Source: http://www.americanjuniorhockey.com/2011/03/spirit-lose-to-storm-playoff-series.html
Trent Hunter Andy Hilbert Bruno Gervais Dustin Kohn Andrew McDonald Matt Martin
2011年6月30日木曜日
Liverpool Target Swedish Defender Alexander Milosevic May Remain in Sweden
Alexander Milosevic, a Swedish defender playing for AIK in his home country, has been tracked by the likes of English giants Arsenal and Liverpool.
However his agent has now stated that his client may remain in Sweden for the time being and take his time over choosing a potential move.
It had earlier been thought that Liverpool led the race to sign him this summer.
chicago blackhawks columbus blue jackets detroit red wings nashville predators St Louis Blues Calgary Flames
NFL Free Agency: Dawan Landry Would Add Reliability to New England's Safeties
By just glancing at the New England Patriots' very young and inexperienced defense, you may come to the conclusion that their secondary is set up to be their strength—which it most certainly was in 2010.
However, it you look even closer, the Patriots may have a solid rotation of cornerbacks in Devin McCourty, Leigh Bodden, Kyle Arrington and Ras-I Dowling, but the safety positions could be a liability.
Entering 2011, New England does not have a set-in-stone starting free safety or a strong safety. The Patriots do have quality candidates on their roster with Brandon Meriweather, Patrick Chung and James Sanders—but all three have been inconsistent during their tenure with New England.
One player that is set to become a free agent, Dawan Landry, could be brought in and immediately start at strong safety for the Patriots.
Landry has spent his entire five-year career with the Baltimore Ravens, where he teamed up with free safety Ed Reed to create one of the more feared secondaries in all of football.
One of the most intriguing traits that Landry possesses is his physicality and how he's such a major force in stopping the run. In my opinion, Landry is in the top tier of defensive backs when it comes to stopping the run.
Landry is coming off of a solid, productive season with the Ravens, as he tallied up 111 tackles, good enough for a career high.
In a report done by The Baltimore Sun, they speculate that due to the Ravens' history, they'll likely let Landry walk, as they did with multiple other strong safeties. The site also believes that Landry will be seeking far too much money, as they speculate that he'll be in a $5 million per year kind of player.
The one thing that New England has at defensive back is depth, with Meriweather, Sanders, Chung and the possible returnees of Dustin McGowan and Jarrad Page—but don't mark Landry off your list quite yet.
Landry has been more productive than any safety on New England's roster, which indicates that he'll likely bring reliability to the table along with another body in their secondary.
Projecting that Landry will likely be receiving offers for a lot money, it may seem like he is not a possibility for New England. However, Bill Belichick may figure that he'll certainly be worth the money as he's in the prime of his career and should be considered top-tier talent at the strong safety position.
This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net. Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter @ TonySantorsa.
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Wait, Are The Mets Actually Contenders?
The New York Mets have taken their fair share of insults in the past couple years.
In the eyes of many, they have been an underachieving laughing stock with a terrible owner and a horrible stadium.
But this year, they’ve found moderate success under low expectations.
No, they aren’t setting the league on fire. But they have a respectable 40-39 record. They’re five games back of the Braves in the Wild Card race. And, most importantly, they’ve done it all without two of their best players in Johan Santana and David Wright.
If this were any other team, fans and commentators would pinpoint them as a squad poised for a late-season run.
But this is not any other team. This is the Mets.
So as the team remains in the playoff hunt, the rumor mill is busy dismantling them piece and piece and shipping them off to destinations unknown.
Carlos Beltran is as good as gone. Francisco Rodriguez will be a Yankee by August. Jose Reyes is taking his wacky dugout hijinks elsewhere.
The specifics of these rumors are suspect, but the point is clear: the Mets are gearing up for a fire sale.
We see this with franchises all the time. A team builds itself around a promising nucleus of stars. The fans and the city get excited, expecting that group to be the one that leads them to a title. But a few years pass. The players get a little older. And all of a sudden the franchise stands at a crossroads, forced to choose between giving it one last go with the old gang, or blowing things up to start anew.
This is where the Mets stand, and the time to choose is now.
So which road should the Mets take?
The arguments in favor of the fire sale route make perfect sense.
The Mets are broke. There’s little evidence that this nucleus can win a title. And they have some valuable pieces that they ought to turn into young prospects before they go into free agency.
But these arguments are contingent upon the Mets having no chance of winning the World Series this year.
And as crazy as it sounds, the Mets can win the World Series this year.
Teams like the 2010 Giants and 2007 Rockies show that middling regular-season teams can get hot at the right time and make deep playoffs runs.
As long as you are in the playoff race come September, you have a chance of catching fire and going all the to the World Series.
We can debate whether or not this is good for baseball, but it is an undeniable fact of the contemporary game.
Despite their faults, the Mets have the requisite talent to make a run like this. They have a handful of star hitters who’ve proved they can get hot for a month. And they have one of the best pitchers in baseball coming off the DL later this summer.
Not many National League teams can say that.
So while the Mets chances may be slim. They owe it to themselves and their fans to give this group one last shot at making a playoff run.
I can’t believe I’m saying it, but the Mets are contenders.
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See Also:
- The Mets Smack Two Grand Slams Against The Tigers
- Mets Hitters Continue To Eviscerate The Detroit Tigers Pitchers
- A Source Is Claiming That MLB Will File A Motion To Seize The Dodgers
Alex Hinshaw Ramon Ramirez Sergio Romo Brian Wilson Eli Whiteside Mike Fontenot
UFC 132 Preview: Shane Roller vs. "The Young Assassin" Melvin Guillard
One preliminary fight that could steal the show at UFC 132 will pit the striking ability of "The Young Assassin" Melvin Guillard against the wrestling ability of Shane Roller. This match is extremely valuable for both individuals because a win places one of them at the top of the lightweight rankings with a possible positioning for a top contender spot.
Shane Roller possesses the one attribute that has been the Achilles heel of Melvin Guillard which of course is the ability to take the fight to the ground. Roller was a three-time Division 1 All-American wrestler from Oklahoma State University and captained the 2003 NCAA championship team.
Roller has proven his ability to finish fights once he gets his opponent to the ground and will look to do the same to Guillard. Out of Roller's 10 wins, six of them have come via either guillotine or rear-naked chokes.
Though he has won the majority of his fights when they have touched the ground, Roller displayed knockout punching power also. Against Thiago Tavares, Roller threw a straight right hand that ended Tavares' night which earned his third win by knockout in his UFC debut.
Don't expect Roller to stand and trade with Guillard because if we are talking about punching power, make no mistake, Melvin Guillard is the most dangerous striker in the lightweight division. Guillard blends a mixture of power and speed that is unmatched in the division.
Guillard has proven this by posting 18 wins by form of knockout in 28 wins. This all depends on which record you reference of course as the UFC has him listed at 45-9-3 with one no-contest.
Of his eight professional losses, Guillard has been submitted seven times. This has been seemingly the only weakness that he displays but where there is a weakness, there is a solution.
The solution for Guillard is the fact that he has acknowledged this fact and taken the proper steps to improve upon it. Guillard joined up with Greg Jackson after a submission loss to Nate Diaz and hasn't looked back since.
Guillard has won all four fights since joining with Greg Jackson. Not only has his submission defense improved but his all-around game has too. Guillard has shown greater patience and probably turned in the best performances of his career during his tenure with Jackson.
A win for either fighter puts them in the most congested title picture possibly ever seen. Contenders such as Ben Henderson, Dennis Siver, Jim Miller, Clay Guida and Gray Maynard are all awaiting their chance at lightweight champion Frankie Edgar.
A win for Roller puts him right in the mix with the contenders previously mentioned but a dominant win for Guillard could leap-frog him to the very top of the division.
Texas Rangers Toronto Blue Jays chicago blackhawks columbus blue jackets detroit red wings nashville predators
2011 NBA Draft a Bust for Chicago Bulls' Fans: Where Does Team Go from Here?
Every Bulls fan, and more than enough Heat haters, wants the Bulls to improve at shooting guard.. The draft pulled to be a wasted opportunity, as Chicago didn't select a single 2-guard. At best, they have a long-term prospect and a back-up to Luol Deng.
What Chicago did do, however, is better their ability to find a veteran shooting guard if and when the CBA is finalized. By stashing their prospect Nikola Mirotic in Europe for a couple of seasons, the Bulls only have to pay one first-round pick. This frees up more cap space for the Bulls to snatch a solid player via free agency or trade.
So, who are the best post-draft options? Let's take a look at the top five.
Javier Lopez Alex Hinshaw Ramon Ramirez Sergio Romo Brian Wilson Eli Whiteside
Packers Jermichael Finley Worth the Fantasy Risk?
Jermichael Finley is an enigma. When he is playing, there aren?t many tight ends with his skill set. He?s 6?5??, 247 with great speed, hands, and the athleticism to make acrobatic catches. It?s almost unfair because he?s far too quick for linebackers and far too powerful for defensive backs. Yet, he has been plagued with [...]
Source: http://www.thesportsbank.net/nfl/packers-jermichael-finley-worth-the-fantasy-risk/
Tyler Eckford Mark Fraser Andy Greene zach Parise bryce Salvador Wade Belak
Rafael Nadal: Is Nadal Poised to Take over Roger Federer's Wimbledon Throne?
Rafael Nadal on the Fast Track to Third Wimbledon Title
We all know Rafael Nadal is the "King of Clay." He earned that right by winning a record-tying six French Open titles.
However, we might just have to also start calling Nadal the "King of Grass" at the rate he's going.
In case you missed it, Nadal punched his ticket to the Wimbledon semifinals on Wednesday, beating American Mardy Fish 6-3, 6-2, 5-7, 6-4. Despite the fact he came into the match with a tender left foot, which he injured in the fourth round against Juan Martin del Potro, Nadal looked like his typical self during his quarterfinal romp. And that is to say he looked quite good.
Not including the 2009 tournament, which Nadal sat out with sore knees, the 25-year-old Spaniard has now made it as far as the semifinals in five straight Wimbledon tournaments. He has won the tournament each of his last two trips, and it definitely looks like Nadal can do so again to capture his third Wimbledon title.
The road is not entirely clear for Nadal. He will have to get past Andy Murray in the semifinals, and he will probably be matched up against Novak Djokovic in the final. Not exactly a cake walk.
But what the heck. Let's presume that Nadal is up to the task of winning a third Wimbledon title. What then?
Well, given the course Nadal's career is on, we would pretty much have to entertain notions of all-time grandeur. With three Wimbledon titles under his belt, he will be halfway to Roger Federer's total to six, and four away from Pete Sampras' all-time record of seven.
A long way to go, yes. But keep in mind that Nadal is still just 25. He can tie Federer by the time he's 28, and can tie Sampras at the age of 29. Sampras, for the record, won his seventh and final Wimbledon title a few weeks shy of his 29th birthday.
Of course, this means that Nadal will have to string together consecutive Wimbledon titles, which is not exactly child's play. However, do you doubt his ability to do it? Both Sampras and Federer proved that it can be done, and Nadal is the one man in the world that is capable of doing it right now.
To be sure, Nadal probably won't need to set any Wimbledon records in order to be considered the greatest player ever at the time of his retirement. There are some who think he already is the greatest player ever, and it will become official when he breaks Federer's record of 16 Grand Slams.
Besting the Wimbledon marks of Federer and/or Sampras will merely be icing on the cake. Or, if you prefer, another jewel on Nadal's crown.
Jason Arnott David Clarkson Patrick Davis Tyler Eckford Mark Fraser Andy Greene
Buccaneer Gerald McCoy Turns Transformer, Shows off New Verson of G-Mac
Golf has a "G-Mac" in Graeme McDowell.
The Bucs have their own "G-Mac" at defensive tackle—Gerald McCoy.
The 2011 version of G-Mac showed up at Josh Freeman's mini-camp down there Tuesday at the IMG Academy in Bradenton and you'd think he'd spent most of the offseason with Sgt. Hulka from the movie Stripes.
G-Mac, the 2011 model, is a lean, mean and more muscular fighting machine.
Baby fat might be okay at Oklahoma but McCoy found out last season that when you're up against the best of the best, you'd better be ready to get better.
This new version of G-Mac certainly looks more imposing, looks more like a top three draft choice should look and perhaps, just perhaps, he's going to bring a little more "nasty" to the d-line if and when there is a football season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
McCoy was the take-charge guy for the linemen during the first day of workouts and the good news is that two key defensive draft choices were there with him, first-round pick Adrian Clayborn and third-round linebacker Mason Foster.
It's too bad that Da'Quan Bowers wasn't there. He needed to see McCoy and see the tone that is being set by G-Mac.
That's a big thing with a young team like this. The Bucs need players to "set the tone." Josh Freeman's doing it on offense and make no mistake about it, Freeman doesn't want to be just good, he wants to be great and isn't that a great thing for this offense?
Good is one thing, great is another. There are a lot of good football players in the NFL, there are not that many great ones. Good can mean a nice playing career. Great means the Hall of Fame will one day call.
If you read enough and look around, there are different schools of thought on these player-organized workouts. But given the weather here and given the youth of this Buccaneer football team, these three days of Josh and G-Mac and the rest are very valuable.
Kinda reminds you of that moment from the movie The Dirty Dozen when Lee Marvin knew he had a team. The rag-tag bunch went from the "I'm not doing this and I'm not doing that" attitude to "we're not doing this and we're not doing that."
That's the one thing that's so very important to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at this point in time.
Perhaps that's Gerald McCoy's subliminal message to the rest of the defense.
Gander a look at his improved physique then look at his enthusiasm.
The defense needs a dose of both.
Toronto Maple Leafs Atlanta Trashers Carolina Hurricanes Florida Panthers Tampa Bay Lightning Washington Capitals
2011年6月29日水曜日
College Football 2011: 50 Hottest Celebrity Alums
Let's face it, summer is a black hole of suck for most sports fans. Tragically boring Major League Baseball is the only game in town, too bad it's impossible to watch on television unless you're drunk. The NBA and NHL both end in mid-June and football doesn't begin until early September- and the NFL pre-season does not count.
Obviously, summer isn't all bad! Irritating people from the office are intermittently gone, it's more socially acceptable to drink during the day, the best movies are released and ladies are walking around town half naked. Plus, college football season will be upon us before you know it!
Let's gear up for the 2011 season by counting down the 50 hottest alums from 40 of the NCAA's top teams.
Why is it out of 40, you ask? Because UCLA, University of Florida, San Diego State, and University of Arizona are bogarting all of the hot chicks.
Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/749220-college-football-2011-50-hottest-celebrity-alums
Detroit Tigers Kansas City Royals Los Angeles Dodgers Minnesota Twins New York Yankees Oakland Athletics
Next CBA negotiations might pit big-market owner versus small-market owner
So we understand that it?s the salary cap?s ?floor,? not its ceiling, that?s pushing smaller-market teams into the red?and the $15 million gap between the ?floor? and ?upper limit? was Gary Bettman?s idea to foist parity upon the NHL, as a sort of bonus in the NHL?s dream CBA that was supposed to fix every team?s financial problems?and after a weekend?s worth of discussion as to whether the NHLPA will bear the burden of smaller-market teams? desire to witness the a significant market ?correction? in terms of the players? share of wages and actual player salaries, the Globe and Mail?s David Shoalts offers the other side of the coin: if there is to be another lockout, Bettman will have a hard time selling it to the Board of Governors as owners are now splintered.
Via a salary cap determined by league-wide revenues, big-market teams are both making more money than they did prior to the lockout and are being demanded to toss large revenue-sharing checks and up to half of their playoff ticket sales to float the smaller-market teams?and the checks are blank ones?and the bigger-market teams feel that there?s no need to stage a lockout to screw themselves out of good business for their weaker sisters? sakes:
Those familiar with the league?s finances say a lockout is possible since new NHLPA leader Donald Fehr is not likely to preside over a huge decrease in the players? share of the revenue. But a more important negotiation may lie ahead. That would be a discussion between the big-market teams and the small-market teams about a more equitable way to cut up the revenue pie. That is not likely to be a pleasant discussion.
A big-market governor scoffed at the idea. He said a lot of the poorer teams don?t run their businesses well, and besides, it?s the big boys who pull in the money. NBC laid out only $2-billion over 10 years for a U.S. television contract because it wants lots of the Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers and Los Angeles Kings on the schedule, not the Predators and Blue Jackets. But, the governor said, the little guys still get an equal share of the $200-million a year NBC is paying.
He had some other examples, too, but the point was clear ? if labour peace depends on large-market largesse, forget it.
Continued with ?other examples? as to why the cap floor has pushed many small-market teams into operating loss territory?
Via a salary cap determined by league-wide revenues, big-market teams are both making more money than they did prior to the lockout and are being demanded to toss large revenue-sharing checks and up to half of their playoff ticket sales to float the smaller-market teams?and the checks are blank ones?and the bigger-market teams feel that there?s no need to stage a lockout to screw themselves out of good business for their weaker sisters? sakes:
Those familiar with the league?s finances say a lockout is possible since new NHLPA leader Donald Fehr is not likely to preside over a huge decrease in the players? share of the revenue. But a more important negotiation may lie ahead. That would be a discussion between the big-market teams and the small-market teams about a more equitable way to cut up the revenue pie. That is not likely to be a pleasant discussion.
A big-market governor scoffed at the idea. He said a lot of the poorer teams don?t run their businesses well, and besides, it?s the big boys who pull in the money. NBC laid out only $2-billion over 10 years for a U.S. television contract because it wants lots of the Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers and Los Angeles Kings on the schedule, not the Predators and Blue Jackets. But, the governor said, the little guys still get an equal share of the $200-million a year NBC is paying.
He had some other examples, too, but the point was clear ? if labour peace depends on large-market largesse, forget it.
Continued with ?other examples? as to why the cap floor has pushed many small-market teams into operating loss territory?
Anibal Sanchez John Baker Brad Davis Logan Morrison Mike Stanton Josh Bailey
David Haye vs. Wladimir Klitschko: 5 Ways Haye Can Pull off the Upset
When David Haye (25-1, 23 knockouts) takes on Wladimir Klitschko (55-3, 49 knockouts) on Saturday night, it will be the most-hyped fight in the heavyweight division since Lennox Lewis took on Mike Tyson.
Klitschko is the towering Ukrainian with a steely demeanor and technical, tactical approach that sees him wear down opponents in an emotionless and routine manner.
Haye is the young, brash recently-crowned champ hoping to unify the belts by taking them one Klitschko at a time.
If Haye follows these five steps, he could find himself halfway through his mission of dethroning the brother champions.
Minnesota Wild Vancouver Canucks Anaheim Ducks Dallas Los Angeles Kings Phoenix Coyotes
LA Dodgers: Will Bankruptcy Continue to Motivated Dodgers After 15-0 Win?
LA Dodgers Use Embarrassing Bankruptcy Story to Take Out Frustrations of Minnesota Twins
Monday was a roller coaster ride of a day for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The day started with the team officially filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Delaware court. That led to endless coverage discussing how bad the situation had got and why this was such a debacle.
But the game stops for nobody and the Dodgers traveled to Target Field for a three game Interleague series with the Minnesota Twins. After finishing a disappointing 4-8 homestand, little was expected for them on the upcoming six-game road trip.
And that's why baseball is a great game.
25 hits and 15 runs later the Dodgers demolished the hapless Twins 15-0. Every single starter had a hit on the team and records were almost broken.
The 25 hits were the most by any team in the majors this season and equaled a team record for the Dodgers, who last reached the plateau on May 19th, 2006, against the LA Angels of Anaheim.
MUST READ: 25 Athletes That Were Terrible Actors
Were the players fueled by extra motivation?
It's hard to prove it one way or another, but it is pretty peculiar with the timing of it all. The players aren't stupid, they know they currently have the most dysfunctional owner in the sport.
After dealing with the tabloids about the situation for the past two years, maybe the bankruptcy announcement is the kick in the butt that fuels this team.
The old adage "nobody believed in us" works time-and-time again in sports and this Dodger team certainly qualifies. They are an afterthought in the NL West right now at nine games back in a weak division, but they still have time to turn it around.
The bankruptcy situation may have been the final straw that bands this team together for a magical run to the postseason.
Andrew McDonald Matt Martin Frans Nielsen Dwayne Roloson Jon Sim Jason Arnott
?Jagr Watch?: Penguins, Jagr?s agent to meet, discuss contract
Hopefully this news from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review?s Josh Yohe will put to rest a saga that?s been overly dramatic for both Red Wings and Penguins fans to put up with over the past few weeks:
The Penguins will speak with Jaromir Jagr?s agent about a contract this afternoon. Petr Svoboda, Jagr?s agent, confirmed that he is set to have a meeting with Penguins general manager Ray Shero today.
?We are meeting this afternoon to talk about a deal,? Svoboda said. ?Hopefully by tomorrow, we will know something.?
Earlier today, the Penguins signed Pascal Dupuis to a two-year, $3 million deal. They have just under $7 million left under the salary cap for the upcoming season. The Penguins appear to be targeting Jagr, Tyler Kennedy and Mike Rupp as players they would like to sign.
As a Wings fan I just want to see this get over and done with?And Yohe confirms that Svoboda?s willing to admit that he?s received a solid contract offer from Wings GM Ken Holland?
The Penguins will speak with Jaromir Jagr?s agent about a contract this afternoon. Petr Svoboda, Jagr?s agent, confirmed that he is set to have a meeting with Penguins general manager Ray Shero today.
?We are meeting this afternoon to talk about a deal,? Svoboda said. ?Hopefully by tomorrow, we will know something.?
Earlier today, the Penguins signed Pascal Dupuis to a two-year, $3 million deal. They have just under $7 million left under the salary cap for the upcoming season. The Penguins appear to be targeting Jagr, Tyler Kennedy and Mike Rupp as players they would like to sign.
As a Wings fan I just want to see this get over and done with?And Yohe confirms that Svoboda?s willing to admit that he?s received a solid contract offer from Wings GM Ken Holland?
Mike Fontenot Brett Pill Pat Burrell Jhan Marinez Anibal Sanchez John Baker
Tottenham Transfer Rumours: Latest Gossip on Giovani Dos Santos for June 28th
Tottenham Transfer Rumours Ponder Latest Scuttlebutt on Giovani Dos Santos
Tottenham have been trying to shop several of their substitute and squad players around for several weeks now, as manager Harry Redknapp tries to fund the club's rebuilding efforts this summer. One of the more prominent names on the "For Sale" list is that of Mexican midfielder Giovani Dos Santos.
The 22-year-old midfielder has fallen out of regular use at White Hart Lane, and prompted Redknapp to begin shopping him around to other clubs. Fortunately, the Mexican standout's brilliant performance in the Gold Cup has helped to drum up a market for Dos Santos, according to a report from the Daily Star.
According to that report, Redknapp is attempting to start a bidding war for the 22-year-old midfielder, who was the man of the match in Saturday's Gold Cup final victory over the United States, and has found a pair of worthy bidders in Real Zaragoza and Sevilla.
You may recall that yesterday, it was reported that Sevilla were lowballing Spurs for their seldom-seen midfielder, who has made just nine starts in three seasons with the club. But, with Zaragoza's addition to the bidding, there's a good chance that lowballing ends in a hurry.
In fact, Dos Santos told the Star he'd already gotten offers from both clubs.
Giovani Dos Santos, 22, said: ?I still don?t know where I am going but thank God I?ve had some offers.
?I will have to wait and see which is the best one.?
Spurs want a paltry �6.5 million for the Gold Cup standout, and with two clubs in the bidding, they should get it. Redknapp is excellent at working the system, and he should manage to get more than market value for the 22-year-old forward, who he seems so unwilling to play.
In the end, it's not clear who will win this race for Dos Santos, but if Spurs have multiple bidders, they have to be feeling pretty good about their chances of dealing him. Look for Dos Santos to find himself a new home in the next couple of weeks, as Spurs wheel and deal to get the best possible offer for his services.
Matt Martin Frans Nielsen Dwayne Roloson Jon Sim Jason Arnott David Clarkson
2011年6月28日火曜日
John Weisbrod Added To Flames Management Staff
Calgary, AB ? The Calgary Flames announced today the hiring of John Weisbrod as Assistant General Manager/Player Personnel to Flames General Manager Jay Feaster.
?We are pleased to be able to add someone with John?s experience to our staff,? said Feaster. ?Not only does he come with an extensive background in various disciplines of hockey, John has won championships as General Manager in both the AHL and IHL and most recently in his current position, leading the pro and collegiate scouting staff of the Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins. John has the current experience and knowledge that I need from the person in this position.?
Weisbrod, a native of Syosset, NY, joins the Flames after winning the Stanley Cup as the Director of Pro and Collegiate Scouting for the Boston Bruins where he has been since joining the organization in September of 2006. Prior to that, John spent the 2005-06 season as a pro scout for the Dallas Stars out of the New England region.
The Harvard graduate became the General Manager/Director of Operations for the Albany River Rats (affiliate of the New Jersey Devils) in 1993 and won the Calder Cup as AHL Champions in 1995. Additionally, he served as the General Manager of the Orlando Solar Bears winning the Turner Cup as IHL Champions in 2001. When the IHL disbanded, the Solar Bears owner promoted him into the Magic organization in an administrative position. However, he was soon promoted to General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of the NBA?s Orlando Magic for 2004-2005 season before returning to hockey in May of 2005.
?We are pleased to be able to add someone with John?s experience to our staff,? said Feaster. ?Not only does he come with an extensive background in various disciplines of hockey, John has won championships as General Manager in both the AHL and IHL and most recently in his current position, leading the pro and collegiate scouting staff of the Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins. John has the current experience and knowledge that I need from the person in this position.?
Weisbrod, a native of Syosset, NY, joins the Flames after winning the Stanley Cup as the Director of Pro and Collegiate Scouting for the Boston Bruins where he has been since joining the organization in September of 2006. Prior to that, John spent the 2005-06 season as a pro scout for the Dallas Stars out of the New England region.
The Harvard graduate became the General Manager/Director of Operations for the Albany River Rats (affiliate of the New Jersey Devils) in 1993 and won the Calder Cup as AHL Champions in 1995. Additionally, he served as the General Manager of the Orlando Solar Bears winning the Turner Cup as IHL Champions in 2001. When the IHL disbanded, the Solar Bears owner promoted him into the Magic organization in an administrative position. However, he was soon promoted to General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of the NBA?s Orlando Magic for 2004-2005 season before returning to hockey in May of 2005.
Source: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/wire/comments/john_weisbrod_added_to_flames_management_staff/
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New Orleans Saints: Six Most Probable Saints Headed for the Hall of Fame
There is no greater individual honor in professional sports than to be named to the Hall of Fame of your given sport.
Some people would argue that such an honor has been cheapened in recent years--especially in baseball, with the steroids era and the more liberalized voting standards. But football continues to hold to higher standards for its Hall of Fame.
Because of this, the honor of being named a member (or even being nominated) remains the ultimate honor.
Today I want to give Saints fans, and football fans, reason to believe there are six men currently calling 500 Airline Drive in Metairie their work home who could one day be enshrined in Canton, Ohio, and the Hall of Fame.
The order they are listed is irrelevant, as once in the hall, rank no longer matters.
Colorado Rockies Florida Marlins Houston Astros Los Angeles Dodgers Milwaukee Brewers New York Mets
Minnesota Football: 11 Dream Scenarios for 2011
The Minnesota Golden Gophers football program is entering a new era in 2011.
Jerry Kill is the new head coach, and he has fans and players excited for the future.
Excitement does not bring immediate success, however, and 2011 may turn out to be more of a transitional year with limited success.
Let's take a look at 11 dream scenarios for the Maroon and Gold in 2011.
Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/749407-minnesota-football-11-dream-scenarios-for-2011
Colton Gilies Justin Falk Robbie Eal Joe Callahan Bryan Allen Mark Cullen
Nate Marquardt out for UFC on Versus 4, Patrick Barry-Cheick Kongo to Headline
Nate Marquardt out for UFC on Versus 4, Patrick Barry-Cheick Kongo to Headline
Bleacher Report's Dale De Souza:
Say it ain't so, Nate Marquardt.
MMAJunkie's John Morgan tweeted earlier today that in an unfortunate and now confirmed turn of events, Marquardt has been deemed a "late scratch" from the card.
In other words, as MMA Junkie has verified, Marquardt will not be facing Rick Story tomorrow at UFC on Versus 4 in Pittsburgh.
Stepping in for Marquardt to face Story will Charlie Brenneman, who has not been in action since a January win over Amilcar Alves.
Original foes Matt Riddle and T.J. Grant both succumbed to injury, but Brenneman has not, although he will have the task of spending the next 24 hours decoding the game plan of the up-and-comer from the Brave Legion camp.
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Pikka Rinne Mathieu Carle Lars Eller Hal Gill John Madden Petr Kalus
Carson Palmer and the 9 Most Disgruntled Players on the Trading Block
The lockout has now extended to triple digits over the weekend and with the first preseason game scheduled for just over a month from now, time for resolution is growing short. A series of “secret” meetings between the NFL and the “decertified” NFLPA has hopes mounting, not only for fans but for unsatisfied players who have been biding their time, waiting for the lockout to end so they may be traded to greener pastures.
Sergio Romo Brian Wilson Eli Whiteside Mike Fontenot Brett Pill Pat Burrell
Dodgers Rally In The Ninth Against The Angels And Win 3-2
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Tony Gwynn Jr. had just stroked the winning single when his Los Angeles Dodgers teammates swarmed him in the dirt.
"It's fun to be on the bottom of those piles," he said, grinning.
Hitting in the leadoff spot, Gwynn went 3 for 5 with two RBIs and helped the Dodgers rally in the bottom of the ninth inning to beat the Angels 3-2 on Sunday, preventing a Freeway Series sweep.
The late-inning thrills capped a stingy pitching duel between aces Clayton Kershaw and Jered Weaver.
Pinch-hitter Aaron Miles, batting for Kershaw, drove in the tying run in the ninth on a sacrifice fly and Gwynn won it with his two-out single.
The Dodgers ended a three-game skid, though they remain nine games below .500.
"We needed a win," Kershaw said. "It's awesome any time you walk off. Tony came up huge."
Kershaw (8-3) gave up six hits in his second consecutive complete game, tying a season high with 11 strikeouts for the second straight outing. He also walked none in his 100th career start.
The 23-year-old lefty struck out the side in the fifth and his 128 strikeouts surpassed Philadelphia's Roy Halladay, who has 123, for the NL lead.
But Kershaw was still critical of himself, saying, "I got a lot of leadoff guys on base, which makes it easy to score runs. I've got to work on that."
Vernon Wells homered in the top of the ninth to give the Angels a 2-1 lead.
"You go from the bottom to the top real fast," Kershaw said. "That's the awesome thing about this game. A big swing of emotion, for sure."
Weaver allowed one run and seven hits in seven innings. He struck out four and walked one.
"I knew going into it that it was going to be a battle, and it was," Weaver said. "It was a pitchers' duel, which is always fun for me because I like that kind of stuff. We both threw the ball real well and they came out on top."
The Angels had won six straight at Dodger Stadium, including wins in the first two games of the series, when they outscored the Dodgers 14-4.
"A sweep would have been a little nicer, but we took two of three from them and we had a pretty good road trip," Weaver said, mindful that the Angels moved into second place behind Texas in the AL West while going 8-4 on their longest trip of the season.
Jordan Walden (1-2) walked his first two batters in the ninth before Jamey Carroll advanced the runners with a sacrifice bunt. Miles hit a fly to center field, scoring pinch-runner Dee Gordon on a close play, and Gwynn lined a 2-2 pitch into right to end the game.
"He called him safe and he was out. But you can't hang your hat on an umpire's call," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "You need to be good enough and play at a high enough level to be able to absorb a bad break here and there or an umpire's call. So the fact that we didn't get that call, sure, it means a win or a loss. But we also walked two guys to set up that situation."
Gordon saw it differently.
"I never felt the glove (of catcher Jeff Mathis)," he said. "I knew he didn't tag me so I just put my hand in there."
The blown save was Walden's fifth in 22 attempts.
Gwynn also had an RBI triple in the seventh.
Kershaw turned a double play in the sixth when Weaver's bunt was popped up to him. Kershaw caught it backhanded to the right of the mound and fired to Carroll, who caught Mathis off second.
Wells, who struck out in his first three at-bats, sent a 3-2 pitch from Kershaw into the lower left-field seats with two outs in the ninth, putting the Angels back in front 2-1.
Kershaw got his 11th hit of the season, a two-out single in the seventh. Gwynn followed with a triple to right off the glove of Wells on the warning track, scoring Kershaw to tie the game at 1.
Wells, a three-time Gold Glove winner, backhanded the ball near the right-field wall, but it bounced out and fell to the ground.
"If I make that play, things might have been different. I expect to make those plays," he said. "Weave was throwing a great game, and those type of plays need to be made, especially in close ballgames like that."
The Angels took a 1-0 lead in the seventh. Erick Aybar led off with a double to left field, barely getting his hand on the bag ahead of second baseman Juan Uribe's tag, with Aybar pumping his left arm as the umpire signaled safe.
Howie Kendrick followed with a single to center field. Matt Kemp charged the ball and fired to the plate as Aybar dove under the tag of catcher Dioner Navarro.
NOTES: Angels RF Torii Hunter missed his third consecutive game with sore ribs, although the team hopes to have him back in the lineup at some point during its three-game series against the Nationals. ... Dodgers OF Marcus Thames, who has a strained left calf, won't be going on the DL and could serve as the DH during the team's upcoming six games against AL opponents. ... Injured Dodgers RHP Jonathan Broxton felt stiffness in his right elbow playing catch on Saturday, delaying plans to activate him by Friday, when the Dodgers play the Angels again in Anaheim.
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See Also:
- Frank McCourt Just Declared War On Major League Baseball
- Tim Hudson's Effort Isn't Enough To Stop The Padres Hot Play
- Madison Bumgarner Strikes Out 11 Indians To Lead The Giants To Victory
Chad Moeller Jorge Posada Lance Berkman Reegie Corona Juan Miranda Colin Curtis
2011年6月27日月曜日
Busy Times In Tampa
from Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburg Times (Monday edtion), The (Brad) Richards drama is just part of what will be a busy week for Tampa Bay general manager Steve Yzerman, and what could be a defining one as well.
Center Steven Stamkos has said he is ?close? to a new contract. And Yzerman on Sunday, after the draft at the Xcel Energy Center, reiterated he is ?optimistic? something will get done.
But if Stamkos, who has a league-best 96 goals the past two seasons, is not signed by Friday he becomes a restricted free agent open to offers from other teams. Yzerman has indicated he will match them but that undoubtedly would jack up Stamkos? salary further than the $7 million a season most expect.
Yzerman also is negotiating with goalies Dwayne Roloson and Mike Smith, both of whom can be unrestricted free agents. Qualifying offers go out today to maintain negotiating rights with restricted free agents, of which Teddy Purcell is one. It already seems Sean Bergenheim is headed for the open market.
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Center Steven Stamkos has said he is ?close? to a new contract. And Yzerman on Sunday, after the draft at the Xcel Energy Center, reiterated he is ?optimistic? something will get done.
But if Stamkos, who has a league-best 96 goals the past two seasons, is not signed by Friday he becomes a restricted free agent open to offers from other teams. Yzerman has indicated he will match them but that undoubtedly would jack up Stamkos? salary further than the $7 million a season most expect.
Yzerman also is negotiating with goalies Dwayne Roloson and Mike Smith, both of whom can be unrestricted free agents. Qualifying offers go out today to maintain negotiating rights with restricted free agents, of which Teddy Purcell is one. It already seems Sean Bergenheim is headed for the open market.
more
Source: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/busy_times_in_tampa/
Arizona Diamondbacks Atlanta Braves Chicago Cubs Cincinnati Reds Colorado Rockies Florida Marlins
Charlie Adam Deal Gets Sweetened with Jonjo Shelvey Going to Bloomfield Road
As the Pursuit of Charlie Adam continues it is now believed that the Reds are finding other ways to meet the Tangerines �12million valuation of the player. Reports yesterday said that Liverpool refused to go over �6million for the Scottish International, but today it looks like it could be finalized with an �8million cash plus Jonjo Shelvey one-year loan in the other direction.
Adam has been a target for Kenny Dalglish since January, and he looks to be closer than ever to getting his man. However, it is still to be determined where he will fit into the line-up as anything but a squad player.
Kerry Wood Francisco Cervelli Chad Moeller Jorge Posada Lance Berkman Reegie Corona
College Football 2011: Michigan State at Notre Dame and Sept. 17's Top 10 Games
Those of you with a landline, take the phone off the hook.
Send the kids to Grandma's, and get the pizza menu ready, because you're not spending time in the kitchen or even at the grill.
If you're scheduled to work, call in sick.
Sept. 17 is "College Football" in capital letters.
No conference games yet, but what a schedule. It's three days after my birthday, a biggie in itself (starts with 6, and not 6 or 600), and this schedule is the perfect birthday present.
Apologies to all those left off this list—and I mean you, Pittsburgh at Iowa, among others. Here are the top 10 games for this September Saturday.
Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/749055-circle-your-calendars-now-september-17s-top-ten-games
Minnesota Wild Vancouver Canucks Anaheim Ducks Dallas Los Angeles Kings Phoenix Coyotes
Brouwer Will Be Looked At As A Leader In Washington
from Katie Carrera of the Washington Post, Acquiring 25-year-old Troy Brouwer, a gritty leader who already has won one Stanley Cup in his career, might not have been the glitziest move that occurred over the past few days while the hockey world assembled in Minnesota. But it?s one that General Manager George McPhee believes will help Washington on and off the ice. It was the Capitals? lone trade during the draft, and they used picks in the final four rounds to select a goaltender, two defensemen and a center.
?We thought it was a really good move for our club at the right time,? McPhee said. ?I talked to him [Friday] night; he was really excited and sounds like a great kid. It?s amazing to feel that after a three-minute conversation, but he seems like the kind of leader that we?re looking for.?
read on
?We thought it was a really good move for our club at the right time,? McPhee said. ?I talked to him [Friday] night; he was really excited and sounds like a great kid. It?s amazing to feel that after a three-minute conversation, but he seems like the kind of leader that we?re looking for.?
read on
Mike Fontenot Brett Pill Pat Burrell Jhan Marinez Anibal Sanchez John Baker
Minnesota Twins Falter in San Francisco
The Minnesota Twins dropped two of three games during their midweek interleague series against the San Francisco Giants. It was very puzzling to not see Joe Mauer in the starting line-up. I understand that it was a day game after a night contest and that there is no designated hitter position in National League stadiums, [...]
Source: http://www.thesportsbank.net/mlb/minnesota-twins-falter-in-san-francisco/
Robbie Eal Joe Callahan Bryan Allen Mark Cullen Baltimore Orioles Boston Red Sox
2011年6月26日日曜日
Phoenix Suns: 4 Trade Proposals That Would Send Robin Lopez out of Phoenix
With the emergence of Marcin Gortat and the drafting of Markieff Morris, "Rockin'" Robin Lopez is sure to see his floor time decrease even more this coming season.
Despite many of his shortcomings, he's shown at time the potential to become a solid starter in this league, and there are teams certain to take that bait, given his twin brother's reputation.
So, who are the potential bidders in the Robin Lopez business?
And before you read, please remember these are only ideas and might be a bit Phoenix-sided, or with a disagreeable premise for you. If you believe so, don't rage out and scream "B.S." at the top of your lungs. I welcome a healthy discussion in the comments.
That said, here are a few suggestions on how to utilize Robin Lopez (and his brother's reputation).
Pat Burrell Jhan Marinez Anibal Sanchez John Baker Brad Davis Logan Morrison
2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup: Bob Bradley Must Be Sacked
I have been waiting months to finally write this one. I've been waiting too long to get this off my chest, and now, I have my chance. And so I seize the opportunity in the style of Giovani dos Santos, who made Tim Howard curse the day Pasadena became his manager's Waterloo.
Mr. Robert Bradley. You have made a most admirable, gallant effort in defending what little reputation you had left in this, you Waterloo, your Little Bighorn, your last stand in the Queen City: Pasadena, California. But all good things must come to and end. You realize that, right? Right.
Mr. Bradley, it is time for you to officially get the sack.
I, along, with millions of football fans here in the United States of America, have lost patience with whatever you had in trying to restore your name and notoriety. Instead, your career as our manager ends at the hands of our eternal rival, Jose Manuel de la Torre's Mexico, to the tune of 4-2.
I had lost my vote of confidence in you ever since the States were eliminated by Ghana in the FIFA 2010 World Cup Round of 16. This was your chance to gain my trust, my vote. Instead, the vote of no confidence remains as a result of a campaign that was no better than the last few times in international competition.
In the 2009 Confederations Cup, we surrender a 2-0 lead to Brazil and fall 3-2. In the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup, we get flattened by Mexico 5-0. And in extra time, we lose to Ghana 2-1 thanks to that lout known as Asamoah Gyan in extra time.
For a few fleeting moments, it seemed that you would indeed regain my vote, after leading 2-0 off of goals by Michael Bradley and Landon Donovan. But your men made the criminal decision of checking out after that, and Mexico, the tournament favorites (credit to them for playing their game; I called for them to do so, anyway), proceeded to score four straight unanswered goal, capped by a Pablo Barrera brace.
When you fail to let the concepts of sound defending permeate through the minds of small-timers like Jonathan Bornstein, it really puts a stain on your reputation. It really does.
These are the types of matches that put your job on the line. I am still stunned that Sunil Gulati kept you after the Ghana match. I will hold him in the same regard as the chavs of the corrupt Executive Committee that run FIFA if he stil decides to keep you. If Gulati knows what's best for him, he has to let you go.
And to be honest with you, it's been a great ride. We've had our share of success, highlighted by out 2007 Gold Cup victory. However, that really was the only accomplishment you have delivered fo0r this country, Mr. Bradley.
You could have had a second Gold Cup and even a Confed Cup to your records if your team learned to hold on to the lead against big-name opponents.
The world must give credit to Mexico for bothering to meet the expectations set. They were tabbed to win this tournament, and they had all the firepower they needed to get the job done.
However, that bears little consolation to me and to everyone who are fed up with you failing to deliver when it matters most.
Again, as I have said many, many times to everyone I know, all good things must come to an end.
I hope the US Soccer Federation investigates what went wrong from this and does some head-rolling while they are at it. They are due to make some changes on the fly after this disastrous performance.
So, Mr. Robert Bradley, I want to personally thank you for your commitment to US Soccer, but it's time for you to officially be...sacked. You'll always have Paris...and the Chicago Fire job. I hear they're hiring.
Right, Frank Klopas?
Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/748581-2011-concacaf-gold-cup-bob-bradley-must-be-sacked
Mark Cullen Baltimore Orioles Boston Red Sox Chicago White Sox Cleveland Indians Detroit Tigers
NBA Draft: Irving, Williams Go 1-2 Overall On A Quiet Night
Updated 10:30 p.m.The first round has come to a close. The numbers say that no relevant players will get picked in the second round, but we’ll stay tuned and see if any trades are made.
Jordan Hamilton went 26 to the Mavs. JaJuan Johnson went 27 to the Nets (and was then traded to the Celtics). Norris Cole must be an awful, awful person because the Heat traded for him at 28. Cory Joseph went 29 to the Spurs. And Jimmy Butler rounded off the first round at pick No. 30 to Chicago.
Updated 10:00 p.m.
The Timberwolves just landed Brad Miller, which would have been a great move in 2002. They gave up Johnny Flynn and swapped foreign dudes with Houston as part of the deal.
The Blazers took Nolan Smith at 21. The Nuggets got rebounding aficionado Kenneth Faried at 22. The Rockets picked the foreign guy that they promptly traded to Houston at 23. The Thunder got Boston College guard Reggie Jackson at 24. And the Celtics picked Marshon Brooks at 25.
Updated 9:30 p.m.
Finally, a trade. The Pacers will send 15th overall pick Kawhi Leonard to the Spurs for George Hill, according to Chad Ford’s sewing circle.
In other news the Sixers took Nikola Vucevic at 16. The Knicks disappointed the crowd by taking someone named Iman Shumpert at 17. The Wizards picked the guy the Knicks should have taken, Chris Singleton, at 18. Tobias Harris went to the Bucks at 19. And the T-Wolves picked Donatas Montiejunas at 20.
Yeah, things are beginning to thin out now.
Updated 9:05 p.m.
No one is trading, and things are basically going as planned over in Newark.
Boring times.
We got some entertainment out of the Morris twins going 13 and 14 to the Suns and Rockets, respectively. In the post-pick interviews they seemed legitimately scared to be apart after 21 years of constant contact. This calls for a reality show.
Klay Thompson went 11th. Alec Burks went 12th, followed by the Morris’ and Kawhi Leonard at 15.
Ric Bucher better make some of those trade rumors come to life to spice this puppy up.
Updated 8:30 p.m.
Jan Veseley, Bismark Biyombo, Brandon Knight, Kemba Walker and JIMMER fill out the top ten.
That makes four international players in the top 10.
Before:
The Cleveland Cavaliers just took Duke point guard Kyrie Irving with the first overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft.
As expected, the Timberwolves took Derrick Williams No. 2.
Utah picked Turkish big man Enes Kanter third. And the Cavs fooled everyone by picking Tristan Thompson fourth overall.
ESPN has reported that Cleveland would take Jonas Valanciunas at four.
Valanciunas was picked fifth by the Raptors.
Stay tuned for more updates.
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See Also:
- Here?s A Roundup Of The Flimsy Trade Rumors Flying Around Before Tonight?s NBA Draft
- Forget The Hype, Foreign Phenoms Don?t Have Special Powers
- SPORTS CHART OF THE DAY: It Sucks To Have The Second Pick Of NBA Draft
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