MLB: Jeff Locke beats out Vance Worley for final rotation spot

HURDLE NAMES LOCKE NO. 5 STARTER Left hander Jeff Locke beat out Vance Worley for the No. 5 spot in the rotation, Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said after the Pirates thrashing of the Phillies today, 18-4. [BOX SCORE] The move is somewhat of a surprise as Worley appeared positioned to win the job. Hurdle said today the decision was the hardest he had to make since picking Gerrit Cole to pitch over A.J. Burnett in Game 5 of the 2013 Divisional Series. Worley will begin the season out of the pen.

NFL: Linebackers Morgan, Graham on Steelers free agency radar

View image | gettyimages.com LATEST STEELERS BUZZ The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to have over $20 million in cap space when free agency begins and NFL agents that spoke with Steelers officials at the combine believe they will be more aggressive in free agency than past years. An agent of an outside linebacker set to become a free agent next week, says the Steelers intend to be “players in the market” for a pass rusher. The belief is Pittsburgh will be pursuing free agents whose market values are expected to fall in the 5 year, $25-$30 million (total value) range. The Steelers expect to lose Jason Worilds who is seeking a deal in the range of 5 years, $40 million.

NFL: Steelers intend to let Jason Worilds hit the open market

The Pittsburgh Steelers want Jason Worilds back but not at the $8-$9 million per season Worilds believes he’s worth on a 5-6 year deal. Based on preliminary talks in the past couple days between the Steelers and Worilds representative Scott Smith, it remains clear that neither side see’s eye to eye on what Worilds value is on a long-term contract. The Steelers have informed the Worilds camp they will not make an offer to Worilds before free agency. With the team unlikely to tag Worilds, that has the Steelers planning to let Worilds hit the open market and establish his worth. If the Steelers didn’t tag Worilds last off-season, the Philadelphia Eagles were prepared to sign Worilds and meet his

NHL: Penguins made offers for Winnik, Tlusty prior to All-Star Break

WINNIK, TLUSTY AMONG DEADLINE/SUMMER TARGETS Prior to the All-Star break and acquiring Maxim Lapierre last night, Penguins GM Jim Rutherford made offers for Toronto Maple Leafs forward Daniel Winnik and Hurricanes winger Jiri Tlusty, sources tell Inside Pittsburgh Sports.