Yes, they were this close to closing one incredible season. But that's all forgotten, right? Mike Freeman says the Patriots are insisting on it before launching what could be another monster season.

Georgia thought it merited more national title consideration last season. Dennis Dodd says the Bulldogs will get it from the start in 2008, but with a lot of obstacles -- including highly motivated Florida -- in the way.

It's that time of the year. Movers and shakers are preparing for the July 31 trade deadline. Well, that list should include the Pirates, who might move some valuable commodities, Danny Knobler says.

With Brett Favre's retirement up in the air, it goes without saying that the Green Bay Packers might have to put off retiring the three-time MVP's jersey.

The WNBA suspended 10 Detroit and Los Angeles players and Shock assistant coach Rick Mahorn for their role in a skirmish at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman showed she still had one nifty pass left in her. The 50-year-old Lieberman had two assists, including a no-look pass in the closing minutes of the Detroit Shock's 79-61 loss to the Houston Comets on Thursday.

Tribune Co. is inviting at least three potential buyers who each submitted bids for the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field near or above $1 billion to participate in a second round of proposals, according to a person involved in the process.

The Cubs placed closer Kerry Wood on the disabled list Thursday for the 12th time in his 10-year career because of a blister on his pitching hand. Chicago is considering a list of prospects to take Wood's spot, among the candidates is former Notre Dame football star Jeff Samardzija.

Carlos Zambrano pitched seven solid innings and the Chicago Cubs snapped a 10-game losing streak to the Florida Marlins with a 6-3 victory Thursday night.

Ryan Braun had four hits for a second straight game, including a two-run homer in the ninth, and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the St. Louis Cardinals 4-3 on Thursday night.