BASEBALL

GIRARDI DECLINES OPPORTUNITY TO MANAGE ORIOLES

Joe Girardi turned down an offer to manage the Baltimore Orioles, a decision yesterday that ended the team’s spirited effort to secure its top choice for the job.

The Orioles began negotiating with Girardi soon after firing Sam Perlozzo on Monday. The sides appeared headed toward an agreement on Wednesday, but Girardi ultimately decided against getting back in the dugout.

Orioles president of baseball op erations Andy MacPhail said Gi rardi withdrew his name from consideration because “he wasn’ ready to leave his family.”

“He just didn’t feel like he should go at this particular time,” MacPhail said. “I’m disappointed but undaunted.”

Dusty Baker and former Orioles Davey Johnson, Rick Dempsey and Don Baylor have been bandied around as possible candidates for an interview. According to MacPhail, the main qualification is enthusiasm for the position as manager of the Orioles, a team in trying to avoid its 10th consecutive losing season.

A’S DESIGNATE BRADLEY FOR ASSIGNMENT

The Oakland Athletics designat ed outfielder Milton Bradley for assignment yesterday, cutting ties with a player who was expected to play an important role on the team this season.

Bradley had been on the disabled list three times this year and was frustrated that the team waited two extra days to activate him this week because of uncertainty about third baseman Eric Chavez‘s health.

Asked Tuesday how he was feel ing, Bradley curtly responded “I’m healthy and on the bench.” Bradley was activated from the DL the following day and went 0-for-3 with a walk.

HOCKEY

GIGUERE SIGNS 4-YEAR DEAL WITH DUCKS

Goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere has decided to stay with the Anaheim Ducks, perhaps passing up more money on the open market to sign a 4-year, $24 million contract with the Stanley Cup champions.

“Every single player in this league wants to play for this organization right now,” Giguere said Thursday on a conference call. “It’s an amazing place to live, ownership is great, it just doesn’t get any better in the NHL.”

The 30-year-old Giguere was acquired by the Ducks from Calgary in 2000 for a second-round draft choice. He had a 13–4 record in the playoffs while appearing in 18 postseason games with a 1.97 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage.

SOCCER

AMERICA TOPS CANADA 2–1

After Frankie Hejduk and Landon Donovan scored, the United States nearly frittered away its lead and a spot in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final.

Hejduk, who missed last summer’s World Cup with a knee injury, scored his first goal in almost seven years and Donovan converted his third penalty kick of the tournament. Then the United States hung on for a 2–1 victory over Canada on last night, getting help when an apparent tying goal in injury time was disallowed on a disputed offside call.

Hejduk will miss the final after picking up his second yellow card in as many games and Michael Bradley, the son of U.S. coach Bob Bradley, also will sit out the final after getting a red card in the 89th minute for a reckless tackle.

The defending champions, who are unbeaten in the tournament, play Mexico or Guadeloupe on Sunday. With 33 goals, Donovan moved within one of Eric Wynalda’s U.S. career record. Kasey Keller played his 100th international game, matching Tony Meola’s American mark for goalkeepers.

GOLF

MAHAN SHOOTS 62 TO TAKE LEAD AT TRAVELERS

Hunter Mahan likes Hartford.

Mahan, who finished second here last year, shot an 8-under 62 yesterday to take the first-round lead at the Travelers Championship before play was suspended with 39 golfers still on the course.

The round was one stroke off the course record and it was his sixth consecutive round in the 60s at the TPC at River Highlands.