USA Routs China

The "Redeem Team" as they call themselves, otherwise known as USA Basketball, made a huge statement today as they defeated host China 101-70. Lebron James and Dwayne Wade led the way way offensively with eighteen and nineteen points respectively.

In with all the hype and expected record viewers it was never really that close. China came out with a lot of emotion and adrenaline feeding off the home fans, but USA weathered the first quarter storm then stepped on the gas in the second half to blow open the game. All but two players on the USA roster (Kidd, Prince) had points.

Yao Ming led the way for China with thirteen points in a losing effort.

Hopefully this win is a sign of things to come for Team USA. Lebron James, who guaranteed gold coming into the Olympics, held up his end of the bargain in game one making big plays on both ends of the floor. If Lebron and company can bring it every game as they did tonight there is no reason why this team should not head back to the States with gold.

Phelps Sets Olympic Record

It took Michael Phelps a mere one race to set his first new Olympic record at this year's 2008 Olympics in Beijing. With a time of 4:07.82 Phelps set a new Olympic record in the 400-meter individual medley. The race was just the preliminaries for Sunday's final.

This is the first of many records expected to fall to Phelps at these Olympics. There is no question as to if Phelps will win a gold medal at this year's Olympics. The question is how many? He is competing in eight events. I'll set the over-under for golds at 7.

Fins Sign Pennington

Former Jet's quarterback Chad Pennington has come to terms with the Miami Dolphins on a two year 11 millions dollar deal. Pennington was cut by the Jets on Friday following the addition of Brett Favre. The Dolphins, coming off a all time franchise worst 1-15 season last year, can use all the help they can get. Pennington will now join a four man competition with Josh McCown, John Beck, and rookie Chad Henne for the starting job in Miami.

This move comes as no big surprise to those who know Bill Parcells as he has always had a liking for Pennington. He was a member of the Jet's front office when they drafted Pennington in the first round of the 2000 draft.

In an interesting twist, the Dolphins and Jets play each other in both team's first post season game this season. We will have to see how Pennington fares against his former team.

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Westbrook, An Eagle For Life

52 pages is what it took to get the deal done, but Brian Westbrook is now a member of the Philadelphia Eagles for what he says will be the remainder of his career. The new contract inks Westbrook with the Eagles through the 2013 season. The important piece of the contract, by NFL standards, is the $13 million in guaranteed money that Westbrook will receive over the next two years.

This is a good move for the Eagles, inking a player who is considered by most to be one of the top running backs in the game. The 29 year old Westbrook led the NFL with 2104 all purpose yards from scrimmage last season.

Giles Says "No" To Boston

The 48 hour window for the the Boston Red Sox and San Diego Padres to complete a trade for Brian Giles has past with Giles remaining a Padre. Giles had a limited no trade clause in his contract with the Red Sox being one of the teams he had to give his consent to going to. While no side will say publicly that Giles nixed a potential deal to Boston, speculation around the league is that that was just what happened.

It was a surprise to me from the start that the Red Sox even claimed Giles off waivers. With Jason Bay, Jacoby Ellsbury, JD Drew, and Coco Crisp already on the roster there was no room for another outfielder. I have a feeling that this move was done more to block other teams than to add a player. Rumor has it that the Rays had interest in Giles.

Eyre To Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies have acquired left handed reliever Scott Eyre from the Chicago Cubs for minor league pitcher Brian Schlitter. Eyre, who was put on waivers by the Cubs earlier this week to make room for Kerry Wood's return from the DL, was claimed by the Phillies who then had 48 hours to complete a trade for him.

The Phillies have added a good piece to their bullpen for the division stretch. They Phillies are in a fight for the top spot in the NL East with the New York Mets and Florida Marlins. The Marlins defeated the first place Phillies to move to within a game and a half of the NL East lead on Thursday.

News From The Waver Wire

The Tampa Bay Rays have claimed Chad Bradford off the waver wires from the Baltimore Orioles. In 47 appearances, the 33 year old right hander is 3-3 with a 2.34 ERA. The Rays will send a player to be named later to the O's.

The Boston Red Sox have placed a waiver claim on Padres right fielder Brian Giles, and are reportedly working on a deal that will send the 14 year vet to Fenway. The 37 year old Giles has a .296 average and 61 walks to go along with 44 k's. He also sports a .391 OBP. The only snag seems to be Giles' limited no-trade clause, Boston being one team to which he can't be traded without his approval.

Other names to keep an eye on are Paul Byrd and Greg Maddux, both of whom cleared wavers and could be on the move.

Pennington Out In New York

"Chad Pennington has played his last game with the New York Jets."

Those are the words of Jets GM Mike Tannenbaun in an early morning conference call Thursday. The addition of Brett Favre and his $12 million dollar contract have made little room for Pennington on a roster that also includes former 2nd round draft pick Kellen Clemens. It is believed that the Jets will either trade for release Pennington within the next 48 hours.

One possible destination for Pennington is Minnesota, the team Favre originally wanted to play for. Another possibility could be the Chicago Bears who announced Wednesday that it would be Kyle Orton starting their first pre-season game, not Rex Grossman, who they had said going into camp would be the starter.

USA Gets First W In Beijing

Stuart Holden's goal in the 47th minute gave team USA men's soccer a 1-0 victory over Japan in the first game of the group B men's division Thursday. So far so good for Team USA who will take on Netherlands on Sunday.

On the lady's side, Team USA suffered a 2-0 loss on Wednesday to Norway. Team USA next plays against Japan on Saturday.