Sports
Home	\|	MLB	\|	NFL	\|	NBA	\|	NHL	\|	College Football	\|	College Basketball	\|	PGA	\|	LPGA	\|	Auto Racing

(AP Photo/John Raoux, File)

ATLANTA (AP) After more than two decades with the Braves, John Smoltz appears likely to finish his stellar career wearing a different uniform.

In a stunning end to one of baseball's longest runs, Smoltz reached preliminary agreement on a contract with the Boston Red Sox after failing to work out a deal to return for his 22nd season with the Braves.

A person familiar with the negotiations, speaking on condition of anonymity because the final paperwork had not been completed, said Smoltz will sign a guaranteed deal with the Red Sox worth about $5 million and also have the possibility to earn another $5 million in performance bonuses. The deal was expected to be finalized later Thursday.

More News

Florida, Oklahoma set to play for No. 1
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) Standing next to the crystal football, Bob Stoops was the picture of Mr. Agreeable. Any pose the photographers wanted, the Oklahoma coach gave them. Looking to the right, gazing to the left, smiling straight ahead. (MORE)

Browns introduce Mangini as coach
BEREA, Ohio (AP) Eric Mangini is starting over where he started out. Mangini, who began his NFL career as a ballboy for the Browns, was introduced as Cleveland's 12th full-time coach on Thursday, less than two weeks after he was fired by the New York Jets. (MORE)

Top-ranked Nadal loses in Qatar quarters

DOHA, Qatar (AP) Top-ranked Rafael Nadal was eliminated from the Qatar Open on Thursday, while Roger Federer advanced to the semifinals of the tuneup for the Australian Open.

Nadal lost to Gael Monfils of France 6-4, 6-4, and Federer saved three set points to defeat Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany 6-2, 7-6 (6). The Swiss star trailed 5-1 and 6-3 in the tiebreaker, reeling off five straight points to win. (MORE)

Ovechkin picked for East All-Star roster
NEW YORK (AP) Alex Ovechkin finally got his All-Star invitation. Less than a week after Washington Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau called Ovechkin's omission from the Eastern Conference's starting lineup "dumb," the reigning NHL MVP was among 15 players picked Thursday to fill out the roster for the All-Star game on Jan. 25 in Montreal. (MORE)

Source: RHP Hoffman headed to Brewers
Career saves leader Trevor Hoffman closed his deal with the Milwaukee Brewers. A person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press the sides reached agreement Thursday on a $6 million, one-year contract. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal hadn't officially announced. (MORE)

Cubs, OF Bradley wrap up $30M contract
CHICAGO (AP) The Chicago Cubs and Milton Bradley wrapped up their $30 million, three-year deal Thursday after the mercurial outfielder passed a physical. Bradley was to be introduced at a Wrigley Field news conference as he joined his seventh team in 10 years and fifth in the last five. (MORE)

LT confirms torn tendon, doubtful Sunday
SAN DIEGO (AP) LaDainian Tomlinson confirmed Wednesday that he has a torn tendon in his groin and listed himself as doubtful for the San Diego Chargers' playoff game at Pittsburgh on Sunday. "It's definitely torn," Tomlinson said after sitting out Wednesday's practice. "I can't really elaborate on it because I don't want to give too much information away." (MORE)

BC fires coach for meeting with Jets

Harvard stuns No. 17 Boston College
BOSTON (AP) Boston College coach Al Skinner had been warning his players all along. It showed they didn't listen. Jeremy Lin scored 27 points to lead Harvard to an 82-70 upset over No. 17 Boston College on Wednesday night, three days after the Eagles upset previously top-ranked North Carolina. (MORE)