A little while back, we reported ESPN’s new Sportscenter lineup (USA Today confirmed it), and now a source tells that things have suddenly shaken up. Initially, the plan called for Sportscenter live from 6 am – 3 pm, in three different shifts. Our source says the 6 -9 am shift was swiftly eliminated this week. Back in June, we wondered if that early shift would infringe on the Mike & Mike radio show, which runs at the same time on ESPN2. (It’s clear to us that ESPN wants these two guys to be stars – they’re pushed relentlessly on the network, and will call another Monday Night Football game this year. Even though ESPN will never admit it, the day’s first news show would easily trump whatever M&M are doing, thus dimming their star.)

Another source tells us that the hosts from that eliminated shift, Linda Cohn (she of the bawdy tell-all) and Steve Berthiaume, are none-too-thrilled with this development, partially because being locked into a shift is far more favorable than being tossed into the hopper and not having a concrete schedule. Conversely, they’ll be able to sleep in. (Ah. Just prior to posting this, someone sent us a link to Sports Business Daily, which had this shift swap yesterday afternoon. Perhaps one of our sources double-dipped?)

* Mike & the Mad Dog reunite on Friday. We’ll listen to the show’s opening and then post about it. Neil Best speculates Francesa could land at MSG … and then strangely ponders the state of blogging because this MSG theory is complete speculation. Neil, what’s the big deal? You labeled it as such. What, speculation is no longer allowed? You’re a newspaper vet who has been out front on this story. Readers can differentiate between actual news and speculation. Some navel-gazing columnists should add the same to their columns – “this is based on strictly what I think and see and what I’ve read, and not based on any hardened facts or discussions I’ve had with players or coaches.”

* Is it difficult to read this story without looking up at the photo of Julie Donaldson every sentence? (Boston Globe)

* Newspaper bankruptcies? (Globe and Mail via Romenesko)

* ESPN’s personalities keep pushing the envelope … and increasingly, they’re saying foolish things. (Marketwatch) “Yes, that ESPN is contributing to the collective dumbing-down of our society with its lowbrow humor and boorish behavior.” Funny.