Morning Jolt: Favre's ankle could curb return
Thursday, July 15
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Favre's ankle could curb return
Brett Favre may have decided, but his ankle will have to support any decision to return. [Favre] said during the ESPY awards show on Wednesday night in Los Angeles that he would "love to play" for the Vikings this season but still hasn't decided if he will return because his surgically repaired left ankle continues to give him problems. "I still have a little bit of time, and believe it or not, [I'm] not completely healthy," Favre said during a backstage interview at the Nokia Theatre that was aired on the ESPN3 website after the show ended. "I guess at 40 I may never be. I'm not getting any younger, but I am working hard trying to feel as best I can. Last year, I felt great. My arm was totally different than it was the year before [in 2008 with the Jets] and that made my decision a little bit easier. But we'll see." (Minneapolis Star Tribune)Comment
Of the buyers and sellers in 2010, Philadelphia may not be able to swap an otherwise valuable asset. The Phillies need starting help, with Joe Blanton having struggled, and relief help, with Brad Lidge no sure thing. The Phils won't have injured second baseman Chase Utley (thumb) available until after Sept. 1, but they won't seek infield help, don't have many prospects after trading for Lee and Blanton last year and don't have much payroll flexibility. Outfielder Jayson Werth can be a free agent at the end of the season, but the Phillies, who are heavily lefthanded, probably can't afford to sacrifice a righthanded bat because Werth's potential replacement, Dominic Brown, also hits lefthanded. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)Comment
Johnson, Titans at a 'standstill'
After pubbing his Twitter account in an awards show acceptance speech, Chris Johnson characterized contract talks with the Titans as "at a standstill." He says he wasn't sure about reports the Titans were talking with his agent about converting incentives into a $2.5 million bonus to get him more money this year. "I'm letting my agent and the team handle that." ... Johnson ran for 2,006 yards in 2009 and wants a long-term deal with at least $30 million guaranteed. But he indicated he would be happy with a short-term pay hike. Johnson says when the Titans do something, he'll be in camp with his teammates. (The Tennessean)Comment
Must-See Photo
Rory McIlroy walked across the iconic Swilken Bridge at St. Andrews during the opening round of the British Open. McIlroy tied a major record by firing a 63 on Thursday. (Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Must-See Video
Steve Carell and Paul Rudd spoofs "The Decision" during The ESPYs on Wednesday night.
Game To Watch
Dodgers (Kershaw) at Cardinals (Carpenter), 8 p.m., MLB Network
- Los Angeles Dodgers
- St Louis Cardinals
SI Vault: Nolan Ryan
This Day in Sports
- 1909 -- Ty Cobb hits two inside-the-park homers.
- 1960 -- Orioles star Brooks Robinson goes 5-for-5 including the cycle.
- 1973 -- Angels ace Nolan Ryan throws his second no-hitter, beating the Tigers 6-0.
- 1980 -- Johnny Bench hits his 314th homer as a catcher, breaking Yogi Berra's record.
