News » kick-off.Will the lunchtime result boost Newcastles surviv

Imagine if you will a Jays team starting this season with Roberto Alomar at second base, Joe Carter in right field, Devon White in centre, John Olerud at first and Paul Molitor at DH. Not to mention a pitching staff, that includes Dave Stewart, Juan Guzman, Pat Hentgen and up-and-comers like Woody Williams, Al Leiter and Todd Stottlemyre. This team would also have three young prospects who could be the foundation of a great team for years to come in Carlos Delgado, Shawn Green and Alex Gonzalez. You might already be printing the World Series tickets. Well it didnt exactly turn out that way for the 1994 Blue Jays. They did win six of their first seven games and got off to decent 12-6 start including a six-game win streak. However it didnt last, and by the time the strike came in mid-August that led to the eventual shutdown of the season, they had faded to 55-60 and the dream of a three-peat gone with it. I painted that little scenario to show you how difficult it can be to predict division winners, let alone World Series champs. The 1994 Jays had most of the key components back from the team that had repeated in 1993, including having WAMCO intact as the top five hitters in the lineup (White, Alomar, Molitor, Carter and Olerud). There were three missing pieces. Closer Duane Ward had injured his shoulder in the offseason and was never really able to come back and be the dominant bullpen stopper he had been. Shortstop Tony Fernandez and left fielder Rickey Henderson had been allowed to leave in the offseason as well. Still, there was more than enough talent for this team to contend. Darren Hall, a mere shadow of Ward took over as closer and recorded 17 saves. Veteran Dick Schofield played the bulk of the games at short and journeyman Mike Huff played left for the most part. I would submit the 94 Blue Jays had far more talent than the current Jays, yet they finished the abbreviated season five games under .500. You dont want to be a total buzz-kill about the 2014 Jays, because they do have talent. If they both stay healthy, Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion are capable of hitting at least 40 homers. Melky Cabrera, sans back tumour, is looking more like he could have been batting champ with the Giants a couple of years ago. Jose Reyes, again when healthy, is one of the top shortstops in the game. Brett Lawrie could be on the cusp of developing into one of the top third basemen in the Majors, and this is a free agent contract year for Colby Rasmus, so the pressure is on for him to produce. In other words, the offence should be there. As it has been the past two seasons, pitching is the question. The starting rotation has to log enough innings to give a solid bullpen the chance to produce results for the entire season, not just the first half, after which they could fade from overuse. If Drew Hutchison is the real deal, and it looks as though he just might be, the top three in the rotation looks pretty decent, though you always worry about the inevitable age-related declines of veterans like R.A. Dickey ( 39) and Mark Buehrle (35). The question marks are the 4 and 5 starters. Brandon Morrow has to prove he can put together a dominant healthy season and finally realize his vast potential. As for Dustin McGowan, youd have to have a heart of stone not to be pulling for this guy, whos battled through injury after injury to finally crack the Opening Day roster for the first time since 2008. Top prospects Aaron Sanchez and Marcus Stroman are waiting in the wings, but probably wont make significant contributions this season, unless there is another rash of injuries, or the Jays drop so far back, they just decide to go young. After calling the Jays to win 92 or 93 games a year ago and contend for a wild card spot, Im reluctant to make any kind of a call on where they will finish in 2014. But my gut tells me they will win 83 or 84 games and be battling for fourth with Baltimore or maybe even Boston. I really do hope Im wrong. Jays Elsewhere Not a really good well for Canadians in the Majors or ex-Jays. The Cubs released Canuck catcher George Kottaras, while Minnesota out-righted lefthander Scott Diamond of Guelph, Ontario to Triple "A" Rochester. Lefty Frank Viola, a Cy Young winner and World Series star in his days with the Twins, had a brief stint with the Jays near the end of his career. The now 53-year-old Viola is taking a leave of absence from his job as the Mets Triple "A" pitching coach at Las Vegas after undergoing open heart surgery. The man taking Violas place is Tom Signore, who was the Blue Jays Double "A" pitching coach at New Hampshire the past three years. So Signore will get to work with the Mets top pitching prospect Noah Syndergaard, whom he also had in the Blue Jays system before he was traded as part of the package for R.A Dickey. Former Jays righthander Shaun Marcum was sent to their minor league camp by Clevleand. Marcum, who was dealt to Milwaukee for Brett Lawrie, has seen his career hampered by injuries. Over eight years in the bigs, the 32-year-old Marcum has a 58-46 record with a 3.88 earned run average. The Indians are hoping he can battle his way back at some point this season. J.P Arencibia was hoping to get some significant playing time in Texas this season to re-establish his career. When the Rangers number one backstop Geovany Soto went down for 10-12 weeks with torn meniscus in his right knee, it looked as though J.P would be the man but skipper Ron Washington has been more impressed with Robinson Chirinos. So it appears J.P., at least for now, is stuck as the backup. One Jay having a good week, in fact a good spring, is catcher Yan Gomes. He appears to have won the number one job with Cleveland after the Indians moved Carlos Santana from catcher to third base. The Jays traded Gomes and veteran utility infielder Mike Aviles to the Indians for righthander Esmil Rogers in the previous offseason. Considering how Gomes has progressed and Rogers has faltered this spring, the Jays might like a mulligan on that one. Paul Kariya Jersey . His recovery time is expected to be six to eight months. Seidenberg was injured in the third period of Fridays 5-0 victory over the Ottawa Senators, when he got his leg tangled with forward Cory Conacher. Carl Soderberg Jersey .A. remained bitter for Henrik Lundqvist and the Rangers on the long flight back home to New York. http://www.cheapavalanchejerseys.com/ .com) - Hassan Whiteside scored 20 points with nine rebounds in the Miami Heats 83-75 win over the Boston Celtics on Sunday. Rob Ramage Jersey . Schaub will start for an injured Case Keenum and try to help the Texans end a 12-game skid. Schaubs last action in Houston came when he took over late in a game against Oakland on Nov. 17 as Keenum was struggling. Jonathan Bernier Jersey . Paul George and Darren Collison each scored 17 points and Roy Hibbert added 11 points and nine rebounds for the Pacers (9-3), who won their third straight.As we approach the business end of the season, theres still plenty at stake at the top and bottom of the Premier League. All eyes turn to the title race later in the weekend with Leicester hosting West Ham on Super Sunday and Tottenham going to Stoke on Monday Night Football, while on Saturday the battle from the drop is in the spotlight.What questions will be answered come Monday, 10pm? Who will come out on top in the relegation six-pointer? (Norwich v Sunderland, Saturday 12.45pm)A real relegation six-pointer. Visitors Sunderland sit four points behind Norwich with a game in hand, but come into the game without a win in six. Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce takes his side to Norwich for a six-pointer Norwichs good form came to a halt last Saturday with the defeat at Crystal Palace, but the psychological advantage is with them after a last-minute victory over Newcastle last time out at Carrow Road.Sunderland need the win more, but the fixtures dont get much easier for either side after Saturday. Sunderland host Arsenal, Chelsea and Everton mixed in with trips to Stoke and Watford, while Norwich also face Arsenal (away), Man Utd (home), Watford (home) and Everton (away) before the season is out.Can Roberto Martinezs side give themselves a much-needed boost before the FA Cup semi-finals? (Everton v Southampton, Saturday 3pm)One thing Everton fans are desperate for is silverware. They were knocked out of the Capital One Cup at the semi-final stage this season by Manchester City, and are still without a trophy since 1995.Martinez has come under extreme pressure in recent weeks, underachieving in the eyes of Everton fans despite having a strong squad full of top internationals. Everton supporters hold a banner against Roberto Martinez at Watford last weekend They sit 12th in the Premier League with six games to go having had European aspirations in August, but all that will be forgotten if they are victorious at Wembley on May 21.The FA Cup, to some, is Martinezs last hope of redeeming himself, but first they must produce a positive performance and result to boot against a Saints side who have won three of their last four, before the Toffees face Manchester United at Wembley next Saturday.Will Villa finally give their fans something to cheer about as they head for the Championship? (Manchester United v Aston Villa, Saturday 3pm)It would be bizarrely fitting for Aston Villa to be relegated at the ground they have so often fallen short at in Premier League history. Aston Villa can be relegated at Old Trafford Villa, despite challenging United for the title in the first Premier League season in 1992/93, have won just once at Old Trafford since 1983, and are all-but guaranteed to start next season in the second tier of English football for the first time since 1987.United, meanwhile, have problems of their own, but have the chance to close the gap on Manchester City to one point in the race for the top four, with Manuel Pellegrinis side facing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the late kick-off.Will the lunchtime result boost Newcastles survival bid, or put more pressure on? (Newcastle v Swansea, Saturday 3pm)While rivals Sunderland compete in their six-pointer at Norwich, Newcastle host Swansea at St James Park, where the gap to the Canaries could be nine points by 3pm. Newcastle United players show their frustration after the defeat by Southampton Theyll have two games in hand, of course, but they face a Swansea side who have won four of their last six in the Premier League.Rafa Benitezs impact at Newcastle has not been as potent as first hoped, and their woeful performance in the 3-1 defeat by Southampton last weekend prompted the Spaniard to question his sides fight and hunger. It will be 50,000 Geordies doing the same, and much more vocally, if they produce the same on Saturday.Can Watford reach 40 points with five games to spare? (West Brom v Watford, Saturday 3pm)West Brom got there a fortnight ago, and Watford fans have been waiting since the end of February to reach the 40-point mark and all-but secure their Premier League safety. Jose Holebas celebrates scoring Watfords equaliser against Everton A win over the Baggies would do it, but having taken just two points out of a possible 18, form is not on their side.For the hosts, some goalmouth actiion would be a bonus for fans between now and the end of the season having already got to 40; theyve failed to register a shot on target in two of their last three games.ddddddddddddCan City tighten their grasp on fourth place? (Chelsea v Man City, Saturday Night Football 5.30pm, live on Sky Sports 1 HD)The return fixture in August was billed as a fight between first and second, but the bizarre Premier League season has taken a turn for both sides. Manchester City made it through to the Champions League semi-final in midweek Man City are looking to secure fourth and Chelsea remain hopeful of a top six place, and their respective styles of football should still produce an entertaining game.After Guus Hiddinks unbeaten Premier League run ended at Swansea, all eyes will be on Citys top-four push. Manchester United host bottom club Aston Villa hours before, so pressure should be on Manuel Pellegrinis side. Can Liverpool make a late charge for the top four? (Bournemouth v Liverpool, Sunday 1.30pm)Jurgen Klopps side are nine points behind Manchester City with a game in hand going into the weekend, and with City travelling to Chelsea, this could be Liverpools chance to make up ground. Liverpool have an outside chance of reaching the top four The hallmark of Klopps tenure has been too many draws, but with Bournemouth safe after a dream first season in the Premier League, the Reds could take over at the Vitality Stadium.However, theyve suffered from one or two Europa League hangovers this season, and after a challenging night against Dortmund on Thursday, Klopp may have to shuffle his pack again.Can Leicester put the pressure on Tottenham again in the title race? (Leicester v West Ham, Super Sunday 1.30pm, live on Sky Sports 1 HD)Harry Kane told Sky Sports last week it didnt matter who won first over the weekend, but White Hart Lane was anxious in stages in the first half against Manchester United last Sunday following Leicesters win at Sunderland. Leicester City fans could see their side move a step forward to the title on Sunday The roof was soon lifted after three goals in seven minutes proved Spurs werent out of the title race, but Leicester can once again pile the pressure on with a win over West Ham before their rivals trip to Stoke on Monday Night Football.This is arguably Leicesters biggest test in recent weeks, and with West Ham holding Champions League aspirations of their own, it will be a nervy and competitive affair at the King Power Stadium. Will Arsenal avoid a disastrous 2016 by securing the top four? (Arsenal v Crystal Palace, Super Sunday 4pm, live on Sky Sports 1 HD)With just seven points separating Arsenal in third and West Ham in sixth, the top four race is by no means done and dusted. Arsenal are looking to avoid a disastrous 2016 by finishing in the top four Another slip-up could find Arsenal clinging onto fourth with five games remaining, and even if the top four is secured, the same questions will be asked of Arsene Wengers tenure come the end of the season.Palace are edging closer to 40 points after a much-needed first victory of 2016 over Norwich last weekend was followed by a draw with Everton on Wednesday, and the pressure should be off as they travel to the Emirates, where they always give Arsenal a proper game. Can Spurs end their recent troubles against Stoke and keep their title hopes alive? (Stoke v Tottenham, Monday Night Football 8pm, live on Sky Sports 1 HD)It may be a good time to play Stoke, who have won just one of their last five, but Spurs have stuttered against the Potters over the past 18 months. Spurs have struggled against Stoke in the last 18 months They were beaten 2-1 at White Hart Lane last season before a 3-0 defeat at the Britannia, and despite being 2-0 up back in August of this term with 12 minutes remaining, Stoke fought back for a 2-2 draw.Nevertheless, Graeme Souness said after the 3-0 win over Manchester United that this Spurs side can challenge for years to come, while Jan Vertonghen insists they can do something special if Mauricio Pochettino stays. But for the moment, all that matters is the coming weeks. Also See: Premier League video Fixtures Table Live on Sky Cheap Steelers Jerseys Cheap Patriots Jerseys Cheap Bills Jerseys Cheap Jets Jerseys Cheap Giants Jerseys Cheap Redskins Jerseys Cheap Bears Jerseys Cheap Eagles Jerseys Cheap Cardinals Jerseys Cheap Jaguars Jerseys Cheap Raiders Jerseys Cheap Dolphins Jerseys Cheap Panthers Jerseys Cheap Lions Jerseys Cheap Browns Jerseys ' ' '