Andy Richter Keeps An Eye On Jennie Finch's Backstop

Because no one reads the newspaper, and SportsCenter's anchors are too perky for this early in the morning, Deadspin combs the best of the broadsheets and the internets to bring you everything you need to know to start your day.

•Hey, did you know there were no actual sports yesterday? It's true! I mean sure, David Ortiz won the home run derby, topping Hanley Ramirez in the final round, but that's just a made up competition that doesn't count for anything. Unlike tonight's All-Star Game, of course.

• World Cup viewership was up 41 percent overall from 2006, which is good news for ESPN and their $100 million broadcast rights. It's also good news for soccer's popularity in America: now 41 percent more people will be ignoring it for four years.

•The Heat officially have a bench! Sure, as of right now it's Udonis Haslem and no one else, but at least everyone won't have to play 48 minutes.

•With a new three-year extension, the Steelers lock up Mike Tomlin through 2014. It sounds nice, but let's remember that all contracts will be null and void after the 2012 Apocalypse.

• Alex Rodriguez will make his big screen debut in the upcoming romantic comedy Friends With Benefits. It's the heartwarming tale of a man and his full-length mirror.

(Thanks to Dan for the screengrab)

•••••

Morning, all. Let's get right to it.

Click to view