WWE
– According to the WO, The Undertaker (torn rotator cuff) is scheduled to undergo surgery this weekend. At this point, the main concern is that he is healthy and able to work in time for WrestleMania 27 in April, which remains in serious doubt. His current timetable is unknown, though we should have a clearer picture after this weekend.
As recent as last week, there was talk that Taker may continue to wrestle lightly for the next few months, wrestle at WrestleMania 27 and then take the time off but that has changed now that the decision has been made to have surgery.
When the injury initally happened a few months ago, and it became apparent that time off was inevitable, WWE planned for the Undertaker to lose a Buried Alive match against Kane at Survivor Series and then rest up after that. When the pain got worse, the call was made to have the Buried Alive match take place at Bragging Rights and get the surgery over with.
MLB
– D’Backs’ GM Kevin Towers said in a team press release Wednesday that the club hasn’t closed the door on RHP Brandon Webb returning next season. “Although we have not entirely closed the door on Brandon returning to the D-backs next season, I understand the process he and his agent are going through at this time as a free agent…We wish him continued success as he goes through this process.” Webb’s agent Jonathan Maurer said that his client hasn’t given up on returning to Arizona, but added that several teams have already expressed interest. Webb, who turns 32 next May, hasn’t pitched in the major leagues since Opening Day of the 2009 season.
– A source told Mark Feinsand of the NY Daily News that the Yankees aren’t expected to pursue either OF Carl Crawford or OF Jayson Werth this offseason. “We are better with Crawford, but at that price? I’m not sure it’s that good of an upgrade.” The Yankees already have Curtis Grandson, Brett Gardner and Nick Swisher under team control for next season, so they will likely focus their efforts on upgrading their starting rotation. That siad, never say never with the Yankees.
– The Brewers have officially hired Ron Roenicke as manager. He’ll receive a 2-year contract with a club option for 2013 to manage the club. Roenicke, 54, has been coaching since the early 90s and spent the last five seasons as Mike Scioscia’s bench coach with the Angels. He beat out higher profile names like Joey Cora, Bob Melvin and Bobby Valentine for the job.
NFL
– Citing a league source, Terry McCormick of Titans Insider reports that WR Kenny Britt (hamstring) is out for the next 6-8 weeks. McCormick confirms that Britt’s injury, likely a hamstring tear, was one of the main reasons that the Titans were so convinced adding WR Randy Moss was a good idea. Though Jeff Fisher recently expressed optimism that Britt’s injury isn’t “season-ending,” it appears the Titans are just hoping he’ll be back for the NFL playoffs.
NHL
– The Blues have placed D Carlo Colaiacovo (concussion) on the IR. Colaiacovo was injured a week ago when hit by the Predators’ F Jordin Tootoo. Tootoo received five minutes for charging and a game misconduct but was not punished further by the NHL. GM Doug Armstrong said, “The situation with Carlo, when he sustained the injury, he had a sore neck and we thought that might be causing the headaches. That injury subsided a little bit and his headaches are still there, so we believe he sustained a concussion.” Stay tuned.
– Red Wings’ D Brian Rafalski (knee) wants to return to the lineup next week. Rafalski skated for over 30 minutes on Wednesday as he attempts to return from an injured knee. He was hurt after playing just two games this season. He has two assists and a plus-five rating thus far. He’ll be back on PP1 when he returns.
NBA
– Clippers’ G Baron Davis (left knee) is experiencing swelling due to a cyst behind his left knee and his status for the Clippers’ upcoming four-game road trip is in doubt. Coach Vinny Del Negro says Davis is DTD. Davis not only needs to get his knee healthy, but he also needs to get in shape, which is difficult when he’s limited in practice.
– Wolves’ G Jonny Flynn (hip) is targeting three weeks from now for his return. Flynn is back participating in full-contact practices, but this is the first official timetable we’ve heard. The three-week window should give him plenty of time to make an instant impact as soon as he steps on the court. Expect 25-30 minutes from him when healthy.