Morning Jolt: Twins to hold fire sale?
Monday, May 16, 2011
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Twins about to hold fire sale?
Believe it or not, the time is nearing for teams to start thinking about whether they're contenders or pretenders, buyers or sellers. Teams such as the Twins will be waiting to see whether they can turn it around, but we've seen this before: They usually recover and make the playoffs. If not, there will be suitors galore for Jason Kubel, one of the league's top hitters, who is due to be a free agent. The Twins also have free agent-to-be Michael Cuddyer, lefty starter Francisco Liriano, and who knows whether they would deal veteran Carl Pavano, who hasn't pitched well this season? The Twins usually don't sell off, but with impending free agents, they might. (Boston Globe)Comment
McNabb running out of NFL options
Has Donovan McNabb run out of options? Make no mistake, McNabb's career is spiraling toward its end. Last week, reports emerged from D.C. that McNabb had refused to wear a playsheet wristband last season for coach Mike Shanahan because he feared image ramifications. ... In the past, McNabb's superstar status could overshadow the clouds of controversy that thickened around him. He had the protective shell of Reid and his friends at the NovaCare Complex to make the mess go away. But he's no longer afforded that shield, not with a coaching staff that can't wait to get rid of him when he can't be considered the missing piece that transforms an average team into a Super Bowl contender. (The News-Journal)Comment
Cavs to make play for Grizzlies' Gay?
The Cavaliers, faced with the good-news-bad-news of lottery hope but a poor draft, may be talking trade. There is belief around the league that injured Memphis Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay could be had in the right deal. Gay, 25, has about $68 million left on his contract for the next four years. The Grizzlies have already given Zach Randolph a monster $71 million extension this spring and Marc Gasol's expiring contract is up next. Do the Grizzlies have enough money for Randolph, Gasol, Mike Conley's five-year, $45 million extension that begins next season and Gay, too? Perhaps, but they played awfully well during the postseason without him. ... [The] $13.6 million Gay earned this season fits under the Cavs' trade exception, but he would command much more than simply the trade exception. (Beacon Journal)Comment
Must-See Photo
Henrik Sedin (left) celebrates with Ryan Kessler and the city of Vancouver after netting the go-ahead goal in Game 1 of the NHL's Western Conference finals. (AP)
Must-See Video
Taj Gibson puts an exclamation point on the Bulls beatdown of the Heat in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Game To Watch
The first-place Rays look to extend the Yankees' five-game losing streak, 6:40 p.m. ET
SI Vault: More Stanley Cup
This Day in Sports
- 1982 -- The Islanders sweep the Canucks to win the Stanley Cup
- 1994 -- Tennis phenom Jennifer Capriati arrested for possession of marijuana
- 1939 -- The Indians beat the Athletics 8-3 in 10 innings at Shibe Park in the AL's first night game
