Sports Desk
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.

BASEBALL
Average Baseball Salary Up 9% to Nearly $2.7M
Baseball salaries were booming even before the free-agent escalation that began more than a month ago.
The average salary shot up 9% this year to $2,699,292, according to final figures released yesterday by the Major League Baseball Players Association. The increase was the highest since a 12.8 percent rise in 2001 and makes it likely the $3 million mark will be broken next year or in 2008.
“The increase in the average salary is a reflection of the growth in overall industry revenues, and that while the sport still has significant economic challenges, the increased average is a reflection of the level of the talent on the field,” said baseball’s chief operating officer, Bob DuPuy.
BASKETBALL
Blizzard Postpones Suns-Nuggets game
Less than 24 hours after their blockbuster deal to acquire Allen Iverson, the Denver Nuggets postponed their game last night against Phoenix because of a snowstorm that snarled traffic, closed the airport and forced the governor to declare a state of emergency.
No makeup date had immediately been set. With harsh wind blowing the 12-plus inches of snow expected to hit Denver, it was no night for venturing out to the Pepsi Center, and nobody benefited more than the Nuggets.
FOOTBALL
RB Taylor Questionable For Sunday’s Game
Jaguars running back Fred Taylor sat out practice and was listed as questionable for Sunday’s crucial game against New England. He strained his right hamstring December 10 against Indianapolis and reinjured it last week at Tennessee. Tests revealed no tears and little bleeding. But Taylor was unable to fully stretch yesterday and said he probably won’t practice until Friday at the earliest.
Vick Says Sore Groin Has Improved
Michael Vick says his sore groin has improved, even though he didn’t test the injury as he took a reduced role in yesterday’s practice. Vick had to leave late in the Atlanta Falcons’ loss to Dallas on Saturday night due to the injury. He was listed as probable for Sunday’s game against Carolina and reported the sore groin “feels better.”
“I just wanted to take a day off and make sure when I came back to practice I’d be able to practice at 100%”Vick said.
— Associated Press