BARCELONA, Spain -- Barcelona paid 13.55 million euros (US$18.6 million) to Spanish tax authorities on Monday to cover any potential irregularities in its signing of Neymar, all the while maintaining its innocence of the fraud charges levied against it. The Spanish champion said in a statement it had paid the "complimentary" amount to cover any "eventual interpretations that could come out of the contracts signed relating to the transfer of Neymar. Meanwhile we are convinced of the legality of our initial fulfilment relating to our tax obligations." Barcelonas actions take the price of Neymars transfer to more than 100 million euros ($138 million) after the Catalan club initially said it had paid 57.1 million euros ($74 million) for the Brazil forward. That sum does not include bonus payments made by Barcelona or the 22-year-olds salary, meaning his total cost likely exceeds the record-breaking 100 million euros-plus spent by rival Real Madrid on Gareth Bale last summer. Spanish tax authorities had charged Barcelona with fraud on Thursday, alleging it swindled the state of 9.1 million euros ($12.5 million) through payments to varying companies and false contracts. Barcelona said it had "scrupulously" met its financial obligations in signing the player from Brazilian club Santos and it would continue to work with the state authority in the matter. Neymars signing forced the resignation of Sandro Rosell as president last month, after one club members petition to learn more about the intricate details of what has become a club-record signing were kept in the dark. Rosell has preached financial prudence while signing lucrative sponsorship deals that have put advertising on the front of Barcelonas jersey for the first time in the history of an institution that considers itself "more than a club" and a symbol of Catalan values. Rosell is being investigated by the same Spanish court that laid the fraud charges against the club. Of the initial transfer fee, Brazilian club Santos received 17.1 million euros ($23 million) while Neymars father, who also goes by Neymar, earned 40 million euros ($55 million). Barcelona said the decision to make the payment came after an emergency board meeting on Sunday. M.J. Stewart Buccaneers Jersey . -- Kole Calhoun homered and drove in three runs, Albert Pujols also went deep and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Chicago White Sox 8-4 Friday night. Ronald Jones II Buccaneers Jersey . And like the near entirety of last season, Jonathan Bernier and Torontos goaltending tandem is up to the task. http://www.thebuccaneersfansclub.com/Bl ... ry-Jersey/. RAPTORS STRUGGLING: The bottom line is the true test in sports isnt just how you handle failure, but how you handle success. M.J. Stewart Jersey . Eller said the Oilers were a "junior team" that was "all over the place" before Edmontons 4-3 victory over Montreal on Tuesday night, Oilers head coach Dallas Eakins took offence to Ellers comments and used it to motivate his youthful team. Ryan Jensen Buccaneers Jersey .com) - The Winnipeg Jets got over one hurdle by snapping their longest losing streak of the season.BOSTON -- The Boston Red Sox werent getting much done this season. Thats why the defending World Series champions turned to their youth. With five rookies in the starting lineup, the last-place Red Sox chased Chicago ace Chris Sale and rallied from a four-run deficit to beat the White Sox 5-4 on Wednesday night. The victory snapped Bostons four-game losing streak. "Once we got Sale out of the game, then we were able to create opportunities," Red Sox manager John Farrell said. "Tip your hat to a very, very good pitcher. But we didnt roll over by any means." Sale had allowed just four hits when he left the game with two outs in the eighth inning and a 4-0 lead. But Jake Petricka faced four batters and couldnt get an out, and by the time Javy Guerra (0-1) retired Mike Carp to end the eighth it was 4-3. With one out in the ninth, Guerra hit Mookie Betts -- who was playing his sixth major league game -- and then gave up a double to pinch-hitter Daniel Nava. Brock Holt, another rookie, singled for the first walk-off hit of his career. The win was just the second for Boston in its last nine games. "We were able to finish it off, which is something we havent been able to do recently," Holt said. "So its a good feeling." Sale is in contention for the last spot on the AL All-Star team, a fan vote that will be announced Thursday. An All-Star the last two seasons, the left-hander walked none and struck out six before his bullpen cost him a chance to improve to 9-1. "Put that all on me. Ive got to go in there and shut the door," Guerra said. "He deserves a win every time he throws the ball that way. The guys special. He deserves a win." Koji Uehara (5-2), who was added to the AL All-Star team earlier Wednesday, earned the win. Jose Abreu and Conor Gillaspie homered to help stake Chicago, which had won three straight, to a 4-0 lead. Sale did not allow a runner to reach third base until the eighth, when Betts led off with an odd double -- he beat out an infield single and took second when he noticed no one was covering -- then moved up on a groundout.dddddddddddd After getting Holt to ground out, Sale was replaced by Petricka and the Red Sox saw their chance. "Hes one of the best pitchers in the game," Nava said. "Whether hes an All-Star or not, hes an All-Star-caliber pitcher." Abreu hit a solo homer to deep centre field in the first inning, his 28th of the season. Only Mark McGwire, who had 33 homers at the 1987 All-Star break, hit more in the first half of his rookie season. Gillaspie added a solo shot in the second, and the White Sox made it 3-0 when he doubled and scored in the fourth. Tyler Flowers and Adam Eaton had consecutive doubles in the seventh to make it 4-0. It stayed that way until White Sox manager Robin Ventura pulled Sale with two outs in the eighth, and Petricka couldnt get an out. The Red Sox had a few good plays in the field, though, thanks largely to their young players. It was the earliest in the season the Red Sox have started five rookies in a game since 1952. Rookie centre fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. made a diving catch of Flowers line drive in the second. In the seventh, Eaton doubled off the Green Monster, with the ball coming down off left fielder Jonny Gomes nose. Gomes retrieved it and made a throw that was relayed by rookie third baseman Xander Bogaerts to catcher Christian Vazquez, who was making his major-league debut. Gomes spent the rest of the half-inning plugging his nose with his undershirt, apparently to keep it from bleeding, but remained in the game. NOTES: Vazquez was called up to replace C A.J. Pierzynski, who was designated for assignment. ... Sale would be the first White Sox pitcher to make three straight All-Star teams since Jack McDowell in 1991-93. ... Uehara was named to the All-Star team as a replacement for Yankees starter Masihiro Tanaka, who was placed on the DL on Wednesday.... Rubby De La Rosa, who was recalled from Triple-A earlier Wednesday, gave up three runs and six hits, striking out three in five innings. Cheap Heat Jerseys Cheap Bucks Jerseys Cheap Timberwolves Jerseys Cheap Pelicans Jerseys Cheap Knicks Jerseys Cheap Thunder Jerseys Cheap Magic Jerseys Cheap 76ers Jerseys Cheap Suns Jerseys Cheap Blazers Jerseys Cheap Sacramento Kings Jerseys Cheap Spurs Jerseys Cheap Raptors Jerseys Cheap Jazz Jerseys Cheap Wizards Jerseys ' ' '

The second-rated prospect for the upcoming CFL Draft is getting a look south of the border. University of Montreal offensive lineman David Foucault has been invited to the Carolina Panthers rookie mini-camp Thursday on an invitation to tryout. He doesnt have a contract with the team but could earn one at the minicamp. His situation is similar to last years first overall pick in the CFL Draft Linden Gaydosh, who earned a contract with the Panthers last off-season. Despite his upcoming tryout, the Montreal Alouettes selected Foucault fifth overall in the CFL Draft. Wholesale Bengals Jerseys . Louis Cardinals a hard-fought victory. The Colorado Rockies intentionally walked Yadier Molina with one out and runners on first and third to load the bases for Kozma. Cheap Cincinnati Bengals Jerseys . Team officials did not indicate the extent of the injury Saturday, simply listing Rose with "left knee soreness." Rose has played two preseason games without any sign of problems. The first NBA game in South America now will be missing its biggest star. http://www.cheapbengalsjerseyselite.com/. -- Maple Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf has been suspended two games for his hit from behind on Kevan Miller of the Bruins. Cheap Rod Taylor Jersey . After making his All-Star debut in Fridays Rising Stars Challenge, the Raptors sophomore centre wont be sticking around for the duration of the weekends festivities, thinking about the big picture instead. Cheap Sam Hubbard Jersey . -- Alex Anthopoulos spoke volumes with what he didnt say on right-hander Ervin Santana.DALLAS -- Former Dallas Cowboys tackle Josh Brent was released from jail on Sunday following his conviction for a drunken car crash that killed his friend and teammate, Jerry Brown, the Dallas County sheriffs office said. The 26-year-old Brent was convicted in January of intoxication manslaughter for the December 2012 crash that killed Jerry Brown, a Cowboys practice squad player. He was sentenced to 180 days in jail and 10 years probation. It was not immediately clear whether he would be required to report to a rehab facility to complete his six-month sentence, which was expected to end in July. Brent crashed his Mercedes sedan on a suburban Dallas highway on the way back from a nightclub. Brown was in the passengers seat. Witnesses recalled seeing Brent trying to pull Brown from the wreckage of the vehicle. Tests later showed Brent to have a blood-alcohol level of 0.18 per cent, more than twice thhe legal limit for drivers in Texas.dddddddddddd Brent faced up to 20 years in prison for intoxication manslaughter, and prosecutors pressed hard for prison time, saying his case would send a message to other would-be drunken drivers. But Browns mother, Stacey Jackson, testified she had forgiven Brent and that "you cant go on in life holding a grudge." Brent and Brown were college teammates at the University of Illinois and roommates in Texas, where Brown was a practice squad linebacker for the Cowboys. Brent was a defensive tackle for the Cowboys. He retired from the NFL months before his January trial, though he could attempt to be reinstated now that he has been released. Its unclear whether the NFL will suspend him before he can play again. At least one Cowboys player, linebacker Sean Lee, attended part of Brents trial, and owner Jerry Jones has said he is supportive of Brent. Cheap Heat Jerseys Cheap Bucks Jerseys Cheap Timberwolves Jerseys Cheap Pelicans Jerseys Cheap Knicks Jerseys Cheap Thunder Jerseys Cheap Magic Jerseys Cheap 76ers Jerseys Cheap Suns Jerseys Cheap Blazers Jerseys Cheap Sacramento Kings Jerseys Cheap Spurs Jerseys Cheap Raptors Jerseys Cheap Jazz Jerseys Cheap Wizards Jerseys ' ' '

PHOENIX - No, Roger Goodell is not going to give himself a pay cut. Wont trim even a measly $1 million off his $44 million salary.Not voluntarily, anyway, even after a disastrous year that shook the NFL to its core.Hes also not going to resign and, no, he doesnt expect to be fired.Does that surprise you? he asked the questioner.It didnt, and not much else did Friday as the embattled NFL commissioner put on a show of not being embattled at all at his annual State of the NFL presser.To call this a dog and pony show would be insulting to dogs and ponies everywhere. Nothing about the format was conducive to getting actual answers rather than the talking points the commissioner had long ago committed to memory.A few miles down the road, Tiger Woods was explaining as only he can about how he could shoot 82 on a relatively easy resort course and miss the cut in his first tournament of the year. Goodell took the podium at about the same time to explain why the NFL was going to wait until after the Super Bowl to determine whether the New England Patriots were conspirators in a scheme to deflate footballs.Neither of them were terribly insightful, but at least Woods had an excuse. He had been out playing in the rain for five hours, and was just hoping to get somewhere dry.Goodell, meanwhile, spent the morning working out, presumably while studying the talking points his aides had surely drawn up for any question that might come up. Like Woods, he had an answer for everything, even for the cute little kid who warned his question about league-sponsored exercise would be a tough one.Not for the Teflon Commissioner, it wasnt. Goodell informed the kid that not had he already done Play 60 for the day, but actually did 65 minutes on the elliptical.Goodell was so on point that the only question that seemed to throw him for the slightest moment came from a Las Vegas television reporter who wanted to know about prospects for a team in that gambling city (not good).To be sure, the annual appearance by the commissioner rarely offers much insight into the operations of Americas most popular sports league. The supremely insular NFL prefers it that way, and without follow up questions the questions bounce around from topic to topic with no clear theme.This year, though could have been different. This year should have been different, if only because of two big controversies that cast doubt about fair and just the league really is.Goodell had a chance to go deeper into the deflated ball controversy, and didnt. He could have directly answered why his friend, New England owner Robert Kraft, wants an apology for the way the league has handled it, and didnt.He could have talked more about the whole Ray Rice affair, and didnt.Instead he talked in generalities about winning trust from fans every day and making enormous progress on social issues.The NFL is made up of good and caring people, he assured us at one point.That may be true, but for now were going to have to take Goodells word for it. Were also going to have to believe him when he says that the events have recent months have humbled him.It might be easier, though, if those responses didnt seem as scripted and full of generalities as his thoughts about players safety (hes for it) and earlier kickoff times for games in London - giving the networks yet another 3-hour block of NFL television (terrific).Listen, it has been a tough year, Goodell said. It has been a tough year on me personally. Its been a year of what I would say humility and learning. We obviously as an organization have gone through adversity, but more importantly it has been adversity for me. That is something where, we take that seriously. Its an opportunity for us to get better. So weve all done a lot of soul searching, starting with yours truly. And we have taken action.Speaking of action, Mr. Commissioner, how about that pay cut?Thats up to the owners, Goodell said. They evaluate my performance. They evaluate my compensation every year. And I dont argue.Come to think of it, after a year like the last one silence might be Goodells best option.____Tim Dahlberg is a national sports columnist for The Associated Press. Write to him at tdahlberg@ap.org or http://twitter.com/timdahlberg Wholesale Chiefs Jerseys China . The Toronto Maple Leafs were holding a news conference, so they got curious. 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The roster changes have been constant and continuous since late last year, but even with their 46-man roster set for the start of the season, the banged-up Bombers will be kicking off Week 1 with a handful of fresh faces and back-ups in the starting lineup. Authentic Derrick Nnadi Jersey .The McLaren MP4-30 was launched on Thursday, with chief executive Ron Dennis saying it marks the start of a lengthy journey back to winning grands prix and eventually world championships.McLaren, which hasnt won a grand prix since 2012, will be using Honda engines for the first time since 1992, and has signed two-time world champion Fernando Alonso to partner Jenson Button for the upcoming season.SHENZHEN, China - Top-seeded Li Na advanced to the second round of the Shenzhen Open by beating Vera Zvonareva of Russia 7-5, 6-3 on Tuesday. Monica Niculescu of Romania also advanced, beating Anna Schmiedlova of Slovakia 4-6, 6-2, 6-3. 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WASHINGTON - The NHL almost could not have scripted the 2015 Winter Classic any better.From the time the Washington Capitals and Chicago Blackhawks took the ice at Nationals Park, through a fly-over by F-16 fighter jets, an Alex Ovechkin goal and the drama of a late winner by Troy Brouwer, Thursdays game was a showcase of top-of-the-line hockey.Its a celebration of our game, Capitals defenceman Matt Niskanen said.It was a celebration of the good and the bad. The only thing that hurt the majesty of the afternoon was a series of late penalty calls that contributed to the Capitals 3-2 victory and left a sour taste in the mouths of Blackhawks players.A questionable hooking penalty on Jonathan Toews in the games final minute paved the way for Brouwers goal with 12.9 seconds left.I dont know how much that play deserved a call there, how much it had to do with maybe us getting a few more opportunities on the power play previously in the game, Toews said. Its not a good feeling especially with the excitement, the hype and the energy that surrounded this whole thing leading up to this game.For more than 55 minutes, this was a game so well played it wouldve been a thriller no matter the setting. Sun played a role on at least one goal, but the ice was so good the teams were able to race up and down like a track meet.Washington waited four years since the Capitals visited the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2011 Winter Classic to host this event. Despite concerns about sun glare, it began on time because captains Ovechkin and Toews and Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford gave the thumbs up during pre-game warm-ups.For us, the primary issue, if there was to be an issue, was player safety, commissioner Gary Bettman said. Once we were comfortable that that wasnt going to be an issue, everyone decided, I decided, it was time to go and play on time.Unlike past Winter Classics, there wasnt a sloppy feeling-out period. Eric Fehr scored on a breakaway early, his third outdoor goal in his second Winter Classic to become the NHLs leader in that category.The teams switched ends at the 10-minute mark of the first period to make it fair given the sun glare. Not long after that, Ovechkin scored on a rebound and Patrick Sharp answered for the Blackhawks on a power-play goal that Braden Holtby couldnt see because of the sun.Even if that goal, and perhaps Brandon Saads in the second period that came after an odd bounce off the end boards, would only have happened outdoors, thats part of the deal in games like this.When the elements werent a factor, the facts of hockey came into play. The Blackhawks got 1:31 of a five-on-three power play in the second period, but Duncan Keiths stick broke at the blue-line and they got zero shots on net in their best chance to take control.The mentality today was just shoot the puck and things happen, but on a five-on-three, its not the same mentality, which probably didnt help us, Chicago coach Joel Quenneville said. When you dont score on five-on-threes, you generally dont win and that ended up being the result.A late penalty on Niskanen, a borderline boarding call, gave Chicago another opportunity. There were two seconds left on that power play when Toews got his stick across the body of Capitals centre Nicklas Backstrom.I dont really think at any point in the game the refs are looking to give an easy one to a team, Washington defenceman Karl Alzner said. Its bad timing for them, good timing for us.When Saad slashed Ovechkin on the ensuing penalty kill, the puck was free for Brouwer to turn around and fire it past Corey Crawford. It wasnt picturesque, but the former Blackhawks winger will take it.Im not sure where it even went in, but I heard the noise of the crowd, heard the noise of the guys on the ice, Brouwer said. It was one of those where you know the time, you know the score, and youre just trying to get a puck on net, and thankfully it went in.For the Blackhawks, it was hard to take.Regardless of what happens, you never want to lose in the last minute of a game or you never want to be scored on in the last minute of a period, forward Ben Smith said. Its tough to swallow, for sure.Brouwer was playing with a heavy heart 11 days after Clint Reif, an assistant equipment manager for the Blackhawks and a friend, was found dead at his home. Brouwers father, who had a stroke two years ago, was also among the 42,832 in attendance and sent him a congratulatory text message after the goal.The Vancouver product won the Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in 2010 and scored a late winner during the Capitals memorable playoff series against the Boston Bruins in 2012. This was still special.Ive had some good moments in my hockey career, but this one, with all the intangibles, that played a part in it, Brouwer said. My parents being able to come into town, playing against my former team, this being the first goal that I scored against my former team and the dramatic fashion at the end of the game of how everything played out, its going to be a memorable day, a memorable event.There were plenty of memorable images, including before the game when players entered around a replica of the U.S. Capitol Building and a giant American flag was unfurled on the ice. After the puck was dropped at 1:30 with a perfect temperature of just over six degrees, there was Ovechkin jumping into the glass to celebrate his 18th goal of the season.But by the end, Capitals fans added another by tossing their seat cushions in the air to celebrate Brouwers goal. Its a local tradition that dates back to a Washington Redskins NFL playoff game in 1991 down the street at old RFK Stadium.The Capitals became just the second home team to win a Winter Classic, joining the Bruins, who needed overtime to beat the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2010 event at Fenway Park.You definitely want to win a home game like this, said Fehr, a native of Winkler, Man., who has become something of a Winter Classic hero after scoring twice in the 2011 game. You dont want to let your fans down.Even if Blackhawks fans walked to the exits with their shoulders slumped a bit from a stinging loss, Smith said it was an honour just to be a part of the Winter Classic. Bettman was, as usual, satisfied with how the event turned out, and he had reason to given the level of play.I know they get compared one outdoor game to another: theyre all unique, theyre all different, theyre all special in their own way, Bettman said. I dont know what peoples expectations were for our event here today, but the Winter Classic here in Washington couldnt have been better from a fan experience and an entertainment standpoint.Barry Trotz was coaching his first outdoor game and sure seemed to enjoy the whole experience. That extended to his post-game news conference.Ive got the first question, Trotz said. Did anybody have any fun? Yeah, Im having a lot of fun right now.Notes — Blackhawks forward Kris Versteeg left the game in the third period with an upper-body injury and did not return. Quenneville said Versteeg could be out for a bit but said the team would know more Friday. ... Capitals defenceman Brooks Orpik not only played but led the team in ice time (24:44) just three days after suffering what looked to be a scary knee injury. Orpik had been considered a game-time decision. ... Billy Idol performed before the game, Gavin DeGraw during the first intermission and then Lee Greenwood during the second.---Follow @SWhyno on Twitter. Russell Gage Stitched Jersey . -- Detroit Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera has a broken bone below his right eye after being struck by a bad-hop grounder, sidelining the star slugger for at least a week with opening day on deck. Brett Favre Stitched Jersey . - Alex Dostie scored two goals and assisted on another to lead the Gatineau Olympiques to a 5-3 victory over the Drummondville Voltigeurs in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action on Sunday. http://www.officialfalconsnflauthentics ... ed-jersey/. Pierre last November, only to watch St. Pierre leave the UFC octagon with his welterweight title belt and a split-decision victory. Ito Smith Stitched Jersey .Cowboys owner Jerry Jones seems to be leaning the fiscally responsible way.Let me put it like this: Its going to be a challenge, Jones said of re-signing both of Dallas biggest potential free agents. Red Falcons Jerseys . Louis Blues brought in the premier unrestricted free agent centre, and did it without breaking the bank.BOSTON - As the clock ticks toward Wednesday nights first pitch of the World Series, theres a sense around Fenway Park that justice is being served. In this day of wild card play-in games and short five-game Division Series which can be won as often by the team thats hot as by the team thats truly better, its rare for the two teams with their respective leagues best records to meet in the Fall Classic. Thats what will happen this year when the Boston Red Sox (regular season: 97-65; playoffs: 7-3) meet the St. Louis Cardinals (regular season: 97-65; playoffs: 7-4.) Identical regular season records, nearly the same postseason marks and two organizations considered amongst the best in baseball at drafting and developing talent and molding young men into bona fide major leaguers. It should come as no surprise that since these two teams met in the 2004 World Series, each has returned more than once. The Red Sox swept the Cardinals in 2004. Boston swept the Rockies in 2007. The Cardinals beat Detroit in five games in 2006 and edged Texas in seven in 2011. Both have managers - Bostons John Farrell and St. Louis Mike Matheny - who will skip in the World Series for the first time. Heck, Mathenys so young he played on that 2004 Cardinals team that lost to Boston quickly. "It was a lesson learned," said Matheny of the World Series nine years ago. "Not that our team at that point was half-stepping or we werent prepared but we just hadnt been hit like that all season long. So it was a little bit of a shocker." "Theres probably a little more sense of urgency to the decisions you make, particularly with matchups on the mound," said Farrell of the biggest difference hes noticed while managing playoff baseball. "And sometimes you kind of go a little bit more with your gut with the way guys are currently playing, as opposed to the approach you might take during the regular season." Those who dig great pitching will get a marquee matchup right away. Red Sox ace left-hander Jon Lester will pitch Game 1, up against Cardinals ace right-hander Adam Wainwright. Lester got the ball the last time Boston played in a World Series game. He got the win and the Sox clinched their last title in Game 4 of the 2007 series. "I remember just the anxiety of trying to just get to the field and calm down a little bit," said Lester. "Different point in my career, I think, too. Obviously (Wednesday) there will still be nerves, there will still be all that to be expected, but I think I know who I am a little bit more as a pitcher and what to expect from myself." "This year I felt strong from the get-go," said Wainwright, who won 19 games, with a sub-3.00 ERA, just two years removed from Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery. "I felt strong throughout Spring Training. Usually I get a dead-arm phase in Spring Training. I never once had a dead-arm phase this entire year." The Cardinals lost left-hander Jaime Garcia early in the season but have been buoyed by the emergence of Michael Wacha, who will pitch Game 2.dddddddddddd Drafted just last year with the 19th overall pick - a compensatory pick for the loss of Albert Pujols to the Los Angeles Angels - Wacha has taken the Cardinals by storm. After only 15 regular season appearances (nine starts,) Wacha has allowed only one earned run in 21 innings (0.43 ERA) over three postseason starts. His 0.571 WHIP is off the charts. Following Wacha will be a combination of Joe Kelly and Lance Lynn. Boston will start John Lackey in Game 2. Farrell will go with Clay Buchholz and Jake Peavy for the first two games in St. Louis, although he hasnt yet determined the order in which hell use them. St. Louis pitching hasnt seen a lineup the quality of Bostons and so it will be intriguing to see how it handles the Red Soxs potent mix of power (David Ortiz, Mike Napoli) and speed at the top of the order (Jacoby Ellsbury, Shane Victorino.) Ellsbury and Victorino combined to steal 73 bases in the regular season. They were caught a combined seven times. That said, there arent many catchers the quality of Yadier Molina, who threw out a whopping 43-percent of would-be base stealers. As impressive a percentage as that is its actually below his career average of 45 per cent and his career high of 64 per cent, set in 2005. "We all understand and I played against Yadi for many years and I tip my hat," said Victorino. "To me, hes arguably the best catcher in the game both offensively and defensively … Does it shut down your running game a little bit? Absolutely but you have to stay aggressive and capitalize on every mistake and every dirt ball you can possibly do." The Cardinals will get first baseman Allen Craig back. He hasnt played since spraining his left foot in a September 4 game against the Reds. Craig will serve as the designated hitter in the first two games at Fenway Park. If his foot responds, expect to see him at first base when the series shifts to Busch Stadium. As for the challenges of playing in Fenway Park, with the Green Monster and its strange dimensions in centre and right fields, Craig says he and his mates wont be psyched out. "I think we just need to stay really focused and narrow-minded on just playing the game," said Craig. "Were going to go out and play our game and not worry about the Green Monster and all the nooks and crannies in the outfield. Obviously were aware of the field and how we need to attack it defensively and offensively but were just going to focus on playing the game, doing what we do, doing what got us here." Canadian Ryan Dempster, with the Red Sox, is looking for his first World Series ring. So is St. Louis Carlos Beltran, whose career .337/.449/.724 postseason slash line makes him one of the games great playoff performers. This Fall Classic appears poised to live up to the billing. The two best teams will go at it. Bring it on. 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NEW YORK -- Michael Vick is switching green jerseys -- and maybe trading his clipboard for a starting job. The New York Jets signed the former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback to a one-year deal Friday, and released Mark Sanchez, the one-time face of the franchise. "I love competition and I love football," Vick said during a conference call Friday night. "And, I feel I have a lot of football left to play." Vick will present a real challenge to Jets starter Geno Smith, who played well down the stretch of his rookie season, but finished with 12 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. "As of right now," Vick said, "Genos the starting quarterback of this football team." But, Vick also made it clear that he still envisions himself as a starter. "I wouldnt say I would necessarily be OK with sitting on the bench all year," Vick said. "But, I know what I signed up for and I know what I came to New York to do." He said his first order of business is competing with Smith and helping the second-year quarterback along. "At the end of the day," Vick said, "Ill be content with it." Vick said he met Smith last year during the draft process and has stayed in touch since. He also acknowledged that he wont wear his familiar No. 7 with the Jets, saying it was Smiths number to keep. Vick was a free agent after spending the last five seasons with the Eagles. He will be reunited with Jets offensive co-ordinator Marty Mornhinweg, who helped the quarterback have the best season of his career in Philadelphia in 2010. Vick was plagued by injuries the last three years and lost the starting job last year to Nick Foles. "I want to personally wish Michael Vick and his family all the best as he heads into the next phase of his career," Eagles chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie said in a statement. "I really enjoyed getting to know him over the last five years. He always represented our team with a tremendous amount of class." Vick thanked the Eagles, their fans and the city of Philadelphia in an open letter posted on The Philadelphia Inquirers website. "I was honoured to be their quarterback and took the privilege to heart every day," he wrote. Vick was considered the top quarterback available in this off-seasons free agent class, although he didnt garner much attention. Vick said he was sold on the Jets because he enjoyed the idea of being reunited with Mornhinweg and playing for Rex Ryan, an opportunity he always hoped for. "Hes a great talent whos won many games, including playoff games, in this league," Mornhinweg said of Vick in comments posted on the teams website. "He has the respect of both his teammates and opponents. Hes here in a role where hes going to compete and push Geno Smith to become the very best that he can be. Michael will be able to go in and play at a high level and a winning level if called upon." Vick, who had a solid start in Chip Kellys up-tempo offence, injured a hamstring in Week 5 last season. He was replaced by Foles, who led the Eagles to the NFC East title and was selected the Pro Bowl MVP. Despite losing the starting gig, Vick was praised by Kelly and team officials for being a leader in the locker room and maintaining an outstanding relationship with Foles and helping him through his second NFL season. "I have a lot left," Vick said. "Its evident with what I was able to do last year." The move by the Jets is reminiscent of the headline-making trade they made in 2008, when they acquired an unretired Brett Favre -- but as their unquestioned starter. The Vick signing also came two years to the day that the Jets made the stunning move to trade for Tim Tebow. Vick, a four-time Pro Bowl selection who will be 34 in June, was once considered the most dynamic player in the NFL, particularly during his first six NFL seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. His playing career was abruptly halted for two seasons in 2007 when he pleaded guilty to being part of a dog fighting ring. He served 21 months in federal prison, and two more in home confinement. Since his release in 2009, Vick has worked with the Humane Society of the United States to stop organized animal fighting. The move drew mixed reviews by Jets fans on Twitter and message boards, but that didnt concern Vick. "I appreciate all the Jets fans who appreciate me and accept me for who I am and what Ive become, not for what Ive done," Vick said. "Right now, my past is irrelevant." The Sanchez move came as no surprise, but completes a stunning downfall for the quarterback who once drew comparisons to Joe Namath after helping lead the Jets to consecutive AFC title games in 2009 and 2010. Sanchez struggled with consistency after that, and the lasting image of his time with the Jets came in 2012 when he fumbled after running into the backside of guard Brandon Moore. It was returned for a touchdown by New Englands Steve Gregory in front of a national television audience on Thanksgiving night and infamously labeled "The Butt Fumble." He spent last season on injured reserve after tearing the labrum in his right shoulder in a preseason game, clearing the way for Smith to start every game. Sanchez had three years remaining on his contract, but his $13.1 million salary cap number for next season -- and $2 million roster bonus due Tuesday -- made it unlikely the team would keep him at that amount. "Id like to thank Mark for everything hes done for this team and me personally," Ryan said in a statement issued by the team. "We were rookies together and had some early success, becoming the first rookie head coach-quarterback to go to back-to-back championship games. We experienced a lot together and I really appreciate Mark. "Hes a great player, a great teammate and I wish him nothing but the best." 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