Here's your wakeup call -- a combination of newsworthy andor interesting tidbits -- for Thursday, November 1:
AUTO RACING
The Chase for the Cup looks like a two-man battle between Jimmie Johnson and Brad Keselowski. (AP)
BASEBALL
It was a parade of love in San Francisco for the World Series champs. (AP)
The confetti was still lining the streets when free agents-to-be Marco Scutaro, Angel Pagan and Jeremy Affeldt began pondering their futures. (CSN Bay Area)
Speaking of Pagan, he helped pass out some of the tacos he won for everyone in the country with his Game 2 stolen base. (NBC's Hardball Talk)
The Angels checked one item off their offseason to-do list, trading Ervin Santana to the Royals. (AP)
Let the A-Rod rumors begin. Today's entry: The Phillies. (CSN Philly)
Rafael Soriano figures it's time to cash in on his 42-save season as Mariano Rivera's replacement. (AP)
Dan Duquette says he likes Mark Reynolds, but doesn't like his 11 million price tag for 2013. So he'll see if he can't bring Reynolds back for a little -- or a lot -- less than that. (CSN Baltimore)
The Rays are keeping James Shields, Fernando Rodney and Jose Molina -- or at least they're picking up their 2013 options -- and letting Luke Scott go. (AP)
The Marlins' managerial search continues. The latest interviewee: Tigers coach Lloyd McClendon. (AP)
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Michigan has suspended leading scorer Trey Burke for its exhibition opener because of what coach John Beilein is calling "out-of-character" decisions. (AP)
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Pete Carroll on Steve Spurrier's claim that Alabama could beat some of the worst teams in the NFL: Get real, will ya? (NBC's Pro Football Talk)
But not to worry there, Saban: Alabama's playing LSU this weekend, not the Jaguars or the Panthers. And it looks like Amari Cooper will be good to go. (NBC's College Football Talk)
To keep him away from the general prison population, Jerry Sandusky's going to serve his sentence on death row. (AP)
GOLF
Phil Mickelson can't shake that horrific Ryder Cup defeat. (AP)
PRO BASKETBALL
I know it's early, but what a Dwightmare it's been for Lakers so far. (AP)
They're certainly making Mark Cuban's wish come true. (NBC's Pro Basketball Talk)
Nice takeoff for James Harden with the Rockets. (CSN Houston)
Stephen Curry has a four-year, 44 million contract extension to take his mind off his bum ankle. (AP)
PRO FOOTBALL
Even when the Jets have a bye week, Tim Tebow's in the news. (AP)
The Giants say they aren't going to let the damage and destruction of Hurricane Sandy take their minds off preparation for this week's game against the Steelers. (AP)
The Redskins figure no news is good news regarding a possible suspension for DeAngelo Hall after his blowup with the referees last week. But they haven't taken into account the hurricane, which closed the NFL offices in New York this week. (CSN Washington)
The NFL office also wants to talk to Emmanuel Sanders about that convenient leg cramp -- remember when he dropped like he was shot while the Steelers were trying to avoid using a time out in the fourth quarter against the Bengals, then returned one play later? -- he suffered a few weeks ago. (AP)
Told you this was coming! (CSN Baltimore)
The '85 Bears are remembered as one of the greatest teams of all time, but some -- like Richard Dent -- think they're actually a symbol of unrealized potential . . . and that it's Mike Ditka's fault they didn't win more than one Super Bowl. (CSN Chicago)
You may have to pass a faith test if you want to play for the Colts. (NBC's Pro Football Talk)
