Jazz acquire Al Jefferson from Timberwolves

Basketball Betting Lines

07/13/2010 - Salt Lake City, UT (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Utah Jazz have acquired center/forward Al Jefferson from the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for center Kosta Koufos, the Memphis Grizzlies' protected 2011 first-round pick (obtained by the Jazz in a previous trade) and an additional future protected first-round pick.

Jefferson, who averaged 17.1 points and 6.9 rebounds last season, fills the void created by Carlos Boozer. He left via free agency to sign with the Chicago Bulls.

"We are happy to acquire a young power player who has developed into one of the best low post scorers in the league," Utah general manager Kevin O'Connor said. "We gave up significant assets to obtain Al and we look forward to watching him progress with our team."

In three seasons with the Timberwolves (2007-10), Jefferson started in 208 games and averaged 20.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.44 blocks while leading the team in scoring each season.

Originally selected by the Boston Celtics in the first round (15th overall) of the 2004 NBA Draft, Jefferson has averaged 15.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.25 blocks in 407 career games (276 starts) over six seasons with Boston and Minnesota.

Koufos, originally selected by the Jazz in the first round (23rd overall) of the 2008 draft, owns career averages of 3.3 points and 2.2 rebounds in 48 games (seven starts).

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El Duque expected to throw Tuesday

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- New York Mets pitcher Orlando Hernandez, sidelined at spring training because of arthritis in his neck, is expected to resume throwing on Tuesday.

Hernandez received a cortisone shot Thursday after leaving camp and returning to New York to have his neck examined. The 41-year-old right-hander is penciled in as the team's No. 2 starter behind Tom Glavine.

El Duque's health is a major issue for the Mets, who won the NL East in 2007 and came within one victory of the World Series. Their aging and unsettled rotation is a big question mark this year.

MySportsbook.com has the Mets as -110 favorites to repeat as NL East champions odds. 

Hernandez went 11-11 with a 4.66 ERA last season, including 9-7 with a 4.09 ERA in 20 starts after the Mets acquired him from Arizona in late May. But he missed the playoffs because of a torn calf muscle.

New York already is without Pedro Martinez, out until at least midseason following rotator cuff surgery. Among those competing for starting jobs are prospects Mike Pelfrey, Philip Humber and Jason Vargas, plus veterans Chan Ho Park, Jorge Sosa and Aaron Sele.

Notes: Mets manager Willie Randolph is excited about two new utility players he could have on his bench: Damion Easley and David Newhan. ''Their value is really all over the place,'' Randolph said. Easley can play anywhere in the infield and could be used as an emergency outfielder, though Randolph said he would prefer to keep the veteran in the infield. Newhan, meanwhile, can play second base, third or any outfield position for the Mets. ''I love versatility,'' Randolph said. ''I love guys that can give me options when I need them to step in.''

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