The NFL commish Roger Goodell said that expansion is preferable to relocation.  In reality, what this means is increasing mediocrity.

There are those in Los Angeles who want to bring an NFL franchise back to town.  For months, even years, groups have been working to get a franchise back into one of the largest NFL markets in the country.  That effort continues even to this day.

Matt Garza agreed to a new one-year contract with the Chicago Cubs worth about $9.5 million, avoiding arbitration and keeping him in Chicago for now.

Garza had asked for $12.5 million, and the Cubs countered with $7.95 million. Garza made $5.95 million in 2011 where he was 10-10 with a 3.32 ERA in 31 starts last season after coming to the Cubs from the Tampa Bay Rays in an eight-player trade. Garza led the Cubs in strikeouts with 197 (198 innings pitched) and allowed only 14 home runs. His ERA after the All-Star break was 2.45 in 15 starts, seventh-best in the majors for starters.

MLB.com analysts Jeff Nelson and Richard Justice discuss the deal between the Cubs and Garza and whether he will spend the 2012 season in Chicago or get traded.  Read more... (134 words, 1 image, estimated 32 secs reading time)

It was a depleted Barcelona side that turned up in Valencia tonight, but it was also a team that does’t give and they got a credible 1-1 draw in their Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg. Barca will be heavy favorites now to finish this tie off at the Camp Now.

Barca were given an early scare when Roberto Soldado raced onto a through ball, but Pinto came racing out of his goal to slide in and clear the danger, appearing to use his hand as he did so, only for play to be waved on. He could easily have been given a red card for a deliberate red card.

Real Madrid’s Jose Callejon has accused Barcelona for contradicting their club values in their treatment of referees.

Lionel Messi and Xavi recently went public about their outlook on La Liga’s referees last weekend, which Callejon finds hypocritical to the morals the club upholds.

“I thought Barca didn’t talk about referees,” the 24-year-old said to Marca. “Something must have changed. I don’t know why.”

The winger went on to express his confidence on his team clinching the La Liga title from their arch rivals.