Pirates, Vazquez near deal
The Pittsburgh Pirates are on the verge of a two-year, $4 million deal with infielder Ramon Vazquez. Vazquez hit a career-high .290 with a .365 on-base percentage with the Texas Rangers last season. ESPN’s Buster Olney first reported about the Pirates interest in Vazquez. The Pirates have not made offers to DAvid Eckstien or Craig Counsel.
Penguins suffer third straight loss
New Jersey 4 – Pittsburgh 1 New Jersey Devils backup goaltender Scott Clemmensen made 26 saves to improve to 7-1 in his last eight starts as the New Jersey Devils defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-1 Wednesday night. Pittsburgh who has lost three straight did not get a very good performance from Dany Sabourin who struggled for the second consecutive game. Travis Zajac, Zach Parise, Dainius Zubrus and Patrik Elias scored for the Devils, who won for the eighth time in nine games. The Devils (15-8-2) are within two points of the Penguins for second place in the Atlantic division. Pittsburgh failed to get on the scoreboard until Matt Cooke scored with 3:58 remaining in the third period. Evgeni Malkin the
NFL: Parker expresses displeasure with offense again
Since Willie Parker has returned from his injury, he has been calling for the Steelers to run the ball more. Today Parker complained that the Steelers are too predictable. Following practice Parker had this to say: “We bring in two tight ends now, without a fullback, and they know what’s coming. “I don’t know what it is but it’s not been effective.” Parker leads the Steelers in rushing with 597 yards but the offense has been more effective with Mewelde Moore. Insiders Take: Under Mike Tomlin the Steelers are no longer a power running team. Willie Parker needs to get with the picture that the Steelers are moving more towards a West Coast style of offense and they don‚Äôt have
MLB: Royals contact Pirates?
Inside Pittsburgh Sports MLB Rumor Mill Daily Updates on the latest rumors around MLB 12/10/08 The Kansas City Royals have made a minor inquiry about Jack Wilson. Nothing substantial other than an inquiry. Their focus remains on Rafael Furcal who is down to four teams, (Royals, A’s, Blue Jays and Dodgers). Perez eyes $70 million over 5 years According to Jon Heyman of CNNSI, former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Oliver Perez is believed to be seeking a 5 year contract in the range of $70 million. Royals remain in the mix for Rafael Furcal Steve Phillips Reports, The Royals, Blue Jays, A’s and Dodgers remain in the mix for free-agent shortstop Rafael Furcal. Kansas City’s front office has asked ownership for
MLB: Zach Duke for Robert Andino?
Jeff Frisaro reports, Marlins infielder Robert Andino, who is out of options, could be headed to the Pirates. Florida’s second round pick in 2002, Andino has been blocked at shortstop by All-Star Hanley Ramirez. Versatile Alfredo Amezaga also stands in Andino’s way of playing time. And the recent addition of infielder Emilio Bonifacio from the Nationals has opened the door for Florida to move Andino. The Marlins have had discussions with the Pirates about Andino, who spent about half of 2008 at Triple-A. The Pirates have been in discussions with the Marlins for the past couple days and according to sources Zach Duke could be going the other way.
Penguins Lineup vs New Jersey
According to sources Eric Godard will be a healthy scratch against the New Jersey Devils. Dupuis – Crosby – Satan Fedotenko – Malkin – Sykora Cooke – Staal – Minard Taffe – Talbot – Wallace D-Pairs Orpik – Scuderi Eaton – Letang Goligoski – Lovejoy Dany Sabourin will start in goal Crosby, Malkin now 1-2 in All Star Voting
Therrien making a statement?
Penguins currently taking the ice in New Jersey as they prepare for the tonight’s matchup against the New Jersey Devils. The Penguins have called up Tim Wallace and Jeff Taffe. Word has it that there could be a surprise healthy scratch tonight. Read more for the latest morning skate update
The Latest Buzz from the BOG Meetings
The economy has halted any talk about expansion in the United States. That is a good thing because the NHL needs to downsize or relocate some cities. This talk of expanding into Europe would not be a good thing. The cap will remain in the $55 Р$57 million range for the upcoming season but after that it could go down to the $49 Р$50 million range. Las Vegas continues to be the most talked about city that could get a team via relocation. Mats Sundin was a popular subject at the meetings. Glen Sather has been telling rival GM’s that Sundin is only considering the Rangers, Canucks and a mystery team. Dave Tallon has been aggressive in his
MLB: Yankees land Sabathia
Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports reports, Free-agent left-hander CC Sabathia has reached agreement with the Yankees on a seven-year contract worth approximately $160 million, according to a major-league source.The contract is the largest ever awarded to a starting pitcher and the fourth-largest in major-league history, behind Alex Rodriguez’s two free-agent contracts and Manny Ramirez’s original deal with the Red Sox. Sabathia, 28, agreed to the deal late Tuesday night after Yankees general manager Brian Cashman flew to San Francisco to meet with him, his agents, and his wife, Amber.
Morning Buzz: Penguins recall Taffe and Wallace
Talked to a source in the Penguins organization who questioned why the Penguins even have Janne Pesonen in the organization. One team has even offered to take Pesonen off of the Penguins hands There has been discussions about giving Chris Minard a shot on the top two lines. It is looking unlikely that Mike Zigomanis will play against the Devils. He’s been out longer than people thought he would be. Full update on tomorrow’s lineup following Wednesday’s morning skate. Phillipe Boucher is slowly recovering from concussion symptoms and could be back within the next week. He has been practicing but did not fly with the Penguins to New Jersey. It is all about conditioning for Marc Andre Fleury who will