lucylily's blog: "ght"

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman and catcher Ivan Rodriguez were scratched from the Washington Nationals lineup Tuesday night with injuries that likely will sideline the All-Stars for four or five days. Rodriguez tweaked his left calf while working out before the game against the New York Mets. Zimmerman was pulled because of tightness in his right groin. The problems are not expected to prevent the Gold Glovers from being ready for the season opener on March 31 against Atlanta. "Hope its only a couple of days," manager Jim Riggleman said. Zimmerman missed a few games last week because of a strain on his side. This latest setback is not thought to be related to that previous injury. "Well be real careful about how we bring him back," Riggleman said. He added Zimmerman typically doesnt think he needs a lot of at-bats in spring training to get ready. Had this occurred during the regular season, Riggleman said, Zimmerman probably would have played. Rodriguez, however, would have sat out with this ailment. Rodriguez was on the field early by himself, continuing to prepare for his 21st season in the majors. He hurt himself while jogging and stretching in the outfield. The 39-year-old Rodriguez played 111 games last season and has won a record 13 Gold Gloves at catcher. Minus Zimmerman and Rodriguez, the Nationals were left with a thinner-than-usual lineup for a road spring training game. In general, teams try to bring at least four starters when they travel for exhibition games. Riggleman said hed tell Mets manager Terry Collins he was sorry for the diminished lineup that had Jerry Hairston Jr. batting third. "You dont want to be disrespectful to the fans," Riggleman said. "But thats what happened." Cheap Jerseys free shipping . -- New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis says the club has cut veteran tight end David Thomas and third-year cornerback Johnny Patrick. Cheap NFL Jerseys china . After being told by an Italian reporter that there might be some undeclared gay players on the team, Cassano appeared at a loss for words before responding. "Thats their problem, but I hope not. ... But I dont know," he said, then added that he hoped his answer sufficed. http://www.usnewjerseyscheap.com/ .J. - New Jersey Devils coach Peter DeBoer never worries when Ilya Kovalchuk goes into a goal-scoring drought. Cheap Jerseys . -- Canadas Stephanie Dubois advanced to the semifinals with a win over Taiwans Hsu Wen-Hsin at the Granby Challenger tennis tournament Friday. Cheap Jerseys china . -- Tiger Woods is going to have to wait one more day to try to reclaim No.ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Falcons found their replacement for Michael Turner on Thursday by agreeing to terms with Steven Jackson, considered the top free-agent running back, on a three-year, $12 million deal. The 29-year-old Jackson had 1,042 yards rushing and four touchdowns with the Rams last season. It was his eighth straight season with more than 1,000 yards rushing. "I think this is a very big signing for us," Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff told The Associated Press. "It continues to bolster our offensive firepower. It gives us not only strength, power in running ability but also the versatility to catch out of the backfield, which is a very important part of this offence." In separate posts on his Twitter feed, Jackson referred to Dimitroff and Falcons owner Arthur Blank as he thanked the Falcons for the new deal. "To the AMAZING Atlanta Falcons Owner, GM & Management team, I SINCERELY THANK EACH OF YOU for making this happen. I EAGERLY anticipate 2013!" Jackson tweeted. Jackson would have earned $7 million with the Rams in 2013 before he opted out of his contract to become a free agent. He tweeted his thanks to the Rams "for believing in me & allowing me to be an integral part of this team forr so many years.dddddddddddd" Jacksons 10,135 yards rushing for his career are the most of any active player. He set career highs with 1,528 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns with St. Louis in 2006. Turners average of only 3.6 yards per carry last season set a career low. The Falcons released Turner, defensive end John Abraham and cornerback Dunta Robinson on March 1. He had 800 yards rushing, his low total in his five seasons in Atlanta. Jackson averaged 4.1 yards per carry with the Rams and gives Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan another receiver to target. Jackson had at least 38 catches in each of his last eight seasons in St. Louis. "Were hoping he has his best years ahead of him, theres no question about that," Dimitroff said. "We think he still has much fuel in the tank and I know that he believes that." Turners modest total of 19 catches last season set a career high. He had his first career touchdown catch. The deal with Jackson came only two days after the Falcons announced tight end Tony Gonzalez is returning for the 2013 season after saying last year he was 95 per cent sure he would retire. The Falcons also have re-signed strong safety William Moore and right guard Garrett Reynolds. ' ' '