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No active pitcher in baseball has made more starts without appearing in a World Series game than San Francisco righty Tim Hudson. Jason Demers Panthers Jersey Authentic . Thatll change on Friday when he takes the ball trying to give the Giants a leg up on the Kansas City Royals, as the Fall Classic shifts to AT&T Park for a pivotal Game 3. Early in my career, I thought that Id be here well before now -- theres no question about it, said Hudson, who has started 457 games. But as your career creeps along and youre not able to get here to this big dance, you realize how hard it is. Ive told some of these young guys who are rookies on our club, Soak it all in, man. Because you never know when youre going to be back. The 39-year-old hurler has had two starts this postseason and has pitched to a 3.29 ERA without recording a decision. After throwing 7 1/3 innings of one-run ball in the NLDS, the Los Angeles Dodgers banged him around for four runs in 6 1/3 frames. San Francisco, though, won both of his starts. Hudson has pitched to a 4.12 ERA in 11 starts against the Royals and allowed three runs and six hits in six innings in a no-decision against them earlier in the year. However, Kansas Citys running game could be a concern for him, as over the past two years, Hudson has allowed 22 steals in 26 attempts, the 10th-worst success rate among big leaguers with at least 200 innings. You obviously have to be concerned with it, Hudson said. Thats one of the big strengths of their ballclub. You have to understand how to control the running game. Kansas City, meanwhile, will counter with righty Jeremy Guthrie, who has won five of six decisions since falling to Oakland on Aug. 12. Guthrie has allowed one run or less in six of those nine starts in that span, including a no- decision against Baltimore in the ALCS that saw him surrender a run and three hits in five innings. My goal is to put up zeros, Guthrie said. If I put up zeros, I have a chance to stay in. If I dont, Im going to be taken out, whether its a National League ballpark or not. So thats got to be the focus for me is, what can I do to put up zeros against a good hitting team. Hes also pitched well away from home, going 5-1 with a 2.95 ERA in his last six road starts. Kansas City evened this best-of-seven set on Wednesday, as Omar Infantes two- run homer punctuated a five-run sixth inning that propelled the Royals to a 7-2 win. The Royals bullpen triumvirate of Kelvin Herrera, Wade Davis and Greg Holland continued their domination with 3 2/3 scoreless innings. KCs bullpen has gone 7-0 this postseason with a 1.81 ERA. Of course, as the set transitions to the NL ballpark, the Royals will lose designated hitter Billy Butler in the starting lineup. In the National League, to have a bat like Billy Butlers on the bench coming in a situation, it could be the fourth inning, it could be the fifth inning or the sixth inning with guys in scoring position, Kansas City skipper Ned Yost said. That could be the difference. San Franciscos Pablo Sandoval has continued to carve out his own postseason legacy and has reached base safely in a franchise record 25 straight games. Since the start of divisional play in 1969, the team to win Game 3 in a Series where the first two games were split has gone on to capture the championship 16 of 19 times. These teams actually met in the regular season, as the Royals completed a three-game sweep at Kauffman Stadium. Fridays contest, though, will be Kansas Citys first in San Francisco since 2005. Florida Panthers Jerseys . -- The Grand Rapids Griffins scored three goals in 33 seconds of the second period en route to defeating the Hamilton Bulldogs 6-1 in American Hockey League action on Friday. Keith Yandle Panthers Jersey . The Senators will put the busy off-season and training camp behind them when they open their regular season on the road. They kick things off Friday against the Buffalo Sabres and then head to Toronto to take on the Maple Leafs on Saturday. Those 36-year-old legs of Manu Ginobilis have been feeling pretty spry this season. That spring in his step that had been missing for so much of last season was back, helping the Argentine magician become a game-changer again for the San Antonio Spurs. So when the lane opened up in the third quarter Tuesday night against the Houston Rockets, Ginobili decided to go for it. He rose up, cradled the ball in his left hand and threw down a solid, one-handed dunk. And with that, Ginobili joined the growing list of injured Spurs. The team said Wednesday that Ginobili strained his left hamstring on the dunk and will miss the next three to four weeks. Ginobili joins Danny Green (broken finger), Kawhi Leonard (broken left hand) and Tiago Splitter (sprained right shoulder) on the teams injured list, a run of bad luck that has torn apart the teams depth, particularly on the wing. "You play the guys on the bench," San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said. "We cant play the guys on the other team. I know that." The team is hopeful Splitter, who hasnt played since Jan. 4, will return in time for the teams annual rodeo road trip, a 10-game stint that begins Monday in New Orleans. That would help out Tim Duncan and the big men up front, but the problems on the perimeter remain. After struggling for much of last season, Ginobili signed a two-year contract to remain in San Antonio. He has rebounded this season to resume his role as the Spurs playmaker off the bench, averaging 12.1 points, 4.5 assists and shooting 52 per cent on his 2-point shots. During a monthlong stretch from the middle of December to the middle of January, Ginobili scored at least 20 points five times in a 16-game span to help the Spurs once again establish themselves among the NBAs elite teams. Hes been pretty healthy as well, missing two games earlier in January because of a sore left hamstring before injuring it more severely on Tuesday night. Alex Petrovic Panthers Jersey. Ginobili, who has long been the emotional centre of this close-knit team, was dejected as he limped off the court. His injury puts even more responsibility on the shoulders of veteran Marco Belinelli, who has been a reliable shooter in a supporting role after coming over in free agency from the Chicago Bulls. Belinelli is averaging 10.9 points and shooting 46.7 per cent from 3-point range for the Spurs. With the injuries to Leonard and Green, Belinelli had become a starter on the wing and seen his playing time steadily increase. Belinelli played 38 minutes in the loss to Houston, and the Spurs recently signed NBDL standout Othyus Jeffers to a 10-day contract to give them another warm body on the perimeter. Thanks in large part to Ginobilis return to form, the Spurs entered Wednesdays game against the Bulls at 33-12, good for second place in the hyper-competitive Western Conference. But theyve lost three of their last four games, are 1-11 against the top seven teams in the league and now face the daunting challenge of that long road trip without Ginobili, and with Portland (33-13) and the Clippers (32-15) right on their heels. Chicago is facing its own injuries woes. All-Star point guard Derrick Rose was lost for the season with a knee injury for the second consecutive year and starting centre Joakim Noah (illness) and guard Kirk Hinrich (right hamstring) are game-time decisions for tonights game against San Antonio. So, Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said he has little empathy for the Spurs, not because Chicago is also battling injuries, but because of how deep San Antonio is. "Its the nature of the league. Its the grind of an 82-game season. Youre going to take injuries on. Its how you respond and the Spurs have always done a good job with that. Its the way the Spurs are built." 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 ' ' '
SAN FRANCISCO -- The San Francisco Giants and pitcher Ryan Vogelsong are moving forward into free agency, each prepared to explore their separate opportunities. Kevin Bieksa Ducks Jersey . At the same time, neither side is ruling out a reunion or coming back together at some point. The Giants declined to exercise Vogelsongs $6.5 million contract option for 2014 on Monday, but the parties agreed to keep open the possibility of potential negotiations down the road about a deal. "The doors open for dicussions with Vogelsong, but were not actively talking right now," assistant general manager Bobby Evans said Monday night. "Both sides are going to do some exploration of the market before we dive into that. I think it was somewhat the complexity of our overall needs going into the market ... to explore those fully, we need more time, and unfortunately we had to make a decision today." Vogelsong went 4-6 with a 5.73 ERA in 19 starts and 103 2-3 innings during an injury-shortened season. He broke two bones in the right pinkie area of his pitching hand and also dislocated a knuckle on a swing May 20 and underwent surgery the next day. He had five pins inserted in his hand during the procedure at Stanford, performed by orthopedist Dr. Tim McAdams. Vogelsong won 13 and 14 games, respectively, the previous two seasons. He is due a $300,000 buyout. Evans said the Giants didnt offer Vogelsong a contract with a lower guaranteed salary. "We did not put anything on the table. Theres no formal process where we go from here," Evans said. "I think Ryan has always had interest in being a Giant, but he has the opportunity to explore other options. Today doesnt eliminate his chances of coming back." San Francisco has been in discussions with lefty reliever Javier Lopez, and Evans expects him to explore his options in free agency. "Theres an open mind about what could happen and were going to maintain contact," Evans said. The Giants already declined their 2014 options on Saturday for $126 million left-hander Barry Zito -- $18 million with a $7 million buyout -- and outfielder Andres Torres for $3 million with a $500,000 buyout. Yet with starters Matt Cain and Madison Bumgarner each signed to long-term deals and two-time NL Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum landing a $35 million, two-year contract Oct. 25. "These are three mainstays of our rotation, not only for the immediate past but going forward," Evans said. "This is the core of a solid rotation and we want to explore options on the market to make it better." In addition Monday, Evans said Giants 17-year-old outfielder Gustavo Cabrera -- a top prospect in the organization from last years international free-agent class -- flew to San Francisco for emergency surgery after an injury in his Dominican Republic home. The way Evans understands it, upon returning home from instructional league Cabrera slipped and tried to break his fall by raising his right arm but it went through glass and he nearly severed his wrist. The Giants top team of doctors worked on Cabrera, who is now able to move his fingers again. "How he flew to San Francisco in immense pain, Ill never know, a brave young man," Evans said. "Hes 17 years old. I dont think its career-threatening. We could be looking at a year or more of rehab to get him back to baseball activity." A right-handed hitter Cabrera batted .247 with two home runs, seven doubles, four triples and 22 RBIs with 21 stolen bases in 54 games for the Giants Dominican Summer League team this year. Ryan Garbutt Ducks Jersey Authentic . Rockhold." Known as an aggressive striker, Belfort (23-10) instead paced himself as the engaged in the early going and showed restraint by not overcommitting against the larger Rockhold (10-2). But when the opportunity presented itself, Belfort delivered an incredible spinning heel kick that landed flush on Rockholds chin and sent him toppling to the floor. Andrew Cogliano Ducks Jersey Authentic . "Yeah, [I heard them]," he said. "They made me miss the free throw." A year ago, Lowrys post-game antics may not have been so well received but what was snide and snarky is now endearing quick wit.CLEVELAND - Canadian rookie Kelly Olynyk matched a career high with 25 points and the short-handed Boston Celtics defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 111-99 on Saturday night. Avery Bradley also scored 25 points for the Celtics, who built a 33-point lead early in the fourth quarter before Clevelands reserves cut into the margin. Olynyk, from Kamloops, B.C., had a career-high 12 rebounds, and Jeff Green and Brandon Bass each scored 19 points. Boston snapped a 13-game road losing streak and won for the first time away from home since Feb. 10. The Celtics broke a nine-game losing streak Friday against playoff-bound Charlotte and have won consecutive games for the first time since early March. The Celtics, who dressed only eight players, were without point guard Rajon Rondo (strained shin) and centre Jared Sullinger (sprained ankle), as well as several reserves who are also injured. Kyrie Irving scored and Dion Waiters each scored 15 points for Cleveland, but neither played in the fourth quarter that began with Boston leading 89-58. Forward Luol Deng missed his second straight game for Cleveland with a sore back. Boston used a 10-0 run early in the game to take control. Olynyk hit a 3-pointer and a hook shot, while Bradley also had a 3-pointer to give the Celtics a 19-7 lead. Cleveland was 6 for 24 from the field in the first quarter, but cut the lead to 31-25 early in the second. The Celtics quickly assumed command again and finished the half on a 15-4 run to lead 60-42. Bradley and Green hit 3-pointers, while Bass added a basket in the first 1:16 of the third quarter that built the lead to 18 and forced Cleveland coach Mike Brown to call a timeout. Paul Kariya Ducks Jersey. The margin steadily grew and reached 33 points, 98-65 early in the fourth. The Cavaliers played perhaps their best game of the season when they routed Detroit 122-100 on Wednesday, but were eliminated from the playoff picture when the Celtics failed to hold a late lead in Atlanta later that night. The carryover from missing the post-season has shown in the last two games. The Cavaliers allowed 37 points in the first quarter and faltered down the stretch against the Bucks, who won for only the 15th time this season Friday. Irving was 3 of 15 from the field and has shot 7-of-27 the last two games. Waiters was 6 of 15 from the field and both starting guards watched the final 12 minutes from the bench. Rondo missed his second straight game after being kicked in the leg against Atlanta on Wednesday. Sullinger sprained his left ankle in the third quarter Friday, but returned and scored 20 points. The ankle became swollen overnight and the decision was made him to sit him out. Guard Jerryd Bayless (hyperextended right knee) and Kris Humphries (sore right knee) were also out for Boston. Both were injured Friday. NOTES: Bostons last road win was over Milwaukee over two months ago. ... Cavaliers F Alonzo Gee picked up two fouls in the first 1:54 and went to the bench for the rest of the half. ... An MRI on Bayless knee revealed a bruise and he may rejoin the team Monday in Philadelphia. ... Brown isnt sure if Deng, who has been banged up most of the season, will play in the final game Wednesday against New Jersey. 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 ' ' '
WINNIPEG -- Wade Miller barely smiled Tuesday as he discussed the "acting" tag being removed from his title of Winnipeg Blue Bombers president and chief executive officer. Jamie Langenbrunner Jersey . Maybe it was because hes not comfortable facing a room of reporters, but more likely its because hes all business when it comes to turning around the floundering CFL club. And that wont be an easy task. The Bombers finished this season with a league-worst record of 3-15 that tied a franchise-low mark for an 18-game schedule. Theyve missed the playoffs four of the past five years and havent won a Grey Cup for a league-high 23 seasons. "Life takes you in different paths and this is the direction Im going down now and I look forward to the challenge," Miller said after he was appointed to officially oversee a team he played for from 1995-2005. The 40-year-old former fullback/linebacker was named the teams acting president and CEO on Aug. 9 following the firing of Garth Buchko. Millers first move was to fire general manager Joe Mack and elevate assistant GM Kyle Walters into an acting GM role. Millers long to-do list begins with either stripping Walters of his acting title or finding someone to replace him. "Were two to four weeks away from being able to make that determination on that position," he said. Hell also have a hand in football operations with the person who ends up with the GMs job. "The general managers got a role to do in the organization and I expect them to do that to the best of their ability, and Ill be involved in football as anybody would be when its such a critical part of our business," Miller said. The Bombers also have question marks surrounding their coaching staff. Mack had fired head coach Paul LaPolice in August 2012 and defensive co-ordinator Tim Burke took over on an interim basis until he was given the job last November. Burkes first full season was an uphill battle as Mack kept often-injured Buck Pierce as the teams starting quarterback. Pierce ended up getting injured, his young backups didnt flourish and then Pierce was traded in September. If the clubs GM decides a new head coach is needed -- the team has had five in nine years -- Miller said hell be involved in that hiring process. "Ill work with the general manager and be that second interview that you should do within any organization," he said. "Its such a key position for us." Miller co-founded Pinnacle Staffing Solutions in 2002 and helped build it into Manitobas largest recruitment firm. Hes also a partner in Elite Performance (a high-performance training centre), three Elite Sports Injury clinics and two Booster Juice franchises. Bombers board chairman Brock Bulbuck attended Tuesdays announcement and said the board didnt conduct a formal process to look outside the club for another candidate while Miller had the acting title. "We obviously kept our ears to the ground, effectively to be able to move on a Plan B if we needed to," Bulbuck said. "But we also needed to respect and give Wade the confidence that was necessary in order for him to be able to undertake the role that he had agreed to." Miller has "free rein" to hire a GM and doesnt need board approval, he added. When Miller was hired in August, it was believed he was the "right man for the job" and hes "proven" himself as a leader with good business acumen, Bulbuck said. "He brought an extreme passion and fan and sponsor focus to the organization," he said. "(He) effectively instilled a culture and an expectation of winning and us needing to do whatever it takes in order to be competitive on the field and in the business office." He wouldnt divulge Millers contract term, but said it was a typical CEO term that was "not a very short term and not an extremely long term." "We want to return this organization to the successful history that it has enjoyed in the past," Bulbuck said. "And I believe that we started to make those changes, but they will not happen overnight, just as the change we made in August was not able to translate into on-field performance overnight." Miller, a former University of Manitoba player drafted by the Bombers in 1995, defied the odds by making the CFL squad. His tenacity and football smarts carried him through an 11-year career, including twice being named an East Division all-star. He left the club as its leader in career special-teams tackles. Now hes ready to tackle many more challenges. "The football club means a lot to me," Miller said. "We need to bring this organization up to where it should be in terms of the connection we have with our community, being competitive on the football field and those are the challenges I take on." Scott Wedgewood Jersey . According to bodog.ca, Cleveland moved up to grab the best odds to win the Larry OBrian trophy at 4-1 on Friday. By comparison, the Miami Heats odds plummeted from 3-1 favourites before LeBron left, to 50-1. Reid Boucher Jersey . Austin does not believe the game-time temperature is going to be an advantage for either side heading into the Grey Cup. "We dont think about (the cold)," said Austin. "Im not even sure how you would determine an advantage.The raucous home crowd had finally departed. All that was left of the celebration was the ticker tape on the green grass and as the writers in the press box hurriedly typed away their prognosis on the 19th MLS Cup, one player celebrated with his close family and friends knowing he had just played his final game. This was not a difficult game to sell. Landon Donovan had been the preview of the showpiece event in the Major League Soccer calendar. Four months to the day after he announced his upcoming retirement, he found himself back home on the pitch in Carson, California for one last match. He had spent all week saying he did not want it to end and, temporarily, he got his wish when New England scored a deserved equalizer eleven minutes from time to extend the game into another 30 minutes. The Revolution had spent the week as an afterthought to many, almost as a team that had been asked to show up to be shown up by Donovan and his mates on the biggest of all stages in the North American game. Yet, sport can be so wonderfully poetic deciding itself just how the story would be played out. This was not to be a match where Donovan would score in a game dominated by the Galaxy. When they took the lead it appeared the script was all too predictable. A poor game littered by mistakes from both teams sprung into life six minutes into the second half when homegrown hero Gyasi Zardes powered LA into the lead. It was a lead they scarcely deserved, but New England were certainly no victims either. Right back Andrew Farrell had a torrid day and, after getting a tactics lesson from Donovan in the first half, he got a physical lesson from Zardes on the goal, bullied to the ground as the forward slotted home. Expectedly, the home crowd went crazy. For some it was likely the first time they had seen the Galaxy score a goal in person but finals throughout the world welcome bandwagon jumpers and this was surely no different. In many ways it made it even easier for thousands of MLS fans not at the game to root against the powerhouse. When Donovan lost sight of the ball in the sun closely before the half-time whistle the fans booed referee Mark Geiger for issuing a yellow card to the hero of the hour. The camera cut to Galaxy boss Bruce Arena who was caught screaming a four-word sentence that featured two swear words and an animal known as a bull. His words were echoed across North America only this time everyone else was shouting the words at the Galaxy, not in favour of them. The Galaxy can bring out many negative emotions from MLS fans. A team that somehow finds a way to fit in three enormous designated players as well as Juninho in midfield should beat New England at home and in the end thats what they did. An hour after conceding the equalizer they were together for the last time lifting their third MLS Cup in the last four years. A game that drifted along in third gear in terms of tempo and quality finally accelerated into top speed with one moment of brilliance when league MVP Robbie Keane was left onside and scored the winner in a trademark one-on-one situation. The Irishman had had a poor game, moaning at officials and teammates, but in a matter of five seconds he had secured the games MVP honour. As the ball rolled across the line and into the net, Keane cartwheeled his way to the corner where his goal was sealed by a kiss from Donovan. This time the American icon, the architect of so many magnificent moments throughout his own career, had to rely on someone else to deliver him a championship. There are games that you play when you are not at your best and we were not at out best today but in those moments you have to find a way to stay in it and wait for the play we needed and we made it, Donovan said afterwards. Martin Brodeur Jersey. The 32-year-old hadnt been the best player on the field but he again had made a case for being the smartest. Starting on the left he had terrorized Farrell with his inside runs and regularly punched large holes inside the channels of New Englands back four. In the second half, playing centrally just off Keane with Zardes on the left, he gave a clinic in versatility and his movement alone would regularly change LAs shape from a 4-4-1-1 to a 4-2-3-1 and then a 4-4-2. Fifty seconds before Zardes scored, he sprinted from a deep position and got behind the impressive Scott Caldwell to reach the six yard box unmarked. Not bad for a man who thinks his legs are going. Later in the half he found acres of space between the lines before playing Keane through in a one-on-one situation. Keane looked inches offside and the New England defence all put their hands up and gave up on the play. Donovan recognized this immediately after playing the pass and ran in behind Keane knowing if the Irishman didnt touch it he would be able to take it in all alone. No one else realize that, including Keane, who touched the ball and then took another verbal swipe at the official for doing his job. Donovan shouted at Keane instead. It was those kind of moments, of which there are so many with Donovan, that gave non-LA fans a deep battle between heart and mind. Winners are so often despised and this team is no different but with Donovan in it you cant help but respect them. Thats the difference his footballing intelligence made. There has never been another American player like him. Here he was on his final game still out-thinking everyone else. Donovans legacy will be about magical goals for club and country, his loyalty to MLS and his reward coming in the form of six championships but he was far more than just that. Commissioner Don Garber likes to use the term league of choice and he used it again on this day when thanking Donovan for his tenure in the league. He had used it in the past, and will do so again, particularly towards other American star players now playing here such as Clint Dempsey and Michael Bradley. However, no matter what these, and others, go on to achieve there will never be another Donovan. The best American players now excel in a fast pace environment where they can show their great athleticism, but Donovan was a footballer who glided through a game and was equally brilliant without the ball than he was with it. As he hangs up his professional boots for the final time it is certainly worth contemplating whether the forever-evolving MLS has reached its peak. There are many ways to spin success and the league is certainly still growing in other areas and will continue to blossom towards a viable 24 team league very soon, but on this day its trophy was won by its very own New York Yankees and its Derek Jeter lifted it in his final match. In a salary cap era in sports there is something refreshing, and valuable, about a dynasty being created and all of the bitterness that follows them. Yet, without Donovan, this Galaxy team is simply a giant in the league without a true face to the casual fan. Garber told ESPN at half-time that he is confident the void will be filled. There will always be guys who leave and be replaced by young players and at some point well be talking about some other great player who is retiring after 14 years, Maybe. The game has never been so popular in the United States yet they remain some way off from producing their first genuine world-class star. Donovan is easily the closest they have come to that. He will be sorely missed. Cheap NFL JerseysCheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
ABBOTSFORD, B. Semyon Varlamov Avalanche Jersey .C. -- Cameron Gaunce scored in overtime to lift the Texas Stars to a 4-3 win over the Abbotsford Heat in American Hockey League action Wednesday. Gaunce scored from the slot, after goalie Olivier Roy kicked Justin Dowlings original shot right to Gaunce. The Stars scored twice in the final two minutes of the second period, though the Heat scored twice in the third to force the extra period. Jamie Oleksiak, Scott Glennie, and Travis Morin also scored for Texas (35-16-8), who are now 5-0-1 in their last six. Cristopher Nilstorp made 33 saves in the win. Sven Baertschi, Blair Jones and Brett Olson scored for Abbotsford (33-19-7), while Roy made 27 stops in the loss. The Heat are now 0-4-2 in their past six, while falling five points behind the Stars for first in the Western Conference. The Stars opened the scoring at 6:53. Derek Meech found Morin in the low slot for a one-timer, giving him 29 goals on the year and his 10th power play marker. However, the Heat tied the game not long after when Baertschi potted his eighth on their own power play. Corey Locke fed Josh Jooris for a one-timer and Baertschi roofed the rebound past Nilstorp at 8:07. The Stars then regained the lead with two goals in the final 90 seconds. After taking a feed from Dustin Jeffrey, Oleksiaks one-timer deflected off a Heat defenceman, bar down, for his fifth of the season. Glennie picked up his 10th of the year, taking a pass from Brendan Ranford and firing a shot just over the glove of Roy with 18 seconds to play. Jones got the Heat back within one at 9:13 of the third. He redirected Evan Trupps shot from the top of the face-off circle, giving him 14 on the year. Olson tied the game at 16:16 from the lost, chipping in a perfect feed from Carter Bancks, for his 10th of the year. Mikko Rantanen Jersey . "If we could score a six in every game, obviously I would be pretty excited," Jones said. "Its a long week but a short week. Its a pretty short round robin from what were used to so you dont want to get behind the eight ball early. Adam Foote Jersey .com) - Eric Fehrs goal 42 seconds into overtime lifted the Washington Capitals to a 5-4 come-from-behind victory over Columbus, halting the Blue Jackets seven-game win streak.MARSEILLE, France -- Third-seeded Ernests Gulbis of Latvia beat defending champion Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France 7-6 (5), 6-4 to win his fifth career title and maintain his perfect record in finals. Playing in his 19th career final, the second-seeded Tsonga was favourite to win the Open 13 for the third time and to secure an 11th career title, but he struggled with Gulbis attacking approach. Tsonga wwas under pressure throughout, saving 10 of the 11 break-points he faced and failing to take the two chances he created on the serve of Gulbis, who had 14 aces and hit 41 winners compared to 22 for his opponent. Tyson Barrie Avalanche Jersey. Gulbis, ranked 23rd, beat Frances two best players in straight sets on his way to the title, eliminating the top-seeded Richard Gasquet 6-3, 6-2 in the semifinals. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys ChinaCheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
DENVER - Andrew Cogliano and Patrick Maroon scored 44 seconds apart in the third period, lifting the Anaheim Ducks to a 5-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche in a split-squad exhibition game Monday night. Filip Chlapik Senators Jersey Authentic . Brad Winchester scored twice on Avs goaltender Calvin Pickard, including the tying goal early in the third period. Cogliano gave Anaheim the lead with a wrist shot. Moments later, Maroon knocked in a loose puck near the crease. Jakob Silfverberg added a late empty-net goal. Zach Redmond and Alex Tanguay had goals for the Avalanche. Tanguay played just 16 games last season due to hip and knee injuries. Jason LaBarbera played the first two periods in goal for Anaheim, before giving way to Igor Bobkov. The other half of the rosters for both squads played Monday in Anaheim. Andrew Hammond Senators Jersey Authentic .Y. - DeMarre Carroll felt as though he couldnt miss in the second quarter as he outscored the Brooklyn Nets 14-13 all by himself. Jean-Gabriel Pageau Senators Jersey . So heres what I do when I want to get into the baseball mood—I delve into "The Baseball Project".METZ, France -- Sam Querrey of the United States recovered from a set down to beat Ivo Karlovic of Croatia 4-6, 7-6 (4), 6-4 and reach the second round of the Moselle Open on Monday. The 31st-ranked American, who is seeded sixth in Metz, got off to a slow start but managed to force a tiebreaker in the second set and pull through in the only first round match of the day. Filip Chlapik Senators Jersey. The match featured 37 aces, including 25 from the 34-year-old Karlovic. Querrey comes into the tournament on the back of a disappointing second-round exit at the U.S. Open. Defending champion Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is top-seeded for the tournament and has a bye into the second round. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys ChinaCheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
PEORIA, Ariz. John Tavares Jersey . -- Chase Headley is confident the Padres will spend what it takes to become a contender. Its just that so far they havent offered him enough money to ensure hell stay in San Diego. A healthy and confident Headley was upbeat in the clubhouse Wednesday after the retooled Padres held their first full squad workout of spring training, even as the third baseman acknowledged contract talks are going nowhere and hell likely become a free agent next winter. "Unless something drastically changes, I think were just going to focus on playing this year and reevaluate when the seasons over," Headley said. "I dont think either side is going to close the door, necessarily, but I think weve had enough discussion to understand that right now we havent found enough common ground to keep doing this." Headley, who declared himself fit after minor off-season surgery on his right knee, declined to say how long of a contact hes seeking or how far apart the two sides are on money. Padres executive chairman Ron Fowler was similarly tightlipped when asked if he thought a deal could be reached before the start of the regular season. "All Ill say is that discussions have taken place," Fowler said. "To put a timeline on us I think is not appropriate at this point." Fowlers tone Wednesday was a far cry from last May, when he said he was prepared to offer Headley a multi-year deal that would make him the highest-paid player in franchise history. Headley, though, quickly rebuffed the overture and said he wouldnt negotiate during the season. He then went on to hit just .250 with 13 homers and 50 RBIs. Headley acknowledged the trouble in the negotiations now is whether he should be paid for hitting .286 with 31 home runs and a National League-best 115 RBIs in 2012, or for last seasons mediocre numbers. "As a player youre always going to bet on yourself," Headley said. "I think Im a much better player than I showed last year. And I think in this coming year and the years to come Im going to be a better player. So thats why we are where we are and we understand it." The two sides avoided arbitration in January when Headley agreed to a one-year deal for a team-high $10,525,000. Known for being thrifty in the past, the Padres also signed free-agent starting pitcher Josh Johnson to a one-year, $8 million deal and brought in setup man Joaquin Benoit for $15.5 million over two years. The Padres, who last made the playoffs in 2006, are expected to have a club-record payroll of about $87 million. "In business you budget for investment years, and Id call this the first of probably many investment years," Fowler said. Thats a key for Headley, who turns 30 in May and has yet to play in the post-season. "If the clubs not going to be willing to put the pieces on the field that you need, then I dont want to be part of that club," Headley said. "And I know thats not going to be the case here. "San Diego is all Ive ever known and I have a lot of strong feelings about the guys in this clubhouse, the coaching staff, the city. Perfect world? Absolutely, this would be the No. 1 choice." But Headley doubts a deal can be reached before the opener and vowed to again not negotiate during the season. And the Padres may want to wait to see if Headley rebounds from his subpar 2013. "Its kind of a difficult thing to judge," Headley said, "when youre coming off two seasons that were kind of polar opposites." NOTES: Fowler, who indicated 10-year-old Petco Park had been "neglected" recently, said a new sound system has been installed and a new video board is likely in 2015. "We want to put significant number of dollars in over the next five years and have Petco looking the way Petco should," Fowler said. . The Padres announced the opener March 30 against the Dodgers is a sellout and CEO Mike Dee said ticket interest is at a "five-year high."Mikhail Grabovski Jersey . -- Adrian Peterson remained in a walking boot to treat a high ankle sprain on his left leg on Wednesday, and coach Leslie Frazier said he will not play on Sunday against Atlanta if he cant hit the practice field in the next two days. Billy Smith Jersey .com) - The red-hot Los Angeles Kings take aim at an eighth straight victory on Monday night as they wrap up a road trip versus the Calgary Flames.AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - Josh Smith was booed when he went to the scorers table to check in, booed when he touched the ball and booed again when he went to the line to shoot free throws.Just over a month after Detroit waived the high-priced forward, Pistons fans gave him an unfriendly welcome when he returned to the Palace on Saturday night as a member of the Houston Rockets. Detroit beat Houston 114-101.Smith, who spent nine seasons with the Atlanta Hawks, was with the Pistons for less than a season and a half. He said the boos didnt bother him too much.That wasnt emotional to me, because I wasnt here long enough to feel any kind of way about it, Smith said. If that happened in Atlanta, it would be tougher for me, but it didnt affect me at all.Smith said before the game he had no ill will toward his former team, which went on a seven-game winning streak immediately after cutting him.I still have friends on this team, where we hung out and we had fun times and fun memories together, Smith said. I have no hard feelings. When they went on that winning streak, I knew the process and the hard work that we had to put in right after Labor Day weekend, all the way into training camp — it was finally kind of paying off.Detroit cut Smith loose in late December. The Pistons started playing well after his departure, and Smith caught on with one of the leagues best teams and is contriibuting. Billy Smith Islanders Jersey. I kind of sat back and looked at it, and I saw it as being a blessing, Smith said. I had an opportunity now to play for a contender and really try to do something special this season.The Pistons won those first seven games after waiving Smith, but Brandon Jennings ruptured his left Achilles tendon last weekend, and Detroit began struggling again.Smith, meanwhile, has for the most part come off the bench for the Rockets. His scoring is down, but his shooting percentage has improved.Ive enjoyed Josh. Working with him has been great. In our system, we try to get him to do things that we think he does real well, Rockets coach Kevin McHale said. Have him drive, have him play-make, have him kick out, get defensive rebounds, push it down the floor.When the Pistons cut Smith, coach Stan Van Gundy wanted to adjust the offence, and he said it may not have been fair to Smith to reduce his role at this point in his career.Smith has looked and sounded comfortable with the idea of being a reserve, but Van Gundy said that doesnt mean a move like that would have helped the Pistons much.Hes in a totally different situation with a totally different team in a totally different role. The people around him are not even similar, Van Gundy said. How he would have played here probably wouldnt have changed a lot. Just, he would have been coming off the bench. 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 ' ' '
Los Angeles, CA (SportsNetwork. Alex Delvecchio Jersey .com) - Matt Carpenter and the St. Louis Cardinals knocked around Clayton Kershaw in another postseason stunner. Carpenters four RBI included a three-run double in an eight-run seventh inning and the Cardinals held on to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 10-9 on Friday to open their NL Division Series. Kershaw and Adam Wainwright squared off in the first postseason game in 45 years to feature two 20-win starters with sub-2.40 ERAs. But what was supposed to be a pitchers duel between two staff aces turned into a slugfest, and Kershaw saw the worst of it. The presumptive NL Cy Young Award winner retired 16 batters in a row between Randal Grichuks one-out homer in the first inning and Carpenters two-out blast in the sixth, and his team had a 6-1 lead after scoring six runs off Wainwright in 4 1/3 innings. But the first four Cardinals batters hit singles in the seventh, starting a deluge that didnt end until Kershaw was on the bench, presumably wondering how the NL Central champions got the best of him again. Last year, Kershaw gave up seven runs in four innings in the decisive Game 6 of the NL Championship Series, which the Cardinals won 9-0 to reach the World Series for the third time in eight years. He was the first pitcher in major-league history to give up seven runs or more in back-to-back postseason starts. I feel terrible. Its an awful feeling to let your teammates down, said Kershaw. They were playing great, got a bunch of runs for me and I couldnt hold it. The Dodgers brought the go-ahead run to the plate twice in the ninth inning against Cardinals closer Trevor Rosenthal but scored just once and stranded the tying run at third base when Yasiel Puig struck out. Game 2 of the best-of-five series is Saturday in Los Angeles. Weve been through a lot, said Dodgers manager Don Mattingly. I dont think we have to defend ourselves as a team. Well be ready tomorrow. It was a loss tonight. Its gotta be put behind us. Kershaws pitching line was stunning: eight runs and eight hits, but also 10 strikeouts and no walks in 6 2/3 innings. Also a strong candidate for NL MVP, Kershaw (0-1) had won his last seven starts. Matt Holliday added a three-run homer in the seventh inning for the Cardinals, who clinched their second straight division title on the final day of the season. A.J. Ellis had four hits for the NL West-champion Dodgers, including a two-run homer off Wainwright. Adrian Gonzalez hit a two-run homer off Randy Choate in the eighth to get the Dodgers with two. Tempers flared in the third inning after Wainwright hit Puig in the arm. The next batter, Gonzalez, jawed with catcher Yadier Molina, causing the benches and bullpens to clear, though no punches were thrown. The bad blood dates to Game 1 of the NLCS last year when Dodgers star Hanley Ramirez was hit in the side, and was bolstered by several bean-ball incidents this season. Matt Adams hit the fourth straight single for the Cardinals in the seventh, knocking in the first run. Jon Jay added a one-out RBI single and Carpenter fouled off five pitches before stroking his double off the right-center field wall, changing the tone of the game. They got a couple guys on base and they gained confidence really fast, said Kershaw. Cardinals manager Mike Matheny explained the rally as his players taking a simpler approach against Kershaw and not trying to do too much. And then you just hope someone comes up with a big hit, he said. Carpenter had a double off Kershaw to spark a four-run third inning last year in Game 6. On Friday, he said he was just trying to keep the line moving in a big inning. I was able to get a pitch I could handle and get the barrel on and hit into the gap, he said. Holliday hit his 13th career postseason home run off Baez, drawing a pained look from Kershaw in the dugout as the Cardinals turned a 6-2 deficit into a 10-6 lead. After Puig drew a one-out walk off Carlos Martinez in the eighth, Gonzalez hit a 1-1 slider to right-center to get the Dodgers within two run and Dee Gordon had an RBI groundout in the ninth. The Dodgers scored after Puig was hit in the third, sparking a two-run rally. The two-out runs came on Ramirezs single and Carl Crawfords ground-rule double. Puig and Matt Kemp added RBI singles in a two-run fourth and Ellis chased Wainwright with his homer to left in the fifth, which made it 6-1. Game Notes Kershaw eight) and Wainwright (six) gave up the same number of runs in this game that they allowed in each of their five unbeaten September starts ... Kershaw was asked about a comment made on the TV broadcast that he might be tipping his pitches to Cardinals players when he works out of the stretch. I think thats discrediting their team when you start thinking about that, Kershaw responded. Thats just a cop out ...Grichuk, a rookie outfielder, had just three homers in 116 plate appearances during the regular season ... Marco Gonzales (1-0) threw a perfect sixth for the win ... The Cardinals went 5-for-9 with runners in scoring position and stranded just one runner. The Dodgers were 4-for-11, leaving 11 men on base. Terry Sawchuk Jersey . - Even with a new coach, the Denver Nuggets still love to push the basketball. Petr Mrazek Jersey . Subway workers in Rio de Janeiro, meanwhile, were holding an assembly to vote on whether they would strike to demand higher wages, threatening to disrupt transportation. By late Tuesday night there was no announcement of their decision.CHICAGO -- Josh McCown spent a few quiet moments trying to figure out what would happen. He probably didnt envision this. The Bears waited out a long rain delay and put in extra time to come away with a much-needed win. Robbie Gould kicked a 38-yard field goal in overtime to lift the Bears to a 23-20 victory over Baltimore Sunday in a game delayed about two hours by a torrential downpour. Justin Tucker tied it for the Ravens with a 21-yard field goal at the end of regulation. The big delay came after Tucker kicked a 52-yarder with 4:51 remaining in the first quarter. Fans were ordered to take cover as players headed to the locker rooms while heavy rains and winds whipped through Soldier Field. They emerged about two hours later with the sky clearing and the sun coming out, but the rain and wind returned in the third quarter, turning the stands into a sea of ponchos. During the delay, Bears players stretched and went over the game plan. "Closed my eyes and just trying to think about the game, visualize the game a little bit," McCown said. "And kind of assess what happened the first two series. What did we do wrong? Why werent we moving the ball? What are they going to do to us?" Ravens coach John Harbaugh wouldnt say what his team did during the down time, although his team is no stranger to delays. The Ravens experienced a power outage in the Super Bowl, after all, and the start of their season-opener at Denver was pushed back by lightning. Both were just 34 minutes, though. "I think weve led the league in delays over the last few years," Harbaugh said. Gould won it with a 38-yarder on third-and-8 at the 20 with 8:41 left in OT after McCown connected with a leaping Martellus Bennett on a 43-yard pass to put the ball on the 22, and the Bears (6-4) came away with the win after dropping four of six. They were leading 20-17 with 10:33 remaining in regulation after Matt Forte scored on a 14-yard screen from McCown, dodging three or four defenders along the way, but the Ravens (4-6) made one big push down the stretch to send it to overtime. They drove from the 16 to the 2, getting a one-handed catch from Dallas Clark on a fourth down at 44. After Joe Flacco overthrew Torrey Smith in the back of the end zone on third down, Tucker tied it at 20-all with 3 seconds left. McCown threw for 216 yards without an interception, subbing for Jay Cutler (high left ankle sprain).. Sergei Fedorov Red Wings Jersey. In four games and two starts, he has five touchdowns and no turnovers, and he came through under brutal conditions. "Its definitely one of those days where you look across the field and (see) Joe Flacco and look on the sideline and Jays over there," McCown said. "And Im like, Can I borrow somebodys arm?" Alshon Jeffery had seven catches for 83 yards. Forte added 42 receiving and 83 rushing. Julius Peppers had two sacks. David Bass returned an interception for a touchdown, and Jonathan Bostic set up a field goal by Gould at the end of the first half with an interception. The Ravens were able to get their ground game going, with Ray Rice rushing for 131 yards and a touchdown against a team thats struggled to stop the run. He scored from the 1 early on after a 47-yard dash on Baltimores first drive. But Flacco had a rough day, throwing for 162 yards and getting picked off twice. "Every time you get the ball, it either was wet or had all kinds of mud on it," he said. "It was an issue for the timing stuff, getting a grip on it quick enough." The Bears scored 10 points in a 12-second stretch in the second quarter, on a 20-yard field goal by Gould and a 24-yard interception return by Bass. He picked off Flacco at the line and ran untouched to the end zone, Chicagos fourth interception return for a TD this season, but Baltimore immediately answered with an 80-yard scoring drive. Flacco lofted a 5-yard scoring pass between two defenders to Smith to put the Ravens back on top, 17-10, with 4:08 left in the half. But an interception at midfield by Bostic with a minute left led to a 46-yard field goal by Gould as time expired, making it a four-point game at the half. And what a strange half it was. Play was stopped just after 12:30 p.m. CT and didnt resume until 2:25. There were reports of at least one tornado touching down in Illinois and extensive damage in at least one part of the state. At Soldier Field, long lines formed in the upper deck as drenched fans tried to make their way toward the tunnel with lightning striking near the stadium. "It was pretty muddy, windy," Bennett said. "I feel like Ive been fishing all day." NOTES: Bears DT Stephen Paea left the game with a toe injury. ... Harbaugh wouldnt comment on the condition of S Matt Elam, who limped off the field in the fourth quarter after making a tackle on Forte. 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 ' ' '
Anaheim Ducks Winger Corey Perry (knee) is close to returning to the lineup and will be a game-time decision tonight. Wojciech Szczesny Jersey. - Orange County Register Defenceman Tim Jackman may not play tonight after suffering an injury on Monday night. - Team Website Arizona Coyotes Winger Lauri Korpikoski (lower body) will be back in the lineup tonight. - Craig Morgan, FoxSportsArizona Goaltender Devan Dubnyk will start tonight. - Team Twitter Buffalo Sabres The team has recalled centre Mikhail Grigorenko. - Team Twitter Goaltender Jhonas Enroth looks to be the starter tonight against the New York Islanders. - Team Twitter Winger Matt Moulson (illness), centre Cody McCormick (lower body) and defenceman Mike Weber (knee) will all return tonight. - Team Website Calgary Flames Forward Josh Jooris will not play tonight. - Team Twitter Goaltender Jonas Hiller will start in net tonight against the Edmonton Oilers. - Randy Sportak, Calgary Sun Chicago Blackhawks Centre Brad Richards (upper body) and defenceman Michal Rozsival (undisclosed) will not be in the lineup tonight. - Tracey Myers, CSN Colorado Avalanche Goaltender Calvin Pickard is scheduled to face the Chicago Blackhawks tonight. - Team Website Columbus Blue Jackets Winger Scott Hartnell (finger) will return to the lineup tonight. - Team Twitter Goaltender Anton Forsberg has been recalled. - Team Twitter Goaltender Curtis McElhinney will start tonight against the Boston Bruins. - Team Twitter Dallas Stars The team has recalled defenceman Cameron Gaunce. - Team Twitter Detroit Red Wings Centre Stephen Weiss (head) will be in the lineup tonight. - Team Website Goaltender Jimmy Howard will start tonight against the Ottawa Senators, goaltender Tom McCollum has been reassigned. - Team Twitter Edmonton Oilers Goaltender Viktor Fasth is expected to start tonight against the Calgary Flames. Winger Matt Hendricks (illness) could return to the lineup tonight. - Edmonton Journal Defenceman Nikita Nikitin (back) will not return tonight. - Team Twitter Los Angeles Kings The team has recalled defenceman Jeff Schultz. - Team PR New Jersey Devils Winger Michael Ryder has the mumps. - Team Twitter Goaltender Scott Clemmensen also has the mumps. - Tom Gulitti, The Record Forward Patrik Elias has the mumps and has been placed on the injured reserve. Forward Martin Havlat (illness) is on the injured reserve and will not play tonight. - Team Website Winger Tim Sestito has been recalled. - Tom Gulitti, The Record Forwards Dainius Zubrus (leg) and Jacob Josefson (groin) will be in the lineup tonight. Tom Gulitti, The Record New York Islanders Goaltender Jaroslav Halak has been placed on the injured reserve retroactive to Dec. 20 and the team has recalled goaltender Kevin Poulin. - Team Twitter Poulin will start in net tonight. - Team Twitter Pittsburgh Penguins Centre Brandon Sutters mumps test came back negative and he will play tonight. - Team Twitter Defenceman Robert Bortuzzo (upper body) is a game-time decision. - Team Twitter Tampa Bay Lightning Goaltender Ben Bishop will start tonight against the Carolina Hurricanes. - Bryan Burns, Team Twitter Defenceman Jason Garrison (undisclosed) is doubtful to return tonight. - Michelle Gingras, Tampa Bay Lightning Toronto Maple Leafs Winger Carter Ashton has joined the team on the road from a conditioning stint in the AHL. - Jonas Siegel, TSN Vancouver Canucks The team has recalled defenceman Bobby Sanguinetti from the AHL. - Team Twitter Washington Capitals Goaltender Braden Holtby gets the call between the pipes tonight against the Pittsburgh Penguins. - Team Twitter Edin Dzeko AS Roma 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. Radja Nainggolan Jersey . It was a loss. But it was also a learning experience. Deron Williams and Joe Johnson had 24 points each to lift Brooklyn to a 94-87 win over the Raptors, making their first playoff appearance since 08. "I thought we played a little bit as expected as it is our first playoff game," Toronto coach Dwane Casey said.LOS ANGELES -- After getting knocked down in their playoff opener, Blake Griffin and the Clippers answered with a dominant performance in shutting down the Warriors as soon as the game began. Griffin scored a career playoff-high 35 points without a foul and Los Angeles led all the way in a 138-98 rout Monday night to even their first-round series at a game apiece. "We were really aggressive on our defence," Griffin said. "When you play more aggressive you stay out of foul trouble." Chris Paul added 12 points and 10 assists for the Clippers, who started the game on a 14-4 run and kept on going, maintaining a sizeable double-digit lead through the final three quarters. They finished with franchise records for points and largest victory margin in a playoff game. "When we play with that force and thrust, its hard to defend us," Paul said. Game 3 is Thursday at Oakland. All the foul trouble that plagued Griffin and Paul in the Clippers four-point loss in Game 1 belonged to the Warriors this time. Stephen Curry scored 20 of his 24 points in the third quarter, when the Warriors never got closer than 25 points, while he played with four fouls. Klay Thompson finished with seven points -- 15 under his average -- and four fouls. Andre Iguodala, who fouled out of Game 1, and Jermaine ONeal had four points and three fouls each. The Clippers defence forced 26 turnovers, and offensively they had their way -- getting out in transition, attacking the rim and throwing lobs that led to dunks. "We were awful," Warriors coach Mark Jackson said. "They disrupted us with their intensity. That was a desperate basketball team we played against." Los Angeles shot 57 per cent, made 12 of 25 3-pointers, hit 32 of 35 free throws for a playoff-record 91 per cent and owned a 25-13 edge in fastbreak points. "We really kept the game simple. When a guy had an open shot, he took it. When he didnt, he passed," Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. "Its very difficult to guard when the ball moves as quickly as it did." The Clippers lead grew to a 37-point bulge early in the fourth on a 3-pointer by Matt Barnes, their only starter who played albeit briefly in the final period. He finished with 13 points. Danny Granger had 15 points before fouling out. DeAndre Jordan had 11 points and nine rebounds. The teams with a history of bad blood between them jawed in the fourth, when Clippers Hedo Turkoglu and Glen Davis got into it with Marreese Speights of the Warriors. Davis and Speights were called for double technicalss. Edin Dzeko Jersey. The Warriors frustration boiled over with 42 seconds left when Jordan Crawford was called for a flagrant-1 for shoving Darren Collison who was bringing the ball upcourt. Griffin had 21 points in 20 minutes of the first half, one minute more than he played in the Clippers loss on Saturday. He fouled out of that game, when Paul was also in foul trouble and made several mistakes in the closing minutes after the Clippers rallied to tie the game late. "Blake took it when he had it, moved it when he didnt," Rivers said. "He stayed on the attack, which is what we wanted. Great mental toughness by Blake. He was phenomenal." The Clippers got off to a 14-4 start, similar to their 12-1 start of two days ago. This time, though, the referees whistles were blowing at the Warriors. Thompson, ONeal and Iguodala all had three each by halftime, when they trailed 67-41. "We came out with a sense of urgency, but nothing was clicking," Curry said. "They just outplayed us from start to finish." Golden State had 33 fouls to 22 for the Clippers. The Clippers outscored Golden State by 11 points in the opening quarter and by 15 in the second. Curry got double-teamed for the second straight game, and he struggled offensively, making just one basket and two free throws in the first half. The Clippers second unit grew the lead from 11 points to 21 in the second, helped by consecutive 3-pointers from Jamal Crawford, Turkoglu and Granger. The starters came back in and had just four baskets the rest of the quarter while hitting 9 of 11 free throws to stretch the lead at the break. "They came in and didnt miss a beat," Griffin said about the reserves. "They came in and turned up the pressure." Thompson got whistled for his fourth foul barely a minute into the third. David Lee, who had a double-double in Game 1, had 11 points. NOTES: Curry got a technical in the third quarter for tossing his mouth piece. "The score had a lot to do with it," he said. ... Rivers and ONeal were called for technical fouls in the second quarter. "We were born on the same day. Two Libras, two stubborn fools," Rivers said. "Me and him are very close, but not during the game." ... Jordan finished third in voting for the leagues defensive player of the year. He was third in the league in blocked shots, averaging 2.48. "Its a great step forward for DeAndre," Rivers said. ... Longtime Clippers TV announcer Ralph Lawler turned 76 Monday. ... Former Clipper Chauncey Billups was on hand, along with Billy Crystal. 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 ' ' '
CHARLOTTE, N. Custom Vancouver Canucks Jersey .C. - Kemba Walker has seen NBA basketball in Charlotte at its worst. Hes willing to stick around to see it at its best. The diminutive point guard said thats why he agreed to a contract extension Thursday which allows him to remain with the Hornets instead of testing the free agent market. Now that were a good team, I want to keep us good, Walker said Thursday at a press conference at the teams downtown arena. I want to be in the middle of that. Walker signed a four-year, $48 million contract extension with the Hornets, a person familiar with the deal said Tuesday night. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because the deal had not been announced publicly. The Hornets drafted the 6-foot-1 Walker with the ninth pick in 2011. He has started 180 games in three seasons and averages 16 points, 5.5 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game. After agreeing to the contract late Tuesday night, Walker immediately began paying dividends for the Hornets. He hit two huge shots, including the game-winner with 5 seconds left in overtime to propel the Hornets to a 108-106 win over the Bucks in the season opener on Wednesday night. Its been unbelievable, Walker said of the past few days. It wasnt always so great. Walker endured a 7-59 season as a rookie, the worst winning percentage (.106) in NBA history after leading Connecticut to the national championship as a senior. But things have turned around in Charlotte and he and centre Al Jefferson — one of the players Walker helped recruit to the team — are two of the big reasons why. Charlotte won 43 games last season and reached the playoffs as the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference. They were swept by the Miami Heat, but are expected to better this season with the addition of another top free agent in Lance Stephenson. From day one we werent so good and you see us now, Walker said. Everyone is talking about us and we come into the season with high expectations. A few years ago it wasnt like that. Im happy to say Ive been a part of this whole rebuilding process. Sven Baertschi Jersey .Y. - His opponent couldnt stop him, and LeBron James didnt quite know what to think when his coach tried. Daniel Sedin Canucks Jersey . Tepesch, back from the minor leagues, earned his first major league victory in more than 10 months and the Rangers edged the Seattle Mariners 4-3 on Wednesday.PITTSBURGH, Pa. - The New York Rangers and defenceman Marc Staal have agreed on a contract extension, keeping Staal off the free agent market this summer.The 28-year-old Staal has two goals and six assists in 43 games for the Rangers this season. He logged more than 18 minutes of ice time in a 5-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday.Staal, an Alll-Star in 2011, is just one of 12 defencemen in franchise history to play at least 500 games for the Rangers. Bo Horvat Jersey. He has not missed a game this season. He was nearing the end of his current deal.Rangers president and general manager Glen Sather called Staal one of the teams cornerstones and an inspiration to the organization. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys ChinaCheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
BIRMINGHAM, England -- Former England midfielder Joe Cole signed a two-year deal with Aston Villa on Tuesday, giving him a chance to prolong his career with another Premier League club. Arizona Coyotes Hoodie . The 32-year-old Cole joined the Birmingham club on a free transfer after being released by West Ham at the end of the season. "Im as excited now as I was as a 16-year-old lad going into my first season with West Ham," said Cole, who won three Premier League titles with Chelsea and earned 56 caps for England. Cole played a small part for the Hammers during his 18-month stint at the east London club. His last Premier League start was in a 3-3 draw against West Bromwich Albion in December. Prior to his return to West Ham, he had a successful loan spell at Lille after struggling to reignite his career with Liverpool in 2010. "Ive been lucky enough to have a really good career but theres still a lot more I want to achieve," Cole said. "This is a massive club and theres a massive opportunity for the club to push on. That was the main factor." Cole is the second major signing this summer for manager Paul Lambert, who is trying to bolster a squad that has been on the verge of relegation the past two seasons. Former Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos joined Villa last week. Cole expects to play in central midfield for Villa, where he hopes help strikers Christian Benteke and Andreas Weimann boost their production. "Having those fast players in attack and around me, I feel like I can supply them with the bullets and get them the ball in the final third," he said. Jarred Tinordi Coyotes Jersey Authentic . Hes coming back to fulfil them. One of Europes top coaches, Blatt was hired Friday by the Cavaliers, who ended a sweeping, 39-day search with an out-of-the-box selection they hope changes their fortunes. Martin Hanzal Coyotes Jersey Authentic . With the Canadiens leading by one to start the third period, Price turned away 16 shots by the Panthers in the final frame to give Montreal a 2-1 victory over Florida on Monday night. The Panthers (16-21-6) outshot Montreal 16-10 in the final frame, but were repeatedly frustrated by Price, who made 26 saves on the night.TORONTO - After months of speculation, the Toronto Blue Jays announced Monday that longtime president Paul Beeston will be returning for one more year.Beeston signed a contract extension with the club and plans to retire at the end of the 2015 campaign, team owner Rogers Communications said in a release.Beestons contract expired in October, and there was uncertainty about whether or not he would be back with several media reports claiming the Blue Jays were looking for his replacement.Jays chairman Edward Rogers said the team had been in discussions about Beestons future since his contract ended.There were many rumours flying about, but it would have been inappropriate to comment on such matters publicly, Rogers said. Make no mistake — we are elated to have Paul continue to lead the team for this season.His successor will start when he retires, the release said.We will not be commenting on the succession process or timing, Rogers said.The 69-year-old Beeston was the first Blue Jays employee in 1976 and has been with the ball club for 31 years, winning two World Series titles with the team.I love this ball club and the fans, said Beeston. I wake up every day thinking about the game and bringing another championship north of the border. Im excited for the season ahead — weve got a great group of guys who are fiercely competitive and hope to be playing ball in October.Toronto made a splash in the off-season by adding Canadian catcher Russell Martin and third baseman Josh Donaldson to an already potent lineup. However the strength and depth of the bullpen remains the biggest question mark moving forward. The Blue Jays are without a proven closer at the moment after parting waays with Casey Janssen. Anthony Duclair Coyotes Jersey Authentic. Beeston, a native of Welland, Ont., was named team president and chief operating officer in 1989 and chief executive officer in 1991. The Blue Jays won World Series titles in 1992 and 1993 but havent been to the post-season since.He left the team in 1997 to serve as chief operating officer in Major League Baseballs commissioners office, holding that role until 2002. Beeston later returned to the Blue Jays and was named team president and CEO in October 2009 after taking over the day-to-day operations of the club on an interim basis a year earlier after Paul Godfreys departure.General manager J.P. Ricciardi was fired near the end of the 2009 season and Beeston promoted assistant GM Alex Anthopoulos to the position. Together, they presented a long-term vision of a team that would consistently contend.Anthopoulos went to work by trading longtime ace Roy Halladay, overhauling the scouting and player development system and shuffling the coaching staff.However, the franchises long run of mediocrity has continued. The Blue Jays have either struggled or finished near the .500 mark since the changes were made.Anthopoulos made his biggest splash after the 2012 season. He acquired Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle and Josh Johnson in a blockbuster trade with the Miami Marlins and added N.L. Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey in a deal with the New York Mets.With expectations sky-high, the Blue Jays fell flat and finished the 2013 campaign with a 74-88 mark.This past season, Toronto enjoyed a solid first half before fading after the all-star break. The Blue Jays settled for an 83-79 record and third-place finish in the American League East. 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