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European champion Spain remained No. 1 in FIFA's rankings Wednesday, followed by Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. The United States dropped to No. 24, tops in its regional group. England advanced to No. 10 among the world's soccer elite, moving up four places. Coach Fabio Capello's team fell from the top 10 in July after failing to qualify for the European Championship.

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has hit out at Arsene Wenger's criticism of the Premier League leaders, after the Arsenal boss accused the Blues of tactically fouling his players during the 2-0 defeat that has left the Gunners nine points adrift in the title race.

Marcus Thames agreed Monday to a minor league contract with the New York Yankees, who also finalized a $1.1 million, one-year deal with Randy Winn to give themselves more left field options.

Marcus Thames agreed Monday to a minor league contract with the New York Yankees, who also finalized a $1.1 million, one-year deal with Randy Winn to give themselves more left field options.

The Lakers could be missing Andew Bynum and Kobe Bryant on Monday night when they host the San Antonio Spurs.

The New York Giants were awarded offensive tackle Herb Taylor off waivers from the Denver Broncos on Monday.

Here's something to consider: Maybe Danica Patrick is a pretty good race car driver.

The Cleveland Browns released suspended wide receiver Donte' Stallworth on Monday.

Hardball Talk: Blogging on news, rumors, buzz

Losses on the road sent Villanova and Michgan State tumbling in this week's ESPN/USA Today men's basketball poll -- which once again is led by Kansas.

The Cavaliers have removed drinking fountains from their arena to limit the spread of disease.

Some of the most-talked-about ads during the Super Bowl broadcast were those created or suggested by consumers, not advertising agencies.

The Andalusian side take a two goal lead to Madrid...

Pittsburgh pitcher Donnie Veal will be groomed as a starter for Triple-A Indianapolis, reports MLB.com. Veal was a Rule 5 pick from the Cubs last season and spent most of the year on the active roster.

San Diego said trading 1B Adrian Gonzalez is not a foregone conclusion, reports the Boston Globe. Padres GM Jed Hoyer wrote in an E-mail: "The team’s position with regard to Adrian has not changed at all. We are excited to have him under contract for the next two seasons. He is a great player who fits our city, team, and payroll remarkably well. We have had, and will continue to have, dialogue with Adrian’s representatives about keeping him in San Diego long-term. It is still early in that process and attempting to draw conclusions in the middle of any negotiation is an inexact science." With that said, team CEO Jeff Moorad said Wednesday that "early signals" are that Gonzalez will be too rich for the Padres to keep.

Vancouver Games officials say California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will carry the torch this Friday, as part of a star-studded lineup ahead of the 2010 opening ceremony.

MIAMI (AP) -- Reggie Wayne stared right through all those reporters.

CLEVELAND (AP) -- The Browns have released wide receiver Donte' Stallworth.