Pats interested in Vick? Belichick won’t say either way

YANKEES TRADE FOR JERRY HAIRSTON

CHICAGO -- While the Red Sox and Tigers -- potential Yankees postseason opponents -- made big moves, the AL East leaders added a few minor pieces at the trade deadline. The Yankees acquired veteran utilityman Jerry Hairston Jr. from the Reds for...

Evening roundup

Posted by ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert

As I work my way through training camps this summer, I'll do my best to keep you updated on all the happenings within the division. But I'm also not going to make apologies for focusing on the team I'm visiting that day. That's why you've seen an uptick in Minnesota posts this week, and that's why the pendulum will swing toward Green Bay and then Chicago next week. All's fair in love and war ... also whenever I say it is.

A reasonable compromise, I think, is at least to get caught up on everything by the end of the day. So tonight we debut the Evening Roundup until we figure out a catchier name. On with it....

Detroit's contract agreement with tight end Brandon Pettigrew locked up the final member of the Lions' draft class on the day players reported for training camp. It leaves the division with two unsigned rookies: Green Bay defensive lineman B.J. Raji and Minnesota receiver Percy Harvin.

As of Friday evening, no deal appeared imminent for either Raji or Harvin. None of the players selected between No. 8 and No. 12 are signed, making Raji's slot at No. 9 a bit murky. The holdup on Harvin is less easily explained. But unless something dramatic happens overnight, neither player will be on the practice field Saturday.

The Packers are hoping to use Raji as a defensive end while Ryan Pickett starts at nose tackle. But Packers coach Mike McCarthy hinted that a prolonged holdout could eventually limit Raji's time as an end and, presumably, as an opening day starter.

"Really it depends on when he gets here," McCarthy said. "Because the end snaps are very important for him, especially in base. Just like most teams I would think, you start off with base your first practices and work your way to sub."

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Pedro allows 5 runs in 5 innings

ALLENTOWN - Pedro Martinez allowed a leadoff home run tonight while pitching for the Phillie's Triple-A Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs against the Columbus Clippers at Coca Cola Park. After Martinez surrendered a leadoff home run to centerfielder Michael Brantley on the second pitch of the game, he then retired the next three batters.

Mort Goes To Camp: Dallas Cowboys

Chris Mortensen checks out the Cowboys' new stadium

Tiger lights up Buick with dazzling Friday 63

Once again, all is right in the world. Tiger put the Turnberry memories to bed with a magical Friday at the Buick, Robert Lusetich says.

BoSox get Martinez from Indians for Masterson, prospects

The Boston Red Sox got the big bat they were looking for, acquiring All-Star slugger Victor Martinez from the Cleveland Indians on Friday.

Jets to unleash Rhodes to be playmaker again

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham

CORTLAND, N.Y. -- Twice last year, Kerry Rhodes went to Eric Mangini to express dismay over the way he was being used.

After establishing himself as game-changing safety, the New York Jets wanted him to play center field. Stay back. Play it safe. Make sure opponents don't score when another defensive back would inevitably get charred.

The strategy defused an explosive player.

	Al Bello/Getty Images
	Safety Kerry Rhodes hopes to be back in a position to make plays for the Jets next season.

"I didn't like it, of course," Rhodes said after Friday morning's rainy practice at SUNY Cortland. "When I make plays, I help this team. That's been true since I've been here. Not being able to make as many plays as I wanted to, I was frustrated."

Rhodes is hoping for a rebirth under new head coach Rex Ryan and with the help of a reformed secondary.

The Jets dismissed Mangini after starting last season 8-3 and then failing to reach the playoffs. Nobody was happier than Rhodes when the Jets hired Ryan, who believes in an attacking defense that frequently triggers dramatic moments.

"You never want to see a coach get fired," Rhodes said. "That wasn't ever in my plan. But knowing the work Rex has done before and seeing the type of players he's had and made them do in his system ... I know I'm that type of player that will get it done in those opportunities. He's going to give me opportunities."

Rhodes amassed some impressive numbers in 2006 and 2007. He recorded 160 tackles, seven sacks, nine interceptions, 16 passes defensed, five forced fumbles and two recoveries -- one for a touchdown.

He wasn't nearly that sort of playmaker last year. He led the Jets with 81 tackles, but he had one sack, two interceptions, five passes defenses, zero forced fumbles and two recoveries.

"It definitely creeps into your mind," Rhodes said of last year's relatively meager stat line. "You know and the coach knows. [Mangini] even said 'This is one of your best years. You're getting everybody lined up. You're doing all this stuff' and blah, blah, blah.

"But from the outside, looking in, the numbers aren't adding up. That equated to the perception I wasn't the same player. That hurt."

Rhodes, a second-team All Pro in 2006, tried to convince Mangini to unleash him. About halfway into the season Rhodes was concerned when it was clear his numbers were well of his usual pace. He went to Mangini again late in the year, while the Jets were mired in a season-ending 1-4 slump.

"When you get adversity in those situations, you think, 'Come on, now. If I make some plays, we win these games,' " Rhodes said.

But the coaching staff was too concerned with the Jets' slipshod pass coverage to turn Rhodes loose. The Jets ranked 29th in pass defense, yielding 234.5 yards a game.

Left cornerback Darrelle Revis had a Pro Bowl season, but there was little help elsewhere. Fourth-round draft pick Dwight Lowery won the right cornerback job out of camp, but Mangini's confidence evaporated to the point he signed Ty Law off the street in Week 10.

The other safety position was shared by Eric Smith and Abram Elam, serviceable players, but not good enough to free up Rhodes to do what he wanted.

"When you're used to doing a certain thing and being a playmaker, and you're not being asked to do those types of things anymore, it made it a little bit frustrating," Rhodes said. "But I'm trying to put that in the past now.

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Deal done, 2nd overall pick Smith hits Rams field

A day after the St. Louis Rams took Jason Smith with the second pick of the draft, the offensive tackle vowed to be in training camp on time.

Sources: NHL investigates Marion Hossa, Chris Pronger contracts

The NHL is investigating Marian Hossa's 12-year, $62.8 million contract with the Chicago Blackhawks.

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