Teixeira headed to Yankees?
Now that Jason Giambi and his monster contract are headed out of New York, somebody has got to play first base in the Bronx and word is that the Yankees are quietly hoping it will be Mark Teixeira, a two-time Gold Glover. Nobody seems to want to say it too loudly since they apparently don't want to give anymore leverage to Teixeira's agent, Scott Boras, than he already has. But this seems silly. Teixeira, like any good Boras client, will likely go to whoever gives him the most cash and the Yanks have plenty of dough to throw around unless they spend it all on pitching. (New York Post)

Burnett likely to opt out of Jays deal
A.J. Burnett has two years and $24 million left on his deal with the Blue Jays and word is that he is preparing to opt out of that deal and put himself on the open market. Word is that he wants to do the deal quickly if he opts out and that the Yankees have serious interest. His main competition, C.C. Sabathia, despite his comments that he could stay in Milwaukee, is fully expected to sign with a team in California, leaving Burnett with the rest of the country to choose from. (New York Post)

Plenty of changes coming for White Sox
Now that the White Sox are out of the playoffs, GM Kenny Williams can finally start working on the off-season plan he says he's had in his back pocket for some time. Word is that he wants his team to get a little speedier, though Orlando Cabrera is probably history in the City of Big Shoulders. Paul Konerko, who is signed to play first base till 2010 for $12 million annually and has a no-trade clause, is thought to  be a trade possibility if Williams can convince him to waive the clause. Any way you slice it, change is coming to Chitown. (Chicago Tribune)

NBA

Nash not moving aside for Dragic
The Suns are talking about newcomer Goran Dragic as the next in line behind Steve Nash and plenty of folks seemed to think Dragic would take over for Nash next season but Nash is saying he's not ready to sit down anytime soon. He's apparently planning to run the floor till at least 2012. Owner Mark Cuban is apparently making the 34-year-old Nash feel like an old man who will break down at any moment. (Arizona Republic)

Knicks are trying to get Harrington
The New York Knicks have apparently been hot on the trail of Golden State Warrior Al Harrington for some time now. And why not? The forward nearly had 14 points per game last season. But apparently Golden State is balking at any trade proposals the Knicks put before them and are saying there is nobody on the Knicks roster that they would give up Harrington for. Ouch. (New York Post)

Tinsley trade hits snag
The Pacers have to be desperate to get rid of Jamaal Tinsley, who Larry Bird promised the world wouldn’t be in an Indiana uniform ever again. So Tinsley is getting paid megadollars to not play at this point. Denver is apparently interested in taking Tinsley off the Pacers' hands but only if Indiana throws in $3 million to help pay for the point guard's next three years of contractual obligation. Seems like a small price to pay, particularly when there aren't a lot of teams clamoring for Tinsley's services. (New York Post)

NFL

Bengals' Lewis about to get canned?
Life can't be pleasant for Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis, who has "led" his team to an 0-5 record. He's under contract through 2010, but word is that there's no way he'll make it that far before getting canned. (Cincinnati Enquirer)

Gruden leaning toward Garcia?
Bucs QB Brian Griese hurt his throwing arm against the Broncos Sunday so it seems like a no-brainer to start Jeff Garcia, right? Coach Jon Gruden won't make that kind of open commitment, particularly to a quarterback that he benched after Game 1, but word is that Garcia is likely to be leading the huddles when Tampa Bay goes up against the NFC South-leading Panthers Sunday. (St. Petersburg Times)

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