For the New York Yankees, it's time to go home to the MLB jerseys friendly confines of Yankee Stadium II to sew up their 27th World Series championship all-time and their first in their new digs. For Alex Rodriguez, it's his chance to finally be fully welcomed into fraternity of all-time Yankee greats, thanks to 18 RBI this post-season, most ever by a Yankee hitter in the playoffs and one short of the Major League record held by Sandy Alomar Jr. ('97 Indians), Scott Spiezio ('02 Angels) and David Ortiz ('04 Red Sox). That is, of course, if the Yankees sew this in the next couple of games. Nothing short of a World Series win would give A-Rod that acceptance no matter how many runs he drives in.
It's now down to one, maybe two, game(s) remaining in the 2009 Major League Baseball season, a season that seems like it would never end. Certainly not as long as Jorge Posada continues to go out and have a chat with his pitcher after every third pitch.
For the Philadelphia Phillies, they staved off elimination thanks, mostly, to the red hot bat of Chase Utley, who blasted two more home runs in Game 5 to give him five total in five games against the Yankees, tying Reggie Jackson (1977) for the most home runs in a single World Series. Watching Utley go about his business has been a sheer joy. He grinds out at-bats and when the pitcher makes a mistake, he makes them play. And the best part has been the fact that he refuses to take 'curtain calls' when the crowd gives him a post-homer standing ovation, something that the players in the opposite dugout can't claim..
So it's back to the Bronx for a match-up of wily starters Pedro Martinez versus Andy Pettitte. The Yankees, with a 3 games to 2 lead have some wiggle room; the Phillies not so much.
Where the second guessers are starting to flash their 'I told you so' looks is in regard to Yankees' manager Joe Girardi's election to go with a three-man rotation in the series, which guaranteed, weather-permitting, that ace CC Sabathia would make two starts (if the series goes the maximum seven games) on three-days rest, while Pettitte and Burnett would make one apiece. So far, Girardi is batting .500 on that call. Sabathia pitched into the 7th in Game 4 as the Yankees took a 3-2 lead in the series. Burnett was not even close to being as sharp the next night and the series now heads back to New York.
The funny thing was that Burnett, coming into the start, had been successful pitching on short rest, having gone 4-0 with an ERA of 2.33 in four starts on three days rest. But pitching on short rest against the Royals in the middle of June is one thing, facing the Phillies in Game 5 of the World Series is something altogether different.
For Pettitte, whose 17 career wins in the post-season are the most ever, this will mark the 22nd time that he will make a start on three days rest. His career stats are 8-7, 3.68 ERA, .252 OPP AVG. Not great, but certainly not horrible either. And if Pettitte falters, then it will all fall on the broad shoulders of Sabathia who was inked to a 7-year, $161 million contract last off-season just for starts like this.
But it will all fall at the feet of micro-managing Girardi should the Yankees cough up a 3-1 lead and fail to close this out. His options for a fourth starter weren't that great: Chad Gaudin or Joba Chamberlain. Gaudin hadn't made a start since September 28th and has only thrown 2.1 innings over the last five weeks so his effectiveness would be very questionable. Chamberlain was the fourth starter all season and would be expected to at least give them five innings. But his value in the post-season has been in the set-up that he cut his teeth on in the past. So, I'm guessing that the choice to go with a three-man post-season rotation was the better gamble.
The second guessers are starting to clear their throats after A.J. Burnett, pitching on three days, failed miserably to close out the series. Much like in Game 5 of the ALCS against the Angels, Burnett came out and laid an egg in the first inning, allowing the Phillies to jump out to a 3-0 lead before there were any outs courtesy of Utley's first of two home runs. After that, Burnett seemed to find a rhythm, although it was becoming painfully apparent for Yankees supporters that Burnett's backdoor curve, which was so effective in Game 2, didn't have as much bite and/or wasn't being called a strike by home plate umpire Dana DeMuth. The result was that Burnett was hooked four batters into the third which led to three more Phillies runs crossing. The Yankees did their darndest to claw their way back into it thanks to A-Rod and Johnny Damon, but tack-on runs, thanks to solo home runs by left-handed hitters off left-handed specialist Phil Coke provided the eventual margin of victory
For the sake of Girardi, who would have to answer for this should he fail to win the Yankees first World Series title since 2000, there's a lot on the line.
2010年5月15日星期六
2010年5月13日星期四
Embrace it
Toronto sports fans, saddled with losing teams at every venue in the 2010 World Cup Jerseys city, were just saying enough is enough. The Maple Leafs, the one team that everyone apart from me can't do without, was set to embark upon another season that would end in failure. The Argonauts were stumbling through a horrible 3-15 season which saw them win just one of its nine home games. Toronto FC, the soccer club that is beloved by just enough people to fill BMO Field for every game, failed to qualify for the post-season for the third time in its three years of existence. And the Raptors, for all the promise that was fed to the ticket buyers, stumbled badly down the stretch and now are life and death to claim the eighth and final playoff spot in the NBA's East Conference; which would make them a first round sweep for LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
This is why the fast start for the Blue Jays - five wins in the first six games before dropping the home opener - has caused this long-suffering sports scene to sit up and take notice. For a city with very deep pockets, and willing to shell out hard-earned money to watch a winner, it couldn't come at a better time.
It was nice to see a full house for the home opener at Rogers Centre on Monday.
When the Blue Jays last played in Toronto the J.P. Ricciardi era was winding down and the crowds had dwindled to levels never before seen in these parts. The hand-wringing followed as many predicted that this was the beginning of the end, the Jays would go the way of the Expos and leave town.
Not even close.
Now, before you all break your fingers typing out a rebuttal to that last statement; no, I don't think the Jays are a playoff contender. But you can't deny that it has been very enjoyable watching this team thus far. They have been in every game right until the end and, if not for Jason Frasor's two blown saves, they might be 7-0 right now.
After all, you can always get off whenever you please.
This is why the fast start for the Blue Jays - five wins in the first six games before dropping the home opener - has caused this long-suffering sports scene to sit up and take notice. For a city with very deep pockets, and willing to shell out hard-earned money to watch a winner, it couldn't come at a better time.
It was nice to see a full house for the home opener at Rogers Centre on Monday.
When the Blue Jays last played in Toronto the J.P. Ricciardi era was winding down and the crowds had dwindled to levels never before seen in these parts. The hand-wringing followed as many predicted that this was the beginning of the end, the Jays would go the way of the Expos and leave town.
Not even close.
Now, before you all break your fingers typing out a rebuttal to that last statement; no, I don't think the Jays are a playoff contender. But you can't deny that it has been very enjoyable watching this team thus far. They have been in every game right until the end and, if not for Jason Frasor's two blown saves, they might be 7-0 right now.
After all, you can always get off whenever you please.
2010年5月11日星期二
Scattered Mendes
- I was in Sweden to World Cup Soccer Jersey cover the opening of the NHL season.
- Last week I spent time in Napanee, Ont., to cover the David Frost trial. (This was a direct result of our assignment editors getting even with me for a plum trip to Sweden).
- Today I'm headed off to Tampa and Philadelphia to cover the World Series.
Since I didn't blog last week, I figured I'd touch on all of these topics in a single entry -- officially making me the first person ever to write about Chewbacca, Arby's and Vaclav Prospal in the same piece. (At least I hope that's the case).
Star Wars in Ottawa:
Most of you have probably seen Martin Gerber's Darth Vader mask by now. He was nicknamed "Darth Gerber" last season by Sens fans because of his jet-black mask. I have a new Star Wars-related nickname to throw out there for Ottawa fans: What about Ruutu-D2? Think about it. They could play that little beeping noise every time Jarkko scores a goal at home. And we don't have to stop there. I'm not sure if he's extra hairy withouthis shirt on, but Filip Kuba-ca could work too.
Heck, I can personally canvass Bryan Murray to make trades just so we could have more Star Wars nicknames on the team. Marco Sturm "Trooper" would fit in nicely. A re-acquisition of Sami "Hans" Salo wouldn't hurt either. And I'll cast my vote right now for Jesse Winchester to win Wookie of the Year. Who's with me?
My beef with the Frost trial:
I know Eugene Melnyk wants to bring a soccer stadium to Ottawa to put it in line with other global capitals. But what about an Arby's first Mr. Melnyk? It would only cost you $35,000 for a franchise fee. (I know, because I looked up the price).
Let's call today's blog entry "Scattered Thoughts From A Scattered Reporter." In the last two weeks, I have been all over the map covering a variety of things for Sportsnet:
Series hype: Paul Beeston's first order of business in Toronto should be to remove the "Blue" from the team name. The Toronto Jays will surely win the World Series in 2009 if they do that. (And just to be safe, they could add a big bat in the middle of the lineup and two quality starters).
Can anybody help me stir up the rivalry between Tampa and Philadelphia for the World Series? When I think of these two cities, all that comes to mind is the fact that Vaclav Prospal has played in both cities on two different occasions. That hardly seems the stuff of great animosity between cities.
I know the Bucs beat the Eagles in the NFC Championship game in 2003 and the Lightning beat the Flyers in the Eastern final in 2004. But I'm really struggling here to find a connection between these cities, so I'll take any suggestions. And please don't e-mail me to say that Chris Gratton might have a good take on this series.
Suggestion for Blue Jays:
Anaheim dropped the name "Mighty" from the Ducks and won the Stanley Cup. Tampa Bay dropped "Devil" from their name and now they are in the World Series
There is nothing fun about covering the sexual exploitation trial of a greasy former player agent and coach. But if there is an upside of covering the David Frost trial in Napanee, it's that I can actually eat at an Arby's. The closest Arby's to Ottawa is located in Kingston, which is on the way to Napanee. I'm not sure how we can live in the capital of this country and not have access to those curly fries. We don't even have one of those dirty Arby's located in a food court of a mall that is only frequented by senior citizens.
- Last week I spent time in Napanee, Ont., to cover the David Frost trial. (This was a direct result of our assignment editors getting even with me for a plum trip to Sweden).
- Today I'm headed off to Tampa and Philadelphia to cover the World Series.
Since I didn't blog last week, I figured I'd touch on all of these topics in a single entry -- officially making me the first person ever to write about Chewbacca, Arby's and Vaclav Prospal in the same piece. (At least I hope that's the case).
Star Wars in Ottawa:
Most of you have probably seen Martin Gerber's Darth Vader mask by now. He was nicknamed "Darth Gerber" last season by Sens fans because of his jet-black mask. I have a new Star Wars-related nickname to throw out there for Ottawa fans: What about Ruutu-D2? Think about it. They could play that little beeping noise every time Jarkko scores a goal at home. And we don't have to stop there. I'm not sure if he's extra hairy withouthis shirt on, but Filip Kuba-ca could work too.
Heck, I can personally canvass Bryan Murray to make trades just so we could have more Star Wars nicknames on the team. Marco Sturm "Trooper" would fit in nicely. A re-acquisition of Sami "Hans" Salo wouldn't hurt either. And I'll cast my vote right now for Jesse Winchester to win Wookie of the Year. Who's with me?
My beef with the Frost trial:
I know Eugene Melnyk wants to bring a soccer stadium to Ottawa to put it in line with other global capitals. But what about an Arby's first Mr. Melnyk? It would only cost you $35,000 for a franchise fee. (I know, because I looked up the price).
Let's call today's blog entry "Scattered Thoughts From A Scattered Reporter." In the last two weeks, I have been all over the map covering a variety of things for Sportsnet:
Series hype: Paul Beeston's first order of business in Toronto should be to remove the "Blue" from the team name. The Toronto Jays will surely win the World Series in 2009 if they do that. (And just to be safe, they could add a big bat in the middle of the lineup and two quality starters).
Can anybody help me stir up the rivalry between Tampa and Philadelphia for the World Series? When I think of these two cities, all that comes to mind is the fact that Vaclav Prospal has played in both cities on two different occasions. That hardly seems the stuff of great animosity between cities.
I know the Bucs beat the Eagles in the NFC Championship game in 2003 and the Lightning beat the Flyers in the Eastern final in 2004. But I'm really struggling here to find a connection between these cities, so I'll take any suggestions. And please don't e-mail me to say that Chris Gratton might have a good take on this series.
Suggestion for Blue Jays:
Anaheim dropped the name "Mighty" from the Ducks and won the Stanley Cup. Tampa Bay dropped "Devil" from their name and now they are in the World Series
There is nothing fun about covering the sexual exploitation trial of a greasy former player agent and coach. But if there is an upside of covering the David Frost trial in Napanee, it's that I can actually eat at an Arby's. The closest Arby's to Ottawa is located in Kingston, which is on the way to Napanee. I'm not sure how we can live in the capital of this country and not have access to those curly fries. We don't even have one of those dirty Arby's located in a food court of a mall that is only frequented by senior citizens.
2010年5月10日星期一
Soccer the Game to Admire
One of the best places to look for and buy paddles and to get their feel is at your local Kayak dealer. They will help you in making proper decision and may even allow you to demo some before you make up your mind. In case you are looking for more options, the Internet offers a host of options regarding appropriate kayaking gear, accessories, and kayak boats to plan your outing. When kayaking is done properly, with proper gear and paddles, it can prove to be 2010 World Cup Jerseys an enjoyable and adventurous water-adventure retreat.
Make your paddling experience the best it can be. Feel confident on the fully the secure online store of paddlerscove.com while you choose your kayak, kayak paddle, and kayak gear.
It is an outdoor game where the play is performed on a rectangular grass or in the artificial turf field where the goal post are placed each at the center of the short ends. Players are required to drive in the ball at the opposing team goal post in order to score the points.
Other than the goalkeepers no other player in the field is allowed to use their hands or arms to drive the ball. Rest Players have to kick off the ball by their feet. Only during the penalties or when the ball is moved off the ground the players are allowed to touch the ball to keep at the particular point and then to kick the ball.
The game Soccer is played with the set of rules and regulations which has to be followed by every player in the ground. There are totally seventeen 'laws of the game' which are framed for all level of the game. Some changes are permitted for groups such as junior level, senior level, physically challenged and for women.
The length measured for the ground shall be 200 yards which is maximum length and the maximum width shall be 100 yards. A toss is done between the two players with the help of referee and the team who wins the toss commences the play.
Players should try their best in pushing off the ball to the goal. A Player is entitled to pass the ball to his other team mates and also have to defend the ball of the opponent team. The ball should not be thrown nor be knocked on and not to be carried. Free kicks and penalty kicks are offered to the players when any of the opponent team player makes a fair catch. During the play players have no right to touch the ball or take the ball from the ground.
Players are not allowed to wear any shoe which has iron plates or it consist of projecting nails on the sole or heels of his shoes. The match is guided by the referee and any of decision taken by him is final and it cannot be opposed by any of the players.
Fouls, off sides, free kicks, penalty kicks, starting and restarting play, goal kick, corner kick, and tie breaking are the major decision taken by the referee for the each team during the play. The duration of the soccer game is fixed and any change in the duration depends on the level of the game being played.
Track n field gear is the largest athletic equipments and athletic goods supplier. We provide you the best quality of sports equipments like Basketball, Beachball, Shot Put, Discus, Starling Blocks, Hurdles, Soccer, Training Accessories and for further more details please visit our site.
The game is played with the solo spherical ball. Twenty players chasing the single ball and two players defending the ball of the opponent team at goal post know as goal keepers. The other popular name for the soccer is "football". Since Soccer is a team game it brings the skills of team management. The game is played between two teams where each time has ten players and one goal keeper so the count is eleven players. It is one of the most popular games played around the world.
Make your paddling experience the best it can be. Feel confident on the fully the secure online store of paddlerscove.com while you choose your kayak, kayak paddle, and kayak gear.
It is an outdoor game where the play is performed on a rectangular grass or in the artificial turf field where the goal post are placed each at the center of the short ends. Players are required to drive in the ball at the opposing team goal post in order to score the points.
Other than the goalkeepers no other player in the field is allowed to use their hands or arms to drive the ball. Rest Players have to kick off the ball by their feet. Only during the penalties or when the ball is moved off the ground the players are allowed to touch the ball to keep at the particular point and then to kick the ball.
The game Soccer is played with the set of rules and regulations which has to be followed by every player in the ground. There are totally seventeen 'laws of the game' which are framed for all level of the game. Some changes are permitted for groups such as junior level, senior level, physically challenged and for women.
The length measured for the ground shall be 200 yards which is maximum length and the maximum width shall be 100 yards. A toss is done between the two players with the help of referee and the team who wins the toss commences the play.
Players should try their best in pushing off the ball to the goal. A Player is entitled to pass the ball to his other team mates and also have to defend the ball of the opponent team. The ball should not be thrown nor be knocked on and not to be carried. Free kicks and penalty kicks are offered to the players when any of the opponent team player makes a fair catch. During the play players have no right to touch the ball or take the ball from the ground.
Players are not allowed to wear any shoe which has iron plates or it consist of projecting nails on the sole or heels of his shoes. The match is guided by the referee and any of decision taken by him is final and it cannot be opposed by any of the players.
Fouls, off sides, free kicks, penalty kicks, starting and restarting play, goal kick, corner kick, and tie breaking are the major decision taken by the referee for the each team during the play. The duration of the soccer game is fixed and any change in the duration depends on the level of the game being played.
Track n field gear is the largest athletic equipments and athletic goods supplier. We provide you the best quality of sports equipments like Basketball, Beachball, Shot Put, Discus, Starling Blocks, Hurdles, Soccer, Training Accessories and for further more details please visit our site.
The game is played with the solo spherical ball. Twenty players chasing the single ball and two players defending the ball of the opponent team at goal post know as goal keepers. The other popular name for the soccer is "football". Since Soccer is a team game it brings the skills of team management. The game is played between two teams where each time has ten players and one goal keeper so the count is eleven players. It is one of the most popular games played around the world.
2010年5月9日星期日
Bruins end season with 4-3 SO win over Capitals
Marco Sturm tied the game with 4:18 remaining in regulation for Boston. Mike Knuble had given Washington the lead by redirecting Mike Green's drive with 10:01 to play.
The Capitals did get one major personal benchmark. Alexander Semin reached the 40-goal mark for the first time in his career and also notched his 300th career point with a drive from the far edge of the left circle that went between Thomas' legs in the first period. Eric Belanger also scored for Washington, which had a five-game winning streak snapped.
Michael Ryder scored twice in the first period for the Bruins.
Ovechkin began the day with 50 goals, tied with the Tampa Bay Lightning's Steven Stamkos and one goal ahead of the Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby in the race for the Maurice Richard Trophy that goes to the league's top goal-scorer. Ovechkin was trying to become the first player to win the award three years in a row since Brett Hull (1990-92). The Lightning and the Penguins had games later Sunday.
Ovechkin was also three points behind the Vancouver Canucks' Henrik Sedin in the pursuit of the Art Ross Trophy for league's top scorer. Sedin finished the season with 112 points by getting four assists in the Canucks' win Saturday night.
Of course, Ovechkin could have other trophies in store. He's certainly a front-runner to win the Hart Trophy for MVP again, and the Capitals are top contenders to win their first Stanley Cup.
With both teams' seeds in the Eastern Conference playoffs already secured, Sunday's game was more about individual milestones for some players and an extra day of rest for others. Among the scratches for Boston were Patrice Bergeron, Andrew Ference, Mark Recchi, Zdeno Chara, Mark Stuart and Vladimir Sobotka. Thomas made 34 saves in place of Tuukka Rask.
Tomas Fleischmann, Eric Fehr, Quintin Laing, Tyler Sloan and John Erskine had the day off for Washington. Boudreau has yet to settle on a No. 1 goaltender for the playoffs, so Semyon Varlamov got the start and made 35 saves in his final bid to win the job over Jose Theodore.
The Capitals are No. 1 in the East and won the Presidents' Trophy, awarded to the team with the NHL's best overall record, while the Bruins' No. 6 seed was sewn up on Saturday. After the game, both teams keenly kept track of the day's later results from around to league to see who their first-round opponents would be.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Alex Ovechkin's bid for more hardware had a muted finish Sunday as the two-time reigning MVP was held without a point in the Boston Bruins' 4-3 shootout win over the Washington Capitals.
David Krejci and Miroslav Satan scored in the shootout for the Bruins, who ended the regular season on a three-game winning streak. Ovechkin and the Capitals' other top scorers didn't take part in the shootout as coach Bruce Boudreau gave Boyd Gordon and Matt Bradley a chance _ both unsuccessful _ against Boston backup goalie Tim Thomas.
The Capitals also sold out every home game this season for the NBA jerseys first time in franchise history and finished with a club record 121 points in the standings, the first team outside of the NHL's Original Six to reach the 120 mark in a season.
The Capitals did get one major personal benchmark. Alexander Semin reached the 40-goal mark for the first time in his career and also notched his 300th career point with a drive from the far edge of the left circle that went between Thomas' legs in the first period. Eric Belanger also scored for Washington, which had a five-game winning streak snapped.
Michael Ryder scored twice in the first period for the Bruins.
Ovechkin began the day with 50 goals, tied with the Tampa Bay Lightning's Steven Stamkos and one goal ahead of the Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby in the race for the Maurice Richard Trophy that goes to the league's top goal-scorer. Ovechkin was trying to become the first player to win the award three years in a row since Brett Hull (1990-92). The Lightning and the Penguins had games later Sunday.
Ovechkin was also three points behind the Vancouver Canucks' Henrik Sedin in the pursuit of the Art Ross Trophy for league's top scorer. Sedin finished the season with 112 points by getting four assists in the Canucks' win Saturday night.
Of course, Ovechkin could have other trophies in store. He's certainly a front-runner to win the Hart Trophy for MVP again, and the Capitals are top contenders to win their first Stanley Cup.
With both teams' seeds in the Eastern Conference playoffs already secured, Sunday's game was more about individual milestones for some players and an extra day of rest for others. Among the scratches for Boston were Patrice Bergeron, Andrew Ference, Mark Recchi, Zdeno Chara, Mark Stuart and Vladimir Sobotka. Thomas made 34 saves in place of Tuukka Rask.
Tomas Fleischmann, Eric Fehr, Quintin Laing, Tyler Sloan and John Erskine had the day off for Washington. Boudreau has yet to settle on a No. 1 goaltender for the playoffs, so Semyon Varlamov got the start and made 35 saves in his final bid to win the job over Jose Theodore.
The Capitals are No. 1 in the East and won the Presidents' Trophy, awarded to the team with the NHL's best overall record, while the Bruins' No. 6 seed was sewn up on Saturday. After the game, both teams keenly kept track of the day's later results from around to league to see who their first-round opponents would be.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Alex Ovechkin's bid for more hardware had a muted finish Sunday as the two-time reigning MVP was held without a point in the Boston Bruins' 4-3 shootout win over the Washington Capitals.
David Krejci and Miroslav Satan scored in the shootout for the Bruins, who ended the regular season on a three-game winning streak. Ovechkin and the Capitals' other top scorers didn't take part in the shootout as coach Bruce Boudreau gave Boyd Gordon and Matt Bradley a chance _ both unsuccessful _ against Boston backup goalie Tim Thomas.
The Capitals also sold out every home game this season for the NBA jerseys first time in franchise history and finished with a club record 121 points in the standings, the first team outside of the NHL's Original Six to reach the 120 mark in a season.
2010年5月8日星期六
Sale of Wizards to Leonsis close to final
Pollin died at age 85 in November, setting in World Cup Soccer Jersey motion what was expected to be a smooth transfer of the Wizards and the Verizon Center to Leonsis.
Pollin anointed Leonsis as his heir when the two became partners in 1999. Leonsis' group already owns 44 percent of the team and the arena, and was given the right to get the first chance to purchase the remaining 56 percent.
"It's not a 'done, done' deal, but it's fairly close," Robert Pollin said in a telephone interview Tuesday. "A signed deal should be a matter of days."
The NBA Board of Governors will need to approve the sale, but Robert Pollin said, "There's really no question that they will. They know Ted. ... It's a foregone conclusion they will approve it."
A representative for Leonsis' group had no comment Tuesday.
Abe Pollin was the NBA's longest-tenured owner, having bought the Baltimore Bullets in 1964. He renamed his NBA team in 1997 because of the violent connotation of the word "Bullets." A builder by trade, Pollin constructed the Verizon Center, which helped revitalize Washington's downtown area.
Pollin previously sold Leonsis the NHL's Capitals in 1999, and the WNBA's Mystics in 2005.
"Obviously, very sad feelings about transitioning out of it, but compared to losing my father, it's not the same category," Robert Pollin said. "It was his project for most of his adult life. I was 13 when we bought the Bullets."
The Wizards are coming off consecutive last-place finishes, including a 26-56 record in 2009-10, a season marred by the suspension of star Gilbert Arenas for bringing guns into the locker room.
ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) - The family of late Washington Wizards owner Abe Pollin has agreed to the "major economic terms" of a deal to sell its stake in the NBA team to Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis.
Leonsis, a former AOL executive, and the Pollins ran into some snags in talks this year. But in a statement Tuesday, Pollin's sons, Robert and James, said they and their mother, Irene, congratulate Leonsis on this "near-final step in a long negotiation."
A person familiar with the negotiations confirmed to The Associated Press last month that the two sides agreed to value the franchise and the arena at slightly more than $550 million.
Pollin anointed Leonsis as his heir when the two became partners in 1999. Leonsis' group already owns 44 percent of the team and the arena, and was given the right to get the first chance to purchase the remaining 56 percent.
"It's not a 'done, done' deal, but it's fairly close," Robert Pollin said in a telephone interview Tuesday. "A signed deal should be a matter of days."
The NBA Board of Governors will need to approve the sale, but Robert Pollin said, "There's really no question that they will. They know Ted. ... It's a foregone conclusion they will approve it."
A representative for Leonsis' group had no comment Tuesday.
Abe Pollin was the NBA's longest-tenured owner, having bought the Baltimore Bullets in 1964. He renamed his NBA team in 1997 because of the violent connotation of the word "Bullets." A builder by trade, Pollin constructed the Verizon Center, which helped revitalize Washington's downtown area.
Pollin previously sold Leonsis the NHL's Capitals in 1999, and the WNBA's Mystics in 2005.
"Obviously, very sad feelings about transitioning out of it, but compared to losing my father, it's not the same category," Robert Pollin said. "It was his project for most of his adult life. I was 13 when we bought the Bullets."
The Wizards are coming off consecutive last-place finishes, including a 26-56 record in 2009-10, a season marred by the suspension of star Gilbert Arenas for bringing guns into the locker room.
ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) - The family of late Washington Wizards owner Abe Pollin has agreed to the "major economic terms" of a deal to sell its stake in the NBA team to Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis.
Leonsis, a former AOL executive, and the Pollins ran into some snags in talks this year. But in a statement Tuesday, Pollin's sons, Robert and James, said they and their mother, Irene, congratulate Leonsis on this "near-final step in a long negotiation."
A person familiar with the negotiations confirmed to The Associated Press last month that the two sides agreed to value the franchise and the arena at slightly more than $550 million.
2010年5月7日星期五
Red Wings beat Sabres 3-2 in overtime
DETROIT (AP) - Brian Rafalski scored a power-play goal 31 seconds into overtime, lifting the Detroit Red Wings to a 3-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday night. soccer jerseys
Detroit, which blew a two-goal lead, moved into eighth place in the Western Conference standings ahead of the idle Calgary Flames.
Pavel Datsyuk and Patrick Eaves put Detroit ahead a few minutes into the game, scoring on the second and third shots against Ryan Miller.
Jochen Hecht pulled Buffalo within a goal at the 7:05 mark of the first period and tied it 5 1/2 minutes into the second.
Miller bounced back from his rough start to make 34 saves. He got a warm reception, playing in his home state for the first time since helping the U.S. win silver at the Olympics. Detroit's Jimmy Howard stopped 24 shots.
The Red Wings took advantage of a power play in the extra period when Buffalo defenseman Tyler Myers, a rookie of the year candidate, cleared the puck over the glass and was called for delay of game.
Rafalski's slap shot from the left circle beat Miller on the short side. They were teammates last month at the Vancouver Games. It was Rafalski's first winning goal this season.
Detroit has won five of seven since the Olympic break and the Sabres are 3-4, giving Ottawa hopes of winning the Northeast Division.
The Red Wings got off to a great start against Buffalo as Datsyuk scored on a carom off the endboards, beating Miller from a slight angle.
Eaves beat the Sabres down the ice on his goal, flipping a shot past Miller as he slid on his left knee 3:15 into the game.
Buffalo, though, refused to wilt.
Hecht scored his 15th and 16th goals, tying the game, and Miller turned away enough shots to keep the Sabres in the game.
Both teams had chances to win the game in the third, but each hit a post.
NOTES: Miller fell to 1-2 against his younger brother, Drew, in the NHL. They both grew up in East Lansing and played for their hometown Michigan State Spartans. ... Their mother, Teresa, attended the game and wore a homemade jacket that was half blue and half red with both of her son's numbers on the back.
Detroit, which blew a two-goal lead, moved into eighth place in the Western Conference standings ahead of the idle Calgary Flames.
Pavel Datsyuk and Patrick Eaves put Detroit ahead a few minutes into the game, scoring on the second and third shots against Ryan Miller.
Jochen Hecht pulled Buffalo within a goal at the 7:05 mark of the first period and tied it 5 1/2 minutes into the second.
Miller bounced back from his rough start to make 34 saves. He got a warm reception, playing in his home state for the first time since helping the U.S. win silver at the Olympics. Detroit's Jimmy Howard stopped 24 shots.
The Red Wings took advantage of a power play in the extra period when Buffalo defenseman Tyler Myers, a rookie of the year candidate, cleared the puck over the glass and was called for delay of game.
Rafalski's slap shot from the left circle beat Miller on the short side. They were teammates last month at the Vancouver Games. It was Rafalski's first winning goal this season.
Detroit has won five of seven since the Olympic break and the Sabres are 3-4, giving Ottawa hopes of winning the Northeast Division.
The Red Wings got off to a great start against Buffalo as Datsyuk scored on a carom off the endboards, beating Miller from a slight angle.
Eaves beat the Sabres down the ice on his goal, flipping a shot past Miller as he slid on his left knee 3:15 into the game.
Buffalo, though, refused to wilt.
Hecht scored his 15th and 16th goals, tying the game, and Miller turned away enough shots to keep the Sabres in the game.
Both teams had chances to win the game in the third, but each hit a post.
NOTES: Miller fell to 1-2 against his younger brother, Drew, in the NHL. They both grew up in East Lansing and played for their hometown Michigan State Spartans. ... Their mother, Teresa, attended the game and wore a homemade jacket that was half blue and half red with both of her son's numbers on the back.
2010年5月5日星期三
Isles snap 15-game skid vs. Flyers with 6-4 win
UNIONDALE, N.Y. (AP) - Blake Comeau scored twice in New York's three-goal first period, soccer jerseys and the Islanders snapped a 15-game losing streak to Philadelphia with a 6-4 victory over the playoff-hopeful Flyers on Thursday night.
Comeau gave the Islanders a 1-0 lead 2:11 in and doubled the advantage 5:06 later _ both off assists from rookie John Tavares. Frans Nielsen made it a three-goal edge 28 seconds after Comeau's second on New York's eighth shot on goalie Brian Boucher.
New York _ which tied its highest scoring output this season _ kept alive minuscule playoff possibilities, but is still eight points below the postseason cutoff with five games left. The Islanders, 0-12-3 in the previous 15 against the Flyers, took solace in finally beating their Atlantic Division rivals, who started the streak on March 1, 2008. It is the longest winning streak over a team in Flyers' history and was the longest current run in the NHL.
Frans Nielsen, Sean Bergenheim, Trent Hunter, and Jon Sim also scored, and former Flyers goalie Martin Biron made 31 saves for the Islanders, who have won three of four. Arron Asham, James van Riemsdyk, Danny Briere and Darroll Powe had goals for the Flyers, 1-5-1 in their last seven.
Philadelphia, which outscored New York 51-25 during its dominant stretch, was the only team second-year Islanders coach Scott Gordon hadn't beaten. This one could hurt the playoff chances for the Flyers, who started the night in a three-way tie for the sixth through eighth places in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia caught a break when Boston lost 1-0 to Florida.
Comeau got this rout started with help from Flyers forward Briere and video replay. Comeau flipped a rising shot from the right wing boards that deflected in off Briere's high stick as he battled Tavares in front.
Comeau got another fortunate bounce moments later when he swung a puck from behind the net that clipped the skate of defenseman Lukas Krajicek and caromed past Boucher. Comeau has 16 goals this season, and 10 have been scored in his past 16 games _ including two straight two-goal efforts.
Nielsen finished the first-period spurt off a feed from Sim at 7:45.
Flyers coach Peter Laviolette used his timeout, but it was too late. Philadelphia couldn't carry the momentum of an impressive 5-1 home win over New Jersey on Sunday through a rare late-season, three-day break.
Boucher gave up a soft goal 3:08 into the second when Bergenheim banked a shot in off the goalie's leg from below the goal line. But former Islanders forward Asham brought the Flyers within three at 12:26 of the second.
The Flyers fell behind 5-1 when Hunter's shot from the right circle sneaked in under Boucher's left arm 2:30 into the third. Boucher, who allowed five goals on 24 shots, was then relieved by Jeremy Duchesne _ making his NHL debut.
Van Riemsdyk answered Hunter's goal 1:52 later with a power-play tally to bring the Flyers within 5-2. Sim pushed the lead back to four at 11:52. Briere's 25th of the season, credited after a video review, made it 6-3 with 5:07 remaining. Powe finished the scoring with 1:09 left.
NOTES: Van Riemsdyk sat out Sunday because of a bruised left knee. He was scoreless in his previous 17 games and 21 of 22. ... Comeau has four multigoal games in his past 15. ... Duchesne is the sixth goalie to dress for the Flyers this season, the fifth to play.
Comeau gave the Islanders a 1-0 lead 2:11 in and doubled the advantage 5:06 later _ both off assists from rookie John Tavares. Frans Nielsen made it a three-goal edge 28 seconds after Comeau's second on New York's eighth shot on goalie Brian Boucher.
New York _ which tied its highest scoring output this season _ kept alive minuscule playoff possibilities, but is still eight points below the postseason cutoff with five games left. The Islanders, 0-12-3 in the previous 15 against the Flyers, took solace in finally beating their Atlantic Division rivals, who started the streak on March 1, 2008. It is the longest winning streak over a team in Flyers' history and was the longest current run in the NHL.
Frans Nielsen, Sean Bergenheim, Trent Hunter, and Jon Sim also scored, and former Flyers goalie Martin Biron made 31 saves for the Islanders, who have won three of four. Arron Asham, James van Riemsdyk, Danny Briere and Darroll Powe had goals for the Flyers, 1-5-1 in their last seven.
Philadelphia, which outscored New York 51-25 during its dominant stretch, was the only team second-year Islanders coach Scott Gordon hadn't beaten. This one could hurt the playoff chances for the Flyers, who started the night in a three-way tie for the sixth through eighth places in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia caught a break when Boston lost 1-0 to Florida.
Comeau got this rout started with help from Flyers forward Briere and video replay. Comeau flipped a rising shot from the right wing boards that deflected in off Briere's high stick as he battled Tavares in front.
Comeau got another fortunate bounce moments later when he swung a puck from behind the net that clipped the skate of defenseman Lukas Krajicek and caromed past Boucher. Comeau has 16 goals this season, and 10 have been scored in his past 16 games _ including two straight two-goal efforts.
Nielsen finished the first-period spurt off a feed from Sim at 7:45.
Flyers coach Peter Laviolette used his timeout, but it was too late. Philadelphia couldn't carry the momentum of an impressive 5-1 home win over New Jersey on Sunday through a rare late-season, three-day break.
Boucher gave up a soft goal 3:08 into the second when Bergenheim banked a shot in off the goalie's leg from below the goal line. But former Islanders forward Asham brought the Flyers within three at 12:26 of the second.
The Flyers fell behind 5-1 when Hunter's shot from the right circle sneaked in under Boucher's left arm 2:30 into the third. Boucher, who allowed five goals on 24 shots, was then relieved by Jeremy Duchesne _ making his NHL debut.
Van Riemsdyk answered Hunter's goal 1:52 later with a power-play tally to bring the Flyers within 5-2. Sim pushed the lead back to four at 11:52. Briere's 25th of the season, credited after a video review, made it 6-3 with 5:07 remaining. Powe finished the scoring with 1:09 left.
NOTES: Van Riemsdyk sat out Sunday because of a bruised left knee. He was scoreless in his previous 17 games and 21 of 22. ... Comeau has four multigoal games in his past 15. ... Duchesne is the sixth goalie to dress for the Flyers this season, the fifth to play.
Portugal vs. Bosnia: World Cup Betting Preview
It’s been a very long week without any action to get World Cup Soccer Jersey stuck into but it ends in the best possible way with World Cup playoffs taking centre stage and eight European nations still have dreams of reaching South Africa.
Without question the most high profile tie sees Ireland battle France, the 1998 World Cup winners look in serious danger of exiting to me, but the clash between Portugal and Bosnia catches the eye from a betting perspective and the away side will fancy their chances.
Bosnia, a rapidly emerging sporting county, will be buoyed by the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, the £80m man is missing due to an ankle injury, but they’d have held hopes of progressing even if the Real Madrid man were fit and Miroslav Blazevic’s side are a talented bunch.
Desperate to compete in their first major finals since gaining independence, Bosnia rely on the talents of Wolfsburg pair Edin Dzeko and Zvjezdan Misimovic in attack however they are solid throughout and Carlos Queiroz’s men have their work cut out.
With the first leg in Lisbon, Portugal will be looking to establish a first leg advantage but Bosnia emerged clear second best behind Spain in Group 5 from a section that also included Turkey and Belgium and they found the net 25 times in just 10 group matches.
Were it not for a final day 5-2 drubbing at the hands of the Spanish then Bosnia would have arrived in the playoffs boasting an equally impressive defensive record as their opponents, Portugal conceded just five goals in qualifying, and the hosts are tipped to find it tough going.
Ronaldo’s absence places huge pressure on the likes of captain Simao and Liedson to provide the goals but the pair are hardly prolific, Nani cannot be relied upon for a regular return either, and it could be a cagey affair. Ricardo Carvalho and his central defensive partner Pepe will be all too aware of Bosnia’s threat on the break and this is one that neither side will want to lose ahead of the return.
While Portugal scraped into the playoffs with comfortable late wins over Hungary and Malta, scoring seven without reply, they had previously been held by Albania and Sweden in front of their own fans in addition to tasting defeat at the hands of group winners Denmark and clearly Queiroz has problems. Not least Ronaldo’s injury.
One concern will be Portugal’s lack of goals, especially from midfield, but that appears not a problem for the visitors and one to keep an eye on over the two legs is youngster Miralem Pjanic. The 19-year-old Lyon midfielder is making a name for himself in France, and the Champions League, and he is fit to grace the biggest stage of all.
It would be somewhat of a surprise were he to do so next summer but Bosnia should not be underestimated and they are taken receiving 1.25 on the Asians with Ladbrokes. Portugal are not the force of old and having to cope without the world’s best may prove one step too far.
Without question the most high profile tie sees Ireland battle France, the 1998 World Cup winners look in serious danger of exiting to me, but the clash between Portugal and Bosnia catches the eye from a betting perspective and the away side will fancy their chances.
Bosnia, a rapidly emerging sporting county, will be buoyed by the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, the £80m man is missing due to an ankle injury, but they’d have held hopes of progressing even if the Real Madrid man were fit and Miroslav Blazevic’s side are a talented bunch.
Desperate to compete in their first major finals since gaining independence, Bosnia rely on the talents of Wolfsburg pair Edin Dzeko and Zvjezdan Misimovic in attack however they are solid throughout and Carlos Queiroz’s men have their work cut out.
With the first leg in Lisbon, Portugal will be looking to establish a first leg advantage but Bosnia emerged clear second best behind Spain in Group 5 from a section that also included Turkey and Belgium and they found the net 25 times in just 10 group matches.
Were it not for a final day 5-2 drubbing at the hands of the Spanish then Bosnia would have arrived in the playoffs boasting an equally impressive defensive record as their opponents, Portugal conceded just five goals in qualifying, and the hosts are tipped to find it tough going.
Ronaldo’s absence places huge pressure on the likes of captain Simao and Liedson to provide the goals but the pair are hardly prolific, Nani cannot be relied upon for a regular return either, and it could be a cagey affair. Ricardo Carvalho and his central defensive partner Pepe will be all too aware of Bosnia’s threat on the break and this is one that neither side will want to lose ahead of the return.
While Portugal scraped into the playoffs with comfortable late wins over Hungary and Malta, scoring seven without reply, they had previously been held by Albania and Sweden in front of their own fans in addition to tasting defeat at the hands of group winners Denmark and clearly Queiroz has problems. Not least Ronaldo’s injury.
One concern will be Portugal’s lack of goals, especially from midfield, but that appears not a problem for the visitors and one to keep an eye on over the two legs is youngster Miralem Pjanic. The 19-year-old Lyon midfielder is making a name for himself in France, and the Champions League, and he is fit to grace the biggest stage of all.
It would be somewhat of a surprise were he to do so next summer but Bosnia should not be underestimated and they are taken receiving 1.25 on the Asians with Ladbrokes. Portugal are not the force of old and having to cope without the world’s best may prove one step too far.
2010年5月4日星期二
World Cup 2010 Draw Made
Saturday, December 5, 2009 -- The draw for the 2010 World Cup finals has been made in South Africa and here are the eight groups: Soccer jerseys
Group A:
South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France
Group B:
Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, Greece
Group C:
England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia
Group D:
Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana
Group E:
Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon
Group F:
Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia
Group G:
Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast, Portugal
Group H:
Spain, Swizerland, Honduras, Chile
Group A:
South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France
Group B:
Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, Greece
Group C:
England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia
Group D:
Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana
Group E:
Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon
Group F:
Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia
Group G:
Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast, Portugal
Group H:
Spain, Swizerland, Honduras, Chile
2010年5月2日星期日
Juventus Eyeing Juan Mata
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 -- Italian giants and former European champions Juventus are reportedly eager to land Spanish international midfielder Juan Mata.
Catalan sports daily Sport claims that Juventus are looking to strengthen their attacking lineup after their Champions League exit on Tuesday. It reports that the Bianconeri want to sign the winger from Valencia.
Mata, though, has consistently insisted that he is happy playing for the Spanish side and that he doesn't want to soccer jerseys move elsewhere.
Catalan sports daily Sport claims that Juventus are looking to strengthen their attacking lineup after their Champions League exit on Tuesday. It reports that the Bianconeri want to sign the winger from Valencia.
Mata, though, has consistently insisted that he is happy playing for the Spanish side and that he doesn't want to soccer jerseys move elsewhere.
ITALIAN SERIE A
AC Milan sent crosstown rivals Inter a message of NHL Jerseys intent after destroying struggling Siena 4-0 on Sunday. Ronaldinho, who scored a hat-trick in the contest, was sublime for Milan and seems in the mood this campaign. Inter's 2-2 draw at Bari on Saturday, sees Milan move to within 6 points.
Elsewhere, AS Roma lept into third with a composed Luca Toni grabbing two goals in their 3-0 victory over Genoa. The win was all the more impressive considering Roma were without injured skipper Francesco Totti.
Ciro Ferrara's reign at Juventus appears to be almost at a close after the Old Lady were beaten 1-0 by Chievo Verona. Juve, who have their injury troubles, lacked energy and confidence, and have now lost 4 of their last 5 in Serie A. To be honest, Chievo were the better side.
Elsewhere, AS Roma lept into third with a composed Luca Toni grabbing two goals in their 3-0 victory over Genoa. The win was all the more impressive considering Roma were without injured skipper Francesco Totti.
Ciro Ferrara's reign at Juventus appears to be almost at a close after the Old Lady were beaten 1-0 by Chievo Verona. Juve, who have their injury troubles, lacked energy and confidence, and have now lost 4 of their last 5 in Serie A. To be honest, Chievo were the better side.
2010年5月1日星期六
Consumer confidence
Thirdly, China has a huge domestic market and boosted national consumption through various economic stimulus packages. As a result, the leadership regained consumers' confidence. soccer jerseys
The vehicle industry in China, for example, is soaring. Compared to the previous year, commercial vehicle sales rose by 60.6 per cent in July 2009, truck sales were up 46.4 per cent (with heavy trucks up by 85.7 per cent), and the sale of buses rose by 82.8 per cent, mainly driven by a 103.1 per cent rise in minibus sales.
And with sales up by 64.5 per cent for passenger vehicles, China set a new record. That frees capital to be invested in other parts of the world, such as Africa.
During his visit to China in early September, Robert Zoellick, the World Bank president, underlined the importance of China to the global economy.
"With growth in China now projected at close to eight per cent for 2009 as a whole, and signs of stabilisation in many other economies in Asia and around the world, the chances of a truly global recovery have increased measurably," he noted.
Advanced countries, including the Euro zone, the US and Japan, have a lot more difficulties coming out of the crisis. They sit on large debts and have to deal with saturated domestic markets allowing little space for growth.
It started with the housing bubble in the US. Cheap credit and the prospects of favourable long-term returns on the housing market led American consumers to borrow relentlessly.
When interest rates rose and housing prices dropped, many people were unable to make the payments. The same happened, albeit on a larger scale, to investment banks from all over the world who had put their money into the American housing market.
The housing bubble burst in July 2007, pulling the world into the biggest financial crisis since the great depression. The bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers in mid-2008 became the symbol of economic meltdown.
The vehicle industry in China, for example, is soaring. Compared to the previous year, commercial vehicle sales rose by 60.6 per cent in July 2009, truck sales were up 46.4 per cent (with heavy trucks up by 85.7 per cent), and the sale of buses rose by 82.8 per cent, mainly driven by a 103.1 per cent rise in minibus sales.
And with sales up by 64.5 per cent for passenger vehicles, China set a new record. That frees capital to be invested in other parts of the world, such as Africa.
During his visit to China in early September, Robert Zoellick, the World Bank president, underlined the importance of China to the global economy.
"With growth in China now projected at close to eight per cent for 2009 as a whole, and signs of stabilisation in many other economies in Asia and around the world, the chances of a truly global recovery have increased measurably," he noted.
Advanced countries, including the Euro zone, the US and Japan, have a lot more difficulties coming out of the crisis. They sit on large debts and have to deal with saturated domestic markets allowing little space for growth.
It started with the housing bubble in the US. Cheap credit and the prospects of favourable long-term returns on the housing market led American consumers to borrow relentlessly.
When interest rates rose and housing prices dropped, many people were unable to make the payments. The same happened, albeit on a larger scale, to investment banks from all over the world who had put their money into the American housing market.
The housing bubble burst in July 2007, pulling the world into the biggest financial crisis since the great depression. The bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers in mid-2008 became the symbol of economic meltdown.
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