wheeling and dealing

Baseball: The Mets took another step to shoring up their bullpen by acquiring J.J. Putz in a 12 player, three team deal that also invovled the Mariners and Indians...The Yankees reportedly have dealt Melky Cabrera to the Brewers for Mike Cameron...And also offered A.J. Burnett a five year, $80 million contract...The Rays sent Edwin Jackson to the Tigers for Matt Joyce...Who knew there was a team out there that actually wanted Kyle Farnsworth, but the Royals have signed the reliever to a two year, $9.25 million deal...The Red Sox could be getting closer to signing Mark Teixeira...Mark DeRosa is becoming a hot commodity with both the Phillies and Twins interested in making a trade for him...Currently in the midst of major financial problems, GM has decided not to renew it's deal with the Pirates. Good call!

Basketball: The Suns have acquired Jason Richardson from the Bobcats...Meanwhile the Wizards, Grizzlies and Hornets were involved in a three team deal that sent Mike James and Javaris Crittenton to the Wizards in exchange for Antonio Daniels and a second round pick...It was a nice night for Carmelo Anthony and the Nuggets, as Anthony threw down a record 33 points in the third and Denver handled the T'Wolves, 116-105...Lowering their season win average to 21.6, the Cavs made it 10 in a row with their 101-93 victory over the 76ers...The Knicks beat the Nets, 121-109 with the help from two New Jersey natives Al Harrington and Tim Thomas.

College Basketball: Another reason why you shouldn't hit a girl, you could be suspended. Just like Syarcuse's Eric Devendorf.

College Footabll: Florida's Tim Tebow, Oklahoma's Sam Bradford and Texas' Colt McCoy have all been named Heisman Trophy Finalists...Florida offensive coordinator Dan Mullen will be named the new head coach at Mississippi State...Lawmakers are working on a bill to take down the BCS. I'm sorry, what happened to that crazy financial meltdown that you guys should be concentrating on? Turned things around already? Well good job, I'll alert the media! -- This just in another huge corporation is laying off 5% of its workforce. Guess you didn't do such a great job after all!

Football: My well wishes go out to Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson who is reportedly on the heart transplant list...Pacman Jones could miss the remainder of the season and it's not because he's been arrested! Instead Jones' problems stem from a neck injury...I think Plaxico should get used to this scenario. The Giants are withholding a $1 million signing bonus. Something tells me this is just the beginning...Finally, my thoughts and prayers go out to Patriots QB Matt Cassel and his family following the passing of his father on Monday. Cassell left the team to be with his family and it is unknown if he will play on Sunday.

Hockey: Nicklas Lidstrom scored twice including the game winner in OT, as the Red Wings edged the Flames, 4-3...It only took 18 seconds for Scott Gomez to win it for the Rangers in overtime, besting the Trashers, 3-2. Colton Orr scored his first goal in 83 games in the win...Scott Clemmensen continues to impress stopping 26 of 27 shots he faced as the Devils rolled over the Penguins, 4-1...The Lightning are an incredible 1-7-4 since firing coach Barry Melrose. That includes their 4-2 loss to the Sabres on Wednesday...The Capitals snapped Boston's 5 game win streak with a 3-1 win...Dallas is still sorting out the Avery debacle.
(Photo: AP)

Best of the Rest: Corey Pavin has been named the captain of the US Ryder Cup team for 2009...Don't listen to reports that the Arena Football League has canceled its 2009 season.

Check this out: Google announced its top searched words for 2008 and sadly "Popo in my Crib" did not make the list. But click here to see what did.