DAVIE, Fla.
[b]Jason Castro Jersey[/b] . -- New Miami Dolphins general manager Dennis Hickey stepped to the microphone and apologized for his hoarse voice, explaining he wore it down in recent days trying to build a winner. Hickey then introduced a succession of big acquisitions in the first 24 hours of free agency -- 316-pound left tackle Branden Albert, 300-pound defensive tackle Earl Mitchell and 305-pound defensive tackle Randy Starks. All signed Wednesday. Starks remained with the Dolphins after a brief stint as a free agent, signing a $12 million, two-year contract. He spent the past six seasons with the Dolphins, with only one playoff game during that time. "The moves we made so far just show were close to doing something special here, and trying to bring in some people to help us get over the hump," he said. The return of Starks, a two-time Pro Bowl player, and the addition of Mitchell compensate for the loss of defensive tackle Paul Soliai, who joined the Atlanta Falcons after seven years with Miami. "Pauls a good player," Starks said. "He has been here a long time. Hell be well missed, but we have people who can step up." Hickeys shopping will continue, with additional offensive linemen, a tight end and a linebacker the most pressing needs. The Dolphins are trying to end a 13-year drought without a post-season victory, and theyre eager to put in the past their bullying scandal that involved tackle Jonathan Martin. The acquisition of Albert was a step in that direction. Hell take over the position manned at the start of last season by Martin, who was traded late Tuesday to the San Francisco 49ers for an undisclosed draft choice. "Im going to be here to play left tackle and make a difference," Albert said. "Thats the reason Im here. I feel like its a team I can help the most and make my legacy even better." Albert signed a $47 million, five-year deal that includes $26 million guaranteed. Dolphins officials, accompanied by a couple of players, treated Albert to dinner Tuesday night to celebrate the agreement. "Probably the happiest person at the dining room table was Ryan Tannehill," Hickey said. "He was really excited to have a player of his calibre on our team." Albert will protect the blind side for Tannehill, who was sacked a franchise-record 58 times last year. Mitchell was also part of the dinner celebration after agreeing to a $16 million, four-year deal. Like Albert and Starks, Mitchell envisions better days ahead for the Dolphins. "Im coming to produce and definitely trying to help this team reach new heights," Mitchell said. "Thats my reason for being here. Im trying to get us to a Super Bowl." Mitchell blossomed in his fourth NFL season with the Houston Texans last year, when he became a starter and won raves for the way he clogged the middle. He has been playing defence only since his junior year at the University of Arizona, and he and Hickey both said hes still improving. Alberts reputation has also been on the rise, and he made the Pro Bowl last year with the Kansas City Chiefs. He has had a home the past three offseasons 45 minutes from the Dolphins complex and will now move north, eager to go to work with his new team. "I live in downtown Miami, but I probably wont anymore because of the commute," he said with a smile. "Ive got to find a place close to the facility."
[b]Blake Parker Jersey[/b] . -- Joe Thornton scored the tiebreaking goal with 5:39 left in regulation to help the San Jose Sharks overcome a two-goal deficit to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-3 on Thursday night.
[b]Jorge Polanco Jersey[/b] . The Brazilian international goalkeeper was beaten twice in the first 12 minutes of his Reds debut in a 3-1 preseason loss to Columbus Crew in Florida earlier this week.Barcelona forward Lionel Messi admits he would like to return to Argentina at some point in the future. Messi left Newells Old Boys of Rosario at the age of 13 to join Barcelona, before winning the Ballon dOr five times.The 28-year-old says that while it was a good experience leaving Argentina at such a young age, he would like to go back and enjoy the city of Rosario. One day I would like to go to Argentina because I left my country at such a young age, he told Sports Illustrated. I couldnt enjoy Rosario, my city, my people that much.It was a complicated time. On the one hand it was nice, because to come and play in Barcelona was something spectacular. On the other hand it was difficult, because I left everything behind. Messi has won the Ballon dOr five times since moving to Barcelona Messi, who is yet to win a major tournament with Argentina having come runner-up att the World Cup in 2014 and the Copa America in 2007 and 2015, is desperate to claim that elusive international prize at this summers Copa America in USA.
[b]Jake Odorizzi Twins Jersey[/b]. We will try our best to win the Copa, because for us it is very important, said Messi, whose Argentina side have not won a major tournament since the 1993 Copa. Messi is yet to win a major international tournament with Argentina More so, it has been a very long time since Argentina has not won anything, and this group came very close in the World Cup and at the last Copa America.I think we deserve to be champions of an important competition. Also See: Sandro to leave Barcelona Messi wins 30th career title Double double delights Enrique Barcelona win fiery Copa final ' ' '
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