Dein erstes Forum » semifinals, defeating Gilles Muller of Luxembou

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The World Series champion Royals are stuck in no-mans land, close enough to contention to keep fighting yet far enough behind the race that going all-in at the trade deadline would be a fools gambit.The Royals entered the All-Star break at 45-43, seven games out of first place in the AL Central. They are also on the outside for the final wild-card spot, leaving general manager Dayton Moore and manager Ned Yost in the unenviable position of deciding what direction they should guide the franchise.It hasnt been early for a while, Yost said, dismissing the overused cliche of its still early.But again, you have to stay focused on today, he said. You have to forget about yesterday. Thats the hard part about this game. But weve been doing it for so long, thats how we approach it.The Royals season so far has been one of wild mood swings, soaring through a five-game win streak, then scuffling through eight straight losses, only to reel off five more wins in quick succession.The net result is their current position, stuck squarely between contender and pretender, unsure whether to unload players in the jumpstart of a rebuild or acquire the few pieces lacking from a title team.Things were much more defined a year ago.Kansas City was rolling through the hot summer months to a comfortable lead in the division, and it was apparent by mid-July that a postseason run was approaching. Moore began dealing away coveted prospects to get pitcher Johnny Cueto, second baseman Ben Zobrist and other pieces to round out his team.Both those guys were crucial to Kansas City beating the New York Mets to win the World Series.The Royals certainly have places that need shoring up, starting with a pitching rotation that has already seen Chris Young shuttled off to the bullpen. The Royals likely need at least one front-of-the-rotation starter if they plan to contend, even though Yost is confident there are sufficient in-house candidates.Injuries have also left Kansas City depleted across the lineup.Left fielder Alex Gordon missed a big chunk of the season with a wrist injury and has struggled since his return. Third baseman Mike Moustakas is done for the season with an ACL injury. Center fielder Lorenzo Cain is also on the disabled list after straining his hamstring trying to leg out a single.Finding someone who could play multiple positions -- Zobrist, anyone? -- would be ideal.Then again, the Royals have so far cobbled together a lineup with young call-ups such as Whit Merrifield and Brett Eibner that has allowed them to hang around. Merrifield was hitting over .300 for much of the season while Eibner has flashed some of the power that Kansas City has lacked for years.I wouldnt say theres urgency, said Merrifield, whose fine play at second base allowed the Royals to jettison underperforming veteran Omar Infante. Theres a lot of baseball left. A lot of stuff can happen between now and September and October. A lot of games to be played, a lot of ups and downs.The second half begins with three games in Detroit, then comes a crucial nine-game homestand against the Indians, Rangers and Angels that will ultimately decide whether the Royals will contend in August.If they go into another prolonged slump, the Royals could begin to replenish their depleted farm system -- especially with pitching prospects -- with an eye toward contending in a couple more years.Not that the Royals are thinking that way, even if the front office must consider it. They firmly believe they have the talent to reach the playoffs for a third straight year, or even make it to the World Series for a third straight year, and that one big run is enough for them to climb back into the race.Time is running out to put that run together. Shaquille ONeal Heat Jersey . Detroit and Boston are deadlocked, 1-1, and Tigers manager Jim Leyland could be forgiven if he was caught rationalizing instead of dissecting how his club could blow a 5-1 lead late in Game 2. Dion Waiters Jersey .ca looks back at the stories and moments that made the year memorable. http://www.authenticbasketballshopheat.info/goran-dragic-heat-jersey/ . The defending champion beat Gael Monfils of France 7-6 (6), 6-3, while second-seeded Andy Murray of Britain dispatched Edouard Roger-Vasselin, also of France, 6-3, 6-3. Making his first appearance since injuring his wrist a month ago, Del Potro had difficulty with his service games in the first set. Udonis Haslem Jersey .In my heart and mind Im competing for India, luge competitor Shiva Keshavan told The Associated Press in an email interview. Every day Im flooded with messages from Indians all over the world telling me they are supporting me. Justise Winslow Jersey . Its the second straight game Bell has scored in extra time for Kelowna, which beat the Brandon Wheat Kings 6-5 on Friday, and he now has four game-winning goals on the season. TOKYO -- Marin Cilic and David Goffin advanced to the semifinals of the Japan Open on Friday, and they will play each other for a spot in the final.The fifth-seeded Goffin rallied to beat Joao Sousa 1-6, 7-5, 6-2, while the fourth-seeded Cilic beat injury-plagued Juan Monaco 7-5, 6-1.Goffin beat Cilic in Indian Wells early this year, and then again in a Davis Cup match for Belgium against Croatia. Those are their only two career meetings.That was when I played my best tennis this year, Goffin said. I can play fast against him and he doesnt like that, because hes a big guy and he doesnt like to run. If Im returning well, he struggles a bit.Nick Kyrgios also advanced to the semifinals, defeating Gilles Muller of Luxembourg 6-4, 6-2. He will next face second-seeded Gael Monfils. The Frenchman beat Ivo Karlovic 7-6 (6), 7-6 (6).Cilic took an early lead against Monaco in the first set, but then let the Argeentine back into the match.dddddddddddd Monaco, who has been troubled by various injuries this season, became reluctant to chase down balls in the second set, allowing Cilic to advance.I felt today I was a bit up and down with my serve and I have to get that right from the start tomorrow, Cilic said, looking ahead to Saturdays match against Goffin. Hes extremely quick around the court, plays very close to the baseline and pushes players back. Its going to be important for me to serve well and get some free points.Karlovic took every set he played at this weeks tournament to a tiebreaker, including both sets against Monfils on Friday.Its always difficult to play Ivo, there arent that many opportunities, Monfils said. A bit like today, Im going to have to be patient tomorrow. ' ' '