Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Latest Sports Buzz

Latest Sports Buzz

Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Shelves Expansion Plan Until 2012

Posted: 30 Jun 2010 06:25 AM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Denver, CO, United States (AHN) – The Western Athletic Conference announced Tuesday it will temporarily shelve expansion plans until 2012.

On Tuesday, Commissioner Karl Benson indicated the league will not push through with its plan to replace departing Boise State.

It will instead operate with eight members in the 2011-12 season.

The remaining members of the conference, which was formed on July 27, 1962, are Fresno State, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana Tech, Nevada, New Mexico State, San Jose State and Utah State.

Boise State, which joined the WAC in 2001, accepted an invitation to join the Mountain West Conference after this season.

On June 11, MWC officially confirmed the joining of the Broncos for the 2011-2012 academic year.

The Western Athletic Conference is the sixth oldest conference of the 11 college athletic conferences currently participating in the NCAA’s Division I FBS.

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Complete-Lee Dominating: M`s Pitcher Keys Win Vs. Yanks

Posted: 30 Jun 2010 06:25 AM PDT

AHN Sports Staff

Seattle, WA, United States (AHN) – Starting pitcher Cliff Lee came up with his third straight complete game Tuesday, as the Seattle Mariners booted the New York Yankees 7-4 at Yankee Stadium.

Lee was simply splendid throughout the contest, allowing only four runs and 8 hits in nine innings against the Yankees.

The left-hander has continued to rack up all-star numbers, going 7-3 with a 2.45 ERA, 78 strikeouts and just 5 walks.

Lee, who recorded his third straight complete game and fifth overall this season, has been the center of trade rumors involving several MLB teams – Minnesota Twins, San Diego Padres, and the Yankees – these past weeks.

However, the former Cy Young Award winner has remained poised and has still provided hefty contributions to his present team.

After allowing two homers, Lee baffled the entire Yankees dugout.

Although his franchise record walk-free innings streak was halted by Jorge Posada at 38 1-3, Lee said the Yankees catcher should be credited for that.

“Whatever,” Lee told MLB.com Tuesday. “[Posada] fouled off a 3-2 pitch and took a pretty close pitch [for ball four]. You have to credit him for getting a walk there. I was ahead of him, 1-2, and had chances to get him out but missed too much, and he drew a walk.”

Lee, sent to the Mariners in December, is expected to be traded again before the July 31 trade deadline.

At 31, Lee remains a valuable asset for a contender seeking for a steady performer.

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Tiger Wants LeBron To Play For NBA Champion Lakers

Posted: 30 Jun 2010 06:25 AM PDT

AHN Sports Staff

Los Angeles, CA, United States (AHN) – World’s No.1 golfer Tiger Woods has envisioned an L.A super-team Tuesday, citing the Lakers as the best destination for incoming free agent LeBron James.

The 34-year old Woods said he’s very intrigued of any possibility of James merging with Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, and Pau Gasol to form a formidable unit in Los Angeles.

“Yeah, actually I would love to see him go to the Lakers,” Woods told Fox Sports Tuesday. “I’m an L.A. guy, can’t help it. That would be interesting, wouldn’t it?”

James, who will lead a talent-laden free agent class starting on July 1, remains silent regarding his next move this offseason.

ESPN reported the two-time NBA MVP met with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh last weekend, making Miami the favorite to land the three superstars.

Other than that, everything is still unclear about James’ future as cap space-rich teams like the Bulls, Nets, Knicks, and Clippers are also vying for the forward’s service.

With regards to Woods idea, the Lakers have just a very outside chance of landing James with their collective salaries already over the cap ceiling.

Woods is scheduled to defend his title at this week’s the PGA Tour’s AT&T National at the Aronimink Golf Club in Philadelphia.

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World Cup: Brazil-Netherlands Tilt Highlights Quarterfinals Action

Posted: 30 Jun 2010 06:25 AM PDT

Andrew Lawn – AHN Sports Correspondent

Cape Town, South Africa (AHN) – With the 2010 World Cup Finals entering their final stages here is a look at the four quarterfinal ties.

The Netherlands vs. Brazil – The Netherlands vs. Brazil is one of the classic World Cup fixtures.

With both sides adopting a proud tradition of playing fast-paced attacking football, these two nations have produced some classic matches in the past and this one should be no different.

The Netherlands has never won a World Cup and often seem exceptional in the early rounds only to lose nerve when the competition gets serious.

With Robin Van Persie leading the line and the creative attacking talents of Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben providing the ammunition there is no doubt the Netherlands, backed by their Orange Army of fans, can trouble Brazil.

However, Dunga has installed a new defensive resilience in the five-times World Champions, which sits behind the undoubted attacking mastery of Kaka, Robinho and Luis Fabiano.

As such we can expect goals in this one but expect Brazil to edge it.

AHN Prediction: Brazil 3-2.

Ghana vs. Uruguay – With South Africa beginning the trend of African sides that dropped out of these finals early, Ghana carry the hopes not of a single nation but of a continent.

Pele famously said that he felt an African side would win a World Cup by the turn of the millennium.

While that never happened, sides have threatened to go beyond the last-eight – for Ghana though this may prove the end of the line.

That’s because its fast tempo, hounding style has seen the West Africans pick up a few injuries and suspensions just as it need its big players most.

Kevin Prince Boateng has been a revelation in the center of their midfield throughout the tournament.

Alongside that, Ghana face a strong Uruguayan side, who have already seen off France, Mexico and South Korea to make it this far.

With the in-form double-act of Suarez and Forlan seemingly banging the goals in for fun, a sem-final place should be there for the two-time World Champions to take.

AHN Prediction: Uruguay 2-1.

Spain vs. Paraguay – European Champions and World Cup favorites Spain landed a dream quarterfinal with Paraguay.

Whilst their probable rivals all face each other in the last-eight, Spain come up against a Paraguayan side that has never reached this stage of a World Cup Finals, and only did so on penalties after a dour, energy sapping 120 minutes against Japan.

With David Villa already notching four goals, Spain look to have put an opening game defeat behind as it marches on in South Africa.

A 1-0 derby win over neighbors Portugal will only add to the sense this could be Spain’s year.

Paraguay, however, is famous for the dogged defense and if they can stifle Spain’s creative magicians, they could nick it.

AHN Prediction: Spain 2-0.

Germany vs. Argentina – Completing the lineup of South American teams in each quarterfinal, Argentina face England’s destroyers Germany for a place in the last-four.

With Lionel Messi sparkling in South Africa, Argentina moved to joint-second favorites with rivals Brazil following an impressive start to the finals which has seen it easily topple South Korea, Mexico, Nigeria and Greece.

Goals too from Gonzalo Higuain and Carlos Tevez make Argentina a formidable foe.

No-one though will be more confident going into the last-eight than Germany.

After a 4-1 demolition of their old rivals England in the last-16, Germany is on top of its game.

Mesut Ozil added to his burgeoning reputation with some stellar performances, while goals from veteran striker Miroslav Klose and young pretender Thomas Mueller helped Germany score four twice already in South Africa.

That said, don’t expect Argentina to crumble in the manner England did, and to advance in the end possibly after extra-time or penalties.

AHN Prediction: 2-2 – Argentina win on penalties.

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Tiger Shoots For Normal In Philly; Denies Rift With Caddie

Posted: 30 Jun 2010 06:25 AM PDT

Tom Edrington – AHN Sports Reporter

Newton Square, PA, United States (AHN) – Tiger Woods’ life an been a bizarre journey at best for the past seven months. He believes things might be getting better for him, at least on the golf course.

“I think my life our here on tour is being more normal,” Woods said as he arrived at the historic Aronimink Golf Club, site of this week’s AT&T National, the tournament that benefits the Tiger Woods Foundation and the event that Woods as served as official host in the past.

Woods is the defending champion after his victory last year at Congressional.

With the events that have surrounded Woods, his name was removed this year from the official “host” title but he’s still playing the role, his foundation is still the main beneficiary of the event.

The one question this week is how normal is Woods’ golf game?

After contending at the U.S. Open, Woods said he felt things turning for him. “I feel like I can play now. I got a feel for my game.”

He also diffused the talk of any rift between him and caddie Steve Williams, going back to some mistakes in the final round of the Open at Pebble Beach.

“Stevie and I make mistakes out there. Of course. We’re not perfect,” Woods said on Tuesday.

“I thought I played pretty good at the Open,” Woods went on to explain. “On Saturday I left the ball below the hole all day. Sunday I didn’t.”

Woods says he’s also looking towards the British Open at St. Andrews in two weeks. “I’m really looking forward to that. I heard it’s running real fast over there already.”

But first things first.

Woods is actually the man to beat this week on the classic Donald Ross golf course. He’s still No. 1 in the world and there’s only one other player in the field from the top 10 — Jim Furyk.

Another player returning to action will be Dustin Johnson, the 54-hole leader at the U.S. Open who went through an atomic-style meltdown during the first six holes of the final day.

He’ll get a lot of attention on Thursday as he’s paired with Woods.

It will also be interesting to see how the Philadelphia crowds receive Woods. This is the city that once booed Santa Claus in a parade.

The course itself will pose a challenge for Woods and other contenders. Ross, the icon of golf course architecture, once referred to Aronimink as his “masterpiece” will present deep rough and severely sloped greens and some man-size par four holes.

It will be a challenge for Woods in his final tune up before the Open Championship in Scotland.

A victory by Woods this week would go a long way in his quest for “normal.”

At least for his golf game.

TIGER NOTES: Tiger Woods’ former swing coach Hank Haney recently sat with Guy Yocum from Golf Digest for an upcoming issue and gave a more detailed insight into his long relationship as Woods’ instructor.

When asked if the relationship was dysfunctional, Haney told Yocum:

“It didn’t get dysfunctional. It always was dysfunctional.”

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Lee Westwood Hospitalized With Swollen Calf, Then Released

Posted: 30 Jun 2010 06:25 AM PDT

Tom Edrington – AHN Sports Reporter

Versailles, France (AHN) – England’s Lee Westwood was hospitalized Wednesday when doctors feared a swollen lower leg might have indicated the presence of a blood clot.

Westwood received good news after some tests showed he suffered a reaction to the unseasonably high temperatures this week at the French Open.

Westwood withdrew from the pro-am event Wednesday for the Alstrom Open de France.

Westwood spokesman Stuart Cage indicated Westwood was given anti-inflammatories and was released from the hospital. He hopes to be in the field when play begins Thursday.

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Keselowski Cruising Atop Nationwide Standings

Posted: 29 Jun 2010 06:35 PM PDT

Edward Lewis – AHN Sports Reporter

Daytona Beach, FL, United States (AHN) – Brad Keselowski didn’t win last weekend’s NASCAR Nationwide race but he managed to finish one position in front of Carl Edwards, leaving him with a 247-point lead over the former champion.

Keselowski is still out front with 2,641 points and Edwards has 2,394, while Justin Allgaier has 2,201 and rounding out the top-five in points are Kyle Busch (2,140) and Kevin Harvick (2,003).

Paul Menard (1,998), Brendan Gaughan (1,819), Steve Wallace (1,804), Joey Logano (1,758) and Trevor Bayne (1,721) make up the top-10 in points.

In positions 11-20 are: Jason Leffler (1,718), Tony Raines (1,613), Brian Scott (1,603), Michael Annett (1,595), Reed Sorenson (1,548), Kenny Wallace (1,494), Mike Wallace (1,464), Mike Bliss (1,380), Greg Biffle (1,368) and Michael McDowell (1,363).

Eric McClure (1,343), Scott Lagasse Jr. (1,328), Joe Nemechek (1,228), Jason Keller (1,197), Colin Braun (1,151), Ricky Stenhouse (1,139), Josh Wise (1,010), Brian Keselowski (925), Robert Richardson Jr. (922) and Jamie McMurray (906) make up positions 21-30.

Rounding out positions 31-45 are: James Buescher (903), Willie Allen (880), Morgan Shepherd (797), Mark Green (763), Shelby Howard (755), Scott Riggs (741), Brian Vickers (733), Clint Bowyer (700), Scott Wimmer (678), Kelly Bires (673), Kevin Lepage (548), Coleman Pressley (533), Kasey Kahne (522), Jeremy Clements (509) and Denny Hamlin (502).

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NASCAR Crew Member Suspended For Violating Substance-Abuse Policy

Posted: 29 Jun 2010 06:35 PM PDT

Edward Lewis – AHN Sports Reporter

Daytona Beach, FL, United States (AHN) – A crew member for Richard Petty Motorsports has been suspended indefinitely from the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for violating the sanctioning body’s substance abuse policy.

Chris Moore, who works for the No. 43 team driven by AJ Allmendinger, was found in violation via NASCAR’s random testing policy.

The suspension comes for violating Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19 (violation of the NASCAR substance abuse policy) of the 2010 NASCAR Rule Book.

Former two-time Nationwide Series champion Randy LaJoie was nabbed by the same policy just last week.

LaJoie, also an analyst for ESPN, had filed for a spotter’s license with the No. 18 car in the Nationwide Series.

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Phils Infielders Utley, Polanco Go On Disabled List

Posted: 29 Jun 2010 06:35 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Philadelphia, PA, United States (AHN) – The Philadelphia Phillies suffered another major blow after losing second baseman Chase Utley and third baseman Placido Polanco to injuries. Both players join five others on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday.

Utley, 31, who has been on the disabled list just once in his career- – 2007- – was forced to come out in the ninth inning of Monday’s 7-3 loss to Cincinnati with a thumb injury.

The four-time All Star and Silver Slugger Award winner injured his right thumb while sliding into second.

Known for his endurance, Utley, together with Jimmy Rollins, form one of the best middle-infield combinations in the NL.

Utley, the leading vote-getter for NL second baseman, is batting .277 with 11 home runs and 37 RBI in 72 contests this season.

Polanco, also a candidate for a starting spot in the upcoming All-Star Game in Anaheim, has been dealing with a left elbow injury for over a month.

The 34-year-old native of the Dominican Republic, in his second stint with the Phillies, missed time due to the injury but avoided the DL.

Despite addressing the injury with a cortisone shot in recent days, the Phils felt it was necessary to send the 2006 ALCS MVP to the disabled list.

This season, Polanco is batting .318 with five home runs and 27 RBI.

As a result, the defending NL champions Phillies called up infielder Brian Bocock and utility player Greg Dobbs from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Philadelphia would also be looking for a trade in the event both Utley and Polanco are sidelined for more than two weeks.

The Phillies, 4 1-2 games back of the first-place Braves in the NL East entering Tuesday, wrap up the month of June with seven players on the disabled list, including two key infielders.

The Phillies, who have won five of their last six games, are trying to bounce back in the second installment of a three -game set against the Reds Tuesday at Great American Ball Park.

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Nowitzki Reportedly Opts Out Of Mavs Deal

Posted: 29 Jun 2010 06:35 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Dallas, TX, United States (AHN) – The Dallas Mavericks are expected to go all out in retaining their leading scorer in franchise history, Dirk Nowitzki, who has reportedly elected to opt out of the final year of his contract and became an unrestricted free agent.

The veteran All-Star, who has been the face of the Mavericks since the club acquired him on draft day in 1998, will be leaving $21.5 million on the table, if he opts out, according to the Dallas Morning News.com.

Apart from the official opt-out letter notification, the nine-time All-Star, who turned 32 earlier this month, also mailed a notification from Germany to ensure its arrival before Wednesday’s deadline, according to reports.

Nowitzki could still sign a new deal with Dallas in free agency, which could provide more security to the 2007 NBA MVP winner.

A renegotiation for a longer deal, with consideration to the league’s over-36 rule, would also enable the Mavs to free up salary cap space to pursue a star free agent via the sign-and-trade route.

Nowitzki has been with the Mavericks since 1998-99 after Milwaukee selected him with the ninth overall pick in that year’s draft and traded him to Dallas.

The 7-foot, 245 pound native of Germany has been the Mavericks most prolific scorer over the last decade.

This past season, he averaged 25.0 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 81 games.

It marked the 10th straight year in which he averaged over 20 points and seven boards for the Mavs.

Over 12 NBA seasons, Nowitzki has averaged 22.9 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists.

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