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Dec 9 '16, 06:00AM
CHICAGO -- Sometimes Javier Baez knows ahead of time where he is playing. Zapatillas Asics Hombre Baratas . Sometimes he finds out when he arrives at the ballpark.Baez takes it all in stride. After all, his quick hands and athleticism go with him wherever he plays.I always come ready to be out there, Baez said.The versatility and can-do attitude of the 23-year-old Baez played a major role in the Chicago Cubs major league-leading 103 wins this year, helping clear the way for the team to carry three catchers and providing manager Joe Maddon with seemingly endless possibilities for his defensive alignments.He started at second in Game 1 of the NL Division Series on Friday night and homered in the eighth inning, sending Chicago to a 1-0 victory over the San Francisco Giants.The NL West champion Los Angeles Dodgers have a multitalented player in veteran Howie Kendrick, and the Cleveland Indians, winners of the AL Central, played Jose Ramirez at four different spots this year. The Boston Red Sox used Brock Holt all over the field on their way to the AL East crown.The concept of a utilityman, a player who keeps several gloves in his locker and is ready to go anywhere in a pinch, has been around for a long time. But major league teams appear to be emphasizing more positional versatility up and down the roster, and this years playoffs include a handful of prominent examples.Its an important consideration for us, Indians president Chris Antonetti said. What we try to do is plan for different things that might happen over the course of the year. If guys dont perform, if you have injuries, who is going to be the replacement for that player? So, we go through literally the entire roster, everybody on the field, all the pitchers, if this happens, then what? And versatility helps you plan for that.So, a guy like Jose, who had the ability to not only play all the infield positions, but demonstrated an ability to go out to the outfield, thats immensely helpful as you plan a team, because he can cover you in so many places.Baez was selected by Chicago with the ninth overall pick in the 2011 amateur draft and came up through the minors as a shortstop. But the Cubs also have Addison Russell at that spot, so the team used Baez at several different positions to get him on the field.With his strong arm, quick feet and great hands, Baez might be Chicagos best defender at third, second and shortstop. He also made two starts at first this year. Oh, and he hit .273 with 14 homers and 59 RBI in 142 games.At first it was (hard) because I wasnt used to some positions, but thats why we work in spring training and now Im used to it, Baez said.Maddon is a big believer in versatility. He also has jack-of-all-trades Ben Zobrist, who played for Maddon with Tampa Bay and signed with the Cubs in the offseason, and Kris Bryant, the front-runner for NL MVP who started at third, first, left and right this year.A lot of times you get a kid like thatll come up and everybody says `You got to put him at one position or else youre going to stifle his development. I never understood that, Maddon said. I think you give a guy a chance to play multiple positions and he gets in the lineup more often, thats what happens.Maddon realizes Baez has special gifts.He is unusual. I mean theres not many kids that age that can play a variety of different positions as well as he does, Maddon said last month. Again, slow motor, in a sense, he doesnt get all hyped up about things. Extremely accurate, strong arm. Unbelievable hands and the willingness to do it. Not every team has one of those.The Dodgers also have one in the 33-year-old Kendrick, who made at least seven starts this year at second, third, first and left field. Kendrick played alongside Chone Figgins when he broke into the majors in 2006 with the Angels, and he got some advice from the utilityman that stays with him to this day.Just go out and see what you can do, Kendrick said when asked what Figgins told him. If they ask you if you can play somewhere, try it out and see how you like it. But never really give them an answer like `No. You just say, `Hey, sure, I can try it. If it works, it works.Like Maddon, Kendrick thinks positional versatility is only going to become more important.Essentially, one player becomes like four players, without having to burn multiple people, he said. The game nowadays, thats where its at -- utility guys.The Indians played without All-Star outfielder Michael Brantley for much of the year due to a right shoulder injury, and Ramirez helped make up for his absence by batting .312 with 11 homers and 76 RBI while mostly seeing time at third and in left.Ramirez started at third in Clevelands first two playoff games against Boston and went 4 for 7 as the Indians took a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five ALDS.I think the way were constructed we need to have versatility, because if somebody gets hurt or we need to be able to maximize our roster, with guys like Mike Aviles a couple of years ago, and certainly Jose now, it allows us if theres an injury to move him, manager Terry Francona said. Also to create platoon advantages when we want to. And it has helped us enormously.---AP Sports Writers Tom Withers, Howard Fendrich and Stephen Whyno contributed to this report.---Jay Cohen can be reached at http://www.twitter.com/jcohenap Asics Gel Kayano 20 Comprar . You can watch the game live on TSN at 7:30pm et/4:30pm pt. The Flyers had won seven of eight before dropping their last two outings on consecutive days over the weekend. Philadelphia was handed a 6-3 loss by the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday afternoon before dropping a 4-1 decision to the Rangers the following night in New York City. Asics Gel Nimbus 17 Baratas . Ouellette, from Montreal, already has three Olympic gold medals since joining the team in 1999. http:///...l-lyte-iii-rosa.html . -- The proud fathers huddled near the Dallas Stars dressing room, smiling, laughing and telling stories while wearing replica green sweaters of their sons team. Even with the Falcons at Denver, the perfect Vikings hosting Houston, and the unbeaten Eagles returning from their bye to face Detroit, the spotlight is on Cleveland in Week 5. And no, the 0-4 Browns arent the attraction. Tom Brady is.Back from his Deflategate four-game suspension, Brady isnt talking much. Anyone who has watched him win four Super Bowls and two league MVP honors knows how much of an edge he will bring to Sundays game.That might be even sharper after New England was blanked at home by Buffalo following three victories.Of course, if you seek any wisdom from Foxborough, thats a dead end. The Browns provided more insight on the quarterback they will face than any of the Patriots managed about Brady.I think he is going to come back and just be ready to go. He is a true professional, Browns cornerback Joe Haden says.Whenever he is out on the field, he studies professionally, he knows where he wants to go with the ball and he is confident in his players. Him and his coach, they have been together for so long so they just know each other like the back of their hands. I think that he is going to come back in midseason form.If the Browns already are in midseason form, they could be a threat to equal Detroits 0-16 season of 2008.The action began Thursday night with visiting Arizonas 33-21 victory over San Francisco. Drew Stanton threw two touchdown passes to Larry Fitzgerald in his first start in two years, David Johnson ran for two scores and the Cardinals (2-3) capitalized on mistakes by San Francisco (1-4).Stanton played in place Carson Palmer, the Arizona starter sidelined by a concussion.Off this week are Jacksonville (1-3), New Orleans (1-3), Kansas City (2-2) and Seattle (3-1).Atlanta (3-1) at Denver (4-0)Clearly the best matchup this week, the Falcons come off a blowout win over Carolina, which the Broncos barely edged in the season opener. Of course, Denver manhandled the Panthers in the Super Bowl, and its defense is just as good, if not better.That presents a hefty challenge for the Falcons , whose offense is ranked atop the league, led by Matt Ryan throwing to Julio Jones. Atlanta has scored 152 points, 38 more than anyone else.So this is a classic powerful offense vs. dominant defense matchup.We dont want to be the team on the other side of a 500-yard game by Matt Ryan, so it just motivates us to prepare even harder, Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib says. It fires us up to go compete against the best. Julio and Matt Ryan are the best right now in the league, so it fires us up to go compete against them.Jones returns the compliments when asked about Denvers secondary, even as he prepares to try to victimize the Broncos.Just their whole defense is a great defense, probably one of the best defenses were going to face this year, Jones says. Its not more about them, its more about us. Weve got to go there and do what we do. They have great athletes, and definitely in the secondary and their front seven is very, very good. It comes down to us and our execution.Houston (3-1) at Minnesota (4-0)Wow, do the Vikings look good. And whoa, for a first-place team, do the Texans look mediocre.If it wasnt for Denvers outrageous defense, the football world would be in awe of Minnesotas. Not since 1988 have the Vikings allowed fewer points (50) through four games than this season. They also lead the NFL with a plus-10 turnover margin; their only giveaway was a lost fumble by safety Andrew Sendejo during his own fumble return.Houston has beaten Chicago, Kansas City and Tennessee in unimpressive fashion, and didnt show up for its toughest opponent, a 27-0 loss at the Patriots. The Texans best player, DE J.J. Watt (back) is gone for the season.Philadelphia (3-0) at Detroit (1-3)Theres plenty of eagerness, and a bit of trepidation, in Philly as the Eagles get back on the field. Their fans are thrilled by the quick start behind rookie quarterback Carson Wentz, but also wonder if it is for real.Beating Detroit doesnt prove a lot, but losing to the Lions, even on the road, could be a sign the first three weeks were something of a mirage in Philadelphia.Really in my opinion our season starts now, coach Doug Pederson says. What weve done already is great and were in a good position, but we need to buckle down and prepare as if this is Week 1.Why has Detroit dropped three in a row? Try ranking second with 370 yards in penalties and third with 39 penalties in total. Plus, the Lions have only one pick and have not recovered a fumble.Cincinnati (2-2) at Dallas (3-1)Finally, Cowboys rookie QB Dak Prescott faces a solid defense. If he passes this test, Dallas might be on to something at quarterback while Tony Romo heals. Prescott has thrown a rookie-record 131 passes without an interception to start his career, tied with Hall of Famer Warren Moon for second overall behind Brady (162).This one could be decided on the ground. Cincinnati hasnt allowed a rushing TD this season, while the Cowboys have NFL-leading eight. Dallas rookie Ezekiel Elliott leads the league in rushing with 412 yards.Then again, the Bengals have one of the sports most dangerous receivers, A.J. Green, who has two games this season with 10 catches.New York Jets (1-3) at Pittsburgh (3-1)One of the wworst matchups possible for the reeling Jets: New York trails the overall series 19-5 and is 1-9 in Pittsburgh. Comprar Zapatillas Asics Baratas. f the Jets dont tidy up, they could get rocked at Heinz Field. Their 13 turnovers are the most in the NFL and Ryan Fitzpatricks 10 interceptions lead the league. Hes also 0-4 against the Steelers.Ben Roethlisbergers 11 TD passes are tied for the NFL high with Atlantas Ryan, and he is 31-10 in October. His top target, 2015 All-Pro Antonio Brown, has four TD receptions, also tied for the league lead. Running back LeVeon Bell rolled up 178 yards of total offense in his 2016 debut last Sunday night after serving a three-game suspension.Washington (2-2) at Baltimore (3-1)Despite having stadiums a half-hour apart on I-95, these franchises have met only five times in real games. Washingtons last win in Baltimore was in 1955 against the Colts.Ravens coach John Harbaugh can pass Brian Billick for most regular-season wins in franchise history with 81. Hell rely on a defense ranked atop the league that has allowed only eight plays of at least 20 yards, fewest in the NFL. With RB Terrance West coming off his best game, Baltimore gets to test the NFLs second-worst rushing defense, which has yielded eight TDs on the ground and 133 yards rushing per game.Buffalo (2-2) at Los Angeles (3-1)Both teams are feeling very good about themselves.Buffalo comes off a shutout at Foxborough, the first time the Patriots have been blanked in Gillette Stadium. The Bills have won twice since Greg Roman was canned as offensive coordinator and replaced by Anthony Lynn, and they get back DT Marcell Dareus from a four-game suspension for his second violation of the leagues substance abuse policy.Not only have the Rams won three in a row after an awful opener, they are winning despite ranking dead last in total offense. Theres nothing wrong with the defense, led by Aaron Donald, and if RB Todd Gurley, last years top offensive rookie, can get going, Los Angeles might have a contender in its first season back in the NFL.Tampa Bay (1-3) at Carolina (1-3), Monday nightIt would be tempting to bury the loser of this prime-time affair, especially in light of Atlantas hot start. And it would be easier to do so with the Buccaneers, who cant avoid turnovers (nine) and are allowing 32 points an outing.Carolina figures to need backup QB Derek Anderson with Cam Newton in the NFLs concussion protocol. What the Panthers really seem to need is rapid development in the secondary; the decision to let Josh Norman leave in free agency has been biting the conference champions.Anderson isnt mobile like Newton, and Carolinas line has allowed 13 sacks.San Diego (1-3) at Oakland (3-1)If you want a definition of self-destruction, simply look at the Chargers lack of a finishing touch. They have given up 51 points in the first three quarters combined, and 51 points in fourth quarter. San Diego led all four games at the two-minute warning but lost three.Oakland has won three in a row despite a sieve of a defense. The previous time Oakland was 4-1 was 2002, the season when the Raiders won the AFC title. Placekicker Sebastian Janikowski needs five points to become the 13th player with 1,700 in his career.Tennessee (1-3) at Miami (1-3)Both teams have been keeping one eye on Hurricane Matthew while preparing. In a scheduling oddity, the Titans will play a team coming off a longer layoff after playing on a Thursday night for the second straight week; they lost to Houston last Sunday.Dont look for much offense here with Tennessee at the bottom of the NFL in scoring with 62 points and Miami unable to run the ball, averaging 61 yards per game. The Dolphins rank last in third-down conversions (27 percent) and tied for 31st with 65 first downs.New York Giants (2-2) at Green Bay (2-1)The Pack is back -- from a bye. Seeing the Giants would seem to be a good way to return considering how inept New Yorks injury-depleted secondary has been. Aaron Rodgers must be eager as all get out to get on the field, but he should remember that the Giants have won two huge games there in the playoffs in 2008 and 2012.Green Bay is holding opponents to a league-stingiest 1.8 yards rushing per play. The Giants rank 19th running the ball.The Packers have been vulnerable through the air, though. In their past two outings, they allowed career-best days to Lions WR Marvin Jones (six catches, 205 yards, two TDs) and Vikings WR Stefon Diggs (nine catches, 182 yards, one TD).Chicago (1-3) at Indianapolis (1-3)Not too far a drive for Bears fans to make. Why they would want to make it, we dont know.Actually, the Bears got off the schneid with their win over Detroit last weekend, and in their only trips to Lucas Oil Stadium, they won the buildings debut game in 2008, and then knocked off the Colts in Andrew Lucks first game in 2012.Indy running back Frank Gore needs 20 yards rushing to pass Jim Brown -- yes Jim Brown -- for No. 9 on NFLs career list. Adam Vinatieri has made 33 consecutive field goals, three short of his own career best in Indy.---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Cheap NFL Jerseys ' ' '
