Morning Jolt: Jay-Z won't work LeBron for Nets
Monday, June 7
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While some parties, even franchises and cities, aren't above begging for LeBron James, Jay-Z won't go that route even for his Nets. "That's his decision," the hip-hop mogul, who owns a piece of the Brooklyn-bound hoopsters, tells "Rolling Stone." "We're friends -- we've still gotta hang out! I don't want to convince somebody to do something, then have to see him and say, 'Uh, yeah, we're 4-30 ... sorry.'" (New York Daily News)Comment
Pena's defense keeping him in lineup
Though he hit .120 in May with 37 strikeouts, the Rays are, for now, sticking with their first baseman. No matter how low 1B Carlos Pena's batting average goes -- and his .169 average at the start of play Sunday was the lowest of all major-league regulars -- manager Joe Maddon has reasons for not taking him out of the lineup. One is Pena's ability to hit home runs when he does make contact, as he did in the fourth inning Sunday. The other is what he does with his glove at first base every day. "It's like with (struggling CF B.J. Upton)," Maddon said. "The defense is so important, it's hard to walk away from that." (St. Petersburg Times)Comment
The case for a Taylor resurgence
Despite inconclusive early returns, some statistical analysis suggests Jason Taylor may be poised for a comeback season. Linebacker coach Bob Sutton says that though Mr. Taylor will rotate with the other outside linebackers, Calvin Pace and Bryan Thomas, on most plays, on passing situations it's likely that all three will be on the field at the same time -- meaning that the statistically most aggressive defense in football will attempt to become even more aggressive. (The Wall Street Journal)Comment
Must-See Photo
Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo skies for one of his 12 rebounds in Boston's Game 2 win over the Lakers. Rondo recorded his fifth career playoff triple-double. (Jesse D. Garrabrant/Getty Images)
Must-See Video
Dustin Byfuglien lights up Flyers enforcer Chris Pronger during the Blackhawks' 7-4 win in Game 5.
Game To Watch
San Diego at Philadelphia, 7:05 p.m. ET, ESPN
SI Vault: Wayne Gretzky
This Day in Sports
- 1966 -- New York Mets pass up Reggie Jackson to draft Steve Chilcott No. 1.
- 1978 -- 32nd NBA Championship: Bullets beat Supersonics, 4 games to 3.
- 1989 -- Wayne Gretzky wins his ninth Hart Trophy (MVP) in 10 years.
- 1997 -- Stanley Cup: Red Wings sweep the Flyers.
