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GREEN BAY, Wis. Cheap Robert Woods Jersey . - Offensive lineman Josh Sitton could use a break.Unfortunately for him, the NFL schedule calls for Green Bay and its standout left guard to play the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night a€” just five days after the Packers last game.This didnt make him happy on Tuesday.I hate it, Sitton said.Life in the trenches can be enough of a grind with the pounding that occurs in the running game. That part of the Packers offence has been a problem, so far, ranking just 28th in the league at 73 yards per game.Tuesdays are when offensive linemen really feel the pounding. Its usually a day off in a normal work week in Green Bay.This is no normal week.I think its stupid. I think its all about money for the NFL, obviously, Sitton said regarding Thursday night games. Thats what this league is about, is about making money a€” which is fine. I like to make money, as well.But, yeah, its tough on your body, tough on your head, Sitton said.Every team has to go through it. In one area, this might be an opportune time for a Thursday game for the Packers given that their passing attack is on a roll.Aaron Rodgers threw for 302 yards and four touchdowns in a 38-17 win last week over Chicago. Receivers Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb had two scoring catches apiece. Nelson leads the NFL with 33 catches for 459 yards.But running back Eddie Lacy, last years offensive rookie of the year, had another subpar day a€” and his 48 yards were still a season high. Lacy at least scored his first rushing touchdown of the year on one of his 17 carries.Yeah, I think we did some good things, but the offence is still not where we want it, Rodgers said. Obviously, wed like to have some more balance. We didnt run the ball real effectively.Sometimes its going to happen when you throw it so well, but weve got to be able to close out games running it a little more effectively.Lacy is averaging 3.0 yards per carry. Backup running back James Starks didnt get a carry, though coach Mike McCarthy said Tuesday that was the result of poor game management and that Starks should touch the ball every game.But in the Packers hurry-up offence, in which tempo is key, sometimes the opportunities for clock-eating drives marked by grinding runs just arent there.When the Packers are in shotgun, Lacy is standing next to Rodgers. The bruising back isnt getting a head start of a few steps to build up momentum against oncoming defenders. Its an adjustment for Lacy. Last year, the Packers were more reliant on him with Rodgers out nearly half the season with a collarbone injury.Its not that I dont like running from out of shotgun or I dont like running from (the quarterback being) under centre, you have to do what you have to do. And this is just part of what you have to do, Lacy said.The easygoing Lacy would love to have more yards, but remains patient.The pass game has been crazy good the past few games so why mess with it? At the same time, youre going to need to be able to run the ball just to create balance and make sure the defence cant concentrate on stopping one thing, Lacy said.McCarthy sees the low production as a result of lack of volume. Green Bay had 18 running plays against Chicago, and hasnt had more than 22 in a game in the first four weeks.There are opportunities to both run effectively and maintain tempo, the Packers maintain.Well, the biggest thing within our run game is weve got to get the attempts up, so we need to keep generating first downs, McCarthy said. Anytime you have a successful run game, youre definitely pushing 30 attempts.Sitton, looking a bit worn while sitting at his locker, offered his unique view about the lack of production on the ground.It was simple and to the point. He sounded tired.Were not blocking good enough. The running backs arent running good enough. The quarterback is not making the right check all the time. Receivers arent making their blocks good enough, Sitton said. Were not good enough in the run game right now a€” all around.___AP NFL websites: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP_NFL__Follow Genaro Armas at http://twitter.com/GArmasAP Cheap Tavon Austin Jersey .J. -- Richard Sherman, Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch deservedly draw the attention for what theyve done in getting the Seattle Seahawks to the Super Bowl. Cheap Jared Goff Jersey . The Boston Celtics hadnt played since the All-Star break. So the Suns 100-94 victory over Boston Wednesday night was an uphill affair, with Phoenix relying on balance rather than its trademark high energy.Toronto Rock General Manager Terry Sanderson confirmed on Friday that the Professional Lacrosse Players Association (PLPA) has withdrawn the appeal of the one-game suspension assessed to Rock defender Craig England. England will now serve a one-game suspension this Saturday when the Rock travel Rochester after the PLPAs appeal had allowed the rookie defenceman to play last week against Buffalo. After league review, England was handed a match penalty for illegal cross-checking as a result of a hit during the Rocks home opener against Calgary bback on January 3rd. Cheap Tyler Higbee Jersey. The original penalty was a 2-minute minor for slashing. Englands suspension opens up an active roster spot that will be filled by rookie forward Eric Law. Law was a 3rd round pick (28th overall) by the Rock in the 2013 NLL Draft and began the season on the Rock practice roster. The 22-year old native of Centennial, Colorado will be eligible to make his NLL debut this Saturday against the Rochester Knighthawks as the Rock face the back-to-back NLL Champions at the Blue Cross Arena. 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The Toronto Raptors will be without the services of Amir Johnson on Monday night when they entertain the New Orleans Pelicans at the Air Canada Centre. Cheap New York Jets Jerseys . Johnson has been dealing with ankle pain after turning on it in a January 29 win over the Orlando Magic. An MRI on Johnsons ankle came back clean according to coach Dwane Casey, but he will be given the night off as the pain persists. Patrick Patterson will replace Johnson in the starting line-up. In 50 games this season, the 26-year-old Johnson is averaging 10.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. Wholesale Jets Jerseys . Leverkusen said on Friday it signed Schmidt on a two-year contract. He guided Red Bull Salzburg to the Austrian championship this season. Cheap Darron Lee Jersey . Venus Williams advanced to the ASB Classic final in Auckland on a walkover when fellow American Jamie Hampton withdrew from their semifinal Friday with a right hip injury.SAN FRANCISCO -- San Francisco 49ers cornerback Chris Culliver is continuing his outreach to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community more than a year after his anti-gay remarks leading up to the Super Bowl. The San Francisco Bay Times announced Thursday that Culliver conducted his first interview with an LGBT media outlet, sharing how he changed his thinking. Culliver, who missed the 2013 season because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee sustained during training camp, underwent sensitivity training and began doing other outreach work. Culliver has worked with "The Trevor Project," an organization that provides crisis and suicide intervention to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth. "I truly appreciate the staff at the Trevor Project for allowing me to grow and educating me on the issues affecting the LGBTQ community," Culliver said Thursday in a statement to The Associated Press. "I have learned so much and made some really great friends. I will continue my commitment to the organization and to their youths and stand firm with hope that one day that all individuals regardless of sex, race, or creed will be treated with dignity and respect from all." During Super Bowl media day in 2013 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Culliver responded to questions from comedian Artie Lange by saying he wouldnt welcome a gay player in the locker room. He also said the 49ers didnt have any homosexual players and, if they did, those players should leave. He later aapologized, facing a large group of Super Bowl media members for nearly an hour. Cheap Leonard Williams Jersey. "Chris has grown immensely from his words and has committed to continue to grow as a human, particularly around matters around the LGBTQ community," his publicist, Theodore Palmer, said Thursday. "He believes that every individual has a right to love the way they choose to love and celebrate the differences of others on a daily basis." In fact, Culliver told the Bay Times he hopes to work on a project with University of Missouri defensive end Michael Sam, who would become the NFLs first openly gay player. Culliver also applauded Nets centre Jason Collins, who became the first openly gay NBA player last month. "I applaud Michael and Jason for their courage," Culliver told the Bay Times. "I have absolutely no problem playing and interacting with someone from the LGBTQ community and look forward to connecting with Michael soon on some projects." The 25-year-old Culliver, a third-round draft pick in 2011 out of South Carolina, made 47 tackles with two interceptions and a forced fumble during the 2012 season while starting six games for the Niners. They lost in the Super Bowl that season to Baltimore. The San Francisco Bay Times, in its 36th year of publication, defines itself as the oldest fully LGBT-owned and funded newspaper in the Bay Area. It was the first newspaper in California, and among the first in the world, to be produced jointly and equally by gay men and lesbians.Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
PATTAYA, Thailand -- Fourth-seeded Ekaterina Makarova of Russia won her first tournament in almost four years after she beat Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic 6-3, 7-6 (7) in the final of the Pattaya Open on Sunday. Cheap Arizona Coyotes Jerseys . Makarova needed 1 hour, 36 minutes to defeat the 66th-ranked Pliskova and claim her second career title. She also won in Eastbourne on grass in 2010. The 28th-ranked Makarova says "I had to focus on my return to make the points. Im really happy as its my second title." Adidas Shane Doan Jersey .Y. -- Kristen Gillman rallied to win the U. Cheap Adidas NHL Jerseys . 31-Feb. 2. While organizers havent decided if itll be red or green clay, they feel their choice of surface will give the Americans an advantage over Britain, which is expected to be led by defending Wimbledon champion Andy Murray.MANCHESTER, England -- Dereck Chisora and Tyson Fury will meet in an all-British heavyweight fight in Manchester on July 26 for the right to challenge Wladimir Klitschko for his IBF, WBA and WBO titless. Adidas Keith Tkachuk Jersey. The eliminator fight was announced by boxing promoter Frank Warren on his Twitter feed on Monday. Chisora and Fury fought three years ago, with Fury winning on points. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
KONIGSSEE, Germany -- It was an emotional first win for Canadian Justin Kripps. Cheap Adidas Senators Jerseys . Kripps, of Summerland. B.C., claimed his first career World Cup bobsleigh race as he and brakeman Bryan Barnett of Edmonton posted a two-run time of one minute 39.71 seconds in a two-man event Saturday. The victory comes after Krippss grandmother passed away Jan. 6, his 27th birthday. "I know Baba was there with me today," he said. Switzerlands Beat Hefti and Alex Baumann were second, 0.15 seconds back. Canadians Lyndon Rush of Humboldt, Sask., and Calgarys Lascelles Brown were third, 0.32 seconds behind their victorious teammates. American Steven Holcomb was seventh but still managed to capture the overall crown. He finished with 1,645 overall points, 35 more than Hefti. After posting the fastest first run, Kripps thought of both his grandmother and advice he received from Rush. "I had that great first run and couldnt stop thinking I could win this thing," said Kripps. "Lyndon pulled me aside and said Anytime trophies, medals, victories or anything gets in your head slap yourself and focus. "Im so glad he did that because Id be lying if that didnt keep coming into my thoughts." Rush followed suite with his first World Cup medal of the season. Calgarys Chris Spring and Jesse Lumsden, of Burlington, Ont., were eighth in 1:40.31. With the Sochi Winter Games upcoming, Kripps says anything is possible. "I dont have much experience in Sochi, but this win sure gives me confidence," he said. "I think this shows anything can happen in bobsleigh. "If I can put two good starts and two good runs together, who knows what may be." Cheap Ottawa Senators Jerseys . The future hall of famers stole the show at the Bell Centre on Tuesday night, with Jagr moving into seventh place in all-time goal scoring and Brodeur stopping 29 shots as the Devils downed the Montreal Canadiens 4-1. Cheap Senators Jerseys China . Boston is making its first appearance in the ALCS since 2008. For Detroit, its a third straight trip to the ALCS and its fourth in eight years.The New Orleans made a big dip into the free agent pool on Tuesday. The team has signed three-time Pro Bowl free safety Jairus Byrd to a six-year contract worth a reported $54 million with $28 million being guaranteed. Drafted out of Oregon in 2009, Byrd has spent his entire five-year career with the Buffalo Bills. He the AFC in interceptions three times and has 22 career picks over his career. Last season, the Billls placed their franchise tag on Byrd and he agreed to a one-year, $6. Cheap Senators Jerseys. 9 million franchise tender in August. Despite this, reports surfaced over the course of last season that Byrd was seeking a move out of Buffalo. Byrd will slot into a Saints secondary next to Kenny Vaccaro and will replace Malcolm Jenkins, who signed a three-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles earlier on Tuesday. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
Liverpool are waiting to learn the extent of the injury suffered by Emre Can during the astonishing 5-4 aggregate win over Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League at Anfield on Thursday evening. Cheap Adidas Sharks Jerseys . The midfielder was forced off with 10 minutes to go, with the score level at 3-3 on the night before Dejan Lovrens last-gaps headed winner sent Jurgen Klopps side through to the semi-finals. Can left the stadium on crutches wearing a protective boot and Sky Sports News HQ understands he will have an MRI scan on Friday morning to assess the injury. Can is suspended for Sundays Premier League game at Bournemouth, but will want to be fit for next Wednesdays Merseyside derby, which is live on Sky Sports. Also See: Liverpool stun Dortmund Talking points from Anfield Istanbul the inspiration As it happened Cheap San Jose Sharks Jerseys . Fellow Argentina forward Gonzalo Higuain also had a brace for Napoli. And Samuel Etoo scored for his fourth different team. On a night of standout individual performances Wednesday, Schalke goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand had a game hell want to forget. Cheap Sharks Jerseys China .Y. -- AJ Allmendingers journey is almost complete.MINNEAPOLIS -- In a rare season of losing in Los Angeles, discombobulated Lakers fans have taken to dreaming about Kevin Love in purple and gold. They see him as the saviour, the young star they need to carry the franchise forward and help Kobe Bryant restore the teams pride. Is it a pipe dream or a real possibility? Its unlikely anyone will know until 2015, when Love can become a free agent and the Lakers will have money to throw at him. In the meantime, Love gave those suffering Lakers fans another performance to drool over. Love had 22 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for his second career triple-double and the Minnesota Timberwolves set a franchise record for points with a 143-107 victory over the Lakers on Friday night. "Everybody wants someone like that," Lakers coach Mike DAntoni said before the game. "When youre talking about one of the best players in the league, yeah that makes sense." Nikola Pekovic scored 26 points on 9-for-10 shooting in his first game back from an ankle injury and Love hit three of five 3-pointers in just three quarters of work. Kevin Martin scored 17 points for the Wolves, who led by 19 points in the first quarter, 37 in the second and 40 in the third. Steve Nash made a surprise appearance for the Lakers, picking up four points and six assists in 14 minutes of just his 12th game of the season. It was about the only notable development for the Lakers, who lost to the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night, then allowed the Timberwolves to shoot 67.1 per cent, the highest any team in the league has shot in a game this season. "Terrible right now, man," Lakers guard Nick Young said. "Its a bad feeling." Love put on a clinic during a masterful first quarter, scoring 15 points, hitting two of three 3-pointers, grabbing five rebounds and dishing four assists. He threw one of his trademark 60-foot outlet passes to Kevin Martin for a layup, threw down a dunk, hit a 3 and finished a fast break during a 20-3 run that gave Minnesota a 26-7 lead. He grabbed his 10th rebound of the game just before the third-quarter buzzer,, and his teammates leaped off the bench and cheered his achievement. Adidas Aaron Dell Jersey. "Even with the team they have now, its still nice to be a team thats been a heavyweight for a very long time," Love said of the Lakers. It was the quintessential Love performance -- versatile and punishing from inside and out, unselfish and relentless. And it is everything the Lakers are missing right now. Kobe Bryant has missed most of the season with injuries, Nash is on his last legs and the Lakers are desperate for a star to carry them forward when Bryant, who will start a new two-year contract next season, decides to retire. Love went to UCLA and his father, Stan, played for the Lakers in the 1970s. Love can opt out of his contract after next season, at which point the Lakers will have enough cap room to sign him to a maximum contract. The Timberwolves remain confident that they will be able to do enough this off-season to upgrade the roster to convince Love, who has not been to the playoffs in his six seasons, to stay. President of basketball operations Flip Saunders has told teams calling about trading for Love to not even bother asking. The Wolves can also pay him about $26.5 million more than any other team. "My parents lived there and they had me there, so its not my fault," Love said of the fascination with him in Los Angeles. "I dont really care about that right now. I just go out there and play and dont really worry about it." DAntoni coached Love with Team USA, so hes well versed in his abilities. "He was a big piece in what we were doing and obviously hes a big piece here," DAntoni said. "Guys a good player. Wherever he goes, hes going to be good." NOTES: Kent Bazemore scored 21 points and Jodie Meeks scored 19 for the Lakers. ... The Timberwolves topped 40 points in the first quarter for the fifth time this season. ... Xavier Henry sat out for the Lakers with a sore knee. ... Timberwolves PG Ricky Rubio had 10 points, six assists, six rebounds and one steal, which tied Tyrone Corbins franchise for steals in a season with 175. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
MALAGA, Spain -- Malaga eased to a dominant 2-0 win at home over Villarreal on Monday to take a big step toward ensuring both its place in Spains topflight next season and coach Bernd Schusters job. Delano Hill Youth Jersey . Malagas stout defence limited Villarreal to just one shot on goal, even after the host went down to 10 men for the final 15 minutes when Nordin Amrabat was shown a direct red for vehemently protesting to the referee. Roque Santa Cruz chipped the ball over goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo from a tight angle to open the scoring in the sixth at La Rosaleda Stadium after the striker was played through by Samuel Sanchez. Amrabat then used his pace to race down the left side and waited for Sergi Darder to arrive unmarked in a second wave before he crossed for the midfielder to fire in their second goal in the 53rd. "Perhaps this was our most well-rounded game of the season," Schuster said. "We played well from the first to the last minute. We werent much better than Villarreal, but we controlled them throughout." After struggling early in Schusters first season in charge, Malaga has come on late and has won five of its last eight games to escape the fight at the bottom and climb into 10th place with four rounds to go. The team is not only playing to avoid a last-minute relegation battle. Schusters job at the Costa del Sol side may depend on the side holding onto a top-10 finish. The German managers contract includes a clause that he can be fired if they finish in 11th place or lower. "It has been a difficult year for everyone, and with these three points we can breathe easier," Schuster said. "This was a key day. We have lifted a weight off us. Now, with less pressure, we can improve." Villarreal forward Giovani Dos Santos returned from a four-week injury layoff when he went on as a second-half substitute. Villarreals loss left it in seventh place and holding onto the last Europa League berth, seven points ahead of Valencia. Atletico Madrid leads the league by four points over Barcelona. Real Madrid is another two points behind but with an extra game to play. Amara Darboh Womens Jersey . Serves hit by her surgically repaired shoulder often missed the mark, resulting in 12 double-faults. Ethan Pocic Jersey . As each game passes (each has played close with the exception of last night) it becomes clearer just how evenly matched these two teams are and how one mistake, or one bad inning, is likely to sway the result.SAN DIEGO -- Arizona avoided becoming the latest and biggest upset victim in an NCAA tournament thats been filled with them. The Wildcats will have to play a little better if they want to keep going in the bracket. Nick Johnson scored 18 points, Aaron Gordon added 16 and top-seeded Arizona overcame a shaky start and a late run by Weber State to beat the Wildcats 68-59 in the West Regional on Friday. The first full day of the tournament was a wild one filled with upsets, and the bracket-busting trend continued early Friday, when Mercer, a No. 14 seed, knocked off mighty Duke. Arizona (31-4) appeared to be next in line, falling into an 8-point hole in the opening 6 minutes. Arizona closed in around Weber State (19-12), shutting down the Wildcats during two big first-half runs, seemingly putting the fairytale to bed. Comfortably ahead, Arizona let off the gas late, allowing Weber State to trim a 21-point lead down to nine before pulling it out. Solid, but not great, particularly since the next game -- against Gonzaga or Oklahoma State on Sunday -- is the spot the Wildcats have been picked to go down. Weber State put up a fight in its first NCAA tournament appearance since 2007, clearly not intimidated by Arizona and its cast of future NBA players. The Wildcats just didnt have the manpower to keep up with the long, athletic Cats during their big runs and nor did they have enough left climb all the way back after clawing back in the second half. Davion Berry scored 24 points and Richaud Gittens added 12 for Weber State. Arizona had been in this spot before, faciing a quick-trigger 3-point shooting team in the opening round. Tedric Thompson Jersey. A year ago, Belmont was a popular bracket buster pick against the Wildcats because of its ability to shoot the 3, but Arizona turned the slight into motivation and ran over the Bruins. Even after an opening day of upsets in the bracket, there were no calls for an upset against Arizona this year. But just as Mercer was busy taking down Duke, Weber State gave the 16-over-a-1-seed miracle a glimpse of life, holding Arizona without a field for nearly 5 minutes during a game-opening 10-2 run. The dream popped with a flurry of blocked shots, steals and runouts the other direction. After falling into the early hole, one of the nations best defences flexed its muscles against the Big Sky-champion Wildcats, jumping into passing lanes, swatting shots, turning nearly every possession into a fight against the shot clock. Weber State missed 12 of 13 shots as Arizona went on two big runs and shot 6 of 24 in the first half with nine turnovers that Arizona turned into 12 points. The desert Wildcats shook off their early offensive funk with an array of dunks and 3-pointers, racing past Weber State with runs of 14-2 and 13-3 to go up 32-20 at halftime. Arizona looked as if it was going to run away with it early in the second half, only to watch Weber State scratch a huge lead to under double digits with 4 1-2 minutes left. Arizona turned back every attempt Weber State made after that to pull out the victory, but will likely face more upset predictions in the next round after this one.Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
TORONTO a€“ The disappointment was evident all over his face. Josh Malone Jersey . Attempting a re-launch of his NHL career this fall, Petri Kontiola, the former Blackhawks draft pick, was plainly dejected after his second exhibition game with the Leafs on Wednesday night. Kontiola, a 29-year-old who spent the past five seasons in the KHL, knew that what hed offered so far probably wasnt good enough. a€?Im not doing that well right now and I know it,a€? he said gloomily. a€?Thats about it.a€? Kontiolas biggest challenge in making the leap back to the NHL, as per Leafs head coach Randy Carlyle, was his ability to keep up with the pace of the game. And thats been precisely the struggle for the Finnish forward. His long, choppy stride appears just a step too slow for the high speeds of the NHL game, evident even at this early stage of the exhibition season. He teamed uncomfortably with Phil Kessel and James van Riemsdyk on a de facto top line against Ottawa, finishing without a shot on goal in about 13 minutes. a€?We try to use these games as assessment periods and sometimes people play themselves into situations and play them out of situations,a€? Carlyle said, not mentioning Kontiola specifically. a€?We tried to put people in situations where they can have the best possible chance for success and then thats when the evaluation process starts.a€? The evident fact of Kontiolas struggle, early as it may be in training camp, has made Torontos once uncertain centre dynamic become pretty clear pretty quick. With Kontiola seemingly out of the mix a€“ hes not getting faster overnight a€“ the final two centre spots would appear safely in the hands of Peter Holland and Mike Santorelli, an unproven duo in different regards. Given Carlyles stated intention of three a€?scoringa€? lines, Holland would seem the probable choice for third line centre duties beyond Tyler Bozak and Nazem Kadri. Just 23, the former first round pick has offered hints of promise in 68 NHL games a€“ albeit inconsistently a€“ including five goals and 10 points in 39 games with the Leafs last season. Making clear that he was just a rung above the American League in the spring, he went on to thrive with the Marlies in the playoffs, boasting 15 points in 11 games. But can he fulfill his potential with the increased NHL opportunity likely to come his way? That will indeed be the question. Santorelli could certainly push him for some of those offensive minutes, but appears better suited (of the two) to absorb the difficult minutes left by Jay McClement, a Carlyle favourite whom the organization let walk in the offseason. Under the direction of since-deposed Vancouver head coach John Tortorella, Santorelli was utilized in challenging defensive situations, also killing penalties along the way. And he fared okay, posting positive Corsi numbers at even-strength. If Carlyle can find in him a player to handle those difficult assignments in the coming year he could alleviate some of the burden carried by Bozak and the teams top trio, which was often overloaded against top lines a year ago. a€?Hes going to get opportunities,a€? Carlyle said of Santorelli. a€?We brought the player in feeling that he could make a contribution.a€? Unlike McClement, who scored just four goals in 81 games, Santorelli also offers some offensive potential. Averaging nearly 19 minutes, he scored 10 times in 49 games with his hometown Canucks, adding a 20-goal campaign to the resume in Florida a few years earlier. a€?I think as a player you want to come in and help with the team any way you can and thats all Im looking to do here,a€? said Santorelli, who also won 51 per cent of his faceoffs. As for Kontiola, his fight to remain in the race for a job with the Leafs hangs by an apparent thread. Though the transition to North American-sized rinks would seem a challenge, even for a player who spent two seasons over here, he refused to touch it after Wednesdays game, brushing it off as an excuse. a€?No, a good player can play wherever,a€? he said. The team wasnt quite as dismissive. a€?Were watching him very closely,a€? Peter Horachek, the Leafs assistant coach, said before the game, a€?as we are with a couple of the other centremen and seeing where they stand because theres some questions to be answered for our team coming through training camp.a€? One at least appears increasingly closer to a solution. Jake Elliott Jersey . Lynchs attorney, Ivan Golde, told The Associated Press on Thursday of the plea deal that was reached with the Alameda County District Attorney Office. The plea will be formally entered in court in Oakland, Calif. John Ross Youth Jersey . Linemates Ryan Johansen and Boone Jenner each had a goal and an assist in the first period, and Sergei Bobrovsky made 36 saves to lead the Blue Jackets past the Florida Panthers 4-1 on Saturday night.BOSTON -- San Antonio came into Boston missing three key players. Fortunately for the Spurs, Tim Duncan wasnt among them. Duncan scored 23 of his 25 points in the second half, powering the injury-depleted Spurs to a 104-92 win over the Celtics on Wednesday night. "More than anything, Tim led the way for us as he has for 16 or 17 years," coach Gregg Popovich said about his team pulling away in the final quarter. Marco Belinelli added 16 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists for the Spurs, who were without guards Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili and forward Tiago Splitter -- all sidelined with injuries. Coming off a first half when he went 1 for 4 from the floor, Duncan scored 11 points on 4-of-9 shooting in the third to help San Antonio open a 71-66 lead after three. "I started out the second half the exact same way and finally got some to fall," he said. "They kept coming to me and I just put it in the hole. There wasnt anything I changed, anything I saw." Boris Diaw added 18 points and Duncan grabbed nine rebounds to lead the Spurs to their fifth win in seven games. "Hes had that same demeanour since Day 1 when he arrived," Popovich said of Duncan. "He doesnt get excited about wins. He doesnt get down about losses. He just loves to compete and he keeps a real steady attitude, which everybody kind of feeds off in a way." First-year Boston coach Brad Stevens thought Duncan decided to take command more after halftime. "He changed," Stevens said. "I mean, he went back to being really aggressive on the blocks. I thought in the first half we did a really good job on a couple of catches that he did have down on the block, but he kind of put (them) on his shoulders. He wasnt going to be denied -- and we dont have great matchups for him. Theres not many great matchups for him in the NBA or in the world." Rajon Rondo led Boston with 16 points and Kris Humphries and rookie Kelly Olynyk had 15 apiece. The Celtics fell to 4-18 against Western Conference teams. Duncan scored 12 points and was 5 of 6 from the floor in the fourth. "He is arguably oone of the best power forwards of all time, and hes doing it at 38," Humphries said. Josh Malone Youth Jersey. Boston was minus guard Avery Bradley, who was sidelined with a sprained right ankle. After the Celtics scored the first points of the fourth quarter on a jumper by Humphries, San Antonio went on a 12-4 run. The Spurs went 6 of 8 to start the period, keyed by Danny Greens 3 from the left corner that made it 79-70 with just under 10 minutes to play. After a foul-line jumper by Humphries, Duncan had consecutive baskets, the second a jumper that pushed the Spurs lead to 85-74 with 8:06 left. San Antonio broke it open with a 11-0 run midway into the quarter that was capped by Belinellis 3-pointer with 4 minutes left. The Spurs used a 9-2 run late in the third and opened their five-point lead heading into the fourth. Duncan didnt score his first points until a basket late in the first half. The Celtics went on a 12-0 run, bridging the end of the first quarter and the start of the second to pull to their first lead of the game, 26-25, on Phil Presseys 3-pointer. San Antonio led 48-44 at halftime. NOTES: Stevens said Bradley re-sprained the ankle that cost him five games at the end of January. Stevens said he could be out after the All-Star break. ... Before the game, Stevens praised the Spurs ability to overcome the loss of players due to injuries. "I think some of the most inspiring basketball Ive ever watched is when they dont have all their players," he said. ... The Spurs played their sixth game of a nine-game road trip that will carry over the break with the final three. Boston opens the post-break schedule with a four-game trip, starting against Phoenix next Wednesday. ... Hall of Famer Bill Russell turned 80 Wednesday. ... San Antonio beat Boston at home on Nov. 20, 104-93 in the only other meeting this season. ... Ginobili has a tight left hamstring and missed his eighth straight. Splitter was out for his third consecutive because of a bruised right shin and Parker was sidelined with lower back tightness. ... Stevens said Boston F Jared Sullinger played just 18 1/2 minutes because he was "sick." Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
MILWAUKEE -- Bucks owner Herb Kohl was well past retirement age and realized it was time to secure the future of the franchise. Cheap Rangers Jerseys China . He had one big caveat for any potential investors: Keep the team in his hometown of Milwaukee. And he found a buyer. The former U.S. senator is banking on New York investment firm executives Marc Lasry and Wesley Edens to follow through after agreeing to sell them the Bucks for about $550 million. The deal is subject to approval by the NBA and its board of governors. "I wasnt going to live forever. Ive approached a time in my life where I have to think about ... how do we think about succession," Kohl, 79, said Wednesday at a news conference in the atrium of the BMO Harris Bradley Center. The deal was announced hours before the team was to play its final game of a dismal season. The first clue that the Bucks were likely staying in town came before Kohl said a word, when Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and County Executive Chris Abele took seats on stage. Kohl had been championing the need for a new arena for years. As efforts to secure investors ramped up in recent months, Kohl said he thought it might be best to sell the team entirely instead of keeping a stake to give the new owners say over new arena construction. Lasry and Edens committed to providing $100 million to help build a new arena. Kohl also announced he would donate $100 million for a new facility. "Milwaukee fans deserve a winning team," Edens said. Kohl bought the Bucks for $18 million in 1985. Kohl, a Milwaukee native whose family owned a chain of department stores, was hailed as a hometown hero. Now local and state officials hope the sale will help shift the public discourse for replacing the Bradley Center, the teams downtown home which opened in 1988. "We should be shouting from the rooftops because this is a game-changer for this entire debate," Barrett said. Edens said he hopes to get a plan for a new arena in a year, and have it built in a couple years. He said he thought about $400 million could be a benchmark for building the facility. Kohl said the subject of the sale would come up at an NBA meeting this week in New York. In a statement, league commissioner Adam Silver praised Kohl for the "historic and unprecedented" $100 million gift to the city to secure the future of the franchise. Kohl used investment banker Steve Greenberg, of Allen & Co., which is regularly involved in sales of sports teams, to help look for investors. There were nine bids which we all vetted through Kohl, according to Greenberg. Lasry and Edens were committed to keeping the team in Milwaukee, Kohl said. Lasry is chairman and chief executive officer of Avenue Capital Group, while Edens is co-founder and a chairman of the board at Fortress Investment Group. Both are based in New York. Edens said his mother was born and raised in Wisconsin, and that both he and Lasry were big basketball fans. The goal over the next five to 10 years was to "bring a championship to this city and try to build ... and become a part of the community," Lasry said. In Madison, Gov. Scott Walker said he was pleased with the deal that will keep the team in Wisconsin, and that he will work with the new ownership team to see how he can help the team "flourish in the state." "I think its a big deal," he told reporters when asked about the sale. The Bucks were an NBA-worst 15-66 entering Wednesday nights game against the Atlanta Hawks. Milwaukee has already set a franchise record for futility. The team was beset by injuries from training camp in coach Larry Drews first season. Center Larry Sanders and guard O.J. Mayo are among the veterans who have been sidelined for long spurts. Brandon Knight has emerged as a scoring point guard, while 18-year-old Giannis Antetokounmpo had a promising first year after being drafted in the first round last year. The Bucks will have another high pick in this years talent-rich draft. And there is more certainty now for the future since the teams prospective new owners appear committed to keeping the team in Milwaukee. Adidas Henrik Lundqvist Jersey . Hes recovered from a scary injury and cleared to play. Mingo, who was hospitalized with a bruised lung he sustained in an Aug. Cheap Rangers Jerseys .ca. Kerry, I hope you address Ron MacLeans comment during the second intermission of Game 4 in Montreal-Tampa series. Basically, he suggested that the NHL should not have used a referee from Quebec, following the Game 3 disputed non-goal, because the referee could be biased towards Montreal.LISBON, Portugal -- For Atletico Madrid, the only thing in the way of the greatest season in the clubs 111-year history is crosstown archrival Real Madrid. The Spanish rivals make up the first intracity Champions League final in history, with the match to be played in Lisbon. Real Madrid is the competitions most successful club and bidding to end a 12-year wait for "La Decima" -- its 10th European Cup title. It recently had a 14-year unbeaten run against Atletico in all competitions come to an end last season, when Atletico won the Copa del Rey at Reals Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Here are five things to know about Saturdays match: INJURY WORRIES: Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to return from injury to play Saturday. Diego Costa is unlikely. Advantage, Real Madrid. Ronaldo has been burdened by leg injuries over the past two months but said Tuesday he would be available to play in his first Champions League final for Madrid. Costa has also endured leg setbacks and, after hobbling off against Barcelona on Saturday, sought treatment from a specialist in Belgrade using horse placenta. Ronaldos return will bolster Madrids already potent attack with Gareth Bale set to start. But striker Karim Benzema appears to be doubtful with a hamstring injury. Madrid centre back Pepe is also a game-time decision. ALONSOS REPLACEMENT: Xabi Alonsos absence deals an important blow to Madrids midfield. The Spain international has been one of Madrid coach Carlo Ancelottis most important players this season, but a yellow card in the semifinal win over Bayern Munich has left him suspended. Either Sami Khedira, Asier Illarramendi or Casamiro is likely to fill the void and take responsibility for opening up Madrids attack and breaking up Atleticos buildups. Illaramendi is the natural successor to Alonso, but he has had a nervy debut season at Madrid. "It will be a very equal match and I imagine the midfield will be determinant in setting up play," Atletico coach Diego Simeone said. VILLA EXPERIENCE: Not only will David Villas goal-scoring prowess make up for Diego Costas absence, but the Spain strikers experience should prove invaluable to an Atletico team short of Champions League experience. Villa is the only regular in the squad who has played in a Champions League final before, scoring in Barcelonas 3-1 triumph over Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in 2011. Cheap Adidas NHL Jerseys. Costas absence could also bolster Villas hopes of playing for Spain at the World Cup. Madrid can count on more experience as Cristiano Ronaldo won the title while at Manchester United and goalkeeper Iker Casillas was part of Madrids winning teams in 2000 and 02. Madrid can also draw on the experience of assistant coach Zinedine Zidane, who scored an iconic goal in Madrids 2-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen in its last Champions League final appearance. PAISLEYS RECORD: Carlo Ancelotti has been able to get Real Madrid where Jose Mourinho never could, and now the Italian coach is one win away from matching Bob Paisley with his third European Cup. Ancelotti, who also won two European Cups as a player, secured the Champions League at AC Milan in 2003 and 07, leaving him on the verge of matching the former Liverpool managers record number of titles. "Theres no pressure on me, just the joy of living this moment of happiness," Ancelotti said. "A lot of (teams) have to watch this game in front of the TV and were lucky to be able to play it. Ive watched this game on TV a lot of times and I didnt enjoy it." Diego Simeone could become just the third non-European coach to win the trophy. The only other two were also Argentine -- Real Madrids Luis Carniglia in 1958 and 59 and Helenio Herrera of Inter Milan in 1964 and 65. DERBY TIME: Saturdays match represents the most important Madrid derby after 194 league and Spanish Cup games. Madrid has the advantage with 102 victories to Atleticos 46. Atletico only ended a 14-year winless run against Madrid in all competitions last season when it won the Copa del Rey at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Atletico has won and drawn the two league encounters since, while Madrid easily won a pair of Copa del Rey matches against Atletico en route to the domestic cup title. The pair have met in the European Cup once before -- in 1959, when Madrid needed a replay to emerge victorious. After the two legs finished 2-2, Madrid won 2-1 in Zaragoza to reach the final. But in one-game cup finals, Atletico -- which can become the seventh team to finish the competition undefeated -- leads the series 4-1. "There are no secrets for this game," Ancelotti said. "The two teams know each other well." Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
MIAMI -- Here they are again, back on the brink of a championship. Adidas Ray Shero Jersey . It slipped away from the San Antonio Spurs last year, but it would take something special -- historic, actually -- to stop them now. The Miami Heat would have to make the biggest comeback in NBA Finals history. "Theyre the two-time champs, theyre a great team, and there is still one more game," Spurs guard Tony Parker said. "We have to win one more game." Kawhi Leonard had 20 points and 14 rebounds, and the Spurs routed the Heat again, winning 107-86 on Thursday night to open a commanding 3-1 lead. The Spurs can win their fifth NBA championship with a victory at home in Game 5 on Sunday and avenge their seven-game loss to Miami last year. They have three chances, and the way theyre dominating the Heat, they might need just one. "Im pleased that they performed as well as they did while weve been in Miami, and thats about as far as it goes," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "Now weve got to go back home and play as well or better." LeBron James had 28 points and eight rebounds, but Dwyane Wade was just 1 of 10 through three quarters and finished with 10 points. "They smashed us," James said. "Two straight home games got off to awful starts. They came in and were much better than us in these last two games. Its just that simple." No team has overcome a 3-1 deficit in the finals, and the way the Heat were outclassed twice on their home floor makes it hard to imagine the two-time champions being the first. "We put ourselves in a position where it is about making history," James added. Parker added 19 points, and Tim Duncan had 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Spurs, who shot 57 per cent from the field and are hitting 54 per cent in the series. The Spurs lost twice in Miami to end last years finals, their only defeat in the championship round. They won their two games in South Florida this time by a combined 40 points. San Antonios surprising dominance has Miami on its heels, and unless Miami can figure things out quickly, the Heats two-year championship reign will come to an abrupt end. If this was the last home game of the season in Miami, it looked and sounded nothing like the ones to end the last two years, which featured confetti falling and trophies raised. This one had the unfamiliar sound of boos late in the first half and a chant of "Go Spurs Go!" with under 3 minutes left from the San Antonio fans who remained long after many of Miamis had bolted. A Heat win Sunday would force a Game 6 in Miami Tuesday. The Heat had followed their last 13 post-season losses with a victory, but now at the end of a fourth straight season that has gone the distance, they might be out of gas. Miami seemed to lack the energy -- or maybe effort -- to defend San Antonios precision ball movement for the full 24 seconds, and time after time the Spurs ended up with a shot from somebody who didnt have a defender nearby. Not quite as sharp as when they shot a finals-record 75.8 per cent in the first half Tuesday night, the Spurs were still plenty good enough to open another huge lead by halftime, and they withstood every attempt Miami made to make a run. "We were expecting a reaction from them but we were ready for it, so we just did the same thing," Spurs forward Boris Diaw said. The Spurs knew their defence had to be better, realizing their once-in-a-lifetime, 19-for-21 start in Tuesdays 111-92 Game 3 victory covered the fact that they allowed Miami to make more than 50 per cent in the game. They held Miami to 35 per cent in the first half. "They played great and I can honestly say I dont think any of us were expecting this type of performance," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. San Antonio blew the game open late in the second quarter with seven straight points, capped by Leonards soaring follow dunk that made it 55-33. James, who battled cramps in Game 1, left the court and briefly returned to the locker room midway through the first quarter Thursday. But he had 10 quick points in the third quarter to bring Miami within 13, but San Antonio pushed it to 81-57 after three and never looked back. Notes: Under Popovich, the Spurs have won 15 of the 18 best-of-seven series in which they led 2-1. ... The Heat hadnt lost back-to-back games in the playoffs since dropping three straight against the Boston Celtics in the 2012 Eastern Conference finals. Cheap Adidas NHL Jerseys . PAUL, Minn. Cheap Devils Jerseys . It was just time for him to make a big play. Nicolas Batum had 20 points and 10 rebounds, Wesley Matthews scored 18 points, and the Trail Blazers overcame poor-shooting nights by two of their best players in a 94-90 victory over the New York Knicks on Wednesday.It is award season. This past week the award winners in Major League Baseball were announced. Certainly, in most years the voters (players/writers) get it right more often than not. But this year they certainly missed on a few. Rookies of the YearAmerican League The Sporting News gave the award to two Florida-based players, Wil Myers (Rays, .293/.354/.478) and Jose Fernandez (Marlins, 12-6, 2.19 ERA with 187 strikeouts). Myers was the obvious winner in the AL. Jose Iglesias of the Red Sox and then the Tigers came in second followed by Myers teammate Chris Archer in third. The Rays were three games over .500 when Myers got to the big leagues but went 56-38 after his arrival. He only played in 88 games but his power and run production had a major impact as he added length and depth to the order. He hit .293 with 13 home runs and 53 RBI in those 88 games. I cant wait to see what he can do in a full season. Iglesias is a slick fielding but light-hitting shortstop who will continue to improve over time. He will be the answer for years in Detroit after they acquired him mid-season from Boston. Archer was an effective starter and there is no doubting that but he had a number of peaks and valleys to accumulate his final numbers (9-7, 3.22 ERA). He was dominating at times but was just average at times as well. AL Rookie of the Year: Wil Myers, Tampa Bay National League Jose Fernandez at the age of 20 did some remarkable things this year. He was second in ERA to CY Young winner Clayton Kershaw (1.89 ERA). He led all rookies in most pitching categories. The Marlins (62-100) went 18-10 in his starts. All really great stuff for such a young player who gained 26 of 30 first place votes. But was he really the best in the NL? Yasiel Puig came in second in the voting with only four first place votes. He was robbed. He hit .319 and slugged 19 homers and drove in 42 runs while scoring 66 in 104 games. His .391 on-base percentage and .534 slugging percentage were the best among NL rookies. The Dodgers were 23-32 before Puigs call up to the big leagues and were mired in last place in the NL West. They went 69-38 and won the division after his contract was added to the major league roster. Puig made a huge impact. He sparked the fans, which in turn sparked his teammates. One could argue that he made baseball exciting again in LA. The Dodgers were on the verge of firing manager Don Mattingly and now he is negotiating a contract extension. Puig is a handful to manage, as he is a big personality with limited boundaries in his behaviour. But boy is he great. You can make the argument that he energized all of baseball and should be a candidate for the MVP Award. He was definitely better than Jose Fernandez and deserved to win the NL award. NL Rookie of the Year: Yasiel Puig, Los Angeles Dodgers Managers of the Year The Baseball Writers vote for the Managers of the Year. Remember the votes are submitted before the playoffs begin so the award is a regular season award. The writers awarded Terry Francona in the AL for the Indians dramatic turnaround and they awarded Clint Hurdle in the NL for the Pirates first playoff berth since 1992. National LeagueIt had been an awfully long time since the Pirates last celebrated with champagne. They had shown flashes in recent years of being competitive only to fizzle out in the second half of the season. Hurdle did a remarkable job of blending youth with experience and maintaining a positive outlook even when voices of doubt might have started to creep in with his players. Clint is an inspirational story as he lives a life of recovery from alcohol addiction. He is open about it because he believes his willingness to be vulnerable cultivates trust with his players and he was proven to be right. Hurdle was the AAA manager for the Mets back when I was running the minor leagues. He wasnt as clear thinking then as he is now. We parted ways after a difficult season but rather than feel victimized Clint fought for a life of health and serenity. He found it and he now is fulfilling the promise of his abilities. I am so happy for him. I am a bit surprised the NL vote wasnt closer. Hurdle had 140 points including 25 first place votes compared to Dodgers manager Don Mattinglys second place total of 68 points and two first place votes. Mattingly did an amazing job in LA keeping things together when it looked like things were falling apart. Donnie Baseball maintained a positive demeanor even when people were calling for him to be fired. He managed his team through a tremendous amount of adversity with injuries and a change in closer. I particularly love the fact that he disciplined Yasiel Puig when his behaviour on and off the field called for it. Not every manager would sit a young stud to teach him a lesson while battling for a pennant. Mattingly didnt get the award but he will be awarded with a contract extension. NL Manager of the Year: Clint Hurdle, Pittsburgh Pirates American LeagueIn the AL, a case could be made for Indians manager Terry Francona, As manager Bob Melvin, Red Sox manager John Farrell, Rays manager Joe Maddon and Yankees manager Joe Girardi to be the manager of the year. The Yankees only won 86 games despite their lofty payroll but no team faced more injuries and adversity than the Yanks. They lost Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Mark Teixeira, Curtis Granderson, and CC Sabathia for significant amounts of time. Girardi had to blend guys who were seemingly in witness protection in recent years (Travis Hafner, Lyle Overbay, Vernon Wells and Alfonso Soriano). I have no idea with all of the injuries and underperformance how the Yankees won 86 games. Girardi may have had his best year managing. Joe Maddon always deserves recognition for getting so many young players to perform on such a consistent basis. He is a motivator and a teacher. He teaches his young guys how to win at the major league level. His support helps his players develop a sense of baseball maturity that you dont see elsewhere. The Rays always have one of the lowest payrolls as well. Just as remarkable is the quality of performance his Rays get from reclamation projects like James Loney, Davis DeJesus and Yunel Escobar. The Oakland As surprised everyone in 2012 by winning the AL West. Bob Melvin won the Manager of the Year for his teams success; as well he should havve last season. Adidas Taylor Hall Jersey. Despite their success in 2012 there were some who still didnt believe in the As this year because of their youth and low payroll. But they did it again with solid pitching, timely hitting and very good defence. Melvins calmness keeps his players focused and under control. Their talent prevailed in the end. He did another worthy job in 2013. Terry Francona was back in the dugout this year in Cleveland and he showed why he is one of the best managers in the game. He led the Tribe to a 24-game improvement over their 2012 record and a playoff berth. When the season began I didnt think there was a chance this team could make the playoffs. The pitching staff just didnt stack up. Francona did a great job setting his players up to succeed and the more they won the more their confidence grew. Francona has a unique ability to be a different manager for every player: some guys need a pat on the back and some need a kick in the pants. Francona can deliver either. Francona got 116 points including 16 first place votes while edging out John Farrell, his former coaching partner in both Cleveland and Boston. Francona had 12 first place votes and 96 total points. John Farrell was the best offseason acquisition in baseball. He went back to Boston and fixed players who had struggled for a couple of seasons. He returned and helped blend a significant number of new faces on the roster. He helped heal the emotional damage from the Bobby Valentine era in 2012. The Red Sox had a number of injuries to their pitching staff in addition to weathering a major issue at the closers role. He is stable, cool, calm and collected. His personality fit perfectly. Farrell managed his pitcher extremely well and his position players thrived. He effectively managed young players and veterans while maximizing their production. The Red Sox had a 27-game turnaround from the 2012 season - the most significant jump in baseball. AL Manager of the Year: John Farrell, Boston Red Sox Cy Young AwardThe Baseball Writers Association of America voted the Dodger lefty Clayton Kershaw and Tigers ace Max Scherzer as their respective leagues Cy Young Award winners. National LeagueKershaw won in a landslide vote, getting all but one first place tally. Adam Wainwright of the Cardinals was the clear second place finisher with young Jose Fernandez of the Marlins in third. Kershaw (16-9 1.83 ERA) won the award for the second time in three years. He won the ERA title for the third consecutive year while punching out an NL-leading 232 batters. He had the best WHIP in baseball as well. Kershaw is the best pitcher in baseball and the Dodgers need to get him locked up with an extension ASAP. This award was a no-brainer. NL CY Young: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers American LeagueMax Scherzer won 21 games, the most in baseball this year. He finished the season with a 21-3 record and 2.90 ERA. He got off to a great start by winning his first 13 decisions. He led the league in wins and WHIP and was second in strikeouts. Scherzer was ranked fifth in ERA but overall had more dominant qualitative numbers than three of the four pitchers in front of him. I am a bit surprised that Yu Darvish didnt muster more first place votes than he did. Darvish finished a distant second with only 93 points and no first place votes compared to 203 points and 28 first place votes for Scherzer. Darvish did have a slightly better ERA than Scherzer and 277 strikeouts compared to Scherzers 240. Of course Scherzer won 21 games compared to only 13 for Darvish. But Darvish lost seven games in which his team scored three or less runs including four games he lost by a 1-0 score. Scherzer (5.59 runs per game) had the third-highest run support in baseball while Darvish (4.28) was ranked 36th. After careful consideration, it is a close call with Darvish deserving the AL CY Young Award over Scherzer. AL CY Young: Yu Darvish, Texas Rangers Most Valuable PlayersThe Baseball Writers nailed the MVP Awards. Miguel Cabrera won the AL MVP for the second consecutive year and Andrew McCutchen won the award for the NL. American LeagueCabrera (385 points, 23 first place votes) beat out Mike Trout (282 points, five first place votes) for the second straight year. Trout (.323/.432/.537) slugged 27 homers, drove in 97 runs, scored 109 runs and walked 110 times while stealing 33 bases as well. He had another great season but Cabrera may have actually outdone his Triple Crown season from a year ago. He hit a career-high .348 while tying a career high in homers (44) and driving in 137 runs. He also scored 103 runs. Cabrera put up these huge numbers with very little production coming in the month of September due to a myriad of injuries. Cabrera is clearly a first ballot Hall of Famer and is making a statement that he may be the best right-handed hitter of all time. AL MVP: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers National LeagueAndrew McCutchen won the NL MVP in a landslide. It was far more lopsided than I anticipated. McCutchen received 28 of the 30 first place votes. I am sure some part of the draw to McCutchen for the voters was the fact that the Pirates hadnt made the playoffs since 1992. McCutchen hit .317 with 21 homers and 84 RBI. He also hit .360 in the final 55 games of the season when the Pirates were in the pennant race. The last few years the Pirates faded in the second half of the season but McCutchen didnt allow that to happen this year. Paul Goldschmidt (.302, 38 HR and 125 RBI) of the Diamondbacks finished second in the balloting with Yadier Molina ending up third. I really anticipated Molina to finish a close second behind McCutchen. Molina is a manager on the field as he guided the Cardinals pitching staff and shut down the opponents running game all season long. He also hit .317 with 80 RBI, 44 doubles and 12 homers. He hit .373 with runners in scoring position. He was as clutch a player as there was in the game. His contributions helped the Cards hold off the Pirates and Reds in the division race. Unfortunately for Molina his teammate, second baseman Matt Carpenter, stole some of his votes as Carpenter finished fourth in the balloting. NL MVP: Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates It was a great year in baseball with some amazing individual performances. I cant wait for pitchers and catchers to report for spring training. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys ChinaCheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers had first-and-goal at Carolina, poised to break open that September game in the third quarter. Joe Mixon Bengals Jersey .Roethlisberger looked left, cocked his arm and completed his entire throwing motion, luring a Panthers linebacker toward the anticipated trajectory. The ball never came out, but a crowd of defenders gathered in that part of the field.Big Ben then used another, quicker pump fake to draw the nickel cornerback further away from his favourite target Antonio Brown. Finally, Roethlisberger delivered the ball into the back right corner of the end zone behind the two defenders still close enough to get a hand in the way.Touchdown.The NFLs best quarterbacks have become better, post-modern offences are more complex and the rules against down-field contact have been made stricter. Many times, though, the success of a passing play comes down to a simple old standby tool thats been in the quarterbacks belt since the legalization of the forward pass.The pump fake.Its just as much Johnny Unitas as it is Andrew Luck.Youve just got to have great eyes. Dont look at the quarterback. Hes like Medusa. He turns you into stone, Minnesota cornerback Captain Munnerlyn said, using Greek mythology to explain how to avoid getting beat by it.Easier said than done.Youre taught to react. So every action is key, Denver cornerback Tony Carter said. If youre a half-second off, its enough.Examples of defensive players frozen by pump fakes in critical situations arent hard to find. Here are three from this season:— Dallas trailed the New York Giants with barely a minute left in November, and the Cowboys offensive line gave Tony Romo almost 9 seconds to throw a second-and-short pass. Romo wound up with a big fake that sucked a safety into the shallow part of the field, and Dez Bryant eluded two other defenders on a crossing pattern to grab the go-ahead touchdown.— The following week, Green Bay took a 10-point lead on New England late in the first quarter when Aaron Rodgers found Richard Rodgers a step ahead of the safety for a 32-yard scoring pass. How did the rookie tight end get open? Rodgers faked a throw to his right toward Jordy Nelson, prompting the other Patriots safety to head that way.— Just last Sunday, Roethlisberger added another clip to his personal fake-throw highlight film, albeit during a less-dramatic 4-yard pass against Atlanta. He pivoted right and found Falcons defensive end Kroy Biermann right in front of him. One pump wasnt enough to get Biermann out of the way, so Roethlisberger raised his arm again as Biermann leapt high in hope of a bat-down.The ball didnt come out that time, either. Roethlisberger slung a sidearm throw to Brown, who manoeuvred for a nominal gain. The Steelers kept that drive going and drained the clock for a seven-point victory.Kroy made a great play, Roethlisberger said. Thats the only option: Get it out as fast as you can.Roethlisberger was being rather modest.We know the play is never dead with him, tight end Heath Miller said.Being 6-foot-5 sure helps.It helps when youve got hands like his, Steelers backup Bruce Gradkowski said. I could never do that. Id have the ball come out.Defences arent helpless, of course.Agile ends like Biermann, Houstons J.J. Watt or Denvers DeMarcus Ware are trained to disrupt even the shortest of throws when theyre not pursuing a sack against a deeper drop. Creating better passing lanes through the line and linebackers, then, is one reason to use the pump fake.The other is to clear a safety away down the field. Typically, a receiver on one side will run a predetermined double route — like a slant-and-go — while the guy on the back side of the formation gets free on, say, a move up the seam.Sometimes, well, its just improvisation.CBS and SiriusXM analyst Rich Gannon, a 17-year NFL veteran and the league MVP in 2002, used the skill well while running the West Coast offence with Oakland. Luck, who with Seattles Russell Wilson is one of the best young pump-fakers around, remembered watching Gannon do that while growing up.Gannon learned from TV, too, whether one of his peers like John Elway or Troy Aikman or Dan Marino.Sometimes I would pump knowing I had no inclination to even throw it that way, Gannon said. I knew where I was going to throw it. I just needed to move a linebacker so Id have a bigger window to throw the football behind him. So it just comes with experience. When youre a young guy, youre just trying to throw it to the open guy. When you get older, youre learning to manipulate the defenders.Even the best ones.Against an aggressive guy like me, a lot of quarterbacks try to pump fake me. Just trick plays, double moves, Seattle safety Earl Thomas said. Its not going to be anything regular because they understand your understanding of what theyre trying to do.___AP Pro Football Writer Arnie Stapleton in Englewood, Colorado, and AP Sports Writer Tim Booth in Renton, Washington, Will Graves in Pittsburgh and Michael Marot in Indianapolis contributed to this report.___Online:AP NFL websites: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP_NFL John Ross Youth Jersey . The hard-serving 22-year-old from Thornhill, Ont., became the first Canadian to be ranked in the Top 10 on the ATP World Tour thanks to his runner-up performance at Rogers Cup in Montreal. John Ross Womens Jersey . Yahoo! Sports columnist Marc Spears says that the Boogie Smooth album may have been an elaborate April Fools prank.ARLINGTON, Texas -- Texas Rangers ace Yu Darvish was put on the 15-day disabled list Sunday, the same day he threw a 32-pitch bullpen session without any issues. Darvish had been set to be the Rangers starter in Mondays opener against Philadelphia before having neck stiffness during camp. He last pitched in a game two weeks ago and didnt resume throwing until consecutive sessions this weekend. Texas also put left-hander Matt Harrison, last years opening-day starter, on the 15-day disabled list while setting its 25-man roster for the start of the season. Harrison, who made only two starts last season before twice having surgery on a herniated disk in his back, had a setback early in spring training, when he felt neck and back stiffness. He could return to the rotation before the end of April. Darvishs move to the disabled list was retroactive to March 21, meaning he could be eligible to return next weekend. Harrisons move was retroactive to March 29. Left-hander Derek Holland was already on the 60-day disabled list and not expected back until at least June after surgery on his left knee, injured during the off-season when he was tripped by his dog on stairs in his home. Texas said Darvish reported feeling strong after his bullpen session with pitching coach Mike Maddux on Sunday, a day after 30 throws off flat ground. Darvish, who last season led the majors with 277 strikeouts and finished second in the AL Cy Young Award voting, will get a day off from his throwing program before resuuming Tuesday. Carl Lawson Womens Jersey. Texas also selected the contract of infielder Josh Wilson from Triple-A Round Rock, and he could start at second base. Infielder Adam Rosales was designated for assignment, giving the Rangers 10 days to trade him, release him or send him outright him to the minor leagues. Second baseman Jurickson Profar (muscle tear in right shoulder) and catcher Geovany Soto (torn meniscus cartilage in right knee) are both expected to be out up to three months. Profar was put on the 15-day disabled list, and Soto on the 60-day list. The opening 25-man roster includes only four starting pitchers: Tanner Scheppers, Martin Perez, Robbie Ross and Joe Saunders, the left-hander signed after camp opened and who earned an increase in his base salary from $500,000 to $1.5 million by being on the active roster for one day. The Rangers dont need a fifth starter until the second week of the season, and will make a move then. Texas will start the season with seven relief pitchers and three catchers: J.P. Arencibia will start and be backed up by Robinson Chrinois and Chris Gimenez. The six outfielders include Mitch Moreland, who also is a first baseman and designated hitter. Wilson likely will split time at second base with Donnie Murphy, claimed off waivers last week from the Chicago Cubs. The only other listed infielders are first baseman Prince Fielder, shortstop Elvis Andrus and third baseman Adrian Beltre. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys ChinaCheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '