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Big Ben's Wednesday Rumors & Notes

Baseball Rumors & Notes

Curt Schilling has been dropping not-so-subtle hints that he would gladly return to Philadelphia. What kind of hints? Informing Phillies manager Larry Bowa that he would waive his no-trade clause if it meant returning to Philadelphia. And telling a Philadelphia radio audience last week: "There are certainly scenarios I can envision them (the Diamondbacks) trading me."

The Expos are talking about long-term contract extensions with agents for the team's two best players, Vladimir Guerrero and Bartolo Colon. And if the negotiations are successful, the club says it won't turn around and trade the two stars to other teams.

Two major league officials said A's GM Billy Beane, after hearing Miguel Tejada's eight-year, $160 million request to avoid free agency next winter, might listen to offers for the AL MVP with the idea of obtaining a bushel of low-priced talent and then signing Edgardo Alfonzo.

The Yankees feel they'll be able to trade either Raul Mondesi or Rondell White, if not both, before Opening Day. They've talked with the San Francisco Giants about Mondesi, but it appears the Giants are seeking more prominent targets, such as Pittsburgh's Brian Giles.

Pedro Martinez still plans to become a free agent after next season if his 2004 option is not picked up and work on a contract extension is not under way before spring training begins. But the Red Sox ace felt a renewed sense of optimism yesterday when he heard word that the club may very well be preparing to keep him from getting anywhere near free agent waters.

Edgardo Alfonzo says he felt hurt when the Mets offered him only a pay cut before cutting him loose by not offering arbitration.

One choice of The Boss' inner circle likely will be announced today when Mike Stanton's replacement, Chris Hammond, signs a two-year deal worth $4.8 million with a club option for a third. The Yankees also are looking for ways to bring Todd Zeile to The Bronx. Their interest in Zeile, which was described by an industry source yesterday as "real serious" could be a forerunner of them dealing Nick Johnson to Montreal in a trade that would bring Bartolo Colon or Javier Vazquez. Then Zeile would be plugged into the DH spot.

If Ken Griffey's going to a last-place club, why not the Tigers? Then there would be at least one reason to go to the ballpark. That can't be said right now. The argument as to why you would want Griffey, who has had two injury-riddled seasons in a row, is simple. When you're a down-and-out team such as the Tigers, sometimes you have to take a chance. Given his past accomplishments, Griffey is worth the risk.

The Mets have a leg up on the U.S. competition to land free agent Japanese third baseman Norihiro Nakamura. They were the only major-league team to meet with Nakamura, who spent about a week in the country on a personal vacation with his wife and family.

What Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi has to offer both the Expos and other teams is shortstop Felipe Lopez and second baseman Orlando Hudson. One of his veteran outfielders, either Shannon Stewart or Jose Cruz, also could be had for the right price, and the same goes for closer Kelvim Escobar.

Pete Rose, still popular with many baseball fans despite a lifetime ban from the game 13 years ago for betting on games, met recently with Commissioner of Baseball Bud Selig about his reinstatement, baseball sources said yesterday. Rose, who has said since his ban that he did not bet on baseball games, is the game's career hits leader and was an all-star 17 times during a 19-year career. One of 14 major leaguers ever to receive a lifetime ban, he would be the first to be reinstated. Rose was manager of the Cincinnati Reds when he was banned in August 1989 following a gambling investigation. If reinstated, he would be allowed to take a managing, coaching or front-office job, and would be eligible for election to the Hall of Fame.

Phillies Hall of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt is playing a key role in negotiations that could lead to the reinstatement of Pete Rose to Major League Baseball.

Rose was in Milwaukee on Nov. 24. According to John Farina, sports information director at Marquette University, Rose flew on the same plane as the Marquette women's basketball team, which was returning from a game in Dayton.

A thousand questions were raised the instant it was revealed that Pete Rose and Bud Selig had met to discuss the all-time hit king's possible reinstatement into baseball, and the best one seems to be: Why is this even a question anymore? Rose does not deserve to be allowed back into baseball -- not now, not ever. He was banned for the most legitimate reason, for betting on baseball, a crime that poses the greatest threat to the game's legitimacy, and that ban should not be lifted without clear-cut proof of his innocence.

The agent for Mariners right fielder Ichiro Suzuki says his client will not be looking to get a contract extension. In September, shortly after baseball owners and players agreed to a new Basic Agreement that avoided a strike, agent Tony Attanasio said he expected Ichiro, who is signed through the 2003 season, would be looking for an extension during the off-season.

Journeyman lefthanded pitcher Jesus Sanchez has signed a one-year minor-league contract and received an invitation to spring training with the Astros. With experience out of the bullpen and in the starting rotation, Sanchez will compete for a spot in the bullpen and starting rotation. He has a 23-32 record with a 5.20 ERA over 502 1/3 innings since reaching the majors with the Florida Marlins on March 31, 1998.

Left-hander Darren Oliver tries to revive his stalled career in the Puerto Rican league. Agent Scott Boras will have difficulty getting the Rangers to take him for a third time. "I don't think we'll be going that way," general manager John Hart said.

The free-agent ranks have swelled since Saturday, when teams declined to offer arbitration to dozens of eligible players. The Cubs are taking an inventory of that list, with former Boston Red Sox closer Ugueth Urbina and former Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Omar Daal among the players general manager Jim Hendry will consider signing.

When Steve Cox heard the Yokohama Bay Stars had interest in bringing him to Japan, he didn't know what to think. After agreeing to a lucrative multiyear deal that guarantees him $6.2-million and could be worth in excess of $10-million, he can't wait to go. Cox, 28, had been the Rays' starting first baseman since the July 2001 trade of Fred McGriff, but he was inconsistent much of last season, hitting .254 with 16 home runs and 72 RBIs.

Heeding the feedback of their most loyal customers, the Pirates are offering an incentive to entice season-ticket holders to renew for next season -- a reduction in price. "Season-ticket holders will get a discount of $1 per seat per game," said Vic Gregovits, vice president of marketing. "It's been very well received." For example, a infield box seat with a face value of $27 will cost a dollar less for a savings of $81 for the season.

The Detroit Tigers have named Dan Dickerson and Jim Price have been named broadcasters to replace Ernie Harwell. Veteran broadcaster Eli Zaret admitted he was disappointed at missing out on a spot on the Tigers' radio team, which many people thought he had wrapped up last week.

NFL Rumors & Notes

For months now, the question I've been asked most, second most and third most has been, "So, are the Colts leaving for Los Angeles?" And for months, my response has been it's a 50-50 proposition, the Colts are clearly one of the top two players in the SoCal Sweepstakes. Ask me that question today, though, and the response is very different. For the first time since the specter of a relocation began looming, I truly believe the San Diego Chargers are L.A.-bound, and it is highly unlikely the Colts will leave Indianapolis in 2004, 2006, or ever.

Cardinals WR David Boston played in eight games before being sidelined by the injury. He's an unrestricted free agent after this season and said he is interested in re-signing with the team. "I still feel the same way," he said. "Coach (Dave) McGinnis is the same guy. I know I've been gone for five weeks, but he's still the same guy."

Has Jim Fassell done a good job? That is for Giants ownership to determine after the season, when it will decide whether to allow Fassel, who has two years left on his contract, to return. But it is clear where most players stand: They want him back.

Former Cowboys cornerback Duane Hawthorne, who was cut by Dallas on Saturday, questioned Tuesday how Dwayne Goodrich could still have an NFL job and Hawthorne doesn't.

The Washington Redskins plan to seriously consider re-signing Danny Wuerffel as a reserve quarterback next season but are unlikely to try to retain Shane Matthews, NFL sources said yesterday.

In recent weeks, as his No. 7 jersey was becoming the third bestseller in the NFL, Michael Vick has revived his sponsorship career. There were meetings with Nike, to talk about an expanded presence next year, with in-store promotions, commercials and even a special shoe possible. There are talks with Coke about going beyond his previous TV ad work for the Powerade sports drink. There are budding deals to promote a candy bar, a video game for EA Sports, and hopes, someday, for a national automobile endorsement. Meanwhile, his trading card and memorabilia deals are increasing, and the value of his signature is soaring.

Saints offensive tackle Kyle Turley said Tuesday on national radio that he might sue the NFL if it does not suspend Baltimore Ravens cornerback Chris McAlister.

Bobby April has been coaching football since 1976. He's been around long enough to know when the handwriting's on the wall. And in all probability, his tenure as Rams special teams coach will end after these final three games of the 2002 season. In a composite of categories used by the Rams to rank special teams, the Rams rank dead last, 32nd, in the National Football League this season.

Still visibly upset by Sunday's loss to Cleveland, Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver faulted his coaches yesterday for the Browns' game-deciding Hail Mary play. "It's coaching when we ... have a call where we're in two-deep coverage when we should have had seven or eight people back in the end zone," Weaver said

Preliminary results from an MRI exam Tuesday on Jim Miller's injured left knee revealed a severe hyperextension and slight tear of the medial collateral ligament that will put the Bears' quarterback on crutches for three weeks and out for the season.

The Green Bay Packers finally gave up on punt returner Darrien Gordon Tuesday and released the 10-year veteran, possibly opening up the door for second-year receiver Robert Ferguson to take over the return duties.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones wanted Dave Campo to go for it on fourth-and-1 from the San Francisco 28 with 2:21 remaining in Sunday's loss to the 49ers, according to two team sources. Despite Jones' public comments that he doesn't have a problem with Campo's game-management decisions, Jones did have a problem with Campo's decision on fourth-and-1 and that was the basis for his anger and frustration after Sunday's loss, the sources said.

With three games left in the regular season, the NFC playoff race is not difficult to calculate, but a Harvard mathematician might experience problems trying to decipher the AFC, where 14 of 16 teams are in contention. Almost every NFL coach and player insist December is the best month of the regular season. It is crunch time when divisions are won and wild-card berths are earned.

The Titans' Eddie George is on pace to gain 1,000 yards. He has rushed for 873 yards (67.1 yards per game, 3.3 yards per carry). "A thousand is good, but it's not anything to get excited about now,'' said Titans running backs coach Sherman Smith, who played eight seasons as a Seahawks and Chargers running back (1976-1983). ''Especially if you get 250, 300 carries a year. … Now, a thousand is a good place to start, but guys should really be looking for the 1,200-, 1,500-yard season.''

The NFL could make a decision as soon as today as soon as today on whether to fine and suspend players stemming from Sunday's postgame fight between the Vikings and Packers. The league requested additional tape of the fight from both teams. The league began reviewing the fight Monday.

With four days of fan voting left for the Pro Bowl, Green Bay's Brett Favre leads the NFC among quarterbacks with a 892,613 votes. Philadelphia's Donovan McNabb (who is injured) is second with 476,760, the Falcons' Mike Vick is third with 462,692, and the Saints' Aaron Brooks fourth with 408,023.

Bruce Springsteen has declined to perform at halftime of Super Bowl XXXVII in San Diego. This might qualify as the smartest career move Springsteen has ever made. Springsteen just does not fit the Super Bowl venue at all.

There were indications during Monday night's mauling by the Miami Dolphins that some of the Bears were exhibiting a lack of intensity, if not just plain phoning it in. That hadn't been a problem in the three previous losing seasons under coach Dick Jauron. "The integrity of the game is based on effort, on playing every game with everything you have and trying to win every [time] we suit up, and that's what we intend to do," Jauron said.

NBA Rumors & Notes

Lenny Wilkens said unity reigns on the good ship Raptor. With his squad languishing at 7-13 in the NBA's Central Division, the Raptors coach again is facing murmurs of dissension within the ranks. It happened late last season when the club went on a 1-17 slide, and it's an issue again.

The Knicks have a big decision to make with Charlie Ward after the season because of a buy-out clause in the point guard's contract.

The Sonics and Vitaly Potapenko hope the Ukranian forward has sufficiently healed from left-knee surgery. They have targeted Monday's game in Cleveland for Potapenko to make his Sonics debut.

Under Don Chaney, the Knicks are now 26-56 after their 97-80 win over Seattle. In most cities, that would get a coach fired. Around here, it might be good enough to get another extension today. He's already gotten two, irrefutable proof that Garden CEO James Dolan doesn't care about winning.

The Knicks will let Antonio McDyess speak to reporters for the first time since the club declared him out for the season after he underwent left kneecap surgery Oct. 15. Perhaps McDyess will indicate whether he's trying to return earlier than predicted - perhaps late March or April.

The twins of Coors Light fame made an appearance at American Airlines Center. Don Nelson, who knows a thing or two about cold beers, obviously isn't on the Coors payroll. "The Budweiser, Bud Light twins, I heard about that," Nelson said. "They don't know a lot about sports though, from what I heard. They didn't know who Dirk Nowitzki was." But they seem to be fans of Evan Eschmeyer. "Eschmeyer?" Nelson sighed. "Good grief."

Believe it or not, Wizards general manager Wes Unseld's old No. 41 Bullets jersey is the highest-selling among retired players. Surprisingly, Michael Jordan's jersey is not the top-selling one among active players. He's fourth behind Boston's Paul Pierce, Philadelphia's Allen Iverson and the Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant.

Former NBA center Will Perdue has talked with Magic personnel about a possible job as a radio color commentator for road games next season. Jeff Turner still does home games but has stopped traveling this season to spend more time with his family.

College Rumors & Notes

Mike Riley met with officials from UCLA and Alabama on Thursday to discuss the vacant head-coaching positions at each school, but representatives left town without making an offer to the Saints defensive backs coach, team officials said.

Michigan State University intensified its pursuit of Washington Redskins defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis late Monday and yesterday, pressing him to accept a $1.5 million-per-year deal to become the school's head football coach and giving indications that he would remain free to explore NFL head coaching opportunities while with the Spartans.

South Florida coach Jim Leavitt was thrust to the forefront of the Alabama coaching search Tuesday when he met with Crimson Tide representatives in Tampa. Leavitt told the Times late Tuesday he had "casual conversations with some Alabama officials, and that's all." Leavitt declined to say with whom he spoke, but the Mobile Register reported today that Alabama athletic director Mal Moore was among the representatives.

With college coaching jobs opening by the day, Walt Harris' name has been thrown out as a potential candidate for several positions. But neither Harris nor athletic director Steve Pederson had been contacted about any of those vacancies as early as Tuesday afternoon, when Harris left Pittsburgh for the 2002 College Football Hall of Fame inductions in New York.

Kentucky athletics director Mitch Barnhart wants to have a new football coach in place by Christmas to replace Guy Morriss, who left the Wildcats for Baylor.

University of Wisconsin football coach Barry Alvarez has already lost one assistant, with secondary coach Ron Cooper set to be introduced Wednesday as the new defensive coordinator at Mississippi State University. It appears Alvarez could lose a second assistant, according to a Journal Sentinel source. Tight ends coach Paul Chryst, who like Cooper joined the Wisconsin staff last winter, would be a leading candidate to work for Mike Riley, his former boss in college and the National Football League. Riley, in his first season as assistant head coach with the New Orleans Saints, reportedly interviewed Tuesday with UCLA officials for their vacant head-coaching position.

Tennessee defensive coordinator John Chavis and running backs coach Woody McCorvey have been mentioned as potential candidates for the East Carolina head coaching job.

Temple defensive lineman Dan Klecko was named the Big East Conference defensive player of the year yesterday. The coaches who vote on the award - from Larry Coker of Miami, to Syracuse's Paul Pasqualoni, to Frank Beamer of Virginia Tech, to Pittsburgh's Walt Harris, to Tom O'Brien of Boston College - all raved about the 6-foot-1, 276-pound lineman who led the Big East in sacks.

Miami might be known as ''Quarterback U,'' but with apologies to Southern California, the Hurricanes are quickly becoming home to star running backs. Tuesday, Pompano Beach Ely star Tyrone Moss orally committed to Miami, saying he wanted to be part of a system that has produced such recent standouts as Edgerrin James, James Jackson, Clinton Portis and Heisman Trophy candidate Willis McGahee.

Is the Orange Bowl wrong when it counts on the entire state of Iowa going to Miami? Apparently the entire state already had made plans to spend New Year's in L.A. for the Rose Bowl. Last week, before the BCS bowl decisions were made, the Iowa athletic department had received 17,000 requests for Rose Bowl tickets . . . and 12 for the Orange.

With Peach Bowl ticket sales slower than anticipated, Maryland football coach Ralph Friedgen has sent an e-mail urging members of the athletic department's primary booster club to buy tickets whether they plan to attend the game or not, saying, "Our future bowl participation may be determined by our fans' attendance."

Eleven NBA scouts dropped by Tuesday night at the Allstate Arena to watch Ohio University forward Brandon Hunter. He is a 6-foot-7-inch, 260-pound All-American candidate who was averaging 23.7 points with 11.7 rebounds and shooting 63.4 percent.

Odd Notes & Stuff

Center Igor Larionov denied remarks attributed to him by Sport-Express, a Russian sports newspaper, that reported Larionov was disappointed about lack of playing time and said the Wings missed Scotty Bowman.

Christy Martin, who at one point threatened not to fight because of the money issue, said she wasn't paid for her fight against Mia St. John at the Silverdome, and she sued promoter Peter Klamka of Ann Arbor in federal court Tuesday, seeking $300,000.

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