PITTSBURGH — Former Cleveland manager Eric Wedge is the first managerial candidate to interview with the Pirates as they seek John Russell's successor.

The Indians won more than 80 games four times and twice won more than 90 under Wedge from 2003-09. He was fired following a 65-97 season a year ago, after the Indians shed numerous players in an effort with rebuild — as the Pirates also have done.

Wedge's 2007 Indians went 96-66 and led the AL championship series 3-1 before Boston rallied to win the pennant. Wedge was 561-573 (.495) with Cleveland despite 90 losses-plus seasons during his first and last seasons.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Slippery Rock University men's soccer team is ranked fourth in the first NCAA Division II Atlantic Region poll this season.The top four teams in the committee's regional rankings at season's end advance to the NCAA Tournament.Unbeaten Mercyhurst is ranked No. 1, followed by Gannon, California (Pa.) and SRU. The Rock's record is 8-2-1.

GREEN BAY, Wis. — NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith said Tuesday there are new signs owners are preparing for a football-free 2011. With support from Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, he's asking fans to take the players' side.Smith spoke at a tailgate-style fan luncheon a few blocks from Lambeau Field. He referred to a recent Sports Business Journal report that said the NFL is requiring banks that lend money to its teams to extend grace periods for loan defaults through the end of the 2011 season in the event of a lockout.Rodgers asked a group of about 300 fans to "stand with us" in what he expects to be a "tough fight" over a new collective bargaining agreement.

DETROIT — The Detroit Pistons have decided to sell the team to Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch, a person involved with the process said Tuesday.Forbes last year valued the team at $479 million, but a weak economy, the threat of an NBA lockout next year and a motivated seller likely mean the price is lower.If the sale goes through, the 81-year-old Ilitch would be the only person to own and control teams in three of North America's four major professional leagues. Ted Turner once owned the Atlanta Braves, Hawks and Thrashers.