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SURPRISE, Ariz. - Lance Berkman is ready to take some swings in a spring training game for the Texas Rangers. Berkman, who has been bothered by a mild right calf strain, is set to make his Rangers spring debut Thursday.

DUNEDIN, Fla. - On a day where Toronto pitchers were handing out hits like Halloween candy, a stingy Justin Germano stood out. The journeyman right-hander threw two scoreless innings of relief, striking out four.

Ottawa defenceman Erik Karlsson's season ended with one vicious slash of a skate blade across his left Achilles' tendon. Karlsson hopped off the ice on one skate and went straight to the locker room, with a green light for the operating table.

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - Mike Matheny wants his offence be a little less streaky. The St.

WINNIPEG - It would be understandable if Winnipeg Jets coach Claude Noel was a bit leery about returning home.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.

TAMPA, Fla. - Count Michael Weiner among those skeptical of the New York Yankees' stated plan to reduce payroll next year.

CHICAGO - Maybe it was race driver Jeff Gordon's shout out to the fans at "Wrigley Stadium.

CHICAGO - While the streak goes on and the Chicago Blackhawks pile up points, the same words are repeated over and over. It's about improving each game, they say, and how you finish the season. Trying to win every night is another common refrain.

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Jerry Colangelo had little reaction to Mike Krzyzewski's latest comments about his future as U.S. Olympic basketball coach. Nothing changes until he hears it from Krzyzewski himself — and it isn't time for that yet.