The Starting Five

Sporting News, The, August 2, 1999

What the sports world is talking about this week

1 The trade deadline, Admit it, you knew your team was in trouble when your G.M. was looking for a No. 1 starter on eBay.

2 Unresigning umpires. MLB won't allow a protest to be filed because it was a lack-of-judgment call.

3 The Browns' popularity, For Ohioans, it was a no-brainer--like football players' summer classes in Columbus.

4 Cooperstown's inductions. Robin Ventura was so moved by Nolan Ryan's speech he got a lump on his head.

5 NHL free agency. Why are so many players signing with the Rangers? Must be the dental plan.