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MLB
Reports say that....

Mets reportedly have productive early talks with Zito

Veteran catcher Barajas agrees to deal with Phillies

Giles passes physical, set to finalize deal with Padres

2 weeks later, J.D. Drew deal still not finalized

Gagne checks out OK, named Rangers' new closer

Banned Rose says McGwire should get Hall pass

Twins, White reach agreement on 1 year, 2.75 M deal

Giants add another ex-Padre, agree with Klesko

Twins' Radke retires after 12 seasons

NBA
15-10 Bulls 94
16-9 Lakers 89

18-6 Suns 115
10-15 Raptors 98

NFL
Reports say that....

No joke--Falcons CB Hall standin' up for Mora

Bears tackle Johnson handed 1 game suspension

Future with Steelers? Cowher indecisive as ever

Favre confident he can still play, but ponders retirement

NFL fines Cowboys' Owens $35,000 for spittin' on Hall

Injured Colts Harrison, Addai not expected to miss time

Broncos' Walker questionable with separated shoulder

NHL
20-8-5 Canadiens 5
24-7-2 Sabres 2

17-12-3 Islanders 4
18-13-4 Rangers 3

17-14-4 Hurricanes 2
8-21-4 Flyers 1

8-19-6 Blues 4
15-13-5 Penguins 1

15-17-2 Lightning 5
15-11-7 Capitals 4

19-10-6 Thrashers 4
18-12-3 Devils 3
SO

16-13-2 Bruins 7
17-17-1 Senators 2

12-18-6 Panthers 7
16-14-5 MapleLeafs 3

17-14-2 Wild 5
17-16-1 Canucks 2

17-15-2 Avalanche 7
17-14-2 Oilers 6

17-12-3 Flames 5
12-18-5 Kings 3

MLB
Cincinnati Reds:Agreed to terms with LHP Jason Kershiner, RHP Victor Santos, Tom Shearn, C's Dan Conway, Ryan Jorgensen, Miguel Perez, INF Anderson Machado n' OF Dewayne Wise on minor league contracts

Detroit Tigers:Agreed to terms with LHP Bobby Seay n' OF Timo Perez on minor league contracts

Houston Astros:Agreed to terms with RHP Dan Wheeler on a 1 year contract

Los Angeles Angels:Named Bobby Magallanes manager of Arkansas of Texas League; Ever Magallanes manager of Cedar Rapids of Midwest League; Tyrone Boykin manager of Tempe of Arizona League; Kernan Ronan rovin' pitchin' instructor; Todd Takayoshi rovin' hittin' instructor; n' Tom Gregorio rovin' catchin' instructor

Milwaukee Brewers:Named Henry Spilman hittin' coach for Nashville of PCL

Oakland Athletics:Agreed to terms with INF Antonio Perez on a 1 year contract n' INF Lou Merloni on a minor league contract

Toronto Blue Jays razz romoted Bart Given to vice president for baseball operations n' Alex Anthopoulos to assistant general manager

NBA
Promoted Peter Farnsworth to senior vice president, business development

22-13 Houston: 16 14 24 30- 84
20-15 Chicago: 18 22 11 26- 77

HOU:McGrady 31pts-8asts, Mutombo 16rebs, Head 2/6 3pt
CHI:Gordon 24pts-5asts-2/4 3pt, Nocioni 11rebs

16-19 L.A.Clippers: 15 34 23 28- 100
12-22 NewOrleans: 26 25 22 17- 90
LosAngeles:Signed F Luke Jackson to a 10 day contract

LAC:Cassell 31pts-3/5 3pt, Brand 12rebs, Livingston 7asts
NO:Mason 28pts-2/3 3pt, Chandler 13rebs, Brown 7asts

16-18 Milwauk: 29 20 19 24- 92
17-15 Denver: 35 25 19 25- 104

MIL razz atterson 29pts-12rebs-7ast, Blake 7asts-3/6 3pt
DEN:Boykins 26pts-11asts, Camby 15rebs, Kleiza 3/5 3pt

Detroit Pistons:Assigned F Amir Johnson to Sioux Falls of NBADL

NFL
Jacksonville Jaguars:Named Dirk Koetter offensive coordinator n' Joe DeCamillis special teams coordinator

New York Jets:Signed DE Darrell Adams, DB Alfonso Hodge, TE Joe Kowalewski, DL's Matt McChensey n' Keyonta Marshall to reserve-future contracts

Pittsburgh Steelers:Signed DE Shaun Nua n' DT Scott Paxson to reserve-future contracts

Tampa Bay Buccaneers:Named Raheem Morris defensive back coach

Washington Redskins:Re-signed C Ethan Albright

NHL
20-18-2-2 Edmonton: 0 1 0 1- 2 Roloson 35shots-34saves(17-15-4)
16-22-3-3 LosAngele: 0 0 1 0- 1 Garon 29shots-27saves(8-6-3)
Oilers:Recalled LW Patrick Thoresen from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of AHL. Assigned F's Jean-Francois Jacques n' Marc Pouliot to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton

EDM:Stoll(pp)/Hejda 1g each, Smyth/Horcoff/Bergeron/Hemsky 1ast each
LA razz ushkarev 1g, Visnovsky/Kopitar 1ast each

Chicago Blackhawks:Assigned RW Brandon Bochenski n' C Colin Fraser to Norfolk of AHL

Boston Bruins:Recalled G Hannu Toivonen n' D Jonathan Sigalet from Providence of AHL. Assigned G Philippe Sauve to Providence

Calgary Flames:Recalled LW Eric Godard from Omaha of AHL. Assigned RW Carsen Germyn to Omaha

New York Rangers:Assigned C Jarkko Immonen to Hartford of AHL

Phoenix Coyotes: Traded D Dennis Seidenberg to Carolina for C Kevyn Adams

St.Louis Blues:Recalled F D.J. King from Peoria of AHL

MLB
Cincinnati Reds biggrin esignated OF Ray Olmedo for assignment. Acquired INF Jeff Keppinger from Kansas City for RHP Russ Haltiwanger

Los Angeles Angels:Sent RHP Chris Bootcheck outright to Salt Lake of PCL

St. Louis Cardinals:Agreed to terms with LHP Mark Mulder on a 2 year contract n' RHP Ryan Franklin on a 1 year contract, n' RHP Rick Ankiel n' INF Jolbert Cabrera on minor league contract

San Francisco Giants:Announced retriement of RHP Tim Worrell

NBA
20-14 Wizards 113
20-16 Bulls 103

13-22 Hornets 96
10-23 Hawks 77

16-21 Knicks 106
9-26 76ers 99

10-23 Bobcats 103
20-13 Pistons 96

20-16 Pacers 97
12-22 Celtics 84

17-19 Clippers 92
17-16 Timberwolves 91

16-20 Raptors 90
16-19 Bucks 77

29-8 Mavericks 99
14-23 TrailBlazers 74

23-13 Rockets 102
23-13 Lakers 77

26-11 Spurs 92
17-16 Nuggets 83

15-19 Heat 107
13-25 Supersonics 103

22-14 Magic 91
18-19 Warriors 76

NFL
Cleveland Browns:Signed OL's Andrew Hoffman, Pete Lougheed, DB Antonio Perkins, S Justin Sandy n' DL Alvin Smith as reserve/future free agents

Denver Broncos:Fired Andre Patterson, defensive line/tackle coach

New York Giants:Signed Tom Coughlin, coach, to a 1 year contract extension, through 2008

New York Jets:Signed WR Frisman Jackson to a reserve/future contract

NHL
15-21-4-3 St.Louis: 1 2 0- 3 Legace 26shots-24saves(13-12-4)
25-14-0-4 NewJers: 1 1 0- 2 Brodeur 23shots-20saves(25-13-3)

STL biggrin rake/Hinote/Tkachuk 1g each, Jackman 2ast, Brewer/McClement/Backes 1ast each
NJ:Madden/Gionta 1g each, Rafalski 2ast, Elias 1ast

18-17-3-4 Pittsbu: 0 1 1- 2 Thibault 39shots-34saves(1-5-2)
16-20-3-6 Florida: 1 1 3- 5 Auld 25shots-23saves(7-11-5)

PIT:Armstrong/Malkin 1g each, Ouellet/Talbot/Whitney 1ast each
FLA:Jokinen(pp) 3g, Gelinas/Stumpel 1g,2ast each, Kwiatkowski/Allen/Bouwmeester/Horton/Olesz 1ast each

31-9-2-1 Buffalo: 1 0 1- 2 Miller 35shots-34saves(22-7-2)
17-21-1-4 Chica: 0 0 1- 1 Khabibulin 29shots-27saves(15-12-2)

BUF:Afinogenov/Hecht 1g each, Briere/Pominville/Roy/Vanek 1ast each
CHI:Arkhipov(sh) 1g, Seabrook 1ast

21-18-2-2 Edmonto: 3 0 0- 3 Roloson 34shots-32saves(18-15-4)
28-15-0-0 SanJose: 1 0 1- 2 Nabokov 16shots-13saves(11-9-0)

EDM:Stoll(pp)/Bergeron(pp) 1g,1ast each, Roy 1g, Hemsky 2ast, Reasoner 1ast
SJ:Cheechoo(pp)/Goc 1g each, McLaren/Ehrhoff/Gorges/Pavelski 1ast each

Montreal Canadiens:Assigned F Mikhail Grabovski to Hamilton of AHL

MLB
Boston Red Sox:Agreed to terms with OF Alex Ochoa on a minor league contract

San Diego Padres:Agreed to terms with LHP Shawn Estes n' C Todd Greene on minor league contracts

NBA
Suspended Chicago F Andres Nocioni for 1 game, without pay, for elbowin' New Jersey's C Mikki Moore in head in a Jan. 11 game

21-17 Bulls 111
9-29 Grizzlies 66

12-23 Bobcats 89
10-27 76ers 83

21-14 Pistons 81
12-24 Celtics 73

27-11 Spurs 93
20-16 Wizards 80

19-16 Timberwolves 109
16-20 Nets 98

28-8 Suns 107
22-16 Magic 101

17-19 Heat 119
24-13 Jazz 110

25-13 Rockets 115
14-20 Kings 111
OT

23-13 Cavaliers 104
17-20 Clippers 92

Hornets@Bucks; ppd

NFL Divisional Rounds
Seahawks at Bears--1:00 ET--FOX

It took a botched snap on a field goal try to advance Seahawks to second round, but they are not complainin'. Chicago had a bye week n' should be very well rested for this home matchup, while Seattle is battlin' a lot of key injuries. Chicago abused Seattle 37-6 in Week 4 in a game where Bears' defense sacked Hasselbeck five times, intercepted him twice n' limited Seahawks' running backs to a measly 38 yards on ground. These are different football teams than Week 4 versions, but Chicago is more physical n' should be successful on both sides of line of scrimmage. Bears also have a substantial advantage in kickin' game n' Devin Hester is a game-changin' player. Ball security will be imperative for both teams, but I like Chicago to knock off Seattle this week.

Chicago 23--Seatle 16

Patriots at Chargers--4:30 ET--CBS

This should be one of best matchups of divisional round. Belichick has a huge advantage over Chargers head coach Marty Schottenheimer, who is 5-12 in postseason. Other major advantage Patriots have is at QB. Rivers is going to Pro Bowl and Brady isn't, but who would you rather have leading your team in playoffs? My pick would be Brady, who is calm n' collected under pressure. Bottom line is Chargers will go as far as Tomlinson can take them. Key for Patriots will be in tryin' to keep Tomlinson bottled up inside n' not let him get on edges because he has speed to make Patriots defense pay. If New England can keep Tomlinson bottled up n' get pressure on Rivers, they will win. If Rivers plays well, Patriots will lose because even though Tomlinson will not run roughshod over them, he will do enough to keep Belichick's defense off balance. This should be a great game. It will come down to QB play n' defense. Patriots have better QB, but it will be tough for him to put up big numbers vs. a stout San Diego defense with his very limited weapons. For that reason we will take San Diego in a close game.

San Diego 23--New England 20

NHL
28-12-2-3 RedWings 6
17-22-1-4 Blackhawks 3

16-21-4-3 Blues 6
16-24-3-3 Kings 5
St.Louis:Recalled G Curtis Sanford from Peoria of AHL. Assigned G Marek Schwarz to Peoria

23-19-3-1 Rangers 3
20-18-1-3 Bruins 1

26-19-2-0 Senators 8
25-15-1-4 Canadiens 3

19-17-3-4 Penguins 5
11-30-2-2 Flyers 3

31-11-2-1 Predators 4
16-24-2-3 BlueJackets 1
Columbus razz laced C Sergei Fedorov on IR, retroactive to Jan 6. Recalled F Joakim Lindstrom from Syracuse of AHL

23-21-1-1 Lightning 3
31-11-2-1 Sabres 2
Buffalo:Recalled LW Daniel Paille from Rochester of AHL

25-19-0-1 Canucks 6
20-20-2-4 MapleLeafs 1

25-14-6-2 Thrashers 4
24-18-2-3 Hurricanes 3
SO
Atlanta:Recalled D Mark Popovic from Chicago of AHL

27-14-0-4 Devils 2
21-19-2-2 Islanders 1
OT

24-18-2-3 Panthers 7
19-19-2-5 Capitals 3

30-15-0-0 Sharks 4
20-22-1-1 Coyotes 1
Phoenix:Activated D Nick Boynton n' C Patrick Fischer from IR

24-15-2-2 Flames 3
21-20-2-2 Oilers 1

22-19-2-1 Avalanche 3
30-9-2-6 Ducks 2
SO

MLB
Milwaukee Brewers:Agreed to terms with LHP Chris Capuano on a 1 year contract

Toronto Blue Jays:Agreed to terms with C Sal Fasano on a minor league contract

Washington Nationals:Agreed to terms with C Sandy Leon, SS Adrian Sanchez, OF Jesus Morales n' 1B Juan Urdaneta on minor league contracts

NBA
23-17 Bulls 99
17-21 Bucks 90

22-16 Wizards 99
17-23 Knicks 98

18-20 Nets 92
12-25 Bobcats 85

19-21 Raptors 101
14-22 Kings 85

10-30 Grizzlies 118
10-29 76ers 102

13-23 Hawks 105
20-17 Timberwolves 88

25-14 Jazz 100
21-16 Pistons 99

30-8 Suns 100
25-15 Rockets 91

26-13 Lakers 100
27-13 Spurs 96

16-24 TrailBlazers 94
23-15 Cavaliers 76

18-21 Clippers 115
19-21 Warriors 109

Indiana Pacers:Traded F's Al Harrington, Josh Powell, G/F Stephen Jackson n' G Sarunas Jasikevicius to Golden State Warriors for F's Troy Murphy, Mike Dunleavy, Ike Diogu n' G Keith McLeod

NFL
Baltimore Ravens:Extended contract of Brian Billick, coach

Dallas Cowboys:Announced resignation of David Lee, assistant coach, to become offensive coordinator n' quarterbacks coach at Arkansas

Houston Texans:Named assistant head coach Mike Sherman offensive coordinator. Named Kyle Shanahan quarterbacks coach

Tampa Bay Buccaneers:Signed QB Bruce Eugene, OL's Dennis Roland, Jonathan Clinkscale, WR's Chas Gessner, Chad Owens, Jovon Bouknight, Chad Lucas, Efrem Hill, Kyle Smith, FB Jon Goldsberry, TE Keith Heinrich, CB Carlos Hendricks, LB Evan Benjamin, n' S Tra Boger

Washington Redskins:Named Kirk Olivadotti linebackers coach

NHL
21-19-1-3 Boston: 2 0 1- 3 Thomas 31shots-26saves(19-13-3)
32-11-2-2 Buffalo: 3 0 3- 6 Miller 28shots-25saves(23-8-3)

BOS:Kessel 2g, Murray(pp) 1g, Chara/Savard 2ast each
BUF razz aille 2g, Afinogenov/Campbell/Roy 1g,1ast each, Vanek(pp) 1g, Briere/Spacek 2ast each, Drury/Kotalik/Pominville/Novotny 1ast each

32-12-2-1 Nashvi: 2 1 0- 3 Mason 19shots-16saves(18-8-2), Vokoun 8-6
30-12-2-3 Detroit: 1 4 0- 5 Hasek 17shots-14saves(25-7-3)
Predators:Signed F Rich Peverley to a 2 year contract

NSH:Hamhuis/Tootoo/Zanon 1g each, Hartnell/Sullivan/Fiddler 1ast each
DET:Zetterburg 2g,1ast, Holmstrom/Lidstrom(pp) 1g,1ast each, Hudler 1g, Datsyuk 4ast, Markov/Lilja/Filppula 1ast each

24-17-2-2 Calga: 1 0 1- 2 Kiprusoff 23shots-20saves(22-16-3)
28-18-0-1 Dallas: 1 2 1- 4 Turco 20shots-18saves(23-15-1)

CGY:Yelle/Huselius(pp) 1g each, Amonte/Ference/Langkow/Phaneuf 1ast each
DAL:Lehtinen(en) 2g, Barnes/Lundqvist 1g each, Lindros/Robidas/Stefan/Tjarnqvist/Eriksson 1ast each

21-23-1-1 Phoenix: 0 1 2- 3 Joseph 29shots-25saves(11-16-0)
23-20-2-1 Colorad: 1 2 1- 4 Budaj 32shots-29saves(14-10-2)
Avalanche:Recalled F Ben Guite from Albany of AHL

PHO:Larague 1g,1ast, Doan/Zigomanis 1g each, Perreault/Saprykin 2ast each, Nagy 1ast
COL:Stastny 2g, Hejduk(pp) 1g,2ast, Brunette 1g,1ast, Arnason 3ast, Sakic 2ast

Anaheim Ducks:Re-assigned RW Bjorn Melin to Portland of AHL

Minnesota Wild:Recalled D Erik Reitz from Houston Aeros of American Hocket League. Assigned RW Joel Ward to Houston

New York Rangers:Agreed to terms with F Martin Straka on a 1 year contract extension

no MLB news

NBA
Suspended Golden State G Baron Davis for 1 game without pay for swingin' at L.A. Clippers F Quinton Ross in a Jan 17 game

27-14 Jazz 95
23-18 Bulls 85

19-21 Clippers 112
10-31 Grizzlies 91
Los Angeles:Signed G Alvin Williams to a 10-day contract

18-24 Knicks 108
20-20 Pacers 106

14-25 Bobcats 104
13-25 Hawks 85

23-16 Pistons 91
15-23 Kings 74

24-16 Wizards 115
12-27 Celtics 110
OT

16-23 Hornets 113
26-15 Lakers 103

20-20 Nets 101
22-19 Magic 94

20-17 Nuggets 121
25-16 Rockets 113
OT

24-16 Cavaliers 106
19-22 Warriors 104
OT

Minnesota Timberwolves:Suspended G Ricky Davis for 1 game for leavin' bench n' walkin' into locker room durin' a Jan 19 game

NFL
Cleveland Browns:Named Rob Chudzinski offensive coordinator

Saints at Bears--3:00 ET--FOX

This has all makin's of a great football game. Head coach Sean Payton will continue to rely on QB Drew Brees n' short, controlled passin' attack to set up run against a Bears defense that thrives on creatin' turnovers. Defensive coordinator Ron Rivera must find a way to slow down Saints' explosive passin' attack that loves to spread field, creatin' individual mismatches it can exploit on back end in coverage. Look for Bears to rely on their runnin' game to take pressure off QB Rex Grossman. Can Grossman put together 2 solid games n' avoid multiple turnovers? Defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs must find a way to contain Bears' rushin' attack without givin' up big explosive plays on back end. Look for both teams to place a high emphasis on special teams this week, which could play a huge role in outcome of this game. In end, look for Bears to halt Saints' Cinderella season by defeatin' New Orleans n' representin' NFC in Super Bowl XLI.

Chicago 27--New Orleans 24

Patriots at Colts--6:00--CBS

It's a familiar playoff rematch n' a game that features 2 best quarterbacks in game today. As with any big game, turnovers will be crucial. Both of these star quarterbacks uncharacteristically turned ball over last week n' Patriots have had fumble troubles all season. For as much football as they have played, both teams are rather healthy n' this game will be packed with star power. Colts' run defense has gotten a lot of publicity as a reborn unit, but I'm not completely buyin' it. Expect a strong day on ground for New England. I think Patriots will win a close game to advance to Super Bowl XLI. Maybe Brady will lead a spectacular drive with just seconds on clock to clinch victory.

New England 28--Indianapolis 27

NHL
34-12-2-1 Predators 6
17-24-2-5 Blackhawks 3

25-19-2-4 Panthers 3
20-21-2-5 Capitals 1

27-15-6-2 Thrashers 3
23-21-3-1 Rangers 1

29-14-0-5 Devils 4
11-31-2-3 Flyers 3
SO
NewJersey:Assigned D Andy Greene to Lowell of AHL

27-17-1-4 Canadiens 4
33-12-2-2 Sabres 3

28-20-2-0 Senators 3
22-20-1-3 Bruins 0

21-17-3-5 Penguins 8
22-21-2-4 MapleLeafs 2

26-22-1-1 Lightning 6
25-19-2-4 Hurricanes 5
SO

29-18-0-1 Stars 2
25-20-0-4 Wild 1
SO
Minnesota:Reassigned D Erik Reitz to Houston of AHL

24-20-2-1 Avalanche 3
30-14-2-3 RedWings 1

26-17-2-2 Flames 4
23-21-2-2 Oilers 0
Edmonton:Assigned D Tom Gilbert to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of AHL

19-21-4-4 Blues 1
32-16-0-0 Sharks 0

22-24-1-1 Coyotes 3
16-28-3-3 Kings 2
LosAngeles:Traded G Ryan Munce to Tampa Bay Lightning for a 2008 4th round draft pick

Vancouver Canucks:Assigned D Alexander Edler to Manitoba of AHL

MLB
Boston Red Sox:Agreed to terms with C Kevin Cash on a minor league deal

Chicago Cubs:Agreed to terms with OF-1B Cliff Floyd on a 1 year contract

New York Mets:Named Jack Voigt hittin' coach, Mark Brewer pitchin' coach, Brian Chicklo trainer n' Kenny Coward strength coach for New Orleans of PCL

Toronto Blue Jays:Named Clayton McCullough manager, Dave Pano hittin' coach n' Vince Horsman pitchin' coach for Blue Jays of Gulf Coast League

Washington Nationals:Agreed to terms with OF Alex Escobar on a 1 year contract

NBA
22-20 Pacers 96
19-23 Heat 94
OT

21-22 Raptors 90
16-25 Saints 88

24-16 Pistons 103
14-27 Bobcats 92

13-30 76ers 118
24-18 Cavaliers 115
2OT

14-26 Hawks 82
12-29 Celtics 76

34-8 Suns 112
18-26 Knicks 107

11-32 Grizzlies 132
28-15 Jazz 130
OT

26-16 Rockets 90
30-14 Spurs 85

17-23 Kings 114
17-25 Bucks 106

18-25 TrailBlazers 101
20-21 Timberwolves 98

20-23 Warriors 110
20-22 Nets 109

NFL
Detroit Lions:Agreed to terms with WR Mike Furrey on a 3 year contract

Miami Dolphins:Named Terry Robiskie wide receivers coach n' Brett Maxie safeties coach. Signed Keith Armstrong, special teams coach, to a contract extension

NHL ALL STAR GAME
Eastern: 3 3 3- 9 Huet 10shots-8saves(0-1),Miller 12-9,Brodeur 16-10
Western: 3 6 3- 12 Turco 15shots-12saves(0-1),Luongo 12-9,Kiprusoff 11-8

EAST:Chara 2g, Briere 1g,4ast, Heatley 1g,2ast, Williams/Souray 1g,1ast each, Staal/St.Louis/Ovechkin 1g each, Hossa 4ast, Rafalski/Blake 2ast each, Lecavalier 1ast
WEST:Rolston/Nash 2g,2ast each, Havlat 2g,1ast, Perreault 2g, Visnovsky/Phaneuf(en) 1g,1ast each, Marleau/Selanne 1g each, Sakic 4ast, Guerin/Jovanovski 2ast each, Cheechoo/Lidstrom/Smyth 1ast each

Anaheim Ducks:Traded RW Colby Genoway to Vancouver for D Joe Rullier. Assigned D Kent Huskins to Portland of AHL

Dallas Stars:Recalled C Steve Ott from Iowa of AHL

Minnesota Wild:Recalled G Josh Harding from Hosuton of AHL

Montreal Canadiens:Assigned F Maxim Lapierre to Hamilton of AHL

St.Louis Blues:Recalled F David Backes from Peoria of AHL