Joe Webb says he prepares each week as if he's going to play, which is something fans in Minnesota would like to see in action. Christian Ponder has heard the boos and the calls for the Vikings to change quarterbacks. ... [Webb] is taking his turn as the most popular guy in town -- the backup to a struggling starter -- as some of the Vikings faithful want him to reprise his role from the end of last season, when he replaced Ponder in three games and sparked the offense in two of them. Only the Vikings are less willing to give him that role this season. Coach Leslie Frazier repeatedly has backed Ponder, saying he hasn't thought about lifting the second-year quarterback. (Pioneer Press) Comment

Is Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers merely in the listening stage on Justin Upton? [From] listening to the buzz in the lobby at the Hyatt Regency here on Wednesday, not everyone at the general managers' meetings is buying that Towers is just gauging the market. Instead, there was a growing sense that Towers might finally move Upton. ... The Rangers, who have depth at both third base (Adrian Beltre, Mike Olt) and shortstop (Elvis Andrus, Jurickson Profar), are a team that many expect to pursue Upton, particularly with Josh Hamilton seemingly likely to depart as a free agent. The Red Sox are reportedly interested. And sources said the Tigers were doing "due diligence" on Upton's background. (The Arizona Republic) Comment

At the very least, Derrick Williams, after two impressive college seasons at Arizona that haven't yet translated to the NBA, now has a chance to shed the label. Unfortunately [as a rookie], Williams was stuck behind soon to be two-time All-Star Kevin Love so the minutes available at his natural power forward position during his rookie season were going to be slim. This season, however, Love broke his hand in a freak preseason accident. ... After three regular season games, the breakout has yet to happen for Williams and fourth-year forward Dante Cunningham has been outplaying him coming off of the bench. It isn't all negative for the former number two overall draft pick, but he just hasn't been taking advantage of his opportunities. (Hoopsworld) Comment