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31

Åâðîïà / is: FORWARDS Chris Kunitz - Sidney Crosby - Jeff CarterPatrick Sharp - Jonathan

« : 23 Äåêàáðü 2014, 08:26:27 »

MINNEAPOLIS -- Josh Willinghams time in Minnesota could be waning, with the trade deadline approaching and the veteran outfielder in the final year of his contract. His swing is back, even if he might be going. Willinghams tiebreaking home run in the eighth inning sent the Twins to a 4-3 victory over the Cleveland Indians on Monday night. "I felt better, yeah, so hopefully I can keep going and help us win some games. Thats my goal," Willingham said. As for the possibility of being dealt? "I pay seriously zero attention to it," Willingham said, while his three young sons played around in the clubhouse behind him, focused on their Popsicles and blissfully oblivious to a scenario in which their father would find himself on a new team later this summer. Kurt Suzuki had a two-run double among his three hits, Trevor Plouffe hit an RBI double and the Twins beat the Indians at home for the first time in more than 11 months. "Coming off the All-Star break and losing three in a row, you obviously dont feel real good about yourself. So we needed a big win," Willingham said. Suzuki, a first-time All-Star selection who was the catcher for the ninth inning of the American Leagues victory here at Target Field last week, posted his ninth three-hit game this season. He raised his batting average to .311 and is 25 for 63 in his last 17 games. In another All-Star game reprise, Glen Perkins pitched a perfect ninth for his 23rd save in 26 chances. One week ago, the Home Run Derby was delayed by rain on a cool, autumn-like evening. Tack on about 30 degrees and thick humidity, and thats what the conditions were like for this series opener, which began with a first-pitch temperature of 89 degrees. Willingham sent the sweaty Twins fans home happy with his dead-pull line drive that just cleared the left-field wall against Bryan Shaw (4-2), his ninth homer and only his second this month. "We were all blowing really hard in the dugout for that to get out," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. Shaw threw a full-count slider. "Not where I was trying to put it," he said. Casey Fien (5-4) picked up the victory, despite allowing an RBI single by Roberto Perez in the top of the eighth that cost Twins starter Kris Johnson his first career win. "Mine will maybe come later. Maybe not. You never know. Its the Twins victory that counts the most," said Johnson, who was sent back to Triple-A Rochester after the game to make room for Tuesdays starter, rookie right-hander Yohan Pino. Teetering on the brink of veteran-sell-off mode before the trade deadline, the Twins emerged from the All-Star break by being swept by Tampa Bay. But they snapped back from that and, in their first time hosting the Indians this year, ended a six-game home losing streak to their division rivals. The Indians lost shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera to spasms in his lower back after two innings. Chris Dickerson delivered a pinch-hit RBI single in his place, and Mike Aviles quickly shifted back to his natural shortstop spot after his first start of the season in centre field. Yan Gomes hit third, having not batted higher than fifth all season and getting most of his time in the seventh slot, and hit an RBI double. Hes 10 for 21 with five RBIs in his last six games. Johnson finished five innings in his third major league start, his longest appearance yet. Rookie T.J. House, who made eight starts earlier this season, was recalled from Triple-A Columbus to take the mound in Minnesota. House also completed five innings, giving up three runs. NOTES: The Twins tabbed Pino (1-2, 4.39 ERA) to pitch Tuesday, his sixth major league start. Pino will be recalled from Rochester for the third time in a little more than a month. The Indians will also bring their starter, RHP Danny Santana, up from Triple-A. Santana (1-4, 5.53) was sent to Columbus on May 16. ... Twins 1B Joe Mauer (strained muscle on his right side) took grounders before the game. Gardenhire, asked whether he had ever hurt an oblique in his playing days, quipped, "I didnt even know I had one. I never swung good enough to really actually pull an oblique." ... Indians All-Star Michael Brantley started the game on the bench for a break and hit a pinch-hit double in the eighth. He stayed in the game in centre field. Ryan Wendell Womens Jerseys ." Hextall was promoted to general manager by the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday to replace Paul Holmgren, who was elevated to president. Devin McCourty Jersey . Harrison combined with four relievers on a five-hitter to get his first victory since September 2012, in his first home start since April 2013, and the Rangers won 5-0 Thursday night after being overwhelmed by the Rockies the previous three games. http://www.thepatriotsjerseysproshop.com/Patriots-Ryan-Allen-Authentic-Jersey/ . Barcelona says Pique tore a muscle in his right leg. The Spain international will miss Spanish league games against Almeria and Valladolid, but should be back for the Champions league match against Manchester City on March 12. Jordan Devey Jersey . -- Quinn OBrien scored three times in the third period as the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies beat the host Chicoutimi Sagueneens 7-3 on Friday in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action. Donta Hightower Womens Jerseys .C. -- J.B. Holmes was a 3-foot putt away from winning the Wells Fargo Championship when he backed away to size up the situation.The Canadian mens Olympic hockey team practised for the first time in Sochi on Monday, providing a look into the potential makeup of the lineup for Thursdays tournament opener against Norway. According to TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun, the coaching staff admitted the likelihood of tinkering with the lines used in practice over the next two days, particularly the fourth unit. Here are the practice lines with extra players in parenthesis: FORWARDS Chris Kunitz - Sidney Crosby - Jeff CarterPatrick Sharp - Jonathan Toews - Rick NashPatrick Marleau - Ryan Getzlaf - Corey PerryJamie Benn - John Tavares - Patrice Bergeron(Martin St. Louis, Matt Duchene) DEFENCE Duncan Keeith - Shea WeberJay Bouwmeester - Alex PietrangeloMarc-Edouard Vlasic - Drew Doughty(P.ddddddddddddK. Subban, Dan Hamhuis) LeBrun added that John Tavares skated with Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry, but that Patrick Marleau would likely slot in on the wing with the Anaheim Ducks tandem. In that circumstance, the plan would be for Tavares to centre the fourth line with Jamie Benn on the left wing and Patrice Bergeron on the right. TSNs Ryan Rishaug tweeted that Tavares said he "played the wing for 95 per cent of the lockout while in Bern (Switzerland)." He also said head coach Mike Babcock, "approached him in the summer about possibility of doing so." cheap nfl jerseys ' ' '

32

Åâðîïà / The crowd was announced as a sellout,

« : 23 Äåêàáðü 2014, 08:25:03 »

PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia Phillies got some major production out of the middle of their order on the way to an easy win. Chase Utley hit a three-run homer, and Ben Revere had four hits, including a triple, to lead the Phillies to a 10-3 victory over the Houston Astros on Wednesday night. Ryan Howard had two hits and two RBIs with a double for Philadelphia, which had scored just two runs in 35 2-3 innings entering Wednesday. The Phillies topped the Astros 2-1 in 15 innings on Tuesday night. Utley, Howard and Marlon Byrd -- the Phillies Nos. 3-5 hitters -- had five hits and six RBIs. "It makes a big difference all the way around," Philadelphia manager Ryne Sandberg said. "That becomes contagious." David Buchanan (6-5) was called up again to replace Cliff Lee, who is on the disabled list for a second time because of a left elbow strain sustained last Thursday. Buchanan, whose strategy was to get ahead of hitters, gave up three runs and nine hits in 6 1-3 innings with five strikeouts and no walks. He filled in for Lee during the left-handers previous two-month stint on the DL, but made his last three starts in the minor leagues. "Steady, gave us a chance to win," Sandberg said. "He doesnt get rattled out there. He hangs in there." Brad Peacock (3-8) struggled in his first big-league start since being sent to the minors to work on his fastball command. He allowed eight runs and seven hits in five innings, and lost his third straight start. The right-hander had an 18.00 ERA in his previous two starts with the Astros, which landed him in Triple-A Oklahoma City. The Phillies jumped on Peacock in the first inning for five runs and four hits, highlighted by Howards two-run double. Buchanan drove in the final run of the frame with his first major-league hit in his 18th at-bat. "I couldnt get into a groove," Peacock said. "I was probably working a little too quick. I was a little amped up." Utleys homer in the fourth gave Philadelphia an 8-2 lead. "It was a bad pitch to Utley, but after that I felt great," Peacock said. "But the numbers are the numbers." Houston scored in the first inning on Jon Singletons RBI groundout, in the fourth on Jake Marisnicks sacrifice fly, and in the seventh on Jose Altuves groundout. Altuve had two hits with an RBI, giving him his major league-leading 48th multi-hit game. UP NEXT Astros right-hander Colin McHugh (4-9, 3.32) faces Phillies right-hander Roberto Hernandez (6-8, 3.87) as the teams wrap up their three-game set on Thursday night. Hernandez will be trying for his third straight win after allowing just two earned runs in 15 innings over his last two starts. McHugh, who will be making his first career start against the Phillies, entered Wednesday ranked fifth in the AL in opponents batting average (.203) and second in strikeouts per nine innings (10.14). TRAINERS ROOM Phillies: Lees season appears to be over. Although no announcement on his status has been made, Lees locker in the clubhouse has been cleaned out. Lee was making his second start last Thursday after a two-month stint on the DL when he was hurt again. Astros: Rookie outfielder George Springer, on the DL since July 20 with a strained quad, played in his third rehab game with Quad Cities on Wednesday night. Springer doubled but was lifted after feeling a pull, Houston manager Bo Porter said. The AL Rookie of the Month in May is batting .231 with 20 homers and 51 RBIs in 78 games with Houston. Before Wednesdays game, Springer was on pace for a possible return on Thursday although Fridays home game against Texas is more likely. OUT FROM HIS KNEES Second-base umpire Jeff Nelson made an out call from his knees in the first inning after falling while trying to get in position when Buchanan slid into second. Sandberg challenged Nelsons decision but the call stood after a 3-minute, 12-second replay delay. Buchanan thought he was safe but said, "I think for now Im going to stay on first base." DANCING WITH THE PHANATIC Third-base umpire Laz Diaz showed off his dancing skills during a skit with the Phillie Phanatic following the fifth inning. Dressed in a red and black costume with Spanish music blaring, the Phanatic danced Salsa style in front of Diaz. Diaz at first made no expression and twice turned away from the Philadelphia mascot before getting in on the dance toward the end of what seemed to be an unscripted act. FOLTYNEWICZ WORKS OUT OF JAM Astros reliever Mike Foltynewicz worked out of a jam in the seventh inning in his second major league appearance. The right-hander allowed three straight hits to start the frame, capped by Byrds RBI single, before getting Grady Sizemore to ground into a double play and Wil Nieves to strike out swinging. It was the first career run allowed for Foltynewicz, who pitched 2-3 scoreless innings in his big-league debut on Saturday. Foltynewicz came back out for the eighth and gave up another run when Revere tripled and scored on a wild pitch. BULLPEN ON A ROLL Philadelphia relievers Jake Diekman, Justin De Fratus and Cesar Jimenez combined to allow one hit in 2 2-3 scoreless innings in a strong performance from the Phillies bullpen for the second straight night. In Tuesdays win, the Philadelphia relievers allowed one hit in eight scoreless innings and struck out 14. Malcom Floyd Chargers Jersey . - The Abbotsford Heat hope a last-minute goal keeps their season alive for more than one extra game. Malcom Floyd Jersey . Fifth-seeded Cilic gained his fourth title in Zagreb and became the third Croat overall to win at least 10 career titles. Cilic also lifted his career record in Zagreb to 22-4, winning 20 of his last 21 matches at the event. http://www.chargersjerseysofficialshop.com/black-friday-keenan-allen-jersey/ ." Hextall was promoted to general manager by the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday to replace Paul Holmgren, who was elevated to president. Branden Oliver Jersey . The 36-year-old  announced his retirement on Friday after having played in Montreal, Los Angeles, Edmonton, Pittsburgh, Columbus and Tampa Bay. Brandon Flowers Chargers Jersey . Make that 2-40 now. Tony Gwynn Jr. led off the ninth with a walk against Miami closer Steve Cishek and later scored, Ben Revere added the go-ahead run when Miami second baseman Donovan Solano bobbled a potential double-play grounder and the Phillies rallied past the Marlins 5-4 Thursday night to snap a six-game losing streak.TORONTO -- Just two games into the 2014 MLS season, Toronto FC is experiencing new heights. England star Jermain Defoe is scoring goals as befitting his monster salary. American international Michael Bradley is pulling the strings in midfield. And everyone else is playing their part. Its early days yet but Toronto, once the MLS doormat, is off to its best start ever at 2-0-0 and drawing a crowd on and off the pitch. On Saturday, the TFC dressing room was crammed with reporters eager to tell the story of Torontos 1-0 win over D.C. United in the home opener before an announced -- and enthusiastic -- sellout crowd of 22,591 at BMO Field. Defoe emerged from the shower in a towel and flip-flops to find a mass of humanity in front of his stall. "Id forgotten about this," he said with a smile. The 31-year-old forward, used to reporter-free dressing rooms in England, must have felt like he was starring in "Magic Mike" as he dressed in front of some three dozen members of the media. Canadian midfielder Jonathan Osorio, who dresses two stalls down, had to scale his locker like he was climbing Everest just to get to his gear. Toronto loves a winner. Its just never seen one wearing Toronto FC gear. Still manager Ryan Nelsen is preaching caution at this early stage of the franchises eighth season. "I dont think were a top team right now," he said. "Were very well organized but I dont think weve seen the best of us. And you wont see the best of us because were still new." "I think we still have a long way to go as a team," he added. "Well play better than that probably and lose games." Toronto started six players Saturday who werent with the club last year. Defoe, who scored twice in his MLS debut last week in Seattle, could have had four goals Saturday before he finally scored in the 60th minute after Brazilian strike partner Gilberto was sent in alone by a beautiful through ball from Bradley. Goalie Bill Hamid made the save but the ball was cleared only as far as Defoe, who got the ball out from under his feet and hammered home a right-footed shot. The goal, which featured all three of TFCs designated players, was a model of efficiency. Brazilian international goalie Julio Cesar started the play, booting the ball up field. A D.C. United player headed it back towards the Toronto end but TFC captain Steven Caldwell nipped in and sent it to Osorio. The 21-year-old Canadian quickly gave it to Bradley, who lofted a pass over the defence to Gilberto. The day offered thin gruel for D.C. United (0-2-0), which has yet to score this season after being beaten 3-0 by the Columbus Crew in its season opener two weeks ago. "I dont think D.C. broke us down very often at all," said Nelsen. "And you look at our chances we had to score." Defoes three goals in two games would have tied him for third overall in Toronto FC scoring over the entire 2013 season..dddddddddddd After a brutal winter that included one last snowfall overnight, the ravaged grass at BMO Field made for a choppy game. It might as well have been played on a cowpatch. "The field was not conducive to playing any sport of football," Nelsen said by way of understatement. "But thats no fault of the groundskeeper," he added with a smile. "I blame God for that at the moment for the winter hes given Toronto." In addition to having a predator up front, Toronto is also looking a lot harder this season. Caldwell has added to the spine of the club since his arrival last season but the presence of Bradley has helped. The American literally ran over referee Silviu Petrescu in the first half, knocking the official down as he steamed towards the visitors penalty box. And he kept playing after a nasty clash of heads in the second half knocked Davy Arnaud out of the game. The shaven-headed Bradley, who returned to the fray with a bandage, was sporting an ugly array of staples to close the head wound after the game. "You can see now theres a bit of hardness to us, to tell you the truth," said Nelsen, who was tough as nails himself as a player. "That, no disrespect to the past, I dont think weve had." D.C. United coach Ben Olsen, while noting both teams had to play on the surface, called the pitch "as bad as Ive ever seen in the MLS." Be it artificial turf (last week in Seattle) or just bad turf, Toronto is winning. Just two games into the 2014 schedule, TFC has already one-third of the victories it collected last season when the team went 6-17-11. Torontos previous best opening was a 1-0-1 start in 2009. In 2012, it took the team 14 games to record two victories. Nelsens team will no doubt face a stiffer test next weekend at Real Salt Lake (1-0-2). While the overnight snowfall had dissipated by kickoff, fans had to contend with a partial shutdown of the subway system as well as an AHL game and the National Home Show on the Exhibition grounds Saturday. The crowd was announced as a sellout, but there were some empty seats. Defoe called the atmosphere "unbelievable." "From Minute One, the stadium was rocking." It was two degrees at kickoff although a stiff wind did little to make it a pleasant afternoon. Neither did the pitch, which started cutting up in the first half. Torontos Brazilian midfielder Jackson received a yellow card in the 50th minute for what looked like an elbow off the ball. "It looked pretty bad," D.C. defender Bobby Boswell said. Said Nelsen: "I think the referee saw it and he gave him a yellow card. So its been dealt with, isnt it?" D.C. United was the worst team in the league last season at 3-24-7 but made wholesale changes during the off-season. "Its a loss but I think when I look back, I think we will see that we really took some steps forward." said Olsen. cheap nfl jerseys ' ' '

33

Åâðîïà / Stephenson finished with nine points and didnt record

« : 22 Äåêàáðü 2014, 09:12:57 »

ATLANTA -- Garrett Jones drove in two runs with a bases-loaded single in the 10th inning, lifting the Miami Marlins to a 3-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Monday night. Christian Yelich led off the 10th with a single off Shae Simmons (1-2) and moved to second on Jordany Valdespins sacrifice bunt. Following an intentional walk to Giancarlo Stanton, Simmons walked Casey McGehee to load the bases. Jones broke a 1-1 tie with his grounder past Simmons into centre field. Bryan Morris (7-0) stranded two runners in a scoreless ninth. Steve Cishek pitched a perfect 10th inning for his 22nd save. Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit his 10th homer for Miami in the fifth for a 1-1 tie that held until the ninth. The Braves began the night one percentage point behind first-place Washington in the NL East. The Marlins couldnt score after loading the bases with no outs in the ninth against closer Craig Kimbrel. Kimbrel walked McGehee to open the ninth and he raced to third on Jones single to right. Kimbrel had two strikes on Marcell Ozuna before throwing four straight balls to load the bases. Kimbrel struck out Saltalamacchia and Adeiny Hechavarria before pinch-hitter Donovan Solano lined out to second base to end the inning. Atlanta starter Julio Teheran matched his career high with 11 strikeouts while allowing one run and four hits in seven innings. Miami starter Tom Koehler allowed one run and five hits in 6 2-3 innings. He gave up the run in the second inning when Justin Upton led off with a single up the middle and later scored on Chris Johnsons groundout. Teheran retired Miamis first nine hitters before walking Yelich to open the fourth. That set the stage for Andrelton Simmons defensive play of the game. With Yelich running from first, Simmons was running toward second base when Valdespin hit a sharp grounder toward shortstop. Simmons stopped and dived back toward his vacated spot to grab the grounder before again quickly reversing his momentum to reach in the other direction and tag second base to force out Yelich. With two outs in the fifth, Saltalamacchia pulled a homer into the seats in right field for Miamis first hit, tying the game at 1-1. The Braves loaded the bases with two outs in the sixth with the help of shortstop Hechavarrias throwing error to first base after fielding Jason Heywards grounder. Koehler walked Evan Gattis to load the bases before striking out Johnson to end the threat. Gattis was activated from the 15-day disabled list before the game. He had been sidelined since June 29 with a bulging disk in his lower back. NOTES: The season series is tied 5-5. ... Braves C Christian Bethancourt drew a vote of confidence from manager Fredi Gonzalez after the rookie was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett to clear a spot for Gattis. "This guys going to be our catcher of the future," Gonzalez said. "Hes just got to wait his turn." ... Miami manager Mike Redmond said RHP Henderson Alvarez will be able to make his scheduled start Thursday. Alvarez left Saturdays game against the Giants with a bruised left shin after being hit by a comebacker. ... The four-game series continues Tuesday night when Marlins RHP Jacob Turner faces Braves LHP Mike Minor. Wes Unseld Wizards Jersey . "Its huge," Casey said of Torontos matchup with the fifth-place Hawks, who sit 1.5 games behind the Raptors for third place in the Eastern Conference. "Its not like in the past where games dont matter. In the past we were building, getting guys experience. Washington Wizards Jerseys . The deal, filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago, calls for the NCAA to toughen return-to-play rules for players who receive head blows and create a $70 million fund to pay for thousands of current and former athletes to undergo testing to determine whether they suffered brain trauma while playing football and other contact sports. http://www.wizardsjerseysfanshop.com/bradley-beal-womens-jersey/ . The Vikings announced Saturday they downgraded Peterson from doubtful on the original injury report to out against Detroit Sunday, when the Vikings and Lions will play the last game at the Metrodome. Nene Wizards Jersey . Berdych, coming off a semifinal run at the Australian Open and Davis Cup win over the Netherlands, didnt face a break-point. A semifinalist two years ago here, he will play the winner of an all-French faceoff between Gilles Simon and Nicolas Mahut. Wes Unseld Authentic Jersey . -- Amid stories about Jeremy Lin and the upcoming all-star game, the Detroit Pistons have quietly become one of the hottest teams in the NBA.The Miami Heat can clinch a fourth straight NBA Finals appearance Wednesday night with a victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Watch the game live on TSN and TSN GO at 8:30pm et/5:30pm pt. The Heat are a single victory away from becoming the fourth team in NBA history to reach the championship round four consecutive seasons. The Boston Celtics made a whopping 10 in a row from 1957-66, then the Los Angeles Lakers turned the trick from 1982-85. The Cs did it once again, battling those same Lakers a few times, from 1984-87. Its been almost 30 years, but history is what this incarnation of South Beachs Big Three had in mind when they united in Miami in the summer of 2010. True to their form, the Heat arent worrying about legacies. They are worrying about Game 5. "Its going to take a better game than we had (Monday). Its that simple," said LeBron James. "You have to get better every game. Their back is against the wall, but we have to go in with that mindset that our back is against the wall, too." Miami inched a win closer to the title round with a 102-90 victory at American Airlines Arena Monday night in Game 4. James scored 14 of his 32 points in the third quarter, while Chris Bosh added 25. Dwyane Wade had 15 points and James also supplied 10 rebounds and five assists for the Heat, who moved to 7-0 at home during the postseason. Pacers guard Lance Stephenson stated that James using trash talk against him in Miamis Game 3 victory was a "sign of weakness." "Im doing something right to get underneath his skin," Stephenson said after Indianas practice on Sunday. His comments mightve fueled James, although the four-time MVP shrugged off Stephensons comments postgame. "I was motivated enough getting back to the finals," said James, who passed Michael Jorddan for the most playoff games with at least 25 points, five rebounds and five assists.dddddddddddd James relentlessly attacked the rim throughout and Bosh helped the Heat finally get off to a fast start in this set. Miami had trailed by double figures in the first quarter in two of the first three games, but it flipped the script on Monday. Bosh, who had netted just nine points in each of the first three tilts and had been just 2-of-12 from beyond the arc in the series, put in Miamis first eight points. He knocked down a pair of 3-pointers during his personal 8-0 run to begin the game and the Heat never looked back in the wire-to-wire victory. Paul George supplied 23 points and seven rebounds and David West added 20 points and 12 boards for Indiana. Stephenson finished with nine points and didnt record his first field goal until the 5:31 mark of the fourth. George was very displeased with the officiating after the game. The Heat attempted 34 free throws compared to 17 for the Pacers. "I feel like were just as aggressive as they are attacking the basket and making plays at the rim," said George. "Maybe this was just home cooking." That comment, plus many more, earned George a $25,000 fine from the league. Roy Hibbert was held scoreless in 22 minutes in defeat. The Pacers are 0-3 all-time in series trailing 3-1. In the Big Three era, the Heat are 7-0 in series when leading by the same margin. "Listen, 3-1 is a tough challenge. We know that," said Pacers coach Frank Vogel. "If its going to happen, it typically happens when the home team is down 3-1. If we win Game 5, the pressure goes back on them. Then theyve got to win Game 6. Otherwise, Game 7 is in our building. "All our focus is on right now is coming back and getting Game 5 and extending the series." If the Pacers can, Game 6 would be Friday night in Miami. cheap nfl jerseys ' ' '

34

Åâðîïà / While Brieres game has declined -

« : 22 Äåêàáðü 2014, 09:11:44 »

TORONTO - Fresh off of a season-saving win, Raptors guard Greivis Vasquez stood behind a podium on the third level of the Air Canada Centre and impersonated one of his teammates most identifiable moves. As if he had been rehearsing it, Vasquez looked around with a grimacing stare as he clinched two fists and flexed his muscles. What do you think of DeMar DeRozans face after he hits a big shot, he was asked moments earlier. "I love it, he goes like this," he exclaimed without hesitation, busting out his interpretation of what has been dubbed "the DeRozan face". To his credit, it was dead on. DeRozans signature celebration has become a welcomed sight for Vasquez and the rest of the Raptors players. "Its something I can only do in a game after shots or a dunk or something," DeRozan said. "Its just me being intense." After draining an 18-foot fadeaway jumper, his second straight bucket, with just over two minutes left in Tuesdays 100-95 Game 2 win over the Nets, the Raptors all-star guard strutted up the court doing the DeRozan face. "I told him before the game," Vasquez noted. "I said, Youre going to have a great game, I want that face. I get fired up when he starts doing that and he makes that face." "I think you see it in all of us," DeRozan fired back. "Even with Greivis, what he does when he makes a big shot, when he looks up in the air. Im like, ‘whatchu looking at, G? Everyone has their own gestures and we feed off one another when we see somebody else doing that and it just gets us going." Can you do the DeRozan face, Dwane Casey was asked. "I dont know what youre taking about," said the Raptors coach, immediately turning away. So, not everyone was playing along. This was the lighthearted scene following practice on Wednesday afternoon, just two hours before the Raptors shipped off to Brooklyn for Games 3 and 4. Naturally, the conversation turned to the immeasurable chemistry that has held this team together throughout a tumultuous season, the chemistry they feel will work to their advantage as they enter enemy territory this coming weekend. "Its going to be a new frontier," Casey said, preparing his team to face the Nets at Barclays Center with their opening round series tied at a game apiece. "Weve been a good road team in hostile situations, hostile gyms. Our guys have responded." That they have. Their 22 road wins are a franchise record and theyre just one of four teams to knock off the Nets in Brooklyn in 2014. Throughout the season, they have cited their togetherness, a camaraderie on and off the court, as the primary reason for their unexpected success - being a young team - away from home. Both DeRozan and Kyle Lowry referred back to a conversation they shared after Tuesday nights win. Torontos two leading scorers were in full agreement that this is the most harmonious team theyve ever been apart of. "Its just great to have a group of guys who just really get along," Lowry said. "Youd never think a group like that, with so many different personalities, that everyone really just feeds off each other and everyone genuinely likes each other. We really are like a band of brothers. Its cool. Its like, were able to hold each other accountable and we know its not out of spite, its because we want to be better. Its constructive criticism." Chemistry and winning seem to go hand in hand. Youre unlikely to enjoy a sustainable measure of one without the other. Chemistry is a valuable commodity in professional sports, but its fragile and almost impossible to quantify. "Chemistry is a funny thing," Casey admits. "You know it when you got it, but its so easy to lose. Its hard to put your finger on it. I think we have good chemistry, the right pieces, the right guys, the right personalities in the locker room." That togetherness, like defence - Caseys other fixation - tends to travel well. The Raptors have harnessed an us versus the world mentality in the unfamiliar surroundings of the road and will need it more than ever if they hope to take control of this series on foreign soil. The Nets own a record of 22-4 at home since Jan. 1, tops in the NBA over that span. "The reason were here right now in the playoffs is just because we got one of the most healthy locker rooms," Vasquez said. "No egos at all. Everybodys just happy if anybody does well. We care about each other on and off the court and when we go on the road, we get each others back."  "The reason we became a good team, [are] on our way to becoming a great team, is just because we care. Chemistry is such a big factor on any team, and we have it. We do have it." Cheap Jerseys . T.J. Brodie scored at 2:26 of the extra session to lead Flames to a 5-4 win over the slumping Blackhawks, whose overtime record fell to 0-6 this season. Wholesale Jerseys . Atletico built a provisional three-point advantage over Barcelona before the defending champion hosts Elche on Sunday. Barcelona then visits Atletico in the following round. "We will have to wait and see if Barcelona wins tomorrow to stay leader, as it is accustomed to doing," Atletico coach Diego Simeone said. http://www.wholesalechinajersey.us.com/ . Gretzky was asked if he believes Montreal Canadiens defenceman PK Subban should be on Canadas blueline in February at the Sochi Olympics. "Im not going to get in the middle of that controversy because Stevie Yzerman obviously knows what hes doing, he won a gold medal in 2010," said Gretzky. Cheap NFL Jerseys . -- The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins erupted for five goals in the third period to beat the St. Cheap Jerseys From China . -- Dwyane Wade was a late scratch from the Miami Heats starting lineup against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night because of nerve irritation in his left foot, leaving his status for the All-Star game in doubt.The Colorado Avalanche saved some money in a forward swap, but took the worse player in the process. Numbers Game looks at the trade that sees Daniel Briere and PA Parenteau switching spots. The Canadiens Get: RW PA Parenteau and a fifth-round pick. Parenteau, 31, is a late bloomer who didnt reach the NHL for good until he was 27-years-old, but hes been a productive player, scoring 196 points in the past four seasons, which ranks 55th in the league. He fell out of favour in Colorado last season, missing 25 games with a couple of knee injuries and playing 16:57 per game, his lowest average time on ice of the past four seasons. On an Avalanche team that was among the leagues worst possession-wise, Parenteau was nearly break-even, so he wasnt particularly a problem in that respect. In Montreal, Parenteau should have a good opportunity to play in a top-six role, which is suitable for his price tag of $4.0-million over the next two seasons. A fifth-round pick brings with it a less than 15% chance of yielding an NHL player, but its a bit of a sweetener for the Habs taking on an extra year. Given that Montreal is getting the better player, that sweetener might not have been altogether necessary. The Avalanche Get: RW Daniel Briere. Briere is a 36-year-old who is well past his prime as a scoring forward, with a serious decline in productivity over the past couple seasons, managing 41 points in 103 games over the last two years.dddddddddddd Briere was dropped down the Canadiens depth chart last season, playing 12:46 per game, his lowest since 2000-2001. While Brieres game has declined -- hes not as quick as he once was -- he does come with a rep as a playoff performer, putting up 116 points in 124 postseason games over his career, which is tied for fourth among active players. Briere signed a two-year, $8-million deal as a free agent last summer, so his deal has one year remaining. He doesnt figure to play a prominent role in Colorado, but Briere should have a shot to play in Colorados top nine. If he does, theres a decent chance that, even if he scores a little bit more with more ice time, Brieres sinking possession stats will only be exacerbated by the Avalanches puck possession troubles. In the grand scheme of things, the Avalanche got away from two years of paying Parenteau, which was their motivation, but the price to pay means taking an inferior player for one year. Scott Cullen can be reached at Scott.Cullen@bellmedia.ca and followed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/tsnscottcullen. For more, check out TSN Fantasy on Facebook. cheap nfl jerseys ' ' '

35

Åâðîïà / while at the same time, leaving so much out.

« : 22 Äåêàáðü 2014, 09:09:49 »

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Rudy Gay said he didnt harbour a sense of revenge Wednesday night facing his former team -- the Toronto Raptors-- for the first time since a December trade. His numbers said it all. DeMarcus Cousins had 25 points and 10 rebounds, Gay added 24 points and 10 rebounds, and the Kings held off the Raptors in the fourth quarter for a 109-101 victory. The Dec. 9 trade brought Gay, Quincy Acy and Aaron Gray to Sacramento in exchange for Patterson, John Salmons, Greivis Vasquez and Chuck Hayes. The trade has worked well for both teams. Since the shake-up, the Raptors have compiled an 18-11 record and own the third best overall record in the Eastern Conference. They had an 8-12 mark before the deal. Gay has thrived in his role as a key figure offensively. The versatile forward has averaged 20.7 points and shot 53 per cent in his first 25 games with the Kings. Gay wasnt nearly as effective with the Raptors, shooting just under 39 per cent in his second season in Toronto. "It was great to see Rudy have such a successful game tonight," said Gray, who didnt play. "No matter what the scenario, its really important when you go against your ex-team. You always want to show them what theyre missing. I think Rudy did that." Toronto coach Dwane Casey wished his team was a little more focused on effort rather than the socializing that took place between the two teams. "I just thought our whole disposition was off. Were out there hugging and giving out fives and all that," Casey said. "Well, this is a business. I didnt think our disposition at the beginning of the game was in fighting mode or hungry mode. We havent done anything, Ill keep repeating this, we havent done anything in this league yet." The Kings led by 20 points going into the final quarter, when Toronto got going offensively and cut the lead to five points with under a minute to play. But the Kings converted six consecutive free throws in the final minute to seal their second straight victory after losing seven straight. "I think we kept our composure, were very poised down the stretch, and came out with a good home victory," Cousins said. Kyle Lowry had 21 points, eight assists and seven rebounds for the Raptors, who had won four of their last five. Demar DeRozan scored 18 points, Patrick Patterson 14 and Steve Novak 12, all in the fourth quarter. DeRozan, who entered the game averaging 22 points, shot 5 of 17. He added six rebounds and four assists. Novak played only 34 seconds through three quarters, but in the fourth he hit three three-pointers, helping the Raptors outscore the Kings 29-17. "The game was bizarre; we made it interesting," Kings coach Michael Malone said. "Im glad they didnt play Steve Novak more or it would have been a long night." Isaiah Thomas added 23 points for the Kings and guard Marcus Thornton had 12, all in the first half. Thornton hit the floor hard at the offensive end late in the second quarter and didnt return. He bruised hip and knee in the fall, but X-rays were negative. He may get an MRI on Thursday. New NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who took over for David Stern on Saturday as the leagues fifth commissioner, attended the game. He drew a standing ovation when he was introduced to the sellout crowd Before the game, Silver toured Sacramentos planned downtown arena and sat with the Kings new ownership group during a portion of the game. NOTES: The Kings played without reserve forward Derrick Williams, who was out with a strained right foot. ... Despite shooting 37.5 per cent in the first quarter, Sacramento still led 30-23. ... Lowry was called for a technical midway through the second quarter. ... Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, a former NBA star, sat courtside with William Bell, the mayor of Birmingham, Ala. Jonathan Newsome Jersey .S. Open on Wednesday as he recovers from back surgery that has kept him out of golf for nearly three months. Ricky Jean-Francois Jersey . The Maple Leafs are three points behind Columbus for the last playoff spot in the East with only three games left on their schedule. You can listen to the game live on TSN 1050 starting at 7:30pm et/4:30 pm pt. http://www.coltsjerseysofficialshop.com/black-friday-trent-richardson-jersey/ .C. -- Major League Soccers Vancouver Whitecaps and the City of New Westminster have signed a memorandum of understanding towards bringing a United Soccer Leagues Pro franchise to the British Columbia city. Ricky Jean-Francois Colts Jersey .” – Mark Bloom (@markbloom21), on Twitter That one sentence sums it up, while at the same time, leaving so much out. Andrew Luck Colts Jersey . Agent Mike McCartney confirmed via Twitter on Sunday that Mendenhall had decided to end his playing career after six NFL seasons, all but one of them with the Pittsburgh Steelers.CHICAGO - Jake Allen made 21 saves for his third shutout of the season as the Chicago Wolves blanked the visiting Abbotsford Heat 2-0 on Sunday in American Hockey League action. Evan Oberg opened the scoring for the Wolves (31-17-6) 9:27 into the first period and Ty Rattie added an insurance goal at 12:17 of the third while Abbotsfords Shaane OBrien was serving a double minor for high sticking.dddddddddddd Josh Jooris and Blair Jones led all Heat (33-17-5) skaters with four shots apiece on Allen while aaron Dell stopped 19-of-21 shots in defeat. Chicago went 2 for 7 on the power play while Abbotsford failed to score on five chances with the man advantage. cheap nfl jerseys ' ' '

36

Åâðîïà / native beat Gustafsson stick side with a quick shot,

« : 22 Äåêàáðü 2014, 08:58:47 »

LAKELAND, Fla. -- Right-hander Brandon Morrow, who started last season second in the Jays pitching rotation, will open the 2014 campaign as the Jays fifth starter. Toronto manager John Gibbons says the move to the fifth spot is partially to give Morrow more time to get ready. He declined to provide further reasons, saying all would be revealed on the rotation in good time. Prior to Tuesday, Morrow had pitched eight innings this spring, giving up seven earned runs on 12 hits with four strikeouts and four walks. He was scheduled to throw in a minor league game Tuesday. Gibbons said hes happy with what hes seen from the 29-year-old Morrow, who is due to make US$8 million this season. "Yeah, hes fine," he told reporters prior to the Jays road game Tuesday against the Detroit Tigers. "The key with him is his health. Thats whats limited him the last couple of years. If hes good, hes strong and makes all his starts or at least most of them, weve got one of the better pitchers in baseball. But thats been tough for him to do the last couple of years." Morrows 2013 season was cut short by an impinged nerve in his right forearm. He went 2-3 with a 5.63 ERA in 10 starts before being shut down. A torn oblique muscle cost him more than two months of the 2012 campaign. Knuckleballer R.A. Dickey will open the season on the mound for the Jays on March 31 in Tampa. Gibbons has said left-hander Mark Buehrle will start third, to separate him from Dickey. If Morrow goes fifth, he will pitch the home opener April 4 against the Yankees. That leaves the No. 2 and 4 positions with Gibbons saying one spot goes to left-hander J.A. Happ. The team has yet to confirm the last starter but it is widely believed that Drew Hutchison has pitched his way into the rotation. Gibbons said hes happy with the pitching weapons at his disposal. "Yeah, I really like the way its setting up. I really do ... Theres still some decisions to be made but Im very pleased," he said. Pitching was a major problem last season when Toronto starters combined for a 46-57 record and a 4.81 ERA. Only Minnesota had an higher ERA (5.26) among its starters. Morrow threw 3 2/3 innings Tuesday in a Jays minor league intra-squad game that also saw Buehrle pitch. Morrow gave up two runs with two walks and two strikeouts. He threw 63 pitches, 36 for strikes "Everythings coming along well," he said. "I got established what I wanted to establish today with the fastball command, with the nice zip and pop on that, and you could see the guys were behind it at times, regardless of the velocity. "It wasnt my best velocity, but the swings tell you whether or not youre locating well and the kind of life on it, so that was positive. Everything else has been coming along really well." Buehrle gave up three runs (two earned) in 4 1/3 innings with two walks and three strikeouts. NOTES -- Closer Casey Janssen, on a slower spring training track to protect against shoulder soreness, threw live batting practice Tuesday. "All in all, good to get on a mound, good to get a little bit of adrenalin going, and most importantly, its good to feel good," he said. Cheap Lawrence Timmons Jersey . 10 San Diego State to a 73-64 win over UNLV on Wednesday night. Rod Woodson Steelers Jersey . JOHNS, N. http://www.authenticsteelersjerseysteamshop.com/Franco-Harris-Steelers-Jersey . Ramirez signed a minor league deal with the Cubs on Sunday and will be a player-coach at Triple-A Iowa after he gets some at-bats in extended spring training at the teams facility in Mesa, Arizona. The 41-year-old Ramirez is a . Hines Ward Steelers Jersey . The Stars were up 3-1 in the third. Stars and Jets will meet at the MTS Centre Sunday night (TSN Jets, TSN 1290) in what is a must win for the Jets. The Jets and Stars will meet in Dallas later this month, the Stars have two games in hand. Joe Greene Steelers Jersey . -- Kevin Pangos had 27 points and Drew Barham added 17 to lead No.ABBOTSFORD, B.C. -- Ben Street scored twice in the Abbotsford Heats 6-2 win over the Iowa Wild on Wednesday night in American Hockey League action. Street picked up his team-high 16th goal of the season, giving Novembers AHL player of the month 23 points in his last 15 games. Markus Granlund had a goal and an assist for Abbotsford (20-6-2), giving him a 10-game point streak in which he has 13 points. Brett Olson had a goal and two assists. Greg Nemisz and Michael Ferland also scored, Corban Knight and Kane Lafranchise had two assists apiece, while Joni Ortio made 22 saves. Brett Bulmer had a goal and an assist for Iowa (8-13-1), while Erik Haula also scored. Johan Gustafsson stopped 20 shots in the loss. The Heat increased their lead atop the AHL to five points, improving their record to 16-2-1 in their past 19. The Wild opened the scoring just 64 seconds of the game. Bulmer recovered the puck in the corner and quickly centred for Haula who converted for his fifth goal of the year. Abbotsford tied it around the eight-minute mark. Olson crossed the blue-line and fed Ferrland rushing down the left wing.ddddddddddddThe Brandon, Man. native beat Gustafsson stick side with a quick shot, giving him six goals on the season. However Iowa got a power play shortly after to regain its lead. Bulmer raced down the right side and beat Ortio glove side, top corner for his ninth of the year. The Heat took the lead with two goals in 25 seconds. First Street picked up his 15th of the season, one-timing a centring feed by Josh Jooris at 14:40. Then Nemisz recorded his fifth of the season, chipping a loose puck past Gustafsson after Knight threw it on the goal. Granlund got his 11th of the season at 5:10 of second period. Kane Lafranchise threw the puck on net and Granlund corralled the rebound, tucking it between Gustafssons skate and the post. Street scored his second at 14:55. Knight dished him a backhand pass that Street one-timed, top shelf, giving the Heat a commanding 5-2 lead. The offensive continued in the third when Olson scored at 8:50 on the power play. He redirected a perfect pass from Lafranchise for his fifth of the year. cheap nfl jerseys ' ' '

37

Åâðîïà / stay fresh for game days.

« : 22 Äåêàáðü 2014, 08:57:42 »

LOS ANGELES -- Los Angeles Clippers President Andy Roeser is taking an indefinite leave of absence while the NBA restructures the franchise in the wake of owner Donald Sterlings lifetime ban. Roesers immediate departure was announced Tuesday by the NBA. The league announced plans last week to appoint a CEO to oversee the franchise in Sterlings absence. "This will provide an opportunity for a new CEO to begin on a clean slate and for the team to stabilize under difficult circumstances," NBA spokesman Mike Bass said. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver banned Sterling for life, fined him $2.5 million and urged owners to force him to sell the Clippers a week ago, responding to league-wide outrage over racist comments made by the 80-year-old real-estate mogul. Sterling is the NBAs longest-tenured owner after buying the Clippers in 1981. Roeser, one of the Clippers alternate governors, is one of the leagues longest-tenured executives, having just completed his 30th season with the team. Roeser has been a loyal frontman for Sterling since the franchises days in San Diego, and he stood by Sterling during every controversial stretch of the owners career. Only radio and television play-by-play announcer Ralph Lawler has worked for the Clippers longer than the 54-year-old Roeser, who became team president in 2007. But Roeser infuriated many longtime Clippers employees last week after Sterlings private conversation was made public by TMZ. While nearly everyone else was reacting with outrage, Roeser released a statement questioning whether the recordings of Sterling were legitimate, while simultaneously apologizing on Sterlings behalf for sentiments about Magic Johnson on the recordings. Roesers statement was sympathetic to Sterling and criticized V. Stiviano, Sterlings longtime associate and the other voice on the recordings. Clippers coach Doc Rivers said Roesers statement upset many loyal Clippers employees who had been horrified by Sterlings comments. Rivers held meetings with much of the Clippers front-office staff last week while Sterling was ousted, encouraging them to keep working for the franchise. Roeser joined the organization in 1984 from an accounting firm. Two years later, he became executive vice-president, overseeing all facets of the teams business operations. He has been president of the Los Angeles Clippers Foundation since it began in 1994. He helped bring Rivers to Los Angeles from the Boston Celtics last June, and was part of the acquisition of All-Star guard Chris Paul in 2011. Roeser also oversaw the development and construction of the teams training facility that opened in 2008. Rivers is the Clippers senior vice-president of basketball operations, working alongside executive vice-president of player personnel Gary Sacks on the basketball side of the teams operations. The Clippers overcame the distraction of Sterlings banishment to outlast Golden State in a seven-game first-round series on Saturday night. After just one day off, they returned to the court and trounced Oklahoma City 122-105 on the road Monday night in the opener of their Western Conference semifinal series. D.J. Swearinger Womens Jersey . David Griffin was promoted from interim GM on Monday by owner Dan Gilbert. He says Irving was not consulted on Browns future and any insinuation that he pushed to have him fired is "patently false. Kareem Jackson Womens Jersey . Though the Jets have not confirmed any updates to Scheifeles status, TSN Hockey Analyst Aaron Ward says early reports indicate he suffered an MCL injury and will likely out 6-8 weeks. http://www.thetexansjerseysproshop.com/Texans-JJ-Watt-Authentic-Jersey/ . Heading into the final round with a two-stroke lead, Donald had seven birdies and two bogeys at the par-71 Phoenix Country Club to finish at 14-under 270 on the Japan Tour. Houston Texans Jersey . The pitchers agent, Bob Garber, confirmed the decision and said Oswalt would go to work for his agency, RMG Baseball. Oswalt will be vice-president of baseball operations. Ryan Fitzpatrick Womens Jersey . So on Friday, they went to work. The two-time Eastern Conference runner-ups announced they had signed three free agents -- backup big man Lavoy Allen, swingman C.ST. LOUIS - Zac Stacy made his mark as a fifth-round pick last year, falling just shy of 1,000 yards. Now, the running back must prove his worth all over again. The St. Louis Rams sent a message in this years draft, taking Heisman Trophy finalist Tre Mason in the third round. And though theyve released Daryl Richardson, undrafted rookie Benny Cunningham was impressive last season and former second-rounder Isaiah Pead remains in the mix. Theres always going to be someone gunning for the job. "Oh absolutely, theres going to be competition," Stacy said. "Theres no doubt about that." Stacy has the advantage heading into training camp because he knows the routine, has a better grasp of the playbook and knows firsthand about the pounding that must be absorbed. "You know what to expect, you know whats going on," Stacy said. "Last year, as rookies we were all running around like chickens with our heads cut off. Its been great so far." Mason was the SEC offensive player of the year and the first non-quarterback to lead Auburn in total offence since Bo Jackson in 1985, running for 1,816 yards with 23 touchdowns and setting school single-season records for all-purpose yards and rushing TDs. Given Mason shredded Missouri for 304 yards and four TDs in the SEC championship game, he arrived at Rams Park a well-known commodity. He wont be satisfied as a change-of-pace option, coach Jeff Fishers initial assessment. "Not sure how it starts out, and you never know what can happen in the future," Mason said. "Im here to do what they ask of me." Stacys rookie season is a good example. The first four games, he was inactive twice and totalled 4 yards on a single carry. Stacy is Vanderbilts career leading rusher. Mason was a much bigger star in the SEC for Auburns national championship runners-up and deemed a premium pick. "Im happy for Tre or whatnot," Stacy said. "Obviously, with him being one of the top college running backs last yyear, we know the things he can do, and its all about the adjustment to the playbook.dddddddddddd." Stacy aims to make everything come naturally on the field, so hes not taking the teams OTA sessions lightly "Very important, very important," Stacy said. "Treating every rep like its a game rep." Richardson was the starter entering training camp last summer, coming off an effective rookie season as the Steven Jacksons understudy, but was dogged by foot injuries. Stacy got the starting job in Week 5 and didnt let go. Hes not wasting time fretting about settling for 973 yards when the 49ers held him to 15 yards on 15 carries in the finale. "My mentality is to go out and be productive," he said. "Being consistent with my play, I think the yards and stats and accolades will come." Stacy is a compact 5-foot-9 and 224 pounds, runs low to the ground, hits the hole quickly and can bounce off tacklers. The Rams rested him most or all of practice weeks, allowing him to recover from the punishment and stay fresh for game days. Mason is an inch shorter and 20 pounds lighter but was extremely durable at Auburn, and big in the big games. He followed up his signature game against Missouri with 195 yards rushing in the national championship game against Florida State. Hes still running behind college teammate and close friend Greg Robinson, the second overall pick of the draft, wholl begin his career at left guard. "Ive got to do it to learn it," Mason said. "Im the type of guy whos hands-on." Cunningham, 5-foot-10 and 217 pounds, was undrafted out of Middle Tennessee. Both he and Stacy had 100-yard games against the Bears in Week 12, and he totalled 261 yards in limited duty with a 5.6-yard average. Pead had 21 yards on seven carries, all in the first two games of the season, plus 11 receptions with a 7.1-yard average. He reportedly was shopped during the draft. ___ Online: AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL cheap nfl jerseys ' ' '

38

Åâðîïà / DeMar DeRozan and Leandro Barbosa each netted

« : 22 Äåêàáðü 2014, 08:51:30 »

Charles Woodson is returning to the Oakland Raiders for another season. According to a report from ESPN, the veteran safety has signed another one-year deal with the team Raiders, the team that drafted him, and who he returned to last year after a long stint with the Green Bay Packers. Woodson, 37, proved to still be a capable starter last year, recording 97 tackles, two sacks, an interception, and three forced fumbles for Oakland last season. The 16-year veteran and former Heisman Trophy winner has 1,018 career tackles, 19 sacks, and 56 interceptions. (Sports Network) - The Al Horford-less Atlanta Hawks will continue a four-game homestand Monday afternoon versus the Toronto Raptors at Philips Arena. Horford is out 3-to-4 months with a torn pectoral muscle for the Hawks, who have won two straight and five of six games. Atlanta improved to 2-0 on the residency with Saturdays 93-91 triumph over Minnesota, as Ivan Johnson scored his teams final four points, including the game-winning free throw with 4.6 seconds remaining. Johnson finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds off the bench, while Joe Johnson poured in a team-high 25 points and Jeff Teague added 20. "Guys stepped up," said Teague. "Ivan Johnson, Willie Green, Jason Collins, all those guys on the bench came up big for us." Green had 10 points in a winning cause. The Hawks will close out the homestand Wednesday versus Portland. Guard Tracy McGrady (back) is listed as questionable for Mondays matchup with Toronto. Meanwhile, the Raptors will continue a three-game road trip today and started the trek witth Saturdays 77-64 loss at Chicago in which star center Andrea Bargnani missed his second straight game with a strained left calf.dddddddddddd DeMar DeRozan and Leandro Barbosa each netted 15 points for Toronto, which has lost four in a row and six of seven games. Amir Johnson finished with six points and 13 rebounds, and James Johnson netted 12 points for the Raptors. "We are still not where we need to be," Raptors head coach Dwane Casey said. "Its a work in progress." The Raptors will also visit Boston before returning home to host Portland. They will then return to the road for five straight games against the Clippers, Suns, Jazz, Nuggets and Nets. Bargnani is expected to miss Mondays game and Johnson (ankle) is listed as questionable for this afternoons game on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Atlanta, which is 5-1 on the season at home, swept a three-game series from Toronto a year ago and has won 10 of the past 12 meetings in this series. The Raptors are winless in their last six trips to the Peach State. cheap nfl jerseys ' ' '

39

Åâðîïà / Rinne has been sidelined since he had arthroscopic

« : 22 Äåêàáðü 2014, 08:47:41 »

DETROIT -- The New York Rangers are finally going home after a season-opening, nine-game road trip, and they are taking a hard-fought win with them. And this one was 14 years in the making. Derick Brassards breakaway goal in the closing seconds of overtime lifted the Rangers to a 3-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday night. Brassards first goal of the season, scored with only 12.9 seconds showing on the OT clock, gave New York its first win at Detroit since Jan. 30, 1999. Pouliot had a goal and an assist, and Mats Zuccarello also scored for New York, which rallied from 1-0 and 2-1 deficits in the final game of its long trip. "It was really hard on the body. Its something thats not going to happen again because of what is happening at MSG," Brassard said of the stretch away from home. The Rangers (3-6), who went to overtime for the first time this season, will host Montreal in the opener at renovated Madison Square Garden on Monday. "As a player, it (home crowd) gives you so much energy on the ice. You play with more emotion," Brassard said. "We want to get back and see our fans." Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said his team will benefit from the early long trip. "Its going to be good for us. Its been a challenge," he said. "We dont have the record we want but we made some strides in the right direction." Cam Talbot stopped 32 shots while filling in for injured regular Henrik Lundqvist. Drew Miller and Daniel Alfredsson scored for Detroit, which lost its fourth straight. Jimmy Howard made 37 saves. "They score more than us. The bottom line is they took the game over from us in the second period," Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said. "I thought we fought to get it back in the third period, but in the second we got outskated, turned pucks over in the neutral zone, never got it behind them enough. When we get in their zone were one-and-done too quickly." Brassard broke the Rangers two-game losing streak when he picked up a loose puck just inside the blue line and beat Howard between the pads. "I only had to scoop up the puck. It was kind of bouncing, so I just closed my eyes and shot," Brassard said. Zuccarello tied it at 2 by putting in a rebound 2:18 into the third for his first goal of the season. Pouliot had gotten the Rangers even at 1 with a power-play goal with 2:40 remaining in the second period. He put the puck past Howard during a goal-mouth scramble for his first with New York. Alfredssons power-play goal with 11 seconds left in the second period restored Detroits lead at 2-1. He netted his second of the season with a one-timed shot from the right circle. The Rangers had scoring chances earlier but were denied by Howard and the goal post. Howard dove across the crease to make a spectacular blocker save on Brian Boyle about eight minutes into the middle period. Ryan McDonagh hit a goal post about five minutes into the frame. Miller gave the Red Wings a 1-0 lead with 2:48 remaining in the first period. He completed a 2-on-1 rush by beating Talbot with a wrist shot from the left circle for his first of the season. NOTES: Lundqvist missed his second game because of an undisclosed injury. ... Seeking to generate more offence, Babcock split up Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg, who had been playing together on the first line. Datsyuk centred RW Daniel Alfredsson and LW Todd Bertuzzi, and Zetterberg was between LW Tomas Tatar and RW Johan Franzen for Detroit, which had scored only three goals in its previous three games. Datsyuk and Zetterberg were back together by late in the second period. ... Rangers centre J.T. Miller played junior hockey with the suburban-Detroit based Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League. ... The Red Wings healthy scratches were RW Mikael Samuelsson and RW Patrick Eaves. E.J. Gaines Jersey . Bautista led off the 10th inning with his second homer of the game, lifting the Toronto Blue Jays to a 5-4 win over the Cleveland Indians on Saturday night. Davin Joseph Elite Jersey . Speaking to TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun on Friday, Brodeur said "Ive come to the conclusion that Im definitely going to be available July 1. http://www.jerseysramsshop.com/Womens-Chris-Givens-Authentic-Jersey/ . This week they discuss Phoenix Coyotes fans treatment of Gary Bettman, MLSEs government handout, Jeffrey Loria and two legacy CFL stars. Cory Harkey Jersey . -- The Royals expect to place left-hander Bruce Chen on the disabled list with a swollen disc in his back that has already caused the club to juggle its starting rotation. Janoris Jenkins Jersey For Sale . Davis set career highs with 40 points and 21 rebounds, and Eric Gordon made two crucial free throws in overtime to lead the Pelicans to a 121-120 overtime victory over the Boston Celtics on Sunday night.NASHVILLE -- Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne underwent an MRI on Thursday, and the results were improved according to general manager David Poile. Rinne will continue limited physical activity for the next two weeks and, if all goes well, will be able to advance to more strenuous conditioning later in December. "In a nutshell, the doctor is happy with the progress," Poile said. "What he is recommending is two more weeks basically of rehab if you will. December 20th is sort of a target date to hopefully get him into more strenuous activity leading back to playing." Poile talked to reporters before Nashvilles home game against the Carolina Hurricanes Thursday night. Rinne has been sidelined since he had arthroscopic surgery on his left hip Oct. 24 as a result of a bacterial infecttion.dddddddddddd The infection developed in the same hip that was surgically repaired May 9 following the conclusion of last season. Since the surgery, Rinne has been taking antibiotics. The line is scheduled to be removed Friday, although he will continue on antibiotics as a precautionary measure. In nine games this season, Rinne is 4-4-1 with a 2.31 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage. He is a two-time finalist for the Vezina Trophy. Poile could not give a target date for Rinnes projected return to the Nashville lineup. If healthy, the Finn is thought to be a candidate to represent Finland at the Olympics in Sochi, Russia. In Rinnes absence, Marek Mazanec has ascended to the role as the Predators top goaltender. Mazanec was the NHLs Rookie of the Month for November on Tuesday. cheap nfl jerseys ' ' '

40

Åâðîïà / but Thurman withstood the flurry and delivered his own

« : 22 Äåêàáðü 2014, 08:45:40 »

CHICAGO -- Derrick Rose scored 15 points and the Chicago Bulls ended the preseason with a 94-89 win Friday over the Denver Nuggets. Rose and the Bulls, who were without Joakim Noah (groin) and Kirk Hinrich (concussion), went 8-0 and completed their first perfect preseason of at least eight games since 1992. Carlos Boozer led the Bulls with 24 points and Luol Deng added 23 points and 12 rebounds for Chicago, which fell behind 48-29 with 2:16 left in the first half on a JaVale McGee basket. Chicago took its first lead at 60-58 on a Deng 3-pointer with 4:26 remaining in the third and took the lead for good on a Boozer layup with 1:50 left. Anthony Randolph and McGee each had 15 points for Denver, which lost four straight to end the preseason at 2-5. Former Bulls guard Nate Robinson missed a potential game-tying 3-pointer with 18.1 seconds left. Ty Lawson left the game with left groin tightness and scored 11 points in 16 minutes. The Nuggets open Wednesday in Sacramento against the Kings. Junior Seau Jersey . -- A year ago, Flavia Pennetta was close to retiring from tennis. LaDainian Tomlinson Chargers Jersey ... thanks to every "buddy" that was involved. http://www.chargersjerseysofficialshop.com/black-friday-eric-weddle-jersey/ . Left guard Clint Boling tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a 17-10 victory in San Diego on Sunday. The Bengals put him on injured reserve Tuesday. Lance Alworth Chargers Jersey . -- Dwight Howard vs. Philip Rivers Chargers Jersey . Berdych, coming off a semifinal run at the Australian Open and Davis Cup win over the Netherlands, didnt face a break-point. A semifinalist two years ago here, he will play the winner of an all-French faceoff between Gilles Simon and Nicolas Mahut. SAN ANTONIO -- Marcos Maidana overpowered heavily favoured Adrien Broner to take the WBA welterweight championship, knocking him down twice in a unanimous decision Saturday night at the Alamodome. The target of heavy trash talking leading up to the fight, Maidana was dominant in handing the brash Broner his first loss in 28 bouts. After the judges scores of 115-110, 116-109 and 117-109 were announced in favour of the Argentine star, Broner ran out of the ring. "I had to show a lot of heart to win this fight," Maidana said. "I did what I had to do to win." Broner is nicknamed "The Problem," but Maidana (35-3) had the answer with power that the three-time world champion had never faced before. With the victory, Maidana set up a possible fight against Keith Thurman. On the undercard, Thurman stopped Jesus Soto Karass in the ninth round. Maidana left little question of what he wanted to do, landing 231 of 663 power punches while connecting on only 38 jabs. The power stunned the confident Broner, who was unable to use the fluid counter-punching that had resulted in 22 knockouts. "Ill tell you one thing, make a rematch," Broner said. "I dont need a warm-up fight. I want a rematch," Maidana staggered Broner early in the opening round with an overhand right to the back of the head, causing the Cincinnati fighter to stumble trying to regain his footing. Broner attempted to wrap up Maidana as Broner attempted to wrestle free to land more power punches. Maidana spent the entire opening round charging at Broner, trapping him against the ropes and throwing powerful combinations. Maidana sent Broner tumbling into the ropes early in the second round with a lunging left hook to the chin. After a standing eight count, Broner charged and wrapped up Maidanas upper legs in an attempt to recover. Maidana landed 57 punches in the opening two rounds to only 13 for Broner, according to Showtime. Broner regained his balance after the second round, spending the next five rounds trading punches and clenches before Maidana regained control. "Brroner is a very good puncher," Maidana said.dddddddddddd "Hes a very good boxer, very good puncher. Yes, I felt his blows." Maidana floored Broner in the eighth round with a left to the midsection and an overhand right. After a standing eight count, Broner again went to the canvas after taking a head-butt to the jaw. Amid heavy booing, Broner remained on the canvas and in a corner for about 3 minutes before returning to action. In the ninth round, Maidana again stunned Broner, unleashing combination after combination that Broner was struggling to avoid. Broner again regained his feet in the 10th round, but was only able to exchange blows with Maidana the remainder of the fight. "I dont think he was on today," said Broners trainer, Mike Stafford. "I thought it was a little closer than (the judges) had it, but I just dont think he was on tonight." On the undercard, Thurman (22-0) stunned Soto Karass (28-9-3) with a left hook to the chin that had the Mexican fighter out on his feet. Defenceless, Soto Karass took four more heavy blows before the referee stopped the bout. Soto Karass caught Thurman with an overhand right to the chin in the opening minute of the bout, staggering the Clearwater, Fla., fighter. Soto Karass followed it with another crushing right, but Thurman withstood the flurry and delivered his own staggering shots to the body and head to close the round. "He made me bring it out from round one," Thurman said. "He was ready Round 1. I was dilly dallying in Round 1 and he turned the lights on and woke me up." Earlier, Leo Santa Cruz (26-0-1) successfully defended his WBC super bantamweight championship, unanimously outpointing Cesar Seda. The judges scored the bout 116-111, 115-112, 117-110 for Santa Cruz, who landed 43 per cent of his power punches in handing Seda his second loss in 27 fights. Also, Beibut Shumenov stopped Tomas Kovacs in the third round to retain his WBA super light-heavyweight championship. Shumenov, from Kazakhstan, improved to 14-1. Kovacs, from Slovakia, dropped to 23-1. cheap nfl jerseys ' ' '

41

Åâðîïà / He underwent tests Tuesday and will be evaluated

« : 22 Äåêàáðü 2014, 08:43:49 »

MELBOURNE, Australia -- Rafael Nadal continued his dominant streak over Roger Federer to reach the Australian Open final for the third time, beating the 17-time major winner 7-6 (4), 6-3, 6-3 Friday night to set up a championship decider against No. 8-seeded Stan Wawrinka. With his 23rd win in 33 matches against Federer, the 27-year-old Spaniard set up an ideal chance to win a 14th Grand Slam title and to become the first man to win all four majors at least twice in the Open era. Nadal missed the 2013 Australian Open during a seven-month layoff for illness and a knee injury, but returned to win the French and U.S. Opens among his 10 titles for the season and finished the year at No. 1. He won the Australian Open in 2009, beating Federer in the final, and lost in a five-set, 5-hour, 53-minute 2012 final to Novak Djokovic after ousting Federer in the semis. In other years, hes struggled with injuries -- its the only Grand Slam tournament he hasnt won at least twice. "Its really, really emotional for me to be back on this court, Rod Laver Arena, and to be able to play another final," Nadal said. "I think tonight I played the best match of the tournament. I go on court (against Federer) knowing that is a really tough match and if I am not playing my best, I will not have the chance to win." At the end of the night, Federer knew he wouldnt even be the No. 1-ranked player in Switzerland next week. By reaching his first major final, Wawrinka ensured hed replace Federer as their countrys highest-ranked player for the first time. But the 32-year-old Federer is confident of winning more majors, expecting some coaching from Stefan Edberg and continued improvement in his fitness to help after a slump in 2013, when he didnt reach any of the major finals for the first time in 11 years. "I still think my best tennis is only ahead of me now," said Federer, who reached the Australian Open semifinals for 11 consecutive years. Nadal is now second on the list of players reaching Grand Slam finals, joining Ivan Lendl on 19 -- Federer leads the list with 24. Another Grand Slam title would lift Nadal to equal second on the all-time list with Pete Sampras, who was in the crowd for the match. Nadal has struggled with a blister on the palm of his left hand in his last two matches, but he removed the heavy tape that affected his serve in his quarterfinal win over Grigor Dimitrov and replaced it with one square of adhesive tape. A TV camera got a close-up view of the blister when he took a medical timeout after the first game of the second set, drawing gasps and groans from the crowd. "Too much talk about the blister. The blister is OK," Nadal said in his on-court interview. "The problem ... is the position of the blister, its difficult." But, he said, he didnt feel any pain. He certainly didnt show it if he did. He resisted just about everything Federer threw at him, scrambling to keep balls in play that usually would be winners. Federer served and volleyed, he played with good touch, he played drop shots, he tried everything -- even complaining to the chair umpire about Nadals loud grunting after the tiebreaker -- but his 50 resulting unforced errors doubled the number by his rival. Left-handed Nadal hit 13 of his 28 winners on his powerful forehand, attacking Federers one-handed backhand yet again. "I tried a few things ... then again, Rafa does a good job of neutralizing you," Federer said. "So I guess at times I couldnt quite do what I wanted to do, but thats because of Rafa." The first break of the match came in the sixth game of the second set, giving Nadal a 4-2 lead. That only heightened the crowd support for Federer, who got a standing ovation when he broke Nadal back to make it 2-all in the third set, immediately after dropping serve in the previous game. It noise and chants died down again when Federer was broken again soon after and Nadal finished off the match. Wawrinka beat Tomas Berdych on Thursday night, getting an extra day off ahead of Sundays championship match. Li Na will be hoping for third time lucky in the womens final on Saturday against Dominika Cibulkova. She has reached the finals in three of the past four years, but is yet to win the Australian title. Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci rallied to win the last five games and successfully defended their Australian Open womens doubles title on Friday with a 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 victory over Russian pair Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina. Jordan Matthews Elite Jersey . The team says Paul is day to day and is questionable for Mondays game against New Jersey. Paul is averaging 18.0 points, 8.4 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 37.3 minutes in nine games for the Clippers, who beat Miami and the Lakers in their last two games. Nate Allen Jersey For Sale . Poyets immediate challenge is to produce Sunderlands first victory in the league, with the northeast club bottom with just one point from seven matches. "Trust me, believe, connect with the team," Poyet said after signing a two-year contract. http://www.jerseyseaglesshop.com/Womens-Cary-Williams-Authentic-Jersey/ .4 million contract extension. Garbutt has a career-high 18 points with 10 goals and eight assists in 46 games this season. Brian Dawkins Elite Jersey . Kingsbury, from Deux-Montagnes, Que., won gold with a score of 26.93, while Bilodeau, from Montreal, took silver with 26.54. Japans Sho Endo (25.24) placed third. Malcolm Jenkins Elite Jersey . 1 overall pick likes best about football. "Big hits," he said. "Im all about hitting. I dont care who it is." Thats what the Houston Texans are counting on from the South Carolina defensive end after skipping a chance to take a quarterback -- their top need -- with the top pick Thursday night.PITTSBURGH - Phoenix Coyotes coach Dave Tippett says goaltender Mike Smith is "day to day" after injuring his right leg against the New York Rangers. Smith was hurt in the third period of Monday nights 4-3 overtime loss. He underwent tests Tuesday and will be evaluated when the team returns to Phoenix on Friday. Thomas Greiss will start in goal Tuesday when the Coyotes face the Metropolitan Division-leading Pittsburgh Penguins. Smith left the game with 7:43 remaining in regulation after being bowled over by New Yorks Derick&nbssp;Brassard.dddddddddddd Smith is one of the major reasons the Coyotes are battling for the final spot in the Western Conference playoffs. He is 27-21-10 with a 2.64 goals-against average and three shutouts. The Coyotes have recalled goaltender Mark Visentin from the AHLs Portland Pirates. Visentin, who has never appeared in an NHL game, he was selected in the first round, 27th overall, in the 2010 NHL draft. The Coyotes currently sit in the final wild card spot in the Western Conference, one point ahead of the Dallas Stars. cheap nfl jerseys ' ' '

42

Åâðîïà / Lars Eller just went off to the Sin Bin together

« : 22 Äåêàáðü 2014, 08:42:34 »

MINNEAPOLIS -- Nikola Pekovic had 22 points and seven rebounds and the Minnesota Timberwolves led by as many as 30 points in cruising to a 124-112 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night. Kevin Love had 21 points and six rebounds and Ricky Rubio had 14 points, nine assists, eight rebounds and three steals for the Timberwolves. Minnesota shot 55.7 per cent, attempted 35 free throws and forced a season-high 18 turnovers from the Pelicans. Ryan Anderson had 25 points and Tyreke Evans added 16 points and seven boards for New Orleans. Eric Gordon returned from a three-game absence because of a bruised hip, but struggled with 12 points on 5-for-12 shooting. Kevin Martin scored 20 points and reserve J.J. Barea had 17 to help the Wolves (16-16) to a needed win over New Orleans (14-16) in the jockeying for position in the tough Western Conference. The Wolves are currently in ninth place, one spot out of the playoffs and the Pelicans are right behind them. With Anthony Davis prowling the paint, the Pelicans lead the league in blocked shots and had a decided edge in athleticism over the Wolves. But Minnesota countered with a physical front court that gave the Pelicans fits. New Orleans coach Monty Williams had a difficult decision to make on defence, and he chose to put Davis on Love and Anderson against Pekovic for most of the night. Anderson was no match for the big Montenegrin in the post, who has been picking up steam in the last few weeks. Pekovic entered the night averaging 23.5 points and 11.2 rebounds over his last six games. The matchup difficulties contributed to early foul trouble for the Pelicans. Davis, Jrue Holiday and Alexis Ajinca picked up three fouls a piece in the first half, and Minnesota shot 24 free throws in the first two quarters to build a 14-point lead. The Pelicans usually are very good at taking care of the ball, but they turned it over 16 times in the first half. It only got worse in the third quarter. Minnesota used a 15-0 run early in the quarter to really open things up and Loves only 3-pointer of the night gave them an 87-57 lead with under five minutes to play in the third. Davis finished with 13 points, six rebounds and four blocks and Holiday had 19 for New Orleans. NOTES: New Orleans fell to 2-10 against the West. ... Alexey Shved added 10 points as Minnesotas reserves scored 42 points, one game after managing just five in a loss to Dallas. ... The Pelicans fell to 12-4 when scoring 100 points. Rahim Moore Womens Jersey . The reported price for the Jays was Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez. Would you make that deal? The Blue Jays are in first place in the AL East. Montee Ball Broncos Jersey . Sabathia did not get a decision on Monday against Tampa Bay, as he allowed three runs and eight hits in seven innings. Hes 13-4 on the year to go along with a 3.42 ERA. Since winning six decisions over a nine-start stretch, Sabathia is 0-1 over his last two outings, but still has only allowed more than three runs once in his previous 10 trips to the hill. http://www.thebroncosstoreonline.com/Youth-Montee-Ball-Broncos-Jerseys/ .com) - Alabama and Florida State were predictably the top two teams in the latest installment of the BCS standings. Terrell Davis Jersey .ca! Hi Kerry, I love the column, keep up the good work! It doesnt make me more sympathetic to bad calls by the refs, but it sure explains a lot! On Tuesday, Zach Bogosian and Lars Eller just went off to the Sin Bin together - Bogosian for interference and Eller for embellishment. Wes Welker Jersey . -- Josh Smith saved his only 3-pointers for when the Detroit Pistons needed them most.SOCHI, Russia -- French freestyle skiers swept the podium Thursday in the mens skicross competition at Sochi Winter Games while Brady Leman of Calgary was fourth. Jean Frederic Chapuis won the gold medal, Arnaud Bovolenta captured the silver medal and Jonathan Midol took the bronze. Leman crashed in the final as he tried gain ground on the three Frenchman late in the race.dddddddddddd Chris Del Bosco of Montreal, who was fourth in skicross at the Vancouver Winter Games in 2010, was eliminated in the opening round and finished 17th overall. Dave Duncan of London, Ont., who is second in the World Cup standings with a pair of victories this season, was also eliminated in the opening round and wound up in 26th place. cheap nfl jerseys ' ' '

43

Åâðîïà / including 5-of-12 from beyond the arc

« : 22 Äåêàáðü 2014, 08:41:14 »

SAN DIEGO -- The major leagues worst offence appears to have woken up. Chase Headley returned to the lineup with a three-run homer and Seth Smith drove in four runs as the San Diego Padres resurgence at the plate continued with a 9-3 win over the Miami Marlins on Saturday night. Headley, who came off the 15-day disabled list before the game, connected on a 2-2 fastball from Carlos Marmol (0-3) to cap a four-run sixth inning and give the Padres a 6-2 lead. "Its huge to have a couple of wins where youre not stressed about it," Smith said. "You get some runs early, the pitchers are doing well. Just mentally you can kind of cruise to the end. Its huge for your psyche, just for your mental state." San Diego, which came in averaging a major league-low 2.8 runs per game, was coming off a 10-1 win over Miami on Friday, its highest scoring output since Sept. 25. Smith hit a solo homer, a two-run double and an RBI triple for the Padres, who matched Friday nights total of 13 hits. Another thing that was good for the Padres mental state was the return of Headley, back after recovering from a strained right calf. "Its awesome," Headley said. "It really felt like I was swinging at the pitches that I wanted to early in the game. I put together a bunch of good at-bats to lead up to it (homer). It felt great." The 19 combined runs were the most San Diego scored in consecutive games since Sept. 5-6, 2012. "Those two guys hitting right there in the middle of the lineup was production at its finest," Padres manager Bud Black said. Smith has been one of the few Padres who has consistently hit this season. Since May 3, the lefty is batting .577 (15 for 26) with six doubles, three triples, a home run and six RBIs. "Guys are starting to settle down a little bit and have some good at-bats," Headley said. "When you do that as a club, it puts pressure on the pitcher." With the score tied at 2, Marmol relieved Nathan Eovaldi in the sixth and got two quick outs. But Everth Cabrera reached on an infield bunt, stole second and went to third on catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchias throwing error. Marmol intentionally walked Smith, who had an RBI triple in the first and hit a solo homer in the third. Jedd Gyorko followed with an RBI single. Headley was hitless in two at-bats with a walk when he pulled Marmols 93 mph fastball down the right field line. The ball went just inside the foul pole for his third homer. "I feel like my swing is in a better place than where it was when I went on the DL," Headley said. "Thats Chase," Smith said. "Hes going to do things for us, as long as he is healthy and in the lineup. It definitely makes our lineup deeper." Marlins manager Mike Redmond said the club was going to designate Marmol for assignment. "Its been a struggle for him," Redmond said. "Weve tried to keep getting him in there in different situations and it just hasnt worked." Marmol has an 8.10 ERA, having allowed 12 runs on 16 hits over 13 1-3 innings. "I didnt work out," Marmol said. "You got to get people out here. Its tough. Theres not much to say. I tried my best on the mound and it didnt work out." Casey McGehee hit a two-run homer in the first inning for the Marlins, whose road record dropped to 3-12, worst in the majors. Eric Stults (2-3) allowed two runs on six hits over six innings. The switch-hitting Headley came into the game batting just .186 with two home runs and seven RBIs in 70 at-bats. He was one of four San Diego regulars hitting below .200. NOTES: The Padres have scored just 10 runs while Stults was in the game in his eight starts. . The Marlins came into the game with an 8-2 record against left-handed starters, tops in the majors. . Padres RHP Hector Ambriz, designated for assignment on Thursday, cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A El Paso on Saturday. . Marlins RHP Henderson Alvarez (2-2, 2.62 ERA) faces Padres LHP Robbie Erlin (1-4, 4.95) in Sundays finale. gilbert arenas wizards jersey . The Lakers will also visit Cleveland and Philadelphia, have lost four in a row on the road and are 8-18 as the guest this season. They are 3-12 on the road against Western Conference opponents. Wes Unseld Authentic Jersey . No way, absolutely no way. If you do, where do you go from there? If you want to progress as a team and as a club you have no chance if you sell players like that. http://www.wizardsjerseysfanshop.com/wes-unseld-womens-jersey/ . Now its going to cost him -- four games and four paychecks. The Colts career sacks leader was suspended Friday by the NFL after violating the leagues ban on performance-enhancing substances. Bradley Beal Red Jersey . 8 exhibition game marking the leaders birthday. Rodman said the game is on track despite the recent execution of Kims uncle in a dramatic political purge. Rodmans visit comes less than a week after North Korea announced the execution of Jang Song Thaek, an unprecedented fall from grace for one of the most powerful figures in the country. John Wall Red Jersey . It offers no assurances and doesnt apply any context, like, for example, taking injuries into account. Last year, this method forecasted the first round at a 7-1 clip; this year it was 5-3, with losses on Columbus, Colorado and San Jose.CHICAGO -- When it comes to Game 7, Los Angeles truly is the king of the road. Alec Martinez scored at 5:47 of overtime, and the Kings beat the Chicago Blackhawks 5-4 on Sunday night to advance to the Stanley Cup Final for the second time in three years. Los Angeles improved to 7-0 in elimination games with its third Game 7 win on the road this post-season. It will host the New York Rangers in Game 1 on Wednesday night. "Weve battled back so many times this year and so many times in these playoffs, we said, Why not again today?" said Justin Williams, who had a goal and an assist. "It was a total team effort, every single guy here giving everything theyve got." Martinezs shot went off Blackhawks defenceman Nick Leddy and fluttered over goalie Corey Crawford, stunning the sellout crowd at the United Center and leading to a wild on-ice celebration for Los Angeles. Leddy and Crawford were hunched over as the Kings gathered in a big huddle along the boards. "I didnt really see it go in," Martinez said. "I know it went off a couple bodies. I just tried to get it through and fortunately it went in." Patrick Sharp scored twice for the Blackhawks, who blew a 2-0 lead. Brandon Saad had a goal and an assist, and Patrick Kane had two more assists. Chicagos loss means Detroit remains the last NHL team to win consecutive titles in 1997 and 1998. "Ive lost some tough games but nothing like tonight," Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said. The Kings became the first team to play 21 games through the first three rounds of the playoffs and make it to the NHL finals. The 2002 Avalanche and 1993 Maple Leafs also played the maximum amount of games through three series, but they lost in Game 7 of the conference championships. Los Angeles is the only team to play all three of those Game 7s on the road. "You need everybody when you get to Game 7. Youre not into the individual part of it," Kings coach Darryl Sutter said. "Theres always guys that score big goals, make big plays. But you need everybody in your lineup." Tyler Toffoli had a goal and an assist for the Kings, who once held a 3-1 lead in the series, only to have the Blackhawks come back to force Game 7. Jeff Carter scored his ninth playoff goal in the first, and Marian Gaborik had the tying goal midway through the third period. The Kings also got 37 saves from Jonathan Quick in another resilient performance for Sutters team. Los Angeles trailed San Jose 3-0 in its first-round series and was down 3-2 to top-seeded Anaheim in the second round before rallying each time. "Its just a great group to be part of," Quick saidd.dddddddddddd "I feel very fortunate to be with the guys. Obviously our journeys not done yet and weve got a lot of work here coming up. New Yorks an awesome team. They beat great teams, so theyre battle-tested as well so weve got a lot to get ready for." Gaborik, Williams and Mike Richards each improved to 7-0 in Game 7s. Sutter moved to 7-3 in such games, breaking a tie with Blackhawks adviser Scotty Bowman and Pat Burns for the NHL record for most coaching wins in Game 7s. Sharp sent a big power-play drive past Quick to give the Blackhawks a 4-3 lead at 18:25 of the second. But Gaborik responded with his NHL-best 12th playoff goal at 7:17 of the third, setting the stage for a frantic finish to regulation. Quick turned away prime opportunities for Sharp and Bryan Bickell before he made a terrific save on Andrew Shaw in the final seconds. Dustin Brown had a great rush to the net for Los Angeles that he nearly completed for a breathtaking score. Jonathan Toews also scored for the Blackhawks, and Crawford finished with 27 saves. "This was a tough way to go down. This ones going to sting for a while," Toews said. The finale of the epic series between the last two Stanley Cup winners attracted a frenzied crowd of 22,315 that included Hall of Fame basketball player Charles Barkley and Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall. And they were treated to another heart-stopping classic full of big shots and great saves by each side. Just like in Game 5, a 5-4 double-overtime victory for Chicago, the Blackhawks got off to a fast start, only to have the Kings come storming back. Kane picked up an assist on each of the first two goals, finding Saad with a slick pass from behind the net, and then getting to the right place at the right time for a lucky power-play carom that went right to Toews for an easy tap-in at 8:36 of the first. The comeback Kings, who seem to play their best the closer they get to the brink of elimination, then went to work. Carter batted a rebound out of the air and past Crawford at 16:31, and Williams scored his seventh of the playoff 51 seconds later, tying it at 2. It was Williams seventh career goal in a Game 7, tying Glenn Anderson for the NHL record. Williams added an assist on Martinezs winning score, breaking Doug Gilmours record for most points in such games with 14. "They find a way, L.A., theyre never out of a hockey game, theyre never out of a series," Quenneville said. "Theyre dangerous." NOTES: It was the seventh Game 7 of this years NHL playoffs, matching the single-post-season record set in 1994 and equaled in 2011. ... Kane had nine points in the last three games of the series. cheap nfl jerseys ' ' '

44

Åâðîïà / "Were a little disappointed we let them

« : 22 Äåêàáðü 2014, 08:33:37 »

What the freak was I freakin thinking?!? I dont mean the Turks and Caicos vacation part.  That decision was pure gold. Some of the best beaches, water, restaurants and hot women in bikinis* on the planet. * - In the miniscule chance she reads this, I am clearly referring only to my lovely wife in her assortment of bikinis. (I think I counted nine.  She packs for every trip like shes expecting a Tom Hanksish four-year marooning on a deserted island.) No, Im referring to the legally binding Family Vacation Agreement (FVA) I made years ago with said wife and kids to: 1. Not bring laptop or iPad on vacation.2. Limit blackberry use to five minutes, once a day during vacation.3. Not watch sports on TV during vacation. I know.  I am weak and submissive. And Im usually okay with it.  I can handle an occasional break from sports (as long as Im on a Jet-Ski, or in an infinity pool with a swim-up bar). But this time I messed up.  Usually we take our annual trips in slow season - summer, or during the January-February dog days of the NHL campaign. This time we booked last minute after I realized this hockey season would bleed into the Summer Olympics, which would bleed into next hockey season.  So we had to get away now, or I would be the one bleeding (Must thank Turks my travel guru @TamaraAscent for saving my bacon/marriage by booking everything for me). Problem is, I didnt fully grasp the time slot of this trip. Yes, I knew it was the last week of the NHL season. But our TSN schedule was light and I figured I could mass-PVR everything and catch up later.  What Id forgotten was The Masters - my single favourite TV viewing event of the year (narrowly edging out "The Bachelor: The Women Tell All," which should really be called "Psychotic Hot Girls in Cocktail Dresses Cannibalize Each Other"). No TV for Masters week?  I mean, there is trying to be an available/attentive father/husband, and then theres pure turn-in-man-card stupidity.  I believe this crossed me over. Anyway, heres my annual family vacation diary…one mans slow descent into madness (okay not really, but I had to drum up some drama for this thing). DAY 1 -No sign of Paparazzi on arrival at hotel.  Miraculously, Ive been able to dodge them on every single vacation Ive ever had.  I know, so lucky! -Our resort, the Somerset (beautiful), has a croquet lawn, which captivates my kids so much they go there before the beach. Croquet may have the most unique demographic in sport (wait, sport is a stretch: lawn...gaming?). It is loved by those under 10 and over 70.  Im thinking no one else.  Anyway, my son keeps hammering my daughters ball into the flower beds.  She cries. He forfeits. The whole family tournament is a letdown - much like March Madness this year. -Within 15 minutes of arriving poolside, the kids have ordered something called a Cookie Monster Milkshake, which has real Oreos floating in it. This will become their vacation crack. By Day 3, they are begging for it at every meal. On Day 5, they steal their mothers wedding ring and pawn it to buy another round. Well not really, but I bet they considered it.   -My phone is acting up so cant get any scores before bed. Handle the absence any sporting information whatsoever remarkably well.  Of course its been 10 hours.  Will likely snap by dawn. DAY 2 -Snorkeling.  Love snorkeling!  Snorkelings motto should be: "Snorkeling, its like Scuba, but with far fewer horrific accidental deaths!" Just a few minutes in, I get embarrassingly excited after finding a remarkable round flat shell with perfectly symmetrical holes.  I present it to my daughter like Id found the Lost Ark of the Covenant. She says:  "Ahh, Dad, thats a sand dollar." I have some issues with...knowledge. -The munchkins are at the Somersets Kids Club making wind chimes. (My initial male instinct is to chirp my 12-year old son over this, but his chimes turn out to be a beautiful medley of shells, string, and popsicle sticks, and in the right breeze, they sound like the Vienna Boys Choir, bringing me to close to tears.  So I elect not to taunt him.) I decide to do laps in the hotels very cool reverse-current lap pool.  Set out to do 50.  On lap 7, order beer from passing waitress while doing backstroke. At 10, in our hot tub with beer. Her fault. Service too prompt. -By mid-afternoon, the sport blackout thing is getting to me. I pass a guy in a Capitals hat on the beach, and ask if he knows the scores from last night. He says something in Spanish and shrugs.  Like every idiotic North American trying to communicate with someone who doesnt speak English, I act like Im playing pre-school charades, pointing at his hat and pretending to take a slapshot. He smiles awkwardly, grabs his child by the hand, and walks away briskly. I later come to the conclusion I may have mistakenly mimed, "Give me your money or I will beat you over the head with a stick." -Briefly sneak on NCAA title game after the family falls asleep early. Its 16-4 Kentucky. Over. Croquet has more drama. DAY 3 -Charter a speedboat from a great guy named Doug Camozzi, who runs a Water-Ski and Wakeboard School/Island Tour company called Nautique out of his oceanfront backyard. (If the United Nations had an International Livin The Dream Scale—which it really should—"Whipping people around the turquoise waters and ridiculous beaches of Turks and Caicos on your speedboat all day" is about a 9.8, just behind "Being George Clooney.") This is confirmed when our boat captain, an amiable Englishman named Sam Small (I dont believe Ive ever used "amiable" before…ever--in blog or speech--I actually giggled a little when I wrote it) tells me he drove Victorias Secret models to a Turks beach shoot a while back. Id be amiable too. Sam tells me he also taught Mary Kate Olsen how to wakeboard. I try for a solid minute to come up with a funny comeback to this tidbit.  The best I could do was, "The wind didnt pick her up like a kite?" Skinny Olsen twin joke: circa 2007. Beyond weak. Sam had Mario Lopez out on the boat once, too.  Upon hearing this, I lift up my t-shirt and say, "These abs remind you of him at all?"  That one was mildly funnier, if you add in the visual that went with it. As Sam gives us the full tour (Iguana Island - more lizards than Wall Street, a shipwreck, amazing snorkeling at the third largest barrier reef in the world) a family of dolphins swims up alongside the boat. Turns out this is the islands one resident dolphin, Jojo, and his current family. Jojo spent the early years of his life in captivity. When he was released, he just hung around Grace Bay, staying friendly with locals and tourists. Hes now something like 35 - ancient - but still goes out into the ocean every year and brings back a new wife. They call him Jojo. I call him Larry King. - While swimming later at another perfect beach, a manta ray starts to circle me, staying just out of reach.  Sam says he probably smells the conch we found on the beach.  My son believes he said "gonch" and laughs like Sam is Louis C.K. -We end the day by tubing around the calm waters of an inlet.  I tube with my youngest daughter, who screams at the top of her lungs for the entire ride. I head home with a headache, feeling sudden empathy for Justin Bieber. DAY 4 -Okay, this is getting silly. I need me some hockey.  So with the girls gone early, my son and I break the FVA and sneak about 25 minutes of the morning ESPN SportsCenter.  We catch Derek Roys overtime goal against the Leafs, and thats it.  Though we do get a 12-minute analysis of Baylors NCAA womens basketball title.  My boy is perplexed. "Dad, why doesnt this SportsCenter like hockey?" Simple, yet so profound. I dont dare trouble his uncluttered mind with an answer.  -Its a windy day and the waves are up, so I teach the kids to bodysurf.  They are too young to understand that this is like getting acting lessons from Streep. For I am one with the waves, once nicknamed The White Dolphin by bodysurfers in Barbados http://www.tsn.ca/story/print/?id=127452 (Yeah, they didnt buy it either.)  -My youngest daughter draws an animal in the sand and asks me to guess what it is.  I will soon learn this is akin to your wife asking, "Do I look fat in these pants?"  You must tread carefully.  I guess rat.  Its a donkey.  She doesnt talk to me all afternoon. DAY 5 -We rent a car and drive to Chalk Sound on the other side of the island, where you can walk out a half-kilometre and the water is barely waist-high.* *Warning to Dan Otoole: still over your head. Turks has the confusing English drive on the wrong side of the road thing happening, and our car is drivers side right, so Im doubly messed up.  It goes okay until I make a right into the wrong lane of an oncoming truck, swerving out of the way with about a nanosecond to spare (That would have been an solid diary entry: "Day 5:  Played beach volleyball.  Had lobster for lunch.  Killed family in fiery crash."). -Perhaps still in shock about their near-death experience, family ignores the fact that I blatantly violate the FVA and watch the last 90 minutes of the first round of the Masters. Kate Upton could have been sunbathing naked on our balcony and I would not have looked up.  Though I may have tried to move the TV out to the balcony. DAY 6 -My boy and I play an early morning round at the Provo Golf Club.  Sean Wilson, a London Ontario boy, is the amiable (twice in one column!) assistant pro. I only have one sleeve of balls so I ask Sean if that should get me through on this track. He hands me a dozen, on the house.  Sean apparently knows my game well. The course is terrific.  I am not.  Though I do stiff my tee-shot on one Par-3, do the Tiger-twirl, and strut off the tee-box admiring the shot while it is still in the air. Problem is, the tee-markers at Provo are conches, and I walk my big toe right into the sharp point of one, causing me to scream like...my daughter on a tube ride. My son laughs like I am Louis C.K. -We hurry back from the course to participate in an Easter Friday "Seaster Hunt" This was the brainchild of the guy who runs the Somerset, the extremely amiable (sorry, getting annoying now) Ulrich Krauer.  Ulrich had all the kids paint rocks all week, then had them hidden in the ocean for their parents to find.  He even had a trophy built for the family who collects the most rocks, with bonus points if you find the ones your own kids painted.  Excellent family fun, except for the pressure. You try having your eight-year-old daughter look at you with her big eyes and say, "Win that trophy Daddy. Dont. Let. Me. Down." So about a dozen Dads and Moms of various shapes and sizes sprint into the ocean with flippers on, looking like some FunnyOrDie parody of the Hawaii Ironman start. I come out of the ocean 10 minutes later with one painted "egg".  The winning family, I dont know their names so lets call them, say…The Big Fat Cheaters… somehow bring out seven.  My kids stare at me the way Tortorella looks at his players after they take a stupid penalty. Fortunately, Ulrick has chocolate eggs for everyone.  And I quickly order a round of Cookie Monsters just to be safe.  Because as any good parenting book will tell you, bribing children is the best way to make them forget your failures. DAY 7 -My 10 year-old daughter asks if we can have the free "Confidential Breakfast" again. You know, the one with just the pastries and the fruit. This amuses me more than youll ever know. "Waiter, whats on the menu for today." "Cant tell you." "Wh…what? Minutes later, my son randomly asks if a guy who makes fondue is called "a fondler." We need to consider extra tutoring. -Make the mistake of giving the Banana Boat guy an extra $20 for an "extra-good ride."  For the next 35 minutes, He spins us in circles until the waves are bouncing us like the "Best of Wipeout" videos my kids watch on YouTube.  Kids reaction:  "Awesome!"  My reaction:  "I think my ass is broken!" -It is the Saturday of the Masters, and the last day of the NHL season, with almost every seed up for grabs. Its also the last day of our vacation, so the family wants to squeeze in more of…everything.  I have no shot.  But then, mid-afternoon, my youngest doesnt feel well.  My wife is worried about sunstroke and figures we better get her inside. "Thats aweso…awful, I mean awful, really bad," I say. "I better stay with her." Boo-Yah! (Or whatever people say these days that is more current than Boo-Yah...I dont even try anymore.)  I catch the third period of the Wings-Hawks game on NBC, and almost three hours of moving day at the Masters.  I am whole again.  DAY 8 -One last morning body surf (my ten-year old shows a lot of potential - strong genetics) and we head home.  Kids and wife all had an amazing time, and decide not to pursue supplementary discipline for my blatant FVA violations. -Arrive home in time for all of the Masters dramatics. Then watch about a dozen hockey games in three hours on PVR to catch up. Amazing what you can do when you fast-forward those silly intermissions and pre-games. Wait. Forget I said that. @tsnjamesduthie Josh Mauga Jersey . The game will be made up on Thursday as part of a day-night doubleheader. Tickets for the Wednesdays game will be honoured for the 1:05 p. Dustin Colquitt Jersey . -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are making a case for saving coach Greg Schianos job with a strong second-half turnaround. http://www.thechiefsshoponline.com/Youth-Knile-Davis-Chiefs-Jersey/ . Bergmann, who came ninth in Bad Gastein a year ago for his only previous top-10 result, defeated Andreas Prommegger of Austria in the final of the single-run format. Aaron March of Italy finished third by beating Sebastian Kislinger of Austria. Travis Kelce Chiefs Jersey . The Denver Nuggets played as though they were already relaxing on a tropical beach. Love started practicing early for All-Star festivities, making six of 11 shots from 3-point range and totalling 32 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists to lead the Timberwolves to a 117-90 victory over the Nuggets on Wednesday night. Derrick Thomas Jersey . The result was a game-winning, power-play goal. Chiasson snapped a third-period tie and lifted the Dallas Stars to a 3-2 victory on Monday night.PORTLAND, Ore. -- LaMarcus Aldridge believes the key to the Trail Blazers early success this season is chemistry. "I think this team is jelling together better than any other team Ive been on," said Aldridge, who had 18 points and 14 rebounds for Portland in the teams 11th straight victory, a 102-91 win over the slumping New York Knicks on Monday night. Nicolas Batum had 23 points, seven rebounds and six assists for the Blazers, who are riding their longest winning streak since they won 13 straight in December 2007. The Knicks are headed in the opposite direction with six straight losses. Carmelo Anthony had 34 points and 15 rebounds. New York trailed by as many as 22 points but pulled to 81-74 on Andrea Bargnanis 3-pointer early in the final quarter. Batum responded with a dunk and Wesley Matthews added a 3-pointer to extend the lead again. Again the Knicks narrowed it, closing to 98-91 after Anthonys jumper and a free throw with 1:47 to go. But Damian Lillard had consecutive jumpers for Portland and that was as close as New York would come. Lillard finished with 23 points. "Were winning ugly and pretty games, like tonight," Aldridge said. "We didnt shoot it great but I thought we made plays down the stretch offensively and defensively. Were just winning different ways right now." Anthony said the Knicks problem is sharing the ball. "When the ball doesnt move, you cant get into a rhythm," he said. "(When the) balls not moving around, that makes it tough for the rest of the team to have fun out there. Right now, were not having fun." The Blazers (13-2) were without guard Mo Williams, who was serving a one-game suspension without pay for his role in a scuffle during Saturday nights 113-101 victory at Golden State. The brawl was touched off by Andrew Boguts elbow to Joel Freelands jaw. Williams, Matthews and Warriors reserve Draymond Green were ejected from the game. The league on Monday fined Aldridge $45,000, while Matthews and Green were both fined $20,000. Bogut was also suspended without pay for a game and will sit out Golden States game against New Orleans on Tuesday. On the same day that the discipline was handed down by the NBA, Aldridge was nnamed the Western Conference player of the week.dddddddddddd Aldridge averaged 22.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, two steals and 1.75 blocked shots in wins last week against Brooklyn, Milwaukee, Chicago and Golden State. He had had 30 points and 21 rebounds against the Warriors. Monday nights output gave him his seventh double-double this season. The Knicks (3-10) were without starting guard Raymond Felton, a former Blazer, for a fourth game because of a sore lower back and left hip. And centre Tyson Chandler remains out of New Yorks lineup with a broken leg. The Blazers took off on a 12-0 run to take a 22-12 lead with just under five minutes left in the first quarter, capped by Matthews layup. Batum hit a 3-pointer to end the quarter and give the Blazers a 34-18 lead. Matthews hit a 3-pointer to give the Blazers a 44-22 lead midway through the second quarter after a 17-4 run, and Portland led 56-39 at the half. Amare Stoudemires layup with four minutes left in the third quarter pulled to Knicks to 71-61. But the Blazers responded and Aldridges rebound 3-pointer that extended the lead to 79-63. "One of the things weve been concerned about was how weve started games, especially defensively. I was really pleased with the way we set the tone in the first quarter, particularly on the defensive end, and we maintained that throughout the first half," Blazers coach Terry Stotts said. "Were a little disappointed we let them get back in it, but New York has a lot of talented scorers and 3-point shooters and we made a few mistakes." New York was coming off a 98-89 loss at Washington on Saturday. Anthony says his frustration is at an "all-time high." "Ive worked my butt off to get in tip-top shape and to be able to compete at the highest level," he said. "To work that hard and to be losing like we are, its not a great feeling." NOTES: Portland has won 11 of their last 13 against the Knicks in Portland. The Blazers swept the season series with New York last season. ... It was Portland coach Stotts birthday. ... The Blazers have scored at least 90 points in each of their first 15 games for the first time since 1993-94. ... The Knicks last lost six straight from March 4-12 in 2012. cheap nfl jerseys ' ' '

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Åâðîïà / The Wizards, meanwhile, were looking to end a four-game road

« : 22 Äåêàáðü 2014, 08:30:47 »

Nearly two years after retiring as president and CEO of MLSE, Richard Peddie opened up about his time at the helm of the Maple Leafs, Raptors and eventually Toronto FC. Speaking on TSN 1050s TSN Drive show, Peddie touched on his hiring of both rookie and experienced GMs and the most memorable relationships and interactions he had with former players and executives. Coming from a business background when he was named MLSEs inaugural president and CEO in February of 1998, Peddie admitted to having to learn on the fly early on. “Its a different mindset,” Peddie said of the difference between sports and business. “Theres really one winner and 29 losers. In business there isnt that. You could have an industry that all had good results, all had bad results or you can have an industry where theres winners and losers. In sports theres only one.” Taking over at a time when both the Leafs and Raptors were enjoying success, Peddie was eventually forced to lead the franchises in a transition period with changes coming in the front office. His decision to hire two rookie general managers is something he regrets. “I shouldve gone more experienced,” Peddie said of his decision to hire John Ferguson Jr. as the Leafs GM. “You DO NOT hire a rookie to run the Toronto Maple Leafs.” In retrospect, Peddie said when he was involved in the hiring process and made a call to the Canucks to speak with Dave Nonis, he should have instead reached out to the man he would end up hiring five years later, Brian Burke. “I shouldve asked permission to talk to Burkie then,” Peddie said. On the basketball side, Peddie was questioning his hiring ?of Rob Babcock in the summer of 2004 less than six months into his tenure, when the Vince Carter trade proposal was brought before the MLSE board of directors in December. “I had a new general manager that I had started to become really worried about,” Peddie remembers. “Im thinking if I pull the plug on this then Ive meddled, then Ive basically fired the general manager. In hindsight I wish I had. It set back the franchise years.” Being witness to both the rise of “Vinsanity” early on in his tenure, followed by the falling out Carter had with the team and city years later, Peddie was present for nearly all of his career in Toronto. He observed that Carter was a “Mamas boy” whos life was dominated by the family and entourage he surrounded himself with early on. As to why Carter was unable to meet the lofty expectations levied upon him early in his career, Peddie says it may have come down to work ethic and internal drive. “There are guys like Kobe, Jordan – theyre killers and Vince didnt have that,” Peddie said, while also noting that the teams trainers would report Carter having leg issues heading into the off-season, which he would then fail to rehab during the summer months. Following the trade of Carter and the failures of Babcock and Ferguson, Peddie said he learned from his mistakes and hired experienced, respected leaders. “I went and hired, arguably two of the best general managers,” Peddie said of Brian Burke and Bryan Colangelo. Although Burke was fired from the team prior to the start of the 2013 season, and failed to lead the Leafs to the playoffs during his tenure, Peddie said he still thinks Burke “wouldve brought Toronto a Stanley Cup.” Besides the NBA and NHL teams, Peddie touched briefly on his dealings with Toronto FC, noting that he saw the 2007 expansion franchise serving as a type of apprenticeship for former MLSE COO Tom Anselmi. “I was thinking about retiring and I thought Tom Anselmi would benefit from dealing with a general manager, dealing with the media and I gave him full reign on that one. And we hired badly – weve been through eight coaches. I chalk that up to our lack of football knowledge.” Asked about his successor, Tim Leiweke, Peddie was complimentary saying, “I thought it was a good choice,” noting the former president and CEO of AEG played an important role in bringing an MLS to the city and in the design of Maple Leaf Square. He disagreed however with Leiwekes statements that a culture change was needed inside of MLSE. “I didnt believe the culture of the business side needed to be changed at all, but on the team side we werent winning, so hes focusing on winning,” Peddie said. While admitting to having great relationships and fond memories of Darcy Tucker, Morris Peterson, Charles Oakley and Mats Sundin, Peddie also weighed in on the following: David Stern: “He uses fear. I mean he would go after me a whole bunch of times and he went after owners. Hes really smart, hes very successful and he uses that.” Ken Dryden: “Studious and brilliant. Ken takes a long time to make a decision.” Pat Quinn: “Stubborn Irishman, had great success.” Bryan Colangelo: “Very polished, very experienced, wish hed had more success...Bryan wanted to win and man, he wore that. He liked to pull the big trades and they werent working out.” Tie Domi: “Fighter. I got along very well with Tie, but his temper would flare up even off the ice occasionally.” Isaiah Thomas: “Smiling assassin…Isaiah and I could not work together. I think we made a mistake right off the bat to not make him president of the basketball team day one. I offered it to him two weeks after I joined, but he chose not to take it and we didnt work together very long.” Michelle Carter: “Too involved.” Drake: “Hes legit. He loves the city, loves the team, has credibility with the players. How good can he be with free agents? He could be a tipping point.” Authentic Eagles Jerseys . The Astros took two of three after losing 15 straight series to the Rangers. Houston overcame a four-run deficit to win. Dexter Fowler singled with one out in the ninth, Jason Castro drew a walk and Dominguez hit a long fly ball off Nick Martinez (0-1). Casey Matthews Elite Jersey . Make that 2-40 now. Tony Gwynn Jr. led off the ninth with a walk against Miami closer Steve Cishek and later scored, Ben Revere added the go-ahead run when Miami second baseman Donovan Solano bobbled a potential double-play grounder and the Phillies rallied past the Marlins 5-4 Thursday night to snap a six-game losing streak. http://www.jerseyseaglesshop.com/Womens-DeMeco-Ryans-Authentic-Jersey/ . Filion, from Laval, Que., and Montreals Benfeito finished third with 326.10 points. Ruolin Chen and Hao Wang of China won gold with 360.66 points and Paola Espinosa and Alejandra Orozco of Mexico were second at 327. Malcolm Jenkins Jersey For Sale . -- As expected, coach John Fox has officially ruled out Wes Welker for Denvers game against San Diego on Thursday night because of a concussion. Connor Barwin Jersey . The International Ice Hockey Federation says Russia is looking for a new coach before the world championship in May in Belarus. The IIHF says Russian hockey federation officials agreed to Bilyaletdinovs departure after meeting with him on Wednesday.MINNEAPOLIS -- Kevin Love and the Minnesota Timberwolves started an important eight-game stretch with an emphatic victory, handing the improving Washington Wizards their worst loss of the season. The Wizards hope they didnt lose something much more important than just one game. Love had 25 points and 11 rebounds, and J.J. Barea scored 17 points off the bench to help the Timberwolves beat Washington 120-98 on Friday night. Ricky Rubio had 11 points, nine assists and eight rebounds in 26 minutes, and Nikola Pekovic added 18 points and 10 boards for the Timberwolves. Minnesota turned the ball over only five times and got 44 points from its long-struggling reserves. "Its no secret we need more production from our bench," Love said. "That really helps out some of the starters, especially when every night isnt going to be great for all of our guys, one through five." John Wall had 26 points and seven assists for the Wizards, who missed a chance to win their fourth straight road game for the first time since March 2008. Nene added 13 points and five rebounds, but Bradley Beal had to be helped off the floor in the fourth quarter with a left leg injury. Beal scored 14 points in 26 minutes, but got tangled up on a screen by Wolves forward Luc Mbah a Moute with 4:25 to go. Beal was knocked to the ground and couldnt put any pressure on his left leg as Jan Vesely and Trevor Ariza helped him to the locker room. "With the knee injuries going on this year in the NBA, you just hope (Beals) isnt one of those ones that (is) devastating," Wall said. Preliminary X-rays were negative on Beals left knee and he will have an MRI on Saturday. "I was just trying to really get up and I really couldnt get up," Beal said. "Was hoping it wasnt anything too serious or too crazy. I mean, I was able to put a little weight on it afterwards. Just have to see with the MRI tomorrow." Beal missed nine games this season with a stress fracture in his right leg, and the Wizards count on his scoring as part of their dynamic young backcourt. Barea shoot 8 of 10 and Alexey Shved scored 13 points and grabbed five rebounds to give the Wolves some much-needed balance between their starters and bench.dddddddddddd The Timberwolves slogged through a brutal opening two months, weathering injuries to Chase Budinger and Ronny Turiaf and the third-toughest schedule in the NBA to post a 13-15 record. It was underwhelming considering the high hopes they started the season with, but not wholly unexpected given the schedule. Now is the time they have to make a move if they want to be a factor in the Western Conference playoff race. They play six of the next eight at home and face five teams that are currently under .500. The Wolves got off to an awful start Friday, shooting 28 per cent in the first quarter. But they got to the free throw line 10 times to stay close, then made their move in the second quarter with 39 points. "It makes things a lot easier," coach Rick Adelman said of his second-team backcourt. "I like the way they played at both ends of the court. Weve got to get something going when those guys come in." The Wizards, meanwhile, were looking to end a four-game road swing with a statement. They beat the Knicks, Nets and Celtics to start the trip, then had five days off before facing the Timberwolves, and coach Randy Wittman wanted to see his young team build on the steps he believed they took in those victories. Wall scored 22 points in the first half, but just four in the second as the Wizards faded. The Wolves dictated play for most of the night, shooting 38 free throws to just 17 for Washington and outrebounding the Wizards 44-35, including 14-9 on the offensive end. "They were tougher than we were," Wittman said. "They pushed us around. We had no resistance. So weve got to put this game behind us but learn from it." NOTES: Former Timberwolves F Martell Webster scored 11 points for the Wizards. ... Wizards F Kevin Seraphin missed the game with a sore right knee. ... The Timberwolves game against Phoenix on Jan. 8 has been moved to an 8:30 p.m. CST start to accommodate ESPN. cheap nfl jerseys ' ' '