PHOENIX, Ariz. — First, take four meticulously manicured major league baseball fields, add a couple of specialty areas like a major league infield with no outfield and a super bullpen where six pitchers and catchers can work at the same time; Spread them around among the red rocks of Phoenix’s Papago Park Baseball Complex, sprinkle the area with well over 60 freshly uniformed players and coaches; Throw in a dash of autograph-hungry fans, light it all with bright, warm Arizona sunshine, and what have you got?

Breast cancer knocked Karen Queally out of last year’s Napa Valley Marathon, but the Millbrae runner wasn’t forgotten.

From Register Staff

NEW YORK — The NFL delayed the start of the free-agent signing period by three days Thursday, seven hours after the owners had seemed to end all hope for a labor contract extension.

ALAMEDA — The Oakland Raiders cut defensive lineman Ted Washington, offensive lineman Ron Stone and defensive back Denard Walker on Thursday, saving the team more than $12 million in salary cap room for next season.

From The Associated Press

From The Associated Press

* Napa River

It was 34 degrees last Friday morning when I got up, packed everything, and went to meet Bill Ryan, our fishing forecast editor for the Napa Valley Register, and outdoor editor for the St. Helena Star. Bill is a very enthusiastic fisherman. I imagine that is a part of everything he does, from the days with the theater in New York to vice president of operations at Beringer. Now retired, Bill loves to fish and travel.

OURAY, Colo. -- There already has been a woman in space, female chief executive, senator, race car driver -- not much opportunity for firsts as a woman these days.

Some of the basics of ice climbing: