finalist for last years award, won by wome

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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida – A comment Mark DeRosa made in August as he reflected on what, by then, clearly was a failed 2013 Blue Jays season, is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore looking ahead to the prospects for next years squad. Lamar Holmes Falcons Jersey . "When Brandon Morrow went down, that killed us," said the now former Blue Jay, referring to the forearm injury Morrow suffered in late May that ended his season. With general manager Alex Anthopoulos uncomfortable, at least for the time being, with the market price for mid-range starting pitching and with no acquisition, either through free agency or via trade, apparently imminent, Morrows return to health is crucial to the Jays becoming the contender many thought they would be a year ago. Morrow is throwing in Arizona and early reports on his bullpen sessions and a simulated game are positive. But can Morrow give Toronto 180 or more innings? Hes done it only once in his career (2011) and even if he can is a Morrow, R.A. Dickey and Mark Buehrle front three enough for the Jays to contend in an American League East thats demise is annually predicted but never realized? Assuming Morrow, Dickey and Buehrle are the front three, is it the right approach for a club trying to contend now to count on one of Drew Hutchison, Kyle Drabek, Sean Nolin or Marcus Stroman to impress enough in spring training to crack the back end of the rotation for a spot alongside J.A. Happ? Anthopoulos has discussed the need for an improved rotation since the middle of last summer, when he began lamenting the combined ERA of the starting staff which would finish second-worst in baseball, ahead of only lowly Minnesota. The Twins, whether or not you agree with the moves, have been proactive, inking veteran National Leaguer Ricky Nolasco (four years/$49 million) and former Yankee Phil Hughes (three years/$24 million). "I think my position has been that as we sit here today the trade market seems more viable," said Anthopoulos. "Thats not to say that wont change a week from now or two weeks from now as the prices for free agents change." In fact, Anthopoulos says, in his most recent conversations hes noticing a shift downward in the price of some free agents. He acknowledges that the names of prospects Stroman and Aaron Sanchez come up in almost all the trade conversation he has but that hes not eager to move his upper level rotation depth. Free agent right-hander Matt Garza could become more appealing if his arm problems limit him to a shorter term contract. At the very least, hes worth exploring given his past success in the division as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays for three seasons, starting in 2008. Another option, through a modified form of free agency, is Masahiro Tanaka. It seems farfetched, however. Depending on how the posting process is settled for the Japanese phenom, the Jays could get involved. If, as expected, the bidding is capped at $20 million, Toronto could post the maximum. The problem is a number of other clubs, particularly the big market, high spending teams, could and likely would do the same which would create a situation where Tanaka could sign with the high bidder of his choosing. Hed be in prime position to leverage up his contract and select the city in which he wishes to pitch. Tanaka is only 25 and has two years left on his contract with the Rakuten Golden Eagles. He posted a record of 24-0 with a 1.27 ERA and 0.943 WHIP in 2013. That WHIP, incredible for a starting pitcher, isnt even his best. In 2011, Tanaka had a 0.875 WHIP. Hes known as a fastball/splitter specialist who, over his seven seasons in Japan, has struck out 4.5 hitters for every walk. Anthopoulos continues to pursue leads, knowing a rotation of Dickey, Morrow, Buehrle, Happ and (insert rookie here) wont inspire confidence in a fan base counting on a bounce back season. There remains plenty of work to do. Fortunately, there too remains plenty of time.  THE FIVE-YEAR TERM LIMIT The Blue Jays are known for their policy on five-year contract limits. Anthopoulos suggests theres wiggle room if the circumstances are right. "I think weve said, six (years), will you bend a little bit and do something like that, I think we havent ruled it out," said Anthopoulos. "Our preference is certainly five. Weve never really had to deviate from that. Weve never looked seriously at doing that." There are few examples of extended long-term deals that have worked out. Albert Pujols seven-year, $100 million contract signed with the Cardinals prior to the 2005 season would be one but for each of those, there are more of the Carlos Beltran-Mets type of deals. Beltran had a stellar first four seasons in New York but was plagued by injury during the back half of the contract. Prince Fielder is another example, traded by the Tigers last month just two years into a nine-year, $214 million deal signed after the 2011 season. "I dont know that its that strict a policy but its certainly a strong guideline that maybe we would stretch a little bit and go to six," said Anthopoulos. "Now, you start getting beyond six, I dont see that occurring." JAYS ROUND OUT COACHING STAFF Tim Leiper, who served as a minor league consultant for the Blue Jays last season, is expected to be named the clubs new first base coach. A source close to Leiper confirmed the news to TSN.ca. Leiper replaces Dwayne Murphy, who retired at the end of the year. A native of Whittier, California, Leiper, 46, has an extensive coaching background in the minor leagues and with Baseball Canada. Anthopoulos familiarity with Leiper dates back more than a decade. Leiper managed the Ottawa Lynx, then the Triple-A affiliate of the Montreal Expos, in 2002. Anthopoulos was working in the Expos front office at the time. DAVIS SIGNS WITH TIGERS It was a foregone conclusion Rajai Davis wouldnt be returning to the Blue Jays. A free agent for the first time, Davis inked a two-year contract with the Detroit Tigers. According to reports, the deal is for $10 million. Davis spent three seasons with the Blue Jays, compiling a slash line of .252/.299/.369 in 345 games. He stole 125 bases in a Toronto uniform. The Blue Jays will look to go younger and cheaper to fill Davis roster spot. Anthony Gose, a less refined base stealer at this point in his career, figures to be the prime candidate to replace Davis. Moises Sierra, whos out of options and has been playing some first base in Dominican League winter ball, will receive consideration. Kevin Pillar is another option, although less likely given his offensive struggles as a late-season call-up. Levine Toilolo Falcons Jersey . Vettel, who has already clinched his fourth straight F1 title, enters the finale with a chance to equal Michael Schumachers 13 victories in a year and match the record of nine consecutive wins by Alberto Ascari in the 1952 and 1953 seasons. Kemal Ishmael Falcons Jersey . The Vikings announced Thursday that Priefer will be one of seven holdovers from the previous staff, along with offensive line coach Jeff Davidson, wide receivers coach George Stewart and others. Norv Turner will mark his 30th year of coaching in the NFL as the offensive co-ordinator, as widely reported for weeks, and George Edwards will be the defensive co-ordinator. http://www.thefalconsfficialjerseys.com/women-pat-angerer-falcons-jersey-sale/ . -- The Missouri Tigers might not have a roster full of superstars.TORONTO -- No one was more surprised by Jon Cornish capturing the 2013 Lou Marsh award as Canadas top athlete than the Calgary Stampeders running back himself. Cornish narrowly defeated Milos Raonic, the first Canadian mens singles tennis player to achieve a top-10 world ranking, and Kaillie Humphries, who dominated the womens bobsled circuit this season, for the honour. "I really didnt know anything was going on, I was just getting ready to go for a day of work," said Cornish, employed as a bank rep in Calgary during the off-season. "My phone is always on silent so my iPad was getting most of my notifications and it started making a lot of noise and so I was wondering but I was playing video games so I wasnt really too worried about checking my iPad. "But then (Stampeders communications director) Jean Lefebvre called and informed me that I had been selected . . . this was a nice little addition to my day." And in a truly CFL moment, the 29-year-old Cornish spoke to reporters during a conference call while on a break at the bank Monday. Cornish became just the third Canadian to win the CFLs outstanding player award after rushing for a league-high 1,813 yards. That broke his own record for the most rushing yards in a season by a Canadian. The native of New Westminster, B.C., also led the league with 2,157 yards from scrimmage and 14 TDs en route to being named the CFLs top Canadian for a second straight season. Hes the first Canadian to win the CFLs top player award since Ottawa Rough Riders tight end Tony Gabriel in 1978 and the first CFL player to claim the Lou Marsh award since legendary Ottawa quarterback Russ Jackson did so in 1969. But moments after Lefebvre had informed Cornish, the Stampeders star received a call from his mother, who fittingly was the first person he shared the good news with. Malliciah Goodman Falcons Jersey. "She didnt know I had been selected, she just called," Cornish said. "And then I told her so it was good timing on her part." Damian Warner, figure skater Patrick Chan and Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews were the other award finalists. The trophy is awarded annually to Canadas top athlete as selected by representatives of Canadas leading news organizations. Its named after a former Toronto Star sports editor. Cornish was a finalist for last years award, won by womens soccer star Christine Sinclair. "To have my name mentioned alongside Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Sidney Crosby, Steve Nash, Christine Sinclair," Cornish said. "Its insane to me that I could be selected. "Im still sort of taken back by, I dont want to say the repercussions but the possibilities that this award sort of creates." And for Cornish, he hopes winning the Lou Marsh award will result in future football players aspiring to be recognized among the countrys best and biggest athletes. "In terms of true Canadian superstar athletes playing football theres not many," he said. "The recognition I get, people will see, I can get that recognition, and theyll try and strive to do the same things Ive been trying to do. "I love the sport of football and so knowing we can be eligible to win this award through football will probably encourage people to push themselves a little bit harder and maybe we can get more Canadian football players winning the Lou Marsh award." wholesale jerseys cheap jerseys cheap nfl jerseys wholesale jerseys cheap soccer jerseys wholesale jerseys wholesale jerseys cheap nfl jerseys china ' ' '