Extra Innings: MLB blocks some carriers (BizofBaseball)

From the Biz of Baseball –

While MLB struck a deal with iN Demand, and the consortium of cable providers that fall within it, DISH and other providers, such as Cablevision, Charter Communications, Insight Communications, Mediacom Communications, and a host of other distributors have not been allowed to broadcast MLB Extra Innings until individual agreements are reached over the forthcoming The Baseball Channel slated to launch in 2009.

Imus apologizes for remarks about Rutgers players (ESPN.com News Services)

The president of the National Association of Black Journalists on Friday called for the firing of Don Imus for comments he and others on his nationally syndicated radio show made this week about Rutgers women’s basketball players.

Strong finish helps Tiger shoot 2-over-73 at Masters (AP/USA Today)

Tiger Woods didn’t have a good start in today’s second round of the Masters Friday, but he turned it on playing the back nine and finished the day with a two-over 73 in Augusta.

He currently sits at three-over for the tournament.

Corinthians fans throw soap at players during training (AP/SI.com)

Angry Corinthians fans showed their displeasure on Friday by trespassing on the team’s practice pitch with brooms, boxes and soap powder.  One fan went so far as to throw the soap powder at the players, forcing the cancellation of practice.

Brazilian soccer fans are wacky, indeed.

Datsyuk gets new deal from Wings (SI.com/AP)

The Detroit Red Wings signed Pavel Datsyuk on Friday to a seven-year contract that will keep the 28-year-old star center wearing the winged wheel for seasons to come.

News and notes while warming up leftovers…

Mayor Bloomberg not pleased with construction firm building new Yankee Stadium (Biz of Baseball) Lots of concrete in the foundation (wink, wink).

‘Schrutebag’ attack still has The Big Lead down for the count (Deadspin) A good nickname for a goofy bloke.

Kroenke buys 9.9% stake in Arsenal (Denver Post) ‘The Great American Sports Business Plan’ continues with Kroenke’s stake in Premier League club.

Former Rams and Seahawks lineman Wistrom hang them up (AOL Football) Retiring at age 30. Must be rough.

No one’s fantasy (The Hardball Times) A unique look at creating a ‘bizarro’ fantasy league.

Dr. Z’s mailbag: Was Tatum’s hit on Stingley illegal? (SI.com) SI.com writer Dr. Z takes a look back at safety Jack Tatum’s hit on the now deceased Darryl Stingley.

St. Louis Cardinals conduct some shady business with ‘bratzel’? (STL Today) You see, the Cardinals met with the pretzel owner, learned the process and allegedly ‘borrowed’ the idea for their own.

Sneaky, sneaky

Rodriguez says he’s not cheating, plays down smudge (ESPN News Services)

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim closer Francisco Rodriguez told reporters Thursday that he’s not cheating and played down the smudge on the inside of this ball cap.

More after the jump »

Carr signs deal with Carolina (ESPN.com)

Len Pasquarelli of ESPN.com reports that the Carolina Panthers have signed Houston Texas cast-off David Carr to back-up starter Jake Delhomme in 2007.

Sources: Wildcats to introduce Gillispie on Friday (ESPN)

Pat Forde of ESPN.com writes that the Kentucky Wildcats basketball program has found their man — Texas A&M coach Billy Gillispie. 

Gillispie, who signed a multi-million dollar extension last week, will be named the coach later this morning.

First college night prompts review (Philadelphia Inquirer)

The Philadelphia Phillies have a bit of an issue on their hands — rowdy college students.
More after the jump »

News and notes while rolling out of bed…

Dish Network launches regional sports networks in HD (BizofBaseball) Nice little buried nugget of info in the MLB agreement.

Brodeur passes goalie great Parent to set season mark as Devils clinch Atlantic (AP/ESPN) Goalie great Brodeur notches win 48, passing Philadelphia Flyers legend Bernie Parent.

Kentucky goes to plan ‘B’, pursuing A&M’s Gillispie (AP/SI.com) Gillispie agreed to an extension with A&M last week.

Stars of Florida Gators hoops going pro (AP/Yahoo! Sports) We’ve beaten the Donovan horse, so this should interest you instead.

BC, Michigan State advance to Frozen Four final (AP/SI) Finals are set for Saturday in St. Louie.

Mickelson struggles early as Rose shares Masters lead (AP/USA Today) Tiger lurks just four shots back.

Boston’s Lester sharp in minor league outing (AP/ESPN) The cancer survivor allows two hits in four inning debut.

Rodriguez flops in Pettitte’s return to Bronx (AP/Yahoo! Sports) Slugger misses ‘fat pitch’ in 7-6 loss to Rays.