wxy1123's blog: "lele"

Great Britains mens four defended its Olympic title in rowings top rivalry on Day 8, winning gold and continuing their Olympic reign for a fourth-straight Olympic Games. Kendall Hunter Jersey . In one of the most highly-anticipated races of the London 2012 Olympic regatta, the crew from Great Britain led the way to hold off the Australian crew and keep their Olympic title on home soil.  Australia won silver, and the United States won bronze.  Great Britain and Australia have long dominated the podium in the mens four event, with both nations concentrating their top rowers in the crews.  Great Britain has claimed Olympic gold in the event since Sydney 2000, when they stole gold from the home team Australia. Although Drew Ginn--who was part of the original Australian Oarsome Foursome of the 1990s--was confident that the crew could pull off the upset in front of Britains home crowd, they fell short. With 500 metres to go, the three top crews entered what has been named "the wall of noise" at Eton Dorney; that was all Great Britain needed to surge ahead for a firm grasp on the victory, as the crowd noise lifted them to the line.  More to come.  Patrick Willis Red Jersey . Jakub Culek scored the winning goal in the fifth round of the shootout as Rimouski defeated the visiting Blainville-Boisbriand Armada 5-4 on Saturday in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action. NaVorro Bowman Jersey . -- Sitting atop the Western Hockey Leagues scoring standings, Ty Rattie has become one of junior hockeys rising stars this season. http://www.sanfrancisco49ersroom.com/justin-smith-jersey . Hamilton passed defending F1 champion Sebastian Vettel and two-time world champ Fernando Alonso late in the 70-lap race to post his third career win at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Anthony Davis Jersey . In other moves Tuesday, they activated outfielder Daniel Nava and reliever Vicente Padilla from the disabled list and optioned third baseman Danny Valencia to Triple-A Pawtucket. Isaac Sopoaga Jersey . After all-day negotiations Saturday, the sides agreed Monday to resume talks on Tuesday in New York. Both sides said the discussions over the weekend were good, creating some optimism that perhaps a deal could soon be reached to save the already truncated hockey season.MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Andrea Bargnani scored 21 points, Kyle Lowry added 18 and the Toronto Raptors beat the Memphis Grizzlies 120-106 on Friday night in the final preseason game for both teams. Jonas Valanciunas and Amir Johnson scored 15 points apiece for Toronto, and Jose Calderon had 11, while matching Lowrys seven assists. Bargnani was 6 of 12 from the field, including 3 for 4 from 3-point range. Jerryd Baylesss led Memphis with 17 points. Alex Boone Jersey. Quincy Pondexter finished with 16 and Tony Allen 15. The Grizzlies rested starters Rudy Gay, Mike Conley, Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol. Memphis led 66-59 at halftime behind 13 points from Bayless, while Bargnani scored 13 for the Raptors. Toronto didnt take its first lead until midway through the third. The Raptors outscored Memphis 32-21 in the period. ' ' ' 

PHOENIX -- For one afternoon, Chicago Cubs manager Dale Sveum could laugh about his teams travails on the basepaths. Kyle Williams Jersey . "Were like a vitamin -- one a day," Sveum said after actually watching two runners get thrown out Sunday in a 7-2 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. "You dont teach it. You dont see it. Strange stuff. Its unbelievable." Such stuff is one of the reasons the Chicago is in the midst of its own final-week push, this one to avoid becoming the first Cubs team since 1966 to lose 100 games. With 99 losses already after ending a seven-game losing streak, the Cubs will have to sweep their last three games against the only major league team with a worse record -- the 106-loss Houston Astros. "Im expecting a little bit of a playoff atmosphere to try and avoid that number," Sveum said. "Itll be fun, at least as much fun as we can have in this season to try and stay away from it." Anthony Rizzo had three hits and David DeJesus homered. The win was Chicagos second in its past 13 games overall. "It wasnt the prettiest thing ever," Sveum said. Chris Rusin (2-3) allowed one earned run and three hits in five innings. "I was a little wild in the first inning but was able to find it between innings," Rusin said. "It feels good to get the win and weve got to try to get three more wins against Houston." Brian LaHairs two-run single capped a four-run sixth inning against Bryan Shaw (1-6) and two other Arizona relievers. Chicago trailed 2-1 when Rizzo and Alfonso Soriano singled with one out in the sixth. Starlin Castro was safe when first baseman Mike Jacobs couldnt pick up his grounder down the line, and the error loaded the bases. After Mike Zagurski struck out Luis Valbuena, Matt Albers relieved. Pinch hitter Dave Sappelt hit a grounder that Jacobs scooped, but the throw to Albers covering first base was a half-second late. Sappelts infield hit made it 2-all. Albers then hit Anthony Recker with a pitch to force home the go-ahead run and LaHairs single made it 5-2. LaHair was caught standing between first and second after his hit and tagged out by Jacobs to end the inning rally. In the third inning, Rizzo was picked off between first and second when he pulled up thinking Soriano had struck out for the final out of the inning. The Cubs added an unearned run in the seventh on a three-base throwing error by Brad Bergesen, the Diamondbacks fifth of seven pitchers, and another error two batters later by third baseman Cody Ransom. "We gave up seven runs and three of them were earned," Arizona manager Kirk Gibson said. "Thats pretty tough. We can be frustrated but the reality of it is they had three earned runs out of seven. It wasnt a very clean game from the seventh inning on." DeJesus homered to right off Takashi Saito in the ninth for Chicagos final run. Rizzo doubled home DeJesus in the first against Josh Collmenter for a 1-0 lead. The Diamondbacks scored twice in the bottom half. Ransom drove in a run with an infield single and another scored on Reckers error for dropping Rusins throw home for a would-be force out. Collmenter went five innings, allowing a run on six hits with two strikeouts. "I thought we would be able to get to their guy, but they did a good job from the first inning on," Collmenter said. NOTES: SS Castro came up limping after turning a double play in the eighth but remained in the game. ... Aaron Hill went 1 for 3 to move into fifth place on the Diamondbacks single-season hits list with 180. ... Collmenter, who started the season in rotation but floundered, finished the year with 11 starts and 17 relief appearances. He allowed 20 earned runs in his first four starts but only 17 the rest of the way. ... Cubs 2B Darwin Barney, whose 141-game errorless streak was snapped on Friday, returned to the lineup after an off day on Saturday. ... Arizona 1B Paul Goldschmidt missed his third straight game with a sore back. ... RHP Jason Berken (0-2) will be the next to try and keep the Cubs from their 100th loss when he takes the mound Monday night against RHP Lucas Harrell (10-11) and the Houston Astros. Berken will be making his fourth start since he was claimed off waivers from Baltimore on Sept. 7. ... Arizona LHP Wade Miley (16-11) will face Colorado LHP Drew Pomeranz (1-9) on Monday. Miley is tied with Jason Jennings, the 2002 NL Rookie of the Year, for the most wins by an NL rookie since 1986. Aldon Smith Youth Jersey . The Pro Bowl linebacker said it "definitely could be" the best team hes played on after sweeping changes during the off-season that sent expectations soaring. Aldon Smith Red Jersey . Numbers Game looks at what the Phillies are getting and who will move into the closers role for the Red Sox. The Phillies Get: RHP Jonathan Papelbon. http://www.shopthe49ersjerseys.com/jonathan-goodwin-jersey . Hanson (2-2) gave up just two runs on five hits with a walk and seven strikeouts to help the Braves win their fifth straight game. Martin Prado and Chipper Jones each drove in a run while Dan Ugglas solo homer in the third proved to be the winner. Aldon Smith Jersey . "I think it was a cheap shot and I think it was dirty," Pierce said Tuesday night of the way Toronto Argonaut linebacker Brandon Isaac rammed his helmet into his chin Saturday. Alex Smith Womens Jersey . Player of the Year: Cristiano Ronaldo - Manchester United Well duh….not really sure how much I have to add here. Honourable mentions: Fernando Torres - Liverpool, Cesc Fabregas - Arsenal Young player of the season:  Cesc Fabregas - Arsenal Under the criteria the PFA uses the award will inevitably be given to Ronaldo yet again, but thats no fun.CLEVELAND -- Kyrie Irving, the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year, scored 10 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated Italys Montepaschi Siena 91-85 in their preseason opener Monday night. Samardo Samuels led Cleveland with 14 points and Donald Sloan added 13. The Cavaliers had six players score in double figures. Bobby Brown scored a game-high 22 points for Siena while Matt Janning added 21. Irving, who broke his right hand practicingg with the summer league team in July, played 21 minutes and had three assists. Joe Montana Jersey. Dion Waiters, taken by Cleveland with the fourth pick in the draft, scored 11 points off the bench. C.J. Miles started at shooting guard and scored 10 points. Cavaliers coach Byron Scott said before the game Waiters would have to earn a spot in the starting lineup. Waiters entered the game in the second quarter and his first shot was an airball. ' ' ' 

OAKLAND, Calif. John Hannah Jersey . -- Manager Ron Gardenhire ran down the list of everything that went right for his Minnesota Twins this time. Timely hitting and a solid outing from Brian Duensing to start. "We were due," Gardenhire said. Josh Willingham drove in two runs against his former team, Joe Mauer hit a two-run single and the Twins snapped Oaklands four-game winning streak and a five-game skid of their own with a 7-2 victory over the Athletics on Monday night. Brian Duensing (3-8) struck out seven and walked one in six innings to win for the first time in three starts after consecutive losses, helping the Twins bounce back from a three-game weekend sweep at Seattle to begin a 10-game road trip. Darin Mastroianni had an RBI single and added a sacrifice fly in the eighth and No. 9 hitter Pedro Florimon joined Willingham and Mauer with three hits apiece for Minnesota, which went 4 for 11 with runners in scoring position a day after missing in all 10 such chances in the series finale at Seattle. Coming off a series sweep in Seattle that dropped them a season-low 15 games out of first place in the AL Central, the Twins came through with the big hits when it mattered. "Right from the get-go. We got some runs in there early, had a little bit of a lead and kept getting some base hits and quality at-bats," Gardenhire said. "And Duens did his thing. It was a nice night. We got to run around the bases a little bit. Some guys had some good nights." Oakland had its five-game home win streak snapped with just the clubs 11th loss in 37 games at the Coliseum since June 6. But the As will have a new addition to their lineup come Tuesday nights middle game of the series. The team announced in the seventh inning it had acquired veteran shortstop Stephen Drew from Arizona for minor league infielder Sean Jamieson. Oaklands players found out when the swap was announced over the public address system. "He plays the same position, so I guess well see what happens," current shortstop Cliff Pennington said. As starter Brandon McCarthy (6-5) surrendered three straight one-out hits in the first, including Willinghams RBI double. Trevor Plouffe also drew a bases-loaded walk as the Twins took a quick 2-0 lead. McCarthys night was done after he gave up Willinghams third hit, an infield single in the fourth. Travis Blackley pitched 5 2-3 innings of relief. McCarthy, Oaklands opening day starter, was knocked out after 3 1-3 innings for his shortest outing since also going 3 1-3 on Aug. 12 last year against Texas. His 10 hits allowed matched his second-highest total of the season and he was tagged for a season-high six runs. "Beginning to end, mechanically I felt completely out of whack," he said. "I just didnt feel I had any idea where the ball was going. I was horrible in the bullpen. Nothing at any point felt right. Its been a long time since Ive had a day like this where I want a rewind button to get back to the beginning and start over." The lanky right-hander has lost back-to-back starts during a three-start winless streak that followed a 6-0 stretch over seven outings before going on the disabled list from June 24-Aug. 10 with a strained throwing shoulder. "It was completely one of those days almost mentally just write off as fast as you can as just being a fluke thing and get back to work," he added. Josh Donaldson hit a run-scoring double and Josh Reddick added an RBI groundout for the As, who had won four straight games to move a season high-tying 10 games over .500 -- but they missed going 11 games over for the first time since finishing the 2006 season at 93-69. That team was the last to make the playoffs, reaching the AL championship series before being swept in four games by the Tigers. Derek Norris had two hits to lead Oakland, which couldnt do much against the lefty Duensing. He allowed two runs and five hits. "It was fun. Thats the way the game should be played, and thats the way we tend to play the game," Duensing said. "For us to be able to go out there and execute and get runners on and score first, its what you ask for." The As seemed to appreciate the front offices efforts to keep improving the surprise contender. "Hes a good player, so if he comes along and jumps in and fits in and helps us win, were all for it," second baseman Jemile Weeks said of Drew. "I guess theyre trying to make a push." Former Oakland star Willingham received scattered boos from the small crowd of 10,274 when he came to the plate in the first. Most of those fans were gone by the late innings with the As trailing. Minnesota ended a three-game skid in the series with the As after being swept at home in the teams first games following the All-Star break. The Twins took all three meetings in late May. Notes: Minnesota played without CF Denard Span for the seventh straight game because of a sore right shoulder. He underwent an MRI exam on his collarbone Monday in San Francisco and is scheduled for an MRI on the shoulder Tuesday. ... Florimon stole his first career base in the second inning for the Twins after a leadoff single. ... As LHP Brett Anderson is back from Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery, set to make his season debut Tuesday night. Anderson was activated from the 60-day disabled list Monday, ready to pitch in the major leagues again for the first time since undergoing surgery 13 months ago. ... Coco Crisp stole his 27th base. ... McCarthy was handed his first career loss to the Twins in five starts and 10 appearances. He beat Minnesota on July 31 with a nine-strikeout performance. ... Oakland will make corresponding moves to its 25-man and 40-man rosters upon the arrival of Drew, who returned in late June from a serious ankle injury that sidelined him for 137 games. He is hitless in his last 15 at-bats. Kyle Love Jersey . The Italian football federation made the announcement on its website. Balotelli had been included in the starting lineup that coach Cesare Prandelli announced Thursday. Brandon Spikes Jersey ." "The Ultimate Fighter Brazil" begins auditions Wednesday in Sao Paulo. The reality MMA TV show will premiere March 25 on Globo TV in Brazil. Belfort (20-9) defeated Silva via first-round TKO at UFC Brazil in October 1998. http://www.shopthenewenglandpatriots.com/aaron-hernandez-jersey .  It was the first time a British player has topped the podium since Josiah Ritchie accomplished the feat in 1908. The win was a significant breakthrough for Murray, who has come up short in four Grand Slam finals, three of them against Federer. Julian Edelman Jersey . United had seemed set to defend its title in unlikely fashion when the final whistle blew in a 1-0 win at Sunderland in the final round, with Manchester City trailing 2-1 to Queens Park Rangers as that game went into added time. Tom Brady Youth Jersey . Sixth after the opening run, Blardone had a blistering second trip down to finish in a combined time of two minutes 46.49 seconds and claim his third victory in this race, having also won in 2005 and 2009.CALGARY -- Todd Gill has been named the head coach of the Canadian under-18 mens hockey team for the annual Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament in August. The former Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman is the coach of the Ontario Hockey Leagues Kingston Frontenacs. The Ivan Hlinka is an annual summer tournament held in Slovakia and the Czech Republic and features eight countries. Hockey Canada will choose the countrys top mens players born in 1995 or later to participate in it. Canada is a four-time defending champion and has won gold seven of the last nine times.. Wes Welker Jersey. Gill had 82 goals and 272 assists in 1,007 career NHL games with Toronto, San Jose, St. Louis, Phoenix, Detroit, Colorado and Chicago. In his first season behind Kingstons bench, the Frontenacs went 19-41-3-5. Gill was also an assistant coach to Jesse Wallin at last months world under-18 hockey championship in the Czech Republic, where Canada won the bronze medal. Hockey Canada also named Victoriaville Tigers coach Yanick Jean and Guelph Storm head coach Scott Walker as Gills assistant coaches for the Ivan Hlinka tournament. ' ' ' 

CHICAGO - Alexei Ramirez spread his arms wide, raced around the bases like a little kid and jumped into Paul Konerkos embrace at home plate. RG3 Pink Jersey . No wonder they were so happy. The White Sox would play one more day. Ramirez set a rookie record with his fourth grand slam of the season, and Chicago beat Detroit 8-2 in a rainout makeup Monday, forcing a one-game tiebreaker against Minnesota for the AL Central title. The Twins will visit the White Sox on Tuesday night, with John Danks starting for Chicago on three days rest against Nick Blackburn. The division champ begins the playoffs at Tampa Bay on Thursday. "Tomorrow, 162 games mean nothing. Its only about one game and thats great," White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said. "A good feeling." When Guillen told Ramirez to relax before batting with the bases loaded, the 27-year-old infielder made a promise. "I told Ozzie to have confidence in me. Im going to go out and get these runners home somehow," he said. Did he ever. Then again, his days on the Cuban national team taught him about big games. "My team in Cuba was always in the playoffs and I played in the Olympics and international games. Ive been in tougher situations, I feel," he said through a translator. Washed out earlier this month, Chicago and Detroit waited through a rain delay of more than three hours before starting. Gavin Floyd (17-8) won on three days rest - short rest has been successful trend for many teams in the stretch. The loss left the Tigers in last place, capping a season they began with hopes of reaching the World Series. "Its been a tough year," manager Jim Leyland said. "Today pretty much sums up whats gone on all year, really. It hasnt been a very good year and it wasnt a very happy ending." Detroit, with nothing really to play for, took a 2-1 lead into the sixth. But former White Sox ace Freddy Garcia, whod allowed only two hits to that point, had to leave with tightness in his right shoulder with a runner on second and no outs. When Garcia left, things got wild. Leyland summoned Armando Galarraga (13-7) - the teams best starter this season - and he threw two wild pitches that allowed the tying run to score. After Jermaine Dye walked, Bobby Seay relieved and threw Detroits third wild pitch of the inning. Jim Thome struck out, but after an intentional walk to Konerko, Seay also walked Ken Griffey Jr. to load the bases. Ramirez sent the first pitch from Gary Glover, another former White Sox pitcher, into the left-centre field bleachers, setting off a happy trip around the bases for the rookie whose nickname is "The Cuban Missile." Floyd gave up five hits and one earned in six innings. He struck out eight and walked two while throwing 118 pitches. "He admitted he was nervous, which was good because if youre not nervous in that situation, theres something wrong with you," White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski said. "He didnt have his best stuff but he battled and made pitches when he had to to get through it." Pierzynski added an RBI double during a two-run eighth. Floyds error helped Detroit take a 2-1 lead in the sixth. Miguel Cabrera doubled with one out before Marcus Thames hit a hard liner that White Sox third baseman Juan Uribe snagged for the second out. When Ryan Raburn hit a slow roller between the plate and mound, Floyd bobbled the ball while reaching down to pick it up and threw high past Konerko at first, allowing Cabrera to score. Chicago scored in the first but had a much bigger inning brewing when the first three batters reached against Garcia. He walked Orlando Cabrera and DeWayne Wise before Dye hit an RBI single, but retired the next three batters. Detroit tied it in the fifth as Raburn singled, stole second and scored when Brandon Inge doubled to left over the leaping Wise. After his early struggles, Garcia rebounded, retiring 11 straight before Griffey singled with two outs in the fourth. Garcia was 40-21 with Chicago from 2004-06 and won three games in the post-season of 2005, including the clinching Game 4 of the World Series. He is close friends with White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen and they texted each other leading up to the game. Guillen warned that the White Sox had better "be ready for Freddy." Garcia was traded to the Phillies after the 2006 season for Gio Gonzalez and Floyd, and both of the starters wore jersey No. 34 on Monday. Garcia, who had shoulder surgery in August 2007, signed a minor league contract with the Tigers on Aug. 14 of this year and was making his third start for Detroit. Notes: The Twins beat Chicago 10-8 in the season series. The White Sox were 7-2 at home against Twins, but 1-8 at the Metrodome. .. 3B Inge made a dive into the stands for a great catch of Uribes pop to end the second. .. Ramirezs grand slam was Chicagos 12th of the season, setting a club mark. .. Tigers star Gary Sheffield finished the season with 499 homers. Robert Griffin III Jersey . Brian Ebersole, who is coming off a June 22 decision over T.J. Waldburger, has agreed to step in for the fighter from Mississauga, Ont., against James Head. Alfred Morris Jersey . All sorts of ambitions came crashing down in a handful of Top 25 upsets on Saturday, none more costly than No. http://www.shopthewashingtonredskins.com/art-monk-jerseys . ODay announced his retirement Tuesday, ending his 14-year CFL playing career. ODay, who spent 12 seasons with the Riders, has been named the teams football operations co-ordinator. RG3 Red Jersey . A healthy scratch for the last two Oilers games, Paajarvi has never played a game in the AHL. However, with no goals and just three assists in 25 games with Edmonton this season, the 20-year-old Swede has had a harder time keeping pace with the rest of the Oilers young stars. Perry Riley Womens Jersey . Down 5-3, Shane Victorino and Brian Roberts stroked back-to-back singles to begin the home half against J.C. Romero. Derek Jeter lined to right but Victorino moved to third, and Roberts stole second with Jimmy Rollins at the plate. Rollins drew a walk to load the bases and Fernando Cabrera entered. LIEGE, Belgium -- Mark Cavendish might be the worlds fastest man on a bicycle, but its hard to see him pedaling to a second consecutive green jersey in three weeks when the Tour de France ends on the Champs-Elysees. The "Manxman Missile," as the sprinter from the Isle of Man has been nicknamed by his fans, is focusing on the Olympic road race -- leaving wide open the battle for the Tours best-sprinter title. The defending world champion, who holds 20 Tour stage victories, has changed his training regimen this season, losing weight and power in order to tackle the nine climbs of Box Hill at the London Olympics on home soil. Using the Tour to hone his condition before London, Cavendish wont have the lead-out train that normally sets him up for the stage finales as his Sky teammates will be working hard to fulfil their team leader Bradley Wiggins ambition of becoming the first British rider to win the Tour. The race starts on Saturday in Liege, Belgium, with a 6.4-kilometre prologue. "I probably wont win as much personally, in stages, but to be part of a team that holds real ambitions of winning the Tour de France overall, its an honour for any bike rider," Cavendish said. But riding alongside Wiggins has its downside, too. Ready to fight tooth-and-nail for the Tour favourite, Sky riders are unlikely to waste energy for Cavendish ahead of intermediate sprints -- which offer points that go toward the green jersey. Changes to the points classifications rules implemented last year see sprint points allocated differently. There is only one intermediate sprint on each stage, with 20 points available to the rider who wins that -- as opposed to six points in previous years when there were more intermediate sprints. "Stage wins arent enough to win it (the green jersey)," Cavendish said. "You have to go for the intermediates. Whether youre going to limit your losses or win them flat out, thats the tactic youve got to go for. I havent got my eyes on green, to be honest, but theres always a chance.&quoot; Unlike Cavendish, his former teammate at the now-defunct HTC-Team, Matt Goss of Australia, will enjoy the support of a team built around him and featuring lead-out men Sebastian Langeveld, Brett Lancaster and Daryl Impey. Leonard Hankerson Jersey. A silver medallist at the worlds behind Cavendish, Goss, who won a stage at the Giro this year, joined the Orica-GreenEdge outfit at the end of last season and will be riding his second Tour after being part of Cavendishs sprint train last year. "While we have a lot of goals for Gossy in the Tour, his main objective is clear," said Orica-GreenEdge sports director Matt White. "He is on the hunt for stage wins." "There is a super strong contingent of sprinters here, not just Cavendish," Goss said. "Its important to have such a strong team for the lead out. Because if you dont have the lead out, youre the one thats following. If weve got a strong team we can stay in front of other teams." In the absence of Tom Boonen, the Belgian star who decided to skip the Tour to prioritize the Olympics, other green jersey contenders include Andre Greipel and Marcel Kittel of Germany, Alejandro Valverde of Spain, veteran Alessandro Petacchi of Italy and Peter Sagan of Slovakia. Sagan, considered by many as cyclings new prodigy, has been enjoying a superb start to his professional career, claiming stage wins at the Spanish Vuelta, Paris-Nice, the Tour de Romandie and Tour of Switzerland in the past two years. Competing at his first Tour de France following an impressive tally of nine stage wins posted this spring at the Tour of California and Tour of Switzerland, Sagan has the potential to make an impact on the biggest stage. "Im not scared of anything," said the Liquigas rider. "I think Ive done well this season. I hope that in the Tour Ill do well because its a very important race. In the Tour, there are all the top riders and sprinters here for the green jersey. I want the jersey, but its very difficult to take it in the Tour." ' ' '  

CHICAGO -- Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Shaun Marcum has left his start against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday after four innings because of cramping in his right calf. Lyle Sendlein Jersey . Marcum was making his second start since missing two months because of elbow soreness. He allowed three runs, scattering five hits and four walks while striking out four. He left after throwing 85 pitches. Marcum cleared waivers earlier this week, according to published reports, and has been frequently mentioned as a trade target for contending teams. The deadline to add players who are eligible for the post-season is midnight Friday. Marcum is 5-4 with a 3.19 ERA this season. He has won 26 games over the previous two seasons with Toronto and Milwaukee. Larry Fitzgerald Jersey . In a wild ending, Ruben Tejada scored the winning run on a throwing error by catcher Buster Posey and the New York Mets beat the bumbling Giants 5-4 Saturday after blowing a three-run lead in the ninth inning. Sam Acho Jersey . The league will receive 120 million pounds ($185 million) over three years from the 2013-14 season, a jump from the 82 million (then $135 million) pounds under the current terms. Britains third largest bank has held naming rights to the worlds richest football league since 2001. http://www.arizonacardinalsfansprostore.com/larry-fitzgerald-jerseys . Two errors later, the Fish trailed 7-4. And thats the way it ended at CommunityAmerica Ballpark in K.C. as Winnipeg battled back from a 3-0 deficit after the sixth to score a run in the seventh and three in the eighth, but a throwing error by third baseman Amos Ramon and then another by pitcher Griffin Bailey set up a four-run eighth inning for the T-Bones and sent Winnipeg back to the hotel with a 7-4 loss and yet another squandered lead late in a game. Larry Fitzgerald Black Jersey . The flame flew to Britain from Greece on the gold-painted British Airways Flight 2012 and landed at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in Cornwall on Friday evening. Michael Floyd Jersey . The Thornhill, Ont., native overcame 55 unforced errors including 15 double faults on Tuesday to defeat Santiago Giraldo of Colombia 6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.CLEARWATER, Fla. -- An injured Ryan Howard clutching his leg and writhing in pain on the ground was the lasting image for the Philadelphia Phillies disappointing 2011 finish. The big slugger is doing much better now, and he was all smiles after taking batting practice Wednesday for the first time since surgery to repair his torn left Achilles tendon. "I feel good where I am right now," Howard said. "I dont know what everybody elses expectations were for me to be at this point, but I feel good. Not exactly where I want to be yet. There is still a lot of strengthening that needs to take place, change of direction and working on those kinds of things. "But I feel all right." Howard only started swinging a bat less than two weeks ago, and hes uncertain when hell return to his cleanup spot in the Phillies lineup. "Im not going to put a time limit on it. Im going to listen to my body and see where we are," Howard said. "Obviously, the goal is to want to get out there as soon as possible, but at the same time, with this, Im just listening to my body and it will let me know when its ready. Ive been talking with the training staff and Ive been able to do some things, taking some ground balls, doing some hitting, doing baseball-type movements." Howard ruptured his Achilles while making the final out in Philadelphias 1-0 loss to St. Louis in Game 5 of the NL division series last October. It was an awful way to end a season that began with enormous expectations. The Phillies set a franchise-record with a major league-leading 102 wins and captured their fifth straight NL East title but again fell short of winning their second World Series championship since 2008. Howard also made the last out of the season in a 3-2 loss to San Francisco in Game 6 of the 2010 NLCS. He took a called third strike against Brian Wilson with two runners on base. "I know how it looks to everybody, like having the season come down and youre the guy. But I try to look at it positive like, the last two seasons I got out, I figure Im about due," Howard said. "Id love to be in that situation again. Theres going to be those times when you come through, and theres going to be those times when you dont come through." Howard has dellivered in the clutch quite often for the Phillies, though his numbers have gone down in recent years. LaRod Stephens-Howling Jersey . The 2006 NL MVP batted .253 with a team-high 33 homers and 116 RBIs last year. But he was just 2 for 19 (.105) with a homer and six RBIs in the NL division series against the Cardinals. From 2006-09, Howard averaged 50 homers and 141 RBIs while hitting .278. He hasnt matched that production since signing a $125 million, five-year contract extension in April 2010. Howard has averaged 32 homers and 112 RBIs with a .265 average over the last two seasons. Told that manager Charlie Manuel said Howards best years are still ahead of him, the 32-year-old first baseman said: "I would like to think so. Just continuing to learn and to grow as a hitter and a player. Just taking care of my body, stay healthy, I feel like I can go out there and do some damage." The Phillies havent figured out how they will replace Howard early in the season. They signed veteran Jim Thome, acquired Ty Wigginton and also have John Mayberry Jr. Thome was traded away to make room for Howard after he was the NL Rookie of the Year in 2005. Hell likely be used mostly in a pinch-hitting role, but could see some action at first base while Howard is out. Either way, Howard is looking forward to spending time with Thome on the bench and in the clubhouse. "First and foremost, hes a great guy, a first-class person," Howard said. "And its funny because when I heard we signed him back, I was like, man, everything comes around full circle. I was excited for him because hes a first-ballot Hall of Famer and Im definitely going to be picking his brain as soon as he gets back here. "Hes a great guy for a clubhouse, great guy for a team." Notes: The Phillies promoted Marti Wolever to Assistant General Manager, Amateur Scouting. Wolever had been Philadelphias director of scouting since October 2011. Before that role, he served as the clubs national cross-checker and scouting co-ordinator for nine years. ... 3B Placido Polanco arrived in camp Wednesday and said hes ready to go after having surgery to repair two abdominal tears. Polanco was selected for the All-Star game last year, but struggled down the stretch because of his injury. ' ' ' 

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Nelson Cruz helped the Texas Rangers bust out of their offensive funk in a big way. Marques Colston Jersey . Cruz hit a grand slam and tied his career high with eight RBIs, Josh Hamilton hit his 19th home run of the season and the Rangers beat the Toronto Blue Jays 14-3 Friday night. The Rangers are the top-scoring team in baseball despite averaging 3.5 runs over their previous 10 games. Texas was held to seven runs in dropping two of three to Seattle earlier in the week. Cruz had a three-run double in a six-run first, then capped his big night with a 414-foot grand slam that landed in the upper deck of in right. "You dream to have those kinds of days," said Cruz, who also had an RBI single in the sixth and went 4 for 5. "It cant happen every day. When it happens, you should be happy and enjoy it." Cruz also drove in eight runs against Toronto on July 22, 2011. His grand slam in the seventh was the fourth of his career and second of the season. Cruz is the sixth players in Rangers history to drive in eight or more runs in a game. Ivan Rodriguez has the Rangers team record with nine on April 13, 1999 against Seattle. "Some guys work hard to get to get that many RBIs in one month," Texas manager Ron Washington said. "(Cruz) did it one night. Thats what hes capable of doing." Toronto starter Brandon Morrow (5-3) was knocked out after recording just two outs in the first. The right-hander, who had two shutouts in his previous four starts, gave up six runs and five hits in the shortest start of his career. The Blue Jays used four relievers which included backup catcher Jeff Mathis, who pitched for the first time since he was in high school. Mathis pitched a scoreless eighth, becoming the sixth position player in Toronto history to pitch. "The biggest part was running in from the bullpen," Mathis said. "That was real weird." Derek Holland (4-3) struck out a season-high nine in 7 1-3 innings. He allowed two runs and five hits. Hamilton, who leads the majors in home runs, had gone 11 games without a homer before leading off the second with his first since May 12. He left the game in the seventh inning with a head cold. Yorvit Torrealba added his first home run, and Adrian Beltre and Michael Young each had three hits. The Rangers finished with 18 hits. "It was nice to break out like this," Texas second baseman Ian Kinsler said. Edwin Encarnacion hit his 15th home run of the season for the Blue Jays, who have lost three in a row. Morrow threw 44 pitches in the first inning and faced 10 batters before he was relieved by Carlos Villanueva. Beltre had a two-run single and Cruzs bases-loaded double gave the Rangers a 5-0 lead. Mitch Morelands RBI single capped the scoring in the first, and Morrow was relieved one batter later after Kinsler doubled to centre. In four other road starts this season, Morrow had given up two earned runs in 28 2-3 innings. "Im just going to pretend that that game never happened," said Morrow, who cut off his postgame interview after taking only one question. Mathis was the fifth Blue Jays pitcher of the game -- and the only one to not give up a run. He allowed a double and a walk in the eighth. Alberto Gonzalez flew out to end the eighth. Hamiltons home run leading off the second landed in the second deck in right and gave him 50 RBIs this season. He became first player in club history to hit 19 home runs in the teams 46 games of the season. NOTES: Mathis was the first Blue Jays position player to pitch since Mike McCoy last June 11. ... Rangers C Mike Napoli was held out of the lineup with an upset stomach. ... Hamilton tied the club record with his 10th home run in May. ... Toronto 2B Kelly Johnson singled in the third to reach base in his 19th straight game. ... Pro golfer Jason Dufner threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Dufner leads the Colonial, which is being played in nearby Fort Worth, after two rounds. Jimmy Graham Jersey . -- Freddy Adu scored twice and the Philadelphia Union beat the Houston Dynamo 3-1 on Sunday to snap an eight-game winless streak and avoid dropping out of playoff contention. Drew Brees Jersey Elite .C. Division in the Western Hockey League. Neil Manning and Dalton Sward scored three goals each as the Giants defeated the Victoria Royals 11-3. http://www.saintsprostore.com/archie-manning-jerseys . The Vancouver Whitecaps fell to a fourth straight defeat on Saturday when they were beaten by the L. Drew Brees Youth Jersey . Rotterdam District Court cleared Jason Halman on grounds of temporary insanity. The court said Thursday that "the suspect was in a state of psychosis at the time of the stabbing" and could therefore not be held accountable for his actions. Mark Ingram Jersey . Numbers Game examines the Nick Foligno-Marc Methot trade. The Blue Jackets Get: LW Nick Foligno.New York, NY (Sports Network) - The National Basketball Association on Tuesday announced it fined Los Angeles Lakers guard Steve Blake $25,000. Blake drew the financial punishmennt after directing "inappropriate language" towards a spectator in the final seconds of a 105-95 loss to the Clippers at Staples Center on Friday. Darren Sproles Jersey. ' ' ' 

Reasons To Believe 1. Tyron Smith Jersey . Face of the Franchise - Amidst all the bounty gate issues, the most shocking aspect of the Saints off-season was their refusal to reward Drew Brees with a new contract. No one deserved a contract more than the man who has been the leader of the team, was integral to keeping them in New Orleans and was MVP in their Super Bowl victory. After a brief holdout the two sides resolved the issue and Brees is back where he should be - in the pocket. While it will be hard to throw for more yards than he did in 2011, Brees will remain among the elite at his position.  2. New Look Defence - Gregg Williams was long gone when news broke of his bounty program. The Saints had already found a new defensive coordinator in former Rams head coach Steve Spagnulo. The former architect of the New York Giants defence, Spagnulo will try to improve a unit that crumbled in their last two trips to the post-season. Unlike Williams, Spagnulo likes to bring pressure using a four-man front, which should help the team cut down on the big plays theyve given up in recent years. 3. According To Jim - Jimmy Graham became Brees favourite target and established himself as one of the top two tight ends in the NFL. Along with Rob Gronkowski, Graham re-wrote the record books at the tight end position catches 99 passes, for 1,310 yards and 11 touchdowns. It was only Grahams second year in the league and at 25 years old, he is poised to exploit defences for a long time. Reasons To Doubt 1. "Do Your Job" - Those were head coach Sean Paytons final words to his club before leaving to serve his year-long suspension. Under Paytons watch, New Orleans has made the playoffs four out of six seasons, including the last three straight. The team has a 62-34 record with him on the sidelines and his absence cannot be overstated. Offensive coordinator Pete Charmichael actually began calling plays last season when Payton suffered a broken leg, a turn of events that may have unintentionally helped prepare the offence for this season.  2. Rush Hour - Spagnulo likes to bring pressure with a four-man front, but that may be tough to do with the teams personnel this season. The Saints best pass rusher Will Smith will be suspended for the first four games. New Orleans other defensive linemen are more suited towards stopping the run, with the exception of third rounder Akiem Hicks, who has showed well in the preseason. Hicks could be a situational pass rusher as the season progresses. 3. Replacing Meachem - With Graham, Marques Colston, Lance Moore and Darren Sproles drawing attention, the third receiver for the Saints can be a very productive slot. Meachem may primarily be a deep threat, but now that he is in San Diego there is an opportunity for someone to step up. Devery Henderson has been with the club for a while and never carved out consistent playing time. Other options include an unproven and often injured trio of Adrian Arrington, Nick Toon, and Courtney Roby. What To Expect The Saints have had 13, 11 and 13 wins in the last three seasons and despite all their off-season headlines, its hard to imagine the team will drop off that much. With few changes on offence, Brees will once again have his group at or near the top of the league in points scored. If anything the club could improve on the defensive end and be an even tougher out come playoff time. The Saints will battle Atlanta for the division crown and win or lose they should reach in the post-season. Kyle Orton Jersey . Lens scored his first in the third minute, heading in a pass from the right side by Luciano Narsingh, only for Hungary to equalize four minutes later through a penalty by Balazs Dzsudzsak after Jordy Clasie fouled Zoltan Gera. Sean Lee Womens Jersey . Former NHLPA president Trevor Linden told TEAM 1040 in Vancouver on Wednesday that he wouldnt be surprised to see a lockout take up a couple of months, but couldnt see a labour stoppage extend into December. http://www.proshopcowboys.com/sean-lee-jersey . -- The famed statue of Joe Paterno was taken down from outside the Penn State football stadium Sunday, eliminating a key piece of the iconography surrounding the once-sainted football coach accused of burying child sex abuse allegations against a retired assistant. Tony Romo Jersey . The Catalan club said in a statement that the former Barcelona youth player will sign a five-year contract after passing a medical exam on Thursday. Brandon Carr Jersey . She was on the early nomination list for the FIFA Womens World Player of the Year award Thursday. Canadian coach John Herdman was one of 10 nominees for the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Womens Football.NEW YORK -- Any goodwill built during an extended run of collective bargaining talks between the NHL and NHL Players Association quickly evaporated Friday. The sides emerged red-faced and frustrated after hitting a road block during their fourth consecutive day together at the bargaining table. The league and union looked to be moving slowly towards a deal after trading proposals earlier in the week, but ended up exchanging some heated words after discovering they were still about US$380 million apart on economics. "We looked at some of the numbers on the various proposals and we thought we were much closer together on the structure of a deal than the suggestions were," said NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr. "They came back to us and said, No, were very, very far apart on the structure of a deal." There were no further bargaining sessions scheduled, but Fehr remained hopeful they would pick up talks again Saturday. The fundamental issue they are trying to bridge is agreeing to a system where the players overall share in revenue can be drastically reduced while ensuring all existing contracts are honoured. The leagues most recent offer would see players receive US$211-million guaranteed in deferred "make-whole" payments -- not nearly enough to satisfy the union. "If the notion is that they are honouring all of the contracts and everybodys going to get paid everything they were supposed to be paid according to the letter of the contracts, its of course not true and never has been," said Fehr. "I dont quite know where that notion came from." A week that started with the sides agreeing to meet at an undisclosed location and refrain from making public comments didnt end quite as quietly. Sources indicated that the league was also frustrated with the lack of progress, although Bettman remained even-keeled during a short session with reporters. Now presiding over the third lockout of his tenure, he refused to characterize the status of negotiations. "I dont want to either raise or lower expectations," said Bettman. "I wont be happy until we get to the end result and that means were playing again." Beneath the surface, there is plenty of tension to be found. Fehr found himself defending his leadership after a memo he sennt to players was leaked to reporters and a report later surfaced that the league didnt believe he was doing an adequate job of informing his constituents about exactly what was being proposed. Morris Claiborne Jersey. . Flanked by a handful of players who attended Fridays bargaining session, he pointed out that only the four owners on the NHLs bargaining committee have attended meetings. "Owners cant come to meetings when they want to to hear stuff directly but every single player can at the unions expense," said Fehr. "He can come and hear for himself, make the judgments, and all the rest of it." It wasnt a good day for those who are hoping to see the NHL begin a shortened season soon. There had been some hope that talks were progressing, especially with the sides locked in their longest run of negotiations since CBA talks began more than four months ago. Bettman did note that its always "better to be together and talk" before slipping in a proviso: "When theres something to talk about." In addition to their disagreement on the "make whole" provision, the sides are still grappling with proposed changes to rules governing contracts. The league hasnt backed off any of the demands made in its Oct. 18 proposal, according to sources, and the union continues to believe it shouldnt have to make concessions in those areas because it has committed to seeing the players share in revenue decreased. The NHL and NHLPA are attempting to strike a deal that would end the 55-day lockout, which has already forced the cancellation of 327 regular-season games and delivered considerable damage to the leagues business. There seems to be some commitment to continuing talks. Its possible that the negotiations will run through the weekend and force Bettman and Fehr to miss the Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Toronto. However, that will only happen if the sides can start playing a little nicer -- and making a little progress. "(Were prepared to do) whatever it takes," said Bettman. "Were available and, as I said, were waiting to hear back from the players association in terms of when theyll be ready." That answer wasnt readily available after a rough day of negotiations. "I dont know what will happen next," said Fehr. ' ' ' 

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. Rob Ninkovich Jersey . -- Backup goaltender Kyle Reynish made two key saves to help Real Salt Lake tie the Chicago Fire 0-0 on Wednesday night. With a point for the tie, Salt Lake (7-3-2) took the Western Conference lead -- a point ahead of San Jose and Seattle. Salt Lake is 2-0-2 in its last four matches. Reynish, seeing his first action of the season, started with regular keeper Nick Rimando sidelined by a right shoulder injury. Reynish made a difficult save on Dominic Oduro in the sixth minute, and ranged to his left to stop Marco Pappas hard 16-yarder with 5 minutes remaining in regulation time. Rimando is expected back Saturday against Seattle. Sean Johnson picked up his first shutout of the season for Chicago (3-2-3). Paulo Junior had Salt Lakes best opportunity to score. Johnson stopped his 17-yard shot 20 seconds into the second half, the most difficult of his three saves. Before and after that, the Fire defence marked Real closely, especially with defender Austin Berrys coverage of forward Alvaro Saborio. Saborio, Reals leading scorer with four goals in the first 11 matches, was held to one shot. The Fire controlled the scoreless first half. Reynish watched Oduros header carom off the crossbar 3 minutes before stopping him from close range. Chicago also pressed late in the first half, with midfiender Sebastian Grazzinis shot from 15 yards out in the 40th minute deflecting wide before it reached the goal. Salt Lake lost midfielder Javier Morales with a right quadriceps strain 28 minutes into the game. Morales was replaced by Luis Gil. Devin McCourty Jersey . 8. For Andy Murray, its No. 1 -- and the first for a British man since 1938. Irving Fryar Jersey . Petrell had four goals and five assists in 60 games for the Oilers last season. It was his first year in the National Hockey League after spending the previous seven seasons with HIFK Helsinki-Finland in the SM-liiga league. http://www.proshopnewenglandpatriots.com/rob-gronkowski-jerseys . It wasnt pretty, but it was effective. Thats the way it has to be at the moment if the Reds are to grind out positive results in the final weeks of the season. Rob Gronkowski Jersey . LeBron is on LeBrink, a victory from winning his first NBA title. Appearing relaxed Wednesday, he said he has recovered well from the cramping issues that knocked him out of Game 4. Julian Edelman Jersey . He did it 10 years ago, when 70-1 Sarava charged to victory in the Belmont Stakes as War Emblem was attempting to complete a rare sweep of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont.DENVER -- Rockies pitcher Alex White homered and Colorado finally solved a struggling Ryan Vogelsong, beating the San Francisco Giants 6-5 Monday night to snap a five-game losing streak. Buster Posey and Hunter Pence went deep for the Giants, who lost for only the second time in 10 road games. San Franciscos lead in the NL West was trimmed to five games over the idle Los Angeles Dodgers. Trailing 6-2, the Giants got a two-run homer from Posey in the seventh inning off reliever Rex Brothers and pulled within one in the eighth. Brandon Crawford drew a one-out walk from Matt Belisle, pinch-hitter Aubrey Huff singled and Angel Pagan followed with an RBI double, his third hit of the game. Belisle got out of the jam by retiring Marco Scutaro and Pablo Sandoval. Guillermo Moscoso (2-1) picked up the victory by working two innings, allowing one run on three hits. Rafael Betancourt pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his 28th save in 33 chances. Colorado manager Jim Tracy was ejected in the bottom of the seventh by second base umpire Angel Campos after a heated argument over an inning-ending double play. Campos ruled that Scutaro tagged Josh Rutledge before throwing to first to get Carlos Gonzalez. Tracy, ejected for the third time this season, argued that Scutaro missed the tag. The Rockies also lost catcher Ramon Hernandez to a left hamstring strain sustained while running out a double in the fourth. He was replaced by pinch-runner Wilin Rosario, who advanced when Chris Nelson reached on first baseman Brandon Belts fielding errror and came home on Charlie Blackmons double-play grounder. Rob Gronkowski White Jersey. Vogelsong (12-8) allowed four runs and six hits over five innings in losing for the first time in seven career starts against the Rockies while with the Giants. The outing extended a tough stretch over his last six starts since Aug. 13 in which he has gone 2-3, allowing 28 runs on 43 hits in 26 1-3 innings for an ERA of 9.57. The right-hander entered 5-0 with a 1.80 ERA in six previous starts against the Rockies for the Giants, who had won all six games. But he was in trouble from the outset this time, allowing successive doubles to Tyler Colvin and Rutledge, the first two batters he faced. One out later, Jordan Pacheco hit an RBI single to put the Rockies up 2-0. White hit his first career homer in the second, offsetting a drive he allowed in the top of the inning to Pence for the Giants first run. White was lifted after allowing one run on six hits in four innings after throwing 76 pitches, roughly the limit for starting pitchers in the Rockies unorthodox four-man rotation. A two-out error by Sandoval on Rosarios grounder to third opened the door to a pair of runs by the Rockies in the sixth. Nelson followed with a run-scoring triple and Blackmon added an RBI single to build a four-run lead. NOTES: LHP Josh Outman was recalled from Double-A Tulsa before the game by the Rockies. ... Six of the 16 homers allowed by Vogelsong have come in his last four starts. ... Whites homer was the first by a Rockies pitcher since May 7 when Drew Pomeranz went deep against San Diegos Edinson Volquez. ' ' ' 

INDIANAPOLIS -- Jimmie Johnson won his fourth Brickyard 400 and solidified his status as a title favourite in NASCAR. Ramon Foster Jersey . Impressive? You bet. Surprising? Not really. But how about this: Dale Earnhardt Jr. left the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with the Sprint Cup Series points lead. Earnhardt finished fourth on Sunday, his best career finish at a track where he often struggles. Earnhardt took a 14-point lead over previous points leader Matt Kenseth, who got caught in a crash. It was another sign of Earnhardts new consistency, the kind of development that could turn the streaky driver with a famous last name into a real championship contender. "That is symbolic of how well weve done," Earnhardt said. "Im proud of that. I have felt that way about our position in points all season long. We need to win more races. If we want to win the championship, we have to. I imagine we can win a couple races in Chase. I dont know if finishing fourth or fifth is going to do it. Well just have to see. Wed like to step it up just a little bit more." And if it comes down to Hendrick Motorsports teammates Johnson and Earnhardt duking it out for the title at the end of the season, both drivers say bring it on. "We would actually rather us two to fight for the championship at the end knowing one of us is going to get it for the company," Earnhardt said. "If I could line that up right now, I would. That is how Id have it." Johnson said team owner Rick Hendrick has formed such a strong organization that having multiple teams racing for the championship doesnt cause any drama between the drivers or crews. "Its great," Johnson said. "What it does especially for our company, it far exceeds any type of competitive spirit that exists. And from a technical standpoint, we all go to the racetrack with the same equipment. No one gets favourites." Hendrick has been through it before, and doesnt expect any issues. "And these guys are sharing so much information, and Im beyond that nervousness trying to get the teams together and say, Look, what got us here is working together and sharing information," Hendrick said. "I think by having those two cars where they are in the points will make us, give us a better shot. ... A lot of organizations, it tears them down when they have that kind of competition. I think it makes us stronger." All four Hendrick Motorsports teams share technical information, but Hendrick has divided them into pairs. Johnsons No. 48 team and Earnhardts No. 88 team work together in one shop, while Jeff Gordons No. 24 team and Kasey Kahnes No. 5 team work in another. Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus hailed the developing chemistry of Earnhardt and his crew chief, Steve Letarte. "Stevie and Junior have really brought a lot to the table," Johnson said. "I have to say, from Pocono to now, the stuff that Junior has liked in the car and what hes felt has opened up doors for us to pursue and a road for us to go down where weve made our stuff better. Theres a lot of confidence in our shop with both teams, and the communication is as good as its ever been." And while Johnson and Knaus have won five championships, Johnson said they can learn from Earnhardt and Letarte. "Im happy to see Steve as confident as he is and Junior both because we can really lean on them and pull from them, and its a two way street," Johnson said. "Thats something thats new this year, and Im proud of both of them for where theyre at and where our whole team is." Still, Hendrick cautioned everybody against overconfidence. "You cant put any more effort in than we do here," Hendrick said. "But Ill tell you, when you start believing that youve got it figured out is when youll get your butt handed to you." Rocky Bleier Jersey . Its sentimental, its obvious and its cheap. Its also a few hours away from possibly happening in real life. At midnight tonight, the Toronto Raptors will attempt to convince Steve Nash to sign away the last few years he has left in the NBA to an organization that hasnt secured a single top-tier free agent in their entire seventeen-year history. Lawrence Timmons Jersey . Kennedy struck out nine in six innings to remain perfect for his career against San Diego, and Jason Kubel doubled in the go-ahead run in the sixth inning to send the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 3-1 victory over the Padres on Thursday night. http://www.shopthepittsburghsteelers.com/mike-wagner-jerseys . "I have started working in the gym and I feel fine. Im progressing and lets see if I can play before December," the 32-year-old Abidal said Saturday after making the honorary kickoff in Barcelonas friendly at PSG. Shaun Suisham Jersey .J. -- The New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Ryan Meara had arthroscopic surgery Thursday to repair his left hip, and is expected to miss the rest of the season. Franco Harris Jersey . Its the first crash this week on Indys 2.5-mile oval. Clauson completed the first three laps of his four-lap run and was starting the final lap when his car bobbled going through the first turn.OAKLAND, Calif. -- The Oakland Athletics activated right-hander Bartolo Colon from the 15-day disabled list to start against the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday night. Colon (6-7), set for his 16th start of the season, went on the DL on June 23, retroactive to June 18, with a strained right oblique muscle. To clear roster room, Oakland designated for assignment struggling reliever Brian Fuentes. Manager Bob Melvin appreciated Fuentes professionalism handling the news Tuesday. "It was just one of those things where it wasnt a real good fit for me here right now," Fuentes said in the clubhouse, dressed in street clothes and his giant duffel bag packed to leave the ballpark. "Its unfortunate. It wasnt for a lack of preparation. It was just one of those things I was pitching inconsistently and it puts Bob and management in a tough situation. Theyre trying to build up some guys and they cant wait for me forever. I think its best for everybody involved. It gives me the chance to go somewhere and pitch, and hopefully someone will find me valuable enough to get me in free agency or a trade or whatever it may be." Fuentes went 2-2 with five saves, three blown saves and a 6.84 ERA in 26 outings, including recording his 200th save May 2 at BBoston to become the sixth left-hander in major league history to reach the mark. Emmanuel Sanders Womens Womens Jersey. "One of the highlights to our season was his 200th save in Boston," Melvin said. "He really did make it easy. He said he understood what were going through right now. ... Unfortunately thats the move we had to make today. We have some left-handers pitching in more prominent roles." He went 0-2 with a save, two blown saves, a 19.50 ERA and .452 opponents average over his final seven outings. The 36-year-old has 204 career saves with a 3.58 ERA in 644 career appearances over 12 seasons with five clubs. Fuentes grew up in the Central Valley town of Merced, and he plans to head home for now to work out and keep on his throwing program during the 10 days the As have to trade or release him. Fuentes said not getting used regularly affected him and he regularly fell behind hitters and didnt execute his pitches. And when he did get opportunities, he didnt deliver. "Its a crummy situation but I go away feeling good about it," Fuentes said. "In the roles I was in, closing for sure, you cant just go out there and throw. The other roles I was in, whether it was setup or mopup, it just seemed like it never worked out." ' ' ' 

CONCORD, N. Peyton Manning Pink Jersey .C. -- After months of wondering when any Hendrick Motorsports car would win again, NASCARs powerhouse program is on a major roll heading into the Coca-Cola 600. Five-time Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson broke a 16-race victory drought this month at Darlington Raceway for Hendrick Motorsports 200th win, then won the All-Star race Saturday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Throw in a Sprint Showdown victory by Hendrick driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. and a win in the Pit Crew Challenge by Johnsons No. 48 team and its a non-stop party for owner Rick Hendrick. "The company," Johnson said Thursday, "is still on a high from the 200th win and the All-Star win just kicked it up another notch." That could be bad news for the rest of NASCAR, which thought it might be gaining on Hendricks dominance. Johnson collected the programs 199th win last October at Kansas as he chased a sixth straight championship. But Johnson came up short of the title, losing to Tony Stewart. None of Hendricks high-power drivers -- four-time champion Jeff Gordon, Earnhardt and Kasey Kahne are Johnsons teammates -- could break through this season until Johnson took the checkered flag at Darlington and touched off a party that hasnt stopped. Neither has the winning. "Things have been pretty good," said Kahne, 16th in drivers points. "Then after Jimmie won that 200th, that got everybody even more excited." Johnson doesnt see why that cant continue Sunday night in the Coca-Cola 600. He qualified third behind the Richard Petty Motorsports duo of Aric Amirola and Marcos Ambrose. Kahne qualified seventh, Earnhardt 12th and Gordon 23rd. Johnson has won nine times at the 1.5-mile track, three 600s, three of the 500-mile fall race and three All-Star events. "We are excited to get on the track today and through the course of the weekend," he said. "We feel like we will be a threat to win." And giving Hendrick even more to celebrate. This week, the car owner hosted a party in Charlotte headlined by country music superstar Brad Paisley. Hendricks current crop of star drivers was on hand along with others who brought his machines to victory lane through the years like Geoff Bodine, Mark Martin and Kyle Busch. "Its a huge accomplishment for our people and Im really proud of them," Hendrick said. "You know, you need to stop and celebrate something like, this because they dont come along too often." Johnson said it was fun to watch Hendrick kick back and revel in the achievement. "Im really proud of him to sit and enjoy the 200th win and savour it and spend some time in the moment," Johnson said. "Its not like him to do that type of thing." Thats for sure. Johnson recalled how during the Darlington celebration two weeks back, Hendrick told him that now theyd gotten to 200, "lets get 250." Its a focus thats kept Hendrick Motorsports clicking off the wins since Bodine collected the programs first victory at Martinsville in 1984. Hendricks far from done this season. He expects to follow through on the goal he set before the season that he wanted all four of his cars in the season-ended Chase for a Championship. Theyve got some work ahead for that to happen, though. Earnhardts No. 88 sits third behind points leader Greg Biffle and second-place Matt Kenseth. Johnson is fifth. Then comes Kahne, 54 points out of 10th place. The one struggling most this season is Gordon, the usually steady former champion stung with a several problems that have him way back in 24th and most likely needing a couple of race wins to claim a wildcat sport to the year-end shootout. Hendrick said hes never had so many races get away from such talented group like Gordons No. 24 team and Kahnes No. 5. "Between Kasey and Jeff Gordon, probably the rottenest luck Ive had in my racing career," Hendrick said. "I mean, I cant even remember as many flat tires or wrecks or Kasey is running third on the last lap and gets shoved into the wall. We have had some freak things break on the car." Gordon has tried to stay positive through the problem. "You can only do that for so long, but were still doing it," he said. "So hopefully, well see the results." Current Hendrick drivers have combined for 14 victories at Charlotte. Earnhardt looked like hed make that 15 last May until he ran out of gas while leading the race on the final lap to finish seventh. The way things are going for Hendrick Motorsports, Johnson wouldnt be surprised if he and his teammates were all fighting for the win come Sunday night -- just like Rick Hendrick wants. "Im sure we will be reminded of that here before long," Johnson said. Demaryius Thomas Jersey . That didnt stop him from making the most of the opportunity. Dobbs homered and drove in three runs to lead the Florida Marlins over the Houston Astros 7-5. Wesley Woodyard Womens Jersey . -- With the game on the line, Robert Griffin III moved the Washington Redskins right down the field and to the second victory of his young career. http://www.officialdenverbroncosgear.com/peyton-manning-jersey . He was 25. Edoardo De Blasio, a cardiologist at Pescaras Santo Spirito hospital, confirmed Morosinis death, saying "unfortunately he was already dead when he arrived at hospital. He didnt regain consciousness. Britton Colquitt Jersey . Azarenkas match at Wimbledon was rescheduled from Sunday because of rain. The world No. 1 from Belarus could end up on court six consecutive days if she reaches the gold medal round in singles. Matt Prater Womens Jersey . Manager John Farrell, speaking in an interview on MLB Radio, said Santos would miss a minimum of four weeks of action. Farrell said that Santos will not throw for 10-14 days before beginning a throwing program to get back in game shape.The American Association announced today that Winnipeg Goldeyes pitcher Matt Rusch has been named the leagues Rawlings Pitcher of the Month for June. Rusch, 29, made six starts in June, going 4-1 with a tiny 1.90 ERA. The Goldeyes won the other game he didnt register a decision in. In 42.2 innings, he also racked up 39 strikeouts. He was the American Associations Pointstreak Pitcher of the Week for the week ennding June 10. Von Miller Jersey. On the season, Rusch leads in the American Association with a 2.29 ERA and has a 5-1 record in nine starts. He also leads the league with 52 strikeouts. Winnipeg has an 8-1 record when he is the starting pitcher. Winnipeg returns to Shaw Park tomorrow night to begin a 12-game homestand and four-game series against the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks. Game time is 7pm ct. ' ' '