Ray Lewis Helps Unveil New 'Gateway South Project'

Mar/08/07 02:26 AM Filed in: Ray Lewis

(WJZ) BALTIMORE, Md. The drive along Baltimore City's Russell Street on the way to 295 and I-95 will soon be getting some scenic additions.

As Peggy Lee reports, on Wednesday, City Hall revealed their new vision for the southwest area of downtown Baltimore known as the "Gateway South Project."

"This Gateway South will bring hundreds of thousands of square feet of modern office and retail space that will attract people and businesses to the city," said Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon.

McGahee To Ravens?

Mar/08/07 02:06 AM Filed in: Willis McGahee

Clayton also reports that talks between the Bills and Ravens regarding Willis McGahee are heating up, saying that if Buffalo were to deal with Baltimore, it would likely happen soon.

(wben.com)

Drilling continues: Piazza hit in elbow

Mar/08/07 02:01 AM Filed in: Mike Piazza

(03-07) 04:00 PST Phoenix -- The A's hope Mike Piazza will be as valuable to them as Frank Thomas was in 2006. Naturally, the A's need the 38-year-old designated hitter to stay healthy.

So it was an uneasy feeling in training camp when Piazza was drilled in the left elbow in the third inning Tuesday of a 3-2 loss to the Kansas City Royals. He began walking to first base but didn't make it; he was taken straight to the trainer's room and initially diagnosed with a bruise.

"This is frustrating. This is a setback," said Piazza, who hit safely in four of his first nine at-bats, including a second-inning double Tuesday. "You're on a certain pace, and you'd like to stay on pace. Injuries are a big inconvenience."

Miami's first-round streak should roll on

Mar/07/07 07:30 AM Filed in: The U

CORAL GABLES - The University of Miami's 13-year run of having at least one first-round draft choice appears to be safe.

And based on how some of the Miami players looked at Saturday's Pro Day at the Hurricanes' practice facility, they're intent on helping the school's overall draft.

"Oh yeah, I want to carry on the tradition," Miami tight end Greg Olsen said. "It's a helluva run, no one is close. That's why the program has been what it is the last 12 years."

The Hurricanes could have more than one first-rounder. Three different mock drafts had either Olsen, linebacker Jon Beason or safety Brandon Meriweather going among the first 32 picks.

Bills' trade options for McGahee dwindling

Mar/06/07 11:46 AM Filed in: Willis McGahee

(March 6, 2007) — If the Buffalo Bills truly are looking to unload running back Willis McGahee, their list of potential trade partners is shrinking rapidly. On Monday the Denver Broncos, who were known to have contacted the Bills in regards to McGahee's availability, opted instead for another back with Buffalo ties, ex-Bill Travis Henry.

The Broncos jumped on Henry almost as soon as he was released by Tennessee and inked him to a five-year deal that included a reported $12 million in guaranteed money, by far the biggest payday of his checkered NFL career that now includes three 1,200-yard rushing seasons.

And Houston, the team that could have had Reggie Bush in the 2006 draft and then lost starter Domanick Davis for the entire 2006 season because of a knee injury, signed 30-year-old Ahman Green to a four-year, $23 million contract.

Brad Kunz Update

Mar/06/07 11:42 AM Filed in: Brad Kunz

The Florida Firecats announced the additions of Offensive Linemen Brad Kunz, Mark Bristol and Joe Condron to their training camp roster today.

Brad Kunz – 6-7, 315lbs, University of Miami; played at Miami from 2000-2004 playing in all four of the ‘canes BCS bowl games during that time, including the 2002 Rose Bowl National Championship game. While at Miami he won the Albert Bentley Most Valuable Walk-On award in 2002, was an All-Big East Academic team selection in 2003 and was named the Strength Training Athlete of the Year in 2004. Kunz played for an indoor football team in Indiana in 2006 blocking 5 kicks on special teams in just 8 games.

(floridafirecats.com)

Kings' Salmons to start in place of Artest

Mar/06/07 11:42 AM Filed in: John Salmons

According to Kings coach Eric Musselman, John Salmons will start in place of suspended teammate Ron Artest. It doesn't appear likely that Artest will return anytime soon, which could give Salmons value over the rest of the schedule. The fifth-year guard/forward has been productive as a starter this season

(rotoworld.com)

Broncos one of few looking at McGahee

Mar/05/07 12:40 PM Filed in: Willis McGahee

There are teams interested in acquiring running back Willis McGahee, but free-agent shopping in the NFL could severely hinder the Buffalo Bills' ability to deal their starter.

The Denver Broncos have contacted the Bills with an interest in McGahee, NFL sources told The Buffalo News. The Broncos are in need of a starting running back after trading leading rusher Tatum Bell to Detroit on Friday.

One league source said the Broncos have "a serious interest" in McGahee.

However, the Broncos also have other options in free agency. They entertained free agent running back Ahman Green of Green Bay on Saturday morning. Then they set their sights on former Bill Travis Henry, who was released by Tennessee on Saturday afternoon because he was due to get an $8.3 million bonus Monday.

LB Beason has tweaked ACL

Mar/05/07 12:39 PM Filed in: Jon Beason

According to NFL.com's Gil Brandt, University of Miami linebacker Jon Beason only weighed in at the Miami pro day because of a "tweaked ACL." He's supposedly going to be okay to test some time in April, but that's going to throw up some red flags with NFL teams.

(buffalobills.com)

Texans revamp Johnson's deal to $60 million, 8 years for cap leverage

Mar/05/07 12:38 PM Filed in: Andre Johnson

The Texans have restructured the contract of receiver Andre Johnson to free up $6 million under the salary cap to pursue free agents.

On the day when quarterback Jeff Garcia signed with Tampa Bay, and the Buccaneers also completed the trade with Denver for quarterback Jake Plummer, Johnson got an eight-year, $60-million deal that includes $15 million in guaranteed money.

"I've enjoyed my first four years in Houston, and I'm excited about finishing my career with the Texans," Johnson said today. "I'd like to thank (owner) Mr. (Bob) McNair for showing so much confidence in me. I'd like to thank our great fans for supporting me. I'm looking forward to us achieving our goals of bringing a winner to the city."

Piazza has mask, pads handy as Oakland DH

Mar/05/07 12:38 PM Filed in: Mike Piazza

PHOENIX – A decade and a half in the major leagues already has well-established Mike Piazza as the mightiest power-hitting catcher of all time. But Piazza is 38 years old, and he isn't getting any lighter.

Yet, he does feel like a weight has been lifted off him. Seven and a half pounds, to be exact. This time, too, he may have lost it for good.

Piazza has been shedding the combined weight of a face mask, chest protector and shin guards before almost all of his 7,416 career plate appearances, habitually returning to the dugout and putting the catcher's gear right back on. It's a habit he's trying to break with the Oakland Athletics, who signed him to be their new designated hitter and don't want Piazza even to think about getting behind the plate again.