sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½

FARAYA, Lebanon - When three-time Olympian Chirine Njeim hits the slopes in the United States or Europe, somebody inevitably asks the questions.

MIAMI - Brandon Phillips grimaced as he chuckled about his travel plans. He had hoped to accompany Team USA to the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic in San Francisco.

PEORIA, Ariz. - The way Jon Garland sees it, he has nothing to lose by going out and throwing as hard as his surgically repaired right shoulder will allow.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. - Todd Helton's sweet swing needs very few repetitions to regain its form.

MILWAUKEE - The Miami Heat had just watched the Super Bowl when Shane Battier delivered a speech that left quite the impression. Whatever he said that night in Toronto, the Heat sure took off from there. They haven't come down yet.

MIAMI - Once again, the United States could only watch as an opposing pitcher celebrated at the World Baseball Classic.

PHILADELPHIA - Ilya Bryzgalov made saves in all types of situations — and positions. Flat on his back, Bryzgalov held off one New Jersey push. Upright on skates, Brzy pushed aside a short-handed surge.

LONDON, Ont. - Meagan Duhamel left London three years ago with a bronze medal and a broken heart. "I didn't qualify for the Olympics," Duhamel said. "It was the lowest point in my life. Rock bottom." Friday was the top.

TORONTO - Even though the playoff lights are getting dimmer for the Raptors, head coach Dwane Casey doesn't want his team going to sleep.

PEORIA, Ariz. - Andrew Cashner started San Diego's 8-7 split-squad loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday. The Padres hope the hard-throwing right-hander will be ready to start the season in the rotation.