Following a lengthy rain delay, Canadian Milos Raonic is back on court at Wimbledon, where hes facing Lukasz Kubot of Poland. Custom Kansas City Royals Jerseys . You can watch the action live NOW on TSN2 and TSN GO. Raonic has yet to drop a set at the 2014 grass tournament. After defeating Matthew Ebden 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 in the first round, the Thornhill native defeated American Jack Sock 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 to advance past the second round. Raonic is playing in the third round at the All England Club for the first time in his career. He was defeated in the second round each of his first three trips. Raonics best career finish at a major came earlier this month, when he advanced to the quarter-finals at the French Open. Kansas City Royals Store . Henry, who missed three games with a knee injury, was charged with a handball in the penalty area in the 82nd minute as he went to block a strike from Patrick Mullins. On the ensuing penalty kick, Lee Nguyen picked up his fourth goal of the season, giving the Revolution a 2-1 win Saturday afternoon. Kansas City Royals Shirts . Louis Cardinals pitcher Jaime Garcia will have surgery on his left shoulder this week and is expected to miss the rest of the season. https://www.cheaproyals.com/ . Anything less than gold for either nation is considered a disappointment. Yet for Switzerland, advancing to the semifinal might be a victory in itself.Got a question on rule clarification, comments on rule enforcements or some memorable NHL stories? Kerry wants to answer your emails at cmonref@tsn.ca. Hey Kerry, Whats the standard for officiating on hits and shoves after the whistle? Andrei Markov laid a late hit on Ondrej Palat after the whistle in last nights Habs-Lightning game, while Radko Gudas was giving extra pushes and shoves after play was stopped as well! How much is too much? Carrie ---- Hi Kerry, I appreciate your candor in your columns. With the playoffs upon us I am going to put you on the spot. Does the league mandate that officials loosen the reins on the rules come playoffs? I have played, coached and been a fan of the game for many years and it would appear there is a different standard (I use Brad Marchand repeatedly punching one of the Sedins after a whistle with no call in the 2011 Stanley Cup final as Exhibit A). As a fan I hate the relaxed standard that is apparent in the playoffs. Andy,Toronto Hi Carrie and Andy: And so the games begin! We all know that game intensity is quickly ramped up in the playoffs. At ice level, a referee must be able to feel the energy that players exude from the opening puck drop and allow the game to unfold. Each game has a unique heartbeat and the officials need to constantly take the pulse into account and determine when it is appropriate to impose themselves. Im not talking about when to call a trip or other obvious infraction but more specifically how to regulate the temperature of a game. The refs need to tap into and differentiate between the positive energy (which they must allow to flourish) and any excessive negative energy (which they must take measures to control). Quite often there is a fine line between the two once we enter the high stakes of playoff competition. One incident can spike the game temp, such as the deliberate snow shower that Ryan Garbutt buried Ducks goalie Frederik Anderson with, or the late body check from Andrei Markov on Ondrej Palat. On the first play, the referee took immediate control by assessing an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty to Garbutt, thereby sending a clear message that any "cheap" liberties on the goalkeeper would not be tolerated. I asked Marty Biron, whom I sat beside in the TSN studio last night, if a snow shower throws a goalie off his game. Marty said it actually does the opposite and will motivate the goalie to remain focused and play harder. Adding insult to injury, Matt Beleskey scored the fourth Ducks goal with Garbutt in the box. That became a costly penalty once Dallas closed the gap and Anaheim hung on for the 4-3 win. There was less need for the refs to exert control on the late Markov check. It was a clean shoulder check (other than after the whistle), it was in open ice as opposed to into the boards (in which case I am quite sure a penalty would have resulted) and even though it resulted in a scrum, the benefit of the doubt could be offered that Markov was in the act of finishing a check and the whistle was a little late. Kansas City Royals Gear. If after this "freebee" extended by the refs there was another episode of a testosterone rush someone should pay the price of a penalty call. Andy, there is no specific direction or league mandate given to the officials to loosen the reins on the rules. They are instructed to utilize their "best judgment" to ensure that marginal penalties are avoided at all times. This suggestion can plant a seed in the mind of the officials that isnt always positive. As the game moves closer to the end the refs feel an internal pressure to make sure that if they do raise their arm it will be judged as a "solid" penalty call. They want desperately to keep the spotlight off themselves. That thought process, when taken to excess, can negatively alter the standard that had been set throughout the game. Candidly speaking, a referee might avoid calling a foul that occurs 100 plus feet from the net since it doesnt involve a direct scoring opportunity. At that point he gambles and hopes that continued game flow gets him out of a self-perceived controversy. You and I know this is not the right approach, nor is it in the best interest of the game. Those in charge of rating the officials performance have a hand in this process as well. We have seen situations where a ref has stepped up and made a gutsy (and correct) call that impacts a game only to find himself dropped from further playoff assignments due to the nuclear fallout. Brad Marchand rag dolling Daniel Sedin in the 2011 Cup Final is just one example we could cite with regard to ref avoidance issues. Players will take full advantage when they feel the referee has put his whistle away. On the flip side, I recall Jerome Iginla chasing me around the ice after I whistled Andrew Ference for blasting Martin St. Louis into the end boards with less than two minutes remaining in Game 7 of the 2004 Cup Final with the Lightning leading by a score of 2-1. It was an obvious penalty but the score, time and emotion altered Iginlas perception and acceptance of the call. Then came the first lockout season and the "New NHL" spawned an attitude that penalties would be called regardless of the score and time. The standard has eroded somewhat from that strong initiative and needs to be restored before we move much farther through this playoff season. As I mentioned in a previous column, the referees need to demonstrate sound judgment and courage to make the perceived "tough" call. When the refs do make them they must be supported by the Officiating Department managers. That is the seed that needs to grow. ' ' '

What is it about the Whitecaps and spectacular goals to salvage games that end 2-2? Saturdays stunning howitzer from Uruguayan marksman Sebastien Fernandez will go down as one of the great finishes in the Caps short MLS era. Adidas Nmd Herre Danmark . A monstrous tackle from Steven Beitashour kept the game alive, when it seemed referee Kevin Stott was ready to blow for time. And like a basketball player whose internal shot clock was down to 0.5, Fernandez took a quick look up before unleashing a 35-yard rocket that even Nick Rimando couldnt stop. The scenes at Rio Tinto stadium were as contrasting as youll ever see in a regular season game; the Whitecaps and their staff leaping and hollering like 12-year-old kids whove won an imaginary World Cup, while a devastated Real Salt Lake team lay strewn about the pitch in disbelief. Its not the first time a stunning strike has rescued a point for the Whitecaps in a 2-2 game. They did it a week ago against LA, when it was Kekuta Manneh who bombed home a cracking equalizer in the 86th minute. Late last year, in a wild affair with Portland, Camilo Sanvezzo sideways scissored a goal of the year winner, only seconds after the Whitecaps had fallen behind. And in June of 2011, Eric Hassli should have earned goal of the year honours for his late, sensational volley that dropped into the top corner past Kasey Keller, only moments after the Whitecaps had fallen behind in Seattle. Four point-earning goals with aesthetic beauty, individual brilliance, against Western rvals, all while the Whitecaps were trailing. But there was something extra special about the rally at Real. It was executed by kids. The midfield and forward six combined to average 22.6 years of age. The RSL team that tried to hang on averaged 29.45 years, among them captain Kyle Beckerman, who sarcastically sneered a good luck making the playoffs in Darren Mattocks direction. As Carl Robinson continues to shape his squad and older players move on, you just wonder how the young Whitecaps will look when they learn how to start games the same way theyve been finishing them. In the meantime, another 2-2 scoreline, which seemed improbable until the 86th minute will be savoured by a Whitecap fan base that has already been spoiled by late-game dramatics. Yeezy Powerphase Fake . Kelli Stack and Alex Carpenter also scored for the Americans, who avoided a repeat of Finlands upset at the Four Nations Cup in Lake Placid, N.Y., in November. Finnish goalie Noora Raty made 58 saves in that one, but the three-time Olympian could stop just 40 of 43 U. Adidas Nmd Herre Sort Tilbud .Y. - Urijah Faber walked out on a Madison Square Garden stage in a Wes Welker jersey, the UFCs fun nod to that other "super" show this weekend. http://www.dknmdskotilbud.com/adidas-nmd-dame-outlet-danmark.html . Ellis had a season-high 37 points and two key assists late, Dirk Nowitzki led a fourth-quarter rally with 14 of his 35 points, and the Mavericks spoiled Howards best offensive night in Houston with a 123-120 victory over the Rockets on Wednesday night.The Florida Panthers finished with the second-worst record in the regular season, missing the playoffs for the 12th time in the past 13 seasons. Its been a rough road, but maybe things are looking up. After all, the Panthers did win the draft lottery. Off-Season Game Plan looks at a Panthers club that has a mix of aging vets and unproven young players, with very few in their prime years. That roster composition is could force some difficult decisions upon the Panthers. Its one thing to build around the likes of Aleksander Barkov, Nick Bjugstad and the upcoming No. 1 pick, knowing that it will take a few years before they are impact players in the league, but the Panthers best players right now are 35-year-old G Roberto Luongo and soon-to-be 35-year-old D Brian Campbell. If they are going to be part of the Panthers success, that success likely has to come very soon. "Were moving forward. Im going to fix it," GM Dale Tallon said at seasons end. "Were going to add the pieces to help these kids get where they need to be." The Panthers could be aggressive to make moves for immediate help, feeling emboldened by the financial backing of new owner Vinnie Viola, but its not easy to turn young players and prospects into players in their prime. The long view might be to take that time and let those young players develop, but with the Panthers making a big splash move to get Luongo, there ought to be some sort of urgency to win in the near future. For a team that has made the playoffs once in this century, maybe that urgency should have come sooner and it sounds like Tallon is prepared to get to work this summer. "We have a lot of assets," Tallon told the Miami Herald. "We have a lot of kids who are in college, 10 picks next year, a lot in the system. Im open to any suggestions that make us better quicker without jeopardizing our future." The TSN.ca Rating is an efficiency rating based on per-game statistics including goals and assists -- weighted for strength (ie. power play, even, shorthanded) -- Corsi, adjusted for zone starts, quality of competition and quality of teammates, hits, blocked shots, penalty differential and faceoffs. Generally, a replacement-level player is around a 60, a top six forward and top four defenceman will be around 70, stars will be over 80 and MVP candidates could go over 90. Sidney Crosby finished at the top of the 2013-2014 regular season ratings at 87.12. Salary cap information all comes from the indispensable www.capgeek.com. CF% = Corsi percentage (ie. percentage of 5-on-5 shot attempts). GM/COACHDale Tallon/Peter Horachek Returning Forwards Player Rating GP G A PTS CF% Cap Hit Sean Bergenheim 69.60 62 16 13 29 55.1% $2.75M Nick Bjugstad 67.91 76 16 22 38 50.8% $900K Brad Boyes 67.88 78 21 15 36 50.9% $2.625M Scottie Upshall 67.79 76 15 22 37 51.8% $3.5M Aleksander Barkov 64.99 54 8 16 24 52.1% $925K Jonathan Huberdeau 63.94 69 9 19 28 51.0% $925K Tomas Fleischmann 63.01 80 8 20 28 51.3% $4.5M Tomas Kopecky 61.74 49 4 8 12 52.0% $3.0M Free Agent Forwards Player Rating GP G A PTS CF% Class 13-14 Cap Hit Brandon Pirri 66.34 49 13 12 25 51.7% RFA $618K Jesse Winchester 64.81 52 9 9 18 51.7% UFA $600K Jimmy Hayes 62.94 55 11 7 18 47.5% RFA $654K Scott Gomez 59.38 46 2 10 12 48.4% UFA $900K Krystofer Barch 53.92 55 0 4 4 44.1% UFA $750K The Panthers have four veteran wingers that are going into the last year of their respective contracts and while all may contribute in some fashion, theyre all potential trade candidates due to their expiring deals. Health has been an issue for veteran winger Sean Bergenheim, as hes missed 19 or more games in five of the past six seasons, but he plays a strong two-way game and generates enough shots that he can score a little bit even if hes not a high-percentage finisher. Though hes never scored more than 17 goals in a season, Bergenheims 11.23 shots per 60 minutes (5-on-5) over the past three seasons ranks sixth. He gets the puck to the net. Health has also been an issue for winger Scottie Upshall, but he played 76 games in 2013-2014 -- the second time in his career that hes played more than 75 games -- and finished with a career-best 37 points. He tends to be a decent possession player and plays a feisty game when he manages to stay in the lineup. Two seasons removed from a career-high 27 goals and 61 points, winger Tomas Fleischmann endured a brutal year in which he scored eight goals and 28 points in 80 games, his lowest scoring totals since his 29-game rookie season of 2006-2007. Scoring on just 4.3% of his shots -- one-third the rate of his career average, 12.9% -- does make Fleischmann a solid candidate for recovery this season, and since its the last year on his contract, he may not be around long-term, even if he recaptures his scoring touch. Coming off a shortened 2013 season in which he scored at career-best rates (15 goals, 27 points in 47 games), Tomas Kopecky managed four goals and a dozen points in 49 games last season. Even so, he was a solid possession player and has versatility to move around the lineup as needed. Towering centre Nick Bjugstad led the Panthers with 38 (!!) points and has potential to be a very good two-way centre. He may not have the highest offensive ceiling but, at 6-foot-6, could become a real handful at both ends of the rink as he gets stronger. Veteran winger Brad Boyes topped 20 goals for the first time since 2008-2009, earning a two-year contract extension, and his 18 even-strength goals tied him with Jeff Carter and Eric Staal, among others. The 32-year-old provides stability, but his 0.46 points per game was also the lowest scoring rate of his career. The second overall pick in last years draft, Aleksander Barkov was thrust into a prominent role for the Panthers -- one of two forwards to play at least 17 minutes per game (minimum 25 games played) -- before suffering a knee injury at the Olympics that prematurely ended his season. Before that point, though, Barkov impressed with his two-way game and the 18-year-old holds promise as a bona fide No. 1 centre. The reigning Calder Trophy winner, Jonathan Huberdeau, slumped in his second season, scoring only nine goals and, more troubling, generating only 1.57 shots on goal per game. It was a step back, to be sure, but Huberdeau is still just 20-years-old, so he should be given an opportunity to bounce back and, along with Barkov and Bjugstad, be part of the clubs core group of young forwards. Stuck on the outside looking in when he was with Chicago, Brandon Pirri got a better opportunity once arriving in Florida and was effective enough to warrant a spot. With 101 points in 102 AHL games over the past two seasons, 23-year-old Pirri is ready for the NHL, though getting stronger and improving his play without the puck would improve his odds of not only sticking long-term, but being able to contribute consistently. Another former Blackhawks prospect, 6-foot-6 winger Jimmy Hayes, does have some touch offensively, but he is more dependent on linemates to drive possession, so that could ultimately leave him in the position of battling for a job as the Panthers roster matures. At the same time, with veteran wingers that could be moving on soon enough, Hayes might have an opportunity to be a 20-goal scorer if he can use his size effectively. It would be reasonable enough for the Panthers to press forward with the group they have at forward but, if they are going to harbour ideas about being immediately more competitive, then paying for a scoring winger would really help. Even if Florida may not be a premium free agent destination, they still might want to investigate the possibility of adding the likes of Radim Vrbata, Mike Cammalleri or Milan Michalek, players with some track record of production that could fit in their top six. Returning Defence Player Rating GP G A PTS CF% Cap Hit Brian Campbell 69.67 82 7 30 37 52.7% $7.143M Ed Jovanovski 59.22 37 1 4 5 47.4% $4.125M Colby Robak 59.14 16 0 2 2 49.4% $675K Free Agent Defence Player Rating GP G A PTS CF% Class 13-14 Cap Hit Tom Gilbert 67.11 73 3 25 28 51.7% UFA $900K Dmitry Kulikov 64.58 81 8 11 19 51.2% RFA $2.5M Dylan Olsen 64.48 44 3 9 12 51.1% RFA $738K Erik Gudbranson 61.35 65 3 6 9 51.2% RFA $900K He can get overlooked nnow that hes in Florida, but Brian Campbell remains an excellent play-driving defenceman. Adidas Nmd r1 Herre Danmark. He puts up stellar possession stats, plays more than 27 minutes per game for the Panthers and hasnt missed a game in three seasons since arriving in Florida. The 34-year-old has two years remaining on his current contract which should actually make him a target for an enterprising team in win-now mode. The price would likely be steep, but a team in need of a top-pair defenceman could at least force the Panthers (and Campbell, since he has some say over his destination) with an offer comprised of young talent . While 37-year-old Ed Jovanovski made it the long way back from hip surgeries to play in 37 games, perhaps not surprisingly, he wasnt terribly effective. Theres one year left of his contract and Jovo would be a prime buyout candidate because the Panthers would likely be better without him in their top six. Age catches up with all athletes, but especially so in the case of those who suffer major injuries. 24-year-old Colby Robak has been a prospect, it seems, forever, and has played 35 games with the Panthers over the past three seasons. He was serviceable in 16 games in 2013-2014, good enough to figure that, with an economical one-way deal for next season, that he is in a good position to have an NHL job when next season begins. 23-year-old Dmitry Kulikov already has five years of NHL experience and hes a legit top-four defenceman, though one that was spectacularly unfortunate last season, finishing as a minus-26 despite pretty much break-even possession numbers. Only Alexander Edler and Seth Jones had a lower PDO (on-ice shooting plus save percentage) than Kulikovs 96.0. Its not necessarily the optimal long-term approach, but its conceivable that an attractive asset like Kulikov (whose name pops up in trade rumours semi-regularly) could be moved in the summer, in an effort to upgrade the teams offensive talent. There has been some progress with 22-year-old Erik Gudbranson, the third overall pick in 2010, but its been gradual. In an ideal world, hed be able to use his size and physical game in a shutdown defensive role, but Gudbranson hasnt yet been trusted to take on the hard minutes defensively. Hes young enough to hope that there is time to realize that upside. Another former Blackhawk, Dylan Olsen, responded well to the opportunity presented to him in Florida. Olsen didnt play big minutes, and his ice time decreased later in the year, but it was a step forward for the 23-year-old and he was solid enough to have a leg up on the competition for a regular spot on the blueline next year. There are a couple of wildcards for the Florida defence. The first might as well be the number one overall pick in the draft, which could be Barrie Colts D Aaron Ekblad. Hed likely take some lumps as an 18-year-old -- they all do -- but Ekblad would provide a long-term building block on the blueline. The other is unrestricted free agent Tom Gilbert, who was salvaged off the scrap heap after being bought out by Minnesota. Gilbert played more than 21 minutes a night on the top pair with Campbell and was very effective in that role. After making just $900,000 last season, though, Gilbert should be a due a sizeable pay increase on an open market that tends to appreciate top-four calibre defencemen. So, it would be great for the Panthers to keep the 31-year-old around for a few more years, but they will have competition for his services. Returning Goaltenders Player Rating GP W L OTL GAA SV% Cap Hit Roberto Luongo 70.33 56 25 23 7 2.40 .919 $5.333M Dan Ellis 43.63 20 5 11 0 3.62 .879 $900K Free Agent Goaltender Player Rating GP W L OTL GAA SV% Class 13-14 Cap Hit Scott Clemmensen 66.80 17 6 7 1 3.08 .896 UFA $1.2M The Panthers decision to bring back Roberto Luongo, acquiring him in a trade from Vancouver, does give them an immediate window to be a competitive club. Over the past five seasons, Luongos .919 save percentage ranks fourth (effectively tied for third with Jaroslav Halak and Ryan Miller) among those with a starters workload and he should be the backbone of this team for the next couple seasons, at the very least. Upon acquiring Luongo, the Panthers jettisoned Tim Thomas to Dallas, in exchange for Dan Ellis, who is still under contract for next season. Ellis had a tough time immediately after the deal, posting an .836 save percentage in six games with Florida, and the 33-year-old has a .905 career save percentage, which isnt ideal, but hes a reasonably-priced backup option behind Luongo. Top Prospects Player Pos. Team/League Stats Mike Matheson D Boston College (HE) 3-18-21, +18, 38 GP Ian McCoshen D Boston College (HE) 5-8-13, +22, 35 GP Alex Petrovic D San Antonio (AHL) 2-11-13,+3, 43 GP Vincent Trocheck C San Antonio (AHL) 16-26-42, -5, 55 GP Rocco Grimaldi C North Dakota (NCHC) 17-22-39, +13, 42 GP Drew Shore C San Antonio (AHL) 6-26-32, +2, 50 GP Quinton Howden LW San Antonio (AHL) 10-17-27, -1, 59 GP Michael Downing D Michigan (Big 10) 2-10-12, +3, 34 GP Kyle Rau C Minnesota (Big 10) 14-26-40, +16, 41 GP Sam Brittain G Denver (NCHC) .929 SV%, 2.22 GAA, 39 GP Mackenzie Weegar D Halifax (QMJHL) 12-47-59, +56, 61 GP A first-round pick in 2012, Mike Matheson could be ready for the pro game if he chooses to leave Boston College after his sophomore campaign. He needs to get stronger, but is a good skater who can move the puck. The first pick of the second round last year, Ian McCoshen is another defenceman for NCAA-finalist Boston College, though he brings a more physical game than Matheson. Whenever the Golden Eagles duo makes the jump, the Panthers will have a more capable blueline corps. Taken in the second round in 2010, lanky blueliner Alex Petrovic is closer to making the Panthers roster, having skated in 13 games over the past couple seasons. Hes a tough, physical blueliner who has 30 points, a plus-4 rating and 181 penalty minutes in 103 AHL games. Its entirely possible that Vincent Trocheck, a third-round pick in 2011, will open next season with the Panthers. He had 42 points in 55 AHL games to earn a promotion and while he posted a respectable eight points in 20 games with the Panthers, the more encouraging sign from Trocheck was that he handled significant ice time and put up solid possession stats. He doesnt have to start next year in Florida, particularly if any veteran centres are added, but Trocheck is going to play for the U.S. in the World Championships and should be knocking on the door rather loudly. Tiny playmaker Rocco Grimaldi was a second-round pick in 2011, and has 75 points in 82 games over the past two seasons at North Dakota, but until he gets into the pro game, there will be questions over whether the 5-foot-6 forward can produce at the highest level. Only one way to find out the answer to those questions. Drew Shore has logged a lot of NHL games, 67 over the past two seasons, to be considered a prospect, but hes also played 93 AHL games in that time, so hes been on the fringe of the roster. The thing is, he clearly deserves a better look, as hes been a very good possession player in those 67 NHL games. There may be a ceiling on his offensive production, but Shore is a big forward whose game is NHL-ready. A first-round pick in 2010, Quinton Howden has played 34 NHL games over the past couple seasons and hasnt produced much. Two years ago, he had great possession numbers, but couldnt produce any points. This past season, he managed four goals and a couple of assists, but had abysmal possession stats. As it is, hes probably just on the outside looking in, depending on how many extrernal forward acquisitions are made over the summer. A fourth-round pick last summer Michael Downing is a physical defender with good size who had a fine first season at Michigan. Theres no need to rush him, and there are others ahead of Downing in the pipeline, but hes one to watch develop over the next few years. Kyle Rau is a tiny forward who was a third-round pick in 2011 and played with Bjugstad at the University of Minnesota. Rau has put up 123 points in 121 games for the Golden Gophers, so hes going to warrant a look when his collegiate career ends. Like Grimaldi hell get a chance to prove that he can overcome his lack of size. Its never easy to project goaltenders, even those that have steadier collegiate track records than Sam Brittain, but the fourth-round pick from 2010 was very good as a senior at Denver, so now its time to see him at the pro level. A seventh-round pick in 2013, Mackenzie Weegar may not have the defensive game, but his ability to move the puck and run the power play, should get him some consideration in the coming years. Power forward Garrett Wilson, who played three games for the Panthers last season, is another prospect of some note and could make his mark as a physical presence on the fourth line. Panthers advanced stats and player usage chart from Extra Skater DRAFT1st - Aaron Ekblad, Sam Reinhart, Sam Bennett. FREE AGENCYAccording to www.capgeek.com, the Panthers have approximately $45.3M committed to the 2013-2014 salary cap for 13 players. Check out my possible Panthers lineup for next season on Cap Geek here. Needs: Two top six forwards, depth forwards, two top four defencemen.What I said the Panthers needed last year: Three top six forwards, one top pair defenceman, starting goaltender.They added: Nick Bjugstad, Aleksander Barkov, Brad Boyes, Jesse Winchester, Krys Barch, Joey Crabb, Tom Gilbert, Ryan Whitney, Tim Thomas. TRADE MARKETTomas Fleischmann, Jimmy Hayes, Drew Shore, Dmitry Kulikov, Colby Robak. 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. ' ' '

TORONTO – Standing comfortably by his dressing room stall, David Clarkson refuses to dodge questions about a goal drought thats lingered 10 games into the start of his Maple Leafs career. Cheap Air Max 97 Uk . Hes willing answer queries for as long as needed. "Ask whatever you want," he says. And he understands the questions. But he also knows why he was brought into the fold in Toronto and why Dave Nonis and company chose to pony up seven years at $36.75 million. "I wasnt brought here to score 50 goals," Clarskon said earnestly after practice on Monday morning. "I was brought here for that full game that I bring, competing every night." Nonis made that point clear on the day he signed the Mimico native last July. The considerable size and weight of the deal aside – not to mention the 30 goals he scored two seasons ago – internal expectations for the 29-year-old did not hinge strictly on offence but instead on the range of tools and experience he could contribute to a group prospectively on the rise. And though he hasnt scored, with bad luck in a mostly defensive role primarily to blame, Clarkson has generally played that part with the Leafs, admittedly still adjusting to the new confines of life in Toronto. "He hasnt really let it affect anything about him," James van Riemsdyk said of Clarksons goal drought during a conversation with the Leaf Report. "I think hes come in and filled his role; [hes] played hard, finished checks, stuck up for his teammates and had a couple tough bounces as far as goal-scoring [goes]..." Predictably pesky and a willing physical combatant, Clarkson has actually been at his best as a puck-controlling, forechecking burden deep in the offensive zone – something the group at large has struggled with until spurts recently. Effective in that regard mostly alongside Mason Raymond, Clarkson leads the team in puck possession (CORSI,) despite starting many of his shifts in the defensive zone. "Thats something Ive always brought," said Clarkson, who has three assists, including a pair in the past two games. "In my career, Ive always been known to be a guy that down low is hard to play against, thats always in the blue paint, winning battles down low, finishing checks and driving the other team crazy." An admitted adjustment early on, Clarkson has been employed in a primarily defensive role so far, matched up against opposing top lines more often than not. Hes held his own in such duties – on the ice for just four goals against. Never was his effectiveness in this capacity more pronounced than his second game of the year. Playing alongside Raymond and Dave Bolland, Clarkson helped keep Sidney Crosby off the scoresheet for just the second time all season (to that point.) "The whole game, I was trying to hit Sid or trying to hit Malkin every shift because, if those guys are a little bit hesitant that you might do something, all of sudden maybe theyre looking over their shoulder and not as effective," he said. "I always try to play that same way." A Cup finalist with the Devils in 2012, Clarksons veteran credentials have also held sway among his more youthful teammates – all but a handful are younger than his 29 years. Nearly toppling the veteran Bruins in the playoffs last May, the Leafs looked to Clarkson and Bolland for aid in the leadership department this past summer. "Hes one of those guys you can look at to be a constant out there," James Reimer told the Leaf Report. "Hes just a good leader and hes a good pro. And a young team, thats what a lot of the time we need. You need those people that you can look up to." Reimer points the manner in which Clarkson has handled the early string of misfires offensively. "Hes not getting rattled, not breaking his stick, not swearing up and down," said the 25-year-old netminder. "He just comes to work every day." Several factors have worked to hold Clarkson in check offensively, luck and role most prominently among them. A sign of his unluckiness to date: the Leafs boast an even-strength shooting percentage of a paltry 2.6 per cent when Clarksons been on the ice this season, lowest on the team (with a minimum of 10 games played.) The several opportunities he has had, including a jam play opposite Jhonas Enroth on Saturday and a squeaker through the five-hole of Cory Schneider a week earlier, have fallen just shy of crossing the line. In addition to bad luck, Clarksons role has also changed from where it left off with the Devils. A first unit power-play contributor in Jersey, he is, at best, a second unit option in Toronto – stuck behind the skillful likes of van Riemsdyk, Raymond, Phil Kessel, Joffrey Lupul, Nazem Kadri, and Tyler Bozak when healthy. Clarkson, who totaled 14 power-play goals and 24 power-play points the past two seasons, has averaged 1:50 per game on the man advantage thus far, down from the nightly 3:33 he garnered with the Devils last season. Not helping his cause offensively either is the limited amount of even-strength shifts hes started in the offensive zone – slightly above 17 per cent, lowest on the team – nor the amount hes shot the puck to date; just two per game, down considerably from the past two seasons. "We think that David Clarkson has got a lot to offer to our hockey club and hes had his fair share of chances," said coach Randy Carlyle. "Hes a little bit snake-bitten, but if he continues to go to the net the way hes been going and we continue to drive that middle lane and get pucks directed around him hell score some goals for us. We believe that." With career-highs of 30 goals and 46 points, the production is unlikely to ever match the annual $5.2 million pay grade, but rightly or wrongly, thats not why the Leafs signed Clarkson in the first place. "If David Clarkson doesnt score 30 goals in a Leaf uniform, but provides all the other things that we know hes going to provide were pretty comfortable were a better team," Nonis said on July 5. Clarkson says the early drought may have bothered him as a younger player, what with the now daily barrage of questions and pressure to contribute offensively, but with age, experience and a family, he appears neither frustrated nor agitated. He knows his poor luck is bound to change, also understanding the manner in which he can affect the game otherwise. "Theres so much that he brings to this team," Reimer said. “When he starts scoring, honestly itll just be a bonus." Cheap Air Max 200 Uk .com) - Former New York Mets general manager Omar Minaya is joining the Major League Baseball Players Association staff as a senior advisor to executive director Tony Clark. Buy Nike Tn Trainers Uk . PETERSBURG, Fla. http://www.fakeairmaxukoutlet.com/ . Just ask last seasons Supporters Shield winners, the New York Red Bulls, who were resoundingly defeated last weekend by a rampant Vancouver Whitecaps in a match which produced two contenders for MLS Goal of the Week from Sebastian Fernandez and Pedro Morales.TORONTO -- If the sloppy conditions and sparse crowd werent bad enough, Toronto FC dropped a 2-1 decision to Sporting Kansas City on Saturday in a game Ryan Nelsen largely blamed on the officiating. And a bad game ended on a worse note when the Toronto head coach and his assistant Fran OLeary were ejected in the final minute for words said from the sideline. "The referee (Allen Chapman) has a tough time but I think hell reflect and look back and probably (realize) Toronto FC were on the wrong end of the equation on literally all of the critical calls," said Nelsen, who was calm just minutes after his ejection. C.J. Sapong scored both goals for the visitors, while Darel Russell recorded the lone goal for Toronto in a rain-drenched affair at BMO Field, the gloomy, grey weather matching the mood around the Major League Soccer club. The loss stretched Torontos winless streak to eight consecutive games, while the victory for Kansas City propelled it into a tie with New York atop the Eastern Conference standings. Nelsen was frustrated about what he thought was a hand ball in Kansas Citys box, and a tackle on Justin Braun in the dying minutes. "The problems that we did cause (for Sporting KC), an oppositions hand got in the way, or I think it was a little bit of the Ultimate Fighting that is going on tonight (at Torontos Air Canada Centre) was done on Justin Braun at the end," Nelsen said. "I should be up here (talking about) two penalties, two blatant penalties, two stonecold penalties, and weve won the game." A week after Toronto (4-14-12) was mathematically eliminated from the playoffs for the seventh straight year, and with four games to go on the season, a sparse crowd -- announced at a season-low 12,627, but appearing much smaller -- braved the inclement weather. The previous season-low attendance was 15,217, two weeks earlier versus Chicago. Toronto hasnt won since Aug. 4 at New England, and despite which way the referees calls went, a couple of defensive miscues led to what Nelsen called "soft goals" for the visitors. Sapong opened the scoring for Kansas City (14-9-6) in the 18th minute when Graham Zusi found the head of Dominic Dwyer with a long cross. Dwyer headed the ball to a wide-open Sapong who launched a header past Toronto keeper Joe Bendik. "It wasnt going to be a performance game, atrocious conditions, you probably cant see it from the sideline but when youre out in the middle the water is horrible," Nelsen said. "It was going to be a mistake game, whoever turns it over and whoever makes mistakes is probably going to lose the game." Sapong, whod only scored twice previously this season, doubled his season output in the 53rd minute when he headed in a long cross from Chance Meyers. Defender Mark Bloom, in his second appearance for Toronto, seemed to lose sight of Sapong as he was tracking him back towaard the net. Cheap Nike Tn Trainers Uk. "Soft goals for us to lose," said Toronto defender Steven Caldwell. "It was a not very nice day to play in or watch it was a battle at end, it was difficult to keep your footing, play with any kind of quality." Russell scored in the 38th minute to make it 1-1 on a bad clearance by Kansas City defender Aurelien Collin. Sporting KC goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen passed the ball to Collin, who misplayed it leaving Alvaro Rey to swoop in and pass to Russell, who slotted it past Nielsen. The loss came a day after Toronto introduced Tim Bezbatchenko as its new general manager. Despite all the frustrations from Saturdays match, Nelsen was emphatic in his support for the recent turn of events in the front office. "When I first took this job and I saw what happened to where I sit now, oh my goodness, trust me on this one, I am so much happier, its absolutely night and day," Nelsen said. "Certain contracts with certain salary cap restrictions. . . ," he said, when asked to expand. "Everything was handcuffed and weve taken the handcuffs off and now we can move forward. "When I first took the job I thought it would be two or three years before Toronto could get out of the situation they were in, it was that bad." Saturdays game was a winnable one for Toronto, which had several near-misses on the afternoon. Rey went down on the edge of the 18-yard box in the first half after taking what looked like an elbow to the face. The referee awarded Toronto a free kick outside the box, which Caldwell nearly scored on. Toronto had another excellent scoring chance at the 45-minute mark when a header by Bright Dike -- who was strong in his first start for the home team --was cleared off Kansas Citys goal line. Toronto was reduced to 10 men in the 86th minute when Caldwell was shown a red card for a studs-up tackle on Josh Gardner. "No intent or anything malicious about it, its just the way the game was, and the type of conditions it was, sometimes you go in for challenges that arent ideal and I felt we both went in with our studs," said Caldwell. He chalked up the calls to a "lack of experience from the referee, and a lack of empathy for the conditions." Toronto was missing several key players including midfielder Jonathan Osorio, who was serving the first of a two-game suspension for kicking the ball at an opponents head in Torontos 2-0 loss at New York last week. Osorio booted the ball directly to the side of the head of Red Bulls defender Kosuke Kimura, who had fallen to the ground. Kimura was not injured on the play. Striker Robert Earnshaw missed the game with a hamstring injury. Danny Koevermans, whos struggling in his recovery from last seasons ACL surgery, didnt dress, nor did Matias Laba, whos out a month after fracturing his big toe. Toronto hosts D.C. United next Saturday. ' ' '

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Chris Paul and the Los Angeles Clippers showed what they can do when their minds are on basketball. Randy White Youth Jersey . Paul made a career-high eight 3-pointers and scored 32 points to help the Clippers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 122-105 Monday night in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal. The Clippers acknowledged that the racial comments by owner Donald Sterling that got him permanently banned from the league were a distraction during their first-round series against Golden State. Once they put the initial shock behind them, they beat the Warriors and carried their momentum into Game 1 against the Thunder. Los Angeles shot 55 per cent from the field and made 15 of 29 3-point attempts. Paul, who had never made more than five 3-pointers in a game, also had 10 assists. "When somebodys got it going like that, you just try to stay out of the way as much as possible, but also help keep that fire going," Clippers forward Blake Griffin said. Though Paul is a career 36 per cent 3-point shooter, he doesnt usually shoot them so often. Once he started hitting them, he became increasingly aggressive. He made 8 of 9 for the night. "I came over here early and got in a lot of shots, so I think that had a lot to do with it, too," Paul said. Oklahoma City didnt anticipate Paul taking on the scoring load for Los Angeles, but he took advantage of good screens and knocked down the shots. The Thunder felt they defended him relatively well. "I thought on a lot of those 3s, especially early in the game, we had a hand in his face and a hand in his shots," Thunder guard Thabo Sefolosha said. "So we did a decent job, but those shots went in and that boosted their whole team." Griffin scored 23 points, Jamal Crawford had 17 and J.J. Redick added 12 for the Clippers. Russell Westbrook scored 29 points, Kevin Durant had 25 and Serge Ibaka added 12 for the Thunder, who suffered their worst home loss since moving to Oklahoma City. "We have to get more physical," Durant said. "Im not talking about hard fouls, Im talking about jamming the lane, fighting through screens and not letting guys run free. We just have to be more physical." Game 2 is Wednesday night in Oklahoma City. "We just understand that we dont go into Game 2 with a 17-point lead," Paul said. "You know, youve just got to come back and be hungry and not be satisfied with one." Both teams were coming off Game 7 wins in the first round on Saturday night, but only the Thunder looked weary. Oklahoma City opened by taking a 16-10 lead, but the Clippers responded with a 24-6 run. Paul hit five 3-pointers in the first quarter, matching his career high for 3s in a playoff game in the first 12 minutes. The Clippers shot 67 per cent in the first quarter to take a 39-25 lead. Los Angeles extended its lead to 24 points in the second quarter and took a 69-52 halftime lead with Paul getting 22 points and six assists. Durant and Westbrook scored 16 points each in the first half, but the Thunder committed 11 turnovers before halftime. A quick 3-pointer and a pull-up jumper by Paul pushed the Clippers lead to 78-56 in the opening minutes of the third quarter. The Clippers reached 100 points with just over a minute left in the period and led 104-78 heading into the fourth quarter. The score that matters to the Thunder is 1-0. They were behind 2-1 and 3-2 against Memphis in the first round and rallied to win the series. "You know, weve been there before," Sefolosha said. "You know, its never easy, so at the same time its the first to four wins, and were down one. So its not the end of the world, weve just got to go back and see what we can do for the next game." NOTES: Sefolosha rejoined the starting lineup after sitting out the final two games against Memphis. Thunder coach Scott Brooks said before Mondays game that he started Caron Butler in Games 6 and 7 against Memphis because the team needed another offensive weapon. ... Griffin attended the University of Oklahoma. He got a mixed reaction during pregame introductions. ... The Clippers made 7 of 10 3-point attempts in the first quarter. ... Ibaka was issued a technical foul in the third quarter after getting his legs tangled up with Griffin. ... Clippers C DeAndre Jordan made just 1 of 8 free throw attempts. ... Durant was issued a technical foul for arguing with an official with 10:40 remaining in the fourth quarter. ... The Clippers committed just nine turnovers. ... Oklahoma City outrebounded the Clippers 47-31. Chuck Howley Cowboys Jersey . Vargas (8-3) allowed four singles and two walks while striking out five, allowing only two runners from a diluted Twins lineup to reach second base. Mike Moustakas and Jarrod Dyson hit RBI singles in the second inning against Kevin Correia (4-10), and that was all Vargas needed. Leighton Vander Esch Youth Jersey .The Toronto Raptors guard, who will represent the Eastern Conference at the All-Star Game in New Orleans on Sunday, says he doesnt complain in the face of adversity "because I know this little girl is just happy for anything. https://www.cowboyssportsgoods.com/Womens-Demarcus-Ware-Inverted-Jersey/ . It was the first game back in Columbus for Rangers star Rick Nash, the Blue Jackets franchise leader in goals, assists and games. He was given a standing ovation during a video tribute in the first period, but was booed loud and long after a second-period, two-handed shove up high on Columbus goalie Sergei Bobrovsky.NEW YORK -- In the wake of the Biogenesis scandal that led to 14 suspensions last summer, Major League Baseball and its players union announced Friday they are toughening penalties and increasing the frequency of testing in the most substantial revisions to their drug agreement in eight years. Players suspended during the season for a performance-enhancing drug violation will not be eligible for that years post-season. In addition, discipline will increase from 50 games to 80 for a first testing violation and from 100 games to a season-long 162 for a second. A third violation remains a lifetime ban. While there were two-to-four major league suspensions annually from 2008-11, the number increased to12 in 2012 and 14 players were penalized following last years investigation of the Biogenesis of America anti-aging clinic. Among them were former NL MVP Ryan Braun, who agreed to a 65-game ban, and three-time AL MVP Alex Rodriguez, who is suspended for the entire 2014 season. "Obviously, that showed that there was a need for harsher and stiffer penalties -- and this is a very clear and resounding answer for all of that," Los Angeles Dodgers catcher A.J. Ellis said. Detroit shortstop Jhonny Peralta and Texas outfielder Nelson Cruz returned from their 50-game suspensions in time to participate in last falls playoffs. Peralta became a free agent and was given a $53 million, four-year contract by St. Louis during the off-season. "In the past it hasnt been fair that guys, they get popped, they serve their suspension and they come back and play in the playoffs," said Oakland reliever Sean Doolittle, whose team lost to Peralta and the Tigers in the division series. "Then on top of that, guys parlay it into a bigger contract and getting a raise ... it was frustrating, mainly because he did so well against us." Accused of being slow to react to steroids in the 1990s, baseball started testing with penalties in 2004, established a 10-day suspension for an initial testing violation in 2005 and increased discipline to 50 games in 2006. In the last year or two, many players spoke out and said the deterrent wasnt sufficient. "There are 32 states that have the death penalty for murder, and murders happen in those states every single day. Its not going to stop people from committing the crime, even if you have a death penalty," Arizona pitcher Brad Ziegler said. "Youve got to put things in place better to get them caught. Thats the thing. People do it when they think they can get away with it." New union head Tony Clark, a former All-Star himself, said his members wanted to make sure "a player is not coming back and affecting a change in the post-season as a result of the decision that particular player made earlier in the year." "Our hope here is that the adjustments that weve made do inevitably get that number to zero,"; Clark said. Darren Woodson Jersey. "In the event that that doesnt happen, for whatever reason, well reevaluate and move forward from there. But as I sit here, I am hopeful that players make the right decisions that are best for them, for their careers and for the integrity of the game." Players who serve a PED suspension also will not be eligible for automatic post-season players pool money shares but may be given cash awards at the discretion of their teammates. "There are a lot of guys who havent done it right," San Francisco pitcher Tim Hudson said, "and I think the one thing that puts a bad taste in peoples mouth that are playing are the guys who have messed around with the stuff but then somehow have still benefited contractually and gotten paid more money than they might have done if they had been clean. Those are the things that kind of stick some players." A player serving a season-long suspension will lose all his pay. Under the previous rules, Rodriguez gets 21-183rds of his $25 million salary this year, or $2,868,852. "Although we had the strongest program in professional sports before these changes, I am committed to constantly finding ways to improve the program in order to eradicate performance-enhancing drugs from the game," said baseball Commissioner Bud Selig, who had called a year ago for harsher penalties. An arbitrator would be allowed to reduce a suspension for a first or second testing violation by up to 50 per cent if a player proves by "clear and convincing evidence" that a positive test was not caused by his "significant fault or negligence." However, penalties may not be cut for muscle-building substances such as testosterone, human growth hormone, Boldenone, Nandrolone and Stanozolol. In-season random urine tests will increase from 1,400 to 3,200 overall in addition to the minimum two for each player, and off-season tests will rise from 250 to 350. There will be 400 random blood collections used to detect human growth hormone in addition to the mandatory one for each player during spring training. "We want to have a level playing field," Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez said. Players with PED violations, other than those who penalties are reduced for mitigation, will receive six additional random urine tests and three more blood tests annually for the rest of their careers. Foreign players entering the major leagues and those not subject to the major- or minor-league testing program for at least a year will be required to take urine and blood tests before signing contracts. "There are certain considerations we need to make in an effort to put guys in a position where the guys who are doing it correctly arent being adversely affected any more than necessary," Clark said. AP Baseball Writer Janie McCauley and AP freelance writer Mike Cranston contributed to this report ' ' '

Last year, the Montreal Canadiens were the only Canadian team good enough to make the playoffs. Pittsburgh Pirates Pro Shop . As we enter another NHL season, which Canadian club do you think will improve the most in 2014-15? Join the discussion on Hubub.com. Pirates Jerseys 2019 . TSN was honoured with several awards, with Rod Smith and James Duthie sharing the win for Best Sports Host for SportsCentre and the NHL: Season On The Brink coverage, respectively. Pittsburgh Pirates Store . The No. 23 seed at the first Grand Slam event of the tennis season has worked out all the details, from his training regime right down to where hes going to eat dinner. https://www.cheappiratesjerseys.us/ . No such luck. Wiggins owned the end of Parkers impressive homecoming. The Kansas star scored 16 of his 22 points in the second half, outplaying Parker down the stretch and helping the fifth-ranked Jayhawks knock off No.New Zealand captain Jesse Bromwich says his team will be aiming to win the Four Nations for sidelined team-mate Thomas Leuluai. The unlucky Leuluai, who is returning to Wigan next season, will be watching Sundays final against Australia at Anfield from the stands after suffering a double fracture of his jaw in the Kiwis 18-18 draw with Scotland in Workington last Friday.Leuluai, 31, who won his 37th cap against the Bravehearts, has been dogged by injury over the last two years. He was forced to miss New Zealands 2015 Test series against England with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and was taken off 30 minutes from the end of their opening Four Nations clash with England for a concussion assessment. Six months half price Upgrade to Sky Sports to watch Man Utd v Arsenal on Saturday and get the first six months half price The Kiwis were leading 10-4 when the hooker or half-back went off clutching his jaw following a 57th-minute clash of heads at Derwent Park and Bromwich admits he is a big loss going into the final.Hes been going really well for the Kiwis for the last few years, Bromwich said. Hes someone that we all look up to.Hes been around for years but hes a solid defender, hes very loud out on the park and hes going to be sorely missed.That should give us more motivation, playing for Tommy who wont be able to be there.Hes still with the squad but hes eating out of a straw at the moment, which is unfortunate. But hes in good spirits and hes still happy to be around the camp. Australia captain Cameron Smith and New Zealand skipper Jesse Bromwich with the Four Nations trophy Leuluai, who cut short his second stint with New Zealand Warriors to return to England for family reasons, has been given a 10-week recovery period by Wigan so should be fit for the start of the new Super League season in February. Wholesale Pirates Jerseys. In the meantime, New Zealand coach David Kidwell is expected to switch second rower Tohu Harris to partner Shaun Johnson in the halves against the Kangaroos rather than bring in rookie stand-off Te Maire Martin for his first full cap.Weve a couple of options there, Bromwich said. He hasnt told us what hes going to do yet but all the young boys have been training really well so everyones put their hand up for the team this week.Forwards Jason Taumalolo and Kevin Proctor are sure to return after being rested against the Bravehearts and Bromwich is particularly looking forward to the former making an impact after his outstanding year for the Cowboys in the NRL.He makes a big difference with our attack, Bromwich said. Hes a very dangerous carrier of the ball and weve got Kevin Proctor whos a great defender for our team and does a great job.With respect to the boys who played last week and did a great job, Im looking forward to having all the boys back.Upgrade to Sky Sports now to watch Man Utd v Arsenal this Saturday and get the first six months half price! Also See: Kiwis turn focus to Anfield Australia beat England Scotland snatch draw Follow us @SkySportsRL ' ' '

SAN DIEGO -- The Padres scored twice in the eighth inning on Rex Brothers wild pitch and catcher Wilin Rosarios errant throw back to the plate, lifting San Diego to a 5-4 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Monday night. Orioles Jerseys 2019 . The Rockies held a one-run lead when Brothers walked the bases loaded with two outs. Facing Yasmani Grandal, Brothers unleashed a wild throw. As Rosario retrieved the pitch, he turned and threw wildly back to Brothers covering the plate. The ball was out of Brothers reach as Xavier Nady scored and, as the ball sailed past the mound, Seth Smith scored from second base as the Padres took a 5-4 lead. Brothers (1-2) allowed a game-winning homer to Brandon Crawford on Sunday in San Franciscos 5-4 win in 10 innings. Rosario hit a two-run homer off Eric Stults with a drive into the left-field seats in the fifth inning to give Colorado a 4-0 lead. Dale Thayer (2-0) pitched a perfect eighth inning and Huston Street worked the ninth for his fourth save. Staked with a four-run lead, Colorado rookie Jordan Lyles gave most of the lead back in the bottom of the inning when he allowed three runs. Lyles allowed three runs on six hits over five innings. The Rockies lost for the sixth time in eight road games. Pinch-hitter Tommy Medica and Everth Cabrera had consecutive run-scoring doubles and Alexi Amarista followed with a run-scoring triple as San Diego cut the lead to 4-3 in the fifth. Rockies right fielder Michael Cuddyer was injured on Amaristas hit when he fell backward attempting to catch the ball as it went over his head. Cuddyer crashed hard into the right field message board and stayed slumped on the warning track before being removed from the game a few minutes later with a bruised right elbow. Stults allowed four runs -- three earned -- on nine hits over five innings. NOTES: Colorado placed LHP Brett Anderson on the 15-day disabled list Monday with a broken left index finger. OF Cory Dickerson was recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs. . Padres LF Carlos Quentin (left knee bone bruise), who has been on the 15-day DL since the start of the season, took a full round of batting practice, but there is still no timetable for his return. . The teams continue their four-game series Tuesday night with Rockies RHP Juan Nicasio (1-0, 3.75 ERA) set to face Padres LHP Robbie Erlin (1-0, 1.35). Orioles Jerseys 2020 . "Ive got a lot of work to do on this team and the sooner that I can get back to my office and start that work, itll be better," he said straight-faced as the rest of the room erupted in laughter. Custom Baltimore Orioles Jerseys . His team rose to the occasion Sunday with a 3-1 victory over Sweden in the bronze-medal game. "The sting from yesterday is not something we hid from or pretend didnt happen," Dineen said. https://www.cheaporioles.com/ .com) - DAngelo Harrison posted 21 points to guide No.My pal Rich Rank died a year ago, January 3, 2014. This Thursday, one year and 12 days later, Rich’s 27-year-old son, Garrett, will officiate his first-ever NHL regular-season game in Buffalo with the Minnesota Wild visiting the Sabres. It’s going to be special. The Rank family - Rich’s widow, Deby, eldest son, Kyle, the former pro hockey player turned firefighter, and youngest child, daughter Caelen, who recently graduated to become a nurse -- will of course be at First Niagara Center to cheer on Garrett, who’ll drop the puck for real on the opening faceoff, wearing No. 48 on the back on his NHL referee’s jersey. Rich’s good pal Steve Webb, aka Webby, will be there, too, along with about 90-plus others from the Rank’s hometown of Elmira, Ontario, who will load into two buses, armed (no doubt) with a lot of beer and even more stories about a remarkable man and extraordinary Canadian family on what will be quite the night. “It will be emotional, that’s for sure,” said Rich’s friend, Webby. “Rich would have been so pumped.” “My dad will be there in spirit,” Kyle said. “He’d be so proud, he would be right over the moon.” “This is what he wanted for me,” Garrett said. “He wanted me to be an NHL referee. It will be so emotional, so exciting to have all my family and friends there. I always feel like my Dad is out there with me and I know he will be (on Thursday).” *** I wouldn’t want you to get the wrong idea. Rich Rank and I were not best friends, though the man who died far too young of a heart attack at age 57 had that rare ability to make anyone he came into contact with just once feel like a best friend. Rich and I shared one hockey season, 2006-07, watching our kids play together on the St. Lawrence University Skating Saints. Rich’s son Kyle, a 1982 birth, was a senior centre and co-captain. My son Mike, born in 1986, was a freshman left winger. I would stand on the rail alongside Rich for home games at cozy Appleton Arena. Rich would give me sage advice – “Enjoy every minute of this (college hockey experience) because four years goes by in the blink of an eye” -- and he would talk about the joys of watching our kids play and having a post-game beer afterwards. I would reciprocate by looking up Toronto Maple Leaf scores for him on my phone and passing along the mostly bad news to the true-blue Maple Leafs fan. Some nights, if the Saints were filling the net and old Appleton was rockin, we’d look at each other after a goal, exchange high fives, and he’d laugh and say to me, “It doesn’t get any better than this, does it?” He had a big booming voice to go along with a good-sized frame, and big mitts that would envelop your hand when he shook it, but none of it was as big as his heart, which must have finally given out because he’d given so much of it to so many others. To be honest, back then, I didn’t know that much about Rich’s life in Elmira, the small town just northeast of Waterloo, Ontario, where he was a larger than life figure - the close-knit community’s unofficial mayor, dubbed by some as Mr. Elmira. But I knew he must be something special because his son, Kyle, most certainly was. Kyle went to SLU in Canton, New York, to play golf. He was a longshot walk-on to the hockey team, but played four full seasons for head coach Joe Marsh, becoming a top-line centre and co-captain with defenceman Drew Bagnall in their senior years. If there were just one thing I’d want Mike, my son, to take from his four years of college hockey – and believe me, there were so many more things he did take than just one – I’d want it to be the example set by Kyle Rank and Drew Bagnall as captains that year. They showed exemplary leadership, heart, grit and determination. They carried themselves like men and taught their younger teammates to do the same. They played hard, they played for keeps and yet they were every bit as caring for their teammates and the team as they were relentless against their opponents. At season’s end that year, head coach Marsh cited the leadership of Rank and Bagnall as special as he’d ever had in his 20-plus years at SLU. Not surprisingly, SLU finished first in the ECAC regular season that year. They lost in the semi-finals of the ECAC tournament, but still qualified for the NCAA tourney, eventually losing in the first round to the Boston College Eagles of Cory Schneider and Brian Boyle vintage. SLU hasn’t been back to the NCAA tournament since. Bagnall is still playing pro hockey – surprise, he’s captain of the AHL’s Rochester Americans this season – and Kyle Rank went on to play parts of five pro seasons, amassing 160 AHL regular season games for Bridgeport, Wilkes-Barre, Portland and Rochester and an additional 57 ECHL games in Wheeling and Cincinnati before hanging up his skates to become a Waterloo, Ontario firefighter, as well as a husband and father of two little girls, for whom on Sunday, he was out in the backyard flooding a rink. “I’m not sure many kids growing up dream of one day being an NHL referee and Garrett didn’t, at least not at first, but my Dad always loved being a ref and wanted Garrett to become one,” Kyle said. “Dad was always refereeing games and when Garrett followed in his refereeing footsteps, it was really special for him. That’s why (Garrett’s first NHL game) is going to be so special.” Rich Rank’s job was working for the Township of Woolwich, though he never treated it like a job, but more as an opportunity to meet and talk to people. He’d drive a snowplow in the winter. In the summer, as the story goes, he’d flush the town’s water mains by turning on the fire hydrants and, if it were a particularly hot summer day and kids were out on the street, the hydrant might run a lot longer than it was supposed to. Mostly, though, he loved talking to people. He loved to hear their stories, get to know them, treat each and every one of them like special friends. It was expensive having three kids growing up and playing sports, so Rich had part-time jobs, as well. Those were just further opportunities to meet and greet more people. He would drive a truck for the feed mill, referee whenever he could, which was often. Be it minor hockey or beer league hockey, it didn’t matter. Richie, as his close friends would call him, loved to put on the stripes and pick up his whistle. He treated the games he did like social outings. And, for him, they were. Because the Ranks lived so close to the local Elmira arena, if a referee didn’t show up to an assigned game, the phone would ring at the Rank household and the call would go out to Richie. “My mom referred to our house as Grand Central Station because that’s how busy it was, with the phone ringing and the comings and goings with my dad,” Garrett said. “My dad would get those calls, ‘There’s no ref here’ and he’d be flying out the door to the rink. He loved it.” “With the town, Rich worked a lot of early mornings or late nights, plowing or whatever,” his friend Webby said. “Then there was all the refereeing he did. So when he got some free time, he’d like to come over to my place for a beer and to watch hockey (on TV) and it usually wasn’t long until he’d be asleep in the chair. That was Rich. He liked having a beer, watching a game and falling asleep.” Rich Rank died that morning of January 3, 2014, while at work. He’d taken his truck/plow on a salting run and was in Conestoga, Ontario at the salt dome there, filling up the truck for the return ride to Elmira. It was there he suffered a heart attack. No one else was there with him. By the time he was found, it was too late. He was gone. The memorial service was six days later on January 9. I knew Rich, but not really. Not until I attended the ceremony with 800 others inside the Elmira Lions Hall – the same place where the town gathered for NHL player Dan Snyder’s post-funeral reception after his tragic death in 2003 – and another 200 who spilled outside on a biting cold day was it possible to fully comprehend the stature of the man in his community and the overwhelming sense of loss. Rich Rank was a special guy. It should come as no surprise he has special kids. *** No brother should ever have to make the phone call Kyle Rank made to Garrett, to tell him that their dad had died that Friday morning in early January. Garrett was in Sydney, Nova Scotia refereeing at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge when he got the word from his big brother. In the days to prior to that, the phone calls Garrett was getting in Sydney wwere from his dad, checking up on how Garrett’s tournament was going. Baltimore Orioles Store. . Garrett had told him it was going well and he thought there was a chance he might get chosen to do the gold-medal game on Saturday. Garrett said Rich was ecstatic. “Dad was following Garrett’s work at the (U-17) closely,” Kyle said. “When I talked to Garrett -- well, it was obviously emotional, it’s not a phone call you want to make – but we talked it over and he decided he wanted to stay and see (the U-17) through to the end. Some people might not understand that, but there was nothing he could do at home right then and, if you knew my dad, my dad would want Garrett to work that gold-medal game.” Which is exactly what he did. “It was tough,” Garrett said. “It was very emotional, but the last time I had talked to my dad, he was excited I might have the chance to the do the gold-medal game. So when I got the chance to do it, I know my dad would have been the first one telling me to do it.” The day after his dad died, more than 2,000 kilometres from his family in Elmira, Garrett Rank stepped on the ice for the USA-Pacific/Canada gold-medal match and did his job like a pro. “Can you imagine having the composure to do that game under those circumstances?” brother Kyle marveled. “I think he proved then he’s an official who can deal with pressure and adversity. My dad would have been so proud of Garrett for doing that. Our family, anyone who knew my dad, we all backed Garrett 100 per cent. We’re all so proud of him.” The truth is officiating hockey games wasn’t Garrett’s first love. It was playing golf. Which is understandable, since he’s so good at it. While Garrett Rank will officiate NHL and AHL games this season, and that is his chosen career now, he’s already qualified to play in the 2015 RBC Canadian Open golf tournament on the PGA calendar by virtue of capturing the Canadian Mid-Amateur Golf Championship last summer at the Barrie Country Club, winning it on a first-hole playoff. In the summer of 2012, he finished second in the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship. A first-place finish would have given him automatic inclusion in the 2013 Masters. Last summer was his best as an amateur golfer. In addition to the championship win that gave him the berth in the 2015 Canadian Open, he finished sixth in the Canadian Amateur Championship in Winnipeg, second in the U.S. Players Amateur Championship in South Carolina, third in the Monroe Invitational in New York, as well as a round-of-32 performance at the U.S. Amateur Championship and a round-of-16 performance at the U.S. Public Links Championship. Until he signed his contract to be an NHL official in training in August, working mostly this season in the AHL, he was a member of Golf Canada’s amateur national team. He carries a handicap of plus-5, which means in any tourney in which handicap is applied, he’s five strokes behind to start. Garrett played Junior B hockey with the Waterloo Siskins and Elmira Sugar Kings, but he always knew he was far more gifted with a golf club than a hockey stick. He went to the University of Waterloo on a golf scholarship and made the varsity hockey team as a walk-on, the same as his big brother did at SLU. But after one year of hockey, he knew he wanted to focus on golf. He became a two-time OUA individual golf champion and was the University of Waterloo’s athlete of the year in 2012. If all of this is difficult to comprehend, consider he’s also a cancer survivor. In 2011, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He underwent surgery but, fortunately, didn’t require chemotherapy or radiation and recent scans show he’s free and clear of the disease. “I never knew for sure which way Garrett was going to go – to golf or refereeing hockey – but to be that good at two things is really remarkable,” proud brother Kyle said. “All I knew is he would be really successful at whichever one he chose because he’s an amazing person.” Kyle is hopeful his little brother may let him carry his bag and caddy a round in the Canadian Open in Glen Abbey this summer. Garrett isn’t ruling it out, although he knows he’s in tough because he isn’t able to play as much golf as he used to. A pro caddy will be required to give him every edge possible, but Kyle is likely to get his wish, for at least a practice round anyway. “Obviously, being a professional referee now makes it really hard for me golfing, but I still get my summers off and I still get in my rounds when I can,” said Garrett. “I’ll do my best (to stay competitive).” Failing that, little brother Garrett knows that as good a golfer as big brother Kyle is, and he is quite good, Garrett will likely always hold the upper hand on the links. “Kyle can give me a real good run when we’re on our course in Elmira because he is a very good golfer and knows the course so well,” Garrett said. “But if I get him on another course, one he hasn’t been on before, he isn’t going to beat me.” As for the choice between golfing and officiating, Garrett never had any doubt which way his Dad wanted him to go. “Maybe it’s because he was a good, old Canadian boy who loved hockey or maybe he knew how hard it is to make a living in golf, but he was always pushing me (towards officiating),” Garrett said. “He knew what was best for me.” Garrett said he started officiating as soon as he was old enough to get certified in his teen years, “doing tyke games at 6 a.m. and freezing my --- off” to earn spending money while he focused on playing golf and hockey. Once he decided to quit playing hockey at Waterloo, he didn’t officiate at all, expending all his time and effort on golf. As relatively successful as he was in amateur golf, it wasn’t paying the bills and, as time wore on, he wasn’t getting any younger. So former NHL official Lance Roberts was instrumental in getting Garrett out of officiating retirement and he started working the lines in local Junior B games in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. From there, Garrett saw an opportunity and moved onto the Ontario Hockey League, where he was a referee. When he played Junior B hockey in Waterloo, NHL officiating manager Al Kimmel was his coach. With Kimmel scouting officials on behalf of the NHL, it wasn’t long before Garrett got noticed and another door opened up for him. “We liked how he carried himself as a referee,” NHL director of officiating Stephen Walkom said. “Some guys are naturally inclined to be refs and Garrett seems to have that quality. You can see he’s accustomed to pressure, how he’s handled it as a golfer. I don’t think missing a hooking call in a hockey game can be as difficult as coming back from missing a three-foot putt in golf for a championship. There’s a real laid-back confidence to Garrett. He’s just starting out, there’s still a lot of work for him to do to make his way, but he’s off to a very good start.” Garrett will never know what would have happened had he forsaken officiating to pursue golf as a pro, but what he does know is it was time to start making a living and the door to refereeing in the professional ranks was wide open. It’s a decision his dad Rich would have endorsed and it’s a decision Garrett is more than comfortable with, especially now that he’s making his NHL debut this week. *** The Rank boys don’t take anything for granted. Their dad taught them not to ever get too far ahead of themselves, but that isn’t to say there aren’t some plans possibly being hatched as we speak. Kyle Rank and Webby know Garrett has a couple of other NHL games on his upcoming calendar – one in Nashville and a Saturday night later this season in Edmonton – so some road trips may be in the works for Rich’s eldest boy and good friend. “My dad never missed much that involved any of his kids,” Kyle said, “so I’m thinking there may be some road trips coming up here, me and Webby better carry on that family legacy, because if my dad could be there to watch his kids, he would be there.” Which brings us to Thursday night in Buffalo, where Rank family and friends will gather not only to celebrate Garrett’s arrival as an NHL referee, but, no doubt, Rich’s life that touched so many as well. “Corny as it may sound,” Kyle Rank said, “my dad will be there, too. He’ll be watching.” “It’s a dream come true,” Garrett Rank said. “For me, and my dad. He’ll be right there with me. Always.” I know what a pal of mine would say to that: “It doesn’t get any better than this, does it? No, Rich, it doesn’t. ' ' '

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Penny Hardaway Suns Jersey . - The rebuilding Jacksonville Jaguars are hoping to get several instant starters in the NFL draft. They could be at just about any position — except quarterback. Although owner Shad Khan said the team would draft as many as two signal callers, general manager Dave Caldwell made it clear that none of the quarterbacks in this years draft is ready to step in and play right away. Not even for Jacksonville, which already has made Chad Henne the starter for 2014. "I think the majority of this (quarterback) class has a ways to go," Caldwell said. The Jaguars have the third overall pick in Thursday nights first round — selecting in the top 10 for the seventh consecutive year — and 10 choices thereafter. With a roster still being overhauled after winning just six games over the last two seasons, Jacksonville would prefer to trade down from No. 3 and garner even more picks. If not, the team likely will address an area of need, possibly selecting versatile Buffalo linebacker/defensive end Khalil Mack or dynamic Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins. Jacksonville signed Seattle defensive ends Chris Clemons and Red Bryant in free agency, and re-signed defensive end Jason Babin, but all of them are at least 30 years old. Mack would fit perfectly in Jacksonvilles hybrid Leo position and give second-year head coach Gus Bradley a young pass rusher to potentially become the centerpiece of his defence. Watkins would provide one of the leagues worst offences a big-time playmaker and help offset the loss of suspended receiver Justin Blackmon. Caldwell said last week he would be surprised if Blackmon, suspended indefinitely for repeated violations of the leagues substance-abuse policy, played next season. The Jaguars are likely to address the quarterback position in later rounds, possibly 39th overall. Caldwell, Bradley and offensive co-ordinator Jedd Fisch had a private workout with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, opting to take a second look at Louisvilles star after his oft-criticized pro day. "We just wanted to make sure on what we were seeing and compare that to tape," Caldwell said. "His (pro day) was a very strict workout and wasnt tailored to what our offence would be, so we did a workout similar to our offence. "I dont know many years where theres a lot that come out and are definitely ready," Caldwell said of the QBs. "Andrew Luck came out and he was ready. Matt Ryan, when Matt came up, he was truly ready and he proved he was. But to say were going to get this guy in and hes going to be ready to go doesnt happen that often." Aside from the quarterback quandary, here are five things to know about Jacksonvilles draft: TRADE TALK: Caldwell said two teams have called to talk about potentially trading for the No. 3 pick. He declined to identify the teams, but said hes more likely to find a trade partner if Houston and St. Louis pick from the top two spots. He didnt rule out Jacksonville moving up, even in the first round. "If somebody we really want is there, we will go after him," Caldwell said. DRAFTING NEEDS: If any team could preach drafting "best player available" in every round, it would be Jacksonville, which has numerous holes. But Bradley acknowledges the draft is more about filling needs. "Is it really best available?" he said. "We say best available, but is it? No, need obviously plays into it. I think its best available if someones there and its like, Are you kidding me? Hes here? Then you have those conversations of, Weve got to take this guy." OBVIOUS HOLES: There are at least two offensive positions the Jaguars are sure to draft, aside from quarterback: centre and receiver. Veteran centre Brad Meester retired after 14 years in Jacksonville, and the team doesnt anticipate having Blackmon next season. Jacksonville signed Pro Bowl centre Alex Mack to an offer sheet, but Cleveland matched the five-year, $42 million deal. ANOTHER OT? After drafting Texas A&M offensive tackle Luke Joeckel with the No. 2 overall pick last year, could Jacksonville go in the same direction? With Auburns Greg Robinson, Michigans Taylor Lewan and Texas A&Ms Jake Matthews all projected as top 10 picks, the Jaguars are at least trying to make it appear they are interested in adding another offensive tackle at No. 3. "That would be a big step for us in getting better on the offensive line," Bradley said. OFF THE BOARD: The Jaguars have taken 36 players off their draft board because of injury or character concerns. Jalen Lecque Suns Jersey . General manager David Poile called signing Ribeiro a great opportunity to add a talented, experienced and creative centre Tuesday when he introduced the veteran at a news conference. Ribeiros contract is worth $1.05 million after being bought out of the final three years of a $22 million contract by the Coyotes recently. Ty Jerome Suns Jersey . Jeff Green and Jordan Crawford each scored 19 points, Bass added 15 points and had a game-saving block in the closing seconds Saturday, and the Celtics held on for a 103-100 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. https://www.thesunslockerroom.com/Frank-Kaminsky-City-Edition-Jersey/ .com) - Patrik Elias registered the winner in the shootout as New Jersey nipped Toronto 2-1 at Prudential Center on Wednesday.A person familiar with the New York Giants search for an offensive co-ordinator says the team is set to interview Green Bay Packers quarterback coach Ben McAdoo on Monday. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the Giants have not revealed their list of candidates to replace Kevin Gilbride, who retired on Jan. 2. McAdoo completed his eighth season with thhe Packers, including his first six as the teams tight ends coach. Frank Kaminsky Suns Jersey. The 36-year-old has gained attention on the NFL coaching trail this off-season. Last week, he was interviewed by the Cleveland Browns regarding their head coaching job. McAdoo has received strong endorsements from Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and coach Mike McCarthy. ' ' '

INDIANAPOLIS - Andrew Luck and Andy Dalton have similar achievements listed on their resumes — and similar glaring holes. Air Max Plus Ingrosso .Each made the Pro Bowl as a rookie. Each has three straight seasons with double-digit wins. Neither has missed the playoffs, and both understand their legacies will be determined by post-season successes and failures.On Sunday, the two young quarterbacks get another chance to fill in some of those gaps when the Colts and Bengals meet in a wild-card round game.I dont think just getting to the playoffs has ever been good enough in this building, Luck said this week.The Colts franchise quarterback learned his lesson the hard way.After directing one of the greatest one-season turnarounds in NFL history in 2012, Luck came up short against eventual Super Bowl champion Baltimore in the first round of the playoffs.Last year, after engineering the second-biggest comeback in post-season history, Luck spent the off-season pondering how to reduce turnovers. He blamed himself for throwing three interceptions that helped put Indy in a 28-point deficit against Kansas City, and then threw four more picks the next week in a 43-22 loss at New England.Now Luck is eager to prove two-time AFC South champion Indianapolis (11-5) is ready to take another big step.Daltons post-season problems are just as obvious.In three playoff games, all losses, hes thrown one touchdown pass, six interceptions and accumulated a passer rating of 56.2. Another defeat would put Dalton in a tie with Warren Moon for most consecutive opening-round playoff losses by a quarterback.History is not on the Bengals side, either. Cincinnati (10-5-1) is 0-6 in road playoff games, has lost seven straight in Indy and hasnt won in the playoffs since January 1991.If Dalton ends that misery, he might finally silence the critics.Winning in general is how quarterbacks are judged, Dalton said. If you win a lot in the regular season but you havent won a lot in the post-season, then theyre going to say that you couldnt do something.Here are some other things to watch Sunday:LIFE WITHOUT A.J.: The Bengals announced Saturday that receiver A.J. Green wont play because of a concussion. How much of an impact could Greens absence have? When the four-time Pro Bowler missed the first Colts game with an injured right big toe, the offence went nowhere in a 27-0 loss. The Bengals need Plan B to work out better this time.LINE DANCE: Indys offensive line isnt even close to full strength. Right tackle Gosder Cherilus went on injured reserve earlier this week with groin, hip and shoulder injuries. Right guard Hugh Thornton (shoulder) has been ruled out. A.Q. Shipley, who started at left guard in Week 17, is doubtful with an ankle injury, too. But after using 10 starting combinations this season, coach Chuck Pagano doesnt expect a drop-off.GIVE IT TO HILL: One major change in Cincinnatis offence since the last game has been the emergence of rookie running back Jeremy Hill. He had only four carries at Indy. Since then, hes become the starter and produced four games with at least 140 yards. If he has a big game this weekend, itll take a lot of pressure off Dalton.I think were built for the playoffs, left tackle Andrew Whitworth said. I think we have a defence that can play really well against really good quarterbacks, and an offence that can pound the football and kind of march down the field that way.CLEAN-UP CREW: The Colts biggest problems over the last six weeks have been turnovers (15) and penalties (41), but they got things cleaned up in the regular-season finale at Tennessee. It was the first time Indy played turnover-free since Nov. 3, and drew only four penalties. Replicating that performance could go a long way in determining whether they advance or are one and done.MORE POSTSEASON MISERY: Daltons isnt the only Bengal trying to avoid a history-making loss. Coach Marvin Lewis can tie Marty Schottenheimer, Jim Mora and Steve Owen for most consecutive playoff losses (six) among coaches in NFL history. Lewis also can tie Mora for most consecutive playoff losses to start a career, and tie Owen for most consecutive playoff losses with one team. Cincinnati also can become the first team in league history to lose opening-round playoff games in four straight seasons.___AP Sports Writer Joe Kay in Cincinnati contributed to this report.___AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL Nike Air Max Saldi Online .C. United on Wednesday night. Forward Bright Dike scored the games only goal in the 85th minute on a foggy night in Bradenton, Fla. Air Max Scontate . The 42-ranked Czech saved seven break points while converting his one chance, and defeated the No. 3 seed in 1 hour 46 minutes. Rosol, who lost in the final in Stuttgart against Roberto Bautista Agut on Sunday, awaits the winner between Philipp Kohlschreiber or 2011 champion Gilles Simon. http://www.airmaxitaliascarpe.it/scarpe-air-max-720-scontate.html . -- Jonas Hiller is cautiously confident he has kicked his vertigo. NEW YORK -- The NBA plans to donate proceeds from sales of Jason Collins jerseys to the Matthew Shepard Foundation and the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network. Collins became the leagues first openly gay player when he signed with the Brooklyn Nets last Sunday, and his No. 98 jersey has been the top seller on NBAStore.com. He chose the number in tribute to Shepard, who was killed in a gay hate crime in 1998. Collins met Shhepards parents on Thursday when the Nets played in Denver. Scarpe Air Max 180 Scontate. . The league says Friday the donations will total no less than $100,000, and it will also auction off Collins autographed, game-worn jerseys to benefit the same organizations. Collins says he is thrilled to help the organizations that "work tirelessly to ensure LGBT youth get the resources and assistance they need to be successful in life." ' ' '

MADRID, Spain -- Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale will miss Wednesdays Copa del Rey match after hurting his leg in practice. Fake Tigers Jerseys . Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti says Bale received "a knock on his thigh and wont be available" for the match against third-division club Xativa Olimpic. The two teams drew 0-0 in the first leg. Ancelotti says Bale "didnt play well" in Madrids 2-2 draw at Osasuna in the Spanish league on Saturday, but that he has "complete confidence" in the Welshman. Madrid will also be without defender Sergio Ramos. Ancelotti says he wont start Cristiano Ronaldo or Karim Benzema, once again relying on reserve players who failed to score against Olimpic in the opening leg. Stitched Tigers Jerseys . In Europe, top teams seem to be largely happy with their squads after spending nearly $1 billion in the off-season. And although English league clubs are unlikely to splash cash in January, Arsenal and Chelsea could be tempted to strengthen their squads with new strikers. Detroit Tigers Pro Shop .Mack, a reserve guard who came in averaging 3.8 points, made all six of his 3-pointers as the Hawks went 16 for 28 from behind the arc.Trailing 50-38 midway through the second quarter, Atlanta outscored Cleveland 89-48 the rest of the way and sent the Cavaliers to their largest loss of the season. https://www.cheaptigers.com/ . - Because they didnt go into Beast Mode, the Seattle Seahawks found themselves in Spin Mode. MANCHESTER, England -- Carl Froch retained his WBA and IBF super-middleweight titles with a ninth-round knockout of George Groves in an all-British fight at Manchester Arena on Saturday. The referee intervened to call an end to the fight by technical knockout after Froch, who haad been knocked down in the first round, landed some meaningful punches midway through the ninth. Wholesale Tigers Jerseys. Groves protested that he was OK and boos rang out around the 21,000-seat arena. It was Frochs 32nd win in 34 fights, and Groves first loss in 20 bouts. ' ' '

(SportsNetwork. Andre Roberson Jersey .com) - Ryan Kesler will face his former team for the first time on Sunday evening as the Anaheim Ducks play host to the Vancouver Canucks. Kesler was a key contributor for the Canucks after they selected him 23rd overall in 2003 draft. In 655 career games with the franchise, he had 182 goals and 211 assists while also winning the Selke Trophy in 2011. The center also impressed with seven goals and 19 points in 25 playoff games in 2011, when Vancouver made a run to the Cup Finals and lost to Boston in seven games. Seeing how passionate that city was, and the fans, and the hundreds of thousands of people in the streets after every game sticks out, Kesler told Anaheims website of that run to the Finals. I was with the team for 11 years, and going through what I went through with them and that city, its going to be exciting. After Vancouver failed to make the playoffs last season following two straight first-round exits, Kesler was dealt to the Anaheim Ducks on June 27 along with a third-round pick in 2015 for forward Nick Bonino, defenseman Luca Sbisa and a first and third-round selection in 2014. In 15 games with the Ducks this season, the 30-year-old Kesler has three goals and 10 points in 15 games. Hell take on some added responsibility tonight with Corey Perry expected to miss a third straight game with the flu. Perry, who is tied for the NHL lead with 11 goals, missed an overtime loss to the New York Islanders on Wednesday, as did Ryan Getzlaf due to illness. Getzlaf, though, was able to return on Friday and scored in a 3-2 shootout setback to the Arizona Coyotes. Matt Beleskey also lit the lamp for the Ducks, who play the third contest of a four-game homestand looking to avoid a third straight loss. Frederik Andersen finished the game with 23 stops. We had opportunities to score goals and we werent able to get them by (Arizona goaltender Mike Smith), Getzlaf said. Cam Fowler left the game in the third period with a lower-body injury and is day-to-day. Fellow defenseman Francois Beauchemin also is a game-time decision due to the flu as he missed practice on Saturday along with Perry. Andersen should get the start and has won all three of his previous games versus the Canucks with a 1.00 goals against average. He has stopped 97 of the 100 shots faced. The Canucks eye a bounce back effort tonight after getting blasted 5-1 on Saturday night by the Los Angeles Kings. Vancouver had netted eight goals in winning the first two of a four-game road trip before suffering just its second loss in eight games. Chris Higgins scored the only goal of the game for the Canucks on Saturday and Ryan Miller allowed four goals on 22 shots in two periods of work. Eddie Lack allowed a goal on 14 shots in the third period. We are not good enough right now, we have to get better, Canucks head coach Willie Desjardins said. Having gotten pulled last night, Miller may get a chance to start again tonight. He is 3-3-0 with a 2.56 GAA and .923 save percentage in his career versus the Ducks. Bonino and Sbisa will make their returns to Anaheim tonight. Bonino has been a solid addition to the Canucks with seven goals and 12 points in 15 games, while Sbisa has three points in 14 contests. The Ducks swept their five-game set with the Canucks last season and have won nine of the past 12 meetings overall and three straight as the host. D.J. Augustin Thunder Jersey .ca. In Sundays Blackhawks-Penguins game, Pittsburgh defenceman Brooks Orpik laid a huge hit on Chicagos Jonathan Toews. Now in my view, Orpik can be clearly seen leaving his feet while delivering a moderately high hit. Andre Roberson Thunder Jersey . - This win was more the New Jersey Devils style. https://www.thunderrookiesshop.com/Terrance-Ferguson-City-Edition-Jersey/ . People familiar with the case told The Associated Press on Friday that arbitrator Fredric Horowitz could issue his decision this weekend.LONDON -- Manchester United is closing in on signing Juan Mata after bidding 37 million pounds ($61 million) for the Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata, the teams first move in the January transfer window. United is waiting for its English Premier League rival to sign off on the club-record deal for the 25-year-old Spain international, a person close to negotiations said on Thursday. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal has not yet been finalized. Mata is yet to have a medical examination at United, which is in no rush to complete the deal as its next match is not until Tuesday against Cardiff. The transfer would eclipse the 30.7 million pounds United paid to sign striker Dimitar Berbatov from Tottenham in 2008, and show that the American owners are willing to spend to revitalize a struggling team. Matas move could speed up now Chelsea has struck a deal with Swiss club Basel to sign Mohamed Salah. The Egypt midfielder still has to agree to personal terms and pass a medical with the London club. In a sign that Matas departure from Chelsea is nearing after falling out of favour, the clubs player of the year for the last two seasons did not train with the first team on Wednesday. "He has great skill, great imagination, flair and goal-scoring ability," former United defender Gary Pallister said. "A lot of people cant quite understand why he has not been in Jose Mourinhos team after being player of the year for the last two seasons. Shawn Kemp Thunder Jersey. "He is the kind of player Manchester United fans want to see ... and can get people off their seats in anticipation of the things he can do with a football." Signing Mata would be a coup for United manager David Moyes, and lift some of the gloom surrounding recent performances. The bright spot is still remaining in Champions League contention going into the round of 16 against Olympiakos next month. But the team is seventh in the league, 14 points behind leader Arsenal, and facing a fight to secure one of the four Champions League places. Having already exited the FA Cup, United missed out on a spot in the League Cup final on Wednesday when Sunderland won a penalty shootout at Old Trafford. One fan was so distressed about the loss that he called an emergency number and asked to speak to former manager Alex Ferguson, who retired in May after more than 26 trophy-filled years in charge of United. "Last night, at approximately 10:30 p.m. a man from the Crumpsall area of north Manchester rang 999 in a drunken state demanding to speak to Sir Alex Ferguson about last nights result," Greater Manchester Police said on one of its Facebook pages. "Obviously, it can be a sad and depressing moment when your football team loses a game, however can we all please remember that 999 is to be used for emergencies only." ' ' '

TORONTO -- After reliever Darren Oliver came out of his final game in the majors, Mark DeRosa sought him out on the Blue Jays bench. Cincinnati Reds Pro Shop . "I said How do you feel?" said the 38-year-old DeRosa. "He said I feel great. And I said Thats how it should be. You should be able to walk away on your own terms. "So Im happy for him." Oliver retired on a high note Sunday, striking out two Tampa Bay Rays in the swansong to his 20-year major-league career. The 42-year-old left-hander came on to a standing ovation to open the seventh against the meat of the Rays order, with Toronto trailing 7-3. He struck out Wil Myers and Evan Longoria while inducing James Loney to fly out. He threw 11 pitches, eight for strikes, before giving way to Steve Delabar for the eighth inning in a game Toronto lost 7-6 after a comeback fell just short in the final game of the Jays season. "It was great, a great run," Oliver said of his career. "But eventually every good thing must come to an end, unfortunately. Mine just happened to end at 42, I guess. But thats all right. It was great." The six-foot-three 250-pounder leaves the game with a 118-98 record in 766 games and 1,915.2 innings pitched. He struck out 1,259 and walked 720 in a career that included three stints in Texas as well as stops in St. Louis, Boston, Colorado, the Angeles and Mets. "He had some kind of career," said Jays manager John Gibbons. "Twenty years -- very few guys get to do that. "To play a very, very small part and be able to manage him is a pretty neat thing. He was one of the better pitchers in the game for a long time. Longevity in this business is hard to come by but to do it for that long and be that effective until the very end, that speaks volumes." Added DeRosa: "I look more at not only what hes been able to accomplish but the way hes gone about it. With class and grace. Hes handled himself like a pro from start to finish." Oliver, the son of former major league infielder Bob Oliver, returned this season after the Jays exercised a US$3-million option for 2013 During spring training, he said good health, good teams and good coaches helped keep him in the game so long. He also worked at it, studying opposition batters. "Theres really no magic explanation why Ive stayed around so long," he said. Custom Cincinnati Reds Jerseys . Patrick Kane and the Chicago Blackhawks were proof of that on Wednesday night. Cincinnati Reds Gear . The Incheon-based tea, of the Korea Baseball Organization said the deal for the 35-year-old Scott included a $50,000 signing bonus. Scott reached the major leagues with Houston in 2005 and hit 23 homers or more for Baltimore each year from 2008-10. https://www.cheapredsjerseys.us/ . Despite 11-1 records, theyre out and Big Ten winner Ohio State is into the national semifinals.WASHINGTON -- Washingtons Ian Desmond took a substantial lead off third base in the seventh inning of a tie game, wondering whether St. Louis pitcher Michael Wacha might leave a changeup in the dirt. "I was just kind of anticipating," Desmond explained later. Sure enough, Wacha threw a wild pitch that bounced away from catcher Yadier Molina, who compounded the problem with a throwing error as Desmond charged home, leading to a second unearned run on the play. That was enough to propel Gio Gonzalez and the Nationals to a 3-1 victory Friday night, ending their eight-game losing streak against the Cardinals. "I saw it bounce off a little bit. I said, Weve got to take a chance here," Desmond said. "And fortunately for us, it worked out." Said Nationals manager Matt Williams: "You never see a ball get away from Yadi. Ever." Thats because Molina has won six consecutive NL Gold Glove awards. But his miscue fit, somehow, with this series so far. A night after the Nationals made three errors -- they initially were charged with four, but one was changed to a hit Friday -- in an 8-0 loss, it was the Cardinals turn to be sloppy. St. Louis finished with three errors, two coming in the pivotal seventh inning. A pair of singles and an error by third baseman Matt Carpenter -- who dropped Wachas throw of Danny Espinosas bunt -- loaded the bases with no outs. "I stretched before I saw where it was going and ended up missing it. It was a good throw. I should have caught it," Carpenter said. "But it tipped off my glove and ended up being the difference in the game." Wacha struck out Nate McLouth and got Jose Lobaton to hit a roller that led to a forceout at home. But with pinch hitter Zach Walters up, Wachas pitch darted to his catchers right. "Just spiked a changeup," Wacha said. Molina tried to make an underhand toss to Wacha, but the throw -- which did not appear in time to beat Desmond, anyway -- was off-target. It went into the Cardinals dugout, allowing Espinosa to score, too. "Im just trying to make a play," Molina said. &quuot;I threw it away. Cheap Reds Jerseys. My fault." Desmond shouted and punched the air, a 1-1 game suddenly 3-1. "Desi made the decision instantly to get toward the plate," Williams said. "He read it correctly." Wacha (2-1) gave up five hits and one earned run. On Sept. 24, in his ninth career start, Wacha no-hit the Nationals until there were two outs in the ninth inning, when Ryan Zimmermans infield single ended the bid. This time, Washington had three hits by the third, when Anthony Rendons solo shot came off a first-pitch 74 mph curveball. Gonzalez (3-1) allowed one run and four hits in seven innings, retiring the last 11 batters he faced. He had seven strikeouts and one walk as Washington beat St. Louis for the first time since Game 4 of the teams 2012 NL division series. "It was one of those games that we needed. We needed to bounce back," Gonzalez said about Friday. "We needed something like this. It put us back together. Now we go from here, one game at a time." Nationals reliever Tyler Clippard came on for the eighth and needed 26 pitches just to get one out. With runners on second and third, and No. 3-4 batters Matt Holliday and Allen Craig coming up, Clippard was replaced by Drew Storen. "Youve got two great hitters right there, guys in scoring position," Storen said. He was the closer back in October 2012, when he let the Cardinals erase a 7-5 deficit with two outs in the top of the ninth of Game 5 to win 9-7. But this time, Storen got Holliday on a popup in foul territory, then Craig on a groundout, before Rafael Soriano shook off a comebacker that hit his leg and a walk in the ninth to earn his fourth save. "A good win. Theyre a tremendous team. Theyve gotten the best of us in the past," Rendon said. "But were trying to change that." NOTES: Nationals CF Denard Span (7-day DL, concussion) is expected to be in Washington for Saturdays game. ... In the third game of the four-game series, Nationals RHP Jordan Zimmermann (1-0, 5.27 ERA) will start against Cardinals RHP Lance Lynn (3-0, 4.00). ' ' '

DALY CITY, Calif. Fake China Jerseys . -- Stacy Lewis noted that she was 29 and playing partner Lydia Ko was 17 when talking about their contrasting approaches to a storm delay Friday in the Swinging Skirts LPGA Classic. "I think you try to stay patient during the delay more than anything, and try to stay loose," Lewis said. "I didnt sit down too much. Tried to stay up." Ko did the opposite. "I sat down, had some chicken soup, played some cards," Ko said. "I was totally relaxed." But she was careful to avoid hot chocolate. "I had a cup of hot chocolate before during a delay and next hole I hit it out of bounds," Ko said. "My mom brought me a cup and I was like, Oh, that better not be hot chocolate." Lewis overcame rain and hail to take the second-round lead, shooting her second straight 3-under 69 at Lake Merced. Winless since the Womens British Open in August, the third-ranked Lewis had a one-stroke lead over Ko and first-round leader Karine Icher. "We all went into the day knowing it would play hard," said Lewis, who has five runner-up finishes since her victory at St. Andrews. ""It was a test of patience. I took it one shot at a time and wanted to get the ball into the hole as fast as I could. Fortunately, I was able to do that." Ko had a 71, and Icher followed her opening 66 with a 73. Lewis and Ko played alongside Michelle Wie, dealing with heavy rain and hail that suspended play for just over an hour. Play resumed in steady drizzle that gave way to sunny afternoon conditions that helped several of the late starters. Wie, the winner last week in Hawaii, was even par after her second 72. The weather wavered between a slight mist and light shower before pounding the course just after noon, forcing the suspension at 12:36 p.m. "I honestly thought wed get it done," Lewis said. "Then we got to seven and it just poured. We had to call off Lydia from her putt when it started to hail." Ko, who turned 17 on Thursday and was named among TIME magazines 100 most influential people, thought she could get her putt in before being called off. "I was crazy and out of my mind thinking about putting in the hail," Ko said. "It started getting dark and Im glad I was called off." Ko returned to the course and made the putt. Icher was tied for the lead with Lewis at 5 under when the horn sounded. "I ate a little and dried my clothes," Icher said. "Rain delays are never fun but it happens. Being in the top five to start the tournament is pretty good, definitely my best start this year." Top-ranked Inbee Park, Mika Miyazato and Ilhee Lee were three strokes back at 3 under. Park had a 68 in the afternoon, Miyazato shot 69, and Lee had a 73. "It was a very good putting day and I hit a lot of fairways," Park said. "I got a little lucky with the weather. I only had to play in the rain for four holes." Miyazato finished before the delay. "The golf course was more challenging," Miyazato said. "I needed better course management." Second-ranked Suzann Pettersen, returning from a since back injury that sidelined her for three tournaments, was 2 under after a 72. China Jerseys Cheap . "I had a pretty good year," the soft-spoken Granberg told TSN.ca with a grin from the teams annual rookie tournament in London. A fourth-round selection in 2010, Granberg is worth keeping an eye on with NHL training camps rolling around in less than a week. The six-foot-two, 200-pound defender may not possess the wow-inspiring theatrics of fellow prospect Morgan Rielly, but nonetheless has a chance to contribute with the Leafs when all is said and done this season. China Jerseys Wholesale . HABS HEADED TO CONFERENCE FINAL The Montreal Canadiens scored early in Game Seven, built a lead and protected it well on their way to a 3-1 series-clinching win over the Boston Bruins. While this game or series isnt necessarily a referendum on the value of fourth lines, the Canadiens certainly benefitted from production lower down their forward depth chart. https://www.chinajerseyscheap.us/ . The 23-year-old from Thornhill, Ont., defeated Germanys Benjamin Becker 6-3, 6-4 on Tuesday in the fourth round of the Sony Open in just 89 minutes.BUFFALO, N.Y. - The Buffalo Sabres have suspended rookie defenceman Nikita Zadorov for failing to report to the team on time following the NHL all-star break.The Sabres did not say how long the suspension would last. The penalty was handed down after Zadorov missed Monday afternoons practicce. China Jerseys Stitched. Buffalo general manager Tim Murray says he anticipates allowing the 6-foot-5 Zadorov to rejoin the team sometime this week during its three-game western road trip.Zadarov had two assists in 20 minutes in the Sabres last game, a 6-4 loss to Detroit on Jan. 18. ' ' '

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans Pelicans and Louisiana-based Smoothie King have reached a 10-year agreement to rename the New Orleans Arena as the Smoothie King Center. Dexter Manley Redskins Jersey . Pelicans President Dennis Lauscha said such a deal had been a "gigantic" piece of owner Tom Bensons business plan since he bought the long-struggling small-market franchise from the NBA in the spring of 2012. "Finding a naming rights partner was key to the long-term financial viability of this franchise in this market," Lauscha said. Benson, who has owned the Saints since 1985, purchased citys NBA franchise — formerly called the Hornets — for $338 million and has consolidated the headquarters and many of the business operations of both clubs. The hope was that with the two franchises sharing resources and cross-promoting one another, the region could better support two major professional sports teams. Officials with both the club and Smoothie King declined to release financial terms of the deal, which also gives Smoothie King an option for a 10-year extension. Smoothie King owner Wan Kim said sponsoring an NBA arena in New Orleans helps his company demonstrate its commitment to the community where it is based while promoting its brand globally. Smoothie King, founded in suburban New Orleans in 1973, has 674 locations in 31 states and in Asia, and is looking to expand both nationally and overseas, Smoothie King President Tom OKeefe said. Of 30 NBA cities, 21 currently have Smoothie King franchises, he said. The arena is officially being renamed on Thursday, in time for next weeks NBA All-Star festivities in New Orleans. Kim, a native of South Korea who attended college and business school in the United States, bought the company in July 2012. He said he initially considered moving its headquarters to Atlanta or Dallas. "I started to realize a lot of people who live in New Orleans, for them, its very difficult to leave the city," Kim said. "Its a very different city. Its very unique, culturally, and I did start to see why people didnt want to move. "At the same time, I did feel our root is here and I shouldnt give up on that," Kim said. "Not only did we decide not to move out, but we are pretty much telling you (with the naming rights deal) that our group is here and we are sticking with it." As part of the agreement, Smoothie King will be airing commercials during Pelicans broadcasts, as well as sponsoring pregame and postgame segments. The companys smoothies will also be available at concession stands around the arena. Team officials said there were "two or three" other candidates for a naming rights deal, but that Smoothie Kings interests seemed most aligned with the Bensons goals of promoting the business climate in his home state. "Theres no more perfect story to say how businesses can root themselves in New Orleans and grow," said Rita Benson LeBlanc, Bensons granddaughter and a part owner of the Pelicans and Saints. She added that the agreement is "a testament to how New Orleans has recovered (from Hurricane Katrina) and how Louisiana is redefining itself as an economic development engine." The deal might have been completed before this season began, but because Smoothie King products contain nutritional supplements, NBA rules required that all of the companys products be tested to ensure there were no banned substances. LeBlanc said that process took about eight months. "We couldnt have any question as to what are the contents of the products that Smoothie King actually offers," LeBlanc said. Sam Huff Youth Jersey . Both moves were announced Tuesday. The Titans had waived Matthews on Saturday when they promoted wide receiver Michael Preston from the practice squad. Sonny Jurgensen Youth Jersey . As deep as their roster is, they need their superstar. Rose scored 23 points in his return from a five-game absence due to back pain, and Chicago hung on to beat the struggling Atlanta Hawks 90-79 on Monday. https://www.redskinssportsgoods.com/Womens-Darrell-Green-Inverted-Jersey/ . PETERSBURG, Fla. PARIS -- Rafael Nadals path to a record-extending ninth French Open title could take him through a series of matches against the men who beat him on clay this season. The top-seeded Nadal was drawn Friday to possibly face No. 21 Nicolas Almagro in the fourth round, then No. 5 David Ferrer in the quarterfinals. "Those are opponents that know how to play well on clay," Nadal said. "But its never easy." The other mens quarterfinal matchups could be No. 2 Novak Djokovic vs. No. 8 Milos Raonic, No. 3 Stan Wawrinka vs. No. 7 Andy Murray, and No. 4 Roger Federer vs. No. 6 Tomas Berdych. The possible womens quarterfinals are No. 1 Serena Williams vs. No. 7 Maria Sharapova in what would be a rematch of last years final won by Williams, No. 2 Li Na vs. No. 6 Jelena Jankovic, No. 3 Agnieszka Radwanska vs. No. 8 Angelique Kerber, and No. 4 Simona Halep vs. No. 5 Petra Kvitova. Ferrer, who lost to Nadal in the 2013 final at Roland Garros, upset him in the Monte Carlo quarterfinals last month. Almagro ended Nadals 41-match winning streak in Barcelona by beating him in the quarterfinals there a week later. Those defeats were both in best-of-three-set matches. The French Open, like all Grand Slam tournaments, uses a best-of-five format for men, and Nadal was asked Friday whether that gives him an advantage on clay. "I give my most every point, every game, every set. Whether its (best of) three or five, if you want to win, you have to play well," he said. Nadal has three llosses on clay in a season for the first time since 2004, when he was only 17 and had yet to play a match at the French Open. Sam Huff Jersey. He was beaten in the Rome final last weekend by Djokovic; they only could meet in the final in Paris. Djokovic has won the pairs last four meetings, but Nadal is 5-0 head-to-head at the French Open, including victories in the 2012 final and 2013 semifinals. Djokovic, a six-time major champion who needs a French Open title to complete a career Grand Slam, and Federer, owner of a record 17 major titles, were drawn to meet in the semifinals. Nadal, who stands third among men with 13 Grand Slam trophies, could meet Australian Open champion Wawrinka in the semifinals. Nadal is 59-1 for his career at the French Open, with four titles in a row in 2005-08 and again in 2010-13. Williams won the clay-court Grand Slam tournament in 2002, beating her older sister Venus in the final, then waited 11 years before adding a second French Open trophy in 2013. The Williams sisters were drawn Friday to face each other in the third round, which would be their earliest meeting at a Grand Slam tournament since their very first matchup, in the second round of the 1998 Australian Open. Venus is seeded 29th at the French Open. Shes won seven Grand Slam singles titles, 10 fewer than Serena, who holds a 14-10 edge in head-to-head matches. "It never gets easier," Serena said. "Shes essentially the love of my life, so its definitely difficult." ' ' '

WASHINGTON -- In extra innings, with a chance to reclaim first place in the NL East, Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez gave two pitchers their major league debuts. Johnathan Abram Jersey . Welcome to the big time, Juan Jaime and Ryan Buchter. "Perfect scenario to bring em in," Gonzalez said with a smile. "Those are big innings. We always talk when we bring em up, How are you going to use them? Whats the situation? Well, today was an extra-inning game against your division rival. Youre going to have to use them sooner or later." Jaime pitched a scoreless 11th inning and Buchter handled the 12th. Each allowed a walk but no further damage, and Buchter (1-0) got the win when the Braves scored a pair in the 13th Friday in a 6-4 victory over the Washington Nationals that flip-flopped the standings atop the NL East. "Youve got to test it out sometime, you know," said Buchter, with the game ball safely nestled in his glove in his locker. "Its a good chance to get experience." The win moved the Braves back into first place by one-half game and maintained their mastery over their division rivals. Atlanta was struggling before arriving in D.C. this week, but the club is 20-7 vs. Washington since the start of last season, including the first two of this four-game set. Evan Gattis, who earlier extended his hitting streak to 19 games, singled in the go-ahead run in the 13th off Jerry Blevins (2-3). Andrelton Simmons followed with an RBI groundout that might have been an inning-ending double play had second baseman Danny Espinosa not bobbled the ball. Jordan Walden worked the 13th for his second save, long after Craig Kimbrel blew a save for the fourth time this season. With the Nationals down to their last out in the ninth, Anthony Rendon tied the score when he got every bit of a 98 mph fastball from Kimbrel, the first homer allowed by the Braves closer in 2014. The umpires initially ruled Rendons hit a double, but a replay review clearly showed the ball striking the top of the barrier next to the visitors bullpen beyond the outfield fence. "This game changes on one swing sometimes," Washington manager Matt Williams said. "That couldve been the one swing, but it turns it out it wasnt. So we have to be ready to go tomorrow and put this one behind us like we always do. We got two more against these guys and a whole bunch of games left. We have to have short memories." Until Rendons homer, the Braves were poised to celebrate another nine-inning edition of continued dominance of the Nationals, this time by two-striking Stephen Strasburg into submission while riding Mike Minors 11 strikeouts. The Braves got nine hits against Strasburg, and six came with a pair of strikes, including every run-producing play: Freddie Freemans first-inning home run, Simmons fourth-inning RBI single and Jason Heywards two-run double in the fifth. That was plenty of support as long as Minor was in the game. He allowed two runs and seven hits over seven innings, and his 11 strikeouts were one short of a career high. Minor had given up 11 runs and 22 hits over nine innings in his previous two starts. The Braves fouled pitches and worked the count so successfully that Strasburg had thrown 107 pitches by the time he was pulled after six innings, even though he didnt walk a batter. He allowed nine hits -- tying a career high -- and struck out eight. Minor, by contrast, was able to finish off the Nationals batters. He gave up Ian Desmonds mammoth homer in the second inning -- the ball landed only a row or two from the cherry trees behind the left-field bleachers -- and Denard Spans RBI triple in the seventh. Minors performance nearly got him his first win since May 19. "Ninety-nine per cent of the time," Gonzalez said, "he gets a W there." NOTES: Gattis has the longest active hitting streak in the majors. ... Braves RHP Gavin Floyd was placed on the 15-day disabled list, one day after breaking a bone in his throwing elbow in the seventh inning of Thursdays win. Floyd flew to Atlanta to be examined by team doctors. Gonzalez said Alex Wood will take Floyds spot in the rotation, starting Wednesday against the Houston Astros. ... Atlanta OF Justin Upton complained again of dizziness and was not in the lineup. He did not play Wednesday and appeared only as a pinch-hitter Thursday. Gonzalez said it is time for Upton to "get a full evaluation, wherever that may be." Lyle Alzado Womens Jersey .com) - Nino Williams posted 18 points and seven rebounds, as Kansas State edged No. Jerry Rice Raiders Jersey . "Hes over there," the first baseman said. "You dont need to talk to anybody else." Indeed, Peralta did it all as the majors top team won again. https://www.raiderssportsgoods.com/Womens-Maxx-Crosby-Inverted-Jersey/ . Sam, who joined the Cowboys in early September, has spent the entire season on the practice roster.SHANGHAI - Canadas Charles Hamelin and Marianne St-Gelais won silver medals Saturday at the ISU short-track speedskating World Cup.Hamelin, from Sainte-Julie, Que., finished second in the mens 1,500 metres while St-Gelais, from Saint-Felicien, Que., was second in the womens 500 metres. Hamelin was just behind South Koreas Sin Da Woon, who won in two minutes 16.943 seconds. Hamelin was next in 2:17.041 and John-Henry Krueger of the United States was third in 2:17.169.I skated well in the final, I was able to manage my energy level well, said Hamelin. The Korean skater was in front with four laps to go and he was able to finish it off with strong skating, while I had just enough legs to be able to stay with him. So I mainly worked on protecting my position.It was Hamelins second medal of thee World Cup season. Foster Moreau Womens Jersey. He won a silver in the 1,500 at the season-opening event in Salt Lake City.St-Gelais finished second behind Chinas Fan Kexin, who won in 43.272 seconds. The Canadian was next in 43.361 and South Koreas Kim Alang was third in 43.458.I wanted to try to do something to overtake the Chinese skater, but I still cant find that switch, it seems, that would allow me to react at the right time, said St-Gelais. I thought about it, I saw the openings and I adapted my line to be able to do it. But I wasnt able to take advantage of it.But I was right there, I was able to stay with her. I just need to find a way to push it a little more.It was her fourth individual medal of the season. Also Saturday, both Canadian relay teams qualified for Sundays finals. ' ' '

KAMLOOPS, B. Fake Reds Jerseys .C. -- Khari Jones stepped in for a snap at B.C. Lions training camp on Monday morning and launched a tight spiral down the sideline reminiscent of his time as a CFL quarterback. In some ways, it represented what the clubs new offensive co-ordinator hopes to accomplish in 2014. Jones was hired this off-season to kickstart a Lions attack that had been criticized in recent years for being both predictable and conservative under Jacques Chapdelaine. The team parted ways with its former offensive co-ordinator in November and handed the keys to Jones, whose aggressive philosophy as a player seems to have followed him into coaching. It was one of two big off-season hires -- Mark Washington was promoted from defensive backs coach to defensive co-ordinator -- and a move the Lions hope will help get them back to the Grey Cup. "I hope its a high-powered offence," said Jones. "I hope its an offence where we can put points up on the board, because thats what wins you football games, but a balanced offence as well. An offence that uses its weapons, and we have a lot of weapons on this team. Lions head coach Mike Benevides said he expects Jones personality to be reflected in his play calling for a team that has not won a playoff game since its victory in the 2011 Grey Cup and will be feeling the pressure to perform with the big game set for Vancouver again this November. "Hes going to find a lot of ways to get matchups and tempo and things like that -- things he believes from the quarterback position," said Benevides. "Hes had enough experience as a player and as a coach to understand how you have to make sure you stay balanced, you attack and find ways to expose your athletes." Lions starting quarterback Travis Lulay said Jones wants his offence to be on the front foot in all aspects of the game, something the team didnt always do last season. "One of the big things and one of the first points of emphasis he says is we want to be aggressive," said Lulay. "We want to be aggressive when were running the football, we want to be aggressive when were throwing the football. "We want to have a confident, fast-playing, high-tempo attitude and approach to the game. We dont want to be passive, we dont want to be back on our heels." Jones started his playing career with the Lions in 1997 before moving on and having his best years with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He spent the last two seasons coaching quarterbacks with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and before that he held the same position with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for three years, including one as offensive co-ordinator. Lions No. 2 quarterback Kevin Glenn -- who could start the season in the top job if Lulay isnt fully recovered from shoulder surgery -- played for Jones with Hamilton for three seasons and said one of his best attributes is his ability to put players in a position to succeed. "I think he does a very good job of learning a guys skillset and being able to exploit the defence," said Glenn. "Hes just one of those guys who believes in his players. Its not going to be a situation where he thinks he has to trick the defence into doing something. Hes going to say Hey, were going to line up and were going to beat you. "Hes an aggressive offensive co-ordinator and I think thats because he was an aggressive quarterback." Aggression is a common theme at Lions camp and is also something players use to characterize Washington, B.C.s new defensive co-ordinator after six seasons coaching the secondary. "Mark doesnt even like the word defence. He thinks its kind of passive," said Lions defensive back Ryan Phillips. "He wants to be aggressive and smart." Washington, who replaced Rich Stubler in the off-season, said he wants his defence to force the issue at all times, but not necessarily in the classic sense of the word. "When we say we want to attack, attack, attack, people automatically believe that thats going to be blitz, blitz, blitz, pressure, pressure, pressure, but thats not always the case," said Washington, himself a former defensive back with the Lions. "Attacking is a mentality. Attacking is were not going to sit back and let you dictate to us. Were going to dictate terms to you." Benevides was the Lions defensive co-ordinator when Washington first got the job to coach the secondary and is confident his former pupil is ready for the challenge. "What I know about Mark is hes an outstanding teacher," said Benevides. "Hes a guy that understands what it takes to win, a tremendous competitor. Even when he was a player, he made sure he had some answers to attack the opponent." Phillips said even though be has a new job, Washington hasnt altered his approach to the game or his players. "Just because they changed his title, it didnt mean he changed himself. Hes been the same since he started coaching. Hes going to be a guy who wants to work," said Phillips. "He was the same way as a player -- a guy that went out and worked hard, did the things he had to do and took it to the next level." After two straight disappointing seasons and a year ahead filled with the added pressure of being Grey Cup hosts, the Lions are banking that both Jones and Washington can help them climb even further. Cheap Reds Jerseys . Behind the talents of rookie Johnny Gaudreau, the Flames will look to keep pace Thursday night when they face the Minnesota Wild in the second of a six-game homestand. Cincinnati Reds Shirts . Algeria led 3-0 at halftime, but withstood a stronger South Korean second half performance to claim its first World Cup win since 1982 and move into second place in Group H with one match left to play. Defeat for South Korea means it must now beat already-qualified Belgium to stand a chance of progressing to the knockout stages. https://www.cheapredsjerseys.us/ .J. -- The New York Jets have promoted Tony Sparano Jr.Toronto FC supporters have heard all about it. They have watched it from afar. And now they have seen it for themselves. Jermain Defoe is a difference maker. Just two matches into his Major League Soccer career, the England international now has three goals. He followed up his opening day brace by scoring the winner against DC United in the clubs home opener on Saturday. MLSE has spent big bucks bringing the former Spurs forward to Toronto as part of a remarkable offseason transformation and even at this early stage, they are seeing a return on their investment. On Saturday, BMO Field was alive again. It was like 2007 all over again. A stadium and fan base that has seen the life gradually sucked out if it, year by year, failure after failure, was reinvigorated. With Defoe, its not just about the goals. Far from it. His movement is exceptional. Against D.C. United he created three first half chances which showcased his exceptional reading of the game - he was one or two steps ahead of the D.C. defence every time he sensed a potential opening in front of goal. An MLS coach told me last year he believes when LA Galaxys Robbie Keane is on his game, he is "unstoppable." Defoe has shown in his first two matches that he has the ability to have that same impact in Major League Soccer. And its not just Defoe. MLSE President Tim Leiweke must have been grinning from ear to ear when he saw three of the clubs big offseason acquisitions involved in the only goal of the game against D.C. Michael Bradley played a lovely ball through for Brazilian Gilberto who saw his shot saved by Bill Hamid, only for Defoe to pounce and score his third goal in just two matches. For the second week in a row, Bradley ran the midfield. Prior to signing Bradley, TFC GM Tim Bezbatchenko described him as "the heart and soul" of the U. Cincinnati Reds Store. S. Mens National Team. He has very quickly become he heartbeat of Toronto FC as well. It was also the first chance we got to see Gilberto. The 24-year-old missed most of preseason through injury but started against D.C. and was impressive showing some quality touches as well as the physical attributes necessary to succeed in MLS. Defensively, Toronto also looked solid. Brazils number one goalkeeper Julio Cesar kept his first clean sheet for the club while the central defensive tandem of veteran Steven Caldwell and young Canadian Doneil Henry continues to develop a strong understanding. The quality on the pitch and the atmosphere in the stands was night and day compared to six months ago. There have been false dawns before, but this time it feels different. For the first time in club history the Reds have won back-to-back games to start the MLS season. There is of course still much work to be done. This is a team in the early stages of its life together and there will be setbacks and bad days ahead. There are questions about the depth of the squad should some of the key pieces be missing for an extended period of time. Head coach Ryan Nelsen talks often about the fact the team is not anywhere near where he wants it to be - he told me he wants the team to be able to win playing beautiful football and also learn how to win ugly. Saturday was probably somewhere in between. It is very much a work in progress and will remain so for many weeks ahead, but after seven years of missing the playoffs, on Saturday at BMO Field it was a celebration for Toronto FC fans as their team finally gave them some hope for the future. ' ' '