The Tennessean from Nashville, Tennessee • Page 16

2C THE TEWNESSEAN WedrwetUyJUNE 30. 1993 SPORTS A.M. Compiled from staff, wire reports by Carol Stuart Check out this week's fireworks By TOM WOOD Sports Writer TNT is certainly the appropriate cable network to carry what looks like an explosive NBA draft There's a dynamite group of budding superstars for the Orlando Magic to choose from. The Magic A have rights to the first selection in tonight's annual NBA draft beginning at 6:30 p.m., from Auburn Hills, and team officials are playing it close to the vest as to what will happen with their pick. Raiders kick off camps For the third straight year, the Los Angeles Raiders will be the first NFL team to open training camp.

The Raiders, coming off a 7-9 season their worst record since 1988 will gather their rookies at Ox-nard, July 11 to prepare for the league's 74th season. All NFL teams will be in camp by July 22, getting ready for the season openers on the weekend of Sept 5-6. The exhibition season begins July 31 with the Hall of Fame game at Canton, Ohio, between the Raiders and Packers. STILL A FALCON Unrestricted free agent Tim Green, 29, a defensive end, will return for his eighth season with the Atlanta Falcons after signing a one-year contract umm Edwards should thank Jack David Edwards, tying the course record with a final-round 66 to finish at 10-under par 134, must like courses designed by Jack Nicklaus. He captured the 1992 Memorial Tournament at Nicklaus prize design in Muirfield, Ohio, and then added the Family House Invitational at one of Nicklaus' newest designs, Nevil-lewood Golf Course in Carnegie, Pa.

U.S. Open champion Lee Janzen made the biggest move of the day when he birdied five of the last eight holes. FRA STARS Franklin Road Academy graduate Jack Pieratt of Brentwood, shot a 77, seven shots back and tied for 18th, in the Texace San Antonio Shootout junior golf tourney in San Antonio. ll StJ iEJ Chris Webber of Michigan, BYU's Shawn Bradley, Jamal Mashburn of Kentucky and Memphis State's Anfernee Hardaway are considered the top contend- I Av Witt n.tn.r4t AA.ifyl oknlA nn i Presidents open door to a playoff proposal The 44-member NCAA Presidents Commission listened to a proposal on an eight-team, seven-game football playoff yesterday and were told it could raise more than $100 million without damaging the bowl system. The 70-minute presentation was made by representatives of Nike, and Creative Artists Agency, Hollywood's most powerful talent group.

"It was a well done presentation," UCLA Chancellor Charles Young said. "They are talking about sizable chunks of money." The presidents are to discuss the concept in detail in their meeting today. A playoff would have to be approved at the annual NCAA convention by majority vote of the 107 Division I-A schools. Four entrants would be the winners of the Rose, Sugar, Orange and Cotton bowls, two would come from other bowls on a rotating basis and two would be chosen by the NCAA. Auburn has day in court Auburn's football program goes before the NCAA infractions committee today in Kansas City, more than 1 y2 years after former player Eric Ramsey went public with his play-for-pay allegations.

Auburn officials are optimistic a verdict will be in before football season opens Sept 2. Auburn has hired an audio specialist to authenticate the recordings made by Ramsey, and Ramsey's lawyer said the panel should listen to the tapes. HELTON STARS Tennessee backup quarterback Todd Helton, a standout baseball player, hit a two-run double during an eight-run second inning as the U.S. routed France 16-1 in the International Baseball Cup yesterday in Reggio Emilia, Italy. The Americans are 4-2 with three games remaining.

Valvano affected Sheridan Dick Sheridan, 51, citing health problems and admitting the recent death of close friend and former boss Jim Valvano affected his decision, resigned yes Pat Dye, above, who resigned as Auburn football coach in the midst of NCAA allegations, and accuser Eric Ramsey are both expected to attend today's proceedings. Duran wins in decision Roberto Duran (89-9), a 42-year-old former champion, came out with a victory last night but was given a solid workout in a 10-round decision over Jacques LeBlanc in Bay St Louis, Miss. Duran did not lose his rhythm despite a right-hand injury in the fourth. LeBlanc (22-5-2), a former Canadian champ, lived up to his billing as a brawler, fighting strong into the final minute despite a bloody nose and a cut under the left eye. The victory puts Duran in position to fight two-time world champion Vinny Pazienza in October.

"Let's just sign the contract and get it on and quit talking all the garbage," Duran said. Monday: Sportepourrt uul r7 TuMdy: Running things with a blockbuster trade WednMdapTVTkkets with Philadelphia, Golden State, Thuradiy Outdoor Dallas or Minnesota the teams MdayiRtnest with the 2-3-4-5 picks, respective ly. Bob Neal hosts TNT's draft coverage while former NBA coaches Hubie Brown and Doug Collins will analyze the draft. Ernie Johnson will also be live with Golden State Coach Don Nelson and Craig Sager will serve as a roving reporter. Brown expects the Magic to select Webber but thinks the 7-foot-6 Bradley will get strong consideration to join the 7-1 Shaquille O'Neal.

"For them to take Bradley, management and coaching would have to be in sync with the idea of playing two big people and having the courage to watch them develop," Brown told USA Today. "When Robert Parish and Kevin McHale were two centers, the Celtics never hesitated, because they could play together." This is the ninth straight year a Ted Turner station has carried the NBA draft and it's only the second time it's been held outside New York City. Crowning glory: Get up early this weekend for NBC-Channel 4's annual "Breakfast at Wimbledon" live coverage of the men's and women's championships. The women's finals are set for 8 a.m., on Saturday and the men's finals are slated for Sunday at 8 a.m. NBC's coverage to date has been exceptional, especially the lively commentary of John McEnroe.

Bud Collins' exuberance is sometimes overbearing, but he's never boring. Vrooom: Auto racing fans can get a double dose this Saturday. ESPN has the Winston Cup Pepsi 400 beginning at 10 a.m., and Nashville Motor Raceway hosts the Music City 420 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets to the Nashville race are $25 for $13 for students 12-18, $2 for children 6-11 and under-5 free. Qualifying is Friday night Call 726-1818 for more info.

Highland Rim also has racing Saturday night Adult tickets are $8. Call 643-8725 for info. Talkin' fireworks: Greer Stadium will have post-game fireworks on both Saturday and Sunday night in conjunction with the Fourth of July weekend. General admission is $3 and a box seat $7. Call 242-4371 for more information.

Ducky tie lucky for Wilson Ron Wilson, an assistant with the Vancouver Canucks, is expected to be introduced as the first coach of the Mighty Ducks when the NHL expansion team holds a news conference today. Wilson, 38, wore a Donald Duck tie to the NHL entry draft in Quebec City on Saturday, but said he believed he might be out of the running for the Ducks job. Wilson said the purple-and-green tie a Christmas present from Canucks coach Pat Quinn and his wife had been his good-luck charm all season. COAL REACHED Markus Naslund, 19, a Swedish scoring whiz who sued the NHL for limiting his rights in an agreement with a Swedish league, can negotiate with any NHL team starting July 1, a federal judge ruled in Newark, N.J. PLEASE, NOT SIBERIA A player who doesn't make the Pittsburgh Penguins' squad at training camp in 1994 could be on his way to Cleveland or Russia.

The Penguins announced an agreement yesterday with the Central Red Army hockey team that could include sending players to Russia. "We would have to get the player's permission first" general manager Craig Patrick said. Who loves ya, baby? Five-foot-seven Kojak Fuller, runner-up in last spring's voting, became Indiana's Mr. Basketball in a way no other player has in the 53-year history of one of scholastic sports' most prestigious awards. Fuller inherited the award yesterday, 10 days after Indiana signee Sherron Wilkerson was stripped of the title after he quit the state's all-star team.

terday as football coach at North Carolina State. Sheridan, 51, would not disclose his illness but said it is not life-threatening. But he said he I I can no longer give 100 to the A 1 1 coaching profession. Referring to Valvano's death in April at age 47 after a 10-month fight with cancer, Sheridan said: "The message was I It mat reaUy nothing is more impor- tanr than vnnr health." Sheridan. Ellis runs into troubles Ellis Park in Henderson, canceled racing for tomorrow after an ongoing contract dispute with horsemen turned yesterday's card into a series of late scratches and jockey changes.

SHERIDAN who compiled a 52-29-3 record and propelled the Wolfpack into the national spotlight was replaced by his disciple, quarterback coach Mike O'Cain, 39. 3 Canadian American Association Xpress' Munoz, Becker make AA all-star team Nashville Xpress pitcher Oscar Munoz and center fielder Rich Becker were both voted to play in the Class AA All-Star Game, which will be held Monday, July 12, in Memphis. I mi Next at home SOUNDS Today 7:35 Sunday Indy, 7:35 Monday Indy, 7:35 July 6 7:35 July 7 7:35 July 8 7:35 July 9 Iowa (2), 6:35 July 10 Iowa, 7:35 July 11 Omaha, 7:35 July 12 Omaha, 7:35 XPRESS Friday 7:35 Saturday 7:35 July 15 7:35 July 16 7:35 July 17 7:35 July 18 7:35 July 19 7:35 July 20 7:35 July 21 7:35 June 22 7:35 June 23 7:35 The all-star teams were selected from the Southern League, Eastern League and Texas League, and are divided into National and American League squads according to the minor-league teams' affiliates. Becker and Munoz will Today's games SOUNDS: Larry Thomas (3-6, 5.76) is the Sounds' scheduled starter against fellow left-hander Mike Farrell (3-7, 4.95) of New Orleans, 7:35 p.m., Greer Stadium. XPRESS: Xpress starter Jeff Mansur (5-3, 3-87) and Stars pitcher Curtis Shaw (0-10, 7.07), both southpaws, face off in a 7:35 p.m.

game in Huntsville. Bl Steber Staff Nashville Sounds' Matt Merullo looks for the throw as New Orleans Zephyrs outfielder Michael Carter slides in safely at third base. Sounds trying to prevent a sweep Southern League Second Half Eastern Division Eastern Division Pet. GB Nashville (WSox) 42 33 .560 -Louisville (Cards) 3 36 .520 3 Buflak) (Pirates) 37 4 .474 JVJ Indianapolis (Reds) 37 41 .474 Western Division Iowa (Cubs) 30 .615 N. Orleans (Brewers) 38 37 .507 8 Omaha (Rovals) 39 38 .506 Cla.

Citv (Ranoers) 27 51 .346 21 Tuesday's Games Omaha Louisville 4 Indianapolis 7, Iowa 4, 7 Innings Oklahoma Citv 4-3, Buffalo 2-2 New Orleans 5, Nashville 4 Wednesday's Games Louisville al Omaha Indianapolis al Iowa Oklahoma City al Buffalo New Orleans at Nashville Thursday's Games Nashville al Louisville Buffalo at Indianapolis Iowa at Oklahoma City Omaha at New Orleans Zephyrs 5, Sounds 4 NEW ORLEANS NASHVILLE abrhbi abrhbi CLearvll 5100 Beltre ss 5010 Carteret 5)21 Martin 2b 4000 Caceres2b 5130 Cron 3b 2100 Sheets dh 4 012 Denson lb 412 0 Barbara lb 3111 Merullo dh 3112 Cirillo 3b 4010 Halle 4120 Valentin ss 3011 Newson rf 3000 Kremersc 4110 Komminsk cf 4 0 1 2 Fiimrf 3000 Tedder If 4010 Totals 36S105 Totals 33414 New Orleans 000 100 400 -5 Nashvle 000 400 000 -4 Cirillo. DP-None. LOB New Orleans 7, Nashville 6 2B Beltre, Denson 2. S-Cron. SF-Valenlin.

IP ER BB SO New Ortens Farmer 3' 6 4 4 2 2 Mavsev 0 0 0 0 2 Kiser 2-2 2 1 0 0 0 1 4 2 1 0 0 1 1 Naslwle Keyser Vj 6 3 3 2 0 Howard! 3-2 Vi 3 2 2 0 0 Ruffin 2'A 1 0 0 0 2 WP-Kevser. How Sounds scored New Orleans fourth: Brian Kevser pitching. Don Barbara walks, to second on wild pitch, to third on Jeff Cirillo single. Barbara scores on Jose Valentin sacrifice fry. Jimmy Kremmers grounds out, Cirillo to third.

John Finn grounds out. New Orleans 1, Nashvle 0. Nashvae fourth; Howard Farmer pitching. Chris Cron walks, to third on Drew Denson double. Matt Merulto singles, scoring Cron and Denson.

Joe Hal singles, Merullo to second. Warren New-son walks Brad Komminsk singles, scoring Merulto and Hal with Newson thrown out at third and Komminsk taking second on throw. Matt Mavsev in to pitch. Scott Tedder grounds out, Komminsk to third. Esleban Beltre strikes out.

Nashvle 4, New Orleans 1. New Orleans seventh: Valentin Dies out. Kremmers singles, to second on Finn wak. Chris Howard in to pitch. Kremmers to third with Finn forced at second on Troy CLearv fielder's choice groundout.

Michael Carter singles, scoring Kremmers with Leery to second. Edgar Caceres singles, loading bases. Larry Sheets singles, scoring O'Leary and Carter with Caceres to third. Johnny Ruffin in to pilch. Barbara singles, scoring Caceres with Sheets to third.

Cirillo flies out. New Orleans 5, Nashvle 4. Pet. GB 4 4 .500 3 4 .429 'i 2 4 .333 1 3 5 .375 1 Knoxville (Blue Jays) Carolina (Pirates) J'ville (Mariners) Orlando (Cubs) 2 5 .286 l'j x-Greenville (Braves) league eyes! Nashville By TOM WOOD Sports Writer The Canadian Football League! has included Nashville on its short list for possible expansion next year and has already been in contact with an unidentified group of local investors. t.

In announcing a formal proposal for an expansion franchise in Las'. Vegas for the 1994 season, CFL; officials said they would like to perhaps two more franchises tdf-make it a 12-team league with four U.S. markets. Sacramento will begin play in; the CFL on July 17. An Associated Press report included Nashville as a possible expansion site, along; with Hawaii, Albuquerque, N.M., Montreal and Louisville, Ky.

Tarn Gordon, a spokesperson for Mayor Phil Bredesen, said infoiv' mal contact had already been esj tablished between a Nashville group and the CFL "Some investors have talked with the mayor about the CFL," Gordon said, declining to identify'; the key figures in the talks. "The role of the mayor and his staff is strictly supportive. Anytime any body wants to do something that will benefit the city of Nashville, the mayor is willing to listen." Opryland officials, who are hoping to lure a National expansion franchise tor. Nashville, quickly distanced themt; selves from Canadian reports dossk: bly linking them to the project "I did meet with a representa- tive of the Canadian FootballT', League earlier this year. This was not at our invitation, but by somejC! one who brought them to us," Gay-'' lord Entertainment president E.W..

(Bud) Wendell said yesterday. "At this point and time, we have no'! interest in bringing a CFL team tofi Nashville." Gaylord Entertainment is parent company of Opryland and; TNN cable network. CFL spokesman Mike Murray was tied up with the announcement1 1 about expansion to Las Vegas, but briefly said the CFL "has received" some inquiries from Nashville. Nashville is like three or four other cities that are somewhat But there is nothing officiaL" Western Division 1 .857 1 .857 Chattanooga (Reds) 6 Memphis (Royals) 6 Birmingham (WSox) 6 Huntsville (Athltcs) 3 .750 .429 .143 x-NashviHe (Twins) I By LARRY TAFT Sports Writer It's a little early to talk about crucial games, Nashville Sounds first baseman Drew Denson acknowledges. Just not too early.

And with last night's 5-4 loss to New Orleans and an upcoming four-game trip to Louisville, Denson says tonight's series-ending game with the Zephyrs carries an extraordinary amount of importance. "We haven't been swept in a three-game series at home all year. We normally don't even lose back-to-back games here at Greer Stadium," Denson said. 'Tonight's game is a must-win one for us. We've lost two in a row to New Orleans, and you could say that we should have won both, es-peically in this park." Last night's defeat was particularly excruciating for the Sounds, who led 4-1 until the Zephyrs rallied for four runs in the seventh.

"Those are the kind we usually play for the AL Munoz leads the league in wins with a 9-2 record, ranks second in strikeouts and is considered one of the top pitching prospects in the Minnesota Twins' system. "I'm very, very happy," Munoz said. "There are some real good pitchers in the league, and to get picked is really good. I'm glad that I made the team, and I hope to represent the Xpress real well." Becker, a switch-hitter, is batting .290 and is one of the league's top defensive players. "I was looking forward to the three days off," he cracked.

"But it's a real honor to make the team." Although both players were ecstatic to have made the team, neither one was particularly happy with the way the Xpress has opened up the second half of the season. "We're having some problems right now," said Becker. "But this team showed in the first half that it's good." Career on hold: The longest year of his life lies ahead for Nashville Sounds right-hander Ramon Garcia. The 23-year-old hurler will undergo elbow surgery for a torn ulner collaterial ligament on July 7. Dr.

James Andrews will perform a "Tommy John procedure on Garcia in Birmingham, Ala. "I'm going to have to be ready to face it and work hard," said Garcia, who will not be allowed to throw until August of next year. Added: Catcher Clemente Alvarez, in Nashville since Saturday to test his injured wrist, has been added to the Sounds' roster. Alvarez played 17 games this year at Double-A Birmingham, hitting .245 with one home run and eight RBI. He will back up Matt Merullo.

Taking up slack: Right-hander Mike Mongiello, who struck out 11 in eight innings as a spot starter on Saturday, has been moved into the Sounds' starting rotation where he will fill the void left by Rodney Bolton's promotion to the Chicago White Sox. win," noted Denson, who went 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles. "It doesn't feel good to lose anytime, and these are really painful." Nashville starter Brian Keyser appeared well on his way to his seventh win before the Zephyrs late uprising. Nashville knocked out New Orleans starter Howard Farmer when the Sounds scored four runs on four hits, including a pair of two-run singles by Matt Merullo and Brad Komminsk. In the seventh, however, New Orleans answered with its four-run inning.

Keyser departed in favor of Chris Howard, who gave up three hits and two runs in a third of an inning "You're going to have games where you go out leading and you lose, but you're going to have those when you go out losing and somebody gets you off the hook," Keyser said. "These are the kind of games that feel great to win and terrible to lose." New Orleans' Garland Kiser got the win, improving to 2-2 with two innings of one-hit pitching. Carlos Maldonado, hurling the final two innings, notched his fourth save. Monday's Games Memphis 6, Orlando 4 Huntsville at Jacksonville, ppd. Knoxville 11, Greenville 7 Chattanooga 6, Nashville Birmingham Carolina 2 Tuesday's Games No games scheduled Wednesday's Games Greenville at Carolina Chattanooga at Knoxville Orlando al Birmingham Nashville at Huntsville Jacksonville at Memphis Xpress promotions July 2-Okt Basebal Card Night July 3 July 4th Fireworks July 16-Team Picture Night Jury 17 Batting Helmet Night Jury 23-Neon Hat Night July 31-Team Hat Night Aug.

13-Lunch Box Night Aug. 14-T-Shirt Night Sept. 3-Basebal Card Night Sent. 4 Season-Finale Fireworks Sept. 5 Fan Appreciation Sounds promotions July 4-Juty 4th Fireworks July 9-Team Picture Night July 10-Team Hat Niahl Jury 24-Uniform Shirt Night July 25-Heroes of Basebal Ox) Timers Game Jury 29-Max Patkin July 30-Neon Hal Night Aug.

5-The Famous Chicken Aug. a-Basebal Card Album Night Aug. 7-T-Shirl Night Aug. 10-Contemporary Christian Concert (4 Him) Aug. 20-Bock Peck Night Aug.

21-Basebal Card Night Aug. 22-Lunch Box Night Aug. 27-Nolebook Night Aug. 28-Season Finale Fireworks Show Aug. 2-Fan Appreciation Night Singles dUwCZ Seminar- Saturday Wtd thru St NmtMII Convention CtrrMr SmJuWobTV (10 p.m.

Wednesday VCh. 30 (WXMT).