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him most in Chicago," Ausmus said.
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fu0222 เมื่อวันที่ : เสาร์ ที่ 30 เดือน มกราคม พ.ศ.2559
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TORONTO -- Marcus Ball had to take the long road to realizing a childhood dream. The former Toronto Argonauts linebacker will finally get a shot at cracking an NFL roster after signing a three-year deal with the New Orleans Saints. Ball, wholl turn 27 in July, was undrafted out of Memphis and had to look north to get his start in pro football. "Im very blessed," Ball said during a telephone interview. "Its a fortunate opportunity to be able to achieve one of my ultimate goals and something Ive dreamt about since I was a kid starting out playing football. "This doesnt guarantee anything. I still have to go and fight for a position and spot on the roster but Im looking forward to the challenge." The six-foot-one, 209-pound Ball spent two seasons with the Argos, helping them win the 100th Grey Cup in 12. He recorded 142 tackles, seven sacks, four interceptions -- returning two for TDs -- and three fumble recoveries. Ball is expected to compete for a spot as a backup safety with the Saints and also play special teams. The club has two other safeties -- Jairus Byrd and Kenny Vaccaro -- on its roster. But Ball said his time in Toronto has prepared him well to compete for an NFL roster spot. "Being in a professional system and figuring out how to be a pro and learning how to be a pro in Toronto really helped me," he said. "Being in such a great organization in terms of ownership, (GM) Jim Barker, (former defensive co-ordinator) Chris Jones and (head coach) Scott Milanovich and being part of that championship mentality taught me a lot." Barker released Ball in February even though Ball was entering the option year of his CFL deal. Ball said hell forever be grateful to the Argos GM for allowing him to pursue his NFL dream. "That just speaks volumes about the kind of guy and person Jim Barker is," Ball said. "He has always believed in me, he has always been there for me and treated me like his own, as has the entire Argos staff and front office, thats what I really appreciated. "This is bitter-sweet because I love Toronto and will always consider Toronto home. Its tough to leave but now I have the opportunity to accomplish my dream." Dan Vertlieb, Balls Vancouver-based agent, echoed his clients sentiments. "Marcus is incredibly grateful to Jim Barker and the Toronto Argonauts for allowing him this opportunity," Vertlieb said. "Jim, in particular, has been a leader and visionary on this issue and in doing so has given Marcus the opportunity to best provide for his family. "Its not something that will soon be forgotten -- Marcus will be forever grateful for his time with the Argos." Last fall, receiver/kick-returner Chris Williams -- also a Vertlieb client -- became embroiled in a dispute with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats regarding his desire to pursue NFL opportunities while still under contract. Williams went to arbitration to be released from the final year of his CFL deal before ultimately reaching an agreement with the Ticats that allowed him to sign as a free agent with the Saints. Williams is now with the Chicago Bears. Ball is the third Toronto player to sign in the NFL after being released by the club, joining defensive back Nieko Thorpe (Oakland Raiders) and receiver Dontrelle Inman (San Diego Chargers). Thorpe also had time remaining on his CFL deal but Inman was released in December, just over a month before he was poised to become a free agent. Shortly after Torontos 12 Grey Cup victory, Barker released defensive lineman Armond Armstead, allowing him to sign with the NFLs New England Patriots. "Every situation is different," Barker said. "Its my job to win Grey Cups and I do whatever I have to do in order to win Grey Cups. "Ive never let a player go just because Im a nice guy. I do whats in the best interests of this football organization." Barker praised Ball for the contributions he made to the Argos. "Obviously, Marcus Ball is a great football player and you always have room and find a place for great football players," Barker said. "He always brings great energy and hopefully he can go and have a very successful career there." Balls departure adds to whats already been a whirlwind off-season for Toronto. Other players leaving include cornerback Patrick Watkins (free agent, Edmonton), linebacker Jason Pottinger (expansion draft, Ottawa), offensive lineman Joe Eppele (expansion draft, Ottawa), defensive lineman David Lee (free agent, Saskatchewan) and quarterback Zach Collaros (free agent, Hamilton). Defensive tackle Khalif Mitchell was also released to pursue NFL opportunities and remains a free agent. There was a revamping of the coaching staff as well with the departures of Jones and special-teams co-ordinator Mike OShea (head coach, Winnipeg) and assistants Steve McAddo, Jason Shivers, Ed Philion and Craig Davoren (all with Jones to Edmonton). The front office wasnt immune either as player-personnel director Ted Goveia left to become Winnipegs assistant GM. "This league is about change and either you prepare and can handle it or youre not going to be in league very long," Barker said. "The one thing I feel like Ive learned is you adapt to the situation you have. "Wed love everybody back but were dealing in a SMS (salary management system) world and it is what it is. Were proud that two of the three new head coaches came from our coaching staff because it means we have the right kind of people." And the nature of the business, Barker said, is always planning for the day when quality people within the organization get the opportunity to shine elsewhere. "Youve got to have a progression plan and to me, thats part of what Scott and I do," Barker said. "Well talk about replacements for these guys that are here now . . . its all about preparation. "You have to prepare for a worst-case scenario." Shaq Thompson Youth Jersey . Louis day started way better than it finished. Sam Mills Panthers Jersey . -- Revis Island is relocating again. http://www.thepanthersjerseyprostore.com/panthers-trai-turner-blue-jersey/ . Montreal Alouettes offensive lineman Scott Flory is expected to be named the new President of the CFLPA, according to the Hamilton Spectators Drew Edwards. Philly Brown Panthers Jersey . Pavalec made 39 saves in a 3-1 win over the Nashville Predators on Saturday, and coach Paul Maurice knows his goalie has been on a hot streak. "Hes played the same way, believe it or not, prior to. Jared Allen Youth Jersey . As for regular Olympic spectators, theyre being warned that most travel insurance policies wont cover acts of terrorism or war. The Games in southern Russia, which run from Feb. 7-23, are being staged amid unprecedented security and under global warnings of danger.DETROIT -- Brad Ausmus pointed out Monday afternoon that no one is going to roll over and hand his Detroit Tigers the AL Central title. Hours later, rookie Chris Bassitt and the White Sox proved the manager right. Bassitt pitched into the eighth inning for his first major league win, Tyler Flowers hit a two-run homer and Chicago slowed Detroits playoff push with a 2-0 victory. "This is competitive athletics, and no one is just going to hand you a game," Ausmus said. "I talked about it before the game -- those guys in the other clubhouse are playing for their futures, and they are playing to win, because thats what you do in this league. Were going to have to win these last games on our own." Detroit is one game ahead of the second-place Royals, who beat Cleveland 2-0 in their regularly scheduled game Monday night. Hours earlier, the Indians finished off a victory in a suspended game against Kansas City. The loss assured Detroit would start a division series on the road, even if it wins the AL Central. "Weve got six games left, and weve got control of our fate," reliever Joba Chamberlain said. "Thats all you can ask for at this point. If we do our jobs, well win the division." The game turned into an unexpected pitchers duel between Bassitt and fellow rookie Kyle Lobstein. Both were making their fifth career start, but they looked like aces in the middle of a pennant race. Bassitt (1-1) went 7 2-3 innings and pitched out of two early jams in front of about 100 family members and friends. "The first win always means a lot, but being so close to home and having my friends and family here makes it even better," said Bassitt, who grew up in Curtice, Ohio, about an hour south of Comerica Park. "Some of my friends said they were hoping that Id get a no-decision in a Tigers win, though." Bassitt, who lost to the Tigers on Aug. 30, gave up six hits, walked one batter -- the last one he faced -- and struck out Alex Avila three times but no one else. Jake Petricka got four outs for his 14th save. "He located his pitches tonight, which he didnt really do against us the first time," Ian Kinsler said. "Every pitcher in this league is tough when they can locate their stuff." Lobstein (1-1) was trying for his second victory, but didnt get any offensive support. He allowed two runs on five hits and a walk in a career-best seven innings. Chicago took a 2-0 lead with a two-out rally in the second. Carlos& Sanchez hit a ground-rule double to left-centre and, on the next pitch, Flowers lined a homer into the White Sox bullpen.dddddddddddd "I was looking for something out over the plate," Flowers said. "If it was a fastball, I wanted to think right-centre, and if it was an off-speed pitch, I wanted to hit it to left. Thats what happened." Detroit had a pair of early threats, but Kinsler was caught stealing in the first inning -- leaving the bases empty for Miguel Cabreras 50th double. Right fielder Avisail Garcia robbed Cabrera of a probable RBI double with a sliding catch in the third. "He showed some composure out there, and he competed. That was a nice little outing for him," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said of his young pitcher. Cabrera hit another ball hard off Bassitt in the eighth, but his line drive was right at Moises Sierra in left. Victor Martinez drew a walk, and Petricka came in to strike out J.D. Martinez. "That last at-bat for Cabrera, I just didnt want to walk him," Bassitt said. "I was thinking that he might hit one off the scoreboard, but Im not going to walk him. Luckily, he hit it right at somebody." TRAINERS ROOM White Sox: OF Adam Eaton, who has missed the last two games for personal reasons, is expected to join the team in time for Tuesdays game in Detroit. Tigers: Avila (concussion) was a late addition to the lineup after the team was able to get his paperwork approved by Major League Baseball about 45 minutes before the first pitch. ... Detroit will activate RHP Anibal Sanchez (pectoral strain) from the disabled list Tuesday, and he will pitch out of the bullpen for the rest of the season. UP NEXT Detroit will try to even the series behind LHP David Price (14-12, 3.37 ERA). Scott Carroll (5-10, 5.01) goes for the White Sox. HONORING KONERKO The Tigers will honour retiring White Sox slugger Paul Konerko before Tuesdays game. Konerko has homered 18 times at Comerica Park, one fewer than David Ortiz for the most by a visiting player, and his 206 total bases are 63 more than second-place Justin Morneau. Konerko also homered off Justin Thompson at Tiger Stadium in 1999, a game caught by Ausmus. "I remember Paul when he came up with the Dodgers, but you obviously remember him most in Chicago," Ausmus said. "Hes had a lot of great years with the White Sox, and I think hell get a lot of Hall of Fame votes in a few years." cheap jerseys cheap jerseys cheap nfl jerseys Ray Ban Outlet Michael Kors Outlet Michael Kors Sale Cheap Michael Kors ' ' '
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