SPORTS DIGEST || Mooney basketball games postponed

Cardinal Mooney boys games postponed

YOUNGSTOWN

Cardinal Mooney’s boys basketball games this weekend have been postponed due to the Cardinals’ participation in the football Division IV state championship game. Mooney was scheduled to play host to East on Friday and Cleveland Benedictine on Saturday. The Benedictine game has been rescheduled for Jan. 11.

Ohio competitive balance not an issue

COLUMBUS

The competitive balance issue in Ohio high school athletics apparently has quieted — at least for the time being. Tim Stried, director of information services for the Ohio High School Athletic Association, said in a news release Tuesday that the OHSAA received no petitions pertaining to the matter. The deadline was Monday for referendum items to be voted on in May.

Stried’s release stated that the OHSAA had anticipated that a petition might be submitted regarding separation of team sport tournaments into public and private divisions. However, no petition was submitted.

With 2 QBs sidelined, Browns sign Hanie

CLEVELAND

With Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell recovering from concussions, the Browns signed quarterback Caleb Hanie, who could start this week at New England. The Browns worked out Hanie last week, but decided to sign Alex Tanney off Dallas’ practice squad. Tanney backed up Weeden on Sunday against Jacksonville. Hanie, who has started four games during his career, spent four seasons backing up Jay Cutler in Chicago and spent last season behind Peyton Manning in Denver.

Hot Stove: A’s make 3 trades in two days

OAKLAND

In a whirlwind stretch of less than 24 hours, Oakland general manager Billy Beane pulled off a trio of trades with three different clubs. First, the A’s acquired AL saves leader Jim Johnson from Baltimore late Monday as the replacement for All-Star closer Grant Balfour. On Tuesday, the two-time defending division champions traded for San Diego right-handed reliever Luke Gregerson in a swap that sent outfielder Seth Smith to the Padres. That move became a viable option after outfielder Craig Gentry was acquired from Texas earlier Tuesday with top outfield prospect Michael Choice going to the division rival Rangers. Oakland also is waiting on lefty Scott Kazmir’s physical to finalize a $22 million, two-year contract.

In other deals Tuesday, the Cincinnati Reds traded catcher Ryan Hanigan to the Tampa Bay Rays and received pitching prospect David Holmberg from the Arizona Diamondbacks in a three-team trade, and the Houston Astros acquired outfielder Dexter Fowler and a player to be named from the Colorado Rockies for outfielder Brandon Barnes and right-hander Jordan Lyles.

Twins, Tigers spend on pitching as Tribe sits

The Minnesota Twins, usually not a player in the free agent market, seemingly have changed strategy this offseason. The Twins on Tuesday introduced starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco who was signed from the Los Angeles Dodgers to a $49 million, four-year contract. The club also is finishing a $24 million, three-year deal with right-hander Phil Hughes.

Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers were closing in on a two-year deal with All-Star closer Joe Nathan.

In other free agent news, the New York Yankees agreed to a seven-year, $153-millon contract with outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury; free-agent catcher A.J. Pierzynski has agreed to a one-year contract with the Red Sox; and former Boston catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia has agreed to a $21 million, three-year deal with the Miami Marlins.

Vonn cleared for downhill training

LAKE LOUISE, Alberta

Lindsey Vonn was cleared to get back on a World Cup course for downhill training. She is expected to start in Wednesday’s first official training session at Lake Louise, the U.S. Ski Team said Tuesday.

Staff reports/Associated Press