Angels give RHP Shields $14.6M extension (AP)

Los Angeles Angels reliever Scot Shields agreed Thursday to a $14.6 million, three-year contract extension through 2010.  Shields, the Angels’ setup man, had agreed last month to a $3.4 million, one-year contract. The new deal adds salaries of $4.25 million in 2008, $5 million in 2009 and $5.35 million in 2010.

Report: A&M, Gillespie reach verbal agreement (ESPN News Services)

According to several media reports in Texas,  Texas A&M and head coach Billy Gillespie have reached a verbal agreement that should make him the highest paid coach in the Big 12 and keep him at the school.

Blazers promote Pritchard to GM (SI.com)

The Portland Trail Blazers signed Kevin Pritchard on Thursday to a five-year contract as their new general manager, says Ian Thomsen of SI.com

Dad protects son on message board, then is subsequently banned from said message board (The Big Lead)

Here’s a short explanation from the folks at The Big Lead –

Don’t know Ben Hendrickson of the Milwaukee Brewers? Don’t be ashamed - we’ve never heard of the kid, either. He was on the Brewers until this week, when he was dealt to the Kansas City Royals.

Here’s why you should care - his dad knows his way around the internet. Specifically, Milwaukee Brewers message boards.

Hit the link up top for more comedy because it only gets better.

News and notes while deciding on lunch…

Blues set to introduce minority owner (HockeyBuzz) Local ownership was a key for Checketts’ group.

Top 20 fantasy baseball busts (TheHardballTimes) Topping the list: Chone Figgins.

Taylor to fight Spinks in May (AP/Yahoo! Sports) Jermain Taylor and Cory Spinks duke it out WBO and WBC middle-weight titles in Memphis.

Cavs, Magic to play exhibition games in China (AP) Marketing to China is the NBA’s bag.

Wood headed to the DL; Prior demoted (ChicagoSports)

We all knew that Chicago Cubs pitchers Kerry Wood and Mark Prior would have health problems and of course, this season isn’t any different.  Wood will start the season on the DL to rest a cranky shoulder; Prior will start in AAA to work on mechanics and confidence.

There’s more — the way each has handled their current situations.  Here’s an excerpt of the story that’s rather interesting –

While the Cubs encouraged Wood to address the media, they allowed Prior to leave the clubhouse without comment.

Huh? As ESPN’s Buster Olney points out in his daily blog, if you can address the media after a three-hit shutout, you can address them on your bad days.

Someone took Prior’s blankey.

The Good, the bad and the boo-yah (ESPN.com)

George Solomon pens his final column  as ESPN’s ‘ombudsman’.  Our favorite passage is excerpted below:

I would suggest ESPN.com do more editing of its Page 2 columnists — some of whom seem to shoot from the hip for the sole purpose of shooting from the hip. In the same vein, ESPN commentators, including some of the network’s biggest stars on TV and radio, might be more thoughtful and less outrageous and loud in their opinions. I’ve always believed just because someone has the title of commentator or columnist, it doesn’t mean he or she should not be held to the same journalistic standards of fairness and accuracy as everyone else on the ESPN team. I also wonder why some commentators believe viewers are interested in their political views? Also, ESPN editors should be more careful of their staffers claiming exclusive stories when these stories are not always exclusive.

News and notes while rolling out of bed…

“One shining moment you knew…” (The Morning After) A compilation of CBS’ “One shining moment” montages dating back to 1997.

Commemorative McGwire statue still under wraps (AP/Yahoo! Sports) We’re not here to talk about honor the past.

Soccer legend Maradona hospitalized (Reuters) Illness/reasons unclear at this time.

Prior sent to AAA Iowa (Reuters) There’s no joy in Wrigleyville today.

Steinbrenner’s daughter files for divorce (ESPN News Services) Why is this worthy of mention? Because soon to be ex, Steve Swindal, is currently Yankees general partner and chairman of Yankee Global Enterprises LLC and is slated to be “The Boss’” successor. He may not be a successor, but he’s a part-owner.

Severed leg on Dolan property could match torso (AP/ESPN) Uhhhhh, yeah.

Rosenthal’s news and notes around MLB (FOX Sports) Notes from FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal include…

• While Cubs right-hander Carlos Zambrano is a good bet to sign a contract extension before Opening Day, the same can not be said for the Indians’ Jake Westbrook and Astros’ Jason Jennings, two other potential free-agent right-handers.
  
• The Mets apparently are willing to wait on right fielder Shawn Green; the party line is that he is a slow starter. Yet, even if Green recovers offensively, his defense will be an issue.
• It’s a testament to the depth of the Dodgers’ farm system that the team has five major-league caliber players, including first baseman James Loney and outfielder Matt Kemp, competing for its final roster spot.