http://www.sportsnipe.com Sports news headlines from all sources http://www.sportsnipe.com/images/logo.gif http://www.sportsnipe.com Sports news headlines from all sources http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449153/sharapova-pulls-out-italian-open-before-semifinal-match.html Maria Sharapova pulled out of Saturday's semifinal match at the Italian Open with a left calf injury. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449152/new-no-1-sharapova-pulls-out-italian-open.html Read full story for latest details. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449151/ampquotfederer-looks-more-determined-than-ever-to-stop-that-rumour-him-being-on-declineampquot-yn.html "Federer looks more determined than ever to stop that rumour of him being on the decline" - YN Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449150/kotsay-helps-beat-aamp39s-san-jose-mercury-news.html Kotsay helps beat A'sSan Jose Mercury News,  USA - 33 minutes agoBy Joe Stiglich Atlanta Braves Chipper Jones celebrates as he points to second base after scoring against the Oakland Athletics on a double off the bat of ... Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449149/athleticsbraves-preview-offshore-insiders.html Athletics-Braves PreviewOffshore Insiders, GA - 34 minutes agoThe Oakland Athletics will be fighting to snap a losing streak on Saturday when they take on the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. The Athletics will give the ... Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449148/pitching-staff-getting-job-done.html Maybe it's time to give Roger McDowell a little credit? Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449147/waswatching-santana-young-guns.html It's not often Steve Lombardi and I agree on the state of the Yankees. Today is no exception. Santana pitched in 30 games for the Twins in 2000. And, their record in games where Johan appeared was 2-28. Yes, the team record in those games was two and twenty-eight. Santana was 21-years old at the time. Smart move by the Twins - breaking in a kid pitcher by not throwing him out on the front-line where he could be eaten by wolves. That's how it was done in the old days. First of all, the 2000 and 2001 editions of Santana didn't feature the same devastating changeup as the modern edition- a pitch he was sent to the minors to perfect. More importantly, the Twins that year featured 27 year old Brad Radke, 26 year old Mark Redman, and two 24 year olds, Eric Milton and Joe Mays. Those four combined to throw 738 innings- not a lot of room at the inn. The Yankees have no similar problems- the alternative to IPK is Kei Igawa. The Twins lost 93 games that year because they scored only 748 runs. Their payroll was dead last in the league- behind such luminaries as Tampa, the Marlins, the Pirates, and the Royals. Attendance hovered around one million for the third year in a row- the front office could afford to be patient with a Rule 5 pick. That might explain the most- Santana had to stay with the team in some role or he'd be sent back to the Astros. But Steve did get one thing right- it's tough to pitch in the major leagues for a 21 year old. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449146/nhl-tv-coverage-versus-bleacher-report.html NHL TV Coverage: Why VERSUS?Bleacher Report, CA - 10 minutes agoby Eric Kuzmiak (Columnist) If you have read any of my articles throughout this NHL season and/or postseason, you are familiar with my utter distaste for ... Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449145/football-michael-carrick-signs-new-manchester-united-contract.html Manchester United midfielder commits his future to the champions by signing new four-year contract Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449144/republic-call-up-carlisle-keeper.html Giovanni Trapattoni drafts in uncapped Carlisle goalkeeper Keiren Westwood to the Republic of Ireland's training camp in Portugal. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449143/advantage-frankfurt-after-umeatildeyen-draw.html Umeå IK 1-1 1. FFC FrankfurtConny Pohlers cancelled out Marta's quick-fire strike to give the German side a valuable first-leg draw. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449142/allstar-events-obsolete-thatsracincom.html All-star events -- obsolete?ThatsRacin.com - 33 minutes agoBy DAVID GREEN NASCAR's all-star race -- seems as if it should always be referred to as "The Winston" -- has produced some great memories over the years ... Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449141/f1-nascaramp39s-kyle-busch-to-formula-one-paddocktalk.html F1: NASCAR's Kyle Busch To Formula OnePaddockTalk - 27 minutes agoSounds like a fun outing for the NASCAR standout... But unless he's prepared to leave stock cars, and run in the GP2 Series for a year... there will be not ... Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449140/heavy-traffic-expected-near-speedway-news-14-carolina.html Heavy traffic expected near speedwayNews 14 Carolina, NC - 23 minutes agoCONCORD, NC -- If you're one of the tens of thousands of race fans headed to Lowe's Motor Speedway for Saturday's NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, ... Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449139/charlotte-ford-nascar-truck-race-recap-quotes-paddocktalk.html Charlotte: Ford NASCAR Truck Race Recap, QuotesPaddockTalk - 16 minutes agoDID YOU THINK YOU HAD A CHANCE ON THE LAST RESTART? "Absolutely. Gator does my transmissions here and years ago a man named Dwayne Knorr kind of helped me ... Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449138/charlotte-chevrolet-nascar-truck-race-recap-craftonamp39s-first-win-paddocktalk.html Charlotte: Chevrolet NASCAR Truck Race Recap - Crafton's First WinPaddockTalk - 16 minutes agoWhen the race's final caution that sent it in to overtime for a green-white-checkered finish on lap 137, Crafton had the best restart of his life and held ... Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449137/charlotte-toyota-nascar-truck-race-recap-quotes-paddocktalk.html Charlotte: Toyota NASCAR Truck Race Recap, QuotesPaddockTalk - 15 minutes ago23 Exide Batteries Toyota Tundra, Bill Davis Racing Finished: 11th Can you talk about the pass on Erik Darnell for the lead, and the penalty from NASCAR? ... Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449136/equine-welfare-key-no-matter-outcome-thehorsecom.html Equine Welfare Key No Matter the OutcomeTheHorse.com, KY - 7 minutes ago"We have consulted with experts who have worked with other sports like Major League Baseball and NASCAR, and we are preparing for any eventuality," Waldrop ... Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449135/lovie-smith-cedric-benson-starter.html Filed under: Bears, NFC North, ChicagoWhen the Bears drafted Matt Forte in the second round of the draft, it seemed to signal the start of a competition for the starting running back job. Cedric Benson, despite being handed the job on a platter 12 months earlier, hadn't done enough to ensure he'd stay in the job. When Benson got arrested, it looked like the battle had tilted in Forte's favor. That case still needs sorting out, though, and Benson's still got one guy who thinks he can do the job. During a Q-and-A with the team's web site, Lovie Smith said that it was Benson's job to lose. Matt Forte has never played a down for us here. He's like all other rookies, starting from the bottom and working his way up. Cedric was our starter last year, and he's our starter right now. For someone else to be the starter, they're going to have to beat him out.It would be impractical of Smith to view things any differently. It's bad form to have players lose their jobs without at least a chance to keep them. It's the opposite of what the team's doing at quarterback. The Bears keep saying it's an open competition but if Rex Grossman's healthy, he's starting on opening day. Running back is less clear but Benson being the starter on May 17th means very little come training camp. That's the real open competition in the Chicago backfield. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449134/adrien-clarke-g-bal.html Ravens sign former Jet Clarke Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449133/kelly-talavou-dl-bal.html Ravens add former Seahawk Talavou Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449132/speedy-video.html Here's a video for Denard Span fans. I went to the see the Twins AAA team in Rochester tonight. Their centerfielder, Denard Span, started the season in Minnesota but he's here on the Red Wings right now. I thought you... Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449131/astros-another-nodecision-for-chacon.html Houston Astros SP Shawn Chacon set a major league record by making his ninth consecutive start without a decision to begin a season Friday, May 16, against the Texas Rangers, according to the Associated Press. Chacon allowed eight runs (five earned) on six hits over 3-1/3 innings, with four walks and no strikeouts. There have been three streaks of 10 consecutive no-decisions for pitchers since 1956, but none were at the start of a season. The 10-game streaks belong to John D'Acquisto and Randy Lerch in 1977 and Dick Stigman from 1965-66. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449130/twinsrockies-pointers.html The fans at Coors Field will be treated to a interleague game between the Minnesota Twins and the Colorado Rockies when they take their seats on Saturday. Righthander Livan Hernandez will take the mound for the Twins to start this game. Hernandez is 6-1 this season with a 3.90 ERA. The Rockies will counter Hernandez with Greg Reynolds. Righthander Reynolds has a 6.35 ERA to go along with a 0-1 record this season. NewBodog oddsmakers currently have the Rockies listed as 130-moneyline favorites versus the Twins, while the game's total has not yet been posted. Adam Everett had two sacrifice fly RBIs to lead the Twins to a 4-2 win over the Rockies on Friday, as +124 underdogs. The six runs fell UNDER the posted over/under (10). Delmon Young went 3-for-4 at the plate for the Twins, and Justin Morneau finished 2-for-4 at the plate. Nick Blackburn surrendered two runs off six hits over seven innings for the win. Clint Barmes had three hits and drove in one run for the Rockies, who were -134 favorites. Ubaldo Jimenez gave up three runs over seven innings to suffer the loss. Current streak:Colorado has lost 6 straight games. Team records:Minnesota: 21-20 SUColorado: 15-27 SU Minnesota most recently:When playing on Saturday are 6-4Before playing Colorado are 1-3After playing Colorado are 3-0After a win are 5-5Colorado most recently:When playing on Saturday are 5-5Before playing Minnesota are 2-2After playing Minnesota are 1-2After a loss are 2-8 A few trends to consider:Minnesota is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games on the roadColorado is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games at homeColorado is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games Next up:Colorado home to Minnesota, Sunday, May 18 This free preview is brought to you thanks to a partnership with NewBodog sportsbook.  Don't thank OffshoreInsiders.com, thank them and open up an account now at the universally renowned NewBodog  OffshoreInsiders.com Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449129/world-football-luca-toni-to-beat-cristiano-ronaldo-for-ballon-dor.html Cristiano Ronaldo has scored an outstanding 41 goals this season and still has a chance to add to that tally in the Champions League final in Moscow next week.  The Manchester United winger has undoubtedly been in fine form and is being tipped to receive the Ballon d’Or award. But it appears the Premier League’s best player has some competition.  Bayern Munich’s Luca Toni has also had a stellar season for the Bundesliga Champions, scoring 36 goals in all competitions.  His tally may be five short of Ronaldo's, but if Italy wins the Euro this summer, then it appears Luca Toni may become a hot favorite alongside Ronaldo to scoop football’s most prestigious individual award.  Luca Toni also won the German Cup with Bayern and made it to the semifinals of the UEFA Cup before exiting to eventual winners Zenit St. Petersburg.  Big performances in major international tournaments have been the deciding factor in years past, with Fabio Cannavaro piping Barcelona’s Ronaldinho to the award in 2006.  Ronaldinho was in the form of his life and had just won the Champions League and La Liga with Barcelona.  But a strong showing from Cannavaro in the World Cup earned him the Ballon d’Or award. So if Luca Toni shines this summer for Italy in the Euro, and Cristiano Ronaldo fails to win the Champions League, then deciding who should receive the award may not be so straightforward for the voting body.  But even if Ronaldo doesn’t win the Champions League this year, he still has a chance to shine in the Euro 2008 as well. That means it would take some incredible performances by Luca Toni to pip Ronaldo to the award.  And with Ronaldo in the form of his life, don’t be surprised if he’s the one who shines this summer and goes on to collect the Ballon d’Or.   Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449128/ucla-basketball-alex-stephenson-to-bruins.html A week or two ago, I had said that another high profile big might be transferring to UCLA. Well, I was talking about Alex Stephenson, and my source from inside Morgan Center says there's a pretty damn good chance he’ll end up at UCLA, too. Greg Hicks just put up an article on scout.com on Alex Stephenson. It’s currently not premium material (sometimes they switch it on me) so I’m only going to excerpt from the intro, which they do for free anyway: Alex Stephenson, the 6-foot-9 sophomore post from North Carolina, is transferring and reportedly looking to be closer to home in Southern California. There are a number of reasons why he’d be a great addition to the Bruin program… Again, I’m hearing he’s almost a lock for UCLA. I’ll talk to my source later today for an update on that. Yeah, Howland obviously SUCKS at recruiting bigs. Or maybe he does and we should be thanking Kevin Love? Hmmmm... UPDATE: The scout.com article says that Stephenson has an illness in his family. I had actually heard that from my source as well, but my source added that somehow this means Stephenson wouldn’t need to sit out a year…as in, there is some sort of special exception. Or at least I think that's what he said. Regardless, thoughts and prayers go out to Alex and his family, wherever he ends up. Related posts Jordan Farmar Classic to Debut at Taft High School (0) Ben Howland vs. Tim Floyd: A Tale of Two Coaches (1) J’Mison Morgan: Official Announcement Could Come Today (0) *video* Rick Neuheisel Gives Speech to Spring Game Recruits (6) Morgan to be released by LSU (0) NCAA = Money Grubbing Jackasses (0) O.J. Mayo is SHADY (4) Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449127/carolina-hurricanes-peter-laviolette-will-return-as-coach.html Carolina Hurricanes General Manager Jim Rutherford confirmed earlier today that Coach Peter Laviolette will indeed return behind the bench next season for Carolina. Rutherford seemed a bit surprised by all the speculation about the coach’s future. “This became a bigger issue than it needed to be," JR was quoted as saying. It seems like the general manager could have had something to do with that, but maybe he didn’t read the papers or the online NHL news services which were speculating about Lavi’s future. With Quenneville and Wilson just getting the ax even after making the playoffs, was the media being overzealous speculating about Laviolette, considering Rutherford's refusal to give him a vote of confidence for over a month? Regardless, most fans will be happy with the news. Rutherford also mentioned that he was still waiting to have meetings with Bret Hedican and Glen Wesley about their possible futures with the club. In other news, Team Canada will be facing Team Russia for the gold medal in the World Championships in what should be a real barn-burner. Canada got by Sweden 5-4, while the Russians skunked Team Finland 4-0. Finally, I’d like to thank everyone who left comments and sent me emails about my last article concerning ticket prices. I apologize that some of your comments didn’t post properly, I need to update this template and will do so sometime soon during this off-season. It should go without saying but I’ll say it anyway, that article was not an attempt to convince people whether to re-up for season tickets. It was meant to be a factual article, based upon the perceptions during the lockout in relation to the actual price increases, as I described. Granted, I may have ranted just a bit. Obviously, some people are upset about the increases, others not so much. If you are unhappy about the increases and do not let management know, they might assume that people don’t mind very much and will continue with more increases in the future. But if people make enough of a stink about it this year, perhaps it will help management to think twice about it before instituting another increase next year? Who knows? According to Kyle Prairie, people have been much more positive about the increases than negative. Just a reminder, I do answer any and all emails (positive and negative). Just send them to canescountry@gmail.com. AC DC Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449126/yankees-at-bat.html The Yankees recent road trip down in Tampa was a disaster.  The Yanks only won one game and loss three on their road trip against the recent red hot Rays.  The Yankees really struggled on this road trip they were outscored 15 runs to 6 runs.  And the game that the Yanks won, the only won by one run 2-1.  In all it was just an ugly series for the Yanks. The Yanks look forward going back home to the Bronx and hopefully being able to win the first subway series against the also struggling Mets.  Both New York teams have had their struggles this season and both are pretty much evenly matched.  A reason why the Yankees have struggled this season is because of some their hitters haven't been hitting well at all.  Including Jason Giambi, Robinson Cano, Johnny Damon, Jose Molina, Morgan Ensberg, and Shelley Duncan.  With the absence of A-Rod and Posada to the DL the Yankees have had to struggle at the bat. With A-Rod's absence, Morgan Ensberg playing third is only hitting .217. Here's a rundown of the Yankees who are hitting poorlyJose Molina .203Jason Giambi .181Robinson Cano .207 (who is improving)Johnny Damon .255Shelley Duncan .200 Out all the players named on this list, the one who i see who is making alot of improvement over the last one-two weeks would have to be Cano. But I don't see these Yankees players hitting in a slump for much longer, these players averages will hopefully go up. When A-Rod and Posada come back the Yankees offense should be much improved over the tandem of Morgan Ensberg and Jose Molina.  I look forward for the Yankees to improve, I really don't see them struggling too much longer at the bat. Around the trade deadline, as usual the Yankees will trade for someone, and I don't know who it will be, but I predict that it will be someone big who can contribute to this club at the bat.  This team like last season will start to get hot once summer starts, and I believe they will be the wild card team in the American League, either way they will get into the postseason, its not like the Yankees to miss a postseason.  As long as the bats start to get hot and the pitching and the bullpen continue to improve, then yes this team will be a threat in the remainer of this season.  As a Yankees fan and as a sports fan I do see and want the Yankees to improve and make a push at the post season Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449125/threes-crowd-washington-creates-void-between-pipes.html It has been a decade since the Washington Capitals had a different starting goaltender (the dreaded Jim Carey), other than Olaf Kolzig. For a decade Kolzig has been an house hold name for any hockey fan in the D.C. area. When you thought about the Capitals, the first name that came to mind was Kolzig, or his nickname Kolzilla! All good things must come to an end however, and come July 1st, Kolzig will leave the organization with no plans on ever coming back! With the Capitals in the race for the playoffs, Kolzig was looking forward to the playoff push, just like any other Capitals' player at the time. With Ovechkin leading the charge, Kolzig was making the much needed saves game in and game out. Come the trade deadline however, things were going to change! The Canadiens made the conscience decided to trade potential UFA Cristobal Huet to Washington for a 2nd round pick. People in Washington and Montreal were stunned! With Carey Price so young and with no NHL playoff experience, no one would have thought Huet would be available! Especially after the Canadiens sent Price down to the minor just a few weeks earlier! No one expected the Capitals to be in the market for a goaltender. Most "experts" were looking for Washington to add more depth and fire power to their squad. The "Price was Right" for both Washington and Montreal and the deal was done. Huet for a 2nd round draft pick. The trade sent shock waves throughout the NHL. The question became, who was Washington's number one? Simply put it was Huet. With his stellar numbers in Montreal, there was no question that Huet was their number one goalie after his first start. They rode Huet down the playoff stretch and into the first round, where they early exit at the hands of the Flyers. Mean while, Washington's former back-up Brent Johnson was outraged by the move and elected not to travel with the team. Olaf Kolzig announced that he wouldn't negotiate a new contract with Washington and would contemplate retirement. As well as Huet's contract up July first and with his numbers this year, my opinion is that he will test the Free Agent market. So the only netminder they have under contract is Johnson, who they haven't been on the greatest of terms with lately, and I wouldn't count on him for the starting position with the Capitals. So this trade does have the potential to put the Capitals into a whole between the pipes. As it stands right now there isn't a lot of starter material in the UFA market. The big names out there are Kolzig (who may retire, but definitely won’t return to Washington), Cristobal Huet, Jose Theodore (who has revitalized his career this season), and Hasek (who can't play an entire season, injury riddled and 42). With Ty Conklin's great season with Pittsburgh, there is potential to include him in that list, but the jury is still out on him! The upside of course being the number of UFA's that Washington has this off-season. Other then Kolzig and Huet, the Caps only have Fedorov, Cooke, Bradley, Cassivi, and Quintan Laing, most of whom can probably re-sign of fill easily in the off-season or with their system. Most notably being Fedorov who seemingly likes playing in Washington and will re-sign for significantly less than his current 6 million + a season contract. The downside being that they also need to re-sign their restricted free agents, most notably being Eminger and Greene. Then again you are not worried about losing the players as they are after all restricted. So the off-season should be interesting for the Capitals! After trading for Huet and giving him the reigns in net, the Capitals lost their franchise goaltender in Kolzig (who everyone knows would have re-signed rather easily) for an unrestricted free agent. After winning the division and making the playoffs for the first time in 5 years, the fans/owners/players will be expecting more next season! After all the momentum and the great run into the playoffs, I do believe that the Capitals might have taken a step backwards this season. Having a huge void in net, will not help this franchise! There is great potential that the Capitals won’t be able to re-sign Huet and a slim amount of starting talent in the free agent pool! The Capitals maybe on the short end of the stick next season. With no goaltending prospects reading to make the big jump to the NHL, and the only NHL capable goalie in their system being career back-up Brent Johnson, the outlook is not good. Look for the Capitals to offer Huet a huge offer to keep him in Washington, but if he goes elsewhere, hold your breath 'cause it will be a bumpy ride! As for Olaf Kolzig, there is a large chance that he may retire. At his age it wouldn't shock anyone. I do believe though, that there will be many teams calling his agent come July 1st. He can be valuable to any franchise, whether it be a starter or a back-up. One would have to believe that a strong suitor for Kolzig would be the Capitals division rivals the Tampa Bay Lightning. Starving for a number one goaltender since they elected to let Khabibulin slip to free agency, Kolzig would be a great fit for that organization.  We all know that the Kings are desperate for a goaltender! With such a young team, it would help that franchise out a lot to have a stable goaltender in net! The Senators have long been rumoured to be looking for a goaltender to make that big save at a crucial time. With Emery on his way out the door, Kolzig could battle with Gerber for the number one position in Canada's capital season. There are teams out there that could use his services, so I would be surprised if Kolzig does indeed retire this off season! Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449124/soriano-leads-cubs-to-third-straight-victory.html For the third straight game Alfonso Soriano led off a game for the Chicago Cubs with a home run.  This was Soriano's fifth game winning hit on the homestand.  Soriano also contributed a three run blast to give the Cubs a 6-0 lead, and they proceeded to win the game by a score of 7-4. Making his second straight start in place of Rich Hill, Sean Gallagher had another solid outing.  Gallagher earned his first big league win Friday, while holding the Pirates to one run on four hits in six innings. Rookie of the Year Candidate Geovanny Soto also chipped in his eighth home run of the season in the bottom of the first to cap off a three run inning for the Cubs.  Soto was named the National League Rookie of the Month for April.  In the month of April Soto hit .341, with five home runs and 20 RBI's. Soto is currently hitting .328, with the eight home runs and 30 RBI's. Mark DeRosa also hit a home run on Friday to help the Cubs earn the win. Newly acquire Jim Edmonds is not likely to get much playing time in this series with the Pirates throwing left handers in each of the three games in the series.  This season Edmonds is hitting .105, against left handed pitchers and an even .200 against righties. Right handed hitting Reed Johnson is expected to get the majority of the playing time in center.  In comparison Johnson is hitting .250 against lefties and .263 against righties.  The Cubs currently have a 2.5 game lead in the division over second place surging Houston.  The Cubs will look to their ace Carlos Zambrano (6-1) to keep the ball rolling against Pittsburgh's Zack Duke (2-2) on Saturday.   Zambrano has won his last five starts dating back to his only loss against Philadelphia on April 11.  Zambrano has a  2.03 ERA in 62 innings of work this season. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449123/ufc-84-keith-jardine-vs-wanderlei-silva-on-paper-this-looks-good-but.html What the hell happened?  This fight shouldn't be happening.  I think we'd all rather see Silva take on Ortiz. It wasn't too long ago (over 1 year in the MMA world), that I remember Keith underestimating an incredibly eager Houston Alexander andgetting beat soundly in the 1st round.  I'll never forget that lopsided fight, and if you look at the careers of both men since that fight, it seems that Jardine learned from that mistake, and Houston, well let's just say it all ended for him in about 8 seconds.  Well that's not enough for me to believe in Jardine.  He beat Chuck Lidell.  So what?  Chuck Lidell is not invincible.  A great opportunist with knockout power, yes, but not invincible.  Now you Jardine fans might say, "What about Forrest Griffin?".  Ok, well let's look at that fight.  I strongly remember Griffin crying his eyes out after that fight.  Forrest has lost before, and never showed that much emotion afterwards.  Do you honestly think that he was in the proper state of mind before that fight? Now let's do the "Silva mathematics".  Silva is the only fighter to have beat "Rampage" Jackson twice.  Jackson has never avenged those losses.  Silva has beat Dan Henderson.  Now, to be fair, Silva has been on a losing streak recently, but let's look at those losses.  1st was Cro-cop.  How many times have you seen fighters lost or almost lose (Fedor) to Cro-cop, because of a well timed strike?  We all know Filipovic has the ability to beat anyone if they're not careful in their defences, which is exactly what happened to Silva when they fought.  2nd is Dan Henderson.  To those of you who have followed Dan Henderson's career, you'll know that Dan's fight record lately hasn't really shown his ability, as he's fought 2 incredibly strong fighters (Jackson and Anderson Silva).  And 3rd is Lidell.  Well we all saw that.  Silva seemed to be holding back for the entire fight. Keith Jardine may be a strong fighter, (he reminds me of Chuck Lidell, with a little more power, but less in-ring intelligence, hence the reason why their last fight was so close.) but I personally don't think he has the smarts to beat Silva.  Lidell beat Silva because he took his time and chose his shots.  Keith Jardine won't take his time, and Silva will make him pay for every mistake.  Believe me, Silva learned from his mistakes with Lidell, and I think we'll see the "real" Axe Murderer this time around. To put it all in perspective, if Silva is hoping to continue having a successful career in MMA, he'll have learned from is recent mistakes and won't lose to Keith Jardine.  If Jardine wins, well I'll eat my words, and bow down to his ability (maybe). Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449122/nittany-lions-sweep-gophers-earn-spot-in-big-ten-tourney.html MINNEAPOLIS — The Penn State baseball team clinched a Big Ten Tournament spot before beginning Friday’s doubleheader against Minnesota. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449121/federer-routs-seppi-to-reach-hamburg-final.html Top-ranked and defending champion Roger Federer overwhelmed Andreas Seppi 6-3, 6-1 on Saturday to reach the final of the Hamburg Masters. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449120/sharapova-withdraws-injury-in-rome.html Maria Sharapova pulled out of Saturday's semifinal match at the Italian Open with a left calf injury. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449119/werth-let-me-work.html There's been a lot of hand wringing in Philadelphia as of late over Ryan Howard's lack of offensive production (not to mention his arrest fraud), but Jayson Werth is picking up the slack. Werth... Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449118/tom-brady-rewards-linemen-who-actually-block-shiny-new-cars.html Filed under: Patriots, NFL FansWhat's the prize for protecting the league's sexiest quarterback? Well, if you're willing to slum it in Hyannis Port for the Audi Best Buddies Challenge, a charity event that raises money for individuals with intellectual disabilities, and has Tom Brady as the honorary chairman (and celebrity ambassador!), it's an Audi Q7 SUV. So congrats, Dan Koppen, Logan Mankins and Stephen Neal, you're the big winners. "Now you'll be well protected, just like you make me feel . . . sometimes," Brady cracked, glancing over at his linemen ... Koppen added more perspective. "Tom's so good to us," he said. "To present it in this form makes it the best. It's not really about the cars, which will be nice to have. The more important thing is he's out here supporting Best Buddies, an organization that's really close to my heart. So it's tremendous for him to be here." You know, it's becoming increasingly difficult to dislike Brady, what with the charities, the free wheels, and endless drink tabs. Nick Kaczur and Matt Light -- the two linemen who won't be rolling in complimentary Audis anytime soon -- might feel differently. Of course, Brady could be sending them a message (with all the subtlety of a 2X4 to the head): "We lost the Super Bowl because I was sacked five (FIVE?!?) times. Thanks, jerks. Hope the T goes to Foxboro."Or maybe Koppen, Mankins and Neal got cars because they showed up at the charity event. Definitely one or the other, though.Permalink | Email this | Comments Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449117/mma-live-premiere-episode-on-espn-video.html MMA Live: Premiere Episode on ESPNUFC blog for UFC news, results, videos, rumors, ... found this 37 hours ago on sports.espn.go.com [link]Find more top sports news, videos, and blogs on BallHype: MMA & Boxing Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449116/canadian-national-ice-hockey-team-retired-numbers.html Ever wondered who are the players whose numbers have been retired by the Canadian national team? Have a look at this interesting video story!Channel: Sports Tags: hockey canada video Gretzky Lemieux Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449115/ginsberg-replaces-cleland-traverse-city-record-eagle.html Ginsberg replaces ClelandTraverse City Record Eagle, MI - 1 hour agoBY DENNIS CHASE That much was certain Friday when he was named the new boys basketball coach at St. Francis. The former Central Michigan University ... Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449114/elite-german-player-interested-in-michigan-ann-arbor-news-mlivecom.html The Ann Arbor News - MLive.comElite German player interested in MichiganThe Ann Arbor News - MLive.com, MI - May 16, 2008by Jeff Arnold/ The Ann Arbor News Weeks after center Ekpe Udoh announced he is transferring out of the University of Michigan's men's basketball program, ... Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449113/arthurs-eligibility-at-kansas-questioned.html Kansas City -- A television report that Kansas basketball star Darrell Arthur may have been ineligible to play at his Dallas high school has fueled speculation about whether he should have ever played for the ... via Springfield News Leader Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449112/door-open-for-williams-but-classes-issue-denver-post.html Door open for Williams, but classes an issueDenver Post, CO - May 15, 2008By Tom Kensler BOULDER ? Jeremy Williams has not announced whether he will return to the Colorado men's basketball team, but coach Jeff Bzdelik said ... Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449111/time-needed-to-build-buffs-daily-camera.html Time needed to build BuffsDaily Camera, CO - May 15, 2008The fact that the APR for the men's basketball program is below the NCAA's standard doesn't look good from the outside. The fact that the Buffs lost 20 ... Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449110/nel-heads-to-ipl.html Essex have confirmed that they have released South African fast bowler Andre Nel ahead of schedule. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449109/delhi-daredevils-win-toss-choose-to-bat.html The Delhi Daredevils won the toss and chose to bat in game 40 of the Indian Premier League against the Kings XI Punjab after rain delayed proceedings in... Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449108/mumbai-indians-secure-nel.html Essex chief executive David East has confirmed that Andre Nel is to cut short his stint as the county's overseas player to take part in the IPL. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449107/yardy-boosts-sussexs-hopes.html Michael Yardy hit his second half-century of the match as Sussex reached 129 for two in their second innings against Somerset in their LV County Championship Division One clash. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449106/nel-to-join-ipl.html Andre Nel is to cut short his stint with Essex to take part in the Indian Premier League, the county's chief executive David East has confirmed. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449105/security-will-be-provided-to-foreign-players.html Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil criticised Shiv Sena, saying the party does not have any other issue to discuss and that is why they are opposing Pakistani cricket players playing in IPL matches. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3449104/roos-victorious-at-carrara.html North Melbourne held on for a tight 13.11 (89) to 12.11 (83) victory over West Coast in their round eight clash at Carrara Stadium this evening. The Kangaroos had trailed by 15 points at half-time, before a 4.6 return in... Sport Snipe - Sports News