SAN DIEGO(AP) The San Diego Padres can finally exhale. Their 10-game losing streak is over.Nick Hundley homered and drove in two runs, Tim Stauffer filled in for ailing... More...
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Fantrax Fantasy Experts
Marty York
Marty York's opening Fantrax column provides you with advice on how to stay ahead of the pack in your NFL Fantasy League this season.
Scott Taylor
This past winter, Brett Favre was beaten to a pulp by the Saints in the NFC Championship Game. The Saints and Vikings meet in the 2010 season opener this week. Will Favre survive?
IJ Schecter
Golf is a perfect fantasy sport, though you may not have realized it. Here are 10 reasons why.
Fantasy Columns
Julius Jones' wild weekend was one of many fluid situations that came into focus as we head into Week 1. Adam Levitan gets you caught up.
Drew Silva celebrates a Padres victory and touches on other news items in Tuesday's Dose.
The Northeast Division preview looking at new players, player who are gone and key injuries heading into the 2010-2011 NHL season.
Got early hoops questions? We have answers, as well as a quick look at some weekly NBA schedule trends.
College fantasy football player rankings for Week One.
Fantrax auto racing expert John Bassett looks at the 12 likely contenders for the 2010 NASCAR Chase.
John McNamara previews the Deutsche Bank Championship. Check out if he thinks Tiger Woods will make it to the third round next week.
It's early September, but Fantrax editor-in-chief Marty York thinks the Calgary Stampeders already are a cinch for the Grey Cup championship.
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Player News
The Panthers have no interest in trading RB Tyrell Sutton. An unnamed NFC team reportedly asked about Sutton's availability but were dismissed. The Panthers have the deepest corps of running backs in the league, as Sutton could be a second-stringer on some teams but is the No. 4 back in Carolina.
Cowboys RT Marc Colombo (knee) was held out of practice again Monday, and his status for Week 1 is in question. He's expected to be back at some point later this week, but obviously the longer he's out, the greater the chances are that Alex Barron will start Sunday night. Barron is arguably a better pass blocker than Colombo, so it wouldn't hurt Tony Romo and the receiving corps, but Colombo is a better run blocker.
Packers OLB Clay Matthews thinks moving from right outside linebacker to the left side isn't "going to be much of an issue." We certainly think Matthews can handle the move, but it might affect his IDP outlook a bit. He'll be lined up in front of the tight end more often, which means he'll have fewer one-on-one matchups with the opposing tackle when the tight end doubles him or chips him on the way out to running a pass route. Brad Jones will handle the right outside linebacker position for the Pack.
The Boston Herald is reporting that an extension for Tom Brady is imminent. The Patriots have offered a three-year extension believed to be worth $58 million that works out to $19.3 million annually. It would be in addition to the $6 million he's owed this season. It's not clear at this point how much of the money is guaranteed. Brady's camp has yet to formally agree, but they are expected to do so within the next 24 hours. Brady and the Patriots have both expressed a desire to get an extension done before the season begins, and it appears they've done just that.
Casey Wiegmann has been chosen as the Chiefs' starting center over incumbent Rudy Niswanger. The 37-year-old returned to the Chiefs this offseason after spending two years in Denver. Niswanger has trouble with bigger nose tackles and too often struggles with bad snaps, so it's not a surprise that the Chiefs decided to go with the veteran.
Derrick Johnson has beaten out Demorrio Williams for one of the starting inside linebacker spots for the Chiefs. The other inside linebacker starting spot also appears to have been decided, as Jovan Belcher has been picked over Corey Mays. Johnson has been a big disappointment in Kansas City but still has a lot of ability. Williams is likely to replace Johnson on passing downs.
The Angels are hopeful that Maicer Izturis (shoulder) will be ready to resume baseball activities by the end of this week. Still, the clock is ticking toward the end of the season and Izturis is a longshot to make it back. He was diagnosed with inflammation in his right shoulder back in mid-August. If he is done, the 29-year-old turned in a .245/.312/.367 batting line, three homers and 25 RBI in 196 at-bats.
Angels recalled RHP Matt Palmer from Triple-A Salt Lake. Palmer has missed a good chunk of the 2010 season due to a right shoulder sprain. Now healthy again, he will be used in low-pressure relief scenarios.
Angels recalled RHP Bobby Cassevah from Triple-A Salt Lake. Cassevah has been shuttled back and forth between Salt Lake and Anaheim multiple times this season. He has a 5.56 ERA in seven big-league appearances to show for it, and will be used in middle relief down the stretch.
Angels recalled INF Kevin Frandsen from Triple-A Salt Lake. The 28-year-old Frandsen will provide the Angels with infield depth through the end of the 2010 season. He's batting .288 this year in 139 at-bats.
According to Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston, the Red Sox are prepared to exercise David Ortiz's $12.5 million option for 2011. Ortiz told reporters in July that he's hoping to ink a multi-year extension with the Sox, but the interest on that remains one-sided. Bringing the big man back for one more year, however, does make sense. He's hit .262/.365/.528 with 28 homers and 87 RBI in 443 at-bats this season and is an important presence in the middle of Boston's lineup. Big Papi turns 35 in November.
Angels released RHP Brian Stokes. Stokes, 31, posted an ugly 8.10 ERA and 2.52 WHIP in 16 2/3 innings this season for the Angels while battling a shoulder injury. He should be able to latch on with a club desperate for bullpen help.
Mattias Ohlund (leg) feels fine as the start of training camp approaches. Ohlund had a minor procedure on his right leg in May, but he's put that behind him. He's looking to rebound after scoring a career-low 13 points in 67 games last season. Part of his decline could be blamed on a high-ankle injury he sustained on November 14th that he attempted to battle through for the remainder of the season. He also accepted more of a shutdown role in 2009-10 and his power-play ice time dipped to just over a minute per game. When asked, he offered no excuses for his lackluster numbers last season, but he did say that he feels "great now." We wouldn't be surprised if he bounces back and finishes the season with 20-30 points.
Pavel Valentenko should be given a chance to make the New York Rangers' opening day roster. Valentenko may have a bit of an edge over the other candidates for one of the Rangers' final defensive spots, thanks to his experience in the KHL. However, he's more of a defensive defenseman and consequently, his fantasy value is minimal. The Rangers acquired him from Montreal in the Scott Gomez deal.
Detroit general manager Ken Holland is set to talk with Kirk Maltby's agent on Tuesday. The two sides are still holding conversations on a one-year deal, but the veteran winger would have to start the year in the minors.
Johan Franzen is healthy and ready to get back on track in 2010-11. "I'm feeling really excited to get going again," Franzen said after skating in just 27 games last year due to a knee injury. "Last season was more of a rehabilitation for me to get my knee back in shape. I feel really hungry this year and in good shape and really strong. I've been working out from the day I got injured, pretty much, so I'm probably in the best physical shape I've been in. I needed this summer to get really healthy. Now I feel 100%." Franzen did play well for Detroit in the playoffs with 18 points in 12 contests, but admitted that he had become more of a perimeter player and he passed off in situations where he would have preferred to drive towards the goal. He feels he can get back to that driving style this campaign.
The Thrashers have officially announced the signing of winger Fredrik Modin. He agreed to a one-year deal that will earn him $800,000 plus bonuses. "I know Fredrik well from our time in Tampa and he is an experienced and talented veteran who is tremendously respected in the locker room," GM Rick Dudley said. "He's won a Stanley Cup, along with an Olympic Gold Medal, and possesses that winning mentality we are looking for." Modin scored 11 points in 44 games last season with Columbus and Los Angeles. He has struggled with injuries the last three years and he is likely to have little-to-no fantasy value in Atlanta. However, his arrival may help facilitate Dustin Byfuglien's move back onto defense to start the season. Stay tuned to see what happens at camp.
The Boston Bruins are hopeful that Patrice Bergeron will regain his offensive touch. "Patrice is still a young player," GM Peter Chiarelli said. "He knows there's more to his game. We're on the same page in that regard. He has a well-rounded, two-way game. But he's still only 25. We've seen areas where he's improved offensively." Bergeron led the Bruins with 19 goals and 52 points in 73 games last season, but he has surpassed the 70-point plateau twice in his NHL career before injuries took their toll on him. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this year and Boston would like to get an extension worked out.
Derrick Rose continues to focus on the development of his 3-point shot. Rose has been staying after Team USA practices and shooting NBA treys. "Now when I'm open or need to shoot it, I will because I am confident it'll go in," Rose said. It's easy to knock down long-range shots in an empty gym, but Rose often shoots treys too flat in games. After making just 16 total 3-pointers in each of his first two NBA seasons, only a small uptick can be realistically expected. If he makes 35 treys this season, owners should be happy.
Raptors VP Maurizio Gherardini says that Linas Kleiza is a more "complete player" after spending a year as the go-to guy for Olympiakos in Greece. Kleiza says that he forgot about his inside game while backing up Carmelo Anthony in Denver, but found is again in Greece. We'll believe that when we see it. Kleiza is the likely starting small forward for the Raptors this season and will once again help fantasy teams in need of 3-pointers and points. Just don't expect too much else.
There is still no movement on the Jamal Crawford situation, according to beat writer Michael Cunningham. Crawford has said he either wants a contract extension or wants to be traded. As Cunningham says, the Hawks "still haven't indicated if he will get either." The Hawks are under no obligation to give Crawford more money as he enters the final year of his contract.
New Hornets coach Monty Williams said the starting shooting guard could be a toss up between Marcus Thornton and Marco Belinelli. Come on Monty, don't waste our time. We know that Thornton is the clear starter after his absurdly impressive rookie campaign and that Belinelli fits perfectly as a shooter off the bench. Ignore this coachspeak and confidently project starter's minutes for Thornton, who averaged 19.8 points a game in 17 starts last season.
James Singleton said Monday he has signed with the Xinjiang Gyang Hui Flying Tigers of the Chinese League. Singleton came out of nowhere last year to take playing time away from JaVale McGee. In 32 games after being traded from Dallas to Washington, the undersized rebounder averaged 6.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks as he made his way onto the fantasy radar. However, Singleton likely saw the writing on the wall with McGee's big summer and the signing of Hilton Armstrong. He'll make more money and get burn overseas.
Rudy Gay (groin) came off the bench for 17 points in 17 minutes against Angola on Monday. So much for that Groin strain. Rudy had a couple high-flying dunks in the blowout, proving he feels just fine.
Georgia coach Mark Richt wouldn't say whether or not suspended receiver A.J. Green would play against South Carolina this week, but Tavarres King will. If Green is held out again, King could see significant playing time.
“I didn’t think Landry was very sharp,” Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said of quarterback Landry Jones' performance on Saturday. “I felt he looked hurried or rushed a little bit. For a guy that played as many games as he did a year ago, he didn’t look to be in a comfort zone at all.” I wouldn't say Jones needs to start looking over his shoulder just yet, but he certainly needs to show improvement in year two or you'll start to hear Blake Bell's mentioned in the coming weeks.
"If you look at his game from the other night there was nothing special on his part," Southern Miss coach Larry Fedora said of receiver DeAndre Brown's performance against South Carolina. "It wasn't even an average performance to be honest with you." I can't say that I disagree. Brown seemed to mope on the sidelines and, based on his body language, he was clearly dealing with some bumps and bruises. Let's hope Fedora's motivational tactics pay off.
Texas A&M coach Mike Sherman said that wide receiver/backup quarterback Ryan Tannehill hurt his elbow in the opener but should be fine. Tannehill only caught one ball for nine yards in the opener, numbers that left many owners scratching their head.
Cody Johnson was so excited to be named the Texas starting running back that he didn't tell his coach when he sprained ankle early on during Saturday's win. The coaches didn't appreciate his silence, and now Tre' Newton is the team's starter. It's likely that Newton would have been named starter anyway due to Johnson's ankle. And you can't blame a guy for wanting to stay in the game at all costs.
Alabama coach Nick Saban doesn't appear too confident that he'll have the services of Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram against Penn State on Saturday. Coach says Ingram playing "is probably a little bit of a stretch." Many are of the opinion that Ingram's return will come in the Week Four SEC opener at Arkansas.
Tony Stewart wins the Emory Healthcare 500, his 38th victory in 417 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races. This is the No. 14 Chevrolet driver's first victory and 14th top-10 finish in 2010. It is his third victory and 14th top-10 finish in 24 races at Atlanta Motor Speedway. He clinched his spot in the 2010 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup with this victory.
Kyle Busch wins the WIX lap leader award in the Nationwide Series Great Clips 300 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The No. 18 Toyota driver started 2nd and led the most laps (74 of 195) of the drivers eligible to earn the WIX "Lap Leader" award. Busch, who made 21 of the 26 races so far this season, finished 2nd in the race and is currently 3rd in the 2010 Nationwide Series point standings.
Jason Leffler makes the most improvement in the Nationwide Series after this weekend's race. His 7th place finish in the Great Clips 300 was 14 places better than his last NNS finish. This earned the No. 10 driver the Featherlite "Most Improved Driver" award. Leffler is currently 10th in the 2010 Nationwide Series point standings.
Jamie McMurray wins the Great Clips 300, his eighth victory in 179 NASCAR Nationwide Series races. This is the No. 88 Chevrolet driver's first victory and sixth top-10 finish in 2010. His last victory came on Nov. 13, 2004 at Darlington Raceway. It is his second victory and fourth top-10 finish in eight races at Atlanta Motor Speedway.-NASCAR PR
Todd Bodine did not qualify for the Sprint Cup Emory Healthcare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. One of the `go-or-go-homers' required to qualify on speed, he ran a 46th fastest lap in the No. 64. This was not good enough to make the 43-car field.
Scott Riggs failed to make the field for the Sprint Cup Emory Healthcare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. One of the `go-or-go-homers' required to qualify on speed, he ran a 44th fastest lap in the No. 66. This was not good enough to make the 43-car field.
Rickie Fowler was one of Corey Pavin's four wildcard selections for the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor in Wales on October 1-3. Fowler is a rookie on the PGA TOUR, and has just one top 30 in his last eight starts worldwide.
Zach Johnson was one of Corey Pavin's four wildcard selections for the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor in Wales on October 1-3. ZJ won the Colonial in May and finished T3 at the PGA Championship, but it wasn't enough to qualify on points; he finished 11th. He was a member of the 2006 team that lost at The K Club in 2006. He did not make the team in 2008.
Tiger Woods was one of Corey Pavin's four wildcard selections for the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor in Wales on October 1-3. It's about that we turn this page. Woods has posted a pair of top 15s in the FedExCup Playoffs, securing a tee time at this week's BMW Championship. This will be the sixth time he competes in the Ryder Cup, and first since 2006. (He sat out in 2008 due to reconstructive surgery on his left knee.) It's the first time that he's required a captain's pick to make the team. He finished 12th in points.
Stewart Cink was one of Corey Pavin's four wildcard selections for the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor in Wales on October 1-3. Cink has strung together four top 20s going back to the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, which undoubtedly helped secure his pick. He's played in the last five Ryder Cups.
It might be difficult to find a golfer more aggravated about his score today than Steve Marino, who shot a 5-over-par 37-39=76 in the final round of the Deutsche Bank Championship. See, Marino was 8-under for the tournament with seven holes to play, and well inside the top-70 bubble of projected FedExCup Points to advance to the BMW Championship. That's when his game fell apart. First, he took a penalty on the 12th hole, settling for bogey. After a routine par-4 at the 13th, he managed to convert a par putt of 35'6" at the 14th. At the par-4 15th, he needed two blasts from a greenside bunker and two putts from 10'5" for double bogey. Par misses of 7'1" and 9'9" at the 16th and 17th, respectively, bumped him outside the top 70, and then he two-putted from 4'2" at the last to clinch a week off in lieu of a start at the BMW Championship. With his T41 payday at 3-under 281, Marino rose six spots in FedExCup Points, but will go into the annals 72nd overall.
Tom Gillis spun a 6-under-par 33-32=65 in his final round of the Deutsche Bank Championship, finishing in a tie for fifth place with Adam Scott and Brandt Snedeker. Gillis was able to ride the momentum of his bogey-free third round in which he hit just nine greens but needed only 21 putts for a 65. After 13 holes today, he was a sturdy if not lackluster 3-under before taking a roller coaster ride of emotions. First, he saved par from 10'11" and 10'9" at the 14th and 16th holes, respectively. At the 17th, he buried a birdie putt from 12'8", and then capped off his tournament with an eagle conversion from 14'2". He started the week 92nd in FedExCup Points, but now stands at 48th. His ascension of 44 points is second-best to winner Charley Hoffman (+57). Vijay Singh (now 63rd), Jason Dufner (65th) and Andres Romero (68th) also climbed inside the bubble from outside the top 70 entering the week. Getting displaced were Padraig Harrington (73rd), Lucas Glover (74th), Charles Howell III (75th) and Chris Couch (79th).
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