In Sports from United Press International

Devil Rays to hire Piniella

TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 28 (UPI) -- The Tampa Bay Devil Rays have called 5 p.m. Eastern time news conference Monday at Tropicana Field to unveil Los Piniella as their new manager.

"All systems appear to be a go," Piniella's agent, Alan Nero, told the St. Petersburg Times before flying to Florida on Sunday.

According to the newspaper, Piniella and Nero are meeting Monday with team officials to sign a four-year, $13 million contract that will make him manager, while changing the face of the downtrodden franchise.

The paper also reported that as part of compensation for Piniella, the Devil Rays likely will send All-Star outfielder Randy Winn and a prospect to the Seattle Mariners.

Winn, 28, was the Devil Rays' best player this past season, hitting .298 with 14 homers and 75 RBI in 152 games.

The Devil Rays reportedly were ready to announce Piniella as their manager last week, but were rebuffed by Commissioner Bud Selig, who informed teams they could not make any major personnel moves until after the World Series.

Piniella announced last week that he was leaving Seattle to move closer to home. Since he had a year remaining on his contract with Seattle, the Mariners were entitled to compensation if Piniella managed elsewhere in 2003.

The New York Mets also were interested in Piniella, and reports indicate that he was their No. 1 choice to replace Bobby Valentine, but they reportedly were unable to reach a compensation agreement with the Mariners.

Piniella, 59, who has three grown children, graduated from high school in Tampa and attended the University of Tampa.

The Devil Rays tied for the worst record in the major leagues last season at 55-106 and fired Hal McRae as manager.

Piniella guided the Mariners to an American League-record 116 wins in 2001, and was rewarded with AL Manager of the Year honors. In 2002, Seattle fell six games shy of the playoffs and Piniella reportedly was upset that the team did not make more midseason moves to strengthen itself.

He was the most successful manager in Seattle history, guiding the Mariners to three straight playoff appearances and four in the last eight years.

His career record with the Mariners was 840-711, and reached the ALCS in 1995, 2000 and 2001. Piniella has a career managerial mark of 1,319-1,135, and guided the Cincinnati Reds to a World Series title in 1990.

Only Atlanta's Bobby Cox, Tony La Russa of St. Louis, and Joe Torre of the New York Yankees have more wins than Piniella among active managers.

Report: Indians to hire Wedge

CLEVELAND, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- The Cleveland Plain Dealer Monday reported that 34-year-old Eric Wedge, who has managed the Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians at Buffalo the last two seasons, Tuesday will be named manager of the Indians.

Wedge would be the surprise choice over Joel Skinner, who started last season as the Indians' third base coach and took over as interim manager for the final 76 games after Charlie Manuel was fired.

Wedge, Skinner and Fredi Gonzalez, who manages Triple-A Richmond of the International League, an affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, were the only candidates formally interviewed by Cleveland General Manager Mark Shapiro.

Anaheim Angels pitching coach Bud Black was believed to be Shapiro's top choice, but he took his name out of consideration last week.

When Shapiro was the Indians' farm director, he gave Wedge his first managerial job at Single-A Columbus, Ga., of the Atlantic League. Wedge made a steady climb through the minor league system, and last season, led the Bisons to a record of 89-57.

Wedge's five-year record as a minor league manager was 391-315.

In Cleveland, Wedge would be in charge of a young team in the process of rebuilding. Pitchers Bartolo Colon and Chuck Finley were traded last season, joining a list of departees over the last few years that included Manny Ramirez, Juan Gonzalez, Roberto Alomar and Kenny Lofton.

Wedge, a former catcher, played in just 39 major league games in a career cut short by knee problems. He hit .233 with five homers and 12 RBI.

Frank Thomas to explore free agency

CHICAGO, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- Slugger Frank Thomas Monday informed the Chicago White Sox that he will exercise his contractual right to become a conditional free agent, but may still return to the team.

Under the multi-year deal he signed in 1997, the White Sox had the right to invoke a revised payment clause that would allow them to defer nearly all of the $40 million remaining over the last four years of his contract.

The team officially notified Thomas on Oct. 6 that they would invoke the clause, giving Thomas the right to declare for free agency on or before Dec. 7.

"The clause included certain protections built in that enable the club to make adjustments to the guaranteed dollars owed to Frank over the remainder of the contract," said White Sox General Manager Ken Williams.

Although Williams did not give specifics of the contract, it is believed the White Sox can defer most of the money.

By not finishing in the top 15 in American League MVP voting in consecutive seasons, Thomas reportedly may be paid just $250,000 in each of the next four years. The remaining $39 million would be deferred well beyond his playing days.

His agent, Arn Tellem, said it is possible that the two-time AL MVP may strike a new deal with the White Sox.

"We have had some very positive conversations over the past two weeks," Tellem said. "The White Sox have expressed their interest in retaining Frank, and we will continue to hold discussions with the Sox even while we are evaluating other options for Frank."

Williams also expressed optimism that Thomas will return.

"We are not surprised that Frank exercised his right to shop his services on the open market, and we understand there is a risk that he might find a more attractive offer elsewhere, but we remain hopeful that we can reach some sort of agreement that would keep Frank with the White Sox," Williams said. "To that end, we have had several positive discussions with Arn over the past weeks and plan to continue those discussions during Frank's free agency window."

Thomas, 34, batted a career-low .252 with 28 homers and 92 RBI in 2002. That followed an injury-shortened 2001 campaign in which he played just 20 games.

The winner of the AL MVP in 1993 and '94 batted .328 with 43 homers and 143 RBI in 2000, displaying the form that made him one of baseball's most feared hitters in the 1990s.

Over the last two years, Thomas also has feuded with White Sox Manager Jerry Manuel and several teammates, most notably Paul Konerko, who publicly complained about Thomas' attitude after Thomas skipped a pregame stretching session in July.

Thomas is a .315 career hitter with 376 homers and 1,285 RBI. He holds virtually every team power record.

Murray to have foot surgery

TORONTO, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- Toronto Raptors forward Lamond Murray is scheduled to undergo surgery this week for a ligament tear in his right mid-foot. He is expected to be sidelined for at least two months.

Foot and ankle specialist Dr. Ned Amendola will perform the procedure at the University of Iowa. The Raptors will issue an update on Murray's status after the surgery is completed.

Murray suffered the injury in the first quarter of an exhibition game on Oct. 18 against New Jersey. He had averaged 7.8 points and 3.0 rebounds in five preseason games.

Murray, acquired in an offseason trade with Cleveland for reserve center Michael Stewart and a first-round pick, was expected to provide the Raptors with scoring off the bench.

The 6-7 Murray averaged a career-high 16.6 points and 5.2 rebounds in 71 games last season, his eighth in the NBA.

The Raptors open their season on Wednesday against Washington.

Sixers dump Polynice

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- The Philadelphia 76ers Monday waived veteran center Olden Polynice, deciding that he could not fill the void in the middle created by the trade of Dikembe Mutombo to New Jersey.

He has a short stay in the City of Brotherly Love. Polynice signed with the club on Oct. 14. In four preseason games, he averaged 1.0 point and 3.3 rebounds per contest.

Prior to joining the Sixers, the University of Virginia grad played for the Utah Jazz in the 2000 season, averaging 5.1 points and 4.7 rebounds in 81 games. While with the Jazz, he was arrested twice for impersonating a police officer.

Polynice, 37, has career averages of 7.8 points and 6.7 rebounds in 1,056 games. The 7-footer also has played with Seattle, the Los Angeles Clippers, Detroit and Sacramento.

He was selected eighth overall by Chicago in the 1987 NBA draft and sent to the SuperSonics in a draft-day deal for Scottie Pippen.

Philadelphia opens the regular season Tuesday at Orlando.

McFarland out with broken forearm

TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 28 (UPI) -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Monday learned that defensive tackle Anthony McFarland will be sidelined 6-8 weeks with a broken right forearm.

McFarland suffered the injury in the third quarter of Sunday's 12-9 win over Carolina while trying to tackle Panthers quarterback Randy Fasani.

Losing McFarland is a blow to the Bucs (6-2), who lead the NFL in total defense and allow just 10.6 points per game. The Bucs are expected to move Chartric Darby into the starting lineup.

"He'll be out, it looks like, six to eight weeks," said Buccaneers Coach Jon Gruden at his regular Monday media news briefing. "That's a terrible blow for our football team, a terrible blow for the Buccaneers. We'll be optimistic that maybe he can return quicker than that."

McFarland, 24, a 1999 first-round pick out of Louisiana State, is a key member of the Bucs line, playing alongside perennial Pro Bowler Warren Sapp.

He has collected 19 tackles and 1 1/2 sacks in eight games this season for the Bucs, who are tied with New Orleans for first-place in the NFC South.

McFarland emerged as a starter in his second season, registering 6 1/2 sacks in 16 starts. He had 3 1/2 sacks in 14 starts last season.

Tampa Bay also lost backup linebacker Ryan Nece, the son of Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott, for the remainder of the season with a torn left ACL.

Jackson suffers concussion and seizure

IRVING, Texas, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Darrell Jackson Sunday suffered a seizure in the team's locker room after sustaining a concussion in the game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Jackson was taken by ambulance to Baylor Medical Center, where he was listed in stable condition and was to remain at least overnight.

Seahawks team physician Dr. Ed Khalfayan said the seizure likely was caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain, but said that Jackson never lost consciousness.

"He kept breathing the whole time, recovered from the seizure and was a bit confused afterwards," Dr. Khalfayan said. "He was not receptive to any information and had movements in his extremities, which are very typical of a seizure."

Jackson, 23, took a brutal hit, high and hard, from Cowboys safety Darren Woodson while attempting to catch a pass over the middle with 5:20 left in the fourth quarter. Woodson was flagged 15 yards for an unnecessary roughness penalty on the hit.

On the play, Jackson sustained a concussion, but was able to walk off the field. After the game, he was sitting in the training room talking to fellow wide receiver Bobby Engram when the seizure occurred.

"They were sitting there, then all of a sudden, he went out," said Seattle Coach Mike Holmgren. He recognized me, he recognized people. We had a heck of a time getting him to lay still, so we could load him into the ambulance."

Jackson was not receptive to any of the information that was asked of him before slipping into the seizure.

"Seizures are caused by a number of different reasons, most likely due to a lack of oxygen to the brain," explained Khalfayan.

Engram and wideout Koren Robinson went to the hospital to be with Jackson, a third-round pick in 2000 out of Florida, who leads the Seahawks with 30 receptions for 377 yards. He had 123 catches for 1,794 yards and 14 touchdowns in his first two NFL seasons.

Dilfer done for year after Achilles tear

IRVING, Texas, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- The hard-luck season of veteran Seattle Seahawks quarterback Trent Dilfer Sunday took a season-ending turn when he suffered a torn right Achilles tendon early in the second quarter of the game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Dilfer, who managed to release a pass to running back Shaun Alexander for a short completion on the play on which he was hurt, fell to the turf and immediately pointed at the back of his right ankle. He was expected to undergo what could be career-threatening surgery on Monday.

"It was a pop," he said. "I knew what it was right away. I had talked to (New York Jets quarterback) Vinny Testaverde after it happened to him, and he described exactly what happened to me."

"I feel so bad (for him)," said Coach Mike Holmgren. "He's had an unlucky year with injury. We've been a little unlucky with injury this year, and that's another one."

Dilfer was 7-of-12 for 46 yards with an interception before the injury. He already had missed the Seahawks' first five games because of a torn MCL in his right knee, a injury he suffered in the preseason.

Dilfer, 30, completed 87-of-156 passes for 1,136 yards, with four touchdowns and five interceptions.

He led the Baltimore Ravens to the Super Bowl title two years ago. He signed with the Seahawks last season, but served primarily as a backup to Hasselbeck.

After re-signing with Seattle in the offseason, Dilfer was promised the starting job by Coach Mike Holmgren. Seattle won all four games started by Dilfer in 2001, and that was enough to convince Holmgren, who also is the team's general manager, to re-sign him to a four-year, $18 million contract.

Dilfer, who was tabbed in the first round by Tampa Bay in 1995, rejuvenated his career, winning 15 straight starts. He was 19-1 in 20 starts, including postseason, before losing four of five starts this season.

Dilfer, who spent his first five seasons with the Buccaneers before playing one season with the Ravens, has passed for 16,667 yards in his career, with 83 touchdowns and 89 interceptions.

Of greater concern was the health of wide receiver Darrell Jackson, who suffered a concussion after taking a wicked hit by Dallas safety Darren Woodson in the second half. Later, in the team's training room, he suffered a seizure and was kept at Baylor Medical Center for at least overnight observation.

Still no decision on Clarett

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- A decision on the playing status of Maurice Clarett, the freshman running back sensation at Ohio State, is still pending as the fourth-ranked Buckeyes prepare to host Big Ten foe Minnesota on Saturday.

Clarett suffered what has been called a shoulder "stinger" on the sixth play of the game last Saturday in the 13-7 win over Penn State. The 6-0, 230-pounder from Youngstown, Ohio had 42 yards on four carries before his injury.

"We really don't know the extent of the injury right now," said Coach Jim Tressel. "His shoulder has been bothering him for the past few weeks, and he just wasn't able to come back in."

Clarett, who now has rushed for 1,019 yards this fall and has been mentioned as a Heisman Trophy candidate, will be re-examined this week by the Buckeyes' medical staff.

If and when he plays again, Clarett will need just 108 yards to break the Buckeyes' freshman rushing record of Robert Smith, who had 1,126 yards in 1990.

Miami still No. 1 with coaches

ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 28 (UPI) -- The top seven spots remained unchanged, but top-ranked Miami lost more first-place votes in the latest USA Today/ESPN college football coaches poll released Sunday.

Miami (7-0) tied a school record with its 29th straight victory, a 40-23 triumph at West Virginia on Saturday, and earned 53 of a possible first-place votes and 1,517 points overall in a nationwide poll.

However, the Hurricanes have steadily lost first-place votes in the poll this season. The latest declines were three last week and two more on Sunday.

One of those votes went to Oklahoma (7-0), which is atop the Bowl Championship Series standings and had a bye this week.

The Sooners, who face dangerous Colorado next week in a battle of Big 12 Conference division leaders, garnered seven total first-place votes and 1,464 points.

After its impressive 34-24 win over then-No. 13 Florida State, Notre Dame (8-0) picked up the remaining first-place vote, but remained in the No. 6 spot, behind Virginia Tech (8-0), Ohio State (9-0), and Georgia (8-0).

Florida State (5-3) dropped seven places to No. 20, while Tennessee (4-3), which made the biggest plunge after losing its second straight game, 34-14 to Alabama, fell completely out of the poll from No. 15. No. 19 Air Force also dropped out.

Michigan (6-2) and LSU (6-2) both slipped five places. The Wolverines were handed their worst home loss in 35 years, a 34-9 rout by Iowa, and slipped to No. 13. The Tigers were blasted by unranked Auburn, 31-7.

Texas (7-1) is at No. 7, followed by North Carolina State (9-0), Washington State (7-1), Iowa (8-1), Southern California (6-2), Colorado (6-2), which rose eight places after its 37-13 win over Texas Tech, and fellow Big 12 member Kansas State (6-2), which is at No. 14.

Gaborik named NHL Player of the Week

NEW YORK, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- Minnesota Wild left wing Marian Gaborik, who has helped his team get off to a surprising start, Monday was named NHL Player of the Week.

Gaborik led the NHL with eight points last week as the Wild went 3

The 20-year-old became the youngest player in over 10 years to record six points in a game, when he had two goals and four assists in Saturday's 6-1 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes. The six points set a franchise record and were the most by a 20-year-old since Owen Nolan had one goal and five assists for the Quebec Nordiques on March 5, 1992.

Gaborik also assisted on a power-play goal by Cliff Ronning 1:58 into overtime to give Minnesota a 4-3 win over the Calgary Flames last Tuesday. He is third in the NHL with 13 points.

New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur, who went 3