having gone 0-2-1 in their last th

CFL training camps opened Sunday amid the uncertainty of a potential players strike. Veterans reported for the start of two-a-day workouts three days after negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement broke down for the second time in as many weeks. The old deal expired at midnight ET on Thursday, the two sides havent met since and have no new talks scheduled. The CFL Players Association has mailed strike ballots to its members but Alberta labour laws could push the start of a strike into next week. For defensive back Eric Fraser, a union rep for the expansion Ottawa Redblacks, thats a good thing. "Thats a lot of time for the (CFLPA) executive and CFL to sit back down and hammer something out," he said. "I dont think were too far away right now, but tough decisions are going to have to be made on our end and their end and hopefully we can nail something out and everyone leaves the negotiating table a little upset because they think they gave up a little too much." There has been one strike since the formation of the CFLPA in 1965. That was in 74 when a new agreement was reached during training camp without the loss of regular-season games. The 2014 regular season is scheduled to kick off June 26. Despite the huge cloud hanging over the league, Fraser is confident a deal will be reached. "I have 100 per cent confidence there would be no lockout or strike like (2012 in the NHL) in the CFL," he said. "You just cant do it. "A good deal is going to get done here and I think thats positive." The CFL and players met for 17 hours over two days last week but money remains a major stumbling block after the league signed a five-year TV deal with TSN said to be worth a whopping $42 million annually this off-season. That deal alone would reportedly net teams an extra $2.7 million in 2014. The CFLPA is looking for the salary cap -- which was $4.4 million last year -- to increase to $5.8 million, with a $4.8 million minimum. The league has countered with a $5-million cap offer and boosting the average stipend to $96,000 from $92,917. The players have amended their revenue-sharing stance. Instead of requesting specific percentages on gate, television and sponsorship revenues, the CFLPA proposed a fixed cap for at least two years. After the second if league revenues increased by more than $12 million -- excluding the Grey Cup -- the two sides would renegotiate the cap or the CBA would be terminated at seasons end. The league would renegotiate the cap if revenues increased by $27 million or more in the third year. Cohon, who called the CFLs proposal last week its last and best, has repeatedly stated owners wont agree to any revenue-sharing offer because league revenues and profits arent enough for the model to work effectively. And that bothers veteran kicker Paul McCallum, the B.C. Lions player rep. "I dont know which way is up when (Cohon) talks sometimes," McCallum said. "All I know is the finances are what they are -- theyre black and white. "As players we just need to be treated fairly, and thats all were asking for. Were not millionaires here." For decades the CFL suffered financially, something the 44-year-old McCallum knows firsthand. But the veteran kicker feels the CFL is banking on the union cracking this time around. "To be quite honest, over my career weve sort of bent and bent and bent so I guess they think why would we not bend now," he said. "Theyre in for a rude awakening this time. "Enough is enough." Argos centre Jeff Keeping, also a member of the CFLPA executive, is glad to be playing football again but would readily replace his uniform with a suit for the resumption of contract talks. "The players are unwavering . . . we hope to get back to the negotiating table," he said. "Until then were here to play football." Veteran Ottawa quarterback Henry Burris is undeterred about the leagues labour strife but said its time the two sides resume talking. "The people that are in place saying all this stuff in the media, they need to quit all that crap and get to work and do what theyre paid to do and thats to make decisions and get this thing rectified so we can get back out here and do our jobs," he said. "For me thats the bottom line, as a senior member of the CFL, Im telling you guys Lets get this thing done, so we can get out here on the field and do our jobs because were looking forward to an amazing time here in Ottawa and we dont want nobody to spoil this party that we have planned." Toronto head coach Scott Milanovich has contingency plans for a work stoppage but says right now its business as usual. "Any practices we can get is great for the coaches, great for the players," he said. "It just makes the practices we get in even more important that we take advantage to all the minutes and reps we get." Calgary quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell and B.C. running back Andrew Harris are both pretty much taking the same approach. "Its not in my mind, its not in my control," Levi Mitchell said. "No matter what, whatever happens, the day you come back, if it does happen, youve got to be ready to play that day. Were going to come out here and compete and get better every single day and practise like nothings going on." Added Harris: "Were here to work. were here to get better. Youve just got to prepare as if everythings going great and were going to be playing." -- With files from Lisa Wallace in Ottawa, Donna Spencer in Calgary and Joshua Clipperton in Kamloops, B.C. Kevin Hogan Redskins Jersey . Atletico Madrid made it three wins from three thanks to a double from in-form striker Diego Costa in a 3-0 victory at Austria Vienna, leaving the Spanish side on the brink of the last 16 already to continue its brilliant start to the season. Alex Smith Jersey . Summers has seen scant playing time with the Coyotes since being selected 29th overall by the club in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, having played in 47 career NHL games. http://www.authenticshopredskins.com/Aut...edskins_Jersey/. Viewers in the Jets region can watch the game on TSN Jets at 6:30pm ct/7:30pm et. The game is also avialable on TSN Radio 1290 in Winnipeg at 7pm ct. Pernell McPhee Redskins Jersey . This is Lowry’s third time winning the award in his career. He won the award last season and as a member of the Houston Rockets in 2011. Washington Redskins Jerseys . Philbin said Thursday he wants players to treat one another with civility and he wont tolerate anything less. In taking questions for the first time since Ted Wells released his report into the bullying scandal that rocked the league, Philbin made it clear things would be cleaned up.Orlando, FL (SportsNetwork.com) - Kevin Durant had 21 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists as the Oklahoma City Thunder routed the Orlando Magic 127-99 on Sunday. Russell Westbrook posted 17 points and six assists, while Serge Ibaka added 16 points and eight boards foor the Thunder, who have won two straight on the heels of a 1-3 stretch.dddddddddddd. Victor Oladipo tallied 23 points and five helpers and Elfrid Payton supplied 19 points and eight assists for Orlando, which has dropped eight of its last 10 games. Wholesale NFL T-shirts Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping NFL Jerseys Wholesale China NFL Gear Wholesale NFL Camo Jerseys Cheap NFL Hoodies Camo China NFL Jerseys ' ' '

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NEW ORLEANS -- The New Orleans Saints made their first major moves of what is expected to be a challenging off-season on Wednesday, releasing strong safety Roman Harper, outside linebacker and defensive end Will Smith, and cornerback Jabari Greer. General manager Mickey Loomis also says the club does not intend to re-sign free-agent linebacker Jonathan Vilma, who has been hampered by recurring knee injuries the past few seasons. "These were not easy decisions to make," Loomis said in written comments released by the club. "Since we acquired them, Jabari, Roman, Will and Jonathan have all been excellent players on the field for us. Each of them were integral parts in turning this program around and winning a Super Bowl. They were a great example to our players as team leaders in the locker room as well. "However, a new NFL year is about to begin and, with the start of free agency in March, these difficult moves allow us to position our team under the salary cap to move forward for 2014," Loomis added. The Saints have said they intend to retain free-agent Pro Bowl tight end Jimmy Graham, either through a franchise tag or long-term extension, and both options will require financial flexibility. Wednesdays moves will save nearly $17 million in 2014. Saints coach Sean Payton said Smith, Harper, Vilma and Greer were "right there at the top" of all the great players he has coached or been around in his coaching career. "These are disciplined, smart, tough and team-oriented individuals," Payton said. "They all played an important role in helping this team and this city win its first Super Bowl and they have all enjoyed multiple playoff appearances and wins." Smith is a former first-round pick of the Saints in 2004 and had a team-leading 13 sacks during New Orleans Super Bowl season. However, he was widely expected to be released after this season, which he missed after tearing knee ligaments late in the preseason. He was scheduled to be paid $10.4 million in base salary alone this season. He has played in 139 games for the Saints, accumulating 67 1/2 career sacks. Harper was New Orleanss second round draft choice in 2006 and has since started 104 games. He went to Pro Bowls after the 2009 and 2010 season and his 17 career sacks are the most ever by a Saints defensive back. His base salary for 2014 was set at $2.35 million. As the moves became public, Harper posted a note on the social media website Twitter, thanking New Orleans fans for "the 8 years of .GreatMemories .WHODAT .SBXLIVCHAMPS." Greer, scheduled to earn $4 million in base salary next season, joined New Orleans as a free agent in 2009, immediately sliding into a starting role he held until a serious knee injury against San Francisco in mid-November, which ended his season. He intercepted nine passes in his five seasons in New Orleans, returning two for TDs. Vilma was acquired in a trade with the New York Jets in 2008. He led New Orleans in tackles during his first three season with the club and selected to Pro Bowls in 2009 and 2010. In 70 games with New Orleans, he was credited with 530 tackles, eight sacks, six interceptions, five forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries. Last season, however, Vilma began the season on the physically unable to perform list because of his recurring knee problems. He returned for only one game before sitting out the rest of the season, and on Wednesday he seemed to be comfortable with the Saints decision not to engage him in further contract talks. On Twitter, he wrote: "Couple pro bowls and a superbowl ring later, I couldnt have written that chapter any better. .WhoDat" Like Smith, he was a defensive captain, but also like Smith, was implicated by the NFL as a ring-leader in a cash-for-hits bounty program that the league said the Saints ran from 2009-2011. Both players have always denied they ran a bounty pool as described by the NFL and successfully overturned suspensions. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, meanwhile, has maintained the leagues findings were accurate. Andrea Romagnoli Jersey . But Josh Bailey scored the shootout winner to lead the Islanders to a 3-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens in a battle of the Eastern Conferences two worst teams. Cengiz Under Jersey . -- Jonas Hiller is cautiously confident he has kicked his vertigo. http://www.asromafcstore.com/emerson-as-roma-jersey/. Pierre last November, only to watch St. Pierre leave the UFC octagon with his welterweight title belt and a split-decision victory. 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He started the second game last season, when he came within one out of a perfect game aggainst Houston.dddddddddddd He went on to lead the majors with 277 strikeouts and finish second in the AL Cy Young Award voting. The last Rangers starter with consecutive opening day starts was Kevin Millwood from 2006 to 2009. Darvish will be the sixth different opening day starter in six years for Texas. Matt Harrison started last years opener. Wholesale NFL T-shirts Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping NFL Jerseys Wholesale China NFL Gear Wholesale NFL Camo Jerseys Cheap NFL Hoodies Camo China NFL Jerseys ' ' '

Columbus, OH (SportsNetwork.com) - The Tampa Bay Lightning used a great start and six different goal scorers to extend their winning streak with a 7-4 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Lightning have recorded 27 goals on their five-game run and saw 15 players record at least one point on Saturday. Tyler Johnson scored two goals, Ryan Callahan posted a goal and two assists, and Evgeni Nabokov made 28 saves to pick up his second win of the season. Scott Hartnell scored two goals for the second straight night for the Blue Jackets, who are 0-7-1 over their last eight games -- their worst stretch since starting the 2011-12 season with the same record. Anton Forsberg was overmatched in his second career start and was pulled after giving up four goals on 15 shots in the opening period. Curtis McElhinney stopped 20-of-22 shots in relief. Ryan Johansen and Nick Foligno both scored in the first 5:10 of the third period to pull Columbus within 6-4, but the 4-0 hole the Blue Jackets dug themselves in the first period was too much to overcome. J.T. Brown chipped in his own rebound just 5:46 into the game, and Cedric Paquette, who scored his first two NHL goals in Thursdays win over the Flames, went top shelf 21 seconds later. Anton Stralman knocked in a rebound while on the power play at the 12:31 mark, and Brian Boyle capped the early onslaught 2:10 later with his fifth goal of the season. Hartnells power-play goals in the second stanza were each answered by Tampa Bay within two minutes. After his deflection trickled past Nabokov, Callahan restored the four-goal cushion at the 5:38 mark. Johnson answered another Hartnell goal with a power-play marker of his own, then scored on an empty net in the final minute of regulation. Game Notes This was Tampa Bays first win in Columbus since Dec. 17, 2011 ... Brown scored his first goal since Dec. 23 last year ... Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov was unsuccessful on a penalty shot late in the first period ... Columbus defenseman James Wisniewski was credited with three assists ... Nabokov improved to 21-5-3 in his career against Columbus ... The Lightning will play in Detroit on Sunday ... Columbus has two days off before a road game against the Capitals. Chase Edmonds Jersey .C. -- Clemson celebrated a senior class Saturday that brought the program back as a national contender. Christian Kirk Cardinals Jersey . "Back in 2011, when they announced that the game was coming here, we knew that it was going to be pretty important that we had a good year and hopefully could get into it, let alone win it, so I felt some pressure obviously within for sure," Taman said Monday, less than 24 hours after the Riders won the championship. http://www.azcardinalsfanspro.com/Black-...ey.html?cat=918. Yet coming off consecutive series losses at St. Louis and Pittsburgh, Los Angeles needed some sort of spark as August approaches. The Dodgers found it in the ballpark of their biggest rival, and left the Bay Area in first place following an emphatic three-game swing. Benson Mayowa Jersey . Among the six changes: Drivers are now eligible if they have competed for 30 or more years in NASCAR or turned 55 in the calendar year before nominating day. Previously, drivers were not eligible until they had been retired for three years, so drivers can continue to compete and still reach the hall. Benson Mayowa Cardinals Jersey . That was OK with him. He was just happy his team came away with two points. Letestu redirected Jack Johnsons shot from the point with 2:38 left, lifting the Blue Jackets past the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 on Monday night. DETROIT -- The Detroit Red Wings are desperate for wins as they try to get into the playoffs for the 23rd straight time. On a night in which they barely beat the worst team in the Western Conference, coach Mike Babcock didnt diminish the importance of the much-needed victory. Tomas Tatar scored on Detroits third shootout attempt, and Jimmy Howard stopped all three Edmonton attempts to lift the Red Wings to a 2-1 win over the Oilers on Friday night. "Huge," Babcock said. "Howie, obviously, in the shootout, bailing us out was a real positive for us. "It gives us some confidence." Howard finished with 21 saves. Edmontons Ryan Smyth tied the game midway through the third period. Smyth scored on a shot from the slot that was set up by Detroit defenceman Brendan Smiths backhanded giveaway. "I absolutely didnt expect that," Smyth said. "I thought he was going to throw it around the boards. Smith just threw it up the middle." Riley Sheahan put the Red Wings ahead 1-0 late in the first period. They lost the lead and failed to take advantage of power plays late in regulation and midway through overtime. The banged-up Red Wings are missing numerous key players, including Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg, because of injuries and that is forcing players such as Sheahan to go from prospects to NHL players. Sheahan, who played only once in the league in each of the previous two years, said playing 26 games for the Red Wings has made him more comfortable. "Every day is a little step further," he said. "The guys have been awesome. Its a fun atmosphere and a great team to play for." Edmontons franchise is far from the greatness it enjoyed decades ago and is close to being eliminated from the playoff race for the eighth straight season. Oilers coach Dallas Eakins, though, has been pleased with how much effort his players appear to be giving despite their place in the standings. "What weve been preaching to them and they understand, down the stretch aree the building blocks for training camp," Eakins said.dddddddddddd "We dont want to go into full-teaching mode when we hit training camp. We want to hit the ground running and have a foundation on how were going to play. On a lot of nights, were starting to see how we want to play. "We still have such a long way to go to get up to be able to play with the top teams on a nightly basis, but were taking the necessary steps." The last time the Oilers were in the playoffs they beat Detroit in the first round and went on to lose to Carolina in Game 7 of the 2006 Stanley Cup finals. With much less at stake, the Oilers went into the third period with a shot to win at Joe Louis Arena for the first time since 2009. Detroits young lineup didnt generate many scoring chances against Viktor Fasth, who made 22 saves. He was acquired from Anaheim earlier this month for draft picks and won his Oilers debut against Minnesota on Tuesday in a shootout. Each team had only one shot in the opening five minutes of the lacklustre game, which had many more sloppy moments than spectacular stretches. "I didnt think either team was real smooth," Babcock said. "It was kind of a grind." Detroit was up 1-0 after two periods and probably didnt feel comfortable after losing one-third of their previous 27 games when entering the third with the lead. The Red Wings allowed the Oilers to pull into a tie because Smith failed to clear the puck out of their end or at least pass it to a teammate, and Smyth took advantage. "If (Smith) puts it on the guys tape on our team and you skate out through the middle, I like it," Babcock said. "When you turn it over, it doesnt look very good." NOTES: Babcock said he hopes F Darren Helm, who has been out with a concussion since March 4, will play Tuesday night at home against Toronto. ... The Red Wings had lost two straight. ... Edmonton has lost three of four. ... The Red Wings are 13-0-1 in their last 14 against the Oilers, who have lost eight straight in Detroit. 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MIAMI -- Something about facing the Miami Heat still brings out the best in Paul Pierce. Jason Kidd isnt half-bad against them, either. Pierce scored 17 of his 29 points in the third quarter and delivered two crucial scores late, Shaun Livingston created a turnover on the games final play and the Brooklyn Nets topped the Heat 96-95 on Wednesday night -- moving to 3-0 this season against the two-time defending NBA champions, two of those wins coming by a single point and the other in overtime. "We havent had any success," Kidd said of Brooklyns perfect mark against the Heat. "Weve just been lucky to win some games." Maybe, maybe not. In Kidds past 24 games against the Heat as a coach or player, his teams are 19-5. And this was just the latest entry in Brooklyns surge, with the Nets now an Eastern Conference-best 23-9 since Jan. 1. Mirza Teletovic scored 17 off the bench. Livingston finished with 13 points and Andray Blatche scored 11 for the Nets. Chris Bosh scored 24 points for Miami, giving him 15,003 for his career. Dwyane Wade scored 22, LeBron James finished with 19 and Mario Chalmers scored 14 for the Heat, who gave up 22 points off turnovers and were hit with two technicals (on Wade and Chalmers) for arguing calls within a 92-second span of the third quarter. "Its competition," said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, whose team has dropped four of its past five games. "Its survival of the strongest right now. ... We still feel confident about our game. We just need to put it together." Miami had a chance at the end. Deron Williams missed a jumper with about 8 seconds left, and Wade grabbed the rebound. He took a couple steps downcourt, then called time out with 3.5 seconds remaining, and Miami had to burn another one in order to advance the ball into the frontcourt for the final play. Whatever Spoelstra drew up never got off the ground. Bosh tried to get the ball to James in the lane, but Livingston knocked it away and time expired. "Losing four of five," James said, "thats pretty bad." Pierce was 5 for 5 from the field, 3 for 3 from 3-point range and got fouled on another try from beyond the arc in the third quarter, his biggest-scoring period of the season. "Im sure his antenna is raised in games like this, against us," Spoelstra said. Chalmers made a 3-pointer to get Miami within 84-81 with 6:57 left, but Teletovic -- who hadnt had a double-digit scoring game in exactly a month before Wednesday -- answered from several feet beyond the arc on the next Brooklyn possession to restore a six-point lead. Miami never got the lead back. Pierce had a 3 to make it 90-86, then a drive to snap a 92-all tie with 1:45 remaining. "Pauls got too much left in the tank to be a role player," Williams said. The Nets were without Kevin Garnett (back) and Andrei Kirilenko (ankle). Garnett is expected to miss at least one more game, while Kirilenko tested his ankle in a morning shootaround practice before the Nets figured he wasnt ready to play. Miami beat every other team in the league last season, and still could repeat the feat this year. The Heat entered Wednesday having beaten 26 of the 29 opposing clubs, the three holdouts being Houston (who visits Sunday), Memphis (who Miami hasnt faced yet) -- and the Nets, who won the first two meetings against the Heat this season in Brooklyn. Now theyve won in Miami as well, and are 31-1 when leading after three quarters. "If we had the answer, we would have won," James said. The Heat fell two games behind Indiana in the East race, as well as one game behind the Pacers in the loss column. It was also the fifth straight game where Miami failed to shoot better than 50 per cent from the field, and the Nets kept James from getting any shots from the field in the fourth quarter. "We do need to execute down the stretch," Wade said. "We need to be able to at least get the ball up to the rim, so were going to have to work on that a little bit. Weve got something to work on as a team. Thats not a bad thing." NOTES: James took a pair of free throws 3:07 into the game. He didnt take any in games earlier this week against Chicago and Washington. ... Joe Johnson had a 22-point first quarter against Miami in January; he was held to eight Wednesday. ... Brooklyn was staying in Miami overnight, a perk since it doesnt play again until Saturday in Washington. Sylvester Williams Lions Jersey .com) - Oregon wasnt going to let Arizona ruin its national title dreams for a second straight season. Devon Kennard Lions Jersey .com) - NFL owners have unanimously approved the sale of the Buffalo Bills. http://www.shopdetroitlionsnfl.com/lions...w-black-jersey/. Both of Padakins goals came in the second period while Zane Jones added a single in the first period for Calgary (13-6-4). Hitmen goaltender Chris Driedger finished with 30 saves for the shutout. Devon Kennard Jersey . - 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. Luke Willson Lions Jersey . The judge sternly instructed the prosecutor to restrain himself and he apologized -- then went right back to trying to pick holes in the testimony of the double-amputee runner. It was a harsh day of cross-examination for Pistorius, challenged relentlessly about his account of the moments just before he killed Reeva Steenkamp, as well as circumstances related to several firearms charges against him, including the firing of a gun in a crowded restaurant.Andros Townsend is Englands new brightest star. Needing two wins in their final two matches in World Cup qualifying, it was a previously uncapped 22-year-old pacing England to consecutive victories. Townsend was great, not necessarily the difference-maker, but certainly the top player on the field in Englands back-to-back wins over Montenegro and Poland, punching their ticket to Brazil. There have been articles and columns downplaying the significance of his contributions, citing a lack of quality opposition as the catalyst for success. Others have scoffed at his long-term prospects of being a lynchpin for country, pointing to other young English players showing promise, only to stumble in their respective club and international careers. Such questions are fine to ask, but do little to acknowledge the quality of the player on an all-important stage over the last week. Townsend was fearless for England, as he has been for Spurs to start the season. His confidence on the ball and willingness to take on defenders on the dribble using his size and pace are reminiscent of a young Steve McManaman trotting down the wing. England has been without the combination of requisite size and pace with ability for far too long. The left wing has been an abyss. And the right wing, with David Beckham taking the position for the better part of 15 years up until 2009, the national team lacked a player able to get into advanced positions, equally being a scoring threat ,as well as a danger in distribution. Its been just two games for Townsend, but the signal of intent by the player and the willingness of the manager to deploy him in such important matches suggests that, if Roy Hodgson can find similar players ahead of Brazil, England may have some actual substance heading into the FIFA World Cup. So who is Andros Townsend? Although only 22, Townsend is a player who has risen to prominence in recent months. Getting to a position to warrant consideration for the national team hasnt come easy. Townsend has been sent out on nine loan-spells before finally securing first team club football at Tottenham. Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas handed Townsend a starting role from the get-go this season in a squad rich with midfield talent. Townsend has rewarded his manager, second in the Premier League in shots (26) through Matchday 7 (Townsend has played in six games,) despite not scoring a goal. His goal against Montenegro and constant direct play speaks to his initiative. And the argument can be made even when Theo Walcott is once again fit, Townsend provides a more complete, better suited option than the Arsenal man. After years of bouncing around the lower leagues of England, including loans of varying degrees of success in the League Championship, Townsend received his first extended look in the Premier League with his former Spurs manager Harry Redknapp at QPR after a January loan move earlier this year. Townsend was bright in spells, scoring two goals for QPR in an otherwise disastrous relegation season at Loftus Road. It was this experience, albeit a trying one, which showed Townsend had the quality to become a Premier League footballer. Townsends form thus far this season has gone above and beyond expectations of a young player competing for minutes at a top club. A regular spot is far from a certainty at Spurs with Aaron Lennon in the squad and Argentine Erik Lamela competing for a spot, albeit in a different attacking role. It all depends on formation. Townsend has made his case as best option, completing 87 per cent of passes and giving necessary width to a team with muscle and creativity in the middle of the park. There is no way AVB banked on Townsend being a preferred option in his summer plans. There are no guarantees a young player returning from a loan move can be a steady and reliable option. AVB hasnt only found that in Townsend, but left back Danny Rose as well, returning from a year at Sunderland. Although the decision to send out players like Townsend and Rose have provided initial returns, therein is the predicament facing top clubs in the Premier League: how best to develop young players with the long-term in mind while attempting to maintain a competitive balance over the short-term. At present time, loaning out players to get experience is preferable in most cases to allowing players remain at the club and compete for limited squad positions. To some, loan moves are a product of complacency and lack of commitment to proper development - Take my player and give him playing time and, hopefully by the time he returns, Ill have use for him – or similar mindsets are hardly the pathway to achieving sustainable development for young players. It reeks of laziness. Instead, many around the game advocate big clubs establish ‘B teams in lower divisions of English football. The caveat is none of these ‘B teams can ever receive promotion to the top flight. This model has been used in Spain over the years, where young players receive valuable experience in the lower tiers, working their way up to the ‘A squad as they mature and show progress. Even a 16-year-old Lionel Messi started his professional career playing for the Barcelona ‘C team. The idea of creating an ‘A/‘B/C team development system makes sense, as the reserve divisions continue to crumble away in England, failing to provide adequate competitive football in a game trending younger in its player membership, while quenching the desire of supporters to see top football. Those opposing a ‘B team system say the structure devalues the importance of smaller club football competition at lower levels and divisions in England. Smaller clubs pride themselves on tradition, community, and competition. Although a Manchester United ‘B team would attract a casual audience in stadia across the country, the ardent supporter will decry such a move as ruining the game, making a mockery of the current structure. Not all teams will be able to create and sustain a set-up of multiple competitive teams in different divisions.ddddddddddddnbsp;The costs and organizational commitment will ensure the big clubs will remain atop of the food chain while the have-nots will remain second-class citizens. Spain is one of the most top heavy, predictable leagues in world football. Townsend was on-loan nine times. A Spurs ‘B team would have provided more stability for the young payer in his development and a clear path to the first team. Thats not to suggest the practice of a loan-move cant be effective. Due diligence is required to find the right fit for your on-loan players. Nine loan moves speaks to the lack of vision by the parent club in trying to find the right fit to cultivate the talent of Townsend. Simply turning to the League Championship to find a team that will play the player is the easy way out. Championship clubs are always looking to fill out rosters. If an on-loan player has the chance to star for a competitive, forward-thinking Championship club, then so be it. But, by far and away, regular minutes for another Premier League club is a preferable route with a much greater return. Growing familiarity with Premier League football and the expectations of playing with and against quality players is whats required for growth. The questions of when and where are paramount. The loan move of Romelu Lukaku was a head-scratcher to most with Chelsea sending out an impact player to Everton. Many condemned the move by Jose Mourinho and continue to do so, insisting that Lukaku could help Chelsea up front now. While that may be true, Mourinho is taking the long-view, giving up short-term returns in a squad player at Stamford Bridge in preference for the young player to receive regular and consistent first-team football at Goodison Park. The decision comes with risk. Mourinho is banking on the experienced Samuel Etoo, Fernando Torres and Demba Ba to provide goals in the lone striker role. The early returns have been sporadic, at best. But over the long-term, this was a patient, calculated move. Lukaku will return to Chelsea a better player after back-to-back years being the go-to man in attack and playing against top competition week-in, week-out. Everton was the perfect place for Lukaku to land - a team committed to playing the ball on the ground in a similar formation to that of Chelsea. The best teams at cultivating talent find these preferable situations where first-team playing time is not just expected, but demanded. Manchester United have sent out Danny Welbeck (Sunderland) and Tom Cleverley (Wigan Athletic,) who were instant starters on the respective loan moves. The players returned to Old Trafford more complete and were prepared to become key contributors for a Premier League winning team. David Moyes faces the same predicament at present time with Wilfried Zaha. The 20-year-old winger has all the talent in the world, but Moyes feels uncomfortable playing the former Crystal Palace winger due to his carelessness with the ball in dangerous positions. That entire argument is flawed to begin with, but well leave that alone for the time being. If Moyes felt this way from the get-go, he should have loaned out Zaha at the beginning of the year. It doesnt do the player or the club any good for talent as such sitting on the sidelines watching games. Moyes however remains steadfast Zaha is better at Old Trafford for the time being. “I want Wilf to get used to what happens here,” said Moyes. “It is important Wilf gets to see the level of the training here, the level of the players and the quality they have got.” Zaha is being linked to up to five Premier League teams for a January loan move. He simply has to. Seeing a younger, also raw, Adnan Januzaj get a look while waiting patiently for his chance does Zaha no good. A 20-year-old needs to play. And its not just young players who suffer from watching. Shinji Kagawa blamed his lack of game action at Old Trafford for his current dip in form internationally with Japan. “Maybe its because Im not used to being on the pitch of late, but I didnt feel like I was able to enter these two games properly,” said Kagawa after friendlies against Serbia and Belarus. “I felt strongly after these two matches that I need to play more.” This is the crux for top teams. Depth is required to survive an arduous season. Chelsea struggled last year dealing with 69 matches in all competitions. Casuals blamed the manager, but a lack of squad depth was the real issue. Manchester United has depth. Moyes has been reluctant to use his entire squad. There is no question United needs Kagawa. But it doesnt do the player any good not being involved in competitive matches. Javier Hernandez is experiencing the same frustration at United and its affected his form with Mexico. These players need to play. Townsend is fortunate to have caught the eye of his club manager and opened the door for his England debut. England manager Roy Hodgson spoke to the fact that Townsend, as well as Welbeck, Liverpools Daniel Sturridge and Arsenals Jack Wilshere are playing regular first team football as the catalyst to positive performance with England. If youre not playing, you cannot be expected to perform. Chelsea, having added to the squad in the summer, realizes the need for their young players to play. The club has 25 players currently out on loan. Thats five more players on loan than Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal have combined. The bottom line is, whether on a ‘B team or on loan, playing time is paramount. Training and developing ‘good habits isnt enough. The competitive nature of football at the top level is as much about confidence through experience and the psychological belief that one can succeed as it is proper training. Townsend has been given his chance and has run with it and England and Spurs are better off because of it. Wholesale NFL T-shirts Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping NFL Jerseys Wholesale China NFL Gear Wholesale NFL Camo Jerseys Cheap NFL Hoodies Camo China NFL Jerseys ' ' '

ST. LOUIS -- A week ago, Jaroslav Halak couldnt wait to get off the ice and find a place to hide. Hed been no relief at all after replacing Brian Elliott in net in New Jersey and was embarrassed along with the rest of St. Louis Blues. "I can speak for myself: I was hoping the game was over after the second period," Halak said. The bad taste is all gone now. Alexander Steen gave the Blues the early lead and Halak earned his fourth shutout of the season and was the games first star in a 3-0 victory over the Devils on Tuesday night. New Jersey had 23 shots, the same as it needed in a 7-1 rout at home last week, but, this time, had nothing to show for it. "It was weird, going to New York and getting back and playing Jersey again," Halak said. "It was a good thing we got it over with and we didnt have to wait." Brenden Morrow added a power-play goal midway through the third period and Maxim Lapierre scored into an empty net with 2:08 left. Patrik Berglund assisted on both third-period scores. "I think the more we learn from those types of games the better, because thats never a good recipe when youre chasing games," Morrow said. "Good teams stay with their structure, stay with their system and let that roll over and get back into the game that way, and I think we learned our lesson there." The Blues have won three straight and moved a point ahead of the Blackhawks, who played later at Calgary, for the Central Division lead. St. Louis cleaned up on defence a week after getting whipped in New Jersey when Halak allowed four goals in 14 shots after relieving Elliott. Halak has started all three games since that setback, allowing a total of four goals. Hes 7-1-1 in his last nine starts with a 1.77 goals-against average and .940 save percentage. The Devils mustered little offensively coming off a 7-3 loss to the Rangers at Yankee Stadium on Sunday. They were shut out for the sixth time, although this was the first time in 35 games. "Well, we didnt have many chances to score, but they played great tight defence and we had nothing," said forward Jaromir Jagr, held to two shots. "We had chances but not 100 per cent chances." The Devils have the NHLs second-best power play but were 0 for 5 against Halak. "Two totally different games," coach Peter DeBoer said. "Both goaltenders were very good. I dont think that was the case last week in New Jersey." The Blues are an NHL-best 17-3-1 against the Eastern Conference, and 9-0 at home. Steen was the NHLs second-leading goal scorer in late December before missing 11 games with a concussion. Hes been back six games and has a point in the last five with three goals and four assists. "He is a very dynamic player," coach Ken Hitchcock said. "For him to get to the elite level where he was before, I think he just has to learn to get back to the right balance between reward and risk. "He had an unbelievable balance of reward and risk going before he got hurt." Halak and Brian Elliott have combined for seven shutouts this season. Halak has won four straight starts with two shutouts this month, and holds the franchise mark with 20 shutouts in four seasons. Morrow deflected a waist-high shot past Cory Schneider for his eighth goal and first point in nine games, capitalizing on a tripping call against Bryce Salvador. St. Louis killed off Roman Polaks high-sticking penalty just nine seconds into the game, and then took the lead on Steens 27th goal at 3:25. Steen scored his 100th goal in six seasons with St. Louis scoring from the slot on an odd-man rush with assists by Jaden Schwartz and David Backes. Alex Pietrangelo took a holding call foiling a break-in by Stephen Gionta late in the period and, again, the St. Louis penalty killers came through. The Blues Vladimir Sobotka hit the goal post on an odd-man rush with just under five minutes to go. The Devils played in St. Louis for the first time since Nov. 20, 2010, a 3-2 Blues victory. NOTES: NFL Hall of Famer Dan Dierdorf, who recently retired from broadcasting, wore a Blues jersey with his number 72 while watching from a private box. ... New Jersey is 5-16-3 when trailing after two periods. ... Jagr had totalled two goals and four assists the previous four games. ... Steen has seven game-winners in 41 games this season. The previous two seasons, he totalled six game-winners in 83 games. Tim Duncan Jersey . Pistorius mindset when he stood on his stumps in a bathroom and pulled the trigger on his 9 mm pistol in the early hours of Feb. 14, 2013 remains the crux of the South African trial that has captured worldwide attention and is about to start its seventh week of globally televised proceedings. It was initially scheduled to run for three weeks. Kawhi Leonard Jersey . Off-Season Game Plan looks at the Capitals possible summer plans, with the understanding that its tough to plot a direction without a general manager or head coach around which to set those expectations. http://www.shopspursauthentic.com/Cheap-...n-Spurs-Jersey/. None of them are Finlands Pekka Rinne, who stands as Canadas biggest challenge in Thursdays quarter-final round. Even while a young Finnish team has struggled with penalties, turnovers and a lack of offensive depth, Rinne has been a rock with a 1. Pau Gasol Jersey .com) - Matt Beleskey has helped give the Anaheim Ducks some scoring depth and hell look to stay hot on Wednesday night when his club hosts the struggling Philadelphia Flyers. Joffrey Lauvergne Jersey . The redshirt freshman finished the regular season with nearly 3,500 passing yards, and 35 touchdowns with another three on the ground while leading the Seminoles to the top of the BCS Rankings.ST. LOUIS -- To stay a step ahead of goaltenders, T.J. Oshie mixes up his shots in shootouts. It worked Saturday, with Oshie and Vladimir Tarasenko scoring in the tiebreaker to give the St. Louis Blues a 4-3 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. "I try to switch it up," Oshie said. "I know they watch video just like we do so I try to be unpredictable out there. Ive scored a couple on backhands, three or four in the 5-hole and a couple using the forehand." Alexander Steen missed on the first attempt. Then came Oshie. The crowd chanted "USA! USA! as Oshie skated in on Al Montoya and beat him. Tarasenko then scored, giving the Blues the victory in their final game before the Olympic break. Tarasenko is 3 for 5 in shootouts. Whichever way he goes, Oshie is getting the job done. He is 7 for 10 in shootouts. "Its just a fun part of the game where youve been doing it at the end of practices with goalies since you were a kid," Oshie said. "Its something Ive had fun doing." Blues goalie Brian Elliott stopped Bryan Little and Andrew Ladd in the tiebreaker. They were a combined 9 for 14 before misfiring against Elliot. Coach Ken Hitchcock said there is a "calmness" on the bench when it comes to time for a shootout. "Thats what is intriguing for me," Hitchcock said. "First of all, we can go deep cause we have people who are good at it that are down the ladder. But weve also got those three guys who are pretty golden for us to be honest. We know were going to get a goal from one of the three for sure." Brenden Morrow, Derek Roy and Jaden Schwartz scored in regulation for the Blues, 15-0-1 against Central Division rivals. They are 22-5-3 at home and 39-12-6 overall. Mark Scheifele scored twice, and Dustin Byfuglien added a goal for Winnipeg. "We know we played a good game and for it to come down to a shootout is a tough way to end it," Scheifele said. "We know we can play with every team in this league and to lose in a shootout to a team like that is obviously good but we know we could have won that game." It was the fourth consecutive overtime game for St. Louis. St. Louis was 0 for 8 on the power play and has failed to score in its last 20 chaances.dddddddddddd "Ive got three weeks to think about it," Hitchcock said, pointing to the Olympic break. "I have no thoughts. I need a break from it. They need a break from it." The Blues improved to 3-1 this season against the Jets, winning the last three with each game was decided by a single goal or in a shootout. Schwartz scored on a backhander from the slot to give St. Louis a 3-2 lead 34 seconds into the third period. Schwartz has three goals and three assists in a four-game points streak. Byfuglien tied it on a power play with 6:17 left. St. Louis scored first. Morrow took a drop pass from Tarasenko and snapped a wrist shot from the left circle at 7:39 of the first period. Winnipeg tied it on Scheifeles goal at 12:33. From behind the net, Devin Setoguchi found Scheifele in front of the crease and Scheifele slid it by Elliott. St. Louis regained the lead when Roy scored on off an assist from Morrow with 2:22 left in the period. It was Roys first goal in 25 games since Dec.12 against Toronto. Scheifele tied it at 2 midway through the second. "We played a hell of a game, down three times and battled back," Winnipeg coach Paul Maurice said. "Big power play goal, fantastic penalty kill. We played a real solid game. I liked the looks we were getting for the most part on power-play, getting faster. "I dont put any stock into a shootout deciding how we play. We played a great game. We worked hard enough and played well enough that we just as easily could have won that game." NOTES: Blues D Jordan Leopold left in the first period and did not return. ... St. Louis D Barret Jackman played in his 700th game. Only Bernie Federko (927), Brian Sutter (779) and Brett Hull (744) have played more games for the Blues than the former No. 1 draft choice. ... The 10 Blues player selected to play in the Winter Olympics were honoured in ceremony before the game. Nine Blues are headed to the games. F Vladimir Sobotka will miss playing because of a leg injury. ... The Jets are sending four players to the Olympics ... With the win, Hitchcock went past Hall of Fame coach Scotty Bowman on the Blues career victories list. Bowman was 110-83-45 with the Blues from 1967 to 1970. The Blues are 111-44-15 under Hitchcock. Wholesale NFL T-shirts Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping NFL Jerseys Wholesale China NFL Gear Wholesale NFL Camo Jerseys Cheap NFL Hoodies Camo China NFL Jerseys ' ' '

NEW YORK -- Cold, shorter rest, a bigger ball. No matter the challenges, Masahiro Tanaka is making a smooth transition from Japan to the major leagues for one major reason: his split-fingered fastball. Tanaka allowed two bunt hits in eight dominant innings on a frigid Wednesday, Carlos Beltran homered for the third straight game and New York welcomed the Chicago Cubs to the current Yankee Stadium with a 3-0 victory in the opener of a day-night doubleheader. "That split is not something you want to sit on. Its not something youre going to be able to handle," Cubs manager Rick Renteria said. "But, as it was coming out of the hand, as the guys were coming in, they were saying, Gosh, it looks like a fastball. It ends up diving." And it makes batters look silly. The 25-year-old Japanese right-hander struck out 10 for his second straight start, this time while wearing three-quarter sleeves on a 43-degree day that felt much colder because of a brisk wind. Tanaka (2-0) gave up a replay-aided hit to Junior Lake in the second inning, and Anthony Rizzo pushed a bunt toward a vacated third base with a shifted infield leading off the seventh. Tanaka has 28 strikeouts in 22 innings, the most strikeouts for a Yankees pitcher in his first three career starts, according to the Yankees via the Elias Sports Bureau. Tanaka threw 107 pitches, and Shawn Kelley allowed a single to Rizzo as he finished the three-hitter for his fourth save. "It was cold out there and I did feel it but I was able to control myself, control the grip and manage myself to pitch the way I did today," Tanaka said. Dean Anna had a sacrifice fly and Jacoby Ellsbury added an RBI tap-out against Jason Hammel (2-1) in Chicagos first regular-season game in the ballpark, which opened in 2009. The Cubs have yet to win in the Bronx. They were swept in the 1932 and 38 World Series and lost all three-games in 2005, their only interleague series in New York. With Tuesdays rainout postponing Jackie Robinson Day festivities, the Yankees planned to unveil a plaque honouring Nelson Mandela before the nightcap. Players from both teams were to wear No. 42, and Michael Pineda was set to make his first start for New York since he was spotted with a mysterious brown substance on his hand Thursday against Boston. Travis Wood was slated to start for Chicago. After an overnight storm, the grounds crew used blowers to melt the ice on the tarp before removing the covering from the infield. Snow still covered the grass in right field while the Cubs took batting practice, and many players wore ski caps. But it wasnt too cold for Beltran. He connected on a 1-1 changeup from Hammel with one out in the first. Anna started again at shortstop for Derek Jeter and drove in his run with a fly to left field in the fourth. Jeter missed three games with a tight quadriceps but manager Joe Girardi said the captain would start the second game. "Right now I feel good at the plate, and am seeing good results, said Beltran, the current AL player of the week. New York added a run in the fifth when Junior Lake lost Brett Gardners liner to left in the sun for a double. After Gardner advanced on Beltrans groundout, Ellsburys bat made contact with catcher John Bakers glove before dunking a ball in front of the mound. Catchers interference was called but under rule 6.08 (c), the Yankees had the choice to reject the interference call -- it would have put runners at the corners -- and take the play as it unfolded on the field. The elected for the latter, with Gardner scoring and Ellsbury tagging out by Hammel. "With one out you take the run," Girardi said. Tanaka gave up six runs -- five earned -- in his first two starts combined, all before the third inning was over. This time he was sharp from the start. He walked his second batter this season and lowered his ERA to 2.05 ERA. Lake bunted toward the third base side, and Tanaka fielded it cleanly. Initially, first base umpire Manny Gonzalez called Lake out but Cubs manager Rick Renteria requested a challenge and the call was overturned. Hammel was nearly as good. He yielded three runs and five hits, striking out five. "I thought I threw the ball pretty well, but he was better today," Hammel said. "I was very impressed. Strike thrower, obviously, his split finger is devastating." NOTES: Yankees 1B Mark Teixeira (right hamstring) is working out in Tampa, Fla. He is eligible to come off the DL Sunday. ... The Cubs have played in 122 ballparks. ... The Yankees swept two exhibition games from the Cubs at the new stadium before opening day in 09. ... Renteria asked for a second review on a close play at first base in the seventh. The replay umpire ruled the call stands, which means there wasnt conclusive evidence to overturn the call on the field. Claudio Bravo Jersey . Nick Young scored 17 points for Los Angeles, which lost five of its last seven before trouncing the Pelicans, who beat them handily last week in New Orleans. Jodie Meeks and Xavier Henry scored 15 points apiece for the Lakers, who led by 20 points in the first half before coasting to their 12th win in their last 13 regular-season meetings with New Orleans. Kevin De Bruyne Jersey . She was 30. The former British No. 1 died peacefully surrounded by family and friends, the Womens Tennis Association said on its website. The Kyiv-born Baltacha, who represented Britain at the 2012 London Olympics, was diagnosed with the illness in January, two months after retiring from tennis and only weeks after she married her long-time coach Nino Severino. http://www.authenticmanchestercityshop.c...er-City-Jersey/. They find themselves trying to knock each other out in the Western Conference finals for the second straight year. The Blackhawks prevailed last year on their way to the Stanley Cup, and they have the early lead this time after taking the opener, 3-1. David Silva Jersey . Johns, N.L., to Thunder Bay, Ont., after a deal was announced to build a new $106-million "event centre" in the Lake Superior community. Ilkay Gundogan Jersey . After falling 5-0 on home ice in a game that could have tied them for second in the wild card standings, Washington head coach Adam Oates had some strong words for Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin.FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Dimitri Pattersons suspension will last a few more days. The New York Jets announced Tuesday night that the veteran cornerback who went AWOL for 48 hours last weekend will sit out for the rest of the week, including the preseason finale at Philadelphia on Thursday night, but is eligible to return to the team next Monday. The team also said that additional terms of discipline would not be disclosed. Patterson is likely facing a team-imposed fine. Patterson had been suspended indefinitely on Monday after he left the team last Friday night before the Jets preseason game against the Giants without speaking to anyone in the organization. General manager John Idzik said the team wanted to gather facts before determining how Patterson would be further disciplined. The Jets wouldnt provide details on the reason Patterson gave for what the team called an "unexcused" absence. Earlier Tuesday, coach Rex Ryan said he didnt anticipate a resolution to the situation in the next few days, and also didnt have any additional updates. Patterson, who signed a one-year, $3 million deal in April, might still face an uncertain future with the Jets, particularly after teams make their final roster cuts Saturday. Ryan wouldnt speculate as to whether the Jets could release Patterson before the regular season. "Were not going to comment on what may or may not take place," Ryan said. "We know what the situation is now and were moving forward. Were going to coach the guys that are here and thats what were doing." Patterson was at meetings, a walkthrough and the pregame meal last Friday, but didnt show for the preseason game later that night at MetLife Stadium. He gave the Jets no warning he would leave the team, and didnt speak to anyone in the organization directly until he met with Ryan and Idzik on Sunday night at the training facility. Idzik said Monday that Pattersons suspension would be "brief," but the 31-year-old cornerback would face more discipline once the team had finished looking into the matter. Patterson was not at practice Monday or Tuesday. "I really dont know what to say about that," quarterback Geno Smith said of Pattersons situation. "I just hope hes fine, hope hes OK. As a teammate, as a friend, I want to support him. Obviously, coaches are going to make their decisions on what they think is best for the team. We stand behind that."t; Patterson had been projected as a starter for the regular season, but has been hampered most of the summer by ankle, calf and quadriceps injuries so he has played only in the preseason opener against Indianapolis -- and struggled.dddddddddddd The Jets expected Patterson to test out his leg during pregame warmups last Friday night, and would then determine whether he would play. Ryan acknowledged Patterson wasnt going to start the game, but could have entered with the first-team defence at some point. When asked if the absence might have stemmed from being upset about not starting, Ryan again refused to speculate. Even before Pattersons puzzling absence, the Jets faced a shaky situation at the cornerback position. Dee Milliner, expected to be the teams top cover man in his second season, is still recovering from a high ankle sprain that has his status for the regular-season opener in doubt. Third-round draft pick Dexter McDougle is out for the year with a torn knee ligament. Safety-turned-cornerback Antonio Allen is working his way back from a concussion. Backup Darrin Walls, who could end up starting in Week 1, has a leg ailment but Ryan said "its not a major issue." That leaves Kyle Wilson, Ellis Lankster, LeQuan Lewis and Johnny Patrick as the Jets top healthy cornerbacks. Ryan laughed when asked if he had ever been in a more dire situation in the secondary. "Guys, I coached at New Mexico Highlands," he joked. "I coached in Vegas, New Mexico. But, you know what? Its like anything else. Sometimes, an opportunity presents itself that maybe normally wouldnt. You end up finding a diamond in the rough, so to speak." NOTES: WR Stephen Hill pushed through practice despite vomiting on the field, Ryan said. He sat out Sunday with an illness and was sent home Monday after he vomited. Hill has been the subject of trade rumours because of his inability to be consistent on the field. When asked about an ESPN report that said the Jets looked into dealing Hill this summer, Ryan shrugged. "Well, I didnt try to trade him," he said. "I can comment on me. Again, a lot of times with anything, youll listen to whatever things are thrown out there. This is the first Ive heard of it, though." ... QBs coach David Lee said third-stringer Matt Simms has "improved as much as any guy I think I can ever remember coaching." Wholesale NFL T-shirts Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping NFL Jerseys Wholesale China NFL Gear Wholesale NFL Camo Jerseys Cheap NFL Hoodies Camo China NFL Jerseys ' ' '

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Mike Moustakas hit two balls that had chances to go deep. The first one was just foul down the right-field line, but the second was fair as Moustakas homered to lead off the 13th inning, lifting the Kansas City Royals to a 7-6 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Thursday. Moustakas homered to right on an 0-2 pitch from Chance Ruffin (0-1), who had not pitched in the majors since 2011. "I knew it was going to get out, but I knew it was going to be foul soon as I hit it," Moustakas said of the first shot. "I got a little too out in front of it. "The second one I knew was going to stay fair. I hit it pretty good. I kept my hands in pretty good. It was pretty special with the race were in right now." The Royals entered the game 5 1/2 back in the wild-card standings. "Soon as Moose hit the first one, I was hoping it would stay fair," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "When it didnt, I turned to Hos (Eric Hosmer) and said, Why is fate tempting us, teasing us like this. Why? "Normally when somebody hits a long foul ball homer and theyve got two strikes on them thats it. I cant remember one time Ive ever seen a guy back it up and hit one fair. So when he hit it fair, it was wow, pretty special." Ruffin retired the first five batters he faced, striking out three. "I was trying to get the fastball down and in," Ruffin said. "He turned on it pretty good. The one he hit out was supposed to be in. I left it in the middle." Louis Coleman (3-0), the eighth Royals pitcher, retired the only batter he faced in the top of the 13th. Kansas City led 6-5 in the ninth inning before Raul Ibanez homered off Greg Holland into the Mariners bullpen with two outs to tie the score. It was Hollands first blown save since May 6 to end his streak of 31 consecutive saves. "He throws 100 (mph) and he has a really good slider," Ibanez said. "I was trying to swing easy, thinking base hit, a single. He threw a slider and I got it in the air to right field. Sometimes if a guy is not throwing too hard you might look to do some damage, but when a guy is throwing that hard you cant try to do too much." The Royals play their next 12 games against the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Indians, the two teams in front of them in the AL Central. "Every game is crucial and extremely important," Yost said. "Weve seen our players do this the majority of the year. They dont believe if were down by five were out of it or were going to lose the game." Billy Butler went 5 for 5, matching his career high in hits for the Royals, while Emilo Bonifacio went 4 for 6 for his first four-hit game since July 4, 2009. "Its not easy to come back from a five-run deficit," Butler said. "That shows the resiliency of this team. Every game at this point is a must win." The teams combined to use 44 players, including 14 pitchers. The Mariners threatened in the 11th when Dustin Ackley singled and Nick Franklin walked. Kelvin Herrera, the sixth Royals pitcher, replaced Tim Collins and struck out Franklin Gutierrez and Mike Zunino to end the inning. Butler drove in the tying run with his fourth single in a three-run seventh. Justin Maxwells sacrifice fly scored Butler to put the Royals up 6-5. Royals catcher Salvador Perez went 3 for 3 with a double and RBI, but left in the fifth with dizziness. He took a foul shot from Dustin Ackley off his mask in the top of the fifth. Mariners left-hander Joe Saunders was staked to a 5-0 lead, but could not make it through the fifth inning. Saunders gave up a two-run homer to Alex Gordon and an RBI single to Salvador Perez in the fifth. When Justin Maxwell walked to load the bases, Saunders was replaced by Brandon Maurer, who struck out pinch-hitter Carlos Pena on three pitches to end the inning. Saunders allowed three runs and 11 hits and a walk in 4 2-3 innings. In his past six starts, he is 1-3, allowing 50 hits, including six home runs, in 31 2-3 innings. Maurer, however, gave up four consecutive hits to start Kansas Citys three-run seventh. Justin Smoak hit a two-run homer in the Mariners three-run first. It was Smoaks third home run in 13 at-bats off Royals right-hander Jeremy Guthrie. Kendrys Morales singled home Abraham Almonte, who had doubled, with the first Seattle run. Hosmers fielding error in the third allowed Kyle Seager to score another run. The Mariners made it 5-0 in the fourth on Brad Millers sacrifice fly. Guthrie was pulled after six innings, allowing five runs and seven hits and two walks. He is 1-3 with a 5.11 ERA in his past six starts, yielding 53 hits and 21 earned runs in 37 innings. NOTES: Seattle RHP Felix Hernandez, the 2010 AL Cy Young Award winner, will miss his scheduled start Sunday and has been pushed back to Wednesday. Hernandez left his Monday start against the Royals in the seventh inning with lower back cramps. "He wants to start on Sunday and we understand that," manager Eric Wedge said. "He felt a lot better yesterday and feels better again today. Hes going to go out and play some catch, but were going to be cautious with him." ... Royals 2B Chris Getz, who suffered a possible concussion on Tuesday, said he was feeling better Thursday, but left the stadium to see a doctor. He suffered a concussion Sept. 12, 2010, and missed the remainder of the season. ... Royals INF Jamey Carroll started at third base after not playing in the previous seven games. Mike Hughes Jersey . A 19-game winner with the New York Yankees in both 2006 and 2007, Wang spent most of this year at Triple-A for the Yankees and Blue Jays. The 33-year-old right-hander was 1-2 with a 7. Kendall Wright Vikings Jersey ." The tournament was set to be held Sept. 15-21 and would have been the first ATP tournament held in Israel since 1996. But amid Israels military campaign against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, ATP President Chris Kermode said "we do not feel we can proceed as planned given the situation in the region. http://www.officialauthenticvikingsshop....mes-jersey.html. -- Officials have approved a deal to build a new $672 million stadium for the Atlanta Braves away from the downtown Atlanta area that has traditionally been its home. Kendall Wright Jersey . -- Two out of three aint bad. Kirk Cousins Vikings Jersey . Chelsea ripped apart Hull inside 25 minutes at Stamford Bridge, with the early goals from Oscar and Frank Lampard securing a 2-0 victory. While Lampard had earlier missed a penalty, Roberto Soldado had no such trouble from the spot for Tottenham, scoring on his debut to clinch a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace.SUNRISE, Fla. -- Henrik Lundqvist was happy to get the chance to make amends for his previous performance. The 2012 Vezina Trophy winner rebounded from a poor game with 31 saves and Rick Nash scored his second goal of the season to lift the New York Rangers over the Florida Panthers 5-2 on Wednesday night. Lundqvist was back in net after getting pulled from a 5-0 loss at Tampa Bay on Monday, when he gave up four goals in two periods. "I just tried to play my game tonight. It was important for me and the team to bounce back with a solid performance," Lundqvist said. "Im happy with the way I played." It didnt seem anyones confidence in Lundqvist was shaken. "Thats what I expected from him," Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said. "Hes a world-class goaltender, strong mentally. I didnt think the game in Tampa was a 5-0 game and tonight obviously we could have played stronger in some situations, but when we did have a breakdown we had a goaltender that made some saves." Mats Zuccarello, Brad Richards and Derick Brassard also scored for the Rangers. Carl Hagelin added an empty-net goal with 24 seconds left. Nick Bjugstad and Scottie Upshall scored in the third period for Florida. Tim Thomas allowed four goals on 21 shots. After the Panthers scored twice to cut their deficit to one, Zuccarellos power-play goal made it 4-2 with 1:28 left. The Rangers improved to 3-1 on their five-game road trip. The five goals tied their season high. With a 3-0 lead, it seemed Lundqvist was cruising toward a shutout. But two Panthers goals late in the third made it close. Florida cut it to 3-1 on Upshalls backhander in front with 7:32 left. Upshall has eight points in his past eight games. Bjugstad brouught the puck through the neutral zone and put it in from the left side at 16:17 to close to 3-2.dddddddddddd "We did a good job of coming back," Upshall said. "It was a big effort." The Panthers couldnt score again, and the Rangers scored twice in the final 1:28 to put the game away. "I wouldnt say it was one of our best games, but at the end of the day we found a way to win," Vigneault said. "And finding ways to win is the goaltender making some key saves at the right moment; we got that." Florida is 0-2 against the Rangers this season. "We werent good in certain areas," coach Peter Horachek said. "We turned pucks over when we shouldnt. We didnt manage when we should." Nashs third-period goal put New York ahead 3-0. Nash, who missed 17 games with a concussion this season, got control of the puck in the neutral zone and his wrist shot from the slot beat Thomas on the stick side at 5:32. "It was a weird game. The main thing is we got the job done on the road," Nash said. The Rangers took a 1-0 lead on Brassards power-play goal in the first. Brassard took a pass from Zuccarello in the slot and tipped it past Thomas glove at 12:13. Brassards goal was his fifth of the season and second in 10 games. The Rangers were 0 for 9 on the power play in their previous two games. New York stretched its lead to 2-0 on Richards goal late in the second period. Richards shot from the right circle went through the legs of two Panthers defenders and Thomas at 18:53. Richards has a team-high seven goals. NOTES: Rangers forward Taylor Pyatt returned to the lineup after missing eight games with a concussion. ... Panthers C Jesse Winchester missed his third game with a lower-body injury. Wholesale NFL T-shirts Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping NFL Jerseys Wholesale China NFL Gear Wholesale NFL Camo Jerseys Cheap NFL Hoodies Camo China NFL Jerseys ' ' '

win or draw against Tottenham LATROBE, Pa. - LeVeon Bell kept watching the tape over and over, equal parts pleased and puzzled by what he saw. There were times during his rookie season when the Pittsburgh Steelers running back would place his hand on an offensive linemans back and wait patiently for the hole to open. Sometimes, one would appear. Sometimes it wouldnt, mainly because whatever sliver of daylight existed had already been swallowed by darkness while Bell was still trying to read the blocks in front of him. Guess which plays kept eating away at him during the off-season? Not the ones that turned into one of his eight rushing touchdowns during a record-breaking year he grudgingly gives a "C-plus." "At the time, I thought I was doing pretty good," Bell said. "Then when I started breaking it down, I realized I wasnt doing what I thought I could." So Bell spent the spring focusing on his footwork to avoid the mincing steps that hes certain cost him valuable yardage a year ago. His Instagram feed is peppered with video of the 6-foot-1, 230-pound Bell doing his best "Dancing With the Stars" impersonation. During one he jabs his way through four octagons, does a pair of 360-degree spins around yellow cones then nimbly races over rope placed about 6 inches off the ground. The goal is to avoid outstretched hands from fallen defenders while also developing a more aggressive style. "Its definitely going to help me with my burst and my explosion coming out of cuts," Blount said. It might be the one thing that was missing during an otherwise productive 2013 in which his 1,259 all-purpose yards broke the club rookie record set by Hall of Famer Franco Harris more than 40 years ago. Bell proved to be a workhorse after missing the first three weeks with a foot injury, averaging more than 22 touches in 13 games. Problem is, too often those touches didnt go anywhere. His 3.5 yards per carry ranked 38th in the league. Part of the blame goes to an injury-ravaged offensive line that didnt really find its footing until late in the season. Yet Bell allows he also missed plenty of opportunities to make something happen because he waited too long to get going. "If I could have got my feet down quicker, I could have gotten a lot more yards," he said. "When its third-and-1, youve got to go get it. If its a first-and-10 run, take your time run, let the play develop and get what you can. " The Steelers will be asking for more from Bell in 2014 in hopes of taking some of the pressure off quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Pittsburgh hasnt had a 1,000-yard rusher since Rashard Mendenhall ran for 1,273 yards in 2010 while helping the franchise to its eighth Super Bowl. The past three seasons have seen a steady decline in production on the ground. The Steelers finished tied for 27th in yards rushing last year, a number they believe needs to go up. Though Roethlisberger expects to be more effective while expanding the shotgun-heavy no huddle offence that worked so well during a 6-2 finish to 2013, Bell knows some of that production needs to come when the quarterback takes the snap, turns to Bell and gets out of the way. "I think this year is going to be more open," Bell said. "Guys are going to be doing more different things. I cant wait to see what this offence can do." Even if he finds himself watching from the sideline. Bell became firmly entrenched as the starter a year ago as Jonathan Dwyer, Isaac Redman and Felix Jones struggled to stay healthy or productive. Hes still atop the depth chart, but hell be pushed by free agent signee LeGarrette Blount. The Steelers signed the burly Blount to a one-year contract during the spring after Blount ran for 772 yards (and a whopping 5.0 average) for the Patriots last year. Bell insists hes not looking over his shoulder. "I love coming in and competing, getting my work in," he said. "Last year for the Patriots I felt like (Blount) was the best runner over there watching on film. Im glad we got him, Im not arguing over it ... hes a guy that is going to help us win." Kemoko Turay Jersey .K. Subban has picked the right time of the year to go on an offensive tear. Marshall Faulk Colts Jersey .ca MLB Power Rankings, the third consecutive week that the As have held top spot and the third straight week that they have been one ahead of the Toronto Blue Jays. http://www.authenticfootballshopcolts.co...ant-jersey.html. In the late match, Shinji Okazaki scored two goals to pace Mainz to a 3-2 victory at Werder Bremen. Goals from Milan Badelj, Maximilian Beister and Hakan Calhanoglu ended Hamburgs two-match losing run and kept Hannover winless in seven games. Nyheim Hines Jersey .com) - A top-10 showdown is on tap in at the McKale Center on Saturday, as the 10th-ranked Arizona Wildcats play host to the eighth-ranked Utah Utes in a key Pac-12 matchup. Braden Smith Colts Jersey . As each game passes (each has played close with the exception of last night) it becomes clearer just how evenly matched these two teams are and how one mistake, or one bad inning, is likely to sway the result.NEW YORK -- Three long balls and a healthy Hyun-Jin Ryu made it a gratifying night for the Dodgers. Adrian Gonzalez homered for the third straight game, Yasiel Puig and Hanley Ramirez hit back-to-back shots and Los Angeles defeated the New York Mets 4-3 on Wednesday. Ryu (4-2) came off the disabled list and pitched the Dodgers to their 11th victory in 12 meetings with the Mets dating to July 1, 2012. Ramirez drove in two runs and Los Angeles enjoyed most of the vocal support from the 23,721 fans at Citi Field, many of whom turned out to cheer Ryu. "I was faithful to my rehab and what the trainers told me. I felt good. I felt ready, mentally," Ryu said through a translator. "Im glad to be back and eager to get the team going in a winning direction." The lefty from South Korea, sidelined since late April with shoulder inflammation, went six innings and improved to 4-0 in five starts away from home this season. His return means the Dodgers have all five members of their projected rotation healthy together for the first time all year. "Like he was never on the DL at all," catcher A.J. Ellis said. "He was in razor form, and total command of all his pitches." Eric Campbell hit his first major league homer for the sputtering Mets, who fell to 5-14 in May with their sixth loss in seven games. David Wright, Juan Lagares and Wilmer Flores each had three of New Yorks 13 hits. Los Angeles managed only five -- but all of them went for extra bases. "Who needs singles, right?" Ellis said. Jacob deGrom (0-2) gave up three solo homers over six innings in his second big league start. Pitching in place of injured Dillon Gee, the shaggy-haired righty wasnt quite as effective as last Thursday, when deGrom went seven innings in a 1-0 loss to the New York Yankees. Lagares tripled in the ninth and scored as second baseman Dee Gordon made a nice play on Daniel Murphys groundout. Kenley Jansen struck out Wright to end it. Campbell hit a two-run shot in the sixth, when the Mets finally got to Ryu with four hits. Chris Youngs double-play grounder prevented what could have been a much bigger inning. Ryu had thrown 33 straight shutout innings on the road since Sept. 24, 2013, at San Francisco. "The guys a workhorse. When its his time to pitch, he prepares himself better than a lot of people that Ive seen," Dodgers reliever Brian Wilsonn said.dddddddddddd "He knows what hes doing." Brandon League protected a 3-2 lead in the seventh, retiring Young with runners at second and third to end the inning. Wrights two-out double squirted a few feet behind a diving Puig in right, but Murphy didnt appear to be running hard all the way and was held up at third base. Los Angeles added an insurance run in the eighth when the Mets botched an opportunity for an inning-ending double play. Pinch-hitter Chone Figgins had a leadoff double against Jeurys Familia and scored on Ramirezs comebacker with runners at the corners. "I got a little confused because I didnt want to throw it away," Familia said. Wilson worked a scoreless inning and Jansen got three outs for his 13th save in 15 attempts. Gonzalez homered into the second deck in right field leading off the second, his 12th of the season. The slugger hit a two-run shot in the series opener Tuesday night and has nine hits in his past 16 at-bats. "I went where I wanted to go with the high fastball. He caught up to it," deGrom said. Its the third time this season Gonzalez has gone deep in at least three consecutive games. Puig sent a solo drive to left-centre in the sixth for his 10th of the year and Ramirez followed with his seventh, the second time the Dodgers have gone back-to-back this season. Puig has hit safely in 18 of his last 19 games, batting .408 with seven homers and 23 RBIs during that stretch. He was the NL co-player of the week last week. Ryu scattered five hits over the first five innings and struck out Curtis Granderson with the bases loaded to end the third. That left the Mets 6 for 41 (.146) with the bags full this season. NOTES: League hasnt allowed an earned run in 21 1-3 innings over 14 outings since April 16. ... Gonzalez and Andre Ethier hit consecutive home runs April 4 against San Francisco. ... Los Angeles placed 3B Juan Uribe (strained right hamstring) on the 15-day DL. Justin Turner started at 3B and went 0 for 4 against his former team. ... Lagares returned from the Dominican Republic and was back in the lineup after missing Tuesday nights game because of a death in the family. ... A college shortstop, deGrom singled to start the fifth and has the only two hits for Mets pitchers in 74 at-bats this season. ... LHP Jonathon Niese (2-3, 2.54 ERA) faces Dodgers RHP Zack Greinke (7-1, 2.03) in the series finale Thursday night. Wholesale NFL T-shirts Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping NFL Jerseys Wholesale China NFL Gear Wholesale NFL Camo Jerseys Cheap NFL Hoodies Camo China NFL Jerseys ' ' '

WINDSOR, Ont. -- Josh Ho-Sang scored twice and set up four more goals as the Windsor Spitfires edged the visiting North Bay Battalion 6-5 on Sunday in Ontario Hockey League action. Eric Diodati and Brady Vail each had a goal and an assist for the Spitfires (33-18-2), who trailed 4-3 after 40 minutes, while Steven Janes and Ben Johnson added single goals. Dylan Blujus, Zach Bratina, Brenden Miller, Barclay Goodrow and Ben thomson scored for the Battalion (28-20-6). Windsors Dalen Kuchmey made 43 saves for the win as Brendan ONeill allowed six goals on 27 shots for North Bay. The Spitfires went 3 for 7 on the power play while the Battalion scored twice on nine chances with the man advantage. --- FRONTENACS 4 STING 2 KINGSTON, Ont. -- Lucas Peressini made 30 saves as the Frontenacs doubled up Sarnia for their fourth win in a row. Robert Polesello and Michael Moffatt had a goal and an assist for Kingston (30-19-4) while Samuel Schutt and Henri Ikonen rounded out the scoring. Jeff King and Hayden Hodgson responded for the Sting (15-33-6), who are on a seven-game slide. Sarnias Taylor Dupuis turned away 42-of-46 shots in a losing cause. --- 67s 4 STEELHEADS 2 MISSISSAUGA, Ont. -- Philippe Trudeau made 39 saves and Travis Konecny broke a 2-2 tie at 11:55 of the third period to lift Ottawa over the Steelheads. Dante Salituro, Brendan Bell and Alex Lintuniemi also scored for the 67s (19-30-4). Andrew Goldberg and Josh Burnside each had a goal and an assist for Mississauga (21-30-4) and Spencer Martin stopped 20-of-23 shots in defeat. Steelheads forward Brandon Belding was ejected in the third period after receiving a major for checking-to-the-head. --- KNIGHTS 5 WHALERS 4 LONDON, Ont. -- Chris Tierney scored once and assisted on another as the Knights edged Plymouth. Owen MacDonald, Chandler Yakimowicz, Brady Austin and Josh Anderson also scored for London (36-12-5) and Max Domi had two assists. Francesco Vilardi and Connor Chatham each had a goal and an assist for the Whalers (20-28-5), who had their three-game win streak halted, and Ryan Hartman and Victor Crus Rydberg had the others. Jake Patterson started in net for the Knights but was pulled after allowing three goals on 11 shots. Justin Tugwell took over for London and stopped 8-of-9 shots in 29 minutes of play for the win. Alex Nedeljkovic made 37 saves for Plymouth. --- RANGERS 3 WOLVES 2 (SO) KITCHENER, Ont. -- Darby Llewellyn scored the only goal of the shootout as the Rangers slipped past Sudbury. Justin Bailey and Matia Marcantuoni scored in regulation for Kitchener (19-32-2). Connor Crisp opened the scoring for the Wolves (28-16-9) and Jeff Corbetts goal 24 seconds into the third period forced extra time. Matthew Greenfield made 24 saves for the Rangers as Sudburys Franky Palazzese turned aside 45-of-47 shots in defeat. --- GENERALS 4 PETES 0 OSHAWA, Ont. -- Ken Appleby stopped all 21 shots his way as the Generals blanked Peterborough. Michael Dal Colle had a goal and an assist for Oshawa (34-15-5) and Dylan Smoskowitz, Scott Laughton and Chris Carlisle added a goal apiece. Jason Da Silva turned aside 35-of-39 shots for the Petes (24-24-5). The Generals went 1 for 3 on the power play. Peterborough went 0 for 2. Mohamed Salah Liverpool Jersey . "It feels good, Ive never had one before, not even in College," Hagelin said after the Rangers outgunned the Jets 4-2, behind some solid goaltending from Henrik Lundqvist following a pretty wide open first period. Virgil van Dijk Jersey .Airport spokeswoman Heather Lissner said that all departing flights were back on schedule. However, arriving flights were still trying to catch up.Super Bowl Sunday got off to an inconvenient start for hundreds of passengers trying to get to Phoenix for the game. http://www.footballliverpoolstore.com/Wo...verpool-Jersey/. Patton was placed on the restricted list testing positive for a banned amphetamine. Patton took Adderall, a drug commonly used to combat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, late in the 2013 season and then was given a random drug test. Sadio Mane Jersey .J. -- Having Ondrej Pavelec earn his 100th NHL win and seeing Mark Scheifele and Evander Kane break goal droughts were nice highlights for the Winnipeg Jets. Custom Liverpool Jerseys . MLB executive Joe Torre ruled on Tuesday nights game at Wrigley Field that was called after 4 1-2 innings. The Cubs were declared the winners by a 2-0 score. Now, it is instead a suspended game that will resume at 4:05 p.MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The Memphis Grizzlies signed veteran Mike Miller during the off-season for his 3-point shooting. It paid off big time Tuesday night. Miller scored a season-high 19 points, and made a wide-open 3-pointer with 45.9 seconds remaining to help carry the Grizzlies to a 98-93 victory over the New York Knicks. "Thats what we got him for," said Memphis guard Mike Conley, who led the Grizzlies with 22 points. "Hes going to win us four or five, six games throughout the year himself, just from making big plays down the stretch. Tonight was one of those games." Miller shot 7 for 11 from the field, including 5 of 7 on 3-pointers, to help Memphis win its third straight. Millers last-minute 3 gave the Grizzlies the lead for good as they scored the games final seven points. "Ive been in a lot of these situations, and I was able to make some shots when we needed them," Miller said. For the Knicks, Millers late 3-pointer was frustrating not only from the sense that it caused New York to squander a comeback from 18 points down in the first half, but also cost them a key game as the Knicks fight for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. New Yorks Carmelo Anthony, who finished with 22 points and 11 rebounds, couldnt believe his team failed to close the game, particularly when seeing Miller uncontested for the 3-pointer that put Memphis ahead. "All I saw was Mike Miller wide open and the ball was going," Anthony said before adding: "Once the ball was up, my thing was to just hope that he didnt keep his follow through up or something and the ball was going to miss. But he was wide open." Zach Randolph scored 13 points for Memphis, Nick Calathes had 11 and Tayshaun Prince added 10. Conley, who had missed the seven games before the All-Star break with a sprained right ankle, couldnt find a rhythm after the layoff and struggled in the first half before scoring 16 in the second half, including getting to the free throw line 10 times after intermission. "I was real upset and frustrated at times," Conley said of the firstt half.dddddddddddd"I was missing shots I normally make. I missed a couple of free throws, but I was happy with the way my body held up. "I started getting a little bit of a rhythm (in the second half). I was able to get to the free throw line and able to get to my floater. I got in a comfort zone." Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 23 points to lead the Knicks, including 14 during the Knicks fourth-quarter push. Amare Stoudemire added 12 points. "We played great in the second half," Knicks coach Mike Woodson said. "We fought back. We were 18 down and kept chipping away." Memphis saw its 50-37 halftime lead evaporate in the third quarter when New York outscored the Grizzlies 27-16. Much of that came as New York turned up the defensive pressure, allowing Memphis to hit only three of its first 11 shots in the third. Meanwhile, the Knicks made six of their first eight shots in the quarter. The Knicks werent able to maintain that pace, finishing 10 for 21 in the period to pull to 66-64 entering the fourth. When Stoudemire scored the opening basket of the fourth, the teams were tied at 66. The Knicks eventually held a seven-point advantage in the fourth. However, the Grizzlies had the final run. Hardaways 3-pointer with 1:04 left gave New York a 93-91 lead. Miller answered with the open 3-pointer to take the lead back for Memphis, then Conley and Courtney Lee each hit two free throws in the final 21.4 seconds for the final margin. "Its very disappointing," Anthony said. "To fight our way back and be up 5, 6 with a couple of minutes on the clock, and give it away is very disappointing. But we have to put this one behind us." NOTES: The Grizzlies were 4-3 while Conley sat out with a sprained ankle. ... The Knicks J.R. Smith was still in the plastic mask from his fractured cheekbone. He has been uncomfortable in the mask since he was injured Feb. 9 at Oklahoma City. ... Millers previous season high was 16 against Golden State on Dec. 7. .The game marked only the fourth time this season New York has lost while holding the opponent under 100 points. Wholesale NFL T-shirts Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping NFL Jerseys Wholesale China NFL Gear Wholesale NFL Camo Jerseys Cheap NFL Hoodies Camo China NFL Jerseys ' ' '

TORONTO - Matt Ware wasnt ready to call it a career just yet. For two years Ware worked as a personal trainer in California, waiting for another chance to play pro football. There were workouts and discussions with other clubs after being released by the NFLs Arizona Cardinals prior to the 2011 season, but nothing concrete materialized. That is until January, when the Toronto Argonauts came calling. So instead of pursuing a job as a firefighter as planned, the 31-year-old is trying to kick-start his pro career in the CFL. "I came here because I felt I had unfinished business," Ware said following Thursdays practice at York University. "I still have a love for the game and felt like I left (NFL) on bad terms. "I still want to play." The six-foot-three, 218-pound Ware played seven NFL seasons with Philadelphia and Arizona. He spent two years with the Eagles, who selected the former UCLA star in the third round, 89th overall, in the 04 draft, before joining the Cardinals. Ware played 95 career NFL games, his three starts all coming with Arizona. He recorded 115 tackles, one interception, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery while playing in two Super Bowls (04 with Philadelphia, 08 with Arizona). But Ware wavered about wanting to return to the NFL. "Its all in the Lords hands," he said. "If I come up here and do a great job, whos to say I wouldnt just stay here? "Im grateful for the opportunity to be an Argo." Ware was a two-sport athlete at UCLA and played two seasons of minor-league baseball with the Seattle Mariners organization. Ware, a married father of two young daughters, played safety in the NFL but is working at cornerback with Toronto. A revamped Argos defence — only cornerback Jalil Carter remains from the 12 Grey Cup-winning unit — has a definite need at corner with all-star Pat Watkins signing with the Edmonton Eskimos as a free agent. Not only must Ware adjust to a new position but also a new team playing a different game with unlimited motion and an extra man on a longer, wider field. But first-year defensive co-ordinator Tim Burke said Thursday, so far so good. "Hes done really well," Burke said of Ware. "Hes a smart guy, he understands how to learn and be a professional. "Rookies are up and down . . . I think having a guy like Matt is great for our defence." Argos head coach Scott Milanovich is also impressed with Wares veteran savvy. "He strikes me as a very mature, veteran player who understands about preparation and all the little things we build our foundation on," Milanovich said. "Physically, hes a big, strong man who has good enough hips to play corner. "Hes a little bit like the guy we had last year (Watkins) but different styles. Hes doing a nice job for us." And Ware is having fun making the transition to the wide-open, pass-happy Canadian game. "There are so many moving parts," he said. "It just keeps you really in tune with the game. "Sometimes in the NFL you can go out there and just have your guy and it gets a little monotonous even though its a great challenge." Ware said a ringing endorsement of Toronto and the Argos from good friend Tyler Ebell — a former CFL running back with Edmonton, the Double Blue, B.C and Hamilton — certainly didnt hurt his decision-making process. "He told me about his experiences here and how much he loved it," Ware said. "So Im just excited to be here playing ball." A huge advantage Ware has over other CFL rookies is his pro experience. When everything seems to be happening all at once on the field, Ware has a solid knowledge base to fall back on. "Its still football," he said. "No matter how the formation comes together or if six guys are all moving at once, its still football. "You really have to stick to your technique and keys, what the coaches told you to do because if you start looking at too much then youre going to mess yourself up. If youre in man to man youve got to work your feet, look at the hips and guard your guy. If you have zone coverage, you need to see the big picture." And with CFL players participating in a ratification vote Thursday, Ware certainly understands the business side of the game. He was still with Phoenix during the last NFL lockout, which lasted from March 12 to July 25, 2011. But hes purposely not spoken to his new teammates about it. "The only thing I can do is handle what I can on the field," Ware said. "It was a different situation, ours was a lockout. "We had to prepare for that and we were prepared for it with our PA." But Ware certainly learned from that experience. "I saved my money, I worked out and was ready when they told me to be on the field," he said. Rasheem Green Seahawks Jersey . - Even with a new coach, the Denver Nuggets still love to push the basketball. Rashaad Penny Jersey . Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, the Houston Texans No. 1 pick in the draft, was on the field Tuesday for the first time with former NFL Defensive Player of the Year J. http://www.theseahawksnflfanatic.com/c-9...son-jersey.aspx. 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. D.J. Fluker Seahawks Jersey . Of all the names out there who could realistically be dealt by Wednesdays deadline, Ryan Kesler remains No. 1 on the most desired list. And while were not sure if theyre any closer to a deal, we now have a defined price. Seattle Seahawks Jerseys .com) - Nate Buss 3-pointer with 5.RICHMOND, Va. -- Jason Hatcher has passed his physical and is practicing with the Washington Redskins at training camp. TORONTO - Matt Ware wasnt ready to call it a career just yet. For two years Ware worked as a personal trainer in California, waiting for another chance to play pro football. There were workouts and discussions with other clubs after being released by the NFLs Arizona Cardinals prior to the 2011 season, but nothing concrete materialized. That is until January, when the Toronto Argonauts came calling. So instead of pursuing a job as a firefighter as planned, the 31-year-old is trying to kick-start his pro career in the CFL. "I came here because I felt I had unfinished business," Ware said following Thursdays practice at York University. "I still have a love for the game and felt like I left (NFL) on bad terms. "I still want to play." The six-foot-three, 218-pound Ware played seven NFL seasons with Philadelphia and Arizona. He spent two years with the Eagles, who selected the former UCLA star in the third round, 89th overall, in the 04 draft, before joining the Cardinals. Ware played 95 career NFL games, his three starts all coming with Arizona. He recorded 115 tackles, one interception, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery while playing in two Super Bowls (04 with Philadelphia, 08 with Arizona). But Ware wavered about wanting to return to the NFL. "Its all in the Lords hands," he said. "If I come up here and do a great job, whos to say I wouldnt just stay here? "Im grateful for the opportunity to be an Argo." Ware was a two-sport athlete at UCLA and played two seasons of minor-league baseball with the Seattle Mariners organization. Ware, a married father of two young daughters, played safety in the NFL but is working at cornerback with Toronto. A revamped Argos defence — only cornerback Jalil Carter remains from the 12 Grey Cup-winning unit — has a definite need at corner with all-star Pat Watkins signing with the Edmonton Eskimos as a free agent. Not only must Ware adjust to a new position but also a new team playing a different game with unlimited motion and an extra man on a longer, wider field. But first-year defensive co-ordinator Tim Burke said Thursday, so far so good. "Hes done really well," Burke said of Ware. "Hes a smart guy, he understands how to learn and be a professional. "Rookies are up and down . . . I think having a guy like Matt is great for our defence." Argos head coach Scott Milanovich is also impressed with Wares veteran savvy. "He strikes me as a very mature, veteran player who understands about preparation and all the little things we build our foundation on," Milanovich said. "Physically, hes a big, strong man who has good enough hips to play corner. "Hes a little bit like the guy we had last year (Watkins) but different styles. Hes doing a nice job for us." And Ware is having fun making the transition to the wide-open, pass-happy Canadian game. "There are so many moving parts," he said. "It just keeps you really in tune with the game. "Sometimes in the NFL you can go out there and just have your guy and it gets a little monotonous even though its a great challenge." Ware said a ringing endorsement of Toronto and the Argos from good friend Tyler Ebell — a former CFL running back with Edmonton, the Double Blue, B.C and Hamilton — certainly didnt hurt his decision-making process. "He told me about his experiences here and how much he loved it," Ware said. "So Im just excited to be here playing ball." A huge advantage Ware has over other CFL rookies is his pro experience. When everything seems to be happening all at once on the field, Ware has a solid knowledge base to fall back on. "Its still football," he said. "No matter how the formation comes together or if six guys are all moving at once, its still football. "You really have to stick to your technique and keys, what the coaches told you to do because if you start looking at too much then youre going to mess yourself up. If youre in man to man youve got to work your feet, look at the hips and guard your guy. If you have zone coverage, you need to see the big picture." And with CFL players participating in a ratification vote Thursday, Ware certainly understands the business side of the game. He was still with Phoenix during the last NFL lockout, which lasted from March 12 to July 25, 2011. But hes purposely not spoken to his new teammates about it. "The only thing I can do is handle what I can on the field," Ware said. "It was a different situation, ours was a lockout. "We had to prepare for that and we were prepared for it with our PA." But Ware certainly learned from that experience. "I saved my money, I worked out and was ready when they told me to be on the field," he said. Rasheem Green Seahawks Jersey . - Even with a new coach, the Denver Nuggets still love to push the basketball. Rashaad Penny Jersey . Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, the Houston Texans No. 1 pick in the draft, was on the field Tuesday for the first time with former NFL Defensive Player of the Year J. http://www.theseahawksnflfanatic.com/c-9...son-jersey.aspx. 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. D.J. Fluker Seahawks Jersey . Of all the names out there who could realistically be dealt by Wednesdays deadline, Ryan Kesler remains No. 1 on the most desired list. And while were not sure if theyre any closer to a deal, we now have a defined price. Seattle Seahawks Jerseys .com) - Nate Buss 3-pointer with 5.RICHMOND, Va. -- Jason Hatcher has passed his physical and is practicing with the Washington Redskins at training camp. The Redskins announced that Hatcher has been removed from the physically unable to perform list and placed on the active roster. He was on the field Saturday afternoon for practice. Hatcher had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in June as the Redskins were wrapping up their off-season practices.dddddddddddd Hatcher signed a four-year, $27.5 million contract in March as a free agent from the Dallas Cowboys. The Redskins also signed free agent safety DaMon Cromartie-Smith and waived cornerback Peyton Thompson. Wholesale NFL T-shirts Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping NFL Jerseys Wholesale China NFL Gear Wholesale NFL Camo Jerseys Cheap NFL Hoodies Camo China NFL Jerseys ' ' 'has been removed from the physically unable to perform list and placed on the active roster. He was on the field Saturday afternoon for practice. Hatcher had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in June as the Redskins were wrapping up their off-season practices.dddddddddddd Hatcher signed a four-year, $27.5 million contract in March as a free agent from the Dallas Cowboys. The Redskins also signed free agent safety DaMon Cromartie-Smith and waived cornerback Peyton Thompson. Wholesale NFL T-shirts Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping NFL Jerseys Wholesale China NFL Gear Wholesale NFL Camo Jerseys Cheap NFL Hoodies Camo China NFL Jerseys ' ' '

Secaucus, NJ (SportsNetwork.com) - The Baseball Writers Association of America revealed the candidates for MLBs four major individual honors on Tuesday. Clayton Kershaw has a chance at joining elite company as the Dodgers ace is among the three NL MVP finalists. The last pitcher to win the MVP award in the Senior Circuit was Bob Gibson in 1968. Kershaw will almost certainly take home his third NL Cy Young Award in four years. The left-hander led the majors with 21 wins in just 27 starts, and his minuscule 1.77 ERA and 0.86 WHIP rank among the best of the last century. Johnny Cueto of the Reds and Adam Wainwright of the Cardinals are the other finalists for the NL Cy Young Award, while Giancarlo Stanton of the Marlins and Andrew McCutchen of the Pirates will battle Kershaw for MVP honors. McCutchen is trying to win the award in back-to-back seasons. Miguel Cabreras two-year reign as AL MVP has come to an end, as Angels outfielder Mike Trout, Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez and Indians outfielder Michael Brantley were named this years finalists. Trout was the runner-up to Cabrera each of the previous two seasons. Felix Hernandez of the Mariners, Corey Kluber of the Indians and Chris Sale of the White Sox were nominated on the AL Cy Young Award ballot. White Sox outfielder Jose Abreu, Yankees reliever Dellin Betances and Angels pitcher Matt Shoemaker were submitted for the AL Rookie of the Year Award, while Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom, Reds outfielder Billy Hamilton and Cardinals second baseman Kolten Wong are the NL rookie hopefuls. Baltimores Buck Showalter, the Angels Mike Scioscia and Ned Yost of the AL champion Royals were the nominees for the AL Manager of the Year Award. Showalter first won this award 20 years ago with the Yankees and added another 10 years later with the Rangers. Bruce Bochy of the World Series champion Giants, Washingtons Matt Williams and Pittsburghs Clint Hurdle comprise the field for the best NL skipper. The winners will be announced next week. Mike Pouncey Chargers Jersey . I kept my eyes focused up on the camera during each approach. I just tried to stay focused on my form, as I didnt know what the ball reaction was. I was quite emotional at the end. I did not actually see any of the shots in the game until I got home and watched the video. Derwin James Chargers Jersey .com) - The Los Angeles Kings peppered Ryan Miller with shot after shot. http://www.chargersfansofficial.com/kyzir-white-jersey/.C. United on Saturday night and boost the Unions playoff hopes. Nick DeLeon scored in the 36th minute for United (3-23-6), which had ample opportunities to build on its lead but went its 10th straight match without a victory. Virgil Green Chargers Jersey . Nikolaos Kounenakis has been hired as an assistant coach, the team announced on Monday. Caleb Sturgis Chargers Jersey . -- The Oakland Raiders added a veteran presence to their young receiving group by signing free agent James Jones to a three-year contract Monday. MIAMI -- It took eight starts, but Jacob deGrom finally has a win in the big leagues. deGrom pitched seven scoreless innings to earn his first major league win for the New York Mets in a 4-0 victory against the Miami Marlins on Saturday. "To have a performance like that and get the win feels good," said deGrom. "I have a lot of people here from the Daytona area, which is only about four hours away, and my whole family is here." deGrom (1-4), who was the first Mets starting pitcher to go winless in his first seven starts, struck out seven as he allowed five hits and issued three walks. "He had all his pitches working and he was throwing them all for strikes at any count," Mets third baseman David Wright said. "Its a lot of fun to play defence behind him because he works so quickly and effectively." Lucas Duda hit a two-run home run, his 10th, and Wright had three hits and an RBI for New York, which has won three of four. It was the second shutout in the series for the Mets as Zack Wheeler tossed a 1-0 shut out on Thursday. "Right now were in a little bit of a spell where were not able to get the consecutive hits and get a little bit of a rally going, but we will," Marlins manager Mike Redmond said. Jeurys Familia pitched the eighth and Jenrry Mejia came in for the ninth to preserve the shut out. Marlins starter Tom Koehler (5-6) retired the first 11 batters he faced before allowing two runs and four hits in seven innings while striking out eight. "It was nice to get through seven and get out of the jam in the sixth, but at the same time its a little frustrating giving up those two runs and not really getting those bunts down -- thats really kinnd of eating at me right now," Koehler said.dddddddddddd. Miami second baseman Rafael Furcal left the game in the fourth inning with a left calf and hamstring and injury after grounding out to end the third. Furcal, who missed the first 2 1-2 months of the season with hamstring and groin injuries, was scheduled to have an MRI after the game. "It definitely doesnt sound good," Redmond said. Before the game shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria was scratched from the starting lineup with soreness in his elbow on his throwing arm, but could be in the lineup on Sunday. "He was availabe if we needed him to hit, I think the throwing was the biggest concern for him today, but Im anticipating him being ready for tomorrow, but well see," Redmond said. Chris Young hit a two-out single in the fourth to give the Mets a 1-0 lead and Wright singled home a run in the sixth for a two-run advantage. Miamis best opportunity to score came in the sixth after Giancarlo Stanton stole third base with one out, but deGrom retired the next two batters to end the threat. "He made some real, real good pitches with his slider today, and he used his change-up to right handers effectively today," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "He certainly deserved to win." Dudas home run to right field came off Chris Hatcher in the ninth inning to give the Mets a 4-0 cushion. NOTES: Marlins teammates Garrett Jones and Jeff Baker celebrated their 32nd birthdays today. ... Mets RF Curtis Granderson has reached base safely in his last 30 starts. ... Mets LHP Jonathon Niese (3-4, 2.67) will take the mound in Sundays series finale against Miami RHP Anthony DeSclafani (1-1, 5.60). Wholesale NFL T-shirts Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping NFL Jerseys Wholesale China NFL Gear Wholesale NFL Camo Jerseys Cheap NFL Hoodies Camo China NFL Jerseys ' ' '

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Penguins have insisted during their extensive front office overhaul that the on-ice product doesnt need to change much for the franchise to return to the NHLs elite. Small tweaks, not big ones, are required. Mike Johnstons job is to figure out which ones to make and -- perhaps even more importantly -- how to make them work. The Penguins hired the well-travelled Johnston to replace Dan Bylsma on Wednesday, charging the hockey lifer with creating the right system for stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin to thrive in both the regular season and beyond. Considering the talent at his disposal, the 57-year-old Johnston likes his chances. After spending the last six years with the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League preaching an uptempo attack, Johnston welcomes the opportunity to work with one of the most explosive offences in the NHL. "The core group is exactly where I want it," Johnston said. Good, because theyre not going anywhere. Instead, its everything around Malkin and Crosby -- who earned his second Hart Trophy as the NHLs Most Valuable Player on Tuesday -- that is changing. Johnstons hiring ends a tumultuous six weeks in which the Penguins were bounced from the Eastern Conference semifinals by the New York Rangers after blowing a 3-1 lead, fired Bylsma and general manager Ray Shero, and brought in longtime Carolina Hurricanes executive Jim Rutherford to clean up the mess. Rutherford settled on Johnston after a lengthy interview process that included an ill-fated run at Willie Desjardins, who opted to take the vacant job in Vancouver. Regardless of the path taken, Rutherford is confident he ended up at the right destination. "I feel very strongly that weve got the right coach," Rutherford said. One whose success will depend on his ability to take Pittsburgh on extended playoff runs. Bylsma won more games than any coach in club history but was fired on June 6 after going just 4-5 in post-season series since leading the Penguins to the 2009 Stanley Cup title. Johnston understands the onus to win on a given night, but stressed the focus will be on preparing Pittsburgh for the challenges of hockey in May and June, not October or November. "The bottom-line expectation for me is that, from training camp through the first part of the season, everything we do is setting the table for the playoffs," Johnston said. "The score is relevant but its not as relevant as the habits that we are going to have to make us successful in the playoffs." Pittsburgh is Johnstons first NHL head coaching job, though he spent two previous stints as an assistant with Vancouver and the Los Angeles Kings. He said he has a bit to learn about the challenges of an 82-game NHL season, which is one of the reasons the Penguins also brought in Rick Tocchet to serve as Johnstons top assistant. Tocchet played 18 years in the NHL, including two seasons in Pittsburgh, where the four-time All-Star helped the Penguins win their second Stanley Cup championship in 1992. The 50-year-old Tocchet also spent more than a season as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning from 2008-10. While Tocchet said that his old team has underachieved in recent springs, he doesnt see that as a stumbling block. "There are teams that wish they had (Pittsburghs) problems," Tocchet said. "The way Mike is going to coach this team, the way these guys play is high tempo. Its something guys are going to enjoy." Tocchet replaces Todd Reirden and Tony Granato, holdovers from Bylsmas staff who were let go on Wednesday. The Penguins retained goaltending coach Mike Bales and video co-ordinator Andy Saucier. Assistant coach Jacques Martin will also remain with the team in an undetermined capacity. Johnston is hardly a novice when it comes to dealing with pressure or highly skilled players. He was a part of Canadas coaching staff at the 1998 Winter Olympics, the first Games in which NHL players were allowed to compete. It led to nearly a decade as an assistant with Vancouver (1999-2006) and the Kings (2006-08) before he landed in Portland, where he spent six years helping young players navigate the choppy waters of professional life. The seas will be only more tumultuous in one of the NHLs most high-profile jobs. Johnston is OK with the pressure. With the 26-year-old Crosby and the 27-year-old Malkin in the midst of their primes, there are worst places to start. "This group wants to win," he said. "Theyve won the Stanley Cup, and I believe they want to do it again." Darius Leonard Jersey . His chance at winning a Stanley Cup in Philadelphia is over. Same with Jeff Carter. And Brian Boucher. Throw in Ville Leino and Dan Carcillo. Marshall Faulk Colts Jersey . Cory Batey and Brandon Vandenburg were each convicted on four charges of aggravated rape, one of attempted aggravated rape and two for aggravated sexual battery. Vandenburg was also found guilty of tampering with evidence as well as an unlawful photography charge. http://www.authenticfootballshopcolts.co...son-jersey.html. - The Detroit Lions have placed tight end Brandon Pettigrew on injured reserve, ending his season. Eric Ebron Colts Jersey . This should be celebrated because it will not always be this way. With the amount of money given to players by their clubs these days, it is a wonder that so many of those teams allow the sport to continue to take away many of their assets so they can play for a different team in the middle of their season. Tyquan Lewis Colts Jersey . With timely hitting and good pitching, the Marlins are one win away from sweeping the slumping Houston Astros.Each week, we will run down the top waiver wire pickups with a focus on the coming week and rest of the season. QUARTERBACKS Nick Foles (at Green Bay)Last week: 22/28, 406 yards, 7 TDsFoles, a now record-tying NFL QB thanks to his seven touchdown performance against the Oakland Raiders in Week 9, is owned by only a quarter of teams. Thats a lot of needy teams that missed out on his 40+ point performance. The former third-rounder has been impressive all year long in spot duty for the injured Michael Vick and is all but guaranteed to be the Eagles starter the rest of the year. Hes not going to throw seven touchdowns every week but he could be a borderline QB1, something almost impossible to find on the waiver wire this late in the season. EJ Manuel (at Pittsburgh)Last week: InjuredManuel was given the green light to return to action with the Bills on Monday and with that comes the green light to be picked up again by fantasy teams. Prior to Manuels knee injury, the rookie was averaging 13 points per game and, if his progression with a decent looking Bills offence continues throughout the year, hes worth adding, especially if you need a bye week fill-in over the next couple weeks. Case Keenum (at Cardinals)Last week: 20/34, 350 yards, 3 TDsKeenum was outstanding in his debut for the Texans and gave fans in Houston, after too much of Matt Schaub in recent years, hope for the future. The young, undrafted free agent doesnt appear to be afraid of taking chances and with a premier receiver like Andre Johnson on the other end of his passes, that could be a good thing. Keenum is a gunslinger and, while I wouldnt be surprised to see his interception totals spike in coming weeks, he should be always be good for healthy yardage totals. Jason Campbell (Bye)Last week: 23/35, 262 yards, 3 TDsAfter years of having nothing go right in Cleveland, nothing can seemingly go wrong for the Browns this year. Its still likely not enough to get the Browns in the playoffs, but their players can benefit fantasy teams with some big weeks. Jason Campbell, the third quarterback to start a game for Cleveland, had a huge game against the defending Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens. The veteran hurt his ribs in Week 9 but should be fine when the Browns return from their bye week against the Cincinnati Bengals. If youve got room on your bench, Campbell could be worth an add. Others: Kellen Clemons (at Colts), Christian Ponder (vs Redskins) RUNNING BACKS Andre Brown (vs Raiders)Last week: InjuredBrown confirmed on Monday that hell be returning from the IR designated to return to make his season debut in Week 10, and with it the Giants hope their running back nightmare of 2013 is over. While its unlikely Brown will be the solution to all the Giants rushing problems, he could be for a needy fantasy team. Its hard to tell how effective Brown will be but he should get the most touches out of New Yorks backfield and that alone is worth a couple FAAB dollars. Donald Brown (vs Rams)Last week: 6 carries, 49 yardsBrown is just the second most owned running back in the Colts backfield (by a longshot behind Trentt Richardson) but he shouldnt be.ddddddddddddSince Richardsons acquisition Brown has proven to be the more effective back. While the two are likely looking at a timeshare in the backfield the rest of the way, Brown is the third-down back, lending to more passing opportunities. The former first-rounder was held to just six carries and 49 yards on Sunday Night but that was more because Indy was engaged in an aerial battle with the Texans; his carries should increase in coming weeks. Rashad Jennings (at Giants)Last week: 15 carries, 102 yards, 7 catches, 74 yards, 1 TDFor the second time this year, and seemingly millionth time in his career, Darren McFadden left a game with an injury for the Raiders. Jennings stepped in and stepped up, accumulating 176 total yards in Oaklands blowout loss to the Eagles. If McFaddens injury keeps him out in Week 10, the Raiders will have no problem feeding Jennings the rock against the Raiders. The former Jaguars backup has been the teams best back even when McFadden is healthy. Ben Tate (at Cardinals)Last week: 22 carries, 81 yardsThis suggestion is contingent on Arian Fosters injury status for Week 10 but since we likely wont know that until waiver bids are due, err on the side of caution and look to grab Tate. What we do know is that if Tate gets the start for an injured Foster, hes done enough over the past couple seasons to prove hes a decent RB2 if given a starters workload. Others: Jonathan Stewart (at 49ers), Daniel Thomas (at Buccaneers) WIDE RECEIVERS Riley Cooper (at Packers)Last week: 5 catches, 139 yards, 3 TDsAfter his early season controversy, it seems Cooper and the Eagles can coexist. After weeks of putting up below average fantasy scores, Cooper exploded in the Eagles rout of the Raiders. Cooper wont score three TDs every week but if the chemistry he appeared to have with likely new full-time starter Nick Foles continues to manifest, hell be an intriguing WR3/flex option in Philadelphia. Marlon Brown (vs Bengals)Last week: 5 catches, 54 yards, 2 TDsThe undrafted free agent had a big Week 9 against the Browns, and looks to be working his way towards more targets in the Ravens offence. Brown is nothing more than a bye week fill-in at the moment – through nine weeks hes averaging only about five points per week but his nine Week 9 targets were a team high, suggesting Joe Flacco could look to the young receiver more in the second half of the season. Others: Kris Durham (at Bears), Nate Washington (vs Jaguars) TIGHT ENDS Tim Wright (vs Dolphins)Last week: 4 catches, 58 yards, 1 TDWright could be an interesting add at the tight end position. The undrafted free agent is averaging six targets in his six games this season and while that has translated to just an average of 32 yards per game, if he can find the end zone on a more consistent basis – like he did last week in the Bucs near upset of the Seahawks – hes worth a flyer. Wright could have some chemistry with Tampas rookie QB Mike Glennon which would certainly help his fantasy stock. Others: Zach Miller (at Falcons), Coby Fleener (vs Rams) Wholesale NFL T-shirts Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping NFL Jerseys Wholesale China NFL Gear Wholesale NFL Camo Jerseys Cheap NFL Hoodies Camo China NFL Jerseys ' ' '

By now it is a stat everyone knows. Jose Mourinho wins the league in his second season at a club. He did it at Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid. When his team led Man City by eight points after 11 matches, following the second weekend in November, many were willing to hand him the championship again. Two months on and the momentum has shifted. Chelsea outsprinted Man City by eight points through the first 11 games but have handed them all back to their title rivals through the last nine matches. They are now at a deadlock just past the halfway mark of the marathon. Chelsea remain favourites but not as many people are willing to hand Joses Chelsea the title. Fewer still are questioning him despite his side giving up a sizeable lead to a team who had David Silva, Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero all out injured for the bulk of the time they spent catching up. A look at the opponents during that run shows a slight edge for City but not a monumental one. Manuel Pellegrinis men played just two of the top ten sides, Swansea and Southampton, while Chelsea also played Southampton as well as Tottenham twice and Newcastle. The most notable thing to take away from the eight-game stretch was squad versatility. Mourinho said he would sleep fine after the loss to Newcastle because he felt his team played at a high standard. He couldnt say the same after their second loss, a 5-3 hammering at Tottenham on New Years Day where they looked tired and a long way from the level they had been at for most of the season. During the busiest time in the Premier League season, where Chelsea played four games in eleven days, Mourinho started eight players in all four of those games. Only Man Utd (9) and Burnley (11) started more players during the four-game stretch. Man City started just five in all four of their games. Mourinho clearly knows his best XI. Thibaut Courtois is the leagues best goalkeeper and picks himself, his back four have started 16 of the 20 league games together so far, Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic, playing as a formidable pair in central midfield, have started 18 of the 20 together games this season and in front of them is the tried and tested trio of Eden Hazard, Oscar and Willian. Striker Diego Costa has started a remarkable 17 games of 20 despite regularly, early this season, being linked with injuries. It is not unusual to see a goalkeeper like Courtois start as often he does but it is in front of him that Mourinho has some bigger decisions to make during the second half of the season. Through 20 games there have been 200 outfield spots available on Chelseas starting XI in league matches. The aforementioned 10 players have filled 181 of them – over 90 per cent. This is a number we hardly ever see anymore and shows, up to now, that Chelsea have been lucky with injuries but also, again, that their manager relies heavily on 10 outfield players. Those ten are on pace to fill 344 starting slots of the 380 available throughout a season, an incredible number. Past Champions To show how high this amount is I ran the numbers of the last 10 Premier League winners. The following is the amount of starts the most used 10 players combined for during the season: Man City 13/14 – 273 Man Utd 12/13 - 259 Man City 11/12 – 283 Man Utd 10/11 – 252 Chelsea 09/10 – 280 Man Utd 08/09 – 260 Man Utd 07/08 – 293 Man Utd 06/07 – 269 Chelsea 05/06 – 274 Chelsea 04/05 – 287 No team is close to 344. For such a large sample size the numbers are quite similar. Four of the champions are within ten combined starts and each of the last six winners have fallen between 252 and 283. Manchester United of 2007/08 is the leader of the pack and had six starters all pass the 30-start threshold. This seasons Chelsea have nine of their outfield players all on pace to eclipse this and the only one who is missing is Willian who has started 13 of the last 16 after Andre Schurrle was preferred in three of the first four games. The numbers show their current rate is unsustainable and it is not even close. Squad Depth As well as the Premier League, Chelsea are also still in contention for the Champions League, FA Cup and Capital One Cup. During the festive period, Mourinho elected against squad rotation but he will be forced to rely on it in February and March. That will reduce the projected number of 344 but by how much? Mourinho has been praised for keeping his squad happy during a period when they havent been playing but will the players be good enough for his standard when required? Its not difficult for me to leave players out. Everybody has to be ready to sacrifice for the team, to give everything for the team, not to be selfish, Mourinho said recently. This will be put to the test sooner rather than later. Chelseas favoured 10 are all close to the pace of 30+ starts because no other player is on pace to start double-digit league games this season. Schurrle has started five of 20, John Obi Mikel and Felipe Luis four and Ramires just three. Here is a look at how many outfield players started 10 league games or more for the champions in the last 10 years: Man City 13/14 – 16 Man Utd 12/13 - 16 Man City 11/12 – 15 Man Utd 10/11 – 17 Chelsea 09/10 – 16 Man Utd 08/09 – 17 Man Utd 07/08 – 14 Man Utd 06/07 – 14 Chelsea 05/06 – 15 Chelsea 04/05 – 15 No team even close to 10 and no one with less than 14. Chelsea currently has only 10 outfield players who have started more than five games and we are past the halfway stage. Admittedly, it wont take a lot of changes to get the likes of Schurrle, Mikel, Felipe Luis and Ramires to double-digits but how much does Mourinho want to rely on them? He has lost patience with Schurrle, removing him at half-time recently at Southampton, which was his only start in the past three months. Mikel and Ramires give him different options when he wants to be more defensive in midfield and he usually removes Oscar for one of them. After his performance at Spurs the Brazilian number ten may be on the bench more in the second half. Another Brazilian, Felipe Luis, cost 16 million pounds but the back four have been magnificent in most games this season and have been very difficult to dislodge as bright young star Kurt Zouma (zero starts) knows only too well. Mohamed Saleh and Loic Remy have also struggled to get starts and have just one between them so far. These are barriers Mourinho must find a way past in the second half to reduce the 344 number and increase the double digit starters past 10. Locked in a fierce battle with Man City, Chelsea still have the advantage in terms of fixtures remaining but it is this advantage that Mourinho must use wisely with his squad. History shows us how often he wins in year number two but it also shows us how much he needs to start relying on his squad if he wants to lift the trophy in May. Join us on Saturday from 7:30am et/4:30am pt for a full day of Premier League action including Chelsea vs Newcastle on TSN4 at 10am et/7am pt. Dennis Rodman Jersey . Bell Medias 12-year partnership with the Ottawa Senators includes five major components: - English-language regional television broadcast rights for TSN – a minimum of 52 regular season and pre-season games - French-language regional television broadcast rights for RDS – a minimum of 40 regular season and pre-season games - English-language broadcast rights for TSN Radio 1200 – all games - French-language radio broadcast rights – all games - Telecommunications and retail sponsorship and activation rights "We recognized early on that our regional broadcast rights coming up for renewal was a very important asset," said Senators owner Eugene Melnyk. Justin Holiday Jersey . Brad Malone had the other goal for the Monsters (1-1-0), while Elliott chipped in an assist for a three-point night and the games first star. Bryan Lerg also had two assists. Corban Knight and Max Reinhart scored for the Heat (1-1-0), who opened their season Friday with a 5-2 win over the Monsters in Cleveland. http://www.shopbullsonline.com/. Setting United on its way to a 2-0 victory, Rooney sent the ball high from inside the halfway line over goalkeeper Adrian after just seven minutes. "Its just instinct, Ive turned and had a quick look and seen the goalkeeper off his line," Rooney said. Bobby Portis Jersey . Wawrinka, who is seeded fourth, is in the top half of the draw with Serbian Novak Djokovic. The Swiss star outlasted Djokovic in a five-set quarterfinal thriller last year and stunned Spaniard Rafael Nadal in the final to capture his first-ever Grand Slam title. Scottie Pippen Jersey . Onyshko, from Minnedosa, Man., will compete in artistic gymnastics while Hanet, from Kelowna, B.C., will compete in lawn bowling as a para-athlete. "It is exciting that our Canadian athletes are starting to arrive at the Games Village," said Chantal Petitclerc, Canadas Chef de Mission.Baseball season is just around the corner and TSN.ca has you covered for whos in, whos out and what to expect from all 30 teams. Check in every day this week for two new division previews, finishing up with Scott MacArthurs look at the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday. Heres what to expect out of the National League West in 2014. NL WEST Arizona Diamondbacks GM: Kevin Towers Manager: Kirk Gibson 2013: 81-81, third in NL West. Did not qualify for playoffs. That was Then: Gibbys men were pretty much perfectly average in 2013. Apart from the unforgettable brawl that erupted in mid-June when Ian Kennedy plunked Zack Greinke (which, by the way, featured an incredible number of ex-MLB All-Stars on the coaching staffs - including the entire side of Montgomery Burns softball teams infield) the D-backs were 50/50 nearly the entire season. Never finishing a single month more than three games above or below .500 nor boasting a winning or losing streak of more than five games, the team was consistent from start to finish. The big story for the team was Paul Goldschmidts emergence as one of the games elite offensive weapons. Tops in homers and RBI, winning a Gold Glove and finishing second in MVP balloting, the third-year pro was a mammoth presence in the middle of an otherwise middling offence. They wound up second in the West in large part to the Giants drop-off, but clearly had it in mind to shake things up once the off-season kicked into gear. This is Now: There are a lot of intriguing names among the list of players that flew into or out of Arizona this off-season (see below). For the second straight year the D-backs dealt away a one-time blue chip arm. In 2013 it was Trevor Bauer that was Cleveland-bound and this past off-season it was Tyler Skaggs that was sacrificed in order to land Mark Trumbos streaky bat from the Los Angeles Angels. With last seasons mid-summer jettisoning of Ian Kennedy, one has to wonder what the end-game is with the D-backs pitching. That said, Trumbo put either directly in front of or behind Paul Goldschmidt gives Arizona one of the most fear-inducing power combos in all of baseball. That might have been the greater concern for Kevin Towers, considering his team tied for the fifth-least round-trippers in the bigs in 2013. Addison Reed is a nice pick-up for a team that featured a less-than-inspiring closer-by-committee approach last season and Bronson Arroyo will eat a large share of innings for the teams young-ish rotation. Whos In?: SP Bronson Arroyo (two-year contract), RP Addison Reed (trade with CHW), 1B Mark Trumbo (trade with LAA). Whos Out?: RP Heath Bell (trade with TB), IF Willie Bloomquist (signed with SEA), RP Shawn Camp (signed with PHI), 3B Matt Davidson (trade with CHW), OF Adam Eaton (trade with CHW), C Wil Nieves (signed with PHI), SP Tyler Skaggs (trade with LAA), SS Josh Wilson (singed with TEX). Colorado Rockies GM: Dan ODowd Manager: Walt Weiss 2013: 74-88, fifth in NL West. Did not qualify for playoffs. That was Then: The Rockies view didnt get any better in 2013, as they held down their place in the N.L. West cellar, albeit not finishing as miserably as they did the previous year. Injuries were once again a problem for the Rockies core, as Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez missed a combined 88 games due to injury. The pair can be one of the most dynamic pairings in all of baseball - but neither has played more than 145 games in any single season since 2009. Jorge de la Rosa and Jhoulys Chacin actually put up good win totals and decent numbers, especially considering they were on a last-place club, but the back end of the rotation was patchwork for much of the year. One of the games quietest All-Stars (and potential Hall-of-Famers) bid farewell to the Coors Field faithful, as Todd Helton hung up his spikes after 16 seasons in Denver. Helton retired the franchise leader in games played, hits, home runs, RBI, total bases and more and the team has already announced plans to retire his number 17. This is Now: A quick look at the transactions below will reveal the amount of upheaval theres been for the Rocks since October. Will all the changes turn the fortunes? Brett Anderson can be an impact arm, but hes a health risk. Drew Stubbs and Justin Morneau could help the offence, but Morneau, too, comes with injury baggage and is well removed from MVP or even All-Star form. Dealing Dexter Fowler, too, seems an odd move, considering he still had some contract control and plenty of speed to burn. But the key for the Rockies, like every year, will come down to the health of Tulo and CarGo. If both can find even moderate health, their career numbers suggest they will carry the Rockies offence. But thats a huge "if" and not one that the Rockies seem too intent to plan contingencies for. Whos In?: SP Brett Anderson (trade with OAK), OF Brandon Barnes (trade with HOU), RP Matt Belisle (mutual option exercised), RP LaTroy Hawkins (one-year contract), RP Boone Logan (three-year contract), SP Jordan Lyles (trade with HOU), C Michael McKenry (minor league contract), RP Franklin Morales (trade with BOS), 1B Justin Morneau (two-year contract), OF Drew Stubbs (trade with CLE). Whos Out?: RP Mitchell Boggs (signed with CHW), RP Edgmer Escalona (signed with BAL), OF Dexter Fowler (trade with HOU), SP Jeff Francis (signed with CIN), SP Jon Garland (released), 1B Todd Helton (retired), IF Jonathan Herrera (trade with BOS), SP Jeff Manship (signed with PHI), RP Josh Outman (trade with CLE), SP Drew Pomeranz (trade with OAK), C Yorvit Torrealba (signed with LAA). Los Angeles Dodgers GM: Ned Colletti Manager: Don Mattingly 2013: 92-70, first in NL West. Lost to St. Louis in National League Championship Series. That was Then: Having money certainly seems to suit the Dodgers fine. A year removed from bankruptcy, the Dodgers built on the momentum theyd established at the end of 2012. With millions in cast-offs from the Boston Red Sox still on the payroll, the Dodgers went out and spent even more, grabbing Zack Greinke, Hyun-Jin Ryu and re-upping Brandon League to build one of the majors truly frightening staffs. But the big shift came in June with the arrival of Cuban outfielder Yasiel Puig. Powerful, fast and electrifying, Puig shook up the N.L. West and added a needed boost to the Dodgers outfield that saw Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier and Carl Crawford all battle injuries. The Dodgers wound up running away with the N.L. West, winning by a comfortable 11 games and all but eliminating the shame of the Frank McCourt years. Post-season play would prove an up-and-down experience at Chavez Ravine. The Dodgers would put the sticks to the Atlanta Braves in the NLDS, winning their three games by a combined 13 runs, but theiir nemesis would rear its head in the form of unlikely rookie Michael Wacha in the NLCS.dddddddddddd The 22-year-old held the Dodgers to just seven hits over two scoreless starts, beating Kershaw in a pivotal Game 2 and the decisive Game 6. This is Now: If you liked last year, you might love this year. The thought of an entire year with a Puig-Kemp-Ethier outfield â€" health-permitting â€" is enough to make Dodger fans eager for the 2014 season. The Dodgers rotation, already a thing of beauty, went and bettered itself by adding Paul Maholm and Dan Haren. The Dodgers also re-upped Brian Wilson, who looked very much his "Fear the Beard" self after being cut adrift by the Giants prior to 2013. The infield will take some re-shaping, with Mark Ellis moving to St. Louis and Michael Young calling it a career, but if Hanley Ramirez can stretch what he did in 2013 over a full season he might well have a career year. It would be a surprise if the Dodgers werent a playoff team. The only question heading into this year is: Are they a championship team? Whos In?: P Dan Haren, SP Paul Maholm (one-year contract), RP Chris Perez (one-year contract), IF Justin Turner (minor league contract), RP Jamey Wright (one-year contract). Whos Out?: RP Ronald Belisario (signed with CHW), 2B Mark Ellis (signed with STL), SP Ted Lilly (retired), RP Carlos Marmol (signed with MIA), RP Peter Moylan (signed with HOU), SP Ricky Nolasco (signed with MIN), IF Nick Punto (signed with OAK), IF Skip Schumaker (signed with CIN), SP Edinson Volquez (signed with PIT), IF Michael Young (retired). San Diego Padres GM: Josh Byrnes Manager: Bud Black 2013: 76-86, third in NL West. Did not qualify for playoffs. That was Then: All-in-all, you could probably say that the Padres 2013 campaign comes out as a positive, but there were plenty of ups and downs to be considered before reaching a final verdict. The good news is that the team finished third in the division, ahead (once the math got worked out) of the Giants. They were above .500 for a good chunk of June, which marked the first time the club had been in that position since the end of 2010 and they finished strong, going 16-11 in September including series wins over three divisional opponents. Jedd Gyorko was also a rookie standout, leading the team in dingers (23) and RBIs (63). The Bad news came from the Biogenesis verdict that saw shortstop Everth Cabrera slapped with a 50-game suspension. His ban, coupled with the one handed to catcher Yasmani Grandal at the end of the 2012 campaign hung a gigantic cloud over the teams core talent. Add in a host of injuries that limited first baseman Yonder Alonso to just 97 games in 2013 and it was really a year that a lot of Padres players would like to have buried in the past. It will be interesting to see how they follow it up. This is Now: The Padres took a chance with their off-season strategy, but if the gamble pays off San Diego could be poised to at least be respectable in the West. Joaquin Benoit will eat a whole bunch of innings out of the pen and provides a nice back-up plan should Huston Street falter or get hurt. He and Alex Torres should ease some of the sting of dealing away Luke Gregerson. Similarly, Seth Smith provides some pretty decent pop off the bench and is a nice addition as far as fourth outfielders go. Thats not the risky part. If the Padres signed pre-shoulder surgery, 2010 edition of Josh Johnson for $8 million, theyve added a big piece to their rotation. Hes a player that was once one of the NLs best arms and might be worth a one-year flier. That said, he was bad in 2013 with the Toronto Blue Jays. He missed all of May with a triceps injury and was shut down in August with forearm tightness. If it were just a season of injuries that would be problematic enough, but he logged just 81.1 innings, going 2-8 and posting a grotesque 1.66 WHIP. A one-year deal is never truly risky, but an $8 million investment is not exactly a low-risk proposition for a player that underwent off-season elbow surgery. Hes already expected to miss at least a month with a flexor strain. Whos In?: RP Joaquin Benoit (two-year contract), IF Ryan Jackson (trade with HOU), SP Josh Johnson (one-year contract), OF Seth Smith (trade with OAK), RP Alex Torres (trade with TB). Whos Out?: RP Anthony Bass (trade with HOU), RP Brad Boxberger (trade with TB), RP Brad Brach (trade with BAL), IF Logan Forsythe (trade with TB), RP Luke Gregerson (trade with OAK), 1B Jesus Guzman (trade with HOU), RP Colt Hynes (trade with CLE), OF Mark Kotsay (retired), RP Tommy Layne (signed with BOS). San Francisco Giants GM: Brian Sabean Manager: Bruce Bochy 2013: 76-86, fourth in NL West. Did not qualify for playoffs. That was Then: Its never easy defending a championship and Giants fans found that out once more in 2013. After locking Buster Posey down to a mammoth extension in March, the Giants actually got off to a pretty decent start last season, playing .650 baseball through the first 20 games of the season. But the summer would not be kind to San Fran, as the Giants would drop 19 of 24 games in late June and early July. Shortly after that horrible stretch Tim Lincecum would make history by throwing a 148-pitch no-hitter, the second-highest count in MLB history. Losing Matt Cain and Ryan Vogelsong for stretches didnt help their rotation any and by the time the dust settled the Giants were fourth in the West, posting their first sub-.500 season since 2009. This is Now: With the amount of talent the Giants have at their core, its hard to believe they cant contend, despite the disappointment that was 2013. After all, they missed the playoffs the year after their 2010 triumph and came right back to win another championship the next year. They went out and added a wealth of experience to their starting rotation by taking a two-year chance on right-hander Tim Hudson, whose 205 career wins are tops amongst active MLB pitchers. He should add some nice insulation at the back end of their rotation behind the likes of Cain, Lincecum and Madison Bumgarner. A suddenly-trim Pablo Sandoval will be an interesting sight for the Giants this season and the Panda has made spring training promises to lose even more weight. Meanwhile, the continued development of Brandon Belt could provide even more runs for the traditionally run-starved team. Whos In?: SP Tim Hudson (two-year contact), SP David Huff (minor league contract), OF Michael Morse (one-year contract). Whos Out?: RP Jose Mijares (signed with BOS), SP Chad Gaudin (signed with PHI), SP Guillermo Moscoso (signed in Japan), OF Francisco Peguero (signed with BAL), OF Kensuke Tanaka (signed with TEX). 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