By ALBERT GRINDLE
Just over a week ago, it was reported the Indians were making a last-ditch effort to extend ace C.C. Sabathia’s contract, which expires after this season.
However, as quickly as those reports surfaced, the tides changed. Now it seems to be matter of if, not when, “Big C” is traded to another team.
After […]

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By CHRIS ASSENHEIMER
Where have all the nicknames gone?
Baseball used to be a hot bed in the department with legendary nicknames bestowed on legendary players such as Lou Gehrig (Iron Horse), Babe Ruth (Bambino), Bob Feller (Rapid Robert), Ty Cobb (Georgia Peach), Willie Mays (The Say Hey Kid), Ted Williams (Splendid Splinter), Joe DiMaggio (Yankee Clipper), […]

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By RICK NOLAND
Assistant Sports Editor
Year after year, general managers and player personnel directors think big when it comes to the NBA Draft.
That’s why the biggest mistakes in this extremely overrated shindig always involve the biggest players.
 We’re not talking about Hakeem — he was still Akeem back then — “The Dream” Olajuwon and Sam Bowie being […]

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Omar Vizquel’s bat speed is a little slower and his hairline has moved a bit higher since he left Cleveland, but his charisma is as strong as ever. Ditto for his quick wit.
“I want to tell the fans, ‘Don’t throw any oranges or bottles at me while I’m here,’” he quipped, flashing his trademark smile. […]

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By DAN COUGHLIN

Let’s head over to the tony town of Hudson to meet Judy Carducci, a 73-year-old artist who recently received a standing ovation from LeBron James.
When James reverses roles and gives someone else a standing ovation, I’ll hear about it. Judy, it turns out, was a performer in James’ Vitamin Water commercial that ran […]

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By CHRIS ASSENHEIMER

When the Indians zip up the teepee, trade C.C. Sabathia and call it a season, don’t blame owner Larry Dolan, whose frugal ways normally make him an easy target.
Don’t blame general manager Mark Shapiro, who failed to add a big bat in the offseason, rightfully feeling that a team which came a […]

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By RICK NOLAND

Assistant Sports Editor 

I don’t always think real fast on my feet, which probably explains why I say “um” a lot and constantly get lost on subway systems.
Right now, though, I’m planted firmly on my posterior, so hopefully — and I emphasize “hopefully” — these thoughts will be organized a bit better.
Sometime late Thursday […]

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By ALBERT GRINDLE

Gotta burn off all the excess calories consumed at the 23rd annual Medina County Sports Hall of Fame banquet at The Galaxy Restaurant in Wadsworth, so let’s go over some sights and sounds and hit the treadmill. …
First off, the best dressed individual of the evening was certainly hall enshrine Jim Johnson, who […]

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By RICK NOLAND
Gotta go see if Paul Pierce will let Tiger Woods borrow his wheelchair, so let’s take a quick Rick-o-chet around the world of sports and get outta here:
I know Tiger’s knee was bothering him at the U.S. Open, but the way he grimaced and limped around Torrey Pines, you’d think he was about […]

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By BRIAN DULIK

San Diego pitcher Greg Maddux swore, sulked and stomped around the mound on Sunday afternoon.

The future Hall of Famer’s behavior was unbecoming, but also oddly appropriate for a day when he had little command of the baseball — and his emotions.

“It’s a game, man. It happens,” Maddux said after dropping a 7-3 decision […]

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