FOOTBALL

Holmes Will Not Return To Chiefs This Season

Running back Priest Holmes will not return to the Kansas City Chiefs this season.

However, the Chiefs general manager, Carl Peterson, said yesterday that recent medical tests on Holmes have been encouraging and Holmes hopes to return for the 2007 season. Yesterday was the last day the Chiefs could have activated Holmes.

“He does not, at this time, plan to give up football,” Peterson said.

The three-time Pro Bowler, who turned 33 last month, has not played since October 30, 2005, when he was injured on a hit by Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman in a game at San Diego. The hit left him with head and neck trauma, diagnosed by three spinal specialists.

BASEBALL

Kennedy, Wells Agree To Deals With Cardinals

Signing second baseman Adam Kennedy filled out the St. Louis Cardinals’ everyday lineup. Even with the addition of right-hander Kip Wells, their rotation remains two pitchers shy.

The Cardinals made their first big moves since winning the World Series, agreeing yesterday to a $10 million, three-year contract with Kennedy and $4 million, one-year deal with Wells. They also agreed to a $900,000, one-year contract with backup catcher Gary Bennett and a minor league contract with Eli Marrero, once their starting catcher.

Red Sox Make ‘Fair’ Offer To Matsuzaka

The Red Sox have made an offer to pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka that Boston president Larry Lucchino describes as “fair” and “comprehensive.”

Lucchino, in Tokyo yesterday after meeting with representatives of Matsuzaka’s Seibu Lions, said the Red Sox have taken the next step toward signing the Japanese star.

Boston bid $51.1 million for the right to negotiate with Matsuzaka, who was the MVP of last spring’s World Baseball Classic. The team has until the end of December 14 to sign him.

— Associated Press