BASEBALL: Wedge, Melvin honored
Cleveland’s Eric Wedge and Arizona’s Bob Melvin were honored yesterday as managers of the year. Wedge (116 points) finished ahead of the Angels’ Mike Scioscia (62) and Joe Torre (61) in balloting by the Baseball Writers Association. Finishing second to Melvin (119) was the Phillies’ Charlie Manuel (76).
* Daisuke Matsuzaka might miss Boston’s season-opening, two-game series against the Athletics at the Tokyo Dome because his wife is expecting to deliver their second baby. The first game is slated for March 25. The Red Sox also raised their ticket prices by about 9 percent. Field boxes will cost $125, up from $105.
GOLF: Rhoden leads senior Q-school
Rick Rhoden had a hole-in-one to take a two-stroke lead after the second round of the Champions Tour’s National Qualifying Tournament yesterday in Coral Springs, Fla. The former Yankees pitcher who has won 50 celebrity golf titles aced the 186-yard, 17th hole with a 5-iron and finished with a 2-under 70 for a 6-under 138.
NFL: Williams’ suspension ends
Ricky Williams’ suspension ended after more than 18 months when he was reinstated yesterday by the NFL. If he re-signs with Miami, he won’t be eligible to play until Nov. 26 at Pittsburgh.
HOOPS: Jackson’s Brokeback remark
The NBA has spoken with the Lakers about a sexual reference coach Phil Jackson made in a comment following Tuesday night’s game in San Antonio.
The Spurs made 13 3-pointers in their 107-92 victory, and Jackson was asked if too much penetration was leading to open outside shooters. “We call this a ‘Brokeback Mountain’ game, because there’s so much penetration and kickouts,” Jackson said. “It was one of those games.”
* Kevin Jones, a 6-7 forward from perennial state power Mount Vernon, announced that he would sign with West Virginia. Jones also had considered St. John’s. -Dan Martin