SAN DIEGO - North Side, South Side, Chicago has become the centre of baseball at the winter meetings.
[b]Wholesale Fake Yeezys[/b] .The Cubs struck the first big deal among top free-agent pitchers, agreeing Tuesday night to a $155 million, six-year contract with left-hander Jon Lester.Its not often you get to win the lottery, and we won the baseball lottery this year, new Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. Now its up to us to put it into effect.After losing 188 games over two seasons, the White Sox acquired starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija — a former Cub — from the Oakland Athletics as part of a six-player trade Tuesday. That came hours after they reached a $46 million, four-year deal with closer David Robertson.In our mind were not finished yet, White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said. We still know we have some other areas we need to improve and were hopeful that in the coming days, and if not the coming days, then the coming weeks, well be able to fill a couple more voids in our roster.On the South Side, the White Sox won the title in 2005 for their first championship since 1917.The long-suffering Cubs are seeking their first World Series title since 1908.They gave Lester a deal with an option for 2021 that, if it becomes guaranteed, would make the contract worth $170 million over seven seasons. The average annual value of $25.8 million is the second-highest for a pitcher behind Clayton Kershaws $30.7 million as part of a $215 million, seven-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers that began this year.A three-time All-Star who turns 31 next month, Lester won two World Series titles with Boston. Now hes in position to throw the first pitch of the 2015 season, at Wrigley Field against St. Louis on April 5.Earlier Tuesday, the Cubs acquired All-Star catcher Miguel Montero from Arizona for minor league right-handers Jeferson Mejia and Zack Godley — a deal that added $40 million in payroll over the next three years. Chicago has a pending $20 million, two-year deal with right-hander Jason Hammel, traded by the Cubs to Oakland last summer.Maddon had been used to small payrolls in Tampa Bay.Ive not been on this side since my days with the Angels, when I got an email in Italy that we had signed Vladimir Guerrero, said Maddon, who was a coach in Anaheim before switching to Tampa Bay. I think that definitely sends that message how Theo (Epstein) and the group feel about this particular group. But understand, we have a lot of young players that have to grow up as quickly as possible. But having Jon there adds to the flavour and the possibility.Lesters deal should lead to more intensive negotiations involving teams interested in free-agent pitchers Max Scherzer and James Shields. Lester also had been sought by Boston, World Series champion San Francisco and the Dodgers.In the days other moves, the Pittsburgh Pirates agreed to a $39 million, three-year deal to keep left-hander Francisco Liriano. And Atlanta agreed to a one-year deal with free-agent infielder Alberto Callaspo.The deals for Robertson, Liriano and Callaspo were disclosed by people familiar with the negotiations who spoke on condition of anonymity because they had not been announced.Samardzija played football for Notre Dame before pitching for the Cubs.Being a Chicago guy, thats one of the craziest things Ive thought about, he said. Im sitting here thinking, Now, do I really have to go get my cleats on and go play for the Bears? If I could skate, maybe the Hawks. My jumpers garbage, so the Bulls are out of the question.Trading an All-Star for the third time in less than two weeks, the Athletics sent Samardzija and right-hander Michael Ynoa for right-hander Chris Bassitt, catcher Josh Phegley and first baseman Rangel Ravelo and infielder Marcus Semien.Samardzija was 31-42 with a 3.97 ERA for the Chicago Cubs from 2008 until July 5, when he was traded to the As. He went 5-6 with a 3.14 ERA for Oakland. He can become a free agent next autumn.Earlier in the off-season, the White Sox agreed to a $25 million, two-year contract with first baseman Adam LaRoche and a $15 million, three-year deal with left-hander Zach Duke.Were going to make every effort to make this a long-term relationship, Hahn said. We felt that this was a premium starter who fit, not just in terms of how he fit in our rotation, but how he fit in our clubhouse.Samardzija wasnt so sure he would want to miss free agency.Youre so close to it, you really want to experience it, he maintained. But like I said before, when the situations right, its right. When the numbers are right, theyre right.___AP Sports Writers Howie Rumberg and Andrew Seligman contributed to this report.___(A previous version of this story incorrectly identified a player. It is Jose Quintana, not Joel Quintana.)
[b]Fake Yeezy Boost 350 V3[/b] . Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema scored two goals each Wednesday night in a 6-1 rout of Schalke in the first leg of their second-round matchup. "We played a very, very good match," Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said. "We got well into the match, scored two early goals and that opened the game and left us able to counter and to use the speed of our players.
[b]Cheap Fake Yeezys[/b] . Patrik Bartosak turned away 50-of-52 shots for the Rebels (28-26-4), who halted their losing streak at seven games. Trailing 2-1 after 40 minutes of play, Feser forced overtime with his second goal of the game at 5:35 of the third period.Brett Hull, St. Louis Blues (1995-96)[Credit: Hall of Fame Memorabilia]Brett Hull served as the captain of the St. Louis Blues from 1992-95, but was replaced by Shayne Corson, who signed with St. Louis prior to the 1995-96 season.Shayne Corson, St. Louis Blues (1996)[Credit: Upper Deck]Shayne Corson replaced Brett Hull as the captain of the Blues, but his time as captain – and with the Blues – didnt last very long. The team acquired Wayne Gretzky during the 1996 season and he was immediately named the captain for the remainder of the season. Trevor Linden, Vancouver Canucks (1997-98)[Credit: Vancouver Canucks]Trevor Linden was a fan favourite in Vancouver and served as the leader from 1991-97. The Canucks signed Mark Messier prior to the 1997-98 season and not only did Linden lose his captaincy to Messier, the Canucks traded Linden to the New York Islanders for Todd Bertuzzi, Bryan McCabe and a third-round draft pick that same season. Theoren Fleury, Calgary Flames (1997-98)[Credit: Flames Nation]Originally named interim captain of the Flames in 1995 because Joe Nieuwendyk refused to report to the team, his title was made permanent after Nieuwendyk was dealt to the Stars for Jarome Iginla and Corey Millen. He served as captain for two seasons before being replaced by Todd Simpson. Kevin Dineen, Carolina Hurricanes (1998-99)[Credit: Sports Ecyclopedia]Kevin Dineen was the last captain of the Hartford Whalers and the first captain of the Carolina Hurricanes. He served as Carolinas captain for only one season, before he was replaced by Keith Primeau in 1998.Vincent Lecavalier, Tampa Bay Lightning (2000-01)[Credit: Chris OMeara/AP]Selected first overall by the Lightning in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft, Lecavalier, at the time, became the youngest captain in NHL history following his sophomore season. It didnt last very long, as Lightning management decided he was too young to be a captain heading into the 2001-02 season. He was renamed team captain on September 18, 2008, and served as the teams leader until he was bought out following the 2012-13 season. Eric Lindros, Philadelphia Flyers (1999-00)[Credit: NHL Snipers]After suffering his second concussion of the year during a game in March of the 1999-00 season, Lindros criticized the teams medical staff for not properly diagnosing him with symptoms a few weeks before when he was hit. Bobby Clarke heard enough and stripped the "C" from Lindros, who sat out the rest of the year before returning for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. It was his final season in a Flyers uniform.Eric Desjardins, Philadelphia Flyers (2001-02)[Credit: Philadelphia Flyers]After Eric Lindros came Eric Desjardins. Bobby Clarke wasnt going to rename a captain during the season, but Mark Recchi, John LeClair and Desjardins (all were alternate captains at the time) thought it was important to have a leader in the locker room and voted on Desjardins to be that guy. He resigned from the role early on in 2001-02 season and was replaced by Keith Primeau.Craig Conroy, Calgary Flames (2003-04)[Credit: Calgary Flames]Late into the 2001-02 season, Craig Conroy and tough guy Bob Boughner were named co-captains of the Flames. He resumed his role the following season. Heading into the 2003-04 campaign, Conroy, like a true captain, did what was best for the organization and decided that it was time for Jarome Iginla to take over as the teams leader. Derian Hatcher, Philadelphia Flyers (2006-07)[Credit: Philadelphia Flyers]After Keith Primeau suffered a career-ending injury during the 2005-06 season, Derian Hatcher was named his replacement for the remainder of the season. That was the only time he spent as Philadelphias captain because Peter Forsberg was given the "C" the following season when Primeau officially announced his retirement.Mike Modano, Dallas Stars (2006-07)[Credit: Fan Pop]Nearing the end of his career, Modano handed the "C" over to Brenden Morrow to give him some time to try to help lead the team in the new direction they were headed. Modano remained an alternate captain with the Stars for four more seasons, before finishing off his career with the Red Wings.Patrik Elias, New Jersey Devills (2007-08)[Credit: New Jersey Devils]Patrik Elias became the first European born captain in franchise history in 2006.
[b]Fake Yeezys Online[/b]. The following season, new coach Brent Sutter had different plans and stripped Elias of the "C" and gave it to Jamie Langenbrunner instead.Scott Niedermayer, Anaheim Ducks (2007-08)[Credit: Anaheim Ducks]While Scott Niedermayer was trying to decide whether or not he should retire following his fourth championship, the Ducks didnt have any time to waste. He was suspended by the team after failing to report to training camp. He returned to the lineup in December, but it was too late, as the Ducks handed the "C" over to Chris Pronger.Chris Pronger, Anaheim Ducks (2008-09)[Credit: Canada.com]Niedermayer contemplated retirement once again heading into the 2008-09 season, but he made a decision much quicker this time around. He decided to return for another year and the Ducks gave him back the "C". Pronger returned to his role as alternate captain.Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks (2009-10)[Credit: Canada.com]When Markus Naslund signed with the New York Rangers prior to the 2008-09 season, the Canucks were in need of a new leader. General manager Mike Gillis and head coach Alain Vigneault decided on Luongo as the teams 12th captain in franchise history. He became the seventh goalie in NHL history to be named captain and the first since 1948. He was replaced by Henrik Sedin prior to the 2010 season after stating he was stepping down.Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks (2009-10)[Credit: San Jose Sharks]After four consecutive years of failing to make it past the second round of the playoffs, the Sharks decided they needed a change of leadership. Patrick Marleau was stripped of the "C" after the Sharks were eliminated by the Ducks in the first round, after finishing the season with a franchise-record 53 wins and a league-high 117 points. He was replaced by Rob Blake for the 2009-10 season. Milan Hejduk, Colorado Avalanche (2012-2013)[Credit: Denver Post]Milan Hejduk served as the Avalanches captain for the 2011-2012 season before he was replaced by Gabriel Landeskog, who surpassed Sidney Crosby as the youngest permanent captain in NHL history at 19 years, 286 days. The move was all about looking ahead for Colorado, as the 2012-13 campaign was Hejduks last. Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks (2014-15)[Credit: NHL]Joe Thornton has served as the captain of the Sharks since the 2010-11 season. Year after year theyve dominated the regular season, but have struggled come playoff time. After blowing a 3-0 series lead to the Kings in last seasons playoffs, they finally had enough. Head coach Todd McLellan and the rest of the management team have decided to let the players decide on the franchises next captain. Theres still a chance that Thornton might return as the captain this upcoming season, but we will have to wait and see. Honourable mentionsDarryl Sittler, Toronto Maple Leafs (1979)[Credit: Hockey Hall of Fame]Darryl Sittler and Leafs management didnt always see eye to eye on everything. Alan Eagleson told general manager Punch Imlach that it would cost the team $500,000 to get Sittler to waive his no-trade clause. Instead, Imlach traded one of Sitters closest friends and one of the teams top players, Lanny McDonald, to the Colorado Rockies. As a protest, Sittler ripped the "C" off his sweater, saying that the captain had to be the go-between with players and management, and he felt that he no longer had any communication with the guys upstairs. The following season, Sittler returned to the Leafs and the "C" was back on his sweater, despite Harold Ballard comparing his previous actions to burning the Canadian flag.Charlie Conway, D3 (1996)Charlie and his teammates were awarded scholarships in D3 to Eden Hall Academy, a high ranking prep school, so things changed for all of them. Having to join the varsity team, Conway lost his role as team captain, but earned it back during a timeout in the final game when coach Orion told him to go for the win if the opportunity presented itself. Sure enough, they won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Greg Goldberg that was set up by Conway. ' ' '
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