Contraction Talk Circles The Expos, Twins & Marlins

Heading into the weekend, questions abound in the MLB contraction saga. Will the union's grievance, filed in time for the first MLB-MLBPA talks since Tuesday's announcement, set back management's plans? Will the letter from Minnesota's Senators asking President Bush to support a repeal of MLB's antitrust exemption save the Twins? With talks ongoing, how long will it be before the Expos' Loria purchases the Marlins from John Henry and tackles the Miami ballpark issue?

Taking Whatever They Can Get
USA TODAY reports Turner likely to pay "modest increase" in $1B NBA cable TV deal; NBC facing "no apparent broadcast network competition."

Meet The New Boss
N.Y. Mayor-elect Bloomberg offers temperate support for new sports facilities, citing priorities in wake of Sept. 11.

Southern Accents
NBDL sponsor roster includes some NBA incumbents, as well as others with substantial Southeastern presence.

In Hindsight ...
One CART team owner suggests going public may not have been in series' best interest.

Feel Like A Stranger
Could Atlanta's CBS affil be shut out of hometown Final Four after transferring credential for last year's tourney?

Snow Bank
Canadian government throws its weight behind Vancouver- Whistler's 2010 Olympic bid.

Under Dunn
Michael Huyghue to leave Jags and join Athletes First.