Dein erstes Forum » asnt tasted victory in a calendar yea

NEW YORK -- Watching a second straight loss to last-place Tampa Bay convinced the New York Yankees it was time to shift more fully into sell mode. So late Saturday night, owner Hal Steinbrenner gave the go-ahead.Six days after trading closer Aroldis Chapman to the Chicago Cubs for four prospects, New York dealt reliever Andrew Miller to Cleveland for four more.Were trying to get back to a situation where we can build an uber team and a sustainable one, general manager Brian Cashman said. So well see where it takes us, but thats the effort that weve got going on here, and I think fans should be excited by that.New Yorks 5-3 defeat Sunday completed a weekend sweep that left the Yankees (52-52) seven games behind AL East-leading Baltimore and 5 1/2 games back for the ALs second wild card, with three other teams to overcome.Seeking its elusive 28th championship, New York hasnt won a postseason game since Derek Jeter shattered an ankle in the 2012 AL Championship Series, a night that looking back ended an era of greatness that included titles in 1996, `98, `99, `00 and `09.While the Yankees kept adding free agents around the core group of Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Bernie Williams, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada, amateur drafts yielded relatively little and Major League Baseball restricted the Yankees and other high-revenue teams with taxes on high payrolls and penalties for exceeding defined thresholds on amateur spending.Cashman all but admitted the Yankees were slow to adapt.The chessboard thats lined up that were playing is not the same chessboard that we were playing back when I just started in the late `80s, he said. Its a recognition of how the industrys completely different today and the operating standards are completely different today, and theres just a sounder recognition of that. And if you want to become a super team, theres certain ways to go about that that you have to strongly consider. And although they may be tough decisions, the one thing the Yankees have always stood for and do stand for is the effort in trying to become a super team.Convinced they are unlikely to reach the playoffs this year, the Yankees are pivoting to the future. New York hopes to get under the luxury tax threshold by no later than 2018, which would put the team in prime position to spend again after that season. Bryce Harper, Jose Fernandez, Manny Machado and Clayton Kershaw are among the stars who could be on the market that fall.With inconsistent starting pitching and among the American Leagues poorest offenses, the Yankees are in danger of their first losing season since 1992 and appear to be several years from assembling a dominating team. Carlos Beltran, Ivan Nova and Mark Teixeira are eligible for free agency at the end of the season, and CC Sabathia, Alex Rodriguez, Nathan Eovaldi, Michael Pineda, Brian McCann and Brett Gardner also could go free after 2018 (New York has 2019 options for McCann and Gardner).Theres no doubt that theyre trying to add good players to the organization for the future, Beltran said. Maybe theyre really serious about rebuilding.With his average at .205, 41-year-old A-Rod seems to have little future at New Yorks designated hitter in 2017. As the Yankees try to go young, their focus will be on trying to find productive, relatively inexpensive players to fill the big league roster while waiting for prospects to develop.Shortstop Jorge Mateo, catcher Gary Sanchez, outfielder Aaron Judge and pitcher Luis Severino were thought to be the best of their minor league system before the addition of shortstop Gleyber Torres from the Cubs and outfielder Clint Frazier from the Indians. New York views Frazier, the fifth overall pick in the 2013 amateur draft, as a Mike Trout-type player.An electric bat. His bat speed is already legendary, Cashman said. A very exciting high-energy guy that shows up for the national anthem in a dirty uniform.Left-hander Justus Sheffield -- Garys nephew -- and right-handers Ben Heller and J.P. Feyereisen also were part of Sundays trade. Cashman has brought back Adam Warren and Tyler Clippard to fill out the pitching staff, an attempt he said was to cushion the blow. Still, the Yankees are unaccustomed to dealing stars for prospects.Trust me, I didnt sleep a wink last night, and theres a lot of sleepless nights weve had, Cashman said,Manager Joe Girardi will have to make due until the kids grow up. For now, the Yankees are left to spin the present like other also-rans.I dont ever wave a white flag. This organization never waves a white flag, Girardi said. I dont view it as that, and they better not view it in that room as that.---AP freelance writer Mark Didtler in St. Petersburg, Florida, contributed to this report.Harrison Butker Jersey . Ibaka equaled a career high with 20 rebounds, adding four blocked shots and 15 points as the Thunder smothered the Milwaukee Bucks offence in a 92-79 victory Saturday night. Johnny Robinson Jersey . The nimble-footed quarterback got his wish, dashing through the snow and a weary defence all the way into the NCAA record book. http://www.customchiefsjersey.com/custom-mack-lee-hill-jersey-large-916n.html . -- In a span of seven Washington Redskins offensive plays, Justin Tuck sacked Robert Griffin III four times. Jerry Mays Jersey . Hargreaves began his career in 2008 with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and has played with the Edmonton Eskimos and last season with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Abner Haynes Jersey . Louis. To which I would say two things: 1. Where there is smoke, there is or perhaps has been a little fire. Or, in other words, the two teams would appear to have at least spoken. And spoken is defined as one calling the other to inquire, no more, no less.The Tennessee Titans are making believers out of lots of folks.The idea that they could win the AFC South is very much alive after their victory over Denver.Should the Titans come out of Kansas City with another win on Sunday, the question might become are they good enough to not only make the playoffs, but do damage there?With Marcus Mariota showing franchise-quarterback temperament and skills, DeMarco Murray leading a powerful running game behind an improving line, and a stingy run defense, Tennessee seems to be arriving a year early as a contender.Well continue to grow, Mariota says. Theres always areas to improve, but I think its fun to be around a group thats growing and learning at the same time. You can see the confidence throughout the locker room.That confidence has led to a 7-6 record -- Tennessee has won three of four -- and a meaningful final month of the year.Its a fun atmosphere to be a part of. This is what you work all year for is to have an opportunity in December to make a run at the playoffs, Mariota adds.Not only are the Chiefs (10-3) a factor in the AFC West, they could secure a playoff berth with a win and both Miami and Denver either losing or tying, or Denver and Baltimore or Pittsburgh losing.Coach Andy Reids eyes are focused only on the Titans, who knocked off defending Super Bowl champion Denver last week.Theyre hotter than a firecracker right now, Reid says. They play hard, they know what theyre doing. Their defense, Dick LeBeau is a Hall of Famer as a coach and a player. Hes very good at what he does, and the guys look like they believe in what theyre doing.Reid can tie Bill Parcells (183) for 10th on the NFL wins list.The action began Thursday night with Russell Wilson throwing three touchdown passes and Seattle beating Los Angeles 24-3 to win the NFC West title.Wilson was 19 of 26 for 229 yards, and Tyler Lockett had 130 yards receiving with a 57-yard scoring catch. Seattle (9-4-1) claimed its third NFC West title in four seasons, assuring itself of at least one home game in the playoffs.A tumultuous few days for the Rams (4-10) after the firing of Jeff Fisher as head coach culminated in their fifth straight loss and first under interim coach John Fassel.On Saturday night, Matt Moore threw four touchdown passes in his first game as Ryan Tannehills replacement to help Mimai rout the New York Jets 34-13.In his first start since Jan. 1, 2012 -- a Dolphins victory over the Jets, with current New York coach Todd Bowles serving as interim Miami coach -- Moore picked apart the mistake-prone hosts.The Dolphins (9-5) clinched their first winning season since 2008. The Jets are 4-10.Tampa Bay (8-5) at Dallas (11-2)This game was flexed to prime time and with good reason. Yes, the Cowboys had their 11-game win streak snapped by the Giants, the only team to beat them in 2016, but they still have the NFC East and the overall top seed in the conference in sight.The division belongs to Dallas if it wins and the Giants dont, or it ties and the Giants lose. Home-field advantage comes if the Cowboys win and the Giants tie the Lions.Tampa has won five straight; the previous time that happened, the Bucs won the NFL title in 2002. They have an NFL-high 10 interceptions in those five games. On offense, Jameis Winston to Mike Evans has been a top combination, and Doug Martin is averaging 102 yards from scrimmage in his past 13 road games.Yes, the Bucs might have the players to match up with Dallas star rookies, RB Ezekiel Elliott, the NFLs leading rusher, and QB Zak Prescott .Detroit (9-4) at New York Giants (9-4)Two more teams in the heart of the NFC chase, though the Lions are in a stronger spot. They lead the North and can secure a position if they win and the Packers dont, or if they tie and both the Packers and Vikings lose.A playoff berth is within a long reach for the Giants. They must win and have Washington lose, Minnesota and Green Bay both lose or tie. They still can grab the NFC East if they stay hot and Dallas slumps.If this one is close, as it figures to be -- both teams rarely have lopsided contests, with Detroit winning eight times despite trailing in the fourth period -- watch out for Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. His game-breaking skills were on display in the 10-7 victory over Dallas last Sunday night.Oakland (10-3) at San Diego (5-8)OK, Raiders fans, here are some words youve been waiting to hear since Rich Gannon took you to the Super Bowl in 2002: Oakland makes the playoffs with a win.Tied for the lead in the AFC West (Kansas City holds the tiebreaker), the Raiders also can get in without a win, but that requires lots of help.San Diego is playing out the string, perhaps on the field for the penultimate time in Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers soon must exercise their option to move to Los Angeles, and any stadium deals to remain in San Diego appear to be a long shot.New England (11-2) at Denver (8-5)As usual, the Patriots are pushing for the AFCs best record. With a win they would become the first team in NFL history with eight consecutive division titles.While they cant clinch home-field advantage throughout the playoffs this weekend, they could grab the East simply by Miami not beating the Jets. A first-round bye comes with a Patriots win, too.Denver has not been one of Tom Bradys favorite places.dddddddddddd The Broncos are the only team Brady has a losing record against: 6-9, 2-7 in Denver, including two losses last season, the second for the AFC championship. And the Broncos still have that strong defense.But Denvers offense has sputtered badly and cant afford a shootout with New England.For the Broncos to have a chance to repeat as champs, they must negotiate the toughest closing trio of opponents: New England, Kansas City and Oakland.Green Bay (7-6) at Chicago (3-10)Pro footballs longest rivalry could be deadlocked if Green Bay wins and keeps its playoff hopes breathing. Chicago leads 94-93-6, but the Packers have won six in a row at Soldier Field. Their defense has come alive in a three-game win streak that revitalized Cheeseheads everywhere.Aaron Rodgers is 14-4 against the Bears, including postseason. He leads the NFL with 32 TD passes, but hurt his right calf last week and missed some practice time.The Bears get back WR Alshon Jeffery from a four-game suspension for violating the leagues policy against performance enhancers.Indianapolis (6-7) at Minnesota (7-6)After falling at home to Houston in a first-place matchup, the Colts stagger into Minnesota, where the Vikings are barely in contention as well.Colts RB Frank Gore needs 77 yards from scrimmage to pass Tony Dorsett for 10th on the career list.Adrian Peterson told Dash Radio on Friday that he plans to return to the Minnesota Vikings backfield after missing 11 games with a torn meniscus in his right knee. Peterson had targeted next week against Green Bay for his return.Jacksonville (2-11) at Houston (7-6)Houston is tied with Tennessee for the AFC South lead. Its defense has made the difference recently, which is impressive considering its star player, J.J. Watt, has been sidelined for months.The Jaguars have lost eight straight, while Houston has won nine in a row in the division. Mismatch?San Francisco (1-12) at Atlanta (8-5)Doesnt look as if we need the question mark after mismatch for this one.The 49ers blew a big lead to the Jets, of all opponents, and havent won since their opener. Their defense is a sieve and now they take on Atlantas high-powered offense.Sure, the 49ers have won the past three games in this series, but those were different teams, different times.Falcons QB Matt Ryan is having his best season and Atlanta hopes to have back top receivers Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu.Falcons linebacker Vic Beasley is tied for the NFL lead with 13+ sacks and leads with six forced fumbles.Pittsburgh (8-5) at Cincinnati (5-7-1)The Bengals advertised tickets available for this one, so look for thousands of Terrible Towels to wave at Paul Brown Stadium. The Steelers feel comfortable there anyway, having taken the past three and six of seven, including that 18-16 wild-card playoff last January when penalties on Bengals LB Vontaze Burfict and CB Adam Pacman Jones set up Pittsburghs winning field goal in the final seconds.Pittsburghs offense is in gear behind RB LeVeon Bell, who set a club record with 236 yards rushing last week at Buffalo. WR Antonio Brown needs seven catches for a fourth straight season with 100, while Ben Roethlisberger and Brown have combined for 49 TDs, tied with Terry Bradshaw and Lynn Swann for the most in team history.Philadelphia (5-8) at Baltimore (7-6)Baltimore cant afford to stumble here and have a reasonable shot at the postseason. The Eagles are 1-6 on the road, with six losses in a row. Baltimore has the NFLs best defense in home games, allowing an average of 250.6 yards and 13.1 points.Perfection didnt suit Ravens placekicker Justin Tucker, who had a field goal blocked in the loss to New England, his first miss of any kind this season.Carolina (5-8) at Washington (7-5-1), Monday nightCornerback Josh Normans chance to meet up with the team that franchise-tagged him, then removed it and allowed him to head to the nations capital.Carolina has won four straight in the series. Washington struggles against tight ends, so watch for Panthers standout Greg Olsen.Redskins LB Ryan Kerrigan has 11 sacks and presents a major threat to Cam Newton.Cleveland (0-13) at Buffalo (6-7)Ah, yes, the winless Browns. Only three teams have gone 0-14. Cleveland hasnt tasted victory in a calendar year.Not to be outdone in the grand scheme of failure the Bills have lost two straight and are in jeopardy of extending the NFLs longest active playoff drought to 17 seasons -- the worst since New Orleans ended a 20-year streak in 1987.New Orleans (5-8) at Arizona (5-7-1)Few teams have been more disappointing this season than the Cardinals, who played for the NFC title in January. They play out the string now, with only RB David Johnsons accomplishments worth noting. He joined Edgerrin James as the only players to have at least 100 yards from scrimmage in the first 13 games of a season. No one has done it for the first 14.New Orleans and Jacksonville are the only teams not to have a winning record at any point in the past three seasons. Not the company you want to keep.---For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL ' ' '