TSN Baseball Insider Steve Phillips answers several questions each week. This weeks topics include the Blue Jays handling of Adam Linds injury, the As and Cubs trade, biggest surprises and disappointments, and Brian McCann in New York. 1) Toronto Blue Jays DH Adam Lind is out for six-to-eight weeks after being diagnosed with a fracture in his right foot. He was originally hurt on June 14th and the injury was diagnosed by the club as a deep bruise following a CT scan. What, if anything, does this say about how the Blue Jays handled his injury? Things like this happen. It is embarrassing for an organization though when it does. It is particularly embarrassing to the medical department of the team. The teams head physician has some questions to answer. As a general manager, I became a doctor, lawyer, psychiatrist, accountant and motivational speaker depending upon the situation. That being said, general managers are only doctors in so far as they understand what happens with baseball injuries. Only the team physician is qualified to diagnose injuries. Only the doctor writes up the prescription for diagnostic tests. General managers can play devils advocate and challenge a doctors thinking but that is it. Clearly the doctor struck out on this one. Lind did what players do; they play with pain. Players are taught to learn the difference between pain and injury. When the pain didnt go away, Lind realized he might be dealing with an injury. Actually, it was Linds mom who finally pushed him to request an MRI. I am not sure why an MRI is not part of the immediate diagnostic protocol for contusion injuries like this. It should be and probably will be from now on. Too many mistakes like this and the Jays may have to consider a new team doctor even for someone who has been around for a long time. Remember, mother knows best! 2) Late last week, the Oakland As beat the rush and acquired Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel for their top prospect Addison Russell and two other prospects. What did you make of not only the timing of the deal, but also what each team got? I have always been a firm believer that teams in the playoff hunt should go for it when they have the chance. The Oakland As went for it in a big way with this deal. The As were the best team in the game before the trade and this further reinforced that position. One of the big knocks against Billy Beane, As General Manager, is that his teams have been good enough to make the playoffs but not good enough to win once they are there. In other words, they were built to win over 162 games but lacked the impact to win in a short series. With the acquisition of Samardzija and Hammel the As added the kind of starting pitching that gives them a much better shot of getting to the playoffs and winning games when they are there. Beane gave up an extraordinary talent in Addison Russell. It was the right thing to do. Prospects get general managers fired. When I had a chance to win I gave up whatever prospect I needed in order to land players that would help me win now. For every prospect that fulfills his ultimate potential, there are 20 who do not. Even if the prospect that is traded becomes a great player the time value of the veteran player to help a team win now is worth it. Teams that win World Series take calculated risks in order to win. They sign a big free agent. They make a trade. They give up a top prospect to get the final piece to the puzzle. When I made the tough decision to fire coaches from under my manager, Bobby Valentine, it worked. My owner said it was a $30 million decision. We ended up going to the playoffs and then to the NLCS. We didnt make $30 million but the swing was that significant. If we had fallen apart that year we would have sold fewer tickets that season and it would have negatively impacted ticket and sponsorship sales the next year too. Instead, making the playoffs allowed more ticket sales that season. It included money made while in the playoffs and it generated excitement for the sale of tickets the following season. The Cubs made a great trade. So many times when teams are sellers at the deadline they try to acquire talent to fit a particular role. Theo Epstein, Cubs GM, didnt do that. He acquired the best possible talent regardless of the role. Russell is an exciting blue chip shortstop prospect. The Cubs already have young veteran Starling Castro and top prospect, Javier Baez, in the organization. The Cubs cant win with three shortstops but Epstein understands that he can turn one of them into whatever he wants. This was a win-win deal for both sides. The As are going to win more now but the Cubs will be winners soon enough too. 3) With the All-Star Break nearly upon us, which player or teams have been the biggest surprise to you, and which have been the biggest disappointments? As we head into the All-Star break, my most pleasant surprise is the Milwaukee Brewers. I actually thought they would be in the hunt for a Wild Card spot this year but they have been even better than expected. Manager Ron Roenicke made a bold move when he replaced his closer a day before the season. Francisco Rodriguez has been nearly perfect. The Brewers are winning the games they are supposed to win. The starting rotation has been consistently effective and gives them a chance to win every night. Offensively, they have a deep and productive lineup. They are second in the NL in runs scored. The Brewers have five players with double-digit home runs and five with 40+ RBI. With the injury to Cards catcher Yadier Molina and the numerous other injuries, the Cards may be done. Plus the Cardinals have struggled offensively. In 2013 they hit .330 with runners in scoring position while this year they are only hitting .246 in similar situations. The Reds have been bitten by the injury bug as well as they lost Brandon Phillips in a similar way that the Cards lost Molina. Homer Bailey has struggled this year and he left yesterdays game with an apparent knee injury. They had significant lost time from Matt Latos and Aroldis Chapman, while Jay Bruce and others have underperformed. The Pirates look a bit like the Pirates again. Everything seems to be going in the Brewers favor. It is their division to lose. The biggest disappointment is the Boston Red Sox. It is always difficult to repeat but I did not anticipate a last place finish. This team resembles the Bobby Valentine team from 2012. The team that won the World Series a year ago led the AL in runs scored by a significant margin (+59 on next closest team). This years team has scored the fewest runs in the league. Certainly they miss Jacoby Ellsbury, but this much? The Sox last year stole 123 bases and were caught only 19 times. So far this year they have stolen only 28 bases while being caught 19 times. The 2013 World Series champs hit 178 home runs while this years version is on pace for 116 homers. So no power and no speed equals no winning. I dont anticipate this Sox team to make the kind of run necessary to get back in the playoff hunt. John Lester and Clay Buchholz arent nearly the pitchers they were a year ago. The Red Sox are going to be sellers this year, not buyers. 4) This past week, Atlanta Braves hitting coach Terry Pendelton said, “New York is not Brian (McCann). Thats my opinion. I knew if he chose New York, there would be more than he expected or knew about. Hell never be comfortable with that …” He obviously doesnt think that Brian McCann has the temperament necessary to handle New York. Pendelton may be right. Not everyone can handle the game in New York, it is a different market than any other city. There are more beat writers and columnist and bloggers in NY than anywhere else. The talk radio is vicious when things are going well. Can you imagine how bad it can be when things are going poorly? McCann is an easy-going southern boy from just outside of Atlanta. He has the kind of background that New York can chew up and spit out. One of the most significant challenges for ball players in New York is that fans boo when they are unhappy and frustrated. This can paralyze even the most talented players. Back when I was general manager I made a trade to acquire Hall of Famer Robbie Alomar. He had just come off a season with the Indians in which he hit .300 with 20 homers, 20 stolen bases, 100 RBI and 100 runs scored. We got off to a slow start the next year and Alomar and the rest of the team got booed. Alomar was paralyzed by the booing and never performed like the Hall of Famer he was. Pendeltons comments came at a perfect time. Not because of McCann but because this is the last All-Star game that we have to honor Derek Jeter. What Jeter has done in New York is absolutely amazing. He was rarely, if ever, booed in New York. He played there for 20 years and never put himself in a position to be booed. That is remarkable. Jeter is as consistent a player and person that baseball has ever seen. He got the job done in the field and at the plate. He always delivered. If the Yankees needed a leadoff hit, he got on base. If they needed a stolen base, he swiped one. If they needed a homer, he crushed one. If the Yankees needed a great defensive play, he dove in the stands and made one. His way to overcome booing is to never give them a reason to boo you. Even more remarkable to me is how Jeter lived his life off the field in the fishbowl that is New York City. He was never in the gossip columns of the tabloids. He was never at the center of a scandal. In an era where everyone has camera phones, the fact that Jeter has never been caught in a compromising position is remarkable. So in a week where we wonder whether a Yankee can handle playing in New York, we celebrate one that has done it better than anyone else. Derek Jeter is an extraordinary leader. Maybe one of his last acts of leadership will be to help Brian McCann cope with New York. I have a love/hate relationship with Jeter. I hated him because he always found a way to beat my teams. I loved him because I have such respect for the way he has carried himself on and off the field. He is as classy as any player ever. Baseball will miss Jeter. I for one will watch the All-Star Game on Tuesday to celebrate Derek Jeter. I hope you do too. Kyle Lauletta Giants Jersey . 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Gauteng High Court Judge Dunstan Mlambo ruled Tuesday that South African media houses will be allowed to install three remote controlled cameras in court for the Olympic athletes trial starting next week to capture images that likely will be seen by millions around the world. Saquon Barkley Jersey .ca. Kerry, I hope you address Ron MacLeans comment during the second intermission of Game 4 in Montreal-Tampa series. Basically, he suggested that the NHL should not have used a referee from Quebec, following the Game 3 disputed non-goal, because the referee could be biased towards Montreal.Forty eight matches are now in the books. Sixteen teams have moved on. Sixteen teams have gone home. There have been 136 goals, countless talking points, and numerous standout performances. Its time to make sense of the last 15 days. Here is your best and worst from the Group Stage. Team of the Group Stage GK: Keylor Navas (CRC) – Only let in one goal, a penalty in his opening 45 minutes of the action. Navas made one of the saves of the tournament in the 44th minute in the same half against Uruguay. A shot by Diego Forlan took a dramatic deflection and had eyes for the top corner. Navas ranged back and made an incredible save on his off-shoulder, showing standout body control and concentration making the unorthodox stop. If Navas doesnt make that save, Costa Rica doesnt come back to win that match, and probably doesnt advance from the group. It was a special stop from a special goalkeeper. RB: Serge Aurier (CIV) – Pacey. Strong. Purposeful. And positionally sound. The 22-year old did it all in the group stage. He set up both goals fantastically well in the 2-1 comeback win in the opener against Japan. Its disappointing his team couldnt provide enough going forward against Greece to advance to the next round. Aurier is an emerging top talent and showed why he is so coveted. CB: Giancarlo Gonzalez (CRC) – The Columbus Crew centre-back was a rock throughout the Group Stage. He had no better performance than in the second match against Italy, making what ended up being a four-man Italian attack look like a bunch of amateurs. Timely tackles and the general of Costa Ricas backline, he kept the group organized and keeping a high line. CB: Rafael Marquez (MEX) – The fourth World Cup captaining El Tri and perhaps putting in his finest performance. Marquez has led a young backline with composure and strength against a group featuring marquee attacking talent. The job he did on Croatias Mario Mandzukic was a master-class, as was his match-winning goal, the third straight World Cup he has scored. The performance has been one of the most unexpected in the tournament, slowing down over recent years. The 35 year old has been class in Brazil. LB: Daley Blind (NED) – The versatility is most impressive with the left back. His presence going forward has been as purposeful as his defending in the adaptable wingback position. His ball from mid-field on Robin van Persies opening goal of the tournament was a thing of beauty. And he thrived in a more defensive role against Chile with Bruno Martin Indi out with Dirk Kuyt in front of him. Few have looked better at the World Cup. M: Hector Herrera (MEX) - The Mexican keeps getting better as the games go by. He has provided a reliable midfield link to the attacking players and has threatened multiple times on goal. The work-rate is second to none and quality is there to equal. His game against Croatia was worthy of Man of the Match. The future is bright for the 24 year old. M: James Rodriguez (COL) – A midfield engine and the heart and soul of Colombia. Radamel Falcaos absence was deemed disastrous, but not with the number 10 manning the field. Hes taken the tournament by storm, contributing three goals and two assists, capping his fine group stage performance off by chipping the keeper after coming on as a second half substitute against Japan. From dropping deep, to providing hustle plays, to decisiveness in the final third, hes been everywhere. Remember this name. M: Juan Guillermo Cuadrado (COL) – Rodriguezs teammate on the right wing has even more flare. The footwork and pace has been unmatched down the flank. A goal and three assists to his tally is a testament to his quality. F: Thomas Muller (GER) – Mr. Golden Boot himself. Without a true number nine, Muller is the next best thing for Germany. Four goals in the tournament, including an opening match hat trick puts him in position for back-to-back World Cup scoring titles. Only 24, Muller is threatening to shatter records in the not-so distant future, having scored nine World Cup goals already. The flexibility in the German system allows him to freelance to a degree. Muller has found the spaces and has finished with authority. F: Arjen Robben (NED) – The best player coming out of the best group, Robben has to make this list. His speed and craftiness on the run is a game-changer. Three goals and an assist so far, and many other opportunities coming close, Robben maintained his top form through all group stage matches with production in all. He wore the captains armband in Robin van Persies absence against Chile, and showed remarkable composure in a difficult game. He is the best counter-attacking player in what has been the counter-attacking World Cup. F: Lionel Messi (ARG) – Nigeria head coach Stephen Keshi remarked Messi is from another planet after the Argentines two-goal performance against his team in a 3-2 win. Messi was that good. In his two previous games, Messi was unspectacular, but scored the game-winner in both. There is no player that can take advantage of weakness more than Messi. He narrowly edges Neymar on the list because of the flair for the dramatic. Messi has put an otherwise subpar Argentina on his shoulders. This may very well be his World Cup. Group Stage Second Team GK: Guillermo Ochoa (MEX) – Save on the tournament on NeymarRB: Daryl Janmaat (NED) – The bookend to Blind has been likewise impressiveCB: Gary Medel (CHI) – Chilean bulldog playing much bigger than his statureCB: Mats Hummels (GER) – Professional, intelligent performances from key to the German defenceLB: Junior Diaz (CRC) – Athelticism and ability to get forward have been a nightmare for slower competitionM: Charles Aranguiz (CHI) – Goal against Spain the cherry on top of thorough group stage performancesM: Nigel De Jong (NED) – Defensive cog has remained composed, allowing attacking players get out in frontM: Toni Kroos (GER) – Passing machine, dictating tempo from the middle of the parkF: Neymar (BRA) – Four goals makes puts him in joint tournament lead with flair to spareF: Robin Van Persie (NED) – Best goal so far, but suspension keeps him out of first teamF: Karim Benzema (FRA) – No player looks more hungry for goals Top Five Moments 5) Timmy Terrific (AUS vs. NED) – Tim Cahills finish on thhe volley with his opposite foot rivals for goal of the tournament.ddddddddddddSeconds after the Netherlands took a 1-0 lead, the Australian talisman hit a ball as pure as they come, with the ball hitting underneath the crossbar and in. The moment was breathtaking, with the Aussies full of belief. It was a goal scorers goal and there wont be a much better truer strike in the tournament. 4) Ochoa to the Rescue (MEX vs. BRA) – Neymars header had eyes for goal if it were not for the out-stretched Mexican goalkeeper. Goal-line technology made the save look even better, showing Ochoa taking the ball off the line. It was incredible bravery getting to the ball with the post looming, with reaction time that dazzles. No save will be better in Brazil. Ochoa was the hero on the day in a 0-0 draw. 3) Persieing (NED vs. ESP) – The World Cups hottest fad came from a goal of the highest quality. Down 1-0 to Spain in the 44th minute of the mouth-watering Group B opener, Robin van Persie at full pace took a long ball through the air from midfield and without hesitation struck with a diving header for the ages. The ball found the top corner past Iker Casillas with van Persie going face-first into the ground. RVP admitted after he saw Casillas off his line and picked out the spot. The difficulty level is off the charts and van Persie delivered. Were all better off for the photos that have followed with even RVPs own grandfather face first into the ground, Persieing. 2) Messi Magic (ARG vs. IRN) – It was supposed to be a walk in the park for Argentina. Instead, Iran put up an 11-man defensive wall that seemed unbreakable. Iran even grew in confidence, pushing forward for a potential winner. The match was settled in the 91st minute through the dramatics coming off the left-foot of Argentinas number 10. Iranian defenders gave Messi his lethal left side for the first time in the match. Messi seized the opportunity, burying it low left side and delivering the dagger into the hearts of all of Tehran. A moment as such is made for the best. The legend of Messi grows. 1) Varela at the Death (POR vs. USA) – The United States were seconds away from advancing to the Round of 16. They had come from behind to take a 2-1 lead over Portugal in the difficult conditions in Manaus. Never seen before numbers of Americans watched in primetime, as their new soccer heroes were about to deliver to the nation. That was until Cristiano Ronaldo, who was frustrated all night, intervened. Eder won the ball in the midfield before the ball was played wide with Ronaldo. With time running down, Demarcus Beasley assumed Ronaldo was going to take the ball to goal. Beasley stepped back to give space and Ronaldo obliged, taking advantage of the space delivering a cross for the ages to the on-running Varela. The Portuguese substitute finished and the American dream was shattered. Shock and Awe. It was the last meaningful touch of the ball and the most dramatic finish imaginable. The final was 2-2. The USA would have to wait another day. Worst Five Moments 5) Fred Flop (BRA vs. CRO) – The Brazilian striker duped the match official into calling a penalty on Croatia in the tournament opener. It was a clear flop by Fred, and a horrible way to open the tournament. 4) Akinfeev Howler (RUS vs. KOR) – Every tournament has one of two. Igor Akinfeev obliged with worst goal conceded. An innocent shot by Lee Keun-Ho went right through the hands of the Russian number one. It was a sign of what was to come for Russia. It was a nightmare start to a nightmare competition for Fabio Capellos side. 3) Cameroon Chaos (CMR vs. CRO) – It was a game Cameroon lost their heads. A mindless sending off of Alex Song put the team at a deficit. After being played off the pitch by their opponents, matters got worse in the dying minutes as Benoit Assou- Ekotto confronted Benjamin Moukandjo, head-butting his teammate. It was an ugly incident showing the level of dysfunction in the team. It was an embarrassment of extraordinary proportions to happen on the global stage. Assou-Ekotto did not play in Cameroons final match. 2) Dzeko Disallowed Goal (BIH vs. NGA) – Edin Dzeko had a goal in the 21st minute ruled offside. He wasnt. It was the most blatant case of a goal disallowed that should have stood in the group stage. Mexico was denied two in similar fashion against Cameroon that were less egregious. The disallowed goal proved costly as Bosnia and Herzegovina lost the match and were knocked out of the tournament. The case is the clearest shout that technology should be used to adjudicate offside-goal decisions. 1) Suarez Bite (URU vs. ITA) – It will be the most vivid image coming out of this World Cup for all the wrong reasons. The shoulder bite of Giorgio Chiellini by serial biter Luis Suarez is a stain on the game and takes away from what has been one of the best sporting tournaments we have ever seen. The defence of Suarez by his Uruguayan teammates and federation are equally disturbing. There is no room in the game for an individual like Suarez. The decision was swift by FIFA to punish and they should be applauded for the heavy punishment (four month suspension from the game and nine match international ban). Its a travesty the bite was not caught when the chomp went down. Or else Italy may be still alive leaving Uruguay with plenty to chew on. Power Rankings – Most Impressive Teams (FYI – my two World Cup finalist picks, Germany and Argentina, are not in the top five) 5) Mexico4) Brazil3) France2) Colombia1) Netherlands Best and Worst Best Match: Netherlands vs. SpainWorst Match: Iran vs. NigeriaBest Referee: Mark Geiger (assistant referee Canadian Joe Fletcher)Worst Referee: Yuichi NishimuraBest fan support: tie – Colombia/ArgentinaBest Player: Arjen Robben (Netherlands)Worst Player: Wilson Palacios (Honduras)Biggest Disappointment: SpainBiggest Surprise: Costa RicaTournament Dark Horse left-standing: MexicoBest Route to the Final: ArgentinaMost Controversial Decision: Claudio Marchisio sending off/Samaras penaltyBest Group: GWorst Group: FBest Head Coach: Miguel Herrera (Mexico) and Marc Wilmots (Belgium)Worst Head Coach: Fabio Capello (Russia)Best Goal: RVP (NED) vs. ESPWorst Miss: Gekas (GRE) vs. COLBest Team Eliminated: Ivory CoastWorst Team Remaining: Greece @WheelerTSNgareth.wheeler@bellmedia.ca Jerseys NFL CheapWholesale Jerseys ChinaWholesale NFL JerseysCheap NFL Jerseys CamoCheap NFL T-shirtsCheap NFL Black JerseysCheap Jerseys 2020 ' ' '