Glasgow, Scotland (SportsNetwork. Discount Nike Vapormax .com) - Scott Brown scored a pair of first- half tallies on Sunday, leading Celtic to a comfortable 4-1 rout of bottom-of- the-table St. Mirren at Celtic Park. Coming off a 4-3 loss to Dinamo Zagreb in Europa League play, Celtic was looking a ninth consecutive win in Scottish Premier League play and the Hoops got off the mark quickly as Brown opened the scoring after just four minutes. St Mirren pulled back an equalizer six minutes later through Sean Kelly, but the level score didnt last long as James Forrest put the defending champions back in front in the 15th minute. Three minutes later Brown completed his double to give Celtic a 3-1 lead and Anthony Stokes added a fourth goal in the 67th minute to wrap up all three points in style. The victory widens Celtics lead atop the Scottish Premier League to six points over second-place Inverness, while St Mirren remains on the bottom of the table with eight points from 16 matches played. Nike Vapormax Australia . -- D. J. Williams finally has his packing strategy down. Cheap Nike Vapormax Shoes . The 48th-ranked Williams made her first appearance in Dubai since she won her second straight title here in 2010. Shed missed the last three years either because of injury or Sjogrens Syndrome. http://www.wholesalevapormaxaustralia.com/ .com) - Klay Thompson is quickly proving he is worth every penny of his recently signed four-year contract extension.PITTSBURGH -- All eyes were supposed to be on Gregory Polanco. But thanks to his new-found success against left-handed pitchers, Anthony Rizzo stole the show. Rizzo homered, doubled twice and drove in three runs to lead the Chicago Cubs over the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-3 Tuesday night, spoiling Polancos much-anticipated debut. Rizzo hit a two-run homer in the first inning off lefty Francisco Liriano, who came out in the fourth with discomfort on his right side. Rizzo also doubled and scored in the fourth and hit an RBI double in the seventh, a drive to deep right-centre that struck Polancos left wrist as the touted Pirates rookie tried to make the catch. Rizzo has five home runs and a .344 batting average in 61 at-bats against left-handers this season. Last year, he batted .189 with seven homers against southpaws in 189 at-bats. "I feel more comfortable against them now and its the best Ive ever hit left-handers at any level," Rizzo said. "I dont know if Ill ever figure lefties out -- or right-handers, either -- but I do feel confident against them." Rizzo has every reason to feel confident. He has five homers in his last 10 games, raising his season total to 13. "You can talk about mechanics and scouting reports and everything else, but the biggest thing in this game is confidence," Rizzo said. "If you step into the batters box with confidence, then youre giving yourself a much better chance to hit." Polanco went 1 for 5 after getting called up from Triple-A Indianapolis, where the right fielder was leading the International League with a .347 batting average and 49 RBIs in 62 games. "It was a lot of fun," he said. "It was exciting. I was a little nervous at first but then I relaxed and had fun." Pinch-hitter Luis Valbuenas two-run double off Casey Sadler (0-1) broke a 3-all tie in the sixth and put Chicago aahead for good. Buy Vapormax Australia. Travis Wood (6-5) allowed three runs and nine hits in 6 2-3 innings. "It was a grind at times but I got through it," Wood said. Andrew McCutchen hit a two-run homer for the Pirates, his ninth of the season and fifth in nine June games. Valbuena and Junior Lake each had two hits for the Cubs, as did Pittsburghs Russell Martin and Starling Marte. Rizzo scored on a single by Starlin Castro in the seventh to push Chicagos lead to 7-3. Rizzos homer put the Cubs up 2-0, but the Pirates tied it on McCutchens drive in the third. In the top of the fourth, Rizzo led off with a double and scored on Darwin Barneys double. Pittsburgh tied it again in the bottom half on pinch-hitter Jose Tabatas RBI double. "Rizzos blast there in the first inning kind of got us rolling and we did a good job of adding on runs after that," Chicago manager Rick Renteria said. Liriano allowed two runs in three-plus innings. He bent over and held his back after throwing a pitch to Rizzo, then left the mound after a few warmup pitches. After leading the Pirates with 16 wins last season, Liriano has struggled this year. He is 1-6 with a 4.60 ERA in 14 starts. Liriano will almost certainly miss his scheduled start Sunday in Miami and could land on the disabled list. Pirates right-hander Gerrit Cole (right shoulder fatigue) went on the DL on Sunday and second baseman Neil Walker (appendectomy) followed him Tuesday. NOTES: The Cubs released RHP Jose Veras, one week after designating him for assignment. He was 0-2 with an 8.10 ERA in 12 relief appearances while going 0 for 2 on save chances. ... Pittsburgh 3B Pedro Alvarez got the night off. He is 1 for 18 against Wood. ... Chicago RHP Jason Hammel (6-3, 2.53 ERA) is scheduled to start Wednesday night against RHP Brandon Cumpton (1-2, 6.51). ' ' '

PORT CHARLOTTE, Florida – Aaron Sanchez was so impressive on Friday afternoon against the Rays big league line-up, he had Tampa Bays hitters giving him props to catcher Dioner Navarro. Cheap Under Armour Uk . "Theyve never seen him," said Navarro. "Theyve never faced him and they get this young, lanky, tall guy whos throwing cheese and hes got pretty good movement. I think his composure on the mound was pretty good, his demeanour was pretty good, his body language, everything around him was pretty good today." Sanchez played the role of top prospect, shutting out the Rays over five-and-a-third innings in Torontos 5-0 win. He allowed three hits, all singles, and walked three, but helped his cause be forcing three double-play balls. One each came off the bats of Evan Longoria and Wil Myers. Sanchez struck out two, his fastball was clocked consistently in the mid-90s and his patented curveball was sharp. "It was extremely impressive, theres no doubt about it," said pitching coach Pete Walker. "He came out throwing strikes. He was composed. Faced their line-up, Im sure close to their opening day line-up, faced all their big hitters and certainly handled them pretty well. Pounded the zone, got ahead of the hitters, didnt work from behind in the count, showed an explosive fastball and, like I said, a lot of poise and a lot of ground-ball outs." Watching Sanchez pitch on Saturday, its easy to fall in love with his stuff, his composure, and easy to forget about where he is in his career. The Blue Jays have taken great care, some would say too much care, since drafting him 34th-overall in 2010. Hes only 21, turns 22 on Canada Day, and hasnt thrown a pitch in pro ball above High-A Dunedin. Sanchez hasnt exceeded 100 innings in three pro seasons, although factoring in Arizona Fall League appearances, combined with his time in Dunedin, he tossed 109 2/3 last year. If the Blue Jays increase his innings load by 20 per cent this year, hed throw approximately 130. A 30 per cent increase and Sanchez would throw about 140 innings. He authored a 3.34 ERA in 22 appearances, 20 starts, for Dunedin in 2013. His strikeouts per nine innings dropped to 7.8, but that was by design. Hes worked to become a better ground ball pitcher, which was evidenced by the double play turns in Fridays game. Its tempting for a coaching staff that can see the future but knows another failed season likely means it wont be a part of it; a coaching staff which knows theres at least one glaring hole in the current composition of its starting rotation. "I guess it would be hard not to just from watching and laying eyes on him," said Walker of whether he thinks about Sanchez breaking camp. "But obviously we want to make sure hes ready when the time comes." Hes an affable young man, but also smart. Sanchez doesnt make much noise around the clubhouse; he knows his role as a young player. Hes the Blue Jays top pitching prospect but restricts the projection of swagger and confidence to his mound appearances. "Its good to get my feet wet," said Sanchez of his first big league camp. "Coming into camp, for me, it was to soak everything all in, learn from the veteran guys, just go out and have fun." "I think some of the intangible things that you try to look for in young players in an atmosphere that can be uncomfortable at times, you know, is he so reserved? Is he getting involved in the drills and some of the meetings? Hes handled himself very well and that says a lot about his character and who he is," said bench coach DeMarlo Hale, who served as manager on Friday. It remains to be seen whether Sanchez will throw again for the Blue Jays in spring training. Walker will sit down with manager John Gibbons and draw up a schedule. Sanchez likely starts his season at Double-A New Hampshire. A good showing there and its next stop, Buffalo. Or, maybe, Toronto. THE PIGGYBACK Theres been open musing in the press box about the idea of Dustin McGowan joining R.A. Dickey, Brandon Morrow, Mark Buehrle and Drew Hutchison in the starting rotation. Why not cap McGowan at four or five innings as he builds up arm strength and piggyback him with one of two long relievers, either Esmil Rogers or Todd Redmond? "Still trying to sort through it," said pitching coach Pete Walker when presented with the idea. "Obviously, theres still some time left in spring training. Guys are going to get the ball; get their opportunities to stand out right now. Obviously, Dustin looked great yesterday and Sanchez looked great today and the other guys, Redmond and Rogers, have thrown the ball well. Obviously, wed like to see [J.A.] Happ pitch well on the 25th and well continue to take a look at how it works out." Walker didnt have the opportunity to speak to McGowan before leaving for Port Charlotte, but said reports are the 31-year-old "felt fine" after throwing three scoreless innings against the Phillies on Thursday. TUIASOSOPOS NUMBERS General manager Alex Anthopoulos ist shy about scouring the waiver wire for players. On Thursday, he picked up Matt Tuiasosopo from the Diamondbacks. "Played well for the Tigers last year and we had good reports on him," said Anthopoulos in a statement. "He gives us a right-handed bat that gives us positional versatility. Obviously, there isnt a lot of time left but hell come in and compete for a spot." Time is of the essence and Tuiasosopo is going to need more of it than usual to join the ballclub. He was in Australia, where the Diamondbacks are opening their regular season with two games against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Its difficult to see, on the surface, where Tuiasosopo fits in. Hes a right-handed bat who got off to a strong start with the Tigers last season, hitting six of his seven home runs before the All-Star break, including four in a personal five-game span between June 18 and July 11. He can play the corner outfield positions, first base and third base in a pinch. "Youre talking about, maybe, from the right side where there could be an option there," said bench coach DeMarlo Hale. Tuiasosopo hasnt proven he can hit left-handers at the big league level. In 194 at-bats against lefties, Tuiasosopo has hit .196/.287/.345 with eight home runs. Against right-handers, his slash line is .221/.287/.368. Over his major league career, Tuiasosopo has struck out in 31.7 per cent of his big league at-bats. By comparison, while acknowledging the sample size is small, Moises Sierra hits left-handers at a .267/.327/.478 clip with four home runs. "Decisions havent been made, Im sure of that," said Hale. "I cant speak for Alex and Gibby, but it becomes added depth and well see what hes got over these next four or five days left of spring training.” Like Sierra, Tuiasosopo is out of options, meaning he would first have to pass through waivers before being assigned to the minor leagues. If the Blue Jays go with an eight-man bullpen to start the season, carrying both is out of the question. The back-up catcher, likely Erik Kratz, and Maicer Izturis must be accounted for, which leaves only one additional roster spot. Under Armour Wholesale Uk .Y. - Lou Williams scored 21 points and the Toronto Raptors beat New York 81-76 on Monday night in the Knicks preseason home opener. Under Armour Sale Clearance .J. - Pete Carroll is in support of the NFL looking further into whether medicinal marijuana could beneficial for players. http://www.cheapunderarmouruk.com/ . Dwyane Wade followed a few days later.DENVER -- LaTroy Hawkins is returning to the Colorado Rockies and the veteran reliever may just possibly wind up as their closer. Hawkins agreed to a one-year, $2.5 million deal on Tuesday, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal has yet to be announced and is still pending a physical. The right-hander played an integral role in the bullpen for Colorado in 2007, when the Rockies made their only run to the World Series before being swept by the Boston Red Sox. Hawkins, who turns 41 in December, will be in contention for the closer role with left-hander Rex Brothers, who stepped in last season after Rafael Betancourt got hurt and finished with 19 saves. The Rockies also like the hard-throwing Brothers as a set-up man in the eighth inning. Hawkins spent last season with the New York Mets, going 3-2 with a 2.93 ERA and 13 saves in 70 2-3 innings. The Mets tried to keep him and made an offer. "Were happy for him. He did a great job for us last year," Mets GM Sandy Alderson said. "Was a terrific part of the team, in the clubhhouse, as well as his role on the field. Under Armour Outlet Uk. We wish him well. "Hes 41 years old. We werent necessarily counting on him to fill the same role for us next year. We certainly would have liked to have him in the pen, but going into the spring, I think that, again, given kind of the vagaries of relief pitching anyway and his age and what we had coming, it wasnt clear what his role would be." USA Today first reported the agreement. On his Twitter account Tuesday, Hawkins posted a thank you to the Mets organization and fans. He closed his tweet with, "Now off to BowHunting." Earlier this month, the Rockies took a big step toward keeping their bullpen intact as right-handed reliever Matt Belisle and the team exercised their mutual option for 2014. The bullpen had a 4.23 ERA in 2012. Colorado also exercised the club option on left-handed pitcher Jorge De La Rosa, who was solid on the mound last season as he finished 16-6 with a 3.49 ERA. De La Rosa is scheduled to make $11 million next year. The Rockies are coming off a season in which they finished last in the NL West with a 74-88 record. ' ' '

SAO PAULO, Brazil -- Former Brazil and Barcelona star Rivaldo officially retired on Saturday after a 24-year career that he said was built "upon a miracle" that allowed him to overcome financial challenges and disappointments. Ecco Shoes Uk Outlet . The 41-year-old midfielder, a World Cup winner with Brazil in 2002, hadnt been playing at a top level for several years and finally decided to end his career with an announcement on his Twitter and Instagram accounts. FIFAs player of the year in 1999, Rivaldo had been playing sparingly for minnow Brazilian club Mogi Mirim. He is expected to remain as the president of Mogi Mirim, where his 18-year-old son is now playing. "With tears in my eyes today I would like first to thank God, my family and all the support (and) the affection that I received during those 24 years as a player," Rivaldo said in a statement published both in Portuguese and in English. "Today, I communicate to all my fans in the world (that) my history as a player came to the end." The talented playmaker thrived in Brazil and abroad in the 1990s, winning two Spanish league titles with Barcelona and the 2003 Champions League trophy with AC Milan, which was his last top European club, before spending time in Greece and finally returning to Brazilian football four years ago. The last top team he played in Brazil was Sao Paulo in 2011, but he was released after an unsuccessful stint in which he played only a few matches as a starter. Before rejoining Mogi Mirim, the team that launched him to the national scene in 1994, Rivaldo played for Kabuscorp in Angola and then for Sao Caetano in Brazil, which he left last year citing knee pain. In his statement, Rivaldo mentioned the hardships that he had to overcome early in his career. He said there were "many obstacles, challenges, waivers, longings, disappointments," but also "much greater joys, achievements, growth (and) change" that allowed a "distant dream" to come true. "I built my career upon a miracle, (living) in (the small city of) Paulista, no financial resources, no businessman, incentives only of my family, discredited by doctors and trainers," he said. "With persistence, dedication and especially with the hand of God, I came to be recognized as the best player in the world, world champion." Along with his statement, Rivaldo published a photo of him with tears in his eyes and another of him alongside his son, Rivaldo Jr. Last month, they got to play together in a Mogi Mirim match and Rivaldo said he fulfilled a longtime dream. Rivaldo also played in the 1998 World Cup, when Brazil was runner-up to France. With the Selecao, he also won the 1997 Confederations Cup, the 1999 Copa America and a bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Rivaldo also previously played for traditional Brazilian clubs Palmeiras and Corinthians, as well as for Deportivo La Coruna in Spain, Olympiacos and AEK Athens in Greece, and Bunyodkor in Uzbekistan. Ecco Shoes Uk Sale . -- Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer will be out three to six weeks with a stress fracture of the third finger of his right hand. Cheap Ecco Shoes Online . -- Two out of three aint bad. http://www.clearanceeccouk.com/ . "There are a lot of things that are going very well in this organization. Im not coming in here to rip things apart," Nicholson told reporters Friday. "I know what Hockey Canada was when I started, and I know where this (Oilers) organization is today. ARLINGTON, Texas -- Yu Darvish brought the heat to win for the first time in eight starts and the Texas Rangers squeezed out a series-clinching victory. Relying heavily on his fastball, primarily a four-seamer, Darvish struck out eight in 6 2-3 scoreless innings and the Rangers scored twice on a squeeze bunt in a 3-2 victory over Mat Latos and the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday. "His performance was good. He was going against another good one, and they matched zeroes," manager Ron Washington said. "Once we put the runs on the board, Darvish did what we needed him to do. Looked like the same Darvish to me." The Rangers finally scored against Latos (7-2) in the fifth when Elvis Andrus bunted. Latos made a barehanded grab and scoop in one motion. The toss home hit the earflap of Engel Beltre, who was still on the ground when Leonys Martin also scored for a 2-0 lead. "It was just a reaction. He bunted it pretty hard. I felt I could make a play," Latos said. " As I look back, I should have held on to the ball." Darvish (8-3) won for the first time since May 16, ending his longest professional winless drought -- in his two years with the Rangers or seven in Japan before that. The right-hander was 0-2 with a 2.93 ERA in those seven games, when Texas scored only 12 runs while he was on the mound. "As a starter, if the team doesnt win the day that you pitch, that can be really frustrated, so that was my thing," Darvish said through his translator, though he insisted later he wasnt overwhelmed by the winless streak. "I was thinking how I could live day by day, and nothing really special." The AL West-leading Rangers have won 10 of 13 games since a six-game losing streak. Cincinnati has lost seven of nine. Darvish threw 77 of 117 pitches for strikes on a sunny afternoon when the game-time temperature was 90 degrees-- 10 degrees cooler than at the start of Friday nights series opener. While increasing his majors-best strikeout total to 151, he walked four and scattered four hits with only one 1-2-3 inning. There was an 11-pitch at-bat in the first inning against Brandon Phillips, who didnt get a breaking ball while at the plate. The first ball didnt come until the ninth pitch, and he eventually struck out to end the inning. That set a tone for what Darvish was trying to do. "I just wanted to shut all the people up that were talking about my fastballs," Darvish said. "I love when he throws more fastballs," shortstoop Andrus said. Ecco Shoes Wholesale. "I think that he gets a little tougher. Thats when his slider works way better too. He did a great job of keeping us in the game. ... When youve got your ace out there, you always want to win and score some runs early so he can feel better." Joe Nathan, the fifth Texas reliever, pitched a perfect ninth for his 27th save in 28 chances. Latos, 21-6 in his 50 career starts for the Reds, struck out nine and walked two in 6 2-3 innings. He gave up three runs, two of them earned. Beltre led off the fifth by dragging a bunt past the mound for a hit before Martins hustling double. Martin extended his hitting streak to 14 games, matching the longest by a Rangers player this season, on the hit to right-centre when he slid inside of second base and reached back to grab it while avoiding the tag. When sliding into home, Beltre couldnt steer clear of the ball that ricocheted off his head, nor could he avoid the hard collision with catcher Devin Mesoraco trying to block the plate. "I figured Andrus would be aggressive so I called for a first-pitch slider. To his credit, he got the bunt down," Mesoraco said. "With the speed they had on the bases, it didnt have to be a perfect bunt." Martin scored and Andrus wound up at second before trainer Jamie Reed and Washington were able to check on Beltre, who got up and walked back to the dugout a couple of minutes later and stayed in the game. Martin led off the seventh with a single, stole second and scored on a bloop single by Nelson Cruz. Robbie Ross got the last out of the seventh after taking over for Darvish. Tanner Scheppers made his team-high 39th appearance, after three days off, and threw only two of his nine pitches for strikes. Scheppers walked Zack Cozart on four pitches in the eighth and gave up consecutive singles to Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips before going to a 2-0 count against Jay Bruce -- and being relieved by Neal Cotts. Jay Bruce and pinch-hitter Chris Heisey had consecutive sacrifice flies. NOTES: The Rangers are off Monday, their only off day this season that will come in the middle of a homestand. ... Texas finished June at 14-14. ... Cincinnati has played twice at Rangers Ballpark. The Reds also lost two of three games in 2002. ... The Reds sixth ended when first baseman Mitch Moreland backhanded Xavier Pauls grounder and threw to second to start a double play. Moreland hustled back to take the relay throw at first when Darvish wasnt yet at the bag. ' ' '

TORONTO – Dustin McGowan badly wants to succeed in whats likely his last chance to be a regular big league starting pitcher. Cheap Padres Jerseys Authentic . He badly wants to erase the doubts about the health of his three times surgically-repaired right shoulder. He wants, once and for all, to eliminate the too-good-to-be-true cloud that hovers over his unlikely story. After yet another all-too-brief outing, four innings plus three batters in Wednesday nights 10-8 loss to the Orioles, McGowan admitted that hes wearing out sooner than hed like. "Maybe a little bit," said McGowan when asked if he feels fatigued. "I do seem at 60 pitches, I kind of seem to be falling backwards a little bit, I guess you could say. But I feel good, my arm feels great, its just sometimes it seems like the ball is not coming out quite right after 60, 65 pitches." Theres some positive in there with that negative. His arm, he insists, is healthy. Hes pleased with how he feels when hes pitching. Hes encouraged with his bounce back in the days after an outing. The problem, it seems, relates to a lack of stamina. "The body just feels like it runs out of steam a little bit," said McGowan. "I shouldnt be feeling that, I should be at the point where I can go 90-100, especially the way my arm feels. It feels great." Pressed further, McGowan didnt deny hes had thoughts about giving up his starters spot and returning to the bullpen. "You think about that, but right now Im planning on being a starter and Ive got to get past that hurdle sometime," he said. His unlikely return to the rotation aside, its important to put McGowans issues in context. While hed openly mused about taking one more shot at being a starter as far back as last September, and general manager Alex Anthopoulos was supportive of McGowans winter efforts to stretch out, there wasnt a realistic expectation hed be leaving the bullpen. McGowan found a home there last season, posting a 2.45 ERA in 25 appearances and showing the stuff of a late-inning, high leverage, shut down reliever. Then this year, toward the end of spring training, the Blue Jays fell just short in the pursuit of free agent right-hander Ervin Santana. There was a spot to fill behind R.A. Dickey, Drew Hutchison, Mark Buehrle and Brandon Morrow. J.A. Happ dealt with back inflammation and pancaked with four awful Grapefruit League starts, resulting in a season-starting stint on the disabled list. Marcus Stroman was inconsistent and started the year with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. Aaron Sanchez, whose repertoire has Blue Jays personnel frothing, is working at Double-A New Hampshire and his innings are being monitored early in the season. Esmil Rogers and Todd Redmond are best suited for long relief, which left McGowan as the best option. This despite the fact he suffered through a bout with a nasty stomach virus in early March, which docked about a week off his spring training schedule and pushed back efforts to get him multiple-inning appearances. "It could be," said McGowan of whether his shorter than expected spring has caught up with him. "We sped it up a lot, usually you wouldnt increase that much that fast, but we had to and we did it. Ive just got to find a way. Theres a way, Ive just got to get it past that hurdle." Whats still unclear is how long the Blue Jays are willing to give him. Stroman is off to a fine start with the Bisons, posting a 2.18 ERA, 1.355 WHIP and 26 strikeouts against six walks in three starts. His time is coming. So is Sanchezs, eventually. Could it be sooner rather than later? A Relievers Approach The Blue Jays entered Wednesdays action a Top-10 team in relief innings pitched. Relievers have hurled 67 2/3 innings so far this season, getting on average about 10 outs per game. The bullpen is its own world, made up of pitchers who take different approaches to getting ready and staying fresh in case theyre called on to appear in games on consecutive days. Take Brett Cecil, a closer during his sophomore year at the University of Maryland in 2006. By the time he debuted in the big leagues in 2009, he was a starter. Cecil won a career-high 15 games in 2010, then had a mysterious drop in velocity on his fastball, struggled, and has since revived his career as a left-handed relief specialist. "Its just kind of an everyday thing about how I feel," said Cecil of a days preparation. "Whether Im off that day, whether Im going to throw that day; it just all depends on the night before, the two nights before, what Ive done. If I need to stretch, I stretch. If I need to lift, I go lift." Cecil is being careful early in the season after experiencing elbow pain late last year. He made a career-high 60 appearances before being shut down in mid-September. The games he could handle but as a former starter, Cecil was learning how to prepare for relief work. Hes got a better handle on the demands this season. "I wasnt sure how to police myself being a reliever so the days that I felt like throwing a flat ground, I would throw a flat ground," said Cecil. "Did I really need it? No." Cecil believes its easier on the arm to be a starter. You pitch every fifth day, working through a rest, treatment, throwing regimen in-between starts. In relief, you could pitch on back-to-back days and then sit for a number of games. There are periods of consistent work, every other day. Its unpredictable. If a reliever has a two-pitch outing, like Cecil did on Friday night in Cleveland, it counts as a days work so when he throws again on Saturday, as he did against the Indians, hes not available for Sunday. "Thats one of those things that people dont see," said Cecil. "We as bullpen guys dont get a chance to gradually warm up. Its, youve got to get on the mound and throw and youve got to get hot in a very short amount of time. It puts a lot of stress on the arm." Closer Sergio Santos didnt appear in Tuesday nights win over the Orioles but with the game tied 3-3 in the bottom of the eighth, he was warming up to pitch the ninth. Its not an appearance in Santos stats line but it is a day of work. "I had two days off plus an off day so it was technically three days off," said Santos. "It was fine for me to get off the mound and I threw maybe eight to 10 pitches. Just something to where I was sharp enough that if the inning were to end, Id be able to go out and do my job and if it didnt, then it was just a day of a little bit more than a flat ground." Santos is less concerned about a day like Tuesday in April but come July and August, the dog days of summer, relievers become more concerned with "saving their bullets." That is, throw when needed and to stay ready; just dont throw any more than whats required. Bullpen coach Bob Stanley charts pitches thrown and keeps track of each relievers throwing schedule. Guys have different warmup routines. Santos likes eight to 12 pitches off the mound before entering a game. Cecil likes 15 to 20, throwing the final five at maximum capacity. If hes rushed, hell factor in the eight pitches he gets on the game mound. "Some guys warm up with an intensity that matches almost the game and can be harder," said Santos. "Some guys take it a little lighter when theyre warming up." Cheap Trevor Hoffman Jersey . And he said Sunday that players believe nobody in Sterlings family should be able to own the Los Angeles Clippers if hes gone. Wholesale Padres Jerseys . - Vince Carter, heading into his 17th NBA season, doesnt consider age a big issue anymore. http://www.cheappadresjerseys.com/?tag=cheap-rollie-fingers-jersey . -- One shot came out of bottom of a cactus, the other from the base of a desert bush with rocks scattered around it.Should Manchester United have had a penalty? Should Chris Smalling have been sent off? Was Ruben Loftus-Cheek inside or outside the box when fouled against West Ham? And was Neymar correctly awarded a penalty against Villarreal? In his weekly Ref Watch feature, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher appeared on Sky Sports Now to analyse the weekends big issues.Was your team affected by a contentious decision? Read on to find out... MATCH: Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United, SundayINCIDENT: In the penalty box, Martin Demichelis appears to barge into Marcus Rashford, knocking him off balance, but no penalty is given.GALLAGHERS VERDICT: Penalty Jamie Carragher said Manchester United were denied a blatant penalty GALLAGHERS VIEW: All I can think is Michael (Oliver, the referee) thinks Demichelis shoulder-barges him when you see he hasnt. Hes caught him in the midriff. Its just a decision hes got wrong, and knowing Michael as I do, hell be upset about that. Its just an error.MATCH: Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United, SundayINCIDENT: Already on a booking, Chris Smalling clips the back of Sergio Agueros foot and concedes a foul, but referee Oliver does not send him off.GALLAGHERS VERDICT: No red card Chris Smalling appeared to go through the back of Aguero GALLAGHERS VIEW: What you have to remember is it took him three fouls to get him a first yellow card, it doesnt necessarily have to take another three to get him to a red card.But it doesnt automatically mean his next foul is going to be a red card. That wasnt enough for a yellow card and therefore I think it was right just to speak to him.MATCH: Crystal Palace 0-1 Leicester, SaturdayINCIDENT: A Leicester corner is taken and Scott Dann pulls Robert Huths shirt off in the penalty box among the pushing. The referee gives nothing.GALLAGHERS VERDICT: No penalty Robert Huths shirt was pulled off by Scott Dann GALLAGHERS VIEW: The referee is too distant from the incident when you see it. The referee has got so much to watch, hes looking through so many players he cant see that, and when Huth gets up it turns into comedy value. MATCH: Chelsea 2-2 West Ham, SaturdayINCIDENT: Chelsea are awarded a penalty for a foul by Michail Antonio on Ruben Loftus-Cheek, but there are questions over whether Loftus-Cheek was in or outside the box when Antonio tripped him up.GALLAGHERS VERDICT: No penalty Ruben Loftus-Cheek looked to have been clipped by Michail Antonio outside the box GALLAGHERS VIEW: I think its a foul, at that point the referee doesnt know where it is, hes got to look to the assistant who makes that call looking across the line - is he in, is he out?If he (the assistant referee) has made that call hes made it incorrectly, because it was outside the penalty area.MATCH: Everton 0-2 Arsenal, SaturdayINCIDENT: Alexis Sanchez has the ball at this feet and appears to be tripped by Muhamed Besicc as he prepares to shoot. Cheap Ozzie Smith Jersey. He stays on his feet at first before going to ground, and referee Mark Clattenburg ignores the claims. GALLAGHERS VERDICT: Penalty Dermot Gallagher feels a penalty should have been given for Mo Besics trip on Alexis Sanchez GALLAGHERS VIEW: Its Besic who actually catches it and Mark doesnt see that. Because Mark sees Sanchez down, he doesnt give a foul against Ramiro Funes Mori as hes already going down. What he doesnt see is that contact from Besic because of Alex Iwobi.MATCH: Southampton 3-2 Liverpool, SundayINCIDENT: Shane Long drives into the box and is challenged from behind by Dejan Lovren. The forward goes to ground but the referee says no penalty.GALLAGHERS VERDICT: Penalty Southampton should have been awarded a penalty after Lovrens brings down Long, says Gallagher GALLAGHERS VIEW: Its a penalty because Long is in possession of the ball and its up to the defender not to make contact, but Long has initiated contact by going across him.MATCH: Southampton 3-2 Liverpool, SundayINCIDENT: The ball is played into the box for Graziano Pelle and Martin Skrtel is penalised for having a hold of his shirt. Referee Roger East gives a penalty.GALLAGHERS VERDICT: Penalty Liverpool conceded a penalty as Martin Skrtel pulled down Graziano Pelle in the box GALLAGHERS VIEW: Skrtel makes the initial contact, he grabs him. When we talk about shirt pulling, there has to be an initiator and I think Skrtel is the initiator.MATCH: Newcastle 1-1 Sunderland, SundayINCIDENT: DeAndre Yedlin commits a foul throw, conceding possession back to Newcastle which leads to an equaliser. But is it a foul throw?GALLAGHERS VERDICT: Foul throw DeAndre Yedlin appeared to commit a foul throw against Newcastle, which directly led to their rivals equaliser GALLAGHERS VIEW: The ball has to come from behind his head and I dont think it does. Its from in front of his head, he also throws it into the ground, its a classic example of what is a foul throw.MATCH: Villarreal 2-2 Barcelona, SundayINCIDENT: Neymar is awarded a penalty after being brought down in the box by Villarreal goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo.GALLAGHERS VERDICT: Penalty Neymar won and converted a controversial penalty in their La Liga game at Villarreal. GALLAGHERS VIEW: The first touch takes the ball away, he fouls him. The goalkeeper definitely got the ball but he fouls him first. A very good spot by the referee. Also See: Lovren taken off to avoid red WATCH: Blatant United penalty Carra on state of Citys squad WATCH: Worst ever penalty call? ' ' '

Charlie Nicholas takes on Phil Thompson in this weekends Fantasy Six-a-Side head-to-head for Manchester United versus Leicester. Wholesale Superstar Australia . The Foxes will be looking to complete the most unlikely of triumphs in claiming the Premier League title on Super Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1 HD.However, Charlie and Thommos focus will be on landing £1,000 for their charity of choice in their winner-stays-on Soccer Saturday pundit battle.Charlie ended Matt Le Tissiers four-match winning streak last weekend as his VI, consisting of four defenders and a goalkeeper, racked up more than twice as many points as Le Tiss in Sunderlands 0-0 draw with Arsenal.With no player values, formations or position requirements in Sky Sports Fantasy Six-a-Side, the pundits can pick whoever they want except for only one of the four Elite Players.Heres who the pundits have selected for the Old Trafford clash…Phil Thompsons teamRiyad Mahrez - Im sure Charlie will go for him as well as hes obviously the main man, with more goals and assists combined than any other Premier League player this season.Marcus Rashford - Im backing him to score this weekend in my Sky Bet tip because hes proved that the big occasion isnt something that fazes him. Riyad Mahrez will be looking to toast his PFA Player of the Year award with another fine dispaly at Old Trafford Anthony Martial - Hes Uniteds best attacking player and will provide a real test for Danny Simpson, one youd expect him to get the better of.Danny Drinkwater - Hell have lots of time on the ball from a deeper role so Im expecting him to guarantee me plenty of pass completion, tackling and interception points.Michael Carrick - Hell be at hub of everything and with United likely to have the majority of possession hell probably see the ball more than anyone else.Wes Morgan - Hell win every header and is always a threat from set-pieces. Fantasy Six-A-Side points scoring breakdown Charlie Nicholas teamNGolo Kante - Thommo will be expecting me to pick Mahrez but Im going to go against the majority and pick a player who is guaranteed to land me a healthy points total with passes, tackles and interceptions.Anthony Martial - He might not have scored as many goals as United fans might have hoped but hes scored important ones, so I think hell be relishing the occasion on Sunday.Wes Morgan - Im always a believer of scripts in football and it would be fitting to see him score another important winner at Old Trafford. Anthony Martial fired United into the FA Cup final last weekend Robert Huth - Hes an even bigger threat from set-pieces and I think Leicester have a chance of getting a clean sheet.Timothy Fosu-Mensah - This lad is going to be a star and is an absolute athlete. He goes in as my third defender so hopefully another low-scoring affair will help me see off Thommo.Michael Carrick - Ive always been a big far of Carricks and you can guarantee hell complete more passes than anyone else. Fantasy Six-a-Side Who makes your VI? Pick your team to win ￡10,000 here. Also See: Premier League video Fixtures Table Live on Sky Adidas Superstar Australia Cheap . -- Detroit Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera has a broken bone below his right eye after being struck by a bad-hop grounder, sidelining the star slugger for at least a week with opening day on deck. Cheap Adidas Superstar . - Pierre-Maxime Poudrier scored twice and added an assist, and Antoine Bibeau made 43 saves as the Val-dOr Foreur downed the Baie-Comeau Drakkar 6-3 on Sunday to force Game 7 in their Quebec Major Junior Hockey League final series. http://www.wholesalesuperstaraustralia.com/ . - Loosening up for their first training camp practice, the Miami Dolphins high-stepped sideways up and down the field while House of Pains song "Jump Around" blared on the loudspeakers.ST. LOUIS -- Adam Wainwrights day started as badly as it could but ended up just fine. Wainwright gave up Junior Lakes homer on his first pitch and allowed six more hits and three runs after that. But he saved a tired bullpen by sticking around for seven innings Saturday and leading the St. Louis Cardinals to a 10-4 win over the Chicago Cubs. It was hardly a vintage performance by Wainwright (2-1), who struck out eight and helped his own cause with an RBI single. The four runs were twice as many as he yielded in his first two starts. "It was OK," said Wainwright, who led the majors with 241 2-3 innings pitched last year. "I think because our offence was so great, I did what they needed me to do, just go a little later in the game and give the bullpen guys some rest." St. Louis relievers Carlos Martinez, Kevin Siegrist and Trevor Rosenthal all threw more than 20 pitches in Friday nights 11-inning loss. "We needed that," manager Mike Matheny said about Wainwrights outing. "There were a couple of guys we were wanting to stay away from, for sure." In hindsight, Wainwright said there were only a few pitches he wanted back -- including his first one. "Hes an aggressive hitter," Wainwright said. "I should have known he was going to be swinging there. Thats OK to throw a fastball when you know theyre swinging, but youve just got to locate your heater." The win was Wainwrights 101st with the Cardinals, tying Matt Morris, Larry Jackson and Max Lanier for 10th place on the franchise list. Matt Adams homered and Matt Carpenter drove in two runs for the Cardinals. Daniel Descalso also had two hits with an RBI and two runs scored. Adams hit his first home run of the season, a leadoff shot in the second inning, and Jon Jay drove in two runs with a single. "It was nice to get some runs, especially for Adam and let him do his thing," Matheny said. "We took some good at-bats right from the top." The Cubs Nate Schierholtz, who had four hits Friday night, had two doubles and an RBI. &quuot;We did some good things, especially against Wainwright, who is an excellent pitcher," Chicago manager Rick Renteria said. Cheap Superstar Australia. "We just didnt do enough." St. Louis did most of its damage against starter Carlos Villanueva (1-3), who allowed nine runs and 10 hits in three innings. "I didnt feel bad," Villanueva said. "I felt like I had good stuff. But theyre a good team and they got me out of there quickly." After Adams homer tied the game at 1, the Cardinals sent eight more batters to the plate in the second. Yadier Molina and Allen Craig followed with singles, and they came home on RBI singles by Descalso and Wainwright. Carpenter then drove home Descalso with an infield single to shortstop that made it 4-1. St. Louis sent 10 more hitters to the plate in the fourth inning and broke it open by scoring five times. Descalso started the inning with a double and was safe at third on Wainwrights sacrifice, with Wainwright reaching first on the fielders choice. Carpenter and Kolten Wong followed with RBI singles and Matt Holliday had an RBI groundout. Jays single off reliever Chris Rusin with two outs made it 9-2. NOTES: Renteria had a successful replay challenge in the third inning of first base umpire Jerry Laynes call on Jays grounder to shortstop StNine players on three NHL teams have contracted mumps this season, an unexpected outbreak that the league and the players association are trying to contain. New Balance Outlet Uk .Ryan Suter recently joined Minnesota Wild teammates Keith Ballard, Marco Scandella, Jonas Brodin and Christian Folin, Corey Perry, Clayton Stoner and Francois Beauchemin of the Anaheim Ducks and Tanner Glass of the New York Rangers to be diagnosed with the disease.Those infected with mumps can have a fever, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue and loss of appetite, followed by the swelling of salivary glands, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Deputy commissioner Bill Daly said the league has been in contact with team doctors and training staffs about best practices to prevent the spread of mumps, which has caught everyone off guard.It is certainly an outbreak that was unexpected and has caused unwanted disruption at the team level, but it is not something we have any significant control over, Daly said. As long as our clubs are doing what they need to do to minimize risk of contraction, we are hopeful that the wave of cases will run their course and life will return to normal in the relatively near term.Nine out of some 600 players getting the mumps is not a full-fledged epidemic, but the lack of familiarity about mumps has made it a talking point around the league. As Wild star Zach Parise joked to the Star-Tribute in Minneapolis: What is this, the Oregon Trail? Where are we right now? Every team seems to get the flu once a year, but the mumps?When Perry and Beauchemin were ill and eventually tests showed they had mumps, the NHL/NHLPA joint health and safety committee began working with teams to prevent further spread.The NHLPA has been actively educating the players regarding the recent outbreak, while providing best practices on how to avoid contracting and spreading mumps, spokesman Jonathan Weatherdon said.The mumps virus is spread through saliva or mucus, usually from coughing, sneezing or talking, according to the CDC. Sharing drinks and utensils can also contribute to spreading the infection.Its something were aware of, Vancouver Canucks NHLPA representative Kevin Bieksa said. The PAs addressed it, weve sent out a couple emails with some of the symptoms and some of the warning signs. Most of us have been vaccinated, so were doing whatever we can to prevent it.The Canucks arent the only ones taking precautions. Rangers coach Alain Vigneault told reporters that his team would be getting booster shots after they found out Glass had the mumps.According to the Winnipeg Free Press, the Jets have told their players not to share water bottles or towels and have been disinfecting dressing rooms when on the road.The first mumps vaccine was licensed in the United States in 1967, according to the CDC. The measles-mumps-rubella vaccine began to be administered in Canada in the early 1970s, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.Originally, one dose of the MMR vaccine was administered to a child aged between 12 and 15 months. In 1989, several health agencies recommended the vaccine be increased to two doses, the second given between ages 4 and 6.The CDC says two doses of the vaccine are 88 per cent effective at preventing mumps, while one dose is 78 per cent effective.Theres no one common theme to the spread of mumps in the NHL, as the nine players range in age from 21 to 34 and are of three different nationalities. Suter (born in 1985) and Ballard (1982) are American; Perry (1985), Beauchemin (1980), Stoner (1985), Scandella (1990) and Glass (1983) are Canadian; while Brodin (1993) and Folin (1991) are Swedish.Even though he got vaccinated, Bieksa acknowledged being taken aback by news that mumps is going around.Obviously when theres a little bit of a small epidemic in the league, you kind of get concerned, he said. We played a lot of those teams (like) Anaheim, when they were going through it.Each new case brings more conversation about the mumps virus. Bieksa knew about the cases with the Ducks and Wild but hadnt heard of Glass getting it.Told the league couldnt anticipate this outbreak, Bieksa said: And rightfully so. Who would expect us to have the mumps?---A look at the NHL players who have contracted mumps and how many games they missed:Keith Ballard, Wild: 8 gamesJonas Brodin, Wild: 7 gamesChristian Folin, Wild: 5 gamesCorey Perry, Ducks: 5 gamesFrancois Beauchemin, Ducks: 5 gamesClayton Stoner, Ducks: 5 games Tanner Glass, Rangers: 3 gamesRyan Suter, Wild: 2 games (Ongoing absence)Marco Scandella, Wild: 2 games---Follow @SWhyno on Twitter Cheap New Balance Uk . The defeat leaves the 41-year-old Nestor to concentrate on the mixed-doubles event after winning 12 straight matches and winning Australian titles in Brisbane and Sydney with two different partners. "This was a little bit of a let down, but all credit to them," said Nestor. Cheap New Balance Sale . The agreement comes a little more than one week after the video game manufacturer agreed to a $40 million settlement in a similar but separate case, bringing the total payout planned for athletes to $60 million, said Steve Berman, an attorney for the plaintiffs, and the NCAA. http://www.newbalanceoutletuk.com/ . - Young and old.PARIS - Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc lambasted his players for not respecting Bastia, after blowing a 2-0 lead in a 4-2 loss to the Corsican side in the French league on Saturday.PSG dropped to fourth in the standings, after having the chance to move level at the top with Marseille. Blancs side looked well set after scoring twice inside 20 minutes. But its defensive frailties were yet again exposed as Bastia roared back to level before halftime.We eased up in terms of our concentration and our rigour. The team forgot certain things, let certain things go in the last five minutes of the first half, Blanc said. Maybe we thought the match was easy. You have to respect these teams. We showed a lack of respect toward this Bastia team after the first 35 minutes and they made us pay.Star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is still struggling for fitness since returning from a troublesome heel injury and has scored only once in his past four games, was stunned by the defeat.We played well for the first 20 minutes and then something happened which has never happened to me before, the burly forward said. I mean, winning 2-0 and losing 4-2, Ive never experienced that. We need to wake up.PSG has failed to win any of its past three league games, losing two and drawing one.It remains three points behind Marseille, and — under the concerned gaze of club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi — this latest sloppy performance increases the pressure on Blanc ahead of Tuesdays League Cup quarterfinal at Saint-Etienne.Yes, we were complacent at times, Blanc said. You get taught a good lesson when you dont do things properly.To make matters worse, Saint-Etiennes 2-1 win at Reimss saw it leapfrog over PSG and into third place. Wholesale New Balance Shoes. Saint-Etienne moved to two points behind Marseille, level with Lyon, which has a better goal difference and can move to the top of the league if it beats Toulouse at home on Sunday.Saint-Etiennes goals came either side of halftime from wingers Yohan Mollo and Romain Hamouma.Before the winter break, Blanc lamented his teams lack of aggression, particularly when defending set-pieces — and two of the goals conceded came from corners and two stemmed from crosses.Conceding four goals is inexplicable, Blanc said.After PSGs bright start, midfielder Ryad Boudebouz converted a penalty for a handball by Gregory van der Wiel, and set up the equalizer on the stroke of halftime when his cross was headed home by veteran defender Francois-Joseph Modesto.Bastia took the lead soon after the break when defender Julian Palmieri struck the best of his two goals. Rabiot cleared Boudebouzs corner from the left, the ball fell to Palmieri some 20 metres out, and his volley made it 3-2 in the 56th.Anything can happen in football — I can even score with my right foot, joked Palmieri, who is left footed.After PSG centre half Thiago Silva struck the crossbar, Palmieri sealed an impressive win when he rifled in Abdoulaye Keitas cross from the right.In other matches, it was Evian 1, Rennes 1; Guingamp 2, Lens 0; Lille 1, Caen 0; and Nice 3, Lorient 1.A minutes silence was held before all matches this weekend in memory of the 17 people killed in Paris this week, following three days of bloodshed in a rampage by terrorists linked to al-Qaida in Yemen.Also on Sunday, Nantes hosts Metz and Monaco faces Bordeaux. ' ' ' arlin Castro. Layne had called Jay safe at first, but after reviewing the play, Jay was ruled out. ... St. Louis SS Jhonny Peralta, who has two hits in his first 32 at-bats for the lowest batting average among all qualifiers (.063), was given the day off. ... Castro, who had two hits, has hit safely in eight of his last nine games. ... Former Cardinal Edwin Jackson (0-0) will take the mound for the Cubs in the series finale Sunday against Michael Wacha (1-0). ... Craig was 1 for 12 on the homestand and hitless in his last eight at-bats before his second-inning single. ... With a victory Sunday, the Cubs can win a series for the first time since taking two of three from the Reds from Sept. 9-11 last season. Chicago has dropped eight straight series since. ' ' '

Memphis forward Zach Randolph has agreed to a contract extension with the Grizzlies, his agent said Friday. Nike SB Outlet Uk . Raymond Brothers confirmed to The Associated Press in a text message a Yahoo Sports report that Randolph is exercising his $16.5 million option for the 2014-15 season and has agreed on a two-year extension worth $20 million. Since coming to Memphis in 2009, Randolph has been a cornerstone of the Grizzlies franchise. His return indicates the Grizzlies will bring back the nucleus of a team that won 50 games this season and lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. Randolph averaged 17.4 points and 10.1 rebounds this season to lead the Grizzlies in both categories, though he was suspended for the final game of the Oklahoma City series after punching Thunder centre Steven Adams in the jaw. He owns career averages of 17.2 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 13 NBA seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers and Grizzlies. After bouncing around a few organizations early in his career, Randolph has found a home in Memphis while helping the Grizzlies make four consecutive playoff appearances. Randolph, who turns 33 on July 16, made the All-Star game in 2010 and 2013 to become the only Memphis player with multiple All-Star appearances. He helped lead the Grizzlies to a Western Conference finals appearance in 2013. He also emerged as arguably the teams most popular player for the way he exemplified the Grizzlies "grit n grind" mentality. The Randolph extension stole most of the attention on a day when the Grizzlies also introduced first-round draft pick Jordan Adams and second-round selection Jarnell Stokes. Adams, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard from UCLA picked 22nd overall, could boost the offence of a Grizzlies team that averaged just 96 points last season. Stokes, a 6-foot-8 forward from Tennessee, should provide energy and rebounding. "I think theyre going to be pros for the next 10 years," Grizzlies coach Dave Joerger said. "I really do." Stokes selection represents a homecoming for the Memphis native who recalled watching Grizzlies games "from the nosebleeds" section while in high school. The Grizzlies traded for Stokes after the Utah Jazz drafted him with the 35th overall pick. "I was just watching every single thing that players do," Stokes said. "I really liked Zach Randolph. I really liked how he used his leverage and how hes able just to find a way to make it happen when guys continuously doubt him. I definitely would love to learn from a guy like Zach Randolph." Now hes going to get that chance. Nike SB Uk . - A pitch clock will be used this season during minor league games at Triple-A and Double-A, but it has been ruled out for the major leagues this year. Nike SB Uk Sale . -- At the beginning of training camp, Andrew Bogut set a goal to play all 82 regular-season games and regain his place among the NBAs best centres. http://www.nikesboutletuk.com/ .7 million, one-year contract, a raise of $2.2 million. Wieters had asked for $8.75 million and the Orioles had offered $6.PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Penguins coach Dan Bylsma wasnt thrilled with Scott Hartnell going after Kris Letang, saying off-handedly that the Philadelphia Flyers forward was "picking on a guy who had a stroke." In the third period of Saturdays game, Hartnell hit Letang, who was playing his second game back after suffering a stroke in January. Each player was given a two-minute minor for roughing as they mixed it up after the whistle. After the Flyers 4-3 overtime win, Bylsma was asked if -- even though doctors assured the team and the 26-year-old defenceman that hockey would not put him more at risk for another stroke -- he had a little pause seeing Hartnell and Letang shoving each other. "I did have that thought when that was going on there," said Bylsma. "(Letang) kind of had the play there and the puck on his skate to try to score a goal. It fell off his stick and the whistle and everything ensued after that. Yeah it does, a guy picking on a guy who had a stroke." A team spokeswoman said Bylsma was joking when he made that remark. Told of Bylsmas comment regarding Hartnell without the benefit of much context, Flyers coach Craig Berube fired back. "Then he shouldnt play,&quoot; Berube said. Cheap Nike SB. "He shouldnt be out there playing, bottom line. Its a stupid comment." Letang, who scored 10 minutes later, said its "part of the game." "I got hit from behind, I turn around and it was him," Letang said. "I was not really shocked. but things happen in the game fast. I dont regret (it)." Hartnell declined comment through a team spokesman. Letang and Hartnell have something of a history dating to an Oct. 8, 2009 incident in which the Penguins defenceman accused the Flyers forward of biting his right ring finger. NOTE -- Flyers goaltender Steve Mason left the game with what the team called an upper-body injury, which resulted from being crashed into by two players. Penguins forward Jayson Megna pushed Flyers defenceman Andrew MacDonald into Mason at the 16:27 mark of the second period, and the goalies head snapped back and then appeared to hit the ice. Mason remained in the game until the intermission, but then Ray Emery replaced him to start the third. Berube said Mason was being taken out as a precaution and expects him to be ready for Game 1 of Philadelphias first-round playoff series against the New York Rangers on Thursday. ' ' '

ARLINGTON, Va. Cheap MLB Jerseys . -- Alex Ovechkin apologized for Russias hockey performance at the Olympics, a sentiment put in perspective by the encouraging news that his father was on the way home after heart surgery. Far more upset was Nicklas Backstrom, who remains clearly miffed that an allergy medication hes taken for years cost him a chance to play for a gold medal. The Washington Capitals held their first post-Olympics practice Tuesday, a session overshadowed by residue from the Winter Games even as they tried to focus on the resumption of their NHL schedule. Ovechkin was one of the faces of Sochi, bent on winning the gold on home ice. Instead, the Russians were eliminated in the quarterfinals for the second consecutive Olympics. "First of all, I want to say sorry to the fans," Ovechkin said. "Because its once in a lifetime opportunity to represent your country in the Olympics, and you didnt get the results, you didnt get any medal. Of course the fans, the media and the people who support Russia, family, was upset, but life goes on." Ovechkin took the Olympic disappointment especially hard four years ago, but this time he had to immediately turn his attention to his family. His father, who has a history of heart problems, became ill following one of his sons games and required surgery. Ovechkin wasnt told until three days later, after Russia had been eliminated. "Soon as I found out that hes in hospital and hes feeling not that good and he could be dying, I just forget the game that we lose against Finland. ... Just go there and spend time with him and saw him," Ovechkin said. "It was great feelings to see whats happening and how hes feeling. Thats most important thing." Ovechkin said his father, mother and brother were flying home to Moscow on Tuesday. Ovechkin said he understands the criticism he received for his play during the Olympics -- "I didnt score lots of goals out there" -- but the 28-year-old three-time league MVP appears ready to refocus on the Capitals, who resume play Thursday at Florida. "This is a very tough loss for me and for Russia, but Im almost 30," Ovechkin said. "I have to handle it. I have to fight through it." The lingering Olympic sting was more evident on the face of Backstrom, who helped lead Sweden to the gold medal game but was pulled from the lineup shortly before faceoff because he had failed a doping test. Without one of its top players, Sweden lost 3-0 to Canada. "Ive had allergies for seven years, since I got here," Backstrom said. "Everyone that lives in the Washington area knows how bad it is here. Ive been taking Zyrtec-D for the last seven years and I havent been doing anything differently. Ive been playing internationally, in the world championships (and) Olympics before, and so I havent done anything differently." An ingredient in the allergy medicine is on the list of banned substances for Olympic competition, but Backstrom said he was told by the Sweden team doctor that he could take one pill a day without triggering a positive test. "Who do I blame?" Backstrom said. "Well, I followed the doctors recommendation." Backstrom said he expects a two-week wait to find out whether he will be awarded his silver medal, which is being held at the International Ice Hockey Federation offices in Zurich. "Obviously, its not fun to deal with," Backstrom said. "I dont wish no one to have to go through this, if Im going to be honest with you. Its not fun. But Ive got to look forward to play next game on Thursday. Ive got to focus on Washington right now." Backstroms teammates, much like the international hockey community in general, were shocked at how his situation was handled. "Its just ridiculous that it can happen at a big tournament like this," forward Martin Erat said, "at the Olympics just before the finals when everybody is ready to go and you just want to enjoy the sport. It just happened because of some stupidity, and its just unbelievable that this can happen in the Olympics." The Capitals sent five players to Sochi, and four of them have dealt with some sort of unexpected life event that has derailed an attempt to return to normalcy after the Olympics. Ovechkin had the health scare with his father, Backstrom has the fallout from the doping test, Swedish forward Marcus Johansson is stuck in Stockholm because of an visa issue -- the Capitals expect him to join them in Florida for Thursdays game -- and Erat returned to his family in Nashville, Tenn., as soon as he could after the Czech Republic was eliminated. "We just finished our quarterfinal game, and I went for my phone, and our friend had called me and said your baby girl, Victoria Bella, is born," Erat said. "First we lost in the quarterfinal, it was hard to swallow, and when I got the news, it brought back a smile on my face." Cheap Ivan Rodriguez Jersey . Alvarez hit his first career home run, pitched six innings and hurt his right hamstring while running the bases in the Miami Marlins 4-3 win over the Chicago Cubs. Cheap Nolan Ryan Jersey . And fellow Leaf, Jake Gardiner, hiking in Whistler. http://www.cheaptexasrangersjerseys.com/ . Eller said the Oilers were a "junior team" that was "all over the place" before Edmontons 4-3 victory over Montreal on Tuesday night, Oilers head coach Dallas Eakins took offence to Ellers comments and used it to motivate his youthful team.UNIONDALE, N.Y. - Kevan Miller helped the Boston Bruins get off to a winning start after the All-Star break.Miller scored the go-ahead goal with 3.4 seconds left in the second period, leading the Bruins to a 5-2 victory over the New York Islanders on Thursday night.Tuukka Rask stopped 43 shots, and Reilly Smith, Patrice Bergeron, Torey Krug and Zdeno Chara also scored for Boston, which won for the seventh time in 10 games. Smith and Milan Lucic also had two assists each.We definitely wanted a good start after the (All-Star) break, Rask said. We had a good start and (that was) very key.We played our system (from) start to finish.John Tavares and Michael Grabner scored for New York, while Jaroslav Halak stopped 28 shots. It was the Metropolitan Division-leading Islanders fifth loss in 22 games (17-5-0) at home this season.I thought we didnt play a 60-minute game but we played well enough to win, New York coach Jack Capuano said.Miller put the Bruins ahead for good when he intercepted Halaks clearing attempt at the right wing boards just inside the blue line, and fired a quick shot that found the back of the net to give Boston a 3-2 lead.(The puck) had eyes, Capuano said of Halaks attempted clear. Its one of those things. Im not going to blame the goaltender.Krugs goal 1:45 into the third essentially decided a game that had seen wild momentum shifts. Chara added an empty-netter with 2:06 left.Smith opened the scoring with 6:01 left in the first period by driving to the net and redirecting Milan Lucics feed past Halak. Bergeron pushed the lead to 2-0 with a power-play goal 2:10 later.Rask tried to make the lead stand. His toughest stop was a diving save on Miichael Grabners goalmouth backhand attempt 5:34 into the second. Wholesale Rangers Jerseys. The Boston goalie was also the beneficiary of some good fortune as Brock Nelson had a wide open net 46 seconds later, but his shot hit the post.Our goaltender was very good, Julien said.However, a misplay by Rask allowed the Islanders back into the game.Rask couldnt control Tavares dump-in from the neutral zone, and the New York captain lifted a backhander into the net 8:25 into the second to cut the deficit to 2-1. The goal was Tavares 23rd of the season and his fourth in four games.Grabner drew the Islanders even with 4:48 left in the second with his fifth of the season, setting the stage for Millers tiebreaking score.I thought we responded well in the second, Tavares said. New York finished with a 45-33 advantage in shots on goal, and out-attempted Boston 74-60. We had some opportunities to score.Boston evened the season series against New York at 1-1. New York won the first game, 3-2 on Oct. 23 in Boston. The teams will end the season series Feb. 7 at Boston.NOTES: As part of the franchises commemoration of its final season on Long Island, the Islanders feted Hall of Famer Mike Bossy prior to the game. Bossy scored 573 goals in 752 games, and won four Stanley Cup championships in nine seasons with the Islanders. This whole season is a little surreal, Bossy said during a morning press conference at Nassau Coliseum, when asked about the Islanders 2014-15 campaign. I dont think anybody expected to be the team to be where they are. They seem to (have found) a chemistry. ... Boston scratched D Matt Bartkowski and RW Jordan Caron. New York scratched D Matt Donovan. ' ' '

TORONTO -- Cory Rasmus needed time to appreciate the significance of his first appearance at Rogers Centre. Cheap Air Max Uk . A rookie reliever with the Atlanta Braves last May, Rasmus left the mound angry after giving up a home run to Edwin Encarnacion and a double to his older brother, Blue Jays centre fielder Colby Rasmus, in an eventual 9-3 interleague loss for Atlanta. Now with the Los Angeles Angels, Cory is back in Toronto for a four-game set against Colbys Blue Jays. And one year later, the younger Rasmus (by 15 months) feels a lot different about his last outing at Rogers Centre. "To be honest with you, I didnt really get to enjoy the moment like I wish I would have, but to have an opportunity to come up here and maybe face him again is awesome," Cory Rasmus said hours before first pitch Friday. "Hopefully I can embrace it a little more and I wont be so uptight about everything, because looking back on it, it was awesome. Brothers dont get to face each other too often in the big leagues." Rasmus made his major league debut a week before the Toronto outing last year, and was traded to the Angels the following month. He finished the 2013 season with a 5.40 ERA through 21 2/3 innings. Since being called up by the Angels a week ago, the 26-year-old, whos endured three shoulder surgeries over the last seven years, has pitched two scoreless innings, giving up two hits and striking out one. With Colby Rasmus on a hot streak as well -- batting .391 with a .417 on-base percentage and .913 slugging percentage over the last seven days -- both brothers say theyre looking forward a possible rematch of last years at-bat. The two had breakfast together Friday morning, and younger brother Cyle, whos just finished his college career at Columbus State University, will be in the Rogers Centre stands taking in the action this weekend. Colby Rasmus says the playing field between him and Cory is a bit more even these days. "I didnt really like (facing him) a whole lot last year." he said. "Ive had the good fortune of hanging around the big leagues a bit longer and he was having struggles with his shoulder. Hed just been in the minor leagues, it wasnt really a fun time." Cory and Colby were always teammates throughout their childhood, playing together in the Little League World Series in 1999, and winning a State Championship with Russell County High School in Seale, Ala., in 2005. With that kind of history, Colby Rasmus admits its strange having Cory on the other side of the diamond. But hes glad to see his younger brother getting his shot in the big leagues. "Id love nothing more than to have him do well," he said. "Through everything weve been through, all the work we put in when we were younger ... for us to both be on the same big league field and have a chance to do this, its very special." Cheap Authentic Air Max . Thats exactly what happened. And they enjoyed every moment. Durant remained sizzling with 33 points, Serge Ibaka added 22 and the Thunder roared back from an abysmal start -- they trailed 22-4 early -- to embarrass the Miami Heat 112-95 on Wednesday night, erasing that big deficit out of the gate by outscoring the two-time defending champions by 43 points over a 33-minute span. Wholesale Air Max Uk .C. Now hes squarely in the U.S. capital and helping the Washington Wizards playoff drive. John Wall scored 33 points, Gooden got 11 of his 21 in the final quarter and the Wizards overcame a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit for a 101-94 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night. http://www.cheapukairmax.com/ . The All-Pro left tackle agreed to a five-year contract with the Eagles on Wednesday. Peters was signed for 2014, and his new deal adds four years through 2018.Seattle, WA (SportsNetwork.com) - Russell Wilson was overcome with emotion while leading the postgame prayer following an improbable Seattle Seahawks comeback in the NFC Championship Game. Wilson had just played one of the worst games of his brief NFL career. That game started kind of ugly, huh, Wilson joked in his postgame press conference. Yes it did Russell. Good thing there was enough time to rectify those mistakes. Wilson tossed a game-winning 35-yard TD pass to Jermaine Kearse 3:19 into overtime and the Seahawks rallied past the Green Bay Packers 28-22 on Sunday to become the first defending champion to reach the Super Bowl in 10 years. The Seahawks miraculously overcame five turnovers, four of them Wilson interceptions, and a 12-point hole in the waning minutes of regulation. The stunning turn of events kept their dream of becoming the first team to win consecutive Super Bowls since the 2004 New England Patriots alive. That last three minutes plus the overtime was probably as good of a game as you can get, Wilson said. Seattle will play the winner of the AFC title game between the Patriots and Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIX on Feb. 1 in Glendale, Arizona. Such a classic challenge and our guys found a way to get it done, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said. That took tremendous faith by everybody, not just Russell. Wilson kept it himself and scored from a yard out on a zone-read keeper to pull the Seahawks within 19-14 with 2:09 left in the fourth quarter and Seattle recovered the ensuing onside kick. Steven Hauschkas attempt went through the hands and off the helmet of Green Bays Brandon Bostick before Chris Matthews pounced on the football at midfield. Marshawn Lynch then dashed through the left side of the line and ran for a go- ahead 24-yard touchdown with 1:25 on the clock. Luke Willson hauled in the two-point conversion after an incredible scramble from Wilson. Wilson threw up a prayer across his body from the right side of the field at around the 20 and Willson was able to come down with the catch in the front left part of the end zone. Aaron Rodgers, though, responded and got the Packers into field goal range. He fired consecutive 15-yard completions to Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb to move Green Bay across midfield before limping for 12 yards on a scramble. Mason Crosby then split the uprights from 48 yards out to tie the game with 14 ticks on the clock. Rodgers never got the ball again. Seattle won the overtime coin toss and Wilson hit Doug Baldwin along the right sideline on a 3rd-and-7 for 35 yards to get it to the Green Bay 35. Wilson then lofted a perfectly thrown pass over the middle and past the outstretched arms of cornerback Tramon Williams before landing into the waiting hands of Kearse for the game-winner, his only catch and the target for all four of Wilsons interceptions. Wilson, who was 8-of-8 for 199 yards and three touchdowns on third down last week against the Carolina Panthers, threw three third-down interceptions on Sunday. He finished 14-of-29 after going just 2-of-9 in the first half and totaled 209 yards for the Seahawks, who have won nine consecutive postseason home games. Jon Ryan tossed a 19-yard touchdown pass to Garry Gilliam on a fake field goal, Lynch carried the ball 25 times for 157 yards, and Baldwin caught six passes for 106 yards in the triumph. Rodgers was 19-of-34 for 178 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions for Green Bay, which scored the first 16 points of the game. Eddie Lacy gained 73 yardds rushing on 21 totes, Cobb had seven receptions for 62 yards and a score and Nelson hauled in five balls for 71 yards. Air Max Uk Online. This is a hard one to swallow, Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. We had opportunities, particularly at critical times to make plays and Seattle made some of those big plays to keep the game alive. Ha Ha Clinton Dix intercepted two passes and Morgan Burnett picked off a pass and posted two of Green Bays five sacks. The Packers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 26-21 in the NFC Divisional playoff to reach the NFC title game. Richard Sherman, who wasnt thrown at in the first meeting between the teams in Week 1, showed why Rodgers stayed away from him in that initial encounter with an early interception. Faced with a 3rd-and-10 at the 29, Rodgers lofted a pass in the back right corner of the end zone intended for Davante Adams. Sherman, though, positioned himself in front of Adams and hauled in the pick for a touchback, halting a promising 9-play opening drive. It didnt take Packers long to get back into Seattle territory. A slant toss intended for Kearse on a 3rd-and-7 was tipped into the air and Clinton-Dix brought in the easy interception at the 30 and returned it to the four. John Kuhn appeared to plunge in from a yard out on 2nd-and-goal, but the call was overturned following a review. Lacy was stuffed for no gain on third down and Green Bay settled for an 18-yard Crosby field goal for the games first points at the 8:07 mark of the first quarter. The Packers settled for another short Crosby field goal, this one from 19 yards out, after Baldwin fumbled the ensuing kickoff. I just felt like you had to take points, McCarthy said. I didnt think a lot of points would win this game. Green Bay then forced a Seattle three-and-out and Rodgers finished off a brisk 7-play sequence when he stepped up in the pocket and found Cobb in the back of the end zone for a 13-yard score on the final play of the opening frame. After the Seahawks were unable to move the chains, Micah Hyde returned a punt 29 yards and Crosby booted a 40-yard field goal to make it 16-0 with 9:37 to go in the second. Seattle didnt pick up its initial first down until there was less than seven minutes to go in the first half when Lynch rumbled for 14 yards on a 3rd- and-2. Wilson, who began 0-of-6, tossed his first completion with under four minutes in the second when he hit Ricardo Lockette for 14 yards on a 3rd- and-7. But the march was fruitless because Sam Shields intercepted Wilson on a 3rd- and-8 from the Green Bay 18. The Seahawks finally got on the board at the 4:44 mark of the third. They had a 2nd-and-30 after Clay Matthews sacked Wilson for a loss of 15 on first down, but Lynch broke off an 11-yard run and Wilson hit a wide open Baldwin along the right sideline for a gain of 29 to the Green Bay 19 on 3rd-and-19. Seattle lined up for a field goal on fourth down, but Ryan kept the ball and rolled left before hitting an open Gilliam for a 19-yard score. Crosby nailed a 48-yard field goal in the early stages of the fourth for the Packers 19-7 cushion. Game Notes Wilson became the second quarterback to throw four interceptions and win a conference championship game. George Blanda tossed five interceptions in the Houston Oilers 10-3 win in the 1961 AFL title game over the San Diego Chargers ... The Seahawks improved to 26-2, including the playoffs, at CenturyLink Field since 2012 ... Kearse has caught touchdown passes in four consecutive postseason games. ' ' '

LANDOVER, Md. Willie McGee Jersey . - The Washington Redskins are without downfield threat DeSean Jackson for their game against the St. Louis Rams.Jackson is listed as inactive for Sundays game because of a bruised left shin after not practicing all week. He leads the Redskins with 942 yards receiving and tops the NFL at 20 yards per catch.The Redskins are also without safety Brandon Meriweather and inside linebacker Keenan Robinson. Meriweather has a sprained big toe, and Robinson has a sprained MCL in his left knee.Defensive lineman Kedric Golston is out with foot and back injuries, while cornerback Chase Minnifield was placed on injured reserve after suffering a concussion last week.___AP NFL websites: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL Kolten Wong Jersey . Mission accomplished. Now the Royals will take the field on Saturday with a World Series lead for the first time in team history when they play Game 4 of the Fall Classic against the Giants at AT&T Park. Mike Shannon Jersey . Anaheim Ducks Reassign D Colby Robak to Norfolk Admirals (AHL). - Team Website D Eric Brewer (foot) removed from injured reserve. http://www.cardinalsrookiestore.com/Cardinals-Whitey-Herzog-Kids-Jersey/ . Despite Arsenals financial firepower, the 31-year-old midfielder was the only arrival in the January transfer window. Signed until the end of the season as injury cover, Kallstrom might not be fit until mid-March after arriving Friday at Arsenal having injured his back earlier in the week while training with Spartak Moscow.KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- After four hours, 23 minutes and a dozen pitchers combining to throw 397 pitches, Nori Aoki gave the Kansas City Royals a win. Aoki singled home Lorenzo Cain in the 14th inning to lift the Royals to a 2-1 victory over Cleveland after Indians starter Corey Kluber carried a perfect game into the seventh inning on Thursday night. Cain opened the 14th with an infield single and stole second before Aoki delivered the winning hit off John Axford on a full-count pitch with one out. "I was just trying to stay aggressive," Aoki said. "It wasnt like I was trying to go the other way or anything like that. I was just looking for a pitch to hit, and if I got that pitch, swing hard." Aoki was mobbed by his teammates at second base. "It was one of the best feelings, and hopefully we have more of those moments the rest of the season," he said. Aaron Crow (5-1), the seventh Kansas City pitcher, earned the victory -- striking out the side in a perfect 14th. Left-hander Marc Rzepcynski (0-3), who gave up the hit to Cain, took the loss. Kluber held the Royals to two hits, retiring the first 19 batters he faced before Omar Infante, who was in a 0-for-16 skid, lined a single to centre with one out in the seventh. "I think its hard to rate one performance against another," Kluber said. "I got in a good groove, and when they got a runner on we were able to catch him stealing." Mike Moustakas doubled and scored on a throwing error by left fielder Ryan Raburn in the eighth inning to give the Royals a 1-0 lead. Moustakas hit a fly ball down the left-field line that Raburn nearly caught. When Raburn tracked down the ball in foul territory, he spiked a throw that rolled into centre field. "How about that," Moustakas said. "I got a 2-0 fastball that I popped up to left, and Raburn tried to make a good play on it and it ended up hitting off his arm or shoulder. "I just saw him drop it. I was headed to second. I saw him try to throw the ball in, and I just started running to third base. When I saw the ball kind of floating in left field and doing what I can to get over to third, and Jirsch (third base coach Mike Jirschele) waved me in." Raburn was miffed about how the play unfolded. "It was a freak play," he said. "I was trying to hold up. I saw our infielders going toward third, and I tried to hold up. Mark McGwire Jersey. I couldnt and of course the ball rolls halfway to centre field." The Indians tied it in the ninth off Greg Holland, who blew his second save in 28 chances. Holland walked Carlos Santana leading off the inning, and pinch-hitter Chris Dickerson bunted him to second. Yan Gomes two-out single to centre scored Santana. "It was one of those rare occasions when I didnt have command," Holland said. "I threw 12 balls and nine strikes. You never want to walk the leadoff hitter in the ninth inning." After Infantes hit, Kluber got out of the inning when Alex Gordon struck out, and Infante was thrown out trying to steal second. Kluber, who allowed only one unearned run in nine innings, struck out 10 and walked none. "I wish wed had some runs so we could sit back and really enjoy it, because that was special," Indians manager Terry Francona said of Klubers performance. "You can use all the adjectives you want. He had dominating stuff." Royals starter Danny Duffy, who was 1-5 in his previous six starts, gave up two singles -- both to Santana -- in seven scoreless innings. Duffy, who also walked two, was pulled after 108 pitches. Duffy lowered his earned run average to 2.47. He is the only American League pitcher with a losing record with an ERA less than three. Wade Davis, who replaced Duffy, pitched out of a bases loaded jam in the eighth. With one out, he permitted singles to Jose Ramirez and pinch-hitter David Murphy sandwiched around a walk to Jason Kipnis. Davis then got Michael Brantley to ground into an inning-ending double play. NOTES: The Royals sent Jimmy Paredes, who was designated for assignment on July 16, to the Orioles for cash considerations. Paredes appeared in nine games with Kansas City, going 2-for-10. He hit .305 with Triple-A Omaha. ... Indians SS Asdrubal Cabrera wasnt in the lineup for the third consecutive game because of back spasms. ... Royals 1B Eric Hosmer was held out of the lineup for the third time in four games with a right hand bruise. He entered in the ninth inning as a defensive replacement. ... Aoki was the DH for the first time in his career. ... The Indians plan to recall RHP Zach McAllister from Triple-A Columbus, where he is 5-0 with a 2.23 ERA in six starts, and start him Saturday against the Royals. ' ' '

Toronto Argonauts defensive coordinator Chris Jones could be heading to Edmonton as the next head coach of the Eskimos. Jesus Molina Jersey . According to a report from the Edmonton Sun, Jones is expected to be named the Eskimos new head coach, likely in December. Jones served as defensive coordinator in Toronto the past two seasons, helping the Double Blue win a Grey Cup in 2012. Prior to that Jones had stops in Calgary and Montreal as defensive coordinator, and has a Grey Cup ring at each of his stops. Giovani dos Santos Jersey . In mens doubles, Vancouvers Vasek Pospisil and American Jack Sock reached the quarter-finals with a 7-6 (3), 7-6 (3), 6-4 win over Croatian Mate Pavic and Andre Sa of Brazil. Rafael Marquez Jersey . - Vince Carter, heading into his 17th NBA season, doesnt consider age a big issue anymore. http://www.soccermexicojerseysteamstore.com/jesus-manuel-corona-mexico-jersey/ . Green-Ellis was Cincinnatis leading rusher each of the last two seasons. His role was reduced last year when Giovani Bernard was added to the backfield. Green-Ellis ran for 756 yards and a career-low 3.The voting results for the Baseball Hall of Fame will be announced on January 8 in the new year. Unlike last year when nobody got in, there have been estimates of as many as five getting voted in this time around and as few as one, Greg Maddux. Going over the list of players already in Cooperstown, I found it interesting that four went by the nickname "Kid" or "The Kid". They would be former Expos and Mets star Gary Carter, the Brewers Robin Yount, the immortal Red Sox legend Ted Williams and one you may not be as familiar with, Charles "Kid" Nichols. "Kid" Nichols began his career in the Majors in 1890 and was through in 1906. But the numbers he put up were truly remarkable. Starting in 1890, with the Boston Beaneaters in the National League he went 27-19 with a 2.23 ERA. In seven of the next eight seasons he won 30 or more games. He finished his career with 361 victories against 208 losses and a 2.96 ERA. Not only that he started 562 games over his career and finished 532. In other words he pitched complete games in about 95 per cent of his outings. Granted it was a different era. In his first three seasons, 1890-92, the distance from the pitching mound to home plate was only 50 feet. Nevertheless Nichols was the main reason the Beaneaters won three consecutive pennants. After that though the mound was pushed back to its current distance of 60 6" but Nichols remained every bit as dominant. The funny thing is Nicholls wasnt physically imposing. It has been estimated he only weighed about 138 pounds when he broke in with Boston and looked like a teenager, hence the nickname "Kid". "Kid" Nichols threw straight over the top and threw few if any breaking pitches. He and others have credited this for his durability and good fortune in avoiding injuries. He had impeccable control, and an uncanny ability to change speeds on his fastball. Nichols was almost lost in the annals of baseball history and didnt get into the Hall of Fame until 1949 when he was selected by the Veterans Committee. One of the loudest voices in getting him elected was a charter member of the Hall of Fame was none other than Ty Cobb. The most amazing fact about "Kid Nichols" is that he won his 300th game when he was only 30 years old. Again, there is a bit of a caveat. During his career teams usually only carried five pitchers at most and depending on circumstance you could be pitching every second or third daay. Carlos Salcedo Jersey. Still the numbers he put up and the career he had was amazing. Heres the thing Im wondering about. Its "Kid" Nichols Canadian connection. Baseball Reference.com claims he went to secondary school at Queen Elizabeth High School in Surrey, BC. If you click on the school name, Nichols name comes up along with another former Major Leaguer who attended the same school, Kevin Nicholson. Nichols was an American born in Wisconsin, who spent part of his youth in Kansas City. I can find no mention of how he wound up in a Canadian high school. Interesting to say the least. I also wanted to mention another "Kid" who is not in the Hall of Fame. You might remember the name "Kid" Gleason. He was the manager of the infamous 1919 Chicago White Sox, of the "Black Sox" scandal infamy. Gleason played no part in throwing the series to the Cincinnati Reds, in fact he called out some of his own players for tanking after they played a brutal first game of the World Series. Well before that series, Gleason was a decent player in his own right. In 1890 for instance, he pitched 506 innings and completed 54 of the 55 games he started. Gleason was also a decent position player over part of his career in addition to being a manager. It was said he was every bit the fiery competitor Cobb was, if not more so. Bringing Back Banks It seems only fitting, when Disney is releasing the movie "Saving Mr. Banks" about the making of the "Mary Poppins" movie, the Blue Jays should be shooting out a lifeline to a Mr. Banks of their own. Theyve signed right-hander Josh Banks, a pitcher they originally drafted in the second round in 2003 to a minor league deal. Banks only pitched in three games for the Jays back in 2007, then bounced from San Diego to Houston and finally to the minor league systems of the Giants and Orioles. He was actually released by the Os on March 31, 2012. So why is he back? Well back in the day Banks could throw eight pitches including a knuckleball. Now at age 31 he has re-invented himself as a knuckleballer. The Jays are hoping theyve caught "Lightning in a Bottle" on this one. Altogether now, the Jays have three knuckleballers in their organization, R.A. Dickey, Tomo Ohka who is coming back as a knuckler at age 37, and now Josh Banks. If Banks makes it after three years out of the Majors maybe Disney will come calling about another movie. ' ' '