Pretty in Pink

Baseball: Now that Andre Dawson has been elected into the Hall, the only question that remains is what hat he'll be wearing...The A's are bringing back Jack Cust for at least one more year...Marlins pitcher Josh Johnson is not changing his agent. Thank goodness, I had been unable to sleep for weeks, wondering if he'd be changing his agent. (And yes, it's a slow baseball news day)...Barry Bonds' son Nikolai was officially charged with five misdemeanors after he allegedly threw a doorknob at his mother Sun Bonds. Watch out Nikki, because the popo are on your tail!

Basketball: A couple of late three pointers helped the Knicks get past the Bobcats, 97-93...To the players involved in the Gilbert Arenas firearms bonaza: expect a fine...As expected, Rafer Alston has landed in Miami.

College Basketball: Losing to Duke, 86-65 is bad, but could being stuck in Chicago for an extra day because of a nasty midwestern storm be even worse? I'll have to ask the kids from Iowa State.

College Football: Congratulations to Alabama for collecting their first National Championship since 1992. The Tide rolled past the Longhorns, 37-21 after Texas lost QB Colt McCoy in the first series of the game. At least he didn't cry like Tim Tebow...Ole Miss QB Jevan Snead and Virginia Tech defensive end Jason Worilds are jumping to the NFL...You saw this one coming, Mike Leach's legal team has filed court documents so they can question players...According to the Sporting News, South Florida has fired head coach Jim Leavitt.

(Photo: Getty Images)

Football: Bills fans really want Bill Cowher, or so the sign says...Mike Holmgren was feeling lenient and will allow Eric Mangini to stay as the head coach of the Browns...The New York court system, however, was not feeling quite as nice, denying a work release request by former Giants WR Plaxico Burress...Speaking of the law, Vikings coach Brad Childress' son Aaron Kyle Childress was picked up on second-degree driving while intoxicated. Ah now that's something Andy Reid's kids would be proud of. Watch out Aaron, because the popo are on your tail!...The Colts are going with Matt Stover as their kicker not Adam Vinatieri.

Hockey: Chad Johnson picked up an assist in his first start as Rangers goalie, but it wasn't enough as they fell to the Thrashers, 2-1 (SO)...The Blackhawks rallied from an early 2-0 hole to top the Bruins, 5-2...Bruins center Marc Savard left early with a leg injury...Alexander Ovechkin collected his first goal as a Captain while the Capitals wiped out the Senators, 5-2...Sidney Crosby had two goals, but so did the Flyers' James van Riemsdyk and Jeff Carter in Philly's 7-4 thrashing of the Pens...Jimmy Howard stopped 51 shots as the Red Wings iced the Kings, 2-1...Meanwhile Roberto Luongo made 31 saves on his way to his 50th career shut out as the Canucks blanked the Coyotes, 4-0. Alex Burrows collected his second straight hat trick in the win.

Best of the Rest: This whole Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. fight is starting to resemble the Charlie Sheen/Brooke Muelle situation minus the kitchen knife...Andy Murray's biggest battle appears to be with the sun while playing tennis in Perth...Is Nascar going back to the spoiler?...Kevin Harvick and Elliott Sadler will share driving duties in the #2 Chevy in the Truck Series...If being last in the Premiere League wasn't bad enough for Portsmouth players, they also haven't been getting paid. (Thx Howard!)

Check this Out: CHUCK is back!!!! Tune into NBC on Sunday at 9 PM/est to catch the season 3 premiere.

Stick it to them Aves!

Baseball: Congratulations to Andre Dawson on being chosen as a Hall of Famer. Bert Blyleven was only 0.8 percent off from being chosen as well...The Yankees have given Sergio Mitre a one year, $850,000 deal...While the Braves have signed former Bomber Eric Hinske...The Nationals have finalized a deal with Matt Capps...A global World Series (one that only includes the MLB winner and Japanese winner) could be in the works.

Basketball: The Clippers topped the Lakers, 102-91 as Pau Gasol continues to watch the Lakers in his nice suit on the very end of the bench...Speaking of the Clippers, announcer Michael Smith has been arraigned on charges that he stole $735,000 from his friend Bruce Furst (you know the one with a brain tumor) in what is being called a development deal gone bad. Watch out Mikey, because the popo are on your tail!...The Cavs hammered the Wizards, 121-98 in their first game without the indefinitely suspended Gilbert Arenas...The Celtics rallied to a 112-106 OT win over the Heat..

College Basketball: Just when I thought there was a chance of Kansas being dethroned, they held off upstart Cornell, 71-66...In a homecoming of sorts, the Blue Devil's Jon Scheyer scored 31 points as Duke crushed Iowa State, 86-65.

College Football: Central Michigan outlasted Troy, 44-41 in double OT to take the GMAC Bowl...This leaves just one bowl left, the BCS Championship game...Which Nick Saban says will feature Alabama's Rolando McClain...Florida's Aaron Hernandez is entering the draft...And so is South Florida's Jason Pierre-Paul.

Football: Still no word on whether Eric Mangini still has a job...But it looks more certain that Charlie Weis has one with the Chiefs...Congrats to Tom Brady on being named Comeback Player of the Year...Josh Cribbs was insulted by the Browns' latest offer...The popo will not charge Chris Henry's fiancee in connection with his tragic death.

Hockey: Sean Avery tied his career best with four points in the Rangers 5-2 victory over the Stars...Stars center Mike Ribeiro spent a night in a New York hospital after sustaining a throat injury during the loss...Eric Belanger scored twice as the Wild ended their four game losing streak with a 4-1 win over the Flames. The loss ended the Flames five game win streak...Also scoring twice was Danny Briere who helped lead the Flyers to a 6-2 stomping of the Maple Leafs...Kyle Okposo's goal with 3:17 left was all the Islanders needed to nip the Avalanche, 3-2...Sad news, Hurricanes star Eric Staal is taking a leave of absence after the death of his sister in law...Former NHLer and current Chicago Wolves minor leaguer Chris Chelios was arrested for DUI last month. Watch out Chris, because the popo are on your tail!(Photo: Getty Images)

Best of the Rest: Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather will not be fighting -- in the ring. Although with that defimation lawsuit floating around, a court room battle could still be in the works...Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage and Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey are not opposed to a little betting.

Check this Out: Calling all Survivor fans, it seems the newest cast has been leaked.

Orange you glad to see me?

Baseball: Randy Johnson is hanging up his cleats after 22 years in the Bigs...The Cardinals have signed Matt Holliday to a seven year, $120 million deal. When asked why he decided to stay in St. Louis Holliday responded "Because they were the only team dumb enough to give me $120 million. Take that Pujols!"....The Giants have signed Juan Uribe to a one year, $3.25 million deal...The Rays have locked up catcher Kelly Shoppach to a two year, $5.5 million contract...Seattle is on the verge of giving Franklin Gutierrez a four year deal worth about $20.5 million...Remember yesterday when I said the only big loser in the Beltre deal was Casey Kotchman, well it turns out he wins as well. The Red Sox have shipped Kotchman to Seattle for Bill Hall and at least one minor leaguer...Speaking of the Sox, they will move Jacoby Ellsbury to left and have Mike Cameron take over center next season...If these pictures are any indication, Matt Kemp is a very lucky man...Sad news, Angels broadcaster Rory Markas has died at the age of 54...Good news, reliever Luis Ayala was unharmed during an apparent attempted kidnapping in Mexico...Don't forget, the newest inductees into the Hall of Fame will be announced at 2 PM today.

Basketball: Andrew Bynum powered the Lakers past the Rockets, 88-79 as Ron Artest returned to the lineup for the first time since his Christmas accident...The Suns ended their seven game road slide taking out the Kings, 113-109...J.R. Smith hit two free throws with 0.4 seconds left to lift the Nuggets over the Warriors, 123-122...The Clippers are hoping January 20th will be the day Blake Griffin makes his NBA debut...Mavs owner Mark Cuban is pissed at the scheduling Gods for placing the Cowboys game against the Eagles at the same time as the Mavs game against the Jazz...The NBA is deciding on the appropriate suspension for Gilbert Arenas...Speaking of disasters, former Nets star Jayson Williams was charged with a DUI after crashing his car into a tree early Tuesday. Watch out Jayson, because the popo are on your tail!

College Basketball: It was a bad night for Georgia Tech who not only lost the Orange Bowl but also fell to Georgia, 73-66...Texas outlasted Arkansas, 96-85...Purdue moved to 14-0 after dropping Minnesota, 79-60...San Diego State upset New Mexico, 74-64.

College Football: Iowa smoothered Georgia Tech, 24-14 to take the coldest Orange Bowl ever...Florida State's appeal has been denied forcing the Seminoles to give up 14 wins...Ohio State's Thaddeus Gibson, Oklahoma's Dominique Franks and NC State's Toney Baker are all entering the draft...Tommy Tuberville could be checking out Texas Tech.
(Photo: Getty Images)

Football: Mike Shanahan has signed a five year contract to coach the Redskins. Must have been that ride on Redskins One that put him over the top...Lovie Smith is keeping his job in Chicago but it comes with a bit of a caveat, he's not calling the defensive plays. And his entire offensive staff will have a new look after six coaches were fired...Bill Belichick is blaming the field in Houston for Wes Welker's injury...Congratulations to Vikings WR Percy Harvin on being named the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year...Congrats also go out to Texans linebacker Brian Chushing on being named the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year...Could Charlie Weis land with the Chiefs?...The Saints placed defensive end Charles Grant on IR...While Ochocinco plans to play against the Jets this weekend...The company that is hoping to lure a NFL team to LA is looking at the Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills as possible candidates.

Hockey: The Capitals have named Alexander Oveckin their captain making him the first European captian in team history...They followed that up with a 4-2 victory over the Canadiens...Marian Hossa had two goals as the Blawkhawks cruised to their fourth straight victory, topping the Wild, 4-1...The Flames hit five straight wins with their 3-1 win over the Predators...Meanwhile the Penguins ended their five game slide, toppling the Thrashers, 5-2...Marty Brodeur earned his third shut out in seven games as the Devils sunk the Stars, 4-0...The US edged Canada, 5-4 to end Canada's five year reign as the World Junior champions. Sweden picked up the bronze medal.

(Photo: AP)

Best of the Rest: Ryan Hunter-Reay has signed with Michael Andretti's IndyCar team to drive a limited schedule in 2010. Hunter-Reay will be sponsored by Izod...Robby Gordon won the first stage of the Dakar Rally by one second...Andy Roddick and James Blake advanced at Brisbane.

Check this Out: The People's Choice Awards will air on CBS tonight. And if it seems a bit rehearsed it is probably because the winners know they've won ahead of time.

Celebrate good times c'mon!

Baseball: The Red Sox have reportedly agreed to a one year, $10 million contract with Adrian Beltre. Well that seems like great news for everyone but Casey Kotchman. Poor guy, excellent fielder just not so powerful with the bat...The Rockies have given Miguel Olivo a one year, $2.5 million contract...Chien-Ming Wang's agent says there are at least 15 teams interested in his client and some of them are even in America...Joe Nuxhall, Jacques Doucet and Tom Cheek have been named finalists for the Ford Frick Award...Did the Mets pay mafia linked contractors to help build Citi Field? Whatever it takes to get a Shake Shack burger in my hand.

Basketball: The Heat cooled off the Hawks, 92-75...While the Hornets stung the Jazz, 91-87...Pau Gasol is questionable for Tuesday's game with the hammy injury.

College Basketball: Sad news UNC fans, your team lost to the College of Charleston. I knew there was a reason I almost went there, I just didn't know it until now...Pittsburgh upended Cincinnati, 74-71...Kansas is still number one, but watch out for those Blue Devils who moved up to #5 this week...USC players are not happy about missing the postseason...Yes, Mike Hamilton, two armed robbery arrests involving athletes at Tennessee is embarrassing!...In a related note coach Bruce Pearl acknowledges Tennessee's weapons.
(Photo: AP)

College Football: Boise State topped TCU, 17-10 to take the Fiesta Bowl. Remember when Bowl games were played on New Year's Day? I mean all Bowl games were played on New Year's Day? Can we go back to that? I will allow the BCS final to be played on January 2nd, but that's it!...Kentucky coach Rich Brooks is retiring after seven yars with the Wildcats...Jimmy Clausen will have surgery on a torn tendon in his toe. Clausen will be ready to throw for scouts in April.

Football: The Redskins have reportedly flown Mike Shanahan out to DC to talk about that head coach opening...Chris Henry's fiancee recalls the moments leading up to his death...The Bears are keeping Lovie Smith...And the Bucs are sticking with Raheem Morris...While the Bills are keeping -- no one...Looks like Bill Cowher will not return to coaching...The NFL and players will discuss the rookie pay scale...Sad news, Casey Johnson, Johnson & Johnson heiress and the daughter of Jets owner Woody Johnson has passed away at the age of 30.

Hockey: The Bruins stormed back with two goals in the third period but Christopher Higgins broke up a two all tie to give the Rangers a 3-2 victory...The real loss for Boston could turn out to be Patrice Bergeron who left early with a hand injury...The Kings ended the Sharks eight game win streak with a 6-2 rout...Capitals goalie Semyon Varlamov tweaked a lower-body injury and could be out another two weeks...The Leafs received a double whammy. Mikhail Grabovski will miss six weeks with a broken wrist, while Wayne Primeau will be out two to four with a knee injury...Mario Lemieux stopped by to watch the Penguins practice on Monday...The Oilers haven't realized that they don't get free meals in Calgary...USA snipped Canada, 2-1 to take the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge Title. Suck it Canada!!!!! (And I mean that in the nicest way possible)
(Photo: AP)

Best of the Rest: ESPN will unveil a 3D television network in 2010. My only question is do they supply the glasses or do I have to purchase my own? Actually, second question, where do you buy 3D glasses?...Michigan selected Domino's CEO David Brandon as its new athletic director...It is only getting better for Jimmie Johnson after news broke that he and his wife Chandra are expecting their first child...Lance McGrew is liking Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s chances for 2010. Well I sure hope so!...Kim Clijsters is already looking forward to matching up against Justine Henin at Brisbane.

Check this Out: Vanity Fair explores the darker side of Tiger Woods here.

Close Out Special

Baseball: The Cubs picked up outfielder Marlon Byrd for three years, $15 million...The Phillies have added Danys Baez to their bullpen...Ken Griffey, Jr. is excited for 2010...Mike Lowell had surgery to fix his ailing thumb. Maybe the Red Sox can get rid of him now...Carlos Delgado had a hit in his first game since undergoing surgery in May. Great, still don't think he's the Mets answer to first base...Edwin Encarnacion suffered first and second degree burns to his face as a result of fireworks accident. He's very lucky that's all that he suffered...Tigers catcher Gerald Laird and his younger brother Brandon were arrested following a brawl in the lounge area of Phoenix's NBA arena during a Suns game. Luckily this wasn't at the Verizon Center or they could have been staring down the barrell of one of Gilbert Arena's guns. Watch out Laird Brothers, because the popo are on your tail!

Basketball: The Lakers blew out the Mavericks, 131-96 but lost Pau Gasol to a hamstring injury in the process...Although Ron Artest has been cleared by doctors to begin practicing on Monday...Speaking of blow outs, the Knicks rolled past the Pacers, 132-89...The Sixers edged the Nuggets, 108-105.

College Basketball: USC is punishing itself for rules violations. Among the sanctions, the team will forfiet all of their wins from 2007-08...Chandler Parson's 75-foot-3-pointer was the difference in the Gator's 62-61 OT win over NC State...Duke didn't need any last second shots in their 74-53 rout over Clemson...Michigan upended Ohio State, 73-64.

College Football: USC running back Stafon Johnson has accepted an invitation to play in the senior bowl...Florida's Joe Haden and California's Jahvid Best are heading to the NFL.

Football: The Jets ripped the Bengals, 37-0 to close out Giants Stadium the right way. Oh and punch their ticket to the playoffs...Meanwhile the Giants got an ass whooping to the tune of 44-7. Nice to see you guys showed up the past two weeks...Which makes the news that Bill Sheridan's first year as Giants defensive coordinator will be his last not a big suprise....The Ravens clinched the AFC Wild Card spot with a 21-13 win over the Raiders...The Broncos, however, lost a chance at the playoffs after being drubbed by the Chiefs, 44-24. Hey, they could hit the linx with the Giants...The Cowboys avenged their 2008 loss to the Eagles with a 24-0 win...The Patriots lost WR Wes Welker for the playoffs if not longer with what looks like a torn MCL and ACL suffered during New England's 34-27 loss to the Texans...For the rest of Sunday's scores, click here...The Redskins have finally fired Jim Zorn.

(Photo: Reuters)

Hockey: The Panthers sent the Peguins to their fifth straight loss, 6-2...On the flip side, the Sabres won their fourth straight after shutting out the Canadiens, 1-0...Marian Hossa scored twice and Antti Niemi stopped 22 shots as the Blackhawks bested the Ducks, 5-2...In a high scoring affair, the Senators came out on top of the Flyers, 7-4...The Bruins have signed Miroslav Satan to a one year deal...The Blues have fired Andy Murray and replaced him with Davis Payne...US beat Sweden, 5-2 to advance to the World Junior Finals where they will take on Canada...Congrats to the Rangers' Ryan Callahan and Chris Drury on being named to the US Olympic squad. Click here to see who will be joining them in Vancouver.

Best of the Rest: Front Row Motorsports has hired Travis Kvapil to drive their #34 with Steven Lane as the crew chief.

Check this Out: The Bachelor premiere's tonight on ABC at 8 PM/est. The cast includes the former girlfriend of Carl Pavano and Chris Campoli, Gia Allemand. Click here for a preview.

Say Goodbye to 2009

Baseball: The Cardinals and Matt Holliday continue to talk. And why not, Holliday could bring home $100 million!....Former Brave Kelly Johnson has landed in sunny Arizona...Hideki Matsui thinks he'll be playing in the outfield for the Halos. Yeah and Danny Glove will be managing while Christopher Lloyd will be manning centerfield with a couple of Angels...The way things are going the Red Sox first baseman will be -- Casey Kotchman? On the upside, he never comitted an error while he played for the Braves.

Basketball: LeBron James celebrated his 25th birthday with 48 points and a Cavs 106-101 victory over the Hawks...For the first time this season the Nets beat the Knicks, 104-95...The Blazers topped the Clippers, 103-99 but lost LaMarcus Aldridge to an ankle injury in the process...Portland also pickedup Shavlik Randolph with a hardship exemption from the league...The Suns swept their season series with the Celtics, 116-98 as Kevin Garnett watched from the bench.
(Photo: Getty Images)

College Basketball: Cincinnati downed Connecticut, 71-69...Their return to the top 25 will be short lived for Northwestern as they fell to Illinois 89-83 in OT. Well it was fun for a while, huh?

College Football: Mike Leach is going to start his new year unemployed. Welcome to the recession Mikey...More light is being shed on Urban Meyer's health problems. The Florida head coach was rushed to the hospital with chest pains after the SEC championship game...Nebraska decimated Arizona, 33-0. I am guessing the Arizona marching band was probably doing better than the football team. (see: Arizona circa 1967)...Idaho stunned Bowling Green, 43-42. Bowling Green WR Freddie Barnes set a NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision record for most receptions in a single season in the loss.

Football: There's a lot of jawing going on for the final week of the NFL regular season. First you have Ochocinco running his mouth (what's new about that?)...And then there's Pittsburgh linebakcer LaMarr Woodley who is predicting that New England will lay down. Like it's ever a good idea to piss off Bill Belichick. He'll come to your house and beat you with the missing parts of sweatshirt sleeves...Look for more starters on the bench for the Colts this weekend...But don't look for Brandon Jacobs to be on the field for the Giants because his season is done...Not everyone is happy about having an uncapped year next season...Bill Cowher is reportedly not disgusted with taking the Buffalo job.

Hockey: It's never good when the Rangers don't have Henrik Lundqvist in goal, it's even worse when he gets chased in the first period. So it shouldn't come as any surprise that the Rangers got embarassed by the Flyers, 6-0. As if my stomach wasn't killing me enough, I had to sit through that debacle...Meanwhile across the river, the Devils were shutting down the Penguins, 2-0. I blame this all on the bus incident in Buffalo. They just haven't been the same since...The Bruins beat up the Thrashers, 4-0...The Sharks win streak hit six after they battled past the Capitals, 5-2...Marty Brodeur is heading to his fourth Olympics...While Teemu Selanne is going to his fifth...Canada edged the US, 2-1 in a women's exhibition...Don't forget as you're recovering tomorrow to tune into the Winter Classic on NBC!
(Photo: AP)

Best of the Rest: It's getting ugly and the actual fight hasn't even started. Manny Pacquiao is suing Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Sr. among others for making false and defamatory statements about him.

Check this Out: Saturday Night Live has announced its first two hosts of 2010 and they are --- Charles Barkley and Sigourney Weaver. Fine, you've got me SNL, I will watch at least one episode this year.

A Dish Worth Serving

Baseball: If you were waiting for the Mets to make a splash this offseason (and yes I include myself in this category) well then here's a towel to wipe the water off your face, the Mets have signed Jason Bay to a four year, $66 million contract with a vesting option for a fifth year...Now that Bay's off the market, the Cardinals continue to feel upbeat about keeping Matt Holliday...Even though they couldn't trade Mike Lowell, the Red Sox remain interested in Adrian Beltre...The Nationals signed former Phillie Eric Bruntlett.

Basketball: The Cavs outlasted the Hawks, 95-84...The Bulls blew a 19 point lead only to rally to a 104-95 victory over the Pacers. Yeah, that's not giving you any bonus points Vinny...Kevin Durant threw up 30 points as the Thunder boomed past the Wizards, 110-98...Also scoring 30 points was David Lee who helped push the Knicks past the Pistons, 104-87. It was Detroit's eighth straight loss. Like the poor city isn't suffering enough what with that attempted terrorist attack and the Lions and all...The Kings have given GM Geoff Petrie a three year extension...Ron Artest's memory of his Christmas Day fall is still a little fuzzy.

College Basketball: John Wall set a Kentucky record with 16 assists as the Wildcats demolished Hartford, 104-61...Da'Sean Butler's buzzer beater allowed West Virginia to avoid an upset with a 63-62 win over Marquette...Purdue remains unbeaten after winning their first Big Ten match up against Iowa, 67-56...Speaking of the Hawkeyes, suspended guard Anthony Tucker pleaded guilty to public intoxication. Watch out Tony, because the popo are on your tail!...Duke hammered Long Beach State, 84-63.

(Photo: Getty Images)

College Football: Mike Leach isn't ready to watch the Alamo Bowl from the comfort of his La-Z-boy. He has filed an injuction to get his butt on the sidelines...Jeremy Shockey is going to be pissed after the U fell to Wisconsin, 20-14 in the Florida Citrus Bowl...Meanwhile UCLA rallied in the second half to stun Temple, 30-21...Vols head coach Lane Kiffin thinks Eric Berry will be heading to the NFL next year.

Football: The Pro Bowl selections were announced with Peyton Manning taking charge of the AFC and Mr. Sax Machine Jared Allen bringing the pain for the NFC...Troy Polamalu may not be ready for Sunday's game. With one game left and no chance at the playoffs, why don't you just call it a season Troy?...Lions QB Matthew Stafford underwent successful knee surgery...Saints defensive end Bobby McCray was charged with DUI early Tuesday morning. Watch out Bobby, because the popo are on your tail!

Hockey: No Ryan Miller, no problem for the Sabres who overcame a 3-0 deficit to beat the Penguins, 4-3...The Coyotes topped the Canucks, 3-2 (SO) for their 10th straight home record. That is giving the 10 fans in Phoenix a reason to come out for sure...Also winning in a shoot out were the Islanders who edged the Blue Jackets, 2-1...Steve Ott had two goals as the Stars nipped the Blackhawks, 5-4...The Capitals have sent goalie Semyon Varlamov to the AHL...Jaromir Jagr has been named to the Czech Republic's Olympic squad along with Patrik Elias and Tomas Plekanec...Sad news, High School hockey player Matthew McCarthy collapsed and died following practice. McCarthy was only 17 years old.

Best of the Rest: Ralf Schumacher would be willing to return to F1 for the right offer. Or really any offer.

Check this Out: It's almost time for those New Year's Resolutions. So if you need some inspiration, check out these ladies and men who are literaly half their size!

Trust Falls

Baseball: With the recent signing of Mark DeRosa it is quickly becoming clear that the San Francisco Giants are becoming a haven for some of my favorite non-Braves players (See: Aaron Rowand not Barry Zito)...Is Juan Uribe heading back to the Bay Area?...Speaking of the Giants, their former reliever Bobby Howry has signed with the D'Backs...Justin Duchscherer is getting $5.5 million from the A's for one year...The Nats continue their offseason splurge picking up Matt Capps...The Mets have a brand new member, Kelvim Escobar...The Angels gave Fernando Rodney a two year deal...In fun law suit news, Chan Ho Park is suing his former battery mate Chad Kreuter after Chad allegedly failed to pay back a $460,000 loan.

Basketball: The Suns lit up the Lakers, 118-103...Phil Jackson is hoping Ron Artest will return to the team on Tuesday after Artest was injured in a freak Christmas day accident at his home...Oh no, the Celtics have lost two games!...Call me when their skid hits 10, like the Nets who fell to the Thunder, 105-89. Kevin Durant had 40 points in the win...After Nate Robinson was fined $25,000 for asking the Knicks for a trade, I wonder what will happen to Tracy McGrady. Probably nothing considering the Rockets are just are eager to get rid of T-Mac as Tracy is to get out of Houston...Vinny Del Negro is not being fired -- or at least that's what Vinny is saying.
(Photo: Getty Images)

College Basketball: It took 40 years, but Northwestern is back in the AP Top 25...New Jersey native Dexter Strickland helped UNC roll past Rutgers, 81-67.

College Football: It's been a wild few days for some of the top college coaches. First Urban Meyers announced he was stepping down from his position with Florida for health reasons only to say he'd instead be taking some time off...Then Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach was suspended indefinitely while the school investigates a complaint from receiver Adam James and his family...Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor has a partially torn knee ligament...Georgia hammered Texas A&M, 44-20 in the Independence Bowl.

Football: This was one game that Brett Favre's usual late game heroics could not save as the Bears overtook the Vikings, 36-30 in OT...Let's just say I don't want the Giants involved in my going away party...The Colts have come under some scrutiny after they removed their starters in the second half of the 29-15 loss to the Jets...For the rest of the scores from week 16 click here...The Eagles have lost center Jamaal Jackson after the big man tore a knee ligament...Eric Magini's future may not have been decided, but the coaching staff and GM Marty Hurney of the Panthers will have jobs in 2010...Jim Zorn knows what's coming, but seriously, can't the Redskins conduct interviews more secretly?

(Photo: AP)

Hockey: With his two goals, Zach Parise ended a 12 game goal-less streak. And even better for Parise, the Devils nipped the Thrashers, 3-2...Pascal Leclaire may have scored the Canadiens 20,000th goal, but it was not enough as Montreal fell to the Senators, 4-2...The Wild topped the Kings, 4-3...Even worse for LA, they placed Justin Williams on IR with a broken right leg...In other injury news, the Rangers will be without Vinny Prospal for at least 10 days after he underwent arthroscopic knee surgery. Great, just when things were starting to click for the Blueshirts...The Capitals traded Chris Clark and Milan Jurcina to Columbus for Jason Chimera...Meanwhile the Blue Jackets ended a nine game slide, upending the Red Wings, 1-0 in OT.

Best of the Rest: Sad news, a crew member for Richard Childress Racing Donald "DJ" Richardson has died from complications from the H1N1 virus...The Nevada boxing commission is ordering Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. to take urine tests before their proposed fight on March 13th...Congrats to Roger Federer and Serena Williams on being named the ITF's World Champions of 2009...I've been following this story for quite some time so I figured I should note that French tennis player Richard Gasquet has been cleared of all cocaine charges. Let it be known that I'd like Richard to handle any legal dispute I may get into from here on out.

Check this Out: TV Guide reviews the best movies of 2009 here.

I am dealing with the tortoise here

Baseball: The Nationals continue to be aggressive this offseason, signing Jason Marquis to a two year, $15 million contract...Are the Mets interested in bringing Pedro Martinez back? Sure Omar like this is going to save your job...Cardinals youngster Tyler Bighames was suspended 50 games for testing postive to a drug test - his second positive test. He should probably have a chat with Josh Hamilton or at the very least read his book...The Yankees were charged $25.69 million in luxury tax or Alex Rodriguez's yearly salary...Chip Caray has landed with FoxSports South calling Braves games for the channel. I have to admit, I don't mind Chip calling Braves games, playoff games, not so much...MLB and the umpire's union are close to agreeing to a new deal...A New Hampshire woman has been convicted of second degree murder after she backed her car into 29 year-old Matthew Beaudoin after he taunted her for being a Yankees fan. Watch out Ivonne Hernandez, because the popo are on your tail!

Basketball: Lovie Smith may not be the only Chicago area coach on the verge of umeployment after the Bulls blew a 35 point third quarter lead, eventually falling to the Kings, 102-98. Vinny are you nervous now?...J.J. Redick apparently got some good advice from former coach Mike Krzyzewski on Monday, because the former Duke standout netted 20 points as the Magic nipped the Jazz, 104-99...Paul Pierce drained three tres as the Celtics pounded the T'Wolves, 122-104.

College Basketball: Kentucky got their 2,000th victory in convincing fashion, doubling up Drexel, 88-44. No jitters there!...Nic Wise's three pointer with 0.1 seconds left in OT lifted Arizona over Lipscomb, 83-82...Guess who is still number one...UCLA senior forward Nikola Dragovic pleaded not guilty to felony assault after an alleged fight outside of a concert in Hollywood. Watch out Nikola, because the popo are on your tail!...New Jersey sure knows how to grow them, 16 year old Marvadene Anderson was named the world's tallest teenage girl after checking in at 6-11. The teen, not surprisingly has already earned a scholarship to play for Rutgers Prep basketball team in Somerset, NJ. Ok, she's actually from Jamaica, but she does play in NJ!
(Photo: AP)

College Football: When it rains it pours all over Southern California as three players Anthony McCoy, Tyron Smith and Averell Spicer have been ruled academically ineligible for Saturday's Emerald Bowl. Joe McKnight did not travel with the team now that he has SUVgate hanging over him...Don't worry USC, your not the only team that will be without three of its players for their bowl game, Ohio State will be without Bo DeLande, Rob Rose and Ray Small after the trio violated a team rule...Florida will be without leading rusher Brandon James after he underwent surgery on his right foot...Just in time for the National Championship, Texas has reinstated kickoff returner/receiver D.J. Monroe.

Football: The Giants kept their playoff hopes alive, stomping the Redskins, 45-12...Brett Favre was just pissed off Brad Childress wanted to take him out in the third quarter. How dare he make decisions like he's running the show - oh wait, he's the head coach...Hold onto your resume Eric Mangini, because Mike Holmgren is coming to Cleveland...The Cowboys have found a replacement for the less than reliable Nick Folk, Shaun Suisham...The Bengals will be traveling to New Orleans to attend Chris Henry's funeral.
(Photo: Getty)

Hockey: Three in a row baby! Three in a row!...Marty Broduer stands all alone at the top of the career shut out list after the Devils blanked the Penguins, 4-0...Penguins center Jordan Staal left midway through the second period after taking a puck to the face, but did return in the third. And that is why I love hockey...Tim Thomas and the Bruins stood up to the Senators, 2-0...Although I think even a loss couldn't take the smile off Mike Fisher's face after he got engaged to country singer Carrie Underwood over the weekend. Congrats to the happy couple...Patrick Marleau's two goals were the difference in the Sharks 4-2 win over the Stars...Ryan Malone scored two power play goals in the final period to lead the Lightning past the Islanders, 4-2...Another Ryan was at the heart of the Sabres 3-2 win over the Leafs, Ryan Miller. Can he be our goalie for the Olympics now team USA?

Best of the Rest: Congrats to Jimmie Johnson on being named the AP male athlete of 2009. He is the first racecar driver to win the award...Congratulations also go out to AJ Allmendinger who received just probation and community service for his DWI. Watch out AJ, because the popo are on your tail!...Congrats to Lionel Messi who was named the World Player of the Year...Brazil's Marta earned the honor for the ladies...Good news football fans (soccer for those in the US), arrests at football matches were down by 2% in England and Wales this year. That resulted in only 3,752 arrests. Wow that's a number you can really hang your hat on.

Check this Out: Last year it was gang from How I Met Your Mother bringing the Olympics to life and this year Big Bang Theory' Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco show us a little something about 2009, here.

snow! snoW! snOW! sNOW! SNOW!

Baseball: The Cubs have sent Milton Bradley to the Mariners for -- who cares? They've gotten rid of a big problem, if they got an Ichiroll back in the deal they would come out ahead...In other Seattle news, they signed outfielder and former Baby Brave Ryan Langerhans to a one year, $525,000 contract. Yeah Ryan!...The Yankees brought back Nick Johnson. Johnny Damon, it's now time for you to look elsewhere...The Reds have restructured Scott Rolen's contract, giving him two extra years...The A's are close to signing outfielder Coco Crisp...While the Rangers are close to bringing back reliever Darren Oliver...The Orioles signed former Braves closer Mike Gonzalez to a two year, $12 million contract. Well at least the Braves have Billy Wanger. I think I just threw up a little in my mouth!...Surprise, surprise, the Phillies picked up Jimmy Rollins $8.5 million contract for 2011...Mike Lowell's wonky thumb will undergo surgery. Note he's still with the Red Sox.

Basketball: The Mavs rolled over the Cavs, 102-95 without the help of Dirk Nowitzki...The Mavericks have officially filed an appeal of their Friday overtime loss to the Rockets...The Lakers cruised to a 93-81 victory over the Pistons...Carmelo Anthony's 41 points were not enough as the Nuggets edged out the Grizzles, 102-96...The Knicks held off the Bobcats, 98-94...Is Nate Robinson heading out of New York? Not Kryptonate!

College Basketball: Florida State ended Georgia Tech's 17 game win streak, 66-59...Meanwhile UCONN narrowly escaped an upset bid by UCF, 60-51...Connecticut and Jim Calhoun are working on an extension...Iowa's Anthony Tucker, 20 has been suspended for one game after being arrested for public intoxication. Shouldn't he also get hit up with some sort of underage drinking charge as well? Watch out Anthony, because the popo are on your tail!...Duke's backup forward Olek Czyz is planning on transferring...Kentucky is sitting one win away from 2,000. I hope the pressure doesn't get to you!

College Football: This seems a bit fishy, an SUV being driven by USC running back Joe McKnight was reportedly purchased for his girlfriend as a favor. Johana Michelle Beltran does make the payments for the Land Rover. What junior in college needs a Land Rover?...Cincinnati's interim head coach Jeff Quinn has been hired as the new head coach of Buffalo. He will coach the Bearcats in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Good idea, because at this rate they'll have to use a super Senior to coach...Dwight Dasher rushed for 201 yards, the most by a quarterback in a Bowl game, as Middle Tennessee topped Southern Miss, 42-32.

Football: With heavy hearts, the Bengals took the field only to fall to the Chargers, 27-24. San Diego clinched a playoff spot with the win...Chad Ochocinco stuck with #85 even though there was some thought that he would wear #15 to honor the late Chris Henry...Despite being spanked by the Panthers, 26-7, the Vikings still wrapped up the Division after the Packers fell to the Steelers, 37-36...Although the loss did put a bit of a strain on Brett Favre and Brad Childress' relationship...Also clinching their division were the Cardinals who stunned the Lions, 31-24. Who am I kidding, it's the Lions, they'd probably be more stunned if they didn't lose a game in the closing two minutes...The Eagles are heading back to the playoffs after stomping over the 49ers, 27-13...The Bears stumbled to a 31-7 loss to the Ravens, making Lovie Smith's stay in Chicago very questionable...For more of Sunday's scores click here.
(Photo: Reuters)

Hockey: The hits just keep coming for the Red Wings, if it's not losing Henrik Zetterberg for two weeks, it's being blanked by the Hawks, 3-0...David Backes scored two goals in the Blues 3-1 win over the Canucks...The Rangers doubled up the Flyers, 2-1. What does this mean they've actually won two in a row?...The Montreal Canadiens got to discover the beauty of Long Island for one extra day thanks to that crappy winter storm over the weekend. This of course came after they shut out the Isles, 3-0. So not all was lost...The NHL wants to expand to two Winter Classics next season.

Best of the Rest: Danica Patrick turned her first laps in a stock car at Daytona...CJM Racing has suspended operation...While the Milwaukee Mile has announced it will not host any racing events in 2010.

Check this Out: EW looks at the Best and worst of TV for 2009.

Job Well Done

Baseball: The Dodgers have traded Juan Pierre to the White Sox for two minor leaguers...The Phillies have reportedly reached a deal with Roy Halladay...And Cliff Lee would like everyone to know he did not ask to be traded out of Philly...Mets GM Omar Minaya is on the hot seat and I don't know the signing of Japanese set-up man Ryota Igarashi is going to change anything...Congrats to the Blue Jays Adam Lind on winning the Edgar Martinez Outstanding DH Award...Tony LaRussa and Joe Torre are just two of the 14 members of a "special committee for on-field matters"....An ownership group which includes Nolan Ryan are talking with Rangers owner Tom Hicks about purchasing the team...Sad news, Cal State Long Beach player James Wernke was found dead in a rain-swollen creek near where he was last seen walking his girlfriend's dog. He was just 21 years old.

Basketball: In his first game back, Tracy McGrady was a little rusty, scoring only three points as the Rockets ended the Pistons five game win streak, 107-96. Well that ends the debate about voting someone to the All-Star team who hasn't played...Kobe Bryant scored 42 points with a broken finger as the Lakers sunk the Bulls, 96-87...The Cavs beat up the Nets, 99-89. Not that that is a very difficult feat...Seriously, yesterday I was flipping between the Knicks game and the Pens/Flyers rumble and I swear I turned the Knicks games off in the middle of the fourth quarter confident they'd wrapped up a victory and I flipped back with 6 seconds to go and they were losing 94-87. What the hell happened? A 15-2 run would be what happened. Oh and shout outs to Nascar driver Denny Hamlin who looked to have very nice courtside seats for the game...Ron Artest called Tiger Woods the perfect role model. Well if you mean in terms of sleeping with a vast amount of women and not getting anyone but your wife pregnant then yes, he is the perfect role model.

College Basketball: Jon Scheyer had a career high 36 points as Duke trampled Gardner-Webb, 113-68...Tennessee outlasted Wyoming, 77-58...Arkansas self-reported a secondary voilation concerning its athletes and the use of their photos...I know I said I was bored yesterday after looking at the AP Poll which had Kansas and Texas at the top again, but that's nothing compared to the Women's which features UCONN in the number spot for the 30th straight week.
(Photo: AP)

College Football: After having six players named All-Americans, it's easy to see why Alabama is fighting for the National title this year...Two Ohio State players have been ruled ineligible for the Rose Bowl...Cincinnati is looking at Central Michigan coach Butch Jones as a replacement for Brian Kelly...Not everyone is happy about Mack Brown's $2 million raise...Congrats to TCU's Gary Petterson on being named Sporting News Coach of the Year...Keith Easterwood will not be talking to the NCAA about Tennessee's hostesses...The Big ten could expand by two. So that would make it the Big 12?

Football: Watch out Eric Mangini, the Browns are continuing to talk with Mike Holmgren...Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald has a sprained knee...Clinton Portis' concussion does not seem career ending. But will it end his time in DC?...Someone may want to put a muzzle on Cowboys receiver Roy Williams. Just saying, it's probably not a good idea to provoke a team that is 13-0...The Rams have released Richie Incognito after his spat with coach Steve Spagnuolo. Clearly he was not being a good Incognito...Vikings back-up linebacker Erin (spelt the girl's way) Henderson was suspended four games for violating the League's PED rule...Just in case you were wondering, the NFL has ruled the Redskins did not tamper with Albert Haynesworth.

Hockey: Sidney Crosby had a goal and two assists as the Penguins punched out the Flyers, 6-1. Can't wait for Thursday when these two go at it again...Speaking of the Kid, he was named the top athlete in Canada for 2009...Also winning big were the Caps who shelled the Avs, 6-1...The Kings nipped the Oilers, 3-2 to take over the top spot in the West...It was fun night in St. Louis. They retired Brett Hull's #16 and then edged the Flames, 4-3...New day, same old Rick DiPietro, the man made of glass.
(Photo: AP)

Best of the Rest: Look at that, Yanina Wickmayer will be allowed to play tennis after all...Kurt Busch didn't have to look far for his new crew chief, he just took the one his brother gave up. Steve Addington should change his business card to include "The Official Crew Chief of the Busch Brothers."...There will be one less week of festivities for the Indy 500 this year.

Check this Out: The Camel totally steals the show in this clip.

Blockbuster

Baseball: It's far from official, but it's looking like the Phillies have won the Roy Halladay sweepstakes, although it's coming at a big price. Philadelphia would have to trade Cliff Lee to the Mariners as part of this three team trade...Also winning big is John Lackey who is reportedly signing with the Red Sox for $85 million...Boston is also close to signing outfielder Mike Cameron...Oh and the BoSox have offered Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman $15.5 million. This is a nice pre-Christmas shopping spree Theo, I hope you got your wife and kid a bunch of goodies as well...The Angels may have lost Chone Figgins and John Lackey, but they could end up with Hideki Matsui. Hey he was World Series MVP...The Cardinals are really trying to bring back Matt Holliday...The Brewers finalized their contract with Randy Wolf and also re-signed Craig Counsell...Guess who will be opening up the baseball season on my lovely birthday/Easter -- the Yankees and Red Sox. I would have so rathered the Braves, but what can you do?

Basketball: The Celtics are red hot after notching their 11th straight win, 110-105...The 76ers ended a 12 game lossing streak, dropping the Warriors, 117-101...Kevin Durant may have topped Carmelo Anthony is the points column, but it still wasn't enough for the Thunder to take out the Nuggets...Houston Rockets coach Rick Adelman is not thrilled with the Rockets "ridiculous schedule." I guess not thrilled would be putting it mildly.
(Photo: Getty Images)

College Basketball: It's starting to get very boring looking at the new polls and seeing Kansas and Texas still sitting at the top...UPENN coach Glen Miller has been given his walking papers. Jerome Allen will take over as interim head coach...Meanwhile South Carolina coach Darrin Horn was given a two year extension.

College Football: Jake Locker must really love college life because he's staying at Washington...Probably because unlike at USF, he doesn't get hit by his coach (Allegedly -- of course)...Kansas State kick returner Brandon Banks was arrested on charges of battery and unlawful possession of a stimulant early Sunday morning. Watch out Brandon, because the popo are on your tail!

Football: Do you want the bad news or the other bad news Cardinals fans? Well with the 24-9 loss to the Niners, Arizona was unable to clinch the NFC West...Oh and Larry Fitzgerald got injured. Sorry to be such a Debbie Downer..Like any good coach and QB, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are defending Randy Moss...DeMarcus Ware could play on Saturday against the Saints...And Bengals QB Carson Palmer says his elbow is 101 percent...Raiders QB Bruce Gradkowski is iffy for Sunday's game, but instead of going to JaMarcus Russel, will Oakland turn to Charlie Frye?...Get excited Jaguars fans, because for the first time all season, their game will not be blacked out!

Hockey: The Thrashers bested the Rangers, 3-2 (SO). Well at least the Rangers got a point in Brandon Dubinsky's first game back from injury. Who am I kidding, this is getting to be very difficult to watch...The Sabres held off the Canadiens, 4-3 for their fourth straight victory...Just when you think the Islanders are improving they get their asses handed to them 7-1 style by the Panthers...Steve Sullivan scored a hat trick as the Predators beat the Blue Jackets, 5-3...The Red Wings stopped the Coyotes, 3-2 but lost Jonathan Ericsson in the process...After putting Andrew Ebbett on IR, the Wild have now lost four players to concussions.
(Photo: AP)

Best of the Rest: Just when you think the worst is behind you, your doctor becomes involved in a performance enhancing drug probe. Oh well, Tiger at least you have your millions to buy a private island and never have to worry about dealing with people ever again...The International Tennis Federation does not play around. They will not allow Yanina Wickmayer to play despite a court injunction that supsended her one-year ban for violating anti-doping rules.

Check this Out: The Golden Globe nominations are in, so click here for movies and here for TV. Yeah Glee!!