The News
According to Bill Ladson of MLB.com, the Nationals are a finalist for Chien-Ming Wang.

Our View
This would gibe with Washington's other aggressive moves this offseason. If they are willing to give Wang more money than anyone else, they just might land him. Stay tuned.

The News
Chien-Ming Wang is reportedly mulling over offers from two clubs, and could sign sometime in the next week, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.

Our View
All we really know is that those two teams are not the Mets or Dodgers, who, despite both being interested in Wang, are "lagging behind." Wang will most likely have to begin the season on the disabled list.

The News
According to FOXsports.com, the Orioles have shown interest in free agent left-hander Jarrod Washburn.

Our View
Washburn was considering retirement, but would likely bypass that if he got a decent offer from the O's. They missed out on Erik Bedard and are still looking for a plug for the hole in their rotation, but Washburn's price would have to come down substantially for this to play out. He could be a disaster in the AL East though, so the O's are better off looking for other, more affordable options.

The News
The Mets have claimed Jason Pridie off waivers from the Twins, according to USA Today.

Our View
Pridie logged a measly four at-bats the past two years with Minnesota and will look to crack the Mets' roster as a reserve.

The News
Scott Schoeneweis has signed a minor league deal with the Brewers, according to the USA Today.

Our View
Schoeneweis has seen mixed success throughout his 11-year career as both a starter and reliever. He was pretty awful last year for Arizona, posting a 7.15 ERA and 1.75 WHIP in 45 appearances, though it should be noted that he was dealing with the tragic death of his wife. Hopefully things will work out better for him in Milwaukee.

The News
Willy Taveras has been released by Oakland, according to MLB.com.

Our View
The A's traded for Taveras last week, but it turned out that he was only included in their deal with the Reds as a salary dump that had to be included for the Reds to be willing to give up Adam Rosales. Taveras still has elite speed and should find interest somewhere.

The News
Baltimore has officially announced it's one-year contract with Mark Hendrickson, according to the Baltimore Sun.

Our View
The deal includes a 2011 club option. Hendrickson is the only major league pitcher to make at least 10 starts and five relief appearances in each of the last four seasons, though there's not really any value in that statement. There's no need to give him any fantasy attention.

The News
The Royals have re-signed Victor Marte to a minor league deal, according to the Kansas City Star.

Our View
Marte pitched well in the minors last year but allowed 11 runs in 12 innings with the Royals.

The News
When Mike Pelfrey arrives at the Mets' camp next week, he'll be around 25 pounds lighter than the weight he finished last season at, according to the New York Post.

Our View
Starting off the year's training in shape is certainly a good start for Pelfrey, but he still has a lot more to prove before fantasy owners start to take interest. After a decent season in 2008 (13-11, 3.76 ERA, 1.36 WHIP), Pelfrey was pretty bad last year (10-12, 5.03 ERA, 1.51 WHIP).

The News
Scot Shields, who has been recovering from June knee surgery, is not expected to be ready to throw off a mound at the start of spring training, according to ESPN.

Our View
Shields is not sure how quickly he will be ready to throw off a mound, and is taking things slow. He has confidence he will be ready to go by opening day though. Shields is among the Angels' most valuable relievers when healthy.

The News
Skip Schumaker has agreed to a two-year deal with the Cardinals to avoid arbitration, according to team beat writer Matthew Leach's twitter page. It is believed to be worth $4.7MM.

Our View
Schumaker is batting .307 over his last three seasons in St. Louis, and scored 172 total runs over his last two. The 29-year-old middle infielder was worth retaining for another two years.

The News
Skipper Manny Acta believes that Michael Brantley is the top candidate for the starting gig in left field, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Our View
Brantley hit .313 over 112 at-bats with the Indians in 2009, and his fantasy stock looks to be on the rise for the upcoming campaign. Trevor Crowe and Austin Kearns will be the other outfielders competing for the No. 1 role in left.

The News
Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com states that the Indians are not interested in Felipe Lopez.

Our View
The Indians missed out on Orlando Hudson to the rival Twins, but apparently don't see Lopez as a worthy addition to help shore up their middle infield.

The News
According to Pro Football Talk, Donte Stallworth is expected to work out for the Lions on Wednesday.

Our View
We don't have to tell you about the personal drama swirling around Stallworth, but it appears the Lions are desperate enough for a receiver to give him a look anyway. In 2008 with the Browns he had just 17 catches for 170 yards and a score in 11 games. It's not likely he has much left in the tank.

The News
Due to a lack of evidence, Steven Jackson will not face charges for allegedly beating the mother of his child, Supriya Harris, last March, according to TMZ.

Our View
While this does not necessarily mean he is innocent, it is still good news for Jackson and his fans. This, coupled with the fact that Ms. Harris took over 10 months to come forward with her allegations, should leave his reputation relatively unharmed.

The News
Due $2.95 million in 2010, Nathan Vasher will most likely be released, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Our View
He finished up 2009 as barely a part-time contributor, and just isn't worth the money anymore. Perhaps a change of scenery will do him well, but for the moment, he won't be worth a look in IDP leagues next season.

The News
Donte Stallworth's agent Drew Rosenhaus said that a number of teams have shown interest in his client and that Stallworth will work out for an undisclosed NFL team tomorrow, according to the Boston Globe.

Our View
Rosenhaus said he expects Stallworth to sign with someone over the next few weeks. While we've learned to take anything Rosenhaus says with a grain of salt, Stallworth is just 28 and apparently still in fine shape after being out of the league last season due to a suspension stemming from a DUI manslaughter conviction. It wouldn't be surprising to see a team in need of a deep threat give Stallworth a second chance.

The News
Brandon London has signed a futures contract with the Steelers, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Our View
Pittsburgh signed punter Adam Graessle as well. Both will compete for roster spots heading into next season.

The News
New Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz indicated that he plans to reduce Devin Hester role on offense slightly so that Hester can focus more on special teams, according to Pro Football Talk. "It would be very difficult for [Hester] to play every snap on offense and still play effectively on special teams," Martz said.

Our View
Martz said that he envisions playing Hester in the slot, the same spot that he used Az-Zahir Hakim in back in his heyday with the Rams. It's worth nothing that Hakim never caught more than 53 balls or reached 750 receiving yards, needless to say that Hester's fantasy value seems to have taken a hit.

The News
The Giants have claimed Herb Taylor off waivers from the Broncos, according to Brad Biggs of the National Football Post.

Our View
Taylor has appeared in 18 games (made one start) over three years in the NFL. He will compete for a roster spot with the Giants in training camp.

The News
Kenny Phillips is ahead of schedule in his rehab from knee surgery, according to the Star-Ledger.

Our View
Phillips was looking forward to a great 2009 campaign for himself and the Giants prior to going down early in the year. He could be a nice value pick in IDP leagues for 2010, if he can make a successful recovery.

The News
Reggie Hayward expects to keep playing after suffering a season-ending fractured shin in 2009, according to the Jaguars' official website.

Our View
The 30-year-old vet may be done in Jacksonville though, namely as he has a poor track record with durability.

The News
The Broncos have signed Bruce Hall, according to Aaron Wilson's (Ravens Insider) twitter page.

Our View
Hall did not see any action during his two-year stint with Buffalo, and the running back is not likely going to push for a roster spot with Denver.

The News
John Bowie has signed a deal with the Browns, according to agent Andy Simms' twitter page.

Our View
The former member of the Raiders is excited about getting a fresh start in Cleveland, but he is not expected to register a blip on the IDP radar for 2010.

The News
The Dolphins would reportedly consider retaining Gibril Wilson if he takes a deep pay cut, according to the Miami Herald.

Our View
The star safety is believed to be on the trading block, after being one of the Dolphins' top free agent signings of 2009. He refused to take a pay cut during his stay in Oakland.

The News
Earl Bennett was very pleased with new offensive coordinator Mike Martz after their meeting today, according to the Bears' official website. Bennett said, "He made a great impression. He is a mastermind offensive coach who is going to spread the ball around and wants to take us to that next level. I am ready to work hard for him."

Our View
Bennett hauled in 54 catches for 717 yards and two scores with the erratic Bears in 2009, and could potentially be headed for a breakout 2010 campaign, which will mark his third in the NFL. He will be on our radar when hunting for sleepers.

The News
Devin Harris (shoulder) will not play on Tuesday night against the Cavaliers, according to the Cleveland Plain-Dealer.

Our View
In related news, the Nets have no chance on Tuesday night against the Cavs. Harris is day-to-day.

The News
Monta Ellis has been diagnosed with a left knee sprain, and is questionable for Wednesday against the Clippers, according to Yahoo! Sports.

Our View
He will reportedly be re-evaluated on Wednesday. In daily leagues, be prepared not to have him tomorrow.

The News
Allen Iverson will miss two more games while tending to his sick daughter, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer's Kate Fagan.

Our View
Iverson has already missed three games due to the personal matter, and it looks like he won't be back with the 76ers until after the All-Star break. No word yet as to whether or not he'll be available for the All-Star game.

The News
Nicolas Batum will be moved into Portland's starting lineup, according to the Oregonian.

Our View
He'll start at small forward, bumping Martell Webster down to the two and Jarryd Bayless to the second unit. The move will upgrade the Blazers on defense, though Batum will find it hard to garner much fantasy value, especially with Brandon Roy coming back shortly.

The News
Chauncey Billups, who is recovering from two sprained ankles, is expected to play against Dallas tonight, according to the Denver Post.

Our View
Billups may not possess his usual burst tonight, but he can still be a fine source of assists and three-pointers. It'd probably be best to have him active in your lineup.

The News
Despite looking good in practice yesterday, Delonte West (finger) will not play when the Cavs take on New Jersey tonight, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Our View
With Daniel Gibson playing well, it's looking like Cleveland will play it safe with West and have him rest up through the All-Star break. Look for him to be back after that, though he'll have only a few weeks to start until Mo Williams returns.

The News
Raymond Felton (ankle) expects to play tonight, though coach Larry Brown says he'll be a game-time decision, according to the Charlotte Observer.

Our View
Felton is one of the tougher players of the league, and thus it'd come as a surprise if he wasn't on the court tonight. Check back in before game-time, but it seems relatively safe to keep him active in your lineup.

The News
Tyrus Thomas' days with the Bulls seem very much numbered, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Our View
The Bulls will do everything they can to trade him before the Feb. 18 trade deadline, and even if they're unable to find a suitor, you can expect them to let him walk after this season when he's due to become a restricted free agent. Thomas' ability to block shots does cater well to fantasy, and thus he could end up getting a boost in value if he lands on a team where he is not in the coach's doghouse and can get more minutes.

The News
The Warriors have opted not to sign Coby Karl to a second 10-day contract, according to the Contra Costa Times.

Our View
George Karl's son had been getting some decent minutes, and even a start, in his brief stint with the Warriors, but it looks like it's back to the D-League for him. He averaged seven points, four rebounds and 3.8 assists over his four games with Golden State.

The News
Kobe Bryant said that he cannot push off his sprained left ankle, which has limited his ability to run and shoot, according to the Orange County Register.

Our View
Look for him to be a game-time decision yet again when the Lakers face Utah on Wednesday. Check back in tomorrow, as you can bet there will be plenty of coverage on Kobe given his status as one of the league's most talked-about superstars.

The News
Dallas owner Mark Cuban made it clear that Rodrigue Beaubois is not available in a trade, according to ESPN. Cuban said, "There is maybe one or two guys in the league that I would trade him for. That is it. Other than that, he is pretty much untouchable."

Our View
The young point guard has good upside, and could be the eventual replacement for Jason Kidd.

The News
David West fared well in Monday's 123-117 loss at Orlando, as he racked up 27 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Our View
West left a bit to be desired in the rebounding department, but he scored above his season average over 17.9 points per game. He was coming off a 21-point effort at Charlotte.

The News
Vince Carter carried the Magic with 48 points in Monday's 123-117 home win over the Hornets, to go along with seven rebounds and two assists.

Our View
Carter set a new personal single-game high in points for 2009-10, and was averaging 19.3 points over his previous three contests. He should be penciled into fantasy lineups for Orlando's next game.

The News
According to TSN.com, Devils defenseman Ansi Salmela will miss Wednesday's contest with a concussion and broken nose.

Our View
Salmela left Monday's game on a stretcher after getting leveled by the Flyers Jeff Carter. He doesn't have any super-serious injuries and appeared to be fine leaving Monday's game, but don't be surprised if he misses a little more time this week while his bruises heal and his head clears up.

The News
The Predators have called up Nolan Yonkman from the AHL, according to the Nashville Tennessean.

Our View
Dan Hamhuis could be gone tonight to be with his wife while they await the birth of a child, and thus Yonkman will be on call to replace him.

The News
Ryan Getzlaf, who left the Ducks' game early last night after spraining his ankle, is hoping to return by this weekend, according to the Orange County Register.

Our View
Don't expect Getzlaf on the ice tomorrow against Edmonton, though the Ducks have games on Saturday and Sunday, so hopefully he'll be back for at least one of those. Getzlaf has scored at least one point in his past five games, so be ready to get him right back into your lineup whenever it's determined he'll play.

The News
Rob Davison has been recalled from the AHL, according to the Newark Star-Ledger.

Our View
He'll fill in for Anssi Salmela, who's recovering from a concussion. There's no need for fantasy owners to bother with Davison.

The News
Benoit Pouliot should be out the next month with an upper-body injury, according to the Montreal Gazette.

Our View
Luckily for Pouliot, the Olympic break is fast approaching, and he won't miss as many NHL games as a result. Keep him reserved for now.

The News
The Capitals have recalled Semyon Varlamov (knee) from his conditioning stint in the AHL, according to the Washington Post.

Our View
There's no word yet on whether Varlamov will get the call for tomorrow's game at Montreal, though it seems like a good bet that he'll get at least one start over Washington's three remaining games before the Olympic break. Varlamov, who's been out since Dec. 7, was a fantastic 12-1-2 prior to getting hurt while posting a 2.21 GAA and .924 save percentage and should regain his starting role over Jose Theodore and Michal Neuvirth before long.

The News
The Maple Leafs have called up Nazem Kadri, according to the Toronto Star.

Our View
A number of the Leafs are dealing with illnesses at the moment, and Kadri will provide depth while they recover. Kadri remains a fine prospect, though it's still unlikely he does much this year.

The News
Tuomo Ruutu (upper body) will be back in action for the Hurricanes when they take on Panthers, according to the Raleigh News and Observer.

Our View
Ruutu has missed Carolina's past 15 games, ever since he got hurt fighting Colorado's Darcy Tucker on January 8. With 25 points and 38 PIMs in 39 games this season, it's probably worth getting him back into your lineup.

The News
Pavol Demitra will not be available for Vancouver on Tuesday as he tends to a personal matter, according to the Vancouver Sun.

Our View
At this point, it's unknown whether he'll be back for any of the other three remaining games on the Canucks' schedule prior to the Olympic break. Look for Steve Bernier to fill his spot in the lineup.

The News
Anze Kopitar slipped a goal past netminder Jonas Hiller in Monday's 4-2 loss at Anaheim.

Our View
Kopitar sniped his 27th goal, tying his season total of 2008-09. He has 62 points over 59 games overall.

The News
Corey Perry carried the Ducks with a goal and two assists in Monday's 4-2 win over the Kings at the Honda Center.

Our View
Perry has scored in four straight games, with two goals and four assists over the span. The star winger will try to keep his streak alive Wednesday against Edmonton.

The News
Dustin Penner scored the Oilers' lone goal in tonight's 6-1 loss at Phoenix.

Our View
Penner snapped a five-game drought without lighting the lamp, and now has 23 goals and 46 points over 58 battles for the season.

The News
Matthew Lombardi was dazzling in Monday's 6-1 win over the Oilers at Jobing.com Arena, as he notched two goals and three assists.

Our View
Lombardi ended a five-game skid without scoring any points, and did so with a vengeance. The 27-year-old center now has 12 goals and 40 points over 56 games.

The News
Despite having all four cars in the Budweiser Shootout, Hendrick Motorsports failed to have a single driver finish in the top five, according to Yahoo! Sports.

Our View
Jeff Gordon was the only HMS driver that cracked the top 10, finishing sixth. Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the Shootout in 2008, but HMS hasn't won a regular season event at Daytona since Jimmie Johnson won the 500 in 2006. The organization will look to get back to victory lane at the famed 2.5-mile track this weekend with Mark Martin and Dale Earnhardt Jr. already earning front row starting spots.

The News
According to The Associated Press, Dale Earnhardt, Jr is still seeking associate sponsors for his Nationwide Series teams.

Our View
JR Motorsports isn't in financial trouble by any means, but the fact that sponsorship opportunities are still available with the sport's most popular driver says something about the economic state of NASCAR. Many teams are forced to use multiple sponsors instead of one primary sponsor.

The News
After a disappointing 2009 season, David Ragan will look to start the 2010 season off on the right foot with a strong showing in the Daytona 500, according to SceneDaily.com.

Our View
Running well at Daytona has never been a problem for Ragan. His sixth-place finish in the 500 last year was his best run all season, and his 13.8 finishing average at the track is the third best among active drivers. Ragan is a solid fantasy option in the opener, but owners need to take a wait and see approach with Ragan during the next few weeks.

The News
Unlike other races, teams may change engines prior to Happy Hour practice for the Daytona 500 and not forfeit their starting position, according to Jayski.com.

Our View
NASCAR allows teams to change engines without penalty because of the added track time during Speedweeks. Teams face four practice sessions as well the Gatorade Duel 150s prior to Happy Hour.

The News
After locking himself into the Daytona 500 field during qualifying, Joe Nemechek hopes to secure enough sponsorship to run a full season in 2010, according to SceneDaily.com.

Our View
"We've got a lot of folks out there that are working on all our marketing programs and trying to find us some partners to find us some funds to let us race more and more," Nemechek said. "This is a big step towards that."

The News
Tommy Baldwin Racing signed a deal with Wave Energy Drinks that will allow Mike Bliss to run 14 in 2010, according to NASCAR.com.

Our View
Baldwin already had Bliss sponsored for 10 races, meaning Bliss has the opportunity to attempt at least 24 complete races this season. TBR is slowing growing, and a year after being a start-and-park operation, the team is approaching full-time status. It is now up to Bliss to put the No. 36 in the top 35 in points.

The News
Danica Patrick will make her Nationwide Series debut in the season opener at Daytona, according to MRN.com.

Our View
She finished sixth in her ARCA debut last weekend, and that was apparently enough to convince Patrick and JR Motorsports that she is ready for Nationwide competition. The Daytona 500 may be the main event of Speedweeks, but Patrick's Nationwide debut is going to draw just as much hype.

The News
According to Yahoo! Sports, Bill Elliott and three other drivers secured spots in the Daytona 500 after Saturday's qualifying session.

Our View
Elliott was the fastest qualifer not in the top 35 in owner points followed by Scott Speed and Joe Nemechek. All three are guaranteed spots in the field, along with Bobby Labonte who has the Past Champion's provisional to fall back on. This leaves four transfer spots up for grabs in Thursday's Gatorade Duel 150s.

The News
According to NASCAR.com, Danica Patrick finished sixth in her ARCA debut.

Our View
Patrick rallied from a spin midway through the event and at times ran in the top five. All in all, it was a solid debut. JR Motorsports has yet to announce whether Patrick will compete in the Nationwide opener at Daytona next weekend.

The News
According to NASCAR.com, Ryan Newman will no longer have his father serve as his spotter.

Our View
Mixing business and family can lead to some difficult decisions, but the decision to part ways was said to be mutual. Newman wanted his father's support more than his spotting advice this season. Jimmy Kitchens will replace Greg Newman as spotter for Newman's No. 39 team this year.

The News
Danica Patrick briefly claimed the top spot for her ARCA series debut, but settled for a 12th-place qualifying effort, according to MRN.com.

Our View
It was her first stock car qualifying session, and on a very windy day at Daytona, Patrick held her own. James Buescher captured the pole for the event.

The News
As he attempts to recover from a bout with the flu, Kevin Harvick skipped Thursday's selection show that determines the starting lineup for the Budweiser Shootout, according to MRN.com.

Our View
Harvick's crew chief Gil Martin filled in and drew the second starting spot for his driver. Harvick is the defending champion of the event, winning last year's race from the 27th starting spot. He expects to race Saturday night.

The News
According to SceneDaily.com, Derrike Cope will drive the No. 75 Dodge in Saturday's Budweiser Shootout at Daytona.

Our View
Cope's name wasn't on the initial entry list, but he is eligible to compete in the event thanks to his victory in the Daytona 500. The addition of Cope sets up a 24-car field for the event.

The News
He needed a bit of conservative play and perseverance but give Steve Stricker credit for finding those traits and more in earning the win at the Riviera today, carding a final round of 70 (-1) to take the Northern Trust Open, according to the Associated Press.

Our View
Several golfers gave chase with better rounds on the final day, including Luke Donald, J.B. Holmes, and Dustin Johnson, but Stricker held tight and posted back-to-back birdies after the turn to pull away and secure the win. He finished at 268 (-16) on the week to beat Donald by two strokes, earning $1.152 million to push his career earnings over $25 million. Johnson and Holmes tied for third, three strokes back.

The News
Miguel Angel Jimenez defeated Lee Westwood on the third hole of a sudden death playoff Sunday to win the Dubai Desert Classic, according to the Associated Press. Westwood missed a 5-foot par putt on the third playoff hole to leave Jimenez with a 4-footer for the win, which he calmly sank for the 16th victory of his career. "After so many years of coming to Dubai and playing well, I am proud to have finally won this title," the Spaniard said. "I have always loved the course, the ambiance and the people here."

Our View
Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand and Alvaro Quiros or Spain were also tied for the overnight lead but faded in the final round. Thongchai shot a 73 to finish third, while Quiros ended up in a tie for sixth after a 75 as strong crosswinds and faster greens led to higher scores than in previous rounds at the Emirates Golf Club. Golf icon Tom Watson continued to impress, shooting 68 - his best score of the week - to find a share of eighth place in his first visit to Dubai.

The News
The powers caught the man on the rise as solidified golf greats Lee Westwood and Miguel Angel Jimenez carded rounds of 68 on Saturday to match overnight leader Thongchai Jaidee for a share of the lead in third-round play at the Dubai Desert Classic, according to the Associated Press.

Our View
Jaidee registered with a 69 of his own to keep pace with the crew, also joined by Alvaro Quiros who went low at 67 to match the trio at 205 strokes (-11) over three days of golf. Rory McIlroy is two shots back after shooting 69 and Tom Watson is hanging around with a 71 on Saturday, nine strokes off the lead. Westwood won at the Dubai World Championship back in November and seems likely to emerge once again on Sunday. Tune into The Golf Channel for the telecast.

The News
First-round leader Dustin Johnson needed a hole-in-one to keep the pace at the Northern Trust Open today as Steve Stricker made a serious charge, carding a round of 65 (-6) on the day, according to the Associated Press.

Our View
Stricker's number is much more impressive when you consider the conditions he played in, facing rain and wind. The two top men are three strokes ahead of Andres Romero while Phil Mickelson careded ar ound of 66 to move to four strokes under par.

The News
Dustin Johnson continues to impress as one of the top rising stars on the Tour, today posting an opening round of 64 (-7) to seize a one-stroke lead over Andres Romero and Kevin Stadler at the Northern Trust Open, according to the Associated Press.

Our View
Johnson was on fire with the putter today including an amazing 65-foot putt on the back nine (posting three birdies over four holes between #11 and #14). Romero closed with four consecutive birdies to post his 65 while Stadler posted a 30 on the back nine to keep pace. Brandt Snedeker and Ricky Barnes are one-stroke back of that group, both posting 66. Steve Stricker is in the hunt as well, posting 67, while Ernie Els and David Duval (yes, that David Duval) carded rounds of 68.

The News
It would appear the drama did little to damage Tiger Woods's personal value as Forbes announced today that Tiger ranks at the top of their new list of the world's top sports brands (in the athlete category), according to Alan Bastable with Golf.com. "Even though Woods isn't likely to see a repeat of the $105 million he earned from sponsors last year anytime soon, his remaining deals, including those with Nike, Electronic Arts and Procter & Gamble's Gillette, will still earn enough to keep him the world's highest-paid athlete in 2010, even if he does not hit a single golf ball all year. Woods' 2009 endorsement total, on which this list is based, was more than the next three highest-earning athlete spokesmen combined."

Our View
Bastable also noted Phil Mickelson, the only other golfer in the top 10 (tied for seventh with tennis star Maria Sharapova).

The News
Corey Pavin, the veteran duffer tasked with serving as captain for this year's US Ryder Cup team, announced his choices for the four assistant roles on the team, according to the Associated Press. The list includes two players that have never served the US team in play against Europe, those being Jeff Sluman and Paul Goydos. They will join Tom Lehman and Davis Love III to round out the coaching staff for this year's tourney.

Our View
Fans may be a bit surprised by the choice of Goydos and Sluman but both are widely respected by players from the Tour and fans alike. They are widely experienced and still manage to swing with the big boys on Tour from time to time, thus their additions could be as beneficial as any other choice available. Fantasy owners may be a bit surprise do see DL3 as a captain. While he has not been as successful over recent season, Love III enjoyed a fantastic 2009 campaign and could have been considered as alternate on the player roster. The Ryder Cup will be Oct. 1-3 in Wales. The United States is the defending champion after beating Europe at Valhalla in 2008.

The News
With the continued drama surrounding the rules of golf, the shape of club face grooves, and the loophole allowing golfers to use older Ping Eye2 wedges with non-conforming grooves prompted John Solheim, Ping's chairman and CEO, to issue a statement today, according to David Dusek with Golf.com. It is a lengthy statement and we ask that you follow the provided link to read it all.

Our View
The Cliff Notes version: Ping wants to insure fans they are not hoping to help professional golfers bend the rules, they believe the recent characterizations describing their wedges with "U" shaped grooves as "non-conforming" is untrue and unwarranted, and that while they want golfers to utilize these clubs, Ping is going to seek opportunities to work with the PGA Tour to find a solution for the current situation. More over, Solheim wanted to remind golfers that recent rumor of course or event-specific rules designed to ban the Ping Eye2 would be against the PGA Tour's agreement to avoid utilizing rules that "differed from a USGA rule."

The News
Rory McIlroy took time out of practice for this week's defense of his Desert Classic title to talk to reporters, suggesting the PGA Tour as well as the Royal & Ancient (the governing bodies of professional golf) should be doing more to curb the advances of technology rather than asking golfers to conform to equipment policies, according to the Associated Press. "I don't see why they don't firm greens up and get the rough longer to bring down scores," McIlroy exclaimed. "They can make golf courses a lot toughter and turn 20-under winning scores into 12 under. I think they are trying to bring the whole professional game and the amateur game closer together. When I turn on TV and I am watching a tournament, I don't like to see guys struggling for pars all the time. I think people like to see birdies as well."

Our View
The controversy surround club grooves and the Ping Eye2 wedge has caused many in the game to voice opinion and McIlroy seems ready to serve as the voice of the fan. We do enjoy seeing good golf with low scores, but he also feels the chase to limit the technology in the game isn't enough to keep scores reasonable. This is a debate that has raged for several weeks now and it appears there is no end in sight.

The News
He was lurking all week long and today Robert Karlsson caught the pack and emerged victorious at the Qatar Masters, closing with a round of 65 (-7) to finish at 15 strokes under par (273) for the tourney, according to the Associated Press.

Our View
Karlsson saved his best round of the week for the final day, sinking seven birdies at Doha Golf Club to take his 10th European Tour victory. Alvaro Quiros, the defending champ, also surged on Sunday to finish second. Lee Westwood pushed to tie for 1st place but lost that spot over the final three holes, falling into a tie for third place with Bret Rumford.

The News
The PGA Tour responded to recent criticism and question surrounding the ever-growing groove debate that has allowed Phil Mickelson, John Daly, and others to utilize wedges normally outlawed by Tour guidelines, according to Golf.com. The statement reads, "Under the Rules of Golf and the 2010 Condition of Competition for Groove Specifications promulgated by the USGA, pre-1990 Ping Eye 2 irons are permitted for play and any player who uses them in PGA Tour sanctioned events taking place in jurisdictions of the USGA is not in violation of the Rules of Golf."

Our View
The wedges in question would be the Ping Eye 2, originally produced before the 1990 season. Those irons are constructed with square grooves and will allow golfers better control on approach shots to hard greens. The loophole allowing those older non-conforming clubs allowed the debate to grow when Mickelson brought them to the Farmers Insurance Open this week, leading fellow PGA Tour member Scott McCarron to call him a "cheater." In response to McCarron's statements, the Tour added, "Because the use of pre-1990 Ping Eye 2 irons is permitted for play," the statement says, "public comments or criticisms characterizing their use as a violation of the Rules of Golf as promulgated by the USGA are inappropriate at best."

The News
The powers of the international golf scene continue to battle in Doha as Paul Casey pulled into the top spot today at the Qatar Masters, carding a round of 66 (-6) to force a tie for 1st place with Bradley Dredge, according to the Associated Press.

Our View
Casey has been fighting rib muscle injuries for most of the last two years and has told reporters he still feels discomfort as a result. This is his fourth start of the season on the Euro Tour, having missed the cut at each. Today he carded seven birdies and is on top of his game. Lee Westwood trails by just one stroke while Brett Rumford (the leader coming into the day) and Robert Karlsson are sharing fourth place heading into the final day.

The News
Following his second missed cut in as many PGA starts this season, John Daly told reporters at the Farmers Insurance Open that he is done with golf, according to the Associated Press. "I'm done... I can't compete... Just can't play like I used to."

Our View
Daly carded a round of 71 at Torrey Pines and missed the cut line by nine strokes. This is the second time in six months that Daly as supposedly retired (having threatened to quit after carding a round of 88 at the Buick Open last season). He is scheduled to play in two weeks at Pebble Beach and has been granted a sponsor's exemption to the Transitions Championship in March. Both tourney were contacted and neither reports Daly has filed for early withdrawal.