Fraschilla: Who are the Hoyas?

By: Craig Stouffer
11/05/09 10:25 PM

It's not unusual to see Georgetown among the top 25 teams in the nation at the beginning of any season. So why would it be unexpected this year, when they're beginning the season No. 20 in The Associated Press preseason poll?

ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla says it's because there's a balance between knowing what the Hoyas have -- three McDonald's All-Americans -- and what they did last year, which was lose 12 of their final 16 games.

"They're a mystery team because they need to get their mojo back," said Franschilla in a conference call this week. "In doing so, they have three anchors in [Austin] Freeman, [Greg] Monroe and Chris Wright to build around, and then a youngster like Jason Clark, who I think is going to emerge this year, I think, as well. They had some very difficult losses in the toughest Big East conference ever, and they really lost their confidence because of that."

Franschilla will be watching closely to see how Georgetown fares during the non-conference portion of its schedule, which climaxes with games against preseason No. 11 Butler, No. 14 Washington and Old Dominion, which won last year's CollegeInsider.com championship.

He also isn't expecting the Hoyas to play anything but the Princeton-style offense that is their trademark under head coach John Thompson III.

"I do think they do have good fits for that offense because they do have a mobi...

Fantastic Four's final farewell?

By: Jeffrey Tomik
11/05/09 10:22 PM

The New York Yankees: The best team money could buy.

But the backbone of the Yankees' 27th championship team is not the three free agents New York committed $423.5 million to during the offseason. The Fantastic Four -- and their fistful of rings -- have been the backbone of this team for over a decade and once again produced on the biggest stage.

Their fearless leader, Derek Jeter, batted .344 with 14 runs this postseason.

The man behind the plate, Jorge Posada, is still a power bat in the lineup and had three RBI in Game 4 of the World Series.

The winningest playoff pitcher ever, Andy Pettitte, recorded two more wins in the World Series, further bloating his record 18 postseason victories.

The best closer of all time, Mariano Rivera, allowed just one earned run in 16 innings this postseason and was asked to get five outs in the clincher on Wednesday night. No problem.

So is this title the final farewell to the Fantastic Four?

If so, who will carry the torch as the next group of true Yankees?

These five-time champions were brought up through the farm system, not purchased by the highest bidder.

In the case of Jeter, Posada and Rivera, they have prospered while only wearing one uniform.

Can you see Robinson Cano, Melky Cabrera, Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain celebrating another Yankees' championship 10 years from now?

This title may not only be the end of the Fantastic Four, but the end ...

Le Moyne: The best hoops team in Syracuse

By: Brian McNally
11/04/09 11:00 PM

Sizzle Anze Kopitar » You’ve never heard of him. But the L.A. Kings forward just took the NHL scoring lead away from Alex Ovechkin. The 22-year-old Slovenian has 11 goals and 13 assists for the surprising Kings (9-4-2, 20 points).

Le Moyne’s basketball team » When Division II Le Moyne stunned No. 25 Syracuse in a preseason game Tuesday night, players reacted like they’d won a title. Who cares if it didn’t count? The kids from the “other” Syracuse school will never have a bigger win.

Fizzle Cleveland Browns » Tough to pick an NFL franchise in more turmoil. Don’t we say that about a new team every week? After firing their general manager — hand-picked by coach Eric Mangini — the Browns are in good company with the Raiders and Redskins.

Calgary Flames » The province of Alberta is investigating how Flames players, team officials and their families received H1N1 flu shots last Friday even as thousands of Canadians stood in long lines or were turned away thanks to shortages.

The Caps' 'freak of nature'

By: Brian McNally
11/04/09 11:00 PM

He had missed just four games during his NHL career and only two because of injury. Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin has played hurt in the playoffs two years in a row, including wrist and groin injuries last spring that required injections. Let's just say the man has a high tolerance for pain. That reputation won't change now that he's on the shelf with an upper-body strain.

But shouldn't he curtail the physical part of his game? That question has been asked several times this season. It's not why he was hurt Sunday. But in the long run isn't Ovechkin at greater risk of injury because of his rugged style?

"Absolutely. But Alex is one of those guys that if he didn't play that way he wouldn't be the player that he is," said Caps captain Chris Clark. "So you can't tell a guy to go out there and not skate as hard as he can or to check everybody. It's just not in his makeup. He wouldn't be as effective. So you take the good with the bad with him."

Two of Ovechkin's missed games came last October when he traveled back to Russia to visit his sick grandfather. He missed one game as a rookie in 2006 with a groin pull. He also sat out a home game against the Toronto Maple Leafs with a bruised heel last March. Otherwise -- hurt or not -- Ovechkin plays.

"He's just been an iron man consistently through the last few years that we've never really missed him," said Ca...

Hey, Dan Snyder: Here's your sign

By: Leon Saffelle
11/04/09 11:00 PM

"But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."

— The Declaration of Independence

There's a revolution brewing and it was only strengthened by an "apology" from Redskins owner Dan Snyder.

Redskins fans are mad and nothing less than a proven playoff contender will quell this rebellion, which is gathering strength by the day.

In Tuesday's "apology," Snyder used the term "we" a lot. Cheers & Jeers thinks this apology was useless, as he took no personal responsibility for the team's lack of success under his ownership.

Many ardent fans are showing they agree.

In fact, they're pretty teed off and are taking matters into their own hands. There are boycotts of Redskins' merchandise and season ticket holders who have not renewed their tickets -- but these are harder to see as the public isn't privy to the overall bottom line.

However, a few tangible items exist:

Extremeskins.com » Created and posted a symbolic Redskins Fan Card where you are "returning" it to the team to show Snyder that you are upset with him, not the team.

Fire-snyder-sign.blogspot.com » Came up with an answer to the recently enforced sign b...

Some promised NBA story lines deliver

By: Craig Stouffer
11/03/09 11:00 PM

From the department of "Well, That Didn't Take Long," we're barely into the second week of the NBA season, and things are as predictable as falling leaves clogging your gutter.

First, Allen Iverson complained about coming off the bench -- after his first game with Memphis.

"I had no problems (with the hamstring)," Iverson told NBA Fanhouse. "I had a problem with my butt from sitting on that bench so long."

Is that the mentoring he talked about?

Meanwhile, no complaints yet for free agent-to-be Dwyane Wade, since Miami was 3-0 headed into Tuesday, but Chris Paul has filled the void. The Hornets are 1-3 and Paul has the NBA looking into two separate incidents involving him.

"Our biggest issue right now is we can't stop anybody," Paul said after Monday's 117-111 loss to New York, a game in which Paul appeared to hit Al Harrington.

The night before, Boston's Rajon Rondo got Paul fired up, reportedly reminding him of the ring he has and saying Paul will never win one.

Too bad he's not on the market next summer. Well, not yet.

Who will United hire as coach?

By: Craig Stouffer
11/03/09 11:00 PM

With the departure of Tom Soehn, D.C. United faces the prospect of hiring its sixth coach before its 15th season. Who will be the next Bruce Arena (two MLS Cup titles, three finals), Thomas Rongen (one MLS Cup), or Peter Nowak (one MLS Cup)? Here are five candidates, including one that really shouldn't be considered:

Dave Sarachan » A current assistant at Los Angeles, Sarachan had the same job in D.C. from 1998-99. He spent four and a half years as head coach of Chicago, earning coach of the year honors, the best record in MLS and reaching the MLS Cup final in 2003. In fact, the Fire should've never let him go.

Richie Williams » Currently in his second stint as interim head coach for the New York Red Bulls, Williams has valuable experience on the sideline. A Virginia graduate, he also won three MLS Cups as a player in D.C. The Red Bulls would do themselves a disservice to let him go, but moves like those are what have created the worst franchise in the league.

John Spencer » The four-year Houston assistant and former MLS player from Scotland is a leading contender for coaching vacancies every offseason.

Curt Onalfo » The former D.C. United player and Virginia alum was head of McLean Soccer Club before getting his first head coach job in Kansas City two years ago. The Wizards fired him in August -- not exactly a sign of success.

Sasho Cirovski » He's ess...

A turn-back-the-clock Game 6

By: James Irwin
11/03/09 11:00 PM

For the first time since 2003, the World Series involves a second travel day. There will be plenty of underlying stories to watch when the Phillies and Yankees meet in Game 6:

1. The men in the middle » It's ironic that a series dominated by stars in their prime -- Alex Rodriguez, CC Sabathia, Chase Utley, Cliff Lee -- will feature a game that hinges on the performances of two seasoned warhorses. A pair of 200-game winners, old foes Andy Pettitte and Pedro Martinez, take the hill Wednesday night. The 37-year-old Pettitte is throwing on three days rest, but that might serve as a sidebar, because nobody works Yankee Stadium into frenzy quite like Martinez.

2. Chase-ing history » After a baby slump (0-for-7) in Games 2 and 3, Utley has caught fire. He was 4-for-7 in Games 4 and 5 with a double and three home runs, giving him five homers in this World Series, tied with Reggie Jackson for the most all-time. If we're the Yankees, we're not letting Utley beat us. Slumping slugger Ryan Howard has been flailing on a steady dose of breaking balls all series. He's 3-for-19 with 12 strikeouts through the first five games.

3. Victory-No » A.J. Burnett's high-and-tight-one to Shane Victorino certainly led to Utley's three-run homer on Monday. But it also turned the Flyin' Hawaiian into an offensive liability. Victorino popped out once and grounded out twice after being drilled...

A star-studded injury list

By: Brian McNally
11/02/09 9:49 PM

Since the NHL lockout ended in 2005, the sport has been built around its star players. Gone are the dark days when Mario Lemieux had to carry four players on his back as he skated into the offensive zone. The problem? Those stars -- now with space to work their magic -- are getting hurt at an alarming rate.

"It seems like an inordinate year for injuries," said Caps coach Bruce Boudreau. "The game is getting bigger, stronger and faster. And because it's an Olympic year, there's been a lot of games played [in October and November] and the body takes its wear and tear."

Caps star winger Alex Ovechkin was hurt Sunday and is listed as "week-to-week." But he is far from the only one:

Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh » An MVP finalist last season, Malkin was practically forced to the bench by the Penguins. It's only a strained shoulder, but he's out at least two more weeks. We're sure Sidney Crosby will survive -- though top defenseman Sergei Gonchar (broken wrist) also is out until Thanksgiving.

Ilya Kovalchuk, Atlanta » With the Olympics less than four months away, Russian hockey fans do NOT like this list at all. A broken foot will cost Kovalchuk six weeks. He was on an Ovechkin-like pace with nine goals in eight games. The Thrashers are still desperate to sign their free-agent-to-be to a contract extension.

Roberto Luongo, Vancouver » Now Can...

Iowa: This year's team of destiny?

By: Jeffrey Tomik
11/02/09 9:44 PM

The computers love the undefeated Iowa Hawkeyes -- ranking them second in the nation -- but the No 4 team in the BCS rankings doesn't pass the eye test.

Iowa somehow defeated Indiana by 18 points on Saturday. The Hoosiers were up 14 points and two yards away from another touchdown midway through the third quarter. Then, Indiana quarterback Ben Chappell threw a pass that hit four different players before finding Iowa's Tyler Sash and the defensive back returned the interception 86 yards for a touchdown.

Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi overcame five interceptions by throwing two huge fourth quarter touchdown passes -- 92 yards and 66 yards -- less than two minutes apart to lead the Hawkeyes to a 42-24 victory.

And once again, Iowa escaped.

Saturday's game was the fourth time this season Iowa won despite trailing entering the fourth quarter -- including two weeks ago when they defeated Michigan State on a last-second touchdown.

Iowa has won four games by three points or less. They have trailed in eight out of nine games this season. The one game Iowa lead throughout? A 24-21 victory over Arkansas State, a 2-5 team from the Sun Belt Conference.

Their defense is allowing only 15.8 points per game and Stanzi comes up big in crunch time despite having pedestrian numbers (56.4 completion percentage, 14 TDs, 13 INTs).

With three games left, Iowa has serious BCS Championship hopes. Can the Hawkey...

For Skins fans, I-95 envy

By: Kevin Dunleavy
11/01/09 10:42 PM

It was a bye week for the Washington Redskins. But for their fans, there was no respite from the Sunday aggravation on TV. In the marquee games on FOX and CBS, fans in Baltimore and Philadelphia, just up I-95, were fired up and enjoying uplifting victories.

Ah, football, the way it was meant to be.

While the Ravens were putting a sleeper hold on the previously undefeated Broncos, 30-7, the Eagles were all over the 2007 Super Bowl champion Giants, 40-17.

Here in Washington, we view Baltimore as a goofy little brother, the one who flips his eyelids inside out at Thanksgiving. But when it comes to football, it's the Ravens' organization that consistently fields a quality product. Sunday was an example as Baltimore used its signature aggressive defense and its well-protected young quarterback, Joe Flacco (20 of 25, 175 yards), to dominate Denver.

As for the Eagles (5-2) and Giants (5-3), there's usually some pleasure for Redskins fans watching two NFC East rivals go at it, knowing one will lose and the other will be bruised. But these days, with the Redskins (2-5) hopelessly adrift, there's only melancholy. Playing a division foe in a game with consequences? That looks like fun.

At Lincoln Financial Field, the Eagles jumped on the Giants quickly, averaging eight yards per snap as Donovan McNabb (17 of 23, 240 yards) dialed it up a notch from his mediocre showing in Washington six days e...

Hamels is becoming a cause for concern

By: James Irwin
11/01/09 10:39 PM

A breakthrough performance in the 2008 postseason was supposed to serve as a launching pad for Phillies lefty Cole Hamels. But the reigning NLCS and World Series MVP never got on track this season, dropping his first two starts and finishing with a 10-11 record.

The hope in Philadelphia was that Hamels, who went 4-0 last postseason, would snap out of his funk in the playoffs. That hasn't happened. Hamels struggled mightily in the first two rounds against the Rockies and Dodgers. He was dreadful again Saturday night in Game 3 of the World Series, giving up five runs and getting the hook with one out in the fifth inning.

Control has been the issue with Cole, though not in the way you'd normally measure it. He's only walked four batters in 19 innings this postseason. But his curveball, which was so good last October, has disappeared, leaving Hamels with only two reliable pitches -- the four-seam fastball and the change-up.

With no reliable breaking ball, Hamels can't keep hitters off-balance deep into games. He's has been solid the first two times through the lineup this postseason -- holding hitters to a .250 average -- but he's been exposed in round three, giving up eight hits in 12 at-bats.

The Phillies are using a four-man rotation in the World Series, which means Hamels would start Game 7 if it gets that far. He'll need to find his curveball before then, or Charlie Manuel's No. 3...

At emotional Lambeau, Favre stands, delivers

By: Kevin Dunleavy
11/01/09 10:35 PM

Brett Favre was lustily booed in his return to Lambeau Field Sunday. But that only made the stage more dramatic as the gunslinger delivered silencers. Favre's four touchdown passes paved the way in the Vikings' 38-26 win over the Packers.

Afterward, Favre was deeply moved. In an on-field TV interview he nearly broke down, stopping in mid-sentence and looking down to signal he had nothing more to say. He was more composed later in a press conference.

"It was about what I expected," said Favre of the loud reception. "It was probably worse every time I took the field. I consider it a good thing -- better than saying nothing, I guess."

In two wins over his former team this season, Favre has thrown seven touchdown passes and no interceptions. But if Favre was gloating, it was only on the inside.

"I knew I didn't have to prove anything. Am I glad the way these two games turned out? Absolutely," said Favre. "I'm not gonna sit here and throw any daggers."

The drive to the stadium prepared Favre for the reaction.

"All the Packer fans were there. There was some purple. I saw a mixture of everything -- cheers, couple fingers," said Favre. "I know how special these fans are. It's always nicer to be the home team. It was loud. That's what makes Green Bay such a special place."

You only get one first impression

By: Craig Stouffer
10/29/09 10:18 PM

Young and old, short and tall, wide and skinny, NBA rookies of all shapes and sizes made their debuts this week. Here’s how some of them fared:

The Good DeJuan Blair, F, San Antonio » The Wizards passed on the 6-foot-7, 265-pound wide body in the second round of the draft for what was essentially a $2.5 million payment on the approximately $6 million they owe in luxury tax this season. While they eventually added training camp invitee Paul Davis (who?) to their opening day roster, Blair had 14 points on 7-for-10 shooting, 11 rebounds and three assists in 23 minutes in his debut with the San Antonio Spurs.

The Great Ty Lawson, G, Denver » There are few things in the game of basketball greater than Carmelo Anthony’s steal and rim-rattling facial on Paul Millsap, but it wasn’t the only notable moment from Denver’s win over Utah. Lightning-quick Lawson couldn’t be caught at North Carolina, and he might not be caught in the NBA either. Finishing with 17 points and 6 assists, Lawson crossed over fellow rookie Eric Maynor so badly — twice — that the former VCU star was forced back to the bench after 90 seconds at the start of the fourth quarter.

The Bad

Tyreke Evans, G, Sacramento » It’s not fair that Evans is tasked with turning around an awful team. Especially when it appears he isn’t ready for the job. In his Kin...

Lee: Welcome to MLB elite status

By: Jeffrey Tomik
10/29/09 10:11 PM

Does the reigning AL Cy Young winner Cliff Lee get enough respect?

He doesn't have CC Sabathia's 7-year, $161 million contract. He doesn't have a signature pitch like Johan Santana's change-up. And he doesn't have the strikeout ability of Tim Lincecum.

But what he does have -- that those big-name pitchers don't -- is a signature performance on the biggest stage in baseball.

Lee became the first pitcher in World Series history with 10 Ks, no walks and no earned runs in the Phillies' Game 1 victory.

More impressively, he did it against the best offense in baseball, on the road, in a ballpark where fly ball outs turn into home runs in the right-field upper deck.

After Alex Rodriguez seemed to crush everything in sight in his first two series, Lee struck out the Yankees third baseman three times and controlled the rest of the high-powered New York lineup.

"When a guy comes out like that, you tip your cap and move on," Rodriguez said.

Lee pitched one of the best games in World Series history. So why isn't his name anywhere in the discussion of baseball's best pitcher?

Lee, 31, is somewhat of a late bloomer. He was not a highly-touted prospect entering the draft and didn't break into the Indians' full-time rotation until 2004 when he was already 25 years old.

He had a great 2005 season, finishing fourth in the AL Cy Young voting, but struggled the following two years -- battling a g...

Two NBA prospects lead top-ranked Kansas

By: Jeffrey Tomik
10/29/09 10:04 PM

Five teams to watch in college basketball:

1. Kansas » The preseason No. 1 team touts two top player of the year candidates -- center Cole Aldrich and point guard Sherron Collins.

2. Kentucky » A Wildcats team that didn't make the NCAA Tournament last season is one of this year's favorites after bringing in coach John Calipari and a couple of top recruits.

3. Georgetown » Center Greg Monroe's draft stock will rise or fall depending on how well the Hoyas do in the Big East.

4. Villanova » A Final Four team returning a good core of guards -- Scottie Reynolds, Corey Fisher, Reggie Redding. But will they have anyone to fill the void inside left by Dante Cunningham?

5. Duke » Kyle Singler, Jon Scheyer and Nolan Smith make Duke one of the most versatile teams. Is this the Blue Devils' year back on top after three years of North Carolina winning the ACC?

NHL has become teenagers on ice

By: Brian McNally
10/28/09 4:35 PM

All over the NHL it seems like the kids are taking over. Dozens of hockey players drafted in 2008 and 2009 already have made their NHL debuts. A few are even making an impact already. It's nothing new for a league that has seen phenoms like Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, Patrick Kane and Evgeni Malkin burst onto the scene as precocious teenagers. But the numbers seem to grow every year. Here are a few of the best:

Steven Stamkos, 19, Tampa Bay Lightning » Top pick in 2008 draft posted 23 goals as a rookie. He centers the second line in Tampa and already has seven goals this season.

Drew Doughty, 19, Los Angeles Kings » Struggled at times as rookie. But the No. 2 pick in 2008 has been better as sophomore. He is +2 with good offensive numbers for a defenseman -- two goals and nine assists.

Zach Bogosian, 19, Atlanta Thrashers » Just a solid first season for the 2008 No. 3 pick from New York. He's a -3 so far this year. But he does have two goals and looks like a future star.

John Tavares, 19, New York Islanders » Center was top pick in 2009. He already has three goals and four assists for the Islanders -- though he's also a -6 as he learns the hard way what it takes to be a two-way player.

Matt Duchene, 18, Colorado Avalanche » Teaming up with fellow 18-year-old Ryan O'Reilly to help the Avalanche -- expected to be NHL's worst team -- to a stunning 9-1-2 r...

Laing diagnosed with swine flu

By: Brian McNally
10/28/09 4:28 PM

Caps forward Quintin Laing has been diagnosed with swine flu, according to team officials. Laing was sent home from Tuesday's morning skate and did not play against Philadelphia last night. He will not travel with the team to Atlanta for Thursday night's game and is being isolated from his wife, Aimee, and his two young boys.

Laing was tested for the seasonal flu and that turned out negative. But because he still showed three of the four most common symptoms doctors consider him positive for the H1N1 virus. Laing will stay away from the team until he's deemed symptom-free. He is at least the third NHL player diagnosed, according to Caps officials.

Laing just can't catch a break. The fourth-line grinder, a career minor leaguer, would have played for Washington in the playoffs last spring except he suffered a torn spleen after blocking a shot in his first game up with the team on March 19.

The most concerned guy on the team now would be defenseman Tyler Sloan, who was Laing's roommate on the recent road trip to Atlanta and New York. So far, though, Sloan isn't symptomatic.

"I've already been taking [Tamiflu] so we're taking the right steps. I feel great," Sloan said. "The [high] fever is the concern with the young and the old and Quintin has two young boys and his wife. So that's been a much bigger concern for us. But I think everybody is aware now and everything is un...

Following up Russell can't be that hard ... right?

By: Leon Saffelle
10/28/09 4:25 PM

Sizzle



Mark Sanchez » Had a solid game against Oakland on Sunday — only needing to throw 15 passes. But after getting caught eating a hot dog during the game, he donated 500 hot dogs and 500 hamburgers (and buns and rolls) to a New Jersey soup kitchen.

Michael Beasley » The second-year forward has unseated the Heat’s 5-year starter at power forward, Udonis Haslem. The 6-foot-10 Bowie High product was Miami’s second-leading scorer last season (13.9 points in 24.8 minutes).

Fizzle



JaMarcus Russell » The Raiders QB was the yin to Sanchez’s yang on Sunday. The Raiders keep showing signs of life despite Russell having games like he did against the Jets (QB rating 31.1). Can Raiders’ backup QB Bruce Gradkowski be that bad?

Ilya Kovalchuk » The Atlanta Thrashers forward got off to a hot start (9 goals in 8 games), but it was announced Monday that he suffered a broken foot after getting hit by a puck in Saturday’s game against the Sharks and will miss at least four weeks.

Fall Classic's deciding factors

By: James Irwin
10/27/09 10:16 PM

It's been a decade since the team with the best record in baseball has met the defending champion in the World Series, and, dare we say, the past few years haven't produced the best Fall Classics. Three of the past five have ended in sweeps. The other two lasted only five games.

Which brings us to Wednesday night's throwdown between the Yankees and Phillies at "The House that George Built." These teams are so alike it's spooky, but Cheers & Jeers went inside the clubhouse and found a few underlying factors:

1. Starting pitching » It plays similar at face value, but the big guy in the room (both literally and figuratively) is CC Sabathia. Should the Yankees choose to go with a three-man rotation, he'd be set up to throw Games 1,4 and 7. Cole Hamels-A.J. Burnett and Andy Pettitte-Pedro Martinez are push matchups at this point.

Edge » Yankees

2. Bullpen » Scott Eyre and Ryan Madson have been very ordinary for the Phillies. But Chad Durbin hasn't allowed a hit this postseason and Brad Lidge seems to have found his groove. Meanwhile, the Yanks are having issues with Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain after both were roughed up in the ALCS. Mariano Rivera can't get six outs every night, can he?

Edge » Push

3. Offense » The Phillies have better power in the middle, especially with Ryan Howard hitting cleanup. The Yankees have more pop from top to bo...

Early NBA injuries cause for concern?

By: Craig Stouffer
10/27/09 10:11 PM

A number of prominent players will miss the opening of the 2009-10 NBA season, and the level of concern varies widely:

Blake Griffin The dreams and nightmares of the Los Angeles Clippers collided in the team's final preseason game when the No. 1 overall draft pick blocked a shot at one end of the court, then finished with a spectacular dunk in transition at the other, only to fracture a kneecap upon landing at the end of the play. He's set to miss six weeks. Concern level » If he's back before Christmas, great. But if it looks like a curse, and feels like a curse ...

Glen Davis After fighting with his "best friend" Shawn Bridgewater inside an SUV, the Boston forward emerged with a bloody nose and more importantly, a broken right thumb that required surgery and will sideline Big Baby for six weeks. Concern level » Thanks to Boston's frontcourt depth, this is only a distraction from bigger issues, such as Kevin Garnett's surgically repaired knee and malcontent Rajon Rondo's decision to become a restricted free agent.

Delonte West The late summer arrest for impersonating a Robert Rodriguez movie -- carrying three loaded weapons in a guitar case -- was uber strange. The domestic violence report last weekend is uber troubling. Who knows when he'll play again. Concern level » West's future, on and off the court, has turned into a serious question mark. For no...

The woodwork has not been friendly to United

By: Craig Stouffer
10/27/09 10:06 PM

Nevermind that D.C. United lost three games in a row at home during a crucial September stretch or that they played a dozen matches more than Real Salt Lake, who stole the eighth MLS playoff spot away from them.

The real culprits in United's recent demise -- in each of the last two seasons, in fact -- have been the woodwork and midfielder Brad Evans.

United has hit the frame five times in its past two regular-season finales: three times last season at Columbus and twice last weekend in Kansas City. Thabiso "Boyzzz" Khumalo's crossbar blast from six yards away last October is still the best, topping Rodney Wallace's ping off the post in stoppage-time last Saturday at the Wizards.

But Evans owns the daggers. Last year, he drove in the game-winner in a 1-0 win for Columbus. Last weekend, he again had a game-winner, but not for the Crew or against D.C. Instead, it put Seattle past Dallas, 2-1. If the Sounders had tied, United might've squeaked into the playoffs courtesy of a complicated set of tiebreakers.

At least United head coach Tom Soehn won't blame himself.

Pedro moments at Yankee Stadium

By: James Irwin
10/27/09 10:05 PM

Pistol Pete gets the ball in Game 2 of the World Series. Will he add to this list?

1. Domination station » Vintage Pedro, who strikes out 17 and allows only one hit against the Yanks in this Sept. 10, 1999 start. His fastball reaches 99 mph and his changeup is untouchable. It is perhaps the most dominant start of his career.

2. The duel » Martinez and Roger Clemens link up for an old-fashioned showdown, combining for 22 strikeouts on May 28, 2000. A two-run HR by Trot Nixon is the difference as Pedro finishes with a four-hit shutout.

3. Tide turning » A 6-0 Martinez faces off against first-year Yankee Mike Mussina on May 24, 2001. Pedro fans 12, but gives up a HR to Bernie Williams and a two-out RBI to Paul O'Neill in a 2-1 loss.

4. The Grady game » In Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS, a laboring Martinez carries a 5-2 lead into the eighth inning. Despite Pedro's climbing pitch count, Red Sox manager Grady Little leaves him in the game. The Yanks score three runs.

5. Who's your daddy? » After calling the Yankees "his daddy" in September of 2004, Martinez is mocked by a ruckus crowd during the ALCS. He pitches poorly, but the Red Sox get the last laugh by winning the series.

The team in the mirror

By: Jeffrey Tomik
10/26/09 11:24 PM

Two teams, one identity.

This year's World Series pits two power-hitting big-market East Coast teams against each other. On Wednesday night, the Phillies and Yankees will play Game 1 of the World Series in the new Yankee Stadium. Philadelphia is trying to become the first repeat World Champion since the Yankees won back-to-back Fall Classics in 1999 and 2000.

The further into the postseason these pennant winners advanced, the more alike they appeared. Think you can decipher the difference between the two ball clubs? See if you can solve this World Series riddle:

We defeated a team from Los Angeles in the league championship series and enter the Fall Classic riding our ace -- a former Indians lefty that won the Cy Young while in Cleveland -- and our slugger, who tied Lou Gehrig's record for consecutive postseason games with an RBI.

That red-hot former MVP is the centerpiece of a lineup that is littered with power hitters. We led our league in homers, runs and slugging percentage during the regular season.

You can find our catalyst and hands-down leader smiling at shortstop and leading off for our potent offense.

A veteran former All-Star starting pitcher has produced during this postseason at the back of our rotation. He is way past his prime, but has been smart on the mound.

During a postseason synonymous with blown saves, our closer has been perfect -- saving three games in as many o...

Will Lakers' new cast member help repeat?

By: Brian McNally
10/26/09 11:18 PM

The Los Angeles Lakers begin their title defense Tuesday night with a new cast member. Instead of smooth forward Trevor Ariza, who seemed to do whatever the Lakers asked of him during last year's title run, the always controversial Ron Artest has been added to the mix.

There are going to be doubts about that move -- especially since the Lakers signed him to a five-year contract. Artest, after all, is a special talent who always seems to walk that fine line between eccentric and crazy. Is that really what Los Angeles needed given the pressure already facing the defending champs? At least one analyst thinks so.

"He's a perfect fit," according to ESPN basketball analyst Jon Barry.

Artest is still a premier defender and that takes pressure off Kobe Bryant. His offensive numbers dipped last season, but Artest is likely the fourth option anyway. If he accepts that role -- and continues to be a plus defender -- than the Lakers are a good bet to repeat.

Capitals getting work in the AHL

By: Brian McNally
10/26/09 11:00 PM

While their teammates spent the weekend winning games in Atlanta and New York, Capitals forwards Michael Nylander and Tomas Fleischmann were toiling in the minors as they work their way back to the NHL.

Well, at least in Fleischmann's case. The 25-year-old was cleared to practice last week after missing all of training camp and the first three weeks of the season with a blood clot in his left leg. Fleischmann needed game action to shake off the rust and so he played two games with AHL affiliate Hershey.

His first taste of game action wasn't great. Fleischmann was on the ice for three goals against in a 5-2 loss. He rebounded with the primary assist in a 3-2 win over Portland on Sunday, but it's obvious Fleischmann needs more time. Unfortunately, the Bears don't play again until Friday so he's still likely a week away from returning.

Things aren't so simple for Nylander, of course, because Washington doesn't actually want him back. The team's third-highest paid player instead is on loan to Grand Rapids -- the Detroit Red Wings' AHL affiliate -- so teams in Europe and the rest of the NHL can see what kind of condition he's in.

The 37-year-old looked pretty good with five assists while playing three games in three days. The one game where he didn't score, Nylander notched a goal in the shootout. His stint in Grand Rapids expires next Wednesday so both sides hope his performance is eno...

The return of a forgotten QB

By: Kevin Dunleavy
10/25/09 9:58 PM

Trailing at Houston, 21-0, Sunday, San Francisco coach Mike Singletary had seen enough. After watching his offense struggle for the previous six quarters, he replaced quarterback Shaun Hill with Alex Smith.

The Niners lost, 24-21. But with the quarterback change, Singletary might have re-discovered a one-time prodigy and re-directed the course of the season.

Smith, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft, completed 15 of 22 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns, all to tight end Vernon Davis, to rally San Francisco to the brink of victory. Smith threw an interception in the final minute to seal the Niners' fate, but he's likely to be under center next Sunday when San Francisco (3-3) travels to Indianapolis (6-0).

With the inclusion of Smith and the addition of rookie wide receiver Michael Crabtree, who made his NFL debut Sunday (5 catches, 56 yards), the Niners have a swift injection of talent and firepower.

A style adjustment will be necessary, and perhaps painful. The Niners had won seven of nine games bridging 2008 and 2009 using Singletary's signature smash-mouth style. But with a more weapons and more ability to throw downfield, San Francisco can discard its low-risk, manage-the-game offense and think big.

It won't take much to win the NFC West. This is the most winnable division in the NFL. The first-place Arizona Cardinals were 3-2 going into Sunday night's game at t...

McCoy, Texas back on track

By: James Irwin
10/25/09 9:55 PM

We're in full-fledged BCS-mode, so style points apply. With apologies to Iowa's miracle win over Michigan State, here's a recap of Week 8 in college football:

The Good

Colt McCoy and No. 3 Texas got their groove back in a big way Saturday night with a 41-7 thumping of Missouri. On a day when both No. 1 Florida and No. 2 Alabama were pushed deep into the fourth quarter, the Longhorns scored on their first three possessions. McCoy completed passes to eight different receivers.

Honorable mention » Cincinnati, LSU, TCU

The Bad

When "College Gameday" comes to your house, you better bring your A-Game. No. 16 BYU obviously didn't get the message. The Cougars were steamrolled by No. 8 TCU, 38-7, in a game that wasn't even that close. The Horned Frogs, now 7-0 and with one of the country's best defenses, have a serious chance at crashing the BCS party.

Honorable mention » Miami, Virginia

The Ugly

Nick Saban might want to find a way to fix his team's phobia of the red zone. Alabama has scored exactly one offensive touchdown in the past 10 quarters. The Crimson Tide needed four field goals from Leigh Tiffin and a game-saving blocked kick by All-America nose tackle Terrence Cody to beat unranked Tennessee, 12-10, on Saturday.

Honorable mention » USC, Utah, Kansas

Generation next in golf's overlooked season

By: Kevin Dunleavy
10/25/09 9:51 PM

After the FedEx Cup, the PGA Tour's fall series is relegated to the Golf Channel and strained story lines about players trying to retain their playing privileges.

But Sunday, the Frys.com Open in Scottsdale, Ariz., was an intriguing look at two of golf's next generation of stars as Jamie Lovemark, 21, and Rickie Fowler, 20, battled veteran Troy Matteson, 29, in a playoff.

With a brilliant 6-iron shot from 185 yards out to within 2 feet on the second playoff hole, Matteson made the winning birdie to claim the tournament for the second time and assure his slot on the 2010 PGA Tour.

But the event was notable for the play of the 6-foot-4 Lovemark, who won the NCAA championship as a freshman at USC, and the sweet-swinging Fowler, who turned pro last month after playing at Oklahoma State. Both shot 64 in the final round Sunday to come from four shots back.

Lovemark made his clutch run late, playing the final eight holes in 5-under and shooting a 30 on the back nine. Fowler made his early. He had a hole-in-one at No. 5 in addition to seven birdies. A bad drive and a bogey at No. 18 prevented him from winning the tournament outright.

Neither played good approaches as they nervously navigated the two playoff holes. But both will have many more chances to win on the PGA Tour.

Primetime bounce back week for NFC East

By: Jeffrey Tomik
10/22/09 11:54 PM

Remember when the NFC East was "the toughest division in football"?

Here's the reality from Week 6: The Redskins lost to another winless team. The Cowboys had a bye week after getting taken to overtime by the Chiefs in Week 5. The Eagles traveled across the country to embarrass themselves in Oakland. And the Giants allowed 48 points to the Saints in a game that was supposed to be about Eli Manning's return home to New Orleans.

So if any division needs to save face in Week 7, it's those four beasts in the East. And all are on center stage.

The Cowboys have a chance to prove themselves against a one-loss Atlanta Falcons team that made the playoffs last year.

The Giants face the defending NFC champion Arizona Cardinals on NBC Sunday Night Football.

And Monday Night Football features the Redskins and Eagles. If the Redskins win and there aren't any fans at FedEx Field to see it, does it still count?