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e in 2003/04, more than any other Arsenal player, before leaving in 2005. Now a member of the hierarchy at

in Allgemein 12.03.2019 07:29
von riluowanying123 • 2.943 Beiträge

With free agency underway, the offseason is about to pick up steam. What are the big questions facing all 30 teams? Weve already covered the AL East, NL East and AL Central and now were moving on to the America League West.Who will end up at first base?2016 record: 95-67Prince Fielders career is over, ruined by two neck surgeries in his last three years. Mitch Moreland, who earned a Gold Glove last week, hit 22 homers and drove in 60 runs last season. But the Texas Rangers will probably let him explore free agency, which means the team that finished with the best record in the American League has no idea who will play first base next season.While the Rangers are a big-market team that started last season with a top-10 pay roll, they operate on a budget and general manager Jon Daniels has said its not going to increase much over last years budget. So its unlikely theyre going to sign a player such as Edwin Encarnarcion, who hit .263 with 42 homers and 127 RBIs with an OPS of .886 last season.Theyre much more likely to fill the job from within.In a perfect situation, Joey Gallo would earn the job with a strong spring training. Gallo, a power-hitting third baseman, has been among the Rangers best prospects for several seasons, but he has struggled in limited opportunities with the Rangers. Hes a good enough fielder to easily make the transition to first base, but in 133 big-league at-bats he has struck out 73 times, while hitting just .173. If he can hit .230, the Rangers would probably be willing to give him 500 at-bats and hit him seventh or eighth in the batting order.If not, they could go with a platoon of Jurickson Profar against right-handers and Ryan Rua against left-handers. Neither one of those players will give the Rangers the power theyd ideally want from first base. But they dont cost much and, maybe, they could combine for some decent offensive numbers with 600 at-bats between them.A wild-card option could be signing free agent Josh Hamilton, who was released during the season. Hes a good enough athlete to play first base, though he has never done it. Playing first might help him stay healthy. His knees are probably too balky to play in the outfield anymore. Hamilton can no longer produce MVP numbers, but he might be good enough in a platoon situation to be a one-year stop-gap while the Rangers wait for Ronald Guzman to arrive from the Triple-A. -- Jean-Jacques TaylorHow does the team with the longest playoff absence end that drought?2016 record: 86-76?It has now been 15 seasons without a trip to the postseason after the Mariners fell three wins short of a wild card in 2016. Theres no hedging here: The Mariners had the oldest average position player age in the AL in 2016 and given that Nelson Cruz is entering his age-36 season and Robinson Cano his age-34 season, Seattles window is narrow, especially since its unlikely those two combine for 82 home runs again.That pair helped the Mariners finish third in the AL in runs, the first time they ranked higher than 11th since 2007. Still, there are positions that could use an upgrade or improvement. Shortstop Ketel Marte was a disappointment in his first full season with a .287 OBP and mediocre defense as the Mariners ranked 28th in shortstop wOBA. Does GM Jerry Dipoto still believe in Marte? The Mariners also ranked 24th in OBP at first base. Adam Lind is a free agent, opening the door for Dan Vogelbach, acquired from the Cubs for Mike Montgomery. Vogelbach hit .292/.417/.505 at Triple-A, but is a poor defender and cant run. Finally, the outfield defense ranked 27th in the majors with minus-27 Defensive Runs Saved. Nori Aoki was released (the Astros claimed him), so theyll need a corner outfield replacement.On the pitching side, Edwin Diaz solved the closer problem that infected the team earlier in the season, but the decline of Felix Hernandez means the team now lacks an ace. Once again, theyll be counting on James Paxton and Taijuan Walker, but those two could also become trade bait. -- David SchoenfieldHow to fix the outfield?2016 record: 84-78Yes, theyll need a bounce-back campaign from Dallas Keuchel and a healthy Lance McCullers, but the Astros did rank fourth in the AL in runs allowed, so run prevention is in reasonably good shape with everyone back. The outfield, however, ranked 28th in the majors in wOBA as Colby Rasmus, Carlos Gomez, Jake Marisnick and Preston Tucker all cratered at the plate.The Astros already claimed Nori Aoki off waivers from Seattle and hell get the shot in left field, at least as a platoon guy, but hes 35 and the Mariners decided he wasnt worth his $6 million salary. Yulieski Gurriel is now blocked at third base by Alex Bregman, so hes a candidate for left field as well. Marisnick ended up as the primary center fielder after Gomez was released, and though hes a plus defender he hit just .209/.257/.331. If you go with him and Aoki in the outfield, youre not getting much power at two positions.What the Astros really need is a left-handed bat with some power (especially since Luis Valbuena is a free agent). The only good fit in free agency is Dexter Fowler, who isnt a big power bat but is a switch-hitter who can play center field.Oh, the only catchers on the 40-man roster are Max Stassi and Evan Gattis with Jason Castro a free agent. But I guess thats a second big question. -- David SchoenfieldHow will they spend $40-plus million in new cash?2016 record: 74-88?The bad news: The Angels lost 88 games, their most since 1999. The good news: Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson and their combined $40 million in salary are off the payroll. Wilson didnt pitch in 2016 while Weaver went 12-12 with a 5.06 ERA. The rotation, decimated by other injuries besides Wilson, ranked 11th in the AL in ERA.So they need pitching help. But they were just 10th in runs, so they need hitting help as well. Theyve already traded for Cameron Maybin to play left field and picked up Yunel Escobars $7 million team option, so that leaves catcher and second base as positions to upgrade, but heres guessing the Angels pour their resources into pitching.Rich Hill is an obvious candidate, but hes the obvious candidate for every team looking for rotation help. So they may be playing in the take a chance, hope for the best market that includes Andrew Cashner, Derek Holland and Jason Hammel. The bullpen was middle of the pack and could use a lockdown closer, so while spending huge money on Aroldis Chapman or Kenley Jansen doesnt make the most sense, maybe they go for a shorter-term guy like Mark Melancon or Brad Ziegler. -- David SchoenfieldWill the As achieve any clarity in their stadium situation?2016 record: 69-93Yes, this question. Again. Still. But thats because its the question that matters most to the future of the franchise, and its ultimately more interesting than wondering whether or not the As will keep the players association and MLBs other owners off their backs for their dwindling payroll. Theres growing resentment within the industry over the As collecting more than $34 million per year in revenue-sharing despite playing in the big-market Bay Area. Will that revenue stream survive into baseballs new collective bargaining agreement when the old one expires on Dec. 1? And even if the As continue to collect that kind of cash from the other owners, can they even coax useful free agents to come play in the industry-worst facility that O.co Coliseum has degenerated into? Or will they just settle for overpaying the next Billy Butler to try to keep the union and the other owners happy?See, thats depressing. And the only answer to those questions that might please everyone (but the Giants) is for the As to achieve a stadium solution. This winter could provide what should be the triggering event to finally get something done -- the Raiders sewing up their future departure to Las Vegas, a decision on which should come in January. That news could finally set in motion plans to pick between the proposed sites within Oakland and line up the financing to build a baseball-only stadium while theres time to work with As-friendly mayor Libby Schaaf during the next two years shes sure to be in office. The timing is going to be tight for the Wolff and Fisher families that control the franchises future, because losing revenue-sharing money might trigger an ownership shakeup or an outright sale.If you feel cheated by this angle, the most interesting on-field questions for the As involve whether or not they can get Sonny Gray back to what he used to be after an awful 2015 -- although cynics would note thatd just revive his trade value and get him shipped out. And what they do with Marcus Semien? With a wave of infield prospects fronted by Franklin Barreto on the way up, will they move Semien off short? But even those questions wont be answered in spring training, hampering opportunities for the As to swing deals in December. -- Christina Kahrl Will Butcher Jersey . -- Anaheim Ducks defenceman Luca Sbisa will be out at least six weeks with a torn tendon in his right hand. Adidas Nico Hischier Jersey . President of baseball operations Larry Beinfest was fired Friday after 12 years with the Marlins. The move came as the team neared the end of its third consecutive last-place season in the NL East. http://www.cheapdevilsjerseys.com/?tag=adidas-brian-gibbons-jersey . Reigning world champion Eve Muirhead of Scotland opened with a 12-2 rout of Winnipegs Jennifer Jones in a battle of teams bound for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Scott Stevens Jersey . -- Al Jefferson found a groove just in time for the Charlotte Bobcats. Scott Niedermayer Jersey . Pert has formerly spent time as an assistant coach with Cardiff City, Coventry City, and Bahrain mens national team. "Martyn is a highly-respected coach with experience at the top levels in England," said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson.To celebrate Sky Sports 25th birthday, we’re looking back at some of the most memorable moments from the last quarter of a century and here we remember the Invincibles... Robert Pires might have announced his retirement, but where are the rest of the Arsenal Invincibles now, nearly 12 years on?While the current Arsenal team have seen their Premier League title push stutter recently, the triumph of the clubs class of 2003/04 will forever be inscribed in the history books. Vote: 25 years, 25 moments Agueros epic finish? Giggs golden goal? Have your say... Arsene Wengers side - packed with star names such as Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp - went undefeated throughout the entire season on their charge to the title. Four regulars in the Invincibles side are still playing, three have entered the world of coaching, while others have gone into different careers such as media, business and even politics.Heres where those Arsenal heroes are now... Jens Lehmann Jens Lehmann works as a TV pundit After leaving Arsenal in 2008 for Stuttgart, Lehmann returned to London on a short-term basis in 2011. He played one game, a 3-1 win at Blackpool, in what would be the final competitive appearance of his career.Lehmann can now be found working as a television pundit in Germany.Ashley Cole Ashley Cole is now at LA Galaxy Cole controversially left Arsenal for London rivals Chelsea in 2006 but went on to win another league title as well as four FA Cups, a League Cup, the Champions League and the Europa League.When Coles contract ended at Stamford Bridge he moved to Roma but, after a disappointing two-year spell in Serie A, the left-back moved to LA Galaxy for the 2016 MLS season.Sol Campbell Sol Campbell has recently turned his hand to politics Having departed Arsenal in 2006 for Portsmouth, where he won the 2008 FA Cup, Campbell made a notorious, solitary appearance for Notts County before returning to Arsenal in January 2010.He played 14 more games for Arsene Wengers team prior to joining Newcastle United in 2010/11 for what would be the last campaign of his playing career.During his retirement, Campbell has worked for the Conservative Party as an advisor and failed to make the shortlist for the election of London mayor.Kolo Toure Kolo Toure forged a formidable partnership with Sol Campbell Toure is one of several players to have left Arsenal for Manchester City, making his move in 2009. The Ivory Coast international then joined Liverpool at the beginning of the 2013/14 season but has had to make do with a fringe role.Lauren Lauren spent six years at Arsenal Lauren signed for Portsmouth in 2006, like Campbell, and also won the FA Cup.He ended his career with Spanish club Cordoba and now makes appearances as a TV pundit, including on Sky Sports Spanish football coverage on occasion.Robert Pires Robert Pires played for Arsenal for six seasons Pires left Arsenal in 2006 for Villarreal and went on to face his old side in the Champions League in 2009.Pires returned to England with Aston Villa for the 2010/11 season and became a star attraction of the inaugural Indian Super League as a marquee player with FC Goa. He was released by the club in March 2015 and on February 25, 2016, he announced his retirement.Patrick Vieira Patrick Vieira played a crucial role for Arsenal during the Invincibles season The captain of the Invincibles left Arsennal in 2005 for Juventus, where he won Serie A - although the title was later revoked due to the Italian match-fixing scandal.ddddddddddddDuring his season at Juventus, Vieira played and lost against Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals. He moved to Inter Milan after Juventus were relegated as punishment for the match-fixing scandal before ending his career with Manchester City in 2011.After being the head of Citys Elite Development Squad, Vieira is now the head coach of Major League Soccer side New York City FC, where hes managing the likes of Frank Lampard, Andrea Pirlo and David Villa.Gilberto Silva Gilberto Silva still remains involved with football Perhaps an unsung hero of the Invincibles, Silva left Arsenal in 2008 after winning the Premier League and two FA Cups during his six years at the club. The 2002 World Cup winner went on to make more than 70 appearances for Panathinaikos before returning to his native Brazil with Gremio in 2011.Gilberto, who was training back at Arsenal in January 2014, was most recently at his boyhood club, Atletico Mineiro, who he helped win the prestigious 2013 Copa Libertadores.In December 2015, after two years without a club, Silva officially announced his retirement and is looking to pursue a career as an international consultant for players and clubs.Freddie Ljungberg Arsenals Freddie Ljungberg is back with the club training to be a coach After departing Arsenal for a season at West Ham United in 2007, Ljungberg went off the radar and would go on to spells at Seattle Sounders and Chicago Fire before returning to Europe with a short stint at Celtic in 2011.Japanese club Shimizu S-Pulse would be the Swedes next port of call but, after taking up a contract with Mumbai City in the Indian Super League, a back problem forced Ljungberg to cancel his deal and return to London.In January 2016 Ljungberg was back at Arsenal coaching their under 15s academy side as part of his training for his UEFA coaching badges.Thierry Henry Thierry Henry works as a pundit for Sky Sports Arsenals all-time record goalscorer left the club in 2007 when he signed for Barcelona and went on to win the treble with the Spanish giants in 2009. A move to the MLS with New York Red Bulls followed in 2010 before a nostalgic loan return to Arsenal in 2012.After finishing his career at New York Red Bulls at the end of the 2014 season, Henry has been working as a pundit for Sky Sports.Dennis Bergkamp Dennis Bergkamp is the assistant manager of hometown club Ajax Like Henry, Bergkamp has been honoured for his contributions to Arsenal with a statue outside Emirates Stadium. The Dutchmans final involvement for the club was their Champions League final defeat by Barcelona in 2006, when he remained an unused substitute - but that should not overshadow more than a decades wonderful service.Bergkamp is now at boyhood club Ajax and making a successful job of the role of assistant manager to Frank de Boer, a position he has held since 2011.Best of the restEduEdu made 17 league appearances as a substitute in 2003/04, more than any other Arsenal player, before leaving in 2005. Now a member of the hierarchy at his former club Corinthians. Ray ParlourMade 25 league appearances, including substitutions, in 2003/04, his final season at Arsenal. Now a media pundit making regular appearances on Sky Sports.Sylvain WiltordScored three goals in the 2003/04 league but made only a total of eight starts in his final season at Arsenal. Now an ambassador for the French version of FootGolf.Jose Antonio ReyesNetted two goals in 13 league appearances in 2003/04, having joined in the January. Now still playing with Sevilla in Spain.Pascal CyganTen starts in the 2003/04 season for a centre-back who developed a slight cult following. Retired in 2011 at the age of 37.Gael ClichyYet another of the Invincibles who can now list Manchester City on his CV, where hes become a squad player. Clichy made 12 league appearances in the 2003/04 season, with seven of those games coming as starts. Also See: Wenger: Confidence is going Sanchez: Arsenal lack belief Finishing costing Arsenal Ref Watch: No foul on Ozil ' ' '

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