By DAVE KRIEGER, Scripps Howard News Service

Nation not buying into defending N.L. champ Rockies

Coming off their first National League pennant, the Colorado Rockies figured they would enter the new season facing great expectations.For example, this was manager Clint Hurdle's pre-emptive strike Sunday at the Rocks' final workout before Monday's opener at Busch Stadium was rained out:

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Johnson's competitive spirit still strong

TUCSON, Ariz. -- The long angular body and whip-like delivery were familiar. The results were not. But Randy Johnson's first start of spring training Monday was not about results.

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Cubs aim to leave futility to clinic

MESA, Ariz. -- Forty-five minutes before game time on a sun-soaked day, the line of cars stretches three blocks from HoHoKam Park. Fans lounging on blankets already fill prime spots on the berm beyond the left field fence.

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Karl likely casualty if Nuggets falter

George Karl knows how these things work. He can hear the hounds baying.

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Forsberg worth the risk to Avs

It is that rarest of trade deadline deals, the big move with no downside. Peter Forsberg's return can only help the Colorado Avalanche.For one thing, they're not giving up anything. In the cold view through the green eyeshade, Forsberg is an asset that does not cost them an asset in return, like manna from heaven.

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What are the top sports movies of all time?

As a fan of sports movies, I was pretty excited about the list of nominees for best picture this year. I admit I haven't seen any of them, but I couldn't remember the last time two sports movies made the final five.

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The Forsberg drama

The Philadelphia Flyers may be the favorites, but Colorado Avalanche remain in the hunt for Peter Forsberg, and the list of their competitors keeps shrinking.

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Belichick tries to soften acidic image

Now that he's in the planetary spotlight of the Super Bowl, Bill Belichick is making nice, or at least what passes for nice in the world of magnificent obsession.

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Nuggets need to listen to old-school Karl

Jim Rome took a minute on his ESPN television show the other day to pay tribute to George Karl, the interview.Normally, radio interviews don't make great television, but Rome played portions of his radio conversation with Karl because he was so impressed by the honesty of the answers.

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Clemens' tepid denials not helping

What a relief to hear that Roger Clemens' lawyers plan to investigate the steroid allegations against their client. And here I was worrying we might never get to the bottom of this.

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