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/949049/yankees-as-world-champions-bad-for-baseball.html Today the Yankees enjoyed a lavish ticker-tape parade down Broadway Avenue celebrating their 27th World Series Championship. While most folks in New York came out in droves to celebrate, the rest of the baseball world basically rolled their eyes and said "not again." After watching the continued success of the New York Yankees as the most financially driven team in MLB, it begs the question-are the New York Yankees as World Series Champions bad for baseball? In a word...yes. It's not just because I'm a bitter Blue Jays fan that hasn't tasted the victory of playoff baseball for sixteen years either. There are 29 teams in baseball I would rather see hoist the Commissioner's Trophy above their heads other than the New York Yankees. So here are a few of my reasons in no particular order why I think the Yankees as World Champions are sending the wrong message: 1. Team payrolls across the MLB are bound to go up Whether it's predetermined or not, it seems like teams subconsciously emulate the formula of the previous World Series Champions. In the case of the New York Yankees, most clubs will probably take after their model which is "sign the best free agents at any price, so long as it means winning." This means guys like Jason Bay, Matt Holliday, and John Lackey are going to rake in especially fat contracts this off-season. It also sends the message that money equals success, almost the exact polar opposite from the Tampa Bay Rays model which was build a team from the minor league system upwards. 2. It makes even more free agents want to flock to NY I'm sure a large part of the reason why Pedro Martinez and Raul Ibanez signed with the Philadelphia Phillies was because they had a fairly good shot at winning another championship in Philly. For free agents that are getting close to the end of their careers and want an almost-guaranteed shot at the post-season, they will likely be seeking to sign with the New York Yankees. 3. It doesn't promote home-grown talent There was a lot of hype surrounding the "core four" of Jeter, Rivera, Posada and Pettite that have stuck with this organization since (almost) day one. Aside from those four guys, most of their roster spots are occupied by players acquired via trades or free agent signings (only ten in total came up through the Yankees organization). The Yankees aren't notorious for drafting and developing great players, they are known for signing other team's great players. I realize it's all fair in love and baseball, but it feels like the Yankees would rather build a winning team with their pocketbook rather than their minor league system. Again, let me reiterate that I'm not bitter and jaded (okay...maybe a little) that the team I cheer for wasn't number one this year. However, I would have been happy to see the Phillies win the World Series. I would have been thrilled to see the Dodgers or the Angels win the World Series. Hell, it would even be fun (more so hilarious) to see the Nationals win the World Series. But there's something about watching the Yankees get their World Series rings that doesn't sit right. It's almost like if the tallest, strongest, and fastest kid in grade seven won every single event at the track meet. Sure, it's great for that one kid-but for everyone else, it just creates an environment of resentment. It's about as exciting as when the team with the highest payroll wins the World Series. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949048/2009-nfl-season-week-nine-preview.html All eyes will be on Lincoln Financial Field in Philly in Week Nine as QB Tony Romo lead the Dallas Cowboys against the Philadelphia Eagles on NBC Sunday Night Football   The second half of the 2009 NFL Season is here and now the "real” fun begins as teams confirm their status as a "Contender” or "Pretender”.  Many people around the NFL, including yours truly, are excited about the second half of the season kicking off as almost all bye weeks are over (Week Nine-Buffalo, Cleveland, Oakland, St. Louis, Minnesota, NY Jets and Week 10-NY Giants, Houston).  And the games each week have a heightened level of significance in terms of teams jockeying for division titles and the league's coveted 12 playoff berths. Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said of starting the second half of the 2009 season, "It's a new season, we have a nine-game schedule and we open with Baltimore.” The NFL as usual is parity-laden this time of the year as there are 15 teams above .500 and 12 teams below the .500 mark. But there is still a lot of sorting out left to do with the group of 12 teams currently residing in the league's "Any Given Sunday” middle with records ranging from 5-3 to 3-4 (Texans (5-3), Giants (5-3), Jets (4-4), Ravens (4-3), Chargers (4-3), Falcons (4-3), Bears (4-3), Cardinals (4-3), Niners (3-4), Dolphins (3-4),  Panthers (3-4), and Jaguars (3-4).  In the coming weeks, the "Stuck in the Middle" teams will either join the playoff hunt or fall back which always is the fun part of the third quarter of the NFL season. But nothing in the NFL is predictable and there is a lot most football to be played.  Since 1990, when the current 12-team playoff format was adopted, 47 teams (20.6 percent of the 228 playoff clubs) have advanced to the postseason after starting the season with a .500 or worse record after eight games.  Even the NFL's two undefeated teams, the New Orleans Saints (7-0) and Indianapolis Colts (7-0), know that nothing is guaranteed in today's NFL and that they better put away any thoughts of catching the 1972 undefeated Miami Dolphins and concentrate on their opponents for this week-both have tough divisional battles Saints-Panthers and Colts-Texans.  The Colts are 7-0 for the fourth time in the past five seasons, but they begin a stretch that will see them play teams that are a combined 19-11 (.633) over the next four games.  Colts receiver Reggie Wayne said of his team's record and where they currently stand, "We know that 7-0 guarantees us nothing, we've gotten farther than this in the past and came out with nothing. We just want to stay dialed in and continue to win games.” The factor that everyone hopes will lead to being in the playoff hunt come late December is "adjustments”. The NFL is a copycat league where teams can catch-up quickly and adjustments are the only way to stay ahead of the pack and combat falling behind.  With only eight more weeks of action after this week, it is time for the "good” coaches to make the adjustments necessary to get their teams back on track or keeping them at the top. Remember early season results are important (don't want to get too far behind), but good coaches realize that they want their team peaking in the championship months of November and December.  The halfway point of the season also seems like a good time to start talking about the NFL's eight divisional races. Entering Week Nine, seven teams that did not win their division in 2008 either were at the top or tied for first place in their division.  If this pattern holds true, the 2009 season will break the NFL record for new division winners since realignment in 2002 (Six new division winners in 2003 and 2008). Here's the current division breakdown: NFC East-2008 Champion was the NY Giants and this season the Eagles and Cowboys have a half-game lead over the Giants. NFC West-2008 Champion was the Arizona Cardinals and this season the Cardinals have a one-game lead over the Giants. NFC South-2008 Champion was the Carolina Panthers and this season the New Orleans Saints have a three-game lead over the Falcons. NFC North-2008 Champion was the Minnesota Vikings and this season the Vikings have a two-and-a-half game lead over the Packers and Bears AFC East-2008 Champion was the Miami Dolphins and this season the New England Patriots have a one-and-a-half game lead over the New Jets. AFC West-2008 Champion was the San Diego Chargers and this season the Denver Broncos have a two-game lead over the Chargers. AFC South-2008 Champion was the Tennessee Titans and this season the Indianapolis Colts have a one-and-a-half game lead over the Houston Texans. AFC North-2008 Champion was the Pittsburgh Steelers and this season the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers have a one-game lead over the Baltimore Ravens. Some of the more compelling storylines that we will be following in the NFL's second half include: Can either the New Orleans Saints or Indianapolis Colts go undefeated for the entire 2009 season Can the Vikings and veteran quarterback Brett Favre  continue their magic carpet ride into the playoffs Are the Patriots and Steelers truly back after producing winning streaks going into their recent bye weeks? Could it be possible that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will not win a game in 2009 and match the 2008 Detroit Lions (0-16) Which coach currently on the hot seat (Browns Eric Mangini, Redskins Jim Zorn, Raiders Tom Cable, Bills Dick Jauron, Panthers John Fox and others) will be the first one issued their pink slip After so many weeks containing five or more blowouts, let's hope that Week Nine's many great matchups live up to their hype.   Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals The Ravens (4-3) will visit the Bengals (4-3) in a matchup between two fighting to be near the top of the AFC North. The Ravens are looking for revenge from a Week Five home loss to the Bengals so don't expect many pleasantries.  To make matters worse, Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco sent the Ravens secondary and linebackers some gift baskets of deodorant sticks in anticipation of this week's game (i.e. No. 85 is saying the Ravens' D stinks). Ochocinco better be careful as the Ravens showed last week against the Broncos (30-7 victory) that they mean business after a much-needed bye.  Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans In what looks like a primo AFC South battle, the Texans-have won three games in a row-will look to get to a 6-3 record for the first time their franchise's history and get some respect around the NFL.  Quite frankly, this game could make or break the Texans' season as they try to make the jump from a perennial 8-8 squad to being a playoff contender. However the task of beating the Colts is daunting one as Indianapolis has now won 16 consecutive regular season games and can tie the 1933-34 Chicago Bears for the third-longest streak in NFL history with a win this Sunday.  Of this Sunday's matchup Colts QB Peyton Manning said, "We're heading into the teeth of our schedule.” Manning will also be shooting for two decade milestones and NFL firsts in the game-19 passing yards from 40,000 passing yards and four TDs from 300 touchdown passes.  Also watch for Colts DE Dwight Freeney who has recorded a sack in seven consecutive games this season-needs one sack on to tie teammate Robert Mathis' start of season record (eight) from 2005.   San Diego Chargers at New York Giants Remember the 2004 NFL Draft...well, I know the Chargers and Giants do. In April of 2004, the Giants and Chargers swapped quarterbacks Eli Manning (foot) and Philip Rivers in a trade that will forever link the two young passers. Rivers and the Chargers are looking to continue their recent found winning ways.  While Manning's team is trying to end an ugly three-game losing streak that has saw them slip from 5-0 start to second place in the NFL East. I am sure the Chargers will attack a beleaguered Giants' secondary that allowed four plays over 40 yards or more last week against the Eagles. The will need to get pressure from their D-line (when DE Justin Tuck records a sack, the Giants are 15-3) and hope for the healthy return of DL Chris Canty, CB Aaron Ross and LB Michael Boley or could be a long day.  The G-Men will need to keep an eye on Chargers TE Antonio Gates who has an NFL leading 53 TDs since 2002. The Giants have won five straight vs. the AFC-including Super Bowl XLII-but this is a tough assignment.   Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos In the AFC's marquee match-up of the week, the defending champion Steelers, coming off a bye, will look to extend their winning streak to five consecutive games against the upstart Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football.  The entire country will be watching as these two division leaders clash at INVESCO Field. One thing is for certain, expect some serious defense in this game as the Broncos are rated No.1 in the NFL in terms of yardage allowed (266.7) and have allowed an average of just 13.7 points per game.  The Steelers are not far behind with an average of 291 yards allowed and only 23.8 points per game.  Pittsburgh defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau said of his unit, "I think we have the potential to be a very, very good defense.” The Broncos will try to protect quarterback Kyle Orton by running their backs Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter.  While the Steelers may allow QB Ben Roethlisberger to go no-huddle which gave the Broncos fits in their first loss of the season last week in Baltimore. Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels said of the match-up after losing first time last week, "You can find out just as much about your team through the adversity of a loss as you can through six wins, now we've got to get ready to play against a really good team in Pittsburgh.” Lloyd's Leftovers for Week Nine Riggo Has a Mouthful for the Redskins' Front Office John Riggins, a hall of fame and former Super Bowl MVP for Washington Redskins, took his battle with Redskins owner Daniel Snyder to the big stage.  Appearing on Showtime's "Inside the NFL”, the talkative former NFL workhorse back let Snyder have it with both guns blazing.  Getting quite personal, Riggins said of the Redskins management, "I've been asked this question a lot, when they say do you have an ax to grind...Maybe that's the case. But truthfully, I do have an ax to grind and I just realized I have been a little bit disingenuous. "But this is a bad guy that owns this team. I'll just tell you that upfront. Bad Guy! And if the commissioner is worried about potential new owners and saying some of these guys shouldn't apply, he might want to police his own inside guys.”  Somehow I don't see this little tiff going away anytime soon.   Titans' Running Back Pulls Out His Crystal Ball Titans RB Chris Johnson feeling real good about his team's first victory last week over the Jacksonville Jaguars predicted that the Titans (1-6) could run the table to end the season.  Johnson said, "We really believe like we can, like we started off 10-0 last year.” Fresh off a franchise record 228-yard game against the Jags, Johnson added "Before we played Jacksonville, we sat down and was like we really feel like we can go 10-0 in these last 10 games.”  I will let you decide about Tennessee's chances and here is the rest of the Titans' schedule: at 49ers, vs. Bills, at Texans, vs. Cardinals, at Colts, vs. Rams, vs. Dolphins, vs. Chargers, at Seahawks.   The Wildcat Returns to Its NFL Birthplace I know the Patriots haven't forgotten, but it was in Week Three of the 2008 season that the Dolphins unleashed the much-talked about 'Wildcat' formation on the NFL. Heady Dolphins offensive coordinator Dan Henning and his quarterbacks coach David Lee surprised the Patriots and the entire NFL by running a form of single-wing in a 38-13 road upset in Foxborough.  The 'Phins churned out 216 rushing yards and RB Ronnie Brown (17 rushes for 117 yards and four TD's) was spectacular to say the least as a part-time quarterback. The former Auburn star set a Dolphins franchise record by running for four touchdowns and even threw a perfect left-handed 19-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Fassano.  The win stopped the Patriots' 21-game regular season consecutive win streak and the NFL has never been the same with almost every team in league looking to run a version of the "Wildcat”.  In Week Nine, look for the Patriots to load the box with their safeties (Brandon Merriweather and Brandon McGowan) in an attempt to stop the Dolphins vaunted running game (153.4 yards per game) and of course the Wildcat formation. Sustained Success The 2008 Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers have 99 wins since the start of the 2000 season. With a victory in Denver on Monday night, the Steelers can become the third team this decade with 100 regular-season wins, joining the Indianapolis Colts (108) and New England Patriots (107).  The Philadelphia Eagles are not far behind from the 100-win mark for this decade as they have 97 wins. The Colts and Patriots also are within striking distance of the all-time win mark for a decade held by the San Francisco 49ers of the 1990s (113).   Colts Hit Hard by the Injury Bug If the Indianapolis Colts are going to improve upon their current 16-game winning streak and undefeated start (7-0), they will need to find some gems on their depth chart.  This season injuries have ravaged the Colts and this week was no different as CB Kelvin Hayden (knee-four weeks), CB Marlin Jackson (ACL-season), and safety Bob Sanders (elbow-season) were lost for significant amounts of time.  Some bigger names listed as either "Out” or "Questionable” are Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin (ankle), Falcons WR Roddy White (knee), Chargers C Nick Hardwick (ankle), Lions WR Calvin Johnson (knee), Donald Driver (stinger), Eagles LB Chris Gocong (quad, hamstring), Patriots RB Sammy Morris (knee), Bears WR Devin Hester (ankle), Ravens DT Haloti Ngata (ankle), Panthers WR Muhsin Muhammed (knee), Eagles WR Kevin Curtis (knee), Bucs WR Antonio Bryant (knee), Colts K Adam Vinatieri (right knee), Patriots DE Jarvis Green (knee), Dolphins LB Channing Crowder (shoulder) and Redskins P Hunter Smith (right groin).   Big Plays are Prevalent in the NFL This Season There have been 81 touchdowns of at least 50 yards scored this season. That is the most through the first eight weeks of a season since 1970. The previous high was 80 touchdowns of 50+ yards scored in 1998.   Veteran is a Good Luck Charm New England has won 24 consecutive regular season games with recently re-signed veteran LB Junior Seau on their roster. NFL Week Nine-Featured Game Dallas Cowboys (5-2) at Philadelphia Eagles (5-2), 8:00 PM ET (NBC) Broadcast Team: Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, and Andrea Kremer (Field reporter) NBC's Sunday Night Football will be alive as one of the biggest rivalries in the NFL will be showcased this week. To die-hard Eagles fans there are only really two games a year that really matter and both of them are against the hated Dallas Cowboys. To make things even more interesting, this year's first battle between these two bitter rivals is for first place in the NFC East. NBC football analyst Tony Dungy said of the match-up, "Philadelphia and Dallas are playing great in all three phases it's setting up a big showdown game-with first place in the NFC East on the line-on Sunday night.”  Both the Cowboys enter the game riding win streaks-Cowboys have won three consecutive games and the Eagles have a two game winning streak themselves. The last time these two teams met in Week 17 of the 2008 season, the Eagles trounced the Cowboys 44-6 at Lincoln Financial Field to knock Dallas from the playoff race. Expect there to be plenty of offensive fireworks as both teams have several big play threats-Cowboys ranked 2nd in NFL with an average of 411.1 yards per game and the Eagles are not far behind averaging 344.4 yards.  The Cowboys have been led by quarterback Tony Romo (won 12 consecutive November starts) and emerging receiver Miles Austin (26 catches for 563 yards, 21.7 ypc average and six TDs) have scored 101 points (33.7 per game) throughout the 2009 season, but especially during their recent 3-game winning streak.  Romo surely will be looking to hit his favorite target TE Jason Witten (37 receptions for 348 yards, and one TD) over the middle as tight ends from the Bucs' Kellen Winslow to the Raiders' Zach Miller have torched the Eagles in coverage.  It will be up new Eagles MLB Will Witherspoon and FS Sean Jones to keep Witten in check or it maybe a long day for Sean McDermott's defense. Also, watch for the Cowboys to run the football with their three-headed backfield (Tashard Choice, Felix Jones, and Marion Barber) to slowdown the Eagles blitz-happy defense (23 sacks).  Conversely, the Eagles have gone from a methodical team that moved the chain with short secure passes to a unit that is a quick strike big play team-four touchdowns of 40 yards or more in Week Eight win over the Giants.  Last week, the Eagles scored 40 points in a 23-point victory over the New York Giants, which was the team's largest margin of victory over the Giants since 1996. In Philadelphia's five wins this season, the team has averaged 34.4 points per game. The Eagles offense will look for returning RB Brian Westbrook (concussion) to help quarterback Donovan McNabb (80-133, 1008 yards, 9 TDs, one INT, and a 103.2 rating) and emerging young players RB LeSean McCoy, WR Jeremy Maclin and TE Brent Celek.  However, any offensive talk for the Eagles will start and end with number one threat WR/PR DeSean Jackson (will be shadowed by Cowboys former Pro Bowl corner Terrence Newman).  The former second rounder from Cal has scored six touchdowns of at least 50 yards this year, becoming just the second player in NFL history-Pro Football Hall of Famer Elroy "Crazy Legs” Hirsch (1951)-to score six 50-yard touchdowns in the first seven games of a season. Jackson said of his feat, "I've just been put in some great positions to score long touchdowns”.  The charismatic and borderline cocky playmaker added, "Whatever we need to do to make it work, that's what we're going to do. I want to keep winning, keep making plays and hopefully make it to the Super Bowl.” On defense, the Eagles are ranked 10th against the pass and 12th against the run, but they are always looking for the turnover.  The Eagles are third in the NFL with 14 INTs plus they currently sport a +12 turnover ratio (2nd in the NFL).  Pressure from the Eagles' D-line led by former Pro Bowl pass rusher Trent Cole (6.5 sacks) has led to Pro Bowl corner Asante Samuel (five INTs) making big plays.  The Cowboys defense also is predicated on pressure (LB DeMarcus Ware-five sacks in '09) which has helped them stop the run (ranked 13th in the NFL), but also has left Dallas susceptible to big plays in their secondary.  Other than Newman, the other members in Dallas' secondary have had a lot of problems in coverage, especially safeties Gerald Sensabaugh and Ken Hamlin.  As always injuries will be a big part of this game as the Cowboys' injury list includes: CB Allen Rossum (hamstring-out), RB Marion Barber (thumb), DT Jay Ratliff (knee), S Gerald Sensabaugh (thumb), and LB DeMarcus Ware (foot).  Conversely, the Eagles will be missing WR Kevin Curtis (knee) and most likely LB Chris Gocong (quadricep, hamstring) with other players on their injury list like DE Victor Abiamiri (knee), DT Brodrick Bunkley (knee), DE Chris Clemons (shoulder, elbow), G Nick Cole (knee), S Macho Harris (ankle), DE Darren Howard (ankle), and CB Dimitri Patterson (quadricep, hand). LV's Pick: Watch for special teams in this game as Cowboys returnman Patrick Crayton  has been playing very well of late-had an 82-yard punt return touchdown last week to become the 2nd Cowboy with punt return for a touchdown in consecutive games ("Bullet” Bob Hayes in 1968).  And Eagles kicker David Akers' leg is looking stronger than ever (61 points-third in NFC and 13-16 FGs).  In picking this game there are some trends to keep in mind. Since 2004, each team has won four games in this series. But lately the Eagles have been on top, winning four of the past six meetings and 14 of the last 20 games in this series. Even though the Cowboys ead the overall series, (55-44 including the playoffs), expect the Eagles and McNabb (won 11 of last 16 starts against Dallas) to rise to the occasion of playing on National TV - Eagles 31, Cowboys 28 NFL Week Nine   SUN, Nov. 8  Washington at Atlanta 1:00 PM (FOX) Arizona at Chicago 1:00 PM (FOX)   Baltimore at Cincinnati 1:00 PM (CBS)   Houston at Indianapolis 1:00 PM (CBS)   Miami at New England 1:00 PM (CBS)   Green Bay at Tampa Bay 1:00 PM (FOX)   Kansas City at Jacksonville 1:00 PM (CBS) Detroit at Seattle 4:05 PM (FOX)  Carolina at New Orleans 4:05 PM (FOX)  San Diego at NY Giants 4:15 PM (CBS)   Tennessee at San Francisco 4:15 PM (CBS)   Dallas at Philadelphia 8:20 PM (NBC) MON, Nov. 9  Pittsburgh at Denver 8:30 PM (ESPN) Bye: Buffalo, Cleveland, Oakland, St. Louis, Minnesota, NY Jets    Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award-winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) Posted in 2009 NFL Season, 2009 NFL Week Nine Preview, 2009 NFL Weekly Previews, Wildcat Tagged: 2009 NFL Season, 2009 NFL Week Nine Preview, Dallas Cowboys, Football, John Riggins, Lloyd's Leftovers, New England Patriots, NFL, NFL Weekly Preview, Philadelphia Eagles, Sports, Week Nine Preview, Wildcat Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949047/pat-matheny-bandas.html This song showcases the brilliant guitar playing of Pat Metheny,beautifully accompanied by his excellent band. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949046/england-wait-on-broad-injury-news.html England seamer Stuart Broad is sent for precautionary scans after injuring his right shoulder in South Africa. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949045/mets-pick-up-option-on-pelfrey.html The Mets picked up the 2010 option on Mike Pelfrey yesterday and officially declined their option on reliever J.J. Putz. Pelfrey's contract expired after this season, but the Mets were able to bring him back for just $500,000 because he is not a... Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949044/mickelson-takes-lead-over-woods-watney-at-hsbc.html Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949043/jordaura-joy-for-atzeni.html Latest news from this afternoon's meeting at Doncaster. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949042/paulton-v-norwich-live-match-centre.html FA Cup: The part-timers will look to cause an upset against League One Norwich. Follow the action here Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949041/fed-cup-final-open-thread.html GettyUSA team during the national anthems at the Final of the Fed Cup World Group between Italy and the USA at Circolo Tennis Rocco Polimeni on November 7, 2009 in Reggio Calabria, Italy.::Italy leads USA 1-0. I haven't checked the scores, but that would mean Flavia Pennetta had her way with Alexa Glatch. Melanie Oudin just broke Francesca Schiavone in the fourth game of the second rubber. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949040/pennetta-fires-italy-ahead.html Latest news from today's action in the Fed Cup final between Italy and USA in Reggio Calabria. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949039/quick-picks-valuevhaye-dawsonjohnson-ii-anguloyorgey.html Nikolai Valuev and David Haye battle today in Germany for the WBA heavyweight title. (Photo via www.donking.com) View full size photo » Bad Left Hook will have live, round-by-round coverage, scoring and analysis for both of these cards. Valuev-Haye starts at 3pm on Integrated Sports PPV in the States ($24.99) and on Sky Box Office in the UK, and the HBO card starts at 9:30pm ET. Nikolai Valuev v. David Haye (12 Rounds, For Valuev's WBA Heavyweight Title) I'll flat-out admit again that I'm rooting for Haye because a win for him makes the stagnant heavyweight division that much more interesting. The last time the division got any shot in the arm, it was Vitali Klitschko coming back. And that comeback has simply led to two Klitschkos manhandling their opposition instead of just the one. Haye winning opens things up. Valuev winning does not. But Valuev can win, and the closer we get to it, the more it feels to me as though that's what we're going to see. I don't like it, but for all the world this just reeks of a massive disappointment for an exciting, dynamic fighter whose chin simply isn't going to stand up. Valuev will be more aggressive here than he was against Holyfield. Valuev, soft as he is, is almost surely a better cardio guy than Haye, and his stamina is likely to hold up. Haye could stop Valuev, but I don't think he's going to get there. But it's the chin, really. Monte Barrett clipped and wobbled Haye a year ago -- Haye's last fight, mind you -- and with all respect to Barrett (whose fights I've generally enjoyed over the years, and who is still owed a debt of gratitude for getting Tye Fields off of TV), he stinks now. Valuev will lose some early rounds. Valuev will eventually catch and hurt David Haye. Haye will get up, try to fight back, and in his recklessness, get hit hard again. I hate doing it, and I hope I'm wrong, but I'm going with Valuev by TKO. Alfredo Angulo v. Harry Joe Yorgey (12 Rounds, For the Vacant Interim WBO Junior Middleweight Title) I know he's only 27 and that he's got only 17 pro fights under his belt, but this is an immediate future make-or-break for Angulo. He's mauled everyone except Kermit Cintron, and since I think Cintron is way better than Yorgey (yes, I just complimented Cintron), I sort of expect he'll do that again. Yorgey's a tough guy and a decent boxer, and I think he'll make this a pretty entertaining fight for as long as it lasts, but I just don't think he's in Angulo's league. Of Jack Loew fighters, Yorgey's over by Billy Lyell, not by Kelly Pavlik. Angulo by TKO. Chad Dawson v. Glen Johnson II (12 Rounds, For the Vacant Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Title) The WBC light heavyweight titlist, for the record, is Jean Pascal, who won it in June, defended it against a mandatory in September, and is fighting a rematch with Adrian Diaconu in December. But hey! Interim title! Good job, WBC! I'll be sure to take your moral stands from your idiotic convention really seriously! Not even that, but Dawson held the title before and gave it up so he could fight Antonio Tarver instead of Diaconu. Yet Shane Mosley, who once gave up the interim WBC welterweight title, needs to publicly apologize for doing that if he wants the WBC to sanction a fight with Andre Berto in January. Who do these rubes think they are, exactly? I'm serious when I say a six-year-old could poke holes in their logic. I'm no rocket surgeon over here and it's plain as day to me. Anyway, I expect Dawson to win this one clearly. It's not that I'm underestimating Johnson or don't think he'll make for another competitive, entertaining fight, but Chad's younger and faster and all that. Johnson's a 40-year old man, and 40 is going to be a big, flashing red light for a little while longer. If Johnson wins this fight, that'll put that to an end. Bernard Hopkins alone isn't enough to make me stop thinking fighters tend to decline pretty hardcore at this age. Dawson by UD. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949038/ticker-tape-modern-art.html Only a Yankee fan could complain about a victory parade. It's partially my fault, I know.  My train didn't reach Penn Station until 10 o'clock.  I walked onto Nassau around 10:25.  I followed the crowd until we came to a stop around Isamu Noguchi's Red Cube. I've always had trouble with modern art- my taste for the aesthetic is apparently underdeveloped.  I prefer stories, narratives, or portraits.  I look at El Greco or Henri Matisse or Salvador Dali and I begin to invent cause and effect to explain how we got it.  I can't really enjoy just what is. Which is why I was disappointed by the parade.  I didn't want to just be there- I wanted to see my heroes and celebrate them, and I went into the city to see them acknowledge being celebrated.  And standing 15 people deep along Broadway, I didn't get to see that. Double decker busses rolled by with Yankee employees standing on top.  I could see those guys.  But I didn't take the train in to cheer the hot dog man. Mr. Cashman, I know you read the blog from time to time, so here's my suggestion: next year, put the players on top of the buses and let the little guys ride in the little cars. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949037/incredible-day-for-sabathia-teixeira.html CC Sabathia and Mark Teixeira never had been part of anything like this. Two of the Yankees' prized additions -- and key forces in their 27th world championship -- had just seen confetti rain down on the Canyon of Heroes on TV before yesterday. ... Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949036/2-million-cheer-yanks-up-canyon.html The 2009 Yankees made one last ride together -- this time up the Canyon of Heroes. After 177 games, 114 victories, nine months and one world title, the Yankees sat together on a stage at City Hall Plaza yesterday celebrating a championship, but al... Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949035/nhl-ohl-differ-on-issue-player-safety-kelownacom.html Sportsnet.caNHL, OHL differ on issue of player safety.Kelowna.comFor example, the NHL's rule on boarding states: "The onus is on the player applying the check to ensure his opponent is not in a vulnerable position and if ...Keep your head up--in the NHLEdmonton JournalCox: Was this OHL tragedy avoidable?Toronto StarBranch delivers strong messagePeterborough ExaminerSault Star -GoErie.com -Toronto Starall 62 news articles » Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949034/sport-saturday-clockwatch-live.html Kick back and let the auto-refresh tool take the strain. Or, if you're an old-school nerd, get frisky with F5. Either way, email your thoughts to rob.smyth@guardian.co.ukRob Smyth will be hurting his eyes by following five Premier League games, the first round of the FA Cup, and England v Australia from 1.30pm. In the meantime, heeeeeeeeeerre's Paul Hayward on Jonny's comeback:This England rugby camp would flummox a Twickenham regular returning from a long tour of space. There is a young wing called Matt Banahan whose tattoos include half a Spitfire (his brother sports the other half) and falling bombs; Steve Thompson is back from retirement and the alehouse to resume at hooker and "trust" has replaced "interactive rugby" and "fronting up" as this season's buzz phrase.In a game of "gym monkeys", as the recuperating lock Simon Shaw describes it, the roll call of absent stars says that mutually assured destruction is the aspiration in a collision-obsessed age. But just as you are contemplating the Blitz aesthetic of Banahan's body art, a door opens and the gilded aura of a saviour swings down the hall. Injury chaos is the backdrop to today's return of the king.If equanimity is England's response to losing 13 players from the squad to face Australia, it must be because Jonny Wilkinson is back in town. As Shaw says in his book, The Hard Yards: My Story, "There is a comfort-blanket feeling when Jonny is in the side. It's not that he will do anything terribly flash, it's just the bits and pieces he can produce that keep everything ticking over."The new weapon is Wilkinson at No10 and the expressive but non-combative Shane Geraghty at No12. In his fourth England appearance, Geraghty says his job is "to bring good balance to the team, to take some of the load off Jonny's shoulders, to spread responsibility between myself and Jonny, to interchange throughout the game to keep the opposition guessing as to who's the first receiver, to add to him in terms of moves."With joint quarterbacks England can slide Wilkinson back into international duties without the onerous Messiah role he has carted through his 10 years at the top. But the Twickenham crowd are unlikely to see the pairing as a collective. Repeating this week's mantra, Wilkinson said: "I think rugby's about trust. It's a huge, huge part of the game ? and one of the honest values of it." The crowd have their own trust. They will trust Jonny to put Australia to flight.England are a team in search of an identity, a style of playing, a guiding ethos. It was always thus. A decade back, Clive Woodward hired Brian Ashton to inject fizz into the back play but then fell back on the old brutalism of forward attrition.Historically, England will try to beat you by beating you up. In his ruminations on last autumn's Twickenham internationals ? in which England leaked 102 points to Australia, South Africa and New Zealand ? Shaw cast light on the conflict between an urge to play expansive rugby and the old failsafe of slash and burn. "Having banged on about the need for change, it probably sounds a bit daft to say that I now felt it was just too much too soon," Shaw says of Johnson's fiery induction this time last year.Today's game extends the theme of personnel churn and conjecture about whether England should be winning games by any means necessary or reconstructing for a World Cup only two years away. Wilkinson has been absent from this confused landscape since he jogged on as a replacement to play the junior partner to Danny Cipriani in the last match of the 2008 Six Nations. His return restores the certainty of order and control: England's deepest craving, still."There is no such thing as good players. There are just good teams who allow players to be good," Wilkinson says, contradicting everything we know about individual, game-changing talent. Here, as further evidence of England's true nature, is Wilkinson on what he feels when he sees an Australia shirt: "I always think of a certain professionalism, but I also think of what I consider a major strength of Australia, which is that they always seem to be able to tactically work better than any other team."This is not ticket-selling talk. But he is a ticket-selling talent who conforms to a deep notion of what the English imagine themselves to be, minus the monologues. Since he struck the drop-goal that was heard around the globe in the 2003 World Cup final in Sydney, England's cricketers have won two Ashes series and lost a third 5-0. Against all medical odds, that past has reconstituted itself just as the Johnson regime is entering its critical, post-honeymoon phase.First, the statistical miracle. Wilkinson has registered 1,032 points for England. Way back in his slipstream are Paul Grayson with 400 and Rob Andrew on 396. But his try-count in 70 internationals? Six, or 30 points out of 1,032 (210 penalties, 144 conversions, 28 drop goals).An all-Leicester back-row for today's contest is the best emblem of Johnsonian control. But behind the scrum the Australian attack coach Brian Smith has instilled a southern hemisphere five-eights format that invites Wilkinson and Geraghty to interchange as first receivers at fly-half and inside centre."Smithy's motto," according to Geraghty, is "feed the speed" of Ugo Monye and Mark Cueto. The heavy Leicester influence of Johnson and his staff meets its resistance in Ashton's successor as minister for fun. Geraghty says: "Smithy's always there, fighting his corner. I'm still the guy who thinks things should be tried. But I like to calculate a risk."But the risk-taker remains an international greenhorn. Wilkinson gave that game away when discussing his former England partnership with Mike Catt. "It's massively helpful to be out there with people who've been put in positions of responsibility over and over again, because there's just a way of looking at the game when you've had that experience."The more the onus has been put on you, the wider the picture in your head. In the middle of the game you can step back out of that frantic bubble and see what's really happening. I had that with Mike Catt, hugely. Shane seems to have that instinctively. He was with Mike Catt at London Irish for a long while, with Brian Smith at London Irish, and the way he's playing now shows he's got that bigger picture."Stoicism, reliability, selflessness: Wilkinson brings it all back to this England XV. And modesty. "Often when people have said I had a good game, I've actually done nothing," he says. "All I've done is listen to the guy outside me and done what he said." He means the guy "inside" him, surely.Rugby unionPremier LeagueAustralia rugby union teamEngland rugby union teamAston VillaBoltonPortsmouthBlackburn RoversManchester CityBurnleyTottenham HotspurSunderlandFA CupBolton WanderersMinute-by-minute reportRob Smythguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2009 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949033/we-have-sporting-chance-amazulu.html The form guide has proven unreliable as the big guns slip to draws and unexpected losses, just when it looks like they are on top of their game. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949032/youth-football-currie-star-in-hurry-to-boost-club.html CURRIE STAR under-14, who are making their debut season in the South East Region football league, may be still searching for form in their quest to climb the Division 4 table Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949031/live-updates-hearts-0-hibs.html scotsman.com will be providing live updates of today's Edinburgh derby between Hearts and Hibs from 12:30pm. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949030/beckham-relishing-champions-league-chance.html David Beckham is relishing the chance to play Champions League football again once he returns to AC Milan. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949029/beckham-raring-to-play-champions-league.html England midfielder David Beckham is relishing the chance to play Champions League football again once he returns to AC Milan on his second loan spell in January. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949028/pohang-beat-al-ittihad-to-win-afc-champions-league.html Pohang Steelers of South Korea shocked two-time champions Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia 2-1 to capture the AFC Champions League title on Saturday. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949027/stourbridge-v-walsall-1300-gmt.html Preview followed by live coverage of Saturday's game between Stourbridge and Walsall in the FA Cup. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949026/johnson-hopes-for-change-luck.html Glen Johnson believes Liverpool have the quality to beat any team and have simply been on the wrong end of some bad luck so far this season. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949025/wenger-worried-by-defence.html Arsene Wenger has described Arsenal's defence as "a concern but not a problem" ahead of their trip to Wolves on Saturday evening. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949024/fergie-backs-defence-to-come-good.html Sir Alex Ferguson is certain Manchester United will not be as defensively fragile at Chelsea as they were in the Champions League this week. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949023/blues-vow-to-put-pressure-on-united.html Carlo Ancelotti reckons Manchester United "suffer when there is pressure on their midfielders" - and Chelsea plan to make them pay for it. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949022/simpler-take-on-licensing-plans-teacher-impact-south-bend-tribune.html A simpler take on licensing plan's teacher impactSouth Bend TribuneOur public highways and byways are not meant for NASCAR-style driving. State, South Bend and Mishawaka police need to speed up the tickets to those who race ... Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949021/texas-matt-crafton-nascar-truck-postrace-press-conference-p2-paddocktalk.html Texas: Matt Crafton NASCAR Truck Post-Race Press Conference - P2PaddockTalkDO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU HAD BASICALLY HAD NOTHING TO LOSE AT THIS POINT TRYING TO CHASE DOWN RON FOR THIS CHAMPIONSHIP? "Yes, the championship is one thing. ... Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949020/texas-ron-hornaday-jr-nascar-truck-race-quotes-p3-points-leader-paddocktalk.html Texas: Ron Hornaday Jr NASCAR Truck Race Quotes - P3, Points LeaderPaddockTalk"It was a great run for the VFW Chevrolet. It is not the way we wanted to finish. Kyle lifted me up pretty good down the back straightaway. ... Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949019/texas-ron-hornaday-jr-nascar-truck-postrace-press-conference-p3-paddocktalk.html Texas: Ron Hornaday Jr NASCAR Truck Post-Race Press Conference - P3PaddockTalkSEEMED LIKE EVERYONE WAS REAL LOOSE OUT THERE TONIGHT. ALSO WAS AN EPISODE OUT THERE WITH THE 12 TRUCK. CAN YOU COMMENT ON THAT? "I didn't need to do that. ... Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949018/texas-todd-bodine-nascar-truck-race-quotes-p4-paddocktalk.html Texas: Todd Bodine NASCAR Truck Race Quotes - P4PaddockTalk"It was a good run. We were free in practice and we thought we had adjusted it and got it better. It was just too free all through the race. ... Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949017/texas-kyle-busch-nascar-truck-race-quotes-winner-paddocktalk.html Texas: Kyle Busch NASCAR Truck Race Quotes - WinnerPaddockTalk"I hope I didn't screw it up for tomorrow. I've never won here in a truck, but I won the Nationwide races here in the past three times. ... Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949016/texas-toyota-nascar-truck-race-quotes-recap-paddocktalk.html Texas: Toyota NASCAR Truck Race Quotes, RecapPaddockTalk? Five Tundra drivers are among the top-10 in the unofficial NCWTS point standings -- Skinner (third), Bodine (fourth), Scott (sixth), Peters (eighth) and ... Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949015/hamlin-we-beat-jimmie-johnson-yahoo-sports.html Denny Hamlin believes this year's championship was his to lose, and he did. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949014/breeders-cup-bettingsummer-bird-odds-preview.html Breeders Cup Betting-Summer Bird Odds Preview - Summer Bird  connections are sky high with confidence, as the only horse that has beaten him recently, is the freakishly fast, Rachael Alexandra, who has been beating every horse this year. If not for her, Summer Bird’s record would be even more sparkling, but unfortunately for race fans, her owner has opted to skip the Breeders Cup, because he doesn’t like the Santa Anita Pro-Ride synthetic surface. Breeders Cup Betting Morning line Odds Summer Bird 9/2. Someone needs to tell owner Jess Jackson that he is not the one running over the surface, and that he is robbing the race horse industry of another chance to promote the sport of horse racing with her appearance. Too bad his ego is larger than his 1,200 pound superstar, and the industry sorely needs all the good publicity it can get. Check out Breeders Cup Updated Betting Odds from Oak Tree Breeders Cup.  Oak Tree Breeders Cup  Jockey Kent Desormeaux Earned his third Breeders' Cup victory in 2007 aboard Corinthian in the Dirt Mile. Has also won 1993 Turf with Kotashaan and the 1995 Sprint with Desert Stormer. Earned his third Kentucky Derby victory aboard IEAH Stables’ Big Brown in 2008. Won the 2008 Preakness aboard the Rick Dutrow Jr. trainee as well, before pulling the colt up in the Belmont Stakes, ending all hopes of a Triple Crown victory. Proceeded to win the G1 Haskell Invitational in August and Monmouth Stakes in September with Big Brown before he suffered a foot injury and was retired less than a month before the 2008. Breeders Cup Betting-Summer Bird Odds Preview. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949013/college-football-picks-oklahoma-vs-nebraska-betting-odds-ampamp-predictions.html College Football Picks Oklahoma vs Nebraska Betting Odds & Predictions: The Oklahoma Sooners have the college football picks advantage heading into today's week 10 college football predictions matchup against the Nebraska Corhuskers. The Sooners have won four straight college football picks matchups against the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Nebraska will be looking for revenge after last years 62-28 college football picks loss to the Sooners. The college football odds makers at Bodog.com have listed the Oklahoma Sooners as the -5½(-110) point college football picks favorite vs the Nebraska Cornhuskers who are listed as the +5½(-110) point college football predictions underdogs. If your penciling in your college football picks on the total, the Saturday morning college football odds show the game total set to 43( ov-110).With QB Cody Green making his second career start for the Nebraska Cornhuskers things could get interesting. With his ability to earn yards on the ground and passing skills that gave him 128 yards against Baylor last week he could be a potential threat to end Bob Stoops and the Sooners 35-4 domination over Big 12 teams.The Nebraska Cornhuskers have not been profitable against the spread this year as their last win against the spread came back on Oct 8th. The Huskers have lost their last two college football picks matchups at home to Texas Tech and Iowa State, but a sign of hope for the Cornhuskers is they have not lost three straight college football picks matchups at home since 1968. The Oklahoma Sooners will be looking for their third straight college football picks victory after wins over No 25 Kansas and Kansas State. Here are a few football prediction trends to consider before you make your college football predictions on the Oklahoma vs Nebraska matchup: Oklahoma is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Nebraska Oklahoma is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games on the road Oklahoma is 7-1-1 ATS in its last 9 games on the road Nebraska is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home Nebraska is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games Nebraska is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games at homeThe total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oklahoma's last 6 games The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Nebraska's last 7 games OnlineSportsHandicappers.com College Football Picks Oklahoma vs Nebraska Betting Odds & PredictionsCan the Cornhuskers end their 2 game college football picks losing streak at home? Find the best college football odds and betting odds for this Oklahoma vs Nebraska and all the week 10 college football picks matchups. The College football odds makers at BetUS.com are giving online sports handicappers a FREE $200 Signup Bonus when they deposit and wager on Oklahoma vs Nebraska or any week 10 college football picks matchup. How are you going to call it?    Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949012/college-football-predictions-virginia-vs-miami-week-10-betting-odds-ampamp-ncaaf-picks.html College Football Predictions: Virginia vs Miami Week 10 Betting Odds & NCAAF Picks: Listed as the huge college football picks favorite will the Miami Hurricanes cover against the spread in their week 10 college football picks matchup against the Cavaliers. The college football odds in this week 10 college football predictions matchups is huge as the Miami Hurricanes look to earn their second straight college football picks victory. The college football odds makers from the best sportsbooks online have listed the visiting Virginia Cavaliers as the +14(-110) point college football picks underdog as they get set to face the -14(-110) point college football predictions favorite Miami Hurricanes. This college football picks matchup is set to kickoff today at noon EST and if your making your week 10 college football picks on the game total, the college football odds makers have set it to 46( ov-110). Coming off an upset loss to Duke last week the Virginia Cavaliers will likely have a difficult time bouncing back this week as they face the 6-2 (3-2) Miami Hurricanes in Land Shark Stadium. In the Cavaliers last two college football picks matchup against Miami, they failed to earn the win as Miami looks to hand the Cavaliers their third straight loss. The Miami Hurricanes are still looking for a shot at the ACC Coastal title but they will need a win today against the Cavaliers along with some outside help.  Can the Miami Hurricanes prevent a 2007 repeat of the schools worst loss in history, when the Cavaliers handed down a 48-0 win to the Hurricanes in their final college football picks matchup in the Orange Bowl?Here are a few football prediction trends to consider before you make your college football predictions on the Virginia vs Miami matchup: The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Virginia's last 5 games The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Virginia's last 7 games on the road Miami is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home Miami is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games Miami is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing VirginiaVirginia is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road Virginia is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games OnlineSportsHandicappers.com College Football Predictions: Virginia vs Miami Week 10 Betting Odds & NCAAF PicksCan the Cornhuskers end their 2 game college football picks losing streak at home? Find the best college football odds and betting odds for this Virginia vs Miami and all the week 10 college football picks matchups. The College football odds makers at BetUS.com are giving online sports handicappers a FREE $200 Signup Bonus when they deposit and wager on Virginia vs Miami or any week 10 college football picks matchup. How are you going to call it?   Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949011/pennetta-gives-italy-10-lead-in-fed-cup-final.html REGGIO CALABRIA, Italy (AP) -- Flavia Pennetta beat Alexa Glatch 6-3, 6-1 on Saturday to give Italy a 1-0 lead over the United States in the Fed Cup final.... Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949010/undefeated-zenyatta-ready-to-race-boys.html ARCADIA, Calif. (AP) -- Bring on the boys.... Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949009/do-red-sox-have-any-money-to-spend.html Last season the Red Sox spent more than $20 million less on their payroll than they did in 2007. With the current economic climate the team does not have the income it had two years ago. NESN viewership is down meaning ad revenue is down. In addition John Henry's hedge fund is hemorrhaging ...fenwaywest posted 8 hours ago from fenwaywest.com Find more top sports news, videos, and blogs on BallHype: MLB, Boston Red Sox, Matt Holliday, Manny Acta Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949008/ancelotti-plans-to-stifle-man-utd.html Coach Carlo Ancelotti urges Chelsea to shut down Manchester United's midfield in Sunday's Stamford Bridge showdown. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949007/harangody-leads-irish-to-exhibition-win.html Four Irish players scored in double figures and preseason first-team All-American Luke Harangody notched a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds as Notre Dame topped Quincy, 75-54, in exhibition play inside Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center Friday night. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949006/manhattan-notes-quotes.html Manhattan lost No. 2 scorer Chris Smith, who has transferred to Louisville , where he sits out this year and has two years left. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949005/pat-knight-visits-purdue-basketball-practice.html Matt Painter welcomed a very special colleague to Purdue's Tuesday afternoon practice -- Texas Tech coach Pat Knight and his staff, who flew from Lubbock to West Lafayette on Tuesday morning. Painter, a Muncie native and a Delta High ... Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949004/msu-basketball-coach-suzy-merchant-expecting-second-child-detroit-news.html MSU basketball coach Suzy Merchant expecting second childThe Detroit NewsMichigan State is ranked No. 10 in the preseason Associated Press poll after last year's Sweet 16 run. And after Thursday night's 79-47 exhibition win over ...and more » Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949003/new-talent-pleases-knight.html Pat Knight is convinced three junior college transfers he recruited will make Texas Tech a better basketball team. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949002/big-pressure-on-bigtime-college-basketball-coaches.html The college basketball season tips off in less than two weeks, and there are already plenty of storylines involving coaches to keep an eye on. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949001/miles-has-csu-basketball-teams-focus-on-defense-coloradoan.html Miles has CSU basketball team's focus on defenseThe ColoradoanDefense, Miles said Thursday, was dismal in Colorado State University's exhibition opener Tuesday night against Regis and will be the focal point in another ... Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/949000/vettori-thrilled-nz-win.html Daniel Vettori claims New Zealand's defeat of Pakistan to level their three-match series was the result of a conscious effort to improve. Sport Snipe - Sports News