College Bowl Pick of the Day: BYU

A trio of bowl games today, but nothing great.

BYU

BYU is taking on an undermanned UTEP today in the New Mexico Bowl.

BYU is giving 11 to the Miners, but don't worry.  Both teams has 6-6 seasons, but all the trends favor BYU as well as the fact that they played a more difficult schedule.  Take Brigham Young and give the puntos in New Mexico.

Baseball Players Get a Raise

Major League Baseball players earning the minimum will get a raise.   It was announced that the Major League Baseball minimum salary in the 2011 Championship Season will be $414,000. It is a $14,000 raise over the 2010 minimum.

Article VI of the 2007-2011 MLB Collective Bargaining Agreement (referred to as the “Basic Agreement”) deals with player salaries.  Specifically, Section B of the Article contemplates Minimum Salary.  The 2011 season is the last one that will be governed under the current Basic Agreement.  Section B calls for a minimum salary “at the 2010 rate per season plus a cost of living adjustment, rounded to the nearest $500, provided that the cost of living adjustment shall not reduce the minimum salary below $400,000.”  

Minor Leage players will also get a small bump.  Minor League minimum salary for players on their clubs’ 40-man rosters is set at $67,300 (up from 2010′s $65,000), but only players who have at least one year of being on the 40-man under their belt or at least one day of MLB service will be bound by the salary floor.  For Minor League players on the 40-man roster who do not fit into either category (i.e. players just named to their teams’ 40-man rosters and without any MLB service), their minimum salary will be $33,700 (up from 2010′s $32,500).

iPad Holiday Gift Ideas: Macally METROLPAD Clear Protective Case with Silicon Grip

A great case that will keep your iPad protected.

Features include:

• Hardshell back panel with silicon edge for increased protection and grip
• Open to all connections and controls
• Form fitting silicon edge for quick and easy removal of iPad
• Crystal clear case to display your iPad in its original appearance 

Orders yours, or one for a gift here:

USTA Australian Open Wildcard Playoffs: Day 1

Sixteen Americans today began three days of play for a coveted wildcard into the 2011 Australian Open in Melbourne.

It was a mix of players.  On the men's side, a couple college players mixed in with a few upcoming pros.  In the women's draw, players like CoCo Vandeweghe, Beatrice Capra and Jaime Hampton took to the courts with newcomers Madison Keys, Lauren Davis and Shelby Rogers.

Here's how the action went today:

On the women's side.  CoCo Vandeweghe bested Madison Keys 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 2010 Orange Bowl champ Lauren Davis overcame Jamie Hampton 7-5, 7-5, Beatrice Capra defeated Shelby Rogers 6-2, 6-3, and Krista Hardebeck outlasted Irina Falconi 6-4, 3-6, 6-1.

In men's action, U.S. Open boys' champion Jack Sock upset top seed Donald Young 7-6(3), 3-6, 6-4.  Dennis Kudla overcame Jordan Cox 6-4, 6-3. Ryan Harrison, who won the event last year, edged Michael Shabaz 7-6(3), 6-7(4), 6-4 while Tennessee's Rhyne Williams defeated Tim Smyczek 6-4, 6-0.

Lauren DavisBeatrice Capra

Amazon's Christmas Ordering Cutoffs

If you are waiting for the last minute to complete your Christmas shopping, Amazon.com is there for you.

Here is their list of deadlines heading into Christmas:

Order on Amazon