Apolyton Sports Bar

[Imran Siddiqui]

Yeah... why ANYONE would go to the Rangers right now simply boggles the mind!

[Tuberski]

Originally posted by Imran Siddiqui
Yeah... why ANYONE would go to the Rangers right now simply boggles the mind!

Oh, I don't know.

I've never played hockey, but they would probably pay me $1 million plus to sign with them.



ACK!

[Drake Tungsten]

Why would anyone leave the Avs?

[Tuberski]

Money, the Rangers have lots, apparently.

ACK!

[cinch]

Yeah... why ANYONE would go to the Rangers right now simply boggles the mind!

Hey, they might be able to make 9th this year!

Yeah, I don't know what de Vries is thinking. There are a bunch of teams that would love to have him, and that would pay him almost as much as what he's getting from the Rangers: Dallas, L.A., Boston, Detroit, Philly... All better choices than those unholy Rangers.

Meh. Maybe they'll surprise me and actually perform as they should for once. But with Bure thinking about retirement, and Lindros still sucking the life out of the team... probably not.

[Drake Tungsten]

I'd rather have the title, which the Avs are going to get (if they can find a goalie, that is).

[Imran Siddiqui]

Maybe they'll surprise me and actually perform as they should for once.

What, the Rangers?

[Imran Siddiqui]

Oh, some soccer news:

TIM HOWARD TO MAN U

SECAUCUS, New Jersey -- Tim Howard of the MetroStars became the first American goalkeeper for Manchester United on Monday after his rights were officially transferred to the world-renowned English Premier League club.

Although financial details were not disclosed, the MetroStars were expected to receive $2 million. Manchester United also will give MLS, which owns all of its player contracts, another $1.5 million if Howard can start for the Red Devils.

"I just feel blessed," said Howard, a two-time MLS Best XI goalkeeper. "I feel fortunate. Not many people are given this opportunity, which has been given to me. I am just so happy."

The 24-year-old Howard played his last MetroStars game on Saturday, a 3-3 tie with the New England Revolution.

"I have so many great memories from here and so many ups and downs," he said. "I have grown as a person and as a goalkeeper and am just thankful for this opportunity."

Howard is expected to get a $1.4 million salary next season. The New Jersey native made his debut with the Metros in 1998 at the age of 18. He posted a 37-36-11 record with a 1.46 goals-against average and 15 shutouts in 85 MLS games.

The 6-3 Howard, who leaves the MetroStars with the highest winning percentage of any goalkeeper in team history (50.6 percent), on Wednesday will join Manchester United for its American tour. He can make his debut with the Red Devils on July 22 against Glasgow Celtic in Seattle, Washington.

"Ideally, Timmy would have finished the season with the MetroStars and moved onto Manchester United, but the timing is out of our control and we recognize that this is a well-deserved opportunity in his career," Metros coach Bob Bradley said. "We will miss his terrific goalkeeping and his presence in our locker room. Timmy has done a great deal for the MetroStars and we all wish him only the best."

Howard's transfer is one of the few million-dollar deals made by MLS. He joins goalkeeper Brad Friedel (Liverpool, 1997), midfielder Joe-Max Moore (Everton, 1999) and striker Stern John (Nottingham Forest, 1999).

The Metros picked up a quality goalkeeper in Jonny Walker, formerly of Universidad Catolica of Chile.

Howard had helped lead the Metros to first place in the Eastern Conference with a 7-4-4 record.

[Tuberski]

NBA News:

Blazers sign first-round pick Outlaw

By ANDREW HINKELMAN, Associated Press Writer
July 14, 2003

AP - Jul 14, 7:22 pm EDT
More Photos


TUALATIN, Ore. (AP) -- High schooler Travis Outlaw signed his first NBA contract with the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday.

As the 23rd pick of the draft's first round, the 18-year-old Outlaw was eligible for a three-year deal worth $2.5 million.

``Travis is a young player with a lot of potential and a lot of character, and we think that's important as we move forward in transforming the image of the Blazers,'' team president Steve Patterson said at Portland's practice facility.

Outlaw, a 6-foot-9, 210-pound forward, was the second high school player chosen, behind No. 1 overall choice LeBron James.

He compared his game to those of Orlando's Tracy McGrady and Blazers free-agent Scottie Pippen.

``Obviously, coming out of high school, it's going to be a different transition for him,'' Blazers coach Maurice Cheeks said. ``A lot of the things he did in high school, and worked in high school, won't automatically work in the NBA. His ability to pick up things is going to be one important aspect.''

Speaking to reporters, Outlaw alternated between impressive maturity and a gee-whiz amazement at the entire spectacle.


``I know I'll get homesick, but that's part of growing up,'' he said. ``You've got to move away someday.''

Outlaw averaged 25 points, 10 rebounds and six blocked shots in leading Mississippi's Starkville High School to the Class 5A state championship game. He scored 10 points in the McDonald's High School all-star game in March.

Outlaw is expected to participate in the Blazers' three-day minicamp starting Wednesday. He also was set to join Portland's team in the Rocky Mountain Revue summer league in Salt Lake City.

The Blazers' summer league team will also feature 7-foot-3 center Nedzad Sinanovic from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Portland's second draft pick and the 54th overall selection.

Current Trail Blazers Zach Randolph, Qyntel Woods and Ruben Boumtje Boumtje are also on the squad.

The JAILblazers sign an Outlaw!!!!

Fitting......

ACK!