AP: Tarmoh could skip 100-meter runoff with Felix

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AP: Tarmoh could skip 100-meter Olympics runoff with Felix | The ...

EUGENE, Ore.
(AP)


The runoff to settle a third-place tie in the women’s 100 meters at the U.S. track trials may not make it to the starting line on Monday.

Sprinter Jeneba Tarmoh is reconsidering her decision to take part in the race against training partner Allyson Felix, according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no announcement was made. A message was left for an official at USA Track and Field.

The runoff a winner-take-all race is scheduled to be held at 8 p.m. EDT 5 p.m. local time at Hayward Field. The winner earns the last spot in the event for the London Games.

Tarmoh only reluctantly agreed to the runoff in the first place. She felt that she won her spot fair and square on the track eight days ago.

“In my heart of hearts, I just feel like I earned the third spot,” she said Sunday. “I almost feel like I was kind of robbed.”

Tarmoh leaned across the finish line and looked up to see her name on the scoreboard in the third spot behind winner Carmelita Jeter and runner-up Tianna Madison. The 22-year-old even took a celebratory lap around the track, waving an American flag. She received a medal and conducted a news conference.

Then, she found out about the dead heat. From reporters, no less.

The situation has been a debacle since Felix and Tarmoh crossed the line in an identical time of 11.068 seconds. USATF had no protocol in place to resolve such a deadlock and quickly scrambled to adopt a tiebreaking procedure.

The options were either a runoff, coin flip or one athlete conceding the spot to the other.

The athletes and their agents met with USATF representatives at a hotel Sunday to work out a deal and Felix and Tarmoh chose to settle matters on the track.

Tarmoh, however, was clearly unhappy with the choice.

“This decision was really hard for me to make,” said Tarmoh, who didn’t qualify in her other event, the 200 on Saturday night, but will be eligible for the Olympic 400 relay team. “I was pushed into a corner. They said if you don’t make a decision, you give your spot up. I work too hard to just give my spot up. I had to say it was a runoff.”

USATF has drawn criticism for not having policies in place long before the trials. Every other sport has a plan. In swimming, for instance, there are swim-offs to break ties.

Bobby Kersee, who coaches both sprinters, has been outspoken on the tiebreaking tumult and pushed for a Tuesday competition, just to give them more time to recover from two races and six rounds. The United States Olympic Committee doesn’t officially need the list of names for the squad until that day anyway.

The sprinters have the stage to themselves on Monday and the runoff would be a boon for track. It’s scheduled to be shown in prime time on NBC in conjunction with the network’s coverage of the swimming trials.

“This will reintroduce people to the sport and showcase world-class athletes and great competition,” new USATF CEO Max Siegel said. “I actually think (a runoff) is the best way to solve it. It’s a reflection of both of their competitive spirits. They want to be fair and prove what they’ve worked hard.”

And then when it looked like everything was heading toward a showdown, Tarmoh threw a wrinkle into the plans just 18 hours before they were going to step into the starting blocks.

Sports Illustrated was the first to report that Tarmoh was thinking of not running.

Felix said her legs were feeling a little exhausted, especially after turning in a personal-best of 21.69 in winning the 200, her signature event and one she is favored to win in London. It was an electric performance that was almost overshadowed by the flap.

After she finished, all anyone wanted to know was how she was going to break the tie in the 100.

“I didn’t get to really enjoy it,” Felix said. “As soon as I came off (the track), that’s the first time that I actually thought about the process. Of course, I wasn’t thinking I wanted to do a coin toss, but that’s the first time I sat down and went through things in my head.”

Felix didn’t realize how big of deal the controversy was until after the 200. She was sequestered from social media until that race and had no idea the topic was being discussed on shows such as “CNN” and National Public Radio.

“Any attention our sport gets is good,” Felix said.

Before the news broke of Tarmoh reconsidering her decision to race, Felix issued a caution of her own.

“If anything feels off whatsoever, I’m just going to speak up and have to pull out of it,” she said. “We’re both not feeling our greatest.”

For Tarmoh, there’s also an emotional element. She went from the high of thinking she made the team immediately after the 100, to the low of having to claim her spot all over again.

“I went to bed so happy and then I woke up to do something I don’t want to do at all,” Tarmoh said.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Kentucky race winner celebrates by ‘Tebowing’

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Kentucky race winner celebrates by

Brad Keselowski’s celebrations are among the most unique in NASCAR. Instead of flying a checkered flag outside his driver’s side window after wins, the Penske Racing driver waves the American flag while doing burnouts for the fans.

Earlier this year, he tweeted a photo before exiting his victorious No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge at Bristol Motor Speedway.

After Saturday night’s win in the Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway, Keselowski delivered another celebratory wrinkle by “Tebowing” in victory lane.

The patented kneel-down made famous by NFL quarterback Tim Tebow was fitting, as Keselowski had a lot to be thankful for Saturday at the 1.5-mile speedway. He was driving a backup car after crashing in Friday’s first practice, had a broken steering wheel moments before Saturday’s green flag and even ran out of gas at one point. And he still was able to come away with a Sprint Cup Series-best third win of 2012.

“(It) says a lot about everybody on the team, and some of the things we do back at Penske Racing the process that we go through to build our cars,” Keselowski said. “Knowing that when we bring out a backup car, there really wasn’t any concerns for me. … I knew the car we had was still capable of winning.”

As for “Tebowing”, the Twitter legend replied to SB Nation’s Jeff Gluck with the explanation. “It was a bet I had with the miller guys to be the first to Tebow with a beer,” Keselowski tweeted.

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Live NHL: Parenteau, Whitney, Kuba on move

Live: NHL free agents Parenteau, Whitney, Kuba on move

We’re live blogging the opening day of the NHL free agent signing period. The top prizes this summer are Ryan Suter and Zach Parise.

5:30: David Poile calling a news conference in Nashville.

5:26: TSN reporting that Sami Salo gets a two-year, $7.5 million deal from the Lightning.

5:05: Red Wings sign European free agent Damien Brunner to a one-year, $925,000 deal with bonuses, according to the Free Press. It’s a two-way deal.

4:42: Defenseman Adrian Aucoin is joining the Blue Jackets. 1 year, $2 million, plus bonuses.

4:28: Alexei Ponikarovsky is heading to the Jets (one year, $1.8 million). He reached the Stanley Cup Final this year and can be valuable for a franchise that has made the playoffs only once.

4:25: George Parros is always a class act. This is his tweet about his departure from the Ducks: “I would like to say thanks to the Samueli’s, the ducks organization and especially the fans, I leave ANA with a heavy heart… I am forever grateful to my teammates and fans who I have forged relationships with that will be with me always! That being said, I am excited to start a new career in FLA and am looking forward to bringing the stache to the sunshine state!!!”

4:19: PA Parenteau signs for four years, $16 million in Colorado. I like this move to add some zest to the Avs’ offense.

4:12: Chris Mason agrees to become Pekka Rinne’s backup in Nashville. He gets a one-year deal worth $1.25 million plus bonuses. He previously played in Nashville.

4:05: When Dale Tallon got the job in Florida two years ago, he said he would make the Panthers tougher to play against. He continued that transformation Sunday when he acquired noted tough guy George Parros. Another tough guy, Micheal Haley, went to the Rangers. They need him because of rumors floating around that Brandon Prust is heading to Montreal.

3:53: Blackhawks sign Sheldon Brookbank to a two-year deal. Oilers re-sign Darcy Hordichuk for one year.

3:48: Here’s the breakdown on Sidney Crosby’s deal: Three years at $12 million each, two at $10.9 million, one at $10 million. Then it goes, $9M, $9.6M, $9M and the final three years at $3 million each.

3:37: I’m wondering if Devils defenseman Bryce Salvador is waiting to see what Zach Parise and Marty Brodeur do before he makes a decision on where he goes. Salvador’s strong postseason really enhanced his bargaining power.

3:25: Kings say Dustin Penner re-signs for one year. LA Times says it’s for $3.25 million.

3:05: Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch says Nick Foligno is traded to Columbus for D Marc Methot. With Filip Kuba, Matt Carkner and Matt Gilroy as free agents, the Senators have needed to remake their defense. Foligno is a restricted free agent.

3:00: Guillaume Latendresse signs a one-year deal with the Senators. Latendresse, who had concussion issues, didn’t get a qualifying offer from the Wild. He’s been a streaky player during his career.

2:50: Dale Tallon was the 800-pound gorilla of last year’s free agent signing day, completely making over his team. He’s still an aggressive GM, proved by his signing of Filip Kuba to a two-year deal worth $8 million. With Jason Garrison leaving, the Panthers needed another defenseman. Kuba isn’t the player he was a few years ago, but he’s still in the top 15 available players.

2:48: Agent Rich Evans tweets that Filip Kuba is headed to the Florida Panthers. Has agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal.

2:45: Tanner Glass signs with Penguins. Two years, $2.2 million.

2:30: New York Islanders sign tough Matt Carkner, a strong addition to an improving defense.

2:27: The Flyers’ signing of Michael Leighton seems like an insurance policy. They may be looking at other goalie options.

2:05: TSN says Brad Boyes goes to the New York Islanders for $1 million.

2:00: Minnesota added some good pieces in Zenon Konopka and Torrey Mitchell, but they need to make a major splash. The franchise has been running in place for a while.

1:53: Stars confirm Ray Whitney signing.

1:48: Former NHL player Aaron Ward, fast becoming a media star, has tweeted that Ray Whitney is going to Dallas for $9 million over two years. That total includes $5 million of bonuses. The two played together in Carolina in 2009-10.

1:45: I thought Colby Armstrong might end up back with his buddy, Sidney Crosby, in Pittsburgh. But he went to Montreal at one year for $1 million. The Canadiens are looking to add size and character.

1:40: The initial reaction around the NHL was that the Predators overpaid when they re-signed Paul Gaustad to a four-year deal for an average of $3.25 million a year.But the reality is that Gaustad, a 6-5 No. 3 center, probably would have been able to achieve that average on the open market. It’s the exact cap number that Kings’ No. 3 center Jarret Stoll received in his new deal.The difference is that Gaustad’s deal is four years and Stoll was given three years. Both players are 30, and Stoll has historically been the better offensive player. But they both had 21 points last season. Both players are good on the draw, with Gaustad registering a 57% faceoff efficiency, while Stoll was at 55%.

1:35: The Minnesota Wild say they have signed Torrey Mitchell (three years) and Zenon Konopka (two years). The Philadelphia Flyers have signed goalie Michael Leighton.

1:20: The Avalanche say they have agreed to terms with Matt Carkner and John Mitchell. But TSN reports that the Carkner deal is not official yet.

1:15: Defenseman Mike Lundin signs with Ottawa, $1.5 million for one year. Senators have to add defensemen.

1:10: Offensive-minded Joe Corvo, who has a big shot on the power play, gets $2 million for one season to play on Carolina’s defense. This is Corvo’s third stint with Carolina. “Joe and his family call Raleigh home, and he has had some of his best seasons playing here, ” said Carolina general manager Jim Rutherford.Justin Peters re-signs (two years, $1.075 million), meaning he likely will be Cam Ward’s backup while Brian Boucher recovers from his shoulder injury. That’s one less spot for the glut of goalies in the marketplace.

12:56: With Jonas Gustavsson and Scott Clemmensen now gone, the goalie market has started to percolate. Chris Mason is currently talking to two teams and is waiting to hear from others.

12:50: A little Twitter war going on. The Minnesota Wild announce on Twitter: “From the Wild war room: the #mnwild have submitted contract offers to free agents Zach Parise and Ryan Suter.” The Los Angeles Kings’ Twitter feed’s response: “From the Kings war room: The #LAKings have talked about submitting contract offers to free agents.”

12:45: The Lightning sign Benoit Pouliot signed a one-year deal at $1.8 million. Pouliot scored 16 goals last year, but the Bruins moved him because they thought he might get more in arbitration, because of his scoring, than they were willing to pay. The Bruins thought he was just a bit inconsistent. He is 25.

12:43: David Moss going from Calgary to Phoenix. The Coyotes are always looking for offensive help, and Moss has demonstrated, when healthy, that he can score 15 to 20 goals.

12:40: Jonas Gustavsson signs with Detroit for two years, $3 million. Will challenge Joey MacDonald for backup goalie position.

12:37: Ottawa general manager Bryan Murray said at the draft that he is looking for a forward to play in his team’s top six. He has been involved in trade negotiations with Columbus about Rick Nash, who has veto power on teams because he has a no-trade clause.If Daniel Alfredsson tells the Senators in two weeks he is retiring, the need for an impact forward becomes more acute.The Senators need to add a defenseman in the marketplace because Matt Carkner, Filip Kuba and Matt Gilroy are all diving into the free agent pool.

12:25: The Panthers’ re-signing of Scott Clemmensen (two years) is important in the marketplace because he was among the more accomplished of the available unrestricted free agent backup goalies. The signing won’t affect any efforts to land Roberto Luongo because the Panthers would probably want to ship Jose Theodore to Vancouver if they make that deal. If they don’t acquire Luongo, the Panthers would be comfortable with the same Theodore-Clemmensen pairing they had last year

12:18: While Zach Parise is meeting with teams, one by one, in Toronto Sunday, Ryan Suter is at his home in Wisconsin. He doesn’t want to meet with teams. That’s his personality. He is not a player who seeks the spotlight. That will play a factor in his decision. For example, he would not be drawn to the Toronto Maple Leafs, or Philadelphia Flyers, or New York Rangers where there is a large media contingent following the team. He is a very likeable guy, highly intelligent, but he doesn’t want to be the center of attention for the media every day. He liked his situation in Nashville, which is why the Predators are still in the hunt. More than anything, Suter probably will put the most emphasis on the ability to win a championship.

12:15: Winnipeg re-signs Derek Meech. He’s a Winnipeg native, and he is a quality depth defenseman to have around because he has played 127 NHL games and he can skate.

12:05: TSN says Shane Doan won’t make a decision on his future until July 9, when he will know about the Phoenix Coyotes’ future in Glendale, Ariz.

12:03: Ryan Smyth re-ups with Edmonton for two years, $4.5 million.

Five interesting players under the radar: 1. Brandon Prust (New York Rangers): tough, versatile; 2. Bryan Allen (Carolina): Everyone looking for big defensemen; 3. Jason Arnott (St. Louis): I’m surprised St. Louis hasn’t re-signed him. Big, strong, quality No. 3 center; 4. Mark Eaton (New York Islanders): Very dependable defenseman who won’t bust your budget. 5. Kyle Wellwood (Winnipeg): He had 18 goals and 47 points. Could be cheap offensive production.

Noon: And we’re under way.

11:55: The St. Louis Blues still would like to keep Jamie Langenbrunner, but they have not been able to work out a deal. It’s not out of the question he would end up back there.

11:50: My top 10 on the board:

1. Ryan Suter: A top pairing defenseman. A+ defensively and could show more offense than he did in Nashville.2. Zach Parise: Leader, model citizen, 40-goal scorer, ultra-competitor.3. Shane Doan: Two months ago, it was assumed he would stay in Phoenix. If he is available, every contender will want him. He’s big and strong, hits, still can score 20 goals. Great leader and he’s always visible in the community.4. Marty Brodeur: It’s shocking that the New Jersey Devils would let him go elsewhere. But it is possible now. He’s 40, but he proved this spring he can still carry a team. Not Brodeur, vintage 2000, but he can play 50 games and mentor a young goalie.5. Jason Garrison: With Dennis Wideman getting $5.25 million in Calgary, Garrison has to be looking for the same. He’s an offensive defenseman with a noteworthy shot from the point.6. Alexander Semin: He has the talent to be among the league’s best players, but he has not reached that level of performance.7. Matt Carle: Veteran defenseman can play in many situations, log minutes and he’s a strong passer.8. Jaromir Jagr: With so many teams looking for scoring, interest in him seems to be rising. He can still find seams in the defense.9. Jiri Hudler: Maybe he is this year’s Ville Leino. But he scored 25 goals last season, and he’s only 28. He could produce 50 to 60 points. Superb passer.10. Olli Jokinen: The lack of available centers makes him more attractive. He’s big, strong and would make a good No. 2 center.

11:40: Not a free agent signing but the Carolina Hurricanes locked in newly acquired Jordan Staal to a 10-year, $60 million extension that kicks in next season. Hardly a surprise that the Hurricanes gave Jordan Staal the same deal that Pittsburgh offered him. If I were the New York Rangers, I would start planning now that Marc Staal will be leaving when his contract expires.

11:30: Once the clock starts at noon today, there will be a rush to land backup goalies. The Winnipeg Jets tried to keep Chris Mason, but he is leaning toward testing the market. Jonas “The Monster” Gustavsson apparently also declined to put down roots in Winnipeg.

The Detroit Red Wings, owning the league’s best collection of Swedish players, might be interested with Gustavsson as Jimmy Howard’s backup.

Former NHL general manager Craig Button, who wrote a column for USA TODAY during the Stanley Cup Final, said on NHL Network that he believes Gustavsson has a chance to be this year’s Mike Smith. Not many teams were interested in Smith last summer, and he was stellar this season with the Phoenix Coyotes.

Other unrestricted backup goalies include Johan Hedberg, Alex Auld, Dan Ellis, Scott Clemmensen and Al Montoya.

Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs are still looking for a No. 1 goalie. The Florida Panthers and Maple Leafs are believed to be the primary suitors for Robert Luongo, but there is no guarantee that the Canucks will move him soon. There is a possibility that Scott Clemmensen could end up back in Florida as well.The Nashville Predators need a backup, and they have had success with both Ellis and Mason in the past.

Keep an eye on Kings backup Jonathan Bernier as a player who would draw considerable interest if GM Dean Lombardi decides to trade him.

11:15: Ryan Suter didn’t re-sign with Nashville, but it is agent Neil Sheehy’s plan to talk to the Predators again before Suter makes a final decision.

“There is no promise to Nashville for anything except that I will discuss the situation with (GM David Poile), ” Sheehy said by email late Saturday night.

“Ryan has spent nine years in the organization and I will give David Poile the respect that he deserves. I do not know what Ryan will decide, but I will discuss the situation with David regardless of what Ryan decides.”

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Howard wants trade, says he was ‘blackmailed’

Def Pen Radio

The headline “Dwight Howard wants trade” became a theme for the 2011-12 NBA season.

Now it’s time to revisit the topic.

ESPN.com is reporting that Howard told new Orlando Magic general manager Rob Hennigan Friday that he wanted to be traded to the Brooklyn Nets.

The Magic center reportedly sat down face to face with Hennigan for the first time in a Los Angeles meeting. Hennigan did not say if he would trade the superstar but listened to Howard’s wishes.

Hennigan, hired two weeks ago, has gotten off to a stampeding start in Orlando, firing a number of Magic executives and scouts.

The report also stated that Howard felt like he was “blackmailed” by the Magic.

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All-Star rosters: Trout in, Harper? Not yet

Daily Pitch: MLB News, Standings, Schedules & More - USATODAY.

Major League Baseball set the rosters for the 83rd All-Star Game on July 10, with a nod to established superstars and several of the game’s rising talents but not Bryce Harper.

At least not yet.

When the National League roster was revealed Sunday, it did not include Harper, the 19-year-old Washington Nationals phenom who has at times captivated fans with his nascent talent since getting called up the major leagues on April 28.

Harper, however, will be among the five players vying for the final NL roster spot via MLB’s “final vote” competition. Harper and the Atlanta Braves’ 40-year-0ld retiring star, Chipper Jones, headline that race, with NL manager Tony La Russa who rued choosing between the two earlier noting that “any one of the five would really help our club. I’d lean Chipper, but any of them would help 0ur club.”

Meanwhile, Harper’s 20-year-old American League counterpart, Mike Trout, was more fortunate.

Trout was considered a statistical lock to make the team given that he entered Sunday tied for the American League lead in batting (.336) and ranked eighth in on-base plus slugging percentage (.917). Like Harper, he made his 2012 debut on April 28, yet already leads the American League in steals (22). And the Los Angeles Angels rookie has played superlative defense in center field, making what may go down as the finest catch of the season last week in Baltimore.

All that was rewarded Sunday when Trout made the AL team via the player vote. At 20 years and 11 months, Trout will be the seventh-youngest non-pitcher ever on an AL roster. For some perspective: Ken Griffey was 20 years, 7 months when he made the AL roster in 1990 — which was his second full season.

SNUBS?  Six who should be All-Stars

The rest of the rosters went largely to form, with one late surprise: Ryan Braun falling from the NL starting lineup. Braun, the Milwaukee Brewers’ outfielder who tested positive for elevated levels of testosterone in the playoffs, only to have the result overturned by an arbitrator, was surpassed by the San Francisco Giants’ Melky Cabrera.

Braun, whose 22 home runs lead the National League, will be making his fifth consecutive All-Star game appearance.

Also voted in as an NL starter: Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto, who very well could be the league’s first-half MVP. Votto, who will appear in his third consecutive All-Star Game, leads the NL in on-base percentage (.471), slugging and, of course, OPS (.632 and 1.103) and is hitting .350.

Giants fans left a huge impact on the NL ballot, as their late surge lifted Cabrera over Braun and produced an NL record 7.6 million votes for starting catcher Buster Posey. Hardly a shocking result, given that the Giants are third in the NL in attendance and have arguably the most digital-friendly fan base, which can only help when online balloting is a key part of the equation.

But Giants fans also produced the biggest roster injustice: Pablo Sandoval, who has played in 44 games this season, will be the starting NL third baseman, relegating New York Met David Wright to backup status.

Beyond Trout and the usual suspects, there was a large swath of other first-timers getting their proper due.

Leading the way: Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg, one of three Nats to make the club along with fellow starter Gio Gonzalez and shortstop Ian Desmond. Strasburg has a staggering 122 strikeouts in 93 innings and, one would hope, his All-Star work won’t count against a season-long innings limit that could put a crimp in his overall numbers.

In his first full year as a starter, Chicago White Sox lefty Chris Sale has been dominant, with a 9-2 record, a 2.27 ERA and 94 strikeouts in 95 innings. He’s on his way to Kansas City.

Bryan LaHair, who until last season looked stuck with the “career minor leaguer” tag, is now an All-Star. The 28-year-old made his major league debut in 2008, then spent three years trying to get back before emerging in 2011 with the Chicago Cubs. And even after hitting .284 with 13 home runs, he has been humbled yet again. Mega-prospect Anthony Rizzo has arrived in Chicago, bumping LaHair from first base to the outfield in recent days.

But it is LaHair who will get a taste of baseball royalty in Kansas City.

Across town, this game’s greatest comeback story. Adam Dunn was benched last year before he could set a major league record for lowest batting average among qualifying hitters. This year: an All-Star.

Meanwhile, a whopping seven Texas Rangers made the squad, with catcher Mike Napoli, outfielder Josh Hamilton who set a record with 11 million fan votes and Adrian Beltre getting voted in. Pitchers Matt Harrison and Joe Nathan and infielders Elvis Andrus and Ian Kinsler made it via player and manager selections.

Oh, and there could be an eighth.

Rangers rookie Yu Darvish, the 25-year-old Japanese phenom, is among the AL “final vote” candidates for the final AL slot, to be determined via online balloting:

  • Yu Darvish, Rangers
  • Jonathan Broxton, Royals
  • Ernesto Frieri, Angels
  • Jason Hammel, Orioles
  • Jake Peavy, White Sox

Your NL final ballot:

  • Bryce Harper, Nationals
  • Michael Bourn, Astros
  • David Freese, Cardinals
  • Aaron Hill, D’backs
  • Chipper Jones, Braves.

A look at the rosters:

AL starters

C: Mike Napoli, Rangers

1B: Prince Fielder, Tigers

2B: Robinson Cano, Yankees

3B: Adrian Beltre, Rangers

SS: Derek Jeter, Yankees

OF: Josh Hamilton, Rangers

OF: Curtis Granderson, Yankees

OF: Jose Bautista, Blue Jays

DH: David Ortiz, Red Sox

NL starters

C: Buster Posey, Giants

1B: Joey Votto, Reds

2B: Dan Uggla, Braves

3B: Pablo Sandoval, Giants

SS: Rafael Furcal, Cardinals

OF: Matt Kemp, Dodgers

OF: Carlos Beltran, Cardinals

OF: Melky Cabrera, Giants

AL pitchers

Ryan Cook, Athletics

Matt Harrison, Rangers

Felix Hernandez, Mariners

Jim Johnson, Orioles

Joe Nathan, Rangers

Chris Perez, Indians

David Price, Rays

Fernando Rodney, Rays

CC Sabathia, Yankees

Chris Sale, White Sox

Justin Verlander, Tigers

Jered Weaver, Angels

C.J. Wilson, Angels

NL pitchers

Matt Cain, Giants

Aroldis Chapman, Reds

R.A. Dickey, Mets

Gio Gonzalez, Nationals

Cole Hamels, Phillies

Joel Hanrahan, Pirates

Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers

Craig Kimbrel, Braves

Lance Lynn, Cardinals

Wade Miley, Diamondbacks

Jonathan Papelbon, Phillies

Stephen Strasburg, Nationals

Huston Street, Padres

AL reserves

Joe Mauer, Twins

Matt Wieters, Orioles

Elvis Andrus, Rangers

Asdrubal Cabrera, Indians

Miguel Cabrera, Tigers

Ian Kinsler, Rangers

Paul Konerko, White Sox

Adam Jones, Orioles

Mike Trout, Angels

Mark Trumbo, Angels

Billy Butler, Royals

Adam Dunn, White Sox

NL reserves

Yadier Molina, Cardinals

Carlos Ruiz, Phillies

Jose Altuve, Astros

Starlin Castro, Cubs

Ian Desmond, Nationals

Bryan LaHair, Cubs

David Wright, Mets

Ryan Braun, Brewers

Jay Bruce, Reds

Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies

Andrew McCutchen, Pirates

Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins

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51-pound tumor cut from N.J. woman’s stomach

Doctors remove 51-pound tumor from Union Beach woman's stomach | NJ.

Doctors removed a 51-pound tumor from a 65-year-old New Jersey woman who went to the emergency room complaining of stomach pain and swelling of her abdomen, the Associated Press reports.

The unidentified woman, from Union Beach, arrived at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank on June 10.

Doctors needed about five hours to remove the tumor, which was compressing her vena cava, the vein that supplies blood to the heart. Segments of her intestines and other organs also had to be removed.

She is expected to be discharged next week.

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Man says TSA agent spilled grandfather’s ashes

Man says TSA spilled grandfather's ashes, laughed about it ...

An Indiana man says a TSA agent at Orlando International Airport opened a jar carrying his grandfather’s ashes and accidentally spilled about a third of them on the floor while using her finger to sift through the material, RTV6 reports.

John Gross says he is asking for an apology from TSA officials and the worker over the recent incident, the Indianapolis TV station reports.

RTV6 says Gross was carrying home the remains of his grandfather, Mario Mark Marcaletti, a Sicilian immigrant from central Indiana, in a tightly sealed jar marked “Human Remains.”

Gross says he explained to the agent what it was, but that she opened the jar and began sifting through the ashes, eventually spilling about a third of the contents onto the floor.

“She didn’t apologize,” Gross tells RTV6. “She started laughing. I was on my hands and knees picking up bone fragments. I couldn’t pick up all, everything that was lost. I mean, there was a long line behind me.”

TSA procedures, the TV station notes, call for using X-ray equipment in such cases and that under “no circumstances” are human remains to be opened.

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City workers soap up stuck raccoon

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A baby raccoon stuck head-first in a sewer grate is free thanks to the quick and slippery work of some city workers in suburban Detroit.

The Detroit Free Press reports Dearborn Heights Department of Public Works Director Bill Zimmer was in his front yard Wednesday when he noticed the critter. He called fellow Public Works employees for help. They used vegetable oil and dish soap to free the raccoon.

The critter was cleaned and released to the woods.

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House passes transportation, loan bill

WASHINGTON, June 29 (UPI) — The U.S. House Friday passed a bill to extended federal highway programs and low student-loan interest rates.

The bill, passed by a vote of 373-52, also would extend the National Flood Insurance Program for five years, The Hill reported. All 52 “no” votes were from Republicans.

The Senate is expected to pass the bill later Friday, marking the final piece of major legislation expected to pass before the November elections, The Hill said.

Rates for federally backed student loans will double from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent without legislative action, and the transportation funding would expire soon without the bill, which extends it through 2014.

“This conference agreement … means jobs, and it means that we will not have further layoffs,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Committee ranking member Nick Rahall, D-W.Va. “It means that we will continue to improve our economy, and when all is said and done, I would choose to vote for American jobs any day.”

“It is good to be at this point in the completion of a long-overdue transportation reform bill. A lot of people said it couldn’t be done,” said Rep. John Mica, R-Fla. “Tomorrow would actually close down thousands of transportation projects around the country. Transportation departments around the country were on the verge of sort of handing out IOUs or shutting down. Probably millions would have been put out of work if we hadn’t acted.”

Read more: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2012/06/29/House-passes-transportation-loan-bill/UPI-53531340995911/#ixzz1zDHKEszR

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