FOOTBALL

Romo Will Be Cowboys Starter Sunday At Carolina

Drew Bledsoe knew his interception near the goal line just before halftime was a horrible play. He never thought it might be the last pass he’d throw for the Dallas Cowboys.

Bledsoe’s demotion became official yesterday when Bill Parcells said Tony Romo, who took over at quarterback in the second half Monday night, will make his first career start Sunday night at Carolina.

“It’s a very, very disappointing situation for me, but I can’t go back and change it,” Bledsoe, in his 14th season, said. “Obviously, I would like to be the guy still, and I really in my heart of hearts believe that I give us the best chance to win.”

Parcells doesn’t think so anymore, and is doing something he rarely has done — changing quarterbacks in midseason. The coach often has been loyal to veteran quarterbacks, including 41-year-old Vinny Testaverde through a 6–10 Cowboys season two years ago.

Rejuvenated McNair Ready for Saints

The Baltimore Ravens’ quarterback, Steve McNair, worked with the first-team offense yesterday and expects to play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.

McNair sustained a concussion and sprained neck in the first quarter of Baltimore’s 23–21 loss to Carolina on October 15. The Ravens (4–2) had a well-timed bye last week, during which McNair recovered from the injuries.

BASEBALL

Hershiser To Interview With A’s About Manager Job

The Oakland Athletics will interview former major league pitcher Orel Hershiser for their managerial opening.

The A’s general manager, Billy Beane, will schedule a meeting with Hershiser, currently an ESPN baseball analyst, in Phoenix for sometime during the week of November 6.

Beane fired a fourth-year manager, Ken Macha, on October 16, two days after Oakland’s season ended in a sweep by the wild-card Detroit Tigers in the AL championship series. The A’s won a playoff series for the first time since 1990, ending a string of four straight firstround exits from 2000–03.

The 48-year-old Hershiser went 204–150 during an 18-year playing career that included 13 seasons for the Los Angeles Dodgers, including his final year in 2000. He pitched for the San Francisco Giants in 1998.

Twins’ Liriano Leaves Rehab Assignment, Considers Surgery

The Minnesota Twins’ left-hander, Francisco Liriano, still feeling pain in his elbow, has stopped his rehabilitation and may consider surgery.

Liriano left the team’s facility in Fort Myers, Fla., and was to consult with doctors. He began working out there earlier this month, trying to get healthy enough to pitch in winter ball.

One of Liriano’s agents, Gene Mato, said Tuesday the pitcher felt it was necessary to “re-evaluate his situation.”

— Associated Press