Fantasy baseball: Jays' Johnson will turn it aroun...

Fantasy baseball: Jays' Johnson will turn it aroun...

KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images

Yoenis Cespedes, the A's rookie from Cuba, sparks fantasy debate after going deep in Japan.

Theres no one Id rather have on my fantasy team than Kelly Johnson.

Wait, what? Theres no one Id rather have than a .222-hitting Blue Jay second baseman? Sort of.

Actually, the person I want on my fantasy team more than anyone else is Miguel Cabrera. And after him, Albert Pujols. I could list over 100 players I would prefer to have than Mr. Johnson, but at the end of the day, hed be the one Im most happy about seeing on my roster. And th ats because of where I had to take him.

Value is the most important instrument of measurement in fantasy. How much did you pay for a player, and how much does he put out. Get enough $ 10 players to give $ 20 output, and the championship is in your hands.

So when I say I like Kelly Johnson or anyone, for that matter, now and throughout the season Im talking relative to their market value.

Johnson doesnt have a lot of razzle-dazzle. Hes not a young prospect entering the bigs for the first time, or a hot free agent that landed in a hitters ballpark. Hes a run-of-the-mill second baseman coming off a down year in which he was swapped for Aaron Hill, who was similarly in the hitting doldrums.

But in fantasy, were paying for what our players will do in 2012, not 2011. And Kelly Johnson this year wont be like Kelly Johnson last year. Not even close.

Johnsons BABIP (Batting Average on Balls In Play for the sabremetric challenged) in 2011 was .277. Low, to be sure, but not low enough to warrant much mention. The catch is, his xBABIP (which takes into account the difference between a line drive and an infield popup) had him at .332. So while his BABIP was fairly ordinary, the difference between his xBABIP and BABIP was a whopping 55 points one of the highest in the league. This suggests theres no reason that Johnsons batting average cant fly right back up again. Remember, he hit .284 in 2010.

And did I mention Johnson might be hitting in front of Jose Bautista? With a corrected average, it seems to me that K.J. will have no problem being driven around the bases.

Before I get into the rest of my lineup of sleepers, I want to briefly talk about that word: sleeper. When I drop the s-word, I am, again, talking about value. No one is sleeping on Curtis Granderson, but I like these guys for how much theyll cost you. So without further ado, lets meet the guys who will br ing you home fantasy gold.

Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Diamondbacks
First base is surprisingly shallow. There are seven strong, prototypical first basemen, and then theres everyone else. I recommend grabbing one of those top seven, but if you fall short or need a corner infielder, Goldschmidt is the guy. 38 home runs between Double-A and the majors last season. Pencil him in for at least 25 this time around.

Brandon Beachy, SP, Braves
Whats not to love? 10.74 K/9 with a BB/9 under 3. Peripheral stats (such as Fielding Independent Pitching) say he wasnt lucky, so why cant he extrapolate 2011 to a full season?

Dan Uggla, 2B, Braves
Another BABIP wonderboy, Im still waiting for the boost he should have received after leaving Miamis old ballpark for Atlantas Turner Field. I say it happens in 2012.

Emilio Bonifacio, 3B/SS/OF, Marlins
Id expect .260, not .290, but the steals will definitely be there. As soon as the Marlins missed on Yoenis Cespedes, he was assured playing time, so use him at shortstop where he has the most value.

Matt Garza, SP, Cubs
He changed his approach in 2011, and it was for the better. His strikeout numbers were back to normal and he was inducing more ground balls, which means that his low ERA was for real.

Kevin Youkilis, 3B, Red Sox
Im not letting an injury-riddled 2011 cloud my judgment on the Greek God of Walks. Everyone else, apparently, is.

Ichiro Suzuki, OF, Mariners
Nothing changed, except for the BABIP, which dropped 58 points. It should erode with his declining speed, but not this quickly.

Josh Johnson, SP, Marlins
If hes healthy, hell be worth it. Im pushing my chips in on this one.

Ramon Hernandez, C, Rockies
Old and worn down, but Hernandez was once a fantasy stud. He was good last year, too, but no one noticed because he was splitting time behind the plate. Now hes the primary guy in Coors Field.


QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Cuban star Yoenis Cespedes hit his first major league home run Thursday in Japan. Is this a sign of things to come?

IAN POWES SAYS:
The Cuban rookie rewarded you with a home run, a double and two RBI during the Japan Opening Series. Some fantasy experts are down on Cespedes, whether it be the lack of facing major league pitching or hitting at Oakland Coliseum. No one is debating Cespedes talent. And, hitting home runs at the Coliseum isnt as hard as, say, Petco Park in San Diego. Expect 20-25 home runs from Cespedes, but his average could fluctuate. Also allow for power streaks/droughts as Cespedes adjusts to major league pitching and vice versa. When hes on a power strea k, use him as a third or fourth outfielder.

SETH WALDER SAYS:
Let me put it this way: Cespedes is not going to end up on any of my teams heading into the season. Hell make a perfectly fine fourth or fifth outfielder with upside, but I guarantee someone in every league values him much higher than that. The question marks just dont justify taking him as a third outfielder instead of, say, Logan Morrison or Carlos Beltran. Id expect the Cuban to hit for power right away, but to struggle to adjust to good pitching and hurt your average. Considering hes on the Athletics, hes probably not doing much to help your other counting stats anyway.

Santana strong, but still iffy for opener

Santana strong, but still iffy for opener

Howard Simmons/New York Daily News

Johan Sanata throws a good bullpen session, but his status for Opening Day is up in the air.

PORT ST. LUCIE There were no fans at Digital Domain Park late Saturday morning, and most of Johan Santanas teammates were already on I-95, headed south on a bus for an afternoon game against the Marlins in Jupiter, Fla.

But those in the Met family who remained in town a group including Terry Collins, David Wright, Dan Warthen, R.A. Dickey, Mike Pelfrey, Al Jackson and trainer Ray Ramirez gathered near the bullpen mound to to watch the most crucial event of the w eekend: Santana was throwing one final time, testing his body before deciding if he will start on Opening Day.

Tossing what the Mets called 39 warm-up pitches and 32 game-situation pitches, Santana said he felt strong, but remained cautious about committing to an April 5 appearance at Citi Field against Tommy Hanson and the Atlanta Braves.

Weve got to go one step at a time, just like we have planned from the beginning, Santana said. Things can change from one day to another. We just have to make sure every time that it feels good. And thats the way it has been so far. So if everything goes right, Ill be there.

Although he did not experience a setback, Santanas week was not smooth. It began on Monday, when he could not get loose in the first inning against St. Louis, and saw diminished velocity.

It was a tough day, Santana conceded Saturday. It was a rough day."

In the days after, he complained to teammates abou t back and leg soreness, and told them that he remained concerned about Opening Day. The Mets backup plan is to hold Santana until the fifth game of the season, but team brass is hopeful that he will be ready for the opener (a formal announcement will not come until Sunday at the earliest).

Collins said that he would meet with Santana in the morning, and decide on his Opening Day Starter.

If its not going to be him, weve got to make a decision who is going to pitch when, Collins said. Im not going to sacrifice the last two years that he has worked his butt off just to have him pitch Opening Day. If there is any discomfort at all, he is not pitching. Well pick another day."

On Saturday, the Mets allowed themselves to imagine Santana facing the Braves. During the high-energy bullpen session, Warthen stepped into the batters box and ordered Santana to imagine him as one Atlanta hitter after another. Michael Bourn! Warthen would shout. Bria n McCann!"

The pitching coach later complimented Santana, yelling, Good speed. Good arm action.

As he does when feeling healthy and comfortable, Santana chattered and joked throughout the simulated game save for the one moment when he unleashed a high-fastball, missing catcher Eric Langills target by several feet.

That was terrible, Santana said, shaking his head.

Later, he noted the heartening progress in his rehab from Sept. 2010 surgery to repair a torn anterior capsule in his left shoulder and the distance that he still must traverse in his recovery.

To be here right now, and be able to do everything the way it was supposed to be done I didnt miss one day its huge for me, Santana said. But we still have to work. Were not done yet. Were just in the beginning of everything. The season hasnt even started."

Twitter.com/SurfingTheMets

Primera Liga round-up

Primera Liga round-up

Real Madrid moved a step closer to wrestling the Liga title from Barcelona after crushing Osasuna while their rivals beat Athletic Bilbao.

Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid were in no mood to give Barca a sniff of finishing in top spot with a thumping 5-1 win at Osasuna.

Karim Benzema opened the scoring in spectacular fashion in the seventh minute and Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain both scored twice as Mourinho's side ran out comfortable winners.

Francisco Nino got on the scoresheet for the home side, but they never truly threatened to cause an upset against the league leaders.

Click below for Liga match summaries:

Barcelona 2 Athletic Bilbao 0
Malaga 0 Real Betis 2
Osasuna 1 Real Madrid 5
Racing 0 Granada 1
Sporting Gijon 1 Zaragoza 2

Real's win piled the pressure on Barcelona, but they respo nded in kind with a 2-0 success over Athletic Bilbao at Camp Nou.

The visitors produced a resolute performance, although they were eventually penetrated when Andres Iniesta drilled home from Lionel Messi's through ball.

Messi double Pep Guardiola's side lead in the second half when he converted from the penalty spot after Javi Martinez brought down Cristian Tello.

With Spain's top two both winning, Real Madrid remain six points clear of their arch rivals.

Elsewhere, Malaga's European hopes suffered a blow following a 2-0 home defeat to Real Betis.

First-half goals from Ruben Casto and Jose Dorado secured a surprise three-point haul for the visitors.

Guilherme Siqueira's 89th-minute penalty was enough to secure Granada a deserved 1-0 win over Racing Santander.

The visitors had by far the best of the opening period but failed to make the breakthrough as Odion Ighalo hit the post and Mario Ferna ndez made smart saves to deny Abel Gomez and Dani Benitez.

Racing improved after the break but still failed to provide any threat in the final third and were finally undone when Bernardo upended Ikechukwu Uche in the final minute and Siqueira calmly sent Mario the wrong way from the spot to ensure Granada move nine points clear of their opponents in the fight for survival.

Angel Lafita scored a stoppage-time winner as Real Zaragoza continued their top-flight revival with a 2-1 victory over Sporting Gijon at El Molinon.

After a nervy opening, Helder Postiga gave the visitors the lead as he raced onto David Mateos' flick-on to slot past Juan Pablo.

Sebastian Eguren equalised for Sporting three minutes into the second half, taking advantage of poor marking to head home at the back post, but in a dramatic finish Lafita handed Zaragoza their third straight win by sweeping home Franco Zuculini's cross.

Tuna Melt: Care for Sean could bring Bill back

Tuna Melt: Care for Sean could bring Bill back

SHANE BEVEL/AP

Bill Parcells (r.) may accept his fifth head coaching job, filling in for his friend Sean Payton with the Saints.

If Bill Parcells takes the job as the substitute teacher for the Saints during his pal Sean Paytons one-season BountyGate suspension and thats where this is headed one of the highlight games of the 2012 season will be the Giants vs. Saints at MetLife Stadium. We know the where, but we wont know the when until the NFL releases the schedule, expected sometime during the week of April 16.

Parcells would be the first coach since World War II to coach five different teams (hes coached the Giants, Patriots, Jets and Cowboys), not counting Wade Phillips, who had interim jobs with the Saints and Falcons among the five teams hes coached.

In speaking to Parcells last week, there was a discernible mood change from Monday to Tuesday regarding the Saints job. It came after he played a round of golf with the Saints group of Payton, GM Mickey Loomis and vice president of communications Greg Bensel. He seemed energized. Its important he became familiar with Loomis, who has been suspended for the first eight games. Parcells could pick up a lot of his responsibility the first half of the season.

Paytons suspension starts Sunday and he is expected to appeal Roger Goodells decision by Mondays deadline. That will buy him a few more days on the job, but it would be surprising if Goodell overrules himself on the length of the suspension.
Hiring Parcells would be a great move for the Saints and an interesting one for Parcells. This time I was really convinced he was done coaching. Now I think hes going to do it.

There are many fascinating questions:

Will Parcells be emotionally invested in the Saints?

He said he only knows one way to coach and thats to be all-in. I suggested to him last week that he could let coordinators Steve Spagnuolo (defense) and Pete Carmichael Jr. (offense) run their side of the ball and he could manage the team during the week and in the games. He could conserve energy by not staying after midnigh t in the office. He didnt like that idea. If he coaches, hes going to do it like hes always done it. Hes going to be Parcells. One potential problem: Spags plays a 4-3 defense and Parcells believes in the 3-4.

Will the players listen to him?

Everybody knows what its like when the substitute teacher walks into the room. The paper airplanes start flying around making it seem like LaGuardia at five in the afternoon. Parcells has always motivated by intimidation. But the players will know hes there for just one year. He will be 71 years old by the time the season starts. He hasnt won the Super Bowl in 21 years. That means most of the players on the roster were younger than 10 years old when the Giants beat the Bills. Do they know who Parcells is? Do they care? Will they wonder who this old guy screaming at them is? If they have a long-term contract are they going to listen to a short-term coach?

This is not his team. Its Paytons team. Payto n needs to tell his players they better listen to Parcells, just as parents tell their kids they better listen to the babysitter. But players cant start working out at the team facility until April 16, and Payton will be gone by then. Thats why it will be imperative for Drew Brees to be Paytons voice in the locker room.

Just to show hes the boss, Parcells may need to make a surprising cut early in training camp to get the players attention.
What about the money?

Parcells says its not about the money and you know what that means. Payton was to make $ 7 million this year, but will lose $ 6 million during the suspension (his suspension is not a full year). You have to figure Parcells doesnt take this job for less than $ 7 million.

What about the Hall of Fame?

Parcells very much wanted to get after his five-year wait. He didnt make the cut. If Parcells comes back to coach, the clock re-starts on his five-year wait, whi ch means he wouldnt be eligible until the class of 2018. If he wants the Saints job, hes not going to turn it down and wait for the HOF with no guarantee it will ever happen.

Why does Parcells feel so obligated to help out Payton?

Parcells, who hired Payton in Dallas in 2003, really looks at him as a son and when one of your kids is in trouble and needs your help, you do anything for them. Payton leaned on Parcells for guidance when the Saints were in the Super Bowl a couple of years ago. Parcells cares about Payton very much. Payton is the one who should feel obligated to Parcells. But Parcells says he owes it to Payton to help if asked.

How can Goodell stop Payton from talking to Parcells during the season to discuss team issues?

Unless the NFL monitors Paytons phone records or tails him when he goes out, what is to prevent Payton and Parcells from having dinner every Tuesday night in the French Quarter? Goodell said Payt on cant coach the team from home. What constitutes a violation? The league doesnt have a list, but will know a violation when they see it. By appealing, Payton will get his third audience with Goodell and plans to find out the parameters of his suspension. He wont be allowed into the training facilities and hes not expected to have contact with the team. But we will also have to be reasonable about that, Goodell said.

Saints owner Tom Benson could have brought clarity and closure to BountyGate if he did the right thing and just fired Payton.

A SNYD REMARK
I was sitting at a table in the hallway of The Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla., on Tuesday afternoon during the league meetings when Redskins owner Daniel Snyder, with a towel wrapped around his neck, came walking by. Snyder looked over and said, Hey, Daily News. He then Tebowed. If NFL owners are Tebowing, you know this is big.

WHAT LUCK
In j ust about any other year, Baylors Robert Griffin III would be the first pick in the draft. And despite talk that the Colts havent decided between Andrew Luck and Griffin, their mind is made up. They are taking Luck. As far back as two years ago, the Colts were having internal discussions on how they could position themselves to get Luck as the eventual successor to Peyton Manning. Never did they think they would earn the pick with a 2-14 recordTexas A&Ms Ryan Tannehill, the third-best QB in the draft, could go to Cleveland at No. 4 or Miami at No. 8. Mike Sherman, the Dolphins new offensive coordinator, was Tannehills coach at A&M. The Browns will likely decide between Tannehill and Alabama RB Trent Richardson.

Concert at U.S. military post geared toward atheists

Concert at U.S. military post geared toward atheists

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (AP) For the first time in history, the U.S. military hosted an event expressly for soldiers and others who don't believe in God, with a gathering sort of like a county fair Saturday on the main parade ground at one of the world's largest army bases.

The Rock Beyond Belief event at Fort Bragg, organized by soldiers here after a 2010 evangelical Christian event at the base, is the most visible sign so far of a growing desire by military personnel with atheist or other secular beliefs to get the same recognition as their religious counterparts.

The purpose was not to m ake the Army look bad, organizers said, but to show that atheists and other secular believers have a place in institutions like the military.

"I love the military," said Sgt. Justin Griffith, the main organizer of the event and the military director of American Atheists. He added, "This is not meant to be a black eye."

Griffith said he and other non-religious soldiers are not permitted to hold atheist meetings at the base and have so far been rebuffed in their efforts to change that. They feel their beliefs marginalize them.

Organizers were hoping for a crowd of about 5,000. At least several hundred people gathered on the parade ground by mi dday Saturday. Rainy weather for most of the morning may have affected the turnout. Fort Bragg officials said they would provide a crowd estimate later.

The atmosphere was festive, with carnival treats like ribbon fries and ice cream, games for children and a demonstration jump by the Army's Golden Knights parachute team. Speakers and bands performed on the main stage. In many ways it was indistinguishable from a county fair except for the information booths ringing the parade ground and the content of the performances.

"We got any Darwin fans in the house?" asked a performer named Baba Brinkman, before launching into a rap song about evolutionary biology that culminated in a call-and-response chant of "Creationism is dead wrong!"

The event continued through the afternoon and was to feature more music during the evening.

Organizers said the goal was not to disparage religi ous soldiers, but to celebrate the beliefs of secular members of the military and their families. In the weeks leading up to the event, some bloggers and others expressed concerns. A chaplain currently deployed in Afghanistan posted an open letter on Fort Bragg's Facebook page, saying he feared the event would be devoted to mocking religious soldiers.

"We're never antagonistic toward religious believers, we're antagonistic toward religious belief," said Richard Dawkins, the British biologist and best-selling atheist author who was the event's headline speaker.

Dawkins, who frequently makes pointed criticism of religious adherents, delivered some relatively restrained remarks, asserting that none of the common arguments for religious belief stand up to scrutiny .

"There is no good, honest reason to believe in a god or gods of any kind, or indeed in anything supernatural," he said. "The only reason to believe something is that you have evidence for it."

The event marked a coming-out of sorts for atheist and secularist soldiers at Fort Bragg, who have been trying for over a year to be recognized as a "distinctive faith group," a designation that would allow them to hold their meetings at Bragg facilities. Curious soldiers in uniform mixed with people in civilian clothes as bands played and children began to race around the huge field when the rain let up.

"I've been an atheist pretty much my whole life, and where I was growing up in Texas, I didn't know another atheist," said Pfc. Lance Reed. "It's important to meet people who have some of the same beliefs and interests as you do, and that's what this is about."

Reed also said he h oped Christians at Bragg and other believers would attend, to dispel some misconceptions about atheists.

"A lot of people think it's all about God-bashing or something like that," he said. "You can see we're not evil people who want to burn down churches. We're just here to have fun."

Sgt. Lance Hollander, who said he's been looking forward to the event ever since he first heard about it last year, agreed that in some ways the concert could serve as a calling card for soldiers who aren't religious.

"Atheists are the least trusted group in America, and we want to change that," he said.

A concert that was planned last year fell apart after a dispute between organizers and the base leadership over questions such as its location. Saturday's gathering was made possible in part by $ 70,000 in donations from the Raleigh-based Stiefel Freethought Foundation, whose founder, Todd S tiefel, said he hopes the Army ultimately decides that its role doesn't include events like Rock Beyond Belief and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association-sponsored concert that prompted it.

"I would like this to be the last one of these events," Stiefel said, arguing that the government shouldn't have any role in hosting events geared towards religious belief or lack of it.

Fort Bragg is willing to work with organizers of any event that fits its guidelines, said Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Sicinski, who estimated that the BGEA evangelical concert generated twice as much controversy as the atheist event. As far as the Army is concerned, Siciniski said, the event isn't a bellwether of changing beliefs it's simply another one of the community events that Bragg often hosts.

"We don't treat soldiers who are atheists as atheists, we treat them as soldiers," he said. "They're soldiers first."

There's a 'Knock' for Jets and Rex

There's a 'Knock' for Jets and Rex

Antonelli, Ron, New York Daily News/Antonelli, Ron, New York Daily News

The Jet circus led by Rex Ryan and featuring Mark Sanchez (below) and Tim Tebow (bottom) would be a huge draw for the NFL training camp show on HBO.

The most entertaining aspect of the Jets acquiring Tim Tebow is listening to apoplectic gasbags, like Stephen A. Smith, Mike (Sports Pope) Francesa and other Valley of the Stupid associates, getting so twisted they may as well be describing the end of western civilization.

Wait, its only going to get better. We hope.

The way to push these blabbermouths along w ith columnists and commentators offended by Jets dysfunction over the edge is for Woody Johnson to go to HBO/NFL Films and tell them the Jets want to star in the 2012 edition of Hard Knocks.

Do it, Woody. Please do it.

Last year, the Jets, who turned in an incredible performance in the 2010 Hard Knocks, said they didnt want back in. But last week Rex Ryan, during an interview, left the door open a crack. He was non-committal. I guess I need time to think about it (Hard Knocks), Ryan said.

Think, then give Hard Knocks the green light. The fact it would drive Jets critics crazier than they already are is secondary. The primary motive would be to put on a show that will set the standard for sports reality TV programming.

Think of all the storylines: The coming of Tebow. The behind-the-scenes look at the Tebow/Sanchez relationship. Then there would be Santonio Holmes leading a lockerroom that, according to Darrelle Revis, is in disarray.

The coaches: Is Rex really serious about changing? What does new offensive coordinator Tony Sparano have in store for Tebow? How do the Jets react to Tebowmaniacs who descend on Cortland?

Theres so much more, such as all the unpredictable baggage that always comes up with the Jets. Yes, this would be a show not to be missed. For the Jets, things are already crazy.

Whats one more crazy log on the fire?

Do Hard Knocks.

FULL OF HOT, DEAD AIR
Did ESPN-1050 really have Tebow totally committed to doing an interview with Michael Kay last Monday?

Sunday, all day long, the station ran commercials claiming Tebow would do his first exclusive interview with Kay. ESPN-1050 beat the drum on this one.

When Monday came around, the station kept listeners on the hook before it became apparent 1050 couldnt deliver the goods or Tebow. Kay offered some lame excuse about Te bows travel schedule. Whatever. This was totally embarrassing.

But 1050 rebounded strong Friday, when Tebow went one-on-one with Kay. Was this the unofficial debut of a regular 1050 spot that will start next season for the Jets backup QB?

Dont look for it to happen. NFL sources said the Jets have already decided to limit some of Tebows outside endeavors, which would include doing a weekly radio spot.

That could change, the source said. If Tim becomes the starter the radio thing could happen.

1050 currently has Sanchez and Eli Manning under contract for a weekly appearance on The Michael Kay show.

UPON FURTHER REVIEW
This new NFL rule, where all turnovers will be subject to booth reviews, could hit some snags.

As with all booth reviews, the officials are at the mercy of angles the network televising the game provides. As we have said before the NFLs network partners (Fox, NBC, ESPN, CBS, NFL Network) are not always capable of either coming up with the most telling piece of evidence or finding it in a timely manner.

Now with the burden of having to come up with the money shot on all these turnovers the networks will be under even more pressure and scrutiny. Think about it. The networks pay billions to the NFL for the right to air the games. With the expanded replay reviews, they now must expand their role as Roger Goodells defacto video police.

Are the networks in business to work for you, the fan, or the NFL? Another thing to consider: All games dont have the same complement of cameras. When it comes to turnover reviews the playing field, so to speak, wont be level. The fewer cameras the less chance of finding the most telling replay angle.

It may sound far-fetched but through the many years weve covered the biz there have been directors and producers who liked to wager some heavily on NFL football. If the b et is big enough could a crucial piece of video mysteriously disappear?

MELO MEDIA
Carmelo Anthony embarked on one of his mini-media image tours Tuesday. The Gulag PR machine found him some soft places to land.

None was softer than ESPNs SportsCenter. The coveted Twinkie Munch Award goes to anchor Bram Weinstein. He broke the Twinkie in half and out oozed the cream.

. . . What is missing for the Knicks to be a true contender?

. . . What type of coach would work for this group of Knicks?

How about asking Melo why Mike DAntoni didnt work for this group of Knicks and what was your role in getting him fired?
That question would have awakened those put to sleep by this alleged interview. Better luck next time.

PINCH HITTER FOR FOX
Whether it was a matter of saving cash, or finally admitting they didnt have the ability to produce a compelling baseball p regame program, the Foxies have farmed out the show to MLB Network.

Baseball fans, who deserve better, now will be stuck with the likes of Matt Vasgersian every Saturday afternoon.

Ya, think Fox would put its NFL Sunday pregame in the hands of the NFL Network crew? Not a chance.

Kinda shows you what Foxies really think about baseball, right?

DUDE OF THE WEEK

DARELLE REVIS
For speaking his mind. ESPN got its moneys worth out of Revis. On a tour of Clown Community College Campus programs he described the state of the Jets locker room (disarray), said Tim Tebows presence would make it even more chaotic and urged the team to take better care of Mark Sanchez and show him support. Oh, he also called Bill Belichick a jerk. Revis could have played it safe and engaged in doubletalk. But hes a Jet. When youre a Jet you talk the talk, no matter the ramifications. Its a Rexian kind o f thing. And despite the current backlash from media hypocrites its the right thing to do.

DWEEB OF THE WEEK

JIM HARBAUGH
For carping, at the NFL owners meetings, about the crucial fourth quarter replay review of the muffed punt by Kyle Williams, on a bouncing ball that glanced off his knee (initially the play was not ruled a turnover) in the NFC Championship Game. The 49ers coach said the play should not have been overturned. You cant reverse a call unless theres indisputable, irrefutable evidence, Harbaugh said. Whats the opposite of irrefutable? Refutable? And whats the opposite of sweet grapes? Come on Harbaugh, blame yourself for not telling the inexperienced returner to take no chances and stay away from any bouncing balls. Other than that your whine was fine.

DOUBLE TALK
What Carmelo Anthony said: We are riding with coach Mike Woodson. The guys are committed to him, t he way he coaches. Were going to ride that way right now and see what happens from there.

What Carmelo Anthony meant to say: When Im ready to tell (James) Dolan who will coach the Knicks I will.

twitter.com/nydnraiss

Eredivisie round-up

Eredivisie round-up

Sekou Cisse: On target as Feyenoord won to keep up their title hopes

FC Twente, Feyenoord, Heerenveen and PSV Eindhoven all won on Saturday to boost their Eredivisie title hopes.

FC Twente kept up the pressure on Eredivisie leaders AZ Alkmaar with a 2-0 home victory over Roda JC.

Neither side created any chances of note in the first half but the Enschede club moved up a gear after the interval and deservedly clinched the points thanks to goals from Douglas and substitute Wesley Verhoek.

The win moved Steve McClaren's side within a point of AZ, who visit Vitesse Arnhem on Sunday, and level on points with champions Ajax, who welcome Heracles Almelo to the Amsterdam ArenA on Sunday.

Click be low for individual match stats:

FC Twente 2 Roda JC 0
Feyenoord 3 NAC Breda 1
Groningen 1 Heerenveen 3
PSV Eindhoven 2 VVV Venlo 0

Feyenoord's refusal to give up on the Eredivisie title was evident again as they beat NAC Breda 3-1 to move to within two points of the summit.

The victory kicked off with a third-minute Otman Bakkal opener and, although Mer Bayram levelled, goals from Ruben Schaken and Sekou Cisse sealed it.

Struck twice

Bas Dost struck twice as high-flying Heerenveen claimed a deserved 3-1 win over FC Groningen to sit level on points with Feyenoord.

Dost opened the scoring in the 24th minute and then restored his side's advantage just before half-time after Dusan Tadic had drawn the home side level.

Viktor Elm then added a third goal late on for Heerenveen as they posted their third win in four games.

PSV Eindhoven are also just two points off the top aft er a 2-0 home success over VVV Venlo.

Tim Matavz put the hosts ahead on ten minutes before substitute Memphis Depay made sure of the points at the death.

Ligue 1 round-up

Ligue 1 round-up

Paris St Germain suffered what could be a crucial blow to their Ligue 1 title hopes as they were beaten 2-1 at Nancy on Saturday, while bottom side Auxerre won.

Starting the day level on points with Montpellier at the top, Carlo Ancelotti's Paris St Germain could have moved three points clear with a win, with their rivals not in action until Sunday.

Nancy had other ideas, though, taking the lead through Bakaye Traore and then winning it with Yohan Mollo's 89th-minute strike after Mohamed Sissoko had levelled.

Nice climbed out of the relegation zone by coming from behind to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over St Etienne at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.

Click below for individual match stats:

Auxerre 2 Valenciennes 0
Bordeaux 1 Dijon 1
Lorient 0 Evian 1
Nancy 2 PSG 1
Sochaux 2 Brest 1
St Etienne 2 N ice 3

Les Verts, looking to re-ignite their hopes of European football next season, took the lead in the 16th minute through Max Gradel and were 2-1 up at the break thanks to Sylvain Marchal's 42nd-minute header after Anthony Mounier had equalised.

But the struggling visitors stunned their hosts after the interval, Mounier's second of the night levelling things up before Francois Clerc's winner two minutes from time.

Lorient remained in a precarious position towards the bottom of the table after falling to a disappointing 1-0 home defeat against Evian.

With just four points separating themselves from the drop zone prior to kick-off, Christian Gourcuff's men knew a three-point haul would provide them with a much-needed boost heading into the final fixtures.

It was not to be, though, with Brice Dja Djedje's 19th-minute goal enough to keep Les Croix de Savoie tucked away safely in mid-table.

Dramatic point

Subs titute Thomas Guerbert scored with his first touch to snatch a dramatic point for Dijon away to Bordeaux as the sides drew 1-1.

Benoit Tremoulinas opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute, but Guerbert equalised a minute from time to lift the visitors four points above the relegation zone.

Kamel Chafni and Dennis Oliech scored as bottom side Auxerre improved their chances of escaping relegation from Ligue 1 with a vital victory 2-0 over mid-table Valenciennes.

The win would have moved Auxerre off the bottom of the table had Sochaux not won against fellow strugglers Brest.

Sochaux's own bid to escape the trop received another big boost as they struck twice in the last 14 minutes to claim a 2-1 comeback win.

Brest had looked set to claim a vital victory after taking an early lead through Bruno Grougi, but Modibo Maiga drew Sochaux level in the 76th minute and substitute Slovan Priva t netted what proved to be the winner five minutes later.

Tiger's return to form is a Masterful one

Tiger's return to form is a Masterful one

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

Is Tiger Woods back? Everyone finds out at Augusta, which is fast approaching.

The legend took root there when everything about Tiger Woods was good and right and innocent. Fifteen years ago, a whirlwind whipped through the pines at Augusta National Golf Club, blowing apart old conventions and changing the landscape of golf forever.

The Masters has continued to provide Woods with benchmarks since the hug he, at 21, and his father Earl shared behind the 18th green in 1997. Now the tournament is poised for another.

After last weeks five-shot win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Woods is back, maybe not to his once-dominant form, but back to being a legitimate favorite to win his fifth green jacket.

Theres a convergence of his physical and mental aspects now, said Paul Azinger, the former Ryder Cup captain who will be part of ESPNs broadcast team. You think about it . . . (its) kind of post s--- hit the fan with Tiger. He finished fourth two years in a row at Augusta really where his head wasnt in the game and he had a bad left knee and he was in the midst of a colossal swing change. Who knows? Hes coming in the most confident player, and if his mind is like it was at Bay Hill and hes physically even close to where he was, he might run off and hide from this field.

We havent heard that kind of talk since 2008, when Woods won the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines on one leg. No need to rehash everything since but Woods fall on many fronts was precipitous. The climb back was arduous but 2012 looks like the second coming.

There were some speed bumps the failure to outduel Robert Rock at Abu Dhabi, the beat-down he got from Phil Mickelson at Pebble Beach and the Achilles scare at Doral. But since he won the unofficial Chevron Challenge at the end of last season, most everything has been pointing upwards.

There are many reasons to believe that Woods will complete the comeback and renew his pursuit of Jack Nicklaus records next week, even if he will have to contend with Rory McIlroy, three-time champ Phil Mickelson and world No. 1 Luke Donald, who all have won tournaments this year.

First off, there is the state of his game, then the state of his mind. Then there is the golf course itself and lastly, the anticipated conditions with a dry forecast keeping things firm, just the way he wants them.

Game first. The swing he rebuilt under new coach Sean Foley looks honed. His iron shots are pure, his lines tight. He hardly mis sed a shot at Bay Hill, especially on Sunday when he was back in his frontrunner element.

You saw the ball-striking, said his caddie, Joe LaCava. Lets be honest, he was 13 under and thats about the worst score he could have shot.

Woods hit 57 of 72 greens in all, his most in any start since 2009, and had a string of 38 straight birdie putts at one point, which took a lot of pressure off his putter. Hes ranked No. 1 in total driving on the PGA Tour and at Bay Hill, he played the par fives in 12-under par. Dominating the par-fives is still the key to winning at Augusta.

Towards the end of his dominance with Hank (Haney), when he started to get stuck in his golf swing, we could all look at Tigers swing and see five or six or seven things that we didnt like, Azinger noted. But if you look at Tigers swing now, if you were picky, you might find one or two.

Not one time working with Hank Haney did he hit the ball as well as he did this past weekend, added two-time U.S. Open champ and ESPN analyst Curtis Strange. Not one time did I see him in the years with Hank Haney did he hit the ball that well.
Haney, in New York to promote his book The Big Miss, made the point that distance control is essential at Augusta because the greens are quartered off and you have to get the ball on the right shelf.

Woods maintains that he is hitting everything longer under Foley and now has adjusted to those new distances. The combination of added length and precision is what Augusta demands.

Mentally, Woods has a comfort level at Augusta unlike any at other place. Bay Hill, where he won for the seventh time, is similar. Hes often talked about putting by memory and he is very confident putting on both sets of greens.

I understand how to play Augusta National, Woods said. Its just a matter of executing the game plan.

Then there is the mind itself, once Woods stronge st element.

Sports psychologist Gregg Steinberg feels Woods suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder after the scandal that ruined his marriage.

With everything happening, it wasnt just the divorce or the kids, but the media just pounding him left and right, he said. I think it took its toll, and it took this long to get his emotions in check so that he could again master his emotions where he needed them under pressure. That was his greatest asset in the heat of battle.

I think that 62 at the Honda (Classic, in March) was the true impetus he needed, Steinberg said. Confidence is like a wave that builds, and his wave had crashed in 2008. Hes now built the psychological momentum he needs to win.

Azinger doesnt have any psychology credentials, but he knows Woods.

The worst human emotion is shame, and he was ashamed of himself and brought shame on his family, Azinger offered. And then you have kind of the hear tache of it all and then the anger at all the people who make jokes. Those are real emotions, and its difficult to overcome that.

The person has to be able to forgive himself, as well, Azinger continued. I believe that winning at Bay Hill has taken him beyond that point. Tiger didnt separate himself because he just always hit it better. There was a place mentally that Tiger went to that no one else has seen except maybe Nicklaus, the elite of the elite. The (off-the-course issues) has been jumping in Tigers head in that second and a half that it takes to make a golf swing he didnt have that at Bay Hill.

He didnt have McIlroy at Bay Hill or Donald or Lee Westwood. Mickelson was there but the streaky lefty, like Woods, saves some of his best golf for Augusta. There are a lot of other younger players Keegan Bradley, Webb Simpson, Kyle Stanley and many others who have never been scarred by Woods in his prime. The question remains whether Woods can regai n the intimidation factor that cracked when he lost to Y.E. Yang at the 2009 PGA Championship.

You cant play defense in golf, Azinger said. When he walked on that tee on Sunday, black pants and a shirt the color of blood, you looked at him like he was the most disciplined player by far. But what we didnt realize was that maybe we were more disciplined than he was.

We didnt know that. This generation knows that. They can say, I think Im more disciplined than him, if theyre not doing the things that he was doing.

Steinberg disagrees.

Hes the man to beat now and thats the position he loves," Steinberg said. Hes the legend and I can guarantee you when these guys are up against him when hes playing his best, theyre going to be intimidated. You say these guys are fearless. Thats an overblown statement. Lets see how fearless they are when theyre facing what guys like Ernie Els had to deal with, when Tiger is playing his best. I w ould say theyre going to fold.

We shall see. But at least we may get the chance to see it now, on golfs best stage.

Dodgers' new exec sees Blue Skies ahead

Dodgers' new exec sees Blue Skies ahead

Rob Tringali/Getty Images

With Matt Kemp in his lineup, veteran baseball executive Stan Kasten (below) has a good start to restoring the Dodgers.

TAMPA The ever-garrulous Stan Kasten was on the other end of the phone , feeling a little like Hercules Unchained after nearly two years of being under a gag order from MLB and a bankruptcy judge in Virginia. And after a whirlwind few days of cross-country flights, he said he wasnt quite sure where he was. Listening to him passionately expound about the stunning turn of events that had just put him back in the saddle again as a major league team chief executive, however, was quite apparent.

Blue Heaven.

Late Wednesday night, the 60-year-old Kasten who carved his niche as president of the Atlanta Braves from 1986-2003 when they won more games than any other team in baseball, and then as the first president of the Washington Nationals from 2006-10 celebrated his return to the game when his group, Guggenheim Partners, led by L.A. icon Magic Johnson, bought the Dodgers for a record $ 2.15 billion. It was a deal that not only blew away all the likewise billionaire competition, but all of baseball and most economists as wel l.

Some economists have said the Guggenheim group, whose winning bid was more than $ 400 million higher than that of the runner-up, New York hedge fund titan Steven Cohen, paid almost twice what the Dodgers are really worth, likening it to former Texas Rangers owner Tom Hicks $ 252 million contract for Alex Rodriguez back in 2000, which was $ 100 million more than any other team had offered him. That contract effectively constrained Hicks from spending money on other players to improve the team and ultimately set the wheels in motion for his financial demise. Other economists, noting the some $ 400 million of debt left by previous owner Frank McCourt that was part of the deal, as well as the estimated $ 300 million its going to take to upgrade and modernize Dodger Stadium, wonder how the new owners can ever expect to make a profit especially if they maintain a payroll of $ 130 million -$ 140 million one would expect for a large market team.

N ot to worry, Kasten says.

Do you think they gave away every last penny in their bank accounts to come up with the $ 2 billion? Kasten said. That really makes us laugh.

Even so, one would think Kasten is in for a bit of a culture shock running a two billion dollar operation. In all his previous years as a chief executive in baseball, he was Commissioner Bud Seligs pit bull against the union in the various labor wars, as well as being an outspoken critic of wild spending owners, particularly the Yankees, as being the ruin of baseball. And, in fact, the Braves were and still are a model of financial prudency and responsibility while maintaining winning teams year after year. It has also been duly noted that not long after Kasten had resigned as president of the Nationals, their owner, Ted Lerner, was bamboozled by Scott (Avenging Agent) Boras into giving Jayson Werth that $ 126 million.

Deep into my core, Im a scouting and player develop ment guy and we will emphasize that even more here, Kasten said. Youve got to have homegrown talent, and Im very proud of the fact that Washington got voted the No. 1 farm system by Baseball America this year. When we started out there, it was at the bottom. At the same time, we understand the expectations and that our resources (in L.A.) are more than a lot of teams. Were not gonna wait eight years to build a champion. Its what (Dodger fans) expect and demand.

Translation: Expect the Dodgers to be un-Kasten-like aggressive players in the free agent market.

We know what the Dodgers are, Kasten said. No one who works in the office has a more special sense of pride for that uniform. The first person I called was Vince Scully because thats what the Dodgers are. He was surprised I took the time to call him, but Ive got to get used to this whole Dodger thing.

The next two people Kasten called were GM Ned Colletti and manager Don Mattingly, b oth of whom have to be greatly relieved to be finally out from under the financially-ravaged McCourt regime. Its only natural that when new owners take over a team they want to bring their own people in, but as the new Dodgers president, Kasten is keeping an open mind.

Its a .500 team right now, he said, but we aim to make it better quickly. The one good thing about taking over a team in March is that well have a whole season to evaluate everything and see what things work.

Especially Dodger Stadium, which needs major renovations.

Weve already had a team of engineers in there looking over everything, and what has to be done in the short term and over a longer period of time, Kasten said.

That said, there are no plans to build a whole new stadium or sell the naming rights to help finance the estimated $ 300 million its going to take to get Dodger Stadium up to par with all the new stadiums that have been built in baseball o ver the last 20 years.

Where Dodger Stadium is situated, with its view of the San Gabriel Mountains, no amount of money can buy you that, Kasten said.

We respect that and we want to enhance that. Its Dodger Stadium and it should remain being called that for as long as we own the ballclub.

Just the same, the events of last Thursday only further validated how far the Dodgers now are from Ebbets Field.

IT'S A MADD, MADD, MADD WORLD
- At his press conference announcing his plans to retire after the season, Chipper Jones reiterated how grateful he was to have played his whole career with the Atlanta Braves, who he regarded as his home team, growing up in Deland, Fla. Looking back, its ironic that perhaps the person most responsible for that was Scott Boras, who has otherwise been one of the biggest, longstanding nemeses to the Braves management. Twice the Braves made trades for Boras clients in their free- agent walk years, only to get burned badly when they signed elsewhere after the season. They traded Adam Wainwright to the Cardinals for Georgia native, J.D. Drew, who spurned them for the Dodgers, and in 2007 they sent Neftali Feliz, Matt Harrison and Elvis Andrus to the Rangers for Mark Teixeira, who they later traded to the Angels when they realized they could never meet Boras demands for him. But in 1990, the Braves, with the top pick in the June draft, were debating between taking Jones or top-rated high school pitcher, Todd Van Poppel, a Boras client. Many Atlanta scouts wanted Van Poppel, but only when Boras told the Braves his client was not going to sign with them, their decision was made for them. Van Poppel, who wound up dropping to 14th and signing with the Oakland As, had a mediocre 40-52 major league career, while Jones is going to the Hall of Fame.

- It appears as if Jamie Moyer is about to complete one of the most remarkable comebacks of all time making the Colorado Rockies starting rotation at age 49 after being away for nearly two years after Tommy John surgery. Moyer has a 2.77 ERA this spring and has outpitched the other two candidates, Tyler Chatwood and Guillermo Moscoso, for the No. 5 spot. Now that he has made the team, he is in line to break Jack Quinns record for the oldest pitcher to win a major league game. If Moyer wins a game this year, he will be older than Quinn was when the then-49-year-old righthander recorded his last victory on Sept. 13, 1932.

SAY IT AIN'T SO
We intend to build on the fantastic foundation left by Frank McCourt as we drive the Dodgers back to the front pages of the sports section. Magic Johnson.

Surely he jests! That fantastic foundation by McCourt had the Dodgers on the front page of the entire paper for all the wrong reasons.

Libyan official: 147 killed in 6 days of clashes

Libyan official: 147 killed in 6 days of clashes

TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) Six days of tribal clashes in a remote desert town in southern Libya have killed 147 people, the country's health minister said Saturday.

Fatma al-Hamroush said in a news conference in Tripoli that the fighting in Sabha has also left 395 wounded. Around 180 people have been transported to the capital Tripoli for emergency treatment, she said.

The clashes in the oasis region some 400 miles south of Tripoli show the fragile authority of the Libyan government, particularly in the isolated settlements that dot the southern desert.

With only a nascent national army and police force, Libya's ruling National Transitional Council relies on militias comprised of former rebels to keep the peace, and the country's vast distances makes it difficult to deploy them to trouble spots.

Deposed dictator Moammar Gadhafi's 40 years in power moreover left behind a patchwork of local rivalries. The Sabha fighting pits southern Libyan Arab tribes that reportedly had close connections to Gadhafi against the African Tabu tribe, which fought against him.

Residents of the oasis say that the rivalry burst into open conflict Monday after a Tabu shot a member of the Arab Abu Seif tribe, and then a delegation of Tabu elders and armed men going to participate in reconciliation talks was ambushed.

The Tabu and Arab tribes fought in another oasis region, Kufra, in February.

Sabha residents say the two groups exchanged fire with automatic rifles, mortars, and rockets. Tabu tribal spokesman Mohammed Lino said some 70 Tabu homes were burnt and 100 families were forced to flee the city during the past week of violence.

Video posted on Youtube dated Thursday pu rportedly from Sabha showed men in civilian clothes and the occasional camouflage jacket armed with assault rifles moving through a maze of mud- and stone-walled alleys, as flames rose from burning cars parked nearby. The authenticity of the video could not be verified.

Some families from Sabha said they fled the city by foot as bullets whizzed by. Some hit women and children.

In one of Tripoli's hospitals on Saturday, 14 year-old Mohamed Koukani Allafy was being treated for a gunshot wound that he sustained walking to school earlier this week. His family said they moved him to the Tabu stronghold city of Morziq, around 60 miles south of Sabha, before he was transported by airplane to Tripoli.

Adam Ahmed Saeedi, 12, was also being treated in a Tripoli hospital after he was injured fleeing with his family.

"I fell off the back of the pick up truck as we were trying to escap e. They attacked our neighborhood inside of Sabha, and we managed to get out in time," Saeedi said.

Libya's Tabu have kinsmen living across the border in Chad, and the defense ministry said Saturday that it sent a number of militiamen and national army soldiers to the country's southern border in case other African tribes try to join the fight. It also dispatched airplanes to survey the area.

Other militiamen as well as tribal chiefs from around Libya were dispatched to Sabha over the past few days. On Thursday they said they brokered a cease-fire that residents say has held in the city, but not outside.

Lino said that fighting continues just south of Sabha. He said he traveled to Tripoli on Saturday to meet with a number of Cabinet ministers to try and resolve the crisis.

Other Tabu leaders, frustrated with the slow pace of government action, say that Tripoli's leaders ha ve not protected them against attacks from Arab tribes in Sabha.

The government said it is trying to move relief supplies to the area. Health Minister al-Hamroush said that Tripoli has sent large amounts of emergency aid to the city, but that there is still an urgent need for medical supplies.

A U.N. team in Libya says they have also assisted with aid, including additional medical kits.

Kuyt unsurprised by criticism

Kuyt unsurprised by criticism

Dirk Kuyt: Unsurprised by critisicm of Liverpool this season

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt is unsurprised by criticism of the club this season due to their poor league placing.

It has been over 20 years since the Reds were crowned English champions and Saturday's top-flight results means they are eighth in table.

Liverpool can leapfrog rivals Everton with at least a point in Sunday's trip to Newcastle, although their wait to finish top goes on.

Live on Sky Sports

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• Newcastle v Liverpool

• April 1, 2012 1:00pm
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The Merseysiders have produced relegation form since the turn of the year and Kenny Dalglish's men have lost five of their last six in league action.

Dutchman Kuyt accepts their results have not been up for scratch, stating a club like Liverpool will always be criticised as there are sky-high expectations at Anfield.

Unsurprised

"Criticism doesn't surprise me because Liverpool should always at least be in the top four or five," explained Kuyt.

"Manchester City have been in there the last couple of years and Spurs are doing really well but I think this team should be in the top five.

"That is what we expect for ourselves and that is the pressure we put on ourselves because a club like Liverpool should always be there.

"But, unfortunately, we are not in that position at the moment so we are just trying to change things.

"I think criticism at a club like Liverpool is always there when you don't reach the position people expect you to."

Points

As for Sunday's opponents Newcastle, he added: "They have done really well. They have had a great season and have a lot of points already.

"I still think we are a better team than them so we have to make sure we get three points against them because no one was happy with what happened in the last two games.

"Against QPR we were cruising at two-nil and we should have scored loads more and I still don't know how we lost.

"Against Wigan it was just not good enough, there were too many players who did not find the form they normally do and suddenly you end up with no points."

• Liverpo ol 11/8
• Newcastle 15/8
• Draw 12/5

Err Jordan: Michael may sell struggling Bobcats

Err Jordan: Michael may sell struggling Bobcats

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

MIchael Jordan (r.) lives through the on-court  struggles of the Charlotte Bobcats.

Michael Jordan apparently has an exit strategy to leave the Bobcats, which will undoubtedly make Charlotte fans take to the streets for a mass celebration, provided His Airness keeps his word.

Nearing the end of another lost season as Bobcats owner, Jordan recently told his GM, Rich Cho, to start planning for a rebuilding campaign. He also dropped a bombshell, telling Cho and other deputies that if this one doesnt produce a winner and he continues to lose millio ns over the next three to four years, then he intends to sell the team.

I told Rich to make us better, Jordan told one associate recently. If that doesnt work and I cant make a profit in the next three to four years, then Im selling.

This is a change of plans for Jordan, who over almost the past year has been seeking a buyer to purchase half the team. The Bobcats lost $ 20 million last season and theyre headed for more big losses this season.

Jordans decision to give the assignment of rebuilding to Cho means that Rod Higgins, his long-time president of basketball operations who goes back to when he ran the Wizards, is on the outs. Jordan told Cho, the Thunders former assistant GM who arrived in Charlotte last June, to follow the Oklahoma City model.

Good luck with that, because there was some major luck involved in Oklahoma Citys ascension to the top of the Western Conference. The Thunder was most fortunate that Portland p assed on Kevin Durant in the 2007 draft, instead opting to take Greg Oden with the top pick. The Blazers once passed on Jordan, and they might end up never living down their Oden pick.

Jordan had falsely advertised his team before the season as playoff-worthy. But at least he has come to the conclusion that he needs to blow it up and start over. His roster is comprised of backup-quality players.

Entering the weekend, the Bobcats had only seven wins, fewest in the NBA. They are on pace to finish with the second-worst point-differential per game since the NBA and ABA merged in 1976. Theyve been losing games by 13.1 ppg, with only the 1992-93 Mavs getting crushed by bigger margins (15.2 ppg). Theyve lost 15 games by 20 or more points.

Because Jordan has been such a failure as an owner even drawing rare criticism recently from his best pal, Charles Barkley there will be plenty of fans in Charlotte who hope this next rebuilding campaign is a flop. Just so that he sells and gets out of town.

LINSANE TREATMENT
The Knicks need to stop treating Jeremy Lin like a star and start making him talk to the media. In Atlanta on Friday, Lin breezed into the morning shootaround wearing earphones, retreated to the privacy of the trainers room and refused to speak to reporters about his knee injury that KOd him from his third straight game. He hasnt done enough in his 10 minutes in the NBA to get away with not talking. When he was talking, he told reporters that his first piece of advice to Tim Tebow would be dont read the papers. He couldnt have been more clueless. Where does he think Linsanity started, anyway?

- Mikhail Prokhorov might be unhappy to learn that when the Nets set off on their current four-game West Coast trip, no reporters from the area went to cover the trip. Then again, Prokhorov is never around the Nets himself, so why should he care? But the NBA should care very much. . . . In his State of the NBA address at the All-Star Game back on Feb. 25, David Stern said that the league expected to have its new owner of the New Orleans franchise in the next week or 10 days. Thats the period of time we would like to hopefully have this deal for the sale of the club come into much sharper focus. Were still waiting. In the meantime, the league still runs the Hornets

- Former Cavs GM Danny Ferry is being touted as a candidate to run the Wizards when owner Ted Leonsis cleans out his front office, starting with team prez Ernie Grunfeld, after the season. Since leaving Cleveland, Ferry has been assisting Gregg Popovich in San Antonio.

SLAM DUNKS
- The Wizards fast-tracked their decision to get rid of JaVale McGee at the trading deadline when they learned that he was going to ask for $ 14 million per as a free agent. . . . The Grizzlies called the Wizards when they were doing their due diligence on Gilbert Arenas. Memphis was told he was fine, which isnt at all how one Wizard official remembers him. Lazy, manipulative and out-of-shape, was his scouting report. . . . When the Heat lost by 16 to the Thunder and by 15 their next time out to Indiana, it was the was the first time they had lost consecutive games by double digits since signing LeBron James and Chris Bosh in 2010.

- Doc Rivers son, Austin, could be a late lottery pick. Some GMs think hes a classic AAU product. Hes competitive enough to play in the NBA, but his inability to get others involved is seen as a drawback.

Too much AAU influence and not enough Duke influence, was how one Eastern Conference executive put it

- Kentuckys Anthony Davis is seen as the only game-changer in Junes draft. But he needs to get much stronger and isnt expected to start dominating for a good two-three years until he can battle the NBAs big men on equal terms

- The sleeper everyo ne is talking about for the draft: Damian Lillard of Weber State, a guard out of Oakland who was No. 2 in the nation in scoring at 24.5 ppg. Hes a lottery pick.

- You know its a lockout year when the NBA plays on Final Four championship night. Normally, the NBA is dark when the NCAA crowns its basketball champion. But when its trying to cram as many games as possible into the schedule because its in a lockout-shortened season, the NBA treats championship Monday like any other day. The league last played on Final Four Monday on March 29, 1999, the night UConn won its first title, over Duke. The NBA put on four games that night, as part of a 50-game, lockout-shortened season, with Seattle and Vancouver among the teams that played. Whatever happened to those great NBA towns, anyway?

Hodgson expects deal talks

Hodgson expects deal talks

Roy Hodgson: West Brom boss keeping his options open ahead of further talks over a new deal

Roy Hodgson believes talks over a proposed new contract with West Bromwich Albion will 'hot up a bit' in the near future, but admits he is keeping his options open.

Manager Hodgson's current contract with the Baggies runs out this summer and several players have indicated his remaining at The Hawthorns will have a bearing on deciding their own futures.

The former Inter Milan and Liverpool boss wants to continue managing at Premier League level and needs assurances Albion are thinking along the same lines with their plans for next season.

Hodgson said: "I have said on many occasions that I like the club, like the people and am enjoying myself.

"It's clear the club would like me to stay but I still prefer to keep the door open for the moment."
Roy HodgsonQuotes of the week

"We are approaching that stage now where no doubt the discussions will hot up a bit.

"It's nice to think that players would to some extent base their decisions on me. I am flattered to hear that, but of course, I also must see what is best for me.

"To some extent the two things are tied together. If I am going to continue working year after year, I am going to do it at the level I feel I should be working at, which is the Premier League."

Door open

Hodgson has transformed the fortunes of West Brom in his 15 months in charge but knows the club have to keep progressing to maintain that status.

He said: "I know how difficult it is to stay in the Premier League, I have experienced it with Fulham, I have experienced it here. No-one needs to persuade me how difficult it is every year.

"You start with high hopes but, to be frank, there are two thirds of the league that can't guarantee they are not going to be having a difficult season.

"The only way you are going to give yourself a chance of not having a difficult season is to have a good team to work with.

"It's clear the club would like me to stay but I still prefer to keep the door open for the moment.

"I want to make 100 per cent certain when I look at a piece of paper and see and like what I'm going into next season with West Brom, then that will be the moment when it will be easy for me to put pen to paper.

"The fact is we have to be constantly looking to improve in every area. If you stop improving you go backwards.

"But I still need to think about that as well because relegation battles are tough when you are young, as you get older they get even harder."

Black moments

Wherever his future may lie, Hodgson has no intention of quitting the game even though he will be 65 this summer.

He said: "I'm not going to stop working. I have made that decision. I have black moments when I think 'do I still need the pressures of work?'

"Then I suddenly realise 'yes I do, so stop moaning and get on with it."'

Syrian official says regime won't back down first

Syrian official says regime won't back down first

BEIRUT (AP) A Syrian official says Damascus will not pull troops from cities and towns engulfed in the country's unrest before life returns to normal in these areas.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Jihad Makdessi told state TV late Friday the military is in these cities "in a state of self defense and protecting civilians."

He spoke just hours after the U.N.-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan's office appealed on Syria's gov ernment to stop military activities first as "the stronger party" and in a "gesture of good faith."

Syria's uprising began a year ago with peaceful protests against President Bashar Assad's regime. In the face of a fierce crackdown, it has become increasingly militarized. The rebels now demand Assad's ouster.

The U.N. estimates more than 9,000 people have been killed in the fighting.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

BEIRUT (AP) Clashes and protests broke out across many parts of Syria Friday, further complicating a peace mission by U.N. envoy Kofi Annan who urged the government to lay down its weapons first to immediately end the country's yearlong crisis.

As angry protesters lamented inaction by Arab countries, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton tried to work out how to help the opposition in talks with Saudi Arabia, the biggest advocate for arming the rebels against President Bashar Assad.

Her visit comes ahead of a 60-nation weekend gathering of the so-called "Friends of the Syrian People" in Istanbul. The meeting is an effort to find ways to aid Syria's fractured opposition, which has been frustrated by the government's military gains on the ground. The U.S. is seeking to unify Syria's opposition movement and find ways to further isolate Assad's regime.

Assad accepted a peace plan brokered by Annan earlier this week and promised Thursday to "spare no effort" to m ake sure it succeeds. But he demanded that armed forces battling his regime commit to halting violence as well.

Underscoring the challenges, activists reported shifting clashes, some close to the capital Damascus, and others in the northern Idlib province, the restive central province of Homs and the country's east. The reported death toll ranged from 34 to 42.

Thousands of angry protesters emerged from mosques following Friday prayers nationwide calling for Assad's ouster and protesting resolutions adopted by Arab leaders at a summit the day before in Baghdad. The leaders called for talks between the government and the opposition not for Assad to step down, which is the key opposition demand.

"Talks with the butcher?" read a banner carried by a child in the Damascus suburb of Arbeen.

"The most woeful weapon facing Syrians is the abandonment by Arabs and the silence of Mus lims," read another carried by protesters in the northern town of Kfarrouma.

Syria's uprising began a year ago with peaceful anti-Assad protests, which were met with a fierce government crackdown. Since then, army defectors and protesters have taken up weapons, saying their only hope is to drive out Assad through force. The U.N. estimates more than 9,000 people have been killed in the fighting.

Many Syrians are frustrated at the lack of will for foreign military intervention in Syria and are deeply skeptical Assad will carry out Annan's peace plan, saying the president has accepted it just to win time while his forces continue their bloody campaign to crush the uprising.

The leader of the Syrian-backed Lebanese Hezbollah group, Sheik Hassan Nasrallah, said Friday it h as now become clear that the only solution in Syria is a political one that includes Assad himself.

"The only thing on the table today is a political solution based on dialogue between the government and the opposition and a consensus on serious and real reforms and their implementation," he said in a speech south of Beirut. "This is what would save Syria, and the region along with it."

For the U.S. and its allies, Syria is proving an especially murky conflict with no easy solutions. Assad's regime is one of Washington's clearest foes, a government that has long been closely allied with Iran and anti-Israel groups Hamas and Hezbollah. Saudi Arabia and other Sunni-led Gulf countries are eager to see Assad's fall in hopes of breaking Syria out of its alliance with their regional rival, Shiite-majority Iran.

Also Friday, the Obama administration expanded sanctions against top members of Assad's milita ry and security apparatus.

The Treasury Department placed Syrian Defense Minister Dawood Rajiha, army deputy chief of staff Munir Adanov and the head of Assad's presidential security unit Zuhayr Shalish on a blacklist that freezes any assets they may have in U.S. jurisdictions. It also bars Americans from doing business with the three men.

Assad himself and a number of others in his inner circle have already been targeted by U.S. sanctions as the regime stepped up its brutal repression of an opposition uprising.

Clinton, meanwhile, began talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal, then met with King Abdullah in his palace in Riyadh, along with top Saudi intelligence and security officials, according to the Saudi official news agency.

Annan's plan calls for an immediate, two-hour halt in fighting everyday to allow humanitarian access and medical evacuations. The plan also outlines a complete cease-fire, but that will take more time because Syria must first move troops and equipment out of cities and towns.

"The government must stop first and then discuss a cessation of hostilities with the other side," Annan spokesman Ahmad Fawzi told reporters in Geneva. "We are appealing to the stronger party to make a gesture of good faith. The deadline is now."

The Local Coordination Committees activist network said 42 people were killed Friday, including 13 in the town of Quriya in the eastern Deir el-Zour province. There, security forces opened fire to disperse anti-government pr otesters, triggering a shootout and fierce clashes with local rebels in the area.

The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights put the death toll at 34. It was not possible to reconcile the two figures.

Activists also said government forces clashed with defectors in fierce fighting in the suburbs of Damascus, mostly between the towns of Zamalka and Arbeen.

Associated Press writer John Heilprin in Geneva contributed to this report.

Iraqi-American woman slain in U.S. to be buried in Iraq

Iraqi-American woman slain in U.S. to be buried in Iraq

NAJAF, Iraq (AP) The family of an Iraqi-American woman found bludgeoned to death in her California home last week, with a threatening note left beside her, brought her body to Iraq on Saturday for burial.

A plane carrying the Iraqi-born Shaima Alawadi landed in the Shiite holy city of Najaf, south of Baghdad.

Two police cars escorted a pickup truck carrying her casket, draped in an Iraqi flag, from the airport to the "Valley of Peace," a large cemetery where many Shiites prefer to bury their dead.

The cemetery, thought to be the world's largest, is located close to the tomb of Imam Ali, a cousin of Islam's seventh century Prophet Muhammad and founder of the Shiite faith. Mourners offered a prayer for Alawadi's soul at the tomb's mosque before they took her body into the cemetery for burial.

The 32-year-old Alawadi, a mother of five, was found unconscious by her teenage daughter in the dining room of the family's home in El Cajon, one of America's largest enclaves of Iraqi immigrants. Three days later, she was taken off life support.

A note saying: "Go back to your country, you terrorist," was found near her body, the daughter told a local TV station.

El Cajon police declined to disclose the contents of the note but said it had led investigators to regard the killing as a possible hate crime.

"We are shocked by this criminal act against my daughter who called for love and tolerance," said Alawadi's father, Nabil Alawadi.

From the funeral, relative Haidar Alawadi called on the Iraqi government to take quick action to press U.S. authorities to reveal the results of the investigation into Alawadi's killing. No suspects have been identified or apprehended so far.

"We are totally surprised at the attitude of the Iraqi government, which has not taken any action. What we want is the truth about this ugly crime," he said.

The plane that brought Alawadi's body home to Iraq was dispatched by Iraq's Shiite Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

The victim and her family left Iraq in the early 1990s after a faile d Shiite uprising against Saddam Hussein, living in Saudi Arabian refugee camps before coming to the U.S. Saddam's troops had hanged Alawadi's uncle.

The family arrived in the Detroit area in 1993 and later moved to San Diego. Shaima Alawadi was a religious Shiite Muslim who wore a hijab and volunteered at the local mosque.

Carroll - I won't celebrate

Carroll - I won't celebrate

Andy Carroll: Liverpool striker returns to St James' Park for the first time on Sunday

Andy Carroll insists he will not celebrate if he scores for Liverpool against his former club Newcastle on his first return to St James' Park on Sunday.

The striker departed the North East in a contentious 35million move in January last year, with many Magpies fans unhappy at his departure.

Carroll has struggled to replicate the form he showed for Newcastle during his time at Anfield and has netted just five Premier League goals for his new club.

There have been hints in the past few weeks that he may be regaining a measure of form, and the 23-year-old has pledged to keep any joy under w raps should he find the net this weekend.

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"If I scored on Sunday then I wouldn't celebrate," he told The Chronicle. "I hope I get a good reception from the fans, they'll be getting one from me.

Great memories

"I thought I did well for the club when I was there and loved it. I have some great memories from playing there.

"I have always had a good relationship with the Newcastle fans and it ste ms back to playing for them."

"If I scored on Sunday then I wouldn't celebrate. I hope I get a good reception from the fans, they'll be getting one from me."
Andy CarrollQuotes of the week

The Gateshead-born Carroll insists he remains a supporter of the Magpies and is happy to see them doing so well, with Alan Pardew's men currently eight points above the Anfield outfit.

"I still love the club and have a lot of friends still at Newcastle," he added. "I always want to see them doing well.

"I want to do well for Liverpool of course. But when I come off the pitch playing for Liverpool, how Newcastle have got on is the first score I look for.

"That will always be the case. I want to see them win because I'm still a fan."

EA Sports defends digital only UEFA Euro 2012 release

EA Sports defends digital only UEFA Euro 2012 release

Developer EA Sports has defended its decision to launch its upcoming UEFA Euro 2012 release as a digital only add-on with the international tournament mirroring gaming release to be made available exclusively to existing FIFA 12 owners.

Having officially unveiled the upcoming FIFA spinoff UEFA Euro 2012 release earlier this week, EA Sports has responded to criticism that only FIFA 12 owning gamers will be able to make use of the new gameplay modes and features introduced to the football sim franchise though the Euro 2012 tournament tie-in.

"We felt this was the best way to extend that experience and deliver fresh new content to our fans," said Steve Frost, Communications Manager at EA. "We expect that some fans who may not have FIFA 12 will want to play Euro 2012 and therefore purchase both, but the bigger opportunity for us is to offer our loyal and passionate FIFA fans new content.

"We expect footy fans will want the opportunity to play UEFA Euro 2012 and experience what it takes to win the tournament under the same conditions their favourite nation will face in the weeks ahead."

UEFA Euro 2012 Features

Following the route to European glory UEFA Euro 2012 will see gamers presented with all 53 UEFA member national teams, the tournaments eight official stadiums and the full selection of the over the top fanfare associated to the international sporting event.

With online modes allowing those who splash out on the European themed DLC to compete against their friends and international rivals for tournament glory, EA has revealed the title will come with an all new Expedition Mode.

The all-new Expedition Mode designed exclusively for UEFA EUR O 2012 enables fans to build, manage and compete with a customized team against other European nations, crafting the perfect strategy for European domination. Fans will choose their favourite European player or FIFA 12 Virtual Pro to captain their customized team, win matches to earn better players from defeated nations, and then defeat the best nations to earn the best players in a campaign quest to defeat all 53 countries and complete the journey to conquer Europe.

UEFA Euro 2012 Release Date and Price

Set to be made available for the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC the UEFA Euro 2012 paid download will be exclusive for FIFA 12 owners when it is officially launch on April 24th.

With a 15.99 price tag the UEFA Euro 2012 FIFA 12 add-on will set wannabe Xbox 360 owners back 1800 Microsoft points whilst PC users will need to part with 2500 FIFA Points.

Will you be adding to your FIFA 12 gameplay with the new UEFA Euro 2 012 features when they land next month? Let us know via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.

Via: CVG

Cruise ship drifting after fire off Philippines

Cruise ship drifting after fire off Philippines

MANILA, Philippines (AP) A cruise ship with about 1,000 people on board was drifting in waters south of the Philippines on Saturday after a fire disabled its engines, the Philippine coast guard said. Five crew members were injured.

The fire on the Azamara Quest started late Friday, a day after the ship left Manila for Sandakan, Malaysia, and was immediately put out, said coast guard spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Algier Ricafrente. He said there were no other details about the incident.

The ship was carrying 590 passengers and 411 crew members, he said.

The ship's operator, Azamara Club Cruises, said in a statement that no passengers were injured in the fire, which was in one of the ship's engine rooms and was immediately extinguished. But five crew members suffered smoke inhalation, including one who was seriously injured and needed hospital care.

Azamara Club Cruises is part of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., which has been hit by accidents this year that have undermined its operations, including a cruise ship that capsized off the coast of Italy, killing 32 people.

Two Philippine coast guard vessels and a patrol boat were expected to reach the Azamara Quest late Saturday to offer assistance, Ricafrente said. The vessel was about 75 nautical miles southwest of the Philippines' Tubbataha Reef when the coast guard received the report of the fire early Saturday from a local ferry and a towage company in Manila.

There was no direct contact with the ship's crew, Ricafrente said, adding that the coast guard would investigate why Philippine authorities did not receive any distress call during the fire.

The cruise company's statement said the ship was running on emergency power in "calm seas" near Indonesia's Borneo Island.

Engineers have restored power to one of the ship's engines to re-establish air conditioning, running water, plumbing, refrigeration and food preparation, the company said.

"While the ship does not have propulsion capabilities at this time, it is in the process of being repaired," it said.

The company said the rest of the ship's voyage would be canceled.

The vessel left Hong Kong on Monday for what was supposed to be a 17-day cruise. The ship was scheduled to make port calls in Manila and Sandakan, as well as several stops in Indonesia, before arriving in Singapore on April 12.

It was the latest blow for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. In January, 32 people died when the Costa Concordia ran aground and capsized off the western coast of Italy. A month later, a fire on the Costra Allegra left that ship without power and adrift in waters known to be prowled by pirates in the Indian Ocean for three days.

Bombs in southern Thailand kill 5, wound 50

Bombs in southern Thailand kill 5, wound 50

BANGKOK (AP) Bombs in southern Thailand have killed five people and wounded more than 50 in the central distict of a provincial capital.

Yala Governor Dethrat Simsiri says three explosions took place at midday Saturday within a 100-meter (100-yard) radius over a period of 10 minutes in the commercial district of Yala municipality. He says the first two bombs were hidden in motorcycles, while the third was in a car.

Such bombings are a common tactic of Islamist separatists who have been waging an insurgency in Thailand three southernmost provinces since early 2004. The conflict has taken more than 5,000 lives.

Nets rally from 19 down, edge Warriors

Nets rally from 19 down, edge Warriors

AP

Deron Williams only scores nine points, but the Nets pull off the road upset against Golden State.

NJ NETS 102, GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS 100

OAKLAND, Calif. Gerald Wallace believes the future is bright for the New Jersey Nets, even if he might not be a part of it. Thats a decision Wallace will have to make this summer. For now, the 6-foot-7 forward is content trying to help the limping Nets salvage what they can from a disappointing season.

Wallace scored 10 points over the final 6 minutes and made a pair of key defensive stops as New Jersey rallied from 19 poi nts down in the second half to beat the Golden State Warriors 102-100 on Friday night.

The future looks good, if we had everybody healthy, Wallace said after the Nets opened a four-game West Coast trip with their first win at Oracle Arena in more than six years. We have an elite point guard, we have one of the up-and-coming centers ... so our future looks great.

Wallace might not have had the same feelings two weeks ago after arriving in a trade from Portland. New Jersey lost its first five games with Wallace to drop 19 games below .500. The Nets have turned things around lately and have won three of their last four. Now Wallace is entertaining the idea of sticking around after this season.

Im still trying to figure out everything, he said. We have a lot of guys who are free agents ... but what we have right here is special and tonight just showed what we can do, what the heart and determination of this team is. (My decision) will come.

The Nets hadnt won in Oakland since Nov. 21, 2005, and appeared to be on their way to extending the drought before storming back to outscore the Warriors 32-16 in the fourth quarter. Gerald Green tied the score with a thundering one-handed dunk from the baseline then added the game-winner moments later to stun the Warriors home crowd. Wallace finished with 24 points and 18 rebounds for the Nets. He also blocked Charles Jenkins potential tying shot just before time ran out.

We were a little lethargic early on, but our guys just persevered and fought, Nets coach Avery Johnson said. We got down by 19 and no one panicked.

Kris Humphries added 20 points and nine rebounds while Deron Williams had nine points and a season-high 20 assists to help New Jersey to its third win in four games. David Lee had 27 points and six rebounds for Golden State, which led 76-57 midway through the third quarter but couldnt get much going offensively the rest o f the way.

We didnt close them out when we had them and it came back to bite us, Warriors coach Mark Jackson said. We ought to be ashamed of ourselves. They outworked us in our own building.

Wallace led the charge on both ends, helping the comeback when he stole the ball from Lee underneath New Jerseys basket for an easy score. He finished 7 of 16 from the floor and added five assists.

Green added 20 points, none more critical than his final two baskets when he soared in from the left baseline and split two defenders for a one-handed slam, then followed it with his soft floater 36 seconds later. That was critical for the Nets, who went into the game limping as starting center Shelden Williams (injured right eye) and backup Jordan Williams (concussion) were both hurt during Wednesdays 100-84 win over the Indiana Pacers and were unavailable.

Shelden Williams did not make the trip and will be re-evaluated next week. Jordan Wil liams did join his teammates out West but did not play.

The win was New Jerseys third in four games following a stretch in which they dropped seven of nine.

For Golden State, it was yet another setback for a team that has been struggling since trading leading scorer Monta Ellis to the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Warriors have dropped nine of 11 games since the trade and now head on the road to play seven of their next nine.

Lee has helped shoulder the scoring load for Golden State since Ellis trade and got off to a fast start against the Nets. He made six of his first seven shots and scored 14 points in the first quarter, including buckets on consecutive trips down the floor when the Warriors built an early seven-point lead.

Johan Petro, who missed New Jerseys previous two games with a bruised right shoulder, pulled the Nets within 24-22 with a powerful one-handed dunk before Brandon Rush drove the length of the floor and around Williams in the key for an easy layup to put the Warriors up by four.

Dominic McGuires reverse layup pushed Golden States lead to 14 midway through the second quarter, and after a brief run by New Jersey, Lee followed his own miss to give the Warriors a 51-42 halftime lead. Rookie center Jeremy Tyler gave Golden State a boost with all 10 of his points in the third quarter.

Tyler, making only his seventh NBA start, added four rebounds. The Warriors, who were booed heavily by the home crowd following Wednesdays 102-87 loss to New Orleans, took a double-digit lead into the fourth before the Nets made their late push.

NOTES
Golden State PG Stephen Curry (sprained right ankle) missed his 12th straight game. ... The Warriors have sold out seven straight, their longest streak of the season. ... The Nets signed Dennis Horner to a 10-day contract before the game. The 6-foot-9 forward had been playing with the S pringfield Armor of the D-League and had been averaging 17 points and 8.5 rebounds. ... Injured Nets G Jordan Farmar accompanied the team on the trip but did not suit up for the game, the third straight game hes missed due to a strained groin.