Track-It Sports

CHICAGO — Pitcher John Grabow became the first of the 171 free agents to reach agreement on a new deal, getting a $7.5 million, two-year contract Friday from the Chicago Cubs. Read more

SEATTLE -- In this town, people love their Sounders FC and know Major League Soccer, including league commissioner Don Garber. Read more

RALEIGH, N.C. -- It was the kind of game the Carolina Hurricanes probably would not have won a few weeks ago. Maybe one week ago. Read more

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Lee Westwood shot a 3-under 69 Friday to take a two-stroke lead after the second round of the Dubai World Championship, strengthening his chance of winning the European money title. Read more

GRANBY, Colo. — The death of the mother of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has been ruled a suicide. Read more

LONDON — There will be no rematch.

Ireland's hopes for a replay of its World Cup qualifier against France ended Friday after both FIFA and the French Football Federation rejected requests for another game. Read more

HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Jimmie Johnson will go for his fourth straight Cup title from the pole. Read more

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Baltimore Ravens defensive end Dwan Edwards plans to appeal the $5,000 fine he received for a hit delivered to Cleveland Browns wide receiver Joshua Cribbs on Monday night. Read more

Jason Avant doesn't know what Sunday night in his hometown of Chicago will bring.

It might bring another 100-yard game, like the one he had last week against the Chargers. Or it might bring a goose egg like the ones he had in Weeks 6 and 7 against the Raiders and the Redskins. Read more

The NFL Players Association opposes commissioner Roger Goodell's call for players to tell their teams' medical staffs if they think a teammate shows symptoms of a concussion. Read more