"It says here"

[Paul Ivsin]

Can "it says here" be used to mean "I predict" or "it stands to reason"?

Is this a regional expression?  Only in sports?  The context of the two
examples below make it clear that "it" does not have a concrete referent
(that is, there is no written text being read).

1. Another player who looks like a keeper is quarterback Mike McMahon. If
Charlie Batch doesn't stay healthy, it says here McMahon will be the Lions'
starting quarterback by November 2002.

(http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/columns/20010815/welltraveledspellmanoutt.html)

2. You won't hear anything official from the Stars, but it says here the
decision to keep Turek has been made. All logic points in that direction.

(http://www.findarticles.com/m1208/16_223/54492468/p1/article.jhtml)

Thanks,
Paul