AP - The Colorado Avalanche promoted Greg Sherman to general manager and fired coach Tony Granato and five others in a sweeping shakeup Wednesday.

AFP - FIFA will continue to examine the controversial "6+5" rule to limit foreign players on clubs that has angered European Union nations after a supportive vote at the FIFA Congress here.

AP - The Big Unit was held up by Mother Nature, putting history on hold. Randy Johnson's bid for 300 wins was postponed Wednesday night after a series of thunderstorms left the field at Nationals Park unplayable for Johnson's San Francisco Giants and the Washington Nationals.

AP - Sporting a body-hugging tank top, Dwight Howard bounded onto the press conference podium flashing his megawatt smile and muscles on muscles. Unsure where to sit, he looked at the high chair to his right, a perch he was told was reserved for Los Angeles coach Phil Jackson. Not there.

AP - Here's a potential first to add to the "Not In My Backyard" homeowner's list of complaints: Terrell Owens.

AP - What do you do when your lead in the Stanley Cup finals has been cut in half?

AP - Josh Beckett did not allow a hit until there were two outs in the seventh inning and David Ortiz hit a two-run double, leading the Boston Red Sox to a 10-5 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday night.

AP - The Braves acquired All-Star center fielder Nate McLouth from the Pittsburgh Pirates for three minor leaguers on Wednesday, a move to beef up Atlanta's offense in hopes of contending in the NL East.

AP - Roger Federer is accustomed to Grand Slam butterflies. He finds it difficult to eat or sleep. He feels fatigued and jittery and even a bit dizzy.

AP - Tom Glavine wanted to end his career with the Braves. If this is the end, it wasn't on his terms. Atlanta released the winningest active pitcher in the big leagues on Wednesday, a stunning move just when it seemed he was ready to return to the Braves.

AFP - Roger Federer reached his 20th consecutive Grand Slam semi-final on Wednesday where he will face Juan Martin Del Potro, who'll be playing his first, for a place in the French Open final.

AP - The Detroit Red Wings look like they're going to get some much-needed help when they play the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup finals.

AFP - Spanish media downplayed reports that Real Madrid had signed AC Milan star Kaka, saying details remain to be worked out and that Chelsea still hope to buy the Brazilian for a world record fee.