Vick plea deal likely (AJC.com)

Sources tell the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Jeremy Redmon and Bill Rankin that Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick will most likely join his three co-defendants and agree this week to a plea deal with prosecutors in his federal dogfighting case.

The threat of additional charges looming should he not make a plea agreement with the Federal government are seen as possible motives for him to get an agreement in place. There’s also that little matter of the NFL.

“It is a very good chance he will plead guilty,” said one of the people who spoke on condition of anonymity. “He definitely wants to play football again. His love is for football. And he would love to play for the Falcons again. But first and foremost is to get back on the field.”

Vick’s attorneys were still consulting with him about the deal Wednesday morning, one of the people said.

There’s a light at the end of the tunnel, kids.  Trust us.

Dan Patrick’s back, and no, Colin Cowherd isn’t getting the job (The Big Lead)

In case you missed it Wednesday afternoon, The Content Factory’s Dan Patrick was manning the microphone during his old time slot on ESPN Radio (we’d say he was back on “The Dan Patrick Show”, but ESPN hasn’t called it that since the day he was unexpectedly placed on leave).

In his opening remarks, Patrick thanked the network for giving him the opportunity to “thank those who’ve supported his show” through the years — the listeners — and wanted them to know that it was important that they heard it from him. 

Patrick also mentioned on what he did during his “vacation”: he traveled to England with his family for some R&R and mused/talked about such topics of getting stuck checking out sites like Big Ben,; catching an English Premier League “friendly” between Manchester United and Chelsea with his family and spending a ton of cash after contacts at “The Teaser” wouldn’t return phone calls for ducats; and since he’s a Winston Churchill freak (one of his son’s middle names is Winston), checked out some landmarks pertaining to the former British PM.

Patrick did happen to manage to slip in what he’s doing next.
More after the jump »

The morning after Barry Bonds slams a home run in the same game as Braves manager Bobby Cox gets ejected for the first time since July 7, 1995…

D’Rays 6, Red Sox 5 — Andy Sonnanstine took a shutout into the seventh inning to end an eight-game losing streak and Al Reyes struck out Manny Ramirez with two on for the final out as the Devil Rays held off the Red Sox 6-5.

O’s 6, Yanks 3 – Mariano Rivera couldn’t hold the Yankees’ momentum after Shelley Duncan tied the game with a three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth, allowing three runs in the top of the 10th as New York dropped a series against the Orioles.

Twins 6, M’s 1 — Scott Baker allowed eight hits in 6 2-3 innings for Minnesota, striking out seven and walking two in the Twins 6-1 triumph over the Mariners.

Tigers 2, Indians  5 — Fausto Carmona allowed just one earned run and four hits in eight innings as he struck out a career-high 10 and attained his 14th win of the season.

More after the jump »

News and notes while celebrating Beckham’s first goal — and win — in MLS…

Rays sign top draft pick (FOX Sports) David Price signs a six-year deal that could max out at $11.25 million should the hurler appear in the majors for the contract’s duration.  Price was the No. 1 pick overall in this year’s draft.

Raiders’ Kiffin released (AP/SI.com) The first-year Raiders coach had been hospitalized for two days due to a viral infection.

Jets ink first rounder (AP/USA Today) The New York Jets signed first-round pick Darrelle Revis on Wednesday, ending the touted cornerback’s lengthy holdout. He was the 14th overall selection in this April’s draft.

Fielder appealing suspension (AP/Y! Sports) Prince Fielder was suspended by MLB for “inappropriate and aggressive conduct” during a confrontation with plate umpire Wally Bell on Sunday arguing balls and strikes.

Donaghy’s betting began in 2003 (USA Today) Court papers indicate that ex-NBA referee Tim Donaghy began betting on NBA games in 2003.  Released on $250,000 bond from federal court in Brooklyn, he faces up to 25 years in prison when he is sentenced Nov. 9 for conspiracy to engage in wire fraud and transmitting betting information through interstate commerce.