BASEBALL: Phillies cut deal

Closer Brad Lidge was traded by the Astros to the Phillies along with infielder Eric Bruntlett last night in the first deal of the general managers’ meetings in Orlando. In exchange for Lidge and Bruntlett, the Astros got outfielder Michael Bourn, right-hander Geoff Geary and minor league third baseman Mike Costanzo.

FOOTBALL: Babineaux cleared

Jonathan Babineaux was cleared of a felony animal cruelty charge that could have sent the Falcons defensive tackle to prison. Charges were dismissed yesterday following an investigation of the death of a pit bull in February. Babineaux’s attorney claimed Babineaux was protecting himself and his 5-month-old child, acting only in self-defense against an aggressive dog that belonged to the player’s girlfriend.

NBA: Arenas will play

Gilbert Arenas’ surgically repaired knee was drained for the second time in three weeks yesterday, forcing him to miss Wizards practice for a third consecutive day. Still, he is expected to play against the Nets tonight.

* Phoenix will host the 2009 NBA All-Star Game, the third time the city has held the basketball showcase. Toronto, New York, Oakland and Milwaukee reportedly were contenders. The 2008 All-Star Game is Feb. 17 in New Orleans.

NHL: Modano sets record

Dallas center Mike Modano broke Phil Housley‘s NHL record for career points by an American-born player with two quick goals in the opening minutes of the Stars’ game at San Jose last night. Modano’s two goals in the first 4:24 gave him 1,233 points in 1,253 regular-season games – 242 games fewer than Housley played.

MARATHON: Bad timing in NYC

A problem with the timing equipment at Sunday’s New York City Marathon affected the calculation of how long it took some runners to finish.

Interference lasting about 3 minutes early in the race meant that the equipment didn’t record when about 2,300 of the 38,676 finishers crossed the starting line, New York Road Runners announced yesterday. The runners involved are being contacted and asked to estimate their start times on the honor system.