Rupert Murdoch's pending national digital newspaper apparently has found its sports editor. Chris D'Amico, managing editor of The Star-Ledger in Newark, N.J., is taking the new job. Sources at The Star-Ledger say D'Amico informed staffers last night.

He is also seeking one of the many buyouts recently offered at the Advance Publications daily, which lost one-third of its newsroom two years ago through a similar buyout.

D'Amico, who was not reachable for comment, reportedly told staffers he was not leaving out of dislike for the paper, but could not turn down the offer.

Also leaving The Star-Ledger is Deputy Editorial Page Editor Dan Murphy, according to an internal memo from Editorial Page Editor Tom Moran, who is quickly seeking his replacement. His new job is unknown.

Moran's memo, below, also hints that the paper, the largest in New Jersey, will be reducing its focus on editorials and increasing it on Op-Ed items.

Dan Murphy, our crack deputy editorial page editor, has decided to take the buyout and a new job.

Which leaves a prime opening, and an office, I need to fill quickly, from within.Looking for a strong line editor interested in politics, with an ability to surf wires and web for best op-ed material (articles, graphics, polls, anything), to solicit and edit op-eds from outside writers, to work on layout with editorial board's copy editor and the u-desk. Ability to write editorials a plus, though plans here are to scale back a bit on editorials and focus more attention on the op-ed.

Hours ain't easy, but this job is a lot of fun, political commentary remains a core mission for the paper, and we have concrete plans to improve the pages. (And no weekend work.)

If you're interested, please let me know.

Tom