First Down

HE SAID WHAT?

“If you saw the bid, there’s nothing we’d be embarrassed about.” — Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti on the contract offered to Manny Ramirez

BEST OF THE WEEKEND IN SPORTS

Alabama at LSU

Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban returns to his old home in Baton Rouge with BCS title hopes on the line.

NFL Week 9

The Redskins and Cowboys are off, but the Giants and Eagles battle in Philadelphia. Meanwhile, the Titans take their undefeated record to Chicago, and the Steelers host the Colts.

O’Reilly 500

Jimmie Johnson has won the last two races at Phoenix, and another victory Sunday would give him the Sprint Cup.

Oklahoma State at Texas Tech

The Red Raiders face another tough Big 12 test, this time against an 8-1 Cowboys team that has scored 50 or more points in five games.

TWT FIVE » BIGGEST BASEBALL FREE AGENTS

1. CC Sabathia — The Brewers will make an attempt to keep their big ace, but they likely will fall short of an asking price that might go well over $100 million. The Yankees are expected to bid hard for the 28-year-old lefty.

2. Manny Ramirez — He’s a head case, but his torrid hitting led the Dodgers to the postseason. He could stay in Los Angeles or go to any team willing to shell out more than $25 million a season.

3. Mark Teixeira — The slugging first baseman could stay in Anaheim, but Washington, Baltimore, Boston and the Yankees are also rumored to be interested. He’s a Scott Boras client, so he won’t come cheap.

Story Continues →