FanFare 9/7/02

Baseball

The Cardinals said Friday they have agreed to buy the Rangers' Single-A Florida State League minor-league franchise. Terms were not disclosed.

The Cardinals said they plan to move the Charlotte Rangers franchise from Port Charlotte, Fla., to Palm Beach County, Fla., where the team would play at St. Louis' spring-training complex at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter. Doing so, among other things, would allow the Cardinals to expand their Palm Beach County operations to a year-round presence.

A lawyer for the Expos' former minority owners promises a court fight if baseball tries to move the team to Washington. The commissioner's office, still unsure whether it will attempt to move the franchise, submitted legal papers to the lawsuit filed in July by the Expos' former limited partners.

Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, out because of a right shoulder strain, started a throwing program. Rivera said he felt "fine" after playing catch with Yankees' roving pitching coordinator Rick Tomlin. It was the first time the reliever has thrown in three weeks.

Basketball

The Spurs hired P.J. Carlesimo, a former NBA coach turned broadcaster, as an assistant coach.

Football

The Ravens reached an agreement with Peter Boulware on a seven-year deal worth $42 million including a $13.5 million signing bonus. The bonus is reported to be the largest ever awarded by a strongside linebacker.

Patriots linebacker Ted Johnson returned to the team but declined to give a specific reason for his three-day absence.

Eagles Pro Bowl cornerback Troy Vincent is doubtful for Sunday's opener against the Tennessee Titans because of a bone bruise in his left knee.

The Jaguars suspended linebacker T.J. Slaughter for four games after violating the NFL policy on anabolic steroids and related substances. The team also added Mark Brunell to their injury report, listing him as probable after he strained his groin in practice.

Browns starting quarterback Tim Couch probably will not play Sunday, while running back William Green will be ready.

Golf

Neal Lancaster made birdie from a badly repaired divot, made par when his ball ricocheted off a hazard stake and finished with a 5-under 67 for a share of the second-round lead with Billy Andrade in the Canadian Open.

Tracy Hanson shot a 6-under 64 to take a one-stroke lead over U.S. Solheim Cup player Cristie Kerr after the first round of the Williams Championship.

Two-time U.S. Open champion Andy North shot an 8-under 64 to take a two-shot lead over Bob Gilder and Mike Smith after the first round of the Kroger Senior Classic.

Hockey

The Flames and star winger Jarome Iginla agreed to a two-year $13 million deal.

Motorsports

Jimmie Johnson and Ryan Newman added a little bit of history to their impressive debut seasons, becoming the first rookie drivers to sweep a Winston Cup front row in the modern era. Johnson earned the pole with a lap at 126.145 mph around Richmond International Raceway. He will start tonight's Monte Carlo 400 with Newman on his outside.

-- From wire reports