Fanfare 11/02/02

Baseball

Mets owner Fred Wilpon set a clear message to Mo Vaughn: Lose weight or else. The Mets owner threatened to terminate the first baseman's remaining two-year, $32 million contract if Vaughn does not drop pounds before spring training.

Hideki Matsui, a 28-year-old outfielder considered the best hitter in Japan, announced his intention to leave the Yomiuri Giants and open talks with U.S. teams.

Basketball

The Timberwolves signed Wally Szczerbiak to a contract extension that locks him up for the next six years. Coming off a career season with the Wolves, Szczerbiak signed the deal worth $63 million.

Colleges

Tennessee receiver Kelley Washington is out indefinitely while recovering from a concussion against Georgia on Oct. 12.

UTEP plans to name Illinois assistant Billy Gillespie as its head coach today, sources told ESPN.com.

Oakland University women's basketball coach Beckie Francis, 37, has resigned.

Football

For offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie and the Vikings, the long wait is finally over. Several league sources mentioned that McKinnie has agreed to a contract that will end his 98-day holdout. He will officially sign a five-year contract today, sources confirmed.

Golf

Brad Elder shot a 5-under 67 to push his lead to two strokes after two rounds of the Southern Farm Bureau Classic. He made six birdies and an eagle to offset hsi three bogeys. Defending champion Cameron Beckham was one of five players tied for second.

Charles Howell III shot a 1-under 69 at a windy East Lake and held a one-stroke lead halfway through the Tour Championship. Howell finished with eight pars and was at 5-under 135, one stroke ahead of David Toms, Steve Lowery, Len Mattiace and Vijay Singh.

The Italian Open was reduced to 54 holes after severe thunderstorms left Olgiata Golf Club unplayable and forced the postponement of the second round.

Soccer

U.S. soccer captain Claudio Reyna has a torn knee ligament and will be sidelined for six months.

Tennis

Andre Agassi lost in straight sets to Carlos Moya in the quarterfinal of the Tennis Masters Series of Paris. Marat Safin and Lleyton Hewitt were also winners, while Andy Roddick lost to Paradorn Srichaphan.

-- From wire reports