Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Latest Sports Buzz

Latest Sports Buzz

Pens Extend GM Shero`s Pact Five Years

Posted: 21 Sep 2010 04:28 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Pittsburgh, PA, United States (AHN) – Ray Shero, who transformed the Pittsburgh Penguins into a well-structured team and into a perennial contender, has been signed to a five-year contract extension.

Financial terms of the new deal that runs through the 2015-16 season were not disclosed.

The current contract of the 48-year-old Shero was inked at the start of the 2006-07 season. It would have expired at the end of this season.

Shero came to Pittsburgh in 2006 after serving as assistant GM in Nashville for eight years.

Among the first moves by Shero was the signing of young Russian prospect Evgeni Malkin, who was then paired to Sidney Crosby, who was coming off his first NHL season.

Shero was also credited for his handling of the salary cap and midseason hiring of coach Dan Bylsma in 2009 when the Penguins turned the tables on the Red Wings en route to the franchise’s first Stanley Cup in 17 years.

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Eagles Quarterback Vick Says He`s OK With Backup Role

Posted: 21 Sep 2010 04:28 PM PDT

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Kareem Shaker – AHN Sports Reporter

Philadelphia, PA, United States (AHN) – Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick has impressed filling in for an injured Kevin Kolb, but the nine-year pro is willing to return to a backup role should Kolb return.

“It’s totally OK with me,” Vick told ESPN in a TV interview. “Kevin is our leader. I know how good he is and what he can do. I came into this year as the backup. That’s my mindset. That’s the way it is. I’m willing to accept that.”

Vick, a former No. 1 overall pick and three-time Pro Bowler, managed 321 yards, including 37 on the ground, and two touchdowns in a tough Eagles’ 35-32 win over the Lions Sunday.

That after waking up a stagnant Eagles offense to the tune of 175 passing yards, 103 rushing yards and a touchdown in Week 1, drawing Philadelphia within a score late despite being down by a large margin.

Prior to Kolb’s injury, the anointed Donovan McNabb replacement managed to complete just 5 of 10 passes for 24 yards.

Eagles coach Andy Reid reiterated Sunday Kolb is his starter for the Eagles (1-1) Week 3 match against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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Cubs` Colvin Improving After Getting Hit By Splintered Bat

Posted: 21 Sep 2010 04:28 PM PDT

Kareem Shaker – AHN Sports Reporter

Miami, FL, United States (AHN) – Chicago Cubs standout rookie Tyler Colvin, who was struck with a broken bat that punctured his chest Sunday, is recovering on schedule at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, but will likely miss the remainder of the regular season.

Colvin, 25, will remain hospitalized for at least a few more days for observation. He was struck with the bat when Cubs catcher Welington Castillo hit a broken-bat double to left and Colvin was headed home from third.

“I want to thank Cubs fans for their support all season, especially right now, and let everyone know that I’m doing OK,” Colvin said in a statement released by the Cubs. “I also want to thank everyone who has helped take care of me here in Miami — the Cubs and Marlins training and medical staffs, the EMTs at the ballpark and everyone here at the hospital.”

The Augusta, Georgia native and former Clemson standout is tied for the rookie lead in home runs with 20 and is the only Cubs rookie to ever hit that many.

“You never want to have a season end early, and I’m disappointed that I’m not going to be able to make it through the finish line with the rest of my teammates,” Colvin continued in the statement. “That being said, I couldn’t be more thankful for the Cubs organization, my teammates and the opportunity to play for Cubs fans my rookie season. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Colvin ends his season with a .254 average, 18 doubles, five triples, and 56 RBI in 135 games.

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Panthers To Start Clausen Over Moore At Quarterback

Posted: 21 Sep 2010 04:28 PM PDT

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Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Charlotte, NC, United States (AHN) – The Carolina Panthers could tweak their offense a bit after head coach John Fox announced Monday rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen will make his first career start in Week 3 against Cincinnati.

Clausen’s promotion was accelerated by Matt Moore’s dismal start to the season.

The incumbent Moore was benched after the Panthers’ 0-2 start in which he completed just 41 percent of his passes. He also committed six turnovers.

Moore, was relieved by Clausen in both contests, including the season-opener against the Giants after suffering a concussion..

He completed just 20-of-49 passes for 307 total yards with two TDs and four interceptions.

Moore also lost a fumble in each of the first two contests.

Clausen, the Panthers’ 48th overall pick in April’s draft, is 7-of-15 for 59 yards in his mop-up duty in both games this season.

The former Notre Dame standout was considered a potential top-10 pick but fell down the draft board.

Although Moore, who turns 23 Tuesday lacks Moore’s downfield arm strength, he is considered more accurate.

Carolina, seeking to avoid a second straight 0-3 start, could lose some of the vertical element of their play-action passing game, but could modify other parts with Clausen under center.

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Phillies Look To Widen Gap in NL East; Lead Braves 3-1 In Fifth

Posted: 21 Sep 2010 04:28 PM PDT

Ed Condran – AHN Sports Correspondent

Philadelphia, PA, United States (AHN) – All season long, baseball pundits talked about how Atlanta Braves 20-year old rightfielder Jason Heyward has played like a veteran.

Well, Heyward looked like a rookie when he misplayed a line drive off the bat of Philadelphia Phillies centerfielder Shane Victorino into a three-base error. Victorino scored to give the Phillies their first lead of the night Monday in the pivotal NL East matchup.

The Phillies scored a pair in the fifth and lead 3-1 after 5 1-2 frames.

It feels like playoff baseball in South Philadelphia since it’s do or die time for the Braves, who trail the Phillies by three games in the National League East with twelve games to play.

Phillies southpaw ace Cole Hamels is pitching another gem.

‘Hollywood’ gave up a run in the second but found his groove retiring nine in a row, helped by the Phils three double plays.

The Phillies leading hitter, catcher Carlos Ruiz, has also driven in a run.

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Davis Hits Slam, Volstad Dominant; Marlins Dim Cards` Playoff Hopes

Posted: 21 Sep 2010 04:28 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Miami, FL, United States (AHN) – Chris Volstad tossed a five-hitter shutout and Brad Davis hit a grand slam, as the Florida Marlins dampened the St. Louis Cardinals playoff hopes with a 4-0 rout Monday in a make up game at Sun Life Stadium.

Volstad (10-9), in his first start since Sept. 12 after serving a six-game suspension for his role in a brawl against Washington, struck out three and had two walks while throwing 118 pitches for his second career shutout.

The 23-year-old right-hander, who has allowed 16 runs over his last three starts entering Monday, posted his other shutout on July 2009 at San Francisco.

Davis hit his first career grand slam in the second inning off losing pitcher Chris Carpenter, as the Marlins snapped a season-long six-game losing skid.

Carpenter (15-8) yielded five hits and struck out six in six frames in the loss.

The setback dropped St. Louis 6 1-2 games behind Cincinnati in the NL Central.

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Rangers Center Drury Breaks Finger, Out Four Weeks

Posted: 21 Sep 2010 04:28 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

NY, NY, United States (AHN) – The New York Rangers will have to shake up their lineup after it was revealed Monday that captain Chris Drury will be out at least four weeks with a broken finger.

The 34-year-old Drury broke his left index finger after blocking a shot in a morning scrimmage at the Rangers’ training facility in Greenburgh, the New York Daily News reported.

If Drury will be sidelined for a full month; he will miss the first four contests of the regular season.

According to the Daily News, the injury will not require surgery.

Drury is entering the fourth year of a five-year $35.25 million deal.

Drury, the only player in hockey history to capture both the Hobey Baker Memorial Award and Calder Memorial Trophy, is looking to bounce back from the worst campaign of his career

In 2009-10, Drury struggled with career-lows of 14 goals and 32 points.

The Rangers failed to advance to the playoffs this past season after succumbing to the Flyers in the season finale.

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Broncos Wideout McKinley Dead At 23; Cause Uncertain

Posted: 21 Sep 2010 04:28 PM PDT

AHN Sports Staff

Denver, CO, United States (AHN) – Denver Broncos wide receiver Kenny McKinley was found dead Monday, with an official telling a Denver media outlet the cause may have been suicide.

The 141st overall pick in the fifth round in 2009, McKinley was placed on injured reserve on Aug. 5 with a knee ailment.

McKinley played in eight games last season, though he did not catch a pass.

The Broncos put football aside to grieve the young man’s death.

“Kenny had a promising future on the football field, but more importantly, he was a great teammate whose smile and personality could light up the room,” Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said in a statement. “This is a tragic loss for our football team, and his family is in all of our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

Pat Bowlen also had something to add about McKinley’s death.

“Everyone with the Broncos is shocked and saddened by the loss of Kenny McKinley,” team owner Pat Bowlen said in a statement. “He was part of the Broncos’ family and will be greatly missed by our organization. My most heartfelt condolences go out to Kenny’s family and friends.”

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Phillies Edge Closer to Division Title With Win Over Braves

Posted: 21 Sep 2010 04:28 PM PDT

Ed Condran – AHN Sports Correspondent

Philadelphia, PA, United States (AHN) – ‘Darth Vader in Spikes’ was how the Atlanta Braves broadcast team described Cole Hamels in 2008 when he emerged as one of the better pitchers in baseball.

After a disappointing 2009 season, it’s apparent that the force is once again with the Philadelphia Phillies ace southpaw, who beat the Braves 3-1 at soldout Citizens Bank Park.

With the victory, the Phillies, who won their 90th contest of the season, are four games ahead of the Braves with eleven games left in the season.

Hamels, who is 12-10, lowered his ERA to 2.93 by giving up just one run on five hits through eight innings. ‘Hollywood’ struck out six and he rolled three double play balls.

“When you’re able to get double plays, those are huge,” Hamels said. “That’s especially so in those circumstances with guys on third. The Braves team is tough. If you can get them to hit the type of pitch you want and hit it to your defense then guys are making great plays. We have a tremendous infield and outfield.”

Hamels, who mixed a 94 mph fastball with a terrific changeup, was in fine form throughout the game. But that’s not a surprise since he has been money over the last month. Hamels has given up just two runs in his last 39 2-3 innings.

The Phillies gave Hamels some rare offensive support.

Phillies leading hitter, catcher Carlos Ruiz drove in a run.

But the turning point of the game was made or well, not made by Braves star rookie Jason Heyward.

The 20-year old rightfielder misplayed a line drive off the bat of Phillies centerfielder Shane Victorino into a three-base error, which led to the pair of runs. That was the difference in the game.

“The ball just knuckled away from me,” Heyward said. “I tried to make the catch but I just didn’t get it.”

Brad Lidge pitched a clean ninth, striking out two, for his 24th save of the season.

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Red Bulls` Henry Fined $2K, Avoids Ban For Hartman Injury

Posted: 21 Sep 2010 04:28 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

NY, NY, United States (AHN) – Red Bulls star Thierry Henry received a not too harsh discipline from Major League Soccer’s disciplinary committee, getting fined for $2,000 Monday for an ill-timed celebratory kick that injured Dallas goalkeeper Kevin Hartman.

Henry will not be suspended as a result of an incident that occurred following a goal by Red Bulls teammate Mehdi Ballouchy in Thursday’s 2-2 tie.

The 33-year-old native of Les Ulis, France, kicked the ball toward the net, but struck Hartman on the right knee.

Henry apologized to Hartman, who injured his medial collateral ligament. Hartman will be sidelined from two to three weeks with an MCL strain.

The New York Designated Player, who had already received a yellow card earlier in the match, would have been ejected had he received another caution.

The league’s disciplinary committed indicated Monday that the actions by the former Arsenal captain were unsporting.

Henry inked a multi-year contract with MLS club Red Bulls on July 2010 as its second designated player.

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