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2B WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2006 STANDINGS, MORE CURTAIN CALL NY Yankees Boston Toronto Baltimore Tampa Bay Detroit Chicago Sox Minnesota Cleveland Kansas City Oakland LA Angels Texas Seattle NY Mets Philadelphia Atlanta Florida Washington St. Louis Cincinnati Houston Milwaukee Chicago Cubs Pittsburgh San Diego LA Dodgers Arizona Colorado San Francisco PRO, COLLEGE BRIEFS Lands has serious doubts (AP) - Embattled Tour de France champion Floyd Landis said the way his doping case has been handled so far makes him doubtful that he'll be able to clear his name. Landis said the release of test results to the media before he had an adequate chance to examine them made it difficult to defend himself. He offered no new explanation for the elevated testosterone levels, or synthetic testosterone, found in his system after a stirring comeback ride to victory in Stage 17. Speaking about officials from both the international cycling federation and the anti-doping agencies, Landis added that there were “multiple reasons why this could have happened, other than what they’re say ing happened” and that he “added tes tosterone to my body in some way.” Landis used the same word, “agen da,” in a round of interviews a day earlier. But he couldn't say who might be Falcons’ wide receiver situation reason for panic The Falcons could take a number of offensive approaches now that their wide receiving corps resembles the kids’ table at a family feast. Atlanta’s lone proven vet eran, Brian Finneran, suf fered a season-ending knee injury in the opening days of camp and left behind a group of young, unproven players. The Falcons have already entertained playing cor nerback DeAngelo’ Hall on offense and trading for prov en talents Jerry Porter or Ashley Lelie. They contacted the agent for Ricky Proehl, a veteran and unsigned free agent. There is one more tact they might consider: Petition the NFL for a rule change out lawing the forward pass. Brian Finneran’s season ending knee injury, suffered in the opening days of train ing camp, should not have incited panic. Finneran was slated as the team’s No. 3 wide receiver for a reason: He lacks the physical skills and talents to be a game-changer. He always has Finneran went undrafted coming out of Villanova. Yet without Finneran, the Falcons lack a wideout with proven reliability. And their only other trustworthy pass catcher, tight end Alge Crumpler, is hobbling as he recovers from two offseason surgeries. The Falcons deserve blame for the situation. They made no attempt to bolster their group of wide receiv American League EAST W L PCT GB HOME ROAD RS RA STRK LlO 66 42 .611 - 36-19 30-23 601 504 Won 1 8-2 65 45 .591 2 35-17 30-28 606 547 Lost 2 4-6 59 53 .527 9 37-23 22-30 589 549 Won 2 3-7 50 63 .442 18.5 30-31 20-32 540 632 Lost 2 3-7 47 66 .416 21.5 29-26 18-40 503 610 Lost 1 5-5 CENTRAL W L PCT GB HOME ROAD RS RA STRK LIO 76 36 .679 - 37-17 39-19 589 439 Won 4 7-3 65 45 .591 10 34-20 31-25 625 537 Lost 2 6-4 65 46 .586 10.5 39-15 26-31 577 507 Lost 1 6-4 47 63 .427 28 26-29 21-34 594 565 Lost 3 3-7 38 73 .342 37.5 23-33 15-40 506 672 Lost 4 3-7 WEST W L PCT GB HOME ROAD RS RA STRK LIO 61 51 .545 - 29-25 32-26 504 495 Won 5 8-2 58 54 .518 3 27-28 31-26 552 519 Won 3 5-5 56 57 .496 5.5 26-30 30-27 571 563 Lost 3 5-5 54 57 .486 6.5 29-29 25-28 521 518 Won 1 5-5 National League EAST W L PCT GB HOME ROAD RS RA STRK LIO 66 44 .600 - 32-22 34-22 593 499 Won 2 7-3 54 57 .486 12.5 27-31 27-26 573 583 Won 1 7-3 51 60 .459 15.5 22-29 29-31 580 573 Lost 1 3-7 51 60 .459 15.5 27-28 24-32 514 538 Lost 3 3-7 49 62 .441 17.5 26-24 23-38 513 574 Lost 2 4-6 CENTRAL W L PCT GB HOME ROAD RS RA STRK LIO 61 50 .550 - 33-23 28-27 551 532 Won 3 3-7 57 55 .509 4.5 29-30 28-25 546 581 Lost 2 3-7 53 58 .477 8 30-26 23-32 506 524 Lost 1 5-5 52 59 .468 9 32-23 20-36 503 587 Lost 2 4-6 47 64 .423 14 25-31 22-33 465 568 Won 2 7-3 42 70 .375 19.5 28-28 14-42 502 568 Lost 2 6-4 WEST W L PCT GB HOME ROAD RS RA STRK LlO 58 53 .523 - 28-31 30-22 504 498 Won 2 4-6 57 55 .509 1.5 32-24 25-31 572 522 Won 10 10-0 56 56 .500 2.5 27-29 29-27 562 570 Lost 1 4-6 54 57 .486 4 28-26 26-31 506 492 Lost 2 6-4 54 58 .482 4.5 31-28 23-30 521 523 Won 2 3-7 manipulating the results or the timing of the releases. * Nats trade Livan Hernandez WASHINGTON (AP) - Livan Hernandez was traded by the Washington Nationals to the Arizona Diamondbacks for a pair of minor league pitchers. The 31-year-old Hernandez is 9-8 this season with a career-high 5,34 ERA in 24 starts. The right-hander has been hampered by a sore knee for most of the season. RnaKsts impress owners NORTHBROOK, 111. (AP) - All 32 NFL owners seemed impressed by the five finalists for the commissioner’s job when they finally got to see and hear them. Nothing happened to indicate that Roger Goodell, Paul Tagliabues No. 2 man, isn’t the overwhelming favorite to be elected Tagliabue’s successor. ers in the offseason. Jerome Pathon, who made one catch all of last year, was their only veteran signee. Then again, the lack of action fits the team’s philos- Adam Van Brimmer Morris News Service back only to get burned worse than a senior citizen in a telemarketing scam. So Rich McKay, the team’s general manager, turned to the draft. He picked Michael Jenkins in the first round in 2004, Roddy White there in 2005. This April the Falcons drafted Adam Jennings in the fourth round. All should develop into good players. But so far, their play has fallen well short of their potential. White caught 29 balls in 16 games dur ing his rookie season. And Jenkins has a reputation - a well-earned one for drop ping as many passes as he catches. Good hands are the most important attribute for a Falcons’ wide receiver. Quarterback Michael Vick throws laser beams, and they don’t always hit the target between the numbers. And each drop is another obstacle to earning the quarterback’s trust. That could happen late Tuesday, but more likely on Wednesday. Tagliabue and Pittsburgh owner Dan Rooney, co-chairman of the eight-owner selection committee, both said they believe a new commissioner was likely to be chosen during this three-day meet ing in suburban Chicago. The thought all along has been that if a commissioner is elected here it will be Goodell, the NFL’s chief operating officer, but if the process is extended, one of the other four finalists could enter the picture. Taylor died, not suspended ASHBURN, Va. (AP) _ Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor has been fined but will not be suspended for his no-contest pleas in an assault case in Florida last year. The NFL announced Taylor has been fined four 2005 game checks - which amounts to $71,764. Vick’s faith in Finneran is what made the receiv er invaluable. Finneran catches everything. So does Crumpler. Catch one, and more will come. That’s why the tight end has led the Falcons in receptions and yards the last two seasons. Vick spent much of the off season trying to build similar relationships with Jenkins and White. The quarterback and his receivers worked out together several days a week. The receivers learned how a human cannon launches footballs. The quarterback got familiar with the timing of his targets’ routes. Still, training camp start ed ominously. Jenkins and White dropped enough balls to draw head coach Jim Mora’s ire. The loss of Finneran seems to have soft ened their hands, however. Finneran’s injury was akin to a ringing bell that must be answered by the wide outs, Vick said. “It’s changed their whole perception of the game, what their confidence level needs to be and what their job is,” Vick said. “Brian was a guy I really relied on, that I had a lot of trust and faith in. They knew that. They want to get to that point. McKay will try and find Vick another Finneran before the season starts. He will likely wait until after teams start to trim their rosters later this month. A few proven veterans will be available. In the meantime, the Falcons can lobby for that rule change. Passing is over rated anyway. ophy. Wide receiver is not a new problem for the Falcons. They tried to address it through free agen cy with Peerless Price a few years SPORTS Monday’s Sports Transactions By The Associated Press ■ LOS ANGELES ANGELS -Extended their affiliation contract with Arkansas of the Texas League through the 2008 season. ■ TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS - Optioned LHP J.P. Howell to Durham of the IL. Activated RHP Dan Miceli from the 60- day DL. Transferred RHP Tyler Walker from the 15- to the 60- day DL. ■ TEXAS RANGERS - Recalled RHP Edinson Volquez from Oklahoma of the PCL. Optioned LHP John Koronka to Oklahoma. ■ CINCINNATI REDS - Acquired RHP Ryan Franklin from Philadelphia for cash and a player to be named. Placed RHP Gary Majewski and RHP Jason Standridge on the 15- day DL. Assigned RHP Matt Belisle to Louisville of the IL. Activated LHP Kent Mercker from the 15-day DL. ■ LOS ANGELES DODGERS - Activated 2B Jeff Kent from the 15-day DL. Placed RHP Elmer Dessens on the 15-day DL. ■ WASHINGTON WIZARDS - Announced they will not match the New York Knicks' five-year offer sheet to F Jared JefFries. ■ NFL - Named Ray Anderson senior vice president of foot ball operations. Dixson switched to offense By Marc Weiszer Morris News Service ATHENS - Fifth-year senior Dale Dixson, in line for a starting role at defen sive tackle after a career sidetracked early by inju ries, suddenly found him self moved to the offensive line Monday when Georgia held its third preseason practice. The move was needed to provide depth because of the uncertain availability of Zeb McKinzey, who rein jured his left shoulder in Sunday’s practice. “I worked five years to get where I’m at right now so it was kind of a shock ing thing, a sudden shock at first,” said an emotional Dixson, who had been com peting with Ray Gant to start at defensive tackle. “I’m in the best shape, stayed healthy two years and was really focused about potentially start ing at D-tackle. It kind of hurts but sometimes you have to do what’s best for the team.” The best thing now, Georgia coaches deter mined, was for the 6-foot-2, 305-pound Dixson to play center and guard Georgia is already without center lan Smith because of a two game suspension and were counting on McKinzey to be the No. 2 center if starter Nick Jones was injured. “Dale is a guy that has got a big enough body and He said it... “I think it’s been a very balanced and thought ful and businesslike process, with not a lot of contention. There were different points of view, nothing out of the ordinary.” - NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue DONATE TO GOODWILL. ♦ 2209 Moody Road M ♦ 115 Margie Drive M ♦ 1355 Sam Nunn Bfvd m ♦ Galleria Mali - 2922 Watson Bfvd www.goodwillworks.org Building lives, families, and communities Monday's Major League Linescores By The Associated Press Baltimore 001 000 000.1 2 0 Toronto 102 300 02x_8 14 1 RuOrtiz, BChen (4), WAbreu (6) Byrdak (8), Britton (8) and RaHernandez ■Tallet, Accardo (3), League (6) and BMolina. W_Accardo 1- 0. L_RuOrtiz 0-3. Sv_League (1). HRs_Toronto, VWells (27), Overbay (17). Minnesota 000 102 000_3 8 1 Detroit 002 200 41x_9 13 0 Liriano, Neshek (5), Crain (7), Eyre (7) and Mauer Miner, Zumaya (7), Grilli (9) and VWilson. W_Miner 7-2. L_ Liriano 12-3. HRs_Minnesota, Mauer (10). Detroit, Monroe (19), Thames (21). Los Angeles 001 110 300_6 80 Chicago 000 101 010.3 7 1 KEscobar, HCarrasco (7), Shields (8), Frßodriguez (9) and JMolina Buehrle, McCarthy (7) and SAlomar. W.KEscobar 8-9. L.Buehrle 9-10. Sv.Frßodriguez (27). HRsJLos Angeles, VGuerrero (24), Quinlan (6), JMolina (3). Chicago, Thome (34). Texas 020 001 100.4 11 0 Oakland 102 102 10x_7 12 0 Volquez, Bauer (6), CJWilson (7) Rupe (8) and Barajas Loaiza, Gaudin (7), Halsey (8), Calero (9) and Kendall. W_ Loaiza 5-7. L.Volquez 0-1. Sv_ Calero (2). HRs.Texas, Blalock he is a very intelligent guy and a very unselfish guy,” coach Mark Richt said. “I can tell you it’s not some thing he was happy to hear about but he was willing to take one for the team.” Richt said he’s not yet comfortable with 274-pound freshman Kevin Perez as the backup. Dixson hasn’t played on the offensive line since his freshman season at Texas’ Garland High School. Richt gave pointers as Dixson snapped the ball to the coach at the - start of prac tice. “I have mixed feelings right now,” said Dixson, who has eight career tack les and one start. “I have to sleep on it and pray about it. I’ll probably have a bet ter decision once I sit down and reevaluate things.” Dixson said Georgia coaches told him to try offensive line for a week and he could be moved back to defensive tackle if a freshman emerges. “It could be a two-game situation and go back or by then he may feel real comfortable and playing extremely well and may stay,” Richt said. Defensive line coach Rodney Garner said Dixson could play both the offen sive and defensive lines this season. “If he can work and focus where he can help this team The Original Solunar Tables By Mrs. Richard Alden Knight Release week of Aug. 6-13, 2006 AM PM Dale Day Minor Major Minor Major 8/6 Su 3:10 9:25 3:35 9:55 8 n M 4:10 10:20 4:30 10:55 8/8 T 5:05 11:20 5:30 11:50 8/9 W 6:00 0 6:25 12:15 8/10 Th 6:55 12:40 7:20 1:10 8/11 F 7:55 1:45 8:25 2:10 8/12 S 8:50 2:40 9:20 3:05 8/13 Su 9:45 3:30 10:10 3:55 © 2006 by King Features Syndicate. Inc. THE HOUSTON HOME JOURNAL (13). Oakland, Bradley (8), Ellis (6). Tampa Bay *lOl 200 000.4 12 0 Seattle 201 020 00x_5 8 0 Corcoran, Miceli (6), Harville (7) and Navarro Moyer, JMateo (5), Sherrill (6) RSoriano (7), Putz (8) and Johjima. W.JMateo 7-4. L.Corcoran 4-3. Sv.Putz (24). HRs.Seattle, Beltre (12), Ibanez (23). NATIONAL LEAGUE Philadelphia 000 250 020.9 10 0 Atlanta 000 130 002.6 12 1 BMyers, Madson (6), Rhodes (8), Geary (9) and Lieberthal Hoßamirez, Villarreal (5), WFranklin (6), Ray (7), Mcßride (8), Paronto (9) and McCann. W.BMyers 8-5. L.Hoßamirez 5-5, HRs. Philadelphia, Howard (39). Atlanta, MGiles (9), AJones (27). St. Louis 520 201 003.13 171 Cincinnati 010 000 000.1 8 2 JfWeaver, Flores (7), Hancock (8) and YMolina Elßamirez, RFranklin (2), Coffey (7) Mercker (8), Weathers (9) and Valentin. W.JfWeaver 2- 2. L.Elßamirez 4-8. HRs.St. Louis, Duncan (8), Rolen (16), Spiezio (6), YMolina (4). Cincinnati, Valentin (3). offensively here in camp, we would be remiss if we didn’t do that,” Gamer said. “I think we would cheat this program if we didn’t do that.” Freshman defensive linemen thrown into mix: Garner said that “three or four,” of Georgia’s fresh man defensive lineman may play this season. Defensive tackle Ricardo Crawford is beirig count ed on to play this season and the other freshmen are defensive tackle Geno Atkins and defensive ends Demarcus Dobbs; Michael Lemon, Kiante Tripp and Brandon Wood. Garner said two freshmen ends would be groomed to play with one “pretty certain,” to cross train at defensive tackle. This and that: Richt said that Georgia’s quarter back depth chart remains the same but that chang es could come as early as after the first scrimmage on Saturday. ... Redshirt freshman safety Antavious Coates injured his left knee early in practice, but Richt did not know the extent of the injury. Coates tore the ACL on his other knee in high school and re-injured it last summer. ... Offensive guard Chester Adams and Crawford left practice with what were said to be cramps. ... Georgia practiced in shoulder pads for the first time this preseasoh. Opening Catfish Pond Aug. 11, 12, 13 Only $3/day + $2.50/lb. Paradise Haven @77/Hwy 26E Elko Keep What You Catch Open 7am - 7pm Plenty of Bream +Bass. Bring plenty of bait, ice + nloney 987-5370 w * S ■w / • / SB Plgfcjy job at a timely