep by the Phillies since losing in Philly from May 13-16, 1982-and at home since Aug. 6-8, 1943, while playing in New York.

Chris Stewart(notes) added a pair of singles and an RBI and Pablo Sandoval(notes) had two hits for San Francisco, which loaded the bases against Oswalt in the fourth. Stewart delivered a single up the middle to tie the game at 1. The Giants finally made the most of some chances after going hitless in their first 18 at-bats of the series with runners in scoring position.

Huff’s fourth-inning bloop single two batters ahead of Stewart ended an 0-for-22 stretch overall with runners in scoring position.

Beltran was booed when he hit into an inning-ending double play in the first. But Phillies center fielder Shane Victorino(notes), in the middle of the skirmish Friday, got it worse from the sellout crowd of 42, 366-and fans jumped to their feet and roared when he struck out looking in the third.

“You know what, nothing compared to New york, ” said Beltran, traded to the Giants on July 28 from the Mets.

Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz(notes) took a third-inning foul tip by Lincecum in the facemask but stayed in the game after being examined by trainers. He had two hits.

NOTES: Phillies 3B Placido Polanco(notes) flew home to Philadelphia to undergo an MRI exam Monday on his sore left hip. He came out of Saturday’s game with the injury, which he said had been bothering him for some time and wasn’t a result of being tackled by Giants catcher Eli Whiteside(notes) during the fracas Friday. … Oswalt had his third hit of the year with a leadoff single in the third. … San Francisco INF Miguel Tejada(notes) will likely go on a short rehab assignment soon before returning from the DL with a lower abdominal strain. … Giants LHP Barry Zito’s(notes) rehab outing with Class-A San Jose was pushed back from Sunday to Monday. He is likely to pitch four or five innings as he nurses a sprained right foot that also sidelined him earlier this year. … Giants RHP and All-Star Ryan Vogelsong(notes) (9-1) tries to extend his career-best winning streak to seven straight decisions in Monday night’s series opener against the Pirates. He is 6-0 with a 2. 50 ERA over his last 12 outings. Vogelsong won at Pittsburgh in his first start of the year April 28, allowing two runs on four hits in 5 2-3 innings. He matched his career high with eight Ks. … The Phillies continue their 10-game road trip against the NL West with the opener at Dodger Stadium. Roy Halladay(notes) (14-4) looks to win his fourth straight start. Philadelphia is headed into Game 18 of 20 in a row without a day off.

Culpepper works out as 49ers look for veteran QB

Daunte Culpepper threw passes to tight end Nate Lawrie once again, on a little bigger stage this time than during their stint together last year with the United Football League’s Sacramento Mountain Lions.

Culpepper worked out for some 30 minutes Monday in front of the San francisco 49ers brass-and Lawrie called it a crisp, impressive session.

“I was catching balls for him during the workout, and he was throwing it around pretty good. He’s spinning it well, ” said Lawrie, who signed a one-year deal with San francisco on Sunday. “Daunte’s got a ton of experience. He’s got a lot of success in this league. And the guy can play, he can throw the ball. That’s what it all boils down to. ”
The Niners apparently believe Culpepper can still bring it despite a year in the minors.

They were considering adding Culpepper to their quarterback mix after coach Jim Harbaugh said Saturday there’s a need for a veteran backup behind projected starter Alex Smith and rookie Colin Kaepernick. Harbaugh’s offense was ineffective in a 24-3 exhibition loss at New Orleans on Friday night-and he is determined to be better come Saturday’s home preseason game with the Oakland Raiders at Candlestick Park.

Tight end Delanie Walker made it sound like Culpepper had already joined the team. The 49ers had not made any kind of announcement other than Harbaugh acknowledging Sunday that Culpepper would get a tryout. Culpepper wasn’t on the field when practice began.

“I’m just happy that we got him. He can help the team out with his expertise and give the quarterbacks some pointers on what he’s seen, and help Alex and Colin out, ” Walker said before Monday afternoon’s practice. “I think it’s going to be a good look for us and I’m glad to have him out here. ”

The 34-year-old Culpepper, who was still at team headquarters for lunch, last played in the NFL for the Detroit Lions in 2009. He started five games and played in eight total. In 11 NFL seasons, he has passed for 24, 153 yards and 149 touchdowns.

A three-time Pro Bowler, he spent his first seven seasons with the Vikings, then one year each with Miami and Oakland before two years in Motown.

“Just experience, knowing the game and having been in it, ” receiver Ted Ginn Jr.  said of Culpepper’s potential positive influence. “It’s something that we can’t worry about. Whoever steps in there, you should be right for him. ”

Smith, the 2005 No. 1 overall draft pick out of Utah, is still the front-runner to win the starting job-though Harbaugh hasn’t named him the top guy yet. In recent days, Harbaugh has called it a competition between Smith and second-round draft pick Kaepernick.

Culpepper could provide guidance to both QBs-and some insurance to a franchise eager to finally turn around its fortunes. San francisco hasn’t had a winning season or reached the playoffs in eight years.

Lawrie appreciated Culpepper’s veteran presence and humility in the UFL last season. They ran what Lawrie referred to as a “hybrid” version of the West Coast offense, so he sees Culpepper having no problems picking up Harbaugh’s playbook in a hurry.

“He’ll fit right in, ” Lawrie said. “He’s friendly, outgoing and connects well with players, which is a great asset for a quarterback. He has played for years and done a lot of great things. He knows football and that’s pretty clear. It comes from taking a lot of snaps. ”

Notes: WR Michael Crabtree, missing his third straight training camp, was all smiles and said he is “encouraged” by the progress of his injured left foot. Crabtree—on the physically unable to perform list—was moving around without his walking boot Monday.

Vogelsong helps Giants beat Marlins 5-2

Outfitting from their locker, Thomas Vogelsong confirmed the club customer the actual large red-colored welt upon their top still left equip, the memento gained on the way in order to their career-best tenth triumph.

Vogelsong lost the battle the first-inning homer as well as required the toss inside biceps hitting within the 7th Weekend, however which was the only real substantial harm caused about the right-hander, that aided the actual Bay area Titans to some 5-2 success within the slumping Sarasota Marlins.
Vogelsong (10-2), the journeyman that blossomed this season in to a good All-Star, benefited through 4 homers through their teammates. He or she outdated SEVENTEEN inside a strip throughout 1 extend in order to lastly achieve the actual double-digit triumph landmark from grow older thirty four.

“Every earn is actually substantial, ” he or she stated. “To me personally, the street I’ve already been upon, all of them imply some thing. ”

Within sun-drenched, 91-degree climate, Vogelsong grew to become too hot only if reliever Burke Badenhop strike him or her having a message. Vogelsong elevated the actual softball bat more than their mind along with both of your hands and also condemned this towards the floor, and also the catcher as well as dish umpire moved in between him or her and also Badenhop.

“I don’t believe these were attempting to strike me personally, ” Vogelsong stated. “But when you obtain strike, you’re likely to end up being angry, particularly simply because I've absolutely no extra-base strikes, as well as We haven’t experienced popular within regarding 8 weeks. ”

Each groups ignored the idea there is recurring poor bloodstream using their prior conference this year inside Might, whenever Titans catcher Buster Posey shattered their lower-leg within a crash which stirred debate.

“Guys obtain caught up, ” Marlins supervisor Jack port McKeon stated. “Vogel … Volkswagen … what ever their title is—he’s fortunate he or she didn’t need to encounter Drysdale or even Gibson or even some of those men. You'd obtain a shave along with a haircut actual fast. ”

The actual Marlins have been ill-fated they'd to manage Vogelsong, that matched up work higher along with 8 strikeouts. He or she permitted 2 operates and also 4 strikes within 7 2-3 innings, reducing their PERIOD in order to two. forty seven, second-best within the NL.

Cody Ross finished the actual Giants’ main league-record ability associated with TWENTY ONE consecutive single homers whenever he or she strike the two-run chance within the 3rd inning. It had been the very first non-solo homer regarding Bay area because This summer 6.

“Nice to obtain a house operate lastly along with somebody upon bottom, ” supervisor Bruce Bochy stated. “It raised the actual membership. ”

Nate Schierholtz started out a fresh ability having a single homer within the 4th. Brandon Belt, remembered Sunday through Triple-A for that 3rd moment this season, strike single homers inside the 6th as well as 8th.

The house operate complete linked the period higher for that Titans, that get ranking alongside final within the majors within operates. These people required the actual sequence following dropping their own earlier 4 sequence.

Santiago Casilla upon the market Paul Stanton together with 2 onto finish the actual 8th. Ramon Ramirez came up onto hit away Brett Hayes along with 2 upon along with 2 away within the 9th with regard to their 2nd preserve within 3 probabilities.

All-Star better John Wilson (aching back again) and also reliever Sergio Romo (aching equip) received your day away however are required to become offered Mon from Atl.

The actual Marlins confronted the actual Giants’ best 3 beginners within the line, also it demonstrated. Bay area pitchers quit just 4 operates and also 15 strikes.

“It’s good to visit available as well as understand a person just rating 3 or 4 operates as well as you’re likely to provide your self an opportunity, ” Ross stated.

The actual Marlins, who've fought in your own home just about all period, obtained just twenty five operates whilst proceeding 1-9 on the homestand.

Homers paid for for those 4 operates away Bob Volstad (5-9), that proceeded to go 6 innings inside their begin regarding Sarasota because getting demoted in order to Triple-A Brand new Orleans upon This summer TWENTY THREE.

Ross, actively playing within Ohio this particular weekend break with regard to initially because the Titans purchased him or her through Sarasota on the waiver declare final July, strike their 9th homer following Vogelsong wandered, placing the actual Titans upward 2-1. Schierholtz later on strike their 8th homer, and also Belt’s very first profession two-homer online game offered him or her 4 house operates this year.

INFORMATION: The actual Marlins remembered INF Ozzie Martinez and also chosen the actual agreement associated with INF Jose Lopez through Triple-A Brand new Orleans. … Titans ASSOCIATED WITH Carlos Beltran (stretched correct arm) had been from the beginning collection for that 6th consecutive day time however stated he or she had been experience much better. … Casilla experienced purchases to not swing action whenever he or she batted with regard to the very first time within their job, as well as Jose Ceda strolled him or her upon 4 pitches. … Marlins RHP Clay-based Hensley, planned to begin Mon from Co, includes a 4-1 report as well as 3. '07 PERIOD within 7 job begins from the Rockies. … Titans LHP Madison Bumgarner, planned to begin Mon from Atl, survived just two 2-3 innings as well as threw in the towel 4 operates inside a reduction towards the Braves upon 04 twenty two. That's their just prior online game towards all of them.

Giants DE Umenyiora ends stalemate, will practice

A somewhat miffed Osi Umenyiora is returning to the New york giants without a new contract.

In an email to the Associated Press on Sunday evening, the two-time Pro Bowl defensive end said he plans to practice on Monday at training camp, and that he will play this season under the terms of his current contract.
Umenyiora said the Giants offered to put incentives in his contact, which will pay him $7. 1 million over the next two seasons, but he rejected them.

“No deal has been reworked, ” Umenyiora told the AP. “What has been offered has been unacceptable and shows they don’t really respect the fact I sacrifice my health for the franchise. I will play under my current deal because I love and respect my coaches, my teammates, the fans, and myself. Not for those incentives. ”

Umenyiora didn’t say how much money the team offered in incentives.

The nine-year NFL veteran hasn’t practiced since reporting to training camp on July 30, a day late. He failed to report on time because he alleged that general manager Jerry Reese told him the team would rework his contract.

Reese has refused to discuss what was said between them.

The 29-year-old Umenyiora shared the team lead with 11. 5 sacks last season and he had a league-high 10 forced fumbles.

The Giants told Umenyiora not to practice after he reported to training camp. A couple of days later they gave his agent, Tony Agnone, permission to seek a trade, provided they got a first-round draft pick in return.

The Giants then told Agnone to stop looking a few days later.

Umenyiora, who was part of a players antitrust suit against the NFL during the recent lockout, gave indications on Wednesday that he might practice soon when he did some work with trainers simulating snaps. He went to Atlanta on Thursday and got a second opinion on his injured knee.

Giants coach Tom Coughlin said on Sunday that team doctors cleared Umenyiora for practice, and hours later Umenyiora told the AP that he would take the field on Monday.

“I will play under my old deal, ” Umenyiora said.

Umenyiora’s decision came one day after second-year defensive end pro Jason Pierre-Paul recorded two sacks and played an excellent game in the Giants’ 20-10 loss to Carolina in the preseason opener.

“JPP obviously played well, ” Coughlin said. “He was a force with two sacks and he missed another one. He made some tackles and was a force against a good left tackle so i was pleased with the way he played. ”

Panthers beat Giants 20-10 in Newton’s debut

Cam Newton led a pair of field-goal drives in his NFL debut, and Jimmy Clausen threw a touchdown pass to Greg Olsen to help the Carolina Panthers beat the New york giants 20-10 in a preseason game Saturday night.

Newton, the Heisman Trophy winner from Auburn and top overall pick in the NFL draft, had mixed results. He struggled with his accuracy and twice failed to get the Panthers into the end zone on promising first-half drives. But he also showed plenty of zip on his throws and brought some big-play potential to the league’s worst offense last season.
Newton completed 8 of 19 throws for 134 yards, including a pair of completions of at least 30 yards. He entered the game to loud cheers on Carolina’s first drive of the second quarter and left early in the fourth.

Michael Boley returned an interception 56 yards for a score in the game’s opening minutes for the Giants’ only touchdown.

It was a forgettable night for New York’s offense, which never reached the end zone. Lawrence Tynes missed two field goals and had another blocked in the fourth.

The game also marked the debut of Panthers coach Ron Rivera, who replaced John Fox as the franchise begins a significant overhaul.

Newton’s arrival seems sure to provide a spark and renewed fan interest for a team coming off a two-win season. The loudest cheers of the night came when Newton put on his helmet and ran onto the field to replace Clausen with 14: 21 left in the second quarter.

His first throw was a safe one, a rollout to the right on play action for a short pass to Olsen that the tight end turned into a 10-yard gain. A few plays later, Newton found Olsen again with an on-the-button throw to the left for a 30-yard gain that set up a first-and-goal.

But Newton twice failed to connect with Brandon LaFell in the end zone, forcing Carolina to settle for a field goal. Newton also led the Panthers on a 54-yard drive in the final minute of the half, but rushed a pass against pressure and overthrew an open Armanti Edwards at the goal line to set up another field goal for a 13-10 halftime lead.

Still, Newton avoided big mistakes and took care of the football. The same couldn’t be said of Clausen, who heard boos from the moment his second pass hit Boley in the hands barely 2 minutes in. When the next drive ended with Clausen taking a third-down sack, some fans stopped booing long enough only to begin chants of “Cam! Cam! ”

Clausen salvaged his night by finding Olsen for an 18-yard touchdown on the next possession.

New york coach Tom Coughlin didn’t see any such bounceback from his offense.

Eli Manning didn’t lead a scoring drive in his five series, completing 4 of 9 passes for just 36 yards. He also slightly overthrew Hakeem Nicks on what could’ve been a big third-down gain on his first possession, forcing Tynes to try a 56-yard field goal.

His final series ended when the Panthers stopped Brandon Jacobs on a third-and-short carry midway through the second quarter. Then, after recovering a fumble from Mike Goodson in Carolina territory, the Giants came up empty again when Tynes missed a 37-yard kick.

Carolina added an insurance score when Derek Anderson found Kealoha Pilares for a 35-yard touchdown in the fourth.

Beltran accepts trade, headed to SF Giants

Carlos Beltran has accepted a trade to the San Francisco Giants, leaving the new York Mets to join his new team after saying goodbye.

The Mets had received a 24-hour window to negotiate with the All-Star outfielder about waiving his no-trade clause. Shortly before an 8-2 win over the Reds on Wednesday night, Beltran arrived in the clubhouse and told his teammates he was on his way to join the Giants in Philadelphia.

The deal is expected to be announced Thursday morning.

NFL adds game-day tests for performance enhancers

The NFL is adding game-day testing for performance-enhancing substances-but not recreational drugs-this season under the new collective bargaining agreement.

The league’s senior vice president of law and labor policy, Adolpho Birch, said Tuesday on a conference call with reporters that tests weren’t conducted in the past on days there were games “because of logistical issues involved, much more so than any philosophical issues. ”

Birch, who oversees the NFL’s drug program, added that the league had developed a way to test that “is not overly disruptive to the clubs and that respects the game-day process. ”

Birch would not say where talks between the NFL and the players’ union stand - or even if they’ve started-about details that need to be worked out before the league can introduce random, year-round blood testing for human growth hormone.

The NFL and union agreed last week that HGH testing can become part of the sport’s drug program under the new, 10-year collective bargaining agreement that was ratified by players Thursday. But first issues such as the appeals process and how tests are taken have to be negotiated.

“The key to this testing is the randomness of it, and that every player is subject to and eligible for testing on a year-round basis, with no notice, ” Birch said.

The only limitation on the number of tests is that a player may be tested a maximum of six times each offseason, from February until the start of training camp.

“I would certainly expect players will be tested in an amount that will be meaningful. But more important, the idea is not so much the number of tests performed, but it is the constant threat of testing that provides the key to deterrence under this particular program, ” Birch said.

Finnegan: Apologizes, bolted camp over deal talks

Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan is saying all the right things after bolting training camp upset over contract talks, and he’s busy apologizing to his bosses, teammates, fans and even the media for leaving camp Friday night.

Finnegan also said Monday he will pay his fine willingly for missing a day of camp. And he admitted he was upset over talks for an extension, which was the personal.
“I took negotiations, what they do, personally, and I shouldn’t have, and it affected everyone in the community and the team, ” Finnegan said Monday after practice. “I deeply regret that. ”

Finnegan left Friday night and missed Saturday’s practice capping the opening week of training camp. Titans general manager Mike Reinfeldt said after the session they were surprised Finnegan had left considering they were in talks over an extension and had just received a counterproposal from Finnegan’s agent after practice Friday.
Both Reinfeldt and new coach Mike Munchak said they hadn’t heard from Finnegan and would report him to the NFL as having left camp.

The cornerback was a seventh-round pick out of Samford in 2006 who became a starter in 2007. The Titans extended his contract in August 2008, and he is going into the final year of that deal making more than $3. 7 million this season.

He said he was upset by what was said in the talks and wanted to head home to talk with his wife before his next move. His departure had teammates worried, calling to check on him.

“Was it wrong? Absolutely. But it was something that I needed to talk about with her. I wanted to sit down and have a game plan moving forward, ” Finnegan said.

Finnegan stood before reporters after practice Monday and started off by apologizing to reporters he had accused on Twitter of having the story wrong. He also said he understands he was a distraction to his team with a new coach and that wasn’t needed.

“I can’t let my team down like that, ” he said.

The cornerback reported back for camp before curfew Sunday night, and he talked with Munchak, the new head coach, on Monday.
“I apologized to him tremendously just for wanting me here still is big, and I appreciate him, ” Finnegan said.

Munchak said Finnegan will be fined, though the coach wouldn’t say how much. The new CBA allows players to be fined $30, 000 for each day of camp missed.

“We feel we’ve got things under control, and we’re ready to move forward, and like I said, he missed Saturday. He’ll be accountable for his actions that day, ” Munchak said.

Asked if Finnegan would be punished further by the team, Munchak said no.

“He knows that’s not the way to handle the situation in the future, and if something happens in the future maybe it’ll be different, ” the coach said. “But for now, I think we did what we needed to do and time to move forward. ”

Finnegan has started every game he has played in since the start of 2007. He was an All Pro and Pro Bowler in 2008.

He has 13 career interceptions but only had two in 2010 when the Titans went 6-10. Finnegan was fined by the NFL a few times in 2010, the highlight coming Nov. 28 in a fight with Houston receiver Andre Johnson when the cornerback took most of the punches and both men were fined $25, 000.

Finnegan was a key leader during the NFL lockout, helping organize a two-day minicamp at a Nashville high school in June along with sessions during the negotiations. He said he knows he didn’t play to his best in 2010 and is eager to improve.

The emotional cornerback said he hopes he didn’t hurt talks with the team and appreciates Tennessee reaching out to him for contract talks considering 22 other Titans also are in the final year of their deals.

His teammates have accepted his apology.

“That’s all you can ask for from a guy when a mistake happens, when an incident happens to own up to it and not run from you guys and not run from us, and that’s what he did, ” fullback Ahmard Hall said.

NOTES: LT Michael Roos (back) returned to practice Monday, and WR Kenny Britt also started working out for the first time in camp as the team is easing him back in after a tight right hamstring.

Rams’ QB Bradford looking good in scrimmage

Rams quarterback Sam Bradford looked sharp executing the new St. Louis offense in the red zone Sunday during the scrimmage at Lindenwood University.
Bradford completed 13 of 20 passes for 140 yards and four touchdowns against the second-team defense. He had one interception.
“We did some good things out there and obviously, there’ll be some great things to learn from the tape, ” Bradford said. “We made a lot of mistakes, but that’s what camp is for and this is what scrimmages like this are for. ”
Bradford’s favorite target was Danny Amendola, who caught eight passes for 70 yards. Mike Sims-Walker caught three passes for 71 yards and a touchdown.
The scrimmage involved running plays, third-down situations and red-zone work before an estimated crowd of 6, 200 at Harlen C. Hunter Stadium. The temperature reached 94 degrees with a heat index of 108.
“The offense looked fairly smooth to me, ” St. Louis coach Steve Spagnuolo said. “Sam’s very confident. I don’t think the new system is bothering him very much. I like the interaction between (offensive coordinator) Josh (McDaniels) and him. ”
In the red zone, Bradford was 4 of 5 for 47 yards and four touchdowns.
“The red zone was real important for us, ” Spagnuolo said. “We’ve got a lot of that coming this week. I thought it was encouraging. ”
Spagnuolo was impressed by Amendola.
“It’s nice to see him back out there, ” Spagnuolo said. “Danny is what he is, a nice reliable guy. I think Sam appreciates that and has a lot of confidence in him. ”
Sims-Walker had a highlight-worthy grab with an over-the-shoulder catch, good for 21 yards on a third-and-four situation.
“I was a little timid at first, but I got going a little bit towards the middle, ” Sims-Walker said. “I’ve got a lot of work to do. I’d grade myself as a D+ or C. I’m grasping the offense. I just got to get some reps at doing it. I’ve got to play a little bit faster. ”
Several receivers were banged up and did not participate in the scrimmage, including Daniaro Alexander and Donnie Avery.
“It’s been hard to get them out there at the same time, ” Spagnuolo said. “Hopefully, the health thing will come around and we’ll get some real competition. ”
The running game did not shine. Cadillac Williams rushed six times for 16 yards. Jerious Norwood had three attempts for seven yards. Steven Jackson, who was not on field much, had one carry for three yards.
NOTES: Backup QB A. J. Feeley went 6 for 17 for 117 yards and a touchdown. He had an interception. … CB Chris Smith hurt his knee in the scrimmage. … CB Ron Bartell (thigh) did not participate. … the Rams open preseason play with a home game Saturday night against the Indianapolis Colts.

LA judge tentatively rules against Pacers owner

determine upon Fri tentatively dominated towards Indy Pacers proprietor Plant Simon as well as their spouse at first stage of the wrongful termination test relating to the childcare professional they terminated.

Claudia Leite’s suit stated your woman had been terminated simply because your woman grew to become expecting. The chauffeur has additionally became a member of within the match.

Exceptional Courtroom Assess Amy Hogue stated which although your woman discovered Simon as well as their spouse to become reputable witnesses, your woman sensed they ought to did much more analysis following Leite unsuccessful the fingerprint check within 2005. Your woman furthermore mentioned how the several had been informed of the event by which Leite slapped the sweetheart whilst he or she had been generating plus they experienced observed the woman's shed the woman's mood two times.
The actual few testified they understood absolutely nothing associated with Leite’s chaotic history including restraining requests, spousal misuse costs along with a sweetheart who had been the medication abuser. These people stated they'd not have access to employed as well as rehired the woman's when they experienced recognized regarding the woman's previous.

Plant Simon, seventy five, in whose loved ones financed the actual Indiana-based retail center organization Simon House team, includes a internet well worth regarding $1. four million, based on Forbes. He or she as well as their spouse, the previous Skip World through Thailand, possess 3 kids as well as properties within Montecito as well as Malibu, in addition to Indy.

The actual assess stated they ought to happen to be notified whenever their own children’s college called for the fingerprint check associated with Leite to permit the woman's they are driving within vehicle swimming pools in the college. Simon’s spouse, Bui, testified previously how the college known as to express the actual childcare professional experienced unsuccessful the actual check however they didn't uncover the reason why.

“That ended up being a huge red-colored banner which should possess place the actual Simons upon discover, ” stated the actual decide. “You tend to be placed on observe that a worker offers unsuccessful some sort of police arrest records check. That's a massive red-colored banner in order to any kind of mother or father. ”

The actual couple’s attorney, Patricia Glaser, stated how the Simons trustworthy Leite, that proved helpful for the kids with regard to 8 many years, which Bui Simon thought the actual B razil born-nanny whenever your woman stated the actual fingerprint difficulty stemmed through a good immigration concern.

Hogue stated your woman recognized they trustworthy the woman's. “You provide an abiding believe in to see an individual daily plus they are practically a part of your loved ones, ” your woman stated.

However your woman additional, “There had been absolutely nothing to avoid the actual Simons through requesting a worker, `Have a person lots of people caught? Maybe you have experienced the restraining purchase towards a person? ”’

Your woman stated she'd help to make the woman's choice last Mon as well as plan the court test within the rest from the situation from the Simons. Any time requested regardless of whether quarrels might be offered in a few days, your woman clarified: “This isn't always the finish from it. ”
Your woman additionally advised how the events fulfill for any negotiation meeting. However Glaser stated outdoors courtroom which “there isn't any possibility of funds. They've absolutely no attention in any way. ”

The actual nanny’s attorney, Frederick Davis, asserted which Bui Simon had been conscious of bodily battles in between Leite along with a sweetheart however dismissed this. “She simply didn’t wish to listen to regarding it… Your woman put upward the woman's fingers stated, `I simply don’t wish to listen to about this any longer, ”’ he or she stated.
Leite testified which your woman stop the woman's work within 2006 inside a challenge along with Bui Simon from La Airport terminal once the loved ones came back through a good abroad vacation. Your woman requested the woman's work in '08 as well as had been rehired.

“Claudia had been difficult operating as well as cherished through the loved ones, ” Davis stated. “The Simons reliable Claudia as well as your woman experienced gained their own adore, not only for that excellent adore as well as warmness your woman demonstrated for that kids nevertheless the comfortable relationships your woman acquired together. It had been the actual enjoy associated with Claudia for that kids which trumped every thing. ”

“The defendants’ situation isn't exactly what your woman do towards the kids, ” stated Davis. “It’s exactly what these people didn't understand your woman had been performing within the woman's individual existence. ”

Reid won’t speculate on status of Jackson, Maclin

Eagles trainer Andy Reid had been disregarding stories Weekend which broad recipient DeSean Jackson might finish their holdout as well as are accountable to instruction camping Mon, because different press shops possess suggested.

“We’ll observe, ” Reid mentioned. “I haven’t actually centered on which. We haven’t spoke in order to him or her. In the event that he’s right here, much more capacity to him or her. In the event that he’s not really, such as We advised a person prior to, my personal concentrate is actually to make certain that We obtain the men which are right here trained upward. ”

Fitzgibbons, the two-time Professional Bowler, may make $565, 000 this year, the final upon their four-year first year offer. In the event that he or she doesn't statement through Wednesday, he or she appears to reduce annually associated with support period towards free of charge company.
He or she captured forty seven goes by with regard to 1, 056 meters as well as 6 touchdowns this past year, as well as their TWENTY TWO. 5 yard-per-catch typical had been greatest within the NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE. He or she additionally averaged 11. 6 back yards upon 20 punt results, such as the 65-yarder for any landing which defeat the actual Leaders about the final perform of the December. nineteen online game within the Meadowlands.

Philadelphia’s additional beginning broad recipient, Jeremy Maclin, is within camping however struggling to exercise due to a good undisclosed sickness. Reid stated Maclin continues to be going through assessments, as well as wouldn't theorize whenever he may come back. He'd formerly stated he likely to possess Maclin with time for that September. 11 period opener within Street. Louis.

Maclin directed the actual Eagles along with SEVENTY receptions this past year.

Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, the actual team’s greatest free of charge broker putting your signature on, had been the type of that didn't exercise Weekend due to exactly what Reid referred to as upper-leg swelling. Shielding finish Trent Cole additionally sitting away due to shoulder bursitis. Nor situation is actually thought to be severe.

The actual Eagles continue being without having beginning protective deal with Paul Patterson, that experienced the seizure throughout exercises upon Thursday. Absolutely no plan may be arranged with regard to their come back. Unpleasant deal with Winston Justice (leg) offers skipped all instruction camping, as well as protective deal with Trevor Laws has gone out having a stylish injuries.

Security Nate Allen came back to rehearse Saturday. He or she skipped the majority of final period having a leg damage as well as occured from Saturday’s exercises with regard to preventive factors.

Experienced broad recipient Jerr Avant supplied the actual day’s greatest emphasize about the area, creating a magnificent snorkeling capture associated with Erina Vick’s move for any landing, rapidly protection associated with cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Cornerback Asante Samuel, the topic of industry conjecture, got previously intercepted the go by back-up QB Paul Kafka as well as came back this for any would-be TD, eliciting noisy regards in the followers.

Reid loved exactly what he or she noticed through their gamers Weekend.
“The final few times the people happen to be pressing on their own via, ” Reid mentioned. “We’ve type of strike that point whenever it’s warm as well as moist. Physiques tend to be exhausted. Thoughts tend to be exhausted. They’re pressing on their own via. These days had been possibly the most difficult of times on their behalf actually, and also We considered these people dealt with this nicely. ”