As Toronto fans can attest, having seen him make 80 starts as a Blue Jay between 2006 and 2008, A.J. Burnett can be equal parts superstar and sluggo. One start unhittable, the next quite average, with the key being what's going on underneath his cap. This season has been much of the same in the Bronx, where he signed in the off-season after exercising an out-clause in his deal with the Jays. On July 27th, he easily handled the Rays in St. Petersburg to pick up his 10th win to go with a 3.53 ERA, almost a half run below his career number. But the rest of the regular season saw the old A.J. return, going just 3-5 with an ERA approaching five over his final 13 starts, and he was seemingly more interested in dropping a shaving cream pie on a teammate during post-game interviews than in his own success.
In his seven innings of work, he threw first-pitch strikes to the first 11 Phillies he faced, retired his final eight hitters as the Yankees clung to a one-run lead and struck out nine Phillies with, as former Blue Jays teammate Matt Stairs described it, an unhittable back door curve. His performance matched Cliff Lee's from Game 1 and got the Yankees back into the series. And his seven-inning masterpiece allowed Joe Girardi to skip past the middle relievers and bring in Mariano Rivera to complete his 14th career, six-out, post-season save.
In the first two rounds of the playoffs, more of the same: three earned runs over his first two starts, six in Game 5 of the ALCS against the Angels including the first four batters he faced coming around to score. But in his first ever World Series start on Thursday night against the Phillies, Burnett showed why he is considered one of the top arms in the game.
The series now moves to Philadelphia after Friday's off-day and is now a best-of-five. Hamels, the MVP of last year's Fall Classic, who has been sub-standard this post-season (11 earned runs in 14.2 innings over three starts), faces veteran left-hander Andy Pettitte, whose 16 career playoff wins are the MLB jerseys most in post-season history.
2010年5月15日星期六
2010年5月13日星期四
Major League memories
BUCK: Stephen, I have a couple of 2010 World Cup Jerseys Opening Days that stick out in my mind. In 1971 I was the Opening Day catcher for the Kansas City Royals in Anaheim against the Angels. I drove in a run, called a good game and we beat LA. Unfortunately I was sent back to Omaha and AAA following that game because they had made a trade for a catcher in the off-season that was going to be no. 1 and I needed to play at that stage of my career.
My second Opening Day memory was my first as a manager for the Jays in 2001. We opened up in San Juan, Puerto Rico against the Texas Rangers. I had played winter ball in Hiram Bithorn Stadium so it was a homecoming of sorts for me. Esteban Loaiza pitched a gem striking out nine while Shannon Stewart and Tony Batista hit homers that helped us win my debut 8-1. Great memories!
MARCUS ASKS: Hi Buck, in your experience, how tough is it for catcher to play a day game after a night game? Is it simply a matter of getting a good night's sleep and plenty of ice packs?
BUCK: The biggest challenge for a catcher is the mental aspect of playing everyday. I was never an everyday player but I know it takes a strong will to play everyday. A catcher takes a beating during the long six month season, but you have to come into spring training in great physical shape to stand up to the demands of the position. Jim Sundberg played a 10 year stretch in Texas where he averaged 140 games in the Arlington heat. He was a Gold Glover and an All Star so it can be done. You are right in saying you must get your rest, but the facilities at the parks and the convenience of travel in this day and age should allow a catcher to play everyday, even day game after a night game.
With over 40 years as a major league player, manager and broadcaster, Buck Martinez has experienced baseball from all angles. Now in his new role as the Toronto Blue Jays play-by-play announcer, Buck is taking your questions in a weekly blog for sportsnet.ca, Behind the plate with Buck.
STEPHEN ASKS: Hi Buck, with the Blue Jays set to open at home against the White Sox, I was wondering if you had a favourite home opener (or Opening Day) memory either as a player or manager?
DAVE ASKS: Morning Buck, what have you heard about in regards to the situation of landing Cuban SS Adeinis Hechavarria? He seems to have all the tools to succeed at the Major League level. It has been a long time since the Jays last had a very good all-around shortstop.
BUCK: Hechavarria sounds like a real interesting "prospect". According to the Jays front office he can play both sides of the ball, good defensive skills and the offensive upside to be a run producer. You are on the money when you say the team hasn't had a star shortstop for a long time. Tony Fernandez is probably the last all-star caliber player at that position. Hechavarria is like a college junior, so when he does begin his professional career in the organization it will probably be at high A ball or AA.
PAUL WILSON ASKS: What do you say to the baseball fans of the 20 or so teams who start the season knowing they don't have a chance of making the playoffs? Doesn't baseball owe it to the fans to try and create a more even playing field in the Major Leagues? The NFL has it right, couldn't the MLB copy what the NFL has done somewhat?
BUCK: Paul, I believe baseball is in pretty good shape with competitive balance right now. I know the big money teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers and Angels have more money to overcome injuries and bad signings, but if you run your organization within your financial means you can compete. Look at the Rays, Twins, Rockies and Tigers the last few years. They all made it to the post-season with middle of the road salaries. It is a fact that teams that draft, develop and promote from within create a sense of pride in the organization that carries them to great heights. A consistent philosophy of sound fundamentals, good pitching and defence still produces winning seasons and a chance to play in the World Series.
AL ASKS: Who do you think will be the "break out" player this year for the Jays? (If you consider that Adam Lind and Aaron Hill were break out players last year).
BUCK: Al, I really think Travis Snider is poised to have a breakout season in 2010. All spring long I have sensed a level of confidence in Travis that wasn't there before. He worked hard in the off-season to reshape his body, as a result, he is stronger but even quicker in the field. Young players put so much pressure on themselves to produce with the bat before they have the experience to be a good major league hitter. I think it takes about 1200 to 1500 major league at-bats before a player knows what kind of hitter he is and how the pitchers are going to attack him at the plate. Remember most of the athletes that make it to the majors have not dealt with a lot of failure throughout their career. How they handle the o-fers, will determine how they adjust to the challenges of facing tough pitching everyday. Travis also now understands there are ways to stay in the lineup when you aren't swinging a hot bat, good D, better base running and productive team at-bats. This will be a good year for Travis Snider.
ALLEN BAES ASKS: Buck, I have been a loyal Blue Jay fan since things began on that snowy field in 1977, and I have always admired your play both on and off the field. What is the single most important factor that Cito Gaston brings to the table as a manager?
BUCK: Kevin, there are many factors that come into play here. First I believe most talented athletes lean toward the more "glamorous" positions of shortstop, pitcher and center field. That's where all the kids want to play. And the coaches nudge them to those positions as they help the team in those critical spots. Catching isn't the easiest position to learn. When I started catching I was eight years old and pudgy, I looked like a catcher, so the Little League coach gave me a cup. I had no idea what that was for but I learned quickly. Young players may shy away from the position because of the fear of getting hit with foul tips and balls in the dirt. I don't blame them.
I don't think it is just the Jays that have a tough time developing catchers, it is a problem in the game. I talk to amateur scouts all the time that tell me "they just aren't out there" when they scout high schools and colleges. This is why you see so many converted players behind the dish. Jorge Posada, Benji and Yadie Molina were both infielders when they were young, while Jose was the only catcher in the family. Mike Piazza was a convert as was Pat Borders.
There are so many qualities teams look for from their catcher and the last may be offence. All of the post-season teams have "leaders" behind the plate who call good games, play good defence and have gained the confidence of the pitching staff. It takes a while for all of these things to come together and a lot of hard work so if a player can play another position and get to the big leagues he will take the easier path.
One final aspect of the challenges of developing top notch major league catchers is the coaching side of it. It is a very difficult position to coach. The nuances of throwing, blocking, positioning behind the plate and finally calling the game all take time, effort and training to perfect. There are a few good catching instructors in my mind but three stand out for me. Glenn Ezell who is now the Farm Director for the Detroit Tigers, Tony Pena of the Yankees and Gary Tuck of the Red Sox. You know who Pena is of course, but Tuck and Ezell are long time coaches who perfected the art of coaching catchers. Tuck helped develop Joe Girardi and Jorge Posada when he was in New York with the Yankees, and most recently continued his fine work with Jason Varitek and Victor Martinez in Boston. Keep your eye on Martinez to see how much he improves under Tuck.
Catchers are always a highly valued commodity in baseball.
BUCK: Cito has had the greatest run of any Jays manager of course with the back-to-back World Series titles and I think he is perfect for this 2010 club. He is at ease with the fact this will be his final season in the dugout which has created a very relaxed atmosphere among the players. I was not with the club last year when there was supposed to be some tension between the players and Cito, but I haven't seen any of that this year at all. Vernon Wells, Lyle Overbay and many others have mentioned how at ease they are with the skipper all spring long. As for his biggest asset, I know it is his ability to instill confidence in the hitters, giving them ideas on how to get ready at the plate and in the on deck circle. He wants them to have a plan. Cito Gaston knows hitting. Robbie Alomar, who is a Hall of Famer in my mind, always said it was Cito that give him the mental game plan to become a great hitter.
KEVIN WILLHELM ASKS: Hi Buck, being an ex-catcher can you explain to me why the Blue Jays have had a terrible track record developing any young catching talent over the past 10 to 15 years?
My second Opening Day memory was my first as a manager for the Jays in 2001. We opened up in San Juan, Puerto Rico against the Texas Rangers. I had played winter ball in Hiram Bithorn Stadium so it was a homecoming of sorts for me. Esteban Loaiza pitched a gem striking out nine while Shannon Stewart and Tony Batista hit homers that helped us win my debut 8-1. Great memories!
MARCUS ASKS: Hi Buck, in your experience, how tough is it for catcher to play a day game after a night game? Is it simply a matter of getting a good night's sleep and plenty of ice packs?
BUCK: The biggest challenge for a catcher is the mental aspect of playing everyday. I was never an everyday player but I know it takes a strong will to play everyday. A catcher takes a beating during the long six month season, but you have to come into spring training in great physical shape to stand up to the demands of the position. Jim Sundberg played a 10 year stretch in Texas where he averaged 140 games in the Arlington heat. He was a Gold Glover and an All Star so it can be done. You are right in saying you must get your rest, but the facilities at the parks and the convenience of travel in this day and age should allow a catcher to play everyday, even day game after a night game.
With over 40 years as a major league player, manager and broadcaster, Buck Martinez has experienced baseball from all angles. Now in his new role as the Toronto Blue Jays play-by-play announcer, Buck is taking your questions in a weekly blog for sportsnet.ca, Behind the plate with Buck.
STEPHEN ASKS: Hi Buck, with the Blue Jays set to open at home against the White Sox, I was wondering if you had a favourite home opener (or Opening Day) memory either as a player or manager?
DAVE ASKS: Morning Buck, what have you heard about in regards to the situation of landing Cuban SS Adeinis Hechavarria? He seems to have all the tools to succeed at the Major League level. It has been a long time since the Jays last had a very good all-around shortstop.
BUCK: Hechavarria sounds like a real interesting "prospect". According to the Jays front office he can play both sides of the ball, good defensive skills and the offensive upside to be a run producer. You are on the money when you say the team hasn't had a star shortstop for a long time. Tony Fernandez is probably the last all-star caliber player at that position. Hechavarria is like a college junior, so when he does begin his professional career in the organization it will probably be at high A ball or AA.
PAUL WILSON ASKS: What do you say to the baseball fans of the 20 or so teams who start the season knowing they don't have a chance of making the playoffs? Doesn't baseball owe it to the fans to try and create a more even playing field in the Major Leagues? The NFL has it right, couldn't the MLB copy what the NFL has done somewhat?
BUCK: Paul, I believe baseball is in pretty good shape with competitive balance right now. I know the big money teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers and Angels have more money to overcome injuries and bad signings, but if you run your organization within your financial means you can compete. Look at the Rays, Twins, Rockies and Tigers the last few years. They all made it to the post-season with middle of the road salaries. It is a fact that teams that draft, develop and promote from within create a sense of pride in the organization that carries them to great heights. A consistent philosophy of sound fundamentals, good pitching and defence still produces winning seasons and a chance to play in the World Series.
AL ASKS: Who do you think will be the "break out" player this year for the Jays? (If you consider that Adam Lind and Aaron Hill were break out players last year).
BUCK: Al, I really think Travis Snider is poised to have a breakout season in 2010. All spring long I have sensed a level of confidence in Travis that wasn't there before. He worked hard in the off-season to reshape his body, as a result, he is stronger but even quicker in the field. Young players put so much pressure on themselves to produce with the bat before they have the experience to be a good major league hitter. I think it takes about 1200 to 1500 major league at-bats before a player knows what kind of hitter he is and how the pitchers are going to attack him at the plate. Remember most of the athletes that make it to the majors have not dealt with a lot of failure throughout their career. How they handle the o-fers, will determine how they adjust to the challenges of facing tough pitching everyday. Travis also now understands there are ways to stay in the lineup when you aren't swinging a hot bat, good D, better base running and productive team at-bats. This will be a good year for Travis Snider.
ALLEN BAES ASKS: Buck, I have been a loyal Blue Jay fan since things began on that snowy field in 1977, and I have always admired your play both on and off the field. What is the single most important factor that Cito Gaston brings to the table as a manager?
BUCK: Kevin, there are many factors that come into play here. First I believe most talented athletes lean toward the more "glamorous" positions of shortstop, pitcher and center field. That's where all the kids want to play. And the coaches nudge them to those positions as they help the team in those critical spots. Catching isn't the easiest position to learn. When I started catching I was eight years old and pudgy, I looked like a catcher, so the Little League coach gave me a cup. I had no idea what that was for but I learned quickly. Young players may shy away from the position because of the fear of getting hit with foul tips and balls in the dirt. I don't blame them.
I don't think it is just the Jays that have a tough time developing catchers, it is a problem in the game. I talk to amateur scouts all the time that tell me "they just aren't out there" when they scout high schools and colleges. This is why you see so many converted players behind the dish. Jorge Posada, Benji and Yadie Molina were both infielders when they were young, while Jose was the only catcher in the family. Mike Piazza was a convert as was Pat Borders.
There are so many qualities teams look for from their catcher and the last may be offence. All of the post-season teams have "leaders" behind the plate who call good games, play good defence and have gained the confidence of the pitching staff. It takes a while for all of these things to come together and a lot of hard work so if a player can play another position and get to the big leagues he will take the easier path.
One final aspect of the challenges of developing top notch major league catchers is the coaching side of it. It is a very difficult position to coach. The nuances of throwing, blocking, positioning behind the plate and finally calling the game all take time, effort and training to perfect. There are a few good catching instructors in my mind but three stand out for me. Glenn Ezell who is now the Farm Director for the Detroit Tigers, Tony Pena of the Yankees and Gary Tuck of the Red Sox. You know who Pena is of course, but Tuck and Ezell are long time coaches who perfected the art of coaching catchers. Tuck helped develop Joe Girardi and Jorge Posada when he was in New York with the Yankees, and most recently continued his fine work with Jason Varitek and Victor Martinez in Boston. Keep your eye on Martinez to see how much he improves under Tuck.
Catchers are always a highly valued commodity in baseball.
BUCK: Cito has had the greatest run of any Jays manager of course with the back-to-back World Series titles and I think he is perfect for this 2010 club. He is at ease with the fact this will be his final season in the dugout which has created a very relaxed atmosphere among the players. I was not with the club last year when there was supposed to be some tension between the players and Cito, but I haven't seen any of that this year at all. Vernon Wells, Lyle Overbay and many others have mentioned how at ease they are with the skipper all spring long. As for his biggest asset, I know it is his ability to instill confidence in the hitters, giving them ideas on how to get ready at the plate and in the on deck circle. He wants them to have a plan. Cito Gaston knows hitting. Robbie Alomar, who is a Hall of Famer in my mind, always said it was Cito that give him the mental game plan to become a great hitter.
KEVIN WILLHELM ASKS: Hi Buck, being an ex-catcher can you explain to me why the Blue Jays have had a terrible track record developing any young catching talent over the past 10 to 15 years?
2010年5月11日星期二
Against all odds
So the chances of me actually getting a prediction correct in this space, are about the same odds that Lou Lamoriello has an active Facebook account.
(In retrospect, why I never wrote a blog in April predicting the Tampa Bay Rays would win the American League East is beyond me.)
But my track record isn't going to stop me from making another bold pre-season NHL prediction: The Ottawa Senators will finish ahead of the Montreal Canadiens in the standings this season.
Two years ago, I predicted the Atlanta Thrashers would win the Stanley Cup. They got swept in the first round of the playoffs.
Last September, I famously predicted the Pittsburgh Penguins would miss the playoffs. They went all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Attention Habs Nation: Before you start throwing your delicious poutine and Celine Dion record collection at me in disgust, you should realize that I grew up as a Canadiens fan, so this has nothing to do with me hating your team.
When I was a kid, I dreamed about having a moustache like Mike McPhee one day. And I wanted to have long flowing locks that came out the back of my helmet like Russ Courtnall. (FYI - Pre-adolescent boys with my skin color look more like Pocahontas than Russ Courtnall when they are trying to grow long hair).
And while most teenage boys had racy pictures of Alyssa Milano or the female cast of 90210 over their beds, I had a poster of Patrick Roy in his full gear. (Thankfully, I'm married with two kids, or my parents would have been wondering if my poster selection had a long-term impact on my ability to have a relationship with a female).
So while this opinion might seem like it's coming from someone wearing Senators goggles, on some level this goes against my very nature. The little Craig Ludwig is crying inside of me.
But after watching the Senators last season, I can't help but think the 2008-09 Montreal Canadiens could be headed down the same path. In fact, every Canadian team that has been tabbed as the "favourite" in the past 15 years has come up short, due in large part to the media pressure placed on the teams. Think of the Vancouver teams of the early part of this decade. Or Pat Quinn's Maple Leafs. Or the Flames the year after they went to the Stanley Cup. They all did well in their first breakout season as an underdog, much like the Habs last season. But once the expectations were raised and the word "Stanley Cup" entered the equation, they all hit a plateau.
The Senators came flying into training camp last season as the undisputed favorites, having just advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals. But quicker than you could say, "Ray Emery drives a white Hummer" - the season slipped away.
The Habs were media darlings in Montreal last season - but that was because nobody expected them to do well. Like the Senators of the 2007 Stanley Cup run, they were lovable underdogs and everyone enjoyed the ride.
When the pressure and expectation levels get raised, insignificant stories get blown out of proportion. And the Montreal media is so harsh, they can make the British tabloids look as plain as a Sunday morning church news bulletin.
So get ready for a season that borders on the ridiculous in Montreal. And if the expectation level outweighs the final result, you'll know where you heard it first This year, however, they are expected to bring home the Stanley Cup in their 100th season. And the notoriously vicious Montreal media will be all over them if they don't deliver.
Case in point: Saku Koivu missed a non-mandatory team golf event earlier this month and the media was all over him in Montreal. This was for missing an optional event 17 days before the team played its World Cup Soccer Jersey first pre-season game.
(In retrospect, why I never wrote a blog in April predicting the Tampa Bay Rays would win the American League East is beyond me.)
But my track record isn't going to stop me from making another bold pre-season NHL prediction: The Ottawa Senators will finish ahead of the Montreal Canadiens in the standings this season.
Two years ago, I predicted the Atlanta Thrashers would win the Stanley Cup. They got swept in the first round of the playoffs.
Last September, I famously predicted the Pittsburgh Penguins would miss the playoffs. They went all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Attention Habs Nation: Before you start throwing your delicious poutine and Celine Dion record collection at me in disgust, you should realize that I grew up as a Canadiens fan, so this has nothing to do with me hating your team.
When I was a kid, I dreamed about having a moustache like Mike McPhee one day. And I wanted to have long flowing locks that came out the back of my helmet like Russ Courtnall. (FYI - Pre-adolescent boys with my skin color look more like Pocahontas than Russ Courtnall when they are trying to grow long hair).
And while most teenage boys had racy pictures of Alyssa Milano or the female cast of 90210 over their beds, I had a poster of Patrick Roy in his full gear. (Thankfully, I'm married with two kids, or my parents would have been wondering if my poster selection had a long-term impact on my ability to have a relationship with a female).
So while this opinion might seem like it's coming from someone wearing Senators goggles, on some level this goes against my very nature. The little Craig Ludwig is crying inside of me.
But after watching the Senators last season, I can't help but think the 2008-09 Montreal Canadiens could be headed down the same path. In fact, every Canadian team that has been tabbed as the "favourite" in the past 15 years has come up short, due in large part to the media pressure placed on the teams. Think of the Vancouver teams of the early part of this decade. Or Pat Quinn's Maple Leafs. Or the Flames the year after they went to the Stanley Cup. They all did well in their first breakout season as an underdog, much like the Habs last season. But once the expectations were raised and the word "Stanley Cup" entered the equation, they all hit a plateau.
The Senators came flying into training camp last season as the undisputed favorites, having just advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals. But quicker than you could say, "Ray Emery drives a white Hummer" - the season slipped away.
The Habs were media darlings in Montreal last season - but that was because nobody expected them to do well. Like the Senators of the 2007 Stanley Cup run, they were lovable underdogs and everyone enjoyed the ride.
When the pressure and expectation levels get raised, insignificant stories get blown out of proportion. And the Montreal media is so harsh, they can make the British tabloids look as plain as a Sunday morning church news bulletin.
So get ready for a season that borders on the ridiculous in Montreal. And if the expectation level outweighs the final result, you'll know where you heard it first This year, however, they are expected to bring home the Stanley Cup in their 100th season. And the notoriously vicious Montreal media will be all over them if they don't deliver.
Case in point: Saku Koivu missed a non-mandatory team golf event earlier this month and the media was all over him in Montreal. This was for missing an optional event 17 days before the team played its World Cup Soccer Jersey first pre-season game.
2010年5月10日星期一
Few guidelines prior to Buy Boxing Headgear
When you are shopping for 2010 World Cup Jerseys headgear don’t think that it is similar like shopping for shoes. Prior buy a headgear, there are a number of things which you need think about. Boxing headgear is planned and design in such a way that it saves you from any harm like scratches and damages. A number of these things contain safety, substance and volume. There are few tips given below to help you while buying boxing headgear.
* Safety is the foremost things you should to think about while you are buying boxing headgear. There are two options available with you when you choose boxing gear, they are open faced design and full faced design.
* If you are beginners then it is better to select a full faced boxing headgear since they give safety for your cheeks and chin. If you are a professional and advanced boxers then open-faced designed will be suitable for you because it does not save your chin and cheeks from any harm.
Proboxing gear is one of the best online store for all types of boxing equipments like Boxing Gloves, Headgear, Cheap Boxing Headgear and high quality products needed for the purpose of boxing.
* When you are buying boxing headgear the next important things that you need to think about is size of the headgear. You are always supposed to buy a size that will fit easily. Generally this will be the similar size like the caps that you usually wear.
* You can get various sizes in boxing headgears that vary from small size to extra large. You should see to that the headgear which you buy must fit securely and tightly in your head.
* While buying a boxing headgear you need to look whether it is able adjust properly. If the headgear is design in such a way that it’s having looping strips then you should consider that design is a good one because you will be able to adjust the headgear accordingly. This type of headgear that comes along with looping bands can offers extra comfort and can be simply accustomed to fit your head size.
* The matter or material is the next things which you need to think about while buying boxing headgear. There are a number of designs that are prepared by using vinyl and some other categories are prepared by utilizing foam.
* It is better to purchase a boxing headgear that has foam stuffing. The headgear which has foam padding will save you from any harm like superior blows or probability of wounds.
* The last one, but final thing is a liner that you need to consider at the time when buying boxing headgear. The liner will facilitate cushion blows, if it is prepared out of flexible stuffs.
* All the boxing headgear which comes under these categories will also is more comfortable to put on while boxing. It will also be most excellent if the inside layer breathable to some extent because you will be possibly sweating.
* Safety is the foremost things you should to think about while you are buying boxing headgear. There are two options available with you when you choose boxing gear, they are open faced design and full faced design.
* If you are beginners then it is better to select a full faced boxing headgear since they give safety for your cheeks and chin. If you are a professional and advanced boxers then open-faced designed will be suitable for you because it does not save your chin and cheeks from any harm.
Proboxing gear is one of the best online store for all types of boxing equipments like Boxing Gloves, Headgear, Cheap Boxing Headgear and high quality products needed for the purpose of boxing.
* When you are buying boxing headgear the next important things that you need to think about is size of the headgear. You are always supposed to buy a size that will fit easily. Generally this will be the similar size like the caps that you usually wear.
* You can get various sizes in boxing headgears that vary from small size to extra large. You should see to that the headgear which you buy must fit securely and tightly in your head.
* While buying a boxing headgear you need to look whether it is able adjust properly. If the headgear is design in such a way that it’s having looping strips then you should consider that design is a good one because you will be able to adjust the headgear accordingly. This type of headgear that comes along with looping bands can offers extra comfort and can be simply accustomed to fit your head size.
* The matter or material is the next things which you need to think about while buying boxing headgear. There are a number of designs that are prepared by using vinyl and some other categories are prepared by utilizing foam.
* It is better to purchase a boxing headgear that has foam stuffing. The headgear which has foam padding will save you from any harm like superior blows or probability of wounds.
* The last one, but final thing is a liner that you need to consider at the time when buying boxing headgear. The liner will facilitate cushion blows, if it is prepared out of flexible stuffs.
* All the boxing headgear which comes under these categories will also is more comfortable to put on while boxing. It will also be most excellent if the inside layer breathable to some extent because you will be possibly sweating.
2010年5月9日星期日
Henrik Sedin has 4 assists, 3 on brother's goals
Other than building momentum after losing two straight, the 2010 World Cup Jerseys only other motivation for the Canucks was Sedin's attempt to become the first Vancouver player to win the scoring title. Henrik set a franchise record with 112 points, recording two assists two minutes apart in the first period, and two more 20 seconds apart early in the third.
Chants of "MVP, MVP followed Sedin s fourth assist. He will have to wait until Sunday to see if Washington's Alex Ovechkin, who is three points behind, can catch him on the final day of the regular season.
Rypien was left alone in the slot to open the scoring 3:39 in, and Sedin set up goals by Bieksa and Daniel to make it 3-0. Bieksa was alone in the slot and he scored his first goal since opening night against Calgary, ending a 53-game streak.
Henrik moved a point ahead of Ovechkin _ and into a tie with Pavel Bure for the franchise record with 110 points _ two minutes later. His cross-ice pass hit Daniel in stride, allowing him to cut behind defenseman Jay Bouwmeester and lift a shot over Miikka Kiprusoff's glove.
Henrik set up Daniel on a 2-on-1 rush 3:27 into the third period to pass Bure's record _ set in the 1992-93 season _ and then made a blind backhand touch pass to set up a goal by his brother on the next shift.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) - Henrik Sedin regained the NHL scoring lead with four assists, including three on twin brother Daniel's hat trick, and the Vancouver Canucks beat the Calgary Flames 7-3 on Saturday night.
Defenseman Kevin Bieksa ended a long offensive drought with two goals, Rick Rypien and Ryan Kesler also scored, and Roberto Luongo made 38 saves as the Canucks ended the regular season by matching a franchise record with 49 wins.
Niklas Hagman had two goals, and Rene Bourque also scored for Calgary, which lost its final four (0-3-1) and missed the playoffs for the first time in six seasons.
Kiprusoff was pulled after Daniel's third goal, after stopping 15 of 21 shots, and was replaced by Vesa Toskala. Bieksa beat him with 2:28 left, 28 seconds after a shot went in off Bourque in front of the Canucks net.
Vancouver, outshot 41-29, played without regular defensemen Sami Salo, Shane O'Brien and Aaron Rome, who were hurt in the previous two days. All are expected back for the first round of the playoffs, coach Alain Vigneault said. The Canucks also got back top defenseman Christian Ehrhoff (knee), who missed two games.
Hagman scored twice _ on a one-timer from the slot with 6:22 left in the first period and a rebound 3:51 into the second _ to pull Calgary within a goal. But Kesler restored the lead just over two minutes later.
Chants of "MVP, MVP followed Sedin s fourth assist. He will have to wait until Sunday to see if Washington's Alex Ovechkin, who is three points behind, can catch him on the final day of the regular season.
Rypien was left alone in the slot to open the scoring 3:39 in, and Sedin set up goals by Bieksa and Daniel to make it 3-0. Bieksa was alone in the slot and he scored his first goal since opening night against Calgary, ending a 53-game streak.
Henrik moved a point ahead of Ovechkin _ and into a tie with Pavel Bure for the franchise record with 110 points _ two minutes later. His cross-ice pass hit Daniel in stride, allowing him to cut behind defenseman Jay Bouwmeester and lift a shot over Miikka Kiprusoff's glove.
Henrik set up Daniel on a 2-on-1 rush 3:27 into the third period to pass Bure's record _ set in the 1992-93 season _ and then made a blind backhand touch pass to set up a goal by his brother on the next shift.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) - Henrik Sedin regained the NHL scoring lead with four assists, including three on twin brother Daniel's hat trick, and the Vancouver Canucks beat the Calgary Flames 7-3 on Saturday night.
Defenseman Kevin Bieksa ended a long offensive drought with two goals, Rick Rypien and Ryan Kesler also scored, and Roberto Luongo made 38 saves as the Canucks ended the regular season by matching a franchise record with 49 wins.
Niklas Hagman had two goals, and Rene Bourque also scored for Calgary, which lost its final four (0-3-1) and missed the playoffs for the first time in six seasons.
Kiprusoff was pulled after Daniel's third goal, after stopping 15 of 21 shots, and was replaced by Vesa Toskala. Bieksa beat him with 2:28 left, 28 seconds after a shot went in off Bourque in front of the Canucks net.
Vancouver, outshot 41-29, played without regular defensemen Sami Salo, Shane O'Brien and Aaron Rome, who were hurt in the previous two days. All are expected back for the first round of the playoffs, coach Alain Vigneault said. The Canucks also got back top defenseman Christian Ehrhoff (knee), who missed two games.
Hagman scored twice _ on a one-timer from the slot with 6:22 left in the first period and a rebound 3:51 into the second _ to pull Calgary within a goal. But Kesler restored the lead just over two minutes later.
2010年5月8日星期六
Canadiens beat Capitals 4-1, force Game 7
Game 7 is Wednesday night at Washington.
Maxim Lapierre drove NBA Jerseys a slap shot past Semyon Varlamov from the right side for Montreal's third goal 3:17 into the third.
Eric Fehr scored his third goal at 15:10 on Washington's 52nd shot to spoil Halak's shutout bid. It wasn't enough for the Capitals, who had led the series 3-1.
Tomas Plekanec scored into an empty net with 56.5 seconds remaining, bringing a standing ovation from the crowd. The fans stayed on their feet through the final siren. Their cheers reached a peak when Halak was announced as the game's first star.
The Capitals, who posted the NHL's best record this season, were 0 for 6 on the power play. Washington, which led the league with a 25.2 success rate during the regular season, fell to 1 for 30 with the man advantage in the series.
Varlamov stopped 18 shots in his fourth straight start after he replaced Jose Theodore early in Game 2.
Cammalleri beat Varlamov with a wrist shot from the right circle when the puck came to him after Canadiens defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron's shot from the point struck Boyd Gordon's stick.
P.K. Subban, called up from Hamilton of the AHL earlier Monday, made his playoff debut for Montreal and earned an assist on Cammalleri's second goal.
MONTREAL (AP) - Jaroslav Halak made 53 saves, and Michael Cammalleri scored twice in the first period for the eighth-seeded Montreal Canadiens, who stayed alive with a 4-1 victory over the Washington Capitals on Monday night and forced a Game 7 in the first-round series.
Halak made 18 saves in the first, 14 in the second, and 21 in the third. He came within 4:50 of his first playoff shutout. Halak, who stopped 37 shots in Friday's 2-1 victory in Washington, won his second straight start despite the top-seeded Capitals' 54-22 advantage in shots.
Cammalleri, who opened the scoring in Game 5, put the Canadiens up 1-0 with a power-play goal 7:30 in. He added his second of the game _ fifth of the series _ at 9:09 to increase the lead to 2-0.
Tomas Plekanec beat Washington's Boyd Gordon on a faceoff in the Capitals' zone and drew the puck back to Subban. The rookie defenseman fed a pass to Cammalleri, who snapped a shot from the right side past Varlamov.
After outshooting Montreal 18-10 in the first, Washington dominated the second with a 15-3 edge.
The Capitals failed to record a shot during a 5-on-3 advantage that lasted 1 minute, 14 seconds in the first.
Maxim Lapierre drove NBA Jerseys a slap shot past Semyon Varlamov from the right side for Montreal's third goal 3:17 into the third.
Eric Fehr scored his third goal at 15:10 on Washington's 52nd shot to spoil Halak's shutout bid. It wasn't enough for the Capitals, who had led the series 3-1.
Tomas Plekanec scored into an empty net with 56.5 seconds remaining, bringing a standing ovation from the crowd. The fans stayed on their feet through the final siren. Their cheers reached a peak when Halak was announced as the game's first star.
The Capitals, who posted the NHL's best record this season, were 0 for 6 on the power play. Washington, which led the league with a 25.2 success rate during the regular season, fell to 1 for 30 with the man advantage in the series.
Varlamov stopped 18 shots in his fourth straight start after he replaced Jose Theodore early in Game 2.
Cammalleri beat Varlamov with a wrist shot from the right circle when the puck came to him after Canadiens defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron's shot from the point struck Boyd Gordon's stick.
P.K. Subban, called up from Hamilton of the AHL earlier Monday, made his playoff debut for Montreal and earned an assist on Cammalleri's second goal.
MONTREAL (AP) - Jaroslav Halak made 53 saves, and Michael Cammalleri scored twice in the first period for the eighth-seeded Montreal Canadiens, who stayed alive with a 4-1 victory over the Washington Capitals on Monday night and forced a Game 7 in the first-round series.
Halak made 18 saves in the first, 14 in the second, and 21 in the third. He came within 4:50 of his first playoff shutout. Halak, who stopped 37 shots in Friday's 2-1 victory in Washington, won his second straight start despite the top-seeded Capitals' 54-22 advantage in shots.
Cammalleri, who opened the scoring in Game 5, put the Canadiens up 1-0 with a power-play goal 7:30 in. He added his second of the game _ fifth of the series _ at 9:09 to increase the lead to 2-0.
Tomas Plekanec beat Washington's Boyd Gordon on a faceoff in the Capitals' zone and drew the puck back to Subban. The rookie defenseman fed a pass to Cammalleri, who snapped a shot from the right side past Varlamov.
After outshooting Montreal 18-10 in the first, Washington dominated the second with a 15-3 edge.
The Capitals failed to record a shot during a 5-on-3 advantage that lasted 1 minute, 14 seconds in the first.
2010年5月7日星期五
Jets coach Rex Ryan has weight-loss surgery
NEW YORK (AP) - Jets coach Rex Ryan underwent a weight-loss procedure Saturday to help him fight obesity. soccer jerseys
The husky Ryan had lap-band surgery at NYU Medical Center, and was relaxing at his home in New Jersey on Saturday night, team spokesman Bruce Speight told The Associated Press.
Speight said Ryan also had a hernia repaired.
The New York Daily News first reported the story on its Web site Sunday morning.
The outpatient procedure came a day after Ryan and the Jets wined and dined free agent running back LaDainian Tomlinson, trying to persuade him to join the team that had the league's No. 1 rushing offense last season.
The 47-year-old Ryan has frequently poked fun at himself and his rotund midsection, including after unflattering belly bearing photos of him changing into a jersey during a Florida-Carolina NHL game last month floated around the Internet.
"I'm watching ESPN and I'm like, 'Whoa, that's not a real good shot,'" Ryan said during the NFL combine. "I mean, don't get me wrong, I get hit on all the time by women."
Ryan also partially blamed his weight for him not getting a head coaching job with the Atlanta Falcons after the 2007 season. He thought he was a shoo-in for the job that eventually went to friend and former Baltimore Ravens colleague Mike Smith.
"I think I was too fat," Ryan said with a laugh in December.
Ryan weighed 340 pounds at the start of last season, gaining at least 30 pounds after he was hired by the Jets in January 2009. He even tried a liquid diet during training camp and lost 20 pounds, but quickly gained it right back.
In a lap-band procedure, a plastic band is inserted that encircles a patient's stomach, effectively shrinking it and curbing their appetite.
The husky Ryan had lap-band surgery at NYU Medical Center, and was relaxing at his home in New Jersey on Saturday night, team spokesman Bruce Speight told The Associated Press.
Speight said Ryan also had a hernia repaired.
The New York Daily News first reported the story on its Web site Sunday morning.
The outpatient procedure came a day after Ryan and the Jets wined and dined free agent running back LaDainian Tomlinson, trying to persuade him to join the team that had the league's No. 1 rushing offense last season.
The 47-year-old Ryan has frequently poked fun at himself and his rotund midsection, including after unflattering belly bearing photos of him changing into a jersey during a Florida-Carolina NHL game last month floated around the Internet.
"I'm watching ESPN and I'm like, 'Whoa, that's not a real good shot,'" Ryan said during the NFL combine. "I mean, don't get me wrong, I get hit on all the time by women."
Ryan also partially blamed his weight for him not getting a head coaching job with the Atlanta Falcons after the 2007 season. He thought he was a shoo-in for the job that eventually went to friend and former Baltimore Ravens colleague Mike Smith.
"I think I was too fat," Ryan said with a laugh in December.
Ryan weighed 340 pounds at the start of last season, gaining at least 30 pounds after he was hired by the Jets in January 2009. He even tried a liquid diet during training camp and lost 20 pounds, but quickly gained it right back.
In a lap-band procedure, a plastic band is inserted that encircles a patient's stomach, effectively shrinking it and curbing their appetite.
2010年5月5日星期三
Thunder on brink of bringing playoffs to OK City
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Growing up in Oklahoma City, Mick Cornett was accustomed to living in a place where a major pro sports team wasn't part of soccer jerseys the landscape and wasn't thought to be a possibility.
Still, he held out hope. He was optimistic that someday the city could move into the major leagues, and did what he could to help. When Oklahoma City made a move to get an NHL franchise, he signed up for tickets to games that never actually happened.
Then, after being elected mayor, he helped jump start the process that has his hometown on the verge of its first entry into a big league postseason.
Led by Kevin Durant's MVP-caliber season, the Oklahoma City Thunder (46-28) are on the brink of making the playoffs and could clinch a berth as early as Friday, if Memphis were to lose to New Orleans. It would cap a remarkable turnaround for a franchise that won only three of its first 30 games after relocating from Seattle and finished last season 23-59.
"To me, that's an incredible bonus that I didn't see coming," Cornett said. "Before the year started, I thought 30-35 wins was about all realistically anyone should expect."
Durant has continued to develop since being named the NBA's Rookie of the Year in 2008, and now finds himself right behind LeBron James in the NBA scoring race. More importantly, the Thunder have dramatically improved on the defensive end after being one of the league's least stingy teams a season ago.
The postseason started to become a real possibility after a nine-game winning streak that lasted from late January until late February, and Oklahoma City has sustained its success long-term while doubling its win total from last season.
"I never put expectations on them. I focused on getting better," coach Scott Brooks said. "Over the summer, we focused on getting better defensively and that has happened. ... I like what we've done during the year."
The Thunder's exploits mark the latest development in Oklahoma City's rise as an NBA city.
Earlier this decade, Cornett visited NBA commissioner David Stern in New York and was sent away with best wishes for the city to land an NHL team. But that visit stuck with Stern enough that he came calling on Cornett when Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in 2005 and forced the relocation of the Hornets.
Oklahoma City took in the team and ranked in the top half of the league in attendance, selling out 30 of the 71 Hornets games played at the Ford Center over two seasons. That provided enough evidence to convince NBA owners to approve Oklahoma City-based owner Clay Bennett's proposal to move the SuperSonics from a larger market in Seattle after he was unable to garner support for a new, half-billion dollar arena.
Now, the franchise is prepared to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2004-05 in Seattle.
"It feels good to be one of the first guys to experience that ... and be a part of a new organization," Durant said. "The Oklahoma City Thunder don't have much history. I'd like to be the guy who makes that history, so it feels good to come and play here."
Durant was the first piece in a massive overhaul of the franchise following the hiring of general manager Sam Presti. He was soon joined by fellow top 5 pick Jeff Green in a trade that sent Ray Allen, the former face of the franchise, to Boston.
Since then, the Thunder have drafted two more top 5 draft picks _ point guard Russell Westbrook and top reserve James Harden _ and added key cogs in defensive stopper Thabo Sefolosha, center Nenad Krstic, forward Serge Ibaka and backup point guard Eric Maynor.
The end result has been a practically new team that Oklahoma City can call its own. The Thunder have sold out 24 of their 37 home games and rank 11th in the league with average attendance of 17,972 _ or 98.7 percent capacity at the Ford Center, where about 1,000 seats were removed as part of an upgrade last offseason that added luxury suites.
"The Hornets was the first time this community ever found something that was for everybody. We didn't necessarily see that coming, but that's what happened," said Cornett, a season-ticket holder. "No longer were we an OU or an OSU town. We had something, and that's what this team represents.
"If you like Oklahoma City, you have a way to illustrate that by supporting the team."
Still, he held out hope. He was optimistic that someday the city could move into the major leagues, and did what he could to help. When Oklahoma City made a move to get an NHL franchise, he signed up for tickets to games that never actually happened.
Then, after being elected mayor, he helped jump start the process that has his hometown on the verge of its first entry into a big league postseason.
Led by Kevin Durant's MVP-caliber season, the Oklahoma City Thunder (46-28) are on the brink of making the playoffs and could clinch a berth as early as Friday, if Memphis were to lose to New Orleans. It would cap a remarkable turnaround for a franchise that won only three of its first 30 games after relocating from Seattle and finished last season 23-59.
"To me, that's an incredible bonus that I didn't see coming," Cornett said. "Before the year started, I thought 30-35 wins was about all realistically anyone should expect."
Durant has continued to develop since being named the NBA's Rookie of the Year in 2008, and now finds himself right behind LeBron James in the NBA scoring race. More importantly, the Thunder have dramatically improved on the defensive end after being one of the league's least stingy teams a season ago.
The postseason started to become a real possibility after a nine-game winning streak that lasted from late January until late February, and Oklahoma City has sustained its success long-term while doubling its win total from last season.
"I never put expectations on them. I focused on getting better," coach Scott Brooks said. "Over the summer, we focused on getting better defensively and that has happened. ... I like what we've done during the year."
The Thunder's exploits mark the latest development in Oklahoma City's rise as an NBA city.
Earlier this decade, Cornett visited NBA commissioner David Stern in New York and was sent away with best wishes for the city to land an NHL team. But that visit stuck with Stern enough that he came calling on Cornett when Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in 2005 and forced the relocation of the Hornets.
Oklahoma City took in the team and ranked in the top half of the league in attendance, selling out 30 of the 71 Hornets games played at the Ford Center over two seasons. That provided enough evidence to convince NBA owners to approve Oklahoma City-based owner Clay Bennett's proposal to move the SuperSonics from a larger market in Seattle after he was unable to garner support for a new, half-billion dollar arena.
Now, the franchise is prepared to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2004-05 in Seattle.
"It feels good to be one of the first guys to experience that ... and be a part of a new organization," Durant said. "The Oklahoma City Thunder don't have much history. I'd like to be the guy who makes that history, so it feels good to come and play here."
Durant was the first piece in a massive overhaul of the franchise following the hiring of general manager Sam Presti. He was soon joined by fellow top 5 pick Jeff Green in a trade that sent Ray Allen, the former face of the franchise, to Boston.
Since then, the Thunder have drafted two more top 5 draft picks _ point guard Russell Westbrook and top reserve James Harden _ and added key cogs in defensive stopper Thabo Sefolosha, center Nenad Krstic, forward Serge Ibaka and backup point guard Eric Maynor.
The end result has been a practically new team that Oklahoma City can call its own. The Thunder have sold out 24 of their 37 home games and rank 11th in the league with average attendance of 17,972 _ or 98.7 percent capacity at the Ford Center, where about 1,000 seats were removed as part of an upgrade last offseason that added luxury suites.
"The Hornets was the first time this community ever found something that was for everybody. We didn't necessarily see that coming, but that's what happened," said Cornett, a season-ticket holder. "No longer were we an OU or an OSU town. We had something, and that's what this team represents.
"If you like Oklahoma City, you have a way to illustrate that by supporting the team."
Fernando Torres Out For Three Weeks
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 -- Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has been ruled out for World Cup Soccer Jersey three weeks due to persistent groin problems, club manager Rafael Benitez has confirmed.
Torres has been suffering from injuries for quite a while now and Liverpool boss Benitez has confirmed that the Spanish international will be out for almost a month.
He told The Times:
"We are talking of two or three weeks out now for Fernando. He has worked hard in training, and we felt he would be okay for the match [against Birmingham City]. But you could see that he was not right."
Torres has been suffering from injuries for quite a while now and Liverpool boss Benitez has confirmed that the Spanish international will be out for almost a month.
He told The Times:
"We are talking of two or three weeks out now for Fernando. He has worked hard in training, and we felt he would be okay for the match [against Birmingham City]. But you could see that he was not right."
2010年5月4日星期二
Five Must-See Football Matches This Weekend
As another weekend of football fires up, here is the Soccer jerseys latest guide to the essential viewing from Europe’s best football leagues.
Sports Pundit’s Game of the Week
Juventus v Internazionale
Italian Serie A
Saturday, 8.45pm (CET)
The derby d’Italia takes on special importance on Saturday with many Italian journalists claiming a Juventus loss could see Inter claim the title already. Indeed, leaders Inter are some 8 points clear of third-placed Juventus and heading for another Scudetto.
Juventus have produced some indifferent form of late and the Old Lady clearly needs to raise their game against the Nerazzurri. Inter, on the other hand, go from strength to strength domestically and while last week’s win over Fiorentina hardly flattered they keep getting the job done.
Manchester City v Chelsea
English Premier League
Saturday, 6.30pm (CET)
This is the battle of England’s two moneybags clubs with Arab-owned big-spenders City hosting Roman Abramovich’s Londoners Chelsea. It’s another challenge for title-chasing Chelsea who beat off Arsenal last weekend. City too, have their own challenge, towards their top-four credentials.
Interestingly, league leaders Chelsea have won five on the trot whilst the Sky Blues have amazingly drawn seven league games in a row. Both teams played in the Carling Cup midweek but Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti rested several first-teamers and they should be fresher for it.
Bordeaux v PSG
French Ligue 1
Saturday, 9pm (CET)
French champions and current Ligue 1 leaders Bordeaux entertain an improving Paris St Germain side in an important clash on Saturday. Bordeaux’s Yoann Gourcuff scored arguably the goal of the season in this fixture last season, so it should offer a lot.
Bordeaux’s bid to retain their title hasn’t been a smooth one for boss Laurent Blanc and only last weekend did they halt to a two-game losing run. Paris giants PSG, on the other hand, realistically are hoping to qualify for Europe and a 5-2 midweek win over Boulogne has them back up in contention in seventh.
Deportivo Coruna v FC Barcelona
Spanish La Liga
Saturday, 10pm (CET)
Barcelona’s all-conquering campaign travels to Coruna this weekend with Deportivo hoping to thwart the European champions. The hosts are on a three-match winning streak in La Liga, so Barcelona will face a side in some form.
But the Catalans are a class team and Lionel Messi, fresh from winning the 2009 Ballon D’Or midweek, will be in a good mood. That’s ominous for Deportivo but they are no easy beats and have a solid defence which will bring out the best in Barcelona.
AS Roma v Lazio
Italian Serie A
Sunday, 8.45pm (CET)
Sunday’s Rome derby headlines the Serie A fixtures but this one will be between two sides hardly setting the world on fire. Lazio currently reside down in 15th with just 2 wins this season while Roma are off the pace in ninth. And while Roma have their eyes on the top four, the Stracittadina is always an unpredictable affair.
A wounded Lazio side are having a tough time at the moment and haven’t won in the league for 12 matches. To compound their misery they were knocked out of Europe midweek. On this basis, Claudio Ranieri’s Roma must be favourites especially with Francesco Totti returni
Sports Pundit’s Game of the Week
Juventus v Internazionale
Italian Serie A
Saturday, 8.45pm (CET)
The derby d’Italia takes on special importance on Saturday with many Italian journalists claiming a Juventus loss could see Inter claim the title already. Indeed, leaders Inter are some 8 points clear of third-placed Juventus and heading for another Scudetto.
Juventus have produced some indifferent form of late and the Old Lady clearly needs to raise their game against the Nerazzurri. Inter, on the other hand, go from strength to strength domestically and while last week’s win over Fiorentina hardly flattered they keep getting the job done.
Manchester City v Chelsea
English Premier League
Saturday, 6.30pm (CET)
This is the battle of England’s two moneybags clubs with Arab-owned big-spenders City hosting Roman Abramovich’s Londoners Chelsea. It’s another challenge for title-chasing Chelsea who beat off Arsenal last weekend. City too, have their own challenge, towards their top-four credentials.
Interestingly, league leaders Chelsea have won five on the trot whilst the Sky Blues have amazingly drawn seven league games in a row. Both teams played in the Carling Cup midweek but Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti rested several first-teamers and they should be fresher for it.
Bordeaux v PSG
French Ligue 1
Saturday, 9pm (CET)
French champions and current Ligue 1 leaders Bordeaux entertain an improving Paris St Germain side in an important clash on Saturday. Bordeaux’s Yoann Gourcuff scored arguably the goal of the season in this fixture last season, so it should offer a lot.
Bordeaux’s bid to retain their title hasn’t been a smooth one for boss Laurent Blanc and only last weekend did they halt to a two-game losing run. Paris giants PSG, on the other hand, realistically are hoping to qualify for Europe and a 5-2 midweek win over Boulogne has them back up in contention in seventh.
Deportivo Coruna v FC Barcelona
Spanish La Liga
Saturday, 10pm (CET)
Barcelona’s all-conquering campaign travels to Coruna this weekend with Deportivo hoping to thwart the European champions. The hosts are on a three-match winning streak in La Liga, so Barcelona will face a side in some form.
But the Catalans are a class team and Lionel Messi, fresh from winning the 2009 Ballon D’Or midweek, will be in a good mood. That’s ominous for Deportivo but they are no easy beats and have a solid defence which will bring out the best in Barcelona.
AS Roma v Lazio
Italian Serie A
Sunday, 8.45pm (CET)
Sunday’s Rome derby headlines the Serie A fixtures but this one will be between two sides hardly setting the world on fire. Lazio currently reside down in 15th with just 2 wins this season while Roma are off the pace in ninth. And while Roma have their eyes on the top four, the Stracittadina is always an unpredictable affair.
A wounded Lazio side are having a tough time at the moment and haven’t won in the league for 12 matches. To compound their misery they were knocked out of Europe midweek. On this basis, Claudio Ranieri’s Roma must be favourites especially with Francesco Totti returni
2010年5月2日星期日
Alonso Could Miss Valencia Match
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 -- Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso could miss his side's crucial La Liga game against Valencia on Saturday, according to reports.
Alonso suffered a minor knock in midweek's Champions League clash with Marseille in France and had to be substituted in the second half. The injury was thought to be minor but now it seems otherwise.
Marca reports that Alonso missed training on Wednesday and is doubtful for Saturday's game against Valencia at the Mestalla.
Kaka is already out until 2010 and Cristiano Ronaldo will miss the MLB jerseys game because of suspension.
Alonso suffered a minor knock in midweek's Champions League clash with Marseille in France and had to be substituted in the second half. The injury was thought to be minor but now it seems otherwise.
Marca reports that Alonso missed training on Wednesday and is doubtful for Saturday's game against Valencia at the Mestalla.
Kaka is already out until 2010 and Cristiano Ronaldo will miss the MLB jerseys game because of suspension.
Five Must-See Football Matches This Weekend
As the European winter breeze begins to settle down, the football is returning which makes for perfect viewing on those chilly evenings. So here's the weekend's guide to the top 5 games to see.
Sports Pundit's Game of the Weekend
FC Barcelona v FC Sevilla
Spanish La Liga
Saturday, 10pm (Central European Time)
Fresh from their Copa del Rey exit, Barcelona will be hoping to return to form in La Liga, but now they face the side who knocked them out of the cup, FC Sevilla. League leading Barca have a 13-point advantage over Sevilla who sit fifth, but their cup triumph suggests this could be an interesting clash.
We shouldn't forget Barcelona won the midweek return-leg 1-0 in Sevilla and it is this point which hints there's no hangover after their 2009 triumphs, especially considering last weekend's 5-0 victory in Tenerife.
Sevilla boss Manolo Jimenez has admitted his club's focus is on the cup, claiming La Liga is beyond them. And with the African Cup of Nations robbing them of key pair Fredi Kanoute and Didier Zokora, you fancy Barcelona should be on top. It will be very interesting though.
Bayern Munich v TSG 1899 Hoffenheim
German Bundesliga
Friday, 8.30pm (CET)
The German top flight returns this weekend after their winter break and to kick it off, Louis van Gaal's title hunting Bayern host ambitious Hoffenheim. The big point here is a Bayern win will take them into top spot on the table, albeit possibly temporarily.
It's silly to get too carried away with form after the long break, but Bayern haven't lost in the league since September and seem to be back on track. Interestingly, a year ago Hoffenheim were proudly the Autumn champions of Germany, but right now they're down in seventh and without a league win in four. They will be dangerous.
Stoke City v Liverpool
English Premier League
Saturday, 1.45pm (CET)
The early kick-off in England's top flight this Saturday offers an enticing clash with struggling giants Liverpool travelling to the ferocious Britannia Stadium to face tricky Stoke. Liverpool's midweek FA Cup exit at the hands of second tier Reading means it really is crisis time for Rafa Benitez and co.
Nevertheless, the Reds have won three of their last four in the league and seem to be on the improve there, but this isn't an easy assignment. Stoke, though, are struggling for goals but their recent 3-2 win over Fulham hints there's life in them yet. This might be tight and the goals may be few and far between.
Napoli v Palermo
Italian Serie A
Sunday, 8.45pm (CET)
Two of Italy's surprise high flyers this season face off on Sunday evening with fourth-placed Napoli hosting seventh Palermo. The Naples club are unbeaten at home this season, while the Sicilians seem improved under new boss Delio Rossi.
In fact, Napoli's recent form is so good, they actually haven't lost in Serie A since early October, ignoring their midweek Coppa Italia exit at the hands of Juventus. Palermo too, bowed out of the cup midweek, but they havent' been beaten in the league in five and will prove difficult. Both are aiming for Champions League qualification this season, both will need the points here.
Bordeaux v Olympique Marseille
French Ligue 1
Sunday, 9pm (CET)
France's runaway league leaders Bordeaux play host to Didier Deschamps' Marseille in the stand-alone Sunday fixture in Ligue 1. Girondins have won their last six in the league and have won all bar one of their Ligue 1 games at home this term, so they're hot favourites.
But Marseille always present a tricky test and don't mind turning it on against the big boys. These two drew 0-0 early in the campaign, while Marseille memorably drew 5-5 with Lyon in November too. Absences from the African Cup of Nations may harm Marseille more than NBA jerseys Bordeaux too.
Sports Pundit's Game of the Weekend
FC Barcelona v FC Sevilla
Spanish La Liga
Saturday, 10pm (Central European Time)
Fresh from their Copa del Rey exit, Barcelona will be hoping to return to form in La Liga, but now they face the side who knocked them out of the cup, FC Sevilla. League leading Barca have a 13-point advantage over Sevilla who sit fifth, but their cup triumph suggests this could be an interesting clash.
We shouldn't forget Barcelona won the midweek return-leg 1-0 in Sevilla and it is this point which hints there's no hangover after their 2009 triumphs, especially considering last weekend's 5-0 victory in Tenerife.
Sevilla boss Manolo Jimenez has admitted his club's focus is on the cup, claiming La Liga is beyond them. And with the African Cup of Nations robbing them of key pair Fredi Kanoute and Didier Zokora, you fancy Barcelona should be on top. It will be very interesting though.
Bayern Munich v TSG 1899 Hoffenheim
German Bundesliga
Friday, 8.30pm (CET)
The German top flight returns this weekend after their winter break and to kick it off, Louis van Gaal's title hunting Bayern host ambitious Hoffenheim. The big point here is a Bayern win will take them into top spot on the table, albeit possibly temporarily.
It's silly to get too carried away with form after the long break, but Bayern haven't lost in the league since September and seem to be back on track. Interestingly, a year ago Hoffenheim were proudly the Autumn champions of Germany, but right now they're down in seventh and without a league win in four. They will be dangerous.
Stoke City v Liverpool
English Premier League
Saturday, 1.45pm (CET)
The early kick-off in England's top flight this Saturday offers an enticing clash with struggling giants Liverpool travelling to the ferocious Britannia Stadium to face tricky Stoke. Liverpool's midweek FA Cup exit at the hands of second tier Reading means it really is crisis time for Rafa Benitez and co.
Nevertheless, the Reds have won three of their last four in the league and seem to be on the improve there, but this isn't an easy assignment. Stoke, though, are struggling for goals but their recent 3-2 win over Fulham hints there's life in them yet. This might be tight and the goals may be few and far between.
Napoli v Palermo
Italian Serie A
Sunday, 8.45pm (CET)
Two of Italy's surprise high flyers this season face off on Sunday evening with fourth-placed Napoli hosting seventh Palermo. The Naples club are unbeaten at home this season, while the Sicilians seem improved under new boss Delio Rossi.
In fact, Napoli's recent form is so good, they actually haven't lost in Serie A since early October, ignoring their midweek Coppa Italia exit at the hands of Juventus. Palermo too, bowed out of the cup midweek, but they havent' been beaten in the league in five and will prove difficult. Both are aiming for Champions League qualification this season, both will need the points here.
Bordeaux v Olympique Marseille
French Ligue 1
Sunday, 9pm (CET)
France's runaway league leaders Bordeaux play host to Didier Deschamps' Marseille in the stand-alone Sunday fixture in Ligue 1. Girondins have won their last six in the league and have won all bar one of their Ligue 1 games at home this term, so they're hot favourites.
But Marseille always present a tricky test and don't mind turning it on against the big boys. These two drew 0-0 early in the campaign, while Marseille memorably drew 5-5 with Lyon in November too. Absences from the African Cup of Nations may harm Marseille more than NBA jerseys Bordeaux too.
2010年5月1日星期六
Avoiding past mistakes
During the last decade, soccer jerseys the country has been successful in restructuring debts. Coupled with attracting foreign investment, a steady economic growth in the area of five per cent was achieved during recent years.
It is important for Indonesia to avoid what Thailand did during the 1990s when the Thai government allowed too much foreign borrowing, fuelling an unprecedented property boom. The country was effectively bankrupt even before it let the national currency, the Thai baht, float, which triggered the Asian Financial Crisis.
In Africa, the global financial crisis appeared at first to have a less severe impact than in the developed world.
Historically, African economies were rather disconnected from the global economy, which was widely regarded as a disadvantage. This has now turned into an advantage, with the ripples of collapsing businesses all over the world not fully hitting Africa.
Between 2002 and 2007, Africa experienced an average growth of more than six per cent, partly due to the increased global demand in natural resources - historically unique for the continent.
With decreased commodity prices, falling demand for African exports and investments, the growth decreased. But there is no reason why the prices of commodities will not pick up again, at the latest by 2010, once the leading global economies have recovered.
Looking at China-Africa relations, the trade between the Asian giant and African continent has dropped by 30.3 per cent during the first six months of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008 – which can be attributed to the global financial crisis.
By comparison, global trade volume in the first half of 2009 is down by 12.2 per cent. During the same period, Chinese investment to Africa increased by 81 per cent.
Jean Ping, the chairman of the African Union (AU) Commission, underscored the value of the China-Africa partnership during a visit to China in early September: "As Africa is facing challenges like developing [its] economy and dealing with global issues, it eagerly wants to strengthen cooperation with China in various fields."
The African business plan - foreign investment in return for natural resources - may therefore turn into a success story.
It is important for Indonesia to avoid what Thailand did during the 1990s when the Thai government allowed too much foreign borrowing, fuelling an unprecedented property boom. The country was effectively bankrupt even before it let the national currency, the Thai baht, float, which triggered the Asian Financial Crisis.
In Africa, the global financial crisis appeared at first to have a less severe impact than in the developed world.
Historically, African economies were rather disconnected from the global economy, which was widely regarded as a disadvantage. This has now turned into an advantage, with the ripples of collapsing businesses all over the world not fully hitting Africa.
Between 2002 and 2007, Africa experienced an average growth of more than six per cent, partly due to the increased global demand in natural resources - historically unique for the continent.
With decreased commodity prices, falling demand for African exports and investments, the growth decreased. But there is no reason why the prices of commodities will not pick up again, at the latest by 2010, once the leading global economies have recovered.
Looking at China-Africa relations, the trade between the Asian giant and African continent has dropped by 30.3 per cent during the first six months of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008 – which can be attributed to the global financial crisis.
By comparison, global trade volume in the first half of 2009 is down by 12.2 per cent. During the same period, Chinese investment to Africa increased by 81 per cent.
Jean Ping, the chairman of the African Union (AU) Commission, underscored the value of the China-Africa partnership during a visit to China in early September: "As Africa is facing challenges like developing [its] economy and dealing with global issues, it eagerly wants to strengthen cooperation with China in various fields."
The African business plan - foreign investment in return for natural resources - may therefore turn into a success story.
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