Harrington to miss final two games

Detroit Lions quarterback Joey Harrington will sit out the final two games of the season because of an irregular heartbeat, head coach Marty Mornhinweg announced on Monday.

Harrington played one series during the Lions 23-20 loss to Tampa Bay on Sunday, but was taken to the hospital for tests and observations after falling ill with the heart problem.

Doctors said Harrington's heartbeat had returned to a normal rhythm before he was hospitalized. The rookie quarterback, who has had no previous heart troubles, will miss the rest of the season for precautionary measures only, according to Mornhinweg.

"Based on consultations with our team doctors, training staff and the attending physicians at Henry Ford Hospital, we believe this is the best decision for Joey," said Mornhinweg.

Harrington, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2002 draft out of Oregon, has started 12 of the 14 games so far this season for the Lions. He has completed 215-of-429 passes for 2,294 yards with 12 touchdowns, but has also been intercepted 16 times.

Mike McMahon, who was replaced by Harrington after starting the first two contests of the season, took over at quarterback in Sunday's game. McMahon completed 10-of-21 passes for 158 yards, one touchdown and one interception in place of Harrington. He also rushed for a touchdown as Detroit dropped its sixth straight game.

Is Davis through with 'Skins?

Washington running back Stephen Davis will not play on Sunday when the Redskins host the Houston Texans.

Davis suffered a dislocated right shoulder on the second play of yesterday's 34-21 loss to the Eagles at Veterans Stadium. He did not return to the game.

"Stephen's definitely out this week, but we'll wait until next week to see if he's available for the last game of the season," Washington head coach Steve Spurrier said. "His shoulder popped out and popped back in."

Davis had started Sunday's game with rushes of nine and 15 yards before fumbling and injuring his shoulder.

Rookie running back Ladell Betts and Kenny Watson will split time in the backfield against the Texans. Spurrier said he was unsure who would start in Davis's absence. Against the Eagles, Betts carried the ball 16 times for 49 yards. He also had two catches for seven yards. Watson carried four times for nine yards in Philly.

Davis has gained 820 yards on 207 carries this season with seven touchdowns. He also has a touchdown reception. If he does not return for the season finale against Dallas, Davis may have played his last game for Washington.

The Redskins are expected to release Davis after the season for salary cap reasons.

Zeile in, Stanton Out

The New York Yankees and Todd Zeile agreed to a one-year contract on Monday, pending a physical. The deal is worth $1.5 million for Zeile, who would replace Ron Coomer as the Yankees' backup at third base and first base.

Zeile, who batted .273 with 18 homers and 87 RBI for the Colorado Rockies last season, could also serve as right-handed designated hitter.

The 37-year-old Zeile could see increased playing time if the Yankees trade Nick Johnson to Montreal for one of the Expos' starting pitchers, and his contract reportedly includes performance bonuses.

Zeile is a lifetime .268 hitter with 233 home runs and 1,033 RBI. In 14 seasons, Zeile has played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers, Florida Marlins, New York Mets and Rockies.

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The New York Mets agreed to terms on a three-year contract with free agent left-handed relief pitcher Mike Stanton on Monday. The deal is worth $9 million.

Stanton, who spent the last six seasons in the Yankees' bullpen, is the second free agent that the Mets have signed. Tom Glavine, a former Atlanta Brave, agreed to terms with the club on December 5th. Stanton and Glavine are the only two players to play in every postseason since 1991.

A former Brave, Red Sox and Ranger, Stanton rejected a $4.6 million, two-year contract from the Yankees. He was not offered salary arbitration by the Yankees, allowing him to become a free agent.


Giants sign Alfonzo

The San Francisco Giants signed infielder Edgardo Alfonzo to a four-year contract worth $26 million, after reaching an impasse during contract negotiations for former NL MVP Jeff Kent.

Alfonzo had been with the New York Mets' organization since signing in 1991, when he was 17. He hit .308 with 16 homers and 56 RBI last season, but wasn't offered arbitration and rejected a two-year offer worth $11 million from the Mets.

"I was looking to stay close to New York, but baseball is a business," said Alfonzo, who added he also got offers from Boston, Baltimore, Oakland and San Diego. "I'm happy with the way it is right now, so I'm looking forward to going to San Francisco and being a part of the team."

Alfonzo also has the ability to play at third or second base, which raises the question if the Giants will be able to keep Kent. The Giants offered the second baseman arbitration and he wants to return to the Giants, but would like a long-term deal. Kent has until later this week to accept San Francisco's arbitration offer for a one-year pact.

"I'm not used to this thing of acquiring players," laughed Giants manager Felipe Alou, who used to be with the financially-troubled Montreal Expos. "Now I'm waiting for more."

The Giants have projected a payroll of between $73 million to $75 million by Opening Day and they are already a bit over budget. They likely would have no choice but to make a trade if they were to keep Kent and balance their payroll. Giants general manager Brian Sabean has already targeted who the National League champions would have to trade if they intend to keep Kent, who could also play first base instead of J.T. Snow.

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