Sports Notes Around the Country

NFL:

Tennessee Titan QB Jake Locker will get the start over Matt Hasselback Week 1 vs, Patriots.

Buffalo Bills release LB Shawne Merriman.

KC Chiefs LB Tamba Hali suspended for Week 1 due to substance-abuse violation.

Miami Dolphins name rookie QB Ryan Tannehill as the team's starter.

Former Washington Redskins RB Clinton Portis will announce his retirement on Thursday.

According to reports, former NY Giants DE Michael Strahan excepted to be named as co-host of the ABC show Live!, alongside Kelly Ripa.

NHL:

Philadelphia Flyers LW Scott Hartnell (37 goals in 2011) signs a 6-year extension through the 2018-19 season.

Nashville Predators sign C Mike Fisher (24 goals, 51 points in 2011) to a 2-year extension worth 8.4 million.

MLB:

LA Dodgers host SF Giants for huge series in the NL West.  Madison Baumgarner out duels Clayton Kershaw 2-1 in game 1 to put the Giants ahead in the West for now.

Arizona Diamondbacks trade SS Stephen Drew to the Oakland A's for Minor League SS Sean Jamieson.

St. Louis Cardinals sign P Jake Westbrook (12-9, 3.50 ERA to a 1 year extension with a mutual option for 2014

US Open:

The Top 3 seeds for the Men's side of the US Open are:  Andy Murray #3, defending champ Novak Djokovic #2 and Roger Federer #1