Rays
Rays manager search begins with novices
MINNEAPOLIS -- The first four official candidates for the Rays managerial job have one major thing in common: none has managed in the majors.

Rays' refuse turns to gold for postseason clubs
Players Tampa Bay didn't want or couldn't keep have played key roles for nearly all this season's playoff teams.

Lightning
New territory
Nikolai Khabibulin is trying to help himself by starting attacks via his puck-handling.

RW Willis placed on waivers
TAMPA -- Jay Feaster said he called every other general manager -- yes, even Florida's Rick Dudley -- in an attempt to trade Shane Willis.

Baseball
Mays keeps the underdogs rolling
TWINS 2, ANGELS 1: Starter stifles red-hot Anaheim offense as man who tried to end club watches.

NLCS notebook: Cards remind Rueter of team he grew up loving
ST. LOUIS -- He grew up across the Mississippi River rooting for the local team.

ALCS notebook: Selig in town to praise, not bury
MINNEAPOLIS -- Bud Selig may have wanted to eliminate the Twins during the offseason, but he came to the Metrodome on Tuesday and said he couldn't have been happier to be there.

Colleges
Prime-time defense tops 'Noles' wish list
Without playmakers like Deion Sanders, FSU allows 364 yards a game.

NHL
Fleury suspended by Chicago after violating abuse program
CHICAGO -- Blackhawks forward Theo Fleury was suspended indefinitely by the league on Tuesday for violation of his substance abuse aftercare program.

NFL
Green Bay DE out for season
GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Packers defensive end Joe Johnson will miss the season after tearing his left triceps muscle in Green Bay's 34-21 win over the Bears on Monday night.

Favre extends domination of Bears
The Packers QB is 17-4 against Chicago after Monday's 34-21 win.

A dream derailed by Rams
It's official. The Rams gravy train has jumped the tracks.

Colleges
State practice reports
Injured Noles LB: I'll play

Talented guard commits to 'Noles
TALLAHASSEE -- Vakeaton Wafer, one of the nation's top-rated prep shooting guards out of Cleveland (Texas) Heritage Christian, has committed to Florida State, signaling a dramatic upswing for a program that has struggled to attract top talent.

Colorado is put on probation
BOULDER, Colo. -- Colorado was put on two years' probation by the NCAA on Tuesday for recruiting violations under former coach Rick Neuheisel.

Etc.
In brief
More support for women at Augusta

Report: 'Dream' retiring
The New York Post reported that Toronto center Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon plans to announce his retirement when the Raptors face the Rockets, for whom he played 17 seasons, in Houston's home opener Nov. 2.

Preps

• A juggernaut assembles its sternest challenge
  Many wanted a shot at ending the longest prep win streak ever. Brandon gives them the chance.
• Knights close the case
  A season sweep of Mitchell cements River Ridge's claim as Pasco County's best.
• Spartans coast without their top two
  Saddlebrook tops Wharton by 16 strokes while giving some other golfers a look.
• Sharks keep focus long enough to win
  Riverview overcomes inconsistent play in a two-game victory over Bloomingdale.
• Clearwater caps off perfect home record
  CLEARWATER -- The Clearwater Tornadoes have done some pretty impressive things this season.
• Pirates on brink of major turnaround
  Boca Ciega can secure a rare playoff berth after 0-3 start.
• Pinellas football extra
  Quote of the Week