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Big Ben's Saturday Rumors & Notes

Baseball Rumors & Notes

White Sox general manager Ken Williams confirmed Friday he is open to dealing two-time MVP Frank Thomas. But Williams also cautioned that a trade isn't likely. That has more to do with Williams' insistence on getting prime talent in return than Thomas' ability to veto any trade because of his 10-and-5 rights. The Dodgers and Orioles might be the only teams that could provide a match. Both are looking for first basemen and have the resources to offer Thomas an extension.

Talks between the Pirates and San Diego Padres about catcher Jason Kendall may have resumed. Padres GM Kevin Towers covets Kendall for his durability and hard-nosed style of play. It is believed the Padres would trade Ramon Hernandez and Terrance Long, who hit .245 with 14 home runs and 61 RBIs, for Kendall as long as the Pirates pay a portion of the $42 million Kendall is owed over the next four years.

The trade rumor that had Nomar Garciaparra and Trot Nixon headed to Philadelphia, Bobby Abreu to Boston, and Jimmy Rollins to Texas is science fiction. It had Phillies officials laughing

Astros OF Richard Hidalgo remains on the trade market, and at least three clubs have shown mild to serious interest in him. The Red Sox, Mets and Mariners were interested last month, but the Red Sox are no longer interested, and the Mets and Mariners are only slightly intrigued now. Geoff Blum, who split time at third base with Morgan Ensberg this past season, likely will be traded. There are about six teams with mild to high interest in Blum.

The Atlanta Braves are expected to pursue a deal for Cardinals right fielder J.D. Drew, a native of Georgia. The Braves are no longer overstocked with pitching but are willing to deal lefthander Jason Marquis.

The Orioles have emerged as the clear front-runners to land free-agent catcher Javy Lopez, team and industry sources said yesterday, though the situation could change today, once his agent arrives at the winter meetings.

Cubs GM Jim Hendry is borrowing one of Dusty Baker's hunting techniques and laying quietly in the weeds. He wants to see if the market shrinks so much on either Javy Lopez or Pudge Rodriguez that one of them is forced to accept a cut-rate contract, perhaps as late as January. These delaying tactics also give Hendry http://www.suntimes.com/output/cubs/cst-spt-cub13.htmltime to see if the Montreal Expos decline to offer catcher Michael Barrett a contract by the Dec. 20 deadline.

Now come the rumblings that Magglio Ordonez might go Hollywood now that the Dodgers have freed up some $18 million after the Brown deal, leaving them in better position than the Sox to absorb the $14 million Ordonez will make this upcoming season. But the Sox would want an offensive replacement in return, and the Dodgers' trade bait, Paul Lo Duca, would not fill any of their needs. The Sox also are said to want some pitching prospects, such as Edwin Jackson and Greg Miller, but those players are deemed untouchable, and requesting them reportedly has ended a number of deals the Dodgers could have made.

Red Sox GM Theo Epstein and Nomar Garciaparra's agent, Arn Tellem, have resumed negotiations without any lingering acrimony after the flare-up earlier in the week involving Henry and Tellem. The Sox dropped their four-year offer to Garciaparra from $60 million in March to $48 million last month. Talks are likely to intensify when Tellem arrives in New Orleans tomorrow or Monday.Amid some reports that the Ramirez-for-Rodriguez deal was kaput, sources said the teams were expected to continue to talk this weekend, though the final outcome remains in the hands of Henry and Hicks.

San Diego GM Kevin Towers felt he was near completion of a deal for left-hander Sterling Hitchcock, who fell on difficult and peculiar times with the New York Yankees after getting traded away by the Padres in 2001.

Cubs GM Jim Hendry discussed trade possibilities for Randall Simon and had preliminary talks with agents regarding free-agent outfielders and relievers, but termed it a "slow day" overall. Hendry did meet with the agent of St. Louis outfielder Orlando Palmeiro, a left-handed hitting outfielder who plays solid defense and hit .271 in 317 at-bats.

Marlins GM Larry Beinfest said he spoke by phone with agents for two pitchers Friday, although he declined to name the players. Mike Powers, who represents former All-Star closer Armando Benitez, confirmed he was one of the two, though he did not characterize his short discussion with Beinfest as serious.

The Mets have had discussions with the Padres about Terrance Long, whom they would love to acquire for Roger Cedeno. They also have revived a potential trade that would bring them Koch, perhaps in exchange for relief pitcher David Weathers. The White Sox have no interest in Cedeno.

Though the Cardinals are still interested in free agent second baseman Roberto Alomar, they have been unable to contact his agent, Jaime Torres. They have targeted free agents Eric Young and Ron Belliard as alternatives.

Petco Park is precisely why the Padres are so intent on competing for the services of free-agent Mike Cameron, who last night met with Towers and Padres manager Bruce Bochy and talked via telephone with club President John Moores.

Greg Maddux, who lives in Las Vegas, would like to pitch closer to home as he goes for his 300th victory. But San Diego and San Francisco don't have the money to give Maddux anything near the $14.5 million he made last season with the Braves. Despite its cost cutting, Arizona could be a suitor for Maddux if the team could trade high-priced closer Mike Mantei . Maddux, who is represented by Scott Boras , could replace Curt Schilling and follow Randy Johnson in the Diamondbacks' rotation.

If a team like the Los Angeles Dodgers now has the financial flexibility to add a player like Nomar Garciaparra to its payroll, then maybe the Dodgers would be willing to take on the majority of Manny Ramirez' deal, too. Now that would be a dream scenario: Garciaparra signed through 2008 at roughly $10 million per year less than A-Rod; Manny in Los Angeles; the financial flexibility to sign Keith Foulke and Player X, all while keeping the Red Sox under the $120 million luxury tax threshold.

Cardinals GM Walt Jocketty met at length Friday morning with Scott Boras, the agent for four-time Cy Young Award winner Greg Maddux and lefthander Kenny Rogers. He also spoke for about 90 minutes with the Beverly Hills Sports Council, a four-man team that represents Jeff Suppan and, coincidentally, Albert Pujols.

The Orioles have apparently rekindled their interest in Sidney Ponson after some of the recent developments on the free-agent front.

George Steinbrenner hasn't listened to many people lately, but his lieutenants are telling him the Yankees would be a better team with Vladimir Guerrero rather than Gary Sheffield in right field.

If the Red Sox don't get Keith Foulke, they are expected to deploy Scott Williamson as their closer and likely focus Foulke's money toward second base. ``There's no Plan B, so to speak,'' Epstein said of free-agent closers. He said the Sox might elect to hold off until the contract-tendering date of Dec. 20 before settling on a second baseman. The Sox have made an offer to free agent Tony Graffanino, while Minnesota's Luis Rivas and Houston's Geoff Blum might become available in a week.

Twins GM Terry Ryan and other team officials shot down the hot rumor of the day that suggested the Twins and Arizona Diamondbacks were discussing a trade of outfielder Jacque Jones for Arizona closer Matt Mantei Ryan said he hadn't talked with Arizona about anything.

Cleveland GM Mark Shapiro says he'll have $15 million to $25 million to spend next winter on the Indians. If that is the case, and an Internet rumor says the Indians are close to signing a big-money free agent, it may have some credence. Yesterday, however, Shapiro scoffed at a Web site rumor saying the Indians were close to signing free-agent outfielder Vladimir Guerrero to a four-year, $60 million contract.

If Seattle RHP Freddy Garcia is non-tendered, the Mets would be interested in signing him as a free agent. The Mets considered trading for Garcia, but are worried that he'd cost too much in arbitration.

The Reds are interested in starters Jeff Suppan and Sterling Hitchcock who are free agents. Freddy Garcia is clearly on the block and could be a free agent should Seattle not offer him arbitration. All three are veterans and relatively affordable.

Jeff Borris, an agent with the Beverly Hills Sports Council, said the Twins have expressed interest in righthanded starting pitcher Jeff Suppan and lefthanded reliever Arthur Rhodes.

Manager Lou Piniella said the Rays want to sign the hitter first because they will then know what complementary players they need and how much they have left to spend from the $7.5-million or so they have remaining for additional players. If they can't afford Carl Everett, Jose Cruz is likely to be a more realistic option than Juan Gonzalez, though both are attracting interest from numerous clubs.

The Rays have had discussions about bringing back Marlon Anderson (who otherwise would be non-tendered Dec. 20), but are considering other options, specifically Todd Walker, who hit .283 with 13 homers and 85 RBIs for Boston; Pokey Reese, who missed most of Pittsburgh's season with a left hand injury, and Rey Sanchez, who hit .250 for the Mets and Mariners.

The Mets remain interested in free agent Ugueth Urbina, but he may be too costly. The Mets don't view a closer as a top priority and Urbina is looking for a three-year, $15 million deal.

Kansas City's top targets to replace outfielder Raul Ibanez are Juan Gonzalez, 34, and Raul Mondesi, 32. The Royals are also pursuing Tony Graffanino, 31, this weekend at the winter meetings to fill their need for a utility infielder. The only other players currently under contract are Mike Sweeney and Desi Relaford. Both are 30.

The Diamondbacks approached the Mariners Friday at baseball's annual winter meetings. Arizona wants to talk to talk about reacquiring first baseman Greg Colbrunn. The Diamondbacks are willing to part with switch-hitting outfielder Quinton McCracken.

The agent for left-hander Johan Santana plans to meet with team officials today or tomorrow to discuss the Twins' interest in another client, closer Ugueth Urbina, but the possibility of a multiyear contract for the arbitration-eligible Santana also is expected to be discussed for the first time.

Dodgers GM Dan Evans maintained his pursuit of a right-handed batter to bolster the Dodgers' major league-worst offense. He remains highly interested in acquiring All-Star shortstop Nomar Garciaparra of the Boston Red Sox, team sources said, and catcher Ivan Rodriguez and other high-profile free agents are viable options because the Dodgers have slashed $33.75 million from last season's $115-million payroll.

It the Braves trade for their new right fielder, it might be Georgia-native J.D. Drew rather than Jacque Jones. St. Louis has put Drew on the market and the Braves are expected to talk to the Cardinals today about a possible trade. St. Louis needs pitching and the Braves could deal once-bright prospect Jason Marquis. But the Cardinals would also want left-handed reliever Ray King, who likely isn't available.

If the Mets don't land Mike Cameron, they are expected to pursue Jay Payton, who will be non-tendered by Colorado.

The Diamondbacks offered a contract to free agent Brent Mayne, a catcher who also is considering offers from Anaheim and Colorado.

Indians GM Mark Shapiro added that none of the available middle infielders are out of the Tribe's price range. "If I don't check all these guys out, I'm not doing my job," he said. Todd Walker (Boston) and shortstop Rich Aurilia (San Francisco) are some of the more pricey middle infielders still available. The Indians have talked to Chris Stynes (Colorado), who played third base last season, but has experience at second.

Larry Bowa has a 252-233 (.520) record in three seasons as the Phillies manager, with one second-place finish and two third-place finishes in the National League East. He earned National League manager of the year honors in 2001 and remains extremely popular with fans. If the Phillies hadn't picked up the 2005 option, the doubt or uncertainty would have centered on this: Does Bowa need to make the playoffs to keep his job? Now Bowa has security. And the players in the clubhouse, some of whom haven't seen eye to eye with Bowa in the past, know it.

BoSox GM Theo Epstein said he remains committed to talking to agent Fernando Cuza during the meetings about a contract extension for Pedro Martinez. A multiyear contract for David Ortiz also is expected to be on the agenda.

Scott Boras expressed optimism that the Yankees might go after another of his pitching clients, as both Greg Maddux and Kevin Millwood are free agents. George Steinbrenner likes Maddux, but the four-time Cy Young Award winner has turned down the Yankees before.

Free-agent possibilities for the Phillies include Atlanta righthander Roberto Hernandez, Atlanta lefthander Kent Mercker, and Kansas City righthander Al Levine. The Phillies also spoke with the agent for Anaheim outfielder Eric Owens yesterday. He might be an option if the team goes with an extra bench player.

The Yanks were near a deal with Kenny Lofton with the intention of making him the regular center fielder. But agent Scott Boras said his client, Bernie Williams, would not accept regular DH duties without battling to retain his position. "He's going to fight to try to keep his job," Boras said.

The Orioles made an opening offer of five years and $65 million to RF Vladimir Guerrero -- the prize catch of this winter -- and making smaller offers to their other three primary targets, according to team and industry sources. According to those sources, the Orioles' offer to shortstop Miguel Tejada was for three years and $27 million, while their offers to catchers Javy Lopez and Ivan Rodriguez -- one of which would be pulled if the other signs with the Orioles first -- were both two- or three-year deals at between $6 million and $8 million per year.

Although the Cincinnati Reds requested medical information on Pokey Reese, they have opted not to pursue him as a free agent. Instead, the Pirates' former second baseman might be headed to Tampa Bay.

Most baseball officials expect Miguel Tejada to choose between the Mariners and Orioles, unless Detroit blows their highest offers out of the water.

The Dodgers plan to keep Jeff Weaver and trade Odalis Perez for the best hitter they can get by the end of the meetings; look for that hitter to be Paul Konerko.

Ex-Met Jay Payton is expected to be non-tendered by Colorado. Free agent Doug Glanville could platoon with Jeff Duncan. And Danny Garcia, a former college outfielder, could get a spring-training look now that he's been displaced by Reyes at second base.

Another source close to the talks said he expects Jason Kendall, who can veto any trade, to remain with the Pirates, pointing out that Kendall has taken his Ohio Township home off the market. In October, perhaps thinking he would be returning to his West Coast roots, Kendall put his house up for sale.

He isn't viewed as the answer at third base by any stretch, but the Pirates are poised to give Chris Truby a minor-league contract.

Among the pitchers the Pirates are pursuing are former Philadelphia Phillies closer Jose Mesa and former Cincinnati Reds pitcher Pete Harnisch. Some people think the Pirates might be able to sign Mesa without offering a major-league contract. Harnisch did not pitch in the majors last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery last winter.

Some baseball sources said they believe Roger Clemens will make like Michael Jordan and return. Clemens' statistics from last season - 17 wins; 33 starts; 2112/3 innings; 190 strikeouts - would have led the Astros in each of those categories. "He won 17 games last year, he can still pitch," one National League official said. "This is the perfect scenario for him to return."

Kevin Brown had in his contract four premium seats to each Dodgers home game. This issue was worked out late in the day after it first appeared to be a problem because all of the equivalent seats at Yankees Stadium already were sold. According to one official, Yankees owner George Steinbrenner gave up some of his own seats.

New Boston manager Terry Francona said he might not announce his new coaching staff until after the winter meetings next week. Pitching coach Dave Wallace, hitting coach Ron Jackson and bullpen coach Euclides Rojas will be retained. Newcomers are expected to include Montreal coach Brad Mills (bench coach) and Sox minor league instructor Lynn Jones (first base). It apparently hasn't been decided if third base coach Mike Cubbage will be brought back.

In addition to Weaver and the two prospects, who were identified by Baseball America as righthanded pitchers Yhency Brazobhan and Brandon Weeden, the Yankees would send the Dodgers $3 million.

The Tigers have made what is described as a solid offer to Miguel Tejada. Yet they can't offer him warm weather in the spring or, for now, a chance at the World Series in the fall. Applying logic -- often a risk in the baseball business -- it seems the Tigers can sign Tejada only if their offer ranks several million dollars above what he can get anywhere else.

When the Milwaukee Brewers acquired Craig Counsell from Arizona in the Richie Sexson trade a couple of weeks ago, it was assumed he was insurance in the event rookie shortstop J.J. Hardy is not ready for prime time next spring. As it turns out, Counsell is much more than an insurance policy. Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said he intended to give the 33-year-old Counsell every opportunity to win the starting shortstop job next spring.

Who Knew? There were no Yankee executives at the winter meetings yesterday. They were all conducting business from either New York or Tampa. The only team reps at the New Orleans Marriott were trainer Gene Monahan and assistant trainer Steve Donohue. ...

Red Sox GM Theo Epstein said he is confident Major League Baseball will not void Curt Schilling's contract over the first-ever inclusion of a clause in which Schilling's $13 million option for 2007 would vest at $15 million if the Sox win the World Series during his first three years with the team. "The contract will be approved," Epstein predicted, without requiring any changes

For the first time since Jason Schmidt criticized manager Felipe Alou after the Giants were bounced from the playoffs, Alou publicly addressed the sensitive issue on Friday. Schmidt had been upset about Alou's handling of the playoff rotation and lack of communication. The Game 4 starter wasn't decided until that day, and it was rookie Jerome Williams instead of Schmidt on three days' rest.

The Brewers are close to signing veteran utility man Jeff Liefer to a minor-league contract with an invitation to their spring training camp. Liefer 29, split the 2003 season between Montreal and Tampa Bay.

Larry Bowa was asked about the fact that his nephew, first baseman Nick Johnson, recently was traded from the Yankees to the Expos. "Even though he's blood, I'd rather see him coming up in the ninth inning with the game on the line than Vladimir Guerrero," Bowa said with a laugh.

Mark Gubicza must wait at least one more year to be elected to the Royals Hall of Fame after falling five votes short in this year's balloting.

NFL Rumors & Notes

Keyshawn Johnson was in New York this week on business and decided to do some apartment hunting, just in case he has a return engagement with the Jets. "It's expensive, man," he said yesterday from Los Angeles. Coach Herman Edwards and Johnson are close, although they haven't spoken since Johnson was deactivated. Johnson is eager to speak with the Jets and gauge their interest. He spent his first four seasons with the Jets after being the No. 1 overall pick in 1996.

Browns coach Butch Davis said yesterday that he's in for the long haul. When asked yesterday if he would address his players about not leaving for the University of Nebraska job, Davis said he didn't think he had to. "I didn't think it was important because no one's ever asked [me to take that job]," he said. "I think there's way too much being talked about it. No one's ever contacted me and I'm not actively pursuing [anything]. "This is where I want to finish my career. I'd like to be here for a long time." Davis is under contract through 2005 and Browns President Carmen Policy has said there have been talks about extending the deal.

Cardinals coach Dave McGinnis said that he can't allow himself to think about what his future holds. At 3-10 and with an overall record of 16-38 since taking over as Arizona's head coach in the middle of the 2000 season, McGinnis also knows the rules of pro football. "I haven't won enough games here this year and believe me, I'm the first one to know that it falls on my shoulders," McGinnis said. "I'm tremendously disappointed that I haven't been able to deliver for Mr. (Bill) Bidwell (the Cardinals' owner) and his organization. But at the same time, that does not occupy a whole lot of my thinking.

By the time the Falcons play the Bucs at Raymond James Stadium in seven days, Rich McKay likely will be the general manager of the visiting team. Because McKay officially was granted permission by the Bucs to talk with other teams Thursday, he is free to begin discussions with the Falcons immediately instead of waiting until the end of the regular season. McKay is expected to meet with Falcons owner Arthur Blank and vice president Ray Anderson at an undisclosed location by Monday. The Bucs confirmed Friday they would not seek compensation for McKay.

Pittsburgh WR Plaxico Burress anticipated much more from himself and a much more prominent role in the offense in his fourth season with the Steelers. "It's like the total opposite," he said. "You expect to come in and be a little more a part of what's going on."

Will the Patriots lose one of their well-regarded assistant coaches after the season? The answer for coordinators Romeo Crennel and Charlie Weis may come during their ``window.'' The NFL recently released guidelines detailing when assistants on playoff teams can interview for head coaching positions with other organizations. If the Pats receive a first-round bye, Weis and Crennel will be free to interview with other teams during a six-day period from Dec. 28 (the day after the Pats finale against Buffalo) to Jan. 2.

Bucs coach Jon Gruden has a history with Raiders player personnel director Mike Lombardi, but that relationship may not be as close as it once appeared. Former Packers general manager Ron Wolf, who worked with Gruden in Green Bay, might be tempted to pursue the opening. But he has been out of the league for three seasons.

Jerome McDougle said he wasn't feeling any pressure. A few minutes before he said it, Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson applied some on the rookie defensive end by saying Monday night's game against the Miami Dolphins was an important one for the team's first-round draft pick. "This is a big game for him going back home and playing on Monday Night Football," Johnson said yesterday. "We've challenged him a little bit. We expect a lot of things from Mac. I think McDougle is a guy who is eventually going to have to come along and help us."

If the Jets move John Abraham from defensive end to linebacker, it will cost him, especially if the Jets place the "franchise" tag on Abraham following next season. If that happens, he would get a one-year salary that's the average of the top five players at his position. This season, the average salary of the top five defensive ends is $7.169 million, compared to $5.614 million for a linebacker. Abraham, who becomes an unrestricted free agent after the 2004 season, could command more on the open market as a pass-rushing defensive end than a linebacker.

Jim Fassel has promised not to have a quick hook with quarterback Jesse Palmer, who tomorrow night will make his first NFL start. If it's obvious Palmer is overmatched, however, Fassel won't hesitate to bail him out with backup Jason Garrett.

Jaguars defensive end Hugh Douglas picked his old teammates, the Philadelphia Eagles, to go to the Super Bowl on the NFL Network, but he said he may turn down invitations from his old friends to join them at the Super Bowl if they make it. "I'll already be working for next year [in February]," he said.

Texans coach Dom Capers stopped short of naming David Carr his starting quarterback for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay, instead saying he would decide on game day. But Carr had his most extensive workout Friday and plans to play.

Many people around the NFL believe that Buffalo Bills coach Greg Williams will be relieved of his duties at the end of the year. The Bills are 6-7 and out of realistic playoff hope after the front office had acquired stars such as quarterback Drew Bledsoe, running back Travis Henry and linebacker Takeo Spikes.

Who Knew? Priest Holmes has 19 TDs — all rushing — meaning he needs six in the final three games to tie the NFL record for rushing scores set by Emmitt Smith of Dallas in 1995.

Offensive tackle Kyle Turley took a veiled shot at his former employer, the 6-7 New Orleans Saints. The tackle signed as a free agent with the Rams in the offseason, leaving the Saints on less-than-perfect terms. "It doesn't surprise me what's going on down there and it doesn't surprise me what's going on here," Turley said. "This organization is very professional in everything they've done and covered every base necessary to ensure that we have the best chance to produce a Super Bowl-caliber football team.

Bengals Left tackle Levi Jones did not practice Friday but "is ready to play," coach Marvin Lewis said. Still, Jones remains doubtful on the team's injury report. Scott Rehberg is expected to start at left tackle Sunday against San Francisco, but Jones could be one of Lewis' options.

Greg Garber, also from ESPN, in Indianapolis to interview Mike Vanderjagt and his Colts teammates for a piece that will be shown on "Sunday NFL Countdown," a two-hour show starting at 11 a.m. Sure, the hook is that Vanderjagt is a perfect 33-for-33 in field goals (thanks to a fortuitous penalty during the miracle comeback in Tampa Bay) and 37-for-37 in extra points. But the past is always with us. "You have to ask the question," Garber said in a telephone interview earlier this week. "In some small way, can he take credit for shaking this team up?" Garber was in town Wednesday, and found many Colts willing to address just that question, on camera. Their answer, to a man: No.

The Patriots re-signed Ken Walter Thursday, 10 days after waiving him. Walter, 31, had a punting average of 37.9 yards -- which was last in the NFL. Patriots vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli phoned Walter's agent, Paul Sheehy, and welcomed the former Cleveland Browns ballboy back into the family. But the opportunity isn't permanent.

The Bears revealed Friday that Rex Grossman's blind side will be vulnerable. Left tackle Mike Gandy missed his third straight practice with a right shoulder injury suffered late in the fourth quarter against Green Bay. Coach Dick Jauron didn't sound optimistic when saying Gandy's status will be a "game-time decision." If 6-foot-6-inch, 355-pound Qasim Mitchell makes his first NFL start in place of Gandy, it will break Gandy's streak of 18 starts at left tackle and 24 straight on the Bears' offensive line.

Coach Steve Mariucci has done his best to deflect blame from this year's Lions team, arguing that very few players were even on the team when the 22 game road losing streak began in 2001. ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski had another explanation. "There's no mystery why they lose on the road," Jaworski said. "It's the same reason they lose at home. The Detroit Lions are a bad football team."

Packers CB Mike McKenzie has been held accountable for just two penalties all year, one for illegal contact against San Francisco and one for a late hit at Detroit. He hasn't once been flagged for pass interference.

Rex Grossman shrugs off comparisons to the rest of the Gators alums dotting rosters around the league, but he does put himself in a trio that includes former Bears Shane Matthews and Danny Wuerffel when he says Palmer and Atlanta backup Doug Johnson ''are good quarterbacks, but they didn't, in my opinion, have the success the three of us did at Florida.''

Who Knew? The Detroit Lions have started the same offensive line in all 13 games this season. As a result, left tackle Jeff Backus, left guard Eric Beverly, center Dominic Raiola, right guard Ray Brown and right tackle Stockar McDougle have allowed an NFL-low nine sacks. And the Lions are 4-9?

Redskins VP of football operations Vinny Cerrato, for his part, conceded it has been difficult to gauge Regan Upshaw's play. "It's hard to tell because he's played so much at left end, which he never played," Cerrato said. "You like the way he hustles and his attitude and his passion for the game. What we saw on film last year, we thought he had good pass-rush ability. But he just hasn't had a lot of opportunities at the spot he's played forever. I guess we feel like he can [produce]. We'll just see."

Pats coach Bill Belichick raved about the work done by offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia, calling him "one of the best coaches I've ever worked with. I feel like I've worked with a lot of good ones, but he's outstanding. He's done an outstanding job with that group. He's a great teacher. A great tactician. He makes very good in-game adjustments. He does an outstanding job with young players and veterans."

Jerry Rice led the NFL in receiving yards (1,570) and touchdowns (15) in 1986, just his second season, while Ravens cornerback Gary Baxter was in the second grade. Rice went on to become one of the NFL's most prolific receivers, while Baxter grew up playing the video game version of Rice on Nintendo. Now Baxter will line up against Rice, and he promises not to be in awe.

It’s a statistic Andy Reid likes to trot out just about every time yet another undrafted free agent makes his team or contributes on a Sunday. "Remember, about 21 percent of the starters in the National Football League are college free agents," the Eagles head coach said again this week.

Despite the absence of several starters, the Redskins offensive line seems to have silenced some of its critics in the past several games. After giving up 29 sacks in the first nine games -- an average of 3.2 -- the Redskins have allowed just seven in their past four games.

L.J. Smith's goal was to prove people wrong, prove that a guy out of hapless Rutgers could play ball with the boys from Miami and Florida State. In 13 games with the Eagles, the 23-year-old tight end out of New Brunswick, N.J., has done just that. Smith is tough, durable, sure-handed and fast. He has three more catches, 46 more yards and one more touchdown than veteran Chad Lewis.

Don't win the lottery, but maybe win two Jaguars' tickets. That's the offer from the Florida Lottery for players who have non-winning lottery tickets. Alfred Bea, a spokesman for the lottery, and Jaguars Senior Vice President Dan Connell announced the lottery has purchased 350 tickets for the final home game against the New Orleans Saints on Dec. 21 and will give them away to fans.

NBA Rumors & Notes

As much as he may have vowed not to give in over the last month, Raef LaFrentz agreed after last night's game to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Monday. Though LaFrentz said the procedure to repair a tendon separated from the bone is considered minor surgery, it will effectively end his season. Recovery and rehabilitation is expected to last four months.

Already thin in the frontcourt, Kevin McHale said the Wolves are going to start bringing in possible replacements today when the team travels to Boston. There's talk of the Wolves trying to pull off a trade, but it's unlikely because they have little to offer. Possible players include Reggie Slater, Jason Collier and Brandon Kurtz, all cut by the Wolves in training camp. The absence of Olowokandi also puts more pressure on the Wolves to get rebounds. The Wolves are also without Mark Madsen, meaning Ervin Johnson and Gary Trent are going to have to help forward Kevin Garnett in the paint.

Marcus Camby returns to New York for the first time as a Denver Nugget tonight. Camby said that he's "got a lot of love in New York -- every day in the summer, people were telling me how much they miss me and they were upset about the trade, but my situation is great right now."

Willis Reed thinks highly of Rasheed Wallace's talent. But the former Knick great laughed off Wallace's contention that the NBA is racist. Yesterday, Reed shot cannonballs through Wallace's theory that the league has a racially motivated policy of drafting poorly educated black teenagers. "I know this: it has nothing to do with the NBA policy, it has to do with the NBA trying to get the best players," Reed told The Post after watching the Knicks practice. "That's all everybody's trying to do. This is a talent league."

Outside jump shots seem to annoy Pistons coach Larry Brown, especially when they come on the fast break or early in the shot clock. He's looking for lay-ups and free throw attempts, that's why Zeljko Rebraca, strictly an inside player, could be in line for more playing time now that's he's healthy and in game shape. He scored four points in Friday's loss.

Scottie Pippen said he was surprised that reporters jumped to a conclusion that he was announcing his retirement when he complained about his knee on Wednesday. "I was just frustrated about the pain and how rest wasn't doing it much good,'' Pippen said.

Jermaine O'Neal doesn't know much about pneumonia. He's never had it before, and didn't know he had it now until he had nearly recovered from it. He discovered why he had been feeling so lousy during a medical exam Thursday. "I read the symptoms of pneumonia, because they gave me a little pamphlet," he said. "I had every symptom."

Jeff Bzdelik was talking about Carmelo Anthony, his prize rookie forward, but he just as easily could have been talking about the Denver Nuggets en masse. "It's like holding a dove," said Bzdelik, in his second season as the Nuggets' coach. "Holding it too tight, you can kill it. Hold it too loose, it can fly away. My role is to hold him just right, to let him breathe, to let him grow."

Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy said one of his goals is to get the Rockets to stop battling the officials, inspiring guard Steve Francis to come up with a strategy to curb his complaints. "That's one of the areas where we haven't made a whole lot of progress yet," Van Gundy said. But Francis said he would stop complaining during games.

The only thing the fans cheered was Darko Milicic's entrance with 3:40 to play. Milicic, playing in his ninth game, owned the longest scoreless streak to start an NBA career by a No. 2 draft pick until he scored his first NBA basket with 2:08 to play on a baby hook shot.

The Nets put Zoran Planinic on the injury list yesterday with a strained neck, NBA-speak for a case of disappointing development. The 21-year-old Croatian, drafted in the first round this past June to be the team's backup point guard, had played in only one of the previous eight games, playing poorly in Tuesday's game against Seattle.

The father of Utah Jazz reserve forward Keon Clark, a native of Danville, has been found guilty of first-degree murder in the shooting death of an acquaintance. John Clark, 46, was convicted late Thursday of shooting Clarence Cunningham III, 27, of Danville in the early morning hours of July 17. The two apparently had argued over a bicycle an hour before the shooting.

Raptors forward Michael Curry, the president of the NBA Players Association, said the league and players will likely announce over the All-Star break that the arrangement to allow veterans to report three days late to training camp has been shelved. The league agreed to that in February in return for extending the first round of the playoffs to seven games. But coaches and players alike complained and the association is prepared to act.

Assistant coach Bob Thornton, reassigned when Scott Skiles took over, scouted Friday's Atlanta-Indiana game and will be doing pro scouting for the foreseeable future. "We'll get together and talk about his role," Skiles said.

Veteran NBA official Joey Crawford, when asked loudly by a courtside fan when he will retire: "Another seven years."

Dan Gadzuric's energetic style of play is making him something of a fan favorite in the Bradley Center and the Bucks' backup center is taking notice. "The crowd has been tremendous," Gadzuric said. "They're supporting me a lot."

Robert Boudwin, who portrays Rockets mascot Clutch, was voted the sports mascot of the year by the industry Web site's gameops.com's 2003 awards. He was tied in the voting with Mark Taylor, who portrays the Seattle SuperSonics' mascot Squatch.

College Rumors & Notes

Nebraska offensive coordinator Barney Cotton said the coaching staff is operating under the premise that Bo Pelini is the team’s head coach, as the Huskers host a handful of recruits this weekend. “They’ll see him in action, which is good,” Cotton said. “Then again, we’ll also be very honest with them, that Nebraska’s a great place whether we’re here or not. Hopefully they’ll consider this place regardless.” Cotton said recruits will get a chance to see the team practice and meet players and coaches.

Dick Tomey appears to have enhanced his standing in the UTEP coaching sweepstakes this week. The former Hawaii and Arizona head coach confirmed reports Friday that his meeting with UTEP Athletics Director Bob Stull went well Wednesday in Los Angeles. The other candidates for the UTEP job include: TCU offensive coordinator Mike Schultz; Philadelphia Eagles offensive line coach Juan Castillo; former UCLA head coach Bob Toledo; current UCLA offensive coordinator Steve Axman; and Oklahoma tight ends coach Kevin Sumlin.

The college coach we're talking about is Nick Saban, who leads LSU into the national championship game against Bob Stoops and the Sooners. Veteran scouts, personnel directors and general managers -- those who spend a lot of time watching college games -- say they can't remember a college coach who has just about everyone convinced he'll be successful at the next level.

Mike Price has received endorsements from some of college football's biggest names, including ESPN College Football Gameday host Lee Corso, since interviewing for the UTEP football coaching job this week. But there are those who think the former Washington State coach, alleged to have invited exotic dancers to his hotel room in Florida last summer after a drunken trip to a topless bar, is not the right man for the job.

The idea that Boston College could get into the ACC for the 2004 football season is not dead yet. We heard in New York there is some movement in Conference USA that would allow Louisville, Cincinnati, DePaul and Marquette to join the Big East in 2004. Originally, C-USA said it would not happen. If those teams can get into the Big East for next fall, that conference will let BC go to the ACC. Stay tuned.

Don't be surprised if the SEC takes a hard look at its Outback Bowl contract when it is up in two years. The Outback jumped the gun last week and took 8-4 Florida over 10-2 Tennessee before Sunday's bowl selections. As a result, the Outback could find itself on the outside looking in next time around. The SEC is eyeing Jacksonville's Gator Bowl, which currently has an ACC-Big East pairing, as a potential home for one of its teams starting in 2006.

Southeastern Conference fans apparently know how to hold a grudge. Two years removed from his job at Florida, Steve Spurrier remains an unpopular figure. He's been voted the "Enemy of the State" three times in Sports Illustrated's year-long profile of all 50 states. Residents polled in Louisiana, Tennessee and Alabama all picked Spurrier as the least-liked sports figure in their home state — and there could be more. The magazine hasn't done Georgia yet. Spurrier seems to be wearing all the good-natured ribbing as a badge of honor.

There are 'millions' of reasons for FAU to be excited. FAU's coach Howard Schnellenberger says his team's exposure could be worth '$10 million' for the program off the filed. On the field, a win today against Colgate would be worth a berth in the final.

Illinois sophomore guard Deron Williams, whom coach Bruce Weber described as "the heart and soul of our team," had surgery Friday to repair the two jawbone fractures suffered in the opening minute of the second half in Thursday night's 85-43 home-court wipeout of Maryland-Eastern Shore. Williams is expected to miss three games.

Odd Notes & Stuff

Oakland Raiders LB Bill Romanowski, who's out for the season with a concussion, was approved by the NFL to work on the Fox network's broadcast of Sunday's Carolina-Arizona game. The 37-year-old Romanowski will work with play-by-play announcer Chris Myers during Sunday's game in Tempe, said Dan Bell, a spokesman for the News Corp. network.

Bobby Valentine's gone from ESPN, so who shows up yesterday? Steve Phillips! The former Mets general manager, fired in June, briefly resurfaced yesterday as a special ESPN commentator analyzing baseball's rumors, trades and signings. Phillips, who was axed after being Mets general manager since July 1997, appeared with formerReds GM Jim Bowden, on yesterday's one-hour "SportsCenter Special - Hot Stove Inferno," which was broadcast from ESPN's headquarters in Bristol, Conn.

In an uncharacteristic show of restraint, Bernard Hopkins and William Joppy, who have taunted each other at every turn over the past few months, weighed in quietly on Friday for their middleweight title bout Saturday. There were no bets, no "last meals" offered and certainly no shoving. HBO is expecting the number of pay-per-view buys to be commensurate with a heavyweight title fight -- and is hoping that number reaches 500,000.

Don King didn't become the self-proclaimed "world's greatest promoter" by being bashful. Every fight card King, 72, has staged, even the stinkers, has been hyped as a spectacle for the ages. That honorary Ph.D. King received from Shaw University in 1998 surely had to be for the most masterful career in spin-doctoring since P.T. Barnum's. But sometimes His Hairness delivers an event that lives up to the hype. And if you're an avid fight fan who likes a strong card from top to bottom, tonight's pay-per-view extravaganza in Boardwalk Hall figures to be of those special occasions.

The question directed to Washington Capitals right wing Jaromir Jagr was simple and direct: Did he want to be traded? "Do I look like I want to be traded?" he shot back instantly. "Do I act like I don't like it [in Washington]?" The answers in short are, no — he is comfortable in his third season as a Cap but might be a little more comfortable if the team was winning more. He is trying to improve that area, he said.

Vladimir Konstantinov was a part of Detroit's Stanley Cup celebration in 2002. An auto accident left him with limited mental capacity and scant memory. Konstantinov's wife, Irina, and daughter, Anastasia, moved to New Jersey a few years ago, though his daughter does visit from time to time. Konstantinov receives 24-hour care at a home in Ann Arbor, Mich.

The Blues should try to get a contract extension done with defenseman Chris Pronger; he's playing great and his price will go up the longer the Blues wait.

Masters champion Mike Weir says Canadian beer will be flowing at the Champions Dinner at Augusta National next April. As for the food? That remains undecided. ''I've been kicking around a few ideas,'' Weir said. ``My mom cooks some awesome Italian food. My wife is Mexican and I love that. But Italian food and Mexican food is probably not a good combination. I'll probably have to pick one or the other.''

Tonya Harding really, really wants to be a regular person. And when you get past her immense amount of baggage, that's just what the former Olympic-caliber figure skater who wants to be a professional boxer claims to be. "I'm just me -- I'm a person just like everyone else is," Harding said. "I have feelings just like everybody else. I just want to succeed in life."

New York WABC/Channel 7 went off the air for 20 minutes early yesterday after an electrical fire began in the basement of the broadcaster's local television outlet, officials told The Post yesterday.

Beyonce Knowles denies making homophobic remarks to a London tabloid, says she loves her drag queen impersonators, and pays tribute to her uncle who died of AIDS in an interview with a gay weekly.

The NY Post reports that Monica Lewinsky brought Paramount TV uber-producer Brad Bessey with her to the Radio & Television Society's Young Hollywood Party at Bliss in L.A. last week. Lewinsky's brother Mike is on the society's board .

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