2011 - had arrived from Lithuania. After miss

Baseball season is just around the corner and TSN.ca has you covered for whos in, whos out and what to expect from all 30 teams. Check in every day this week for two new division previews, finishing up with Scott MacArthurs look at the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday. Heres what to expect out of the National League Central in 2014. Chicago Cubs GM: Jed Hoyer Manager: Rick Renteria 2013: 66-96, fifth in AL Central. Did not qualify for playoffs. That was Then: 2013 capped the worst two-year stretch in the North Siders 137-year history and cost Dale Sveum his job. Nobody was expecting the Cubs to be world-beaters last season, but regression was certainly not believed to be in the cards for some of the teams better players. This was epitomized in the season of shortstop Starlin Castro. Once viewed as a cornerstone of the franchise, Castro was given a seven-year extension in the summer of 2012 and proceeded to have a miserable 2013, hitting a career-low .245/.284/.347 with only 45 RBI. First baseman Anthony Rizzo was simply too streaky and average at best, but the Cubs still love his upside. On the mound, the four-year, $52 million deal given to Edwin Jackson paid no early dividends. Though, he was better in the second-half, the signing already seems like a mistake. After a breakthrough 2012, former Notre Dame wide receiver Jeff Samardzija took a step back in 2013 and has been the focus of trade talks since last years deadline. The bullpen was simply miserable, third-worst in the NL, with a staggering 26 blown saves. This is Now: There will be improvement at Wrigley in 2014, but it will be a modest one. Former San Diego Padres bench coach Rick Renteria has been handed the managerial reins, knowing Hoyer from his days in San Diego, and will be given time to work with his very young team. The team expects Rizzo to bounce back and are high on Mike Olt, acquired from the Texas Rangers last season in the Matt Garza deal. Once hampered by vision problems since a concussion in 2012, Olt is healthy outside of some shoulder soreness in spring training. A top-25 prospect prior to the 2013 season, Olt isnt expected to usurp third base from Luis Valbuena, but could force himself into the conversation at the very least. Top prospect Javier Baez isnt ready to go in 2014, so Castro will be afforded the opportunity to prove that 2013 was a blip on the radar and not indicative of a downward trend. After Scott Feldman, traded at the deadline to the Baltimore Orioles for Pedro Strop and Jake Arrieta, proved to be a fine reclamation project, the Cubs hope to have another in Jason Hammel. If the 32-year-old can shake off the nagging elbow injuries that hampered his 2013 and return to the form from the previous season, the Cubs may be able to parlay his cheap, one-year deal into a Feldmanesque haul. The bullpen shouldnt be as porous as last season, either. Both Carlos Marmol and Kevin Gregg, responsible for most of those blown saves, are gone and Jose Veras is a much more reliable stopper. Whos In?: SP Jason Hammel (one-year deal), RP Jose Veras (one-year deal), OF Justin Ruggiano (acquired from MIA), IF Emilio Bonifacio (minor-year deal) and RP Wesley Wright (one-year deal). Whos Out?: C Dioner Navarro (signed with TOR), RP Carlos Marmol (signed with MIA), RP Kevin Gregg (unsigned) and OF Brian Bogusevic (traded to MIA). Cincinnati Reds GM: Walt Jocketty Manager: Bryan Price 2013: 90-72, third in NL Central. Lost to Pittsburgh in National League Wild Card Game. That was Then: The Reds made the playoffs for back-to-back years for the first time since 1994-95, thanks to sterling performances both at the plate and on the mound. Led by career production years from Jay Bruce and Brandon Phillips and another solid season from Etobicoke, Ontarios Joey Votto, who led the National League with a .435 OBP, the team scored 698 runs, good for third in the NL and had a +109 run differential, also good for third in the Senior Circuit. The rotation, led by Mat Latos and Homer Bailey, posted a 3.38 ERA, third-best in the NL and was able to offset the loss of Johnny Cueto, who made three trips to the disabled list in 2013 and was virtually shut down in the second-half. Aroldis Chapman anchored an efficient bullpen with 38 saves. Still, the season ended sourly with the Wild Card loss to the divisional rival Pirates. Cueto, just returning to health, was tagged in the loss. And even with Phillipss record RBI haul of 103, the multiple time All-Star and Golden Glover posted career lows in average, OBP and stolen bases. This is Now: The Dusty Baker era is over. The sometimes cantankerous, sometimes controversial manager was let go after six seasons in charge in Cincinnati. Pitching coach Bryan Price takes over as the manager of a team that he is more than familiar with. Though much of the core remains for the Reds, the team will need to address a few key departures. Lead-off man Shin-Soo Choo jumped ship to the Texas Rangers. Choo was a dynamo for the Reds last season, second in the NL with 107 runs scored. His spot at the top of the order will be taken by rookie speedster Billy Hamilton. Hamilton, the new everyday centre fielder, is widely considered to be the fastest man in baseball and the fastest one in quite some time. The 23-year-old stole a ridiculous 155 bases in A-ball in 2012 and stole 75 last season for Triple-A Louisville. Las Vegas odds currently have the over/under for stolen bases in Hamiltons rookie year at 63.5. Still, the question is can Hamilton get on base to steal them and how big of a drop-off will the Reds experience from Choos production? The departure of Bronson Arroyo to the Diamondbacks has been addressed in house by Tony Cingrani, but Latoss late winter knee surgery could keep him off the mound until late in April. After that frightening line drive to the skull earlier in the month, Chapman is expected out until mid-to-late May. Former closer Jonathan Broxton will spell the flame-thrower in that role until he returns. Whos In?: C Brayan Pena (two-year deal) and IF Skip Schumaker (two-year deal with option) Whos Out?: OF Shin-Soo Choo (signed with TEX), SP Bronson Arroyo (signed with ARI) and C Ryan Hanigan (traded to TB) Milwaukee Brewers GM: Doug Melvin Manager: Ron Roenicke 2013: 74-88, fourth in NL West. Did not qualify for playoffs. That was Then: Simply put, when you win six games in a month, chances are youre not going to contend and thats just what the Brewers did last May. Going 6-22 that month effectively eliminated the team from contention early, which softened the blow of serious injuries, the whole Ryan Braun thing and finishing with their worst record in a decade. Corey Hart didnt play at all last season, blowing out one knee whilst rehabbing the other, while Mat Gamel re-tore the ACL that had him miss of all of 2012 in spring training, which made him - yep, you guessed it - miss all of 2013, as well. Braun, the 2011 NL MVP, was suspended in July for the remainder of the season (65 games) for his use of PEDs and his part in the Biogenesis scandal, something that the slugger had vehemently denied for over 18 months. Even when he did play in the first half of the season, it wasnt the same Braun. Whether or not the investigation weighed on him is debatable, but he was most certainly limited by a hand injury. On brighter notes, Carlos Gomez and Jean Segura continued to improve and both were rewarded with All-Star nods. This is Now: The Brewers are probably better than last years record indicates (they were actually above .500 after the Braun suspension), but will be in tough to compete with last years three playoff teams in the division. With last years lead-off man Norichika Aoki traded to the Kansas City Royals and Gomez slotting into that spot, left fielder Khris Davis will have the chance to play everyday. Davis impressed last season, in place of Braun, in 136 at-bats with a respectable .279, 11 HR and 27 RBI. If he can match that clip over a full season, its not far-fetched to suggest that Davis is capable of 30 home runs in 2014 on a team with considerable offensive upside. Matt Garza was the offseasons biggest acquisition and the team hopes that he can help improve the NLs fifth-worst rotation ERA and eat up some innings so that the Brewers wont turn to 12 starters like they did in 2013. Considering Garzas recent injury history, perhaps, he isnt the best suited arm for that role. As for the bullpen, the back end is solid with closer Jim Henderson, but depth could be an issue as the season goes on. Whos In?: SP Matt Garza (four-year deal) and RP Will Smith (acquired from KC) Whos Out?: IF Norichika Aoki (traded to KC), IF Yuniesky Betancourt (Japan) and RP Mike Gonzalez (unsigned) Pittsburgh Pirates GM: Neal Huntington Manager: Clint Hurdle 2013: 94-68, second in NL Central. Lost to St. Louis in National League Divisional Series. That was Then: The Bucs made the post-season for the first time since 1992 and it was well deserved. Led by 2013 NL MVP Andrew McCutchens .317, 21 HR, 84 RBI, 27 SB and .911 OPS line, the Pirates got career years from key players and were the surprise of the baseball world. Pedro Alvarez would shared the NL lead in home runs with 36. Starling Marte posted 41 stolen bases in his first full year in the Bigs. Neil Walker contributed at the plate and with his glove. Russell Martin chipped in offensively and ably called games behind the plates. On the mound, the team conceded the second-fewest runs in the NL. A.J. Burnetts late resurgence continued, becoming the first-ever Pirates right-hander to record 200+ strike-outs in a single season. Francisco Lirianos transition over to the National League was a successful one, notching 16 wins with a 3.02 ERA Gerrit Cole starred in his rookie season, especially down the stretch with a 4-0 month of September. Mark Melancon ate innings out of the bullpen, struck out 70 in 71.0 IP with a 1.39 ERA and was rewarded with an All-Star appearance. Jason Grilli, aging like a fine wine, was a reliable stopper. Outside of an injury to Wandy Rodriguez, almost everything went right for the Pirates in 2013 and the team was MLBs feel-good story of 2013. This is Now: Can this team build on last years success? Thats the biggest question facing the Pirates in 2014 and the only question that matters. Considering this is almost the same team that excelled last season, the Bucs should continue to trend upwards, but they certainly will no longer take anybody by surprise. The old adage goes that you dont fix what aint broke and that holds true for the Pirates for the most part, but there were a couple of places that could have been upgraded upon in the offseason that werent. Right fielder Travis Snider had a poor 2013, his first full year with the Pirates, and he hasnt given any reason for optimism for 2014. Gaby Sanchez is easily the poorest first baseman in the division and the Bucs really dont have anybody to push him. Burnetts loss will definitely be felt, but Rodriguez is once again healthy and will help pick up the slack. Edinson Volquez, whos far from the dominant Reds starter of five years ago, has been hammered in spring training, yet the Pirates are confident that theres something left here and seem committed to this reclamation project. Whos In?: SP Edinson Volquez (one-year deal) and C Chris Stewart (acquired from NYY) Whos Out?: SP A.J. Burnett (signed with PHI), 1B Justin Morneau (signed with COL), OF Marlon Byrd (signed with PHI), C John Buck (signed with SEA) and 1B/OF Garrett Jones (signed with MIA). St. Louis Cardinals GM: John Mozeliak Manager: Mike Matheny 2013: 97-65, first in NL Central. Lost to Boston in World Series. That was Then: You can hardly call a National League pennant and a World Series berth disappointing, but thats how the Cards felt about how last season ended. Leading the World Series 2-1 and then dropping three-straight to go out in six games leaves a bad taste in your mouth. Still, the Cardinals were the class of the National League in 2013, holding off the surging Los Angeles Dodgers for the best record in the Senior Circuit and then beating them for the pennant. There was a lot to like about last years Cards. Yadier Molina, while perhaps not having the season he did the year before, once again staked his claim to being the best catcher in the MLB with another fine season at the plate and calling games behind it. Matt Holliday was his consistent self, eclipsing the 20-home run mark for the eighth time in his career. Carlos Beltran refused to age, hitting 20-plus home runs and knocking in 80-plus RBI both for the 11th time in his 16 years in the Bigs. The unheralded Matt Carpenter took the NL by surprise to lead the league in hits (199), doubles (55) and runs (126). From the hill, Adam Wainwright had his best ever season, matching his career total in wins (19) and complete games (five), while setting a personal best with 241.0 innings pitched (most in the MLB in 2013). The towering Michael Wacha was a revelation in his rookie season. Though his regular season stats were respectable (4-1 with a 2.78 ERA and a 1.1 WHIP), he was dominant in the post-season, going 4-1 with a 2.64 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP, winning the NLCS MVP. The Cards were good, very good, but just not good enough for a team that holds itself to the highest possible standard in baseball. This is Now: Only two games away from a World Series title last year, this is arguably a superior Cardinals team and one that could be on track for glory in October. The loss of Beltran to the Yankees will certainly hurt, but the acquisitions of Jhonny Peralta and Peter Bourjos will help offset the loss. Peralta can be counted on to eat up most, perhaps not all, of Beltrans run production, while Bourjoss noted speed gives the team a base-stealing threat at the top of the order. Mark Ellis is a dependable veteran off the bench or can spell middle infielders if the need should arise. Though sent to their minor-league camp earlier this month, it would be a shock if top prospect Oscar Tavares, often favourably compared to Vladimir Guerrero, doesnt make his presence felt at some point during the 2014 season. The pitching staff is virtually unchanged from last years postseason with Jaime Garcia likely out for most of the year, but the concern here will be to ensure that none of the teams inning-eating starters tires too soon or gets overworked too quickly. Long reliever Jason Motte is the only injury concern in the bullpen, but he should be back by late May. Whos In?: 3B Jhonny Peralta (four-year deal), OF Peter Bourjos (acquired from LAA), IF Mark Ellis (one-year deal) Whos Out?: OF Carlos Beltran (signed with NYY), RP John Axford (signed with CLE), 3B David Freese (traded to LAA) and RP Jake Westbrook (retired). Cheap Tennessee Titans Jerseys Online . Speaking on TSN Radio 1050s TSN Drive with Dave Naylor on Monday, Colangelo said he had no intention of tanking the shortened 2011-12 season, but definitely wanted a high pick in the draft. "I wish that word wasnt used for headline reasons," said Colangelo, "but the story behind it was: how can we fix the system? How can we tweak the system to make it less likely that teams are rewarded for losing records? "I do believe that if youre as transparent as we were at the time - with our season seat holders, our fans, the market place and the media - everybody knew what the plan was and what we were going through. Custom Titans Jerseys . Saskatchewans Darian Durant is expected to miss the rest of the Roughriders season with a torn tendon in his right elbow. The 32-year-old, who will undergo surgery in the next couple days to repair the injury, was added to the teams six-game injury list Tuesday. http://www.titanscheap.com/. After falling 5-0 on home ice in a game that could have tied them for second in the wild card standings, Washington head coach Adam Oates had some strong words for Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin. Discount Tennessee Titans Jerseys . PAUL, Minn. Wholesale Tennessee Titans Jerseys .com) - Guess whos back, back again? Josh Gordons back, tell a friend.TORONTO - With just over two minutes remaining in the first half of Mondays win over the lowly Bucks, Kyle Lowry dumped the ball into Jonas Valanciunas on the left block. Isolated against Ersan Ilyasova, Valanciunas turned to face up, took one dribble and barreled into the smaller defender, who took the charge. As Milwaukee called a timeout, Lowry followed the Raptors promising sophomore centre straight to the bench. “Know your opponent,” he implored, instructing Valanciunas to post-up when he has a size and strength advantage over the defender. The Raptors were up by 14 at the time, they would go on to win by 22 and Valanciunas would register his 12th double-double of the campaign, four more than he totalled as a rookie last season. Still, Lowry was all over the gaffe. The two have developed a mutually beneficial mentor-protégé relationship. "Hes kind of like a coach," Valanciunas said of Lowry after practice the day prior. He knows a lot, he tries to help everybody, especially me because Im the young guy." Lowry has been as tough on the young centre as anyone in the Raptors organization and as such his fingerprints can be found all over the 21-year-olds continued development. "Hes been great," coach Dwane Casey told TSN.ca, speaking of Lowry and the leadership role hes taken with Valanciunas. "He has a way of getting on him but yet still he has a relationship with him that he can talk to him that way. "Other people may not understand it but Kyles done a great job of working with Jonas, letting him know what he needs to do. [Hes] just been a great mentor to him. Thats been huge for Jonas." Both players are approaching the middle of their second season together in Toronto. Lowry was acquired in a trade from Houston in July of 2012, just around the same time Valanciunas - Torontos fifth overall pick in 2011 - had arrived from Lithuania. After missing the bulk of training camp with injuries last season, both of their Raptor careers got off to shaky starts. While Lowry struggled through injuries, fluctuating playing time and philosophical differences with the coaching staff, Valanciunas experienced the growing pains you would expect from a 20-year-old getting accustomed to his surroundings in a new country, in a new league. Valanciunas has seen his playing time increase by five minutes per night in his second season; hes regularly on the court during crucial moments at the end of games and he is becoming more of a focal point in Torontos offence. However, as both his coach and his point guard would tell you, hes far from a finished product. He continues to make nightly mistakes - with his positioning, in the pick-and-roll game, and on defence, particularly as the help man - and Lowry is usually the first person to let him hear about it. "Every time he messes up we talk about it," Lowry said. "I tell him what he did and then he fixes it and I congratulate him when he does it [right]. "I think he has the skills and he has the heart and he has the right mentality to be one of the best bigs in the league," the Raptors point guard continued. "My constructive criticism is just tough, big brother love. I think the world of him, I think he can be so good [and] tthats why I push him.dddddddddddd. Im always going to be tough on him because I know how good hes going to be." Lowry, an eight-year NBA vet, is also coming into his own, playing the best basketball of his career and spearheading the Raptors recent resurgence. "Thats just coming from buying in if you ask me," former Raptors teammate Alan Anderson said of Lowry. Most importantly - for a player that will be in the market for a new contract this summer - he is well on his way to shedding the reputation that has followed him like a dark cloud over the years. "Kyles showed hes been a positive leader," Casey said over the weekend. "I think that was the biggest question among coaches around the league, could he be a positive leader and be productive on the court." Not only has he been productive, averaging career-highs across the board, but hes been the consummate professional his team has desperately needed him to be while remaining a positive influence on his younger teammates, namely Valanciunas. Occasionally combative, Lowrys fiery nature has often been misunderstood. The reality - which his teammates and coaches have come to accept and appreciate - is, he holds himself and everyone around him to an incredibly high standard. He is a fierce competitor with an unrelenting will to win. Lowry is a strong personality, certainly not the first Casey has coached. The Raptors coach worked with future Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett in Minnesota and current Nets bench boss Jason Kidd in Dallas, but Lowrys leadership style reminds him of another hard-nosed point guard from his past. "The guards that Ive had, Gary Payton was one of the [toughest]," Casey said, having coached ‘The Glove as an assistant in Seattle. "He would use some colourful words to talk with his teammates but they understood it, he had a relationship with [them], just like Kyle. Kyle reminds me so much of Gary in the fact that he can talk to players in a certain way that they understand because he has their respect and he has a relationship with them. "As long as you have that relationship and you back it up with love and real sugar than you can get on guys but I havent seen Kyle be overly tough on JV, just when he needs it and just the right amount." As Casey points out, Lowry walks a fine line between tough love and going too far, but he does it with precision. Hes hard on Valanciunas because he recognizes the young mans upside but also, and most importantly, he knows the seven-footer can take it. "Hes really receptive," Lowry said, "because I tell him, I tell him why Im so tough on him and he understands that. "He knows how to do it," said Valanciunas, who has thick skin, having played professionally in Europe since he was 15. "I understand hes my teammates, he wants me to do good and [Ive] just got to live with that." Whether or not Valanciunas realizes or fully appreciates it now, Lowry should have a long-lasting impact on his auspicious NBA career. As for Lowry, his future with the team remains uncertain but wherever he ends up, after cashing in on this seasons revival, his Raptors legacy will live on in the growth of the franchises emerging centre. 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