Morning News Links - Mathews "no doubt" to be ready
MLB
Giants GM Brian Sabean denies rumours that the club acquired OF Hunter Pence from the Philadelphia Phillies in fear of a Melky Cabrera suspension. [San Francisco Chronicle]
Former MLB pitcher Tommy John does not think the Nationals should shut down Stephen Straburg. [Washington Post]
The Chicago Cubs are working on a long-term contract for SS Starlin Castro. [ESPN]
Boston Red Sox have placed pitchers Aaron Cook, Felix Doubront and Andrew Miller on trade waivers. [Boston Globe]
Former Boston Red Sox catcher and captain Jason Varitek would be a good fit for the Red Sox if they decide to let go of Bobby Valentine. [New York Post]
Jacob Turner could be considered for a start on Wednesday when the Marlins have a doubleheader against Arizona. [Miami Herald]
NFL
San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews said that he has "no doubt" he will be ready to play in Week 1. He suffered a fractured clavicle last Thursday and was expected to miss 4-6 weeks. [Pro Football Talk]
Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher has had multiple surgeries on his knee this offseason rather than the one that was done earlier in the week. [Comcast Chicago]
It's likely the Miami Dolphins will reach an injury settlement with QB David Garrard and release him. [Palm Beach Post]
Former NFL head coaches Jimmy Johnson and Brian Billick have different views on how the Miami Dolphins should handle rookie QB Ryan Tannehill. [Miami Herald]
The St. Louis Rams do have concerns about QB Sam Bradford's left ankle holding up for an entire season. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch]
NBA
Former Toronto Raptors head coach Jay Triano to be named assistant coach of the Portland Trail Blazers. [ESPN.com]
Newly acquired Andre Iguodala would like to sign a long-term contract with the Denver Nuggets. [Denver Post]
Knicks centre Amar'e Stoudemire has spent the past month with Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon improving his post moves. [New York Times]
The LA Lakers are expected to hire Eddie Jordan and Bernie Bickerstaff as assistant coaches. [Orange County Register]
NHL
Tiger Williams, Tie Domi and Brad May have been added to the Maple Leafs roster for the Winter Classic Alumni game on December 31. [NHL.com]
NHLPA negotiating committee Chris Campoli expresses his frustration with the owners regarding the bargaining process. [The Canadian Press]
