Indians’ Sabathia: ‘Bring on’ drug tests

C.C. Sabathia would welcome expanded drug testing in baseball. “Bring it on,” the Cleveland Indians ace said. “They can test me whenever. I have no problem with that.” The AL Cy Young Award winner was in Oklahoma on Wednesday to receive the 2007 Warren Spahn Award, presented annually to baseball’s best left-handed pitcher by the Oklahoma Sports Museum.

Clemens shows up at Astros’ minicamp

Roger Clemens bounced up the steps of the Houston Astros dugout Wednesday morning and faced a group of wide-eyed minor leaguers that included his oldest son. For three relaxing hours at the team’s minicamp, he was free from questions about steroid use, the Mitchell Report or his pending appearance before a congressional committee.

MLB umpires angry over background checks

Umpires are livid that Major League Baseball has sent investigators to their hometowns, asking neighbors a series of questions that include whether the ump belongs to the Ku Klux Klan. “The questions that we found out are being asked are about beating wives, marijuana use and extravagant parties,” World Umpires Association president John Hirschbeck said in a telephone interview Wednesday.

Pettitte to back trainer, not Clemens?

So far, Roger Clemens and his former personal trainer Brian McNamee have engaged in a he-said, he-said, with no third party providing evidence to back either account. A lawyer for McNamee believes that could change next week, when New York Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte — Clemens’ former teammate and workout partner — speaks to a House committee.

Santana is latest star to leave Twins

Johan Santana’s star became the latest to go dark in Minnesota. The departure of baseball’s most dominant pitcher, in a deal agreed to with the New York Mets for four prospects, was hardly surprising. When it finally happened on Tuesday, however, the hole at the top of the Twins rotation looked big. Scott Baker and Boof Bonser, who have 48 major league starts apiece, are the most experienced…

Dancer suffers Cheltenham setback

Leading Cheltenham Gold Cup contender Exotic Dancer will miss his intended prep race on Saturday.

Giants’ D-line key to slowing Patriots

Justin Tuck didn’t need to conduct a survey to figure out who America expects to be the Super Bowl MVP. “Tom Brady,” he said. If Brady plays well, the New England Patriots are going to cap an undefeated season and certify their claim to being a dynasty. The biggest obstacle in his way is a band of brothers who form the New York Giants’ defensive line.

Woods takes early 2-stroke lead in Dubai

Tiger Woods shot a 7-under 65 to take a two-stroke clubhouse lead in the first round of the Dubai Desert Classic. “I had two good days of practice the last couple days and started to hit the ball a lot better than I did last week,” Woods said after the bogey-free round at the Emirates Golf Club. Woods, going for a fifth straight tournament victory, won the Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines last…

Wikstrom leads women’s Australian Open

Finland’s Ursula Wikstrom led the Women’s Australian Open by a stroke after shooting a 3-under 70 in the first round Thursday. Wikstrom, who had six birdies and three bogeys in heavy rain at the Kingston Heath course, was confined to indoor practice in Finland before the tournament. “I haven’t played outside for a month until I came here,” Wikstrom said.

‘Pacman’ Jones due in Tennessee court

Suspended Tennessee Titans cornerback Adam “Pacman” was to be back in court Thursday to face old charges there because of his plea deal in a separate case in Las Vegas. Jones was scheduled to appear before General Sessions Judge David Loughry on Thursday morning in Rutherford County on charges of public intoxication and disorderly conduct from August 2006.

Brady: Plax only thinks we’ll score 17?

Motivation or much ado about nothing? For the Giants, Plaxico Burress’ guarantee that New York will beat the New England Patriots 23-17 in the Super Bowl Sunday is nothing more than an outspoken player showing confidence. For the Patriots and MVP Tom Brady, it’s a Super-sized diss, and bulletin board material.

Roy, Durant headline rookie challenge