Month: April 2018

New England Patriots

Pat Shurmur planning to bring back Giants preseason tactic

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The Giants will face the Lions on Aug. 17 in preseason game No. 2 for both teams, but it is likely they will see plenty of each other before kickoff. If new head coach Pat Shurmur has his way, there will be a series of joint practices leading up to the game, which would put the Giants in Allen Park, Mich. for a few days this summer.

Pat Valaika (R), fewer than 1 percent, Colorado Rockies at Pittsburgh Pirates (LHP Steven Brault): This is for the deepest of leagues: With Nolan Arenado still serving his suspension, look for Valaika at one of the corner infield spots. He’s incurring a huge park downgrade but does have a little pop versus right-handers.

Adrian Gonzalez (L), 8 percent, New York Mets vs. Washington Nationals (RHP Jeremy Hellickson): Hellickson is set to make his 2018 debut, bumping A.J. Cole from the rotation. After posting a surprisingly effective 2016 season, Hellickson struggled last year, fanning fewer hitters while allowing a hefty 35 homers in 164 innings. Gonzalez, and fellow lefty swinger Brandon Nimmo are both in prime lineup spots, aiming to take advantage of the platoon edge.

“I’m very sensitive to the character portion of our process,” Gaine said during his predraft news conference. “We spent a lot of time evaluating that (character) because I’m sensitive to the impact it can have on the locker room, the weight room, the training room and when you get on the practice field.

“I want to know exactly what we’re getting from a football and character standpoint. I’m certainly aware that we’re bringing players into our community, and that weighs heavily on me. I want to make sure we’re bringing good character people here.

Jaire Alexander, Louisville: His performance at the combine — particularly his 4.38 in the 40 — spiked his stock. His footwork and agility also opened eyes. But Alexander missed four games because of a knee injury early in 2017, and then dealt with a broken hand that caused him to miss two more games. So there’s risk coupled with his great skills.
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New England Patriots

Report: NFL eventually could put draft on NBC and CBS, too

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This year, three networks will televise the draft: FOX, NFL Network, and ESPN. In future years, other networks could join the party, in theory.
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Game D.J. Alexander Jersey Michael McCarthy of SportingNews.com reports that the NFL’s contracts with FOX and ESPN don’t guarantee exclusivity, which means that NBC or CBS also could be given the opportunity televise the proceedings.

On the surface, the potential Dalvin Tomlinson Authentic Jersey for oversaturation could be off-putting to the NFL and the networks. However, McCarthy explains that some league executives envision the draft becoming like election night, with every network partner having its own coverage.

The realities are what they are, that there’s a human side to that, it’s hard, Roeder said. Moving forward, the thing that jumps out is the character of the people that are in the building now. That make you excited.

I think that period is over and he’s going to be a Giant for another year, Landry said. Outside of that, I’m just so focused on this team, I’m so focused on what we’ve got going with the guys we have now and the guys we’ll add in a couple weeks.
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Beckham hasn’t agreed to a new contract with the Giants, and until he does there’s going to be speculation about how much longer he’ll be in New York. But whether Beckham signs a new deal with the Giants or hits free agency next year, Landry is convinced he’s not going anywhere until 2019 at the earliest.

Later in the period, with Columbus’ Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Murray both in the penalty box for slashing, Carlson connected with 5:17 left on a one-timer 28 seconds into the 5-on-3.

After feasting on the power play in the first two games, the Blue Jackets failed to score on four tries with a man advantage. The Capitals whiffed on three of their four power plays.

It’s a hell of a series, Columbus coach John Tortorella said.

New England Patriots

Bills re-sign their exclusive rights free agents

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In addition to adding two new players to the roster on Monday, the Bills have also re-signed four other players for the 2018 season.
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All four of those players were tendered as exclusive rights free agents earlier this offseason, which left them with the choice of playing for the Bills or sitting out altogether. Tight end Nick O’Leary, cornerback Lafayette Pitts, tight end Logan Thomas and defensive end Eddie Yarbrough all opted for the first track.

O’Leary had 22 catches for 322 yards and two touchdowns while Thomas, a converted quarterback, had seven catches, 67 yards and a touchdown last season. Yarbrough appeared in all 16 games as a rotational player and Pitts played in 10 games for Buffalo after being claimed off waivers.

Neither Fox’s NFL Sunday host Curt Menefee nor longtime panelist Jimmy Johnson is currently in play Womens Troy Hill Jersey for Thursday.

Gordon fulfilled the final year of his rookie contract in 2017, but because he wasn’t eligible for at least six games, he didn’t pick up a third accrued season. If he earns a third accrued season in 2018, Gordon will be eligible for restricted free agency in 2019.

Limited DeMario Davis Jersey A potential pass-catching option when not suspended, Gordon returned to action in 2017 after missing all of 2015 and 2016 due to his latest suspension under the substance-abuse policy.

Game 4 is Wednesday night in Philadelphia.

Crosby scored his fourth goal of the series in the first period, and Derick Brassard, Evgeni Malkin and Brian Dumoulin scored in the second to make it 4-0. Malkin and Dumoulin scored 5 seconds apart.

After the third goal, I should’ve taken a timeout, Flyers coach Dave Hakstol said. That would’ve been one thing to stop that momentum.

Justin Schultz made it 5-1 in the third on Pittsburgh’s third power-play goal of the game.

Matt Murray stopped 26 shots to make it stick.

New England Patriots

Mike Maccagnan is two weeks away from making the most important choice of his tenure as Jets general manager.

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On April 26, he will make the selection at No. 3 in this year’s draft that can change the course of the franchise.
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No pressure, Mike.

Mens Drew Bledsoe Jersey The Petty/Hackenberg argument also loses steam because of where they were picked. Todd Bowles recently called the draft an educated crapshoot. It is a perfect description, but the odds in that crapshoot get worse the later you get in the draft. Hackenberg was the 51st pick overall. Petty was the 103rd.

The Jets viewed both Petty and Hackenberg as projects. You are not taking a project at No. 3 overall. This player won’t necessarily have to play right away, but will have to show the ability to play this season if needed.

Maccagnan is 0-for-2 drafting quarterbacks. But no one remembers the first two at-bats if he hits a home run in two weeks.

Time and again, lenders exploit people when they are distressed and desperate. Victims of physical, sexual or emotional harassment and abuse have become popular targets for lenders, whose business model unapologetically capitalizes on people looking for a last-ditch solution to their financial woes.

Personal-injury trial lawyers funnel a steady stream of desperate, cash-strapped consumers to lenders, who bank on a guaranteed payout at the end of a lawsuit. Not only does this practice raise Authentic Mark Sanchez Jersey conflict-of-interest questions, it’s done in a way that encourages exploitation.

Under current law, lenders are able to offer funds to individuals who are pursuing lawsuits while charging un-capped and unregulated interest rates that, according to some reports, can surpass 200 percent. These astronomical rates can leave a consumer with little to no money at the conclusion of their lawsuit.

Let’s face it: When the majority of a settlement’s funds 鈥?which are meant to make up for the actions of a negligent party 鈥?wind up in the pockets of a lawsuit lender, something is seriously amiss.

New York Giants

Utah’s Donovan Mitchell has foot contusion, leaving status up in air

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Utah Jazz rookie Donovan Mitchell underwent an MRI that showed he has a left foot contusion, and the team announced that his status for Wednesday’s Game 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder will be updated Tuesday.

And good luck figuring out Parker as he heads to free agency. One on possession, he’ll run a nifty pick-and-roll and hit a Milwaukee center with a lob. On the next one, he’ll do whatever the hell this is:

Joe Prunty benched Parker late, and he was right to. Milwaukee will not win this series with Bledsoe and Parker playing at that level.

Parker is fascinating — undeniably explosive, yet frenetic. He seems to twitch in every direction at once. He plays with his own speed and timing — accelerating suddenly, from weird locations on the floor, and pulling up just as suddenly. He is utterly unpredictable, and I’m not sure that is a good thing.

Something that is predictable: Milwaukee barfing up long 2s off the dribble with 12 on the shot clock after one desultory action. Sad!

Good things happen whenever the Bucks use Antetokounmpo as a screener in the pick-and-roll or have their point guards — Brogdon especially — screen for him. More, please.

“Six points in a Stanley Cup playoff game with a hat trick,” Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said. “That’s special.”

Pastrnak has been special in both games of the team’s first-round series, as the Czech Republic native registered three points in a Game 1 victory. His nine combined points tie him with Phil Esposito (1969) for the most points accumulated in the first two games of a postseason in NHL history.

“A lot of people in Boston already know how good he is,” said teammate Patrice Bergeron, who had four assists of his own in Game 2. “I think people on the outside are getting to know.”

The Bruins, who lead the series 2-0, will take their show on the road, as Game 3 is Monday in Toronto.

For me, it didn’t get any sweeter than April the 12, 1992, when Freddie [Couples, former University of Houston roommate] won the green jacket. He had that dream rooted in his heart and it ran as deep for him as the dream of announcing the Masters ran for me. Jim Nantz Remembers Augusta next Sunday will be about Fred’s life journey to being a Masters champion.
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New England Patriots

The Shohei Ohtani Experience: Keep track of the Angels phenom’s two-way quest

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As a starting pitcher and a designated hitter, Los Angeles Angels rookie Shohei Ohtani is embarking on a two-way journey that no major leaguer has successfully pulled off since Babe Ruth himself. Will Ohtani dominate on the mound and crush at the plate?
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In his first year on the job, he traded for three players and another player was a throw-in on one deal. Those trades for Brandon Marshall, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Zac Stacy in 2015 showed that Maccagnan felt he needed players who could play immediately as he began to restock the roster with draft picks.

Of those 13 trades, six have been trade-down scenarios, four times they have been for a player and three times he has traded up. There are some patterns in the trades that show where Maccagnan felt the roster was at the time.

Clearly that Womens Will Middlebrooks Jersey is not actually the case.

Elite Youth Jerick McKinnon Jersey Anderson’s just 27 years old, and he’s fresh off of a 1,000-yard season despite a lack of a quality passing game in Denver. Anderson shouldn’t have any trouble finding a place to land considering his age and last season’s performance.
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Berger, a guard/center who started all 16 games for the Vikings last year, said today that he’s done. The 35-year-old Berger played seven seasons in Minnesota after previous stops in Miami and Dallas.

After a lot of careful thought and prayer I have decided to retire from football, Berger wrote in a statement. I have been fortunate to enjoy 13 seasons and have had the opportunity to play with so many good players and coaches. I was on some great teams before the Vikings, but it wasn’t until I got to Minnesota that I really felt at home.

New England Patriots

Jerry Jones takes his lumps from Roger Goodell, but no regrets

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Cowboys owner Jerry Jones seldom shies away from a fight, even if his record against commissioner Roger Goodell and the league isn’t very good lately.
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After failing to get running back Ezekiel Elliott’s suspension overturned last year, and then taking a $2 million loss on legal fees in his efforts to block Goodell’s contract extension, Jones said he had no regrets standing up to the league’s power structure.

I’m going to let Roger speak to about here, what’s (been) discussed, Jones said. You know where I am on it. But where it is, is everybody’s going to think about it, talk back and forth on it a little Authentic Luis Severino Jersey bit and then we’ll be more definitive after the May meeting.
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Part of the reason it’s interesting to see Jones defer on any issue is because it rarely happens, but after paying a de facto fine for stepping out of line, he’s perhaps a bit more willing now.

The idea seems to have gained some traction, though it has come up so quickly they may not be able to vote on it this week. Coaches are out playing golf this afternoon, but owners vote on things without their input anyway, so that doesn’t matter.

They would seemingly need more time to develop the language and enforcement of any such penalty, which would seemingly follow the college rules that allow officials to eject players for helmet-to-helmet hits. But it appears enough owners are serious about the idea that it could come to fruition, in some form.

The retooling of the Raiders under new coach Jon Gruden will continue without tight end Clive Walford.
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Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that Oakland will cut Walford. Schefter adds that Walford, who was due to make $1.9 million, is expected to find a new home quickly, but no potential landing spots are included in the report.

New England Patriots

Clinton Portis reaches deal over $190,000 gambling debt

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Former NFL running back Clinton Portis has had more than his fair share of financial issues during, and more importantly after, his career. He has resolved one that arose from a $200,000 line of credit at the Borgata casino in Atlantic City.
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Womens Kenny Stills Jersey Via ESPN.com, Portis has agreed to pay the Borgata 10 percent of any income he receives above $30,000 over the next three-and-a-half years.

I think it’s of minimal concern. I don’t feel like it’s going to linger, he predicted. I think he’s going to go 30 (homers)-100 (RBI). It’s just something he does every year. I know right now it’s not clicking for him, but I think it will shortly.

OTAs and minicamps follow and continue into June until teams take a summer break before training camps open in the last week of July. New head coaches can also conduct an additional voluntary veteran minicamp.

The elements are going to be horrible, Houston manager A.J. Hinch said. It’s just cold. There’s no way around it. If they tell us to play, we’re going to play.

Brad Peacock pitched a scoreless ninth to pick up his first save Ryan Miller Youth jersey of the season. Houston’s bullpen allowed just one base runner after Morton left the game after the sixth. Will Harris allowed a walk in the seventh inning, and Joe Smith and Peacock retired all three batters they faced.

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Jamie Benn and the Dallas Stars won’t be in the playoffs. Still, they gave the Los Angeles Kings a good preview of how tough raising the Stanley Cup might be.

Benn had a natural hat trick in the first period and the Stars beat the Kings 4-2 on Saturday night.

New York Giants

Bill Belichick: Josh McDaniels is the best offensive coordinator in the NFL

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Patriots coach Bill Belichick says he worked hard at keeping Josh McDaniels in the fold because he thinks so highly of him.

Belichick said at the league meeting that after the Super Bowl, he made an effort to get McDaniels to stay, rather than leave to become head coach of the Colts, because Belichick considers McDaniels the best offensive coordinator in football.

Although there’s no firm agreement in place, there’s a good chance that the 41-year-old McDaniels will replace the 65-year-old Belichick whenever Belichick decides to retire. Both Belichick and Kraft think McDaniels will be in a good position to succeed.

Griffin is more than just an inspirational story, though even if that’s all he was that would be plenty. Yesterday was another chance to show his football skills to scouts, the same ones who initially weren’t going to invite him to the Scouting Combine before relenting.

But his tale of overcoming the birth defect that cost him his left hand when he was 4 years old wasn’t enough for some, and he admitted that not being invited to the Combine at first was difficult for him.

“I was disappointed I wasn’t invited at first, but it wasn’t just me; it was the entire nation,” Griffin said. “At first, I put out a tweet when I wasn’t invited and the entire nation got behind me. They weren’t happy about it, either. . . . I want to thank everybody who got behind me, and I’m still giving them thanks because the job is not done yet.”

The Browns are past the point of lying about what they intend to do with the first overall pick.

What they intend to do with the fourth one is enough to get coach Hue Jackson excited, as well.

Chubb would be among the possibilities if quarterbacks go with the first three picks, along with running back Saquon Barkley and defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick. The Browns roster is such that any of the three could make an immediate impact, but having a pair of pass-rushers is a tantalizing thought.

General Manager John Dorsey said there were some similarities between Chubb and Garrett, but important differences as well.la_kings_003

New England Patriots

Kluber strikes out 13, pitches Indians over Tigers 2-0

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The reigning AL Cy Young winner looked every bit an ace.
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Corey Kluber struck out 13, pitching two-hit ball for eight innings and leading the Cleveland Indians past the Detroit Tigers 2-0 in snow flurries Monday night.

Kluber downplayed his early success when asked to make a comparison to last season.

We’re three starts into it, he said. Try to go from start to start. Things that didn’t feel great today, I’ll work on in-between and go like that as opposed to take a broader view of it.

Andrew Miller pitched the ninth for his first save, getting Miguel Cabrera on a game-ending double play.

Bradley Zimmer hit a two-run homer in the fifth off Francisco Liriano (1-1) as Cleveland’s offense struggled again but used the long ball to win for the second straight day.

I hope best hockey is going to be in the playoffs, Ovechkin said Saturday night. I think the balance on our team right now is pretty good and pretty high. That’s very good thing to go into the playoffs, because in playoffs you never know what’s going to happen. Maybe one shift can change the whole series. I think we’re ready for it.

Few expected the Capitals to win the Metropolitan Division again after losing Justin Williams, Marcus Johansson, Nate Schmidt, Karl Alzner, Kevin Shattenkirk and Daniel Winnik from last year’s team that won the Presidents’ Trophy for the second consecutive season. Coach Barry Trotz and players miss no opportunity to bring up all the preseason predictions about them being a playoff bubble team.

Of course, when they sat at 11-10-1 just before Thanksgiving, those lower expectations looked accurate. General manager Brian MacLellan insists he was never worried — and his team’s 38-16-6 record the rest of the way was the fourth best in the NHL in that time, behind only Markus Hannikainen Youth jersey Boston, Nashville and Winnipeg.
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