Weekend Round-Up

MLB

- Pat Gillick could return to the Toronto Blue Jays this off-season. USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported the story Friday. "The hottest rumour among baseball scouts is that Pat Gillick will be returning to Toronto to become president of the club, but not the GM," Nightengale wrote on his Twitter page. As GM, Gillick let the Blue Jays to back-to-back World Series titles in 1992 and 1993. He was also part of the Philadelphia Phillies World Series victory last fall. 

- On Saturday, the St. Louis Cardinals clinched the NL Central title with a 6-3 victory over the Colorado Rockies. The Cardinals seemed to be a team destined for success in the post-season. They have one of the best rotations and bullpens in both leagues and a balanced lineup. Look for them to go far in the playoffs.
- With a three-game sweep of the rival Boston Red Sox, the New York Yankees clinched the AL East division title on Sunday. The Yankees beat the Red Sox 6-3 in Sunday's afternoon game.
- OF Carlos Beltran would like a contract extension from the New York Mets this off-season to ensure he finishes his career with the team. Beltran's contract runs through the 2011 season but he would like to get a deal done soon. He believes he has at least 6 more years left in the tank.

NBA

- Yahoo! Sports is reporting that Denver Nuggets SF Carmello Anthony is willing to discuss a contract extension next summer.
- Yahoo's Adrian Rojnarowski is reporting that the Charlotte Bobcats are shopping G/F Raja Bell.
- Denver Nuggets PF Kenyon Martin will not opt out of his deal next summer. The forward told reporters that "he earned that money" and is not willing to give up his player option for any reason. Martin will make a whopping $17 million next season.
- On Saturday, ESPN 1050 New York reported that Rafer Alston will begin the season with either the New York Knicks or the Miami Heat even though he was trade to the New Jersey Nets in the Vince Carter deal this off-season. According to the report, Alston is a valuable trading chip due to his expiring contract.
- Earlier in the week I reported that the Minnesota Timberwolves gave recently-acquired C Mark Blount permission to seek a trade. They have also given veteran G Antonio Daniels the same opportunity.

NFL

- The Detroit Lions snapped a 19-game losing streak on Sunday, defeating the Washington Redskins 19-14. Before the win, Detroit hadn't won a game since December 23rd, 2007. The skid matched the second highest in NFL history. After the game, head coach Jim Schwartz got his guys to go out and shake hands with fans after the game, which they did. It was one of those feel good nights in Detroit, that's been long-awaited.
- Washington Redskins star DT Albert Haynseworth was carted off the field in Sunday's loss to the Lions with a hip injury. This could be a huge loss in what has already been a disappointing start to the season. Haynesworth signed a $100 million contract with the Redskins in the off-season.
- St. Louis Rams QB Mark Bulger left the team's loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday due to a bruised shoulder. He will be re-evaluated Monday.
- San Francisco 49ers star RB Frank Gore left Sunday's loss to the Minnesota Vikings with a right ankle injury. The team said x-rays revealed no broken bones but Gore will probably need to sit out next week.
- ESPN is reporting that Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie QB Josh Freeman could be starting soon. The Bucs have lost their first two games and need a some kind of a change to spark the team.
- Philadelphia Eagles QB Michael Vick made his 2009 debut on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.  He was only on the field for one play as he continues to integrated into the Eagles' offense.

NHL

- The Tampa Bay Lighting have singed F James Wright to a three-year entry level contract.
- Pittsburgh Penguins C Sidney Crosby is nursing a sore groin and has been out of action for the last week or so. He is expected to be ready for the team's first regular season game on Friday.
- The Toronto Maple Leafs have sent 2009 first-round pick Nazim Kadri back to his OHL club, the London Knights. The youngster played well enough to garner a spot on the roster, but Leafs GM Brian Burke has always been one to give his young guys the proper time to develop in the minors before bringing them up. In another move,  the clubs sent F Christian Hanson and D Jonas Frogren down to the Toronto Marlies.
- Check back later in the week for my Leafs season preview. I'll let you know my predictions, potential opening night rosters and what to look forward to this season in Leafs Nation.