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Mail: Thanks for helping Aiden
Brewer at the Legislature: Mob rule
More opinion
Robertson and Delsing re-elected chair, vice chair of NWB
Goat Expo set first October weekend
More Ag News
Two million people in more than 50 countries marched against Monsanto Saturday.
Monsanto is a leading producer of agricultural products around the world, doing business in 60 countries. The company sold $4 billion in seed in the last quarter, according to a Cable News Network report.
Many crops today are genetically altered to withstand the damaging effects of insects and/or herbicides and chemicals. For instance, GMO soybeans keep growing even after being sprayed with a chemical that kills all other plants.
Critics call the crops Frankenfoods.
But proponents say Monsantos GMO crops help feed an ever-hungrier world of more people.
Proponents say genetically altered crops improve nature though the use of man-made scientific techniques, and there has been no conclusive studies that indicate that eating those foods is harmful.
Genetically-altered foods are labeled in much of Europe, but not in the United States. Recently the U.S. Senate considering allowing states to label genetically modified plants, but voted down the effort.
The issue is evolving into a matter of disclosure, so people can decide for themselves, a CNN commentator said.
The March against Monsanto facebook page has more than 159,000 likes. It was created in February. To see it, click HERE.
Another international march against the chemical company is planned Saturday, Oct. 12, according to the facebook page.
The CNN report is available HERE.
Flatrock Publishing, Inc.
1300 E 4th St., Suite F
North Platte, NE 69101


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greggorious wrote:Are the likes of Joseph Goldstein, Jack Kornfield and Sharon Salzberg Theravada teachers, or are they more of a modern Vipassana (with a bit of Mahayana thrown in)? I'm never sure where theravada ends and a vipassana group begins?
Goofaholix wrote:I think it depends on what you find important in Theravada, if it's doctrine, tradition, culture, or religious trappings you'll see them as separate, if meditation you'll see them as belonging.
Return to "Discovering Theravāda"
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subset: commoncrawl


text: But with a scream and a crash another shell arrived. Something glanced along the side of my boot and two or three more pieces hit on the tank with a clang. Evan rolled sideways off the back of the tank and fell to the ground. 'Are you all right?' I asked him. 'Yes, sir.' 'Well get back in the turret, I'm not going to muck about digging in this stuff."


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NetWellness is a global, community service providing quality, unbiased health information from our partner university faculty. NetWellness is commercial-free and does not accept advertising.
Monday, September 25, 2017
Inherited Disorders and Birth Defects
Wood Stain Risks for Pregnant Mothers and Infants
I stained the wood floors in my home and left all windows open and had fans going for 24 hours before I let my wife who is 3 months pregnant come back into our house. You could still smell the stain some. Are those fumes still harmful to are baby?
Wood stains are composed largely of a group of chemicals known as solvents. However, the exact solvents within a wood stain may vary by the type of stain and brand of stain. The following information is about being exposed to solvents in general.
Research studies have shown a possible connection between exposure to solvents and neurological problems or birth defects of the central nervous system (CNS) and face such as a cleft lip or palate in the fetus. The development of the brain and central nervous system (CNS) starts early in pregnancy and continues throughout pregnancy. However, the critical period for CNS development is approximately between 3-8 weeks gestation. The critical period for the development of the face, lips and palate is between 4-7 weeks gestation.
However, many of the research studies done have only looked at the women who were exposed to solvents because of the type of occupation they were in and not on women who had a one time or very short exposure to solvents.
In your case, your wife was not in the house while you were using the stain. It also appears from your question that she did not have any symptoms of overexposure such as headache, nausea, dizziness or loss of coordination. From your description I would think that the risk of the baby having problems is low.
If you and your wife are concerned, I would recommend that you speak with your doctor about seeing a genetic counselor to discuss the exposure in more detail. You can locate a genetics center near you by visiting the National Society of Genetic Counselors' website below.
Anne Matthews, RN, PhD
Associate Professor of Genetics
School of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University


text:
- Description
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- Shipping
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A gleaming, elegantly engraved pill case makes taking medications and vitamins easier to remember. Each day of the week has its own lid and separate compartment for keeping pills organized. Each plastic-lined compartment is spacious enough to hold up to 20 pills, depending on size.
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lover of useful quality productsAbsolutely DevineAugust 12, 2015
The workmanship and engraving were fantastic. Ordered 8 more over the phone for gifts. They were so friendly and efficient! Bravo!!!
Jac LRPretty enough to leave out on my vanityJanuary 25, 2015
I love this because I need to leave my pills out in order to remember them, however, the ugly plastic pill organizers are unsightly. This has a nice presentation. I love the monogram. Love this box
goonieNice presentation, wrapping and box top notch!May 5, 2014
Got this to send to a friend who has everything and engraved it with our nicknames we have used for each other for more than 35 years. Really excited to see her open this. Love the idea and may get one for myself.
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A nice replacement for the plastic ones you get at the drug store, it looks great on the counter and the personalization is a nice touch.
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Very nice quality and presentation. Well made - the lids are very secure. Exactly as advertised and an excellent value for price. Looks a lot nicer than the blue plastic one that was sitting on our bathroom counter.
ReviewerSturdy Design and ConstructionJanuary 10, 2013
The gift was beautifully presented; and was well constructed. I.E. Individual daily compartments have strong latches that stay closed. The only area of feedback I would suggest is that the daily compartments be a bit larger. The inside plastic lining doesn't leave much space for medications.


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T9: Great north tornado hunt by Silver Lining Tours in 2014
- Starts: 2014-07-13 (This tour has already been executed)
- Ends: 2014-07-22
- Price: $3500
- Chase days: 10
- Price per day: $350 / day
- Departure city: Rapid City, South Dakota
- Description: No description available
- Tour guides: No tour guides specified yet.
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No vehicles specified yet.
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text: Join the Boomi AtomSphere and you can begin creating integration processes immediately using our intuitive visual design interface and access to a library of pre-built connectors and process maps. Using familiar point-and-click, drag-and-drop techniques, you can build very simple to very sophisticated integrations with exceptional speed. And as the AtomSphere ecosystem expands, an increasing number of connectors and process maps are already built and ready for your use, making the job of connecting new applications quick and painless. Try it free today!


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Butrfly_Nirvana wrote:Thank you for that link! I'm in southwestern Oklahoma--you'd think after being here for several years I'd have adapted to the heat and cold, but I still don't like the extremes! LOL
After reading about the positions, I think I like the one with his hand touching the earth as it symbolizes the solidity of the Buddha's teachings. I think that will cover pretty much everything that inspires me!
Butrfly_Nirvana wrote:Well, if it's any consolation I don't watch sports! LOL I'm originally from southern Orange County, CA, so this was a big change!
BTW: After looking into buying, I'm most likely going to get the lotus pose statue...the others were tiny, and I want the statue to be the focal point--not dwarfed by flowers, etc!
Fede wrote:(I'm just relieved somebody's finally spelt it 'Altar' (correct) and not 'Alter' (incorrect.)
I have two.
One in my main living room, and one in my bedroom. The bedroom one is entirely dedicated to Tara, (Yes, I know, I practice Theravada, but Tara just rocks me, for some reason!) and I also tend to consider personal issues there....
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Organize Electronic Files with CD Labels
Make a backup copy of your electronic files on CD, then keep them organized with customized CD and jewel case labels. You can also use these labels to give your media presentations a professional look.
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Instructions: To generate new business, create a PowerPoint® presentation that highlights your company profile and services offered. Copy to CDs and distribute to potential new customers. It's a great way to make a first impression!


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Flaunt your favorite superhero on your mobile device...
GelaSkins (GelaSkins.com), a leading provider of artist-supported mobile tech covers, announces that they will be showcasing at San Diego Comic-Con new Marvel Comics skin designs.
The Marvel Comics designs include character images of Iron Man, Spider Man and X-Men, along with classic designs of their original covers. All GelaSkins vinyl protective covers are removable using patented 3M adhesive which prevents air bubbles from forming, allowing for easy application. The stylish covers are made to fit a wide variety of mobile items - including the new iPhone 4, iPad, Blackberry, Kindle, MP3 players, laptops, gaming devices and more.
Check out the new Marvel designs at the GelaSkins Booth #734.
Source: Edited GelaSkins PR


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Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com is reporting that Daniel Murphy tore his MCL again after what is being called a dirty slide in Wednesday's Buffalo Bisons game in which he was playing. The knee injury will sit him out for four to six months, but he will not need surgery.
It's just another case of bad luck for the former Mets starting first baseman. He worked so hard to be able to contribute in some way, even beginning to play second base in the minors. Better luck next year, Murph.


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On Jan. 6 at 10:14 p.m., police responded to an assault with a deadly weapon incident at Taco Bell at 774 S. Main St.
That night, police said Alexander Lowe, 22, of Fair Oaks, Calif., allegedly yelled at a 19-year-old Alviso woman in the parking lot as she got off her shift at the restaurant. Lowe, who allegedly had a screwdriver in his hand, then approached the victim as she tried to walk away from him.
At some point, Lowe allegedly pushed the victim to the ground, got on top of her and threatened her with the screwdriver, according to police. The victim, however, was able to break free and ran back inside the restaurant while Lowe pursued, police said.
The victim jumped over the counter and the suspect vaulted it as he chased her to the rear of the restaurant. Another employee, a 34-year-old San Jose woman, tried to intervene but Lowe allegedly got on top of the second woman outside the restaurant's back door, threatened her with the screwdriver and allegedly tried to pull her toward his vehicle, police said.
Witnesses on scene called 911, while others tried to intervene. Arriving officers employed a Taser and subdued the suspect to take him into custody. The two victims suffered minor injuries, police said.
Lowe was arrested on two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of false imprisonment, two counts of attempted sexual assault, kidnapping, brandishing a screwdriver, resisting arrest, issuing terroristic threats and being under the influence, police said.
Prior to being booked into jail, Lowe was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment for the effects of the stun gun, police said.
For more breaking news and up-to-date information, follow us on our social media sites at facebook.com/milpitaspost and twitter.com/milpitaspost.


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Moderators: Timko, Fritz, Solty, Booter, Blake_T, Frank Delicious
booter wrote:on my pdga devisions paper. It says this
master- availabe to players who will be 40 yrs of age or older during the current year. Seasoned veterans who throw 300-400' consistently, make 6-8/10 putts from 25-30',have good shot variety.ratings guideline: 935+ and score range: <58
black udder wrote:The requirement is 40 years old (or older) in the year you are playing Masters.
the other stuff is a gauge to see if you should play there or another division (AMs, etc.). In our area there is a reasonable advanced master division - only about 10-20 players in the region, but if you play the circuit, you see them all at different places.
What you'll find in Masters is all the 40 year old Open players - think about it, Ken Climo is now Masters age. So what you get is guys that may or may not be able to throw far, but they have an ass load of tricks up their sleeves and a lot of consistency.
You'll also find guys that don't want to play open or want to play with guys their own age.
The 935+ rating isn't a joke either - Hysell plays in masters and he's closer to 970 or maybe a bit more by now.
Not sure what you score JHern, but if you're in AM now, I'd check out the Adv Masters as well.
biscgolf wrote:around here it takes 950-960 golf to cash regularly in masters. this is actually trending upward as more good players age.
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NetWellness is a global, community service providing quality, unbiased health information from our partner university faculty. NetWellness is commercial-free and does not accept advertising.
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Lung diseases
Scars on the Lungs due to Previous Infection
Dear Sir/Madam, Kindly help me with this because it is really very important. I reside in India,I was Infected with TB around 3 Yrs. ago, which was well treated then after a medicine course of 9 months.I was recently offered a Job in the Middle East ,before relocating I was required to get a medical certificate to be cleared of any contagious diseases,At the Diagnostic centre,they found Scars in the X Ray Findings on My upper left lobe due to which they proclaimed me as UNFIT to travel.they say Gulf countries dont allow people with previous history of TB even if they are completely healthy at the moment . Now my question to you- IS THERE ANY MEDICINE THAT CAN HEAL THESE LUNG SCARS OR EVEN REDUCE THEIR PRESENCE IN THE X RAY FINDINGS ?
The case described appears to be classic for pulmonary tuberculosis with upper lobe involvement in an endemic area. This appears to have been appropriately treated (although I do not have knowledge of the regimen) with resolution of symptoms and scarring. The time frame appears to be quite significant - 3 years.
If no other processes are present, it appears as though the current radiographic picture will be present lifelong. Scar formation in the setting of tuberculosis is the terminal event of healing for this infection.
Medical science currently does not have therapy to change the appearance of this nor would that be therapeutically useful at this point. The presence of scar does not imply infectivity but the current writer states that a history of TB is the current factor limiting their travel. I do not know the particular requirements for travel in the referenced countries and cannot comment further.
Robert Schilz, DO, PhD
Associate Professor of Medicine
School of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University


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OROVILLE — A 54-year-old woman was placed on three years probation for a 2011 vehicle collision that killed one.
Sharol Clarieen Robinson was sentenced Tuesday on one misdemeanor count of vehicular manslaughter for the July 29, 2011, death of Naome Lynn Sevigny, 53, at Highway 70 and Pentz Road in Butte Valley.
According to reports at the time, Sevigny and her husband, Dale, were on a 2006 Harley Davidson heading west on Highway 70 when Robinson's Jeep Liberty pulled in front of them while attempting to turn left from Pentz to eastbound 70.
Robinson reportedly stopped her vehicle in the intersection when her passenger warned of the oncoming motorcycle, but the Sevignys struck the Jeep's left front fender.
Both helmet-wearing riders were ejected and reportedly landed 30 feet away. Naome Sevigny was declared dead at the scene.
On Tuesday, Robinson wept into tissues as Sevigny's husband and uncle told Judge Steven Howell about the impact of Robinson's actions.
Both were unhappy it took more than 17 months to resolve the case.
Dale Sevigny said God would want him to forgive Robinson, especially because she didn't mean to kill his wife, but the delays made the process harder. Noting that the crash took away a wife, a mother, grandmother and more, he said he wanted the process to end at the sentencing. After the hearing, he said there was some closure.
"I know that day my world changed and I understand she's going to have to live with it, but so do I," Sevigny said.
Warren Schroyer, the victim's uncle, recalled waving farewell to the Sevignys as they left his residence after a few days vacation. He learned later that night that Naome Sevigny had been killed.
Schroyer said initially he had empathy for Robinson, but that feeling waned as the process wore on.
"I know we have suffered 17-plus months with no resolution," Schroyer said.
He asked the court to order Robinson to pay restitution and to spend some time away from her loved ones.
Robinson had faced up to a year in county jail.
Deputy district attorney Erika Romo* asked Judge Howell to order 30 days jail and three years probation, instead of the recommended two. Romo noted Robinson hadn't been in custody at all for what happened.
Defense attorney Grady Davis said Robinson was emotionally affected by happened and would likely suffer for the rest of her life.
"My client is so truly remorseful," Davis said.
Regarding the delays, Davis said Robinson had been in touch with his office days after the incident. He attributed part of the delays to the fact prosecutors filed charges months after the crash. Since then, Davis advised Robinson to let the legal process work itself out.
The prosecution filed charges last February. After several hearings, including an Aug. 20 trial that was vacated, Robinson pleaded no contest to the charge on Oct. 16.
Howell said these types of cases were among the hardest he's had to face because there was no intent, but the outcome was so significant. He said he understood the Probation Department's recommendation because Robinson had no criminal record and lived a legally blameless life.
Howell placed Robinson on three years court probation and ordered one day in jail, to be cited and released. Robinson's probation includes 40 hours of community service and to obtain a new driver's license, which Howell noted had already been done.
Howell ordered restitution, but the specific amount will be determined at another hearing.
Staff writer Ryan Olson can be reached at 896-7763 or email@example.com.
Correction, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013: The original version of this story misspelled the name of deputy district attorney Erika Romo. Return to corrected sentence.


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In case you missed it, Retailing Today published its annual Insights 2013 issue recently and while Target is currently the nation's sixth largest retailer that position is likely to change in 2013.
It is conceivable Target could become the nation's fourth largest retailer by this time next year, overtaking both Home Depot and Walgreens.
"The nation's sixth-largest retailer is enjoying solid low- to mid-single digit same-store sales growth and is poised to resume square footage expansion of its traditional discount stores with expanded fresh food offerings in addition to a new urban format called CityTarget," according to Retailing Today Insights 2013. "A two-year-old loyalty program continues to gain traction and is boosting average transaction sizes. However, the biggest boost to sales in 2013 will come from the company's entry into Canada.
A total of 125 new Target stores are due to open next year in remodeled former Zellers locations. The fi rst wave of those stores is due to open in March, and Canadian expansion is expected to make a major contribution to the company's goal of achieving $100 billion in sales within five years."
RT Insights was created to provide a blended look at the performance of the nation's Top 100 retailers and Top 100 mass market product categories in one convenient format. To access the full report, click here.


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Have you thrown a 150 Millennium Orion LF? That is a good faster more gliding disc than the Teebird and might be longer for you. World distance record for ladies is set with a heavier one. It has a higher power requirement than the Teebird so it will have a hefty fade most likely but that can be a good thing too. Depending on your speed and spin creation capabilities it may not be any longer than the Teebird but being faster it can at least handle winds well. Sidearms have more tolerance for OAT than with the TB because of the fade. It is difficult to gauge how much the 150 (Q)OLF would fade for you. It could be more than the 163 TB or around the same if you have more speed and spin than i think. At least it should have room to grow into. I don't remember if the plastics available are Millennium and Quantum for sure. Q will be less gliding and harder fading thus shorter if M is available based on rules of thumb. QOLF is certainly not a form flaw revealing disc for beginning ladies but you are not that.
When you throw sidearm do you take steps and follow through so that the side that faces away from the target in the reach back faces toward the target after the follow through? You don't need to reach back behind the side with the disc as long as you have some steps and a follow through and get the shoulders turning in the end of the throw and into the follow through to get the disc going. There are 500' FH throwers in men that have the front of the disc at the rear side in the reach back. They have a good running speed and an almighty wrist snap. I've made the joke that you should never trust a sidearmer because they can slap you hard without moving the arm so they stay stealthy and retain deniability. That can be an effective drill for getting enough wrists into the throw. Freezing everything in place from the wrist up and having a healthy motion range in a fast wrist motion. I don't condone slapping anyone


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rivastigmine (generic name)
It is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease.
(ri va STIG meen)
Table of Contents
Top Learning Centers(Recursos en Español)
What is this medicine?RIVASTIGMINE (ri va STIG meen) is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
How should I use this medicine?Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use the measuring device that comes with your medicine to measure your dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Do not use household spoons. They are not accurate. You can mix your dose in a small amount of water, cold fruit juice, or soda just prior to taking it if you like. Do not use other liquids to dilute the dose. If you mix your dose with one of these beverages, be sure to mix the solution well and drink the entire mixture. Take with food. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
What should I watch for while using this medicine?Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check with your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
Where should I keep my medicine?Keep out of reach of children.
Store below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Keep upright. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.


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Hamilton still learning art of baserunning
CINCINNATI -- Billy Hamilton's speed has made him one of the most exciting players in the Majors, but the 23-year-old outfielder has endured his share of growing pains on the basepaths in his first full big league season. Hamilton entered Sunday third in the Majors with 43 stolen bases, behind the Dodgers' Dee Gordon (51) and the Astros' Jose Altuve (45). But Hamilton has been caught stealing 18 times, more than anyone else in the game.
Hamilton, who was given a day off from the starting lineup for Sunday's series finale against the Marlins, was picked off first in consecutive games on Thursday against the Indians and Friday against Miami.
"These guys [at the Major League level] are smarter and they hold the ball longer. Sometimes I get too anxious trying to sit over there [at first] and wait for a long time," Hamilton said. "It's a learning process. It's something where I get picked off and I learn for the next time."
Manager Bryan Price said Hamilton is willing to be aggressive despite being a rookie, but that he's also still trying to get used to the difference between the moves and tendencies of Minor League and Major League pitchers.
"I think that we're between that place of wanting him to be liberated to run and also have the discipline to know when not to run," Price said. "A lot of that falls on my shoulders, because I can put a hold on him, where he's not going to run. And we've talked about the effect that he has on our offense when he doesn't run.
"So it's a work in progress -- this is a whole different level of play to where these guys can vary their times to the plate and be a lot quicker. [Hamilton] is being challenged here in the big leagues, but that being said, I have a feeling that if he stays healthy, he'll be one of the premier basestealers and baserunning threats of his generation."
Manny Randhawa is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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BP Comment Quick Links
|Strength of Schedule Report
February 12, 2013
Prospects Will Break Your Heart
Tampa Bay Rays Top 10 Prospects
State of the Farm: "Hold your head up, you silly girl, look what you've done. When you find yourself in the thick of it, help yourself to a bit of what is all around you, silly girl."
The Top Ten
1. Wil Myers
What Happened in 2012: As it turns out, a healthy Myers is a monster Myers, as the 21-year-old put all questions from the 2011 season to rest by mashing at two levels and emerging as a top 10 prospect in baseball.
Strengths: Natural hitting ability; quick/strong wrists; balanced swing; excellent raw strength; plus bat speed; hit tool is easy 6; power potential is 6; middle-of-the-order profile; mature approach; quality athlete; plus arm.
Weaknesses: Not many weaknesses with the bat; swing can get a little wild; two-strike approach could use refinement; hasn't been tested by high-level stuff yet; needs refinement with his outfield routes; baserunning.
Overall Future Potential: 6; first-division player
Explanation of Risk: Low risk; Myers is major-league ready and a high-level talent.
Fantasy Future: From a corner spot, Myers is likely to hit for average (.285+) with good game power (25-plus HR). Above-average right field profile.
The Year Ahead: Myers is ready to jump into major-league waters, where his bat is expected to produce immediately. Against high level pitching, holes that didn't exist in the minors start to open up, and for Myers, quality fastballs on the inner third will be a good test of his hand speed. Anything left out over the plate is batting practice, and he doesn't miss many opportunities to crush mistakes. But the difference between Triple-A pitching and major-league pitching is extreme, and Myers will need to prove capable of hitting quality offerings to live up to his lofty hype.
Major league ETA: 2013
2. Chris Archer
What Happened in 2012: Archer took a step forward in Triple-A before arriving on the major-league scene, where his potent fastball/slider combo missed more than a bat an inning.
Strengths: Electric arm speed; fastball is lively and loose; routinely works 93-97; can touch higher in bursts; grade 7 pitch; slider is even better than fastball; sharp two-plane offering at 82-84 mph; some sources called it best secondary offering from a prospect; it's a make-your-name pitch; changeup can show good action; has the arsenal and approach to start; high floor in relief as fallback.
Weaknesses: Below average command profile; arm slot inconsistency; needs grade refinement; changeup can get deliberate; good action, but struggles throwing it for strikes.
Overall Future Potential: High 6; no. 2 starter
Explanation of Risk: Moderate risk; command and changeup need work; high floor in relief; has stuff to close games.
Fantasy Future: Has serious bat-missing stuff in any role; has physicality to hold velocity and log innings; intense arsenal in bursts.
The Year Ahead: Mixed opinions on Archer's future role, with some falling in love with the promise on the mound, as the 24-year-old has two plus-plus offerings and enough feel for the changeup that it has a chance to play. Others see a dominant reliever in the making, one with the potential to close games at the highest level. Archer will have more value in a rotation, but that assumes he reaches his lofty ceiling, which isn't guaranteed, especially when you look at some of his command woes and the underdeveloped changeup. But with a patient approach, the payoff of developing Archer into a rotation arm could be remarkable, and the bullpen will always be there if the outcome isn't as desirable as intended.
Major league ETA: 2012
3. Taylor Guerrieri
What Happened in 2012: One of the highest ceiling arms available in the 2011 draft, Guerrieri might have arrived at the professional level with slightly depressed stuff, but you wouldn't be able to make that determination from the results.
Strengths: Excellent size and present strength; athletic; shows advanced pitchability for a power arm; in short-season ball, fastball worked low-90s, touching higher; pitch shows heavy movement down in the zone; some think a velocity spike is possible; true 6 offering at present with the chance for more; curveball is another 6 offering; tight rotation and heavy action; could end up a 7; shows ability to manipulate the ball; can cut the fastball; shows some feel for splitter-like changeup; very sharp control; plus command profile
Weaknesses: Fastball velocity was often pedestrian; more 90-92 than high school 94-97; some question the return of the intense velocity; fell into trap of aiming the ball; was hard to square up, but struggled at times to finish hitters; change/split still new to the arsenal.
Overall Future Potential: High-6; no. 2 starter
Explanation of Risk: High risk; projectable arm with polish; will need to maintain command profile while adding intensity to the arsenal.
Fantasy Future: Has the body and the command profile to log innings and pound the zone; has the stuff to miss bats; floor is innings chewer; ceiling much higher.
The Year Ahead: The Rays have a history of using a barbeque approach with their young arms (slow and low), and one can assume that will be the case with Guerrieri. He will most likely move up a level to the Midwest League, where his combination of pitchability and stuff will assure him continued success on the field. If the velocity ticks up, he could do serious damage in his full-season debut, and even if he stays in the solid-average to plus velocity range, the movement and command of the pitch will allow it to play up. This could go a number of different ways, from mid-rotation workhorse to top-of-the-rotation behemoth, and if he crushes the competition in the Midwest League, Guerrieri has the potential to be a top tier prospect at this time next season.
Major league ETA: 2016
4. Hak-Ju Lee
What Happened in 2012: With only 24 games of Double-A baseball under his belt, a return trip to the Southern League in 2012 brought about improvements at the plate and continued refinement in the field.
Strengths: Fast-twitch athlete; frame is lengthy and can hold additional strength/mass; high-end defensive profile at shortstop; actions are extremely fluid; soft hands; arm is very strong; first-step quickness and plus range; well above average speed; continues to improve as base runner; hit tool has potential; will work himself into favorable counts; the bat has a chance to play.
Weaknesses: Bat is empty; show some contact ability, but pitchers not afraid to challenge the zone; well below average power; questions about ability to square up velocity, especially stuff on the inner-third.
Overall Future Potential: High 5; solid-average player
Explanation of Risk: Moderate risk; glove is major league quality now; bat might not have the juice to play.
Fantasy Future: Defense-first player with some contact ability and secondary skills at the plate (speed/approach); legit stolen base threat; could turn weak contact into hits.
The Year Ahead: Lee is ready to move up to the Triple-A level, where a step forward at the plate could put him in line for a shot at the 25-man roster in 2014. The defensive profile is very strong, with the instincts and actions to excel at the position at the highest level. The bat is light, but if he can make contact and bring his legs into the equation, he should be able to produce enough batting average and secondary ability to play as a down-the-lineup bat.
Major league ETA: 2013
5. Jake Odorizzi
What Happened in 2012: Odorizzi's deep arsenal was too much for the Double-A level, and after 18 solid starts in Triple-A, the 22-year-old made two starts at the major-league level, setting himself up for a run at a roster spot in 2013.
Strengths: Plus athlete; clean delivery; repeats well; fastball works in the low-90s and can touch a little higher; shows some sink when spotted lower in the zone; curveball looks plus more than it looks average; good shape and vertical action; changeup is similar; is plus offering when he finishes the pitch; shows some arm-side fading action; slide piece adds another average or better pitch to the arsenal; shows feel for strike throwing; feel for sequence and situation.
Weaknesses: Lacks knockout pitch; arsenal is solid-avg, but lacks upside; fastball can flatten out when elevated; secondary offerings aren't consistent enough to back hitters off fastball; gets loose in the zone and struggles to put hitters away.
Overall Future Potential: High 5; no. 3/4 starter
Explanation of Risk: Moderate risk; already achieved major-league level; mature arsenal; athletic with good mound IQ
Fantasy Future: Nothing fancy, but athletic enough to make adjustments and strong enough to log innings; won't be big bat-misser at major-league level, but will compete and take ball every fifth day with intensity.
The Year Ahead: Odorizzi is ready for an extended major-league look, and with some pitchability and a deep solid-average arsenal, he showed be able to stick around for a ling time. He will often walk a tightrope, as the sum of his parts is greater than any one attribute. But as long as expectations are properly managed, Odorizzi should be a player that can contribute to a major-league rotation for a very long time. It's not going to be flashy, but it's going to be something positive.
Major league ETA: 2012
6. Richie Shaffer
What Happened in 2012: The 25th overall player drafted in 2012, Shaffer wasted little time living up to the hype, showing an advanced bat and approach in the New York-Penn League.
Strengths: Mature approach to the game; fundamental swing; good bat speed and power potential; has a plan at the plate; track pitches very well; hit tool could play as solid-average; power could play as plus; strong arm at third; has enough athleticism to handle right field move (if necessary).
Weaknesses: Mixed opinion on defensive profile at third; glove is below-average (present); bat will be ticket to majors; has some miss in his bat; timing kick can leave him behind quality stuff; can let pitchers set the agenda; power utility is question mark.
Overall Future Potential: 5; solid-average regular
Explanation of Risk: High risk; defensive limitation put pressure on bat; power will need to play.
Fantasy Future: Could end up as prototypical corner bat, with .~270 batting average and 20-plus home runs.
The Year Ahead: Shaffer is a mature offensive player that could move quickly, although his final landing spot is still very much up in the air. Organizational needs aside, his profile at third is fringe-average at best, and a move to right field or first base might be necessary at full maturity. His bat has the potential to play off third, but the power will need to become a part of his game. He has a good swing and a very good approach, but over-the-fence power will need to be the carrying tool if he wants to have value at the highest level.
Major league ETA: 2015
7. Drew Vettleson
What Happened in 2012: Making his full-season debut, Vettleson impressed with his bat in a pitcher-friendly league, showing the ability to make hard contact and game power.
Strengths: Good baseball skills; good athlete; hit tool projects to be above average; clean and short to the ball; shows good bat speed and ability to put barrel on the ball; good overall approach; power projects as above average ; swing conducive for over-the-fence production; 5 run; 5+ glove in right field; arm is very strong.
Weaknesses: Well rounded, but lacks loud offensive tools; hit/power have to play to projection for value; struggled some against quality spin; swing has some miss.
Overall Future Potential: 5; solid-average regular
Explanation of Risk: High risk; bat needs to max out; has yet to pass Double-A test.
Fantasy Future: Could be .~275 hitter with good secondary skills (power/OBP); has the potential to hit 20 bombs; can swipe a few bases.
The Year Ahead: Vettleson is ready to move up to High-A, but won't face the real test until he reaches the Double-A, level. Vettleson is a five-tool talent, but the utility of those tools might only play as solid-average. The swing gets good reviews, with a quick trigger and clean path to and through the ball. He is a good defensive outfielder with a very strong arm, and despite not being a burner, can steal a few bases, which adds a dimension to his overall offensive profile. He's a good all-around prospect, but the end result is most likely solid and not special.
Major league ETA: 2015
8. Blake Snell
What Happened in 2012: In 11 Appalachian starts, the highly projectable southpaw showed pitchability and stuff, missing bats and keeping rookie level hitters around the Mendoza line.
Strengths: Long, projectable body; room to add strength/weight; very good feel for pitching; arm/delivery works well; fastball works low-90s with some late vertical movement; can touch a little higher and projects to work in standard plus range (92-94); turns over a quality changeup that looks to have above-average potential; slider can miss bats; can show sharp tilt and wears a fastball disguise; good command profile.
Weaknesses: More control than command; can get loose up in the zone; has a lot of length to control in the delivery; will show multiple breaking ball looks, but curveball is behind slider; needs more secondary consistency.
Overall Future Potential: 6; no. 3 starter
Explanation of Risk: High risk; long way to go; yet to play at full-season level.
Fantasy Future: Could develop into legit mid-rotation arm (and maybe more); has clean delivery and good body; deep arsenal to work with; innings/strikeout potential.
The Year Ahead: Snell is ready for a full season in the Midwest League, and based on his pitchability and present arsenal, should have no problem moving up the prospect ranks in 2013. The fastball keeps improving, and the feel for the changeup is more advanced than the average young arm. The Rays will take it slow with Snell, and he will have time to refine his secondary arsenal and his command, and has the potential to develop into the next big arm in the system. At this time next season, we might need to adjust the conservative projection and attach a frontline ceiling. Long way to go, but this kid has a lot of potential.
Major league ETA: 2016
9. Felipe Rivero
What Happened in 2012: Slow and low, Rivero made the jump to full-season ball and made 21 starts and logged over 113 innings, almost twice the workload from the previous season.
Strengths: Loose and easy arm action; really smooth/effortless release; fastball is jumpy in the low-90s; good overall command of the pitch; can work north/south and east/west; curveball shows plus potential; hammer qualities that can miss bats; changeup might end up on same level; good arm speed on pitch and some arm-side fading action; pitchability; competes.
Weaknesses: Limited size/strength; can lose angle when he elevates; finds barrels in the zone; secondary arsenal is more flash than fire; changeup is behind other offerings; questions about workload potential/ultimate role.
Overall Future Potential: 6; no. 3 starter
Explanation of Risk: High risk; body not ideal for heavy workload; secondary arsenal behind fastball.
Fantasy Future: Could develop into legit rotation arm, with pitchability and plus three pitch mix; floor of bullpen arm.
The Year Ahead: Sources are mixed on Rivero's ultimate role, but everybody agrees that the arm is of major-league quality. It's not an ideal starter's profile because of the body, but the feel for pitching is very present, and the arsenal has a chance to feature three above average pitches. That's a promising package, and if he can add some strength and stamina without sacrificing the stuff, sticking around in the rotation is very possible.
Major league ETA: 2015
10. Alex Colome
What Happened in 2012: A return trip to the Southern League lasted 14 starts before the Dominican arm was promoted to the International League where a strong performance put him in the discussion for a major-league role in 2013.
Strengths: Big arm strength; quick arm; fastball is easy plus and can often work in the 94-97 range; lively offering that is hard to square up; curveball looks to be a future plus offering; sharp pitch in the upper-70s; will flash a short cut-slider that can be effective as weak contact pitch.
Weaknesses: Poor command profile; delivery has effort; struggles to stay mechanically consistent; tendency to overthrow secondary stuff; pitchability is a question mark.
Overall Future Potential: High 5; setup potential
Explanation of Risk: Moderate risk; has late-inning stuff, but command is fringe and secondary arsenal inconsistent.
Fantasy Future: In bursts, fastball could play up and his command woes play down; has late-inning potential; should miss bats.
The Year Ahead: Sources seem to agree that Colome's future will be in the bullpen, as the short-burst potential could make him an impact arm in a late-innings capacity. He has a deep arsenal, but a command profile that forces that arsenal to play down. In a max-effort role, he could work the fastball in the mid-90s and use multiple breaking ball looks to miss barrels. He should get a chance to make a name for himself at the major-league level in 2013, most likely working out of the bullpen.
Major league ETA: 2013
Prospects on the Rise
1. SS Jake Hager: A candidate for the top 10 this year, Hager just missed the list because of questions about his long-term profile at shortstop. A balanced, skill-oriented player, Hager can do a little of everything and has a very good chance of developing into a major-league player, with a utility future as a floor.
2. RHP Jesse Hahn: Finally healthy, this high ceiling arm looked the part in the New York-Penn League, showing off his heavy plus fastball and deep secondary assortment. Hahn has the type of arm strength that every team in baseball covets, and if he can take a step forward in full-season ball in 2013, his prospect stock is set to soar.
3. C Oscar Hernandez: On the prospect radar since he did unsightly things to a baseball in the Venezuelan Summer League in 2011, Hernandez took his swing to the Appalachian League in 2012, where the results were very mixed. A promising bat, the 19-year-old backstop can absolutely demolish left-handed pitching, but arm-side stuff ate his lunch and spoiled what could have been his stateside breakout. Full-season ball might be too aggressive at this stage of the game, but a return trip to rookie ball might help coax the potential out of the stick and propel Hernandez up prospect lists.
Factors on the Farm (Prospects likely to contribute at the ML level in 2013)
1. IF Tim Beckham: He will never be able to shake the stigma that comes with being 1:1 in the amateur draft, but Beckham is good baseball player and he's going to play in the majors in 2013. Although far from the impact player most thought he would develop into, Beckham has legit baseball skills and has a chance to emerge as a utility option in the short-term and a second-division second baseman in a perfect world projection.
2. OF Brandon Guyer: On a roster with promising young outfielders like Jennings and Myers, Guyer will be hard pressed to find playing time at the major-league level. But in the event of injury or inconsistency, the 27-year-old has the potential to step into an outfield spot, with enough stick to keep pitchers honest and versatility on defense.
3. LHP Mike Montgomery: Only 12 short months ago, Montgomery was the top prospect in a very crowded Kansas City organization. Thanks to mechanical setbacks and stuff that seemed to stall in the high minors, Montgomery became a bargain bin arm and was included in the Myers/Shields blockbuster this offseason. If he can return to form, the Rays might just have another quality rotation arm to add to their seemingly never-ending conveyer belt of quality rotation arms.
Top 10 Talents 25 And Under (born 4/1/87 or later)
No longer one of baseball's youngest teams, the Rays don't have an abundance of under-25 players on their big-league roster. They certainly aren't old, either; the team's core––most notably 27-year-olds Evan Longoria and David Price––is in the prime of its career. While Tampa doesn't have a position player under 25 with major-league experience, the pitching side is stacked with exciting young arms.
Perhaps the most intriguing debate on the Rays' under-25 list comes between rotation-mates Jeremy Hellickson and Matt Moore. In a sense, it's a classic pitchability-versus-stuff question. Hellickson, 25, shows an ability to manipulate and locate his low-90s fastball while mixing in one of the game's best changeups. On the other hand, the 23-year-old Moore attacks hitters with an overpowering three-pitch mix––including a consistent mid-90s fastball and hard curve––with a much less refined feel for command. Despite their differing approaches, both Hellickson and Moore have the talent to become consistent no. 2 starters; Hellickson is much closer to that reality than Moore at present.
Even though the Rays' roster isn't extremely young, six players on this list are likely to play a role in Tampa at some point this season––Hellickson, Moore, OF Wil Myers, RHP Chris Archer, RHP Alex Cobb, and RHP Jake Odorizzi. The 25-year-old Cobb may have cemented himself as a regular member of the Rays' rotation last season, filling in for the injured Jeff Niemann by posting a 4.03 ERA in 23 starts. A likely no. 4 starter with a mid-rotation ceiling, Cobb can induce ground balls with his 90 mph-ish sinker and miss bats with his plus mid-80s split-changeup. His curveball is an average third offering.
While Archer, Myers, and Odorizzi enter the year with little or no major-league experience, all three have the talent and polish to make an impact on the AL East race this summer. Archer is likely the only of the three with a legitimate shot to crack the Opening Day roster; he'll compete for a rotation spot in spring training. Even if he doesn't win the job in camp, his wipeout fastball/slider combo should help the Rays in some role this season. Myers and Odorizzi are both coming off dominant Triple-A performances in 2012. Tampa Bay is counting on Myers to become the organization's long-term answer in right field, and he could begin fulfilling that role by mid-season. —Jason Cole
A Parting Thought: With an impressive top tier of talent and a deep layer of role 5 types, the Rays have one of the better farm systems in baseball.
Special thanks to Nick Faleris, Chris Mellen, Mark Anderson, and Jason Cole for their input and influence on this list.
Jason Parks is an author of Baseball Prospectus. Follow @ProfessorParks
72 comments have been left for this article.
BP Comment Quick Links
Pat Folz
Chris Archer needs to go to bed earlier.
Feb 12, 2013 03:19 AM
Moore had a 23% K% (17th in the majors) as a rookie. He got better over the summer before a rough September. He's still got ace potential to me.
Feb 12, 2013 06:04 AM
I did the under 25 writeup, so I'll comment on that.
Feb 12, 2013 07:34 AM
How is Hellickson better than moore.... there is no question that moore is better.
Feb 12, 2013 12:58 PM
Clearly there is some question....
Feb 12, 2013 13:24 PM
Yes, i noticed after i posted the question :P
Feb 12, 2013 18:48 PM
Just because a pitcher is athletic doesn't mean he will return to his high school velocity. As professionals, pitchers are throwing more often and against much better competition. It's quite common to see lower velocity. When projecting velo, I look at the way the arm works and the overall projection of the body. It can take time to find your professional rhythm.
Feb 12, 2013 07:41 AM
Feb 12, 2013 09:08 AM
Good questions.
Feb 12, 2013 09:19 AM
The write up on Blake Snell sure is interesting. Sounds like there is quite a bit of potential in an arm that very few people seem to be talking about.
Feb 12, 2013 05:01 AM
Adam Sobsey
BP staff
Worth noting that Alex Colome's "strong performance in the International League" lasted just three starts until he was shut down for the year with a shoulder strain. He had missed time earlier in the season (while in Double-A) with an abdomen strain, as well. He's got a lot of miles on him for his age and durability is an issue--adding weight to the idea that he might be better suited to the bullpen.
Feb 12, 2013 06:24 AM
Feb 12, 2013 06:27 AM
I am a little confused at the 25 and under list with Hellickson ahead of Moore, I thought Hellickson had the floor of a 4 with the chance to be a 3, while Moore has the floor of a 3 with the chance to be a 1-2. Also considering Moore Contract shouldn't he be a no brainer at the 1 spot?
Feb 12, 2013 07:42 AM
The problem with those scouting distinctions is that the reality of production will properly classify a player, not assumed projections. We can call a pitcher a future number two starter all day long, but he won't become a number two starter until he actually becomes a number two starter.
Feb 12, 2013 07:50 AM
I'm not really taking contracts into account here; it's a list of talent/scouting. Hellickson ranks first because I believe he will be a better pitcher over the long haul.
Feb 12, 2013 07:53 AM
I wonder though if the same thing could have been said about Kershaw when he first broke into the league. He sported a 4.79BB/9 rate in his first full season and has dropped it to under 2.5 that past two years. It would seem Moore still has the potential to be an ace, although I understand the higher probability is that he settles in as a 2/3.
Feb 12, 2013 11:31 AM
I'm not 100 percent counting it out, but I see it as unlikely that it develops that much. You make a good point, but don't forget that Kershaw is only a year older than Moore. He came up at a younger age, and I think the delivery profile was more conducive to plus command.
Feb 12, 2013 11:39 AM
Having said all of this, I still love Moore and think he's going to be a very good big league starter.
Feb 12, 2013 11:46 AM
Wow- after looking at Kershaw's pitch percentages over the years these are great points.
Feb 12, 2013 11:56 AM
Looks like Beckham will be the third 1:1 position player the Rays draft who becomes a top prospect then fails to meet that status (at least in Florida).
Feb 12, 2013 07:47 AM
Feb 12, 2013 07:52 AM
Add me to the list of people who doesn't get the Hellickson love. He's just not that great of a pitcher. Nearly 400 innings of of FIPs in the mid-4's. That's a back end guy. Shiny ERA won't hold up with those peripherals. Moore was more valuable in his rookie year than Hellickson was in the past two years combined, and better pure stuff.
Feb 12, 2013 08:06 AM
Moore was more valuable in his rookie year than Hellickson was in the past two years combined?
Feb 12, 2013 08:12 AM
I don't think you'll find a single person working in the industry who believes Jeremy Hellickson is a "back-end guy."
Feb 12, 2013 08:15 AM
Data on BP using BP's metrics suggests claim is justifiable.
Feb 12, 2013 13:38 PM
Which metrics?
Feb 12, 2013 13:41 PM
Not that I have a particularly informed opinion on this debate, but BP's player cards have Moore as a 2.7 WARP pitcher this season and Hellickson as 0.8 for his career.
Feb 12, 2013 15:07 PM
FWIW, those WARP numbers seem entirely FRA-driven, as most of the traditional, results-based stats peg Hellickson as superior:
Feb 13, 2013 11:34 AM
Yeah, I don't think I really buy the argument that Moore was more valuable last year than Hellickson has been for his career, but there's something incongruous about BP writers saying that an argument convincingly supported by BP stats is ridiculous.
Feb 13, 2013 18:28 PM
I realize I'm probably just arguing semantics here, but in defense of Parks, I think it's a bit of a stretch to call the argument "convincingly supported" given the numbers I cited above.
Feb 13, 2013 20:14 PM
I don't think I'm criticizing Prof. Parks at all -- in fact, I think it's much more likely that WARP isn't a great number. As I said earlier, I don't really buy the argument that Moore was more valuable, and thus I think the WARP numbers are probably incorrect.
Feb 14, 2013 10:27 AM
Fair enough- I misinterpreted your comment.
Feb 14, 2013 11:26 AM
I don't care if I created the stat personally, named it after my dead mother, and wore its qualities like a badge of honor on my bare chest---I found the statement to be ridiculous and I stand behind that.
Feb 14, 2013 07:17 AM
Mr. Parks - your response implies you have no faith in the WARP measurement for pitchers. You may be correct. However it thus means WARP should be corrected if it is to continue to be a measure of value of a player to a team. And that BP should discontinue to use it as a metric in comparing pitchers.
Feb 14, 2013 15:53 PM
Jason Parks disagrees with an assessment of these two particular pitchers that is based solely on WARP; therefore, WARP is inherently flawed and should be discontinued?
Feb 14, 2013 18:56 PM
Either WARP, which we are told measures relative value of a performance, is correct and Mr. Parks is wrong thus making us question the value of his analysis, or Mr. Parks is correct, that for this comparison, WARP does not accurately measure the value of the performance, thus making us question value of WARP for any type of comparison. Of course both could be wrong.
Feb 15, 2013 14:20 PM
I know where you're going with this and if we had seen regression to the mean last season, I might buy it. But now he has had two straight seasons where his FIP is nearly 1.5 runs higher than his ERA.
Feb 12, 2013 08:32 AM
Shouldn't we be able to evaluate this assertion statistically, i.e. determine the likelihood that the delta between his expected performance and his actual performance isn't due to random variation? I would guess the error in fair ERA estimators is great enough that there will always be a good supply of players who exceed their peripherals long enough to be called exceptions, when in fact they are just errors in the model well within the bounds of what one should expect. I'm not saying this is the case with Hellickson, but rather that we should be able to have a statistically informed view on this, right?
Feb 12, 2013 10:00 AM
Is 400 innings in an extreme pitchers park in front of one of the best defensive squads around really enough for us to be convinced it's not a fluke?
Feb 12, 2013 19:55 PM
How many blunts did Chris Archer have before reporting to take that picture?
Feb 12, 2013 09:33 AM
If Alfaro is 'the Legend', Oscar Hernandez should be referred to as 'the Allegory'...
Feb 12, 2013 10:06 AM
An addendum to my comment above, it seems like the Rays are uniquely skilled at successfully developing top pitching prospects. Even the misses are guys like Wade Davis, who will have a useful MLB career, and their successes are unparalleled. Their system is the strongest counter-argument to TNSAPP. Yet they seem to struggle with identification and development of position players.
Feb 12, 2013 10:08 AM
I'd like Parks to get in on this as well, but the Rays are typically much slower to promote pitching prospects (especially to the majors) than most organizations. Everyone gradually works their way up, and the interesting thing is that most of the true prospects have immediate success.
Feb 12, 2013 10:25 AM
Yep. They are patient and they have their pitchers throw a lot (and throw their secondary stuff with fastball arm intensity). It's a common refrain to hear pitchers say that throwing is the key to injury prevention. Well, the Rays pitchers throw a lot. I think they do an excellent job of nurturing arms.
Feb 12, 2013 10:30 AM
It's pretty much just volume. Alex Torres flopped pretty badly in 2012 after being #4 in the system last year. Enny Romero fell out of the top 10. Guys like Nick Barnese, Jake Thompson, Wilking Rodriguez, Kyle Lobstein, etc were fringe-top-10 guys and fell short. They haven't had a high-profile flop, though Davis and Jake McGee seem like relievers.
Feb 12, 2013 10:32 AM
Every team has a volume of failures. I am pretty well still sold on the notion that the Rays do the best at identifying and developing their pitchers - not just prospects - look at the success they create in their bullpen over and over. As a (Simulation/Fantasy League)Scoresheet player and a damn good one, I think this is more valuable to know than having the best projections in the business - because they tend to fail to take the organizations into account.
Feb 14, 2013 21:26 PM
Where does Archer come in for the top 100?
Feb 12, 2013 10:14 AM
Quick tools question: are they dependent on position? for instance, is 6 power from a shortstop different than 6 power from a first baseman, or is 6 power 6 power?
Feb 12, 2013 10:47 AM
Re: Hellickson/Moore--Jason, would you take Porcello or Hellickson going forward?
Feb 12, 2013 11:00 AM
Not sure which Jason this is directed at! I'd still go Hellickson, but I do like Porcello has a breakout candidate given the youth and the fact that the stuff ticked up a notch last year.
Feb 12, 2013 11:02 AM
Brandon Guyer - what's wrong with him?
Feb 12, 2013 12:24 PM
Shocked this hasn't been asked: were he eligible, where would Desmond Jennings sit on the U25?
Feb 12, 2013 18:21 PM
Thoughts on Sale? Corner profile, so I know the bar is set high from your perspective. Can the bat carry him?
Feb 12, 2013 20:39 PM
So if you are the Rays and could only keep one of Moore and Hellickson you would go with JH? I can see the argument with him being the safe pick, but the ultimate upside of Moore far exceeds the steady Eddy of JH.
Feb 12, 2013 23:44 PM
With huge respect to the Jasons here and I appreciate all the hard work and lifetime of experience and serious consideration, if I'm starting a Scoresheet team, I would draft Matt Moore before Jeremy Hellickson. In fact, I'd bet on Moore having a better year in 2013. In fact, if given the chance and not passed by Archer, I'd even rather have Alex Cobb than Hellickson - and I do like Hellickson. I just love these other Rays pitchers even more. That organization is going to get the best out of them.
Feb 14, 2013 21:34 PM
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text:
Prevalence of Primary Aldosteronism in Hypertensive Patients Presenting With Atrial Flutter or Fibrillation (PAPPHY)
Recruitment status was: Recruiting
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- No Study Results Posted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
Primary objective of the PAPPHY Study is to establish the prevalence of primary aldosteronism (PA) in consecutive hypertensive patients hospitalized for lone (non valvular), paroxysmal, persistent or permanent atrial flutter or fibrillation (AFF).
Secondary objectives are to identify:
- the clinical, echocardiographic and biochemical predictors of AFF in the hypertensive patients with/without PA;
- if AFF, by increasing ANP and/o BNP thereby conceivably blunting aldosterone secretion, can lower the ARR and impede PA detection.
- the usefulness of the aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR) based on plasma renin activity (PRA) and the direct measurement of renin (DRA) for diagnosing PA in patients with AFF.
- the rate of recurrence or new onset AFF during follow-up in a cohort of hypertensive patients with/without PA as a function of specific treatment for the latter.
Design: cohort multicenter prospective study. Sample size: 1000 consecutive patients.
Procedure At baseline cardiac function, arterial stiffness, and plasma renin activity (PRA), direct renin assay (DRA), plasma aldosterone (PAC) will be measured. Pharmacologic or direct current cardioversion (DCC) will be performed if indicated according to 2010 ESC guidelines.
PRA and PAC will be measured again 2 weeks after cardioversion to answer secondary aim b.
If ARR is > 26 and PAC > 15 ng/dL, adrenal vein sampling (AVS) will be performed in patients willing to undergo adrenalectomy to identify a lateralized PAC excess.
Follow-up will be aimed at assessing damage organ, occurrence of cardiovascular events and recurrence of AFF in patients with or without PA.
Demonstration of a higher prevalence of PA in the patients with AFF as compared to the general population of the hypertensive subjects will provide evidence for 1) a role of aldosterone excess in causing AFF and cardiac electric remodeling; 2) the usefulness of case detection of PA in hypertensive patients with AFF; 3) the predictors of AFF; 4) the outcome of specific treatment for PA on risk of incident and recurrent AFF.
|Atrial Fibrillation Atrial Flutter Aldosteronism
|Study Type:
|Study Design:
|Observational Model: Cohort
Time Perspective: Prospective
|Official Title:
|Prospective Assessment of The Prevalence of Primary Aldosteronism in Hypertensive Patients Presenting With Atrial Flutter or Fibrillation
- Prevalence of Primary Aldosteronism [ Time Frame: 2 years ]The prevalence of Primary Aldosteronism, as assessed as Aldosterone Renin Ratio > 26 ng/dL/ng/mL h) and PAC > 15 ng/dL, will be prospectively assessed in consecutive hypertensive patients hospitalized for lone (non valvular), paroxysmal, persistent or permanent AFF, at Internal Medicine, Cardiology and Endocrinology Units.
- Echocardiographic and biochemical variables predicting Primary Aldosteronism. [ Time Frame: 2 years ]The clinical, echocardiographic and biochemical markers that can predict the risk for atrial fibrillation or flutter will be identified in the hypertensive patients with/without Primary Aldosteronism.
- Aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR) based on plasma renin activity (PRA) and also on the direct measurement of active renin (DRA) [ Time Frame: 2 years ]The diagnostic usefulness of the aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR) based on either plasma renin activity (PRA) or the direct measurement of active renin (DRA) will be prospectively determined for diagnosing primary aldosteronism in patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.
- ARR for identification of PA as a function of the presence/absence of AFF [ Time Frame: 2 years ]The hypothesis being tested here is the following: AFF, by increasing ANP and/o BNP, could blunt aldosterone secretion. Hence the ARR could be lowered by the concurrence of AFF and this could impede the detection of PA in hypertensive patients.
- Recurrence or new onset AFF in hypertensive patients with/without PA [ Time Frame: 2 years ]The rate of recurrence or new onset AFF during follow-up will be prospectively determined in a cohort of hypertensive patients with/without PA as a function of specific treatment for the latter.
Biospecimen Retention: Samples With DNA
Venous blood will be withdrawn to measure
- levels of ions (sodium, potassium, magnesium), creatinine, proBNP, and TSH in the serum, and
- percent HbA1c levels, plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), renin concentrations (DRA) and renin activity (PRA) in the plasma.
A venous blood specimen will be used to separate buffy coat for downstream identification of SNP associated with primary aldosteronism and development of atrial flutter or fibrillation.
Urine specimens will be collected to measure microalbuminuria.
|Estimated Enrollment:
|Study Start Date:
|March 2011
|Estimated Study Completion Date:
|July 2016
|Estimated Primary Completion Date:
|March 2016 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)
Atrial fibrillation or flutter patients
Patients with atrial flutter or lone (non valvular), paroxysmal, persistent, or permanent atrial fibrillation consecutively admitted at Internal Medicine, Cardiology and Endocrinology Units.
Show Detailed Description
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|18 Years to 75 Years (Adult, Senior)
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
|Sampling Method:
|Probability Sample
Inclusion Criteria:
- Unequivocal evidence (by ECG, Holter ECG or medical charts) of AFF (paroxysmal, persistent or permanent) in patients with blood pressure > 140/90 mmHg on at least 3 office measurements, or current use of anti-hypertensive drugs;
- Written informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Patient refusal to participate to the study;
- Moderate-severe valvular or congenital or myocardial heart disease;
- Current abnormal thyroid function;
- Chronic renal failure (sCreatinine > 200 μM or eGFR < 40 ml/min, calculated with MDRD formula);
- Hemochromatosis;
- Alcohol abuse;
- Acute coronary syndrome, or history of CABG, PTCA with/without stenting, acute myocardial infarction;
- Hepatitis C virus and/or B and/or HIV infection;
- Pheochromocytoma and other known secondary forms of arterial hypertension;
- Hemodynamic instability precluding withdrawal of drugs (e.g. β-blockers, ARBs, ACE-I, diuretics), interfering with PRA (or DRA) and aldosterone measurements.
Patients with resistant hypertension in whom antihypertensive drug treatment withdrawal/modifications will be considered unsafe will be investigated on treatment and, if necessary, submitted to AVS to exclude a lateralized cause of aldosterone excess. They will be analyzed as a separate group.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01267747
|Contact: Gian Paolo Rossi, MD, FAHA
|0039 049 8213
|Department of Medicine - DIMED, University of Padova, Italy
|Padova, Italy, 35128
|Contact: Gian Paolo Rossi, MD, FAHA 0039 049 8217821 firstname.lastname@example.com
|Sub-Investigator: Teresa M Seccia, MD, PhD
|Sub-Investigator: Valentina Gallina, MD
|Department of Medicine - DIMED, University of Padova, Italy
|Padova, Italy
|Sub-Investigator: Please see the PAPY Study list of investigators Hypertension 2007; 50: 424
|Study Director:
|Gian Paolo Rossi, MD, FAHA
|Department of Medicine -DIMED, University Hospital of Padova, Italy
|Responsible Party:
|Gian Paolo Rossi, MD, FAHA, FACC, MD, FAHA, FACC, University Hospital Padova
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|NCT01267747 History of Changes
|Other Study ID Numbers:
|Study First Received:
|December 27, 2010
|Last Updated:
|March 26, 2014
Keywords provided by Gian Paolo Rossi, MD, FAHA, FACC, University Hospital Padova:
Atrial fibrillation
Atrial Flutter
Primary Aldosteronism
Aldosterone Producing Adenoma
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial Flutter
Arrhythmias, Cardiac
Heart Diseases
Cardiovascular Diseases
Pathologic Processes
Adrenocortical Hyperfunction
Adrenal Gland Diseases
Endocrine System Diseases
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on September 21, 2017


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Porter goes with Carter at first for more flexibility
HOUSTON -- Astros manager Bo Porter has been going with Carlos Pena at designated hitter and Chris Carter at first base in recent weeks when both have been in the starting lineup, despite the fact Pena is a superior defensive first baseman.
When asked about his motives on Wednesday, Porter said he likes to have Carter at first so he has the option of moving him to the outfield later if the game if needed without losing the DH. Carter can play the outfield, and Pena is limited to first base.
"It gives you flexibility of Carter going to the outfield late in the game if he had to," he said.
Wednesday marked the seventh consecutive game that utilized a a designated hitter that both players were in the lineup in that arrangement. Carter started 16 games in left field early the season, but has been getting most of his at-bats at first and DH lately.
Brian McTaggart is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog, Tag's Lines. Follow @brianmctaggart on Twitter. Chris Abshire is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Jerry Tarkanian, who led UNLV to the 1990 national championship, the '91 title game and two other Final Fours, will be named to the Naismith Hall of Fame on Monday, Sporting News has learned.
Tarkanian's selection was first reported Friday by ESPNNewYork.com and CBSSports.com. Also reported among the inductees, to be announced in Atlanta the morning before the NCAA Championship game, are Louisville coach Rick Pitino and players Gary Payton, Bernard King and Spencer Haywood. There are 12 finalists in consideration.
DAVID STEELE: Jerry Tarkanian still dogged by rebellious past
Tarkanian, 82, is in Atlanta for the Final Four—coincidentally, the site of his first national semifinal appearance with the Runnin' Rebels in 1977.
He compiled a UNLV coaching record of 509-109 in 19 seasons and a career mark of 784-202 over 31 seasons, including stints at Fresno State and Long Beach State. His teams had 17 20-win seasons and four 30-win seasons. He retired from Fresno State in 2002.
Enshrinement is scheduled for Sept. 8 at the Hall in Springfield, Mass.


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PITTSBURGH – The story of the 2012 Pittsburgh Steelers is one of a team that was never able to put everything together at the same time.
When the offense was playing well in the first half of the season, the defense was uncharacteristically giving up late leads to lose games.
When the defense finally got things figured out, the offense faltered down the stretch following quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's rib and shoulder injuries Nov. 12. The result was an 8-8 season that left the Steelers on the outside looking in for this weekend's playoff games.
Correcting some of the problems that plagued this team – a lack of producing turnovers on defense and a lack of a consistent running game on offense – will be the two major points of emphasis moving forward.
So, too, will be replacing some of the 18 unrestricted free agents, a difficult task considering the Steelers' salary cap situation.
Pittsburgh has 44 players under contract for the 2013 season at a cap value of $133 million. That puts the Steelers roughly $12 million over the projected cap of $121 million.
Here is a position-by-position breakdown:
Roethlisberger was having one of his best statistical seasons prior to suffering rib and shoulder injuries in a 13-10 win over Kansas City.
Roethlisberger wasn't the same when he came back, returning more to his gambling style rather than sticking with offensive coordinator Todd Haley's ball-control offense.
Injuries on the offensive line were an issue, but Roethlisberger did not appear to be 100 percent healthy down the stretch, throwing late interceptions that led to losses against Dallas and Cincinnati.
Backups Byron Leftwich and Charlie Batch filled in during the three games Roethlisberger missed. Both will be unrestricted free agents.
Leftwich again was injured, an issue that has hounded him, and the Steelers will not retain him.
Batch, who led a rousing 23-20 win at Baltimore Dec. 2, is 38, but could return for one more season while the Steelers groom a younger player to serve as Roethlisberger's backup.
Running back
Last spring, director of football operations Kevin Colbert said the Steelers weren't expecting any contribution from Rashard Mendenhall, who had suffered a torn ACL in the regular season finale.
Colbert didn't know how true that statement would be.
Colbert also said he felt comfortable the running backs on the roster would be good enough to carry the load while Mendenhall recovered. That statement was proven wrong.
With Mendehall limited to 51 carries because of injuries and a late-season suspension, Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman were expected to pick up the slack.
While they combined for 1,033 yards on 266 carries, they also had issues with consistency.
Dwyer and Redman showed they are better served as being complementary backs.
With Mendenhall, Dwyer and Redman headed for free agency – Mendenhall unrestricted and Dwyer and Redman restricted – the Steelers have some tough decisions.
Mendenhall is a two-time 1,000-yard back and has the speed Dywer and Redman lack. Coming off a severe knee injury and subsequent Achilles' tendon injury caused by returning too soon, Mendenhall's value isn't what it would have been if he were completely healthy.
If the Steelers can bring him back at a reasonable price, they will consider it.
Dwyer was given a chance to be the feature back late in the season, and the coaching staff was upset at his lack of fire. He pulled himself out of games several times after making just a couple of carries in a row, so it appears he will never be a 20-carry-per-game runner.
Redman battled through injuries but opened the season as the starter. He was largely ineffective in that role but is the best blocker and short-yardage runner.
Rookie Chris Rainey was expected to play a bigger role in the offense, but was mainly used as a return man, averaging 26.5 yards. He is too small (5-8, 178 pounds) to ever be used for more than five to 10 touches per game.
Fullback Will Johnson proved to be a valuable pickup in the offseason. He improved as a lead blocker each week and averaged 9.2 yards on 13 receptions. His role could increase next season.
Baron Batch suffered a broken arm in a Week 16 loss to Cincinnati but isn't much more than a special teams player now.
Wide receivers
No group disappointed more than the wide receivers. They struggled with inconsistency and fumbles.
Mike Wallace held out of training camp and admitted it took him time to adjust to Haley's short passing game.
Antonio Brown was given a $42 million contract extension coming off his team MVP season in 2011, but missed three games with an ankle injury suffered Nov. 4 in a win over the Giants. He struggled at times after his return with the ankle and saw his punt return average dip from 10.8 yards in 2011 to 6.8 yards.
Emmanuel Sanders caught a career-high 44 passes for 626 yards as the No. 3 receiver, but also had more than his share of drops. Veterans Jerricho Cotchery and Plaxico Burress, who was signed to help offset the injury to Brown, didn't get enough opportunities to make a major impact.
Wallace and Burress will be unrestricted free agents. Wallace will test the open market, and it's unlikely the Steelers would place a franchise tag on him given the cap situation.
Burress could be brought back at the veteran minimum, particularly if Wallace is not retained.
Sanders is a restricted free agent, and the team will be forced to increase his salary with a higher tender.
Tight end
Team MVP Heath Miller flourished in Haley's offense, leading the Steelers in receptions, despite missing the final game of the season with torn knee ligaments. Miller also earned a nod to his second Pro Bowl, but will not participate because of his injuries.
He should be ready to return by the start of the 2013 regular season.
Rookie David Paulson shows promise but needs to get stronger, and veteran David Johnson will likely be brought back after missing the season with torn knee ligaments.
Veteran Leonard Pope fell behind Paulson on the depth chart. He will be an unrestricted free agent and is unlikely to return.
Offensive line
The Steelers have used four premium draft picks in the past three seasons on offensive linemen, and the time has come for those players to step into prominent roles.
Center Maurkice Pouncey made his third consecutive Pro Bowl, though he also was forced to play guard at times because of injuries on the line.
Tackles Mike Adams and Marcus Gilbert, second-round picks in each of the past two years, saw their seasons ended early by ankle injuries. Adams, named the team's rookie of the year, will probably be moved to left tackle next season, with Gilbert staying at right tackle.
With Adams ready to play on a full-time basis, veteran Max Starks, an unrestricted free agent, has probably played his last game for the Steelers. After nine years and three Super Bowls, Starks will get an opportunity to start elsewhere after playing every offensive snap in 2012.
Guard Ramon Foster and center Doug Legursky are unrestricted free agents, with Foster being a possible re-signing if injury-prone Willie Colon, who ended each of the past three seasons on injured reserve, is let go.
If the Steelers release Colon, who is slated to earn $7.65 million in 2013, it would save them just $1.2 million against the cap. Colon has been, at times, their best offensive lineman, but the injuries could be a consideration.
Rookie Kelvin Beachum and first-year player John Malecki showed enough to be valuable reserves.
Defensive line
Pending free agent Casey Hampton wants to play two more seasons despite being 35 years old. Hampton got better as the season wore on and is still a good 3-4 nose tackle. Steve McLendon is ready to take over, so Hampton could be brought back as a backup, but that's unlikely to happen.
At defensive end, Brett Keisel and Ziggy Hood got off to slow starts but got stronger as the season wore on.
Keisel suffered a knee injury in the final game, but isn't expected to require surgery. The defensive captain, Keisel will be counted on even more for leadership if Hampton doesn't return.
The Steelers were disappointed in second-year defensive end Cameron Heyward in training camp. The 2011 first-round draft pick didn't make the expected jump but did show flashes down the stretch.
LaMarr Woodley had a career-low four sacks, not the kind of production expected out of the highest-paid defensive player.
Woodley's lack of production is especially troubling given that 35-year-old James Harrison outplayed him, despite missing training camp and the first three games of the regular season with a knee injury.
Woodley will count $13.24 million against the salary cap, while Harrison's cap value is $10 million. Lowering that total will be a priority in the offseason.
In his third season, Jason Worilds was a valuable backup, making three starts and finishing second behind Harrison and Lawrence Timmons with five sacks. If the Steelers part ways with Harrison – a move that would save just over $5 million in cap space – Worilds could be a starter, or at least split time at the position, possibly with Chris Carter, who finished the season on IR.
Improving the pass rush will be an offseason priority.
Veteran Larry Foote and Timmons manned the inside positions and were solid. Timmons had his best season, leading the team in interceptions.
Foote will be an unrestricted free agent, and with heir-apparent Sean Spence losing his rookie season to a preseason knee injury, the Steelers would be well served to bring Foote back.
Defensive backs
Easily the most improved group, the cornerbacks provided solid play no matter who was out there. Because of injuries to Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor, the depth in the secondary was tested as much as any position.
Keenan Lewis thrived at corner in his fourth season after beating out Cortez Allen for the starting spot opposite Polamalu and led the AFC with 26 pass defenses. He's an unrestricted free agent and has gone from an afterthought to perhaps the biggest offseason priority signing.
Allen played the nickel position most of the season until stepping into a starting role for Taylor late. He produced five turnovers in the final two games – two interceptions, three forced fumbles – and has a bright future.
Taylor missed the first three games of his career since breaking into the lineup. He struggled early in the season, but rebounded with a solid final three months to be one of the leaders of the NFL's top pass defense.
Veteran Will Allen stepped in for Polamalu after Ryan Mundy failed in that role early in the season. He'll be an unrestricted free agent and the Steelers would be wise to bring him back for at least another year.
Polamalu was limited by a calf injury to just seven games. But he was highly disruptive in the final two games and showed the burst over the final month that had been missing earlier. He should rebound in 2013.
Ryan Clark's play was again solid at free safety and he became more of a vocal leader. With Polamalu and Clark over 30, the Steelers have a serious need for youth at the safety position.
The Steelers got contributions from a number of young players in the secondary, including Josh Victorian and Robert Golden, both of whom could fill larger roles next season.
Placekicker Shaun Suisham bounced back after a sub-par 2011 and missed just three kicks, two of which came from beyond 50 yards.
Rookie punter Drew Butler surprisingly made the roster after veteran Jeremy Kapinos missed training camp with back problems. Butler looked good early in the season, but struggled as the season wore on, finishing in the bottom third of the league in both gross (43.8) and net (37.8) average. He should have competition heading into training camp.
Long-snapper Greg Warren will be an unrestricted free agent, and the Steelers could look for a cheaper alternative.
Head coach Mike Tomlin didn't have his best season, making a critical error in a loss at Tennessee by having Suisham attempt a 54-yard field goal late in the game that gave the Titans great field position and bungling the running back situation.
But he's still an excellent motivator and usually has a pretty good handle on the pulse of his team.
Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau had a solid year, leading the Steelers to another top ranking in overall defense. Finding a way do that and create more turnovers will be a focus in the offseason.
The Steelers flourished early on offense in their first year under Haley's direction, leading the league in third-down conversion percentage. But injuries, particularly to Roethlisberger and Brown, caused the offense to falter down the stretch.
The blowup between Haley and Roethlisberger many expected never happened, though the two were not always on the same page. Getting Roethlisberger to completely buy into the program will be the top priority for Haley – assuming he is not hired as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.
Former assistant special teams coach Amos Jones took over full duties by himself when coordinator Al Everest was let go prior to the season. As mentioned, Suisham had his best season and the return game was consistent with what the Steelers had done the previous season. Penalties plagued the units, as did a pair of successful fake punts late in the season.
Tomlin must find a coach to work with Jones on the special teams units and an offensive line coach to replace Sean Kugler, who left to become head coach at UTEP.
If Haley leaves, Tomlin could be forced to hire an offensive coordinator for the second consecutive season, though the top in-house candidate, running backs coach Kirby Wilson, could be that person now that he is a year removed from injuries suffered in a fire at his home last January.
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Breaking News!
Runway to Red Carpet: The Best of Spring 2013 Couture
Get on trend, people: White jeans during winter is definitely more than okay.
Studded and stylish, these red pumps bring a lot to any ensemble.
London Fashion Week Fall 2013 Street Style
Capes are the new coats. Take note.
These black-and-white platform heels are incredibly striking and surprisingly versatile — wear them with your favorite patterned dress and call it a day.
White blazers during winter is huge for us, mostly because we intensely miss our spring wardrobe.
These white, strappy heels look amazing with those zip-embellished white trousers.
All-black with a punch of red lips — sounds like an outfit with which we can definitely get on board.
We love the casual and formal elements both present in this ensemble.
This amazing Prada bag exudes some serious flower power.
Metallic heels are always a "do," especially when complete with a lucite wedge and colorful blue sheen.
Next Gallery
Now that New York Fall/Winter 2013 Fashion Week is said and...
Maura Brannigan


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Scientists have released what they say is the oldest playable recording of an American voice and the first recorded music performance. Talk about retro!
"The recording is just 78 seconds long, featuring a cornet solo and a man reciting nursery rhymes. Dated back to 1878, experts say it may be the oldest playable recording of an American voice. Ray Suarez talks to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Carl Haber who helped uncover the significance of this tiny piece of tin foil." – PBS Newshour
For more info: theatlantic.com/physicists-recover-the-sounds…
via laughingsquid


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So I'm heading out east for a bit in 3 weeks, and I don't have to worry about rushing back to get back to work afterwards (my contract is up the day before I leave), so I'm looking to get a bunch of golf in at courses along the way home!
Geoff Bennet's Discraft team page mentions Marshall Street has a sweet private course...what're the odds I could get a round in there?
Going to be spending a few days in DC visiting my sister after I head out from Boston, so if there're a few good courses there I'd love to check them out...
Also, if anyone has a couch I can crash on so I don't have to come up with a bunch of hotel money (or skip stopping after I leave DC), I would appreciate it!


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Jeremaine O'Neal said he's not bothered that his name has been mentioned in trade rumors since the offseason, including ones involving the Nets, Lakers, and Celtics.
Pacers president of basketball operations Larry Bird said they aren't talking trade anymore, but O'Neal, who is making $19.7 million this season, has no problems with being moved.
"If that situation presents itself, then that's what it is," O'Neal said. "I told those guys this summer that if you feel like you need a situation that you can better this team, I'm all for it because they've given me the opportunity to really achieve some of the things that I wanted to achieve and also establish my name. It would be no hard feelings whatsoever."


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The Bulldogs struggled to find the range from beyond the three-point arc against Penn. But sophomore Roosevelt Jones and junior Khyle Marshall ignited a hot inside game and that effort carried the No. 17-ranked Bulldogs (11-2) past a determined Penn squad.
"We won the game because of power, the interior guys, Roosevelt (Jones) and Khyle (Marshall) in particular and certainly Andrew (Smith) as well." Butler coach Brad Stevenssaid in a release. "Our guards didn't produce the way they normally do, but I thought our guys three through five played pretty well and carried us tonight."
Jones led the way from the start. He hit 10 of 15 shots from the floor and finished with a career-high 24 points and six rebounds. The 6-foot-4 forward carried the Bulldogs in the first half with 15 points, just two shy of his previous career-high. He added nine more in the second half, despite being plagued by foul problems.
Marshall picked up the slack in the second half, scoring ten of his 14 points after intermission. He hit seven of 10 shots in the game, including five of six in the final 20 minutes, and added five rebounds.
The inside approach offset a four for 19 shooting performance from beyond the three-point arc by the Bulldogs. Butler leading scorer Rotnei Clarke, who entered the game ranked 13th in the NCAA Division I in three-point field goal shooting, hit just one of nine three-point attempts and finished with six points against the Quakers.
Penn (2-10), aided by a strong perimeter attack, kept things close throughout. The Quakers trailed by just six points, 35-29, at halftime and by just two points, 42-40, with under 14 minutes remaining. But Marshall helped ignite a 10-2 Butler run that carried the Bulldogs to their first double-figures lead in the contest.
Smith started the run with a free throw and Marshall followed with a dunk off a pass from sophomore Jackson Aldridge and a short jumper to give Butler a seven-point lead. Penn answered with a basket by Jamal Lewis, before freshman Kellen Dunham hit a three-point field goal and Marshall added a jumper to make it 52-42.
The Quakers didn't fold, battling back to 52-49, before a 10-0 Butler run gave the Bulldogs some breathing room with five minutes remaining. Jones had six of the ten points, while Dunham and Smith each added a pair of free throws.
Butler finished with a commanding 36-21 rebounding advantage, including 13 offensive rebounds. The Bulldogs out-scored their Ivy League opponent, 18-4, on second chance points. Sophomore Kameron Woods came off the bench to lead all players in rebounds with eight.
Miles Cartwright led Penn with 15 points, including three of four shots from beyond the three-point arc, while Tony Hicks added 10 points.
Dunham finished with 10 points for the Bulldogs, his fifth double-figures scoring performance in the past six games.
Butler will host New Orleans on Saturday at 2 p.m.


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Mr. Wrona was born Feb. 22, 1923, in Salamanca, NY. He graduated from Salamanca High School in 1941 and began work as a cabinetmaker for Fancher Furniture Co. He served in the Army during World War II and was discharged in 1945. He married Mary Thompson in 1947. He worked in carpet sales and retired in Ashland in 1986.
He was preceded in death by his son, Gregory; parents; sisters, Mary and Pauline; and brother, Tony. He is survived by his wife, Mary; children, Kathryn (Stephen) Brooks, Edward (Dianne), Susan, Christine (Rob) Giallongo; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brother, Leo and sister, Sandra Skiff.
A service will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, March 8, at Our Lady of the Mountain Church in Ashland, preceded by a rosary at 9 a.m. Memorial donations can be made to the House Ear Institute, 2100 W Third St., Los Angeles, CA 90057.


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DODGEVILLE, Wis. — Lands' End has introduced an exclusive new swimwear technology that knits varying levels of tension control into the lining of Shape & Enhance swimsuits. This breakthrough in swimwear is accomplished through a body mapping process that targets the areas women most want to smooth, while still offering comfort and freedom of movement, the company said.
The Shape & Enhance collection features silhouettes in one-pieces, tankini tops and a choice of skirted or bikini bottoms, and is currently available at www.landsend.com.
"The Lands' End Shape & Enhance collection is not about completely transforming a woman's figure, but rather provides a little extra help to achieve a flattering swimsuit appearance," said Erin McCormick, swimwear merchandise manager, Lands' End. "Women will not only look beautiful and confident in this innovative swimsuit assortment, but they will also be more comfortable and have a range of movement and freedom not always associated with shaping swimwear."


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As a juicing newbie, participating in January's From the Juicer series has been a minor revelation for me: In no time at all, I've moved from the simplest Juicing 101 combos to some far-out juices like spicy bell-pepper tomato and hot-sweet southeast Asian fruit juice.
Without a doubt, the most valuable addition to my juicing repertoire has been starchy root vegetables such as sweet potato and parsnip. Putting these veggies in a juicer might seem counterintuitive, but they add a wonderful creamy texture to juices that can otherwise be tasty but watery.
This recipe combines the tropical flavor of fresh pineapple with the tang and lovely blush color of blood oranges, one of winter's tastiest and prettiest citrus fruits. A dose of parsnip juice rounds out the sharpness of the other two ingredients and brings a smooth, rich texture to this invigorating cold weather drink.
About the author: Lauren Rothman once interned at Serious Eats and recently graduated from journalism school. Try the original recipes on her blog, For the Love of Food, and check out her (many) food photos on Instagram.