Sports FanFare 8/2/02

Baseball

The Royals recalled right-hander Runelvys Hernandez from Double-A Wichita to start Thursday's game against the Blue Jays. After the Royals' 3-2 loss to the Blue Jays, the Royals activated left-hander Jeremy Affeldt, who had been on the disabled list with a finger blister and broken nail.

The Red Sox released Jose Offerman to make room for Cliff Floyd and must pay the first baseman more than $4.1 million that remains on his contract.

Catcher Joe Girardi was activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Cubs before Thursday's game against the Padres.

The White Sox recalled left-handed pitcher Mike Porzio from Triple-A Charlotte.

Basketball

Phoenix forward Shawn Marion, one of the Suns' main building blocks for the future, agreed to a $79 million, six-year contract.

Football

Ray Lewis agreed to a five-year contract extension that includes a $19 million signing bonus and keeps the All-Pro linebacker with the Ravens through 2008.

Horse racing

War Emblem returns to the races for the first time in nearly two months as the favorite for Sunday's $1 million Haskell Invitational. A field of nine was entered Thursday for the 1 1/8-mile Haskell, with the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner at odds of 7-5 on the morning line.

Olympics

The U.S. Olympic Committee responded to claims that a Russian mobster fixed figure skating results at the Salt Lake Games by sending a letter of support to IOC president Jacques Rogge. The letter said the IOC should use all means necessary to find the truth.

Tennis

Martina Navratilova, who has 167 singles titles, will compete in doubles at the AT&T Cup from Aug. 10 to 18.

-- From wire reports