Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Manchester City Are The Majority Owners of New York City FC, MLS’s 20th Team: Official

Major League Soccer has announced that Manchester City and New York Yankees have partnered together to launch New York City Football Club, MLS's 20th team that is expected to begin play in 2015.

Manchester City will be the majority owner of the new Club. As an investor, the Yankees will be an active member of the ownership group.

"New York is a legendary sports town, as well as a thriving global city with a rapidly expanding soccer fan-base," said Ferran Soriano, CEO of Manchester City Football Club, who will oversee the process of filling top New York City FC leadership positions in the weeks to come. "We are thrilled to contribute to the energy and growth of New York City Soccer. In the Yankees, we have found the absolute best partner for developing a world-class sports organization and a winning team that will carry the New York City Football Club name with pride."

"We proudly welcome two of the most prestigious professional global sports organizations to Major League Soccer," said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. "This is a transformational development that will elevate the league to new heights in this country. The New York area is home to more than 19 million people­, and we look forward to an intense crosstown rivalry between New York City Football Club and the New York Red Bulls that will captivate this great city."

While the news about Manchester City being the majority owner of the club is positive, there's still a lot of doubt in terms of where the team will play. According to Major League Soccer, the new team is arranging to play in an interim home beginning in its inaugural MLS season in 2015. Over the past year, MLS began discussions with the City of New York and other stakeholders about the possibility of constructing a new stadium in Flushing Meadows Corona Park (FMCP) in Queens. The Club's new management will continue these discussions with local government officials, community residents and businesses, soccer leagues, and MLS. The Club will continue to review other potential sites as well.

"New York City FC will have a permanent home in the City in the great traditions of New York sports and world soccer — a home that must be a sports, commercial and civic success," Soriano said.  "But in considering any stadium site, we will listen first. This is what we have always done in Manchester and what we will do in New York.  Only in this way, can the Club truly represent the City whose name it will carry."

Founder and publisher of EPL Talk, The Gaffer (aka Christopher Harris) is a journalist who has been featured in The New York Times, The Guardian and several other publications as well as on NPR, BBC World, CBC, BBC Five Live, talkSPORT and beIN SPORT. Harris, who lives in Florida, has supported Swansea City since 1979. Harris launched EPL Talk in 2005.

True Madrid compared to. True Betis: La Liga Stay Score, Features and Summarize - Bleacher Survey

Manhunter Liga: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid (Spain) 1200 ET, 1800ACET True Madrid welcome Real Betis to the Spanish capital on Saturday morning ahead of their midweek Champions League conflict with Borussia Dortmund. Los Blancos are minute in the dining table and will undoubtedly be willing to maintain their three-point advantage over local competitors Atletico Madrid in next. They'll be without Xabi Alonso, however. The midfielder picked up his 10th scheduling of the summer season in last weekend's 3-0 triumph against Athletic Bilbao. Betis remain in the search for a Champions League location, while sitting in seventh place, they seem a more reasonable bet for the Europa League. When the two sides achieved in Seville, a first-half Benat EtxebarriaAstrike secured a shock 1-0 win for the home sidea'Madrid will undoubtedly be eager to avenge that defeat. For a complete critique, mind here.

Via: The five best goals of the penultimate round of la Liga BBVA

FC Barcelona - 1, Levante - 0 - About FC Barcelona

Hamilton Academical Barcelona kept on with their drive to the Manhunter Liga concept with a 1-0 victory at home against Levante. We did left it quite late with the determining goal from Cesc Fabregas to arrive the second. The scoreline didn't just tell the story of the game as we dominated it from the beginning. We were careless in the second half, but Vilanova was intelligent enough to help make the necessary replacement so that you can secure the important three points. With this particular gain we stay thirteen things free from Real madrid and will require only two more victories to secure the league title. People were expecting today that Messi might get some good playing time. Nevertheless the medical group never gave the natural light to him. As per the medical group Messi is just 70% fit fit. Vilanova went with the usual 4-3-3 development. Abidal made his first official start after coming out from harm, and that was the best news for Barca supporters. We had Alves, Abidal, Adriano and Montoya in safety. Thiago, Song and Iniesta made the midfield group. Tello, Cesc and Villa formed the leading targeting trio. Xavi, Batra, Alba, Busquets, Pinto, Pedro and Alexis began on the table. Peek and Dos Santos didn't make the last group. We started the game developing our normal regular property benefit. In the minute Tello broke into the box and outline a cross, Thiago achieved it with a header which was quickly captured by Levante keeper. In after Iniesta took place in the frequency the 16th minute we were given a penalty. It was a poor choice and the owner made the save your self from Villa's fee kick, so you may say that justice was done. In the 19th moment Iniesta launched Tello on the left with a fantastic pass, Tello's combination was cleared by the defender before it might find Villa. Following the initial ten minutes a smart switch was made by us with Villa playing in center and Cesc playing behind him. That has been developing a little room for Iniesta to exploit. In the 24th minute Iniesta tried a roller from outside the field, however it was too near the keeper. In the moment Thiago picked up Tello wonderfully on the left but his shot could only reach along side it netting. In the second Dani Alves saw a brilliant long range free stop saved even more brilliantly by Levante keeper. In the minute Villa saw his brilliant volley blocked by the Levante defense. In the second David Villa had another amazing volley preserved by the Levante owner. The first half stats were simply amazing - six of them were on target and we had 12 photographs. Nevertheless the essential stats was lacking - The Goals. The 2nd half began in somewhat of comparison - we were fighting to control the game and Levante were having a far greater say in proceeding set alongside the first. We were pretty casual in our approach also. Levante had two good actions but was decided offside and these were fairly limited. In the 60th moment Vilanova made his first change getting Xavi Hernandez for Andres Iniesta. The concept was certainly could have been to provide Iniesta a rest ahead of Champions League semi-final. In the 67th moment Pedro came set for Thiago. In the minute Sanchez came in for Tello, who was fairly bad with his first contact through the match. In the 84th minute we finally managaed to break the deadlock through Cesc Fabregas. Sanchez yet again was the service for Cesc, both of these are experiencing some outstanding chemistry between them. In the 88th minute Cesc Fabregas had a decent opportunity blocked by the defense and Pedro's attempt from the recovery was saved by the Levante keeper.

More Info: The sherpas have reached Juanjo Garra

Guessing If Washington Capitals' Major Stars Will Improve or even Decline in 2014.

Efficient played in 35 video game titles in 2013, versus solely 32 in 2012. The Calgary native advanced his numbers from in 2009 by scoring 12 plans and totaling 26 tips. He also added 3 power-play goals.

Green led the NHL in goals with a defenseman, despite being the only real player among the top six of that category to play lower than 42 games.

For the season, Green averaged 0. thirty four goals and 0. 74 points per game based on Hockey-Reference. com. Exactly percent of his goals came in the power play.

True, Green has only played 82 games within a season once in this eight-year career. But for ones purposes of this activity, his 82-game projections influenced by his 2013 averages would mean 28 goals and sixty one points, with nine power-play ambitions.

Link: The Girona secures promotion to first

New Hampshire Fishing Derby Will Make Winners Take Lie Detector Test

The Winni Derby will be held this weekend on New Hampshire's Lake Winnipesaukee, as if you didn't know, and there's $50,000 in prizes for biggest salmon, biggest trout and, what, most congenial bluegill I guess. But because this is a landlocked lake, and they don't want any of the contestants sneaking off to secret fishing holes to bring in illegal catches, the organizers are bringing out the big guns to make sure things are fair.

"Due to the rumors and information on some of the fishing blogs, there has been a raised awareness that the possibility of some of the past entries for landlocked salmon entered were not fished from Lake Winnipesaukee," a statement on the the Winni Derby's website reads.

Who would cheat at a fishing derby? Plenty of people, as it turns out. Read here. And here. And the old lead weigh trick, here.

Marc Stein Says @ESPNStatsInfo: Harrison Barnes first rook to average 16 PPG & 6 RPG in single postseason (min. 10 games) since @DavidtheAdmiral in '90

Via: One hundred years of Tour of Flanders, a hundred years cycling passion

Carlos Zambrano and Philadelphia Phillies Agree on Minor League Deal.

The Philadelphia Phillies announced these people reached an agreement by using veteran starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano for the minor league deal, records Danny Knobler of CBS Sporting activities:

Zambrano has been with out team since finishing the 2012 season while using Miami Marlins. He created 35 appearances, including 20 gets under way, for the Phillies' Country wide League East rivals go on season. The right-hander went 7-10 which includes a 4. 49 ERA and 1. 50 WHIP.

Before his stint while using Marlins, Zambrano had spent his entire career with the Chicago Cubs. Starting in 2002, he posted nine straight seasons with a ERA below four. His temper often overshadowed his talent, however, which might help explain why he was only allowed to fetch a minor category contract.

The Phillies are looking for rotation depth after a good shoulder injury put ex - ace Roy Halladay on the shelf. They are at the same time without offseason addition Bob Lannan, who struggled in three starts before you go on the disabled list using a knee issue.

Cole Hamels, Cliff Lee and Kyle Kendrick are anchoring the staff at the same time. Jonathan Pettibone has recently been impressive in his initial five outings, going 3-0 with a 3. 41 ERA. Despite having his contributions, the club is short in the starting pitching department.

Only time will explain to if Zambrano is competent at filling that void. His numbers in the last two seasons, high ERA in addition to a declining strikeout rate, indicate it's a long taken. But the Phillies definitely believed he was worth looking for chance on.

If he can return to his past form, he would often be a nice addition for the trunk end of the team's revolving. Philadelphia faces an uphill struggle with the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals inside the division. Their margin for error is shrinking, so a switch was necessary.

Plans for what the team expects regarding Zambrano in terms of going him ready for major league action wasn't immediately announced.

Ping G25 Mixed Review.

Hybrids are those clubs that we don't necessarily need within our bags the way we'd like our putters, drivers and irons, but life sure gets much simpler with a good hybrid you can trust. Hybrids vary in your shape and design more than almost any other clubs on this marketplace. Some manufacturers prefer to include out hybrids that look like small fairway woods when produce hybrids that are usually more iron-like in their style and design. Then you've got PING who appears to cover all the bases with the different hybrid offerings. THP is sent PING's latest mixed offering, the G25 – let's investigate for yourself.

With PING you've bought vastly different hybrids from one line to another location. The G20 and I20 had been both solid hybrids inside their own rights, yet to me one of several more of a driving iron appearance and feeling to them. Personally I typically struggle with those types of hybrids. The G25 came in for review and I was quite content with see that PING went in the slightly different direction while using the shape and overall makeup of their newest hybrid offering.

The G25 has the now popular PING matte black finish they recently started doing along with some driver offerings and I affect love it. We're in an period of time where more color and more gloss looks like it's the norm for many clubs, but PING bucks your trend and comes at consumers which includes a stealth looking matte black finish that just screams entail. The gloss is there if you'd like it, but in really the only of the club, combining with the matte black to complete a gorgeous looking hybrid.

The G25 has softer edges and a shallower face to give more on the mini fairway wood feel to barefoot running than previous PING hybrid car offerings. I like this very much and I suspect many golfers will typically agree with me. The planning and shape of this G25 immediately provided me that confidence We need at address. It just feels right configuring behind the golf ball also, you know a good photo is coming.

Ball flight is custom-engineered through progressive CG locations. Inside lower-lofted hybrids, weight is low and oh no- increase the launch position and spin rate. Within the mid and higher lofts, the CG moves forward to minimize spin and keep the ball from ballooning.

The low toe together with heel sections are squared off to produce a generous hitting surface along with ensure consistent performance, especially on shots struck low in the face, the most well-known "miss-hit. "

Upon arrival, the G25 immediately went in the bag. Initially it was still winter months here in the upper Midwest, so my first testing came in the indoor facility on aboutGolf simulators. This provided me with a great opportunity to test the space. The model I for review came in 20 examples of loft, which just happens to remain the perfect loft to help you fill a yardage gap at the top of my bag. A hybrid is unique in the fact that you want them to travel far, but not too far. I have a attractive specific gap to fill by way of the hybrid that goes inside my bag. I'm looking for my hybrid to include yardages from 215 showrooms to around 230 showrooms – nothing more along with usually nothing less. In the simulator on day 1 from testing I hit quite a few shots that ranged from 217 to 227 yards. So far, I was quite contented and super excited to get it outside for real life testing.

Finally getting outside I knew a few things about the G25. I knew it was subsequently super easy to hit off an appropriate lie and I knew that it fit perfectly into a yardage gap between my own 4 iron and a 3 wood (off perfect lies mind you). A few things I was wanting to answer outside were the way in which it performed from different lie conditions, how it performed with some wind factored in and lastly how this straight/tight shot dispersion I found inside carried over. The first couple rounds outdoors came within the THP Texas Invitational within Dallas, TX. I used the G25 from the tee, from the fairway, from the rough and even from a bunker once (the bunker shot did not go good but we'll chuck that shot out).

As you expected, the most distance and best performance came from the tee box while using the ball teed up. Tee shots were simple to hit and shots journeyed high, far and specifically. Shots from the fairway and light rough were very similar to what I experienced inside simulator – very easy to have the ball airborne and I had a nice tight shot dispersion. Right at first As i noticed myself subconsciously holding back just a little to ensure that I'd attack the ball straight. The more I saw good golf swings, I started swinging much more confidently and aggressive and what I recently found was the ease of hitting good shots stayed intact. I liked that regardless of the shot I attempted cascade over the G25 was above up to the process. I didn't push the limits within the distance. I knew that 225 gardens was my range and putting a good smooth swing would put me at that time. Another area that My partner and i used the G25 many were for low trajectory punch shots into the wind, which seemed to be blowing pretty hard each time I've played so far this year. The G25 performs these shots very well with some predictable results with zero ballooning shots at all of.

All testing came together with the stock PING TCF 189H the whole length in stiff flex. This shaft weighs about 77g and is told offer a mid release angle. As with the vast majority of stock shaft offerings with PING lately, this shaft above lives up to your billing. I think this may be a great pairing for this approach club. It delivers on that will mid launch promise if you are not even bordering on more associated with a mid-high trajectory shot. I need the ball flight I get from the G25. I was able to get the ball high, which led to a nice soft landing on shots on the green. On shots off the tee however I was able to manipulate my ball flight to bring it down, which concluded in some nice rollout for quite a few overall great distances.

I'm not alone in the point that I count on your hybrids to perform quite a few shots during any presented round of golf. There should be no end to the versatility of an good hybrid and that certainly is very much the case with a G25. I know considerably people liked the G20 in addition to I20 lines, but Everybody was thrilled to see PING go in more of a softer-edged, shallower-faced mini fairway wood looking hybrid while using G25. It fit into my bag seamlessly exactly where the yardages that I needed from it and it definitely looks like it'll be staying put for a long time. Every time someone else got a hold of this club for when their reaction was similar in respect to their fondness to your look. It's simply an attractive looking golf club – simple as that.

The the main G25 that I'm most impressed with is the consistency. I was absolutely serious when i said earlier that your entire first testing experience while using the club resulted in upwards of 20 balls that fell between a distance gap of 10 yards. I would be happy with that kind of consistency out of an 8 iron, not to say a hybrid. The consistency is what shines, but don't overlook the performance about this club either. It is a flat-out performer and often will certainly make there are many very happy with it for their bag. The G25 hybrid can be purchased now and comes with lofts of 17, 20, 24, 27 and 31 degrees fahrenheit. The retail price generally if the G25 is $199.

Link: Ferran Latorre mourns death of Juanjo Garra: "we have several times been close that it can rescue"

FC Barcelona vs Malaga: 100 points to finish off the League (4-1) - Catalan News Agency

The 100 point mark was settled early on as first Iniesta, Pedro and Villa combined for the latter to open the scoring after just 3 minutes, before Cesc did a lovely one-two with Iniesta to fire past Caballero for the second. Two minutes later, Montoya made it three with a tremendous shot from the edge of the box.

The three goals also took the team level with FC Barcelona's best goal scoring record, equalling last season's 114 - but there was more to come!

Malaga woke up after the third goal and with nothing left to lose began to threaten Pinto's goal Baptista had the best chance, but his effort ended in a corner and Barça went in at the break with the three points looking pretty safe.

Iniesta treated the fans to a beautiful goal at the start of the second half, with a perfectly placed shot from outside the box. Pinto was also in the action with a great stop that brought the Camp Nou to its feet, but he was unable to stop Morales getting Malaga's consolation goal from close in as he met a cross from the right.

With the result not in doubt, Vilanova brought on Thiago for Iniesta, Alexis Sánchez for Villa and when Abidal replaced Piqué the crowd gave the Frenchman a standing ovation every time he touched the ball. With chants of "Champions, Champions!" the Camp Nou crowd sent the team off after an unforgettable league campaign.

More Info: Neymar, a media with chiaroscuro for the Barça prodigy

Carlos Zambrano and Philadelphia Phillies Agree on Minor League Deal

The Philadelphia Phillies announced they reached an agreement with veteran starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano on a minor league deal, reports Danny Knobler of CBS Sports:

Zambrano has been without a team since finishing the 2012 season with the Miami Marlins. He made 35 appearances, including 20 starts, for the Phillies' National League East rivals last season. The right-hander went 7-10 with a 4.49 ERA and 1.50 WHIP.

Before his stint with the Marlins, Zambrano had spent his entire career with the Chicago Cubs. Starting in 2002, he posted nine straight seasons with an ERA below four. His temper often overshadowed his talent, however, which might help explain why he was only able to fetch a minor league contract.

The Phillies are searching for rotation depth after a shoulder injury put former ace Roy Halladay on the shelf. They are also without offseason addition John Lannan, who struggled in three starts before going on the disabled list with a knee issue.

Cole Hamels, Cliff Lee and Kyle Kendrick are anchoring the staff in the meantime. Jonathan Pettibone has been impressive in his first five outings, going 3-0 with a 3.41 ERA. Even with his contributions, the club is short in the starting pitching department.

Only time will tell if Zambrano is capable of filling that void. His numbers over the past two seasons, high ERA and a declining strikeout rate, would suggest it's a long shot. But the Phillies clearly believed he was worth taking a chance on.

If he can return to his prior form, he would be a nice addition for the back end of the team's rotation. Philadelphia faces an uphill battle with the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals in the division. Their margin for error is already shrinking, so a move was necessary.

Plans for what the team expects to do with Zambrano in terms of getting him ready for major league action were not immediately announced.

Link: Neymar asked to be released from the 'Seleção' to sign with Barça

Make fun of Help Wanted Ad to get Philadelphia 76ers' Open Top of your head Coaching Position.

Not going to lie to any of you in existence... everyone here at a Philadelphia 76ers organization feels a little bit of disappointed about looking for a head coach just by posting a "help wanted" posting, but we are a bit desperate.

Going 34-48 and omitted the playoffs after dealing with the Eastern Conference semifinals the last year isn't what we were seeking to do. Our goal now could be to get back into a winning routine and you need to do it quickly.

As the majority of you know out in that respect there, Doug Collins was a former head coach of that team. We used his services for a couple of years, and he did some positive things for ones Sixers. Our defense became, the younger players started to blossom and he quite possibly taught players like Thaddeus Young to play at a new position.

Please see our qualifications for ones head coaching position with the Philadelphia 76ers and inform us if you have what it takes.

Sometimes life is concerning learning from your mistakes, and that is a factor that we will strive to undertake. One of our modern mistakes was hiring a man that hadn't been a good head coach in 6 years. In hindsight, it almost actually sounds like a ridiculous mistake. Why would we hire people that hasn't recently coached?

Our new guy needs to have been an NBA head or assistant coach withing one more year. The NBA is a league heaped with change and getting somebody that is current on how to coach is toward Philadelphia's success.

The Sixers went through countless changes to the rotation as the season progressed this past year. Some of them were necessary as a consequence of injuries or fatigue, then again, a number of him or her were random and didn't add up.

Philly needs a discipline that is willing to produce a realistic rotation and sticks to his markers. He needs to understand that there will be times when it determines and times when it does not. Making small adjustments can be needed, but completely revamping certain areas the lineup won't get tolerated.

Jrue Holiday, Evan Turner and Thaddeus Young are three our best players and each of them is 24 years old and also younger. If we choose to bring Andrew Bynum back, then you can find a 25-year-old to that catalog.

Our new head coach ought to show that he has experience with developing small players. Having the ability to instruct and help some of our younger players grow shall be necessary toward our upcoming success.

We truly believe we have most our future's core members already on this subject team. The problem is that him and i won't get anywhere except they reach their potential and take us in that respect there.

It's hard position a finger on it, but the Sixers have been completely missing somewhat of a good competitive mindset for the past period. It feels like efficient okay with being just another team. "There are 29 people so we'll sit this season out. "

The only way to your top is to be able to get to the top. We'd like a coach that is established to fight through any adversity with the intention of being the top team in the NBA. We don't expect you to ultimately get there overnight, although the expectation to eventually arrive at that point is truth be told there.

If you meet the previous criteria and agree with this philosophy, then please find the Sixers' head instructing position.

More Info: Roland Garros: Sergiy Stakhovsky protest tweeting a decision of the judge in the party

NASCAR Driver Dick Trickle Took His Own Life In A North Carolina Cemetery Today

The web roundup for Thursday, May 16. Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. See anything that should be on SportsGrid? Send it to tips@sportsgrid.com.

Venezuela is out of toilet paper; awesome hitchhiker dude no longer so awesome; the younger Tsarnaev left a note in the boat; people go through great pains to bring KFC to the Gaza Strip.

Myles Brown Plainly put, Michael Jordan was an asshole. Probably a bigger one than Kobe. All this talk of his leadership is seen entirely in hindsight.

Ken Berger Most members of Doug Collins' staff have a year left on their contracts. Philly moving deliberately in search under new GM Sam Hinkie.

Ken Berger The Sixers are expected to interview lead assistant Michael Curry for coaching opening next week, league sources say.

Ethan Strauss Another distracting Kings presser? RT @JRAM_91 David Stern will reportedly be at Oracle tonight for Game 6.

More Info: The new 'pai' Neymar

Raul Ibanez in addition to Endy Chavez Deserve Much more Playing Time.

That 2013 Seattle Mariners season has become, well, mediocre thus a long way. The team has underachieved and is in the course of a six-game losing skills, including three walk-off cuts in four days with Cleveland Indians.

One of only a few bright spots that came to light during the skid ended up being the emergence of Raul Ibanez. The veteran outfielder slugged six home runs in as many days while travelling trip and reminded the baseball world that she can hit.

Ibanez got off for a terrible start, hitting. 158/. 213/. 298 in April, and was looking like he might be sent down to help Tacoma when Franklin Gutierrez brought back from his injury.

But the month of May is a huge complete 180 for Raul. He or she is batting. 333/. 366/. 872 using six homers and 15 RBI, cementing his spot on the roster. Maybe that's a hot streak. Maybe he was fueled by time for Yankee Stadium. Either way, he's earned a starting spot with the lineup.

Another guy who fills the box score whenever your dog sees the field is usually Endy Chavez. Believe the application or not, he gets the highest batting average over the team at. 289 and remains one of several only players with speed. He isn't going to wow you while using long ball, but he plays hard is a defensive upgrade with the outfield.

The tricky section for Eric Wedge can be, how can both worth mentioning guys see more taking part in time without benching variety player?

Chavez could take Jason Bay's put in place left field and Ibanez may be the DH over Justin Smoak, but Smoak is becoming his season back on course and taking him out from the lineup would only slow down that process.

Wedge are going to have an even tougher decision to make when Gutierrez comes once again. Who will be directed down or designated meant for assignment? Robert Andino is the logical choice, but he's the only backup infielder on the roster. Jason Bay is working the worst of Seattle's five outfielders and should be moved to help make room for Guti.

Wedge has no easy task find playing time for each of his five outfielders, each of whom deserve to enjoy. Maybe the answer will come like a trade for a good middle infielder or glass pitcher, both positions Seattle is requiring.

Link: Domenicali encouraged to overcome after Monte Carlo Ferrari

Monday, June 3, 2013

Excellent planning for Madrid - Bundesliga - formal website

DAsseldorf - Borussia Dortmundas 2-1 win at Fortuna DAsseldorf on Matchday 31 was, in more ways than one, the ideal warm-up for the biggest game in the clubas recent history. Mind instructor JArgen Klopp presided over a sixth group win in a line that leaves Dortmund just two things from promising themselves a second-placed end. Perhaps moreover, however, the players that starred in the 4-1 thrashing of Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semi-final first knee got a rest prior to the all-important return game next Tuesday. Undoubtedly with a watch on next week's installation, Klopp made as many as five changes to his group, with Mats Hummels the only real representative from the medial side that shone so brightly against Real. Little difference was made very by it to the Yellow Blacks, although, as a screamer from Nuri Sahin and a Jakub Blaszczykowski reach after having a cool team transfer were enough to see off Fortuna. A bit was struggled by awe with so many changes to the team, but weare all qualified and weall do the job asked people, regardless of who plays," described membership captain Sebastian Kehl following the game. aWe wanted to win to create area safe and to boost our confidence in front of Tuesday.a The only blot to the copybook was the concession of a late DAsseldorf target, while Robert Lewandowski was unable to increase his report of scoring in twelve successive group games. An indirect help for his compatriot Blaszczykowski will have been some consolation, though, and one thinks his mood will still be sky-high after his historic four-goal cart last Wednesday. The eyes of the earth will again be on the Poland international when Dortmund get to the field at the Bernabeu, and in view of the first leg effect, Klopp's men will be many peoplesa favourites to progress to the final. An altogether more cautious view was taken by kehl, however. aTuesday is likely to be very difficulta, he warned. aWe donat for one minute think that weave already managed to get to the final in London.a A 3-0 win for Real could see them progress at BVBas cost, and the nine-time European Champions have history in that regard, against a German side no less. In 1985, they lost 5-1 absent at Borussia Monchengladbach, but still experienced after winning the home leg 4-0. Such views wonat, but, be entertained with a Dortmund team unbeaten in eleven Champions League games this season. Amazement need certainly to create still another efficiency like we did in the very first leg," feels Kehl. Understanding that objective will surely be adequate to book their day at London on 25 Might and close a first Champions League final look since 1997. Tobias Gonscherowski

More Info: Rafa Benitez, new coach of the Naples

English football's longest-serving manager to follow Manchester United's Sir ... - Telegraph.co.uk

Jimmy Davies has managed Waterloo Dock AFC in the Liverpool County Premier League since 1963 where he has won 70 trophies.

Davies, who will manage his last game as Waterloo Dock AFC manager on May 28, said that he had enjoyed managing the club "tremendously" though admitted that he fell into football management "purely by accident."

The outgoing Waterloo Dock AFC manager said he had played for the club that was formed by a group of dock workers 1963 before being "found out" by his team-mates. "Early on but after six weeks, the lads found me out and, trying to be nice, said 'you can go and be our manager'".

The 71 year-old, whose claims have been verified by The Football Association, told the BBC he had "made the bold announcement it was going to be my last year ahead of our AGM, although I will still be on the committee" and that "time moves on [and] the modern age is catching up on me".

Davies added that, unlike the millionaires playground of the Premier League, the Liverpool County Premier League was "proper football" while chipping in that he did not "think Fergie gets involved in washing football kits like my wife does."

The irony of a Merseyside-based manager outlasting Ferguson and winning more trophies than the Scot will, no doubt, not be lost on Liverpool supporters who still rememeber the Scot's aim to "knock Liverpool off their ******* perch" following his arrival in England from Aberdeen in 1986.

Via: Rafa Benitez, new coach of the Naples

Orioles End Losing Streak; Gausman to Start Against Toronto on Thursday

The Baltimore Orioles ended their six-game losing streak on Monday, beating the Yankees 3-2 in 10 innings on a Nate McLouth solo home run.

The rest of the Orioles offense on Monday night came solely from outfielder Chris Dickerson, who hit two solo home runs. Both blasts were surrendered by Yankees starter Phil Hughes, with one coming in the third inning and the other in the fifth.

While Orioles starter Miguel Gonzalez pitched a solid seven innings in his first start after coming off the disabled list, it was Orioles closer Jim Johnson who picked up the win. After blowing three straight saves, Johnson pitched a perfect top of the 10th and only needed eight pitches to do so.

However, perhaps the biggest news of the night came an hour after the end of the game. It was confirmed by Eduardo A. Encina of The Baltimore Sun that top pitching prospect Kevin Gausman would be called up from Double-A Bowie and start for the Orioles on Thursday in Toronto. Jon Morosi of Fox Sports broke the story.

Gausman, 22, was the fourth overall draft pick out of LSU in last year's draft. So far this season in Bowie, Gausman has pitched well. In eight starts, he has a 3.11 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP, despite only compiling a 2-4 record.

After struggling in a couple of his first three starts, Gausman has hit his stride as of late. In his latest start, which came on Friday, he had another strong outing. Over six innings, Gasuman allowed only one run on four hits and a walk, while striking out 10.

The Orioles' starting rotation has been somewhat of a mess since Jake Arrieta was demoted back in April. With Arrieta's replacements not pitching well and with Wei-Yin Chen currently on the disabled list, it shouldn't come as a total surprise that the Orioles will have Gausman, who is MLB.com's 36th overall prospect, skip Triple-A and get a start in the majors.

While it's likely that Gausman's stay isn't permanent and more of a fill-in start, the 22-year-old can perhaps get a longer look if he provides the Orioles with a strong outing.

Link: FC Barcelona, the best Ambassador of Catalunya

John Smoltz Stops working the Best Baseball Pranks.

Tom Smoltz joins Behind a Mic this week to talk about some of his beloved pranks he's pulled and seen taken in Major League Baseball.

Check out among the best pranks Smoltz experienced in the course of his 21-year career and tell us which pranks you much like the most in the comments below. Remember to maintain watching more Behind this Mic, right here from Bleacher Report.

Via: Feliciano Lopez has just work to Marcel Granollers at Roland Garros

Tottenham Hotspur as contrasted with. Sunderland: Lineups - SB Usa.

Tottenham Hotspur must beat Sunderland in order to have any chance of beating Arsenal for the fourth and final Champs League spot. Fortunately, it's Sunderland and White Hart Isle, and the Black Moggies have approximately nothing so that you can play for after Wigan Athletic's midweek relegation. Truly, their bench looks as it was selected via some sort of random name generator.

So, expect an easy Spurs gain, unless they find out Arsenal are losing, in which case they'll probably Spurs things up a lttle bit.

Tottenham Hotspur starting collection (4-2-3-1): Hugo Lloris; Benoit Assou-Ekotto, January Vertonghen, Michael Dawson, Kyle Master; Scott Parker, Tom Huddlestone; Gareth Bale, Clint Dempsey, Aaron Lennon; Emmanuel Adebayor.

Substitutes from: Brad Friedel, Steven Caulker, Kyle Naughton, Moussa Dembele, Lewis Holtby, Gylfi Sigurdsson, Jermain Defoe.

Sunderland beginning lineup (4-4-2): Simon Mignolet; Sebastian Larsson, Carlos Cuellar, Bob O'Shea, Jack Colback; James McClain, James Vaughan Alfred N'Diaye, Adam Manley; Connor Wickham, Danny Graham.

Replacements from: Kieran Westwood, Scott Harrison, Liam Marrs, Adam Mitchell, Billy Knott, Mikael Mandron, David Ferguson.

More Info: Nadal goes to second round at Roland Garros

'He is the better since Shearer': Ron Atkinson backs Wayne Rooney to keep at... - Mirror.co.uk

'A lot is being said about Rooney, but I believe heall be at the club for at least yet another two or three decades' says Big Ron Getty John Atkinson has struck right back at detractors of champions-elect Manchester United and their under-fire striker, Wayne Rooney. Many observers contend the Red Devils' development towards a 20th name has been smoothed by the inconsistency of AManchester City and Chelsea. No United player has come under closer examination than Rooney, who continues to be associated with a summer shift. But former United chef AAtkinson declared: aA lot has been said about Rooney, but I think heall nevertheless be at the club for at least another two or three years. As maybe the most effective skill place had since Alan Shearer, a striker who can perform to the greatest standard at club and international level I look on him. aHe is just a match-winner, a player who is with the capacity of Amaking a difference, and whatever folks are saying about United, they do however have match-winners. aYou canat criticise a team which are winning the league by miles. Maybe they're not as specific as a few of their earlier teams and if City had played regularly as they did in the FA Cup semi-final and the derby it could have now been more of a match. aBut on the year United have already been the very best in the League. United gain. And they take action significantly more than anyone.a

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Timbers keeps it dry and wins Players Championship.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — A weekend packed with sharp words between Padraig harrington and Sergio Garcia came into one last showdown Sunday inside the Players Championship, this one staged on the water in a minor, terrifying section of that TPC Sawgrass.

If there was special satisfaction in beating Garcia all over again, Woods kept that to be able to himself. What mattered was having an opportunity to win, closing it out like he does often, and capturing the richest prize relating to the PGA Tour for the first time in a dozen a long time.

"We just go to choose from and play, " Timbers said. "I had an opportunity to win the golf tournament while i was tied for this lead today, and I thought I handled the specific situation well and really played well today to look at really needed to. That's something I'm excited regarding this. "

Woods allowed the end hour to turn in a tense duel by hooking his tee shot into the water on the fourteenth hole for double bogey. But his short performance bailed him out to save par on the 15th and generate a critical birdie on that 16th, and he was solid relating to the final two holes in a 2-under 70.

Garcia was located on the 17th tee chance, staring across to the island green to enjoy Woods make his par. He took aim in the flag with his sand iron and hung his brain when he saw a ball splashed down in need of the green. Then, Garcia hit another one in the water on his technique to a quadruple-bogey 7. The meltdown was finished when Garcia hit his tee shot inside the water on the eighteenth.

"It's always nice to get a chance at beating a No. 1 player globally, but unfortunately for me, I wasn't able to this week, " Garcia proclaimed.

Woods was in a scoring trailer when he watched on TV as Swedish rookie David Lingmerth missed a tough birdie putt that would have forced a playoff. It raced from the cup, and Lingmerth three-putted to get bogey.

He won The Players for the first time since 2001 and grew to be the fifth multiple winner at Sawgrass for the reason that Players moved to this particular former swamp in 1982. It was eventually his 78th career win in the PGA Tour, four except the record held simply by Sam Snead. And it was his first time winning in reference to his girlfriend, Olympic ski champion Lindsey Vonn, at this tournament.

Lingmerth closed with a 72 and finished two shots behind along with Kevin Streelman (67) in addition to Jeff Maggert, who also was tied for any lead until finding the tank on the 17th for making double bogey. The 49-year-old Maggert birdied the 18th for the 70.

There was a four-way tie for any lead after Woods built his double bogey, as well as the infamous 17th green needed out Maggert and Garcia. After Garcia went on the water twice, Lingmerth missed an 8-foot birdie putt that would have tied him for ones lead.

Given their public sniping at each other over the weekend, it's only fitting that Garcia had the very best chance to beat Trees and shrubs.

Their dispute started Sat when Garcia complained in a very TV interview that his shot within the par-5 second fairway ended up being disrupted by cheers through the crowd around Woods, who was some 50 yards away within the trees and fired them up by removing a fairway metal because of his bag. He said Woods need been paying attention, and yes it became a war for the words the next several days.

"At least I'm authentic to myself, " Garcia retorted. "I figure out what I'm doing, and the crna can do whatever he wishes. "

When they finished the storm-delayed third circular Sunday morning, Garcia secured at it, saying which Woods is "not the nicest guy on excursion. "

Garcia, when asked if although have changed anything about the flap with Woods, sent a reply, "It sounds like I was the theif here. I was a victim. I don't have got any regrets of all sorts of things. "

"When you've got water in front of the green, that's not fun to be short in the green. You know, it's close, " Maggert stated. "What can I claim? A wrong shot with the wrong time and the user gets penalized on this golf course. "

It was with the 17th hole five in years past where Garcia won That Players Championship, when Paul Goydos hit inside the water in a sudden-death playoff. Now, the island green gotten its revenge on him. Garcia hit a wedge and felt he caught it slightly bit thin, which is frequently all it takes.

"That hole has recently been good to me typically, " Garcia said. "Today, the application wasn't. That's the way it can be. That's the kind of hole it is. You've got to adore it for what it is normally. "

Woods earned $1. 71 thousand thousand, pushing his season total to over $5. 8 million just using seven tournaments. This is the 12th season bigger won at least 3 times — that once were the standard of a superb year before he linked the PGA Tour in 1996 — this also was the quickest they have reached four wins inside of a year.

"Sorry, Momma, " he said within the camera. "I think she can have had a heart attack. I was in control of the tournament, and I just strike the worst shot We can possibly hit. "

Typical of Woods right now, there were questions on the subject of where he took your drop — some 255 yards through the hole. NBC Sports analyst Johnny Miller suggested that it was a "borderline" where your dog took the drop. However , Mark Russell, vice president of competition to your PGA Tour, said there was nothing wrong with this drop. Woods conferred along with Casey Wittenberg, who said there would be "no doubt" that Woodlands took the drop inside right spot.

"He asked me just where it crossed, " Wittenberg proclaimed. "I told him I thought it crossed relating to the corner of the bunker, appropriate where he took her drop. And it's all good. "

Woods wound up with a double bogey, and he nearly fell right out of the lead on the 15th until he saved par with an 8-foot putt.

"The taken that turned the tide was the putt concerning 15, " Woods stated. "To go double bogey-bogey would have been huge. But to save a putt there and become some momentum going to the next three holes was significant. "

Woods and Garcia played four tension-free holes Sunday morning to complete the third round, and shook hands without words right after they finished — Woods using a 71, Garcia with a 72 to share the 54-hole lead by means of Lingmerth.

With a three-way tie up, Garcia wound up within the final group because he was initially to play in the beginning of the third round of golf.

He assured Sky Sports, "I'm not travelling to lie, he's not my favorite guy to play using. He's not the best guy on tour. " And be able to he told Golf Funnel, "We don't enjoy every different other's company. You don't really need to be a rocket engineer to figure that out. "

Woods downplayed the attack and said it do not matter who joined him relating to the tee. "I'm tied for the lead, so I'm there. "

And that's where by he usually wins. Woods now is 53-4 in his PGA Tour career when bigger at least a share in the lead going into the end round.

FC Barcelona's 22nd La Liga Title Belongs Entirely to Messi - Yahoo! Sports

Without having to play, FC Barcelona on Saturday accomplished the formality of mathematically winning the La Liga title, which had been regarde d as a fait accompli many months before the official outcome. Any year in which Barça wins the league crown against fierce rival Real Madrid must be regarded as a good year, so Blaugrana fans, Catalans or just citizens of the world, will celebrate this title, the fourth in five years and the 22 th in club history, for which the players and coach Tito Vilanova and his chief assistant Jordi Roura deserve congratulations.

Yet no Barcelona supporter would say that this season, which had started so spectacularly, with Barça winning 18 of its first 19 league games for 55 points of 57 possible, made him entirely happy. It has been a strange season, with ups and downs, unexpected occurrences, recurring cancers, more injuries than ever, a permanently porous defense like an incurable disease, many comebacks and surprising announcements.

In fact, most Barça fans haven't yet digested the recent 4-0 and 3-0 losses to Bayern Munich in the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League which, combined, account for the club's most humiliating defeat ever in international competition. This happened no more than 16 months after Barcelona crushed Neymar's Santos 4-0 in the final of the FIFA Club World Club and people were asking themselves not if Barça is the best team in the world, but if this was the best team in the history of football.

Barcelona remains undoubtedly not only one of the world's most popular clubs, but also one of the best (three or four) teams, though certainly not the best at this moment. A healthy Messi would have alleviated only the severity of the German correction, not the outcome of the confrontation. While Barça dominated La Liga-though getting only one of six points against Real Madrid-the team was not impressive in CL competition throughout the entire campaign, playing just one really good game, the second one against Milan.

When Lionel Messi was winning his fourth straight FIFA Ballon d'Or as the world's best player in January his detractors (some born in Madrid, some blinded by ronalditis) tried to lessen his accomplishment by saying: "sure, Xavi and Iniesta, the world's best creative centrocampistas , play for him, let's see what he does with Argentina." Well, friends and foes, it's the other way around. Look yourselves in the mirror and try to answer this question: where would this Barça be without Messi?

The truth is that this title is entirely Messi's. He has had a fabulous season, adding to his legend, cementing his legacy and carrying on his shoulders a team without a coach, with aging, absent-minded, overrated, unhappy or unwanted (by exasperated fans) teammates. He has scored 46 goals in 27 games in his 31 league appearances, including scoring at least one goal in 21 straight games.

It's hard to recall another team in the last quarter of a century that depended so much of one single player as Barcelona depends of Messi. Messidependencia is not just the mot du jour , it's a reality, and it's not a disease, it's a blessing. It is the best situation possible to depend on Messi, not on Pedro, Villa, Alexis, Fabregas or Victor Valdes. Messi will turn 26 next month, he has at least five great years ahead, and with the right supporting cast can take again four of five La Liga titles from Real Madrid and perhaps beat Guardiola's new team for renewed world supremacy.

Vladimir Moraru played soccer for 15 years and has watched it for 60. He hasn't seen a player like Messi and a team like FC Barcelona.

Via: Champions League: Heynckes says the main difference with Klopp "is the age... and the experience"

Why mental dominance lives in isolation.

When you are mentally owned by your arch rival, the shift in dynamic is so drastic that nearly ANY 'real' improvement you make in the physical world from fitness to form to whatever, is incapable of filling the ENTIRE void. It's not a coincidence that all famous or non-famous rivalries, independent of discipline, have turned out the way they eventually did. Once the beast takes hold, it's impossible to shake off.

The daily-repeated spectacle of coming SO close to turning it around is nothing more than an even more emphatic validation of above. That last door is closed shut forever - no matter how close you come to it.

From Frazier to Agassi to Federer to maybe even Nadal, the theme is constant and certain. How many times have you watched the underdog holding match points only to unravel and keep the streak alive? How about earning truck load of break points without success? You think that's just coincidence? Get freaking real.

Nadal may have defeated Djokovic on clay back to back to back last year @ Monte Carlo, Rome and Roland Garros but that happened under a heavy cloud of mitigating condition (grandfather). To make sure that stuck, the very next match on clay was won by Djokovic (2013 Monte Carlo) - in straight sets - exactly a year later. Granted Nadal may not have fully recovered from the break but that may not have been as big a part as is made out to be. I mean, Nadal won a hard court Masters 1000 title just before that.

It's possible that Nadal may NOT have hit the threshold that's irrevocable as is the case with Federer or was with Agassi but everything appears to be coming together right about now for Nadal to PROVE it. Even though Djokovic is not at his best, he lacks as massive a crutch as his grandfather to earn the benefit of doubt second time around.

It could turn out to be the proverbial tipping point releasing a pent up force able to destroy everything in it's path. It's hard to imagine both Djokvoic and Nadal co-existing like Federer and Nadal did before Nadal mastered other surfaces. ONE will take over from here and unleash a stretch not ever witnessed. With Murray left as the only foil then, it's easy to imagine a journey called home free - with an occasional annoyance from the defeated one of the two - independent of the surface.

If, however, Nadal HAS passed that irrevocable station, he will wish for another knee injury to take him out of the misery as the beat down will be embarrassing AND humiliating. Still Nadal may be able to live with that given the ground already covered. For Djokovic, it will hurt - forever. That's like being shown the delicious cake from a distance - with a strict and dire warning to never ever touch it, forget eating it.

Link: Coentrao: "From the first day looks like that I do not want in the Real Madrid"

3pm's hockey funnies: Is there no end to Rio Ferdinand's rapping skillz... -- Mirror. co. uk.

Your highlight of Manchester United's victory parade a week ago? Undoubtedly when the timid and retiring (from England) Rio Ferdinand grabbed the mic in Albert Square and did start to sing chants in complete of his team-mates.

Paul Scholes was caught upon camera jokingly calling him or her a "knobhead", while on MUTV we were looking at even more dismissive. Sniffed Paddy Crerand: "Rio is convinced he's Snoop The Dogg. "

As two legends go to retirement, there is evidence this Sir Alex Ferguson has already taken a new job, with Sky's captions department.

But as this sad scene from your discounted book store shows, Michael Owen's next career might lie away from literature…

During City's title-winning season, while preparing for a TV interview, Joe Hart was sought after what the Italian was actually like. He replied: "Don't discover. He's only spoken in my opinion four times this yr! "

Times have changed through the days when Sven Goran Eriksson went yachting along with the Fake Sheikh. On this morning after Chelsea's Europa Group victory against Benfica, The united kingdom manager Roy Hodgson had been spotted flying back because of Amsterdam on Easyjet.

But Chelsea fans didn't understand it all their own way with the Dutch capital. One supporter turned as many as the game absolutely soaked having fallen into a canal some hours before kick-off.

And others reported seeing a group of young ladies waving for them from a window huge above Dam Square. Once they waved back, the lasses unfurled some red banner reading 'Rafa's Best suited – Your Fans Are generally Shite'.

Which superstar is edging with the exit door after a training ground bust-up caused just by his constant flirting which has a team-mate's wife?

Hottest performer at last week's Vodafone Ghana Beats Awards? A young rapper who glories beneath the name Criss Waddle.

Hailed as the country's wealthiest performer after scoring a recently available big hit with Ayi, this Waddle's lyrics undoubtedly are a bit different to "Diamond Your lights, you're cold as ice to me". Once melody goes: "I like your girls thick tall using fat booty. Your love is making a Muslim defer religion. "

And if you consider that sounds daft, it makes somewhat more sense than saying David Beckham is absolutely not in the top 1000 Premier League players at all time…

"What I saw within Holland and Germany was that almost all people are Dutch in Holland and German within Germany" - PETER TAYLOR

"Manchester City are designed on sand and I don't show that because their owners are in the Arab countries" - KEVIN KEEGAN

We're getting involved in collecting your weird dreams approximately footballers – if you've experienced one, Tweet it by using #FootballDreams or email charlie. anglesey@trinitymirror. com

From @andrewtatt87: "Dreamed Zlatan Ibrahomovic was the leading role in Joseph and also the Technicolour Dreamcoat. It very much suited him. "

Coming from @TGigOfficial: "Moved in to somewhat of a new flat- fat Ronaldo ended up being my incumbent roomie. Suggested we choose a pint but he bolted for the local sex shop. "

Because of @roondogg86: "Dreamed Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Jaap Stam, Joey Barton along with I joined the Ghostbusters. "

Well, nearly. Asked this week about Spurs' supposed curiosity about Croatian forward Ante Rebic, AVB smiled and said: "I'm sorry. I do not know who he is. "

Drivers aggravated while long queues on a A49 heading into Wigan yesterday morning got no joy through the traffic information signs local, which read simply 'FA Cup winners 2013'.

But elsewhere with the town, the signs will not be good – the council are experiencing to replace the significant 'Welcome To Wigan' indicate which hails it like "the home of Premiership football and Super League rugby".

Via: Novak Djokovic: "I have decided to win Roland Garros"

Power Ranking the most effective Tailgating Scenes in this SEC.

That Quad, a space of two square miles, contains the ruins of buildings burned within the Civil War buried underneath it, according to tour. ua. edu. Denny Chimes, a good statue that overlooks the Quad, contains the handprints of former Alabama football captains, according to pubclub. com.

Your Million Dollar Band games at Gorgas Library a couple hours before kickoff, consistent with pubclub. com. One hr before kickoff, the piece and Big Al a Elephant lead the group into Bryant-Denny Stadium, as per ua. edu.

"Kickoff relating to the Quad, " also known as Alabama's "official tailgate event, " begins three a lot of time before every home gameplay, according to ua. edu.

Space is bound inside the Quad, and folks usually reserve space with the season. University Strip, which unfortunately houses many bars, provides a great alternative for those unable to get into the Quad, according to pubclub. com. You may also try Presidential Park, some sort of newly established tailgating web site, which is about four football fields away from Bryant-Denny Stadium, according to help uagameday. com.

Alabama has won three in the last four BCS indigenous championships, so Crimson Tide tailgates possess perhaps more reason to remain celebratory than any others across the country.

Via: Coentrao: "From the first day looks like that I do not want in the Real Madrid"

Friday, May 24, 2013

Chelsea vs Manchester City in St Louis: Roll Call For Tonight’s Match

The excitement is building for tonight's post-season exhibition game between Chelsea and Manchester City, which will be played in St Louis. Players from both teams have been training in the States this week, with the Europa League champions Chelsea ready to play against Manchester City, the team that has been stealing all the headlines this week after their announcement of their MLS sister club, New York City FC.

Tickets for this match at Busch Stadium sold out in 20 minutes. If you have tickets to the match and you'll be there tonight, let us know in the comments section below. Where are you sitting, who do you want to win and how far are you traveling to get to the match tonight?

More Info: El Barca and Valencia win beating and the Kutxa labour triumphs over the loudspeaker in the playoffs

Newcastle vs. Arsenal: Key Battles to Watch on Premier League Final Day

The Premier League has some intriguing last-round matches, and Newcastle vs. Arsenal certainly falls into that category.

Newcastle doesn't have much to play for, but a spot in the Champions League is the prize for Arsenal should they win.

Link: Sergio García not avoids the controversy with Tiger Woods, but denies racist insults

Stansted United and Rio Ferdinand Reportedly Decide on 1-Year Deal.

Longtime Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand provides reached an agreement to be able to with the club for another season, reports Stars Sports.

Ferdinand's contract was set to expire come early july after helping United gain their 20th league identify. Instead, he will remain while using club at least through the summer of 2014. Based on his continued strong form, he should continue to be able to play a vital role in the center of defense.

"I am delighted of having signed a new get, " Ferdinand said. "Who wouldn't want to play in this fantastic team facing 75, 000 fans weekly, it has been a terrific journey and I am glad it would continue. I can now fully stick to my club career, which has worked well for me within the last few few years.

"This is a great team to be an important part of and we are now going in a new era while using club which is very exciting. "

"It is clear for every individual to see that Rio has already established one of his best seasons while using the club and I imagine even from the outside you can observe what a big character Rio is approximately the dressing room so i am delighted he has signed an exciting new contract and I am pumped up about working with him, inch Moyes noted.

Ferdinand appeared in 28 matches over the club's latest championship advertising campaign. It marked his sixth career Premier League distinction and shows no signs of going slower, which made the decision to bring him back easier for United.

He arrived to Old Trafford inside summer of 2002 because of Leeds United. He almost immediately established himself for a key piece of your perennial title-contending squad and contains remained a stalwart person in the squad ever seeing that.

The veteran stability he brings for the squad can't be moderate. It will be extremely difficult to interchange whenever his United career does get to an end, which is the reason why Moyes is probably happy he has no to worry about filling the void in his first summer while using club.

At the same exact time, United are wise to handle the situation for a yearly basis. As long as Ferdinand maintains his elite form and expresses his wish to continue playing, it's hard to imagine him playing anywhere else. But a short-term commitment is still your best option with an aging music artist.

Ferdinand and United are really a perfect match. It's been illustrated continuously over the past 11 seasons therefore shouldn't be expected to rotate when the Red Devils bring back to the pitch to preserve their title.

With that potential center back useless eliminated, United can now look into upgrading elsewhere in a coming months.

Miguel Cabrera Organizations 3 Home Runs since Rangers Defeat Tigers 11-8.

With 2012, the MLB crowned their first triple crown winner since Carl Yastrzemski inside 1967 when Detroit Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera arrive at for 44 home carries on and 139 RBI on a batting average of. 330.

Cabrera finished the day at 4-for-4 with several home runs, five RBI in addition to four runs scored. Even as his team lost, it's hard to place blame for a player that put on among the best performances you'll see all of season.

As one may possibly expect, the Twittersphere erupted in praise for Cabrera, presenting unbiased evaluation on her greatness. Regardless of how it's said, the general consensus was that he is the best hitter in the society.

Amongst the players balancing in on his greatness was the one and only Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Toby McCutchen. McCutchen, quite the well-rounded player in his well-known regard, kept it small and sweet.

Another individual to play Cabrera's praises was New york Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper. Harper, making his case meant for MVP by playing well holdings and liabilities sense of the message, wasn't so modest on the subject of his praise.

When it comes because of it, there are only so many words that can identify what Cabrera does being a hitter. Not only is he one of the many world's best at making contact, but he's an elite deep-ball threat that appears to be the class of the American League in each and every statistical area.

Via: Formula 1: eternal grudge between Hamilton and Sutil

Diamond happy 'Caroline' gives ease

LA (AP) a Neil Diamond said he's happy his "Sweet Caroline," an addition of Boston Red Sox games, can offer comfort following the Boston Marathon bombing. The New York Yankees, Toronto Raptors and other professional sports teams have played the song at games in the occasions after Monday's lethal explosions, with fans and players frequently singing along. "There will be a lot of comfort that music may offer," Diamond informed The Associated Press. "In this particular situation, I had much rather it not need occurred than for 'Sweet Caroline' to become section of it. However it is actually providing comfort to people and I'm good about that." Diamond talked Thursday night in La at the Rock and Roll Hall induction ceremony. He said he intended the song, first introduced in 1969 and addressed to Caroline Kennedy, to offer peace. It was written by "i in a in Memphis, Tennessee," he said. "And I do believe there's slightly of God in that music. I usually have felt that. There's no accounting for exactly what do eventually a song. But this one had something particular to it."

Top 5 Best Non-Nudity-Based Costumes From San Francisco’s 102nd Annual Bay To Breakers Race

Every year throngs of people descend on San Francisco to run in the seven and a half mile party that is the Bay To Breakers race. Serious runners, casual runners, naked people — just about everybody participates. To give you an idea of what kind of event this is, it's sponsored by Craigslist.

This years run is no different, with some hilarious drunk people jogging in ridiculous costumes. Or walking. Or just standing around pleasuring themselves. The point is a lot goes on in the race, and we've shifted through some the best SFW images circulating the interweb. Here is the Sportsgrid Top 5 Bay To Breakers Costumes (courtesy of SfGate, Twitter, and Instagram).

Zach Harper Male jumping spider tried picking up a female. She killed him because he didn't court her right with a dance. They're just like us

Zach Harper Owls hunting grasshoppers. I hope they choke on them. I hate owls. Worst creature imaginable. They'd kill you if given the chance.

Via: The registration of 70 boats guarantees the success of the Conde de Godó trophy 40 °

Are generally Liga: FC Barcelona compared to Real Valladolid: Predict the Score - Barca Blaugranes (blog).

To be able to predict the score from tonight's La Liga confront between FC Barcelona and Real Valladolid for the Camp Nou

Barcelona may have crashed straight from the UEFA Champions League within a rather humiliating fashion, however , if this week has got proved anything, it's that the grass is absolutely not always greener conversely. After all, no matter how "badly" that is felt the season has ended up for FC Barcelona, it's been far worse for Jose Mourinho together with Real Madrid. Just a year after setting accurate documentation for points gained a single La Liga season, Los Blancos fell out of your title race early, and not looked like recovering. Victories in the Blaugrana in the Supercopa de Espana, and in the Copa del Rey get hold of appeared to demonstrate Real's undoubted ability - but in due course, Real Madrid have failed on each and every front this season. Their club captain has become alienated, their manager has caused rifts at just about any level - and as a consequence of Atletico Madrid and Miranda's extra-time successful, Real will finish the summer season without a major trophy. All the while, Barcelona edge closer so that you can equalling that 100-point level set just last period. So much for your disappointing season eh?

Even facing illness, injuries and morale-crushing failures, Barcelona have consistently bounced back from every single challenge and may yet register the most successful La Liga campaign in their history. Sure, we might have loved to have fought for the UCL final for Wembley, but really, who can complain? If anything we should appreciate this team - and the worrying thing for all others of La Liga is actually that Barcelona can and almost definitely will improve over summer time. A new striker to take some of the pressure off of Lionel Messi, and an elite centre-half to help solve the Blaugrana's defensive difficulties. Will they move one step closer to the century mark, or will Valladolid end Barca's hopes of a 100 point season? Predict the score inside our poll, and comment with your prediction below to stay with a chance from winning a prize at the season's end. Best associated with luck!

Link: Berlin will host the final of the Champions League by 2015

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Report: Beckford talks hit standstill

It seemed like the transfer discussions for Jermaine Beckford between Bolton Wanderers and Leicester City were moving very quickly. Just under two weeks ago, the two clubs had opened talks and a day later, the £1 million asking price for Beckford emerged. Today, a report from the Leicester Mercury says that the two clubs are way apart in their valuations of the player.

Beckford moved to Leicester City at the start of the 2011/12 season, following a year at Everton, for a reported fee of £2.5 million. Since then, he had essentially been deemed surplus to requirements at the Foxes and it seems that manager Nigel Pearson is determined to move him in. Dougie Freedman appears to be keen on the striker but is looking for a cut price move. That is where the £1 million fee comes in.

According the the Mercury report, Bolton Wanderers are trying to get a lower fee than that with Leicester aiming to cut their losses by as small a margin as possible. As such, talks are at a deadlock.

There are other players in the mix for Beckford, including, but not limited to, his old teams Leeds United and Huddersfield Town

More Info: La Penya says goodbye to the fans in Badalona

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Status the Barcelona Players Alongside Real Valladolid.

Victor Valdes 6/10: Playing in his 500th sport for Barcelona, the keeper had almost no to do. Valdes came charging out of his box in typical fashion to brew a great clearance before halftime, but was otherwise your spectator as Valladolid struggled position attacks together.

Martin Montoya 6. 5/10: The 22-year-old brought down Manucho for any penalty, but replays would suggest he was unlucky, having clearly reached the ball first. He demonstrated his comfort on your ball and looked very hazardous when venturing forward.

Gerard Pique 6. 5/10: The graceful centre-back had hardly anything to do defensively thus took the opportunity of showing his quality on your golf ball. Pique ventured out of defence a lot of times to instigate targeting play and launched a lot of impressive long balls.

Javier Mascherano 6/10: The Argentine returned from a knee injury and, such as his defensive partner, is barely threatened. Mascherano knocked some nice passes for the field, but did nothing so that you can suggest the Catalans should not spend big on their defence come july 1st.

Jordi Alba 7/10: The Spanish international was tireless to the left flank, covering massive areas of space. The fullback looked very sharp on the ball and always provided a great outlet for Andres Iniesta, managing a notable 131 touches. Unfortunately, Alba can't quite get beyond the defensive line and put up the final ball like he usually does.

Link: Alves: "Not close the door to the PSG"

PGA President Disagrees With Anchoring Ban

Over the past few months The PGA of America has taken a vocal and active position which reflected the strong viewpoint of our PGA Professionals in opposing the USGA and R&A's proposed Rule 14-1b that would ban the anchored stroke. Today, the governing bodies indicated that they will proceed with the formal adoption of the rule.

We are disappointed with this outcome. As we have said publicly and repeatedly during the comment period, we do not believe 14-1b is in the best interest of recreational golfers and we are concerned about the negative impact it may have on both the enjoyment and growth of the game. Growing the game is one of the fundamental purposes of The PGA of America.

Although we do not agree with the decision, we applaud the USGA for its willingness to listen to our concerns and engage in meaningful discussions. In our opinion and based on our experience, the USGA treated the comment period for what it was intended to be—a time to exchange opinions, concerns and potential solutions.

We should also note that our difference of opinion regarding 14-1b should not in any way detract from the healthy relationship we have had with the USGA for nearly a century.  Together, we have taken tremendous steps for the benefit of the game we both love and serve and we will continue to work together through the ongoing mutual support of Get Golf Ready; Tee It Forward; the Boys & Girls Clubs of America; the First Tee, Drive, Chip and Putt Championship; 9 is Fine; and critical pace of play issues. Let us not lose sight of the fact that The PGA and the USGA agree far more than we disagree.

We also want to note that our conversations and meetings with the USGA over these last few months have resulted in our mutual agreement to engage in a leadership conference no less than once a year to discuss our strategies and concerns and see where and how we can continue to improve the game together.  In addition, we look forward to working openly with the USGA in order to ensure that on an ongoing basis, our inclusion in the Rules-making process is as meaningful as possible.

At this point in time, The PGA will digest the USGA and R&A's decision to proceed with Rule 14-1b and discuss this matter with our Board of Directors, PGA Sections and, of course, our 27,000 PGA Professionals throughout the country. Our Board will convene in late June during our PGA Professional National Championship and at that time, we will decide how best to proceed. In addition, we will continue to confer with the PGA Tour as they similarly digests this information.

In the meantime, we will immediately do what we do best—teach the game.  Since the end of November, The PGA Instruction Committee has been working on a process whereby our PGA Professionals can help with the transition from anchored putters to a non-anchored stroke in anticipation of this decision. Our PGA Professionals have always embraced our role as problem solvers when it comes to making the game better and more enjoyable for those who play it.

Touching The Void (EPL Converse Review Podcast).

It's not a void in the final analysis of the season. You will find there's new beginning in everything that comes next, the chance for what is to come along with the chance that things can go up so much that a brand new season is a fresh for your needs. Yet, that element of belief and relief will not be quite upon us being the season isn't quite over. There is still some time to look back and enquire of why, when, where, how and what went on throughout the last 38 matches.

Some result in; some remain; and a few fade, but all have contributed over the season. Even those on the bench. Do you contain a personal highlight? Do you've got a personal low? Is there a point in time which was yours but can be for another team? Let's EPL Talk about it:

Link: Florentino Perez announced that Mourinho will not remain at Real Madrid the coming season

Rafael Nadal snags the fourth-seeding for Roland Garros 2013

With an impressive win over rival Roger Federer at the Rome Masters final on Sunday, Rafael Nadal moves to world number four, overtaking compatriot David Ferrer. This means that Nadal will become fourth seed at the Roland Garros tournament. However, there's still a chance that his seeding will increase to number three should world number two Andy Murray decide to skip this claycourt Slam due to a lower back problem.

Nadal will enter the Paris tournament with a 15-match winning streak which included three consecutive title wins in Barcelona, Madrid and Rome. The Spaniard is aiming for his eighth Roland Garros title.

Manuel Pellegrini Looks Set to Join Manchester City On Two-Year Deal Beginning July 1

Manuel Pellegrini is free to leave Malaga on July 1 and to become Manchester City manager without having to pay the Spanish side a penalty clause, according to a report in the Spanish media today.

For cash-strapped Malaga, Pellegrini's departure on July 1 means that the club won't have to pay his hefty salary. At the same time, Pellegrini won't have to pay his penalty clause to break his contract.

That paves the way for Manchester City to scoop Pellegrini away from Spain, to manage their club as a replacement for sacked manager Roberto Mancini.

Meanwhile, Manchester City are still interested in signing attacking-midfielder Isco from Malaga. The club would reportedly like to sign him on a four-year deal.

Link: Pirelli says tyre changes will be "less than expected"

Power Ranking the Toughest Lives in College Football around 2013.

I'm not certain how much Mark Stoops' brothers can help him against this tough lineup. Even Bob Stoops at Oklahoma has never faced such a murder's row as this schedule.

The Wildcats have to face a rising Louisville power team who, in case you've been living under your rock, just beat Florida inside Sugar Bowl. Also, they have Western Kentucky to accommodate.

Remember that former Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino currently is the head coach at this time there. Plus, Western Kentucky beat the Wildcats in overtime very last season.

Via: The PSG President: "I think that Ancelotti has a pre-contract with Madrid"

The way in which Did Real Madrid Not Score Within this Frantic Scramble Before the Atletico Goal?

It's 1-1 late inside the second half of a Copa Del Rey very last between Real Madrid together with Atletico, and the next goal may be the game-winner — which is why is this frantic few no time of soccer combat between the two so fantastic.

You can't say enough concerning effort by Atletico truth be told there. Will it be more than enough to secure them the cup of the king? The next few minutes will tell.

[UPDATE: Atletico has scored inside first leg of extra time to move up 2-1. It never may have happened without the earlier effort. ]

Jimmy Traina Thx to be able to @themantz for Hot Fastens Weekend Playlist (http: //t. co/9ttJ1fFnex) & sending this item on Angry Men's Bob Benson http: //t. co/HJUiiafg0K

Kevin Kernan To be able to answer your question Chelsea, I know, I just don't just want to say because I don't find that getting into it with some people @Chris_Carelli

Kevin Kernan RT @Chris_Carelli: @WheresKernan wonder when fundamentals drop? At my son's game now & everything is going learning game. Of study course, he's 6.

Link: Marquez Biaggi in the historical best debutant in MotoGP classification matches

ESPN President John Skipper Isn’t Scared Of Fox Sports 1… Should He Be?

Richard Deitsch's weekly media column is up, and you should read the whole thing (as you should every week), if you are interested in the fascinating sports media circlejerk, as we are. If not, you probably don't like our site outside of our fishy features of Paulina Gretzky and Kate Upton (but they've dated athletes!), and we apologize. Among this week's topics, as is the case every week, is ESPN. ESPN is the Worldwide Leader in Sports on TV, which requires that it is the Worldwide Leader in Snark Received and Deserved, and Competitors Gunning For. Fox Sports 1 launches on August 17, and it seems like a legit threat to ESPN. But Deitsch interviewed ESPN president John Skipper, and he asserted his lack of fear. The message: we are ESPN and we control your lives. We are not scared of this "fox." Doesn't it have a hound to go befriend?

"The guys at Fox are smart and we are respectful of what they do but you heard from us a significant level of confidence," Skipper said. "We like what we have and we like our ability to compete. Two things matter at the end of the day: What is your level of distribution and what subscription fees are you getting from that, and what is the live content that you have to put on that fans want? I would ask everybody writing all of these stories about competition to look at what we actually have and what they actually have before there's any discussion about a head-to-head competition."

Well, he's right. While I think that Fox Sports Live, the show, will seriously challenge SportsCenter, that doesn't necessarily mean Fox Sports 1, the channel, will challenge ESPN, the behemoth mind-controller.

Also: he (in)directly called me out! I am writing about this competition, so I will "look at what they actually have before there's any discussion about a head-to-head competition." Then, I will discuss the head-to-head competition (alright, I discussed it before, just leave me alone).

MLB: 26 Saturday afternoon games; All-Star Game; one League Championship Series; World Series Lots of NFL NASCAR F1 Men's/Women's Soccer World Cup's, 2015-2022

NBC Sports Some NFL Ivy League Football! Colonial Athletic Association Football!!!! (wanna see Shaka Smart run it in for six?!?!?) Notre Dame Football U.S. Open, Ryder Cup, The Players Championship, other golfy stuffs NHL The Triple Crown F1 Olympics MLS English Premier League, starting in 2013 French Open (on tape delay! yay!)

MLB: Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday Night Games; Opening Day games NBA: A lot of stuff. They will continue to have a lot of stuff, according to Deitsch. WNBA College Basketball: A good amount (but no NCAA tourney, as you know) Monday Night Football NCAA Football National Championship Game (the finale of… the "College Football Playoff" Lots of regular season College Football The Masters, British Open and Ryder Cup NCAA Hockey Tourney Major League Lacrosse F1 2014 World Cup USMNT Soccer MLS Mexican Soccer Bundesliga (ESPN Deportes) All four tennis majors NASCAR

So, ESPN=Russia, Other Channels=North Korea. They talk a big game and may have some powerful weapons, but they are not huge threats. There are other sports that exist that you can watch, too (many on ESPN3), and guess what: ESPN has most of them! They've got Sri Lanka Premier League Cricket, CFL, KHL (read with best Russian accent: if Russia is ally, company is invincible).

Many of Fox Sports' rights are utilized on Fox, not their sports channels, too. They're not switching NFL to Fox Sports 1, so that doesn't help as much as it seems. Basically, ESPN wins. People will always watch ESPN, because people will always watch the NBA, NASCAR — all of these 17 million sports that they broadcast.

If ESPN shows a naked Skip Bayless fornicating with a naked Tim Tebow while Chris Broussard analyzes, horrified, with LZ Granderson crying in the background, people will (justifiably, obviously) freak out, but basketball fans will still watch the NBA, and stupid people (I'm kidding, I swear) will still watch NASCAR. To do so, they will turn on ESPN.

Again, I think Fox Sports Live will cut significantly into SportsCenter's viewership. There's no way to be sure, but I think/hope it will be a better product, and force SportsCenter to change. But that will be a tiny dent in ESPN's Iron Man suit, and Iron Man does not care about the tiny dent in his suit, beyond aesthetic reasons. For now, Fox Sports 1 is a minor annoyance, a little kid running in front of Iron Man while he is trying to kill someone.

How committed is Skipper to the ESPN2 afternoon lineup of Highly Questionable and SportsNation? "We are committed to those shows," Skipper said. "We are in the process of looking at a different studio for Questionable — we think more of a live environment, one with a studio environment might work. As for SportsNation, it was very revolutionary when it came on. The graphics, the look, the feel of it. Michelle Beadle and Colin Cowherd did a great job. We moved it to LA and we liked the live feel of it. We have to think about what is next. It has been reported that Charissa Thompson is going to leave so we don't have decisions yet. Nothing [on talent] has been decided but we are working on it. But this I can guarantee: It is on the air this year. It is on the air next year. And the year after that. We have the ability to keep things on, have consistency and be patient."

There you go. SportsCenter could lose its entire viewership (it won't), and ESPN could still afford to produce it. That is an exaggeration, but it's true. ESPN truly is the Russia of the sports media landscape. King Dictator "President" of a massive and potent country in which flaws abound, Putin will end every day feasting on a wild boar he killed by only using his thumbs, and then he will bathe in a pile of rubles, unconcerned about the public's major problems, because they are insignificant to him. Then he will kill a hippopotamus with a spork.

Ben Golliver Dooris: 2 Men Allege They Were Victims Of Late-Night Beating By Blazers G Damian Lillard's Entourage http://t.co/Nvg9si1oHJ

Bill Simmons Hey @lenovo - why sell 3-yr "warranties" for new laptops that secretly don't cover software issues (more $$$ to fix). You are extortionists.

Beckley Mason The big point is that MEM screwed things up in all different ways, suggesting a general lack of preparation: http://t.co/srfaeTLq8i

Beckley Mason Why was Matt Bonner so open? @BKoremenos shows systemic flaws in MEM's defense are to blame: http://t.co/TubQfrc9Uo

South Carolina Football: Gamecocks Land 2015 Wide Receiver Recruit Dexter Neal

The South Carolina Gamecocks are gradually picking up the pace in 2014 recruiting, yet they have already made a splash in the 2015 recruiting class by landing wide receiver Dexter Neal.

Neal provided South Carolina with a verbal commitment Thursday, which gives the Gamecocks a potential big-time wide receiver for the future.

The recruitment of Neal also continues the established trend of Spurrier and his staff landing players from Stephenson High School in Stone Mountain, Ga.

The 6-foot-2, 195-pound wideout is the fifth player to commit to the Gamecocks from Stephenson in the past three years. The Gamecocks landed Kadetrix Marcus, also known as J.J., in the 2011 recruiting cycle. Kyle Fleetwood and Mike Davis signed with the USC in 2012, and in a few months class of 2013 cornerback Ali Groves is expected to enroll in summer classes.

Continued success with established recruiting grounds has been a staple of Spurrier's tenure at USC, and Neal is no exception.

At 6'2", 195 pounds as just a sophomore, Neal still has time to get even bigger. He has a solid wide receiver frame as is, but this kid's ceiling is high.

When William Gunter of TheBigSpur.com asked Neal about "what he brings to the table," Neal claimed "I just work hard, I work my hardest whenever I can."

The combination of an early offer at a school that makes Neal feel at home and South Carolina already landing multiple teammates and friends of Neal definitely led to Neal's quick decision.

Neal's teammate and 2014 recruit Bryson Allen-Williams have been friends for a long time and Allen-Williams may have played a role in the recruitment of Neal. Allen-Williams stood alongside Neal during his interview and fielded some questions with William Gunter of TheBigSpur.com, as seen in this video.

Defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward and wide receivers coach Steve Spurrier Jr. headed the recruiting effort to land Neal. Neal developed a strong relationship with Ward and recognized that Spurrier Jr. understands how to coach receivers all the way down to the minor details.

Neal told Will Ayers of TheBigSpur.com, "Coach Ward, he is a pretty cool guy, funny. He gets along with people, [...] Coach Jr., he is a good coach. From what we saw when I went up to my visit he likes to work you, and he works on the small stuff to get your technique better."

These coach-player relationships were key for Neal's decision and also learning about the South Carolina football environment.

The Gamecocks are still a couple years away from seeing Neal don the garnet and black uniform and he could pull his verbal commitment, though that seems rather unlikely.  Neal has so many connections with the players and staff at USC and likes the feel of the Gamecocks program.

Neal is a great recruit for 2015 and has huge potential as a big-bodied wide receiver who could emerge as a top receiver in the future.

Via: War between Madrid and Rome by a new tennis tournament

Creating an excellent Offseason Plan for your Portland Trail Blazers.

Although they're all in the house watching the NBA Playoffs through the comfort of their areas, it isn't all unhealthy for the Portland Trail Blazers.

With an aspiring legend at point guard and some other solid pieces on the roster, the Blazers are already very close to appearing fringe playoff team. With a few tweaks every now and then, there's no question we'll be contemplating yet another youthful upstart squad inside Western Conference a la the Golden State Enthusiast.

Free agency is great at any given time, but nothing beats adding prospects you'll be able to build around for the future. Portland will have three picks to partner with, and while no you might confuse this collection of talent while using the 2003 NBA draft, the inventors available in the earliest round aren't exactly scrubs.

The NBA draft lottery has yet to happen, but there are already whispers about the Blazers, wherever they may fall into the draft order, using their eyes set at UCLA prospect Shabazz Muhammad. After striking gold with Damian Lillard not too long ago, the Blazers would wish to have yet another impact rookie in their backcourt.

In terms associated with scoring, Portland needs assistance. Adding an offensive weapon like Shabazz, who averaged 19 points per game inside his one season in UCLA, could improve their particular mediocre production. The hope for your Blazers is that Muhammad would construct a chemistry with Lillard and the two could be the foundation for a dependable future.

As far as their remaining picks? Some draft analysts have them targeting Nate Wolters in addition to Alex Abrines—two guards would you further bolster their backcourt in the future but probably will spend their rookie seasons with the D-League.

All in just about all, Portland's primary impact out of this draft will hinge on how patient they are by using Muhammad. He has all the talent on the globe, but it largely is dependent upon how he fits in with companies LaMarcus Aldridge, Damian Lillard while others.

In addition to the team's increased exposure of getting younger, the Blazers have a few contracts that need selecting out. With numerous expired contracts, trimming some fat would provide some much-needed cap flexibility.

With regards to their expired contracts, L. J. Hickson absolutely needs to be a priority as considerably as re-signing.

Hickson was the team's leading rebounder, mostly thanks to his incredibly high car. Portland cannot afford to lose Hickson, so again, inking him to another one deal is priority number 1.

On the other give, guys like Elliot Williams, Sasha Pavlovic (team option) and Nolan Smith will not really be retained. It would also make sense for the Blazers to generate a qualifying offer to Eric Maynor, who's a compelling reserve player and a good complement to Lillard. Apart from Maynor and Hickson, the majority of these empty contracts are meant for players making questionable contributions to the team.

The Blazers would be better off going out and trying to try a Jarrett Jack or Nate Robinson while using freed up cap space or room. Yes, you'll have fewer bodies in the rotation, but Portland could really work with a gunner like a Jack port or Robinson coming off the bench—guards or wings competent at playing isolation offense. This team really lacked a punch when the first unit sat off, but an electrifying save scorer who knows his role has to be nice pick-up. However, which might mean you'd have to just ignore matching Maynor's contract.

It's still a touch too early to project that this upcoming offseason will engage in out, but Portland's primary ambitions should be letting one particular lesser contracts walk and signing an essential reserve.

Most people would take a look at a bad record, and they'd stop wasting time to blame the head coach with the team's failures.

Yes, they down season, but face coach Terry Stotts, who just finished his first year in the helm, did a good job with the pieces with which he to work.

Names such as Stan Van Gundy, Brian Shaw and Phil Jackson are most likely being mentioned in just about every front office in need associated with a coach, but this franchise isn't at least one. Stotts should be given a lot more time to work with this squad, as it appeared to respond to his easy-going, teacher-like solution. The Blazers are teen, and they still need be chiseled into form.

As opposed to a team with organized veterans, this unit isn't in need of a Zen Master to help mentally manipulate them towards contenders overnight; this can be a team that just requires a teacher like Stotts, who can correct their own errors and build these young players for the future.

Would the playoffs be a realistic goal for this team? Yes, absolutely. The Western Conference—especially the seventh and eighth seeds—is completely sports book odds. Anything can happen inside the NBA, and although you'll be able, this team shouldn't be too hung standing on missing or making the postseason at this moment and time.

Stotts need this team shooting for any. 500 record—or at least a significant improvement on last year's file. For Stotts, being your teacher means being patient.

Right now, they're somewhere between the crawling and wandering phase, but when Lillard along with the rest of these young guns eventually get more NBA experience and assurance under their belts, you can rest assured they you will need to run way past the expectations that folks will have set on their behalf.

Via: Pique: "Neymar would fit perfectly on this computer"