The move comes as the Packers look to switch to a 3-4 defense next year. Raji’s strength, size and speed could make him a vital piece of the puzzle going forward.

That’s the only local pick in the top 10 so far.

As expected, the Lions took Georgia QB Matthew Stafford #1. Another big pick is Darrius Heyward-Bey going to the Raiders at #7, adding a big time wide receiver to the corps of young offensive potential in Oakland.

Stick with http://blastmagazine.com for more sports coverage!

“This party has officially ended,” Schilling wrote in an email. “After being blessed to experience 23 years of playing professional baseball in front of the world’s best fans in so many different places, it is with zero regrets that I am making my retirement official.

“To say I’ve been blessed would be like calling Refrigerator Perry ‘a bit overweight.’ The things I was allowed to experience, the people I was able to call friends, teammates, mentors, coaches and opponents, the travel, all of it, are far more than anything I ever thought possible in my lifetime.”

Schilling was as good at pitching as he was being annoying and obnoxious…and that says a lot about how good of a pitcher he was.

Schilling compiled a record of 216-146, notching 3,116 strikeouts in 20 years of MLB service, and is the only pitcher to win a World Series start for three different teams.

If T.O. couldn’t get along with Jeff Garcia, Donovan McNabb and Tony Romo, let’s see how he acts when Trent Edwards skips numerous passes to him and the losses mount up.

“We today have released Marvin Harrison because of salary cap considerations,” Polian said.

“Marvin let us know his preference was to be released. Both Jim Irsay and I felt very strongly that after Marvin’s long and dedicated service to the Colts, we would, in this painful circumstance, be guided by Marvin’s wishes.

“This is a sad day for the Colts. Marvin Harrison, in addition to being a certain Hall of Famer, has been a good friend, model professional and a loyal and dedicated teammate. His record-setting achievements brought about by immense talent, work ethic and dignified professional demeanor have thrilled Colts fans for a generation. Marvin today takes his place alongside Raymond Berry, forming the greatest receiving tandem in Colts history. He will, in due time, join Raymond in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and take his rightful place with the greatest players in the history of the game.

“On behalf of his legion of fans in Indianapolis and his many friends and admirers in the Colts organization, Jim Irsay and I sincerely thank Marvin for all he has done for us. We wish him every blessing and success in the future.”

“When Marvin’s playing career comes to an end, we look forward to bringing him “Home” to Indianapolis, installing him in the Ring of Honor and joining all his fans in thanking him and celebrating his remarkable career.

“Godspeed Marvin, we will miss you.”

Maine wanted $3 million and the Mets were offering $2.2 million. So, some genius figured out that $2.6 million was in the middle, and probably got paid for providing that information. Maine can also earn an additional $25,000 if he pitches 200+ innings. Wow, thanks for adding that in there, Omar.

Maine was 10-8 with a 4.18 ERA in 25 starts and 140 innings in 2008, but missed the last five weeks due to a shoulder injury. He was up and down during the season, but overall is a bargain at $2.6 million.

Pedro Feliciano is the last player the Mets have facing arbitration. He made $1.04 million last year and would like to get $1.95 million.

The sources told Mort that he signed a four-year deal and that an announcement will come later on Monday. Ryan will be introduced at a press conference on Wednesday, according to the sources.

Apparently, Ryan’s deal is almost identical to the four-year $11.5 million deal that Steve Spagnuolo signed in St. Louis last week.

Ryan is the son of former Eagles and Cardinals head coach Buddy Ryan. He has a brother Rob who also coaches in the NFL.

The Phils got some more signin’ to do because Ryan Howard, Ryan Madson, Shane Victorino, Joe Blanton, Jayson Werth and Chad Durbin are still eligible for arbitration.

Hamels’ deal takes care of his arbitration years and will not cut into his free agent years. He was 14-10 in 2008 with a 3.09 ERA. He had a 1.80 ERA in the playoffs and was World Series and NLCS MVP.

That’s right, the Bucs have fired Gruden and Allen and will not look to rebuild their front office.

Gruden was 57-55 during his tenure with the Bucs, but he did win a Super Bowl. Granted, it was with Tony Dungy’s defense, but he won nonetheless.

Youkilis broke out in 2008, hitting .312 with 29 home runs and 115 RBIs.

Toomer, who turns 35 this year, has been with the Giants for 13 seasons. He began the season second on the Giants’ all-time list with 10,344 all-purpose yards.

He is also the Giants’ record holder for receptions, receiving yards, touchdown catches and 100+ yard receiving games.

His contract is up this year, and ESPN says that’s the end for Amani.

Dungy is holding a 5 P.M. press conference today, where he is expected to make his official announcement.

Dungy finishes his head coaching career with a 92-33 record and a Super Bowl victory. He also made the playoffs in each of his seven seasons as coach of the Colts.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones even assigned him his own security guards to follow him around to make sure he didn’t get in any trouble. Didn’t happen. He still got into a fight with a security guard in a hotel bathroom and was suspended four games for the incident. Surely, Jones doesn’t believe he can keep his nose clean for an entire offseason and doesn’t want to deal with the headaches.

As it is now, Jones has enough headaches on the roster.

UPDATE: Well isn’t this something?

A team source told Ed Werder that Pacman was released after the team learned that Pacman was involved in a second shooting in 2007. In an upcoming “Outside the Lines” segment, three Atlanta men allege that Jones arranged for someone to shoot at them just three months after he was suspended for a year by the NFL.

“He was surprised, and I think he was obviously somewhat hurt,” said Worrick Robinson, Jones’ agent. “At the same time, he understands the business behind what is happening here.”

“Outside the Lines” was told by an informant that Jones ordered the shooting following a dispute with one of the men. Authorities say the case is open, but they are not actively investigating the matter. Whatever that means.

It’s tough to think at this point that Jones won’t get a lifetime ban from the NFL.

Mangini was shown the door in New York after his Jets stumbled from an 8-3 record to a 9-7 finish and missed the playoffs. It’s a stunning move considering Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum still has a job. It was Tannenbaum who traded for Brett Favre and spent all that money on Calvin Pace, Alan Faneca, Damien Woody and Kris Jenkins, while trading away Jonathan Vilma and Jon Abraham. Yeah, that’s Mangini’s fault.

B.C. warned Jagodzinski that if he interviewed for the head coaching vacancy of the N.Y. Jets that they would fire him. Apparently, they weren’t kidding.

“Jeff and I were really divided on the future of this program,” said B.C.’s athletic director Gene DeFilippo. “I just thought I hired a coach that I thought was going to be here a long time and I thought Jeff was that guy. I am looking for someone who can give a commitment of at least four or five years, for the length of the contract.”

He said that there will be an interim coach assigned until he can find a long-term replacement.

UPDATE: Adam Schefter of NFLN has confirmed the move.

The Yankees have now signed first baseman Mark Teixeira to a reported eight-year $180 million deal.

He joins CC Sabathia (seven-year, $161 million) and A.J. Burnett (five-year, $82.5 million) as high-priced free agent additions to the Yanks.

What recession?

Earlier in the day it was thought that the Red Sox would be the front runner to land the former Angel. Other interested teams included the Nationals (haha! whatever) and the Orioles.

In 2008, Teixeira hit .308 with 33 bombs and 121 RBI’s.

In an e-mail to Boston media from Sox owner John Henry Thursday night, he explained that “we met with Mr. Teixeira and were very much impressed with him. After hearing about his other offers, however, it seems clear that we are not going to be a factor.”

Teixeira’s agent, Scott Boras released statement as well: “The Boston ownership was kind enough to request and travel to meet with Mark Teixeira. While it was a very positive meeting, Mark was candid and advised he is in the process of making a decision and is now attempting to eliminate teams.”

It is now unknown where he who wants to be the $200 million man will end up.

There is word, however, that Henry might just be calling Boras’ bluff. That remains to be seen.

Yep, the NY Post reports that Sabathia will sign with the Bronx Bombers in a seven-year deal that is worth approximately $160 million.

Sabathia made the decision after three days in a row of face-to-face meetings with Yankees GM Brian Cashman. I’m not sure what needed to be discussed for that long considering that no one was in the price range of the Yankees.

“It’s a one-year deal for now, but we’ll work something out long-term,” Hall told FOXSports.com. “That’s why I chose them. I don’t want to hit the market in the offseason and have to move my family again this year.”

The Patriots, Steelers, Ravens and Jets were also interested in Hall’s services, and reportedly offered similar contracts.

“I really like everybody at the Redskins,” Hall added. “Coach Zorn is really cool.”

While Hall is widely considered to be overrated (then again, maybe not. If everyone thinks he’s overrated, maybe he’s not rated that high), he is still only a 24-year old with two Pro Bowls under his belt. He clearly wasn’t worth the large contract and second-round pick that the Raiders invested in him, but Hall right now is listed as the Redskins’ dimeback.

That’s right, regardless of what you think of Hall, he’s their #4 guy behind Carlos Rogers, Shawn Springs and Fred Smoot. That’s some serious depth.

The thought behind the long-term deal (not many dimebacks get lucrative long-term commitments) is that he will eventually replace the aging Shawn Springs.

But, the Redskins are going to have to see that he’s a legit player and not just a waste of space like he was in Oakland (and some of his time in Atlanta). This season, Hall was beaten 40 times for 552 yards on 66 passes thrown his way, according to data compiled by STATS. He has given up more yards than any defensive player this season and is tied for third worst in catches allowed. While 66 passes were thrown his way, consider that his counterpart, Nnamdi Asomugha, was targeted just 10 times. Clearly, teams had no problems avoiding the stud Asomugha and picking on Hall.

The Detroit Pistons were determined to shake up a core group of players that got bounced from the Eastern Conference Finals for a third straight year. Most expected a major deal would have come much sooner than this.

Iverson, a four-time NBA scoring champion with a career average of 27.7 points per game, is averaging just 18.7 points through three games this season with the Nuggets. But that can’t be the reason for the deal, this was in the works for quite some time and not dependent on Iverson’s production through three games.

While the Pistons did want to shake up their roster, the real reason could just be cap relief after this year. Iverson is in the final year of his contract, which pays him $21 million this year. Getting that kind of money off the books would free up the Pistons to do a lot of other things.

The Yankees have announced that they have signed Brian Cashman to a three-year deal to remain as their GM.

From a joint statement by co-chairpersons Hal and Hank Steinbrenner:

“Before we could move forward as an organization this off-season, we needed to come to a resolution on the person who would hold the important position of general manager and allow us to make another run at a 27th World Championship. We are thrilled that Brian has accepted to renew his commitment to this organization for at least three more years.”

Cashman was believed to be on the fence about whether or not he wanted to remain with the organization, but a Yankee source told Newsday that it came down to what was best for his family. His new deal will pay him around $2 million annually.

The Yankees missed the post-season for the first time in Cashman’s tenure this season with an 89-73 record. He will meet with the media Wednesday morning at Yankee Stadium

The Steelers brought in free agents Byron Leftwich and Daunte Culpepper for a tire kicking, and initial reports were that they added both players.

Well, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, that’s not the case. Apparently, both passed their physicals, but in the end the Steelers decided to go with Leftwich over Culpepper.

The move speaks volumes about the state of Culpepper’s career. He lost out to a guy who was cast off in the offseason by the Falcons. THE FALCONS. Leftwich’s passing release makes Randall Cunningham’s look like that of Dan Marino. Also, Leftwich runs like he has concrete in his shoes.

In 2004, Culpepper threw for 4,717 yards and 39 TD’s with a 110.9 passer rating. Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Those who claim that he’s been bad since shredding his knee in 2005 aren’t entirely accurate. Remember, he was stinking up the joint in 2005 before blowing the knee.

The Packers get an unknown conditional draft pick and the Jets will likely have to release a QB. According to Glazer, the most likely suspect will be Chad Pennington.

Stay tuned on this one.

Chris DeMatteo, one of the original Blast launch issue staffers, weighs in on the Manny Ramirez trade.

Friends, readers, websurfers, lend me your eyes.  I write to bury Manny, not to praise him.  His legacy in Boston will live after him.  A legacy that includes two World Series titles and a series MVP. 

I have been a Red Sox fan my entire life and a Manny Ramirez fan since before he arrived in Boston.  I will continue to be a Manny fan through his tenure with the Dodgers and wherever he goes and finishes his career.  I am not saying “good riddance,” but I am not denouncing the trade and I am not condoning his recent behavior. 

As a writer and a fan, I believe that Manny Ramirez represents the best and the worst in baseball.  He plays like a god but always reminds us that he is human.  Although this has become a trade deadline tradition, I spent much of today awaiting the news.  If Manny stayed with the Red Sox, I probably would have titled this column “Mo’ Manny, Mo’ Problems” and speculated on what would and should happen for the rest of the season.  For better or worse, the Manny Era for the Red Sox is over.  For better or worse, the Manny Era for baseball is far from it.

“Manny Being Manny.”  We have heard it, read it and quite possibly said it, but have we really thought about it?  Manny has been decried as a “man-child” and an “idiot savant of hitting.”  He has also-and accurately-been called the greatest hitter of his generation and a first-ballot Hall of Famer. 

In recent days he has been called “spoiled,” “bratty,” “whiny,” “insulting.”  He is portrayed as a clown, a slacker who is able to get by on his natural talent of hitting and not always try his hardest.  His teammates however, tell a different story.  They have said in the past that no one works harder in the cages than Manny (Julio Lugo recently said that Manny is the first one to the park).  They say that he has an aggressive personal workout.  They have said, for the most part and that may change now that he is no longer with them, that he is a great teammate in the clubhouse.  Manny Ramirez is not a man-child, brat or savant.  He is an enigma.  He is a baseball player.  We mortals cannot comprehend how someone can be so good at anything.  We cannot comprehend the money he makes.  We cannot understand him. 

Major League baseball is not the pure, innocent game that father and son enjoyed so idyllically at the start and end of “The Natural.”  There are big bucks and big egos.  We have seen drugs, gambling and cheating tarnish our game.  We also see tremendous talent and amazing games.  Baseball is a game.  Major League baseball is a business on both sides-the owners and players-and we have the strikes, disputes and contracts to prove it.  Manny’s departure comes in the wake of what has been called his annual “tantrum.” 

This is not the first time he has asked out of Boston nor is it the first time Theo Epstein and management tried to trade him.  (Before the 2004 season, he was placed on irrevocable waivers and was then tentatively traded for A-Rod).  This season was the last of the eight-year contract he signed with the Red Sox but the team had two $20 million options for 2009 and 2010.  While Manny did say at the start of the season that he hoped his options were exercised and that he wanted to finish his career with the Red Sox, he apparently changed his mind and decided he wanted to become a free agent.  There is nothing wrong with trying the open-market.  Now-former teammate J.D. Drew hit payday when he opted out of his contract to sign with the Red Sox for $75 million over five years.  His New York counterpart Alex Rodriguez opted out of his contract only to re-up with the Yankees for more years.  Manny wants to play more than two years and wants a longer contract.  I would hardly call it greed.  The league and owners make billions-it is only fair that their workers who help them earn their fortunes be paid what they are worth. 

While Manny without question dug his own hole, none more than this week, I do feel he was unfairly vilified by the media-both national and local.  Maybe it is because he did not talk to them.  Maybe not.  He is far from the first or the only player to do the things he did and even worse things. 

Manny never fell out of shape, went to another team, demanded a trade to a World Series winner so he could win a ring, sign a contract that allows him special travel privileges, play only half a season, then audition his suitor teams like he was on a dating show.  If he did, would his team’s radio announcer lose it on the air?

Manny has never been linked to steroids or any other performance enhancer.  He did not have any abnormal spikes in homeruns (his 1998 total was actually below what he hit most other years) nor did he suffer a mysterious drop after the league’s new testing policy took effect.  If Manny did admit to taking steroids, would growing a mustache make everything better again?

Manny’s trade was not caused by a feud he had with a teammate.  If that did happen, which player would go to Miami? 

Manny never gambled, corked his bat or ripped his teammates (note the word teammates and not team or management) in the media.  

There are different rules for different people.  Manny was always given a lot of leeway because of his talent.  Whether it was ducking into the Green Monster during a mound conference, not running out groundballs, watching and celebrating homeruns, showing up late to spring training, taking time off, demanding trades or any of his other antics, Manny lived above the law.  The elite do.  Manny’s incident with the team’s traveling secretary in Houston is reprehensible.  Unfortunately, unlike what another Boston writer said at the time, that what Manny did would not earn him an arrest if he were not a baseball player, is not true.  Manny is an elite player-he can only be compared to other elites.  Elite lawyers, surgeons, politicians, scientists, musicians?  It is doubtful one of them would have been punished for pushing one of his or her organization’s employees.  If you are that good, you can get away with a lot.  It is the same in every sport.  Who is to blame?  Everyone. 

Because we cannot comprehend the immense talent or the money that it deserves, we fall in love with the so-called “lunchpail” players like Trot Nixon, Kevin Youkilis and Jason Varitek.  While they are still far better at baseball and far richer than we are, we still think they are like us and love that they had to work hard.  The truth is that they are also blessed with amazing talent as much as superstars like Manny do in fact work hard.  In life as in baseball, getting one’s uniform dirty only goes so far.  Talent and performance ultimately win out. 

While Manny at his worst represents the worst in baseball, when he is at his best, there is nothing better in or about the game.  As much as we have seen his business side, we have seen him at his playful side.  We saw him having fun and making the game fun.  Although it was only in 2007, one of my favorite Manny moments was his homerun off K-Rod in the Division Series against the Angels.  As soon as he hit the ball, Manny raised his arms and the ball soared into the sky to win the game for the Red Sox.  In the ALCS against the Indians, Manny did the same thing when he hit a homerun even though his team was still down three runs and lost the game.  That was Manny being Manny: he went up there doing what he always did-hit.  He hit and he hit it far and that was what he celebrated.  For that moment in time, it wasn’t about the money, management or even winning.  It was about hitting.  When the Red Sox fell down 3-1 in that series, Manny drew ire when he said that it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world if the Red Sox lost.  He was right.  As much as it pains the players and fans, there are far worse things in the world than losing a baseball game or a play-off series.  If only more people knew that.  Then the Red Sox came out playing loose, came back and won the series four games to three.  All because Manny was what he was, a baseball player, doing what he did best, hit.  There is nothing better than watching Manny hit.  It is the other things he does that cause issue. 

Manny will be remembered for a lot in his career, especially in his almost-eight years in Boston.  He will be remembered for his great moments, his funny moments and unfortunately, his departure.  The Red Sox won two titles in his eight years and those will go a long way in healing wounds.  Only time will tell how they do without him.  I wish he could have stayed and more importantly, I wish he wanted to stay.  He will return to Fenway.  If not as a Dodger in the World Series or interleague play or with another team during the season, then as a Hall of Famer when 24 is hoisted over right field near the worthy company of 1,4,9,8,27,42 and, by then, hopefully 14.  Until then, I’m surely going to miss him.

This was as good a deal for the Red Sox as there could be in giving up one of the best hitters in the game and the best on their team.  It was a great deal for the Dodgers.  For the Pirates, maybe it will eventually make them a buyer at deadline day. 

Jason Bay will step right into leftfield for the Red Sox although he might not fill Manny’s cleanup spot in the batting order just yet.  Francona is very good at integrating players into a lineup and he may very well bat Kevin Youkilis or Mike Lowell fourth and Bay lower until he feels he is comfortable in the lineup.  Bay is not the hitter that Manny is (although his numbers this year are close).  He is however a better outfielder and baserunner (he can steal bases), younger, cheaper and definitely less of a distraction.  His runs and RBI will likely increase in the more-potent Red Sox lineup.  He does have the power that is needed to fill the Manny void.  Most importantly, he is under contract for only $7.5 million next year and may be locked into a long-term deal if he impresses this season and next.  Not to mention, he is a right-handed power hitter playing in Fenway.

Craig Hansen and Brandon Moss can hardly be considered losses.  Hansen has a live arm and high hopes but has yet to deliver for the Red Sox.  To his credit he was rushed, but still, he has had difficulty in pressure situations and when you are on a perennial contender, every relief situation is a pressure situation.  Now the Red Sox will not have the option to use him and that may in fact make their bullpen better.  He will probably do well in Pittsburgh.  Moss is a solid outfielder but he was never going to play regularly in Boston.  He does not have the power to take over for Manny in left, will not play center with Jacoby Ellsbury likely a fixture and will not supplant J.D. Drew in right.  For the Red Sox he was at best a fourth outfielder.  He can be an everyday player for a smaller team and may very well step up like former Pawtucket teammate David Murphy (who was traded to the Rangers with Kason Gabbard for Eric Gagne last year).  He was nothing more than a trade chip and now will benefit by receiving more playing time. 

Manny is one of the best hitters in baseball.  He will definitely help the Dodgers and will still hit homeruns in a more-spacious Dodger Stadium.  His defensive liabilities will show more but great hitting beats weak defense every time.  A new environment will also contribute to what will likely be a tear in August and September.  Manny always hits but he hits better when he’s happy and he should be happy in California.  The Dodgers are also a better landing spot than the Marlins.  There are more veterans-including former teammates Nomar and Derek Lowe-and a manager, former foe Joe Torre, who knows how to deal with larger-than-life players.  Moreover, the Dodgers are a big-market team that can afford to sign Manny when he becomes a free agent.  On top of that the Red Sox are paying the rest of his salary this year.  Despite the crowded outfield situation at Chavez Ravine, Manny will not be sharing time with anyone.

Andy LaRoche has played only a little in the majors but has shown he can get on base and may develop power.  In Pittsburgh, he will be able to play across the infield from his brother Adam who is the Bucs’ first baseman, currently on the DL. 

Bryan Morris is a 21-year old right-hander who has only played in the minors but is doing well in A-ball after missing last season due to Tommy John Surgery.  He was the Dodgers’ first-round pick in the 2006 draft and is considered a good prospect. 

Although trading Ramirez was a pressing need, it is hard to say that the Red Sox are better, mostly because they are not.  It is possible that the trade will inject some much-needed energy into an underperforming team but with a roster of veterans and professionals such as Mike Lowell and Jason Varitek, it is doubtful Manny’s antics were responsible for its woes.  The trade failed to address the bullpen and catching situation which are both pressing needs this year and next.  Still, a waiver deal or call-up can rectify the pitching situation.  Justin Masterson is already in the pen and the team may call up Michael Bowden.  If Bartolo Colon comes back, Clay Buchholz may be moved to relief duty where he might even be more effective.  While the Red Sox are paying the rest of Manny’s salary this year, it is only money. 

The Pirates have traded away their best players the past few weeks and have gotten even younger.  While the moves signify rebuilding, it must be stated that the Pirates have been “rebuilding” for years.  Maybe they will be buyers at the deadline.  One would think that if they had this much talent to trade away, they would have enough to use and augment with a trade for a veteran in their own stretch run.

The deal sends Jason Bay to Boston and the Pirates get four minor leaguers. Pittsburgh gets young talent from Boston in Craig Hansen and Brandon Moss, third baseman Andy LaRoche from the Dodgers and AA Dodgets pitcher Bryan Morris.

The $20 million club options on Manny for 2009 and 2010 were dropped, so he will become a free agent next year.

Bay is a two-time All-Star with a .376 career on-base percentage and .282 lifetime batting average. He’s hitting .282 with 22 homers and 64 RBIs this season. The British Columbia native was the NL Rookie of the Year in 2004, when he hit .282 with 26 homeruns and 82 RBIs.

Ramirez, one of baseball’s greatest hitters, was the 2004 Word Series MVP when he helped end an 80+ year “curse” in Boston.

Blast Magazine staff writer John Guilfoil contributed to this report from Boston

If you are curious as to whether or not this is a fair trade, Yankees fans unaffectionately call him “Farnsworthless.”

Yankees management is happy to have Pudge. “He’s hitting over .290 I believe and he’s been hot so we’re looking forward to having him,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said after New York beat the crap out of the Orioles 13-3 on Wednesday.

Actually, Pudge is hitting .295 with five home runs and and 32 RBI’s in 82 games. He is a welcomed addition to a team that just lost Jorge Posada for the season.

Farnsworth is 1-2 with a 3.65 ERA and is generally thought of as not so hot. He throws gas, but that’s about it.

The deal is still pending league approval and Shockey’s physical.

It’s been rumored that Shockey has been unwanted by the team ever since their Super Bowl run when the team seemingly got much better without him. His receiving and blocking talents apparently are outweighed by his boorish behavior and me-first attitude.

Look for him to be very productive in Sean Payton’s offense. Drew Brees must be the happiest guy in Louisiana.

“We acquired a perennial Pro Bowl player and one of the NFL’s top pass rushers,” executive vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato said. “He is a great leader who will fit in very well with our team. We feel that Jason is a great addition on the field as well as off the field.

“He is a playmaker who can do so many different things for us on defense.”

And, in true Redskins fashion, they plan on keeping Andre Carter at right defensive end and moving the guy that played 11 seasons there to the left side. It’s not easy to switch sides in football, as everything changes. So, keep an eye on this one as he may not be the guy they thought they were getting.

Brand and the Sixers do indeed have to wait until the clock strikes midnight to make everything official. If this is all true and Brand signs with Philadelphia, the focus now goes to resigning restricted free agent Andre Iguodala. If Golden State signs him to an offer sheet, the Sixers will have seven days to match, which they most likely will do. Bringing in Brand was not the precursor to getting rid of Iguodala. Keeping the core together and bringing in the missing piece was GM Ed Stefanski’s plan all along.

Brand, 29, has a career average of 20 points and 10 rebounds. In the 2006-07 season, Elton didn’t miss one three-point shot going one-for-one. Philadelphia should be very excited about their basketball team for next year and that they have a GM that knows what he is doing.

In this day and age, the sign-and-trade is a very popular approach for NBA teams to use in getting something for their free agents. In baseball and football when a team loses a key free agent they are compensated with a draft pick. In basketball, not so much.

NBA trades are usually very close to being dollar for dollar in matching salaries, so Philadelphia would need to send the Clippers Reggie Evans and almost $9 million more? Andre Miller? I would think Brand would come to Philly knowing he would play with Miller. Jason Smith? That’s only another $1.3 million. Willie Green at $3.3 million? Maybe.

Do the Sixers sign and trade Andre Iguodala at the same time? I don’t think they do that.

I don’t see how the numbers can match up in a sign-and-trade unless the 76ers clean house.

If Philadelphia somehow steals Brand away from L.A., I think they will just sign him for the maximum.

My opinion is that he stays with L.A., but something is telling me Philadelphia GM Ed Stefanski has something up his sleeve after trading Carney and Booth today (tomorrow) to free up cap space.

The deal is contingent on Sabathia passing a physical, but there is no more information available at this time.

The Indians also designated right-hander Rick Bauer, which will make room for Jensen Lewis and Brian Slocum to come back from Triple-A Buffalo.

Borowski has been dreadful this year, going 1-3 with a 7.56 ERA and four blown saves in 10 opportunities. He led the American League last year with 45 saves despite a bloated 5.07 ERA. It was the highest ERA ever for a saves leader.

Last year, I personally watched him blow a four-run, two-out, nobody-on lead at Yankee Stadium. Yes, read that again. He had a four-run lead, with two out in the bottom of the ninth with no runners on…and blew it.

The Indians will go with a closer-by-committee approach for the rest of the season. Good luck with that.

Hossa was with the Penguins last year when they got mopped up by Detroit in the Stanley Cup Finals.

A former first-round pick of the Ottawa Senators in 1997, Hossa has 299 career goals and 349 assists in 701 career games.

“We’re in a playoff race, and I have to be there to help my team,” Myers said. “This isn’t a question of what I want to do. It’s what I have to do. . . . Obviously, I need to get my head in the right spot.

“I wasn’t prepared to become a starter because my heart and my mind-set were still in the bullpen. That’s my fault.”

Myers’ problems are all mental, which is frustrating for Philadelphia fans. He has a blazing fastball augmented by a devastating 12-6 curveball that is beautiful to watch when he’s focused. But if he gives up a home run at any point in the game, just get him out of there, he’s mental toast.

The Phillies have several options to choose from in replacing Myers in the rotation, none of which are thrilling. The could go with Chad Durbin from their bullpen or pick from a group from their farm system: triple-A lefthanders J.A. Happ or Brian Mazone or double-A righthander Carlos Carrasco.

If the Phillies, who have been dreadful as of late going 3-7 in their last 10, can hold on to first place and get Myers right, it will be like a trade deadline deal to bolster pitching and help them into the playoffs.

At that point, they can act like just making the playoffs is the endgame and thoroughly go in the tank.

1. Chicago Bulls select Derrick Rose, Memphis
Derrick Rose’s nickname is ‘Pooh,’ given to him by his grandmother because she thought he looked like Winnie-the-Pooh. He attended Simeon Career Academy where he led his team to back-to-back titles in the Chicago Public League and compiled a 120-12 career high school record. This guy is a leader, a winner, and the only no-brainer pick in this year’s draft. Chicago has found their man.

2. Miami Heat select Michael Beasley, Kansas State
Don’t get sucked into the rumors of the Heat trading this pick. It’s not gonna happen. However, he’ll have to work on his defense if he wants to live up to being the number two pick of the draft. His offense is not a question. This kid can flat-out score.

Kevin McHale is one of the worst GMs in this league. Common sense is to take OJ Mayo with the third pick, but McHale does not have common sense. This is the GM that cost his team $3.5 million and five draft picks by trying to sign Joe Smith to a max contract under the table. Part of me believes McHale thinks he is still employed with Boston after he hand-delivered Kevin Garnett to the Celtics in exchange for Al Jefferson and a 20% off coupon to Bed Bath & Beyond. My point? Some other team is getting OJ Mayo tomorrow night.

3. New York Knicks select OJ Mayo, USC (assuming a trade, but not predicting the details)
If the Knicks don’t get him here then someone will. The intriguing story here is that OJ Mayo and Lebron James are friends. In a perfect world, OJ Mayo lands in New York Thursday night, the Knicks somehow clear cap space for next year, and Lebron James becomes a Knickerbocker for 2009-10 season.

4. Seattle Sonics select Brook Lopez, Stanford
Tons of rumors about Seattle moving up to the two-spot in a trade with Miami, but really don’t see that happening. Seattle doesn’t have anyone to trade other than Chris Wilcox. If Seattle does trade, it will be down, but I see them drafting Brook Lopez.

5. Memphis Grizzlies select Kevin Love, UCLA
I liked him in college and I think he will be a solid pro. Memphis needs a big man, so why not take the best available?

6. Minnesota Timberwolves select Eric Gordon, Indiana (moving down from the three-spot)
Worst case scenario for Kevin McHale. He’ll trade his third pick hoping to get Lopez or Love with the sixth pick, but has to settle for his third option, Eric Gordon, who I like. I don’t like this mock draft right now. Kevin McHale is screwing this up for me. This is very similar to how Minnesota had to buyout Troy Hudson’s contract ($12.3 million), because GM McHale signed him to a six-year, $37 million contract. Yeah, Troy Hudson.

7. LA Clippers select Jarryd Bayless, Arizona
The Clippers have a lot of off-seasoning to do this summer. What is Elton Brand gonna do, are we trading Corey Maggette, is Shaun Livingston ever going to be good? Lots of questions. So, with two of those questions at the guard position, why not take the best guard available? Jarryd Bayless has tremendous upside. The only reason I say this is to prepare you for how many times ‘upside’ will be used tomorrow night. Last year it was used 2,381 times with 152 different words used before it.

8. Milwaukee Bucks select Joe Alexander, West Virginia
All the talk has Milwaukee taking Joe. In the top ten picks, there seems to be two definites. Rose at number one and Alexander at number eight. Joe was predicted to be taken in the middle to end of the first round a couple months ago, but GMs/coaches/scouts have been falling in love with his athleticism, work ethic, and size. I’ve been saying this for awhile now.

9. Charlotte Bobcats select Russell Westbrook, UCLA
This is a Larry Brown guy. I’m preparing you again. Whoever is taken at this spot, whether its Love or B. Lopez dropping to this pick or they take a reach on Augustin, you will hear the announcers say, “This is a Larry Brown guy” numerous times. You will also hear this during the 38th pick or if Charlotte acquires another first round pick in attempt to get Roy Hibbert, because Hibbert is a Larry Brown guy!

10. New Jersey Nets select Danilo Gallinari, Italy
Alright, this guy shouldn’t have dropped this far. I don’t know how this happened. He worked out really well with the Knicks, twice. So, if my fun little trade doesn’t happen then Danilo probably won’t be here. At this point of the draft there will be at least two significant trades that will shake this whole mock draft up. I see the Clippers and the Bobcats making some movement.

11. Indiana Pacers select DJ Augustin, Texas
If Toronto and Indiana somehow can agree to exchange TJ Ford and Jermaine O’Neal and ‘players with contracts’ then maybe this won’t be the pick. However, I don’t see that happening, so DJ is the pick here. What does Perry mean when he says ‘players with contracts?’ Don’t they all have contracts? Thanks for asking. Yes, they do, but some aren’t viewed as players anymore, just contracts. For example, Keith Van Horn is just a contract. Theo Ratliff is an expiring contract. And thanks to Isiah Thomas, everyone on the Knicks is a ridiculous contract. These are the players you need to include in trades so the salary numbers are close to being equal.

12. Sacramento Kings select Mario Chalmers, Kansas
Mike Bibby was one heck of a point guard for Sacramento and now he plays in Atlanta. Nobody better to fill that void than Mario Chalmers. Also look for the Kings to take Anthony Randolph or Roy Hibbert.

13. Portland Trailblazers select Brandon Rush, Kansas
I’m a big fan of Brandon Rush. Not as an NBA star, but a solid NBA player. Put him with Greg Oden, Lamarcus Aldridge, and Brandon Roy, and you have yourself a team that will dominate.

14. Golden State Warriors select Darrell Arthur, Kansas
I have no clue if the Warriors are even looking at this guy, but I thought it would be a good idea to have three straight Kansas players selected.

The lottery portion of the draft is over. Picks 16 thru 30 will now be listed without explanation due to the fact this is taking way too long.

15. Phoenix Suns select Anthony Randolph, LSU
(look for Leandro Barbosa to be dealt to Toronto)

16. Philadelphia 76ers select Kosta Koufos, Ohio State

17. Toronto Raptors select Robin Lopez, Stanford
(look for TJ Ford to be dealt to Phoenix)

18. Washington Wizards select DeAndre Jordan, Texas A&M

19. Cleveland Cavaliers select Jason Thompson, Rider

20. Denver Nuggets select Marreese Speights, Florida

21. New Jersey Nets select JJ Hickson, NC State

22. Orlando Magic select Roy Hibbert, Georgetown

23. Utah Jazz select Donte’ Greene, Syracuse

24. Seattle Sonics select Alexis Ajinca, France

25. Houston Rockets select Ante Tomic, Croatia

26. San Antonio Spurs select Chris Douglas-Roberts, Memphis

27. New Orleans Hornets select JaVale McGee, Nevada

28. Memphis Grizzlies select Courtney Lee, Western Kentucky

29. Detroit Pistons select DJ White, Indiana

30. Boston Celtics select Jamont Gordon, Mississippi State

I will be doing a live blog of the draft on Thursday starting at 7 p.m. I will dish out my thoughts on the picks and make sure I put in writing every ridiculous thing that comes out of the mouths of Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy.

“I will talk with Manchester and we will try to reach a deal,” said Ronaldo, who has insane talent yet dives more often than Greg Luganis. “The possibilities to go to Madrid are great, but it doesn’t depend on me.”

Ronaldo also mentioned that he would “need surgery” for a “small problem” on his right foot.

Manchester United won the Champions League recently in a shootout against Chelsea, which is another team lined with studs. So, of all the reasons he would want to leave, it’s not because Man U. stinks. Whether you like soccer or not (and chances are, if you are an American, you don’t), this would be the biggest sports transaction in recent memory.

The deal would most certainly have to exceed the world transfer record $90 million that Real paid for Zinedine Zidane in 2001.

The move comes with the Mets one game under .500 at 34-35.

Owens was set to begin the final year of the original three-year deal he signed with the Cowboys in 2006. His 28 TD’s over the past two seasons are more than any other receiver, including Randy Moss, who had 23 TD’s last year.

Update: ESPN.com has obtained the value of the contract. Owens will get $13 million as a signing bonus and $34 million over the next four years.

Spurs chairman Peter Holt told reporters last week that a handshake agreement was in place.

“If we never had a signed deal that would have been fine,” Holt said Tuesday. “That’s the way the relationship has always been.”