Baltimore ? Bobby Valentine is expected to be offered the job as the Florida Marlins’ next manager. Valentine, an analyst for ESPN, confirmed through an e-mail he was flying to South Florida to meet with close friend and Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria and several team executives.

NFL

Favre still undecided

Biloxi, Miss. — Whether Brett Favre plays a 20th season in the NFL is still up in the air.

Following an early morning workout on Thursday that included an eight-mile bike ride near his Hattiesburg home with his wife, Deanna, the future Hall of Fame quarterback hinted that a return to Minnesota was possible.

But Favre wouldn’t commit with a direct answer about possible retirement either.

“I’m not saying that,” Favre said. “I just don’t know. I do not want to stir the pot. If it (comment) comes from me, it’s a big deal. At my age, all surgeries are major. The three I’ve had on the same ankle were considered minor, but major to me. It feels fine now. If my body was a wreck, the decision would be made. But that is not the case. I know they (Vikings) want to know.”

2 Vikings could play entire season

Minneapolis — The Minnesota Court of Appeals has rejected the NFL’s request to expedite its handling of the case of Minnesota Vikings Kevin Williams and Pat Williams, which means the defensive tackles may get to play the entire upcoming season.

NBA

Kidd: Dirk’s probably staying

Dallas — Jason Kidd wouldn’t be surprised if Dirk Nowitzki opts out of his contract with the Dallas Mavericks and becomes a free agent. That doesn’t mean he expects the former MVP to change teams.

“Sometimes, as a player, you want to feel wanted,” Kidd said Thursday. “He’s always felt wanted here. This could be some weird way of being appreciated by other teams.”

That said, Kidd added, “We all feel he is not going anywhere.”

Golf

3 tied at LPGA championship

Pittsford, N.Y. — Cristie Kerr shot a 4-under 68 on Thursday for a share of the first-round lead with Stacy Lewis and Seon Hwa Lee in the LPGA Championship, the LPGA Tour’s second major of the season.

Relying on her clutch putting, Kerr had five birdies and a bogey on the Locust Hill Country Club course in suburban Rochester.

Rose tied for lead in Travelers

Cromwell, Conn. — Justin Rose birdied five of his final six holes for a 6-under 64 and a share of the first-round lead in the Travelers Championship. Rose missed a 12-foot birdie putt on 18, leaving him tied with Padraig Harrington, Charlie Wi and Mathew Goggin.

Softball

U.S. defeats China, 1-0

Caracas, Venezuela — Natasha Watley’s RBI single in the top of the seventh inning helped the United States to a 1-0 victory over China in both teams’ opener at the world softball championship on Thursday.

Rodeo

Saddle bronc rider dies

Cheyenne, Wyo. — A 20-year-old saddle bronc rider whose spur got tangled in his saddle died from a skull fracture during the Jackson Hole Rodeo, officials said Thursday.

Teton County Coroner Bob Campbell said the horse stepped on or rolled over on Nicolas Gillett of Cody, causing a rare rodeo fatality.