MILWAUKEE -- CC Sabathia strapped a whole city to his broad shoulders and carried it to the postseason.
Ryan Braun provided the last big push.
That's right, Brewers fans, for the first time in 26 years, your team is October-bound.
Sabathia made his third consecutive start on three days' rest and worked all nine innings in the most clutch pitching performance in Brewers history. Braun put the team over the top, blasting a tie-breaking, two-run home run with two outs in the eighth inning for a 3-1 win over the Cubs that helped the Brewers win the National League Wild Card.
That matter was settled about 30 minutes later, when the Marlins finished a 4-2 win over the Mets, giveing the Wild Card to Milwaukee and sending the thousands of fans who had remained glued to their seats at Miller Park into a frenzy.
Sabathia, a free-agent-to-be acquired in July who went a remarkable 11-2 with a 1.65 ERA and seven complete games in his 17 Brewers starts, drew the biggest ovation.
"It's unbelievable what he has done for the guys on this team, this organization and this city," Braun said. "He's revived baseball in Milwaukee. He took whatever expectation we had and destroyed it."
In front of 45,299 fans, the third-largest crowd of the season and fifth-largest in Miller Park history, Sabathia threw 122 pitches, struck out seven, scattered four hits and allowed only one unearned run.
He might have thrown up a zero if not for one close call at first base. An error by first baseman Prince Fielder helped the Cubs put runners at first and third with one out in the second inning, and Ronny Cedeno hit a slow roller to shortstop J.J. Hardy.
The feed to second baseman Ray Durham was clean and Durham relayed to first just as Cedeno crossed the bag. The call from first base umpire Jerry Meals was safe, and Aramis Ramirez scored the lone Cubs run.
The Cubs could not move another runner into scoring position. Not bad, considering Sabathia was making his third start in nine days.
"I think anybody in here healthy enough would have done the same thing.," Sabathia said. "Everybody in here, their main goal is to win. That's all I try to do."
He still needed some run support. Four Cubs pitchers blanked the Brewers on only one hit through the first six innings, and Chicago took its 1-0 lead into the seventh, when Durham led off with a double.
Chicago left-hander Sean Marshall intentionally walked Fielder with one out and was replaced by Michael Wuertz, who walked Hardy, struck out Corey Hart on three pitches and then walked Craig Counsell to force home the tying run.
Moments after former Brewer Wes Helms and Dan Uggla hit back-to-back homers for a Marlins lead over the Mets in New York, Braun put the Brewers ahead in Milwaukee. With Mike Cameron at first base and two outs, Braun hammered the first Bob Howry (7-5) pitch he saw for his 37th home run.
"Typical," Hardy said with a smile.
How so?
"That moment is perfect for him," Hardy said. "It's just awesome. You can't say enough about him or about CC. What those guys did today, it's downright ridiculous. It's the most fun I've ever had."
Braun hit a Howry fastball.
"All series, they were throwing me fastballs to get ahead and I was just looking for something to get the barrel of the bat on," Braun said. "Obviously, it worked out. I'm very comfortable in that situation. I expect to come through. Obviously, it doesn't always happen."
It happened Sunday. It also happened on Thursday, when Braun delivered a grand slam in the bottom of the 10th inning for a 5-1 Brewers win.
"It doesn't get any better than that. It's difficult to describe," Braun said. "The grand slam the other night, that was pretty special, but this one was pretty meaningful."
By that point, Sveum and pitching coach Mike Maddux were already committed to Sabathia in the ninth inning. They decided to let him hit leading off the eighth inning, and Sabathia struck out.
"Dale asked me, 'What would you do?'" Maddux said. "I told him he had to ride the stallion. He was hoping I said that, because that's what he was going to do anyway. We both agreed: Big game, big moment, big man. It was the right situation."
In the ninth, Sabathia retired Alfonso Soriano on a flyout before Ryan Theriot singled. That brought the tying run to the plate in the form of first baseman Derrek Lee, who could have tied the game with his 21st home run. Instead, Lee grounded to second for a game-ending double play.
It was precisely the kind of performance the Brewers were hoping for when they traded with the Indians for Sabathia in July. Did it feel like he delivered?
"Not yet," Sabathia said. "Until we win a championship, we still have a long way to go. But this is big for this franchise and this city. We'll just keep going hard and see what happens."
Adam McCalvy is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Ochoa returns to earn playoff victory in Alabama
By The Associated Press
PRATTVILLE, Ala. — Lorena Ochoa won the Navistar LPGA Classic on Sunday for her seventh victory of the year and first since May, beating Kandie Kung with a par on the second hole of a playoff.
Recharged after a month away from the tour, the top-ranked Mexican star closed with a 2-under 70 to match Kung (67) and Cristie Kerr (66) at 15-under 273. Kerr was eliminated with a bogey on the first extra hole.
Ochoa was winless in seven starts after opening the year with six wins in nine events, including four straight.
Shanshan Feng (66) and Song-Hee Kim (69) tied for fourth at 14 under on the links-style Senator Course, part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail’s Capitol Hill complex.
Sweden’s Louise Friberg, tied for the lead with Ochoa at 13 under entering the round, shot a 72 to tie for sixth at 13 under with Wendy Doolan (68), Sarah Jane Kenyon (69), Jill McGill (69) and LPGA Championship winner Yani Tseng (70).
Ochoa eagled the par-5 eighth and also had a bogey and a birdie in the round that she finished with six straight pars — eight including the playoff. She earned $210,000 for her 24th career LPGA Tour victory to push her season total to $2,591,048.
Romero claims SAS Championship. At Cary, N.C., Argentina’s Eduardo Romero won the SAS Championship for his third Champions Tour victory in five starts, closing with a 6-under 66 for a three-stroke victory over Tom Kite.
Romero, also the Dick’s Sporting Goods Open winner in July and U.S. Senior Open champion in August, is the tour’s lone three-time winner this year.
He had a 15-under 201 total on the Prestonwood Country Club course and earned $315,000 to jump from eighth to third on the money list with $1,501,799.
Kite finished with a 69.
Andy Bean and Gil Morgan shot 67s to tie for third at 11 under. Second-round leader Bruce Fleisher (72) and Jim Thorpe (67) finished at 10 under.
Fernandez-Castano wins British Masters in playoff. At Sutton Coldfield, England, Spain’s Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano won the British Masters, beating defending champion Lee Westwood with a par on the third playoff hole of a playoff. Castano closed with a 5-under 67 to match Westwood at 12-under 276.
PRATTVILLE, Ala. — Lorena Ochoa won the Navistar LPGA Classic on Sunday for her seventh victory of the year and first since May, beating Kandie Kung with a par on the second hole of a playoff.
Recharged after a month away from the tour, the top-ranked Mexican star closed with a 2-under 70 to match Kung (67) and Cristie Kerr (66) at 15-under 273. Kerr was eliminated with a bogey on the first extra hole.
Ochoa was winless in seven starts after opening the year with six wins in nine events, including four straight.
Shanshan Feng (66) and Song-Hee Kim (69) tied for fourth at 14 under on the links-style Senator Course, part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail’s Capitol Hill complex.
Sweden’s Louise Friberg, tied for the lead with Ochoa at 13 under entering the round, shot a 72 to tie for sixth at 13 under with Wendy Doolan (68), Sarah Jane Kenyon (69), Jill McGill (69) and LPGA Championship winner Yani Tseng (70).
Ochoa eagled the par-5 eighth and also had a bogey and a birdie in the round that she finished with six straight pars — eight including the playoff. She earned $210,000 for her 24th career LPGA Tour victory to push her season total to $2,591,048.
Romero claims SAS Championship. At Cary, N.C., Argentina’s Eduardo Romero won the SAS Championship for his third Champions Tour victory in five starts, closing with a 6-under 66 for a three-stroke victory over Tom Kite.
Romero, also the Dick’s Sporting Goods Open winner in July and U.S. Senior Open champion in August, is the tour’s lone three-time winner this year.
He had a 15-under 201 total on the Prestonwood Country Club course and earned $315,000 to jump from eighth to third on the money list with $1,501,799.
Kite finished with a 69.
Andy Bean and Gil Morgan shot 67s to tie for third at 11 under. Second-round leader Bruce Fleisher (72) and Jim Thorpe (67) finished at 10 under.
Fernandez-Castano wins British Masters in playoff. At Sutton Coldfield, England, Spain’s Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano won the British Masters, beating defending champion Lee Westwood with a par on the third playoff hole of a playoff. Castano closed with a 5-under 67 to match Westwood at 12-under 276.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Perry's 2 PP goals help Ducks beat Sharks
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Corey Perry scored the tying and go-ahead goals about 4 minutes apart on power plays in the third period to help the Anaheim Ducks beat the San Jose Sharks 6-4 on Wednesday night.
Bobby Ryan added two goals and an assist, and Ryan Getzlaf had a goal and three assists for the Ducks. Matt Stefanishion also scored for the Ducks, who last season became the fifth consecutive defending Stanley Cup champion that failed to reach the second round of the playoffs.
Derek Joslin and Cory Larose scored on power plays and Devin Setoguchi had a short-handed goal for San Jose. Defenseman Doug Murray also had a goal and Mike Grier and Mike Moore each had two assists.
It was the Sharks' first game under new head coach Todd McLellan, who was an assistant coach last season with the Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings. McLellan replaced Ron Wilson, who guided San Jose to the league's second-best record behind Detroit before losing in the second round of the playoffs for the third straight year.
Trailing 4-2, the Ducks pulled even with 11:53 left in regulation on goals by Ryan and Perry about 2 1/2 minutes apart.
FIND MORE STORIES IN: Stanley Cup Detroit Red Wings Sidney Crosby San Jose Sharks Anaheim Ducks Jean-Sebastien Giguere Scott Niedermayer Perry Ron Wilson Murray Brad Ryan Getzlaf Mike Grier Golden Gloves Devin Setoguchi Thomas Greiss Mike Moore Todd McLellan
Perry, whose slashing penalty led to Larose's power-play goal 59 seconds into the third period, got the equalizer with 11:53 remaining. Perry connected again with 7:50 left and Stefanishion ended the scoring about 4 minutes later.
The Sharks, who had the NHL's best penalty-killing percentage last season, tied it 2-all at 6:52 of the second on Setoguchi's goal. Murray put San Jose ahead at 11:56 with a 50-foot slap shot between the circles.
The preseason opener for the Ducks and Sharks looked more like competition for the Golden Gloves, with six separate fights going on.
The Ducks, who finished six points behind the Pacific Division-leading Sharks last season after winning the Stanley Cup in 2007, led 2-1 following a first period that included four brawls. One of them featured Murray, who took on Brennan Evans just hours after agreeing to a four-year contract extension with the Sharks.
With the teams skating 4-on-4, Getzlaf gave Anaheim a 2-1 lead at 18:04 of the opening period on a short backhander after goalie Thomas Greiss stopped Stu Bickel's shot from the top of the right circle.
Ryan, the second overall pick on the 2005 draft behind Sidney Crosby, scored on Anaheim's first shot of the game. The 21-year-old right wing beat Greiss to the glove side with a wrist shot from the top of the right circle at 3:45. Ryan had two stints with the Ducks last season as a rookie, recording five goals and five assists in 23 games.
Joslin tied the score about 8 minutes later, beating Jean-Sebastien Giguere from 40 feet in the slot with 31 seconds left on a two-man advantage following staggered penalties to Brad May for boarding and Scott Niedermayer for hooking.
Bobby Ryan added two goals and an assist, and Ryan Getzlaf had a goal and three assists for the Ducks. Matt Stefanishion also scored for the Ducks, who last season became the fifth consecutive defending Stanley Cup champion that failed to reach the second round of the playoffs.
Derek Joslin and Cory Larose scored on power plays and Devin Setoguchi had a short-handed goal for San Jose. Defenseman Doug Murray also had a goal and Mike Grier and Mike Moore each had two assists.
It was the Sharks' first game under new head coach Todd McLellan, who was an assistant coach last season with the Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings. McLellan replaced Ron Wilson, who guided San Jose to the league's second-best record behind Detroit before losing in the second round of the playoffs for the third straight year.
Trailing 4-2, the Ducks pulled even with 11:53 left in regulation on goals by Ryan and Perry about 2 1/2 minutes apart.
FIND MORE STORIES IN: Stanley Cup Detroit Red Wings Sidney Crosby San Jose Sharks Anaheim Ducks Jean-Sebastien Giguere Scott Niedermayer Perry Ron Wilson Murray Brad Ryan Getzlaf Mike Grier Golden Gloves Devin Setoguchi Thomas Greiss Mike Moore Todd McLellan
Perry, whose slashing penalty led to Larose's power-play goal 59 seconds into the third period, got the equalizer with 11:53 remaining. Perry connected again with 7:50 left and Stefanishion ended the scoring about 4 minutes later.
The Sharks, who had the NHL's best penalty-killing percentage last season, tied it 2-all at 6:52 of the second on Setoguchi's goal. Murray put San Jose ahead at 11:56 with a 50-foot slap shot between the circles.
The preseason opener for the Ducks and Sharks looked more like competition for the Golden Gloves, with six separate fights going on.
The Ducks, who finished six points behind the Pacific Division-leading Sharks last season after winning the Stanley Cup in 2007, led 2-1 following a first period that included four brawls. One of them featured Murray, who took on Brennan Evans just hours after agreeing to a four-year contract extension with the Sharks.
With the teams skating 4-on-4, Getzlaf gave Anaheim a 2-1 lead at 18:04 of the opening period on a short backhander after goalie Thomas Greiss stopped Stu Bickel's shot from the top of the right circle.
Ryan, the second overall pick on the 2005 draft behind Sidney Crosby, scored on Anaheim's first shot of the game. The 21-year-old right wing beat Greiss to the glove side with a wrist shot from the top of the right circle at 3:45. Ryan had two stints with the Ducks last season as a rookie, recording five goals and five assists in 23 games.
Joslin tied the score about 8 minutes later, beating Jean-Sebastien Giguere from 40 feet in the slot with 31 seconds left on a two-man advantage following staggered penalties to Brad May for boarding and Scott Niedermayer for hooking.
Angels, Mariners close out set at Safeco Field
(Sports Network) - The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim resume their quest to gain home-field advantage throughout the upcoming playoffs when the American League West champions wrap up a four-game series with the Seattle Mariners this evening at Safeco Field.
With four games remaining in the regular season, the Angels hold a two-game edge on current AL East leader Tampa Bay for the best record in the Junior Circuit. Anaheim currently has a magic number of three to clinch the AL's top seed.
The Angels moved a step closer to reaching that goal with Wednesday's 6-5 decision over the lowly Mariners, the club's sixth victory in its last seven games. Mark Teixeira provided the winning margin with a tie-breaking solo home run in the top of the eighth inning.
Teixeira finished with four hits and Sean Rodriguez added a two-run double for the Angels, who rebounded from a 9-6 defeat to Seattle on Tuesday. Darren Oliver (7-1) earned the win with two scoreless innings in relief of Jon Garland, who allowed five runs on 11 hits over the first five frames.
Francisco Rodriguez threw a scoreless ninth to extend his major league record for saves in a single season to 62.
Yuniesky Betancourt went 3-for-5 with two runs scored for Seattle, while Jose Lopez, Jeremy Reed and Bryan LaHair each collected a pair of hits and an RBI.
Mark Lowe (1-5) was hit with the loss after serving up Teixeira's go-ahead homer.
Seattle has now dropped 13 of its last 14 contests and secured its first 100- loss season since 1983 with last night's setback.
In contrast, the Angels can tie a franchise record for victories in a season with a win tonight. Anaheim won 99 games in 2002, the year the team captured its first and only World Series title.
The Angels will send out Dustin Moseley in an attempt to accomplish that feat tonight. The spot starter is coming off a decent outing in Texas last Saturday, when he gave up three runs on eight hits in a five-inning no- decision against the Rangers.
Prior to that start, Moseley defeated the Yankees on September 10 by holding them to two runs and three hits in five innings of work.
The right-hander is 1-1 with a 2.93 earned run average in five career appearances, including one start, against Seattle. However, he was tagged for four runs and eight hits over just 4 2/3 innings in his lone matchup with the Mariners this season, a 4-2 loss at Angel Stadium on April 20.
Seattle will give Cesar Jimenez a shot at a starting role in this evening's finale. The rookie has pitched 28 times in relief for the Mariners this season, but did open up the team's 8-7 win over Texas on September 10.
Jimenez threw three scoreless innings in that game before returning to the bullpen to make two more appearances. In his most recent time out, the left- hander allowed two runs and struck out three over two innings at Oakland this past Saturday.
The 23-year-old's lone career encounter with the Angels came back on August 13. Jimenez walked the only batter he faced, and the runner came around to score.
The Angels have beaten the Mariners 13 times in 18 tries this season, including six of nine games held at Safeco Field. Anaheim has gone 12-6 in Seattle since the start of the 2007 campaign.
With four games remaining in the regular season, the Angels hold a two-game edge on current AL East leader Tampa Bay for the best record in the Junior Circuit. Anaheim currently has a magic number of three to clinch the AL's top seed.
The Angels moved a step closer to reaching that goal with Wednesday's 6-5 decision over the lowly Mariners, the club's sixth victory in its last seven games. Mark Teixeira provided the winning margin with a tie-breaking solo home run in the top of the eighth inning.
Teixeira finished with four hits and Sean Rodriguez added a two-run double for the Angels, who rebounded from a 9-6 defeat to Seattle on Tuesday. Darren Oliver (7-1) earned the win with two scoreless innings in relief of Jon Garland, who allowed five runs on 11 hits over the first five frames.
Francisco Rodriguez threw a scoreless ninth to extend his major league record for saves in a single season to 62.
Yuniesky Betancourt went 3-for-5 with two runs scored for Seattle, while Jose Lopez, Jeremy Reed and Bryan LaHair each collected a pair of hits and an RBI.
Mark Lowe (1-5) was hit with the loss after serving up Teixeira's go-ahead homer.
Seattle has now dropped 13 of its last 14 contests and secured its first 100- loss season since 1983 with last night's setback.
In contrast, the Angels can tie a franchise record for victories in a season with a win tonight. Anaheim won 99 games in 2002, the year the team captured its first and only World Series title.
The Angels will send out Dustin Moseley in an attempt to accomplish that feat tonight. The spot starter is coming off a decent outing in Texas last Saturday, when he gave up three runs on eight hits in a five-inning no- decision against the Rangers.
Prior to that start, Moseley defeated the Yankees on September 10 by holding them to two runs and three hits in five innings of work.
The right-hander is 1-1 with a 2.93 earned run average in five career appearances, including one start, against Seattle. However, he was tagged for four runs and eight hits over just 4 2/3 innings in his lone matchup with the Mariners this season, a 4-2 loss at Angel Stadium on April 20.
Seattle will give Cesar Jimenez a shot at a starting role in this evening's finale. The rookie has pitched 28 times in relief for the Mariners this season, but did open up the team's 8-7 win over Texas on September 10.
Jimenez threw three scoreless innings in that game before returning to the bullpen to make two more appearances. In his most recent time out, the left- hander allowed two runs and struck out three over two innings at Oakland this past Saturday.
The 23-year-old's lone career encounter with the Angels came back on August 13. Jimenez walked the only batter he faced, and the runner came around to score.
The Angels have beaten the Mariners 13 times in 18 tries this season, including six of nine games held at Safeco Field. Anaheim has gone 12-6 in Seattle since the start of the 2007 campaign.
McCartney Performs In Israel 43 Years After Beatles Ban
By Sasha Levy, Tel Aviv"Shalom Tel Aviv, Shana Tova," [Hello Tel Aviv, Happy New Year], said Sir Paul McCartney, welcoming the estimated 40,000 crowd in Hebrew to his historic performance at Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv after the opening "Hello Goodbye."But it had been a long wait for his first performance in Israel. In 1965 the Israeli government banned the Beatles, fearing their presence at a planned concert would corrupt the nation's youth. Before he had even set foot in the country for this Friendship First concert, McCartney's concert was the first topic of conversation, his music filled the airwaves and the show was hailed in The Jerusalem Post, Israel's leading English language daily, as "probably the greatest cultural event in Israel's history."But the Sept. 25 concert was also targeted by the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel which called on Sir Paul to cancel, and the artist himself was the target of death threats from Lebanon-based Omar Bakri Mohammed, triggering a reported 5,000-strong security and intelligence operation which was barely felt by concert goers.Israeli audiences are long used to international artists' last minute cancellations of their shows. But McCartney did perform and he did his best to steer clear of any controversy, telling the audience "I'm sharing the message of peace and love" and avoiding any mention of the ban.As for the music, McCartney and his supremely professional band played a considerable number of post-Beatles songs, which the audience received with a certain amount of polite confusion. The show came alive when McCartney, whether at the piano, or on electric or acoustic guitar or mandolin, launched into Beatles numbers and the Hebrew-speaking audience cheered and sang along in word-perfect English. McCartney paid tribute to George Harrison with a ukulele-led version of "Something" and to John Lennon with the politically appropriate "Give Peace a Chance," telling the audience "this is for you" and inviting them to sing along. For those concerned by the potential threat, there was a heart-stopping moment when the band started "Live and Let Die" and the stage filled with smoke and explosions for the pyrotechnics display.McCartney closed the show by wishing his audience Shana Tova again for Jewish New Year and pronouncing the blessing for Ramadan, "Ramadan Karim.”Earlier this year, which marks Israel's 60th anniversary, Ron Prosor, Israel's ambassador to the U.K., wrote a letter of apology for the “misunderstanding,” paving the way for last night's historic gig.
New Britney Spears Single Hits Radio
Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.
"Womanizer," the first single from Britney Spears' upcoming album "Circus," hit U.S. radio outlets this morning. The track, produced by up-and-coming Atlanta team the Outsyders, has a thick, synthy sound that should lend itself to remixes and club play.Lyrically, "Womanizer" finds Spears rebuffing the advances of man with the "swagger of champions." "Must mistake me as a sucker / To think that I would be a victim not another / Say it, play it how you wanna / But no way I'm ever gonna fall for you," she sings.Among the other contributors on "Circus" are Dr. Luke, who wrote and produced the title cut, Danja, Guy Sigsworth, Max Martin and Bloodshy & Avant. The album's release on Dec. 2 coincides with Spears' 27th birthday.Although its video isn't quite ready yet, "Womanizer" will play during Monday's (Sept. 29) episode of the MTV show "The Hills."
"Womanizer," the first single from Britney Spears' upcoming album "Circus," hit U.S. radio outlets this morning. The track, produced by up-and-coming Atlanta team the Outsyders, has a thick, synthy sound that should lend itself to remixes and club play.Lyrically, "Womanizer" finds Spears rebuffing the advances of man with the "swagger of champions." "Must mistake me as a sucker / To think that I would be a victim not another / Say it, play it how you wanna / But no way I'm ever gonna fall for you," she sings.Among the other contributors on "Circus" are Dr. Luke, who wrote and produced the title cut, Danja, Guy Sigsworth, Max Martin and Bloodshy & Avant. The album's release on Dec. 2 coincides with Spears' 27th birthday.Although its video isn't quite ready yet, "Womanizer" will play during Monday's (Sept. 29) episode of the MTV show "The Hills."
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Behind Santana, Mets end skid
NEW YORK - The New York Mets needed a break, and Johan Santana's bat shattered just in time.
Santana sparked the Mets' offense with an unusual broken-bat infield single and struck out 10 in eight innings, leading New York to a much-needed 6-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs last night.
"It should count for two hits," said Santana, whose fifth-inning bouncer hit a piece of his cracked maple bat twice and set up New York's rally. "I was just lucky."
Jose Reyes had a three-run triple for his 200th hit of the season and David Wright drove in two runs with a clutch single for the Mets, who ended a three-game skid reminiscent of last season's epic collapse.
"That's one of the biggest wins of the season for us," Reyes said.
New York remained one game in front of Milwaukee, which beat Pittsburgh, 7-5, in the wild-card race and moved within 1 1/2 games of the NL East-leading Phillies.
New York acquired Santana (15-7) in the offseason for situations like last night, and the lefthander delivered a sharp performance. He allowed two runs and seven hits to improve to 8-0 with a 2.26 ERA in his last 16 starts.
"Every big game that we needed in Johan's turn [he] was filthy," manager Jerry Manuel said. "He stepped up. He stepped up big tonight."
Santana, glowering at plate umpire Phil Cuzzi after some close throws, tossed a career-high 125 pitches. "I didn't even know I had that many pitches, to be honest to you," Santana said. "All the intensity in the game and everything that we went through, I was just out there trying to help."
Reed Johnson and Kosuke Fukudome both had two hits for Chicago, which secured home-field advantage throughout the NL playoffs with its 9-5 victory over New York on Monday night.
The Cubs put two runners on in the ninth against Pedro Feliciano but Luis Ayala came in and got two outs for his ninth save.
Santana's wacky hit got the Mets back on track after they struggled for much of the game against Sean Marshall, who worked out of a jam in the first and retired 12 of 13 before running into trouble in the fifth.
Cubs manager Lou Piniella couldn't believe it. "Marshall did fine," he said. "The only problem is he hits the eighth hitter. Then Santana pulls a magic bat trick. I've never seen that before." *
Santana sparked the Mets' offense with an unusual broken-bat infield single and struck out 10 in eight innings, leading New York to a much-needed 6-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs last night.
"It should count for two hits," said Santana, whose fifth-inning bouncer hit a piece of his cracked maple bat twice and set up New York's rally. "I was just lucky."
Jose Reyes had a three-run triple for his 200th hit of the season and David Wright drove in two runs with a clutch single for the Mets, who ended a three-game skid reminiscent of last season's epic collapse.
"That's one of the biggest wins of the season for us," Reyes said.
New York remained one game in front of Milwaukee, which beat Pittsburgh, 7-5, in the wild-card race and moved within 1 1/2 games of the NL East-leading Phillies.
New York acquired Santana (15-7) in the offseason for situations like last night, and the lefthander delivered a sharp performance. He allowed two runs and seven hits to improve to 8-0 with a 2.26 ERA in his last 16 starts.
"Every big game that we needed in Johan's turn [he] was filthy," manager Jerry Manuel said. "He stepped up. He stepped up big tonight."
Santana, glowering at plate umpire Phil Cuzzi after some close throws, tossed a career-high 125 pitches. "I didn't even know I had that many pitches, to be honest to you," Santana said. "All the intensity in the game and everything that we went through, I was just out there trying to help."
Reed Johnson and Kosuke Fukudome both had two hits for Chicago, which secured home-field advantage throughout the NL playoffs with its 9-5 victory over New York on Monday night.
The Cubs put two runners on in the ninth against Pedro Feliciano but Luis Ayala came in and got two outs for his ninth save.
Santana's wacky hit got the Mets back on track after they struggled for much of the game against Sean Marshall, who worked out of a jam in the first and retired 12 of 13 before running into trouble in the fifth.
Cubs manager Lou Piniella couldn't believe it. "Marshall did fine," he said. "The only problem is he hits the eighth hitter. Then Santana pulls a magic bat trick. I've never seen that before." *
Marbury not joining Heat; watch Tinsley
By Chris Perkins Wednesday, September 24, 2008,
Stephon Marbury won’t be with the Heat anytime soon. And that’s good because it’d be a huge mistake for Miami.
New York president Donnie Walsh said Tuesday night his somewhat troubled point guard is going to camp with the Knicks, ending speculation “Starbury” would have the final year of his contract (about $21 million) bought out, become an unrestricted free agent, and sign with the Heat for the veteran’s minimum (about $1.3 million).
Of course, Marbury, who reportedly has caused a rift in the lockerroom because of his antics, could still have his contract bought out later in training camp or during the season. And Miami could still be a destination.
About the only thing Marbury would do with the Heat is stunt the development of the current trio of point guards — Marcus Banks, Chris Quinn and rookie Mario Chalmers. If Starbury had a good season with Miami he’d likely either leave for more money (thus stunting the trio’s development) or demand a lot more money from Miami (thus forcing the Heat to release him after one season).
If the Heat can resist the tempation to flirt with Indiana’s troubled Jamaal Tinsley, who might soon be available via contract buyout, it would cap a relatively successful off-season (drafting Chalmers, re-signing Quinn) in the point guard market
Stephon Marbury won’t be with the Heat anytime soon. And that’s good because it’d be a huge mistake for Miami.
New York president Donnie Walsh said Tuesday night his somewhat troubled point guard is going to camp with the Knicks, ending speculation “Starbury” would have the final year of his contract (about $21 million) bought out, become an unrestricted free agent, and sign with the Heat for the veteran’s minimum (about $1.3 million).
Of course, Marbury, who reportedly has caused a rift in the lockerroom because of his antics, could still have his contract bought out later in training camp or during the season. And Miami could still be a destination.
About the only thing Marbury would do with the Heat is stunt the development of the current trio of point guards — Marcus Banks, Chris Quinn and rookie Mario Chalmers. If Starbury had a good season with Miami he’d likely either leave for more money (thus stunting the trio’s development) or demand a lot more money from Miami (thus forcing the Heat to release him after one season).
If the Heat can resist the tempation to flirt with Indiana’s troubled Jamaal Tinsley, who might soon be available via contract buyout, it would cap a relatively successful off-season (drafting Chalmers, re-signing Quinn) in the point guard market
Smashing Pumpkins Ready 20th Anniversary Tour
Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.
As expected, the Smashing Pumpkins will celebrate their 20th anniversary with a fall tour featuring unique set lists. The trek begins Nov. 1 in Cleveland and wraps Dec. 2-3 in Los Angeles.During multiple-night engagements, for which special ticket bundles will be available, the band promises to not repeat any song on the set lists. The first night of such runs is being dubbed "Black Sunshine," while the second is called "White Crosses."In the band's Chicago hometown, the Pumpkins will play two nights each at the Chicago Theatre and Auditorium Theatre. Right before the tour, the band will play Neil Young's annual Bridge School Benefit outside San Francisco for the first time since 1999.As previously reported, the Pumpkins have a new song, "G.L.O.W.," in the upcoming video game "Guitar Hero: World Tour," and are the subject of the documentary "It All Goes Wrong," due Nov. 11.Here are the Smashing Pumpkins' tour dates:
Nov. 1: Cleveland (Palace Theatre)
Nov. 3-4: Toronto (Massey Hall)
Nov. 6-7: New York (United Palace Theatre)
Nov. 8: Atlantic City, N.J. (Borgata)
Nov. 11-12: Washington, D.C. (DAR Constitution Hall)
Nov. 14-15: Boston (Wang Center)
Nov. 18-19: Chicago (Chicago Theatre)
Nov. 21-22: Chicago (Auditorium Theatre)
Nov. 26: St. Louis (Fox Theatre)
Nov. 30: San Diego (RIMAC Arena)
Dec. 2-3: Los Angeles (Gibson Amphitheatre)
As expected, the Smashing Pumpkins will celebrate their 20th anniversary with a fall tour featuring unique set lists. The trek begins Nov. 1 in Cleveland and wraps Dec. 2-3 in Los Angeles.During multiple-night engagements, for which special ticket bundles will be available, the band promises to not repeat any song on the set lists. The first night of such runs is being dubbed "Black Sunshine," while the second is called "White Crosses."In the band's Chicago hometown, the Pumpkins will play two nights each at the Chicago Theatre and Auditorium Theatre. Right before the tour, the band will play Neil Young's annual Bridge School Benefit outside San Francisco for the first time since 1999.As previously reported, the Pumpkins have a new song, "G.L.O.W.," in the upcoming video game "Guitar Hero: World Tour," and are the subject of the documentary "It All Goes Wrong," due Nov. 11.Here are the Smashing Pumpkins' tour dates:
Nov. 1: Cleveland (Palace Theatre)
Nov. 3-4: Toronto (Massey Hall)
Nov. 6-7: New York (United Palace Theatre)
Nov. 8: Atlantic City, N.J. (Borgata)
Nov. 11-12: Washington, D.C. (DAR Constitution Hall)
Nov. 14-15: Boston (Wang Center)
Nov. 18-19: Chicago (Chicago Theatre)
Nov. 21-22: Chicago (Auditorium Theatre)
Nov. 26: St. Louis (Fox Theatre)
Nov. 30: San Diego (RIMAC Arena)
Dec. 2-3: Los Angeles (Gibson Amphitheatre)
Metallica Edges Ne-Yo, Nelly To Remain No. 1
Katie Hasty, N.Y.
Metallica's "Death Magnetic" holds tight at No. 1 on The Billboard 200 for a second week after its first full frame at retail. The Warner Bros. set sold 337,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan; it debuted with 490,000 last week after just three days of sales thanks to an off-cycle Friday release. Starting right behind at No. 2 is Ne-Yo's "Year of the Gentleman" with 250,000. The Def Jam effort comes on the heels of two No. 1 bows for the artist: 2006 debut "In My Own Words" (301,000) and 2007's "Because of You" (251,000). New single "Miss Independent" continues to climb the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs tally, moving 16-5 in this latest frame, while first single "Closer" sits at No. 7 on the Hot 100. Nelly's "Brass Knuckles" (Derrty/Universal Motown), the rapper's first studio set since 2004, enters at No. 3 on The Billboard 200 with 84,000. Four years ago, he dropped two separate albums on the same day -- "Suit" and "Sweat" - which debuted at Nos. 1 and 2 with 396,000 and 342,000, respectively.In its 50th week on the chart, Kid Rock's "Rock N Roll Jesus" (Top Dog/Atlantic) drops 3-4 on a 15% decline to 64,000 copies.Hootie & the Blowfish frontman Darius Rucker debuts at No. 5 on The Billboard 200 and No. 1 on Top Country Albums with the Capitol Nashville project "Learn to Live," with 60,000. On Hot Country Songs, his single "Don't Think I Don't Think About It" hits No. 1 this week. This marks the second week in a row a singer best known from another genre crosses over to hit No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart, following last week's penthouse debut for Jessica Simpson's "Do You Know."
oung Jeezy's "The Recession" (Def Jam) falls 2-6 on The Billboard 200 with 60,000, a 33% sales decline. DJ Khaled notches his third straight top 15 album as "We Global" (We the Best/Def Jam) enters at No. 7 with 49,000. His first two charting albums -- 2006's "Listennn: The Album" and 2007's "We the Best" -- debuted and peaked at Nos. 12 and 8, respectively.Buckcherry earns its best sales week ever and highest charting album as "Black Butterfly" (Eleven Seven Music/Atlantic) opens at No. 8 with 47,000. Previously, the rock band went as far as No. 39 with its last album "15," and had never sold more than 26,000 in a single week with any release. But "15" wound up spending 126 weeks on The Billboard 200 and has sold 1.3 million copies to date.Lil Wayne's Cash Money effort "Tha Carter III" slips 9% in sales and descends 8-9 with 43,000 while the Game's "LAX" (Geffen) moves 7-10 with 42,000 (-16%). Other debuts this week include All That Remains' "Overcome" (Prosthetic/Razor & Tie, No. 16, 29,000), Raphael Saadiq's "The Way I See It" (Columbia, No. 19, 23,000), Avenged Sevenfold's "Live in the LBC & Diamond in the Rough" (Warner Bros., No. 24, 20,000) and Eli Young Band's "Jet Black & Jealous" (Universal South, No. 33, 15,000).At 6.92 million units, sales this week are up 1.1% from last week's sum and down a 16.5% from the same week last year.
Metallica's "Death Magnetic" holds tight at No. 1 on The Billboard 200 for a second week after its first full frame at retail. The Warner Bros. set sold 337,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan; it debuted with 490,000 last week after just three days of sales thanks to an off-cycle Friday release. Starting right behind at No. 2 is Ne-Yo's "Year of the Gentleman" with 250,000. The Def Jam effort comes on the heels of two No. 1 bows for the artist: 2006 debut "In My Own Words" (301,000) and 2007's "Because of You" (251,000). New single "Miss Independent" continues to climb the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs tally, moving 16-5 in this latest frame, while first single "Closer" sits at No. 7 on the Hot 100. Nelly's "Brass Knuckles" (Derrty/Universal Motown), the rapper's first studio set since 2004, enters at No. 3 on The Billboard 200 with 84,000. Four years ago, he dropped two separate albums on the same day -- "Suit" and "Sweat" - which debuted at Nos. 1 and 2 with 396,000 and 342,000, respectively.In its 50th week on the chart, Kid Rock's "Rock N Roll Jesus" (Top Dog/Atlantic) drops 3-4 on a 15% decline to 64,000 copies.Hootie & the Blowfish frontman Darius Rucker debuts at No. 5 on The Billboard 200 and No. 1 on Top Country Albums with the Capitol Nashville project "Learn to Live," with 60,000. On Hot Country Songs, his single "Don't Think I Don't Think About It" hits No. 1 this week. This marks the second week in a row a singer best known from another genre crosses over to hit No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart, following last week's penthouse debut for Jessica Simpson's "Do You Know."
oung Jeezy's "The Recession" (Def Jam) falls 2-6 on The Billboard 200 with 60,000, a 33% sales decline. DJ Khaled notches his third straight top 15 album as "We Global" (We the Best/Def Jam) enters at No. 7 with 49,000. His first two charting albums -- 2006's "Listennn: The Album" and 2007's "We the Best" -- debuted and peaked at Nos. 12 and 8, respectively.Buckcherry earns its best sales week ever and highest charting album as "Black Butterfly" (Eleven Seven Music/Atlantic) opens at No. 8 with 47,000. Previously, the rock band went as far as No. 39 with its last album "15," and had never sold more than 26,000 in a single week with any release. But "15" wound up spending 126 weeks on The Billboard 200 and has sold 1.3 million copies to date.Lil Wayne's Cash Money effort "Tha Carter III" slips 9% in sales and descends 8-9 with 43,000 while the Game's "LAX" (Geffen) moves 7-10 with 42,000 (-16%). Other debuts this week include All That Remains' "Overcome" (Prosthetic/Razor & Tie, No. 16, 29,000), Raphael Saadiq's "The Way I See It" (Columbia, No. 19, 23,000), Avenged Sevenfold's "Live in the LBC & Diamond in the Rough" (Warner Bros., No. 24, 20,000) and Eli Young Band's "Jet Black & Jealous" (Universal South, No. 33, 15,000).At 6.92 million units, sales this week are up 1.1% from last week's sum and down a 16.5% from the same week last year.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
FIFA unveils S’Africa 2010 mascot
The official mascot for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa was unveiled in Johannesburg on Monday, with spectators getting their first glimpse of Zakumi the leopard.
Zakumi, who bounded out from behind the curtains at the Renaissance Studio, was greeted with cheers as he played kick-about with former Bafana Bafana and Charlton Athletic star Mark Fish.
The mascot, a yellow leopard with a green-ish afro and cuddly toy features, was introduced to the audience as a 14-year old boy, born on 16 June 1994 when the country officially became a democracy.
The name Zakumi, as explained by 2010 organising chairman Danny Jordaan, is taken from ZA for South Africa, and Kumi, which means 10 in many African languages and is the year of the tournament.
Jerome Valcke, secretary of FIFA, said: "Zakumi represents the people, geography and spirit of South Africa.
Zakumi - portrayed on television as a live puppet with someone inside - belongs to a generation known in South Africa as the `born frees`.
Born in 1994, the year of South Africa`s first democratic elections, Zakumi was conceived by local designers as a symbol of the teenage Rainbow Nation, warts (or spots) and all.
His birthday, June 16, falls on the anniversary of the Soweto Uprising, the day in 1976 when thousands of schoolchildren in the sprawling township outside Johannesburg took to the streets to protest repressive apartheid policies.
This big cat sports moss-green spiky hair, a white tee-shirt marked South Africa 2010 and green shorts. `Zakumi represents the people, geography and spirit of South Africa, personifying in essence the 2010 FIFA World Cup,` FIFA secretary-general Jerome Valcke said in a statement.
`He is young, energetic, smart and ambitious,` Danny Jordaan, chief executive of the FIFA 2010 local organising committee, said at the launch of the mascot on the set of a football programme on public broadcaster SABC.
As to why a leopard, Jordaan noted Africa`s other favourite predator, the lion, had already been used by Britain and Germany during the 1966 and 2006 World Cups respectively.
"We are certain we will have a lot of fun with him in the lead-up to and during the Fifa Confederations Cup and the World Cup."
Fifa first introduced Mascots in 1966 during the England World cup - a Union Jack-clad English Lion.
Others included the orange-shaped Naranjito in Spain in 1982, the 'ciao' stick-figure in Italian colours in 1990 and Footix, a French cockeral, in 1998.
Zakumi, who bounded out from behind the curtains at the Renaissance Studio, was greeted with cheers as he played kick-about with former Bafana Bafana and Charlton Athletic star Mark Fish.
The mascot, a yellow leopard with a green-ish afro and cuddly toy features, was introduced to the audience as a 14-year old boy, born on 16 June 1994 when the country officially became a democracy.
The name Zakumi, as explained by 2010 organising chairman Danny Jordaan, is taken from ZA for South Africa, and Kumi, which means 10 in many African languages and is the year of the tournament.
Jerome Valcke, secretary of FIFA, said: "Zakumi represents the people, geography and spirit of South Africa.
Zakumi - portrayed on television as a live puppet with someone inside - belongs to a generation known in South Africa as the `born frees`.
Born in 1994, the year of South Africa`s first democratic elections, Zakumi was conceived by local designers as a symbol of the teenage Rainbow Nation, warts (or spots) and all.
His birthday, June 16, falls on the anniversary of the Soweto Uprising, the day in 1976 when thousands of schoolchildren in the sprawling township outside Johannesburg took to the streets to protest repressive apartheid policies.
This big cat sports moss-green spiky hair, a white tee-shirt marked South Africa 2010 and green shorts. `Zakumi represents the people, geography and spirit of South Africa, personifying in essence the 2010 FIFA World Cup,` FIFA secretary-general Jerome Valcke said in a statement.
`He is young, energetic, smart and ambitious,` Danny Jordaan, chief executive of the FIFA 2010 local organising committee, said at the launch of the mascot on the set of a football programme on public broadcaster SABC.
As to why a leopard, Jordaan noted Africa`s other favourite predator, the lion, had already been used by Britain and Germany during the 1966 and 2006 World Cups respectively.
"We are certain we will have a lot of fun with him in the lead-up to and during the Fifa Confederations Cup and the World Cup."
Fifa first introduced Mascots in 1966 during the England World cup - a Union Jack-clad English Lion.
Others included the orange-shaped Naranjito in Spain in 1982, the 'ciao' stick-figure in Italian colours in 1990 and Footix, a French cockeral, in 1998.
Italian tennis federation bans Simone Bolelli for skipping Davis Cup matches against Latvia
ROME - Italian tennis player Simone Bolelli was banned by his federation from national team events for skipping last weekend's Davis Cup matches with Latvia.
The 45th-ranked Bolelli instead chose to play tour events in Bangkok, Thailand, and Tokyo this week and next.
Monday's ban prevents Bolelli from playing in the Davis Cup and the Olympics and getting wild cards from his federation for certain tournaments.
Bolelli said he told Italy captain Corrado Barrazzutti well in advance of the Davis Cup that he preferred to work on his fast-court game in Asia.
Italy beat Latvia 3-2 in a Europe-Africa zone relegation playoff in Montecatini, led by 28th-ranked Andreas Seppi, No. 72 Fabio Fognini and No. 76 Potito Starace.
The 45th-ranked Bolelli instead chose to play tour events in Bangkok, Thailand, and Tokyo this week and next.
Monday's ban prevents Bolelli from playing in the Davis Cup and the Olympics and getting wild cards from his federation for certain tournaments.
Bolelli said he told Italy captain Corrado Barrazzutti well in advance of the Davis Cup that he preferred to work on his fast-court game in Asia.
Italy beat Latvia 3-2 in a Europe-Africa zone relegation playoff in Montecatini, led by 28th-ranked Andreas Seppi, No. 72 Fabio Fognini and No. 76 Potito Starace.
Third Eye Blind Opens Up With Indaba
Katie Hasty, N.Y.
Third Eye Blind is inviting fans to witness -- and even take part in -- the completion of its next album, "Ursa Major." The pop-rock group's first album in five years will be promoted through an extensive online portal via Indaba Music.Through it, fans will get an insider look into the completion of "Ursa Major," due in early 2009 via the band's own imprint with distribution from Sony/RED. Third Eye Blind will be updating fans via blogs and videos, as well as inviting readers to interact with the band by allowing user comments on song mixes, opening discussion boards and contests. The first competition is for readers to mix and add their own instrumental stems to the new song "Non-Dairy Creamer." Several other tracks will be previewed through the site.Third Eye Blind rose to fame in the late 1990s with hits like "Semi-Charmed Life" and "Jumper." The band's last studio album was 2003's "Out of the Vein," released by Elektra.The four-piece has two upcoming shows on its calendar: Sept. 27 at Stafford Lake Park in Novato, Calif., and Oct. 10 at Depaw University in Greencastle, Ind.
Third Eye Blind is inviting fans to witness -- and even take part in -- the completion of its next album, "Ursa Major." The pop-rock group's first album in five years will be promoted through an extensive online portal via Indaba Music.Through it, fans will get an insider look into the completion of "Ursa Major," due in early 2009 via the band's own imprint with distribution from Sony/RED. Third Eye Blind will be updating fans via blogs and videos, as well as inviting readers to interact with the band by allowing user comments on song mixes, opening discussion boards and contests. The first competition is for readers to mix and add their own instrumental stems to the new song "Non-Dairy Creamer." Several other tracks will be previewed through the site.Third Eye Blind rose to fame in the late 1990s with hits like "Semi-Charmed Life" and "Jumper." The band's last studio album was 2003's "Out of the Vein," released by Elektra.The four-piece has two upcoming shows on its calendar: Sept. 27 at Stafford Lake Park in Novato, Calif., and Oct. 10 at Depaw University in Greencastle, Ind.
Neil Diamond Extends North American Tour
Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.
Neil Diamond has added 13 new dates to his North American tour in support of the album "Home Before Dark." The freshly added shows begin Nov. 22 in Grand Forks, N.D., and wrap Jan. 8 in Portland, Ore.As usual, Diamond is doing huge business on the road. According to Billboard Boxscore, he's grossed more than $62 million from 41 shows, all of which were sell-outs, with combined attendance of more than 597,000."Home Before Dark" debuted at a career-best No. 1 on The Billboard 200 in May and has sold 371,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.Here are Neil Diamond's new tour dates:
Nov. 22: Grand Forks, N.D. (Alerus Center)
Nov. 24: Milwaukee (Bradley Center)
Nov. 28: Uncasville, Con. (Mohegan Sun)
Nov. 30: Ottawa, Ont. (Scotiabank Place)
Dec. 2: Toronto (Air Canada Centre)
Dec. 6: Worcester, Mass. (DCU Center)
Dec. 8: Charlottesville, Va. (John Paul Jones Arena)
Dec. 10: Atlanta (Arena at Gwinnett Center)
Dec. 12: Charlotte, N.C. (Time Warner Cable Arena)
Dec. 15: Kansas City, MO (Sprint Center)
Dec. 17: Denver (Pepsi Center)
Dec. 19: Salt Lake City (Energy Solutions Arena)
Jan. 8: Portland, Ore. (Rose Garden)
Neil Diamond has added 13 new dates to his North American tour in support of the album "Home Before Dark." The freshly added shows begin Nov. 22 in Grand Forks, N.D., and wrap Jan. 8 in Portland, Ore.As usual, Diamond is doing huge business on the road. According to Billboard Boxscore, he's grossed more than $62 million from 41 shows, all of which were sell-outs, with combined attendance of more than 597,000."Home Before Dark" debuted at a career-best No. 1 on The Billboard 200 in May and has sold 371,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.Here are Neil Diamond's new tour dates:
Nov. 22: Grand Forks, N.D. (Alerus Center)
Nov. 24: Milwaukee (Bradley Center)
Nov. 28: Uncasville, Con. (Mohegan Sun)
Nov. 30: Ottawa, Ont. (Scotiabank Place)
Dec. 2: Toronto (Air Canada Centre)
Dec. 6: Worcester, Mass. (DCU Center)
Dec. 8: Charlottesville, Va. (John Paul Jones Arena)
Dec. 10: Atlanta (Arena at Gwinnett Center)
Dec. 12: Charlotte, N.C. (Time Warner Cable Arena)
Dec. 15: Kansas City, MO (Sprint Center)
Dec. 17: Denver (Pepsi Center)
Dec. 19: Salt Lake City (Energy Solutions Arena)
Jan. 8: Portland, Ore. (Rose Garden)
Friday, September 12, 2008
Nadal heads Spain in Davis Cup
MADRID: Spain’s skipper Emilio Sanchez Vicario unveiled Tuesday his five-man squad for the Davis Cup semifinal against the United States with world number one Rafa Nadal his anchor.
Nadal, semifinalist at the just finished US Open but who dethroned Roger Federer as the top-ranked player after winning the French Open, Wimbledon and the Olympics, will play alongside David Ferrer, Fernando Verdasco, Feliciano Lopez and reserve Nicolas Almagro.
The September 19 to 21 encounter in Madrid pits Spain against the country they beat in the 2004 final on home clay with Nadal playing a key part as he began his rise to prominence.
But the 22-year-old is showing signs of fatigue wit his US Open loss to Andy Murray, his 84th match of the year
Nadal, semifinalist at the just finished US Open but who dethroned Roger Federer as the top-ranked player after winning the French Open, Wimbledon and the Olympics, will play alongside David Ferrer, Fernando Verdasco, Feliciano Lopez and reserve Nicolas Almagro.
The September 19 to 21 encounter in Madrid pits Spain against the country they beat in the 2004 final on home clay with Nadal playing a key part as he began his rise to prominence.
But the 22-year-old is showing signs of fatigue wit his US Open loss to Andy Murray, his 84th match of the year
Mascot needed for 2010 soccer spectacular
By Lebogang SealeFifa is awaiting proposals for South Africa 2010's official mascot, and now is your chance to use your creativity to design the symbol that will represent the first tournament on African soil.Since the start of the soccer World Cup in 1966, Fifa has used mascots as symbols to represent each of the tournaments staged in subsequent years.Derived from the French word mascotte, mascot is a term for any person, animal or object thought to give something a public identity - often believed to bring luck. It is mostly used in schools or by professional sports teams and military units as a brand.
The mascot designs show some representation of characteristic features such as costume or flora and fauna of the host country. The World Cup mascot is mostly targeted at children, with cartoon shows and other merchandise released to coincide with the tournament. During the inaugural World Cup, held in England in 1966, World Cup Willie, depicting a lion - a typical symbol of the United Kingdom - wearing a Union Jack jersey with the words "World Cup", was used as the official mascot.Some of the popular mascots used since then include the Ciao (for the Italian greeting) during the 1990 World Cup. It portrayed a stick figure player with a football head and an Italian tricolore body.When the US hosted the competition in 1994, a dog wearing red, white and blue football kit with the words "USA" was the official symbol.In France in 1998, a cockerel, one of the national symbols of France, with the words "France 98" on the chest (with its body mostly in the national team's blue colours), was the official mascot.More recently, when Germany hosted the 2006 World Cup, a lion wearing a German shirt with the number 06 and a talking football named Pille - a German colloquial term for football - was used.
The mascot designs show some representation of characteristic features such as costume or flora and fauna of the host country. The World Cup mascot is mostly targeted at children, with cartoon shows and other merchandise released to coincide with the tournament. During the inaugural World Cup, held in England in 1966, World Cup Willie, depicting a lion - a typical symbol of the United Kingdom - wearing a Union Jack jersey with the words "World Cup", was used as the official mascot.Some of the popular mascots used since then include the Ciao (for the Italian greeting) during the 1990 World Cup. It portrayed a stick figure player with a football head and an Italian tricolore body.When the US hosted the competition in 1994, a dog wearing red, white and blue football kit with the words "USA" was the official symbol.In France in 1998, a cockerel, one of the national symbols of France, with the words "France 98" on the chest (with its body mostly in the national team's blue colours), was the official mascot.More recently, when Germany hosted the 2006 World Cup, a lion wearing a German shirt with the number 06 and a talking football named Pille - a German colloquial term for football - was used.
AC/DC Reveals Fall Tour Plans
Mitchell Peters, L.A.
In support of its forthcoming studio album, AC/DC will launch its Black Ice World Tour on Oct. 28 at the Wachovia Center in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. The 24-date North American leg of the arena jaunt is scheduled to wrap Dec. 18 at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, N.C.The worldwide trek follows closely behind the Oct. 20 release of "Black Ice," which will be sold exclusively in Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores as well as ACDC.com. AC/DC's first new single in eight years, "Rock'n'Roll Train," rockets 15-5 this week on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart.Tickets for the North American dates will go on sale during the weekend of Sept. 20 via Ticketmaster and ACDC.com. Specific on-sale dates and ticket prices have not yet been announced.Following the North American run, AC/DC will visit South American, Europe and Asia, with dates to be announced. The Black Ice World Tour will be AC/DC's first outing since 2001.Here are AC/DC's North American tour dates:
Oct. 28: Wilkes-Barre, Pa. (Wachovia Arena)
Oct. 30: Chicago (Allstate Arena)
Nov. 3: Indianapolis (Conseco Fieldhouse)
Nov. 5: Auburn Hills, Mich. (Palace of Auburn Hills)
Nov. 7: Toronto (Rogers Centre)
Nov. 9: Boston (TD Banknorth Garden)
Nov. 12-13: New York (Madison Square Garden)
Nov. 15: Washington, D.C. (Verizon Center)
Nov. 17: Philadelphia (Wachovia Center)
Nov. 19: East Rutherford, N.J. (IZOD Center)
Nov. 21: Columbus, Ohio (Schottenstein Center)
Nov. 23: Minneapolis (Xcel Energy Center)
Nov. 25: Denver (Pepsi Center)
Nov. 28: Vancouver (General Motors Place)
Nov. 29: Seattle (KeyArena)
Nov. 30: Tacoma, Wash. (Tacoma Dome)
Dec. 2: Oakland, Calif. (Oracle Arena)
Dec. 6: Los Angeles (The Forum)
Dec. 10: Phoenix (US Airways Center)
Dec. 12: San Antonio (AT&T Center)
Dec. 14: Houston (Toyota Center)
Dec. 16: Atlanta (Philips Arena)
Dec. 18: Charlotte, N.C. (Time Warner Cable Arena)
In support of its forthcoming studio album, AC/DC will launch its Black Ice World Tour on Oct. 28 at the Wachovia Center in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. The 24-date North American leg of the arena jaunt is scheduled to wrap Dec. 18 at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, N.C.The worldwide trek follows closely behind the Oct. 20 release of "Black Ice," which will be sold exclusively in Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores as well as ACDC.com. AC/DC's first new single in eight years, "Rock'n'Roll Train," rockets 15-5 this week on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart.Tickets for the North American dates will go on sale during the weekend of Sept. 20 via Ticketmaster and ACDC.com. Specific on-sale dates and ticket prices have not yet been announced.Following the North American run, AC/DC will visit South American, Europe and Asia, with dates to be announced. The Black Ice World Tour will be AC/DC's first outing since 2001.Here are AC/DC's North American tour dates:
Oct. 28: Wilkes-Barre, Pa. (Wachovia Arena)
Oct. 30: Chicago (Allstate Arena)
Nov. 3: Indianapolis (Conseco Fieldhouse)
Nov. 5: Auburn Hills, Mich. (Palace of Auburn Hills)
Nov. 7: Toronto (Rogers Centre)
Nov. 9: Boston (TD Banknorth Garden)
Nov. 12-13: New York (Madison Square Garden)
Nov. 15: Washington, D.C. (Verizon Center)
Nov. 17: Philadelphia (Wachovia Center)
Nov. 19: East Rutherford, N.J. (IZOD Center)
Nov. 21: Columbus, Ohio (Schottenstein Center)
Nov. 23: Minneapolis (Xcel Energy Center)
Nov. 25: Denver (Pepsi Center)
Nov. 28: Vancouver (General Motors Place)
Nov. 29: Seattle (KeyArena)
Nov. 30: Tacoma, Wash. (Tacoma Dome)
Dec. 2: Oakland, Calif. (Oracle Arena)
Dec. 6: Los Angeles (The Forum)
Dec. 10: Phoenix (US Airways Center)
Dec. 12: San Antonio (AT&T Center)
Dec. 14: Houston (Toyota Center)
Dec. 16: Atlanta (Philips Arena)
Dec. 18: Charlotte, N.C. (Time Warner Cable Arena)
Rob Thomas Gets Worldly On New Solo Disc
Gary Graff, Detroit
Matchbox Twenty frontman Rob Thomas says he's "probably about 80 percent done" with his second solo album, the follow-up to 2005's platinum "...Something to Be," with plans to have it ready for release in early 2009.Thomas tells Billboard.com that he and producer Matt Serletic "have been working kind of around and in tandem when I've been on the road with Matchbox" and, following Thomas' vacation in Hawaii with his family, are returning to work on the project.Thomas describes the album, tentatively titled "Cradle Songs" after one of the tracks, as "the usual mish-mosh of styles, but hopefully just holding true to a bunch of good songs." Several of them, however, take a more global, rhythmic direction after working with South American and African percussionists."We started off with the idea of doing a newer version of (Paul Simon's) 'The Rhythm of the Saints," Thomas explains, "and that kinda carried us a long way through. It gave us a whole new bed to work with, like 'How do I get my pop sensibility around this and work it into that?' It was a lot of fun. But you go through different phases when you're writing; it took a different turn, and I just followed it, too."Matchbox Twenty, Thomas says, is also "going to make another record," most likely with producer Steve Lillywhite, who helmed the new songs on the 2007 compilation "Exile on Mainstream." In fact, Thomas expects the rest of the group "will probably get started on that while I'm on the road with the solo thing."
"We're excited to get in and do that," Thomas says. "We've got a bunch of songs we had during the sessions (for 'Exile...') which didn't fit 'cause we only put the six new songs on it, and we also have a lot of stuff we were writing while we were on the road for the past year. "We never had so much fun, and I think we know we're a band," he continues. "I'm able to work on my solo record and the guys are still able to be creative as a band. Our future's kind of wide open, whatever we want to do."Matchbox Twenty drummer Paul Doucette, meanwhile, will release "Milk the Bee," the first album with his other band, the Break and Repair Method, on Tuesday (Sept. 16).
Matchbox Twenty frontman Rob Thomas says he's "probably about 80 percent done" with his second solo album, the follow-up to 2005's platinum "...Something to Be," with plans to have it ready for release in early 2009.Thomas tells Billboard.com that he and producer Matt Serletic "have been working kind of around and in tandem when I've been on the road with Matchbox" and, following Thomas' vacation in Hawaii with his family, are returning to work on the project.Thomas describes the album, tentatively titled "Cradle Songs" after one of the tracks, as "the usual mish-mosh of styles, but hopefully just holding true to a bunch of good songs." Several of them, however, take a more global, rhythmic direction after working with South American and African percussionists."We started off with the idea of doing a newer version of (Paul Simon's) 'The Rhythm of the Saints," Thomas explains, "and that kinda carried us a long way through. It gave us a whole new bed to work with, like 'How do I get my pop sensibility around this and work it into that?' It was a lot of fun. But you go through different phases when you're writing; it took a different turn, and I just followed it, too."Matchbox Twenty, Thomas says, is also "going to make another record," most likely with producer Steve Lillywhite, who helmed the new songs on the 2007 compilation "Exile on Mainstream." In fact, Thomas expects the rest of the group "will probably get started on that while I'm on the road with the solo thing."
"We're excited to get in and do that," Thomas says. "We've got a bunch of songs we had during the sessions (for 'Exile...') which didn't fit 'cause we only put the six new songs on it, and we also have a lot of stuff we were writing while we were on the road for the past year. "We never had so much fun, and I think we know we're a band," he continues. "I'm able to work on my solo record and the guys are still able to be creative as a band. Our future's kind of wide open, whatever we want to do."Matchbox Twenty drummer Paul Doucette, meanwhile, will release "Milk the Bee," the first album with his other band, the Break and Repair Method, on Tuesday (Sept. 16).
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Angels go flat with chance to clinch AL West title
Johnny Damon homered twice, Alex Rodriguez added a three-run shot and the New York Yankees defeated Los Angeles 7-1 on Tuesday night, keeping the Angels' AL West title celebration on ice.
The Angels' loss left their magic number at two for clinching their fourth division crown in five years. They can pop the champagne corks Wednesday with a victory in the series finale and a Texas loss at Seattle.
Alfredo Aceves (1-0) allowed one run and five hits in seven innings, struck out two and didn't walk anyone to win his first major league start.
Rodriguez's 33rd homer in the sixth off Ervin Santana (15-6) extended the Yankees' lead to 4-0.
The inning began with Gary Matthews Jr., who had just replaced Torii Hunter in center field, being charged with a three-base error after dropping Derek Jeter's fly ball on the warning track.
Jeter singled in the first, surpassing Babe Ruth for second on the Yankees' all-time hits list with 2,519. He notched a single in the seventh.
Santana gave up his lone walk of the game to Bobby Abreu before Rodriguez sent a towering shot to right-center.
Santana, who was 4-0 in his previous seven starts, lost for the first time since July 27 against Baltimore. The right-hander, moved up in the rotation because of an injury to Jered Weaver, allowed six runs and eight hits in 6 1-3 innings, striking out six. Santana had fanned seven or more batters in seven consecutive starts, the first Angel to do so since Nolan Ryan in 1978.
Angels left fielder Reggie Willits dived for a backhanded catch of Xavier Nady's double in the second, but the ball bounced off his glove, giving New York a 1-0 lead.
Damon hit a two-run homer that chased Santana in the seventh, making it 6-1. He added a solo shot in the ninth.
One night after routing the Yankees 12-1, the Angels' only run came on Vladimir Guerrero's RBI groundout in the sixth.
Notes:@ Hunter left the game because of a tight left quadriceps and is day-to-day. ... With Weaver still not ready to go Wednesday, RHP Dustin Moseley (1-3) will start the series finale for the Angels. ... Neither the Angels nor the Yankees heard from the commissioner's office Tuesday about possible suspensions as a result of the bench-clearing fight triggered by Hunter and Ivan Rodriguez a night earlier. Angels manager Mike Scioscia said he didn't anticipate any discipline, but Yankees skipper Joe Girardi said he thought there would be. Both men agreed the incident was minor, although Hunter and Rodriguez were both ejected. ... Rodriguez didn't start Tuesday, with Chad Moeller catching Aceves since they had worked in the minors together. Girardi said Rodriguez's neck was bothering him after Hunter's hard shove sent the catcher's body lurching forward and his head snapping back. But Rodriguez denied he was in any pain.
The Angels' loss left their magic number at two for clinching their fourth division crown in five years. They can pop the champagne corks Wednesday with a victory in the series finale and a Texas loss at Seattle.
Alfredo Aceves (1-0) allowed one run and five hits in seven innings, struck out two and didn't walk anyone to win his first major league start.
Rodriguez's 33rd homer in the sixth off Ervin Santana (15-6) extended the Yankees' lead to 4-0.
The inning began with Gary Matthews Jr., who had just replaced Torii Hunter in center field, being charged with a three-base error after dropping Derek Jeter's fly ball on the warning track.
Jeter singled in the first, surpassing Babe Ruth for second on the Yankees' all-time hits list with 2,519. He notched a single in the seventh.
Santana gave up his lone walk of the game to Bobby Abreu before Rodriguez sent a towering shot to right-center.
Santana, who was 4-0 in his previous seven starts, lost for the first time since July 27 against Baltimore. The right-hander, moved up in the rotation because of an injury to Jered Weaver, allowed six runs and eight hits in 6 1-3 innings, striking out six. Santana had fanned seven or more batters in seven consecutive starts, the first Angel to do so since Nolan Ryan in 1978.
Angels left fielder Reggie Willits dived for a backhanded catch of Xavier Nady's double in the second, but the ball bounced off his glove, giving New York a 1-0 lead.
Damon hit a two-run homer that chased Santana in the seventh, making it 6-1. He added a solo shot in the ninth.
One night after routing the Yankees 12-1, the Angels' only run came on Vladimir Guerrero's RBI groundout in the sixth.
Notes:@ Hunter left the game because of a tight left quadriceps and is day-to-day. ... With Weaver still not ready to go Wednesday, RHP Dustin Moseley (1-3) will start the series finale for the Angels. ... Neither the Angels nor the Yankees heard from the commissioner's office Tuesday about possible suspensions as a result of the bench-clearing fight triggered by Hunter and Ivan Rodriguez a night earlier. Angels manager Mike Scioscia said he didn't anticipate any discipline, but Yankees skipper Joe Girardi said he thought there would be. Both men agreed the incident was minor, although Hunter and Rodriguez were both ejected. ... Rodriguez didn't start Tuesday, with Chad Moeller catching Aceves since they had worked in the minors together. Girardi said Rodriguez's neck was bothering him after Hunter's hard shove sent the catcher's body lurching forward and his head snapping back. But Rodriguez denied he was in any pain.
Aching Weir welcomes break
Mike Weir is enjoying two weeks off. With the PGA Tour season on hold, he will sit back and, like most of the golfing world, tune his television set to next week's Ryder Cup.
"Everyone is sort of giving this thing to the European team," Weir said from his home in Utah this week. "But I'm putting myself out there and saying I think the U. S. is poised for an upset. Look at a young guy like Anthony Kim or J. B. Holmes. I think they'll make a difference. I think the U. S. is hungry."
Weir is looking forward to the PGA Tour's break -- there is no tournament this week and the FedEx Cup playoffs do not resume until Sept. 25 -- since it will give him some time to reflect on a successful season and help him nurse a series of injuries. A disc problem in his neck has resulted in soreness in his right shoulder and elbow. The injuries became a concern at the BMW Championship on Sunday in St. Louis, when Weir could barely hold a club in his right hand while warming up. Only a quick session with the trainer from the St. Louis Blues allowed him to finish the tournament.
"Now that I'm pushing 40, these things seem to be cropping up more often," Weir said, noting doctors have told him the injuries should disappear if he takes time off. "When I was 28 -- not 38 -- I could push through it. But playing 36 holes on Saturday was too much."
The physical problems and Vijay Singh's practically insurmountable playoff lead have Weir feeling ambivalent about the conclusion of the tour schedule. He's playing some of his best golf since his standout year of 2003, when he won three times, including The Masters. Though he doesn't have a win this year, he still has US$2.4-million in earnings -- his most since 2004 -- and he'll play three more tournaments this year, including defending his win at the Fry's Electronics Open. Then he'll take two months off -- likely without practising at all in order to recover from his injuries -- before starting again in January.
His objective for his final three tournament is to channel his recent play -- which includes four top-10 finishes in his last nine events -- into another win. But just because he can't win the FedEx Cup's US$10-million top prize doesn't mean the Tour Championship, from Sept. 25-28 in Atlanta, can't be meaningful for Weir.
"I'm not thinking about the FedEx Cup now," he said. "I've got to put it out of my mind and try to win the remaining three events I'm playing."
Weir won't blame his recent injuries for his inability to win. Weir had a chance to win the second FedEx tournament, the Deutsche Bank Championship in Boston over the Labour Day weekend, but his third-round lead fell victim to Singh's superlative final-round 63. Weir, who bolted to the first-round lead with a 61, did not lose the tournament. Singh won it with some lengthy putts and even longer drives on Monday that overwhelmed the TPC at Boston course. It's a version of the game Weir can't rival. Coming up 18 in the final round with Singh's win assured, Weir played to his strengths, laying up on the par-five. His wedge shot to the green spun to a rest immediately beside the final hole. The precision led NBC commentator Johnny Miller to proclaim Weir as perhaps the best wedge player in the world.
Hearing the remark clearly pleases Weir. "I'd like to be known as the best wedge player because I'll never be known as [the longest driver]," Weir said. "Or maybe the most competitive player or the most focused -- that would be great."
How about top Canadian? With his second-place finish in Boston, Weir vaulted ahead of Calgary's Stephen Ames in the world ranking to No. 25, two spots ahead of Ames. Weir says he doesn't pay much attention to such statistics, perhaps only glancing at them when it is a Presidents Cup year.
"My goal is just to get as far up the list as I can -- maybe back to where I was in 2003" when he peaked at No. 3 in the world.
Even without a win this year, it is hard to look at Weir's year as anything but a success.
"Everyone is sort of giving this thing to the European team," Weir said from his home in Utah this week. "But I'm putting myself out there and saying I think the U. S. is poised for an upset. Look at a young guy like Anthony Kim or J. B. Holmes. I think they'll make a difference. I think the U. S. is hungry."
Weir is looking forward to the PGA Tour's break -- there is no tournament this week and the FedEx Cup playoffs do not resume until Sept. 25 -- since it will give him some time to reflect on a successful season and help him nurse a series of injuries. A disc problem in his neck has resulted in soreness in his right shoulder and elbow. The injuries became a concern at the BMW Championship on Sunday in St. Louis, when Weir could barely hold a club in his right hand while warming up. Only a quick session with the trainer from the St. Louis Blues allowed him to finish the tournament.
"Now that I'm pushing 40, these things seem to be cropping up more often," Weir said, noting doctors have told him the injuries should disappear if he takes time off. "When I was 28 -- not 38 -- I could push through it. But playing 36 holes on Saturday was too much."
The physical problems and Vijay Singh's practically insurmountable playoff lead have Weir feeling ambivalent about the conclusion of the tour schedule. He's playing some of his best golf since his standout year of 2003, when he won three times, including The Masters. Though he doesn't have a win this year, he still has US$2.4-million in earnings -- his most since 2004 -- and he'll play three more tournaments this year, including defending his win at the Fry's Electronics Open. Then he'll take two months off -- likely without practising at all in order to recover from his injuries -- before starting again in January.
His objective for his final three tournament is to channel his recent play -- which includes four top-10 finishes in his last nine events -- into another win. But just because he can't win the FedEx Cup's US$10-million top prize doesn't mean the Tour Championship, from Sept. 25-28 in Atlanta, can't be meaningful for Weir.
"I'm not thinking about the FedEx Cup now," he said. "I've got to put it out of my mind and try to win the remaining three events I'm playing."
Weir won't blame his recent injuries for his inability to win. Weir had a chance to win the second FedEx tournament, the Deutsche Bank Championship in Boston over the Labour Day weekend, but his third-round lead fell victim to Singh's superlative final-round 63. Weir, who bolted to the first-round lead with a 61, did not lose the tournament. Singh won it with some lengthy putts and even longer drives on Monday that overwhelmed the TPC at Boston course. It's a version of the game Weir can't rival. Coming up 18 in the final round with Singh's win assured, Weir played to his strengths, laying up on the par-five. His wedge shot to the green spun to a rest immediately beside the final hole. The precision led NBC commentator Johnny Miller to proclaim Weir as perhaps the best wedge player in the world.
Hearing the remark clearly pleases Weir. "I'd like to be known as the best wedge player because I'll never be known as [the longest driver]," Weir said. "Or maybe the most competitive player or the most focused -- that would be great."
How about top Canadian? With his second-place finish in Boston, Weir vaulted ahead of Calgary's Stephen Ames in the world ranking to No. 25, two spots ahead of Ames. Weir says he doesn't pay much attention to such statistics, perhaps only glancing at them when it is a Presidents Cup year.
"My goal is just to get as far up the list as I can -- maybe back to where I was in 2003" when he peaked at No. 3 in the world.
Even without a win this year, it is hard to look at Weir's year as anything but a success.
Live Nation Seals Ticketing Deal With SMG
By Ray Waddell, NashvilleLive Nation's launch of its ticketing business at third-party venues has received a boost after it entered into a strategic alliance with Philadelphia-based facility operator SMG for venues across North America.The alliance allows Live Nation to enter into an exclusive agreement to sell tickets at North American facilities controlled by SMG. The first tickets will transition to Live Nation Ticketing in late 2009 and are expected to ramp up to an estimated 5 million tickets annually by 2011 as SMG's current ticketing contracts, most of which are with Ticketmaster, expire. Live Nation says the total tickets included in the deal amount to approximately 25 million over the term of the agreement.In January 2009, Live Nation Ticketing will launch as a full service, in-house ticketing company to manage Live Nation's ticketing gateway, LiveNation.com, and as a ticketing alternative for venues outside its own large venue network. The new ticketing platform will allow Live Nation to control customer data, create enhanced ticket-based concert products and capitalize on expanded distribution channels and sponsorship opportunities.In its very first year of operation, Live Nation Ticketing expects to handle more than 10 million tickets for Live Nation venues alone. Those numbers are expected to grow annually to approximately 13 million by 2010 as tickets from Live Nation's House of Blues venues become available to the company. The incremental tickets included in the SMG deal represent an estimated 25% annual increase in the 13 million tickets Live Nation Ticketing already expects to service from Live Nation venues across North America.
Ticketmaster, RIM Partner For BlackBerry Mobile Ticketing
By Mitchell Peters, L.A.Ticketmaster has partnered with mobile company Research In Motion (RIM) to designate the BlackBerry as the official smartphone of Ticketmaster, Billboard.biz has learned. Through the agreement, BlackBerry users can browse and purchase tickets to live entertainment events via ticketmaster.com, ticketsnow.com and getmein.com. The deal is exclusive to BlackBerry users in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.Ticketmaster and RIM are currently co-developing the software that will enable BlackBerry owners to purchase tickets through their mobile devices. The software will be available for free via ticketmaster.com before the end of the year, a Ticketmaster spokesperson tells Billboard.biz. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.In addition, BlackBerry users will receive e-mail alerts with news and information about upcoming events in music, sporting and family entertainment. "Our new agreement with RIM ushers in the next generation of lifestyle innovation designed to conveniently connect fans to live entertainment," Ticketmaster CEO Sean Moriarty said in a statement.The partnership between Ticketmaster and RIM will be announced later this morning by RIM co-CEO Jim Balsillie at the CTIA conference in San Francisco.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Lance Armstrong comes out of retirement
CYCLING : Lance Armstrong insists "age is a wives' tale" and feels as fit as ever after confirming he will come out of retirement and bid to become the oldest winner in the history of the Tour de France.
The 36-year-old won the last of his titles back in 2005 before quitting the sport, but has told Vanity Fair magazine he will go for number eight in the 2009 Tour.
"I'm going back to professional cycling," Armstrong said. "I'm going to try and win an eighth Tour de France."
Armstrong won his first Tour de France in 1999, less than three years after being diagnosed with testicular cancer. It was the first of his incredible seven consecutive victories in professional cycling's premier event.
Armstrong stated that he decided to end his retirement after finishing second last month in the Leadville 100. The 100-mile mountain bike race is run through the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.
"This kind of obscure bike race totally kick-started my engine," he added. "For me it's always been about the process. The process of getting there is the best part.
Armstrong, who turns 37 on September 18, conceded that his age is starting to catch up with him but the Texas native pointed to other older athletes, including 41-year-old Olympic medalist swimmer Dara Torres, who have succeeded in their respective sports.
"I get up out of bed a little slow," he said. "I mean, I'm not going to lie. My back gets tired quicker than it used to and I get out of bed a little slower than I used to.
"But when I'm going, when I'm on the bike, I feel just as good as I did before.
"Older athletes are performing very well. Ask serious sports physiologists and they'll tell you age is a wives' tale.
"Athletes at 30, 35 mentally get tired. They've done their sport for 20, 25 years and they're like, 'I've had enough.' But there's no evidence to support that when you're 38 you're any slower than when you were 32."
The oldest cyclist to ever win the Tour de France was 36-year-old Firmin Lambot, who achieved the feat in 1922. The Belgian is the only cyclist over the age of 34 to win the event.
Reports of Armstrong's return began circulating on Monday when cycling website VeloNews reported that Armstrong would compete with the Astana team in five races in 2009, including the Tour de France.
Armstrong's return has been broadly welcomed by his peers.
"It's great news for cycling," Astana rider Jose Luis Rubiera of Spain, who was part of Armstrong's line-up on five of the American's seven Tour victories, said today.
"Armstrong has got the character to do it and he would draw in millions of supporters again.
"At a sponsorship level, I can't see it doing anything but good.
"On one level, you have to ask if it's possible to come back at 37 to win the Tour. On the other hand, knowing Lance, anything is possible. He won't be coming back to finish second."
Fellow Astana rider and former Tour de France winner Alberto Contador said he would be pleased if Armstrong signed for his team.
"I'm focused on winning the Tour of Spain but of course I would welcome him to the team," Contador told reporters at the start of the Tour of Spain's stage 11. The 25-year-old Spaniard added, however, that he would not sacrifice his own chances of a second Tour victory.
"Assuming I race the Tour de France next year, it will be to try and win it," said Contador, who won the Giro d'Italia in June.
The reports of Armstrong's return were fuelled when he registered with the United States Anti-Doping Agency's out-of-competition testing program, which was a condition of his entry to the Leadville 100.
Should Armstrong appear in Astana colours, it will increase pressure on Tour de France organisers Amaury Sport Organisation to accept the team for the 2009 race.
Astana, sponsored by the Kazakhstan government, was not invited to compete in this year's Tour following a series of doping incidents in 2007.
The 36-year-old won the last of his titles back in 2005 before quitting the sport, but has told Vanity Fair magazine he will go for number eight in the 2009 Tour.
"I'm going back to professional cycling," Armstrong said. "I'm going to try and win an eighth Tour de France."
Armstrong won his first Tour de France in 1999, less than three years after being diagnosed with testicular cancer. It was the first of his incredible seven consecutive victories in professional cycling's premier event.
Armstrong stated that he decided to end his retirement after finishing second last month in the Leadville 100. The 100-mile mountain bike race is run through the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.
"This kind of obscure bike race totally kick-started my engine," he added. "For me it's always been about the process. The process of getting there is the best part.
Armstrong, who turns 37 on September 18, conceded that his age is starting to catch up with him but the Texas native pointed to other older athletes, including 41-year-old Olympic medalist swimmer Dara Torres, who have succeeded in their respective sports.
"I get up out of bed a little slow," he said. "I mean, I'm not going to lie. My back gets tired quicker than it used to and I get out of bed a little slower than I used to.
"But when I'm going, when I'm on the bike, I feel just as good as I did before.
"Older athletes are performing very well. Ask serious sports physiologists and they'll tell you age is a wives' tale.
"Athletes at 30, 35 mentally get tired. They've done their sport for 20, 25 years and they're like, 'I've had enough.' But there's no evidence to support that when you're 38 you're any slower than when you were 32."
The oldest cyclist to ever win the Tour de France was 36-year-old Firmin Lambot, who achieved the feat in 1922. The Belgian is the only cyclist over the age of 34 to win the event.
Reports of Armstrong's return began circulating on Monday when cycling website VeloNews reported that Armstrong would compete with the Astana team in five races in 2009, including the Tour de France.
Armstrong's return has been broadly welcomed by his peers.
"It's great news for cycling," Astana rider Jose Luis Rubiera of Spain, who was part of Armstrong's line-up on five of the American's seven Tour victories, said today.
"Armstrong has got the character to do it and he would draw in millions of supporters again.
"At a sponsorship level, I can't see it doing anything but good.
"On one level, you have to ask if it's possible to come back at 37 to win the Tour. On the other hand, knowing Lance, anything is possible. He won't be coming back to finish second."
Fellow Astana rider and former Tour de France winner Alberto Contador said he would be pleased if Armstrong signed for his team.
"I'm focused on winning the Tour of Spain but of course I would welcome him to the team," Contador told reporters at the start of the Tour of Spain's stage 11. The 25-year-old Spaniard added, however, that he would not sacrifice his own chances of a second Tour victory.
"Assuming I race the Tour de France next year, it will be to try and win it," said Contador, who won the Giro d'Italia in June.
The reports of Armstrong's return were fuelled when he registered with the United States Anti-Doping Agency's out-of-competition testing program, which was a condition of his entry to the Leadville 100.
Should Armstrong appear in Astana colours, it will increase pressure on Tour de France organisers Amaury Sport Organisation to accept the team for the 2009 race.
Astana, sponsored by the Kazakhstan government, was not invited to compete in this year's Tour following a series of doping incidents in 2007.
McKillop wins 800m gold for Ireland
PAUL GALLAGHER
PARALYMPICS : Irish teenage Paralympian Micheal McKillop sensationally set a new world record on his way to winning gold in the men's 800m (T37 class) at the Bird's Nest stadium in Beijing today. The Antrim athlete's time of 1:59.39 shaved a massive 2.74seconds off his own previous record set at the 2006 World Championships.
McKillop, who is coached by his father Paddy, left the field in his wake after 200metres and never looked back as he secured gold on his Paralympics debut.
"Unbelievable. I knew I was going to be the best and I was the best. It's a dream come true," McKillop told RTE afterwards. "I cruised home and I had a lot more in me. It's just great to be Paralympic champion once and I can't wait till London."
Already the tributes were coming in for McKillop, including a message of congratulations from President McAleese.
"I extend my warmest congratulations to Michael on his emphatic victory today in the men's 800m final in Beijing," she said. "Michael's determination, tenacity and talent have been rewarded with this richly-deserved gold medal and we applaud his family, friends and followers who have supported him throughout.
"This is an outstanding achievement for such a young man, a triumph which the whole country has witnessed with great pride and joy.'
Elsewhere there were mixed fortunes for the Irish athletes in action on day four Games.
The mixed boccia team (BC1-2) comprising yesterday's bronze medal winner Gabriel Shelly, Roberta Connolly, Pádraic Moran and Tom Leahy advanced from Pool C to the quarter-finals along with Spain.
In their opening match Ireland defeated Finland 7-3 before losing heavily (12-1) to pool winners Spain. However the Irish quartet still did enough for a place in the last eight where they will meet home favourites China tomorrow.
Eilish Byrne finished fifth in today's equestrian freestyle grade II event with a points tally of 66.110 on board her horse Youri. American Rebecca hart won on Noteassa with 65.833.
At the velodrome Michael Delaney and sighted pilot rider David Peelo finished sixth in the men's sprint qualification B&VI (1-3) to qualify for the quarter-finals where they lost to South Africa's Gavin Kilpatrick and Michael Thomson.
After progressing through the archery ranking round, Sean Heary booked his place in the last eight of the men's in individual compound with a 108-104 win over Germany's Michael Arenz.
Ireland were totally outplayed and lost 7-0 to Ukraine in their group B match of the men's seven-a-side football match in front of a crowd of 6,763 at the Olympic Green Hockey Field.
At the Water Cube David Malone missed out on a place in the final of the men's 100metres backstroke (S8) when he finished fifth in heat two in a time of 1:16.80 to be 10th overall. After the race, the Sydney 2000 gold medal winner plus silver medallist in Atlanta and Athens, announced his retirement.
PARALYMPICS : Irish teenage Paralympian Micheal McKillop sensationally set a new world record on his way to winning gold in the men's 800m (T37 class) at the Bird's Nest stadium in Beijing today. The Antrim athlete's time of 1:59.39 shaved a massive 2.74seconds off his own previous record set at the 2006 World Championships.
McKillop, who is coached by his father Paddy, left the field in his wake after 200metres and never looked back as he secured gold on his Paralympics debut.
"Unbelievable. I knew I was going to be the best and I was the best. It's a dream come true," McKillop told RTE afterwards. "I cruised home and I had a lot more in me. It's just great to be Paralympic champion once and I can't wait till London."
Already the tributes were coming in for McKillop, including a message of congratulations from President McAleese.
"I extend my warmest congratulations to Michael on his emphatic victory today in the men's 800m final in Beijing," she said. "Michael's determination, tenacity and talent have been rewarded with this richly-deserved gold medal and we applaud his family, friends and followers who have supported him throughout.
"This is an outstanding achievement for such a young man, a triumph which the whole country has witnessed with great pride and joy.'
Elsewhere there were mixed fortunes for the Irish athletes in action on day four Games.
The mixed boccia team (BC1-2) comprising yesterday's bronze medal winner Gabriel Shelly, Roberta Connolly, Pádraic Moran and Tom Leahy advanced from Pool C to the quarter-finals along with Spain.
In their opening match Ireland defeated Finland 7-3 before losing heavily (12-1) to pool winners Spain. However the Irish quartet still did enough for a place in the last eight where they will meet home favourites China tomorrow.
Eilish Byrne finished fifth in today's equestrian freestyle grade II event with a points tally of 66.110 on board her horse Youri. American Rebecca hart won on Noteassa with 65.833.
At the velodrome Michael Delaney and sighted pilot rider David Peelo finished sixth in the men's sprint qualification B&VI (1-3) to qualify for the quarter-finals where they lost to South Africa's Gavin Kilpatrick and Michael Thomson.
After progressing through the archery ranking round, Sean Heary booked his place in the last eight of the men's in individual compound with a 108-104 win over Germany's Michael Arenz.
Ireland were totally outplayed and lost 7-0 to Ukraine in their group B match of the men's seven-a-side football match in front of a crowd of 6,763 at the Olympic Green Hockey Field.
At the Water Cube David Malone missed out on a place in the final of the men's 100metres backstroke (S8) when he finished fifth in heat two in a time of 1:16.80 to be 10th overall. After the race, the Sydney 2000 gold medal winner plus silver medallist in Atlanta and Athens, announced his retirement.
VH1 Launches New Hip-Hop Themed Shows
Mariel Concepcion, N.Y.
In anticipation of its upcoming fifth annual "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" telecast, VH1 will premiere two new original hip-hop themed programs. "100 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs" and "VH1 Rock Doc: NWA: The World's Most Dangerous Group" will air Sept. 29 and Oct. 3, respectively."100 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs" is a five-part series that will count down the best hip-hop songs of all time, revealing the story behind each hit and updating viewers on what the respective artists are doing today. It will also feature original interviews and archival performances by Public Enemy, LL Cool J, Run DMC, Salt-N-Pepa, Outkast, Eminem and Grandmaster Flash, to list a few.Written and directed by Mark Ford, "VH1 Rock Doc: NWA: The World's Most Dangerous Group" takes a look back at the history of the famed L.A. rap outfit. The documentary will be narrated by comedian Chris Rock and will feature interviews with Ice Cube, MC Ren, Dr. Dre, DJ Yella, Eazy-E's widow Tomica Woods-Wright, Ice T and director John Singleton, among others.The shows will be part of VH1's on-air path towards the "VH1 Hip-Hop Honors," which airs Oct. 6. This year's honorees include Cypress Hill, De La Soul, Slick Rick, Naughty By Nature and Too Short. Big Boi, Biz Markie, Bun B, DJ Kaos, Ghostface Killah, Kid Rock, MC Lyte, Lil' Jon, Lil' Wayne, Q-Tip, Scarface, Wyclef Jean, Cheech and Chong and Sanaa Lathan will make guest appearances.
In anticipation of its upcoming fifth annual "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" telecast, VH1 will premiere two new original hip-hop themed programs. "100 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs" and "VH1 Rock Doc: NWA: The World's Most Dangerous Group" will air Sept. 29 and Oct. 3, respectively."100 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs" is a five-part series that will count down the best hip-hop songs of all time, revealing the story behind each hit and updating viewers on what the respective artists are doing today. It will also feature original interviews and archival performances by Public Enemy, LL Cool J, Run DMC, Salt-N-Pepa, Outkast, Eminem and Grandmaster Flash, to list a few.Written and directed by Mark Ford, "VH1 Rock Doc: NWA: The World's Most Dangerous Group" takes a look back at the history of the famed L.A. rap outfit. The documentary will be narrated by comedian Chris Rock and will feature interviews with Ice Cube, MC Ren, Dr. Dre, DJ Yella, Eazy-E's widow Tomica Woods-Wright, Ice T and director John Singleton, among others.The shows will be part of VH1's on-air path towards the "VH1 Hip-Hop Honors," which airs Oct. 6. This year's honorees include Cypress Hill, De La Soul, Slick Rick, Naughty By Nature and Too Short. Big Boi, Biz Markie, Bun B, DJ Kaos, Ghostface Killah, Kid Rock, MC Lyte, Lil' Jon, Lil' Wayne, Q-Tip, Scarface, Wyclef Jean, Cheech and Chong and Sanaa Lathan will make guest appearances.
Underwood, Chesney Score Multiple CMA Noms
Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney and Alan Jackson were each nominated for two or more Country Music Association Awards today (Sept. 10), including album of the year.Underwood's "Carnival Ride," Chesney's "Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates," and Jackson's "Good Time" were nominated for album of the year along with George Strait's "Troubadour" and Brooks & Dunn's "Cowboy Town."Other CMA nominees included Taylor Swift and Rascal Flatts, who were on hand to reveal the some of nominees during a live announcement on ABC's "Good Morning America." The 18-year-old Swift, who last year won CMA's Horizon award for upcoming acts, giggled excitedly when her name was read as a nominee for female vocalist of the year, a category that included Alison Krauss, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride and Underwood."I can't believe it!" Swift said. "I'm having a really good morning."Nominees for male vocalist of the year included Chesney, Jackson, Strait, Keith Urban, and Brad Paisley. Rascal Flatts was nominated for vocal group of the year. Other nominees in that category included the Eagles, Emerson Drive, Lady Antebellum, and Little Big Town.
Chesney was also nominated for entertainer for the year. The category also included Strait, Paisley, Sugarland and Keith Urban.Additional nominees will be announced later today on the CMT network. The CMA awards are set for Nov. 12 and will air on ABC.
Chesney was also nominated for entertainer for the year. The category also included Strait, Paisley, Sugarland and Keith Urban.Additional nominees will be announced later today on the CMT network. The CMA awards are set for Nov. 12 and will air on ABC.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Serena has finishing kick
NEW YORK — So little to separate them over their careers, so little to separate them on this night.
Serena Williams barely got the better of older sister Venus Williams in a U. S. Open quarterfinal that was fit for a final, coming back in each set to win, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (7), Wednesday night and break a tie in their head-to-head series.
Serena trailed 5-3 in both sets. She faced set points in both, including eight in the second. But she advanced to the semifinals at Flushing Meadows for the first time since 2002, the year she beat Venus in the title match for her second U. S. Open championship.
It was the siblings’ 17th meeting as professionals, and Serena leads 9-8. That includes 11 matches at Grand Slam tournaments, where Serena leads 6-5.
She also has the edge in major championships, 8-7, and only she can add to that total this weekend.
“It’s really just unfortunate it had to be in the quarters,” Serena said.
In the semifinals, the fourth-seeded Serena will meet No. 6 Dinara Safina, who advanced earlier in the day by overpowering No. 16 Flavia Pennetta, 6-2, 6-3. No. 2 Jelena Jankovic will face No. 5 Elena Dementieva in Friday’s other semifinal.
Tough to imagine either of those contests could come close to producing the quality or competition managed Wednesday by a couple of sis-
ters who grew up honing their strokes on the same court in Compton, Calif. Both played brilliantly, smacking serves upwards of 115 mph, hitting groundstrokes and volleys that would be the envy of nearly every other woman on tour, chasing down balls with “You thought that was a winner?!” defense.
“If it was someone else,” Venus said, “I definitely feel like I would have won the match.”
In the end, they were separated by three total points, 101-98. Venus had an 8-7 edge in aces. Both double-faulted five times. Both broke serve twice.
The seventh-seeded Venus had all sorts of chances to take control, but in the end, as both women’s play reached a very high level, it was Serena who pulled through. In the second tiebreaker, Venus had four set points — and Serena saved them all.
“I’m a very good closer,” Venus said, “so today was, um — I’ve never had a match like this in my life, so I guess there’s always a first.”
In contrast, when Serena earned her first match point, nearly 2z hours into the match, she converted it, when the Venus ended an 11-stroke exchange by missing a forehand.
Back when they were ranked Nos. 1 and 2, the siblings only could meet in tournament finals. But because of injuries, inactivity and inconsistency, they dropped in the rankings, and now the luck of the draw that determines when they meet.
Serena Williams barely got the better of older sister Venus Williams in a U. S. Open quarterfinal that was fit for a final, coming back in each set to win, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (7), Wednesday night and break a tie in their head-to-head series.
Serena trailed 5-3 in both sets. She faced set points in both, including eight in the second. But she advanced to the semifinals at Flushing Meadows for the first time since 2002, the year she beat Venus in the title match for her second U. S. Open championship.
It was the siblings’ 17th meeting as professionals, and Serena leads 9-8. That includes 11 matches at Grand Slam tournaments, where Serena leads 6-5.
She also has the edge in major championships, 8-7, and only she can add to that total this weekend.
“It’s really just unfortunate it had to be in the quarters,” Serena said.
In the semifinals, the fourth-seeded Serena will meet No. 6 Dinara Safina, who advanced earlier in the day by overpowering No. 16 Flavia Pennetta, 6-2, 6-3. No. 2 Jelena Jankovic will face No. 5 Elena Dementieva in Friday’s other semifinal.
Tough to imagine either of those contests could come close to producing the quality or competition managed Wednesday by a couple of sis-
ters who grew up honing their strokes on the same court in Compton, Calif. Both played brilliantly, smacking serves upwards of 115 mph, hitting groundstrokes and volleys that would be the envy of nearly every other woman on tour, chasing down balls with “You thought that was a winner?!” defense.
“If it was someone else,” Venus said, “I definitely feel like I would have won the match.”
In the end, they were separated by three total points, 101-98. Venus had an 8-7 edge in aces. Both double-faulted five times. Both broke serve twice.
The seventh-seeded Venus had all sorts of chances to take control, but in the end, as both women’s play reached a very high level, it was Serena who pulled through. In the second tiebreaker, Venus had four set points — and Serena saved them all.
“I’m a very good closer,” Venus said, “so today was, um — I’ve never had a match like this in my life, so I guess there’s always a first.”
In contrast, when Serena earned her first match point, nearly 2z hours into the match, she converted it, when the Venus ended an 11-stroke exchange by missing a forehand.
Back when they were ranked Nos. 1 and 2, the siblings only could meet in tournament finals. But because of injuries, inactivity and inconsistency, they dropped in the rankings, and now the luck of the draw that determines when they meet.
Three UD basketball games rescheduled
Due to the Presidential Inauguration, UD's men's basketball game at George Washington will now be played on Thursday, Jan. 22. It originally was scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 20.
Because of that date change, the Flyers' weekend home game against St. Bonaventure has been moved back one day to Sunday, Jan. 25.
In addition, Dayton's home game with Saint Joseph's is now Sunday, Feb. 1. It originally was scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 31.
While a complete TV schedule and game times are not finalized, this game will be televised on CBS College Sports Regional TV and will be played as early in the day as possible to avoid any conflicts with the Super Bowl.
Because of that date change, the Flyers' weekend home game against St. Bonaventure has been moved back one day to Sunday, Jan. 25.
In addition, Dayton's home game with Saint Joseph's is now Sunday, Feb. 1. It originally was scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 31.
While a complete TV schedule and game times are not finalized, this game will be televised on CBS College Sports Regional TV and will be played as early in the day as possible to avoid any conflicts with the Super Bowl.
Target Scores Aguilera Hits Album Exclusive
Target and Target.com will be the sole retailers to carry Christina Aguilera's first greatest hits collection, "Keeps Gettin' Better -- A Decade of Hits," due Nov. 11 via RCA.The set will include a pair of new songs, "Dynamite" and the title track, plus re-recorded versions of her prior hits "Genie in a Bottle" and "Beautiful."Fans will receive a free download of "Keeps Gettin' Better" when they pre-order the CD beginning Sept. 30 via target.com/music. The track goes to top 40 radio on Sept. 22.The collection will contain all four of the pop star's No. 1 hits: "Genie," "Come on Over (All I Want Is You)," "What a Girl Wants" and "Lady Marmalade," her collaboration with Lil' Kim, Mya and Pink on a remake of the Labelle classic.Aguilera joins Alicia Keys, Carrie Underwood, the Jonas Brothers and John Legend as artists who've released music exclusively through Target in recent years.
The artist is at work on the follow-up to her 2006 album "Back to Basics," but no release date has yet been announced.
The artist is at work on the follow-up to her 2006 album "Back to Basics," but no release date has yet been announced.
Britney To Open, But Not Perform, At VMAs
It's Britney, baby, one more time. Despite her train-wreck performance at the MTV Video Music Awards last year, the network confirms Spears will kick off the show once again.But it won't be a performance. Instead, MTV Networks Music Group President Van Toffler said it'll be something "fun and unexpected" on Sunday night's show.Unexpected is probably the kindest way to describe Spears' performance at last year's VMAs. In what was heavily promoted as the troubled singer's comeback, she instead gave an unfocused, almost unwatchable performance of "Gimme More," one of the many lowpoints in her year of debacles.So what made Spears and MTV reunite one more time?"MTV has long played an important role in my career. How can I not be there to kick off their 25th VMAs? I'm excited to open the entire show, to say hi to my fans and to be nominated," Spears said in a statement.
"I think for Britney, people are rooting for her, and she's really on the road to recovery," Toffler said, noting that MTV had nominated her for three VMAs, including video of the year, for her clip "Piece of Me.""It feels like it's her year," he added. "It's our 25th anniversary of the VMAs, and she's been such a critical piece of MTV's history."Spears also equals ratings gold: Last year's VMAs were up 23 percent over the 2006 show.So far, the confirmed performers for Sunday's show include the Jonas Brothers, Lil Wayne, Rihanna, T.I. and Kid Rock. Toffler also raised the possibility of another troubled pop icon appearing: Michael Jackson."We've been talking to him as well, I don't know if that's going to happen," he said. "People fall in and fall out up until the day of the show."
"I think for Britney, people are rooting for her, and she's really on the road to recovery," Toffler said, noting that MTV had nominated her for three VMAs, including video of the year, for her clip "Piece of Me.""It feels like it's her year," he added. "It's our 25th anniversary of the VMAs, and she's been such a critical piece of MTV's history."Spears also equals ratings gold: Last year's VMAs were up 23 percent over the 2006 show.So far, the confirmed performers for Sunday's show include the Jonas Brothers, Lil Wayne, Rihanna, T.I. and Kid Rock. Toffler also raised the possibility of another troubled pop icon appearing: Michael Jackson."We've been talking to him as well, I don't know if that's going to happen," he said. "People fall in and fall out up until the day of the show."
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