Sept. 3
Dick's Stock Watch identifies whose stock is up and whose is down over the past week across the world of sports.

STOCK UP: A's, Tejada, Notre Dame, Blake
The Oakland A's have won 19 in a row. GM Billy Beane, Manager Art Howe and company have done a magnificent job. Howe deserves a multiyear deal instead of one-year extensions. Oakland lost Jason Giambi, Johnny Damon and Jason Isringhausen, yet has been one of the best teams in baseball this season.

	Tejada

What about Miguel Tejada as an MVP candidate? He's put up good numbers in a winning environment: 30 home runs, approaching 120 RBI and batting well over .300. Tejada has been clutch -- he's having a phenomenal year. Who would have thought Oakland would be this good after a slow start? With the young pitching staff, the question is whether the franchise can keep them all together.

Notre Dame football played well in shutting out Maryland at the Kickoff Classic. The Irish defense played with a special spirit. New head coach Tyrone Willingham had his kids ready to play. There seemed to be a special excitement back, as there was an enthusiasm and energy about wearing that Notre Dame uniform again.

James Blake, even though he lost to top-seeded Lleyton Hewitt, played toe-to-toe and showed great class during their match at the U.S. Open. Let me tell you, Blake has a bright, bright future.

STOCK DOWN: Kournikova, Mets, Louisville
Anna Kournikova lost in the first round of the U.S. Open to a player ranked below No. 70 in the world, committing more than 40 unforced errors. Come on, Anna, get away from the party scene and work on your game on the court! You have too many skills to not win! Kournikova has a great backhand and forehand, so it's about concentration and focus. Anna plays well in doubles when she relaxes, but in singles, she seems to scatter the ball all over.

The New York Mets didn't win a home game in the month of August. That's unbelievable, especially with the talent in that lineup.

Who would have thought Louisville, ranked in the top 20, would get beat by Kentucky in their football opener! That game was at Papa John's Stadium in Louisville. What a great win for the Wildcats!