Who's Hot/who's Not

WHO'S Hot

Randy Johnson

The 41-year-old Yankees lefty skipped his last spring start against the Red Sox ("No sense letting them see what I have," the Big Unit said), then stepped into the whirlwind of the New York -- Boston rivalry and set 'em down easy: six innings, one run, six K's, before departing to cheers in Yanks' Opening Night win. Said Johnson , "It was nice."

Bulls

After 72 games last year Chicago was 20-52 and assured of its sixth straight season without a playoff berth. Now it's 41-31, has won nine straight while overcoming injuries and is closing in on home court advantage for the postseason's first round. "That's very impressive," coach Scott Skiles told the Chicago Tribune .

Leaders of Tomorrow

Chargers QB Drew Brees (left) and Pats TE Christian Fauria went beyond reading defenses this week. They and 64 other NFLers are to hone their business skills in three-day executive education programs at Harvard and Wharton business schools--and the NFL is paying for it.

Nick Zito

The seasoned Triple Crown trainer (his Birdstone whipped Smarty Jones in the Belmont last year) finished one-two in last Saturday's Florida Derby with High Fly (right) and Noble Causeway. He now has that pair, plus George Steinbrenner 's Bellamy Road and, perhaps the star of his stable, Sun King, poised for the May 7 Kentucky Derby .

WHO'S Not