TORONTO -- Toronto FC is about to find out to find out whether it has won over its beleaguered season ticket-holders.
Swingman
James Harden Jersey . On Tuesday the MLS club reached out to its ticket
base, months later than normal, hoping that its off-season moves have given
ticket-holders a reason to get back on board a franchise with a 51-105-66 career
mark. "A new, winning tradition begins this season for Toronto FC and the most
important thing to us is that you are there to share it with us," general
manager Tim Bezbatchenko said in an email to the clubs 14,600 season
ticket-holders. "We hope that you believe in our direction based on the moves
that have been made and are still to come and that you will be there with us
again this season." Fans have until Jan. 31 to renew their tickets. Toronto
opens the 2014 season March 15 in Seattle. MLSE president Tim Leiweke pushed
back the renewal date when he cleaned out the clubs front office Sept. 5 as
another failed season lurched to a close. January marks the opening of the
international transfer window, allowing Toronto to reload. "By then we will
either have done what we have to do and they will hold us accountable and say I
like what you did, Im in. Or if we fail here, were going to have a mass exodus,"
Leiweke said in September. "And we get it. Were OK with that, all of us. "We
will put our feet to the fire here ... We better do a good job because I dont
think a marketing campaign is going to cut it this time." Leiweke and his staff
are about to find out how well they have done. "Every move weve made this
off-season has been made with our promise to you in mind, Bezbatchenko said in
Tuesdays email. In a bid to lure ticket-holders back, Toronto is maintaining the
same prices as last year and offering two complimentary lower bowl tickets to a
2014 Toronto Raptors game for signing up by the early renewal deadline of Jan.
17. The club has made moves to improve. Toronto has already signed Brazilian
striker Gilberto, with England star Jermain Defoe expected to join him soon. The
signing of former league MVP Dwayne De Rosario, who played in Toronto from 2009
to 2011, is expected later this week. Those recruits are expected to bolster an
attack that produced just 30 goals last season, second-worst in the league.
Since the end of the 2013 season, Toronto has also acquired MLS experience in
the form of Brazilian midfielder Jackson and defender Justin Morrow while
picking up draft picks in trading away the rights of goalkeeper Stefan Frei and
midfielder Bobby Convey. While Toronto finished out of the playoff for a seventh
straight year with a 6-17-11 record in 2013, there were encouraging signs under
first-year manager Ryan Nelsen. The team showed a strong spine with Joe Bendik
excelling in goal, Scottish defender Steven Caldwell providing stability at
centre back and captain, and young Argentine Matias Laba strengthening the
midfield. Salary cap issues have largely been straightened out and the current
24-man Toronto roster features 19 players aged 25 or younger.
Hakeem
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the second half to defeat former stars from S.
Rockets Jersey . -- The Los
Angeles Clippers chose not to speak publicly about owner Donald Sterling before
they faced the Golden State Warriors for Game 4 of their first-round series
Sunday.
http://www.therocketsofficial.com/Authentic-Robert-Horry-Rockets-Jersey/ . Napoli beat high-flying Hellas Verona 3-0 to keep up the pressure on the top
two while AC Milan had another disappointing night as four goals from teenage
forward Domenico Berardi saw relegation-threatened Sassuolo come back from two
goals down to win 4-3.CLEVELAND – What a difference a year makes. Twelve months
ago Jose Reyes spent part of April on the disabled list with a severely sprained
left ankle but there was no clear return date in sight. On Saturday, Reyes was
back from a strained left hamstring. There was greater clarity this time around.
He didnt expect to be out much longer than the 15 days he was required to spend
on the disabled list. Turns out he was right. "Real happy just to be back with
my teammates, see my guys again," said Reyes. "More happy that Im going to be on
the field, playing and doing what I love to do, just play baseball." The Blue
Jays technically went 9-7 in Reyes absence but he was a non-factor on Opening
Day, reinjuring the hamstring that gave him trouble during spring training while
running to first base in his lead off at-bat. In fact, when Reyes took his
shortstop position on Saturday afternoon it was his first time in the field this
season. For manager John Gibbons, who been able to field his preferred lineup
far too infrequently since the start of last year, the return of Reyes means an
opportunity to reset the lineup. "Its the way its supposed to look," said
Gibbons. "Hopefully he gets us going a little bit more. He adds a little bit
more offence. Its good to have him back." Just as Reyes returns, the Jays
formally lose Adam Lind through at least April 30 after he was placed on the
disabled list with stiffness in his lower back. In steps Juan Francisco, who hit
18 home runs in 348 bats for the Atlanta Braves and Milwuakee Brewers last
season. Like Lind, Francisco will be a designated hitter who can spell
Edwin Encarnacion at first base. Hell likely start at first base on Sunday.
Francisco can play third base in a pinch, although he didnt get the call up for
his defence. Since signing a minor league deal with the Blue Jays on April 2
following his spring release by the Brewers, Francisco has posted a
.341/.420/.568 slash line with two home runs and 11 RBI for the Triple-A Buffalo
Bisons. Blue Jays brass wrestled with the decision, Francisco or Dan Johnson,
whos also off to a strong sttart with Buffalo (.
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worked out, he can hit a little bit," said Gibbons. "Hes got some juice in that
bat so hopefully he can add something while Lindys out." Its one of baseballs
mysteries as to why a guy like Francisco cant find a permanent home in the major
leagues. Hes a left-handed bat and while not a batting average or on-base
machine, at 26 years old and with his fourth big league Franciscos been around
long enough to be, at the very least, a contributor off the bench. "Ive got no
idea," said Gibbons. "Guys that make it in the big leagues and establish
themselves, there have got to be some opportunities. I know hes had some
opportunities but its got to be in the right organization. Theyve got to like
you. Theyve got to throw you out there no matter what. But hes got some talent.
Hopefully he shows up." DIAZ READY FOR ANYTHING Now that Jose Reyes has
returned, Munenori Kawasaki is back in Buffalo, and with the Blue Jays committed
to giving Ryan Goins the majority of playing time at second base, especially
against right-handed pitching, Jonathan Diaz settles into a utility role. Diaz
hasnt played much outfield in his professional career but hes worked hard on the
craft during batting practice. "Ive always loved to shag my entire career ever
since I can remember," said Diaz. "Every time Im done my ground balls I go out
there and power shag and I enjoy it. I feel like thats prepared me throughout my
life to be ready for this opportunity." The Blue Jays transferred Maicer Izturis
to the 60-day list, formalizing his protracted absence, and despite his
selection over Kawasaki, Diaz lamented the tough decisions that had to be made.
"I was just saying earlier, were all buddies, we all wish we could all stick
around," said Diaz. "Kawasakis such a great teammate but, you know, thats the
way the game goes. Luckily I was able to stick around and Im going to go out
there and work hard at every position I can because I know Im going to be that
guy filling in a role."
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