Saturday Morning Headlines: NHL Sides To Meet Today, NYC Marathon Canceled, as Melo Brings Hope To The Big Apple

Nov 2, 2012; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) scores over Miami Heat small forward Shane Battier (31) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Knicks won 104-84. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-US PRESSWIRE

The NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly and NHLPA special counsel Steve Fehr will meet Saturday in an undisclosed location to continue bargaining talks. This after the NHL has communicated to the NHLPA their willingness to fund a decent sized portion of the “Make Whole” provision to honor existing contracts.

Mayor Bloomberg canceled the New York City Marathon late Friday. The runners were ready, but the city is still ravaged after Hurricane Sandy. The marathon that was scheduled to take place on Sunday has not been re-scheduled.

Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks matched up with LeBron James and the Heat in Madison Square Garden. Melo took to center court to thank the fans for coming and then lifted the hurricane Sandy victims with a win. Melo dropped 30 points and 10 rebounds.

Darren Sproles has been ruled out for Monday night when the Saints take on the Eagles. Sproles injured his hand and had to have surgery this week. He will be re-evaluated again next week to determine length of recovery.

Irsay tweeted that Chuck Pagano may make a guest appearance at the Colts-Dolphins game this Sunday. Pagano, undergoing leukemia treatment, was released from the hospital Monday for a short hiatus before returning next week for another round.

Ortiz got a deal done with the Red Sox. Boston wrapped up the veteran to a 2 year deal worth at least $26 million with incentives that could potentially make the deal as much as $30 million.

The Texas Rangers made a one year qualifying offer for $13.3 million to free agent Josh Hamilton on Friday. Hamilton is expected to decline the deal by November 9th.

The Cub/Angels deal that was supposed to send closer Marmol from the Chicago to LA in exchange for pitcher Dan Haren was called off. Since they were unable to complete the trade, the Angels declined Haren’s $15.5 million option, making him a free agent.