BBC Lineup for Thursday

C-Brad Ausmus
1B-Richie Sexson
2B-Mark Ellis
3B-Joe Randa
SS-Jose Reyes
LF-Carl Crawford
CF-Andruw Jones
RF-Jermaine Dye
DH-Dmitri Young

PS-Braves: John Smoltz

Baseball Challenge - Thursday

C-Ivan Rodriguez, Det; 1B-Mark Teixeira, Tex; 2B-Mark Ellis, Oak; 3B-Jorge Cantu, Tam; SS-Bobby Crosby D, Oak; LF-Chris Burke, Hou; CF-Andruw Jones, Atl; RF-Magglio Ordonez, Det; DH-Jonny Gomes, Tam; PS-Braves: John Smoltz, (13-6, 2.96).

Baseball Challenge - Thursday

C-Ivan Rodriguez, Det; 1B-Mark Teixeira, Tex; 2B-Mark Ellis, Oak; 3B-Jorge Cantu, Tam; SS-Bobby Crosby D, Oak; LF-Chris Burke, Hou; CF-Andruw Jones, Atl; RF-Magglio Ordonez, Det; DH-Jonny Gomes, Tam; PS-Braves: John Smoltz, (13-6, 2.96).

Diamond Daily - Thursday

Thursday's selection is Ichiro Suzuki, Sea, who is on a tear and facing J. Wright. Ichro homered in two straight games before tonight. He is a career .500 batter vs Wright (1/2) with no HR or RBI. On the season, Ichro is batting .299 with 15 HR and 62 RBI.

Thursday Night Over-Under - UCF at S.Car

The inaugural game of the Thursday Night College Football Challenge is Central Florida (0-0) visiting South Carolina (0-0, -19). For those unfamiliar with the game, you are provided with 10 over/under selections. The numbers provided are typically team or season averages within the various scenarios put forth. For instance, the second question of the week’s offering is will South Carolina’s total rushing yards be more than (over) or less than (under) 170.5 yards. Last season, South Carolina averaged 169 yards rushing per game. Hence, the paradigm that is Thursday Night College football over/under.

Thursday’s game marks the first game of the Steve Spurrier system in South Carolina. Spurrier in his first year as a head coach in 1987 with Duke and in 1990 with Florida had a combined 14-8 straight up (SU) and 13-8 against the spread (ATS) record. Looking at the pre-Spurrier era, South Carolina is 9-16-1 ATS at home the last four years. In their last eight home openers, South Carolina is 6-2 SU, but just 2-5-1 ATS. One more stat – South Carolina is 10-4 SU, but 4-8-1 ATS vs. non-conference opponents since 2001. The UCF Golden Knights are 1-10 SU and 6-4 ATS vs. SEC opponents. Interesting that UCF has a bye next week and UCF is 0-7 ATS before a bye since 1997.

Margin of victory for South Carolina @ 18.5
South Carolina is favored by 19 points over Central Florida. SC has been favored by double-digits in home openers three times over the past five years. In those games, SC is 0-2-1 ATS. In its last five road openers that UCF was a double-digit dog, UCF went 3-2 ATS. Yet UFC is a far cry from its winning ways, managing only a 3-20 record over the past two seasons. In fact, UCF owns the nation’s longest losing streak, which stands at 15. Normally I would go with the under here, but Spurrier won’t let that happen. Slasher’s Pick: Over.

Rushing yards for South Carolina @ 170.5
Last season, in a run-focused offense, South Carolina managed 170.5 yards rushing per game. Meanwhile, an improved UCF team allowed an average of 186 rushing yards. With Spurrier moving to a more passing-oriented offense and returning starter Cory Boyd suspended for the season, you have to seriously question if 170 rushing yards is realistic. Slasher’s Pick: Under.

Passing yards for Central Florida @ 180.5
UCF averaged 183 passing yards per game last season. South Carolina’s passing defense allowed an average of 177 passing yards per game last year. Interesting, South Carolina’s secondary has been going through hell for two years. They has to replace two starters from the secondary and were banged up in 2003 (only one DB more than eight starts). Last year, they had to replace five players who combined for 30 starts including a first round draft choice. Projected starting CB Jonathan Joseph was lost in Week 2 last year. True freshman KO Simpson was voted SEC Frosh of the Year and not only snagged 6 interceptions, but also had a 57 year fumble recovery for a TD. Now, three starters are returning and they bring in JUCO Brandon Issac. Slasher’s Pick: Under.

Rushing TDs for South Carolina @ 2.5
We touched on this a bit earlier. Spurrier is pass-happy, and starting tailback Cory Boyd is suspended for the season. South Carolina only managed about 14 rushing touchdowns last season over 11 games. I just don’t see a Spurrier-lead offense as a great selection to score three or more rushing touchdowns. Slasher’s Pick: Under.

Total number of Defensive or Special Teams TDs @ 0.5
Last season, seven of eleven games on Thursday night did not have defensive or special teams touchdowns. Since then, I forever learned my lesson. Odds are this one is under. There are no dynamic return-men or defensive players. Only dumb luck can make this one go wrong. Slasher’s Pick: Under.

Total combined turnovers @ 3.5
Generally speaking, these teams care well for the ball. Both QBs average under one interception per game. You are essentially guaranteed a fumble in every game. Yet, since there will be a ton of passing by guys who take care of the ball, I don’t anticipate a high number of turnovers even this early in the season. Slasher’s Pick: Under.

Length in yards of longest TD play @ 25.5
This number for longest TD play is rather short, even for college football. Slasher’s Pick: Over.

Time of possession (in minutes) for Central Florida @ 26.5
There are few stats to go off for this selection. South Carolina will pass more than UCF, so UCF will benefit from a running clock more often. That said, with UCF likely down large in the second half, they will have to pass often. Slasher’s Pick: Under.

First downs by Central Florida @ 15.5
UCF averages 16.3 first downs last season, while South Carolina allowed and average of 16.1 first downs. With both teams filling the airwaves with passes, these guys will only drive down the number of first down chances in this game. Slasher’s Pick: Under.

Combined score @ 54.5
South Carolina possesses a strong defense, and solid offense. Seven of its eleven games were under this number last season. Six of UCF’s eleven games were also under this number. Slasher’s Pick: Under.

Doubleheader Alert - Wednesday

Washington and Atlanta will play a doubleheader on Wednesday. Pitchers are Hernandez and Loaiza for Washington, and Thomson and Ramirez for Atlanta. Adjust your Baseball Challenge and Diamond Daily lineups accordingly.

Baseball Challenge - Tuesday

Tuesday's picks are based on the upcoming doubleheader between the White Sox and the Rangers. C-Rod Barajas, Tex; 1B-Mark Teixeira, Tex; 2B-Alfonso Soriano, Tex; 3B-Hank Blalock, Tex; SS-Juan Uribe, ChW; LF-Kevin Mench, Tex; CF-Aaron Rowand, ChW; RF-Jermaine Dye, ChW; DH-Jonny Gomes, Tam; PS-Padres: Jake Peavy, (11-6, 2.97).

Diamond Daily - Tuesday

I am taking advantage of the doubleheader tomorrow by selecting Kevin Mench, Tex. He is batting .280 on the season with 22 HR and 61 RBI.

Doubleheader Alert - Tuesday

Chicago White Sox are visiting the Texas Rangers for a doubleheader on Tuesday. Adjust your Diamond Daily and Baseball Challenge lineups accordingly.

BBC Lineup for Monday

C-Victor Martinez
1B-Mike Sweeney
2B-Tadahito Iguchi
3B-Brandon Inge
SS-Edgar Renteria
LF-Kevin Mench
CF-Bernie Williams
RF-Austin Kearns
DH-Travis Hafner

PS-Cardinals: Chris Carpenter

Benson Finally Signs

Running back Cedric Benson ended his 36-day holdout Sunday night, agreeing to a five-year contract with the Chicago Bears. Benson was just the fifth back in NCAA history to rush for over 1,000 yards in each of his four seasons. His 64 TDs were the third most in NCAA history. Benson is expected to challenge incumbent Thomas Jones for playing time.

Orton Named Bears Starter

Rookie quarterback Kyle Orton, whose inconsistent performance last season at Purdue - due mainly to injury - dropped him into the fourth round of the draft, will be the Chicago Bears starter for the regular-season opener, the team announced on Sunday.

Diamond Daily - Monday

On Monday, I am going with Victor Martinez, Cle. Martinez is facing J. Bonderman and is absolutely on fire. Martinez is a career .261 hitter against Bonderman, managing 1 HR and 2 RBI. On the season, he is batting .296 with 18 HR and 63 RBI.

Baseball Challenge - Monday

C-Victor Martinez, Cle; 1B-Carlos Pena, Det; 2B-Alfonso Soriano, Tex; 3B-Eric Chavez, Oak; SS-Bobby Crosby, Oak; LF-Kevin Mench D, Tex; CF-Brad Wilkerson D, Wsh; RF-Austin Kearns, Cin; DH-Jonny Gomes, Tam; PS-Cardinals: Chris Carpenter, (18-4, 2.34).

Willie Parker to Start?

Running back Willie Parker came into the preseason third or fourth on the Steelers' depth chart. But by the time Pittsburgh opens the season on Sept. 11, he might sit atop it. With injuries to Duce Staley and Jerome Bettis, Parker might have to start for the Steelers in the opener against the Tennessee Titans.

Roy Halladay Finished

Blue Jays starter Roy Halladay (broken leg) will miss the remainder of the season. Halladay made efforts to return from the injury, but things did not pan out. All GMs should drop Halladay immediately, unless you are in a keeper league.

Baseball Challenge - Sunday

C-Victor Martinez D, Cle; 1B-Carlos Pena, Det; 2B-Chase Utley, Phi; 3B-David Wright, NYM; SS-Jose Reyes, NYM; LF-Kevin Mench, Tex; CF-Brad Wilkerson D, Wsh; RF-Austin Kearns, Cin; DH-Jonny Gomes, Tam; PS-Twins: Johan Santana, (13-6, 3.22).

Diamond Daily - Sunday

Sunday's selection is Chad Tracy, Ari. Because he is playing in the Sunday night game on ESPN, Tracy's stats will count double - for better or for worse. I am sitting at #74 overall at RBIs for this month, so let's hope for a couple of grand slams! Tracy is facing V. Padilla, against whom he is batting 1/3 with no HRs or RBIs. On the season, Tracy is batting .290 in 386 ABs, with 19 HR and 47 RBI.

QB and RB Rankings Updated

While pulling together my ranks for the blog over the last month, I've come to the realization that we are all smart players. You don't need me to tell you who is No. 8 and who is No. 14.

So, what I am going to do is put players in tiers. We all know players go in runs during the draft. These rankings are in perferential order, yet are grouped in tiers (or anticipated draft runs). I can pretty much swap any player in a tier - althouth there are some players I perfer over others, and some that I refuse to draft under any circumstance.

You will notice that there are a lot of players with upside or downside clumped in similar tiers. These are often best considered promise or risk tiers where the proper selection will make or break your draft. For instance, tier four of the RB rankings has Jamal Lewis, Clinton Portis, Domanick David, Kevin Jones, Julius Jones, and Brian Westbrook. A lot of these players have huge hype, or underperformed last year. Two or three of these players will be good, three or four of these players will be average and/or tank. You have to grab the right one as your second running back or you will suffer mightily.

Look forward to any feedback you may have on the tier system!

BBC Lineup for Friday

C-Ben Molina; 1B-Mike Cuddyer; 2B-Rich Aurilia; 3B-Joe Randa; SS-Jhonny Peralta; LF-Covelli Crisp; CF-Vernon Wells; RF-Austin Kearns; DH-David Ortiz; PS-Astros: Andy Pettitte.

Diamond Daily - Friday

Friday's selection is Jorge Cantu, Tam, against E. Santana. This is the first time Cantu is facting E.Santana. On the season, Cantu is batting .293 with 20 HR and 83 RBI.

RB Update: BAL, CLE

Jamal Lewis was ruled out of Friday's exhibition game due to a bone spur in his right foot. Watch carefully, as this injury might linger into the regular season.

Lee Suggs will miss the Browns' final twopreseason games due to a high ankle sprain. Suggs' goal is to make it back in time for the opener but there are no guarantees. If Suggs cannot go, Reuben Droughns will start.

BBC Lineup for Thursday

C-Rod Barajas; 1B-Richie Sexson; 2B-Ron Belliard; 3B-David Wright; SS-Jhonny Peralta; LF-Covelli Crisp; CF-Jim Edmonds; RF-Austin Kearns; DH-Raul Ibanez; PS-Mets: Pedro Martinez.

NASCAR - Bristol Motor Speedway - Sharpie 500

Although this 2nd segment has been a bit of a struggle (sitting at about 80%), many of us still have a chance to finish up strong with a good showing in these last 3 races. During this segment, I have seen the majority of my picks each week do very well, but at the end of the race my total score was only slightly above average. This is due, in large part, to one driver having an issue.

Last week, my cheap selection, Robbie Gordon, was running between 8-14 most of the race only to have his engine fail on the 2nd to last lap. We have also seen drivers like Tony Stewart and Kurt Busch really turn if up a notch, while JJ and Biffle have slowed down considerably. Other drivers of note are Jeff Gordon, who needs a strong last 3 races to make the "chase" and can’t seem to get that elusive top 5 finish…while Kasey Kahne has also been driving strong of late. Lastly, I wanted to mention Matt Kenseth and Earnhardt, Jr., who seem to have finally found a rhythm and have been good drivers to have in your lineup of late.

This week brings us to Bristol for the 2nd time this season. There is a large amount of track history to look over and I have already spent quite a bit of time looking at it. In the past, Bristol Motor Speedway has been notoriously hard on the cars. Those crew chiefs that have done well to pack on the brakes and tweak the suspensions just right have had success here in the past. Most, however, have found it hard to finish over 95% of the race on a consistent basis. It is a tough track and this week’s race being only one of three left in the "Chase for the Cup", will bring added pressure to the drivers.

That being said, I wanted to take a look at all the drivers to find those that have had at least 2 top ten finishes in the last 9 races (2001 – 2005). I did look at drivers who had only been around a short period of time, but only Kvapil and Riggs had at least 1 good finish here at Bristol.

The 23 drivers that were eliminated include: Blaney, Bliss, Burton, Kyle Busch, Edwards, Elliott, Fellows, Robbie Gordon, Green, Hamilton Jr., Kahne, Terry Labonte, Martin, Mears, Nemechek, Petty, Pruett, Raines, Said, Schrader, Vickers, Waltrip and Wimmer.

The (19) nineteen drivers who made the first "cut" are listed below along with their track history and their average finish (average finish doesn’t include crashes or car troubles).

Biffle – 9/12/11/5/22/x/x/x/x – 11.80 in 5 races
Kurt Busch – 3/1/8/1/1/1/6/42*/25 – 5.75 in 8 races
Earnhardt, Jr. – 4/11/1/16/9/4/3/31*/14 – 7.75 in 8 races
Jeff Gordon – 15/9/14/9/28*/31*/1/4/3 – 7.86 in 7 races
Harvick – 1/3/24/7/2/10/4/24/2 – 8.56 in 9 races
Jarrett – 5/21/10/36*/7/29/28*/16/6 – 13.43 in 7 races
Johnson – 6/16/3/8/5/7/34*/x/x – 7.50 in 6 races
Kenseth – 16/5/9/2/4/6/5/14/33* - 7.63 in 8 races
Kvapil – 7/x/x/x/x/x/x/x/x – 7.00 in 1 race
Bobby Labonte – 22*/33*/16/3/27*/5/9/13/8 – 9.00 in 6 races
Marlin – 11/4/6/6/17/19/7/12/9 – 10.11 in 9 races
Mayfield – 17/17/22/23/10/14/25/3/16 – 16.33 in 9 races
McMurray – 24*/8/7/11/3/x/x/x/x – 7.25 in 4 races
Newman – 30*/7/2/22/6/37*/36*/x/x – 9.25 in 4 races
Riggs – 10/34*/17/x/x/x/x/x/x – 13.50 in 2 races
Rudd – 25*/37*/40*/4/33*/3/39*/10/4 – 5.25 in 4 races
Sadler – 2/14/5/21/38*/41*/42*/1/11 – 9.00 in 6 races
Stewart – 3/24/19/26*/23*/15/24/25/1 – 15.86 in 7 races
Wallace – 13/2/26*/14/43*/9/2/7/5 – 7.43 in 7 races

After reviewing this first cut, it is quite to see the amount of punishment these drivers take. Whether their cars just plain give out or they are involved in a crash, several of the drivers above seem to get more that there share of issues. Since consistency is everything in the NASCAR Challenge, I eliminate those drivers that had crashes or car problems in 3 or more of the 9 races. Those eliminated were: Labonte, Newman, Rudd and Sadler.

The remaining (15) fifteen drivers are as follows (in order of average finish):

Kurt Busch – 3/1/8/1/1/1/6/42*/25 – 5.75 in 8 races
Kvapil – 7/x/x/x/x/x/x/x/x – 7.00 in 1 race
McMurray – 24*/8/7/11/3/x/x/x/x – 7.25 in 4 races
Wallace – 13/2/26*/14/43*/9/2/7/5 – 7.43 in 7 races
Johnson – 6/16/3/8/5/7/34*/x/x – 7.50 in 6 races
Kenseth – 16/5/9/2/4/6/5/14/33* - 7.63 in 8 races
Earnhardt, Jr. – 4/11/1/16/9/4/3/31*/14 – 7.75 in 8 races
Jeff Gordon – 15/9/14/9/28*/31*/1/4/3 – 7.86 in 7 races
Harvick – 1/3/24/7/2/10/4/24/2 – 8.56 in 9 races
Marlin – 11/4/6/6/17/19/7/12/9 – 10.11 in 9 races
Biffle – 9/12/11/5/22/x/x/x/x – 11.80 in 5 races
Jarrett – 5/21/10/36*/7/29/28*/16/6 – 13.43 in 7 races
Riggs – 10/34*/17/x/x/x/x/x/x – 13.50 in 2 races
Stewart – 3/24/19/26*/23*/15/24/25/1 – 15.86 in 7 races
Mayfield – 17/17/22/23/10/14/25/3/16 – 16.33 in 9 races

In reviewing these remaining drivers, I think it prudent to point out a few things. First, Tony Stewart does not have an outstanding history here as he does at other tracks. Since salaries get reset after each segment, you will lose any "locked-in" salary you might have with those drivers. Granted, many of you have 4.00 or more "banked" points with Stewart, but this might be the week to look elsewhere for your starting five drivers. Second, Kurt Busch absolutely dominates on this track. Not only does he have an average finish more than 2 places better that any other driver, but he has won 4 out of the last 6 races here at Bristol. It would be a grave mistake to exclude him from your lineup this weekend. Third, only 8 of the 15 drivers have 2 top ten finishes in the past 3 races. Those include: Busch, McMurray, Johnson, Kenseth, Earnhardt, Jr., Harvick, Marlin and Jarrett. Last, but not least, it appears that the three best "cheapee" drivers for this week’s race are Kvapil, Marlin and Riggs. Granted they aren’t the best drivers in the field, but your goal is to put together the best team of five.

In concluding this analysis, I have put together the following team of drivers…provided you have no lock-in value.

(23.3) Kurt Busch – 3/1/8/1/1/1/6/42*/25 – 5.75 in 8 races
(21.2) Kenseth – 16/5/9/2/4/6/5/14/33* - 7.63 in 8 races
(20.2) McMurray – 24*/8/7/11/3/x/x/x/x – 7.25 in 4 races
(19.0) Harvick – 1/3/24/7/2/10/4/24/2 – 8.56 in 9 races
(15.6) Marlin – 11/4/6/6/17/19/7/12/9 – 10.11 in 9 races

Total Salary Used – 99.3

My entry this week will still take advantage of some locked-in value, but will follow similar guildelines, with the exception of Tony Stewart. At his value and as hot as he has been, it is just too hard to turn down.

(22.7) Kurt Busch – 3/1/8/1/1/1/6/42*/25 – 5.75 in 8 races
(22.6) Wallace – 13/2/26*/14/43*/9/2/7/5 – 7.43 in 7 races
(21.9) Stewart – 3/24/19/26*/23*/15/24/25/1 – 15.86 in 7 races
(21.2) Kenseth – 16/5/9/2/4/6/5/14/33* - 7.63 in 8 races
(11.6) R Gordon – too low in price to pass up and I see Marlin, Riggs & Kvapil as only marginally better.

Total Salary Used - 100.0

Mercedes Championship Picks - Buick

The Buick Championship, formerly the Greater Hartford Open, kicks off the fourth segment of the Mercedes Championship golf game on ESPN. The skeptical folk can check out my profile before considering any advice laid forth regarding the Mercedes Championship. Make sure to check out the past champions, career money leaders at the Buick Championship, and the results from the '01, '02, '03, and '04 tournaments before finalizing your roster. My recommendations are listed below. Welcome any feedback.

Kenny Perry (16.4M) - Perry is simply amazing at the Buick Championship, even though has not won the event or made it into the top 10 carrer leaders at River Highlands. Perry is 8th overall in Driving Distance, 2nd overall in Total Hitting, 4th overall in Greans Hit In Regulation, 6th overall on the Money List, 21st overall in Birdies and 63rd overall in Eagles. If that is not impressive enough, consider his play at the Buick Championship. Perry finished tied for fourth in 2003 with a score of -10 and a low round of 66. In 2002, Perry finished 13th by shooting a -7, which included a low round 64. In 2001, Perry finished with tied for seventh with a score of -11 and a low round 63.

Darren Clarke (15.5M) - Clarke has not previously participated in the Buick Championship. He is a world-class golfer with impressive stats. Clarke is 33 on the Money List, 13th in Birdies, 34th in Eagles, 79th in Putting, 41st in Sand Saves, 43rd in Driving Distance, 46th in Driving Accuracy, 3rd in Total Driving and 61st in Greens Hit in Regulation. Ever since his wife's cancer treatments have been going well, Clarke has seemed poised to capitalized on an alreayd impressive year. In the 11 tournaments he play, Clarke finished in the Top 10 five times - and the Top 20 seven times.

Olin Browne (10.6M) - Brown is a past champion at River Highlands and he is in the top ten career money leaders in this tournament. Browne is amazing accurate off the tee (ranks 5th in Driving Accuracy) and quick to the green (12th in Greens Hit in Regulation). He finished seventh in 2001 at -11, and shot a 63 on day four. In 2002, Browne finished 39th at -2, and shot a 64 on day two. He struggled to a 58th place -2 finish in 2003, yet rallied to a 27th place -4 finish in 2004.

Notah Begay III (6.8M) - Begay III is another past champion and top ten career money leader in this tournament. Even though Begay III missed all but one cut this year, he is a proven performer at River Highlands. In both 2002 and 2003, Begay III managed a -3 finish for 33rd place while only shooting one round above 69 in each tournament.

Diamond Daily - Thursday

Thursday's pick is Ken Griffey Jr, Cin. He is 4/10 career vs. L. Hernandez. All four hits were HRs that yielded a total of 6 RBI. On the season, Griffey is batting .295 with 29 HR and 85 RBI. Good to see Griffey back in form!

Heatley Traded for Hossa

This is a HUGE trade, as two of the NHL's most prolific scorers at the RW position switched teams today. The Atlanta Thrashers traded former NHL rookie of the year (and embattled star) Dany Heatley to the Ottawa Senators for Marian Hossa on Tuesday. Hossa's value will sky rocket playing alongside 22-year-old Ilya Kovalchuk. This could be the first time we've seen two guys in the same line score 50 or more goals each in a season.

Heatley desparately needed a change of location. His best season (41 goals and 48 assists) came just prior to a tragic misfortune caused when he was driving a car involved in a high-speed crash that killed teammate Dan Snyder. Heatley will sign a three year deal with Ottawa, and all three of theses players should be highly valued on draft day.

Duke Clubbed

Unbeaten Pirates rookie left-hander Zach Duke sprained his left ankle running the bases Tuesday night and was taken out after pitching two perfect innings against the St. Louis Cardinals. Manager Lloyd McClendon said Duke felt "something pop" in the ankle. Duke wore a protective boot on the ankle and was limping after the game, but was told he would probably miss only one start.

Bennett Missing Week One?

Minnesota Vikings: Mike Tice says running back Michael Bennett's sore neck most likely will keep him out of the Minnesota Vikings' season opener against Tampa Bay on Sept. 11. Bennett, however, said he should be ready to go by next weekend's preseason finale.

On Monday, Tice said Bennett most likely would sit out Friday night's exhibition against the San Diego Chargers. Then, on Tuesday, he said Bennett was "definitely not going to play" and could miss the season opener against the Bucs. Mewelde Moore will get the start in Bennett's place Friday and during Week One if Bennett cannot play.

Gates Signs Long-Term Deal

The Antonio Gates saga took another surprising turn Tuesday when the All-Pro tight end agreed to a six-year contract with the San Diego Chargers. Despite getting the long-term deal he wanted, Gates still has to sit out the final two exhibition games and the season-opener against Dallas on Sept. 11, his punishment for missing a team-imposed deadline for reporting to training camp. Gates' value officially goes through the roof, despite his Week One suspension.

Rattay Starting for 49ers

Tim Rattay will be the San Francisco 49ers' starting quarterback for the season opener, reclaiming his job from No. 1 draft pick Alex Smith after just two preseason games.

BBC Lineup for Wednesday

Some of these players are carryovers from last week, which is how I could fit them in under the cap. C-Rod Barajas; 1B-Richie Sexson; 2B-Ron Belliard; 3B-David Wright; SS-Jhonny Peralta; CF-Jim Edmonds; RF-Jeff Francoeur; DH-Raul Ibanez; PS-Cardinals: Chris Carpenter.

Diamond Daily - Wednesday

Wednesday's selection is Michael Young, Tex, who is facing R. Franklin. Career against Franklin, Young is batting .389 with 2 HR and 7 RBI. On the seaosn, Young is batting .321 with 18 HR and 69 RBI.

Baseball Challenge - Tuesday

C-Yadier Molina, StL; 1B-Derrek Lee, ChC; 2B-Jeff Kent, LAD; 3B-Alex Rodriguez, NYY; SS-Jhonny Peralta, Cle; LF-Manny Ramirez, Bos; CF-So Taguchi, StL; RF-Jeff Francoeur, Atl; DH-Jonny Gomes, Tam; PS-Twins: Johan Santana, (12-6, 3.37).

Diamond Daily - Tuesday

Tuesday's Diamond Daily selection is David Ortiz, Bos. Ortiz had no career history against Z. Greinke. He is batting .295 on the season, with 31 HR and 107 RBI.

Carolina Backfield Muddles

Amid the cheers of fans and high-fives from teammates, Carolina Panthers tailback Stephen Davis returned to the practice field on Monday for the first time in nearly 10 months, as the 10th-year veteran came off the physically unable to perform list.

Davis had missed the first month of camp as he continued his rehabilitation from offseason "microfracture" surgery on his right knee. Davis passed a physical exam on Monday and was cleared to practice. The Panthers will proceed cautiously with Davis and it is not known if he will play in Friday night's preseason game as he attempts to get ready for the Sept. 11 season opener against New Orleans - possibly his first action since Oct. 17, 2004.

The return of a healthy Davis would be a boon to a Carolina offense that thrives on the run and which rode his legs to a Super Bowl XXXVIII berth in 2003. Yet, it would be a disaster for fantasy football owners. With Davis, fourth-year veteran DeShaun Foster and 2005 second-round draft pick Eric Shelton, the Panthers would have one of the NFL's deepest and most talented tailback pools.

Looks like a split backfield in Carolina between David and Foster, until one of these fragile backs falls. Avoid both, and knock them down your draft board. Davis might be considered a good (very) late draft steal by some, but don't expect him to make it through the season.

Gates Out of Opener

Following through on an ultimatum delivered to Antonio Gates last week, the San Diego Chargers announced Saturday afternoon that they will place the star tight end on the NFL's "roster exempt" list and that he will not play in the regular-season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 11.

Update: Antonio Gates signed a $380,000, one-year contract Sunday night to end his holdout with the San Diego Chargers. The record-setting tight end still appears headed for a three-game suspension, including the season-opener against Dallas, for missing a team-imposed deadline to report to camp.

Baseball Challenge - Monday

C-Yadier Molina, StL; 1B-Derrek Lee, ChC; 2B-Jeff Kent, LAD; 3B-Alex Rodriguez, NYY; SS-Jhonny Peralta, Cle; LF-Jason Bay D, Pit; CF-So Taguchi, StL; RF-Jeff Francoeur, Atl; DH-Jonny Gomes, Tam; PS-Astros: Roy Oswalt, (14-10, 2.67).

Diamond Daily - Monday

Monday's selection is Troy Glaus, Ari. Glaus is facing T. Glavine for the first time. On the season, Glaus is batting .267 with 26 HR and 75 RBI.

Piazza Out

Prior their game with the Washington Nationals on Sunday, the Mets placed the All-Star on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Wednesday, with a broken bone in his left hand. Piazza suffered a hairline fracture in the pisiform bone, which connects the pinkie to the wrist, Tuesday when he was hit by a foul tip by Pittsburgh's Freddy Sanchez.

49ers Lineman Dies

San Francisco offensive lineman Thomas Herrion collapsed in the locker room and died Sunday morning, shortly after the 49ers played the Denver Broncos in a preseason game. He was 23. Herrion, a 6-foot-3, 310-pound guard, was on the field for San Francisco's 14-play, 91-yard drive that ended with a touchdown with 2 seconds left.

Diamond Daily - Sunday

Sunday's selection is Brian S. Giles, SD. He is facing J. Smoltz, against whom he is batting .455 with no HR and 2 RBI. On the season, Giles is batting .292 with 12 HR and 61 RBI.

Baseball Challenge - Sunday

C-Jason Varitek, Bos; 1B-Derrek Lee, ChC; 2B-Rich Aurilia, Cin; 3B-Aramis Ramirez, ChC; SS-Rafael Furcal, Atl; LF-Jason Bay, Pit; CF-So Taguchi, StL; RF-Jeff Francoeur, Atl; DH-Jonny Gomes, Tam; PS-Braves: John Smoltz, (12-6, 2.89).

IndyCar Series Challenge - Pike's Peak

Sorry I missed last week, but I am back in the saddle and this week’s race is in Bellevue, Washington. For this week’s race, I am going to streamline my information as I am short on time.

There is a very limited amount of track history here, but I wanted to find drivers with an average finish of 10.00 or better over the past 4 races in 2005 (excluding crashes/car problems) and compare it to some track history here at Pike’s Peak. First, I immediately eliminated any driver who did not have an average finish of 10.00 or better over the past 4 races. Those eliminated were: Briscoe, Carpenter, Dana, Dixon, Enge, Foyt IV, Kite, Matsuura, Patrick, Rice, and Yasukawa.

LAST 4 RACES (Kentucky, Michigan, Milwaukee, Nashville)
Barron (4/11/8/15*) = 7.67 in 3 races
Carpentier (12/9/7/3) = 7.75 in 4 races
Castroneves (5/21*/16/5) = 8.66 in 3 races
Franchitti (18*/8/2/1) = 3.66 in 3 races
Herta (19*/1/6/22*) = 3.50 in 2 races
Hornish Jr (7/5/1/2) = 3.75 in 4 races
Kanaan (20*/4/4/19*) = 4.00 in 2 races
Lazier (6/6/18*/9) = 7.00 in 3 races
Meira (2/14*/9/16*) = 5.50 in 2 races
Scheckter (21*/3/3/17*) = 3.00 in 2 races
Sharp (1/7/10/4) = 5.50 in 4 races
Wheldon (3/2/5/21*) = 3.33 in 3 races

You will notice a big problem. Not many of these drivers finish more than 50% of the time. This can really kill your weekly IndyCar Series Challenge score. I then eliminated any driver who did not finish at least 3 of the past 4 races. Some big names fell off the "boat". Those included: Herta, Kanaan, Meira and Scheckter. If you have great value with those drivers, then, by all means, stick with them. Just know that there is now added risk when selecting those drivers.

Trying to narrow the field from here, I looked closely at the practice and qualifying times. Here are the results of the 1st practice time. Here are the results of the 2nd practice time. And, qualifying.

Here is the track history for those drivers (last 4 races at Pike’s Peak)
Barron (10/x/10/x)= 10.00 in 2 races
Carpentier = no track history
Castroneves (6/12/2/x) = 6.66 in 3 races
Franchitti (1/4/x/x) = 2.50 in 2 races
Herta (9/x/x/x) = 9.00 in 1 race
Hornish Jr (18*/5/3/2) = 3.33 in 3 races
Kanaan (5/2/x/x) = 3.50 in 2 races
Lazier – not available
Meira (7/16/x/x) = 11.50 in 2 races
Scheckter (17*/8/16/x) = 12.00 in 2 races
Sharp (15/11/5/8) = 9.75 in 4 races
Wheldon (3/19*/x/x) = 3.00 in 1 race

My selections this week based on all the above referenced information
Franchitti – 29.6
Hornish Jr – 28.8
Patrick – 21.5
Dixon – 19.8
Total Salary Cap – 99.7

With salaries as high as they are, picking 4 competitive drivers is very tough. Good luck.

Baseball Challenge - Friday

C-Michael Barrett, ChC; 1B-Derrek Lee, ChC; 2B-Todd Walker, ChC; 3B-Aramis Ramirez, ChC; SS-Nomar Garciaparra D, ChC; LF-Matt Holliday, Col; CF-Corey Patterson, ChC; RF-Jeromy Burnitz, ChC; DH-Carl Everett D, ChW; PS-Athletics: Rich Harden, (9-5, 2.78).

Diamond Daily - Friday

Going with Chipper Jones, Atl, on Friday - while he is still healthy. Jones is facing P. Astacio, against whom he is batting .317 with 2 HR and 7 RBI. One the season, Chipper is batting .307 with 11 HR and 42 RBI.

Baseball Dead Teams Available

Visit http://games.espn.go.com/cgi/flb/deadTeams to get yours.

Mercedes Challenge - WGC-NEC Invitational

Thursday's WGC-NEC Invitational is the final tournament in this segment of the Mercedes Challenge. Make sure to check out the 2004, 2003, 2002, and 2001 results before making your selections.

Geoff Ogilvy is my first selection. In 21 events, he made 19 cuts, finished in the Top 10 four times, and won one tournament. He averages 0.1 eagles, 3.9 birdies, 11.0 pars and 2.7 bogies per tournment. Ogilvy is coming off a 6th place finish in the PGA Championship, 51st at The International, 12th at the Buick Open, and 5th at the British Open.

Davis Love III is my second selection. He is a bit hit-or-miss, with high payoff potential. In 18 events, Love made 10 cuts and finished in the top 10 eight times. He averages 0.1 eagles, 3.7 birdies, 11.3 pars and 2.5 bogies per tournament. Over his last seven tournaments, Love missed the cut three times, while finishing 4th at the PGA Championship, 6th at the U.S. Open, 2nd at the Booz Allen Classic, and 4th at the FedEx St. Jude Classic.

My third selection is Steve Elkington. In fifteen events, he made 13 cuts and finished in the top 10 three times. He averages no eagles, 3.5 birdies, 12.0 pars and 2.3 bogies per tournament. Elkington is running red hot right now, as he finished 2nd at the PGA championship, 32nd at the Buick Open, and 5th at the U.S. Bank Championship in Milwaukee. Elkington is amazing accurate, which compliments the overpowering driving ability of Davis Love III.

The final selection is Ted Purdy, a great golfer that just continues to fly under the radar. He is 22nd on the money list, 46th in driving distance, 85th in driving accuracy, 15th in total driving, and 75th in greens hit in regulation. In 26 events, Purdy made 20 cuts, two top 10s and 1 win. He averages 0.1 eagles, 3.5 birdies, 11.1 pars and 3.1 bogies per tournament. He most recently finished 10th at the PGA Championsh