Carlos Silva: "It's a European Greeting"

Russell Branyan (left): "I think I'm getting kissed more than the other guys."

SEATTLE, WA - According to team sources, veteran pitcher Carlos Silva has recently started greeting and congratulating his teammates with a kiss on the cheek. His Mariners clubhouse has had a lukewarm reaction to the new custom.

"He started [kissing his teammates] a few weeks ago," outfielder Franklin Gutiérrez told reporters. "That first day I thought he was just happy because he had pitched well, but that guy has tracked me down and pecked me on the cheek every day since then."

"It's a European greeting," the Venezuelan-born pitcher has been overheard telling people before he embraces them and gives them a quick but assured kiss on their cheek.

First baseman Russell Branyan does not appreciate Silva's affectionate custom. "Today he pulled me aside to kiss me in the dugout, and I was just going up to bat. I think I'm getting kissed more than the other guys."

While many players do not appreciate the gesture, struggling young pitcher Brandon Morrow feels he might benefit from more of Silva's attention. "I get that some guys are weirded out by it, but he's never once kissed me. I'm not saying I want him to, but a little bit of acknowledgment would be nice."

"He does not do that to me," Ichiro said through his translator.

NHL Rumor: Hockey Player could sign with Hockey Team

There was some speculation that the wing, center, defender, or goalie would sign with this one team, but it is now becoming apparent that the hockey player could sign with this other team.

The same hockey team recently acquired a hockey player from another hockey team in exchange for another hockey player of perceived equal value. While one of the two teams may benefit from the transaction in one way, the other team could benefit in a different way.

If the hockey team signs the aforementioned hockey player in addition to the recent transaction, then the team could either be better or worse than they were last year.

Brian McCann's Glasses, Beard Fake

ATLANTA, GA - Braves catcher Brian McCann admitted Monday that his eyeglasses, as well as his beard are not authentic.

During pre-game warm-ups Monday, Chipper Jones asked McCann if he could try his glasses on for fun. McCann, refusing at first, was eventually overpowered by Jones and was forced to give them up.

"Wait a minute," Jones said as he took the glasses off and then put them back on, "are there any prescriptions in these lenses?"

At this point the four time All Star admitted that they were merely for vanity, and he owned them because he "always liked the way he looked in glasses."

Soon after and without provocation, McCann also admitted that his beard was fake and removed it as well.

"I wanted to come clean. I never meant to hurt anybody," the catcher said in a statement accompanying the above photo. "I hope my actions encourage other ballplayers to remove their beards as well."

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Favre Un-Retires for Third Time, Practices with Vikings

MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- It is being reported that Brett Favre has signed a two-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings. Favre participated in practice with the team Tuesday, but there is no way of telling if he will retire again by the end of the day.

"The guys upstairs tell me we have a very special contract with Brett," Vikings head coach Brad Childress explained. "Technically, I don't think he's obliged to actually play for us."

"Being retired is more of a mindset really," Favre told reporters after practice with an unshakable grin across his face. "I love football, don't get me wrong, I LOVE football. But I can't commit to saying that I'll love it tomorrow. What is tomorrow anyway? Today was tomorrow, and now it's today, if that makes sense. The point is, I have to go home and be with my wife, and really think about whether or not I should come in to practice again tomorrow, if that makes sense."

The Vikings have agreed to pay Favre $12 million this season, and $13 million next season, despite the uncertainty.

Reluctant Nationals GM: We Signed Strasburg

"Stephen, does that hat fit well? Do you feel good about yourself?"

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Nationals GM Mike Rizzo held a press conference Tuesday morning, following the midnight signing of No. 1 overall draft pick P Stephen Strasburg. Strasburg and the team finally agreed to terms, signing the college pitcher to a deal worth $15.67 million over four years.

"We're so excited to be gambling our franchise on a pitcher of Stephen's caliber," Rizzo announced early Tuesday morning. "Stephen, does that hat fit well? Do you feel good about yourself?"

The Washington Nationals, boasting the 4th lowest payroll in the major leagues, signed the San Diego State product to a deal that shattered the previous record held by Mark Prior from 2001. Prior, who was recently released by the San Diego Padres while struggling in the minors, was widely considered a lock for super-stardom entering the draft.

Giants Pitcher Joe Martinez Loses Contact Lens

"Oh jeez, my contact lens," Martinez said after throwing a strike in the 9th inning of the Giants 9-1 win over Milwaukee. "Bengie! Wait! Do NOT throw that ball back, I can't see a thing."

The once roaring crowd now stared in silence as he crawled on his knees searching for the lens, repeatedly muttering to himself "This is so embarrassing."

After two minutes of delay, newly acquired first baseman Ryan Garko ran over to help him find it, only to be screeched at by Martinez. "I don't need your help, Ryan! I can do this myself!"

After a few more minutes, Martinez began crying and chewing on his glove before manager Bruce Bochy helped him off the field.

The Giants placed Martinez on the 15-day DL and purchased the contract of Justin Miller from the minors.

NFLPA Braces for 2011 "Lock-In"

NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith

TERRE HAUTE, IN -- The head of the NFL Players Association exuded excitement while bracing players for a potential "Lock-In" when the current labor deal expires in 2011.

"A 'Lock-In' is a fun, positive way to work out an agreement for both parties in a quick, efficient manner," executive director of the NFLPA DeMaurice Smith enthusiastically explained at a Colts camp on Monday.

Last year, the owners opted out of the Collective Bargaining Agreement in place since 1993 when the agreement no longer provided the owners with adequate enough incentives to continue investment due to the increasing costs of stadium construction, operations, and improvements demanded by fans.

In 2011, the owners and the NFLPA representatives may be locked in a confined space until they reach an agreement that will give members of both sides more than enough money to afford happiness.

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Source: Nats Offer Strasburg Record Contract [ESPN.com]