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Big Ben's Thursday Rumors & Notes

Baseball Rumors & Notes

The Los Angeles Dodgers, last in the National League in runs scored, have become obvious targets in the Rangers' attempts to trade Juan Gonzalez. The Rangers have not given up on the possibility of trading Gonzalez even though he turned down a trade to the Montreal Expos last week. Gonzalez, who has a no-trade clause in his contract, also said he would keep an "open mind" if another trade came up.

The Braves' front office is confident the lineup will snap out of its recent offensive malaise, but it doesn't plan to stand pat with its faltering pitching staff. The Braves may be interested in the Yankees' Jeff Weaver, Pittsburgh's Kris Benson, and have long admired Montreal's Javier Vazquez. Texas' Ismael Valdes could be another possibility.

The Dodgers continue to explore many trade options in an attempt to bolster their struggling offense, including possibly re-acquiring outfielder Raul Mondesi, a Dodger official said.

Rockies closer Jose Jimenez remains available for trade, though he hasn't attracted much interest because of the $1.74 million remaining on his contract.

Cubs GM Jim Hendry may have to answer two hard questions this month. Would he trade second-base prospect Bobby Hill , whom he drafted in the second round in 1999 when he was in charge of the Cubs' draft? And if necessary, would he trade pitching prospect Juan Cruz to San Diego to get third baseman Mark Loretta, a .280-to-.290 hitter?

Teams in contention might be interested in veteran bats on the Rays such as Ben Grieve, Travis Lee and Al Martin or pitchers Joe Kennedy and Al Levine. "I wouldn't be surprised, quite frankly, if Chuck didn't start getting some calls on some of our pitchers," Lou Piniella said. "I wouldn't be surprised at all. And that might be a way we can help ourselves position player-wise."

Reds general manager Jim Bowden does not address trades specifically, but he shot down a report that the Reds were talking about trading Adam Dunn and Scott Sullivan to the Florida Marlins for Brad Penny and Luis Castillo. "We're not going to trade Dunn or (Austin) Kearns," Bowden said.

The Orioles could pursue a free agent such as Oakland's Miguel Tejada, or decide on Jerry Hairston and Brian Roberts as their double-play combination. They also could take advantage of the increased trade value of both players.

Just because the Red Sox moved Byung-Hyun Kim into the closer role doesn't mean Boston is no longer interested in Armando Benitez. The Red Sox, who abandoned their closer-by-committee concept by shifting Kim from the starting rotation to the bullpen, are considering Benitez as a setup man, a source said yesterday.

The White Sox could pay a big price to the Rangers for OF Carl Everett. Texas will pick from a pool of top White Sox prospects. The biggest name on the list, according to the source, is outfielder Anthony Webster, whom Baseball America ranked as the organization's No. 3 prospect.

Rangers pitcher Chan Ho Park will stop throwing for a month and go on a back-strengthening rehabilitation program recommended by Dr. Yamiel Kleen, a Colorado physiatrist (a physician emphasizing rehabilitation and a holistic approach to medicine). The program will address some muscular weakness and structural chances in Park's back. It's unlikely that Park will pitch again this season.

Armando Benitez, in the final year of a contract that pays him $6.937 million this season, is the next likely candidate to be shipped off for prospects, as Alomar was to the White Sox.

He was involved in the debates and ultimately the agreement, but that doesn't mean Twins infielder Denny Hocking tolerated it any better when it was his turn for random drug testing Wednesday. "I go in, and the guy says, 'You here to get tested?' I said, 'I'm here to have my privacy invaded,' " said Hocking, who doubles as the Twins' union representative. "I'm sure for anybody, to have to pee in a Dixie cup with somebody watching you is embarrassing. To me, it's a flat-out invasion of your privacy."

Did you know? Rocco Baldelli of Tampa Bay became the 23rd rookie to reach 100 hits before the All-Star break. Lou Piniella was one of the other 22.

Cliff Floyd's sore right Achilles is getting worse by the day, and the Mets outfielder is now seriously considering surgery. Floyd said before last night's game that his leg felt "terrible" and he is planning to discuss his medical options with interim GM Jim Duquette over the All-Star break.

The revamping of the Red Sox bullpen took another significant step yesterday, when veteran reliever Todd Jones was added to the mix after being released by the Colorado Rockies.

While the Orioles consider making a three-year contract offer to starter Sidney Ponson, he prefers to let his agent, Barry Praver, take care of business while he concentrates on pitching. Ponson said he doesn't read the papers to keep up on negotiations. "I cannot be commenting on something and put my [butt] in the line of fire," he said.

The Cubs signed former White Sox catcher Josh Paul to a minor-league deal Wednesday. Paul might be first in line for a recall from Class AAA Iowa if there is an injury to Cubs catchers Damian Miller or Paul Bako.

Sammy Sosa is all but assured a spot in the starting National League All-Star lineup and he has his Japanese fans to thank for it. According to the Dallas Morning News, a huge influx of Internet votes from Japan last week not only aided Japanese players Ichiro Suzuki and Hideki Matsui but Sosa as well. Suzuki posted a one-week gain of 913,669 votes in the latest tabulations, surging from fifth place to first overall among major-league players.

Sports Illustrated, in the edition that hit newsstands yesterday, surveyed 550 major-leaguers on a variety of topics. Phillies manager Larry Bowa, the city of Philadelphia and the Vet didn't exactly get a favorable rating from the survey. Players named Bowa the majors' worst manager, while the Vet was selected as the majors' second-worst stadium, behind Montreal's Olympic Stadium. In addition, Philadelphia fans were voted third-worst (behind New York and Montreal), and Philadelphia was named the third-worst road city, behind Detroit and Milwaukee.

Braves 1B Robert Fick is known as "Mr. Clean" in the Atlanta clubhouse. "I take five showers a day. The guys really get on me about it, too. I shower before batting practice, and then I shower before the game. I like putting my uniform on when I'm all clean. People think I'm all dirty but I'm probably the cleanest guy here," Fick Said.

Dusty Baker said reliever Antonio Alfonseca will remain in his setup role, in spite of his recent problems. "That's his job," Baker said. "Until last week, he was doing an excellent job. I wasn't crazy about [using him Tuesday], but that was a move I had to make."

David Wells said it made no difference to him that he would be starting on extra rest Friday. A self-proclaimed Yankees historian, he also said he didn't care about pitching against the team's chief rivals on the Fourth of July, their first meeting on that day since 1983 when Dave Righetti threw his no-hitter. Apparently in hopes of winning the Apathetic Triple Crown, Wells also said he doesn't care if he gets selected for the AL All-Star team. "Nope, nope," Wells said when asked if he'd thought about his chances to make it.

Brian Giles is the clear choice to be the Pirates All-star.

After a bullpen session Wednesday, Royals right-hander Runelvys Hernandez said there was less tightness in his forearm area. That problem developed as he was rehabbing from right elbow inflammation. "I think I'll be able to start in Anaheim," he said. The Royals will open a three-game series in Anaheim next Tuesday.

How bad is the Metrodome turf? Doug Mientkiewicz said it would prevent the team from being able to attract high-profile free agents. "It's going to be hard to get free agents and older, established players, because they're not going to want to play on the Metrodome turf," Mientkiewicz said. "That stuff will take years off your career.

Former Boston hurler Rolando Arrojo, who opened a bakery in St. Petersburg last season, sent over some samples to the visitors clubhouse. Arrojo is on the suspended list of the Columbus Clippers following a disagreement with the Yankees' top affiliate regarding the interpretation of an injury.

By all accounts, Tigers owner Mike Ilitch is embarrassed by what he's seen this season. He should be. Ilitch bought the team in August 1992. Since the first full season of his ownership, the Tigers have the worst record in baseball. But as bad as most of his previous Tigers teams have been (remember 1996?), this one is the worst. And unless there's a dramatic turnaround, the 2003 Tigers will own a record for losing that might never be matched.

There's a report floating around that claims the Tampa Bay Devil Rays are the most successful team in baseball based on dividing the payroll by the number of victories. This is a wonderful example of how evil statistics can be.

Carl Everett of the White Sox is the man who is on record as questioning whether astronauts actually walked on the moon and said: "God created the sun, the stars, the heavens and the earth, and then made Adam and Eve. The Bible never says anything about dinosaurs. You can't say there were dinosaurs when you never saw them. Someone actually saw Adam and Eve. No one ever saw a Tyrannosaurus rex.'' As for dinosaur bones? "Made by man.''

"Do I look like I am insane? Do I look like a man that wants to be tortured?" - Montreal manager Frank Robinson, emphatically answering whether struggling pitcher Sun-Woo Kim would be starting again any time soon.

At least 20 people were injured when a crowded escalator suddenly accelerated at Coors Field after a Colorado Rockies game last night, fire officials said. Assistant Fire Chief Larry Trujillo said most of the injuries were fractures, cuts and bruises. He said none appeared to be critical. The escalator was carrying fans from the upper level of the stadium to the street after a game that was followed by a fireworks show.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson sat near the Twins' dugout in Chicago, shaking players' hands as they went to the on-deck circle.

Although Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick made a pitch to department stores to come in and tear down Tiger Stadium, there are a couple of groups still hopeful of bringing minor-league baseball to the Corner. It might work now because the Tigers are so bad. But if the Tigers turn the franchise around and start winning, will fans support a minor-league team?

NFL Rumors & Notes

Rams wide receiver Torry Holt is back home in North Carolina, working out in preparation for the start of training camp next month. Meanwhile, Holt's agent, Greg Williams, continues to work on securing a new contract for his Pro Bowl client.

Negotiations between the Bucs and the representative for defensive tackle Anthony McFarland have hit a snag, agent Karl Bernard said Wednesday. With the basic parameters of a six-year deal in place, Bernard said he and the Bucs appear to have a significant disagreement over the disbursement of the money. Terms of the proposed deal were not disclosed.

The Jets have spoken with the agent for veteran defensive tackle Bernard Whittington and may sign him as a replacement for the suspended Josh Evans. Whittington -- 6-5 and 295 pounds -- played with the Cincinnati Bengals for the past two seasons after seven seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. He made a free-agent visit to the Jets two years ago but opted to sign with the Bengals.

The Bucs took a look at Georgia Tech running back Tony Hollings, who will be available in the supplemental draft. Hollings said he'd like to be picked by Tampa Bay, not only because of the team's success, but for the opportunity to step in and play..

Despite the breakout year Marc Bulger had as the Rams quarterback in 2002, Kurt Warner goes into the 2003 season with his health and the starting job.

The Cowboys could make a play for Georgia Tech running back Tony Hollings in the July 10 supplemental draft. Hollings, who was declared academically ineligible after the spring semester, tops a list of six players to have declared for the draft. According to a source, the Cowboys are very interested in Hollings.

Like the Terminator, some things never die. Quarterback Jeff George is rumored to be an option for Seattle if Trent Dilfer doesn't come back soon enough from the Achilles tendon injury he suffered last season.

Losing does have its positive side. Minnesota Vikings WR Randy Moss, known to take a play or two off during a game and never a role model where practice is concerned, for the first time as a pro worked on weights and sharpening his game this off-season. He had in the past tinkered with semipro basketball and other nonsense.

The Eagles don't have a single defensive end who weighs more than 290 pounds; most of them are more like 270. However, defensive coordinator Jim Johnson favors a 4-3 with speed and uses blitzing to confuse the opponents' blocking schemes.

According to the NFL, a little more than 40 percent of rookies have not earned four-year degrees. However, 75 percent of those who haven't graduated are within a year of earning a diploma.

Lions President Matt Millen is recovering from surgery to repair a degenerative disc in his lower back. The operation was Monday at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. Millen was released Tuesday.

Former Browns defensive coordinator Foge Fazio will be an analyst on CBS Radio/Westwood One college football games this fall.

NBA Rumors & Notes

Karl Malone met with Laker General Manager Mitch Kupchak on Wednesday, becoming the first of what could be several free agents to come through Los Angeles in the next week or so.

There won't be any Kevin Garnett deal for the Nets, the one thing that would have had Jason Kidd running into Rod Thorn's office to sign a long-term contract. That was all but ruled out yesterday by several parties, including Garnett's agent, Andy Miller. He only talks to Minnesota VP Kevin McHale a minimum of three times a day. While Miller is not privy to trade talks, McHale did tell him recently, "Unless we're getting Shaq back, KG's not going anywhere."

The Nuggets' top two targets are believed to be Golden State's Gilbert Arenas and the Los Angeles Clippers' Andre Miller, both of whom have shown interest in Denver. New Jersey all-star Jason Kidd is considered a longshot and more likely to sign with a top contender.

Clipper power forward Elton Brand has received a five-year contract offer at about $65 million, but he hasn't decided whether to accept or wait for a longer-term deal from the team. The salary figures are the same for the first five seasons of a so-called "max-out" seven-year deal.

The Magic had targeted Speedy Claxton in their search for a point guard long before the free-agency courting period started Tuesday. He is scheduled to visit today.

If the Bulls do strike out with Scottie Pippen, they already are making alternate plans. Steve Kauffman, the agent for Ira Newble, confirmed the Bulls have asked his client to visit. The meeting will take place next week. Pippen is a more exciting name than Newble, but Newble is the type of tough, defensive-minded forward the Bulls are seeking.

The Cavs are interested in New Orleans free agent forward Jerome Moiso. Moiso averaged 4.0 points per game during the regular season. According to a league source, the Cavs are seeking to trade Chris Mihm and Darius Miles. The same source also said that the Cavs have turned down trade offers for Ricky Davis.

Among the players the Knicks contacted were centers Rasho Nesterovic and Brad Miller, whom the Knicks have no chance of getting unless there is a nuclear winter for free agents, as Dallas owner Mark Cuban predicts; forward Lamar Odom of the Clippers, who is restricted, and therefore likely to stay in L.A.; and point guard Andre Miller, who is also unobtainable.

Aaron Goodwin arrived in Cleveland yesterday morning to complete negotiations between his client, LeBron James, and the Cavaliers. It hasn't been easy. Goodwin has concerns on how the Cavs plan to use James in promotions and during the two summer leagues. James could miss time in the summer league in Boston if he accepts an invitation to attend ESPN's ESPY Awards on July 16 in Hollywood.

Yugoslavian point guard Milos Vujanic the Knicks guard of the future could stay with his new Italian team for two years after signing a contract that contains no opt-out clause after one season.

The Bulls offer to Scottie Pippen could include a front office position.

Sam Cassell knows he's part of an organizational plan to show Garnett that the Wolves should be his long-term future. Garnett has one year left on his six-year, $126 million contract. "They must step up since Kevin can be a free agent,'' Cassell said. "They are trying to say, 'Hey, we're trying to put together a team around you,' so when he wakes up in the morning, he'll feel good about going to war with it. That's why Kevin McHale and Flip Saunders are doing things like acquiring me and doing some other things.''

Speedy Claxton has a visit to Orlando scheduled for today. There is a possibility of future trips to Seattle, Utah, Denver, Washington, Cleveland and Detroit. "There are a lot of teams interested," Claxton said.

Nets president Rod Thorn said the team has expressed an interest in Dallas free agent Walt Williams.

If the Bucks are unable to re-sign free-agent point guard Gary Payton, T.J. Ford might be thrown into the fire right away. Bucks coach George Karl is known for not playing rookies very much. But unless the Bucks either sign Payton or another veteran point guard, Ford might be their only option to start. Ford considers that a win-win situation.

Luke Ridnour knew something was wrong, but he continued to audition for NBA teams despite the pain in his midsection. He believed the injury was a mild abdominal strain, but an MRI test has revealed an avulsion fracture of the pelvic bone that will delay the start of his Sonics career.

Jay Williams moved his left foot in such a way that suggests major nerve damage has been averted, Williams' agent, Bill Duffy, told Sports Illustrated. Nerve damage was considered one of the reasons to fear Williams, 21, would never play again after crashing his motorcycle on June 19.

When the Timberwolves traded for Sam Cassell last week, somebody asked coach Flip Saunders if Troy Hudson would remain his starting point guard. Those things evolve, Saunders said. Cassell arrived in Minneapolis on Wednesday, passed his physical exam and declared himself not a big believer in the theory of evolution. "I don't think they want me here to bring me off the bench," Cassell said.

Donnie Walsh has started talking with representatives for free agents in whom he has interest. One of his early conversations was with Bill Neff, agent for point guard Kevin Ollie.

Larry Drew, still under contract to the Wizards but out of the picture with Phil Hubbard's hiring, could end up with the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Knicks could hire John Starks as an assistant coach on Don Chaney's coaching staff.

DerMarr Johnson who was injured in a car accident while with the Hawks will play for the Grizzlies summer league team.

Former Clipper Ike Austin will be playing for the Mavericks in the sumer pro league. An eight-year NBA veteran who also played in France and Turkey, Austin averaged 18 points and nine rebounds in 25 minutes per game this past season in China.

Moses Malone Jr. is on the 76ers roster for rookie free agent camp. Philadelphia also signed center Todd Fuller.

What ever happened to former Bullets 7'7" center Gheorghe Muresan??

The Pistons want a healthy and productive Zeljko Rebraca on the roster next season. For that to happen, the 7-foot Yugoslavian center would likely need a surgical procedure to eliminate an irregular heartbeat that sidelined him for 49 games last season.

College Rumors & Notes

With the University of Miami officially added to the Atlantic Coast Conference, T.K. Wetherell believes now is the time to tackle another football power. ''We need to go after Notre Dame, and we need to do it quickly. As far as I'm concerned, it ought to be No. 1 on the agenda,'' said the Florida State president this week.

Nothing is forever. But Notre Dame's position in football may come closer to that than anything else in college sports. Notre Dame remains anchored as an independent. "I don't know if anyone can guarantee that will hold for another 80 years, but that has been a very important aspect of our athletic and university culture," John Heisler, associate athletic director at Notre Dame, said Wednesday.

Big East commissioner Mike Tranghese promises to act appropriately and professionally when courting two teams from other conferences to replace Miami and Virginia Tech. Louisville and Cincinnati, members of Conference USA, have indicated they would consider a move to the Big East. But both also indicated they would do so only through the intervention of Conference USA Commissioner Britton Banowsky.

Odd Notes & Stuff

Wings GM Ken Holland learned he was losing his leading scorer Sergei Fedorov as he was making calls on other unrestricted free agents. Sources said defenseman Derian Hatcher was the Wings' top target. And the Wings' chances of nabbing him were increasing.

Former UC Irvine coach Rod Baker, 51, now is the head coach and vice president of basketball operations for the Harlem Globetrotters.

Tennis player's have talked about a Grand Slam Boycott. ATP chair Mark Miles would like the Slams to allot a greater portion of their revenue toward prize money, player promotion and pensions. Meetings between the groups will start on Thursday, but Miles's success will depend in part on how much support he really has in his threat to stage an "alternate event" if Slam officials don't capitulate.

Of the 150 caddies at this week's U.S. Women's Open in North Plains, Ore., only about 15 are women. Just three of the top 50 golfers on tour regularly use women as their caddies. The Caddying Hall of Fame has yet to induct a female member. Women golfers have carved out a niche in the golf world. But so far, women caddies have been excluded.

Boxer Evander Holyfield was married in a quiet ceremony Tuesday afternoon at the Fayette County Courthouse. Fayette County Probate Judge Martha Stephenson said Holyfield, 40, and Candi Calvana Smith came into the office Tuesday to apply for a marriage license. Smith, who turned 24 on Tuesday, listed her occupation as "student." It's Holyfield's third marriage.

Tony Stewart previously had denied he was seriously affected by the gas, but NASCAR chief technical officer Gary Nelson found evidence of exhaust leaks inside Stewart's car last year. Now Stewart uses the new device and said he feels markedly better after races.

The Greek Orthodox Church is taking exception to an Athens city council petition urging the government to increase prostitution licenses before the 2004 Olympics.

Lance Armstrong says not much has changed since his 2002 Tour de France victory. Over the past year, he rode the same races and abused his body with the same training drills. He is sticking with all but one of the U.S. Postal Service teammates who helped him win a year ago -- his fourth consecutive Tour de France title. Even his marriage, rocked by a short separation, has been patched.

FIFA's executive committee has decided that soccer players must keep their shirts on during games and banned all celebratory post-goal stripping.

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