text:
AL prospects worth following
With the minor league season underway, here are some players
to keep an eye on with American League farm clubs. (Next week NL affiliates.)
TEAMS: Salt Lake Stingers (AAA); Arkansas Travelers
(AA); Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (A); Cedar Rapids Kernels (A).
WHERE THEY'RE DEEPEST: The Angels are quite deep
when it comes to power pitchers, especially at low-A Cedar Rapids. The Kernels
rotation is expected to be anchored by LHP Joe Torres and RHP Johan
Santana. Torres, 19, was the Angels' top pick in 2000. He mixes a low-90s
fastball with a great curve. Santana makes the jump from the Arizona League.
He allowed one homer in 77 1/3 innings and led
the league in strikeouts, with a mid-90s fastball.
YOU ALREADY KNOW ABOUT ... RHP Bobby Jenks
emerged last year as the pitcher with the biggest upside in the system thanks
to a fastball that reaches 100 mph, which he offsets with a good curve. He still
needs to harness his control. He starts the year at Arkansas. ... RHP Chris
Bootcheck, the Angels' second first-round pick in 2000 after Torres, missed
time in 2001 with shoulder trouble. He throws a fastball in the mid-90s, a cut
fastball and a late-breaking slider. He is an intelligent pitcher and will be
in the Travelers' rotation. ... IF Alfredo Amezaga is one of the top
upper-level prospects in the system with good speed. His defense is top-notch
at second and shortstop. He begins the year at Salt Lake. ... Few first-round
picks in 2001 had a better start to their careers than 1B Casey Kotchman
he hit .541 in 11 games with 12 RBI. Unfortunately, that beginning was
cut short with a sprained wrist. He is back this year, and at Cedar Rapids.
... BUT KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR: SS Brian Specht
is outstanding defensively and adds speed to his offensive game. He has a strong
arm and soft hands and is smart and savvy. He heads to Arkansas. ... RHP Pedro
Liriano came to the Angels' attention thanks to his cousin, major leaguer
Ramon Ortiz. Liriano was the Pioneer League Pitcher of the Year in 2001 and
went 11-2 with a 2.78 ERA in the short-season league. He will be in the rotation
at Rancho Cucamonga. ... 3B Dallas McPherson was the Angels' second-round
pick last year and was hitting .395 when he broke his arm, ending his season.
McPherson is a big kid with good power and defensive prowess, and he begins
the season at Cedar Rapids. ... C Jeff Mathis was a supplemental first-rounder
last year, but his season ended early when he broke his hand. He is an aggressive
hitter with a good arm and good hands, and he starts the year at Cedar Rapids.
... RHP Richard Fischer signed in 2000 and was converted from shortstop.
He has a power arm and just needs some experience. He will be in the Rancho
Cucamonga rotation.
ON THE SHELF: OF Nathan Haynes, the top outfield
prospect in the system, is out until the All-Star break after tearing a thumb
ligament in spring training. He is expected to go to Salt Lake when healthy
and could move quickly from there. ... RHP Steve Green is still recovering
from Tommy John surgery that cost him the second half of 2001. He could be back
by the All-Star break. ... LHP Derrick Turnbow missed all but three games
of the 2001 season with elbow trouble and now is sidelined by a broken elbow.
He might return by June.
TEAMS: Rochester Red Wings (AAA); Bowie Baysox (AA);
Frederick Keys (A); Delmarva Shorebirds (A)
WHERE THEY'RE DEEPEST: Young power arms are the
Orioles' strength. Among the top guns are RHP Sean Douglass at Rochester,
LHPs Matt Riley and Erik Bedard and RHP Steve Bechler at
Bowie. Douglass posted a 2.42 ERA in his last 12 minor league starts before
being promoted to Baltimore last year. Riley, coming back from Tommy John surgery,
was the organization's top pitching prospect before his operation. Bedard moves
up from Frederick, where he had 13 starts allowing one or no earned runs. Bechler
was impressive in stints at Frederick and Bowie and has a great knuckle-curve
in his arsenal.
YOU ALREADY KNOW ABOUT ... OF Tim Raines Jr.
was a big story last year when the Orioles called him up while acquiring his
dad so the two could play together in September. The speedy center fielder starts
the year at Bowie. He combined for 54 steals at three levels last year. ...
SS Ed Rogers struggled as he started the year at Bowie in 2001, but he
should be ready for the higher level this year. He has a great glove and needs
to work on his patience at the plate. ... OF Keith Reed, a first-rounder
in 1999, is starting to put together his impressive skills. He has good speed
and a right field arm and also begins the year at Bowie. ... RHP John Stephens
was the organization's Minor League Pitcher of the Year last year, despite not
being one of the heralded power arms. His fastball doesn't top 90 mph, but his
great curve baffles hitters. He will start at Rochester.
... BUT KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR: 2B Mike Fontenot,
a supplemental first-round selection out of LSU last year, signed too late to
play in 2001. He is a polished player with doubles power who makes his debut
at Frederick. ... SS Bryan Bass is a switch-hitting power prospect who
was also a sandwich pick last year. He heads to Delmarva. ... RHP Mike Paradis
was the Orioles' top pick in 1999 out of Clemson. He throws in the mid-90s and
adds a slider and changeup. He had a strong spring and heads to Bowie as part
of the rotation. ... Power-hitting 1B Doug Gredvig led the organization
last year with 20 homers, and the system doesn't have a lot of prospects with
his major league power potential. He is at Bowie. ... RHP Cory Morris,
a 15th-rounder last year out of Dallas Baptist, could be a sleeper. He had a
3.38 ERA in 13 games at Frederick and returns as part of the rotation.
ON THE SHELF: LHP Rich Stahl, a 6-foot-7
southpaw who was the team's first-rounder in 1999, is still rehabbing from arthroscopic
surgery, which wiped out half of his 2001 season. When healthy he throws in
the mid-90s. After six strong games at Delmarva and six more at Frederick, where
he posted a 1.95 ERA, he was shut down. He's expected to return to Frederick
when healthy, possibly May. ... OF Luis Matos was a long shot for the
big-league club, but he was off to a fine start this spring before breaking
his hand. He will be out about another six weeks, after which his destination
will be determined. The multitalented Matos missed most of last year with injury
as well.
TEAMS: Pawtucket Red Sox (AAA); Trenton Thunder
(AA); Sarasota Red Sox (A); Augusta GreenJackets (A)
WHERE THEY'RE DEEPEST: If they hadn't realized how
deep they were in pitching before spring training, the Red Sox certainly realized
it when release time came around. A lot of young pitchers found themselves out
of jobs because of the overload of arms in the system. The Augusta, Sarasota
and Trenton rotations each enjoy a full complement of interesting talent.
YOU ALREADY KNOW ABOUT ... RHP Seung Song
was perhaps the top young pitcher in the system last year, turning in impressive
performances between Augusta and Sarasota, and he moves up to the rotation at
Trenton to start 2002. He had a 2.04 ERA in 14 starts at Augusta and 1.68 in
eight games at Sarasota, throwing a fastball in the low 90s, a curve and a change.
He has great command as well as stuff. ... LHP Phil Dumatrait, a first-rounder
from 2000, came back midway through the 2001 season after a sore shoulder cost
him a few months. He followed that with a good instructional league showing.
His out pitch is a 12-to-6 curve. He is at Augusta. ... Big (listed at 6-2,
230) power-hitting 1B Juan Diaz had 20 homers in just 74 games at Pawtucket
last year, though slowed by ankle problems. His physique and health have kept
his future a question mark, but he had a great performance at spring training
and has big-time power. He will be back at Pawtucket. ... RHP Brad Baker
was the team's supplemental first-round pick in 1999 and has a great upside.
... BUT KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR: RHP Franklin Francisco
struck out 90 batters in 68 innings at Augusta last year and skips a level to
the Trenton bullpen this season. ... RHP Manny DelCarmen was a second-rounder
in 2000 who made his pro debut last year in the Gulf Coast League, averaging
more than a strikeout per inning. He will be in the Augusta rotation. ... RHP
Josh Thigpen, the hardest thrower in the system, starts in Augusta as
part of the rotation, though an eventual move to the back end of the bullpen
is not out of the question. ... LHP Chris Elmore changes speeds well
and had a 2.29 ERA in 14 games at Trenton after a midseason call-up. He returns
there as part of the rotation. ... RHP Rene Miniel will be one of the
staff anchors at Sarasota. He allowed three earned runs over his last nine starts
at Augusta last year. He has an overhand curve and the next-best fastball in
the system after Thigpen. ... LHP Terrance Hill, a reliever at Trenton,
had an impressive showing in fall ball (4-0, 1.40 ERA and 23 strikeouts and
three walks in 19 innings).
ON THE SHELF: 3B Tony Blanco, considered
the top position player in the system, starts the season on the sideline after
breaking a hand in spring training when he was hit by a pitch. He should be
back by late spring and will go to Sarasota. He had shoulder surgery last August,
which cut his season short, but he should be recovered. ... LHP Greg Montalbano,
a Massachusetts native and Northeastern University product, has good command.
Shoulder woes will keep him out until at least late April, but he is expected
to be at Trenton when healthy.
TEAMS: Charlotte Knights (AAA); Birmingham Barons
(AA); Winston-Salem Warthogs (A); Kannapolis Intimidators (A)
WHERE THEY'RE DEEPEST: It might not always be the
same ones year to year, but it always seems to be pitching. Southpaw Corwin
Malone, penciled into the Birmingham rotation, was the top breakthrough
player last year as he cruised through three levels. Only 21, he has great command
and is polished for his age. ... Closer prospect Edwin Almonte is at
Charlotte this season after dominating Southern League hitters last year with
a league-record 36 saves and 1.49 ERA. His changeup is his out pitch, and he
has drawn comparisons to current Sox closer Keith Foulke. ... RHP Kris Honel,
Kannapolis-bound, was the Sox's top pick last year, and he hails from Chicago.
His knuckle-curve is his best pitch. The lanky (6-5, 180) youngster was the
16th pick overall.
YOU ALREADY KNOW ABOUT ... OF Willie Harris
and 3B Joe Crede had to be two of the hardest cuts out of spring training.
Both had stellar springs and come off outstanding 2001 campaigns but have veterans
ahead of them in the majors. Harris, picked up from the Orioles for OF Chris
Singleton, hit .305 with 54 steals at Bowie (AA) last year and was as impressive
as anyone in camp this spring. He was the final cut of spring training. Crede,
a two-time league batting champ, hit close to .380 this spring and his defense
is already major league-caliber. But for now, for both players, it's back to
Charlotte. ... 2B Tim Hummel, also in Charlotte, is one of the top middle-infield
prospects at the upper levels and is more of an offensive threat than a dazzling
... BUT KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR: LHP Arnaldo Munoz,
just 5-9 and 19 years old, froze South Atlantic League hitters with his curveball
last year and skips up to Birmingham to try his luck. He is being groomed as
a reliever because of his size and out pitch, and he is already poised. ...
C Miguel Olivo has long been considered one of the top defensive catchers
in the minors but needs to be more consistent on offense. He is back at Birmingham.
... LHP Dennis Ulacia heads to Birmingham after pitching at four levels
last year for a combined opponent batting average of .216. He has been labeled
a soft-tossing lefty but gets batters out.
ON THE SHELF: Top OF prospect Joe Borchard,
the top pick in 2000 out of Stanford, broke his foot when he fouled a ball off
of it at spring training and is out for about the first month of the season.
When healthy, the 6-5, 200-pounder should be at Charlotte. He is a switch-hitter
who still needs to refine his plate discipline, but his power potential and
tools are terrific.
TEAMS: Buffalo Bisons (AAA); Akron Aeros (AA); Kinston
Indians (A); Columbus (Ga.) RedStixx (A).
WHERE THEY'RE DEEPEST: The organization's Latin
American pipeline has produced a nice string of shortstops. Twenty-year-old
Johnny Peralta will be the starter at Akron this year. Though he might
be challenged offensively, the Indians believe he could hold his own on defense
at any level of the minors. At Kinston, they have 20-year-old Hector Luna,
and 19-year-old Ivan Ochoa heads to Columbus for his first full season.
YOU ALREADY KNOW ABOUT ... C Victor Martinez,
last year's Carolina League MVP and batting champion, moves up to Akron. He
adds good defense to his impressive offense. He was the organization's Minor
League Player of the Year last year, and he has a strong arm, soft hands and
calls a good game. ... 3B Corey Smith, the team's top pick in 2000 out
of high school, is getting accustomed to his move to the hot corner from shortstop.
He hits with power to all fields and has a great work ethic. His defense has
improved markedly this spring as he's started showing more patience in the field.
He starts the year at Kinston. ... LHP Billy Traber, one of the key players
acquired from the Mets in the Roberto Alomar deal, starts the year in the Akron
rotation but could end up in Buffalo before long. He was a No. 1 pick in 2000
out of Loyola Marymount, and has great poise and four good pitches. ... LHP
Alex Herrera has been used in middle relief but could move to the back
end of the bullpen. Despite his slim 5-11 build, he is a power pitcher. He had
a midseason 20-inning scoreless streak at Kinston and finished with 12 scoreless
innings at Akron, where he returns. ... RHPs Dan Denham and J.D. Martin
will both be key in the Columbus rotation. Denham, the team's top pick last
year, throws a circle change and a nasty slider. Martin started his pro career
with a 22-inning scoreless streak and struck out 14 in one five-inning tear.
Both are 19.
... BUT KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR: 1B Earl Snyder
was also acquired in the Alomar deal. The 36th-rounder could be a real sleeper.
He has 84 homers and 107 doubles in three full pro seasons and has been effective
at every level. This year he heads to Buffalo for his first full Triple-A season.
... OF Ryan Church was converted from pitcher, and as such he is still
a raw package of great tools. He is a clutch hitter with good power and has
led his league in RBI each of his first two seasons. He could probably play
at Double-A right now but begins the year at Kinston to reinforce some fundamentals.
ON THE SHELF: LHP Brian Tallet is penciled
in for the Akron rotation but begins the season at extended spring training
after getting off to a late start because of tendinitis. The 6-foot-7 southpaw
out of LSU led the system in strikeouts for Kinston last year, allowing three
or fewer earned runs in 21 of his 27 starts. ... OF Alex Escobar, the
plum prospect in the Alomar deal, could have made the big club out of spring
training but tore his ACL making a diving catch and is out for the year. It
will be the second year in the last four he's lost to injury. ... RHP Kyle
Denney and LHP Shane Wallace both are recovering from Tommy John
surgery until at least midseason. Denney had a 2.05 ERA and 80 strikeouts in
57 innings at Kinston while his teammate, Wallace, was 10-2 with a 1.61 in his
13 starts.
TEAMS: Toledo Mud Hens (AAA); Erie SeaWolves (AA);
Lakeland Tigers (A); West Michigan Whitecaps (A)
WHERE THEY'RE DEEPEST: The Tigers' most promising
prospects are up the middle, from catcher to shortstop to center field. The
top of the line comes at Toledo, where SS Omar Infante is as special
as they come. He was the youngest player in the Eastern League last year and
was just 20 on Opening Day at Triple-A this year. He has speed, dazzles with
the glove and could be in Detroit before long.
YOU ALREADY KNOW ABOUT ... 1B Eric Munson,
the club's top pick in 1999, has fought off back trouble that slowed him his
first two years and came back in a big way at Erie in 2001, hitting 26 homers
and driving in 102 runs. He hit 21 of those home runs in his last 72 games.
He also led the Double-A Eastern League in walks. Munson begins the year at
... BUT KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR: LHP Chad Petty,
a second-round pick in 2000, returned to the Gulf Coast League last year for
a second time and dominated, going 6-0 with a 1.11 ERA. With a sinking fastball,
hard curve and good command, he should be at the front of the rotation at West
Michigan. ... Speedy OF Nook Logan opened a lot of eyes during spring
training. Converted from shortstop to the outfield, he stole 67 bases last year
and is just learning to switch-hit. He starts the year at Lakeland. ... 2B Michael
Woods, a first-round supplemental pick, is a good-hitting college player
who just needs to polish his defensive skills. He is at Lakeland. ... C Maxim
St. Pierre, Lakeland-bound for a second season, was a Florida State League
All-Star last year. ... OF Matt Boone, one of the talented Boone family,
could have a breakout year. He swung the bat well in camp and starts the year
in left field at Lakeland.
ON THE SHELF: RHP Kenny Baugh, the team's
top pick out of Rice last year, moved quickly in 2001 before being shut down
with a tired arm. The Tigers are being careful with this gem, waiting for him
to be "200%" healthy before they put him back on the mound. He throws a fastball
in the low- to mid-90s, a circle change and a curve, and he has great competitive
fire. He posted a 1.59 ERA in six starts at West Michigan and a 2.97 in five
more at Erie before shutting it down. When healthy, he is expected to go back
to Erie but could be a fast mover.
TEAMS: Omaha Royals (AAA); Wichita Wranglers (AA);
Wilmington Blue Rocks (A); Burlington (Iowa) Bees (A)
WHERE THEY'RE DEEPEST: Two of the Royals' top starting
pitching prospects are at Omaha in LHP Chris George and RHP Mike MacDougal.
George was 11-3 with a 3.53 ERA there last year and a Triple-A All-Star, while
MacDougal, a first-rounder from 1999, also spent the season at Omaha. He may
have the best stuff of any pitcher in the system, and his command improved markedly
down the stretch.
YOU ALREADY KNOW ABOUT ... SS Angel Berroa
is among the best middle-infield prospects in the minors. He split the 2001
season between Wilmington and Wichita and starts 2002 at Omaha. He cut his errors
in half from 2000 to 2001, and after a slow start with the bat following his
midseason promotion, he hit .352 in August with 12 doubles. ... 1B Ken Harvey
is one of the best pure hitters in the minors right now, bringing a three-year
pro career average of .359 into the 2002 season. Despite his size (6-2, 240),
he is not a slug at first base, but with Mike Sweeney signed to a long-term
deal, DH could still be his ticket to the bigs. He heads to Omaha. ... LHP Jimmy
Gobble is one of the top pitching prospects in the system and was co-Pitcher
of the Year in the Carolina League last year when he went 10-6 with a 2.55 ERA
and 154 strikeouts at Wilmington. This year he is penciled into the Wichita
rotation. He has a great curve and a fastball in the low 90s. He led the system
in strikeouts and ERA last year. ... You can't miss RHP Colt Griffin's
car in the parking lot. The license plate reads COLT 45, and it's fitting since
he became the first high school pitcher to be clocked at 100 mph (on the mound,
not on the road). The 2001 first-rounder needs to work on his control, but the
Royals love his stuff and his aggressive demeanor on the mound. He could begin
the year at Burlington.
... BUT KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR: RHPs Ryan Bukvich
and Jeremy Hill will be in the Wichita bullpen. Bukvich, a power pitcher
with a hard slider, was moved from the rotation to the bullpen last year and
responded with 13 saves and a 1.72 ERA at Wilmington. Hill was also converted
last year, not from the rotation, but from catching. In his pro debut on the
mound he posted a 1.51 ERA and 12 saves at Burlington, then in a brief promotion
to Wilmington, he was 4-0 with an 0.73 in nine outings. Combined, he struck
out 79 batters while walking 33 in 60 innings. This spring his 97-mph fastball
was moving in the zone. ... RHP Brad Voyles was acquired (with SS Alejandro
Machado) from the Braves for IF Rey Sanchez last summer. Voyles averaged
11.12 strikeouts per nine innings last year at three stops and finished the
minor league season at Wichita with a 15 1/3-inning
scoreless streak. He starts the year at Omaha.
ON THE SHELF: The Royals are still waiting for five-tool
OF Roscoe Crosby to make his pro debut for them after they drafted him
in the second round last year. He is a great athlete who plays football at Clemson,
he has been compared to former Royal Bo Jackson. Crosby is expected to start
playing in May when he finishes school ... C Mike Tonis, a highly regarded
second-rounder from 2000, will miss the first half after shoulder surgery. He
has power and a major league-ready glove.
TEAMS: Edmonton Trappers (AAA); New Britain Rock
Cats (AA); Fort Myers Miracle (A); Quad City River Bandits (A)
WHERE THEY'RE DEEPEST: An outstanding outfield at
Triple-A of Michael Cuddyer, Michael Restovich and Mike Ryan.
Cuddyer, perhaps the top hitting prospect in the system, hit 30 homers last
year and was in the mix for the big-league club right up to the end of spring
training. He certainly didn't hurt his chances with his performance, but given
options, the team decided to take the cautious approach and give him a little
more time to develop. The former first-rounder moved to the outfield from third
base last year. Restovich, who missed time during spring training with a pulled
muscle in his side, is a local product who has made huge defensive strides in
right field. He has all the tools on offense. Ryan, the elder statesman at 24,
hit .288 with 36 doubles, 18 homers and 73 RBI at Edmonton last year.
YOU ALREADY KNOW ABOUT ... LHP Brad Thomas
and RHP Adam Johnson anchor the Edmonton rotation. Thomas, an Australian,
was shut down in August with a groin pull, but before that he was one of the
top pitchers in the Double-A Eastern League at 10-3 with a 1.96 ERA. Johnson,
the second pick overall in 2000 out of Cal State Fullerton, is a power pitcher
with great stuff who needs work on his consistency. Both struggled in their
major league debuts. ... C Joe Mauer, the first player taken in the 2001
draft, lived up to billing, hitting .400 in his debut at rookie-level Elizabethton.
The 18-year-old has soft hands, hits to all fields and has tremendous makeup.
He starts the season at Quad City, where he is joined by his older brother Jake,
an infielder who signed as a 23rd-round pick. ... 1B Justin Morneau,
20, starts the year at New Britain, where he spent a little time at the end
of 2001. He hit an Appalachian League-record .402 in 2000. His 97 RBI led the
system last year. He has power potential to all fields and is already an outstanding
pure hitter.
... BUT KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR: RHP Jon McDonald
opened a lot more eyes this spring after a fine 2001. He could probably pitch
at Triple-A right now, but because of the abundance of arms, the Twins have
decided to start him at New Britain for now. He was Pitcher of the Year in the
Puerto Rican League this past winter, winning the ERA crown with a 1.72 mark.
He has a 15-8 record and 3.21 ERA in two pro seasons. ... OF B.J. Garbe
was the fifth player taken overall in the 1999 draft but has yet to really make
a name for himself. After his excellent pro debut, his last two full seasons
have been unimpressive. But he had a good spring, and his skills seem to be
clicking. He starts the year at Fort Myers. ... C Rob Bowen is one of
the Twins' highly regarded young catchers. Last year was his first full season
and the switch-hitter heads to Fort Myers after hitting .255 with 18 homers
at Quad City last year. He has a strong arm and power from both sides of the
ON THE SHELF: No key Twins prospects were injured
at press time.
TEAMS: Columbus Clippers (AAA); Norwich Navigators
(AA); Tampa Yankees (A); Greensboro Bats (A)
WHERE THEY'RE DEEPEST: Hot-hitting outfield prospects
and left-handed pitchers abound. At Columbus, Juan Rivera and Marcus
Thames form the nucleus of an impressive lineup. One level down at Norwich,
they have Mike Vento, last year's Florida State League MVP, and Johnny
Rodriguez, who hit .285 with 22 homers there last season. John-Ford Griffin,
one of three first-rounders from the 2001 draft, is also in the outfield. Among
left-handers, Brandon Claussen (Columbus), who led the minors in strikeouts
last year, and Alex Graman (Norwich) are the two top prospects, and are
joined by Matt Smith (Norwich), Dave Borrell (Tampa) and Charlie
Manning (Tampa).
YOU ALREADY KNOW ABOUT ... Thames, in his
third year at Norwich last year, had a huge breakthrough season, hitting .321
with 31 homers, 97 RBI and 43 doubles. He can play all three outfield positions,
and his plate discipline has improved markedly. ... Rivera, who finished the
season at Columbus after starting off at Norwich, hit .324 and combined for
28 homers and 98 RBI. ... Griffin is a pure hitter who finished among the New
York-Penn leaders in batting average and on-base percentage. He will be in left
field at Tampa. ... Claussen struck out 220 batters between Tampa and Norwich
last year and has earned a spot in the Columbus rotation. He has three potential
major league pitches in his fastball, curve and changeup. ... Graman starts
the year at Norwich, where he brings a lively fastball in the low 90s. After
a tough start to his 2001 season, he posted a 2.21 ERA in July and a 2.03 mark
in August at Norwich. He simply needs to hone his control. ... Perhaps the biggest
name in the system is 3B Drew Henson, who heads back to Columbus after
hitting .222 there last year. The former Michigan quarterback has big-time power
potential and had a fine fall ball season in Arizona.
... BUT KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR: Vento was as impressive
as anyone this spring, making a huge improvement on defense. He has a lightning-quick
bat with power to all fields and a good sense of the strike zone. After hitting
.300 with 20 homers at Tampa last year, he moves up to make his Double-A debut.
... RHP Adam Roller was the top reliever in the system last year, collecting
20 saves and posting a 1.25 ERA at Tampa. He is a hard-nosed pitcher with a
good hard breaking ball and great makeup, and he will be given the chance to
close out games at Norwich. ... Smith is a power pitcher in the making who will
start the year in the Norwich rotation. His fastball is in the low 90s and he
has a good slider to offset it as well as an improving changeup. ... RHP Jason
Arnold was a standout last year in his pro debut at Staten Island after
being taken in the second round, and this year jumps to the Tampa rotation.
ON THE SHELF: RHP Chien-Ming Wang was a bonus
out of Taiwan signed in 2000. He posted a 2.48 ERA in 14 starts at Staten Island
that summer but had surgery and hasn't pitched since. He could be back this
year. ... LHP David Martinez, who started the 2001 season 6-0 with a
1.13 ERA in 11 starts at Greensboro before having shoulder surgery, could be
back by the second half of the season. ... RHP Jon Skaggs, the third
of the three first-round picks last year, was shut down after one game and had
Tommy John surgery, which will cost him all of 2002 as well. The Rice product
will be 25 next Opening Day, so time could already be running out. ... LHP Sean
Henn, a high-priced draft-and-follow signing who also had Tommy John surgery
last season, is throwing again and could be back at some point this year.
TEAMS: Sacramento River Cats (AAA); Midland RockHounds
(AA); Modesto A's (A); Visalia Oaks (A)
WHERE THEY'RE DEEPEST: Middle infield. At Triple-A,
2B Esteban German may be the top hitting prospect in the system right
now despite missing most of spring training because of visa holdups. The speedy
German stole 48 bases and scored 119 runs in 130 games last year. He is an exciting
player, a slap hitter who will draw a walk. Playing alongside him in Sacramento
will be versatile SS Mark Ellis. At Midland, 2B Adam Morrissey,
an offseason acquisition from the Cubs, made a good impression in spring training.
The A's field two high-Class A teams in the California League that will boast
several top infield prospects. At Modesto, last year's top pick, Bobby Crosby,
will be playing shortstop. At Visalia, 2B Freddie Bynum makes the move
from shortstop, where he was drafted in the second round of 2000, and SS J.T.
Stotts was last year's third-round pick.
YOU ALREADY KNOW ABOUT ... OF Eric Byrnes
won Dominican League MVP honors and was nicknamed "Captain America" by the fans,
but it wasn't enough to earn him a spot on the big-league roster as he was a
shocking final cut out of spring training. Byrnes, who hit 20 homers and stole
25 bases while batting .289 at Sacramento last year, returns there to start
the 2002 season. ... RHP Franklyn German is the top closer prospect in
the organization right now, a power pitcher who averaged nearly two strikeouts
per inning over his last 16 games last year in his first full season of relief.
No relation to Esteban, he will close at Midland. ... RHP Jeremy Bonderman
and LHP John Rheinecker were Oakland's other two first-round picks last
year. Bonderman, who throws a lively fastball in the low 90s, makes his pro
debut at Modesto. Rheinecker was the Opening Day starter at Visalia, where he
tossed six shutout innings.
... BUT KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR: RHP Justin Duchscherer
was acquired last month from the Rangers for reliever Luis Vizcaino. Traded
last year in midseason from Boston, Duchscherer had a remarkable season. Though
his fastball is only in the upper 80s, he has a good curve and changeup and
great control. He allowed two earned runs over his last 30 2/3
innings at Double-A Trenton before the trade, then had four double-digit strikeout
starts over a six-start span at Double-A Tulsa. In his Triple-A Oklahoma stint
he allowed more than three earned runs only once in seven starts, impressive
in the Pacific Coast League. That's where he'll start the 2002 season at Sacramento.
He's a "feel" pitcher who mixes pitches and changes speed well. ... OF Chris
Tritle was the Arizona League MVP and jumps to the Modesto club this year.
The 19-year-old center fielder was 26-for-27 in stolen-base attempts last year
while leading the league in homers, slugging percentage and steals. He has a
strong arm as well.
ON THE SHELF: RHP Bert Snow, who had been
considered the team's closer of the future, is still working his way back from
Tommy John surgery.
TEAMS: Tacoma Rainiers (AAA); San Antonio Missions
(AA); San Bernardino Stampede (A); Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (A)
WHERE THEY'RE DEEPEST: Pitching, specifically the
San Antonio rotation, which features five and possibly six prospects.
RHPs Gil Meche, Josue Matos and Rafael Soriano and LHPs Matt
Thornton and Craig Anderson are the five starters slated to begin
the 2002 season. When RHP J.J. Putz returns from the DL, he too could
figure into the picture. Meche, a first-rounder in 1996, missed all of 2001
after rotator cuff surgery. Matos also missed 2001 with a shoulder strain but
struck out 153 in 172 innings in 2000 between two stops. Both are top prospects
when healthy. Thornton, the Mariners' 2001 Minor League Pitcher of the Year,
struck out 192 batters in 157 innings with a 2.52 ERA at San Bernardino. He
has a ton of raw talent. Soriano split his 2001 season between San Bernardino
and San Antonio and limited opposing hitters to a .174 average thanks to a fastball
in the mid-90s. He's a converted outfielder. Anderson posted a 2.26 ERA at San
Bernardino and struck out 178 in 179 innings. He's not as hard a thrower as
the others and has been compared to Jamie Moyer.
YOU ALREADY KNOW ABOUT ... OF Jamal Strong
was the Mariners' Minor League Player of the Year in 2001 after winning Northwest
League MVP honors in 2000. He split his season last year between Wisconsin and
San Bernardino, and this year he moves up to San Antonio. He's a speedy center
fielder with a live bat and good eye. ... Former Miami (Fla.) quarterback-turned-outfielder
Kenny Kelly is poised for a breakthrough season. A second-round pick
acquired off waivers from Tampa Bay, he is concentrating solely on baseball
and his improvement over the last year has been impressive, especially in fall
ball. Working on plate discipline, he has all the tools to be a leadoff contact
guy. He heads to Tacoma.
... BUT KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR: OF Shin-Soo Choo,
a 19-year-old Korean who heads to Wisconsin, is a left-handed hitter who led
the Arizona League in walks, runs and triples last year. ... LHP Derrick
Van Dusen is a lanky 20-year-old who isn't overpowering but has great offspeed
stuff. He starts the year in the San Bernardino rotation. ... RHP Clint Nageotte
has great command, a good curve and a fastball in the low 90s, and heled the
Midwest League in strikeouts in 2001. He joins Van Dusen in the Stampede rotation.
ON THE SHELF: OF Chris Snelling was making
a great impression in big-league camp but broke his thumb and will miss the
first several weeks of the season. He should be back at San Antonio by mid-May.
... Two top pitching prospects, RHP Jeff Heaverlo and LHP Ryan Anderson,
are out for the year. Each had surgery for torn shoulder cartilage; Anderson
missed all of last year to an identical injury. ... 2B Pedro Liriano
still has not arrived from the Dominican Republic because of visa holdups. ...
RHP Cha Baek missed nearly all of the 2001 season with arm surgery and
is not expected back until July. In 2000, his lone full season, the Korean was
8-5 with a 3.95 ERA at Wisconsin in 24 games.
TEAMS: Durham Bulls (AAA); Orlando Rays (AA); Bakersfield
Blaze (A); Charleston (S.C.) RiverDogs (A)
WHERE THEY'RE DEEPEST: Athletic outfielders. The
combination of Josh Hamilton, Carl Crawford and Rocco Baldelli
could one day be an All-Star trio. Hamilton, who missed most of 2001 with back
trouble and starts the 2002 season on the Bakersfield DL, was the first player
taken in the 1999 draft and has all the tools. Crawford, taken in the round
after Hamilton, was one of the youngest players in the Double-A Southern League
last year but blossomed. The speedy slap hitter begins the year at Durham. Baldelli,
the Rays' top pick in 2000, is a great all-around athlete with power potential.
He will be the starting center fielder at Bakersfield.
YOU ALREADY KNOW ABOUT ... RHP Dewon Brazleton,
the Rays' top pick in 2001 and third overall, makes his pro debut this season.
He starts the year in the Orlando rotation but could move up in a hurry. He
is a polished college pitcher from Tennessee, throws in the mid-90s and adds
an excellent changeup. ... 3B Jared Sandberg, the nephew of Ryne, got
some big-league time last year at a young age but has been sent to Durham for
more seasoning. He could return before too long.
... BUT KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR: RHP Seth McClung
has quietly moved into elite status in the system. The 6-6 pitcher with the
fastball in the mid-90s finished the season at Charleston with a 1.38 ERA in
his last 12 starts and starts the year at Bakersfield. ... Two standout middle
infield prospects are at Orlando together: 2B Ramon Soler and SS Jorge
Cantu, both 20, Cantu was the youngest player in the Southern League last
year and returns for an encore. He isn't flashy but is solid and consistent.
Soler, who missed 2000 with shoulder trouble, is now at second base after starting
at shortstop. He's a top-of-the-order guy with a good glove.
ON THE SHELF: Durham 1B/3B Aubrey Huff is
out for at least a few weeks after breaking the bone under his left eye on an
errant throw in the Bulls' first preseason batting practice. ... On the shelf,
perhaps for good, is OF Greg "Toe" Nash. His recent arrest for rape,
his fifth arrest in recent years, has likely put an end to what was a promising
TEAMS: Oklahoma RedHawks (AAA); Tulsa Drillers (AA);
Port Charlotte Rangers (A); Savannah Sand Gnats (A)
WHERE THEY'RE DEEPEST: Some of the system's top
hitting prospects are gathered at Oklahoma, and with the RedHawks hosting the
Triple-A All-Star Game in July, there could be some hometown favorites in the
lineup. Among the hitters on hand are a pair of first basemen the Rangers like,
Travis Hafner and Jason Hart, along with outfielders Ryan Ludwick
and Jason Romano. Hart, acquired from Oakland in the Carlos Pena deal,
and Hafner will split the first base duties, filling in at DH on off-days. Hart
had a big year at Double-A Midland in 2000 when he hit .326 with 30 homers and
121 RBI but leveled off in his first year at Triple-A last year before turning
it on after July. Hafner missed a little time in both 2000 and 2001 with a wrist
injury, but he has as much raw power as anyone in the system and that's saying
a lot. He hit 17 homers in July and August last year despite playing with the
injured wrist. Ludwick, also picked up from Oakland, has topped the 100-RBI
mark each of the last two seasons and is an outstanding defensive center fielder.
Romano, a second baseman turned outfielder, is a line-drive hitter with good
speed and a little power.
YOU ALREADY KNOW ABOUT ... LHP Mario Ramos
was, like Hart and Ludwick, picked up in the Pena deal and at the time was probably
Oakland's top pitching prospect. Not a power pitcher, the Rice product made
it to Triple-A by the end of his second pro season and was extremely effective
there. Armed with a fastball in the mid-80s, a curveball and changeup, he has
combined to go 30-9 with a 2.88 ERA in two pro seasons, all in leagues known
to be "hitters' leagues." He will be in the rotation at Oklahoma. ... Joining
him there will be RHP Joaquin Benoit, who comes off a dazzling winter
ball season in which he went 5-0 with a 2.37 ERA at Aguilas of the Dominican
League. He has been clocked in the high 90s. Last year he had 11 starts in which
he struck out eight or more batters, showing he is back from elbow trouble.
... BUT KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR: 1B Jason Botts
was another member of the logjam at first base in the system until the Rangers
decided to take advantage of his athleticism by moving him to the outfield this
year. Despite his 6-6, 245-pound build, he is one of the best pure athletes
in the system as well as one of the fastest. He is a switch-hitter with a great
work ethic. He will be in right field at Port Charlotte. ... OF Laynce
Nix will also be in that loaded Port Charlotte outfield. The Rangers
love this kid, whom they call the next incarnation of Rusty Greer. He'll outwork
anyone in the system and can play all three outfield spots. ... 2B/SS Jason
Bourgeois is trying out shortstop, a shift from his original spot of second
base, and will start there at Savannah. He has speed and range, and he is an
exciting player. ... Keep an eye on utility IF David Meliah at Tulsa.
He impressed in a few major league exhibition games with the Rangers and swings
the bat well.
ON THE SHELF: The early returns on last year's top
draft pick, 3B Mark Teixeira, have not exactly been encouraging. After
he held out all season before signing for a $9 million-plus bonus, the rust
showed in instructional ball, where he hit .246 with one homer in 57 at-bats
(this after missing most of his 2001 college season with a broken ankle). He
injured his glove hand making a catch during spring training and is out indefinitely.
In a best-case scenario, he will be able to resume movement in about a month.
The worst-case scenario is a season-ending operation that would push back his
pro debut yet another year. When healthy he is an awesome hitter with power
from both sides. ... RHP Jovanny Cedeno, who missed all but three games
in 2001, is still out but playing catch and could start throwing soon.
TEAMS: Syracuse SkyChiefs (AAA); Tennessee Smokies
(AA); Dunedin Blue Jays (A); Charleston (W.Va.) Alley Cats (A)
WHERE THEY'RE DEEPEST: Catching. How many teams
can boast two top-notch up-and-coming catching prospects at Triple-A alone,
no less at other levels of their system? Syracuse will benefit from both Josh
Phelps, last year's Southern League MVP, and Jayson Werth, a former
first-rounder acquired from the Orioles. Phelps is a legitimate power prospect
who will start behind the plate about five times a week, serving as DH when
Werth goes behind the plate. Werth, meanwhile, will use his athleticism by trying
his hand in the outfield a few nights a week. This way both players get all
of their at-bats. Kevin Cash came seemingly out of nowhere, signed out
of the Cape Cod League. Blue Jays' scouts needed to watch him catch all of one
game before deciding to sign him. He moves up to Tennessee after throwing out
more than 50% of opposing basestealers at Dunedin in 2001.
YOU ALREADY KNOW ABOUT ... 2B Orlando Hudson
was Team USA's MVP last year in the World Cup after hitting better than .400
in the Arizona Fall League and tearing up both the Southern and International
leagues. A live wire on and off the field, the line-drive hitter is back at
Syracuse to start the year. He can also play third base. ... OF Gabe Gross,
the Blue Jays' top pick out of Auburn last year, will start the year at Tennessee
as he continues his rapid progression. The best pure hitter in the system right
now, he led the Arizona Fall League in walks last year.
... BUT KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR: RHP Mike Smith
may have been the best pitcher in the system last year, a competitive workhorse
with a fastball in the mid-90s. His breaking ball is progressing enough that
the team feels comfortable sending him into the Syracuse rotation. He is smallish
(5-11) but has strong legs. ... RHP Chris Baker was the Southern League
Pitcher of the Year last year when he went 15-6 with a 3.37 ERA at Tennessee.
He joins Smith in the Syracuse rotation. ... 2000 first-rounder RHP Dustin
McGowan posted a 3.76 ERA at Auburn last year and moves up to Charleston
for his first full season. He has a fastball in the mid-90s and a power curve.
ON THE SHELF: OF Tyrell Godwin, who finally
signed after being drafted three times previously, is sidelined with lingering
shoulder and hamstring troubles. The University of North Carolina product is
an outstanding athlete with power and speed, but is out indefinitely.


text:
Carnival Freedom 8-day Eastern 5/21: Carnival Freedom Cruise Review by sactogal50
Overall Member Rating
Carnival Freedom 8-day Eastern 5/21
Destination: Eastern Caribbean
Embarkation: Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
We flew from Sacramento, CA to Ft. Lauderdale on SW Airlines and stayed at the Hampton Inn Airport North Cruise Port. They are one of the few that offer free shuttle service from the airport and to the cruise port, and they were quick and efficient.
Day 1 - Embarkation: We didn't get to the cruise port until 1 pm. The line was really long, literally wrapped around the outside of the building, and I was certain we would be in line for hours, but it only took 1/2 hr to 45 minutes before we were on the ship. From previous reviews, I expected bright, crazy, almost gaudy interior dEcor, but it really wasn't that bad (maybe because we spent a lot of More time on the outdoor Lido deck vs. the interior lobbies).
Days 2, 3 & 7 - Sea Days: Everyone talks about the chair hogs, so on the first day at sea, I made it a point to get up early and get a chair on the Lido deck at 8 am...and there was no one out, there were tons of chairs available! It didn't start filling up until around 10 am, so the following days at sea, I let myself sleep until 9 am. However, I believe the Serenity deck probably fills up pretty early, especially since they have nice cushioned lounge chairs. The sea days were wonderfully relaxing.
Day 4 - St. Thomas: We did the St. John Champagne Catamaran Sailaway, and it was somewhat disappointing, especially since it was expensive, at $89 per person. The ride on the catamaran was great, but when you got there, you only had about an hour to snorkel, and the snorkeling wasn't that great.
Day 5 - Antigua: We took a taxi to Valley Church Beach; this was based on numerous positive reviews on the Ports of Call boards, and it was as beautiful as everyone described. We got there around 9:30 am and there were probably no more than a dozen people on the beach. When we left at 1:30 pm, the beach was still uncrowded. Gorgeous, pristine...one of our all time favorite beaches (our previous favorite was Trunk Bay on St. John until it became overcrowded). Oh, the coconut shrimp at the restaurant on the beach is as good as everyone claims it is!
Day 6 - Tortola: We booked the Jost Van Dyke tour directly with Tortola Charters. It is a very long, 1-1/2 hr catamaran ride, but when you get to White Bay Beach, it is totally worth it. It was as beautiful as Valley Church Beach on Antigua. There are several beach bars, but we spent all our time at the Soggy Dollar Bar. The painkillers are great...there's #1 and #2 but #2 is made with vanilla rum, and is so good. There was snorkeling at a reef at the end of the beach that wasn't too bad...much better than the Champagne Catamaran snorkeling at St. John.
Day 8 - Nassau: We had our fill of sun, so we just shopped and took at taxi over to Atlantis. The boats in the marina are not to be missed...we're not talking million dollar yachts, we are talking 10+ million dollar yachts (I think one had its own submarine?!)
Food: We did Your Time Dining, and it worked out very well. We had a table for 4, and except for the first night (where we were seated near the back entrance), we had good placement and good waiters. We went around 7 pm to the Posh Dining Room and never had to wait, but did see long lines once we left around 8:30. The food was OK, not great, but since I had been on Weight Watchers for 4 months prior, anything tasted better than Greek Yogurt, Lean Cuisines and Slim Fast shakes. My favorites were the Indian buffet, Deli, Fish & Chips and, of course, the Steakhouse. We also had great lattes at the Viennese Cafe. I was bummed that I never made it to the Sushi Bar or Mongolian Grill (always long lines).
All in all, it was a great trip with great ports, and I think Carnival is a great value for the money. I would definitely book another cruise with Carnival. Less
Published 06/14/11
Cabin review: 4B1299 InteriorInterior (4B) Reviews >>
Read Cruise Critic's Carnival Freedom Review >>
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text:
M. Philip Susag
Will Wesleyan Social Justice Disappear in 2012?
Veteran lay leader Philip Susag points out the dangers of the 2012 version of United Methodism's history of exclusion. more
Jan 17, 2012 4:35 PM Perspectives 5 Comments
A forum for discerning God's future for The United Methodist Church, hosted by St. Stephen UMC, Mesquite, TX


text:
Getting/Submitting Business Related Forms
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Please send your question by E-mail to the Government Information Center via the Contact Form.
Did You Know?
John Dickinson was called the Penman of the Revolution for his writings on independence. His boyhood home is preserved in Dover.
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text:
Today's Devotional
Two SorrowsWhen have you sensed a heavy and consistent guilt?
Top Music Videos
Be Led and Inspired By The Holy Spirit - Week 2 - Galatians 5:13-18 - Part 1
Apostle Will expounds on why we must be led and inspired by the Holy Spirit, instead of being led by human rationalization and inspired by human sensation. Galatians 5:13-18. Part 1 of 3. If you have been blessed by this video, or would like more information about Jesus Christ, and His saving work on the cross, and the Holy Spirit, and God the Father, please visit us at http://thepowerthereof.com. Thank you and God Bless.


text:
Designing Embassies in an Era of Terror
The American Society of Landscape Architects uses examples of Danish and American diplomatic architecture to show the change in design, orientation and use in embassies over the last century. From being housed in refurbished mansions, to flirtations with modernists like Aero Saarinen for the American Embassy in London, the approach to design remained steadfastly expansive and grand. Contemporary models like Standard Embassy Design (SED) are constructed around the assumption that "every embassy is a terrorist target." This echoes military standard operating procedure, and reflects not just the increased danger faced by the US abroad but the growing militarization of foreign policy.


text:
Box has acquired Crocodoc in a move to significantly improve the way documents are rendered for viewing on its enterprise storage and file sharing service.
Box will integrate Crocodoc's HTML5 technology into its product and use it to eventually replace its existing document preview feature, Box said on Thursday.
[ Control your storage requirements by eliminating data redundancy. InfoWorld lays it all out in our Deep Dive Report on Data Deduplication. | Find out which storage server prevails in Test Center's NAS shoot-out. | Keep up with the latest approaches to managing information overload and compliance in InfoWorld's Enterprise Data Explosion newsletter. ]
Crocodoc was founded in 2007, and its document rendering and viewing technology is used by services including Microsoft's Yammer, Facebook, LinkedIn and BlackBoard.
Box, which has more than 150,000 business customers and 15 million end users, also plans to make the Crocodoc API (application programming interface) a core piece of its application development platform so that the technology can be tapped by third-party application vendors.
The entire seven-person Crocodoc team will join Box, and its CEO, Ryan Damico, will become Box's platform director. Box said it will continue to support Crocodoc's existing customers.
Juan Carlos Perez covers enterprise communication/collaboration suites, operating systems, browsers and general technology breaking news for The IDG News Service. Follow Juan on Twitter at @JuanCPerezIDG.


text: On Thu, Nov 30, 2006 at 09:50:23AM +0000, Vadivelan Ranjith alleged: > Hi > I have simple doubt in maui. In my cluster many jobs are running and many jobs are in queue and also Idle. Now i want to change the configuration file(maui.cfg). After changing it, i want to know wheather i should restart the service ?. if is it, will it affect the running, queue, idle jobs ?. Can you help me what i have to do? > > I am new to maui and i am sorry if it discussed earlier. Restart maui as often as you like. It won't break existing jobs.


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Top ten speed traps in Denver, 2013 edition
About this time last year, we shared a collection of the top ten speed traps in Denver -- our second annual list culled from the most recent entries on Speedtrap.org, at site at which those who've been trapped attempt to prevent others from being similarly ensnared.
Once again, it's time for an update. Below, see interactive graphics of the ten latest speed traps as chosen by users of the site, complete with their descriptions of why you should hit the brakes as you approach them. Check out the full list below.
Number 10: 5900 Block of Pecos
View Larger Map
Beware if you are going northound. This is the bridge that goes over the railroad tracks on Pecos and 60th. Unmarked cop car sits diagonally at the bottom of the bridge pulling people over and giving unsuspecting law abiding citizens a $175.00 ticket for going a little over the speed limit which is 35 miles per hour. This is an industrial area and there are no schools nor homes in the area. It's a speed trap. I got pulled over and given a ticket and before I even left the scene he pulled over another poor unfortunate soul and ruined this persons day as well. I had not even left the scene yet and he had already pulled over someone else.
Number 9: Southbound Speer Blvd just past the Pepsi Center
View Larger Map
From my window at work, I watched two Denver patrol cars work in tandem stopping cars just about all afternoon today. There must a really big bill coming due because a car was stopped by one or the other about every 10 minutes.
Continue to keep counting down the top ten speed traps in Denver, 2013 edition.Next Page
Get the ICYMI: Today's Top Stories Newsletter Our daily newsletter delivers quick clicks to keep you in the know
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The state says Ohio's unemployment rate dropped in April to the lowest level in more than six years.
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services said Friday the seasonally adjusted rate in April was 5.7 percent, which was down from 6.1 percent in March. It's the state's lowest jobless rate since the same rate in February 2008.
Ohio's rate remains below the national rate, which fell to 6.3 percent in April from 6.7 percent in March.
The state says Ohio's nonfarm wage and salary employment increased 12,600 over the month, from 5,285,000 in March to 5,297,600 in April.
The number of unemployed workers in Ohio in April was 328,000, down 26,000 from 354,000 in March.
Could this drop possilbly be due to those who have give up looking for employment ?
Must be that job-killing Obamacare that's forcing layoffs and business closings. Not.


text:
Best Of :: Shopping & Services
Considering that we still haven't figured out how to enter phone numbers into our cell phone (which we've had for a year now), we're not so sure we're candidates for phone rhinestoning, the hottest craft trend among the under-20 set. What are those kids doing with cell phones, anyway? And do you think any of them would be willing to show us how to put numbers into our phone?
Maybe they will after we tell them that Diane Ribbon is the place to get the goods to rhinestone a cell phone. They might have some trouble convincing Mom to venture to the somewhat sketchy, industrial 'hood where the huge craft warehouse is located, but as soon as mother and daughter see the goods inside -- enough ribbon to put SAS to shame, enough craft gear to make Michaels blush -- we promise the two will be rushing back to see Diane at every opportunity.
When we stepped into this chic Seventh Avenue secondhand shop, it was as if a time machine had transported us back to an era when the Chairman of the Board ruled the world and cocktail culture was king. In our disorientation, we decided it was time to ditch our trendy obsession with '80s fashion and get a style that's more Rat Pack than Brat Pack.
Goodwill and vintage clothiers can be hit-or-miss, but our newfound friends at Retro Redux aren't; they clearly know which estate sales to hit, as there are ample samples of swanky suits and other attire from the Camelot era. Bingo, baby, we just found a smoking jacket worthy of Hef himself, as well as a two-piece sharkskin number with just the right amount of shine. To go along with our Chez Nous style, we acquired a pair of two-tone wingtips, a cigarette case, cufflinks, and enough martini shakers, quadraphonic stereo equipment, and copies of Look magazine to remake our apartment into one shagadelic bachelor pad.
We confess. As much as we live for the exhilaration of the table games like Texas Hold'em and blackjack at the multitude of casinos in the Valley, we sometimes like to simply slip off to the slots section with a few dozen rolls of nickels, for a slower-paced way of wasting our kid's college fund. Many a lost weekend has been spent in front of these one-armed bandits, working the levers in a zombie-like rapture, and feeding in loose change until our fingers have been dirtied by the coins. Many casinos try to get us spending with machines featuring various licensed properties like The Addams Family or The Price Is Right. Frankly, we're sickened by this crass commercialization, and prefer the more generic -- yet still exciting -- slot machines produced by Atronic Casino Technology, a Scottsdale-based company that produces themed slots with thrilling names like "Angels & Devils CASH FEVER" and "Black Thunder." They've got all the bells and whistles of an ordinary machine, but without the endorsement of Bob Barker.
If only Atronic would offer public tours of its headquarters, so we could learn some tricks to landing that one gigantic progressive jackpot that's been eluding us. After all, baby needs a full ride to Rutgers.
Phoenix is a city of pawnshops and drive-through liquor stores. There seems to be one or the other on every corner, thus allowing you to pawn that Rolex, then cruise on down the street to grab a bottle of Maker's Mark without ever having to get out of your BMW. Brilliant, eh? Of course, not all drive-through liquor stores are created equal, and the best in town is also one of the best liquor stores in general, Sportsman's Fine Wines and Spirits at 32nd Street and Camelback Road. The folks at Sportsman's are serious cork dorks, likker geeks, and so on, with an outstanding selection of wines and spirits from all over the world, which makes for a combo of brains and product that can't be beat. This ain't the sort of place you roll up on to purchase a case of PBR. No, sir. But if you can't recall the name of that Argentine Cabernet you went gaga over at the last wine tasting, and want to grab a couple of liters without getting out of your Spiderman pajamas, then Sportsman's drive-through window is for you.
So you've dumped all your hard-earned nicks into Lobstermania, Betty Boop's Big Hit, and Wheel of Fortune machines, and you're feeling lower than William H. Macy's loser character in The Cooler. You're down to your last few bucks -- just enough for a Lone Star and a lone butt. Where to go in Phoenix that would perfectly mirror the murky mood created by your losing streak and let you anonymously score both cig and swig without having to get out of your car?
Try Hermanos Liquor and Market, a dive of a drive-through liquor/convenience mart in downtown Phoenix. Reminiscent of a funky 1940s film noir movie set, Hermanos caters to a clientele on its last few fumes. The night we drove through this picaresque pit stop, we were entertained by what appeared to be several ladies of nocturnal endeavors looking for a loosy and a bleary-eyed guy with a brown paper bag way worse off than we were. You couldn't buy this kind of ambiance even if you had all the moola back you just fed to those money-sucking machines.
We're always crunched for time these days, so to free up spots on our schedule, we've combined two of our main passions: boozing and buying. Since the security fascists at Scottsdale Fashion Square wouldn't let us flit around with Fat Tires in our fists, we're gonna try purchasing while plastered on Wednesday evenings and during the day from Fridays through Sundays at the Valley's largest outdoor swap meet. Food vendors serve up drafts like Budweiser Select and Coors Light in 16-ounce cups for $2.50 (or "The Big One," a bladder-busting 24-ouncer, for $5), as well as cans of Budweiser and Bud Light for $3, and imports like Tecate and Corona for $3. Golf carts loaded with giant kegs of Miller Lite and Miller High Life also cruise the rows, meeting you while you're haggling over cowboy hats, baseball bats, or statues of cats. A vast collection of other marked-down merchandise is also in abundance, be it dirt-cheap video games, boundless bling-bling jewelry, affordably priced Chuck Taylors, or a hardware-store-size selection of new and used tools.
Avoid stumbling into any stacks of home electronics, however, because if you break it, you buy it.


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About Us
ACO Coalition
Continuing Education
As the panelists conclude their discussion about systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and hemophilia, they share their perspectives about the Affordable Care Act and its potential.
Patrick F. Fogarty, MD, Hugh Fatodu, RPh, MBA, and Maria Lopes, MD, MS, raise concerns about the affordability of healthcare.
Dr Fogarty hopes that despite high treatment costs, patients with hemophilia will have access to necessary drugs and specialty hemophilia treatment centers to receive the care that they require.
Mr Fatodu discusses the need for transparency when pharmaceutical companies review orphan drug prices and explains that the cost of a drug needs to be relative to its value.
Dr Lopes believes that professionals need to work collectively to define a product's value and determine ways to minimize overall product waste.
Michelle Petri, MD, MPH, recognizes the issues that healthcare professionals face when treating patients with SLE and explains the importance for individualized therapy.
Week In Review
Peer Exchange
Panel Discussions
Episode 19 - The Future of SLE and Hemophilia
View Text Version
During this segment, the panelists conclude their discussion about systemic lupus erythematosus and hemophilia. They share their perspectives about the Affordable Care Act and consider how it will impact the future of each disease.
Published Online:
January 02, 2014
View More From This Discussion
Episode 1
Episode 1 - Recognizing Rare Diseases in the United States
In a discussion moderated by Dr. Peter Salgo, Hugh Fatodu and Drs. Patrick F. Fogarty, Maria Lopes, and Michelle Petri share their insights on the evolving dynamics of rare diseases in contemporary healthcare and managed care, and specifically address the implications for hemophilia and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Episode 2
Episode 2 - How Advocacy and Policy Intertwine
Advocacy for rare diseases by patients and physicians has successfully pushed the evolution of federal legislation, healthcare regulations, and managed care policies. However, despite the successes, there is still a constant struggle to balance rising healthcare expenditures with optimal patient outcomes.
Episode 3
Episode 3 - The Far-Reaching Burden of Rare Diseases
The burden of rare diseases extends beyond its clinical challenges. Managed care authorities must balance appropriate drug utilization and waste minimization with optimal patient outcomes and treatment expectations.
Episode 4
Episode 4 - A Clinical Overview of Hemophilia
Hemophilia is a serious congenital bleeding disorder that is associated with substantial clinical and economic burden, and often results in a detrimental impact on patient quality of life. As such, it is imperative to manage the disease appropriately and effectively.
Episode 5
Episode 5 - Current Therapeutic Strategies for Hemophilia
Systemic lupus erthematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease with far-reaching clinical and economic implications. It is crucial to develop a greater understanding of the disease to improve our current therapeutic strategies and to drive optimal patient outcomes.
Episode 6
Episode 6 - Addressing the Gaps in Care for Hemophilia Patients
During this segment, the panelists discuss the clinical and financial challenges associated with hemophilia, such as gaps in treatment guidelines, but conclude that strides have been taken to improve the accessibility and delivery of patient care.
Episode 7
Episode 7 - Minimizing the Burden of SLE
Systemic lupus erythematosus often burdens patients and can lead to disability if not treated early. For this reason, proper education about preventive therapy and adherence is essential.
Episode 8
Episode 8 - Long-Acting Agents and Considerations
During this segment, the panelists discuss the importance of hemophilia treatment centers, address the factors that affect patient care, and stress the importance of new research and data which may help eliminate outstanding challenges.
Episode 9
Episode 9 - The Future Landscape for the Treatment of Hemophilia
Although recent clinical guidelines have been developed for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus, there is still no gold standard for treating the disease. For patients with poor outcomes following treatments suggested by current guidelines, there is a demand for individualized therapy.
Episode 10
Episode 10 - Treating Mild and Severe Hemophilia
Patrick F. Fogarty, MD, explains prophylaxis as a treatment method for mild and severe hemophilia, and discusses the benefits of newer developed agents on patients' quality of life.
Episode 11
Episode 11 - Minimizing the Burden of SLE
During this segment, Michelle Petri, MD, MPH, and Maria Lopes, MD, MS, discuss the challenges associated with treating systemic lupus erythematosus and measuring disease outcomes.
Episode 12
Episode 12 - Recognizing the Strengths and Weaknesses of Current Clinical Practice Guidelines
Panelists Patrick F. Fogarty, MD, Hugh Fatodu, RPh, MBA, and Maria Lopes, MD, MS, discuss new factor 8 and factor 9 protein products that extend treatment for hemophilia patients and explore issues that should be considered and addressed by managed care professionals and clinicians.
Episode 13
Episode 13 - Challenges of Measuring the Outcomes of SLE
During this segment, the panelists discuss treatment options for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and recognize unmet treatment needs from the perspectives of the patient, provider, and payer. To improve patient outcomes, the panelists explore different ways in which treatment for SLE can be improved.
Episode 14
Episode 14 - Unmet Needs for Treatment of SLE
During this segment, panelists review new agents coming down the pipeline for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and discuss the future economic value of these products.
Episode 15
Episode 15 - SLE: Expectations As the Drug Market Evolves
During this segment, panelists review new agents coming down the pipeline for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and discuss the future economic value of these products.
Episode 16
Episode 16 - Factors Hindering Care for SLE Patients
During this segment, Michelle Petri, MD, MPH, and Patrick F. Fogarty, MD, consider issues that continue to affect a clinician's ability to improve care for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
Episode 17
Episode 17 - Future Outlook on the Orphan Drug Market
During this segment, the experts discuss the development of a variety of orphan drugs for the treatment of rare diseases and explore their concerns about the evolving drug market.
Episode 18
Episode 18 - The Role of Specialty Pharmacies in Rare Diseases
During this segment, the panelists discuss the various roles that specialty pharmacies perform to assist patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and hemophilia, and share suggestions about how to improve patient care.
Episode 19
Episode 19 - The Future of SLE and Hemophilia
During this segment, the panelists conclude their discussion about systemic lupus erythematosus and hemophilia. They share their perspectives about the Affordable Care Act and consider how it will impact the future of each disease.
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text:
3 Recommendations
andrewschiff's recommendation
Of course!
lizbarker's recommendation
Spread makes a gift box of their top ten holiday peanut butters (Cinnamon Cranberry, Dark Chocolate Pretzel, Blonde, Super Honey Crunch, German Chocolate, White Chocolate Blueberry, Milk Chocolate Peppermint, White Chocolate Pretzel, Cookies & Cream, and Super Smooth) to send your favorite P.B. lover to creamy-dreamy heaven.
My Collections:
seantimberlake's recommendation
My mother turned me on to Spread's spreads. I always thought of peanut butter as being a one-note symphony, but these folks really make it harmonize with other ingredients. Check out the mango-red pepper. Yum!
My Collections:


text:
MandM Direct is one of the UK's leading fashion and sports retailers selling your favourite top brands - Bench, Firetrap, Timberland, Fred Perry, adidas, Nike, Puma, Henleys, Berghaus and loads more, all with savings of up to 75% off UK recommended retail prices.
Ratings guide
All Feefo reviews are gathered anonymously from genuine customers. Read more about how our review system works.
Arrived very quickly
nice fit
And a bargain at the price
Very good quality.
Good condition Nd exactly the same as described
First class as always
I Think customer service was helpful as there was a couple of issues with my order
very nice items value for money
Also different


text:
Pair of Hex Wrenches
For use with mini hex nuts and bolts. This set makes it quick and easy to tighten the nuts and bolts. The inner diameter of these wrenches measures 2.5mm.
Danelle Street uses these hex wrenches in our FREE: Folded Flower Pendant online class.
Check out our FREE Product Tip on Using the Hex Wrench.
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Frequently Purchased Together


text: We took a chance and didn't regret. We booked for 8 days and it couldn't have been better. We was delayed from the airport in Dublin and came late in the evening. No problem. We felt welcome from the very start by Marie. Everything was perfect. Modern room. Had a nice sleep in the good beds. The breakfast was so good individual and personal served by Sandra and Marie. We had the best porridge and Irish breakfast with the and coffe. We had the most wonderfull discussions from Marie and Sandra, before we went out for our daily trips. They are both so fantastic. A wonderful place to stay.Jens Bo Dauberg - Denmark (June, 2016)


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Product Information
Our feline friends will have lots to purr about with Up Country's stunning Pop Hearts Cat Collar.
Why We Love It:
Safety and style are our hallmarks and the same care and attention we give to our dog products can be found in our Kitty Collection. Lightweight, flexible nylon webbing and our signature artist designed ribbons are fastened with a breakaway clasp. Our breakaway clasps will release under pressure to assure safe outdoor play, but it is durable for daily wear. Please be aware that constant scratching will cause these collars to fray. Made in USA. Machine wash cold gentle cycle, drip dry.
The Pop Hearts Cat Collar by Up Country is so Cute!
Perfect collar! Love the brightly colored hearts...they really pop!
This is a super cute collar with a cheerful heart design that fits my sweet chihuahua mix perfectly! A great, safe collar for cats and small dogs alike.


text: The origin of species / by Charles Darwin ; with introductions, notes and illustrations. On the origin of species. Darwin, Charles, 1809-1882 creator text book New York : P.F. Collier, c1909. 1909 print English On spine: Origin of species. Includes index. Freeman 508. Evolution Natural selection QH365.O The Harvard classics ; 11 http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/bibliography/24252 10.5962/bhl.title.24252 OTU-RB


text:
Several weeks ago, I posted about apparent problems with customer access to Network Solutions resources. I asked for comments and emails from folks having problems with their Network Solutions accounts.
I got dozens and dozens, from all across the globe.
I'm sure that a few of these could be corner cases, or exceptions, maybe momentary outages, but after nearly a month since I first posted about this problem, I continue to get emails and comments on that post describing basically the same thing: No access to email, hosting, or even Network Solutions' website from outside the US borders. Most respondents claim that they've tried to communicate with Network Solutions about the problem, but have received no replies.
I know that Network Solutions reads this blog, so perhaps they have some comments on this issue?


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The Orlando Magic finally tasted victory again on Friday night, beating the Detroit Pistons 110-106. Unfortunately, their winning streak was short-lived, as they lost for the sixth time in seven games to the Toronto Raptors on Sunday at the Air Canada Centre.
"There's no other way we're going to win if we're not prepared," Magic coach Jacque Vaughn said. "If we're not ready to play at the start of the game and committed at the start of the game, not waiting till halftime and what happens after, then we won't have a chance."
Toronto (3-7) was paced by DeMar DeRozan, who had 20 points and nine rebounds. Andrea Bargnani added 17 points, while Amir Johnson recorded 15, Linas Kleiza finished with 12, and Dominic McGuire tallied 11. Jose Calderon registered nine points and 18 assists.
For the Magic (3-6), Glen Davis and E'Twaun Moore had 16 points apiece, with Davis also recording 12 rebounds. Arron Afflalo finished with 15 points and Nikola Vucevic notched 12.
The Raptors outshot Orlando 47.5% (38 of 80) to 40.0% (32 of 80) from the field and 38.9% (7 of 18) to 30.8% (4 of 13) from behind the 3-point line. They forced the Magic into 16 turnovers, totaling 13 points off them, and also held a 38-30 edge on points in the paint.
After being outscored 32-22 in the first quarter, Orlando won the second and third periods 19-17 and 28-18 before allowing Toronto to outscore them 30-17 in the fourth.
"We have to set the tempo at the beginning of the game," said Davis. "It takes us a while to get into the game. I don't know why we have to be down to get it going, but we've got to find it."
J.J. Redick didn't play for the Magic after being diagnosed with flu-like symptoms. Rookie DeQuan Jones started in his place, scoring seven points.
Orlando is at Atlanta on Monday, with the game scheduled to begin at 7:30 pm on FS Florida.
- Be sure to "like" Magic 101 on Facebook and to follow Magic 101 on Twitter.
- Text "oneteam" to 20222 to donate $10 to the One Team for the Lights charity initiative.


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The party is heating up at Atlantic City nightlife's most notorious hot spot, Dusk Nightclub at Caesars. This multi-level, 10,000 square foot nightclub experience never fails to deliver some serious wow factor. The club's eye-popping design features a series of concentric ovals drenched in hues of blue, purple and gold. Two full bars circle the outermost ring and the command center DJ booth rises from the center of it all.
A leading-edge sound system brings to life an electric fusion of hip hop, rap, party jams and today's hottest dance music, while a high-tech system of over 1,000 lights dazzles the senses.
For bottle service, birthday, bachelor/bachelorette, and guest list requests, call 609.345.3875. Complimentary admission is offered to Caesars hotel guests on Tuesdays & Fridays before midnight based upon availability with voucher.
"From the moment you step through the perforated metal entrance and descend down the stairs you feel like you are being transported to a different world - a dark adult underworld playground. Rarely a night goes by without models, athletes, singers and celebrities in attendance."
"Dusk, the premiere megaclub in Caesars, is without a doubt among the most popular places to party in Atlantic City. Since it opened in 2009, it has consistently ranked among Nightclub and Bar's Top 100 venues in the country — one of only three A.C. clubs to earn that distinction. The reason for that is evident on any night it's open, with the usual scene of a capacity crowd overflowing from the dance floor and apparently intent on partying until the sun rises."


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Years Active: 2006 -
Born: June 24th 1982 / Cancer
Birth Place: West Oakland, CA United States
Gender: Female
Ethnicity: Multi-Ethnic
Height: 4ft 11in
Breast Size: 34B
Typical Hair Color: Other
Eye Color: Brown
Submit/Correct Star Bio
Porn Star Biography: Pinky
Born and raised in West Oakland, California, this African American/Italian actress and director forged her own path to stardom at the age of 24—simply butting her way into the adult entertainment industry by the sheer force of will. "She independently began looking for actors, filming, formulating, organizing and marketing her own films alone." The ambitious person that she is Pinky didn't let the initial logistical problems (such as the lack of marketing and distribution common in start-up ventures) deter her. This go-getter "went to work and virtually sold every single copy of Pinky's Sexual Encounters—her first shoot—from the trunk of her van." Since her debut, Pinky has been described as "an unstoppable sexual force of nature . . . This 4-foot, 11-inch, ridiculously thick nympho . . . [is] rising to the top with aggressive abandon. Even some of the most respected male vets have had to step their game up when getting down with this Oaktown pimptress, who has parlayed her fame to other ventures, like rapping her oversized booty off." With her signature pink hair and extremely curvaceous body, she has gone on to star in hundreds of movies and countless other scenes on her personal website, www.pinkyxxx.com.
Career: Film Studios and Sexy Partners
Pinky has cultivated a reputation as a bootylicious babe known for her "booty clap", blowjobs, and strap-on mastery. In fact, she has honed her talents working with many of the top male and female artists in the business so well, that she put out a video called Pinky's Dick Sucking for Dumb Asses (2007) as an instruction aid to show other women how to please their men just right; her audiences (both men and women alike) showed their appreciation by making her the most web-searched porn star at the time. Not only an actress, she also cultivates others' talents, like Mz. Booty, by including them in her films (such as her directorial debut series, Nuttin Butt Pinky and Pinky's New Booties)—some of them in what's termed the "booty showdown" theme between women with big asses. That being said, during this time she was able to work with well-known industry studios—like Justin Slayer, Mercenary Pictures, West Coast Video, Legend, and Black Market Entertainment—alongside popular performers like Cherokee D'Ass, Skyy Black, Charlie Macc, Byron Long, Michael Stefano and Rico Strong.
Top Rated Porn Movies
One can get to know Pinky's skills in notable films like: Pinky's Chronicles, where one can feast on the visual sight of Pinky's glorious backside up close and personal; Pursuajon, where she can be seen strapping on a massive dildo and hammering women better than most men; as well as Wet Juicy Asses 2, Chocolate Yam Yams, Beautiful Black Naturals, It's All Pink on the Inside 2, and Winkers 9. A performer who delights in the usual carnal artistries of oral, solo, facial and group encounters with men, her content can be found generally under ethnic, urban, big-butt and big-tit genres.
Porn Awards
- 2008 Urban Spice Award Best Oral Pinky's Dick Sucking for Dumb Asses
- 2009 Urban X Award Porn Star of the Year
- 2009 Urban X Award Cross-Over Female
- 2010 Urban X Award Best Orgasmic Oralist
- 2010 Urban X Award Best Three-Way Sex Scene Nuttin Butt Pinky 3
In 2011, it was rumored that Pinky was retiring from the adult entertainment business and going back to college; however, she has sporadically appeared in further XXX releases. She also continued to remain accessible to her adoring fans while dabbling in the hip-hop industry on occasion and traveling the country in the Bubble Butt Tour—signing autographs, dancing at shows, and hosting the occasional party.
Sort By: Date Added | A-Z | Year | Top Rated
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Chocolate Pussy Party
Release Year: 2013
Pinky really shows her skills with a strap-on when her friend comes over for fun. . . .
Stars: Pinky, Kapri, Nyomi BanxxxStudio: Pajama Party Entertainment
Big Booty Black Bitches
There is just something so sexy about a big, juicy, round brown ass. When you see . . .
Big And Black 7
Release Year: 2013
2014 AVN Award Nominee for Best Interracial Series.
Stars: Angel Marie, Pinky XXX, Kristina Rose, Kaylina, Lellou, More...Studio: Black Market
Pure Chocolate! 3
Black women are hot, period. They are voluptuous, have the phattest titties, asses, . . .
Stars: Pinky, Lethal Lipps, Camrie Foxxx, Edible, Flame (i), More...Studio: Metabolic
Wet Juicy Asses 2
Release Year: 2007
Premium Title
2008 AVN Award Nominee for Best Ethnic-Themed Release - Black.
Stars: Chyanne Jacobs, Xena, Beauty Dior, Donna Red, Raven Vixen, More...Studio: Alexander DeVoe Video
Drippin' Wet Bubble Butts
Release Year: 2009
Get your slip and slide and rubber sheets ready! Because these girls are itching . . .
Stars: Leilani Lovitt, Beauty, Queen Diva, Sinnamon Love, Tia Sweets, More...Studio: Black Ice
25 Sexiest Black Porn Stars Ever (Disc1)
25 of the sexiest black porn stars have been chosen by the public to be represented . . .
Stars: Cherokee D'Ass, Aurora Jolie, Melrose Foxx, Bella Moretti, Kitten, More...Studio: Elegant Angel
Sumthin Bout Pinky
There really is just sumthin bout that young sex machine, Pinky! Sure, she's got . . .
Stars: Sophia, Pinky, Kara Kane, Justin SlayerStudio: Justin Slayer International
Primal Cumshots 2
These horny sluts are ready to get primal with their cumshots! They are horny as . . .
Stars: Veronica Rayne, Natasha Nice, Capri Cavalli, Bridget B., Ajenda ross, More...Studio: Primal Attraction
Phatty's Rhymes & Dimes Best Butts (Disc 2)
Premium Title
Brian Pumper's Freaky Empire presents Phatty's Rhymes & Dimes Best Butts edition. . . .
Stars: Simone, Pinky, Roxy Reynolds, Carmen Michaels, Ms. Milky, More...Studio: Freaky Empire - Brian Pumper
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text:
WASHINGTON -- Jim Riggleman managed the Washington Nationals to a walk-off victory on Thursday. Then, he walked off himself.
In a stunning turn of events for a club on a sudden, surprising run of success, Riggleman quit after the Nationals won for the 11th time in 12 games as general manager Mike Rizzo ignored his pregame plea to discuss picking up the 2012 option on his contract.
Riggleman, who took over the club in July 2009, was 140-172 as the club's manager. The Nationals completed a three-game sweep of the Seattle Mariners with a 1-0 victory Thursday on Laynce Nix's sacrifice fly, a win that moved them a game over .500. Not since 2005, their inaugural year in Washington, had the Nationals sported a winning record this late in the season.
It didn't matter. Rizzo said Riggleman made his intentions clear in a pregame meting.
"If you don't extend me," Rizzo said Riggleman told him, "I'm not getting on the bus after the game."
After the game, Rizzo again met with Riggleman in the manager's office. Riggleman's stance hadn't changed, so Rizzo addressed the team.
"It was a festive, upbeat clubhouse," said Rizzo, "It became somber quickly."
Riggleman did not address the team but met with reporters in the middle of the clubhouse as players were dressing and heading for the bus to the airport. He said he told a couple of his coaches and phoned some friends before the game to warn them he could be resigning.
Riggleman said the players will recover from his departure, and that his resignation was a matter of respect -- that after more than 10 years as a manager, he earned more than a year-to-year commitment. He also said his pregame plea wasn't an ultimatum, but rather a request to initiate dialogue on his contract.
"I wanted the option picked up," Riggleman said. "But I want to make this clear -- I wanted a conversation about it. And that wasn't going to happen. It's the way the ballclub wants to do business.
"In today's sports, it's not a good environment to work in," Riggleman said. "Too many negatives come out of it. You have to send a message to professional ballplayers this man's the manager."
Rizzo wasn't ready to do that.
"I feel we're going in the right direction," Rizzo said. "I still feel we're headed in the right direction. I thought he was doing a good job as manager. I wanted to see where the season was going, where our young players were going, how they were being developed.
"I felt the time wasn't right," Rizzo said. "I can't make that decision in a knee-jerk reaction."
For now, John McLaren, the Nationals' bench coach, will take over as manager, though his status very well could change by season's end as Rizzo seeks a more permanent replacement. Oddly, when McLaren was fired as Seattle Mariners manager in 2008, Riggleman, his bench coach, managed the club on an interim basis the remainder of that season.
Riggleman has managed parts of 12 seasons in the major leagues, including several interim stints. He made it clear he had tired of such tenuous arrangements.
"I know I'm not Casey Stengel," says Riggleman, "but I do feel like I know what I'm doing. I feel like I shouldn't continue on with such a short leash, that every hill and valley is life and death. I wanted to have a conversation in Chicago about that."
One of those valleys came May 25, when outfielder Jayson Werth -- signed to a seven-year, $126 million contract last winter -- said in a post-game outburst after the team's fifth consecutive loss, "Things need to change."
He wasn't specific with the media about his complaints, but met with Riggleman the next day. Riggleman said then that he did not feel Werth was calling him out.
"I guess the short answer is no," he said.
The Nationals didn't immediately turn things around but, after losing three of their next four, went on a run that has now reached 16-6.
Riggleman said he wasn't concerned about his timing, with the team playing its best baseball of his tenure.
"Timing? C'mon," he said. "That's like saying I'm not going to get married until I have a steady job. You'll never get married."
The timing clearly bothers Rizzo.
"It's very disappointing," Rizzo said. "Disappointing to the players, disappointing to the fan base. Disappointing to myself. ... He was thinking of personal things first."
Players admitted they were stunned, but don't want to let the surprise change their momentum.
"Very unexpected," said pitcher Jason Marquis, whose eight shutout innings were crucial to Wednesday's victory. "But the Washington Nationals still have to go and play some good baseball. We respect the decision he made. But baseball goes on. Life goes on."
Riggleman said he's confident he made the right decision.
"It's about looking in the mirror," he said. "When the manager is on a short leash, you're walking on eggshells, you can't think outside of the box as much. After 10 years, I feel like I earned a longer leash. Maybe I'll never get another chance, but I promise you I'll never do a one-year deal again.
"Universally in baseball, it's understood you don't have managers on a one-year contract," Riggleman said. "Unless it's Tony La Russa saying, 'That's what I want.' "
Riggleman's contract situation, especially the option year, has been festering for awhile -- with him, at least.
"I can't say no to this," Riggleman said of his initial reaction to the contract. "But that's not a good way to do business. I made it clear I didn't like it. I was right. It's not a good way to do business."
After the manager and GM's dueling sessions with the news media, Rizzo got in a last shot of sorts with a statement released by the Nationals.
Said Rizzo in the statement:
"I talked to Jim before the season and have emphasized since that no decision would be made on his extension until after the end of the season. I am surprised and disappointed, personally, and am even more disappointed for our players and fans.
"I was always taught that one of the cardinal rules of baseball was that no individual can put his interests before those of the team."
Daily Pitch is a baseball fan's destination for breaking news, emerging trends and enlightening banter. With a veteran group of reporters positioned in three time zones, we provide a balanced, comprehensive glimpse at our national pastime, with a nod to both the passion and complexities that make the sport irresistible to many. More about our reporters


text:
How to Buy
Solutions Overview
This script is Copyright (C) 2013 Tenable Network Security, Inc.
Synopsis :
The remote Scientific Linux host is missing one or more security
Description :
The Jakarta Commons HttpClient component did not verify that the
server hostname matched the domain name in the subject's Common Name
(CN) or subjectAltName field in X.509 certificates. This could allow a
man-in-the- middle attacker to spoof an SSL server if they had a
certificate that was valid for any domain name. (CVE-2012-5783)
Applications using the Jakarta Commons HttpClient component must be
restarted for this update to take effect.
See also :
Solution :
Update the affected packages.
Risk factor :
Medium / CVSS Base Score : 5.8
Family: Scientific Linux Local Security Checks
Nessus Plugin ID: 64778 ()
Bugtraq ID:
Get Nessus Professional to scan unlimited IPs, run compliance checks & more
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text:
Jonathon Cummins, 22, a student at Dundee University, was described by his lawyer as "amazingly stupid".
Cummins, from the Republic of Ireland, was dared by his team mates to steal a £13,000 BMW and have his picture taken in it before returning it. But he ended up crashing into a tree and running off.
Sheriff Richard Davidson suggested that if the university rugby club thought it was an appropriate initiation rite then it should be disbanded.
A rugby club spokesman said Cummins still played for the side and added: "I think he probably wanted to prove he was a bigger man than the rest of us by pulling off the biggest stunt.
"This is not the usual initiation. Normally it is nothing more harmful than running into a pub and ordering drinks in your boxer shorts."
The city's sheriff court heard how Cummins visited a dealership and stole the keys to the car on 22 September. He the returned on 5 October and stole the car.
However, when police chased him after clocking him driving at 80 mph, the student lost control and wrote the car off.
Cummins, from Bishopstown, in Co Cork, ran away but later reported to a police station.
Sheriff Richard Davidson told Cummins: "If the rugby club at Dundee University thinks this is an appropriate way of initiation, maybe it is about time they disbanded."
Total cost
Cummins' solicitor, Kenneth Ross, said: "This is amazing stupidity for someone at university and he bitterly regrets the incident. He was dared to take a car, have his photo taken with it and return it safely."
Sentence was deferred for a report on the total cost of damages arising from the crash.
A university spokesman said: "The university does not condone illegal or disruptive behaviour during club activities.
"The university will contact the fiscal's office to get a report on the outcome of the case.
"It will consider internal disciplinary proceedings based on the case and the severity of the charge."


text:
You Asked: Technology Is Ruining Our Relationship — Help!
Dear Sugar,
My boyfriend and I have been dating for almost a year now, and I have increasingly noticed that he can't seem to get off the Internet, Facebook, his cell phone, or AIM. Don't get me wrong: I also enjoy these social outlets, but I know when to give my boyfriend attention. Some days are technology-free, but other times, we are often interrupted by text messages or Facebook notifications that come to his phone. I've tried to bring this up and he always tells me that he needs to keep in touch with his friends, but I find it hard to believe that he has to be connected 24/7. I'm beginning to think that this relationship is doomed by technology. Any advice? — Feeling Second Best Bianca
To see DearSugar's answer,
Dear Feeling Second Best Bianca,
I happen to think we are all a little too reliant on staying connected — I'm guilty of this myself — but the only way to break the habit is to make a conscious effort to change. Having technology-free days is a great start, but if you're feeling like this habit of his could actually ruin your relationship, talking with him about it and explaining your side is crucial. Keeping in touch with friends is important, but see if you can't agree on a middle ground — no phone or computer after a certain hour or no phone or computer while you're spending quality time together (especially in the bedroom!). If he agrees to an understanding like that, you have to give a little too and let him have free reign during those non-off-limit times.
Hopefully he'll be able to see how his actions are affecting you and your relationship before it's too late. Good luck.


text:
"I know watching all of Marshall's games last year, which I watched all of them over the course of the last week, they played considerably harder against West Virginia than they did any other team out there. We're obviously expecting to get their best. They've got a good bit of people coming back. They had a lot of young kids last year. The biggest thing is for our guys to understand we're going to get their absolute best and we have to play good in order to win."
Quality play for the Mountaineers against the Herd will begin on the defensive side of the ball, where WVU will hope to contain Marshall's star receiver Aaron Dobson.
A 6-foot-3, 200-pound senior from Dunbar and a South Charleston High School alumnus, Dobson was his team's leading receiver in 2011, hauling in 49 catches for 668 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was the MVP of Marshall's Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl win over Florida International.
"He's a big, good looking kid, a returning starter who does a good job at being a physical guy that can block and make catches that are pretty spectacular," Holgorsen said of Dobson. "He's obviously a guy that caught our eye and he is one of the bigger focus points in order of what we need to do to win the game."
Dobson and the rest of the Marshall receivers have the benefit of a more experienced quarterback throwing the ball to them this season, as Rakeem Cato will start at that position after playing as a true freshman in 2011.
Cato had an up-and-down year, completing 182 of 304 passes (59.8 percent) for 2,059 yards and 15 touchdowns. Turnovers were an issue, as one might expect with a true freshman, as Cato tossed 11 interceptions.
"Going back and looking, he experienced some growing pains, which all freshmen do, especially at the quarterback position," Holgorsen said of Cato. "I guess question No. 1 is 'What offense are they going to run?' There's been some speculation on that. Hopefully he's learning a second offense in as many years. But he has shown some pretty good signs of being a special kind of quarterback. He won a lot of games in high school. We'll have to contain him, there's no doubt."
"He was sore last week so we gave him a few days off," the head coach said. "The plan all along has been to get him to game week, then get him out there and see what happens. We haven't made that decision at this point."
"We know Shawne Alston will start for us. He ended the season being a starter for us in the bowl game. He's a senior who had a great camp and we're looking forward to getting him out there. Andrew Buie is doing some good things as well."
"He said he wanted to go home, so he withdrew from school and voluntarily left the program. You'd have to ask him [why]," Holgorsen said.
The Mountaineer signed two running backs as part of February's recruiting class, neither of which are with the program now. Clayton's fellow signee, Roshard Burney, failed to qualify academically.
In the process of answering, he subtly indicated the program's scheduling priorities may not line up with keeping the Thundering Herd on the slate moving forward.
"Everybody is excited about playing the first game regardless of where it is or who it is," Holgorsen said. "Obviously, I don't get too far into future schedules and all that. I know there are challenges, as far as you only have three games you can play nonconference. There's all kinds of geographical reasons to play not only this game, but surrounding states, with Pitt, Maryland, Ohio, Jersey and the rest of it. That's why we have great administrators that lead us in the direction we need to go."


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Rachel Zoe Black Velvet Asymmetrical Dress
Last Night's Party: Rachel Zoe and More Dish About Their Personal Style
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Last Night's Party: Rachel Zoe and More Dish About Their Personal Style
LA's Sunset Tower Hotel — where Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux are currently calling home — hosted a fabulous party for Rachel Zoe last night as she was being honored by the LA Gay and Lesbian Center. The woman of the hour showed up in a fabulous velvet vintage Versace that she picked up from Decades in LA, and slick-straight hair that, according to her hairstylist Joey Maalouf, was inspired by Cher. The always fashionable Abigail Spencer, Garcelle Beauvais, and Fashion Police's George Kotsiopoulos also made stylish appearances. Step inside to find out what they had to say about their personal style, as well as award season.


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James Franco's Book Deal
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Columbia MFA student James Franco is set to make his literary debut: The actor-turned-writer, slated to play Allen Ginsberg in next year's biopic Howl, just inked a deal with Simon & Schuster to publish a collection of short stories. Sounds as if those nights fending off freshmen girls in the library paid off.
—Erin Clements
Photo: Retna
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