Recordpub.com - Monday's Sports Wire

Mauer named American

League MVP

Associated Press

NEW YORK — Joe Mauer has become only the second catcher in 33 years to win the American League Most Valuable Player Award.

The Minnesota Twins star was a near-unanimous winner in voting announced Monday by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, receiving 27 of 28 first-place votes and 387 points. Yankees teammates Mark Teixeira and Derek Jeter were second and third.

Mauer topped the AL in batting with a .365 average. He also led in on-base percentage and slugging percentage.

Teixeira finished with 225 points after leading the league with 122 RBIs and tying for first with 39 homers. Jeter had 193 points while Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera drew the other first-place vote and was fourth.

Real Salt Lake wins MLS Cup

SEATTLE — Robbie Russell scored in the seventh round of penalty kicks and underdog, overlooked Real Salt Lake beat the star-studded Los Angeles Galaxy 5-4 on penalties for its first Major League Soccer championship.

Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando made two saves during penalties, and league MVP Landon Donovan missed badly over the crossbar giving RSL a chance in the extra rounds. After Rimando smothered Edson Buddle’s shot, Russell beat backup Los Angeles keeper Josh Saunders into the lower left corner to set off a wild celebration.

Vizquel’s deal with White Sox

becomes official

CHICAGO — Omar Vizquel agreed Monday to $1,375,000, one-year contract with the Chicago White Sox.

The 42-year-old is an 11-time Gold Glove winner and has played mostly shortstop during 21 major league seasons. He figures to add depth to Chicago’s young infield.

With the Rangers this year, Vizquel hit .266 with one homer and 14 RBIs in 62 games. He had no errors in 207 chances while playing shortstop, third and second.

Warriors coach Nelson sick with pneumonia

OAKLAND, Calif. — Golden State Warriors coach Don Nelson has pneumonia and isn’t traveling with the team for two games in Texas.

The 69-year-old Nelson, the second-winningest coach in NBA history, missed practice Sunday and again Monday. The team said he had been diagnosed with pneumonia and would miss Golden State’s games Tuesday at Dallas and Wednesday at San Antonio. The team is home again Saturday to host the Los Angeles Lakers.

Lions QB Stafford questionable

ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Lions coach Jim Schwartz said Monday that starting QB Matthew Stafford was “extremely sore” after sustaining a separated left shoulder on the next-to-last play of the game, and that he wouldn’t play against Green Bay unless the pain subsides.

Stafford was injured while throwing a desperation pass into the end zone as time expired. The Browns were called for pass interference, and after a time-out, Stafford came back to throw a game-winning touchdown with no time on the clock.

Schwartz was also unsure about Calvin Johnson, who sustained a knee injury on the same play that saw Stafford injured.

Michigan keeps searching for AD

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The University of Michigan has provided some details about its search for a new athletic director.

The school announced Monday that President Mary Sue Coleman will lead the search with help from a five-person advisory group including basketball coach John Beilein. The process will be led by executive search firm Spencer Stuart and consultant Jed Hughes, who worked for former football coach Bo Schembechler.

Man pleads not guilty for Erin

Andrews tapes

LOS ANGELES — An Illinois insurance executive accused of secretly making nude videos of ESPN reporter Erin Andrews pleaded not guilty Monday to interstate stalking.

Michael Barrett, 48, entered the plea in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. Barrett is suspected of finding three hotels where Andrews was staying last year. He rented an adjacent room, altered the peephole and shot videos of Andrews, authorities said.