Cincinnati's Joey Votto easily wins NL MVP award

NEW YORK (AP) -- Joey Votto and Albert Pujols had a long conversation behind the batting cage before a game a few years ago.

"There's something about a star player of that magnitude kind of pulling you in and saying, it's OK, we can talk, don't be a rookie right now, we're going to talk like men," Votto said. "I think he made me feel comfortable and a little more confident."

Mets hire Terry Collins as manager

NEW YORK (AP) -- Terry Collins is a major league manager once again, hired by the New York Mets to help revitalize a franchise that has struggled on the field and at the gate.

The Mets said Monday they will hold a Tuesday morning news conference to introduce Collins.

Surging Spurs outlast Magic for 11th straight win

SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- Tony Parker had 24 points and 10 assists to help the San Antonio Spurs to their 11th straight win with a 106-97 victory over the Orlando Magic on Monday night.

Manu Ginobili had 25 points for the Spurs, who faced their stiffest test yet put prevailed late for an NBA-best record of 12-1. Dwight Howard had 26 points and 18 rebounds for the East-leading Magic, whose own winning streak ended at four.

Haslem to have surgery on torn left foot ligament

MIAMI (AP) -- Udonis Haslem and the Miami Heat spent parts of two days reviewing many scenarios, hoping there was a way to avoid surgery.

Giants WR Nicks to miss at least 3 weeks

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP)—The New York Giants’ problems just went from bad to worse.

With the team riding a two-game losing streak that has suddenly put it out of a playoff position, the Giants (6-4) learned Monday that leading receiver Hakeem Nicks(notes) is going to be sidelined for at least three weeks after being treated for Compartment Syndrome in his lower right leg.

Nicks was hurt in Sunday’s 27-17 loss in Philadelphia. He experienced swelling in the area Monday and was immediately taken to The Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City where doctors were to perform a fasciotomy.

Rivers’ 3 TDs push Chargers to big lead

SAN DIEGO (AP)—Patrick Crayton(notes) and Darren Sproles(notes) turned short passes from Philip Rivers(notes) into long touchdowns through the Denver defense, and the surging San Diego Chargers rolled to a 28-7 lead over the Broncos after three quarters Monday night.

Malcom Floyd(notes) caught an early 6-yard TD pass from Rivers, who passed for 220 yards while reclaiming the overall NFL lead in yards passing from Peyton Manning(notes). Chargers fullback Mike Tolbert(notes) also rushed for a 1-yard touchdown in the second quarter after making a 28-yard catch on a trick pass by punter Mike Scifres(notes) in the first.

Titans QB Vince Young’s season over, going on IR

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)—Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher said Vince Young(notes) needs season-ending surgery on his throwing hand. Not that being healthy would have kept the quarterback in the Titans’ starting lineup.

The team is placing Young on injured reserve within the next few days, but after his latest meltdown—throwing his pads into the stands—Fisher said Young wouldn’t have started Sunday against Houston anyway

Cincinnati’s Joey Votto easily wins NL MVP award

NEW YORK (AP)—Joey Votto(notes) and Albert Pujols(notes) had a long conversation behind the batting cage before a game a few years ago.

“There’s something about a star player of that magnitude kind of pulling you in and saying, it’s OK, we can talk, don’t be a rookie right now, we’re going to talk like men,” Votto said. “I think he made me feel comfortable and a little more confident.”

Lesson learned.

Vikings fire Childress at 3-7, promote Frazier

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP)—Hastily hired five seasons ago to bring order to a disheveled franchise, Brad Childress vowed to lead the Minnesota Vikings the only way he knew how—in case this was his only crack at being a head coach.

Top five snowboard bindings for men

Bindings are one of the most important pieces of a snowboarder's gear. The best bindings translate the boarder's energy transfer and subtle body shifts into spectacular maneuvers. If you are in the market for snowboard bindings, here are five of the best snowboard bindings for men.

Burton C60 EST Men's Snowboard Bindings
Price: $459.95
The Burton C60's are the gold standard of snowboard bindings for men. The carbon fiber baseplate are uber reactive to even the slightest body shift. If you are looking for a quality binding that offers feel, drive and control then the C60's are right for you. These are the future of snowboard bindings for men.

Top five snowboard bindings for kids

Kids love snowboarding. Many resorts offer lessons for kids as young as seven years old, but even younger kids appear on boards every winter. Whether your kids are just embarking on their snowboarding adventure or are already seasoned pros, choosing the perfect bindings can be confusing. Here are five of the best snowboard bindings for kids to get you started.

Top 5 snowboard bindings for women

A good binding is essential for snowboarding. It is important that women buy bindings that are made especially for them since women's feet and ankles have subtle differences from men's. When purchasing a snowboarding set up, you need to start by choosing your boots. From there, choose your bindings. It is important to bring your boots with you when shopping for your bindings. This will ensure a perfect and compatible fit between your bindings and boots. So, while these five snowboard bindings for women are excellent, they may not be the best fit for your particular boot or riding style. You may also want to match your bindings and boots for a more polished and stylish look. Here are five of the best snowboard bindings for women.

Five great ski pants for women

Winter is fast approaching and that means it is about time for skiing, but it is important to have the right gear. Purchasing the right gear if you are going to be skiing is essential for your comfort, protection and safety. If you are a woman thinking about skiing this year, then you might want to plan on purchasing one of these five great skiing pants.

Top five snowboarding boots for women

Women have very different needs than men when purchasing snowboard boots. Specifically, women need a snowboard boot with a narrow heel. Snowboard boots should be your first purchase when deciding on your board and bindings set up. You should fit your board and bindings to your specific boots. If you can splurge on any one piece of snowboard equipment, splurge on your boots. Not sure of where to begin looking for the perfect pair of boots? Here are five of the best snowboarding boots for women.

Best women’s snowboarding gloves for 2010

Thinking about hitting the ski runs early this year? Well don't forget to buy some extra warm gear because this winter is expected to be chilly. The most important of your equipment are gloves and boots, because you will most likely loose most of your body heat in those spots. This list focuses mainly on gloves, the single most important piece in my opinion.

Top 5 snowboarding boots for men

Whether this will be your first year out on a snowboard, or whether you are an experienced snowboarder, here are 5 snowboarding boots to consider for the 2010-2011 snowboarding season.

1. Burton Invader
$129, available sizes 6-15
This entry level boot from a trusted name provides all the basics at a price you can afford. It may not be as flashy as some of Burton's other boots, but it will get the job done and is all a first time snowboarder will need. This is a high quality, comfortable boot that will hold up well.

Top five snowboard pants for kids

Kids really do need specific pants for snowboarding. Snowboarding pants are specially designed to withstand harsh weather conditions like extreme cold, snow and wetness. Unlike ski pants, snowboarding pants have a baggier fit to allow for the greater range of movement needed for the spectacular aerial spins and jumps the sport is known for. Keep your kids warm, dry and comfortable while they're shredding the snow this winter with these five great snowboarding pants for kids.

The top five snowboard brands that provide performance and durability

If you're in the market for a new snowboard this season, it's pretty confusing trying to decide which are the best snowboard brands to choose from. Walk into any snowsport shop and the buyer is immediately assaulted by technology, board graphics, and advertising hype that's difficult to interpret. Selecting a snowboard that matches your riding style while offering durability and performance becomes a daunting task.

Top five snowboard pants for women

The best snowboard pants for women are those that are waterproof, windproof and breathable. Oftentimes this means you will be purchasing a more expensive pair of snowboard pants. When choosing snowboard pants pay close attention to the materials and fabric. The general consensus of snowboarders is that the best fabric for snowboard pants is Gore-Tex. When deciding on the best snowboard pants for women you need to consider cost along with material. Do you really need expensive Gore-Tex pants, or can you get by with something cheaper?

Japan’s Miyazato aiming for Mizuno Classic title

SHIMA, Japan (AP)—Japanese golf star Ai Miyazato will be aiming to bring her success on the LPGA tour home this weekend at the Mizuno Classic.

Miyazato has five LPGA Tour wins this season and has spent 11 weeks at No. 1 in the world rankings but has never won the Mizuno Classic, the LPGA’s lone tournament in Japan.

The 25-year-old Miyazato has had plenty of success in Japan, winning 15 JLPGA events in addition to her six wins overseas and is hoping that will translate to more success this weekend.

But her last win in Japan was at the Sankyo Ladies open in October, 2009.

Westwood in hunt, Tiger opens with 68 at HSBC

SHANGHAI (AP)—In his first tournament as the world’s No. 1 player, Lee Westwood looked the part at the HSBC Champions.

Westwood opened with a 6-under 66 at Sheshan International to put his name atop the leaderboard Thursday as the first round was winding down. The Englishman is playing for only the third time in three months.

Man City to polish poor form in Europa League

PARIS (AFP) - Bigspending Manchester City may have designs on dining with Europe's elite in next season's Champions League - but recent league form means they may yet have to sample another year of the earthier fare of the Europa League.

On Thursday, City will seek to steer way past Polish side Lech Poznan to consolidate their status as Group A top dogs in a game which will give coach Roberto Mancini a chance to give playing time to some of his fringe players.

At the same time the Italian will take a chance to sharpen the axe and wield it above some of those who under-achieved in successive Premier League losses to Arsenal and Wolves.

Kobe’s triple-double leads Lakers past Kings

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)—When Kobe Bryant(notes) was limited in training camp because of offseason knee surgery, the Los Angeles Lakers didn’t know how long it would take for their star to find his usual form.

Apparently, five games was enough.

Bryant had 30 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds to help the Lakers win their fifth straight game to open the season, 112-100 over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night.

“I thought he might start off struggling to find some rhythm and he would build some rhythm as things went,” teammate Derek Fisher(notes) said. “To see him play this well this early, he’s on my team, so that’s good for me. But that’s not good for everyone else when he’s playing this good this early.”

Oklahoma City (2-2) at Portland (4-1)

The Portland Trail Blazers wrapped up their first road trip in strong fashion. A matchup with a slumping division rival could help their return home prove just as successful.

Portland attempts to add to its strong start and continue its recent dominance of the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night.

Portland (4-1) won the first two contests on a four-game trip before falling 110-98 to Chicago on Monday night. The Blazers bounced back Tuesday, limiting Milwaukee to 37.5 percent shooting overall and a 3-for-15 performance from 3-point range in a 90-76 win.

Sehwag gets India off to brisk start at Ahmedabad

AHMEDABAD, India (AP)—Opener Virender Sehwag scored an unbeaten 87 from 84 deliveries to help India reach 127 for one at lunch Thursday on the opening day of the first cricket test against New Zealand.

Sehwag stroked 15 boundaries and was involved in useful stands with Gautam Gambhir (21) and Rahul Dravid (12 not out) that put India in a strong position after it won the toss and elected to bat at the Sardar Patel Stadium.

Tampa Bay (7-2-2) at Los Angeles (8-3-0)

Los Angeles’ strong home play and Tampa Bay’s success on the road have made them two of the biggest surprises through the first month of the NHL season.

Looking to continue their recent success in Los Angeles, the Lightning will try to hand the Kings their first home loss Thursday night.

Despite a 3-2 overtime loss at Anaheim on Wednesday, Tampa Bay (7-2-2) is 4-1-1 away from home and tied with Washington for the most points in the Eastern Conference with 16.

Ellis sparks Warriors past Grizzlies

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP)—Keith Smart was determined to give Monta Ellis(notes) a break, even as the Golden State guard tried to convince his coach otherwise.

It nearly came back to hurt the Warriors.

Ellis sat out nearly 5 1/2 minutes stretching from the end of the third quarter into the fourth, then came back to score 17 of his 39 points down the stretch and lift Golden State to a 115-109 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday.

NBA Capsules

BOSTON (AP)—Paul Pierce(notes) scored 12 of his 28 points in overtime to reach 20,000 points in his career, added a key steal with 27 seconds left, and helped the Boston Celtics beat the Milwaukee Bucks 105-102 on Wednesday night.

Ray Allen(notes) had 23 points for the Celtics (4-1), Rajon Rondo(notes) had 17 points and 15 assists, and Kevin Garnett(notes) scored 13 and grabbed eight rebounds.

Andrew Bogut(notes) led the Bucks (1-4) with 21 points and 13 boards. Ersan Ilyasova(notes) and Carlos Delfino(notes) each scored 15 points and Brandon Jennings(notes) had 13.

Wednesday’s National Basketball Association Capsules

BOSTON (AP) —Paul Pierce(notes) scored 12 of his 28 points in overtime to reach 20,000 points in his career, added a key steal with 27 seconds left, and helped the Boston Celtics beat the Milwaukee Bucks 105-102 on Wednesday night.

Ray Allen(notes) had 23 points for the Celtics (4-1), Rajon Rondo(notes) had 17 points and 15 assists, and Kevin Garnett(notes) scored 13 and grabbed eight rebounds.

Andrew Bogut(notes) led the Bucks (1-4) with 21 points and 13 boards. Ersan Ilyasova(notes) and Carlos Delfino(notes) each scored 15 points and Brandon Jennings(notes) had 13.

Eriksson’s 2 goals lead Stars past Penguins

DALLAS (AP)—Sidney Crosby(notes) rarely uses his fists, and the Pittsburgh Penguins seldom lose to the Dallas Stars.

Loui Eriksson(notes) scored twice—including a penalty-shot goal—Kari Lehtonen(notes) made 21 saves, and the Stars earned a fight-filled 5-2 victory over the Penguins on Wednesday night.

Crosby, who entered the night with only four penalty minutes this season, squared off against Matt Niskanen(notes) at 12:33 of the second period while Pittsburgh trailed by three goals.

Remembering A Legend: The Top Five Memories Of Taylor Twellman's Career

There will never be another Taylor Twellman.

At 1:30 PM EST today, the player to score one hundred goals the quickest in MLS history and the face of one of its founding franchises, the New England Revolution, announced his retirement in a press conference in Foxboro. Tears were shed, thanks were given and laughs were had, but anyone who has followed American soccer in the last decade knows that one of the greatest was taken too soon.

Twellman spoke of the post-concussion symptoms that ended his career. He told funny stories, thanked his family, and praised coaches and teammates. One phrase, however, summarizes his legacy:

Rivers bothered by tweeting of in-game comments

BOSTON (AP)—Boston coach Doc Rivers feels what is said on the court should be left on the court.

Detroit’s Charlie Villanueva(notes) took it to Twitter on Tuesday night, writing on his account that Kevin Garnett(notes) called him a “cancer patient” during Boston’s 109-86 road win.

Villanueva suffers from alopecia universalis, a medical condition that results in hair loss. He does not have hair on his head.

Garnett, known as a trash talker, stuck to his usual routine and did not speak to the media before Wednesday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Pierce carries Celtics to OT win over Bucks

BOSTON (AP)—Paul Pierce(notes) stepped to the line, moved into NBA history and then finished off the Milwaukee Bucks. It was a moment he never would have dreamed of a few years ago.

Pierce scored 12 of his 28 points in overtime to reach 20,000 points in his career, added a key steal with 27 seconds left, and helped the Boston Celtics beat the Bucks 105-102 on Wednesday night.

With the Celtics clinging to a 97-95 lead late in OT, Pierce hit the first of his two free throws, joining Hall of Famers John Havlicek and Larry Bird as the only players to reach the mark while playing their entire careers with Boston. He didn’t stop there, hitting five more to seal the win.

Chris Paul scores 25, Hornets remain undefeated

HOUSTON (AP)—New Orleans coach Monty Williams wanted to make sure his team didn’t underestimate the struggling Houston Rockets.

So the first-year coach repeatedly asked his players how they would feel if they didn’t have a win this season.

The team used that mindset to remain unbeaten as Chris Paul(notes) scored 25 points, Marco Belinelli(notes) added 18 and the Hornets beat the winless Rockets 107-99 on Wednesday night.

“We talked about being desperate—as desperate as they are—before the game,” Williams said. “Having a sense of urgency, going out there and executing your offense as if you were 0-3. I think our guys had that mentality tonight.”

Vancouver (6-3-2) at Colorado (6-4-1)

Once considered a key part of the Colorado Avalanche’s future, goaltender Peter Budaj(notes) is proving he can at least be a worthy replacement right now.

Budaj will try to continue his solid play in place of the injured Craig Anderson(notes) when the Avalanche host the surging Vancouver Canucks on Thursday night.

Budaj played a team-high 182 games during a four-season stretch before being moved to the bench in favor of Anderson last season. A native of the former Czechoslovakia, Budaj lost his status as starter after Colorado (6-4-1) overhauled its roster following a last-place finish in the Western Conference in 2008-09.

Williams, Jazz roll to easy win over Raptors

By LYNN DeBRUIN, AP Sports Writer
SALT LAKE CITY (AP)—Deron Williams(notes) figures he’ll eventually get a triple-double. For now, he’s more excited about the improvement the Utah Jazz have shown after a pair of ugly losses to start the season.

“We’re getting out and running more, pushing the ball and getting easy looks,” Williams said. “A lot of it just comes from energy and intensity, especially in the first half tonight.”

Williams came within two rebounds of a triple-double as the Jazz rolled to a 125-108 victory Wednesday night over the Toronto Raptors.

Rutgers comes up short against USF

TAMPA, Fla. - Chas Dodd and the Scarlet Knights tried their best to make it three out of four in the fourth-quarter comeback department, but a late sack spelled doom for Rutgers en route to a 28-27 loss tonight against the Bulls to drop to 4-4.

After Mason Robinson gave RU field position at midfield with five minutes left in the game, the Knights were poised to take the lead, trailing USF by just one point. But on 4th and 3 with a chance to move into field goal range, Dodd got sacked for the third time on the game and closed the door on any hopes of a comeback.

“Personally, it’s hard for me to even look quarterbacks in the eyes after giving up sacks,” said sophomore Devon Watkis, who was in at right tackle on the sack. “It was just a shame. It just hurts.”