NEW YORK -- The NFL will test computer chips in footballs this preseason to determine how well the balls perform, particularly in the kicking game.Data collected from the chips also could help with officiating in the future, including goal-line and short-yardage plays.As part of the leagues Next Gen Stats program, the competition committee will review results for potential uses of the data collected. Such information could wind up being part of Thursday night NFL telecasts this season.Included among the data that will be collected is how far the ball travels on a particular play, and the balls proximity to the goal posts on a field goal or extra point. Such information can be used in determining if the distance between uprights needs to be shortened.---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFLCustom Red Auerbach Jersey . PETERSBURG, Fla. Custom Larry Bird Jersey . That gave fans outside Joe Louis Arena another chance to ask for autographs from the 19-year-old whose stardom in the NHL has arrived earlier than most expected. http://www.customcelticsjersey.com/custom-bill-russell-jersey-large-157e.html . Already owning gold from competition in Vancouver in 2010, Loch posted a combined four-run time of 3:27.526. That included a track-record third run of 51. Red Auerbach Jersey Large . -- Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Farmar will be out for roughly four weeks after tearing his left hamstring. Walter Brown Jersey Large . On Mar. 16, coming off a "fight of the year" performance at UFC 154 the previous November, St-Pierre faced Nick Diaz at UFC 158 in what would be his eighth defence of the welterweight title. Using his superior athleticism, St-Pierre cruised to a five round, unanimous decision victory setting up a much-anticipated title defence against number one contender Johny Hendricks. MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Twins have promoted Deron Johnson to senior adviser of scouting and Sean Johnson to director of scouting.The Twins announced the promotions on Monday. Both men have been in the organization for years and will continue with the team even after Derek Falvey and Thad Levine took over the baseball operations department.The 50-year-old Deron Johnson has been with the Twins since 1994 and was the director of scouting starting iin 2007.dddddddddddd His new duties will include some minor league and major league scouting assignments in addition to the amateur markets hes overseen for years.Sean Johnson joined the Twins as a scout in 2002. As director of scouting he will oversee preparations for the draft and developing the amateur scouting staff. ' ' '