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Friday, June 29: Orlando at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 30: Columbus at Tampa Bay, noon

American Conference

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Ex-St. Francis High graduate and two-time MLB All-Star Mark Loretta has proven to be a handy addition on offense and defense for the Houston Astros this season

Anaheim ? Less than halfway through the season, it appears the Houston Astros are thankful they made a wise investment.The Astros lost starting shortstop Adam Everett to a serious knee injury June 14 when he fractured his right fibula in a violent collision with robust outfielder Carlos Lee. Everett will likely miss the next two months.Fortunately for the Astros, they have been able to alleviate the concerns of Everett's absence by turning to a former area star to provide quality at bats and def...

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When you dream of yourself on the court, you're probably dreaming you're a small forward.

You're long and athletic like Tayshaun Prince, have a good handle like Caron Butler, and can score like Carmelo Anthony, rebound like Rashard Lewis, and leap out of the building like Andre Iguodala - yet you're tough enough to defend like Bruce Bowen.

Maybe, like LeBron James, you can do just about all of the above.

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CLEVELAND During the game Monday night, C.C. Sabathia used his left arm to earn a rare victory over the Oakland A's. After the game, the California native used his left hand to get even with all his hometown friends that have been giving him the business for his futility against the Athletics throughout his career.

"I got so many text messages. They're all A's fans talking (trash)," said Sabathia, who entered the game with just one win against Oakland and a whopping 6.60 ERA in 11 career starts, but was able to reverse the trend in a 5-2 victory over the A's. "They say, You're a good pitcher but the A's are going to beat you.' That's the type of text messages I get from my friends.

"They'll be getting some tonight."

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If they fill it up in college, they tend to fill it up in the pros. And Thursday's NBA draft, like most, is filled to bursting with shooting guards. But the way the pro game is evolving, many two guards are now asked to do more than just shoot. They have to bring the ball up against pressure, initiate offense, and guard the opposition's point guard, if need be. When you think of NBA guards, think Gilbert Arenas, think Dwyane Wade, think Joe Johnson.

Just don't think you can stop them.

Here is a look at shooting guards available in the draft. Rankings are based on conversations with pro and college coaches, NBA general managers, scouts and player personnel directors. Players are included at the position they are expected to play most - at least initially - in the NBA, not the position they played in college or abroad:

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