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Manny Ramirez Exercises Option With Dodgers, Will Play In L.A. In 2010

2009-11-07T02:32:24Z

by Hector Mata - AP

6 months ago: FILE - In this May 4, 2009 file photo, Los Angeles Dodgers' Manny Ramirez grimaces after being hit by a pitch during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Los Angeles. Major league baseball says Dodgers' Manny Ramirez is suspended 50 games for drug violation. (AP Photo/Hector Mata, File)

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Manny Ramirez's agent, Scott Boras, has confirmed that detestable/adorable left fielder Manny Ramirez will return to the Dodgers in 2010 for $20 million. From MLB.com:

Boras said Ramirez felt that his comfort level playing in Los Angeles was the overriding factor in his decision, although he had told teammates the grind of playing defense every day was taking a toll on his 37-year-old body and he was tempted to explore teams that might be interested in him as a designated hitter.

However, finding anything close to a $20 million salary in an uncertain economic climate, combined with the baggage of his 50-game PED suspension this year, made free agency an unattractive proposition for Ramirez, who hit .290 with 19 homers and 63 RBIs in 104 games this season.

Is it possible that Manny is finally and irrevocably content with his situation? His temperament is famously mercurial, but Los Angeles fans have continued to embrace him despite his suspension.

Check out our Dodgers blog, True Blue LA, as Los Angeles fans react to an extra season of the Manny Ramirez Experience.

Strikeforce: Fedor v. Rogers Weigh-In Photos

2009-11-07T02:04:30Z

The official SBNation.com Strikeforce: Fedor v. Rogers weigh-in photos can be found here. I’m not a great photographer, but hopefully you all enjoy.

Broncos Sign Defensive Back Ty Law

2009-11-07T01:35:21Z

Ty Law

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Looking to bolster their core of defensive backs, the Broncos signed veteran Ty Law to a deal on Friday, pending a physical:

Kevin Poston, Law's agent, confirmed the news Friday in an email to The Associated Press. The agreement came after Denver's media availability and a Broncos spokesman said the team had no comment.

Law is expected to sign the deal Saturday, pending the passing of his physical. He may even make it out to practice as the Broncos (6-1) prepare to host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night.

The 35-year-old Law, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, will fit right in with veterans Champ Bailey, Andre' Goodman, Brian Dawkins and Renaldo Hill, all in their 30s.

Law will most likely not see any time against any team's best wide receivers, but he could if the Broncos face any injuries to their already old defensive backs.

SB Nation's Mile High Report believes this is a "weird move:"

Decorated, yes - but is there a need? It is true that rookie Alphonso Smith and Jack Williams have been up and down as the Nickel corners, but will the addition of Law help that?

45-35: No. 7 Boise State Suppresses Louisiana Tech's Second-Half Rally

2009-11-07T00:33:48Z

by Rogelio V. Solis - AP

about 11 hours ago: Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore (11) throws a deep pass in the first quarter against Louisiana Tech during their NCAA college football game in Ruston, La., Friday, Nov. 6, 2009. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

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Check out our Boise State blog, One Bronco Nation Under God, for further analysis.

Ruston, LA (Sports Network) - Kellen Moore hit Austin Pettis for a 12-yard touchdown midway through the fourth quarter and Jeremy Avery added a 44-yard TD scamper later on, as fifth-ranked Boise State pulled away from Louisiana Tech, 45-35, in a surprisingly close Western Athletic Conference battle.

Moore ended with 354 yards and three touchdowns on 28-of-41 throws but also threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown.

Pettis went for 105 yards on nine catches, while Titus Young brought in eight balls for 110 yards and a score for Boise State (9-0, 4-0 WAC), which is without a regular-season loss in the last two seasons.

Avery logged 146 yards on 25 carries, as the Broncos outgained the Bulldogs, 507-250, but failed to record the blowout win to impress the pollsters. Boise State ranks seventh in the BCS standings, the lowest of the seven remaining undefeated FBS teams.

Daniel Porter ran for 92 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries for Louisiana Tech (3-6, 2-4), which has dropped three straight. Dennis Morris caught five balls for 78 yards and a score, while Ross Jenkins threw for 114 yards with a TD and a pick on 10-of-19 passes in defeat.

On 3rd-and-2 from the Boise State nine-yard line late in the third quarter, Jenkins called his own number on a bootleg and went in for the score to pull the underdogs within 30-21.

Louisiana Tech surprised the disciplined Broncos after the score, as Matt Nelson recovered his own onsides kick. On the ensuing drive, Morris made an athletic grab on a jump ball from the five, and the Bulldogs were suddenly down two, 30-28, with 14:07 remaining in the game.

As was the case most of the game, Boise State stumbled in enemy territory, and Kyle Brotzman hooked a 31-yard field goal wide left.

The Bulldogs were unable to move the ball following the missed kick, however, and the Broncos took over at their own 44 after a short punt. Kyle Efaw's 40- yard grab moved the ball into the red zone, and on 3rd-and-7 from the 12, Pettis hauled in a pass over the middle for a critical score.

The two-point conversion made it 38-28, and Louisiana Tech turned the ball over on downs after Jenkins was off the mark on 4th-and-6 from the 44.

On the first play of the next possession, Avery found a big hole off the right end and sprinted 43 yards to paydirt with under five minutes to play.

Myke Compton's one-yard TD run two minutes later was followed by an unsuccessful onsides kick for the Bulldogs, losers in eight straight against the cream of the WAC crop.

Brotzman hit field goals of 29 and 34 yards in the opening quarter around Porter's one-yard plunge to paydirt near the midway point.

Louisiana Tech held the slim one-point lead until Boise State had a short field and went ahead on Richie Brockel's two-yard TD reception with 44 seconds left in the first.

Kyle Wilson took the Bulldogs' next punt at the right hash, shifted to the left sideline and galloped 59 yards to the LA-Tech three, setting up Doug Martin's two-yard TD dive early in the second.

Moore's 40-yard bomb to Young in the end zone at the midway point of the second pumped the Broncos' margin to 27-7.

Brotzman missed a 44-yard attempt just before halftime.

On the first possession of third quarter, Josh Victorian stepped in front of a Moore pass and went 75 yards the other way to ignite the crowd.

Boise State's next drive stalled inside the 10 and Brotzman was called in for a 25-yard boot for a 30-14 lead with 6 1/2 minutes left in the third.

BSU has taken 12 straight conference decisions and has won 11 consecutive road games as well...Moore entered the game with the top pass efficiency rating in the entire nation at 171.02.

- Via Sports Network.

Bulls F Tyrus Thomas Breaks Arm; Out 4-6 Weeks

2009-11-06T22:20:03Z

by Charles Rex Arbogast - AP

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According to Inside Hoops, Bulls fourth year forward Tyrus Thomas broke his arm while weight lifting at practice this morning:

Chicago Bulls forward Tyrus Thomas suffered a fractured radius of his left forearm during a weight training session this morning at practice. X-rays confirmed the injury and he will undergo surgery tomorrow. The surgery will be performed at Rush, by team physicians Dr. Brian Cole and Dr. John Fernandez, and assisted by Dr. Mark Cohen.

Thomas is expected to be out four to six weeks. In four games (three starts) this season, the Louisiana State product has averaged 8.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg and 1.75 bpg in 21.0 mpg.

This news is obviously a huge disappointment for the Bulls, particularly after their upset of the Cavs last night. Thomas is a key to the Chicago defense and someone that they'll likely have a hard time replacing. We'll have more news as it emerges from Chicago.

Urban Meyer Fined $30 Grand For Stating Obvious

2009-11-06T20:04:36Z

The SEC has fined Urban Meyer $30K for criticizing officials regarding a late hit in the Georgia/Florida game, a response to Georgia’s outrage at Brandon Spikes not being called for his eye-gouging of Washaun Ealey, which was made worse by Lane Kiffin and Bobby Petrino’s complaints about the officiating, which started with some pretty bad officiating, actually, but then prompted a warning by SEC Commissioner Mike Slive that the next kid to complain was going to make him come back there and make you sorry you complained. And if you think that run-on sentence made you tired, imagine those of us SEC fans who’ve had to put up with this ninny slapfight all season long already.

Ty Lawson, Like A Really Fast Pitbull

2009-11-06T19:57:46Z

Last week, we welcomed Ty Lawson to the NBA, and since then, he’s continued to impress for the Denver Nuggets, averaging 11 ppg, and providing a spark off the bench for the undefeated Nuggets.

But how do we describe his game? From the Denver Post, Chauncey Billups enlightens us:

Ty is really, really fast, and most guys have to get low instead of standing straight up. He’s got a special gift.

He’s small in stature, but he’s stronger than people think. You can’t just knock him around. He’s low to the ground, like a pit bull. But a lot faster than a pit bull.

And oddly, that’s pretty much perfect.

(HT: Free Darko)

Lil Wayne Breaks Down Recruiting

2009-11-06T19:26:24Z

Well, after creating a stir last week by mentioning Tennessee’s Head Coach Lane Kiffin in one of his songs, Lil Wayne is back at it, injecting himself into the sports universe, one meandering rant at a time.

In this video (NSFW and frankly, if you’re watching a video of Lil Wayne on Ustream at work, you should be fired on the spot), he chides Kiffin for not embracing him wholeheartedly.

A transcript (starting at 15:05):

“…Hold on my blunt keep goin’ out.

(lights blunt)

Shout out all my people at ESPN. Shout out Lane Kiffin! And the whole Tennessee Volunteers team. I heard they say they don’t indulge in the things that I said, cuz I said smoke weed talk s—- like Lane Kiffin.

But, Lane what you don’t know is, you gon’ be sittin in some recruits living room, and his mother’s gon’ call him from the backroom, and he’s gon’ come out front listening to an ipod. And on his ipod, he’s gon’ be listening to, “smoke weed talk s—- like Lane Kiffin.”

And you’ll be able to say, 'Hi son, I’m Lane Kiffin. I’m who he’s talkin about.' And you just may get a recruit out of that.

And it’s scary, but he just might be right. That sound you hear? Joe Paterno’s head exploding.

Twins Acquire SS Hardy From Brewers For CF Gomez

2009-11-06T19:19:13Z

by Jim Mone - AP

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This from Yahoo! Sports:

The Minnesota Twins acquired shortstop J.J. Hardy (notes) on Friday, sending speedy outfielder Carlos Gomez (notes) to the Milwaukee Brewers in a trade.

SB Nation's Twinkie Town is surprised by the trade, which makes sense given that Gomez, as you may recall, was the centerpiece of the Johan Santana trade back in 2008. Gomez never panned out in Minnesota, and a change of scenery may suit him well. Although he is known for his speed, Gomez made repeated base running gaffes, including a costly one in the AL Division Series this year, driving manager Ron Gardenhire crazy.

Hardy, on the other hand, had great years in 2007 and 2008, but regressed this year, warranting a trip to the minors in August. He too may benefit from having a new home.

Look out for more analysis of the trade from SB Nation's Brew Crew Ball and Twinkie Town.

Antonio Bryant Reaggravates Knee Injury During London Flight

2009-11-06T19:18:57Z

by Stephan Savoia - AP

12 days ago: Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Bryant (89) and New England Patriots cornerback Leigh Bodden (23) during an NFL football game at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday Oct. 25, 2009. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)

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Another reason not to put an NFL franchise in London: the flight back is an injury risk. Steven Holder of the St. Petersburg Times reports that Antonio Bryant may miss this week's game due to a setback with his arthroscopically repaired knee - a setback that Bryant believes he suffered during the long (and cramped) flight back from London. Bryant reportedly sat in coach during the flight.

The most immediate question is: NFL players sit in coach? This certainly should not dispel the rumors that the Glazer family is facing financial difficulty. Last week, the Glazers vociferously denied reports from local radio stations and the Business Insider that they were victims of fraudster Bernie Madoff (with the Business Insider citing an unnamed Wall Street source who said the Glazers lost close to $400 million in the Ponzi scheme). There were also reports that the Glazers were shopping the Bucs, presumably because of the Glazers' highly leveraged buyout of Manchester United that left the club $1.8 billion in debt. The Glazers denied these reports as well.

Bottom line: the Bucs are a cheap franchise. This may or may not be related to rumors that the Glazers are experiencing their own financial crisis. But flying their team coach on a trans-Atlantic flight doesn't help their image of being dangerously cash-strapped.

As for the actual football implications of Bryant's injury, potentially losing their top receiving threat will not do rookie quarterback Josh Freeman any favors as he makes his first career start against the Packers this week. The Bucs are the last winless team in the league.

Brett Rogers On Fedor's Empty Gaze

2009-11-06T18:49:12Z

“I look into his eyes and I see nothing. I don’t see if he’s serious. I don’t see if he’s trying to be funny. I can’t sense anything from him. A lot of people say, ’Don’t pay attention to his demeanor because it will psyche you out.’ It’s true. I feel that.”

-Brett Rogers admits to being a little psyched out by Fedor.

Apologies to all for the somewhat shallow amount of content on the MMA page today. I’m in Illinois to cover the event and will be bringing updates from the weigh-ins and cageside.

Strikeforce: Fedor v. Rogers Live Weigh-In Results

2009-11-06T18:33:38Z

via www.mmaconvert.com

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BloodyElbow will bring real time updates of the weights of the fighters as they step on the scales in anticipation of Saturday night's Fedor v. Rogers event.

Fake, Hilarious Sports Network Soon To Be Aired On An Actual Network

2009-11-06T18:22:32Z

This announcement came through the wires yesterday, and needs to be mentioned:

Comedy Central has ordered a pilot from news satire organization The Onion for a half-hour scripted series, based on their Onion Sports Network online video series.

Now, the Onion brand of humor isn’t for everyone, but as biting satire goes, it’s pretty much the gold standard. A sample of what you can expect: "Fatal Staples Center Collapse Brings Merciful End to Clippers Game."

Early reports indicate that everyone was saved from watching a full 48 minutes of Clippers basketball, thanks to the metal and concrete roof that crushed them to death… If that [roof] hadn’t buckled, those people would be driving home right now, wondering how Mike Dunleavy could give significant minutes to a stiff like Ricky Davis.

Should be excellent.

Week 10 NCAA Football Buffet: Previewing All The Games Worth Consuming

2009-11-06T18:12:01Z

by Tony Gutierrez - AP

4 days ago: In this Nov. 8, 2008, photo, Alabama coach Nick Saban, left, and LSU coach Les Miles talk after Alabama defeated LSU 27-21 in an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La. No. 3 Alabama faces No. 9 LSU on Saturday, Nov. 7. An Alabama win would give the team the Southeastern Conference West title; if LSU wins, it takes control of the SEC West. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

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Not a great week for college football match-ups, you can thank SEC Homecoming Weekend for that. Let's find out what looks tasty in this weekend's college football buffet. (All times are Eastern.)

Not a great week for college football match-ups, you can thank SEC Homecoming Weekend for that. Let's find out what looks tasty and what might be worth pushing to the side of your plate in this weekend's college football buffet. (All times are Eastern.)

GIVE ME A HEAPING HELPING

LSU @ Alabama (CBS, 3:30pm)

The Nick Saban Bowl, right? Honestly, it's probably time to move on, LSU fans. Consider this game round one of the SEC West and maybe even BCS playoffs The winner will almost certainly play Florida in the SEC Championship.

I'LL HAVE A SCOOP OF THAT, PLEASE

Oregon @ Stanford (FSN, 3:30pm)

Letdown is the word everyone keeps hearing about this one. A week removed from their Pac-10-changing win over USC, the Ducks will face a stiff challenge from the Cardinal.

Ohio State @ Penn State (ABC/ESPN2, 3:30pm)

OSU heads back out on the road without their Big Ten road-win-streak. It's been a rough year for the Buckeyes and when you've lost The Redneck Rocker, you've lost all of central Ohio.

I'LL TASTE IT FIRST...

USC @ Arizona State (ABC, 8pm)

Pate Carroll fell on his sword after the Oregon loss. The Pac-10 Championship might now be out of reach but the Trojans can't afford to lose again and truly fall off the radar. ASU is coming off one failed upset bid, do they have anything left in the tank for another?

Connecticut @ Cincinnati (ABC, 8pm)

It's Bearcats! It's Huskies! It's The Big East in Primetime! Believe it or not there are some interesting storylines at play here. The Bearcats hope to welcome back Tony Pike while the Huskies are still searching for a win after the Japser Howard tragedy.

Oklahoma @ Nebraska (ABC, 8pm)

Oklahoma might have the best QB in the Big 12...and it's not Sam Bradford. This once-epic rivalry will be played once again under little fanfare and some are beginning to wonder if they need to keep playing this game every season.

Oregon State @ California (FSN, 7pm)

Cal wants to eat some beaver for dinner on Saturday...literally. They've gotten back on the right track after the losses to USC and Oregon but Oregon state presents a tough challenge.

Navy @ Notre Dame (NBC, 2:30pm)

The Irish offense has been booming, but they may lack the talent on defense to keep up with the Midshipmen.Though, with Michael Floyd cleared to play, it might not matter.

South Carolina @ Arkansas (SEC Network, Noon)

South Carolina is going up against one of the top offenses in the SEC, turnovers and special teams will be key. Arkansas fans are playing the What If game, of which there are many questions from the past few seasons.

Wake Forest @ Georgia Tech (ABC/ESPN2, 3:30pm)

Remember when Wake Forest made that Orange Bowl run in 2006? Well this is their Bizarro 2006 Season.Deacons QB Riley Skinner is probable after a mild concussion.

Florida State @ Clemson (ESPN, 7:45pm)

It's been one of those years for Florida State, where what happens off the field is infinitely more interesting than what happens on it. Clemson, somehow, controls it's own destiny in the ACC at the moment and will try to continue to do so.

I'LL KEEP THAT IN MIND FOR THE NEXT TRIP

Fresno State @ Idaho (ESPNU, 10:30pm)

Idaho's 7-2, Fresno's 5-3...believe it or not you might actually want to keep an eye on this one. The key matchup in this game is going to be the Idaho run defense agasint the Fresno State run offense.

Washington @ UCLA (FS Regional, 3:30pm)

Jake Locker will get the start for the Huskies despite his injury. Still, Bruin fans are feeling good about their chances to get back into the win column.

Virginia @ Miami (Raycom, Noon)

What's going on with Miami's defense? How is Al Groh still gainfully employed? Would you be surprised by any outcome here? God bless the ACC.

Wisconsin @ Indiana (BTN, Noon)

The Badgers lead the Big Ten in rushing offense, while the Hoosiers are eighth in rushing defense. This, as they say, does not bode well.

Boise State @ Louisiana Tech (ESPN2, 8pm)

Bronco fans are up in arms (rightfully) over the Oregon-Boise State debate. Of course, they need to keep their focus on winning the games ahead of them rather than the ones they've already won.

Northwestern @ Iowa (ESPN, Noon)

You know what's nice about being the top team in the Big Ten? The fact that they've got their very own network, and that network is completely down with carrying their water, no questions asked. Nothing the network can do about the hate that Northwestern and Iowa have for each other, they're on their own for that.

I DON'T KNOW...SMELLS KINDA FUNNY...

Houston @ Tulsa (CBS College Sports, 7:30pm)

Despite suffering a concussion in last week's loss to SMU, Tulsa QB G.J. Kinne is expected to start Saturday against Houston. Any chance the Golden Hurricanes have to win this game will depend on Kinne and the offense.

Duke @ North Carolina (ESPNU, 3:30pm)

That the Duke football team controls its own destiny and is still alive in the race for the ACC Championship tells you everything you need to know about the ACC in 2009.

Oklahoma State @ Iowa State (ABC, 3:30pm)

After their performance in College Station last week, a lot of ISU fans were disappointed. That's nothing compared to how crappy the Oklahoma State fans must have felt.

Brigham Young @ Wyoming (MTN, 2pm)

There is no love lost between these two teams, especially after last year's 44-0 drubbing by the Cougars.BYU will need to focus on speed, speed and speed if they want to repeat that.

Texas A&M @ Colorado (FCS Central, 1:30pm)

A&M's offense looked good but the defense looked terrible in win over Iowa State. Colorado is officially at the crossroads, how this one turns out will say a lot about their direction moving forward.

Maryland @ North Carolina State (ESPN360, 1pm)

N.C. State's defense is having problems but don't be fooled, the Wolfpack is only "mostly dead." Nothing a nice MLT, when the mutton is nice and lean, can't solve.

Kansas @ Kansas State (Verus, 12:30pm)

A very balanced offense, a solid defense, and very good special teams. Nope that's not the Jayhawks it's what Kansas State has going for them right now.

Louisville @ West Virginia (Big East Network, Noon)

It was only a few years ago this was the marquee game on the Big East schedule. A big reason it's no longer so, Steve Kragthorpe. Oh, if only we could get a peek into his diary to see what's on his mind.

Purdue @ Michigan (BTN, Noon)

A win, a win, Michigan's kingdom for a win. If history is in indicator, they should get one. Purdue does not fare well in Ann Arbor.

Illinois @ Minnesota (BTN, Noon)

Wasn't too long ago Illinois was bowl-bound and the Gophers were in the basement. My how things have changed. Minnesota's Tim Brewster played for the Illiini and there's awkward, 70's photos to prove it.

Syracuse @ Pittsburgh (ESPNU, Noon)

It's been a helluva week for Syracuse. They lost their star player, three other notable players were suspended, the head coach got choked up over Greg Paulus...not the best time for a Dion Lewis-led 7-1 Pittsburgh to come to town.

NO THANKS, PLATE'S FULL

Vanderbilt @ Florida (ESPN2, 7:15pm)

Many SEC teams are playing sacrificial lambs this weekend. Georgia has Tennesse Tech. Auburn has Furman. Florida has...Vanderbilt. Brandon Spikes will be watching this one from the stands...probably won't make a difference.

Northern Arizona @ Mississippi (SEC Network, 7:30pm)

Despite all the hype and all the fanfare, it's been the Same Ole Miss this season

Memphis @ Tennessee (ESPNU, 7pm)

Memphis coach Tommy West has made a joke about a dog suggesting that Lane Kiffin is not all that smart. Tennessee players perhaps in danger of overlooking the Tigers are now focused.

New Mexico @ Utah (MTN, 4pm)

The 17th-ranked Utes won't name a starting quarterback until game time Saturday night. The good news is, their opponent is winless.

TCU @ San Diego State (Versus, 4pm)

TCU is trying to avoid San Diego as their final destination this year. Winning in San Diego now will only help matters.

Washington State @ Arizona (FCS Pacific, 3:30pm)

Don't look now but the Wildcats are actually kinda good. Washington State kinda isn't, so, you know...

Army @ Air Force (CBS College Sports, 3:30pm)

Expect something special before this one out of respect for the events that took place at Fort Hood this week.

Furman @ Auburn (CSS PPV, 1:30pm)

It's Homecoming Weekend at Auburn, which is code for "horrible, unwatchable football game."

Eastern Kentucky @ Kentucky (Big Blue PPV, 1pm)

Some Kentucky fans are assuming a win over Eastern Kentucky this weekend. You know what they say...

Tennessee Tech @ Georgia (CSS PPV, 1pm)

What week is this? This game doesn't even seem legal. Mark Richt's a nice guy though, so I'll let it slide.

Western Michigan @ Michigan State (BTN, Noon)

At 4-5, Michigan State needs to make a statement, even if we're not entirely sure what that statement means.

Central Florida @ Texas (FSN, Noon)

Texas has been the quietest of the three top teams all year but they made themselves known last week against Oklahoma State. They get a nice snack this weekend at home.

Phillies Pick Up Option On Cliff Lee

2009-11-06T18:07:56Z

by Jeff Chiu - AP

3 months ago: Philadelphia Phillies' Cliff Lee works against the San Francisco Giants in the fifth inning in San Francisco, Friday, July 31, 2009. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

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In a rather unsurprising move, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports that the Phillies have picked up their team option on pitcher Cliff Lee. After coming over from Cleveland in a midseason trade, Lee established himself as the Phillies' best starter, with a 3.39 ERA. While Lee struggled over the season's last month, he reverted to form during the playoffs, posting a 1.56 ERA during the postseason.

Zolecki also reports that the Phillies have not yet made a decision about whether to pick up third baseman Pedro Feliz's option. Philadelphia has until Monday to make a decision on Feliz.

East Carolina Mascot Is Strippery

2009-11-06T17:53:51Z

ECU has done some quality rebranding recently. Look no further than their impressive skull and crossbones helmet that debuted last night for evidence of their marketing skills, or to the smashing North Carolina-shaped pirate logo at midfield. Someone hired the quality art school grads to revamp the branding, and it's paying off.

The new pirate, though, bears a striking resemblance not to Jack Sparrow, but to a male stripper the team hired for an office party who just happened to stay for the game.

"Ladies, did someone say...booty?" At that point someone hits play on the boom box, the music starts, and then we all get reaaaaaaaally awkward until someone pays him to stop. BTW, you might think it's a funny idea to hire a male stripper for your friend's bachelor party, but we assure you: Unless you want to redefine awkward, it is neither funny nor wise.

Colts CB Kelvin Hayden Out 3-4 Weeks With Knee Injury

2009-11-06T17:42:42Z

by Jeff Roberson - AP

12 days ago: Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kelvin Hayden, left, intercepts a pass intended for St. Louis Rams wide receiver Keenan Burton, right, at the goal line during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009, in St. Louis. The Colts won 42-6. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

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More bad news for the Colts defense: starting cornerback Kelvin Hayden is expected to be out up to four weeks with a knee injury, according to the Indianapolis Star.

Hayden's absence is just the latest for a Colts defense that will also be without starting cornerback Marlin Jackson (out for the year with an ACL tear), safety Bob Sanders (out after having surgery on his injured elbow), linebacker Tyjuan Hagler (out for the season with a torn biceps). Additionally, backup safety Jamie Silva, who would take Sanders' place in the lineup, is listed on the injury report with a hip injury.

The high-powered Texans offense (itself without star tight end Owen Daniels) comes to town this week for the Colts in a key AFC South matchup.

LeBron Posts 33 Points, Makes Himself At Home In MSG

2009-11-06T16:59:06Z

by Kathy Kmonicek - AP

about 12 hours ago: Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James (23) moves the ball around New York Knicks' Jared Jeffries (20) during the first period of an NBA basketball game Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek)

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Every year, it seems that whenever Lebron James plays in New York, the rest of the basketball world stops to gawk at the impossible--Lebron ... in New York City. It's unclear when all of this began, but it's been going strong for a solid three years now, and on the brink of the 2010 free agency extravaganza(!!!), Lebron's trip to "The City" carries even more significance than usual.

(Note: people that call New York "The City" deserve to be bludgeoned. Me? Yeah I'm just going to jet up to the city for the weekend, get some drinks with a few friends. There's this new place in SoHo called "Spot." Or maybe it's "The Spot".. I don't know. We may also hit up this party starting at 3 a.m. at this club called "Furniture." Should be a great time... DIE.)

This is the only time Lebron will be in New York all year, so the media has to cram all their media hysteria into one, bloated newsday. With that in mind, let's take a look around the web:

True Hoop's Knicks Blog writes an open letter to Lebron, asking him NOT to join the Knicks:

Now, were you to join our team, I can say with a good degree of certainty that you would greatly improve our chances of winning on a day-to-day basis and possibly even elevate the squad to the status of, "championship contender". Many of my fellow fanatics would very much like this to happen. I’m here to formally ask that you please do not join our team.

According to Frank Isola at the New York Daily News, Lebron will NOT be attending the Yankees victory parade. But to prove he's still kind of a dick, James says "My parade starts at 8," referring to the Knicks game.

Howard Beck from the New York Times asks, "Does Lebron James Need New York?" From the Times:

So what do you get for the superstar who has everything? More fame? More awards? More money? The answers might determine where James lands next summer, if he becomes a free agent as expected. [...]

In Cleveland, James has been blessed with solid teammates, deep playoff runs and a finals appearance. The Knicks, lacking any of that, will try to mesmerize him with Broadway lights and Madison Avenue riches.

It is the conventional wisdom that infuses every discussion of James’s pending free agency: If he leaves Cleveland, it will be to chase fame and fortune in the greatest market of all.

But it might be a misguided pursuit, based on a faulty premise.

While the New York Post provides some quotes from the Icon, himself:

"July 1 is right around the corner, so it'll be really exciting. I'm looking forward to winning an NBA championship here [in Cleveland]. It's going to be a long season, and I can't think about what's going to happen July 1 or after that or what I'm going to do."...

"I don't tease. I've never teased the New York media by saying I was coming to New York, or playing for the Knicks," James said. "I say the same thing every time: When July 1gets here, I'm going to approach it like a businessman and approach it for the best fit for LeBron and his family.

"I've been a Cav for seven years now, and I've never given any indication I was leaving. For me to say I'm not going to be a Knick, I'm going to be a Cav, or I'm going to be a Knick, I'm not going to be a Cav, I'm not going to do that. I'm going to leave my options open."

And the Post's Peter Vescey chimes in as the unintentional caricature of all the hype:

Let's play a game of hypothetically speaking, shall we?

Suppose for the purpose of our game you were good -- very good, damn good -- at whatever you did for a living. You have several things going for you: 1) You're on the open market sooner rather than later. 2 ) Your name is known far and wide. 3) Just about every organization where you're able to ply your trade wants to hire you.

...

Superintendent of his own solar system, LeBron is guaranteed to leave no loose ends unaccounted for this enchanted evening. What should Knicks fans be rooting for tonight and for the remainder of this season regarding LeBron? His team's utter self-destruction?

...

A still darker inner-sanctum belief is that a favorable Supreme Court decision -- a franchise first title -- is needed to ensure LeBron remains rooted to his home state.

Then again, in LeBron's mind, would getting crowned fulfill such fidelity? Would winning one for the city of Cleveland give him the freedom of mind to fly the coop?

Meanwhile, Knicks players held a closed door meeting last night, and are apparently growing frustrated with the franchise's perceived apathy toward this year's players:

According to one player, there is a sense among many Knicks that this season doesn't mean anything to the organization since management has made it clear that it will look to add an impact player next summer. In order to do that, most of the players with expiring contracts will not be re-signed. Harrington, David Lee, Nate Robinson, Darko Milicic and Hughes are in the last year of their respective deals.

The players also don't like hearing about the organization's interest in potential free agents LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Joe Johnson. (Team officials are prohibited from talking about players on other teams and most of the speculation has come via the media.) A few players have said that they have been so soured by their experience in New York that if James were to solicit their advice about playing for the Knicks, they would not give him a favorable scouting report.

And finally, SB Nation's Knicks blog has a simple request for Knicks fans. For the next 24 hours, how about just not mentioning one name?

I'm not going to go so far as to call this a "rule", but let's say I'm making a "request" for the extent of tomorrow. As you know, the Cleveland Cavaliers come to New York tomorrow. With them, they'll bring perhaps the world's best ballplayer and an absolute circle jerk of media excitement. If you ask me, all the hooplah is completely tasteless. I understand the 2010 plan and am fully invested in its potential rewards, but the fact that this summer's free agency has been a point of emphasis for almost a year now is really frustrating. For better or worse, the Knicks have to play this season's games as currently composed. Fawning over opposing players is, for the time being, quite lame. Strikes me as bad karma, too.

Now, I'm not the authority on all things Knicks, but I am the authority of this li'l Knicks blog. That said, I'm "requesting" that we all abstain from using the name of the man pictured above. Not his first name. Not his last name. Not his initials, nor his faux-regal nickname.

And really, that's the part about this story the resonates the loudest--this is TERRIBLE karma. Like, it's fine to plan for the future, but what the Knicks organization has done over the past few years has been an utter embarassment to its players and fans. Will Lebron go to New York? Who knows, but in the meantime, it seems that the media, the Knicks, and their fans are all willing to foresake any semblance of dignity, and completely ignore the 2009 season. I mean, at least pretend to care about this year.

Instead, everyone froths over something that's completely theoretical. And while the speculation's understandable, at this scale, it borders on the absurd. Doesn't everyone realize he's going to the Nets?

Oregon Ducks Quick On And Off The Field

2009-11-06T16:30:31Z

Oregon looked speedy enough against USC, but their speed is by no means limited to their performance on the field. Jeff Maehl displays quicks of an entirely different but still pleasing sort in an interview with the Daily Emerald about the upcoming game against Stanford:

ODE: So are you looking forward to going to Palo Alto?

JM: Definitely. I heard there’s about 50 people going to the game, so I’m excited to play in front of them.

Ahh, Stanford. You’ll have to settle for being kind of good at football and really good at things like being smart and being born with millions you spin into billions with your brains and connections. SEE IF THAT CONSOLES YOU WHEN YOU GO TO THE SUN BOWL. (It will.)

Indeed, The D-League Had A Draft

2009-11-06T15:59:08Z

We mentioned this yesterday, but yes, the NBA Development League conducts an annual draft, and it happened last night. With a draft order and everything. They even had high school phenoms! Kind of amazing, right?

As my friend Tim noted, “They keep score in those games? I always thought the D-League was more of an organized workout.”

But no, they do keep score, and the culture’s actually kind of fascinating. SBN’s Ridiculous Upside kept track of all the activity last night, providing an excellent recap of what went down. The best note, though, came from Hoops Hype:

Yaroslav Korolev picked higher in the 2005 NBA draft than the 2009 D-League draft. Says a lot about how his career has gone.

Wait, wasn’t he a lottery pick once? Who drafted him? The Clippers? Oh. That makes sense.