Garnett makes the Celtics a serious contender in the East
Without Allen -No KG?Thanks to Kevin McHale, the Boston Celtics have gone from a laughing stock to one of the favorites to reach the NBA finals. When the Celtics acquired Ray Allen at the NBA draft, all the NBA insiders questioned the acquisition. Well if the Celtics didn’t acquire Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett would not be a Boston Celtic. Garnett said during his press conference yesterday that when the Celtics acquired Ray Allen, he made up his mind that a Paul Pierce – Ray Allen – Kevin Garnett combo would give him the best chance to reach the NBA finals. Team to beat: What’s going to make the trio of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett such a force
News and Notes around the NHL
Local investors to buy Predators: group of Nashville area investors will sign a letter of intent today to buy the Predators from owner Craig Leipold, according to The Tennessean.A source told the paper an announcement will be made in the afternoon, and the bid is believed to be about $180M — far short of the reported $220M previously offered by Canadian billionaire Jim Balsillie. The group, headed by Nashville entrepreneur David Freeman, will get a period of exclusive negotiation, according to The Tennessean. But the all-important next step, a binding agreement that includes a significant non-refundable deposit as a show of commitment, would be expected by mid-August. Source: The Tennessean Sean Avery awarded 1.9 million: New York Rangers forward, Sean
Quick Hits from Latrobe
Willie Parker sat out today’s morning practice for the second consecutive day. The Steelers are saying Parker needed a break but he was walking around with ice on his knee. Stay tuned. Through the first 9 days of camp, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has looked sharp. Steelers insiders say he has had his best camp of his career. The Steelers are expecting big things out of Santonio Holmes this season. Holmes has returned to the practice field this week and despite what the Steelers are saying, there is no competition between Holmes and Cedric Wilson. Holmes will be the starting wide receiver and may end up the teams #1 by the end of the season. Willie Reid and Santonio appear to
Outsiders views of the Matt Morris acquisition
Eric Karabell Espn Insider: ‚Ä¢ Matt Morris to Pirates for Rajai Davis: Wow, I cannot contain my excitement over this deal. If I’m a Buccos fan today, it’s quite a day. Sigh. Matt Morris actually has the best record of any active pitcher at PNC Park, as he’s 6-0 lifetime in his new home stadium with a 2.37 ERA. Then again, Morris makes $10 million a year, the Pirates have the worst record in the NL, and has two wins since May 1. His July ERA is 8.48. The only pitcher in the great game of baseball who has allowed more runs than Morris in July is Mike Maroth. That’s it. So, no, I don’t think getting Morris saves the
Littlefield was at his best today
David Littlefield was at his best today acquiring a 33 year old pitcher who is on the downside of his career. Did i mention he is owed 9.5 million dollars next season? Yes, the Pirates basically gave up nothing to acquire Morris but this is a move playoff contenders make not contenders for the first overall selection in the 2008 draft. In his last five starts Matt Morris has surrendered 27 earned runs, giving up at least 6 runs in 3 of his last 5 starts. Today, the Pirates proved their organization has no direction. Somebody please explain to me why a small market team that wants to build on youth, passes on Matt Weiters in the draft but acquire
Pirates acquire Pitcher Matt Morris
The Pirates acquired starting pitcher Matt Morris from the San Francisco Giants for outfielder Rajai Davis and a player to be named later. According to source who covers the Tigers, The Pirates and Tigers had agreed to a deal that would have sent Jack Wilson to the Detroit Tigers for prospect Brent Clevlen but the deal fell through around 3:30 est. The Tigers agreed to absorb all of Wilsons’ salary but wanted Solomon Torres to be included in the deal. Littlefield countered asking for prospect Jair Jurrjens and the Tigers balked at the Pirates demands. The Giants also inquired about Wilson along with the Cardnals but no offer was made. The Pirates asking price was very high for Damaso Marte.
The Latest MLB Buzz: Updated 3:50 p.m.
Updated: 3:50 Pirates turn down latest offer from Phillies The Pirates are rumored to be asking for a top tier prospect in return for Damaso Marte. Some insiders believe if their demands don’t go down Marte will not be traded. The Phillies and Red Sox are making the strongest push to acquire Marte. Solomon Torres has guaged interest from the Tigers, Rockies and Yankees as of this morning. The Red Sox appear to be a long shot. The Brewers have also shown some interest as Torres could be a fall back plan if they miss out on Eric Gagne. Updated: 3:20 – The Pirates and Tigers have agreed in principle on a deal that will send Jack Wilson to Detroit
Kevin Constantine to replace Jacque Lemaire?
The Latest NHL Rumors……Lemaire on the hot seat: The St. Paul Pioneer Press calls it a good bet that former Sharks, Penguins and Devils coach Kevin Constantine eventually replaces Wild head coach Jacques Lemaire Rangers pulling a Craig Patrick: The New York Rangers have turned the tables on forward Sean Avery. Courtesy of the New York Post, “Avery is not a mature player. He plays, at times, like an individual rather than a member of a team. This is sometimes referred to as an inability to see the ice, and in Avery’s case this seems to fit with his overall approach to the game.” The Rangers apparently don’t want their generous free spending this offseason to extend to pesky F
Sources: Torres unlikely to be traded
Teams are obviously interested in Torres but the Pirates are rumored to be asking for to much at this moment. There have also been some rumblings, teams are concerned about his health but if the Pirates lower their demands i envision Torres being traded. The Pirates are looking for a big return for Damaso Marte. Teams like the Red Sox are balking at their demands but Littlefield is waiting for a team like the Red Sox or Phillies to up their offers as the deadline approaches. Martes’ value may never be higher but financially speaking the Pirates are in a win-win situation considering Marte will make 450,000 next season. Shaun Chacon is likely to be traded………
Latest Rumors
Once relievers Al Reyes, Scott Proctor, Eric Gagne and possibly Dan Wheeler are traded we will have a better idea where Torres and Marte may land. It’s really going to depend on who misses out on the upper tier relievers. The Mets seem likely to land Devil Rays closer Al Reyes. The Dodgers are looking to trade for Scott Proctor The Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox have expressed mild interest in reliever Solomon Torres. Torres is Plan C for all of these teams. The Red Sox are in the Gagne sweepstakes while the Tigers have inquired about Kyle Farnsworth. Interest in Torres have been minimal thus far. Philadelphia and Boston have expressed the most interest in Damaso