Roddick adds one to his career title list

Andy Roddick won his first title of 2009 and the 27th of his career, beating Radek Stepanek, 7-5, 7-5, in the final of the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships at Memphis, Tenn.

Only Roger Federer (57) and Rafael Nadal (32) have won more titles among active players.

Roddick got a bit of revenge for losing to Stepanek in the semifinals in San Jose last week and improved to 5-1 all-time against the man trying to become the first Czech to win in Memphis since Ivan Lendl in 1991. Roddick won the key points by breaking Stepanek in the 12th game of each set.

“Obviously, he’s been playing his best tennis of his career probably this year and especially the last couple weeks. I knew what it was going to take, and I was able to get there,” Roddick said.

Tommy Robredo rallied to defeat Juan Monaco, 7-5, 2-6, 7-6 (5), in the final of the Copa Telmex at Buenos Aires, to win his second tournament in as many weeks.

SOCCER

Beckham says this week is key

David Beckham expects the next seven days will be “important” in the saga involving his possible transfer to AC Milan from the Galaxy.

“I know that next week will be an important week,” Beckham said Sunday. “I want to remain with Milan, I’ve heard nothing from Galaxy, but when it’s like this you say it could be good news.”

Beckham played 90 minutes in Milan’s 1-0 win over Cagliari on Sunday at Milan, Italy, and was the team’s most creative player. He showed no signs of the calf injury he suffered in a recent international with Spain, a game in which he earned his 108th appearance.

He is likely to line up for Milan against Werder Bremen in the UEFA Cup on Thursday. But he’s concerned that playing outside Europe could hurt his prospects of competing for England under Coach Fabio Capello.

“It is obvious it could affect Capello’s consideration,” Beckham said. “I love playing football and I want to remain here.”

BASEBALL

Benson signs with the Rangers

Right-hander Kris Benson, the first pick in the 1996 draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates, signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers.

Benson reported to camp as a non-roster invitee. The Rangers, who are looking to add depth to their rotation, worked out Benson earlier in the week. Benson last pitched in the majors in 2006, going 11-12 with a 4.82 earned-run average for Baltimore.

Kansas City Royals star Jose Guillen acknowledged that he had worked with a trainer from the Dominican Republic who has been banned from major league clubhouses.

Guillen said he worked with Angel Presinal “for a very long time” but that the regimen never included performance-enhancing drugs.

“I never saw an injection,” Guillen said. “He never asked me about steroids or anything.”

Guillen said he has not employed Presinal since 2004.

Left-hander Odalis Perez was a no-show at the Washington Nationals’ training camp, the last day for players to report without facing the possibility of disciplinary action.

Perez has expressed his dissatisfaction with his contract since he gave his agent the OK to sign a non-guaranteed minor league deal with Washington on Feb. 5 that would pay him $850,000 if he makes the team, the same stipulation he faced last year.

Houston Astros non-roster invitee Toby Hall has decided to have surgery on his right shoulder and will be out four months. Hall, a catcher, will not be able to throw for four months and the Astros said they will void his contract, but have given him the option of receiving treatment from the medical staff until the surgery is scheduled.

ETC.

Reese wins Bassmaster

Skeet Reese held off a rally from former champion Michael Iaconelli to win his first Bassmaster Classic at Bossier City, La. Kim Bain-Moore, the first woman to compete in the Bassmasters Classic, finished 47th out of the 51 competitors.