Sports briefs

Armstrong's baby conceived naturally

Lance Armstrong may be busy baby-sitting between two major cycling races next year.

Armstrong, who won the Tour de France seven consecutive years after overcoming testicular cancer, and his girlfriend, Anna Hansen, are expecting a baby in June.

He is scheduled to compete in the Giro d'Italia, which runs from May 9-31 and the Tour de France, which begins July 4.

"Anna and I are thrilled to confirm that we are expecting in June and our families are ecstatic and grateful," Armstrong said in a statement released Tuesday night in Austin, Texas. "We are very much looking forward to what 2009 brings on many fronts. We appreciate respecting our privacy, as we are both eager to celebrate the holidays as a family."

Rae Bazzarre, a spokeswoman for the Lance Armstrong Foundation, said in an e-mail on Wednesday that the baby was conceived naturally.

Armstrong had three children with former wife Kristin using in vitro fertilization with sperm banked before he began chemotherapy.

Roberts duo will sign book

Baltimore Orioles All-Star Brian Roberts and coach Mike Roberts will pose for photos and sign copies of their new instructional book, "You Can't Steal Second Base And Keep Your Foot On First" from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Fitness World, located at 105 W. N.C. 54, Suite 271, in the Homestead Market shopping center, Durham.

Brian Roberts is a Chapel Hill High graduate and a former North Carolina star.

For information, call 919-544-9000.

YANKEES, CASH REACH DEAL: The New York Yankees have reached an agreement with catcher Kevin Cash on a minor league contract. If the .184 hitter is added to the 40-man roster, he will receive a $700,000, one-year deal.

Soccer star's house robbed

Thieves broke into soccer star Ronaldinho's house in Milan, Italy, and made off with thousands of dollars worth of goods but left the AC Milan midfielder's Golden Ball trophy.

Ronaldinho was in his native Brazil when the burglary took place early Tuesday. Four thieves stole mainly jewelry and watches, Corriere della Sera reported.