The Sporting News articles from November 2004

The Sporting News archives from November 2004

Start from scratch.(Sporting News.Com)
November 1, 2004... Wish you could start the fantasy season over? Now you can, with Ultimate Midseason Football. Run an 11-player team with a $50 million salary cap and battle for fantasy bragging rights. The season starts with Week 9's games (Sunday, November 7)....

Kick your weekend off right.(Sporting News Radio)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Join host Tim Brando every Friday from 3-6 p.m. ET as he broadcasts live from Mickey Mantle's restaurant in New York. Brando and his guests will prepare you for all the upcoming weekend's college football action. Tune in locally, online at...

The next big thing.(Sporting News Books)
November 1, 2004... Catch up with tomorrow's college and NBA players before they become stars. High School Hoops has player rankings for each class, the power 50 teams and more. Get a copy by calling 800-825-8508 or online at sportingnews.com/books.

To know list: 5 weeks till spring training! (No, not really.).(Know It All)(sports television programs)(Calendar)
November 1, 2004... (1) November 2004 All times Eastern TUE 2 Nuggets at Lakers (10:30 p.m., TNT). The NBA season opens with Day 1 of the collapse of Kobe's Lakers. Don't expect Shaq to be shedding a tear in Miami if Carmelo Anthony outplays Kobe. ...

2004 MLB awards.(Know It All)(Major League Baseball)
November 1, 2004... PLAYER OF THE YEAR Barry Bonds, Giants Watching David Ortiz, Carlos Behran, Albert Pujols and all the other heavy hitters of October makes one wonder just how many great sluggers there are in the majors. It makes one wonder...

Bob Hille's starting 5.(Know It All)(sports news)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... (1) The World Series. Joy in Boston was tempered by a tragic animation accident in which FOX's Scooter was killed while explaining "bad hair day." (2) Big Ben. Ben Roethlisberger steps into the NFL out of Miami (Ohio) and is...

Caught on the fly.(XM Satellite Radio, Major League Baseball broadcast deal)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Big news last week, as XM Satellite Radio announced an 11-year, $650 million deal to broadcast Major League Baseball games starting in 2005. Under the agreement, XM will air every game, some select classic games and because satellite radio...

On air.(Know It All)(television programs)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... from the Century 21 Studios What is your favorite World Series memory? Bill Lekas 6-7 a.m. ET weekdays It has to be Game 6 of the 1986 World Series. Mookie Wilson's slow roller through Bill Buckner's legs capped a...

The pressure of October.(My Turn)
November 1, 2004... How do I love thee? Let me count the days. For 3 1/2 weeks, I am torn between two loves. The baseball playoffs and the NFL season in full swing make me bounce like Tigger on greenies, and I love every minute of it. In the second week of...

Your turn.(Know It All)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... * Thanks so much for the insightful article on how the NHL lockout has affected someone other than the selfish players and the greedy owners (TSN, October 25). I already miss hockey. However, I'm so angry at both sides that sometimes I hope...

The third degree with ... Whitey Herzog.(Know It All)(baseball coach)(Interview)
November 1, 2004... Whitey Herzog managed the Rangers, Angels, Royals and Cardinals in 2,409 games, winning 1,281 of them. Herzog, who turns 73 on November 9, was a master of small ball--a style of play that almost has disappeared since he last managed in 1990....

Strength in big numbers: the Red Sox continue to prove their best defense is a relentless offense.(The World Series)(Boston Red Sox)
November 1, 2004... Before Game 1 of the World Series, Johnny Pesky walked up to the batting cage at Fenway Park and gave a big ol' hug to a fellow octogenarian, Red Schoendienst. The scene added a nice feel--and a historic touch--to a Red October Series that...

Ortiz gets the last laugh.(The World Series)(David Ortiz)
November 1, 2004... Nobody wanted David Ortiz. Anyone could have had him. Twins general manager Terry Ryan called around after the 2002 season, looking for a trade partner. First, he asked for a player for Ortiz, who stood to make about $2 million in salary...

Boston and St. Louis: a culture clash.(The World Series)
November 1, 2004... The Cardinals and Red Sox have been at this baseball thing a long time. The Cardinals franchise traces its lineage back to 1892, and the upstart Beantowners came along nine years later. Over the past century, the teams have built impressive fan...

The Red Sox have what it takes to make even more history.(Closer)(Boston Red Sox)
November 1, 2004... As a proud member of the 2003 fraternity known as "Cowboy Up," I was like the rest of the nation--Red Sox Nation, that is. I could not believe what I saw in the last four games of this year's Red Sox-Yankees series. With all that goes into...

For the record, these guys are slugging it out.(The World Series)
November 1, 2004... The Red Sox's unprecedented comeback against the Yankees is not the only reason this has been a historic October. Thanks to Carlos Beltran, David Ortiz and Albert Pujols, this also has been a month of never-before-seen slugging exploits....

Da Kid shall lead them: he's versatile. He's athletic. He's unselfish. And he's not going anywhere. Kevin Garnett has a tight grip on the top spot in our ranking of the. NBA's 50 best players.(NBA)(National Basketball Association)
November 1, 2004... Speaking with reporters last week, Timberwolves coach Flip Saunders raised a scary notion. Remember the Kevin Garnett you saw last season, the one who averaged 24.2 points, 13.9 rebounds and 5.0 assists, earning himself the MVP award? Well, if...

All over the map: you won't see action in NHL arenas soon, but there's still plenty of hockey being played in North America. You just have to know where to find it.(NHL)(National Hockey League)
November 1, 2004... Looking for hockey on the road or on the Internet? In search of a good game in your area, a road trip or the best stories to follow while the NHL tells its sorry tale? You have come to the right place. We'll start with the top minor league in...

A historic challenge: Alanta has been the host of more than its share of important races. To succeed there, Chasers would do well to learn the lessons of the past, then go fast.
November 1, 2004... It has been a crossroads of history, seen almost slapstick controversy, encouraged finishes where the top two cars have been thisclose and consistently delivered gather-up-the-animals-two-by-two rainstorms. It's Atlanta Motor Speedway,...

Race no. 7.(Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Opened: 1960 Location: Hampton, Ga. First NASCAR Cup race: Dixie 300, July 31,1960 Distance: 1.54 miles Front stretch: 2,332 feet Back stretch: 1,800 feet Banking in Turns 1-4: 24 degrees Banking in straights: 5...

Golden Corral 500.(Backtracking)(race results)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
November 1, 2004... ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY March 14, 2004 Golden Corral 50 ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY March 14, 2004 TOP 10 Finish Start Driver Car, make Laps led 1. 7 Dale Earnhardt Jr. 8...

TSNumber 23.(Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Jeff Gordon's age when he won the Purolator 500 On March 12, 1995, making him the youngest driver to win at Atlanta. Gordon has four wins at Atlanta, the most of any driver in the Chase. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Bobby Labonte: gives us the runaround.(Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... "When you go down the front straightaway into Turn 1, it gets really tight diving into the comer. You arc it really wide going in there because there's some bumps in the corner that you want to miss. For qualifying, you want to get your inside...

A brave new USA: Conference USA has been around almost a decade, but its components have shifted far too much for any kind of tradition to take root. Next year, the league will get its biggest makeover--for better or worse.
November 1, 2004... There is a blocking sled being driven across the grass by several large, grunting linemen. On an adjacent field, a phalanx of special teamers charges toward a punt returner. But the magical music of this early autumn practice is obscured by the...

Change machine: the Patriots keep winning (21 and counting), thanks to their ability to reinvent themselves like no other team can.(NFL)(National Football League)
November 1, 2004... If the Patriots' 21-game winning streak teaches us anything, it's that this team is as flexible as a campaign promise. During the streak, they have won games scoring 38 points--and scoring 9. They have prevailed while allowing 34 points--and...

Roethlisberger sizzles with meaty performance.(NFL)(National Football League, Ben Roethlisberger)
November 1, 2004... Ben Roethlisberger's first NFL pass fell incomplete, and his next one was intercepted. Now look at him. He's playing more like a veteran of five years than a rookie who has played five games. His 100.1 passer rating ranks fourth in the...

1st and 10: the best passing combinations.(NFL)(National Football League)
November 1, 2004... Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison are like an old married couple. With no more than a look or a hand gesture, each knows what the other is thinking. That rapport leads to defense-gashing route adjustments and makes them the best passing...

Agonizing over the business he chose.(NFL)(National Football League, Dave Wannstedt)
November 1, 2004... On the wall of Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt's office is an autographed photo of Al Pacino as Michael Corleone in The Godfather: Part II. Beneath the photo is a caption with a line from the movie: "This is the business we chose." I laughed...

AFC east.(American Football Conference)
November 1, 2004... BUFFALO BILLS TE Mark Campbell has become a larger part of the passing offense. He's a big target in the red zone and creates mismatches against smaller defensive backs. He runs well, has reliable hands and runs precise patterns that allow...

AFC north.(NFL)(American Football Conference, National Football League)
November 1, 2004... BALTIMORE RAVENS The team likes the upside of second-year RB Musa Smith. Smith lost some weight in the offseason, giving him more speed to complement good power. He has worked hard on running less upright, but he still carries the ball...

Scouts' views: observations and opinions from two NFL pro scouts, one from each conference.(NFL)(National Football League)
November 1, 2004... Curtis Martin gets my vote as an early candidate for MVP. He's running like he's been in the league for only three or four years--with vision, determination and fresh legs. I think he's made the Jets' line better, and I think he's made their...

AFC south.(NFL)(American Football Conference, National Fooball League)
November 1, 2004... HOUSTON TEXANS E Jerry Deloach has been one of the defense's most important players. He has been called upon to split time at nose tackle while Seth Payne recovers from a knee injury. Deloach excels at run defense and does a good job of...

Passing grade for the Chargers.(NFL)(National Football League, San Diego Chargers)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... After quarterback Drew Brees threw for 8 yards in the first half in Week 2 and 16 in the first half in Week 3, Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer promoted prize rookie Philip Rivers to second string. If Schottenheimer's intention was to...

Week 8 matchup.(NFL)(National Football League)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... By War Room scouts The Ravens' defense is very aggressive, and there will be some head-hunting for Owens and plenty of chatter. Owens won't scare McAlister, who is big (6-1,206) and physical and can stay with Owens (6-3, 226) all over the...

AFC west.(NFL)(American Football Conference, National Football League )
November 1, 2004... DENVER BRONCOS WLB D.J. Williams is the team's leading tackler and a star in the making. He's fast and strong and, unlike a lot of rookies, makes solid tackles rather than going for highlight-reel shots. Williams is a natural blitzer and...

Chris Snee RG, Giants.(Scouting Report)(professional football player, New York Giants)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... STRENGTHS: Has very good size (6-2, 314) and can be extremely physical at the point of attack, where he has the ability to dominate opponents. Maintains a wide base after making initial contact and plays with balance and leverage. Has good...

Top five.(NFL)(National Football League)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Offseason moves: 1 Eagles acquire WR Terrell Owens. In addition to thriving as Donovan McNabb's go-to receiver, Owens has drawn enough attention to open up the rest of Philadelphia's West Coast passing game. 2 Falcons hire coach Jim...

NFC east.(NFL)(National Football Conference, National Football League)
November 1, 2004... DALLAS COWBOYS SS Roy Williams has not been a difference-maker because the team has had to use him in coverage so much to compensate for their weakness at right corner. Williams is more dominant the closer he plays to the line. This...

NFC north.(NFL)(National Football Conference, National Football League)
November 1, 2004... CHICAGO BEARS So now it could be Craig Krenzel's turn at quarterback; he replaced Jonathan Quinn in the second half against the Bucs. Quinn lacks pocket presence, throws high too often and can't move the chains. Krenzel has better...

Culpepper's passing statistics are numbers worth promoting.(NFL)(National Football League, Daunte Culpepper)
November 1, 2004... Watching an NFL game on television is an exercise in numbers overload. Seemingly every pass, every catch, every rushing yard has some statistical meaning that has not escaped the network research departments. Problem is, when we see figures...

Guards: top senior prospects.(Draft Watch)(professional football)
November 1, 2004... 1. Elton Brown, 6-5, 338, Virginia. A unique and huge, broad-shouldered blocker. Is outstanding at pulling. Can slide in pass protection. Plays with strength. Has the versatility and athleticism to be considered at center and right tackle....

NFC south.(NFL)(National Football Conference, National Football League)
November 1, 2004... ATLANTA FALCONS FS Kevin McCadam isn't an adequate replacement for injured starter Cory Hall (foot). Hall plays deep in cover 2 and cover 3 but quickly closes and helps out cornerbacks when necessary. McCadam isn't fast enough to compete...

NFC west.(NFL)(National Football Conference, National Football League)
November 1, 2004... ARIZONA CARDINALS Coaches have been encouraged by the development of RG Jeremy Bridges, acquired off waivers at the end of training camp. Bridges, who started the past two games, is raw, but he is athletic and comes off the ball well.......

No disrespect, but Rice needs to accept his reduced role.(NFL)(National Football League, Jerry Rice )
November 1, 2004... Jerry Rice was not a happy camper in Oakland. He caught five balls in the Raiders' first six games and spoke openly about wanting to be a bigger part of the offense. He eventually asked to be traded, a request the Raiders granted last week by...

Team statistics.(college football)(Illustration)
November 1, 2004... TEAM STATISTICS For rushing and passing, figure is average per game; for sacks and turnovers, figure is season total. Figure in bold is conference-leading total. Rushing W-L ...

NCAA should have folded long ago.(College Football)(National Collegiate Athletic Association)
November 1, 2004... So this is how the NCAA works, huh? Intimidate, insinuate, debilitate and, finally, exonerate. For an organization so deep in dysfunction and double talk, even this is hard to believe. Let's recap, shall we? 1) College football coach bets...

Utah will be in a BCS game.(Conference Call)(Bowl Championship Series )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Never has the nation been so divided. Both sides have valid points and opinions, with the differences coming in their fundamental belief systems. Yes, Utah's possible inclusion in a BCS game has sparked bitter feelings and harsh words, and it's...

Baylor will be buried.(Conference Call)(Baylor University, college football)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Oh, that's just great; rip on poor old Baylor. It's not bad enough that the struggling, youth-laden program is trying to navigate its way through college football's best division, the Big 12 South, but Baylor has a bear of a final month that...

Florida will fizzle.(Conference Call)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... We're a society that worships success but celebrates failure. From Gigli to tech stocks to Britney marriages, everyone knows when a disaster is looming and wants to see how it's going to blow up. Doomed from the start, the Hon LOOK regime at...

November predictions.(This Week's Spotlight)(college football)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Virginia Tech will insist things are different from the past three seasons, when it went 20-2 before November and 6-11 after. But with Maryland, Virginia and Miami to play in the final month, the Hokies will endure another meltdown. The...

TSN'S 12.5: half the size, twice the sizzle.(College Football)(television programs)
November 1, 2004... TSN's 12.5 Half the size, twice the sizzle Rk. Team (last week) W-L Next up TV (all times Eastern) 1. Oklahoma (1) 7-0 at Oklahoma Noon, ABC (regional) State, 10/30...

Heisman watch.(college football players)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... 1 QB Matt Leinart, Southern California, Three of USC's final five games are on the read--against three of the league's poorest defenses. Season stats: 1,628 passing yards, 16 TDs, 4 INTs. 2 RB Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma. If ever there were a...

QB Brock Berlin, Miami.(Player of the Week)(quarter back, football)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... On the strength of five touchdown passes by Berlin, Miami showed it could not only handle, but manhandle, a quality ACC team on the road with its 45-31 win against N.C. State. Berlin was 15-for-30 for 265 yards and joined Bernie Kosar, Steve...

3-and-out.(College Football)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... 1 Purdue's loss to Wisconsin and Kyle Orion's fumble in that game didn't affect my Heisman vote for Orton two weeks ago. Losing to Michigan at home last week, however, did. A quarterback just can't lose two big home games and still win the...

The Chase is on!(NASCAR)(National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
November 1, 2004... The CHASE Is On! The standings with the final 4 races remaining are as follows: 1. 97 Kurt Busch Leader 2. 24 Jeff Gordon[R] -96 3. 8 Dale Earnhardt Jr. -125 4. 48 Jimmie Johnson -207...

You need elimination, people.(NASCAR)(National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing)
November 1, 2004... As the remaining innings dwindled during Game 7 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, I kept wondering if NASCAR ever could achieve this fever pitch among its fans. The answer is simple: It can't--not...

A man with a plan: Martin Truex is headed for the Busch Series championship and a graduation to Cup--but not until the time is right for him and his team.(NASCAR)(National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing)
November 1, 2004... Martin Truex should be on final approach now. Five races left, 208-point lead over Kyle Busch. Brush up the speech. Pick up the 2004 Busch Series champion's trophy, thank the folks for coming and vanish into a bright Nextel Cup sunrise... NOT....

The WIX Filters 2004 Lap Leader Award.(National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
November 1, 2004... 2004 NASCAR NEXTEL CUP SERIES Kurt Busch (#97 Ford) Subway 500 Martinsville Speedway LAPS LED: 120 SEASON LEADERS 1. Jeff Gordon (#24 Chevy) 6 pts. 2. Tony Stewart (#20 Chevy) 5 pts. 3....

Sweet redemption: truck series driver Shane Hmiel, suspended by NASCAR last season for violating the substance abuse policy, is again showing the racing world what he can do.(NASCAR)(National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing)
November 1, 2004... Shane Hmiel, at 24, still has the look of a kid who race to the jagged edge until quitting time. That's why teams in NASCAR's top three series are offering him contracts for 2005. But look more closely at Hmiel, who was changed by his...

Wade's mission: forget Athens.(NBA)(National Basketball Association, Dwyane Wade)
November 1, 2004... Even if everything had gone as summer wasn't going to be easy for Heat guard Dwyane Wade. He was coming off a lights-out performance in the postseason that boosted him to near-stardom, confirming what the Heat thought when the team drafted him...

Misquoted? More like misguided.(College Basketball)(Rashad McCants' interview)
November 1, 2004... Suppose the headline simply read: "McCants is at it again." What would the reaction have been then? There might have been no need for North Carolina to call the media together to discuss the seditious nature of Rashad McCants' public comments....

Yankees can't afford not to pursue Hudson.(Baseball)(New York Yankees, Tim Hudson)
November 1, 2004... If I'm the Yankees, I'm not trading the best of my meager prospect crop for the Diamondbacks' Randy Johnson, who will be 42 next September. I'm not overpaying for the Marlins' Carl Pavano, a free agent who became a success only recently. And...

Not such a great idea.(NHL)(National Hockey League)
November 1, 2004... Wayne Gretzky for NHL commissioner. It is everyone's wish, the answer to hockey prayers. He will save us. He must. He can end the lockout. He can make the game high-scoring and fun to watch again. He can bring back the good old days. ...

Fantasy source.(Fantasy)(fantasy football)
November 1, 2004... PLAY ACTION by ROB HURTT Fantasy owners won't shed any tears when they say goodbye to the off-weeks after Week 10. In fact, many will welcome the opportunity to shed excess players from their rosters. While having a deep bench is...

Heaven & hell.(Matchup)(football matchups)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Favorable and unfavorable matchups for Week 8: HEAVEN Jaguars QB Byron Leftwich vs. Texans. Leftwich has been on fire in recent weeks. His hot streak should continue because the Texans have a porous pass defense. Redskins RB...

A Boston party: card games, Cardinals and a card--oh, my.(Boston Red Sox fans, celebrations)
November 1, 2004... Take a card, any card," says the magician in the Red Sox top hat. We're on Yawkey Way, a Boston city street alongside the red brick of Fenway Park, the street closed to traffic, open to revelers of the baseball kind. It's a cool and windy...

Fantasy hoops heaven.(Sporting News.Com)
November 8, 2004... The NBA season has started, but there's still time to join a fantasy league, and TSN has several games to choose from. You can play a draft-and-trade or salary cap game--or run a customized league. Plus, we have a draft kit to help you make...

Tune in to the stars.(Sporting News Radio)(Brief Article)
November 8, 2004... Curt Schilling, Deion Sanders, Barry Bonds--the biggest names in sports are talking to James Brown. Tune in to The James Brown Show 10 a.m. to noon ET weekdays for J.B's marquee guests and expert analysis. Catch the show locally, online at...

We've got it covered.(Sporting News Books)
November 8, 2004... Celebrate the Red Sox's first World Series title in 86 years with a SPORTING NEWS commemorative World Series cover. Order yours by calling 800-443-1886, ext. 787.

To know list: 6 tasty treats, including a big ol' Roethlisberger.(Know It All)(sports news)
November 8, 2004... 1 YOU HEARD IT HERE Barry Bonds speaks out last week on The James Brown Show on Sporting News Radio "I think you're going to be portrayed however the public wants to portray you. And, basically, the media feeds the public whatever is...

Bob Hille's starting 5.(Know It All)(sports news)(Brief Article)
November 8, 2004... 1 World champion Red Sox. The earth was knocked off its axis. All I'd ever known or believed about baseball was lost. Then it dawned on me: Hey, didn't Buckner play for the Cubs, too? 2 Florida. Man, that's tough, failing in a...

Caught on the fly.(Know It All)(athletes, fights, injuries)
November 8, 2004... Shanny gets blindsided After Cincinnati's Tony Williams broke his ankle on a hit by Denver's George Foster, Mike Shanahan came under extreme fire around the league tar encouraging his linemen to use the 2chop block. This outraged the...

On air.(Know It All)(television programs)(Brief Article)
November 8, 2004... from the Century 21 Studios What are your predictions for the college hoops season? Jeff Rickard Noon-3 p.m. ET weekdays Once again, the power will reside in the ACC, where Wake Forest might bump Duke. Rashad McCants...

On a Junior high.(Tricia Garner--Young And Restless)
November 8, 2004... I'm all for gushing over sex symbols. If Tom Cruise knew how many pictures I had of him, he'd have a restraining order against me. But Dale Earnhardt Jr.? I don't get it. I know there are thousands of fans who eat KFC not for the secret blend...

Your turn.(Know It All)(Letter to the Editor)
November 8, 2004... * "Is this finally the Red Sox's year, with Curt Schilling being the difference?" The "Experts' Choice" boldly declared "No" Though it wasn't as bad as "Dewey defeats Truman" or "Gore heats Bush," your October 25 issue has to be the SPORTING...

A night of bliss: they're paying me for this? The Red Sox win, and I'm there.(Know it All)
November 8, 2004... Let me--a lifelong Red Sox fan born and raised in St. Louis (long story)--get this straight. I get to cover Game 4 of the World Series while I tag along with an MLB film crew? Eat your heart out, Ray Kinsella. As I approach the Busch...

Better than the reel thing.(Exposure)
November 8, 2004... During its recent Midnight Madness, Maryland had a Gary Williams look-alike contest. The actual Williams is on the top in each example. As you can see, the similarities are striking--or at least, more striking than Brian Dennehy-Bob Knight.

The third degree with ... John Paxson.(Interview)
November 8, 2004... Bulls G.M. John Paxson played 11 NBA seasons, nine for the Bulls. He is best remembered for nailing a series-winning 3-pointer against the Suns in the 1993 NBA Finals, giving the Bulls their third straight championship. TSN's Katie Koss got...

After the party: the World Series already is history in the Red Sox's front office. The big issue now is which of the key players will be back to defend the crown.(The World Series)
November 8, 2004... There goes Pedro Martinez hoisting the World Series trophy and gallivanting around Busch Stadium, joy beaming from his face. In the clubhouse, not even a crowd of reporters jabbing microphones within whiskers of Manny Ramirez can wipe off his...

Don't deny the Curse now that it's history.(The World Series)
November 8, 2004... Strange that, in the days after the death of the Curse of the Bambino, there has been an impulse to deride that very curse as a silly indulgence. I saw Peter Gammons on television offhandedly say there never was any curse, that the Red Sox...

Francona confirms experience is a renewable resource.(The World Series)
November 8, 2004... Whenever a team hires a previously unsuccessful manager, the response from media, fans and even industry insiders often amounts to a collective groan. "Why give this guy another chance?" the chorus of skeptics asks. "Why hire a recycled...

How the Sox took control.(The World Series)
November 8, 2004... Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein says he wants players who can control the strike zone. Against the Cardinals, the Red Sox did just that. With the Cardinals' pitchers hesitant to come right at Boston's hitters, the Sox consistently were...

Gutsy Schilling, 'Big Papi' make the Nation proud.(Closer)
November 8, 2004... I hate to say I told you so, but, wow, I told you so. Just as I predicted, the Red Sox reached the promised land. If you don't live in Boston, you probably have grown tired of all the coverage. If you aren't a member of Red Sox Nation, you...

Hitting it big.(College Basketball Season Preview)(Brief Article)
November 8, 2004... Every season has share big-time players, teams Chris Paul and moments. This year, the biggest thing going is whose superstar talent and dynamic personality will elevate Wake Forest to the front of the national championship chase. PLUS ...