Newsmakers
Agreed The Detroit Tigers and outfielder Johnny Damon reached a preliminary agreement on an $8 million, one-year contract. A person familiar with the negotiations told the Associated Press on Saturday night that the contract is subject to a physical, which will be some time next week. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal hasn’t been announced. Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski confirmed Friday he had made a contract offer to Damon, but Dombrowski did not return messages seeking comment. The 36-year-old Damon hit .282 with 24 homers and 82 RBIs last season, helping the New York Yankees win the World Series. He likely will bat leadoff for the Tigers, filling the void left when Detroit dealt Curtis Granderson to the Yankees.
Arrested Miami Dolphins cornerback Will Allen was charged with driving under the influence. Allen was arrested in Miami Beach and being held at the Pretrial Detention Center in Miami on $1,000 bond. A spokesman for the Dolphins declined comment, saying the team only recently learned about the incident. According to an arrest affidavit, Allen drove up to a roadway blocked by police and told them he needed to get through. An officer reported that Allen smelled of alcohol and had bloodshot, watery eyes.
Committed Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre said he has committed himself to a fourth year with the team, ending speculation about whether or not he will return in 2011. Torre’s current contract runs through the upcoming season, but talks are under way to extend his deal one more year. After 2011, the 69-year-old with four World Series titles as a manager said he would call it quits. The first two years of his three-year, $13 million contract have been successful as the Dodgers advanced to the National League Championship Series both times.
Extended The Houston Astros extended the contract of general manager Ed Wade through the 2012 season. The team made the announcement, when pitchers and catchers reported to Houston’s spring training complex near Orlando. Wade, who was originally hired as Astros GM on Sept. 20, 2007, was given a two-year extension on his original contract, which was through the 2010 season.
Tied Philadelphia University basketball coach Herb Magee won his 902nd game to tie Bob Knight for the most victories by a men’s coach in NCAA history. The Division II Rams (22-6, 14-1 Central Atlantic) defeated Post 70-67. Magee is 902-352 in 43 years at Philadelphia and can surpass Knight (902-371) on Tuesday when the Rams play Goldey- Beacom College in Philadelphia.