MLB
– Reds’ 1B Joey Votto (torn left meniscus) will undergo athroscopic surgery and miss 3-4 weeks. Votto originally hurt the knee on June 29 and missed a couple games.
– Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports that the Phillies plan to offer at least $120M to impending free agent LHP Cole Hamels. This would equal Cliff Lee’s 5-year/$120M contract. The Phillies reportedly don’t mind giving Hamels the yearly salary he covets, but the number of years is believed to be the obstacle. Two management people on other teams told Heyman that they believe the Phillies will have to go closer to Johan Santana’s 6-year/$137.5M deal, or even more, to get Hamels to re-sign. Heyman hears that “some people within the organization” aren’t overly optimistic they’ll be able to get it done. Stay tuned.
– According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the White Sox have emerged as a potential suitor for Brewers’ RHP Zack Greinke. Greinke, an impending free agent, has a 3.57 ERA and 117 strikeouts in 116 innings this season. The Braves, Angels, Rangers and Orioles also have interest.
– CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman reports that the Yankees have “talked to the Phillies” about OF Shane Victorino. The asking price is “too high” at the moment, according to Heyman, but as always, things are subject to change approaching the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. Victorino, 31, is batting .245/.311/.379 with eight home runs, 19 stolen bases and 38 RBI in 89 games this season. He’s set to hit the free agent market five days after the 2012 World Series.
– Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com reports that the Dodgers have some interest in Phillies’ SS Jimmy Rollins. Rollins has a no-trade clause, but could waive if he’s asked to go to a team he likes. The Phillies are currently deciding if they’re in sell mode approaching the deadline. Stay tuned.
– In an interview on Monday with ESPN Radio’s Michael Kay, Yankees’ RHP Mariano Rivera (knee) said Monday that hopes to return in September. ”That’s my goal. Definitely, that’s my goal. I’m not thinking about it because if it doesn’t happen, I will be disappointed. So I’m taking it day by day. I’m working hard and doing what I’m supposed to do. I don’t want to put something in my mind.” Rivera’s rehab doctor told Joel Sherman of the NY Post last week that Mo is ahead of schedule in his recovery from knee surgery and wouldn’t be against him returning this season. Stay tuned.
– CBS Sports’ Danny Knobler writes that the Rays are “suggesting to teams” that RHP James Shields is available. The asking price is believed to be an impact major-league bat or a catching prospect. The Tigers are known to have interest. Shields, 30, has a 4.44 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 114/37 K/BB ratio in 123 2/3 innings this season.
– ESPN’s Buster Olney reports that the Red Sox are aggressive in their pursuit of Cubs’ RHP Ryan Dempster. Bruce Levine of ESPN Chicago reported on Sunday that ten teams have shown legitimate interest in acquiring Dempster. He has five and ten rights, and has the ability to block any trade. Dempster has expressed willingness to join any contender.
– Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that the Tigers are interested in D’Backs’ SS Stephen Drew and 3B Ryan Roberts. The two clubs have discussed scenarios involving one or both players, and Rosenthal speculates that SS Jhonny Peralta could be a piece going back in any deal, as his contract includes a $6M club option for next year. Roberts would become the starting second baseman if traded.
– CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman lists the Angels, Red Sox, Yankees, Mets, Blue Jays and Braves as teams with trade interest in Twins’ LHP Francisco Liriano. Liriano has a 4.93 overall ERA this season, but has been much better of late, including a 15-strikeout performance against the A’s. He’s scheduled to hit the free agent market five days after the conclusion of the 2012 World Series.
– Jim Bowden of ESPN.com and MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM reports that there are now six teams in talks with the Padres over 3B Chase Headley. Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reported earlier this month that the Dodgers, Pirates, Indians, Orioles, D’Backs and two unidentified teams were believed to have “some level of interest.” Headley is making $3.475M this season and remains under team control though 2014.
– Angels’ OF Vernon Wells (right thumb) is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment this weekend. Wells is expected to play 7-10 games in the minors, and could be activated by the end of the month. The 33-year-old has been sidelined for nearly two months following surgery.
– Orioles’ RHP Jason Hammel (right knee) underwent successful surgery on Monday to repair loose cartilage and will miss 3-4 weeks.
– Blue Jays’ LHP Luis Perez (left elbow) will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery on Tuesday in Florida. Perez was diagnosed with a torn UCL last week. He’ll likely be sidelined until the second half of 2013.
– Marlins’ RHP Juan Carlos Oviedo (right elbow) was diagnosed with a sprained UCL. Oviedo suffered the injury while pitching in the minors as he neared the end of his eight-week suspension. It’s unclear if he’ll attempt to rehab the injury or opt for Tommy John surgery.
– Astros’ RHP Kyle Weiland (shoulder) is expected to miss the remainder of the season. Weiland underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder in May and later needed treatment for an infection that developed around his surgical wound. GM Jeff Luhnow said, “Given how much time he’s missed, I’d be surprised if he made it back into the competition this year. Our focus is on just getting him healthy and getting him ready to recover in the offseason and come into spring training.”
– Rockies’ RHP Juan Nicasio (left knee) will miss the rest of the season following surgery on Monday. It was originally announced that Nicasio needed loose bodies removed from the knee, but it turns out that he also required microfracture surgery on the under surface of the patella.
NFL
– The Ravens have signed franchise RB Ray Rice to a 5-year/$40M, narrowly beating out the 4 pm ET deadline on Monday. The deal includes $25M the first two years and $17M in 2012. Rice’s $24M in guarantees is below just Adrian Peterson and Chris Johnson.
The Patriots failed to reach agreement with unsigned franchise WR Wes Welker. According to the Boston Globe’s Greg Bedard, TE Rob Gronkowski’s 6-year/$54M extension did not affect Welker’s contract talks, but LB Jerod Mayo’s 5-year/$48M deal did. Many believe that Welker’s future in New England will boil down to his 2012 performance, and the team is unlikely to use their franchise tag on him again next season. Stay tuned.
– 49ers’ franchise FS Dashon Goldson did not sign a long-term contract with the team either. Goldson was believed to be targeting Titans’ FS Michael Griffin’s 5-year/$35M deal. He’ll play out the 2012 season under a $6.2M franchise tag.
– Suspended Saints LB Jonathan Vilma filed a motion on Monday to expedite his requested temporary restraining order against the NFL. It’s Vilma’s second attempt to be cleared for participation in Saints’ training camp, which begins on July 24. This comes 13 days after commissioner Roger Goodell upheld his 16-game “Bounty Scandal” suspension.
– Seahawks’ RB Marshawn Lynch was arrested for DUI in his hometown of Oakland Saturday. Lynch was arrested after a traffic stop on the highway. Police say he submitted to a chemical test, which showed his BAC was over the .08 limit. Given Lynch’s history with the law, a suspension could be looming. His license was revoked in 2008 when he struck a woman with his car outside a Buffalo bar in 2008. He was also suspended for three games in 2009 after getting slapped with a misdemeanour weapons charge.
– Cowboys 1st-round CB Morris Claiborne (wrist surgery) has been cleared to practice and is expected to be at 100% for training camp. The No. 6 overall pick missed out on OTAs and minicamp. According to the Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram, two high-ranking team officials are confident that Claiborne will be signed by the time rookies report next Wednesday, with the only obstacle being offset language related to guaranteed money.
– The Jaguars have agreed to terms with franchise K Josh Scobee on a 4-year contract. In addition to an NFL-high 71-yard average on kickoffs, Scobee made 92% of his field-goal attempts in 2011, including 5-of-6 over 50 yards. He’s been the Jags’ kicker since 2004.
– Cowboys’ WR Dez Bryant was arrested and charged with misdemeanor domestic violence after he slapped his mother across the face and pulled her hair, according to police. Angela Bryant did not need to be taken to the hospital, but she did tell police she had pain and swelling as a result of the injuries. Dez has been booked on Class A family violence charge. It’s Bryant’s first official arrest. Dez’s mother became newsworthy around the 2010 draft, when Dolphins’ GM Jeff Ireland asked Bryant if his mother was a prostitute. She also spent 18 months in jail during Dez’s childhood for selling crack cocaine.
– CBSSports’ Jason La Canfora reports that he “would be pretty surprised” to see Chiefs’ WR Dwayne Bowe back in KC after the 2012-13 season. Bowe is set to play out the upcoming season under the franchise tag after the two sides were unable to come to terms on a long-term extension. They drafted WR Jonathan Baldwin in the first round last season, and still have WRs Steve Breaston and rookie Devon Wylie signed through 2015. Bowe, 27, would draw interest from every team should he test the market.
– According to NFL Network’s Albert Breer, the Lions’ final offer to franchise DE Cliff Avril was 3-years/$30Mwith $20M guaranteed. Avril says he will “probably” sit out the beginning of training camp after the two sides “couldn’t quite close the deal out.” The 26-year-old has recorded a combined 19.5 sacks over the past two years. In addition to Avril, franchise players WR Dwayne Bowe, TE Fred Davis, CB Brent Grimes, K Phil Dawson, and K Mike Nugent failed to reach multi-year agreements.
– Lions’ RB Mikel Leshoure (Achilles) says his surgically repaired Achilles’ tendon “100%” entering training camp. Leshoure claims his Achilles feels “better than ever” just 11 months after the procedure. Leshoure has yet to face a true test on the football field.
NHL
– Jets’ G Ondrej Pavelec has been banned from driving for 20 months in his native Czech Republic after being found guilty of drunk driving. The 24-year-old also received a six-month suspended prison sentence for causing a traffic accident May 26 in his hometown of Kladno, west of the capital Prague. Pavelec hit a car with his BMW. There were no injuries. Judge Ivo Postulka, who pronounced the sentence in a court in Kladno on Tuesday, said the driving ban will go into effect July 10 and will be enforced in the Czech Republic only.
– Canucks’ G Cory Schneider commented on the negotiations between the NHL and NHLPA in regards to a new CBA: ”I think the only thing I can say is it’s a first offer. It’s a starting point. We’re going to consider it and figure out what our counter proposal is going to be. Yes, it is a little shocking when you first look at it but, again, that’s how negotiations work. You aim high and then try to move back from there. There is going to have to be a lot of give and take for us to come to an agreement, so we’re not too worried and we’re not panicking right now. We’re just going to take it one meeting at a time.”
NBA
– The Nets have re-signed F Kris Humphries to a 2-year/$24M contract. Hump’s new contract will see him get way more than he should be getting. He averaged 13.8 points, 11.0 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 35 minutes per game last season.
– UFA G O.J. Mayo said on Monday that he will be signing with the Mavericks. Mayo should see plenty of minutes, but it’s unclear whether he’ll start or come off the bench.
– The Kings have signed G Aaron Brooks to a 2-year//$6.6M contract with a second year a player option. Brooks’ addition complicates matters at point guard, as he’ll eat into G Isaiah Thomas’s minutes in an already crowded backcourt.
– The Wizards are leaning toward using the amnesty clause on F Andray Blatche. This will likely occur only when Washington has exhausted all trade options prior to the July 17 deadline.
– The Trail Blazers reportedly want G Nicolas Batum to be in Portland for a physical in the next few days. This appears to mean that they’ll match the Timberwolves’ offer sheet of 4-years/$46.5M. The contract also includes a 15% “trade kicker,” which bumps up his salary if he’s dealt anywhere.
– Warriors’ G Stephen Curry is bulking up this offseason, and is working on his upper body and troublesome ankle right. “It’s crazy stuff, but it helps a lot keeping my body in shape and keep my fundamentals and motor skills at a high level when it comes to basketball, without a lot of stress on my ankle.” Curry working with a trainer and physical therapist and is reportedly moving well on the court without a brace for support.
– Cavaliers’ G Kyrie Irving (hand) will have surgery on Wednesday. Previous reports indicated that Irving would have surgery on Thursday, but will actually have the procedure at the Cleveland Clinic on Wednesday. He’s expected to miss 6-8 weeks, but should be ready for training camp.
– The Clippers have “made contact” with UFA F Grant Hill, according to the LA Times. The Lakers and Heat are also known to have interest in him.
WWE
– John Cena announced at the end of Monday’s RAW that he will cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase at next week’s RAW 1,000 show. Cena had the chance to cash in this week after CM Punk wrestled a hard fought match against the Big Show, but did the honorable thing by saying he wanted he and Punk to be 100% when they fought.
– WWE Hall of Famer Tammy “Sunny” Sytch checked into a rehabilitation program sponsored by WWE on Monday morning. She was admitted to an emergency room late Friday night for consuming nearly two gallons of vodka, and her boyfriend, independent wrestler Damien Darling, insisted that she seek professional help. Rob Feinstein, who conducted a sit-down interview with the legendary Diva yesterday where she addressed her variety of personal battles over the past year, posted the following on Facebook ‘putting over’ WWE for its handling of the situation:
“I want to take this time to really put over the WWE as many people don’t know how quick they work and this needs to get out there. I am not writing this to put myself over, I am putting over the WWE. Yesterday when we finished the interview with Tammy I made a quick phone call to Tommy Dreamer and told him that Tammy wanted to go to rehab ASAP. He made one call to them on a Sunday and within 30 minutes she was booked with in 24 hours and the WWE had her picked up today as well. The WWE needs alot of credit on how fast they acted and it is a good thing that they do this for anyone that has worked for the company.”
Beginning in September 2007, WWE distributed rehabilitation assistance to all former WWE contracted talent. The goal of the initiative is designed to help any former talent that may have a substance-related dependency problem.
– Rey Mysterio returned to Monday’s RAW after months away from television. After Albero Del Rio defeated Zack Ryder and delivered a post-match beatdown to the Long Island native, Mysterio’s music hit and he came down to the ring nailed Del Rio with a 619.
– WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper says he’s not confirmed to appear at next week’s 1,00th RAW:
If I go to Raw’s 1000th episode I’m not doing lame work. Let me roll Vince. I’ll show them why Raw’s the longest running show!
– Via Twitter, former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Goldberg responded to rumors suggesting that he will appear on next Monday’s historic 1000th episode of Raw SuperShow.
“It’s not true!!”
“No offense,I don’t just SHOW UP on Raw. As fans I hope you can understand. Now I must Jackhammer this thing sitting next to me on the plane.”
– A wedding ceremony is scheduled for next week’s unprecedented 1000th episode of Raw. Following their victory over The Miz and Eve, Daniel Bryan admitted to his tag team partner, “AJ, I love you.” He then got down on one knee and proposed to the “crazy chick.” An emotional AJ said “yes.” The two embraced and led fans to chant “Yes!” to news of their momentous occasion. Both wrestlers then announced on Twitter:
In celebration of our recent engagement, @WWEDanielBryan and I cordially invite you to our wedding ceremony next week LIVE during #Raw1000.
WWE diva Eve Torres chimed in with the following insult:
No hard feelings @WWEAJLee. I hope u have a happy life with your slimy, cheating fiancé. I have bigger things to worry about, like #Raw1000
AJ got in the last word:
@EveMarieTorres Oh don’t be jealous, you always have Miz. You guys can share a bedazzler and compare the bruises I gave you.
– Check out this incredible sell job by Dolph Ziggler during Sunday’s Money in the Bank PPV:
– According to the PWInsider, Charlie Sheen’s scheduled endeavour to join WWE as their Celebrity Social Media Ambassador for next week’s historic 1,000th episode of Raw SuperShow appears to be off since no mention was made of the award-winning actor on this week’s show. He was scheduled to tweet his unique 140-character analysis of the action before he deleted his account a few days ago.
– Triple H made a special appearance during a commercial break at Monday’s RAW Supershow from Las Vegas. After Daniel Bryan and AJ’s wedding announcement, The Miz came to the ring and demanded that an authority figure come out and explain why he is always overlooked. Triple H’s music hit and the place went crazy. Triple H hit Miz with a Pedigree and left.
– WWE Attitude Era star Rikishi returned on Monday’s RAW as the latest opponent of Heath Slather.
– It was announced on RAW that the DX reunion featuring Shawn Michaels and Triple H will be the opening segment of next week’s 3-hour RAW 1,000 special.
– Former WWE superstar John Bradshaw Layfield tweeted the following about Alberto Del Rio during Sunday’s Money in the Bank PPV:
Gotta root for Del Rio for @WWE world championship–handsome, rich, nice cars and very talented. Reminds me of someone I know………….
One difference between Del Rio and me is that I didn’t drive! @WWE But his ring announcer is pretty good. #MITB
– Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Jamie Noble has joined Twitter at @Jamiegnoble. The account has been confirmed by various WWE superstars, so it’s legit. Noble tweeted the following about his WWE status:
Just so everyone knows, I’m still in the WWE. I don’t wrestle any more, but I’ve been a road agent/producer since 09.
– Christian will defend the Intercontinental championship on next week’s 1,000th RAW. WWE ran a poll on this week’s show asking which title should be defended next week (IC Title, US Title, Divas title) and the IC title won.
– The July 13, 2012 episode of WWE SmackDown scored a 1.82 cable rating, with 2,501,000 viewers. The episode was up from 1.70 for the previous week’s live Tuesday broadcast. Friday’s show drew the same rating as the last first-run Friday episode on June 29.
– Here’s episode #25 of WWE Download with Dolph Zigger:
– Former Extreme Championship Wrestling performer New Jack lashed out at Tammy “Sunny” Sytch with a vitriolic Facebook rant after learning of the WWE Hall of Famer’s claim that her current boyfriend, independent wrestler Damien Darling, treats her better than late boyfriend Chris Candido ever did. He also feels she participated in a tell-all interview with Rob Feinstein on Sunday not to come clean, but for financial compensation in order to support her vices. He also flames former girlfriend/former WWE Diva Terri Runnels in his expletive-laced tirade. The outspoken grappler wrote on Feinstein’s Facebook page in a series of posts:
“She is the f*cking devil,just like that good for nothing b*tch Terri and to say that her new lil BOY TOY,treats her or loves her better than Chris ever did…IS A GOTDAMN INSULT TO HIM.I saw pictures of that trick with a dick in her and she was still with Chris.She got caught s*cking dick for percs in the back seat of somebody’s car.
“F*CK THAT TRICK B*TCH AND THE AIR SHE BREATHS AND TELL HER LIL B*TCH ASS boy toy,that if he HAS A PROBLEM WITH WHAT I’M SAYING…HE CAN STEP UP(SHOOT).SHE IS NOT DOING THIS SHOOT TO COME CLEAN,THE B*TCH IS F*CKING BROKE AND YOU ARE PAYING HER TO SUPPORT HER PILL HABIT…THAT F*CKING DRUNK.ALL OF THOSE WASHED UP B*TCHES FROM WWE/F ARE BROKE…RIGHT TERRI?HOES OF THE FED ARE EASY TO GET IN BED…ALL IT TOOK ME,WAS FB AND PERCS AND THAT LIL BLOND NASTY B*TCH WAS HOOKED…WOULDN’T YOU AGREE DUSTIN?
“intervention my ass,you are supporting that b*tches drug and drinking.INTERVENTION TO WHO?TO A BUNCH OF GOTDAMN MARKS THAT SHE CAN’T SEE?ROB DON’T GET ME WRONG,YOU ARE JUST DOING YOUR BUT THAT HOE IS COMPLETELY BRAIN DEAD!!!
“I DON’T GIVE A FLYING F*CK ABOUT NOBODY IN THIS BUSINESS,SO IF THIS IS STINGING ALOT…SOOOOO F*CKING WHAT!!!!
“OH AND LETS NOT TALK ABOUT HER BLOWING REX KING,WHILE CHRIS WAS IN THE NEXT ROOM TAKING A SHOWER!!! (Jack notes King “WAS PART OF A STUPID ASS TAG TEAM CALLED “WELL DONE”)
“HOW IN GOD NAME COULD SHE TALK ABOUT CHRIS…OF ALL PEOPLE…CHRIS?B*TCH HE GOT YOU IN THE BUSINESS AND HE SUPPORTED YOUR DUMB ASS UNTIL VINCE SIGNED YOU AND THEN YOU WENT TO THE FED AND BLEW EVERY DICK SWINGING…CHRIS WAS MY FRIEND,YOU LITTLE NASTY,GOOD FOR NOTHING SL*T.TERRI WAS RIGHT ABOUT ONE THING…SHE SAID THAT YOU S*CKED YOUR WAY TO THE HOF…KEEP IT GANGSTA YOU STINKING ASS MOTHERF*CKER!!!
“SHE SPOKE BAD ABOUT CHRIS…WTF!!!!!!
“OMG.”
New Jack then vouched for the “First Lady of Wrestling” Missy Hyatt over Sytch and Runnels, who he has harshly ridiculed in the past.
“BE VERY F*CKING WORRIED…YOU WOULD COME OUT BETTER BOOKING MISSY HYATT(shoot)” in response to whether a promoter should be worried about Sytch’s upcoming bookings.
“BRING BACK MISSY…WE WANT MISSY…WE LOVE MISSY…WE WANT MISSY HYATT!!!!!!!
“TAMMY AND TERRI TALKED BAD ABOUT MISSY…B*TCHES PLEASE!!!
“COULDN’T NEITHER 1 OF YOU CARRY MISSYS BLOODY TAMPON…
“YOU ARE BOTH(BGB)B*TCHES GONE BAD!!!
“HEY ROB,LOOK AT THE NUMBERS…YOU CAN THANK ME LATER…NOW GO TAPE THAT DRUNK,PILL POPPING,RETARDED B*TCH…DAMN THAT SOUNDS JUST LIKE TERRI…DID SHE DIE YET?”
TNA
– TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Miss Tessmacher, who appeared for WWE in 2007, stated on Facebook that she has no interest in returning to her former employer due to their utilization of its female talent.
“Why would I want to go back to wwe where they have 3 min matches that typically have no meaning,” she wrote regarding going back to WWE one day. “The women aren’t utilized to the potential they bring. They aren’t cared about or a priority.”