The Arizona Diamondbacks’ surprising perch atop the NL West standings can be attributed in large part to their ace, who has been utterly dominant over his past three starts. In victories over the Florida Marlins and the division rival San Diego Padres and Los AngelesDodgers, Webb hasn’t allowed a run over 23 innings. In a 4-0 win over San Diego on July 31, Webb threw seven scoreless innings, while striking out seven. In his next start, pitted against Dodgers ace Brad Penny on Saturday, Webb pitched a shutout, allowing seven hits while striking out four in a 3-0 win. Read More

More than a thousand of Bill Walsh’s closest friends crowded into the Stanford Memorial Church on Thursday to hear a moving final tribute.The emphasis throughout was on the 49ers, starting with scripture readings by former player Keena Turner and present coach Mike Nolan.Walsh’s presence was felt everywhere, for a reason. "He was always prepared for any situation," noted former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo. "He even planned his own funeral." Read More

As you might expect asthe returning West Coach Conference Player of the Year, Rob Valentino is on many preseason lists. But the one that would be most valuable to the USF senior defender is the Hermann Trophy — the most coveted individual award in soccer. Stanford teammates Rachel Bueller and Kelley O’Hara are on the women’s watch list.Lynch impressing Bills Read More

If you’re looking for a role model, you can’t stand Barry Bonds. If you’re simply a fan of between-the-lines greatness, you love him.Fortunately, enough of the people at sold-out Petco Park on Saturday night have already come to grips with the notion that there really aren’t — and shouldn’t be — any genuine role models in sports anymore.Sure, there are athletes who don’t appear to have any skeletons in their closets, who seem to be worthy of our respect and admiration. Tom Brady, for instance. Tiger Woods. Kevin Garnett. Read More