ESPN

San Jose State was falling behind in college football's arms race otherwise known as recruiting. The Spartans were only able to sign a single two-star recruit in this year's class despite finishing 11-2 with a win in the Military Bowl. Part of the the Spartans' recruiting problems stem from sub-par facilities. That is starting to change.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

Three-star offensive lineman Natrell Curtis (Phoenix, Ariz./Mountain Pointe) has offers from multiple programs residing in four of the five major conferences. Curtis isn't ready to make a decision or narrow his list, but he has five programs that he certainly wants to visit.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

Miami Marlins manager Mike Redmond says his club will "use everybody" at closer, so if you're hoping for eventual fantasy value from right-hander Steve Cishek, you may have to wait a little while.

Cishek has struggled this season -- 4.91 ERA, four losses and 26 runners allowed in 18 1/3 innings -- so the Fish will give more chances to veteran Chad Qualls and left-hander Mike Dunn.

Cishek, who saved 15 games and posted his second straight ERA under three a year ago, has been the subject of potential summer trade talks, but if he's not closing games his value isn't likely to be optimal.

Stay tuned.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

Tiny 2014 point guard Ahmaad Rorie committed to the Cal Bears as a sophomore playing at Clover Park High in Lakewood, Wash. (home of the best donut shop in the world, by the way). Since then, he transferred across town to play at Lincoln High as a junior, and now there's news that the 6-foot, 150-pounder will finish his prep career in Florida.

We have to wonder how this could impact the future for Rorie, who has been on Cal's commit list since March of 2012.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

The Cleveland Cavaliers own the No. 1 selection in the 2013 NBA draft after winning the lottery draw on Tuesday night. They are expected to select Kentucky’s Nerlens Noel, but they could also trade down or completely out of the top half of the draft, reports ESPN.com’s Brian Windhorst.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

Conferences are now in the business of creating bowls instead of just trying to negotiation bowl tie-ins. The Big Ten Conference is reportedly working hand-in-hand with Ford Field to start a new bowl game in Detroit. The American Athletic Conference may be the next league in line to develop a new bowl game.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

With contending clubs such as the Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox running into injury problems with their bullpens, one expectation is for them to hit the trade market and seek such a fix. Rob Bradford of WEEI.com asked one executive how that market is looking: "Non-existent," was part of the response.

Part of the reason for a slim-or-none market is that it's May, and with two Wild Card berths in each league, more teams are still within shouting distance. The Braves, however, are in the market for a southpaw, with both Jonny Venters and Eric O'Flaherty out for the year with torn elbow ligaments.

Possibilities include Scott Downs of the Angels and Mariners' southpaw Oliver Perez, both of whom are set for free agency following the season. White Sox lefty Matt Thornton could also be available if the White Sox fail contend beyond the All-Star break.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

The Dallas Mavericks own the No. 13 selection in the 2013 NBA draft and ESPN.coms' Chad Ford reports the team is "likely to trade this pick to save cap room for a run at Dwight Howard this summer."

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

When Dwight Howard met the media after the season the center said he was going to keep his options open regarding free agency and for the second time over the last few days there is a report that he may not re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

The Charlotte Bobcats own the No. 4 selection in the 2013 NBA draft and general manager Rich Cho know what he wants out of that pick.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

The New Orleans Pelicans own the No. 6 selection in the first round of the NBA draft and general manager Dell Demps has not ruled out dealing the pick for an established veteran.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

James White is signed through 2013-14, however his salary ($916,099) will not become guaranteed until July 1. White’s agent, Bill McCandless, told Jared Zwerling of ESPNNewYork.com on Tuesday night that the New York Knicks will likely waive his client by June 30. That result will make him an unrestricted free agent.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

There was plenty of speculation that Jason Kidd may retire after his struggles during the playoffs, but that apparently is not going to happen.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

Detroit Pistons president of basketball operations Joe Dumars is in the process of interviewing candidates for the head coach position and he plans to make a hire prior to the start of free agency on July 1.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider