A year older and wider, Crosby and Penguins set sights on Red Wings in Cup rematch

DETROIT — Don’t be fooled by the scraggly semblance of a beard that strains to cover chunks of Sidney Crosby’s 21-year-old face.

LB Tinoisamoa agrees to 1-year deal with Bears

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Free agent linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa agreed Friday to a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears after leading the St. Louis Rams in tackles four of the past six seasons.

Rockies fire manager Clint Hurdle and replace him with bench coach Jim Tracy after 18-28 start

DENVER — The Colorado Rockies have fired manager Clint Hurdle less than two years after their incredible “Roctober” run to the World Series. He was replaced by bench coach Jim Tracy. Without reliable hitting, pitching or defense, the Rockies stumbled to an 18-28 start and were 14½ games behind Los Angeles in the NL West heading into Friday night’s action.

Clint Hurdle out as manager of the struggling Colorado Rockies, replaced by Jim Tracy

DENVER — The Colorado Rockies fired manager Clint Hurdle on Friday, less than two years after their incredible “Roctober” run to the World Series, and replaced him with bench coach Jim Tracy for the rest of the season.

Lance Armstrong’s Astana team likely to survive for now, but Tour still in question

AVELLINO, Italy — Lance Armstrong’s financially strapped Astana team will likely survive for another few weeks, but it’s unclear if it will make it to the Tour de France.

Outfielder Emil Brown acquired by New York Mets from San Diego Padres

NEW YORK — Outfielder Emil Brown has been acquired by the New York Mets from the San Diego Padres for a player to be named.

Redskins release veteran right tackle Jon Jansen; 1999 draft pick played 10 seasons

WASHINGTON — Jon Jansen, a fixture on the Washington Redskins offensive line for much of the last decade before injuries took their toll, was cut by the team Friday.

Dodgers’ Joe Torre says suspended slugger Manny Ramirez should skip All-Star game if voted in

CHICAGO — Suspended slugger Manny Ramirez should skip the All-Star game even if he’s voted in by fans, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre says. “No,” Torre said before Friday’s game against the Chicago Cubs. “I think if you asked Manny, he’d give you the same answer.”

Suspended Dodgers star Manny Ramirez should skip All-Star game if voted in, Torre says

CHICAGO — Suspended slugger Manny Ramirez should skip the All-Star game even if he’s voted in by fans, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre says.

Redskins release veteran Jon Jansen; 1999 draft pick played 10 seasons in Washington

ASHBURN, Va. — The Washington Redskins have released veteran right tackle Jon Jansen, a fixture on the team’s offensive line for much of the last decade.

Bears agree to 2-year contract extension with defensive tackle Idonije

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Defensive tackle Israel Idonije has agreed to a two-year contract extension that keeps him with the Chicago Bears through 2011.

Cup over cash: Marian Hossa chose to chase Stanley Cup with Red Wings instead of Penguins

DETROIT — Marian Hossa’s combination of size, speed and skill helped the banged-up Detroit Red Wings finish off Chicago to set up a Stanley Cup finals rematch with the team he spurned.