Orioles close on Chong

The Orioles are working out the final details of a contract with Korean pitcher Chong Tae-Hyon and could have the deal wrapped up sometime on Wednesday, but the announcement does not appear imminent. Apparently, the Ravens aren't the only ones trying to get things done on a condensed schedule this week.

No one else to blame

By Greg A. Bedard Globe Staff / November 23, 2011

For the Patriots offense, the start and finish to Monday night’s 34-3 victory over the Chiefs at Gillette Stadium couldn’t have been more different.

On the first four drives, the Patriots totaled 18 plays, gained three first downs, and had 25 net yards and zero points.

Leesburg Utility Committee Gives Update - Leesburg Today : Leesburg

The Town of Leesburg's Utility Rate Advisory Committee continues to chip away at its workload, now concentrating on developing a set of policy guidelines in advance of a planned rate study.

URAC member Dan Connolly presented a status report to the Town Council last week. He noted that committee members working to develop policy guidelines that will aid a consultant in developing new utility rate recommendations for the town in line with the council's wishes.

5 Defensive Coordinators Who Have Had the Most Success Stopping Tom Brady

' star quarterback doesn't like it when opposing defenses utilize—and have success with—a pass-rush that disrupts his timing.

Couple that with tight man coverage in the secondary, and you have the consensus recipe for stopping No. 12.

Sounds simple, right?

Clash over market for blood

Supporters of an independent blood agency in New Brunswick say it's unreasonable for Canadian Blood Services to suggest there isn't a market for the province's excess blood and blood products.

Business leader Gerry Pond, one of several experts who advised Quispamsis-based Growth Strategies on the possibility of establishing a stand-alone blood system in the province, says New Brunswick hasn't been getting credit from the national agency for its excellent donor system and the extra blood it produces.

Breakdown: Lions 34, Patriots 10

Print | Comments () Posted by Greg A. Bedard   August 29, 2011 07:00 AM

DETROIT - And that look from Patriots coach Bill Belichick, taken in the aftermath of the Lions' final score of the first half, about says it all.

The PatriotsÂ’ trip to Detroit was pretty much an abject failure with a 34-10 loss. A viewing of the television copy did nothing to change that opinion.

Patriots Journal: It wasn’t a good night for starters on defense | New England Patriots | projo.com | The Providence Journal

DETOIT — When Detroit’s offense was slicing through the Patriots’ defense on Saturday night, it was doing it against New England’s top players.

There are times in preseason games when one team uses its starters while the opponent does not. The Patriots still did not have Albert Haynesworth and Shaun Ellis, two of the newcomers they are hoping will improve their defense. They started Mark Anderson at end in place of Andre Carter, another newcomer who has looked excellent thus far.

NFL notes: Guarded optimism for Solder's versatility

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Nate Solder is going to be the New England Patriots' starting left tackle and Tom Brady's chief blindside protector for many years to come.

Of course, that won't happen until the rookie first-round pick is ready to assume the job, and Matt Light passes the baton.

Pats fans should listen to Brady

On Pro Football Hector Longo The Eagle Tribune Sun Aug 28, 2011, 11:22 PM EDT

New England football fans watch every move Tom Brady makes, be it on the football field, with an 8-iron in his hands at Pebble Beach or salsa dancing at some South American celebration with the Missus.

So why don't they actually listen to what the man says.

New England Patriots 2011 Season Preview

By Scott Garbarini, Sports Network - The Sports Network

New England has actually lost its last three postseason matchups, a downward spiral that started when its famed and then-unbeaten 2007 outfit was upset by the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII. A humbling 33-14 home defeat at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens in the 2009 AFC Wild Card Playoffs continued the sequence, and a bitter setback to the rival New York Jets in last season's Divisional Round extended it.

Markakis gets 1,000th hit

With a single to right against Cleveland’s Josh Tomlin with two outs in the third inning Friday, Nick Markakis picked up his career 1,000th hit.

The milestone was recognized on the video scoreboard and the fans at Camden Yards gave him a standing ovation. In typical Markakis fashion, he didn’t acknowledge the cheers. Just fist-bumped first base coach Wayne Kirby and then took his lead at first.

Merola's buzzer 3 lifts Manhasset in 2 OTs

Photo credit: Kathy Kmonicek | Manhasset's Head Coach George Bruns rushes in with his team to celebrate Daniel Merola's winning basket as he hugged by Dan Connolly (15). (Feb. 25, 2011)

Web links Photos: Recent high school sports events Blog: High School Boys Basketball

Dirty Dozen: (Almost) Time to Hand Out 2010 Awards

After reading the emotional reactions to Tom Coughlin four days after the Giants' meltdown against Philadelphia, I guess I won't vote for him for coach of the year, although ...

Almost every season, he belongs somewhere in the top five-to-10. As does Andy Reid, who is getting roasted for not challenging the "not down by contact'' call that led to the TD that gave the Giants a 31-10 fourth-quarter lead over Reid's Eagles. Imagine if the Eagles had lost ...

Former UF Gators coach Urban Meyer won't help coach 2011 football team, job is for Muschamp alone | Gainesville.com

10. There is a misconception, at least I think it's a misconception, that Urban Meyer is going to play a major role in coaching the 2011 football team. Two things everyone has to realize — 1. Meyer is stepping away because of health issues, which means stepping as far away as possible; 2. If Meyer wanders out to practice and talks to Chris Dunkley about the best way to run a route, it's an NCAA rules violation. You are only allowed to have nine coaches. That's how Southern Cal got into trouble. Well, that and paying Reggie Bush's parents. Meyer will always be a part of the Gator Nation and has been embraced by Will Muschamp. But Florida knows it can get tricky if the former coach is hanging around. UF has the best athletic director in the country and the best compliance guy in the country. They will figure it out.