Thunder GM Presti agrees to extension

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07/22/2010 - Oklahoma City, OK (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti has agreed to a multi-year contract extension, the team announced Thursday.

Specific terms of the deal were not disclosed. Presti, 33, was named general manager in 2007, when the team was still located in Seattle, after serving as assistant general manager for the San Antonio Spurs.

"I am extremely humbled to have the opportunity to continue our work here with the Thunder," Presti said. "Oklahoma City is home for me. We have a committed group of players, excellent coaches led by Scott Brooks, and a support staff in both basketball and business, that is integral to the vision of our organization and I am grateful for their partnership."

Through draft choices, such as Kevin Durant in 2007 and Russell Westbrook in 2008, as well as key acquisitions, Presti has constructed a young and promising roster.

The maneuvering paid dividends this past season, when the Thunder went 50-32 under Brooks -- a 27-win improvement from 2008-09. Oklahoma City made the franchise's first playoff appearance in five years and lost its first-round series to the eventual NBA-champion Lakers.

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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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