Lustiges und Witziges! » dbacks are opening their

The days of the Big Four in the Barclays Premier League are a distant memory this season and the current dogfight for supremacy at the top of the table is unlike anything seen in recent memory. That battle continues on Wednesday on TSN2 and TSN.ca with four matches all beginning at 2:45pm et/11:45am pt. On TSN2, David Moyess current club hosts his old one as defending champions Manchester United - unbeaten in 12 matches in all competitions - welcome Romelu Lukaku and surprising Everton. It all begins with Barclays Premier League Live at 2pm et/11am pt. On TSN.ca, Hull City - fresh off beating Liverpool for the first time in its history - looks to slay another giant, as they travel to the Emirates to take on Jack Wilshere and table leaders Arsenal. Meanwhile, Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool hope to take out their frustrations from the weekends defeat at Hull on Norwich City when the Canaries visit Anfield. That match is also available on TSN.ca. Having been used to a two-team battle for the title and occasionally one with a third thrown into the mix, whats going on in the 2013-14 BPL season is almost unprecedented. Just 10 points separate Arsenal from ninth-place Tottenham. To put that into perspective, consider Europes other top leagues where in La Liga, Serie A and Bundesliga, there is a minimum of a 20-point gap between first and ninth. United is one of those teams in the mix, but have to make up the eight points between them and from Arsenal while leaping over the six teams between them. It would have been foolish for anybody to expect United to not skip a beat after Sir Alex Fergusons retirement and Moyes taking the reins at Old Trafford, but the early season jitters appears to have abated. The team has been buoyed by the play of Wayne Rooney, arguably the best player in the BPL this season and scorer of both goals in Sundays 2-2 draw with Spurs, and the brilliant goalkeeping of David De Gea, whose game has evolved from the shakiness displayed in his first season in England just two seasons ago. That isnt to say, of course, that everything is on track. Injuries have been a major concern for the team with midfield general Michael Carrick (shin) and superstar striker Robin van Persie (groin) currently among those wounded, as well as an inability to close the door in recent matches with Cardiff City and Southampton. Van Persie, however, appears to be okay to return and may see pitch time against Everton. High-flying Everton will provide a stiff test for the champions. Roberto Martinez, hired to replace Moyes, has his Toffees sitting in fifth, level on points with Merseyside rivals Liverpool. Few expected such a lofty position for moderate-spending Everton, but a serious of shrewd loan moves has them with only has a single loss, the fewest of any team in the league. Lukaku, on loan from Chelsea, is among the league leaders in goals with eight, while Gerard Delofeu, loaned from Barcelona, starred in Saturdays 4-0 thumping of Stoke. United and Everton split their season series last year, each winning at home. At Anfield, Rodgers and Liverpool must continue to adjust to life without Daniel Sturridge. The England international suffered ligament straining in his ankle during training last Friday. Hes expected to be out for up to eight weeks. Still, Rodgers hopes that his team will step up in Sturridges absence. "This little period now will test us," said Rodgers. "Weve got players that will come in and its a great opportunity for them to stake a claim for a place in the team." The Reds failed that first test when they dropped a 3-1 decision to Hull City on Saturday, but will have the opportunity to get back on track against a Norwich City side looking for some consistency. Though coming off a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace, Chris Hughtons Canaries have yet to win consecutive games this season. Hughton also must address the added distraction of a dissatisfied Luciano Becchio. The Argentine striker recently expressed his displeasure over his lack of usage by the team and suggested that he wouldnt mind playing elsewhere. While Liverpool attempts to make up lost ground, in London, Arsenal will attempt to grab some more breathing room at the summit of the BPL. The Gunners can pull seven points clear of idle Chelsea with a win over Hull.Arsenals 3-0 win at Cardiff on Saturday was propelled by two goals from Welshman Aaron Ramsey, who is enjoying a coming out party this season. "He was phenomenal," said Gunners manager Arsene Wenger of Ramsey. "He keeps surprising me. He has matured as a player and as a person. He can still develop. When you see the improvement in him in the last two years then why should he stop now?" But Steve Bruces Hull City will not be a soft touch for Arsenal. Fresh off their first win over Liverpool in the teams 109-year history, the Tigers will be hungry to knock off another top side, after already having beaten Newcastle. Discount Custom Basketball Jerseys .com) - Delon Wright scored 17 points and No. Custom Basketball Jerseys Outlet . He was attracted by the punishing defence, the strong running game and a coaching staff he trusted. The 49ers announced Thursday that Manningham had signed a two-year deal to join the team he helped knock out in the NFC championship game two months ago in their latest offensive upgrade at wide receiver. http://www.customjerseysbasketball.com/. Toronto announced the deal with the restricted free agent on Saturday. The terms were not disclosed. Clearance Custom Basketball Jerseys . Geovany Soto had an RBI for the Cubs. Carlos Silva gave up one run on three hits over six innings to pick up the win. Josh Willingham drove in the lone run for the Nationals, who had just four hits. Custom Atlanta Hawks Jerseys .com) - Longtime Senators star Daniel Alfredsson returned to Ottawa on Thursday to officially announce his retirement.PORT CHARLOTTE, Florida – Aaron Sanchez was so impressive on Friday afternoon against the Rays big league line-up, he had Tampa Bays hitters giving him props to catcher Dioner Navarro. "Theyve never seen him," said Navarro. "Theyve never faced him and they get this young, lanky, tall guy whos throwing cheese and hes got pretty good movement. I think his composure on the mound was pretty good, his demeanour was pretty good, his body language, everything around him was pretty good today." Sanchez played the role of top prospect, shutting out the Rays over five-and-a-third innings in Torontos 5-0 win. He allowed three hits, all singles, and walked three, but helped his cause be forcing three double-play balls. One each came off the bats of Evan Longoria and Wil Myers. Sanchez struck out two, his fastball was clocked consistently in the mid-90s and his patented curveball was sharp. "It was extremely impressive, theres no doubt about it," said pitching coach Pete Walker. "He came out throwing strikes. He was composed. Faced their line-up, Im sure close to their opening day line-up, faced all their big hitters and certainly handled them pretty well. Pounded the zone, got ahead of the hitters, didnt work from behind in the count, showed an explosive fastball and, like I said, a lot of poise and a lot of ground-ball outs." Watching Sanchez pitch on Saturday, its easy to fall in love with his stuff, his composure, and easy to forget about where he is in his career. The Blue Jays have taken great care, some would say too much care, since drafting him 34th-overall in 2010. Hes only 21, turns 22 on Canada Day, and hasnt thrown a pitch in pro ball above High-A Dunedin. Sanchez hasnt exceeded 100 innings in three pro seasons, although factoring in Arizona Fall League appearances, combined with his time in Dunedin, he tossed 109 2/3 last year. If the Blue Jays increase his innings load by 20 per cent this year, hed throw approximately 130. A 30 per cent increase and Sanchez would throw about 140 innings. He authored a 3.34 ERA in 22 appearances, 20 starts, for Dunedin in 2013. His strikeouts per nine innings dropped to 7.8, but that was by design. Hes worked to become a better ground ball pitcher, which was evidenced by the double play turns in Fridays game. Its tempting for a coaching staff that can see the future but knows another failed season likely means it wont be a part of it; a coaching staff which knows theres at least one glaring hole in the current composition of its starting rotation. "I guess it would be hard not to just from watching and laying eyes on him," said Walker of whether he thinks about Sanchez breaking camp. "But obviously we want to make sure hes ready when the time comes." Hes an affable young man, but also smart. Sanchez doesnt make much noise around the clubhouse; he knows his role as a young player. Hes the Blue Jays top pitching prospect but restricts the projection of swagger and confidence to his mound appearances. "Its good to get my feet wet," said Sanchez of his first big league camp. "Coming into camp, for me, it was to soak everything all in, learn from the veteran guys, just go out and have fun." "I think some of the intangible things that you try to look for in young players in an atmosphere that can be uncomfortable at times, you know, is he so reserved? Is he getting involved in the drills and some of the meetings? Hes handled himself very well and that says a lot about his character and who he is," said bench coach DeMarlo Hale, who served as manager on Friday. It rremains to be seen whether Sanchez will throw again for the Blue Jays in spring training.dddddddddddd. Walker will sit down with manager John Gibbons and draw up a schedule. Sanchez likely starts his season at Double-A New Hampshire. A good showing there and its next stop, Buffalo. Or, maybe, Toronto. THE PIGGYBACK Theres been open musing in the press box about the idea of Dustin McGowan joining R.A. Dickey, Brandon Morrow, Mark Buehrle and Drew Hutchison in the starting rotation. Why not cap McGowan at four or five innings as he builds up arm strength and piggyback him with one of two long relievers, either Esmil Rogers or Todd Redmond? "Still trying to sort through it," said pitching coach Pete Walker when presented with the idea. "Obviously, theres still some time left in spring training. Guys are going to get the ball; get their opportunities to stand out right now. Obviously, Dustin looked great yesterday and Sanchez looked great today and the other guys, Redmond and Rogers, have thrown the ball well. Obviously, wed like to see [J.A.] Happ pitch well on the 25th and well continue to take a look at how it works out." Walker didnt have the opportunity to speak to McGowan before leaving for Port Charlotte, but said reports are the 31-year-old "felt fine" after throwing three scoreless innings against the Phillies on Thursday. TUIASOSOPOS NUMBERS General manager Alex Anthopoulos ist shy about scouring the waiver wire for players. On Thursday, he picked up Matt Tuiasosopo from the Diamondbacks. "Played well for the Tigers last year and we had good reports on him," said Anthopoulos in a statement. "He gives us a right-handed bat that gives us positional versatility. Obviously, there isnt a lot of time left but hell come in and compete for a spot." Time is of the essence and Tuiasosopo is going to need more of it than usual to join the ballclub. He was in Australia, where the Diamondbacks are opening their regular season with two games against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Its difficult to see, on the surface, where Tuiasosopo fits in. Hes a right-handed bat who got off to a strong start with the Tigers last season, hitting six of his seven home runs before the All-Star break, including four in a personal five-game span between June 18 and July 11. He can play the corner outfield positions, first base and third base in a pinch. "Youre talking about, maybe, from the right side where there could be an option there," said bench coach DeMarlo Hale. Tuiasosopo hasnt proven he can hit left-handers at the big league level. In 194 at-bats against lefties, Tuiasosopo has hit .196/.287/.345 with eight home runs. Against right-handers, his slash line is .221/.287/.368. Over his major league career, Tuiasosopo has struck out in 31.7 per cent of his big league at-bats. By comparison, while acknowledging the sample size is small, Moises Sierra hits left-handers at a .267/.327/.478 clip with four home runs. "Decisions havent been made, Im sure of that," said Hale. "I cant speak for Alex and Gibby, but it becomes added depth and well see what hes got over these next four or five days left of spring training.” Like Sierra, Tuiasosopo is out of options, meaning he would first have to pass through waivers before being assigned to the minor leagues. If the Blue Jays go with an eight-man bullpen to start the season, carrying both is out of the question. The back-up catcher, likely Erik Kratz, and Maicer Izturis must be accounted for, which leaves only one additional roster spot. Cheap Buffalo Sabres Gear Wholesale Calgary Flames Jerseys Cheap Adidas Colorado Avalanche Jerseys Montreal Canadiens Outlet Store Wholesale New Jersey Devils Jerseys Adidas Arizona Coyotes Jerseys Cheap Adidas Boston Bruins Jerseys Cheap Adidas Carolina Hurricanes Jerseys Chicago Blackhawks Shop Free Shipping Wholesale Columbus Blue Jackets Jerseys Dallas Stars Shop Free Shipping Cheap Adidas Detroit Red Wings Jerseys Anaheim Ducks Jerseys China Wholesale Edmonton Oilers Jerseys Florida Panthers Shop Free Shipping Wholesale Los Angeles Kings Jerseys Minnesota Wild Outlet Store Cheap Adidas Nashville Predators Jerseys Cheap Adidas New York Islanders Jerseys New York Rangers Winter Classic Jerseys Cheap Adidas Ottawa Senators Jerseys Cheap Adidas Philadelphia Flyers Jerseys Wholesale Pittsburgh Penguins Jerseys Cheap Adidas San Jose Sharks Jerseys St. Louis Blues Winter Classic Jerseys Wholesale Tampa Bay Lightning Jerseys Toronto Maple Leafs Outlet Store Vancouver Canucks Outlet Store Cheap Adidas Vegas Golden Knights Jerseys Cheap Adidas Washington Capitals Jerseys Cheap Adidas Winnipeg Jets Jerseys ' ' '