Serena Williams (Getty Images)

By Max J. Dickstein

For months on end after the retirement of mid-decade powerhouse Justine Henin last May, women’s tennis was beset with pretenders to the No. 1 ranking.

Whether out of fragility, inability or disinterest, no one player was excelling consistently enough last year in the major events to truly claim the top spot.

Enter... » more

Jay Bruce (Getty Images)

By Kyle Stack

Special to amNewYork

As February turns into March, most keeper-league fantasy baseball owners are facing deadlines for their lists of retained players. It's not necessarily an easy process, but owners can often overthink their choices.

There are plenty of fringe players to keep your mind racing back and forth between keeping or purging.... » more

By Pete Catapano

Now that the sliding Rangers have fired coach Tom Renney, the team is apparently in talks with former Tampa Bay coach John Tortorella, according to several sources, including Newsday's Steve Zipay

From Zipay's post:

"The... » more

By Scott A. Rosenberg

It was only a matter of time.

Unfortunately for the now former Rangers coach Tom Renney, the Rangers players seem to have had given up on him, and spiraled into a rut, winning only twice in their last 10 games. And that includes the embarrassing 10-2 loss to Dallas on Feb. 6.

In his five seasons behind the bench, Renny has guided the team to three post-season... » more

(Getty Images)

By Max J. Dickstein

The San Antonio Spurs, perennial title contenders, learned Tuesday that this season’s lean, invigorated Knicks are capable of toppling foes who overmatch them in talent but not in zest.

Desperate to end a six-game skid, Nate Robinson, the explosive guard whom team president Donnie Walsh blessedly kept past the trade deadline Thursday, carved... » more

Al Harrington (Getty Images)

By Max J. Dickstein

Al Harrington has played so well for the Knicks this season that MSG Network announcer Gus Johnson, watching Harrington pour in points, was recently moved to shout over the airwaves: "My name's Al Harrington! I get buckets!"

On the heels of his popularity as the Knicks leading scorer (21.0 points per game through 40 contests),... » more

Photo by Getty

By Andrew Keh

The Red Bulls must be counting their blessings while they watch an unbridled stream of transfer speculation roil the preseason preparations of their Major League Soccer colleagues in Los Angeles.

As David Beckham, the soccer player with the big-screen looks, dragged the Galaxy deeper into his personal offseason soap opera, the Red Bulls announced Monday... » more

Getty Images

By Max J. Dickstein

Alex Rodriguez’s news conference yesterday was not just the tainted slugger’s best chance to come clean about his steroid adventures — a chance he approached with more guile than sincerity. It was also probably the media’s last chance to collectively grill an all-time great player to clarify his place in the sordid steroid era.... » more

Francisco Rodriguez (Getty Images)

Mark Teixeira (Getty Images)

By Max J. Dickstein

For the Mets and Yankees, last year’s 89-73 records — and postseason misses — spurred offseason action to shore up the weaknesses that produced the twin disappointment.

Several acute changes during this winter of discontent could usher in a contented spring, summer and fall.

Yankees

The... » more

Xavier Nady (Getty Images)

By Ryan Chatelain

Reasons for excitement abound, but so do causes for caution this season for the Mets and Yankees.

3 reasons to be excited about the Yankees:

• Mark Teixeira brings another powerful, consistent bat to the lineup, and don’t overlook last year’s midseason acquisition Xavier Nady, who hit .305 with 25... » more