National sports briefs

Published 12:00 am Sunday, January 7, 2007

Associated Press

NEW YORK — Randy Johnson agreed Sunday to a $26 million, two-year contract with Arizona, leaving physicals and final approvals to complete his trade from the New York Yankees back to the Diamondbacks.

Johnson most likely will take his physical today, and the trade probably will be finalized Tuesday. Arizona general manager Josh Byrnes confirmed the agreement but otherwise declined comment until after the medical information is reviewed.

New York, which acquired the Big Unit from Arizona two years ago, would receive reliever Luis Vizcaino, minor league right-handers Ross Ohlendorf and Steven Jackson, and minor league shortstop Alberto Gonzalez.

Johnson was owed $16 million this year in the final season of his January 2005 contract with the Yankees, a deal that called for $1.5 million to be deferred without interest until 2010.

YANKEES

NEW YORK — It appears the New York Yankees might not have room for Bernie Williams anymore.

The Yankees finalized their $1.5 million, one-year contract with Doug Mientkiewicz, and general manager Brian Cashman said he will be part of a platoon at first base with Andy Phillips or Josh Phelps. With Jason Giambi shifting to designated hitter and the Yankees planning to keep 12 pitchers, that leaves them with no spots open for Williams — unless they trade Melky Cabrera.

BOXING

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — Even after Samuel Peter beat James Toney with ease, his manager wasn’t that impressed.

“I would call it a B-minus performance,” said Peter’s manager, Ivaylo Gotzev.

B-minus was good enough — for now, anyway.

Peter beat Toney by unanimous decision Saturday in their 12-round rematch, which served as an elimination bout for the WBC heavyweight championship. The win, in theory, assures Peter a shot against Oleg Maskaev for that belt, and that’s the first of many ambitious goals his camp plans to chase this year.

NHL

MONTREAL — Martin Brodeur made 28 saves for his league-leading seventh shutout of the season and Brian Gionta scored twice, lifting the New Jersey Devils to a 3-0 win over the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday afternoon.

Brodeur, who leads the league with 25 wins, is third in career shutouts with 87. He trails George Hainsworth (94) and Terry Sawchuck (103).

Senators 6, Flyers 1

OTTAWA — Dany Heatley had two goals and an assist, and linemate Daniel Alfredsson added a goal and two assists in the Senators’ victory.

Coyotoes 4, Blackhawks 2

CHICAGO — Jeremy Roenick had a goal and an assist and the Coyotes won their season-high sixth straight, beating the Blackhawks.

GOING PRO

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Sophomore Sidney Rice, South Carolina’s career leader in touchdown receptions, is giving up his final two seasons to enter the NFL draft.

In two seasons, Rice caught 23 TDs to set the school’s career mark. With 1,090 yards receiving this year, Rice became the first South Carolina wideout to break the 1,000-yard mark twice in his career.