No limits (but wall) for Harper
A bigger, stronger Bryce Harper showed up for spring training. He looked fit to be a middle-of-the-lineup hitter for the Washington Nationals, and the numbers show he’s playing the part.
Matt Youmans
Super Bowl hangover unlikely for 49ers
Only 5 yards separated the San Francisco 49ers from completing a historic comeback. Colin Kaepernick, the NFL’s most dangerous running quarterback, surely could cover that distance with his long legs.
Thrilling Warriors lift playoffs out of mud
When a couple of young guns from Oakland make headlines, it’s not always good news. But these shooters have the best intentions, and Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are the hottest thing going in the NBA.
Seahawks early NFL betting darlings
Rewind the film one year. Only a few people were thinking Russell Wilson, as a rookie quarterback, could lead the Seattle Seahawks to the playoffs.
Anthony finally might attain playoff payoff
In the NBA, reputations are made in the playoffs. Carmelo Anthony is an exception because he entered the league with star status and never has lost it despite rarely winning in the playoffs.
Making best guesses about ultimate NFL guessing game
Maybe the NFL Draft is a dog and pony show, not to mention a showcase for the cartoon character known as Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN’s hair-raising talent evaluator.
Ravens lure early action vs. Broncos in Week 1
Most guys can tell a regretful story about the one that got away, and it’s usually a personal tale about a girl. The biggest regret of Peyton Manning’s professional career has to be a double-overtime game that got away in January.
Seeking drama? Look to the West
All signs point to a sequel. LeBron James stole the show from Kevin Durant in their first meeting, and, nearly a year later, the NBA’s top two players appear set for Part II.
Masters odds adjusted, but Woods still 7-2 favorite
Anyone who has hooked a shot from the tee into the trees can appreciate Phil Mickelson. Every round he plays has the potential to turn into a wild ride, a combination of beautiful and boneheaded shots.
Woods' return to Masters boon for books' handle
Even when he was not on top, Tiger Woods was the hottest topic in golf. Of course, when his secret sex life was exposed, the X-rated details dominated the discussion.
One last obstacle for red-hot Pitino
What was considered a crapshoot a few weeks ago is now a game in Rick Pitino’s control. He has been rolling such a hot pair of dice, the odds are in his favor.
Michigan favored, but I like Orange
It took a magic trick by sophomore point guard Trey Burke to get Michigan to the Final Four. To win two more games, he might need to mimic a great escape artist.
Books, bettors ask same question: Who can beat Louisville?
Sometime during the second half, Mike Krzyzewski looked for help and found none. He might have reminisced that it was a lot easier coaching a crew of NBA All-Stars in the Olympics.
Trout's clout could carry Angels far
In the blink of an eye, it seems, Mike Trout has become the best player in baseball. He’s a freak and a phenom who plays as if he’s on a double shot of 5-hour Energy.
Wagerers cash in on unknown Gulf Coast
In what likely was junior guard Jamaal Franklin’s final game at San Diego State, he became a forgotten footnote to the biggest story of the NCAA Tournament. Nothing beats a good underdog story, and this is a great one.
Clunkers don't include Creighton
Dunks are more exciting than free throws, and that’s stating the obvious, but Doug McDermott is the type of player who excites bettors even though he’s not a big-time dunker.
Duke less than enthusiastic selection to win it all
It was not predetermined, and this is unlikely to be a popular pick. Even since the return of senior forward Ryan Kelly from a foot injury, Duke has been far from dominant. So how did it come to this?
Oddsmakers know better than NCAA committee
It’s tough to predict how far Oklahoma State will go in the NCAA Tournament, but few teams are loaded with better young talent, starting with freshman point guard Marcus Smart. He’s a good bet to go early in this summer’s NBA Draft.
Tourneys all around - and no scandals
It was not important how many points Shabazz Muhammad scored, at least to those in the sports book, which felt like an overcrowded elevator Thursday. The point spread was the priority, and, after push came to shove, we’ll call it a push.
Gonzaga will get shot at skeptics
On the day Gonzaga was ranked No. 1 for the first time, it was reported that coach Mark Few had gone fishing. Maybe that was true.
Arizona poised to disappoint in March
Writing off a talented team with a good coach is a foolish thing to do in February, and the same is true in the first week of March. So this is not the time to pen an obituary for Arizona, because Sean Miller can coach and he’s working with talent.
Wagerers confident in repeat for Heat
No longer is LeBron James a comical figure or a punch line. The King owns one ring, is getting fitted for a second, and at last count has 7.4 million Twitter followers, which in today’s society means he’s a big deal.
Circus of uncertainty reigns in basketball
A quick look at the updated NBA Draft board, topped by Kansas guard Ben McLemore, explains in part why this college basketball season has become a circus of unpredictability.
Rebels answer challenge, throttle No. 15 New Mexico
Each of the four dunks freshman forward Anthony Bennett threw down made a powerful statement, followed by an exclamation point.
Heat rises on Rice, Rebels as first-place Lobos roll into town
It is Dave Rice’s personality to remain calm and cool in most situations. This, however, is a different situation.
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