28-year-old pitcher Kennedy dies

Joe Kennedy, a journeyman left-hander who pitched for three major league teams last season, died at his in-laws’ home Friday near Tampa, Fla. He was 28.

After going to bed early, Kennedy woke up at about 1:15 a.m. Friday and collapsed as he was leaving a bedroom at the home of his wife’s parents, Hillsborough County sheriff’s spokeswoman Debbie Carter said. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue took Kennedy to Brandon Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, she said.

“We were terribly shocked,” Blue Jays President Paul Godfrey told the Associated Press. “From what we understand he was in Brandon . . . to be the best man at a wedding today.”

Godfrey didn’t have particulars on the cause of death.

“Obviously, when a 28-year-old man dies, ballplayer or not, it’s a terrible, terrible thing,” he said.

Kennedy, who is from El Cajon, spent seven years in the majors, playing last season with Oakland, Arizona and Toronto. He also spent time with Tampa Bay and Colorado and had a 43-61 career record with a 4.79 earned-run average in 222 appearances.

Kennedy made his major league debut in June 2001 and made his last appearance in relief on Sept. 29 in a 5-3 win over Tampa Bay.

He started the 2007 season with Oakland as a starter but was moved to the bullpen after going 3-9 with a 4.37 ERA. He appeared in 27 games, including 16 starts, before being placed on waivers.

Claimed by Arizona in August, he was released that month after only three appearances. The Blue Jays signed him Aug. 29, and Kennedy got his first win as a Blue Jay on Sept. 21, in New York against the Yankees.

Kennedy and his family still lived in the Denver area and had just bought a new house, Rockies first baseman Todd Helton, one of Kennedy’s closest friends, told the Denver Post.

“It’s a sad day and a sad situation,” Helton said. “He’s leaving a wife and a little boy behind.”

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Free-agent closer Francisco Cordero has reportedly reached a preliminary agreement on a four-year, $46 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds.

The deal, which includes a club option for a fifth year, is subject to Cordero passing a physical exam, ESPN.com reported. The agreement was first reported by FoxSports.com.

Cordero, 32, was second in the National League with 44 saves last season for Milwaukee and made the NL All-Star team.

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GOLF

Americans lead after two rounds at World Cup

Boo Weekley shot a three-under 69 with partner Heath Slocum to keep a one-stroke lead for the United States after two rounds of the World Cup of Golf in Shenzhen, China.

England’s Justin Rose and Ian Poulter and Scotland’s Colin Montgomerie and Marc Warren shot 68s to trail by a shot at 13-under 131.

Playing the more difficult foursomes (alternate-shot) format, scores soared after the easier fourballs (better-ball) on Thursday. Better-ball returns today and alternate-shot features on Sunday. Though this is a stroke-play event, match-play rules are in play.

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SOCCER

Reports say Real Madrid is interested in U.S. teen

Real Madrid is reportedly interested in American teenage star Jozy Altidore.

Sporting director assistant Carlos Bucero had traveled to New York amid reports the Spanish champions were interested in signing the 18-year-old New York Red Bulls striker, the team said.

Altidore’s agent wouldn’t say if he had met with Bucero but confirmed his client’s interest in Madrid.

“We’ve heard of the interest and for any soccer player it is a thrill to be linked with Real Madrid, and Jozy’s really happy about the news,” Richard Motzkin told the Associated Press.

Top-ranked UCLA’s Lauren Cheney scored the game-winning goal in overtime and the host Bruins defeated visiting Virginia, 2-1, to advance to the quarterfinals of the NCAA women’s soccer tournament.

USC, in its first third-round appearance, plays host to Florida tonight at 7 at the Coliseum.

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VOLLEYBALL

Rooney, U.S. defeat Egypt in World Cup

The United States improved to 3-2 at the volleyball Men’s World Cup with a three-set win over winless Egypt behind 18 kills from Sean Rooney in Toyama, Japan.

William Priddy added 12 kills in the Americans’ 25-22, 25-18, 25-19 victory. The top three teams at the tournament will qualify for the Beijing Olympics.

“We’re trying to concentrate on playing better volleyball each day and we achieved that today,” U.S. captain Thomas Hoff said. “Sean Rooney is one of the up-and-comers on the U.S. team.”