DENVER - Less than a week removed from a 51-point coming out party, Terrence Ross was at it again. Ross had 16 points midway through Fridays game in Denver, connecting on six of his seven field goal attempts, none more memorable than his final bucket of the half. The Raptors guard picked off a pass from Kenneth Faried - one of the Nuggets 26 turnovers - and proceeded to go the length of the floor before throwing down one of the more emphatic one-handed dunks youll ever see directly over the defending Manimal. "I remember I had the ball, (Faried) had sprinted all the way down into the paint," Ross recalled. "So I knew he was kind of at a disadvantage and couldnt jump as high. Im coming full speed (and) he still jumped pretty high but at the same time I had enough room to still finish." The Raptors bench said it all. Jonas Valanciunas had to use most of his seven-foot-four wingspan to hold half his teammates from running on the floor. Ross had gotten their attention. "Man, its got to be a nomination for dunk of the year so far, especially on a guy like that," said All-Star DeMar DeRozan, who was returning from a two-game absence with an ankle injury. "That was big. I damn sure wouldnt have done it." Ross was 11-years-old the last time the Raptors had won in Denver. It was December 30, 2003, over a decade ago. Since then Toronto had dropped nine straight in the Mile High City by an average of 17.8 points per loss. The Raptors snapped that skid on Friday. In fact, it was the third time this season that theyve broken a road losing streak of eight or more games to a specific opponent (winning in Milwaukee for the first time in nine visits and snapping a 10-game slide to the Lakers in Los Angeles). They defeated the Nuggets by double digits and tied a franchise mark for most wins in January with 11. You wouldnt know it after the game. "Well take the W but I was disappointed and I let the players know about it," Dwane Casey said following a 100-90 victory over the depleted Nuggets. "I was disappointed in the close." Toronto led by as many as 25 early in the fourth before the visitors went ice cold. They went six minutes without scoring and didnt register a field goal over the final 7:44 of the game. "You cant come in and feel like youve got the game won with a 20-point lead," said the Raptors coach, infuriated after the victory. "Youve got to continue to execute, continue to be strong with the ball, continue to execute defensively if you want to be serious about winning in this league and until you grow up and do that, youre going to end up on the short end more times than not." "We cant be satisfied with the way we played in the fourth quarter." Times have changed and so too have the expectations. The bar has been raised, evident in Caseys post-game rant. "You have to respect that," said DeRozan, who tallied 14 of his 19 points in the third quarter. "Its not acceptable how we finished that game off with the turnovers. We have to learn to keep leads and close out games." Caseys team was excellent through three quarters, and to begin the fourth. When it was all said and done they were fortunate to be facing an undermanned Nuggets squad, missing leading scorer Ty Lawson, along with Nate Robinson and Andre Miller. Without a true point guard in the lineup, the Nuggets turned the ball over more than any Raptors opponent this season, resulting in 29 Toronto points. Still, Denver out-rebounded the Raptors by nine and bested them 50-38 in the paint. "They kicked our behinds in the paint and that was one of our focuses going into the game," Casey said. "We were soft going to the ball, slow reacting to the ball." In the end, the Raptors opened a five-game trip with a win, got off the schneid in Denver and welcomed DeRozan back to the lineup 24 hours after he was named a first-time All-Star. "Well take the win," Casey said. "Were happy with the win but we cant be satisfied. Nike Zoom Buy Online . "Thank you for the warm welcome," Beckham said on an 80-degree February morning. In this case, it was soccer weather. The sport moved a step closer to returning to South Florida on Wednesday, when Beckham confirmed he has exercised his option to purchase a Major League Soccer expansion franchise in Miami. Nike Zoom Clearance . -- Blake Griffin scored 32 points and grabbed eight rebounds, DeAndre Jordan had 14 points and 22 rebounds and the Los Angeles Clippers outlasted the Golden State Warriors 98-96 on Thursday night to take a 2-1 lead in their first-round series. http://www.wholesalenikezoom.com/. -- The Green Bay Packers have signed quarterback Graham Harrell to the active roster from the practice squad and placed tight end Andrew Quarless on injured reserve. Wholesale Nike Zoom . -- Challenged for the first time under Major League Baseballs expanded replay system, umpires got it right. Nike Zoom Cheap . Perhaps their first trip to the city of Winnipeg in 16 years can serve as the shakeup they need.KATOWICE, Poland -- Top-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland was overcome by Alize Cornet of France 0-6, 6-2, 6-4 in the Katowice Open semifinals on Saturday. Cornet will face first-time WTA finalist Camila Giorgi of Italy. Radwanska didnt concede a set to Cornet in three previous matches, including at Indian Wells last month, and the hometown favourite won the first set quickly. Cornet levelled, but Radwanska had a point ffor 4-0 in the third when she began to unravel.dddddddddddd. Cornet won six of the last seven games for only her second career win over a top-three player. She will play for her fourth career title against Giorgi, who beat third-seeded Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain 7-6 (2), 6-4. Giorgi, who hadnt reached a WTA quarterfinals until this week, beat two top-20 players in the same tournament for the second time. ' ' '

LONDON -- Arsenal remains on course for another season in the Champions League after beating Newcastle 3-0 at home on Monday. The win puts Arsenal four points clear of Everton in fourth place with two games to play in the Premier League, a position which would qualify the club for Europes top competition for the 17th straight year. Having been contained for the first quarter of the match, the hosts found their rhythm after defender Laurent Koscielny gave the Gunners the lead in the 26th minute when he poked in from close range a well-placed free kick from Santi Cazorla. Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski went close to doubling the lead, notably when his powerful header from six-yards out was parried away by Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul. Arsenal went two up in the 42nd minute when midfielder Mesut Ozil tapped in from close range after Krul saved two efforts from Olivier Giroud, the second of which fell comfortably into the path of the Germany international. Ozil then became the provider in the 66th minute when his whipped cross was powerfully headed into the net by Giroud. The win means that one more victory in the final two games will be enough to confirm a Champions League spot for Arsenal next season. Everton takes on Manchester City at home on Saturday in a game that also has huge implications for the title race between City, Liverpool and Chelsea. Arsenal then plays West Bromwich Albion at home on Sunday. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is taking nothing for granted, though. "To get over the line is always difficult," he said. As well as qualifying for the lucrative Champions League, Arsenal is hoping to lift its first trophy in nine years when it takes on Hull in the FA Cup Final on May 17 at Wembley Stadium. Newcastle chances were few and far though winger Yoan Gouffran had a good chance to halve the deficit early on in the second half but he shot straight at Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny when through on goal. The defeat was Newcastles sixth straight loss and ratcheted up the pressure on manager Alan Pardew. Despite that ignominious run, the club remains in ninth place following a strong first half to the season. The match was also Pardews first on the touchline since a seven-game suspension for head-butting Hulls David Meyler -- the longest suspension ever handed down to a Premier League manager. A section of the 2,000 or so Newcastle fans who made the trip down from the northeast of England turned against Pardew in the second half. "We want Pardew out" and "Six in a row" boomed down from the away section as they grew increasingly restless. Pardew conceded the second half of the season has not been good enough and said the fans had the right to vent their frustrations. "Theyve seen us lose again and theyre not happy and I have to respect that," he said. "Weve been top 10 all year, this recent run is not something Im hiding from, we should have performed better in this run and weve got to finish in the top 10." Jordan 11 For Sale Cheap . Pospisil, whose season-ending goal is to improve his ATP Tour ranking enough to qualify for one of the 32 seedings at Januarys Australian Open, dominated Karlovic in 59 minutes. The world No. 40 never faced a break point and limited the big mans threatening ace count to a mere eight, while striking five key aces of his own. Discount Air Jordan 11 . Didnt need any help this time. Wood beat Cincinnati for the first time in his career, repeatedly pitching out of threats for seven innings, and Chicago stalled the Reds week-long surge with a 2-0 victory Monday night. http://www.discountairjordan11.com/. -- With the Memphis Grizzlies struggling to find their offensive rhythm, O. Air Jordan 11 Cheap Online . A police inspector told The Associated Press the crane operator is not yet suspected of any wrongdoing but is considered a key witness to the accident at the Arena Corinthians. Cheap Air Jordan 11 From China .com) - Devan Dubnyk stopped all 30 shots fired his way and made several big saves down the stretch for his third shutout of the season as the Minnesota Wild beat the Calgary Flames 1-0 on Tuesday.LOS ANGELES -- San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith will not face charges related to his arrest earlier this year at Los Angeles International Airport. The city attorneys office said in a statement Tuesday that it declined to charge the 24-year-old but will require him to come to a meeting to discuss what happened and be admonished about applicable laws. Smith was taken into custody April 13 after authhorities said he became belligerent during a random security screening and threatened that he had a bomb.dddddddddddd The Los Angeles County district attorneys office subsequently referred the case to the city attorneys office for misdemeanour consideration. In May, Smith pleaded no contest in San Francisco to three felony weapons charges and two misdemeanour counts of driving under the influence. ' ' '

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - The New England Patriots have signed first-round draft pick Dominique Easley. The team chose the defensive lineman from Florida with the 29th pick early last month. Easley can play end and tackle, but his draft prospects dropped because of two ACL knee operations. Patriots coach Bill Belichick said the day Easley was drafted that the team feels hell be all right. Easley started 26 of 32 games during four years at Florida with 81 tackles and 5 1/2 sacks. He played just three games as a senior. The Patriots also signed rookie free agent Chris Martin. The offensive lineman from Central Florida was signed by the Houston Texans on May 16 and released on May 27 Cheap Curry Shoes . - San Diego Padres centre fielder Cameron Maybin is going to be out two to three months after rupturing his left biceps tendon during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday. Cheap Curry Shoes Clearance . The club announced on Wednesday that Malhotra signed a 25-game professional tryout contract. The 33-year-old suffered a serious eye injury when struck by a puck during a game versus Colorado in March of 2011. http://www.discountcurryshoes.com/. The Canadian skicross racer appeared to have the bronze medal locked up in the mens final at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, only to wipe out while trying to make a pass in the biggest moment of his career. Discount Curry Shoes . The 18-time champions, who havent won the title since 1990, moved two points behind Arsenal after the leaders were stunned 6-3 at Manchester City on Saturday. Defending champion Manchester United trails Arsenal by 10 points after winning 3-0 at Aston Villa to avoid a third successive league loss. Wholesale Stephen Curry Shoes .Y. -- Phil Jackson lost out on his preferred coach, but hes working hard on keeping his star player.CHICAGO -- NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman is a year removed from cancelling preseason games in the early stages of the leagues lockout of its players. Now there are rising television ratings, along with participation in another Winter Olympics and settled ownership in Phoenix and New Jersey. So where does the NHL go from here? "We just want more of the same," Bettman said Thursday at a promotion for the March 1 outdoor game between the Chicago Blackhawks and Pittsburgh Penguins at Soldier Field. "We want to continue to build off the foundation we have. The game on the ice is as strong as its ever been. And were looking to continue to find ways to connect with our fans that will energize our fan base and grow it." The league expanded the outdoor schedule from one game, the New Years Day Winter Classic, to six this season, including two games at Yankee Stadium and one at Dodger Stadium. Bettman considers the big-event strategy important in generating interest in the NHL. "This game, all the outdoor games, are one element of it," Bettman said. "We have the Olympics and we have what we think will be an exciting, competitive season. Were going to continue to grow. Our fan engagement, not just TV ratings, but through social media and NHL.com, is growing." Russias recent passage of an anti-gay law has caused concern among some connected with the Sochi Winter Olympics. Bettman said this week that NHL players will participate despite the law banning what Russia calls propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations. "Thats not something we think is appropriate, to say the least," Bettman said. "But in the final analysis, and I believe our players feel the same way, theyre going to go, to compete hard for their countries, because thats important to them. "Im not sure its easy for sports to ever get involved with politics, but we have a responsibility to make cclear that thats not representative of what we believe is the right thing.dddddddddddd" The NHL partnered with You Can Play, a group started in April by Philadelphia scout Patrick Burke, whose late brother Brendan was gay. "When it comes to diversity and inclusiveness, I think our record has been very clear," Bettman said. While NHL players will travel to Sochi, he doesnt foresee expansion to Europe, something thats been occasionally considered for more than 30 years. "Its really hard to do, some of it logistics," Bettman said. "We want to be good citizens in the institutional hockey world, but there is a growing interest throughout the world. Thats something were going to continue to try to satisfy." Some European-born NHL players have moved back to the continent, especially to the Russia-based Kontinental Hockey League. Ilya Kovalchuk, with New Jersey last season, returned to his homeland by signing with SKA St. Petersburg this summer. The outdoor game in Chicago is the only one scheduled after the Olympics. Soldier Field, which holds 61,500 for football games, will have a rink placed in the middle of the field. In February, about 52,000 fans attended a college hockey doubleheader co-hosted by Wisconsin and Notre Dame. The last Winter Classic in Chicago was a sellout between Blackhawks and Detroit at Wrigley Field on Jan. 1, 2009. Blackhawks president John McDonough expects a full house next year at Soldier Field. "Theres going to be great, great demand for this game," McDonough said. "You can be sure were going to be asking to host another one." The Blackhawks are the first team to host two outdoor games. "This combination catches the imagination and gives our fans a special experience," Bettman said. "For the teams involved, fans cant get enough of it. We think we can manage this, put on all six games well." ' ' '

Manchester City want to sign Athletic Bilbaos Aymeric Laporte this summer, according to Sky sources. The French defender looks a good fit for Pep Guardiolas Etihad Stadium revolution, writes Nick Wright. Pep Guardiola counts Argentine manager Marcelo Bielsa as one of his biggest influences so perhaps it is not surprising that he shares his idols admiration for Aymeric Laporte. The French centre-back was schooled by Bielsa as a teenager at Athletic Bilbao, and Guardiola is eager to continue his education at Manchester City next season.Sundays 2-2 draw with Arsenal showed why the incoming manager has identified central defence as Citys most pressing area in need of attention. This season they have conceded more Premier League goals (40) than in any of the previous five, with Nicolas Otamendi and Eliaquim Mangala struggling to meet expectations and Vincent Kompany repeatedly falling victim to injuries. Major changes are required, and while Evertons John Stones is among the names to have been talked up, Laporte appears to be the priority for Guardiola. Citys sporting director Txiki Bergiristain has already flown to Bilbao to discuss the deal with Athletic, and reports in Spain suggest City are ready and willing to pay his £39m buy-out clause. Laporte on City rumours Aymeric Laporte denies he has agreed to join City but Sky sources confirm he is a target. It is a huge sum for a 21-year-old still recovering from a broken leg suffered playing for Frances U21s in March, but he is due to return in August and the feeling in Spain is that he is worth the investment. Laporte has developed a burgeoning reputation over the course of four seasons in Athletics first team and has already amassed over 100 La Liga appearances despite his tender age.Basque journalist Endika Río has followed his progress from the start. He is a central defender with the profile that Pep Guardiola likes, he tells Sky Sports. Hes strong, tall and powerful but what characterises him most is playing out from the back. He makes the central midfielders jobs easier. He has good distribution and he has quality with the ball at his feet. Watch some of Aymeric Laportes best moments for Athletic Bilbao That technical ability is invaluable to Guardiola, whose attacking philosophy requires modern, ball-playing centre-backs who can build quickly and fluently from the back. The role was fulfilled by Gerard Pique at Barcelona and David Alaba at Bayern Munich, and Laporte, it seems, will be the man for the job at Manchester City.A money-spinning transfer to the Etihad would cap a rapid rise for Laporte, who was only 18 when Bielsa promoted him to Athletic Bilbaos first team in November 2012. It was quite a difficult year for Athletic, recalls Río. Javi Martinez had left and they were having trouble renewing Fernando Amorebietas contract, so Bielsa promoted Laporte even though he had hardly played for the reserves. A City ready for Pep The appetite for Pep Guardiola in Manchester will be greater than it ever was in Munich. Laporte was thrust into the heart of a struggling side, but the 6ft 2ins teenager swiftly established himself as a regular starter in central defence. Bielsa saw characteristics in him that fit with his style of football, says Río. He soon filled the gap left by Amorebieta. He was a boom.Bielsa loved Laporte - I dont remember a single fault I could tell you about, he said in 2015 - and he made 17 appearances before the 60-year-old was replaced by Ernesto Valverde in the summer of 2013. Bielsas gruelling training methods had taken a heavy toll as Athletic finished 12th in 2012/13 but the squad were reinvigorated by Valverde. Laporte, in particular, went from strength to strength. Laporte battles for the ball with Barcelonas Luis Suarez and Marc Bartra Laportes second year in the first team was Valverdes first in charge, says Río. The team finished fourth in La Liga and qualified for the Champions League. Laporte was part of the spine of the team and became the líder of the defence. He was still 19 but no one disputed it despite his age. Bit by bit, he has improved a lot in very little time.Laporte has come out on top in duels with the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo since breaking into the Athletic team. He helped them reach the final of last years Copa del Rey and played every minute of their historic 5-1 aggregate win over Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup in August. Laporte is a great player with every quality. I don’t remember a single fault that I could tell you about. He’s fast, he has character, he is competitive, he has very good technique and he is very intelligent. Marcelo Bielsa on Aymeric Laporte in 2015 Laporte is an accomplished one-on-one defender who doesnt shy away from physical challenges, but he prefers to rely on his fine reading of the game and intelligent positioning rather than gung-ho tackling. He has an excellent range of passing and averages more per game than any other Athletic player with the exception of central midfielder Beñat, while he is also a goal threat, having scored five times this season alone before he was injured in March.As for weaknesses, there is little to cause alarm. In some games you can still see his youth and inexperience, says Río. There have been some errors and he has been sent off for inexperienced fouls, but with time he has got better. You can see that he learns very fast for a player so young, and its not surprising that some of the biggest clubs in Europe want him. Laporte in action for Athletic Bilbao against Espanyol Like Bielsa before him, Valverde is a huge admirer. Hes young and he has to improve some things but hes already the real deal, he said in October. He is a player who is mature, despite his youth. On the pitch you see that because he takes responsibility for his position. Experience is always important, but if you already have that experience when you are 22, then imagine…Laportes rare combination of technical ability, physical prowess and youthful experience has thrust him to the forefront of Manchester Citys plans. Their defensive problems have been costly this season, but as they prepare to usher in a new era at the Etihad Stadium, Bielsas pupil looks ready to make his next step up with Guardiola. Also See: Sagna: Failure would be our fault Who gets into Europe? Has Pellegrni improved City? Kompany facing long spell out Brian Anderson Jersey . A spokeswoman for the NLRB says its "a very incremental move" and does not necessarily indicate the board is close to a finding in the case. NFL owners filed an unfair labour charge against the players union in February, arguing that the union was not negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement in good faith. Kyle Barraclough Jersey . His absence against the Celtics comes a day after he scored 43 points in the Heats 100-96 win at Cleveland. http://www.marlinsteamproshop.com/Marlin...ke-Kids-Jersey/. The 19-year-old from Westmount, Que., was edged 7-5, 6-7 (5), 6-3 by third-seeded Alize Cornet of France. Cornet broke Bouchard twice in the last set and saved six break points in the three-hour match. J. T. Realmuto Jersey . Bibeau, Torontos sixth-round pick at No. 172 overall in last years draft, was named the outstanding goaltender of the 2014 MasterCard Memorial Cup. Miguel Rojas Jersey . Ilonen birdied five of his closing seven holes in superb scoring conditions to end the day with a two-shot lead on the Fota Island course. Ilonen had just 26 putts on the occasion of his 300th European Tour event.ATLANTA - The Raptors will be without their sixth man for at least another week, they learned on Tuesday. After a re-evaluation of the ulnar collateral sprain in his right elbow on Monday, Patrick Patterson, who has missed the teams last five contests, was ruled out of game action for another seven days, though he will be able to return to limited basketball activity. Patterson, wearing a supporting brace on his injured elbow as he got some work in during Raptors shootaround, was disappointed to hear the news. "[Its] more bad news than good," he admitted ahead of Tuesdays game in Atlanta. "I had hopes that I would be able to come out here and participate with the team and get back to basketball." The Raptors versatile back-up said hes experiencing very little pain in his right arm, just discomfort, one of the reasons why he had hoped to be back on the court by now. "From when it initially happened up until now I had pain, constantly, on the court, certain types of movements or certain types of contact would aggravate it," said Patterson, who leads all Toronto reserves in scoring, averaging 9.7 points along with 5.2 rebounds since being acquired from Sacramento on December 9. "But now, today, theres very little pain. All the movements that hurt before dont hurt now. In my mind, Im thinking I can [play] just going off that pain factor, but doing the ultrasound and seeing the images and seeing how far its come along to today, Im definitely happy to know how soon I can return." Its not clear exactly how Patterson initially sustained the injury. He believes it originally occurred in a game against the Wizards back in February and he aggravated it in a win over the Kings on March 7. "It is frustratting," he said, not being able to pinpoint exactly how he hurt his elbow.dddddddddddd "If I knew what happened, hopefully I could prevent it from happening again." Patterson had become one of the teams most valuable and consistent contributors, anchoring a second unit that has been much improved since his arrival in December. In his absence, Dwane Casey has used the trio of Steve Novak, Chuck Hayes and Tyler Hansbrough as stopgaps off the bench. Unlike Patterson, a well-rounded, two-way player, his three replacements are best suited in situational roles. Each forward has stepped up to some degree, but Pattersons shoes have not been easy to fill. Without Patterson in the lineup over the previous five games, the Raptors bench has been outscored by a total of 50 points. The oppositions reserves have bested them by 65 alone over the last two contests. "At least we have to hold serve," Casey said of his second unit. "Weve got to find a go-to player or a guy that can produce for us, point-wise, with that second unit. Pat was giving us some points or at least spacing the floor for us where it did give [Greivis Vasquez] opportunities to drive to the basket." Casey would not call the latest news on Pattersons injury a setback. The team was not expecting him to be able to return right away. The Raptors forward will be assessed again after this seven-day period and if the new timetable holds true he should miss another four-to-six games. "It could be worse, thats the way I always look at it," said Patterson. "Thats what my team and the training staff is telling me, it could be worse, but youre in a positive situation, at least you know where you stand and how soon you can come back." ' ' '

The St. Louis Rams have named Austin Davis their starting quarterback, contrary to coach Jeff Fishers statements heading into their Week 4 bye. Fisher had previously stated that Shaun Hill would remain the Rams the starter once healthy, but has instead decided to stick with Davis. The 25-year-old Davis has completed 68-0f-94 attempts this season for 754 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. Hill went 8-of-13 for 81 yards with an interception prior to suffering a quad injured in Week 1. The Rams turned to Hill after starter Sam Bradford suffered a torn ACL in the preseason Custom Baltimore Orioles Jerseys . Torres calmly stroked a 51st-minute spot kick down the middle with goalkeeper Romel Quinonez diving right to convert a penalty earned by Javi Martinez. Spain controlled play at the Sanchez Pizjuan but found it hard to convert against a well-organized Bolivian team before Iniesta charged forward to curl around Quinonez in the 84th to seal victory. Chris Davis Jersey . Mark Van Guilder, Austin Watson and Colton Sissons also scored for the Admirals (22-13-10), who are 2-0-2 in their last four outings, while Roussel tacked on an assist for a two-point night. Greg Pateryn scored once for the Bulldogs (20-22-4), who lost their fifth straight contest, and also assisted on Gabriel Dumonts goal. http://www.theoriolesteamshop.com/Oriole...ez-Kids-Jersey/. Szabados joined the Southern Professional Hockey League team last week. The 27-year-old goaltender from Edmonton backstopped the Canadian womens hockey team to Olympic gold Feb. Ubaldo Jimenez Jersey .C. -- Steve Spurrier was much happier about South Carolinas improved performance than about his lastest career milestone. Chance Sisco Jersey . CHAUNCEY BILLUPS (Pistons): Yes they got Josh Smith and Brandon Jennings in the off-season and Andre Drummond is a beast (teams are kicking themselves for passing on him - he rebounds and block shots every game - thats two more discernable and significant skills than most guys in his draft class), but dont for a second discount the impact of having a savvy veteran like Billups on your team.PHOENIX - In a three-team trade on Friday, the Arizona Diamondbacks sent slick-fielding, light-hitting Didi Gregorius to the New York Yankees, where he becomes a favourite to replace Derek Jeter at shortstop.Gregorius first major league home run came in Yankee Stadium in his first at-bat as a Diamondback in 2013.The Tigers acquired right-handed pitcher Shane Greene from the Yankees and sent left-handed pitcher Robbie Ray and teenage infielder Domingo Leyba to Arizona.The Diamondbacks had a crowd at shortstop and chose to stick with youngsters Chris Owings and Nick Ahmed.The 24-year-old Gregorius hit .241 with 25 doubles, eight triples, 13 homers and 55 RBIs in 183 games over parts of two seasons with Arizona. He hit .226 in 80 games in two stints with the Diamondbacks last season.We think there is more in the tank there as he continues to develop, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. So I think hes exciting but obviously, hes not a finished product.Greene, 26, was 5-4 with a 3.71 ERA in 15 games, 14 of them starts, over four stints with the Yankees last season. He struck out 81 in what was his first season in the majors.Ray, 23, was 1-4 with an 8.61 ERA in nine appearances for the Tigers last season. He was 7-7 with a 4.22 ERA in 20 games, 19 starts, for Triple-A Toledo.Last year, in his first season as a professional, Leyba hit .323 with 18 doubles, a triple, two homers and 24 RBIs in 67 games with short-season Class A Connecticut and Class A West Michigan.Gregorius came to the Diamondbacks from Cincinnati as part of a three-team trade in 2012. In spring training last year, he was beat out for the Arizona starting shortstop job by the rookie OOwings.dddddddddddd Gregorius started last season at Triple-A Reno but had two stints with the Diamondbacks, becoming the full-time starter when Owings went down with a shoulder injury.With Owings healthy, Ahmed rising through the minors and veteran Cliff Pennington still on the roster, somebody had to go.Cashman said the Yankees had targeted Gregorius for some time.We believe he hits right-handed pitching, he said. ... As we open up this 2015 season, at the very least we expect him to be utilized in probably a platoon with Brendan Ryan until he separates himself.Greene joins a Detroit rotation that includes Justin Verlander, David Price, Anibal Sanchez and Rick Porcello. Star right-hander Max Scherzer is a free agent, and although general manager Dave Dombrowski didnt totally rule out a return, he said Friday the Tigers are content with their five starters now.Were not waiting for any type of scenarios, Dombrowski said. Really, right now starting pitchings not our priority.This deal comes five years after the Tigers, Yankees and Diamondbacks pulled off another three-team trade that helped each team to a degree. Detroit got Scherzer from Arizona in that trade, while Curtis Granderson went from the Tigers to New York and Ian Kennedy was sent from the Yankees to the Diamondbacks.Ray went from Washington to Detroit last off-season in a deal that sent Doug Fister to the Nationals.We like Robbie a great deal. We made a big deal for him, Dombrowski said. Shane Greenes a little further along as far as being ready at the major league level.___AP Baseball Writer Ron Blum and AP Sports Writer Noah Trister in Detroit contributed to this report. ' ' '

MURSKA SOBOTA, Slovenia - Kelly Olynyk of the Boston Celtics scored 18 points to lead the Canadian mens basketball team to an 80-75 overtime win over Ukraine on Friday. The Kamloops, B.C., native added eight rebounds while Kyryl Natyazkho recorded 14 points and 10 rebounds to lead Ukraine. "We played very good D for 38 minutes and even though our offence struggled, our D gave us the lead," said Canadian head coach Jay Triano. "To be successful in the future, we need to be sound on D like we were today." Canada shot 49 per cent on two-point field goal attempts and 29 per cent from beyond the arc. The game was one of a series of exhibitions the Canadian team is playing across Europe. They look to improve to 2-1 with a win over Georgia on Saturday. Nike Zoom Sale . Lineup news, Fantasy tips and more in Scott Cullen’s Statistically Speaking. HEROES Blake Comeau – The Penguins winger had a hat trick in a 4-3 overtime win against Toronto. Nike Zoom Cheap . The Gatineau Olympiques head coach will lead Canada in its quest to end its gold medal drought at the 2015 world junior hockey championship held in Montreal and Toronto at the end of this year. http://www.wholesalenikezoom.com/. - Free agent defensive end Will Smith has signed with the New England Patriots. Nike Zoom For Sale . 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. Nike Zoom Clearance . For the Athletics, hes extremely important at the top of the order, especially with Coco Crisp hurting. Jaso drove in three runs Sunday night, helping Scott Kazmir and Oakland beat the Texas Rangers 9-3.CLEARWATER, Florida – J.A. Happ got the start in the Blue Jays rain-shortened, Grapefruit League opener against the Phillies but it was Todd Redmond who left an early impression on his manager. "Redmonds like anybody else, hes going to get hit every now and then but all weve ever seen out of him is good pitching and he gets guys out," said John Gibbons. "Hes pretty polished." The 29-year-old pitched two clean innings, the second and third, striking out a batter over 22 pitches. He got the win, for what thats worth on February 26, in a 4-3 game called midway through the seventh. Redmond is among more than a half-dozen pitchers in contention for the last starting rotation spot. While not much can be made of one outing, Redmonds performance resonated following a comment Gibbons made before the game. "Usually what happens, when theres a spot open, the guy that takes it, some of those guys have those springs where theyre good all spring and theres no doubt about it ... a lot of times that guy from day one, man, hes standing out and theres no hiccups." All Redmonds ever wanted is an opportunity. Here it is, less than three months before hell turn 29. Think hes overwhelmed? Redmonds been around too long – eight minor league cities over nine seasons – to get rattled by the best chance hes had to crack an opening day roster. "Im an easy-going guy," said Redmond. "Just give me the ball, Ill go out there and pitch. Same thing as I do every day. I pitch." Redmond made 17 appearances for the Blue Jays last season, 14 of them starts. Hed only made one previous appearance in the majors, a start for the Reds in 2012 that didnt go well. Familiarity breeds a sense of comfort. "I have a little more confidence coming into camp. Of my stuff, not of me, just of my stuff. More trusting of my ability," he said. As a starter last season, Redmond slowly earned Gibbons trust, which allowed Redmond to pitch deeper into games. If hes going to succeed at the major league level, however, Redmond will have to vastly improve his numbers facing hitters for a second and third time through the order. Batters have a .627 on-base plus slugging percentage against Redmond the first time through. Redmonds OPS against spikes to .939 when the lineup turns over and .914 the third time around. He insists durability isnt an issue. "My entire career, if you look at my minor league side of it, I dont think Ive ever thrown under 160 innings a year," said Redmond. "The workload. Thats one thing I take pride in is being able to go out there every fifth day and take the ball." Redmonds almost right. In the seven seasons between 2007 and 2012, he logged at least 160 innings five times and never through less than 145 innings. Having worked a modified heavy ball program this offseason, he would typically stretch with the one-pound or two-pound weighted ball prior to throwing, Redmond says his should feels strong as he makes the push for a job in the rotation. "Hes been a good pitcher in the minor leagues," said Gibbons. "Every year hes pretty steady and he never really had that opportunity until he came here last year. If this is his year he makes it and he goes on to have a good year, hell be a big league player and I dont think there will be any looking back.dddddddddddd" DRABEK UNHAPPY WITH PERFORMANCE Kyle Drabek was visibly upset with his first spring performance, a line that looked like this: 1.2IP/1ER/1H/3BB/1K. In his only full inning of work, Drabek threw 11 pitches but only four for strikes. A candidate for that final rotation spot, he was most bothered by the lack of command. "Ive had it so good in all the bullpens," said Drabek. "Its just frustrating for me to kind of fall back into being wild a little bit. I know what I can do and thats not me." "Kyles whole thing, get it into the zone and hes fine," said Gibbons. "Hes had a long layoff through the surgery. He pitched some last year but in a lot of ways, hes been out for so long it may be something that he can build back into." The 26-year-old has a history of control problems. Hes averaged 5.8 walks per nine innings over 169 1/3 big league innings. Returning from Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery last season, Drabek vastly improved his walk rate, issuing just six bases on balls over 43 innings. BAUTISTA IMPRESSIVE It took Jose Bautista all of three pitches to appear in midseason form. He smacked a 2-0, Roberto Hernandez fastball out of the park, literally. The drive to left field cleared the Phillies bullpen, the walkway behind the bullpen and the fence beyond the walkway. "I dont know, for whatever reason, I feel like Im seeing (the ball) better," said Bautista. "Theres nothing that I could have done different. Im not going to go to play winter ball right now. Its kind of odd because I havent played since August. But Im not complaining." CABRERA LIKELY TO HIT SECOND Its not even March, everyone is healthy, and manager John Gibbons is able to envision putting together a full lineup, something he wasnt able to do all of last season. Jose Reyes will lead off and, as the plan was at this time last year, Melky Cabrera has the inside track to bat behind him. "The only real downfall is he does hit a lot of ground balls but you look at what hes done the last few years, take away last year, and hes been one of the better hitters in baseball," said Gibbons. "We like guys there that can get a lot of hits. Hes a switch-hitter, he can manipulate the bat a little bit, he knows how to do those things. Ideally, if hes the player we expect him to be, than hed be a good guy for that spot." One thing Cabrera doesnt do often is walk, an ideal trait of a two-hole hitter and something that would get him on base more often ahead of sluggers Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion. After walking 56 times in 2006, his first full year in the big leagues, Cabrera hasnt had more than 43 bases on balls in a season. A HEALTHY PERSPECTIVE Nobody wants to read about or hear about injury as an excuse for the Jays disappointing 2013 year. But a little perspective never hurt anyone, either. Last season, manager John Gibbons had these six players – Jose Reyes, Melky Cabrera, Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion, Colby Rasmus and Brett Lawrie – in the lineup at the same time on only eight occasions all year. It happened over an 11-day period, starting on July 21 and ending on August 1. ' ' '

The NBA is holding a news conference on Tuesday in New York to discuss the investigation into racist comments allegedly made by Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling in a recorded conversation. You can watch it live on TSN, TSN.ca and TSN GO at at 2pm et/11am pt. The news conference is a clear sign NBA Commissioner Adam Silver - in the first real crisis of his short tenure - is both following through on his plan to move quickly on this matter and adhering to a request from the players union for some sort of resolution in short order. The Clippers host Golden State in Game 5 of their Western Conference first round series on Tuesday night in Los Angeles. "He should not continue owning the clippers," Lakers star Kobe Bryant wrote Monday on Twitter. Fallout from the Sterling scandal continued Monday, with CarMax -- the nations largest retailer of used vehicles -- ending its sponsorship of the team. The company said in a statement it finds the statements attributed to Sterling "completely unacceptable." "While we have been a proud Clippers sponsor for nine years and support the team, fans and community, these statements necessitate that CarMax end its sponsorship," it explained. Portions of the recordings were released over the weekend by TMZ and Deadspin. Silvers first step in the process was to authenticate that Sterlings voice is on the tape, and while the NBA has not confirmed that it is, Sterlings wife attributed the comments to her husband. "Our family is devastated by the racist comments made by my estranged husband," Rochelle Sterling said in a statement sent KABC-TV in Los Angeles. "My children and I do not share these despicable views or prejudices. We will not let one mans small mindedness poison the spirit of the fans and accomplishments of the team in the city we love. We are doing everything in our power to stand by and support our Clippers team." Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, the former NBA All-Star who is serving as an adviser to the National Basketball Players Association while the Sterling matter plays out, called it "a massive distraction" to the league. What Silver will do remains unclear. He works for the owners -- and so far that group seems to have no sympathy for Sterlings latest controversy. Among those who have spoken out publicly to condemn the alleged Sterling remarks: Washingtons Ted Leonsis, Miamis Micky Arison and perhaps most notably, Charlottes Michael Jordan, who won six NBA titles as a player. "Im obviously disgusted that a fellow team owner could hold such sickening and offensive views," Jordan said in a statement released Sunday. "Im confident that Adam Silver will make a full investigation and take appropriate action quickly." Silvers tenure as commissioner began on Feb. 1, replacing the retired David Stern. Silver met with Kevin Johnson on Sunday and heard five things that the players union wants from the commissioner. The list includes: - Sterling not attending any NBA games for the rest of the playoffs because of the "enormous distraction." - A full account of past allegations of discrimination by Sterling and why the league never sanctioned him. - An explanation of the range of penalties the league could bring against Sterling. - Assurance the NBA and the union will be partners in the investigation. - A decisive ruling. "Hes got to come down hard," Hall of Fame player Magic Johnson, who was referenced on the audio recording, said Sunday on ABC. The NBA constitution is not public, though its understood the commissioners powers are broad when it comes to dealing with matters deemed "prejudicial or detrimental to the best interests of basketball." A fine, a suspension, a demand for sensitivity training, all those and more are surely at Silvers disposal. Meanwhile, more audio may be coming. An employee in the office of attorney Mac E. Nehoray, who represents the woman allegedly on the tape, said the full recording lasts about an hour. The clips released by TMZ and Deadspin are significantly shorter than that. The attorneys office also insists that the recording is legitimate and that Sterling is the man on the tape. Also on Sunday, the NAACP announced on Twitter that Sterling will not be receiving a lifetime achievement award from the LA Branch of the NAACP." Sterling had been slated to receive the honour May 15 as part of the 100th anniversary celebration of the groups Los Angeles chapter. Some players feel for the magnitude of the task Silver is facing. "What, hes been three months on the job? And he has to deal with an issue like this," Washingtons Garrett Temple said. "Its unfair to him. ... Its going to be a difficult situation for him to take care of, and hes probably going to act swiftly as he said. And he needs to do so. Its a very tough issue. A lot of different sides. But its more than basketball." Sterling has been the subject of many past controversies, but this, particularly at playoff time and with his own team a potential title contender, has perhaps generated more outcry than the others combined. Even President Barack Obama addressed the issue Sunday at a news conference in Malaysia. The next move will be made by Silver, and Tuesday apparently is the day. "This is a defining moment for the league," Kevin Johnson said. "Its a defining moment for the commissioner." AP Sports Writers Antonio Gonzalez and Joseph White and Associated Press Writer John Rogers contributed to this report. Stephen Curry Shoes Clearance . This week, topics cover the World Series champion Red Sox, John Farrell and what to look forward to this off-season. Wholesale Curry Shoes .Cullen scored the go-ahead goal at 13:47 of the third period and Nashville beat the slumping Dallas Stars 3-2 on Thursday in a game that wasnt decided until the last shot of the night. http://www.discountcurryshoes.com/.com) - The 12th-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes continue a four-game homestand at Value City Arena on Wednesday night when they face off against the High Point Panthers in a non-conference matchup. Wholesale Stephen Curry Shoes . -- The top-seeded Alberta Pandas set up of an all-Canada West final against arch rival UBC at the CIS womens volleyball championship after a 3-0 win over the No. Cheap Curry Shoes Clearance .com) - The Miami Heat will try to close out the Charlotte Bobcats Monday night in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference first round series.BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The NHL is already interested in Sabres owner Terry Pegulas $172-million downtown Buffalo hockey/entertainment complex, even though the facility is not completed yet. Commissioner Gary Bettman told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the league is considering the Sabres pitch to relocate the NHLs annual pre-draft scouting combine from Toronto to Buffalo. "Its something thats being discussed, and I know its something that Ted Black is vigorously pursuing," Bettman said by phone, referring to the Sabres president. "Its a work in progress. We havent made any decisions. But were taking the expression of interest very seriously." Bettman made the revelation during an interview regarding Pegula and the facility hes building. Its called HarborCenter, and is currently under construction across the street from the Sabres arena. In a text to the AP, Black said discussions with the NHL regarding Buffalo hosting the combine have been taking place for the past several months. "The NHLs interest in Buffalo is very flattering and it is another example of the ways that were trying to promote Buffalo and HarborCenter as an international hockey destination," Black wrote. The facility is set to open in October and feature two ice rinks, 11 locker rooms, classroom space and a high-performance training facility.dddddddddddd HarbourCenter will be connected to the Sabres arena and eventually also include a full-service hotel, which is set to open next year. The combine is run by the NHLs Central Scouting Bureau and is traditionally held in Toronto in late May. It brings together the leagues top draft-eligible prospects for testing and workouts that are open to the NHLs 30 teams. The testing is exclusively done off-ice inside a convention centre room. Some teams, including the Sabres, prefer to also hold additional on-ice workouts with prospects. HarborCenter has the potential to do both on- and off-ice testing under one roof. The complex is already attracting interest in hockey circles. Earlier this month, USA Hockey announced its annual All-American Prospects game will be played in Buffalo for the next two years. USA Hockey executive director Dave Ogrean has called HarborCenter a one-of-a-kind hockey facility in America. Ogrean anticipates HarborCenter will lead to USA Hockey hosting other events in Buffalo. The Sabres are preparing to make a bid to host the 2018 World Junior Hockey Championships. ' ' '

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. Kerry, Just watched the shootout in the Coyotes/Leafs game and I have to ask, why was the James van Riemsdyk goal allowed to count? All of the video replays we were shown on TV were inconclusive about whether the puck had entirely crossed the line or not. Neither ref made an attempt at blowing the whistle or pointing at the net and no call was made on the play as it was sent right to the video replay judges. Only after the replay was reviewed was the goal allowed to count. Paul Devorski told Coyotes coach Dave Tippett that he was sure it was a goal. If Devorski was so confident it was a goal then why didnt he signal a goal and blow the whistle? Why did he send it to the video replay? Their indecision and explanation do not seem to match up. Your insight would be greatly appreciated as it appears the Leafs were the recipients of the proverbial home ice advantage! Thanks,Chad Conner in Phoenix Chad, After witnessing JVRs ultimate shootout goal, neither referees (Rob Martell and Paul Devorski) signaled a goal nor did they make a waive off. Understandably, they appeared uncertain and indecisive as they searched to find the puck from underneath Smiths pads. The puck did not become visible until Smith wisely and carefully manipulated his pads from inside the net and kicked his feet forward until the puck appeared well out in the middle of his goal crease. Since no signal was made by either referee as required, I must assume they did not and could not see the puck across the goal line. As such, they were unable and unwilling to make an initial call. The only alternative for Martell and Devorski at this point was to pass the decision upstairs to video review which has become the safety net for the official. Video review rendered an inconclusive verdict since no camera angle was available to clearly demonstrate the puck crossing the goal line due to the obstructed view from Smiths pads! The call then reverted back to the referee(s) on the ice for a final decision. Referee Rob Martell was on the head set throughout the video review process. The referee was either provided with input and assistance from upstairs and/or Martell used common sense and logic to deduce that since the puck was under Mike Smiths pads and Smiths pads were across the goal line a legal goal should be counted. I agree with the referees ultimate decision in that it is most logical and probable that the puck completely crossed the goal line. I have personally stood on the goal line and signaled a goal when the puck was caught by the goalkeeper with his glove across the line and then pulled his glove and the puck forward out of the net. The puck was in the glove and the glove was across the goal line and inside the net. I also counted goals when the goalkeeper carried the puck across the line and into the net. I made these decisions immediately and without hesitation. There was no video review to act as a safety net. Even when the review process was implemented I wanted to see the play and make the call. - This very late decision by the on-ice referee Thursday night following video review highlights at least two flaws in the current system. The first is that two different standards can be applied in determining goals. Video review must clearly see the puck across the goal line with an unobstructed view before they will verify a goal. The evidence must be unequivocal! If this cant be achieved video review personnel render an inconclusive verdict even in cases where it appears logical that the puck would have crossed the line. - The referee, on the other hand, as we saw demonstrate on this call, allowed a goal to stand by applying logic, common sense and the power of deduction to determine that in his judgment the puck had crossed the goal line. My recommendation is to provide the referee with the authority to review controversial goals at ice level (including goalkeeper interference) and have the final authority and judgment in these matters. The optics on JVRs ultimate goal determination looked ridiculous! Referee Martell (and Devorski) did not make a decision on the play in real time. Martell then spent several minutes communicating through a head set and staring into space. Following the inconclusive review verdict, Referee Martell was forced to render a final decision - one that he was unable or unwilling to make in real time! The Refs are supposed to make a call one way or the other in real time; let them also make the final decision through the video review process, As Referee Rob Martell demonstrated Thursday night, thats in their job description and what they get paid to do! Discount Nike Tanjun Shoes .J. Hardy to avoid a three-game sweep after blowing a big early lead. Odour had a leadoff single in the seventh and scored the tiebreaking run with the help of two errors by Hardy as the Rangers went on to beat the Orioles 8-6 on Thursday night. Cheap Nike Tanjun China .com) - The Miami Heat will try to close out the Charlotte Bobcats Monday night in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference first round series. http://www.niketanjunoutlet.com/. The (35-35-10) Jets have 80 points and are also playing .500 hockey on home ice this season with a 17-17-6 record. Michael Hutchinson will start his second straight game in goal. Cheap Authentic Nike Tanjun .C. -- Kevin Harvick won his first career pole at Darlington Raceway on Friday as he looks to chase his first Southern 500. Nike Tanjun Cheap Outlet . -- Canadian womens amateur golf champion Brooke Henderson is a little less starstruck as she prepares for her second career appearance at an LPGA Tour major event.Tampa was not the only place in the sports world this week snapping pics. The San Antonio Spurs also got in on the trend with a team shoot.dddddddddddd This could have been epic if they included their coach and noted curmudgeon Gregg Popovich in the shot. Wholesale Hoodies NFL Shirts Outlet Jerseys NFL Wholesale Cheap NFL Jerseys Free Shipping Wholesale Jerseys Cheap Cheap NFL Jerseys China Wholesale Jerseys Wholesale NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys ' ' '

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Houston has a LaMarcus Aldridge problem. The Trail Blazers All-Star forward has been dominating with more than 40 points in each of the opening two playoff games with the Rockets in Houston. Portland is up 2-0 as the series moves to Rip City on Friday night, giving the Rockets little time to figure out how to defend Aldridge. He opened the playoffs with a franchise post-season-best 46 points in the Blazers 122-120 overtime victory, then followed it up with 43 points in the 112-105 win on Wednesday night. Rockets coach Kevin McHale summed it up best when he said: "So far, hes had a hell of a series." Aldridge found success in the paint in the opener so the Rockets adjusted -- but so did Aldridge, who went outside to pepper Houston with midrange jumpers. Thirteen of his 18 field goals came from 10 feet out or more. "Hes making tough shots, hes getting to the foul line. Hes offensive rebounding. Hes doing the whole package and its tough for us," said Houston guard James Harden. "We gotta figure something out real soon. In game three, it is either we win or its over." Aldridge is the first player to score 43 or more points in consecutive playoff games since Tracy McGrady in 2003, and the first to score at least 40 in back-to-back post-season games since LeBron James in 2009. It almost goes without saying that Aldridge is the first Blazer with at least 40 points in back-to-back playoff games. "You can tell just by his approach how hes really dialed in and hes playing big. Hes really taken it upon himself to do all these things," Blazers coach Terry Stotts said Thursday. "Give him all the credit. Hes been wanting this moment for a long time and hes rising to the challenge." Aldridge acknowledged the team for his success. "This team in general just believes in me so much and they ride the wave so well," he said. "When Im going one through 15, they are all cheering and telling me to shoot it. If I pass up a shot, theyre all mad at me and I think having 15 guys having your back like that is great." Aldridges play has put Portland in charge as the team returns home. The Blazers havent opened a playoff series 2-0 since 1977, when they got the early jump on the Lakers en route to the Western Conference title. Portland went on to beat Philadelphia for its lone NBA championship Portland ranked seventh in the league during the regular season with just 10 losses at home. Only three teams have come back to win after losing the first two games of a seven-game series at home: The last was the 2004-05 Mavericks, who came back against the Rockets. Houston is 0-7 overall when falling behind 0-2 in the first round since the 1983-84 expansion. Dwight Howard said its no time to panic. "Weve played against Portland in the regular season and we were successful. We just got to play basketball. We cant look back. We have to stay positive," he said. "They (Portland) won two games but its the first to four and we cant let our heads down. We dug a hole but we can always get out of it." Howard had 32 points and 14 rebounds in Wednesdays loss, while Harden had 18 points. Harden was the leagues top shooting guard in the regular season, but hes 14 of 47 from the field in the playoffs for his worst two-game stretch of the season. Part of that is due to Portlands Wesley Matthews and Nicolas Batum taking turns at shutting him down. "Weve done a good job guarding without fouling and one thing about playoff basketball is that everybody has the every possession mentality," Stotts said. "We didnt fall asleep on him and I dont think he got a lot of easy looks and every great player in this league, you just want to make them work and I think Nick and Wes in particular really have made him work." For his part, Harden isnt really concerned about a slump. Hes more focused on the Blazers -- and stopping Aldridge. "Im not worried about my offence, Im worried about our defence, our defence as a team. When we get stops and get out in transition everybody feels good about themselves and thats when the assists flow in and things start going well," he said. "If we cant get stops it makes it more difficult. They are a very good team." Jessie Bates III Jersey . Plata blasted a rising shot to the upper left corner for his team-leading seventh goal of the season. He got the kick after referee Allen Chapman ruled Chris Tierney fouled John Stertzer in the penalty area. Preston Brown Jersey .Hammel pitched inside more and it helped him get into the seventh inning as the Colorado Rockies beat the San Diego Padres 3-2 on Friday night. http://www.bengalsrookiestore.com/Customized/. TSN 1290s coverage begins with Hustler & Lawless at 3pm. Rick Ralph hosts the Official Jets Pre-game Show at 5pm. Billy Price Jersey . Cox started the season with San Francisco, but was released by the team on Nov. 12 before being signed by Seattle, where he appeared in two games and tallied three tackles before being released on Dec. Cordy Glenn Jersey . The Brewers finalized a US$36 million, three-year contract with free agent third baseman Aramis Ramirez on Wednesday, adding a much-needed bat to their lineup. EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The New York Giants secondary has gotten a lot stronger in the past couple of days, and so has their return game. A year after missing the playoffs for the second straight season, the Giants continued to be a player in free agency, signing cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, formerly with Denver. Terms of the contract were not immediately available. A person with knowledge of the deal also confirmed late Monday night that the Giants have reached an agreement with former Denver Broncos kick returner Trindon Holliday. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because Holliday has to pass physical Tuesday before the team will announce the move. Holliday returned a punt 81 yards for a touchdown in the Broncos 41-23 win over the Giants in the second week of last season. The deals come just a day after the Giants confirmed the signing of former Seahawks cornerback Walter Thurmond and Chiefs safety Quintin Demps. Rodgers-Cromartie and Prince Amukamara are probably penciled in as the starters at cornerback, with Thurmond, Jayron Hosley and Trumaine McBride backing them up. The safety spots will be just as strong with Antrel Rolle, Will Hill, Demps and Stevie Brown on the roster. Demps led the league in kickoff returns with a 30.1 yard average, while Holliday was sixth at 27.7 yards. Holiday was seventh in punt returns with an 8.5 yard average. The Giants have been very active since free agency started last week. They signed running back Rashad Jennings, guard Geoff Schwartz, re-signed free agent middlee linebacker Jon Beason and added former Ravens linebacker Jameel McClain.dddddddddddd They also re-signed running back Peyton Hillis, kicker Josh Brown, Stevie Brown, McBride and fullback Henry Hynoski. "The main thing, bringing in guys from Kansas City, Seattle, you can see what theyre doing, trying to bring guys that are going to come in and lead by example," said Rodgers-Cromartie, who started in the Super Bowl along with Thurmond. "Thats always a plus." A 2008 first round-draft choice and 2009 Pro Bowler, Rodgers-Cromartie is entering his seventh NFL season. He has also been with Arizona and Philadelphia, playing with Rolle while with the Cardinals. "He brought me in, took me under his wing and took care of me," Cromartie Rodgers said of Rolle. "So to be reunited with him is just a blessing. I know the things that hes done in his career and the man hes become. Thats going to be a help for me." Rodgers-Cromartie has played in 92 regular-season games with 75 starts and has started all nine post-season games in which he played. His career totals include 239 tackles (205 solo) and 19 interceptions. Rodgers-Cromartie joined the Broncos last season as a free agent and played in 15 regular-season games with 13 starts at right cornerback. He finished the season with 31 tackles (25 solo), a team-high 15 passes defenced, and tied for the Broncos lead with three interceptions, including one of an Eli Manning pass late in the second quarter in Denvers victory over the Giants at the Meadowlands on Sept. 15. Wholesale Hoodies NFL Shirts Outlet Jerseys NFL Wholesale Cheap NFL Jerseys Free Shipping Wholesale Jerseys Cheap Cheap NFL Jerseys China Wholesale Jerseys Wholesale NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys ' ' '

Lewis Hamilton remains unperturbed by Nico Rosbergs winning run and says he has a real positive feel about his own start to 2016. Rosbergs career-best sequence of wins from the end of last season continued at the Australian GP a fortnight ago, with Hamiltons return to pole for the first time in six months compromised by a poor start.But up until his botched getaway in the race, the world champion had topped every session in Melbourne. Hamilton also eventually finished second to Rosberg, despite at one point running as low as seventh. Bahrain GP on Sky Sports TV times and full schedule for this weekends race Rosberg - who on Thursday likened himself to football underdogs-turned-pacesetters Leicester City - has now won the last four races either side of the winter break, but his Mercedes team-mate is not worried.Its not really weird, Ive had years where I didnt have any wins for a long time, said Hamilton, whose last went four races without a win in 2013.I look at the last race and all weekend was going fantastically well for me and then it was just a little bit unfortunate in the race. Lewis Hamilton sets the tone ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix... but not as you would expect. So I dont have any negative feeling towards it, I have a real positive feel for how the years started and the strength that I feel now is really going to carry me into the season.So Im looking forward to it unfolding and I hope that shows and I hope theres less unfortunate incidences like the last race.Lewis: Qualifying situation strangeHamilton has won on F1s last two visits to Bahrain, with his victory over Rosberg in 2014 coming at the end of one of the sports closest battles in recent memory.The 31-year-old went wheel-to-wheel with several rivals on his way through the field in Melbourne and told Sky Sports News HQ: There are lots of positives to take from the race. Ahead of this weekends Bahrain GP, re-live all the action from the 2014 race which saw Mercedes teammates Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton go head to head. The procedures we went through in practice, the time on track, the pace that I had, qualifying… there were lots of positives to take from the weekend and [I will now] see if I can do it again.In fact, Hamilton said he feels a greater sense of accomplishment when he battles back from adversity.Its the most satisfying feeling when you come from the back and you battle through, he told reporters. So in the last race I felt good coming back to second. Its definitely a better feeling than starting pole and winning. Every race live in 2016 Sky Sports F1 brings you every race live in 2016. Fast and easy online upgrade - click here. Also See: Bahrain GP live on Sky F1 Drvers want to be involved Air Jordan 6 Wholesale . The Missouri Tigers Defensive End and SEC Defensive player of the year is eligible for the upcoming NFL draft in May. Cheap Air Jordan 6 China .Y. -- AJ Allmendingers journey is almost complete. http://www.clearanceairjordan6.com/. - The New England Patriots needed help on defence so they added three experienced players at midseason. Cheap Air Jordan 6 Retro . Rinne had surgery on his left hip May 9 and recovered in time to start the season. He then had arthroscopic surgery on Oct. 24 because of a bacterial infection in his hip. Jordan Retro 6 Wholesale . The Kelowna, B.C. rink made the announcement on their facebook page on Thursday night.PARAMUS, N.J. -- Now that the majors are over, Adam Scott is going after the only big prize left this year -- a shot at the $10 million FedEx Cup title. Scott ran off four straight birdies in the middle of his round Friday, and then closed with an approach that settled a foot from the cup for a tap-in birdie and a 6-under 65. That gave him a share of the 36-hole lead with Cameron Tringale at The Barclays. Three dozen players were within five shots of the lead, a group that includes British Open and PGA champion Rory McIlroy. The worlds No. 1 player, going after his fourth straight victory, shook off some rust on the range and was nine shots better than his opening round with a 65. Scott won The Barclays a year ago at Liberty National, and it felt like a bonus in a year in which he won his first major at the Masters. He never had a serious chance at any of the majors this year, and he is looking at the FedEx Cup playoffs differently. "Theres so much to play for, and for me to be satisfied with the year, I need four really great weeks," Scott said. Scott and Tringale were at 8-under 134. Kevin Chappell (67), Brendon Todd (69) and Jim Furyk (69) were one shot behind. The group two shots back included Henrik Stenson (64), Jason Day (64) and Ernie Els, who is playing his sixth straight tournament and shot a 68. Some scorecards needed more than just numbers, starting with Phil Mickelson. Lefty took a bogey on the "five-and-dime" fifth hole, thusly named because Byron Nelson always used a 5-iron and a wedge. Mickelson, like so many other players, tried to drive the green and took a wild detour. His shot bounced into the grandstand, behind a row of seats on the thin carpet of the hospitality area. Instead of dropping into deep grass, he chose to play it out of the bleachers, right next to a half-filled glass of beer on a table. It went too long, over the green and into a bunker, though it gave the crowd a thrill. "It wasnt hard to make contact. It was hard to hit it on that skinny little green and get it to stop," Mickelson said. He compared it with trying to hit a shot off the cart path, except the carpet "doesnt scrape up your club as much."t; Mickelson birdied his last hole for a 72 to make the cut on the number.dddddddddddd Seung-yul Noh made a bogey by playing off the wrong green -- except it turned into a triple bogey because he didnt know that he wasnt allowed to hit off the putting surface from a different hole. His tee shot on No. 11 was so far right that it landed on the third green. Noh took a divot off the green, and a rules official drove up and told him the rule, which comes with a two-shot penalty. McIlroy kept his excitement to birdies. The 25-year-old from Northern Ireland said he took a week away from golf to celebrate his big summer -- two majors and his first World Golf Championship -- and paid for it with an opening 74. But the range session Thursday afternoon did wonders, and he went from below the cut line to within five shots of the lead. He also made those "Freaky Friday" rounds that ruined so many tournaments a distant memory. His last four second rounds have been 66, 64, 67 and 65. Thats more like "Fun Friday," and theyve put the No. 1 player back in the mix. "Its a very bunched leaderboard," McIlroy said. "Im still five shots behind, but theres a lot of players between me and the leaders -- obviously, a few quality guys at the top, Adam being one of them. So Im going to have to shoot a couple of rounds similar to today to maybe win this thing." Scott was so clean from tee-to-green that he shot 65 and walked away lamenting a pedestrian effort with his putter. He missed six putts inside 12 feet and played the par 5s in 1 over. No wonder he called that "some of the best golf Ive played all year." "It just wasnt my day today on the greens," he said. The top 100 from the FedEx Cup advance to the second playoff event next week outside Boston, with the top 70 advancing to third event in Denver and the top 30 going to East Lake in Atlanta for the Tour Championship and a shot at the $10 million prize. Lee Westwood kept his PGA Tour season going -- barely. He shot a 73 and made the cut on the number at 1-over 143. Because 79 players made the cut, there will be a 54-hole cut Saturday, only the second such cut in the playoffs since the new policy began in 2008. Wholesale Hoodies NFL Shirts Outlet Jerseys NFL Wholesale Cheap NFL Jerseys Free Shipping Wholesale Jerseys Cheap Cheap NFL Jerseys China Wholesale Jerseys Wholesale NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys ' ' '