Here's your wakeup call -- a combination of newsworthy andor interesting tidbits -- for Thursday, October 11:
BASEBALL
Are these A's a great story, or what? (CSN Bay Area)
They're even overshadowing the Giants, and that's not easy. (CSN Bay Area)
But this great story may be coming to an end. (CSN Washington)
This one, too. (CSN Baltimore)
So how about it, Joe Girardi? You're not still thinking of keeping A-Rod in the No. 3 spot, are you? (NBC's Hardball Talk)
You'd better, if you don't want Kobe Bryant mad at you. (NBC's Pro Basketball Talk)
Boston Red Sox
It may be the 167th -- and potentially final -- game, but NBC's Hardball Talk's Matthew Pouliot says it's time for the Tigers to change closers. (Hardball Talk)
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
The NCAA is knocking on Myck Kabongo's door down at Texas, and that's never a good thing. (AP)
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Speaking of the NCAA, its standing by its sanctions against Boise State. (AP)
Jerry Sandusky's lawyer says the state of Pennsylvania has no legal grounds for revoking his client's pension, and he believes "they are just going through the motions to try to throw some red meat to the public". (AP)
GOLF
Tiger Woods channels his inner NHL skater and looks to play in Europe. (AP) He'd still stay on the PGA Tour, though.
HOCKEY
But it looks like some of the hockey players who went over -- or at least the Russians -- may stay there all year, even if the lockout ends. (CSN Washington)
Apparently, the NHLPA -- at the urging of the league -- is working on a new proposal. (NBC's Pro Hockey Talk) What, so the owners can say "no" again and then cry the players are being unreasonable? Or put their own laughably one-sided offer back on the table and claim they made a "legitimate counteroffer"? Sorry to be so cynical; just can't get the phrase "past actions are the best indicator of future performance" out of my mind.
And why does the phrase "crocodile tears" leap into my head at this one? (Pro Hockey Talk)
PRO BASKETBALL
Looks like the Warriors are going to have to start the year without Andrew Bogut. (NBC's Pro Basketball Talk)
Judging by last night, the Lakers better hope they don't have to start it without Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard. (AP)
Cross David Stern at your peril. Just ask Stan Van Gundy. (Pro Basketball Talk)
PRO FOOTBALL
R.I.P., Alex Karras. (AP)
Using capital letters to make sure everyone gets the point, the done-for-the-year Brian Cushing assures his Facebook friends -- and Texans fans, I would imagine -- that "WE are STILL winning THIS year's Super Bowl". (NBC's Pro Football Talk)
The NFL is reviewing Matt Slauson's hit on Cushing, though nothing's expected to come of it. (Pro Football Talk)
Rex Ryan's support for Mark Sanchez is getting a little weaker. (AP)
The NFL says former Vikings defensive lineman Jimmy Kennedy was the original whistle-blower on BountyGate. Kennedy, ah, denies it. Strongly. (Pro Football Talk)
Don't invite Scott Fujita to a party with Roger Goodell. (AP)
Hasn't been much of a year for Ryan Kalil. First there was the Super Bowl guarantee, then the Panthers' 1-4 start, and now he's out for the season. (AP)
To paraphrase Gordon Gecko (sort of), Jim Harbaugh says paranoia is good. (CSN Bay Area)
Terry Bradshaw continues to audition for the lead role in Grumpy Old Men III. (Pro Football Talk)
Brady Quinn's getting ready, since it looks like Matt Cassel's a no-go for Sunday. (AP)
Old friend Mark Anderson's out indefinitely in Buffalo. (AP)
T.O. won't take 'no' for an answer from the Jets. (Pro Football Talk)
TENNIS
Roger Federer says he forgot all about those death threats once the match started. (AP)