June 20, 2013

Chicago Blackhawks eye repeat after cap-induced retooling

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CHICAGO — The oddity of Chicago Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman’s predicament is that history might ultimately judge him as much for the craftsmanship he showed in disassembling his Stanley Cup championship team as the skill he used to help build it. With NHL training camps in full swing, the league’s top story line is [...]

Tricky course, tricky weather in the forecast for Ryder Cup

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NEWPORT, Wales — The Twenty Ten Course at Celtic Manor was built specifically for the 2010 Ryder Cup. Mother Nature’s hand, however, could play a bigger role in the outcome of this biennial match-play clash between the U.S. and Europe. Built on the floor of the Usk Valley, the colossal course meanders along a 7,400-yard [...]

In Philly, Eagles can’t outrun talk about Donovan McNabb

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PHILADELPHIA — A billboard south of here on Interstate 95 reads, “Fox NFL Sunday… McNabb Returns to Philly.” The Philadelphia Eagles do not need the reminder. “Like I mentioned to the team, this is about the Washington Redskins. It’s not about Donovan, though he’s a very big part of it, of their offense,” Eagles coach [...]

Jeff Garcia, Daunte Culpepper set to face off in UFL’s biggest game ever

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Jeff Garcia is having a ball, and that’s because he’s playing ball — football, that is. He had hoped to continue an NFL career that began in 1999 but there were no offers for the 40-year-old quarterback, so he did what he considers the next best thing. Garcia accepted an offer to play for the [...]

Lowe helps Braves top Marlins, inch closer to playoff berth

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ATLANTA (AP) — Bobby Cox wants to make sure the attention being paid to his final regular-season games as Atlanta’s manager takes a back seat to the Braves’ pursuit of their first playoff berth since 2005. Cox deflected questions about his retirement after the Braves beat the Florida Marlins 5-1 on Wednesday to complete a [...]

Young throws 5 strong innings to lead Padres over Cubs

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SAN DIEGO (AP) — The last pitcher to win a postseason game for San Diego is a big reason why the Padres still have a chance in this playoff chase. Chris Young (FSY) and four relievers combined on a four-hitter and the Padres showed some life in the waning days of the season, beating the [...]

Blue Jays give Gaston winning send off, power past Yankees

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TORONTO (AP) — Cito Gaston’s slugging Blue Jays gave him an appropriate goodbye. Aaron Hill (FSY) hit a three-run homer, John Buck (FSY) and Travis Snider (FSY) added solo drives and the Blue Jays gave their retiring manager a winning send-off in his home finale, beating the New York Yankees 8-4 on Wednesday night. BOX [...]

Playoff teams are limping into baseball’s postseason

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Playoff-bound teams are heading toward the final weekend of the regular season with one eye on scouting reports and the other on the trainer’s room. MVP candidate Josh Hamilton, batting .361 when he cracked two ribs crashing into an outfield wall Sept. 4, hopes to return to the lineup Friday for the Texas Rangers. RANGERS: [...]

Smart move? Warriors think so with hiring of former Hoosier

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There’s something about Keith Smart that puts him in the right place at the right time. Smart, who has been under the radar for his entire coaching career, landed his first NBA head coaching job this week when the Golden State Warriors chose him to replace Don Nelson. “I was prepared for the opportunity when [...]

NFL gives NFLPA detailed proposal on 18-game schedule

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The current labor deal between the NFL and its players’ union contains a provision that allows the league to increase the regular season to 18 games. As the sides try to negotiate a new contract, they are talking again about the possibility of making such a switch. “An 18-game regular season is [...]