The Gold Standard

Olympics Update: (**SPOILERS** for those who have not caught up on their Olympic Viewing)
China grabbed the gold leaving the Americans to settle for the silver in the women's gymnastics.
US gymnast Chellsie Memmel revealed she competed with a broken bone in her right ankle which she sustained on August 4th. Memmel was only able to compete on the uneven bars

The U.S. Men's soccer team has been bounced after falling to Nigeria, 2-1

Michael Phelps Gold Medal Count: 5

Baseball Update:
Somehow the Red Sox scored 10 runs in the first inning and the Texas Rangers still managed to make it a close game, losing by just two runs, 19-17.

The Red Sox acquired Paul Byrd from the Indians for cash or a player to be named later.

It's now or never for the Yankees and boy do they know it. Even Mr. April got into the mix driving in the winning runs in the 12th to hand the Yankees a 9-6 win over the Twins. The win keeps them on the fringes of the hunt, but that's ok with the always chatty Yankees co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner, who isn't conceding 2008 but says 2009 will be their year.

Francisco Rodriguez picked up his major league leading 46th save of the season in the Angels 7-3 beating of the Mariners.

Gary Sheffield had two homeruns in the Tigers 6-4 loss to the Blue Jays. The DH is reportedly on waivers, but at this point in the season, who isn't?

The Tigers have signed Freddy Garcia to a minor league deal. The pitcher has been out of the majors since June 2007. They have also promoted Dontrelle Willis from Class A Lakeland to Triple-A Toledo.

The Astros are beginning to take things into their own hands. After allowing just one hit and striking out seven, Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum was hit in the knee by a Brad Ausus line drive and was forced to leave the game. Once Timmy was out, Houston had their way with the Giants relief staff including an eight run seventh inning, in their 12-4 victory.

Andre Either singled home the game winning run in the Dodgers 4-3 win over the Phillies. The victory gave Joe Torre his 2,127th career win breaking a tie with Joe McCarthy for seventh place on the career win's list. LA activated Nomar Garciaparra from the DL while placing Andruw Jones back on it retroactive to August 10th.

In I can't believe my eyes news: The Mets bullpen actually held onto a lead for Johan Santana. And better than that, the offense actually scored more than one run. All of that added up to a 4-3 win for the Mets, who extended the Nationals losing streak to six games.

The Cardinals came out swinging first, but the Marlins were able to win the race notching a 4-3 victory in the rain delayed game. Chris Volstad allowed the first five Cardinals batters to reach base but was then able settle down helping the Marlins to rally.

The Cardinals will be without Chris Carpenter for at least his next scheduled start after an MRI revealed a strained muscle in the back of his pitching shoulder.

The Brewers continue to roll notching their seventh straight victory as they topped the Padres, 5-2. They now sit just three games out of first in the central.

Adam Dunn went 1-for-3 in his debut with the Diamondbacks, while Randy Johnson pitched six stellar innings in Arizona's 4-2 victory over the Rockies. Chad Tracy added a homerun in the win.
Speaking of Dunn, reports have Micah Owings heading to Cincinnati as one of the two players to be named later in the Dunn trade. The Reds have already acquired Class A pitcher Dallas Buck, but the third player is not yet known.

The Rays are hopeful they can continue their winning ways all the way into October. But the injury bug has desended hard upon Tampa Bay. The Rays are hoping to move Jason Bartlett from DH to shortstop by Friday. And are hoping for a September 1st return for standout Rookie Evan Longoria who is out with a fractured wrist. Carl Crawford's outlook however, is not so sunny.

Congrats to Cat Osterman who pitched a no-hitter against Australia in the U.S.'s 3-0 shutout. The shutout was the team's second of the Beijing Olympics.

Nascar Update:
Click here to see who is entered for this weekend's race in Michigan.

Mike Skinner will replace Michael McDowell for three races in the #00 Toyota for Michael Waltrip Racing.

Casey Mears is reportedly close to signing with RCR to pilot their fourth car. Major upgrade from the Petty rumor.

Popo in my crib News:
Houston Rockets point guard Rafer Alston is due in court for arraignment on a misdemeanor drunken driving charge. Alston was free on $500 bond after his early morning arrest last Thursday. This isn't his first run in with the popo, last August he was charged with misdemeanor assault and public intoxication in Houston. Three weeks later he was arrested in New York City after an alleged nightclub incident, however those charges were later dropped. Watch out Rafer, because the popo are on your tail!

News&Notes: The Islanders have hired AHL coach of the year Scott Gordon to replace Ted Nolan as head coach of the team...Plaxico Burress took the field in pads for the first time since the Giants opened training camp...The Boss could be rocking halftime at this year's Super Bowl...Tiger's not looking to swing a golf club until 2009. Seems he has the same outlook at Hank Steinbrenner.

Check this out: Click here for US Weekly's photo gallery of the US's best athletes. And yeah, this one's will probably be more enjoyed by the ladies!

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate