PicturesMarch 31, 2005« February 2005 | Main | April 2005 »
The season will start -- and perhaps finish -- without Barry Bonds. But that doesn't mean he still won't figure in how this season plays out. 
A sight that will take some getting used to: Sammy Sosa in an Orioles uniform. 
Phillies first baseman Jim Thome hits an eighth inning base hit off Blue Jays pitcher Scott Schoenweiss during the Phillies' 6-5 loss to Toronto on Wednesday. Thome made his first appearance in the lineup since missing seven games with a stiff lower back. 
The Milwaukee Brewers, who help the Pirates open their season Monday at PNC Park, feature rookie shortstop J.J. Hardy, 22, who is reputed to be great defensively and OK offensively. 
Vinny Castilla of the Washington Nationals 
Aaron Sele, left, and Jeff Nelson are once and future Mariners. They will be named to the 25-man roster. March 30, 2005« February 2005 | Main | April 2005 »
Los Angeles Clippers' Corey Maggette, left, shoots over Cleveland Cavaliers' Drew Gooden in the third quarter of Cleveland's 94-84 win on Tuesday, March 29, 2005, in Cleveland. Maggette scored 26 points in a losing effort. 
Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant drives in between New York Knicks' Stephon Marbury, left, and Michael Sweetney during the second quarter of their game on Tuesday, March 29, 2005, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Bryant scored a team high 32 points. 
Dodger Milton Bradley was one of the leaders of a players-only meeting Tuesday. 
For all the concerns regarding Pedro Martinez's health, the Mets' new ace hasn't exactly been sitting down on the job. In fact, he's made 29 or more starts in each of the last three seasons. 
The Giants will be counting on Moises Alou's bat more than they expected now that Barry Bonds will be out of the lineup for an uncertain amount of time. Alou, who was acquired in the offseason, will bat fourth. 
Led by Garret Anderson, these Angels in the outfield could hit 100 home runs. Anderson, in left, will be joined by Steve Finley in center and Vladimir Guerrero in right 
Orlando Hudson, left, and the Blue Jays welcome Corey Koskie to his new team. 
Carl Crawford, a first-time all-star for the Devil Rays last season, takes over in center field as Rocco Baldelli recovers from an offseason knee injury. 
Third baseman Alex Rodriguez has more to prove than any other Yankee following the team's collapse to the Red Sox in last year's American League Championship Series. 
First baseman Mike Sweeney (29) is the one Kansas City player worth watching, but he could be dealt once it is determined his back is healthy. 
Twins left-hander Johan Santana will continue to deliver the goods in Minnesota, signing a four-year, $40 million deal during the offseason. 
Jeremy Reed has picked up with his bat where he left off late last season. He has been one of the team's hottest hitters in Arizona. March 29, 2005« February 2005 | Main | April 2005 »
Philadelphia 76ers' Chris Webber, formerly with the Sacramento Kings, acknowledges the crowd after his introduction at Arco Arena in Sacramento, Calif. prior to the 76ers-Kings game on Monday, March 28, 2005. The Kings won 118-109. 
New Jersey Nets' Vince Carter drives past Charlotte Bobcats' Emeka Okafor during the second quarter at the Charlotte Coliseum in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, March 28, 2005. The Nets won 95-91. 
Pirates CF Tike Redman is hitting .350 this spring in a battle to keep his spot in the starting lineup. 
Raul Ibanez returned to Seattle last season to hit .304. Now, he hopes to help the Mariners pursue an AL West title. 
University of Tennessee president Dr. John D. Petersen presents new coach Bruce Pearl a jersey signifying his 14th season as a head coach. 
In accepting the position of head basketball coach at the University of Tennessee, Bruce Pearl said the hardest thing he ever had to do was leave his first head-coaching job at Southern Indiana, but deciding to leave UW-Milwaukee was a close second. March 28, 2005« February 2005 | Main | April 2005 »
Michigan State's Drew Neitzel knifes through the defense of Kentucky's Shagari Alleyne, right, and Ramel Bradley in the first half of last night's NCAA Austin Region final. 
Raymond Felton celebrates as clock ticks down on North Carolina's win over Wisconsin yesterday. The Tar Heels advanced to the Final Four, where they will face Michigan State. 
North Carolina's Sean May lifts teammate Marvin Williams after the victory against Wisconsin. 
St. Louis' Albert Pujols hits a broken-bat double against the Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter. 
Shaquille O'Neal dunks during the first quarter in Saturday's shocking loss to the Bobcats. '[The referees] have to be consistent,' O'Neal said. 'I don't want to hear it. If they push me like that, [they don't call the foul].' 
Los Angeles Clippers forward Elton Brand shoots over Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett in the third period in Minneapolis on Sunday March 27, 2005. Brand finished with a game high 25 but the Clippers lost to the Timberwolves, 89-85. March 27, 2005« February 2005 | Main | April 2005 »
Coach Rick Pitino, center, and Reggie Theus, one of his assistants, celebrated Louisville’s victory with Francisco Garcia, right, and the rest of the team after defeating West Virginia. 
Dee Brown of Illinois is lifted up by his teammates in celebration of their overtime win against Arizona in the Chicago Regional final last night. 
West Virginia's Kevin Pittsnogle helped the Mountaineers build an early lead. Pittsnogle finished with a game-high 25 points and shot 6 of 9 from three-point range. 
Louisville's Francisco Garcia, right, hugs teammate Taquan Dean as the Cardinals celebrate their overtime win over West Virginia. Garcia, the Cardinals' go-to player, fouled out in regulation. 
More bad news for Sidney Ponson: He will be the O's 4th starter and face the Yankees in his 1st game. 
Pat Borders's career has been well-traveled. He has been a World Series MVP, an Olympic gold medalist and savvy veteran in the minor leagues. 
Penn State coach Joe Paterno has defended QB Zack Mills. March 26, 2005« February 2005 | Main | April 2005 »
Michigan State players Paul Davis, left, and Alan Anderson react at the end of a 78-68 win against No. 1-seeded Duke in an Austin Region semifinal game last night at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas. 
Duke's Sheldon Williams, left, and Shavlik Randolph watch their team lose to Michigan State for the first time in NCAA tournament play since 1958. 
Kentucky's Joe Crawford, left, drives against Utah's Bryant Markson in the first half last night. 
Wisconsin's Mike Wilkinson forces a shot against North Carolina State's Gavin Grant in a Syracuse Region semifinal last night at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse. 
Louisville forward Francisco Garcia and coach Rick Pitino cross the floor together after defeating Washington, 93-79, in their NCAA regional semifinal game Thursday in Albuquerque, N.M. 
Arizona's Salim Stoudamire is shooting 51.5 percent overall and 51.5 percent on 3-pointers. 
Dee Brown of Illinois 
Massachusetts basketball coach Travis Ford, who led Eastern Kentucky to the NCAA tournament, addresses an audience after the announcement of his hiring at a news conference yesterday. 
The Mariners' Richie Sexson, right, questions home umpire Bill Miller after a called third strike in the first inning yesterday. 
"You guys make such a big deal about everything," said Sidney Ponson after his DUI was reported. 
Catcher Kelly Stinnett can ask on Monday to be released if he isn't going to make the Diamondbacks’ major league roster. March 25, 2005« February 2005 | Main | April 2005 »
Arizona's Salim Stoudamire puts up the winning shot in the final seconds to beat Oklahoma State in their Chicago Regional semifinal game last night. 
Illinois' Luther Head (4) drives to the basket past Jason McCoy of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the second half. 
West Virginia's Kevin Pittsnogle embraces teammate Mike Gansey (20) after the win. 
Louisville's Francisco Garcia is pumped; he and Taquan Dean combined to make six three-pointers and score 24 points in the first half. 
Nate Robinson winces after injuring his knee in what might have been his final game as a college player. 
Marvin Williams, North Carolina's freshman forward from Bremerton, scores during the Heels' first-round NCAA tournament victory. 
Knee and back injuries limited Joe Jurevicius to 15 games the past two seasons in Tampa Bay, but his agent says the 6-5, 230-pound receiver is healthy now. 
New Orleans coach Jim Haslett said he took steroids during his playing days with Buffalo. Steroids were not illegal at that time. 
Los Angeles Lakers forwards Chris Mihm, left, and Brian Grant sit on the bench as time runs out in the Lakers' 117-96 loss to the Nuggets in Denver on Thursday, March 24, 2005. The loss, the seventh in a row for the Lakers, dropped Los Angeles to five-and 
Arizona infielders Craig Counsell, right, and Sergio Santos duck and swat at bees yesterday. 
Luis Rivas congratulates Jason Bartlett after Bartlett tripled and scored Wednesday against Toronto. March 24, 2005« February 2005 | Main | April 2005 »
Jose Cruz Jr., set to play center for the Diamondbacks, is looking forward to playing more often with his regular outfield partners — Luis Gonzalez in left and Shawn Green in right. 
The Giants' Barry Bonds returns to camp on crutches yesterday. 
Raul Ibanez of the Mariners launches one of his four hits against Kansas City on Wednesday. Ibanez drove in six runs in a game that finished in a 15-15 tie. 
Los Angeles Clippers' Corey Maggette dunks during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks, Wednesday, March 23, 2005, in Los Angeles. Maggette scored 34 points in the Clippers 116-108 win. 
The Pacers' Reggie Miller shoots a free throw last night in Indianapolis for his 25,000th NBA point. He is the 13th player to reach the milestone. 
Ruben Patterson annoyed Seattle with his celebration after a win in November. The Sonics rebounded by beating the Trail Blazers four days later. March 20, 2005« February 2005 | Main | April 2005 »
Arizona's Salim Stoudamire, right, drives against Alabama-Birmingham defender Marques Lewis in the second half of their second-round game of the NCAA Tournament in Boise, Idaho, Saturday, March 19, 2005. 
Utah's Andrew Bogut, right, drives past Oklahoma's Johnnie Gilbert yesterday. 
Don Nelson, the second-winningest coach in NBA history with 1,190 victories, will be replaced in Dallas by ex-Sonic Avery Johnson. 
Jason Kendall wears the green of Oakland this spring. 
Hideki Matsui, considered a master of baseball subtleties, improved in almost every category in his second season with the Yankees. 
Rick Ankiel has fallen a long way from his days as national high school player of the year in 1997. 
"This is very comfortable for me, from Day 1," says Bob Melvin, left, of his new job as manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Of his stint with Seattle, Melvin says, "I really enjoyed my time there." 
Vermont coach Tom Brennan laughs while responding to a questio during a news conference yesterday. 
Texas Tech guard Ronald Ross drives past Gonzaga center Ronny Turiaf during their second-round NCAA tournament game at the McKale Center in Tucson, Ariz., yesterday. March 18, 2005« February 2005 | Main | April 2005 »
Former St. Louis Cardinals star Mark McGwire fights back tears as he testifies before a House committee hearing on steroid use in baseball. 
Mark McGwire, left, was emotional during the hearing and said that he would not implicate other players. Rafael Palmeiro and Curt Schilling also appeared. 
Barry Bonds gives batting instructions to teammate Daniel Ortmeier, not shown, after a team workout last week. Bonds had to have more surgery on his knee and likely will miss the opener. 
Center Shaquille O'Neal dunks for two of his 25 points during the Heat's victory over the Los Angeles Lakers last night in Miami. 
Dee Brown reacts after hitting a shot against Fairleigh Dickinson in a 67-55 Illinois win yesterday. 
Arizona's Mustafa Shakur goes up against Utah State's David Pak. 
Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Adrian Tigert, left, and Jason McCoy celebrate after upsetting Alabama, 83-73, in the first round yesterday in Cleveland. 
Mark McGwire, Rafael Palmiero and Curt Schilling listen during a hearing on Capitol Hill yesterday. 
Mark McGwire, standing, repeatedly refused to answer questions about whether he had used steroids. “I’m not here to discuss the past,” he said. March 16, 2005« February 2005 | Main | April 2005 »
Allen Iverson calls for fan noise against the Los Angeles Lakers late in the first half last night. Iverson scored 36 points in the 76ers' 108-91 victory despite suffering a fractured left thumb 
Sonics guard Ray Allen, left, works his way through the air and around Chicago defender Eddy Curry in the first quarter last night at the United Center. Allen finished with 17 points. 
Temple coach John Chaney, left, instructs a player as assistant Dan Leibovitz, right, listens last night against Virginia Tech. 
Oakland forward Rawle Marshall (1) jumps in the air and bumps chests with guard Pierre Dukes (3) in the second half of the NCAA opening round game with Alabama A&M, Tuesday, March 15, 2005, in Dayton, Ohio. Marshall led Oakland to a 79-69 win with 29 poin 
Twins shortstop Juan Castro temporarily lost control of a ball hit by Juan Encarnacion. 
Nats coaches are working with Nick Johnson to tweak his batting stance and his swing. 
A water tower outside Chain of Lakes Park in Winter Haven beckons baseball. March 15, 2005« February 2005 | Main | April 2005 »
Mark McGwire watched his 70th home run on Sept. 27, 1998. The suspicion that he used steroids has put his records in a negative light. 
Bud Selig will be in Washington on Thursday 
Randy Winn would like to stay in Seattle, but he understands why the Mariners might end up trading him. 
For Brewers star prospect Prince Fielder, the future is looking bright. March 14, 2005« February 2005 | Main | April 2005 »
James Augustine and the Illini defeated Wisconsin on Sunday for the Big Ten tournament championship. 
Safety Donovin Darius (20) was critical of the Jaguars and openly campaigned to be traded to Miami or Minnesota. 
Stephon Marbury drives to the basket between Rashard Lewis, left, and Ray Allen in the fourth quarter yesterday. The Knicks scored just 15 points in the quarter. 
Driver Jimmie Johnson performs a celebratory burnout after winning yesterday's NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race in Las Vegas. March 13, 2005« February 2005 | Main | April 2005 »
Darius Washington (35) of Memphis drops to the floor after Memphis lost to Louisville 75-74 in the championship game of the Conference USA tournament in Memphis, Tenn., on Saturday, March 12. Washington was fouled with no time left in the game and was giv 
UW's Nate Robinson, left, talks with Wildcats guard Salim Stoudamire after the Huskies' win Saturday. NCAA selection show today at 3 p.m. 
Georgia Tech's Luke Schenscher (12), of Australia, shoots over North Carolina's Jawad Williams in the first half of their ACC men's basketball tournament game on Saturday, March 12, at the MCI Center in Washington. 
Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant is congratulated by teammates Caron Butler, left, and Jumaine Jones, center, after his game-winning basket in the Lakers' 117-116 win over the Charlotte Bobcats in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, March 12, 2005. 
The Chicago Bulls, huddling before a Feb. 22 home game at the United Center, are the youngest team in the league. 
Darren Sharper's four-year deal with the Vikings is believed to be worth $16 million. March 11, 2005« February 2005 | Main | April 2005 »
Ken Griffey Jr. had two at-bats as Cincinnati's designated hitter yesterday in Sarasota, Fla. The ex-Mariners center fielder lined out and walked. 
Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant goes to the basket as Dallas Mavericks forward Josh Howard looks on in the second half of their game in Dallas, Thursday, March 10, 2005. Bryant scored 36-points in the Lakers 100-95 win. 
Danny Fortson, left, has a history of losing his temper. He didn't agree with a call yesterday and let the practice official know about it. 
Nate Robinson, right, reacts after scoring Thursday as ASU's Bryson Krueger looks on. The Huskies beat ASU 95-90. March 10, 2005« February 2005 | Main | April 2005 »
Edgerrin James wants a long-term deal, but the Colts apparently can't accommodate him. 
'We have no intention of moving or trading Jason Taylor,' Dolphins coach Nick Saban said in a statement about Taylor, above. 
Golden State Warriors' Baron Davis drives past Detroit Pistons' Carlos Arroyo in the second quarter in Auburn Hills, Mich., Wednesday, March 9, 2005. Davis led the Warriors with 21 points in their 92-88 loss. 
San Francisco Giants' Omar Vizquel misses a ground ball hit by the Oakland Atheltics' Nick Swisher during the 4th inning of their spring training game in Phoenix, Wednesday March 9, 2005. 
Mariners prospect Matt Tuiasosopo says, "I really didn't miss football as much as I thought I would." 
CBS News employees applaud Dan Rather on Wednesday at the conclusion of Rather’s final broadcast as anchor of CBS Evening News. March 09, 2005« February 2005 | Main | April 2005 »
Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant, left, drives to the basket past Los Angeles Clippers' Chris Wilcox on Tuesday, March 8, 2005, in Los Angeles. The Clippers won 110-101. 
Jaguars safety Donovin Darius 
Cornerback Fred Smoot, who started 58 of the 60 games he played in during four seasons with the Redskins, the team that selected him in the second round in 2001, will get acquainted with new fans as a member of the Vikings. 
Luis Gonzalez was pleased after making his first game-time throw after his elbow surgery. 
The Astrodome was where artificial turf had its major league baseball debut in 1966. It caught on for a generation, but has fallen out of fashion. This season, 10 National League teams have all-grass schedules. March 07, 2005« February 2005 | Main | April 2005 »
Kurt Warner is now an Arizona Cardinal 
Plaxico Burress of the Pittsburgh Steelers during pregame warmups before the game against the Cleveland Browns last October. 
Ohio State's Matt Sylvester (40) scores two of his 25 points during the Buckeyes' win over previously unbeaten Illinois. 
Tim Duncan (21) is helped off the court by teammates Sean Marks, left, and Tony Massenburg. 
The Yankees are not a close-knit group like the Red Sox, but the team's group dynamic works. 
Seattle's Adrian Beltre fields a grounder at third base during spring training workouts. 
"I just want to make the team," said 26-year-old Nats reserve outfield prospect Alex Escobar. 
The Diamondbacks expect Kelly Stinnett to help mentor the two prospects dueling for the starting catcher's job. 
Toni Kukoc has played well of late for the Milwaukee Bucks. March 06, 2005« February 2005 | Main | April 2005 »
Former Washington receiver Laveranues Coles, left, was unhappy with the Redskins' conservative offense under coach Joe Gibbs. 
Gary Payton, right, was dealt from Boston to Atlanta at the trade deadline. However, Payton, a former Sonic, refused to report to the Hawks, was released and returned to the Celtics. 
Connecticut's Rudy Gay soars to the basket in the second half of yesterday's game against Syracuse in Storrs, Conn. 
Orioles fans didn't get to see much of Sammy Sosa. "It's hard to explain," he said. "I'm surprised that things got out of hand. It wasn't right." 
The Nationals stand at attention during the seventh-inning singing of "God Bless America" in their 5-3 exhibition win over the Mets on Wednesday. It was the team's first game. 
"He is one of the finest people you would ever want to meet," one former manager says about new Mariner Adrian Beltre. 
Rockies catcher Charles Johnson has been bending over backwards in his efforts to be traded to another team. 
Charlotte Bobcats guard Jason Hart, left, reacts to a jump ball call by referee Derrick Collins during the second half against the Washington Wizards at the Charlotte Coliseum in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, March 5, 2005. The Wizards won 86-84. March 05, 2005« February 2005 | Main | April 2005 »
Ben Grieve, who is hoping to land a spot as a reserve outfielder with the Pirates, is off to a good start. 
Miami Heat center Alonzo Mourning (33) shoots over Sacramento Kings center Greg Ostertag during the Fourth quarter Friday, March 4, 2005, in Miami. The Heat won 104-83. 
The Sonics' Jerome James, right, gets a hand up against a shooting Ben Wallace of the Pistons last night at KeyArena. James had three blocks to go along with 16 points as Seattle dropped Detroit 95-87. March 04, 2005« February 2005 | Main | April 2005 »
Jason Giambi batted three times in the Yankees' preseason opener, walking twice and grounding out. 
Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson criticized the Pirates' management for not giving more money to Oliver Perez and Jason Bay 
Ex-major leaguer Jose Canseco claims in his book that he used steroids, injected teammate Mark McGwire and introduced others to the drug. March 03, 2005« February 2005 | Main | April 2005 »
Wide receiver Randy Moss smiles during a news conference on Wednesday at the Oakland Raiders’ Alameda, Calif., headquarters. 
The Cardinals may trade Duane Starks to New England. 
In his five full seasons in Chicago, Carlos Lee averaged 27 home runs and 94 runs batted in per year. 
Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson, a former Yankee, grounding out in the fifth inning. 
Was John Rocker working out at a gym in West Hollywood, CA? 
Richie Sexson, left, who homered in his first spring game at-bat yesterday, welcomes Adrian Beltre, right, shortly after Beltre's homer in a B game against San Diego. 
Orioles reliever Steve Reed, who did not break into the major leagues until age 27, is still going strong as a sidearm sinkerballer at age 39. 
Phoenix Suns forward Amare Stoudemire dunks against the Dallas Mavericks during the third quarter. The Suns hope to show toughness against the Pistons. 
Arizona State's Ike Diogu has the numbers to rate the Pac-10 player of the year. His team's sub .500 league record may keep him from getting the award, however. 
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant reacts to a call against the Lakers during the fourth quarter of the Boston Celtics' 104-101 win in Boston, Wednesday March 2, 2005. March 02, 2005« February 2005 | Main | April 2005 »
Allen Iverson reacts after hitting a 3-point shot against the Bucks. Iverson finished with 48 points. 
Golden State Warriors Baron Davis shoots over Memphis Grizzlies defender Ryan Humphrey during the fourth quarter Tuesday, March 1, 2005 in Memphis, Tenn. The Grizzlies beat the Warriors 99-97. 
The Cardinals' search for a quarterback includes Brad Johnson, who has been released from Tampa Bay. 
It won't be long before Mike Wahle signs an enormous contract. It just probably won't be with the Green Bay Packers. 
Venus, left, and Serena Williams enjoy a camel ride against the backdrop of the Burj Al Arab Hotel, in Dubai on Tuesday, March 1, 2005. The American sisters are competing in the Dubai Women's Open tennis tournament which yesterday announced an increase in 
The Mets picked up center fielder Carlos Beltran, left, in the offseason, forcing Mike Cameron, right, to right field. 
Kansas City Royals catcher John Buck checks with coaches during an intrasquad game at spring training in Surprise, Ariz., on Tuesday, March 1 
Mariner Willie Bloomquist, left, talks with first-year manager Mike Hargrove during spring training. March 01, 2005« February 2005 | Main | April 2005 »
Florida believes its acquisition of Carlos Delgado may make it a better team now than in 2003, when it won the World Series. 
The Chicago Bears released wide receiver David Terrell yesterday, after the first-round draft pick fell short of expectations after four years. 
Running back Travis Henry dives into the end zone for a touchdown. The Cardinals have talked about trading for Henry. 
Kobe Bryant's high-profile lawsuit has taken yet another unexpected turn. 
Scott Spiezio, performing a rundown drill, arrived in spring camp without a definite job with the Mariners. 
Neil Walker looks for ball during catcher drills yesterday in Bradenton, Fla. 
Cleveland Indians outfielder Juan Gonzalez reacts to a question about Jose Canseco and steroids during a news conference at the team's spring training facility Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2005 in Winter Haven, Fla. Warning: include(/home/benmalle/www/includes/footer.php) [function.include]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /home/benmalle/public_html/archives/2005/march/pictures.html on line 3704 Warning: include() [function.include]: Failed opening '/home/benmalle/www/includes/footer.php' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/lib/php:/usr/local/lib/php') in /home/benmalle/public_html/archives/2005/march/pictures.html on line 3704 |