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Soriano injures left quad against Astros

Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano left Monday's game in the first inning with a strained left quadriceps and underwent an MRI to determine the severity of the Red Bull Hatsinjury. The Cubs did not expect results until Tuesday.

Soriano grabbed his left leg a few steps from first base as he ran down the line on a groundout against Houston's Aneury Rodriguez to end the inning. Assistant DC shoes hatsathletic trainer Ed Halbur escorted Soriano off the field, and Blake DeWitt took over in left.

"It's unfortunate to see Sori go down like that," DeWitt said. "I haven't heard anything, but hopefully he's all right. He's a big part of this team. It's a tough loss today."
The Cubs have dealt with multiple injuries lately. They placed New Era Jordan HatsJeff Baker on the disabled list earlier Monday, and he joined Reed Johnson (back), Marlon Byrd (face), Andrew Cashner (shoulder) and Matt Garza (elbow) on the DL.

DeWitt, who has never played the outfield in the big leagues until this year, went 3-for-4, including an RBI triple in the third in the Cubs' 12-7 loss to the Astros. He will get the bulk of playing time unless the Cubs tap into the farm system again.

"I'll give him a shot," Cubs manager Mike Quade said. "I know he slips and falls on the one ball, but he throws the guy out at the plate [in the seventh] and gets three hits. I'd like to keep his bat in the lineup. He's worked hard in left field. Why not?"

Quade said he could always insert a more experienced outfielder later in the game for DeWitt.

"At this point, we need his bat in the lineup," Quade said of DeWitt, who was hitting .280.

The Cubs have already called up outfielders Brad Snyder and Lou Montanez from Triple-A Iowa. Among the other options are Tyler Colvin, who began the year with the big league team but was sent down to Iowa after batting .113 in 28 games. He was hitting .260 in 12 games at Iowa with five doubles, two triples and one home run. Another choiceOther Brands may be Brett Jackson, the team's No. 1 Draft pick in 2009, who just rejoined Double-A Tennessee after being sidelined with a finger injury. Jackson was batting .295 in 32 games before he was hurt May 11.

Soriano was batting .271 and leading the Cubs with 12 home runs and 29 RBIs.

"[Injuries] are part of this game," DeWitt said. "It's a long year. Every team is going to battle through injuries. Good teams will push through it, and that's what we'll continue to do."

Saturday, 23-Apr-2011 09:21

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Independence sizzling in cool spring: Baseball Insider

The Independence baseball team is defying the odds.

In a spring that has been relentlessly wetter, colder and more miserable than most, the Blue Devils have been the exception rather than the Cheap New Era Hats rule in the category of “games played.”

On Wednesday they routed Hawken to raise their record to 10-3 and 5-0 in the Chagrin Valley Conference’s Metro Division. Coach Mark Echstenkamper realizes his team is fortunate in that it has lost just one game to inclement weather.

“We’ve played 13 games and feel very fortunate,” said Echstenkamper, who credits an infield that drains well and the city maintenance crews for getting the Red Bull Caps field playable. “I can’t imagine anyone in the area has played more than us. And, I’m guessing that might be an advantage at the pairings meeting.”

The statewide pairings meetings are May 1.

Not only has Independence done well in getting its games in, it also has done well when it has played. Coming off the best season in school history — a 28-4 record and the school’s first state semifinal appearance in 75 years — Echstenkamper felt White Sox Hatsthat despite losing seven starters to graduation, his team would feature strong pitching and be able to put the ball in play.

As of Wednesday the team earned run average stood at 3.32 and the team batting average had climbed to the .350 range with four players batting better than .400 in juniors Jacob Solomon (.441), Mark Kraemer (.415) and David Kowalski (.400) and sophomore J.P. Sorma (.408). Kraemer, the team’s lead-off batter, has scored 23 runs and is 2-0 with a 0.93 ERA on the mound. Team ace Travis Tearle, who has made an oral commitment to Adrian College, is 3-0 with a 2.33 ERA.

Tournament change: The Division I sectional/district tournament previously held at Lakewood has been moved to Berea’s new field because Lakewood Boston Red Sox Hatsdoes not permit metal spikes on its artificial surface. The Northeast District board felt it would be unfair to force schools who normally don’t play on artificial surfaces to purchase soft spikes for what could be just one tournament game. Tom Schreiber will remain as tournament manager and there is no change in the tournament lineup.

Panthers on the prowl: With juniors playing key roles and three seniors lending leadership, Euclid is off to a 6-2 start under second-year coach Los Angeles Angels HatsBrian Leroy. The Panthers were 15-13 last season. Juniors Jon Law (3-0), Vinnie Klun (1-0, one save) and Connor Fuller (1-0, two saves) lead what has been a solid pitching staff.

Streak snapped: Kenston’s winning streak came to an end at 10 games on Tuesday when Whitesboro, N.Y., scored a run in the bottom of the eighth inning for a 7-6 victory at the Ripken Experience in Myrtle Beach, S.C. The Bombers (10-1) trailed, 4-0, after one inning but took a 6-4 lead in the top of the sixth. Senior captains Patrick Porter, Eric Monroe and Dave Iklodi had two hits each for the Bombers, who return home to play DC shoes hatsChagrin Falls on Monday and Tuesday. Michael Fearer suffered his first loss in relief.

Saturday, 23-Apr-2011 08:54

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New bats mean big changes for college hitters and pitchers

College baseball's new bats were expected to soften the offensive numbers, eliminate monstrous home runs and curtail double-digit scoring.

Halfway through the Southeastern ConferenceMonster Energy Hats season, those expectations have been met. A statistical analysis shows homers have nearly been cut in half, batting averages have dropped and pitchers have found more success in the SEC.

The average batting average among SEC teams has dropped from .307 to .290 compared to this time last year. Run production has plummeted 20 percent,Wholesale New Era Hats hits are down by 9.5 percent and home runs have experienced the most dramatic fall - from 504 to 267.

But teams have adjusted and the initial negative reaction to the bats appears to have been overblown, including that of Ole Miss coach Mike Bianco, who was one of the most vocal opponents of the change.

"It's probably safe to say most people don't think it's impacted the game in a negative way, which we were scared it was going to," Bianco said. "There's no Cheap Baseball Caps doubt there's been a tremendous impact as far as offense. You're able to score runs but it's just harder."

In the fall, players at Mississippi State couldn't figure how they would adjust to the new ball-bat coefficient of restitution (BBCOR) standards, which resulted in a smaller sweet spot on the metal barrel that, upon contact, suddenly lost its loud ping New Era Baseball Capsand presented a wood-like thwap. Hit balls also leave the bat 5 percent slower compared to the old bats, according to a study by ESPN Sport Science.

"Everybody was just shaking their heads and saying this is ridiculous," said Mississippi State third baseman Jarrod Parks. "We're going to have five Red Bull Caps home runs this year. Everyone was calling their buddies and they were saying the same things. Everybody was just hating them."

Parks' first thought when he held the new Cheap New Era Hats bat was that "it was a joke. I'm not swinging this this year."

Today, Parks is just fine with the bat. He's the league's best hitter with a .402 batting average, making him the only player in the league batting above .

Saturday, 9-Apr-2011 02:04

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New Era Cap to Retain Facility in Western New York

Governor David A. Paterson and Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that New Era Cap will maintain its existing manufacturing facility in Derby, Town of Evans. As a result, 459 existing jobs will be retained in Western New York, with the possible addition of 75 jobs as the economy continues to rebound.

"Keeping New Era's manufacturing facilities open in Derby was of the highest importance to New York State, as it is a local, home-grown business of global recognition," said Governor Paterson. "I am very grateful for the close working relationship New York State has with New Era and am very pleased with their decision to maintain their facility in Western New York. At the same time, I fully recognize that this decision was an extremely difficult one for New Era, with one plant being saved at the expense of another. During a time when unemployment numbers are staggering, closing this plant would have been devastating to both the State and Western New York economies. I want to express my deepest thanks and appreciation to all of our partners who played a key role in keeping this plant open, especially Senator Schumer and Dennis Mullen."

New Era's decision was based on successful negotiations with New Era's union (CWA) and will be finalized once the unionized employees in the Derby facility ratify the agreement. The company will receive a package of economic development incentives from the State of New York, including approximately $3 million from ESD.

ESD Chairman and CEO designate Dennis M. Mullen said: "Manufacturing has long been the backbone to the Upstate New York economy. It is essential that New York State maintains that important legacy for the benefit of both our local companies and for new manufacturers choosing to locate here. As we enter a new age for manufacturing, we must adapt to the changing needs of this critical industry if we expect it to prosper. Under Governor Paterson's leadership, a strong, collaborative effort was made to keep New Era operating in New York State."

The company is also eligible for income tax credits through New York's Empire Zone Program. New Era may also receive assistance from other New York State agencies, including energy efficiency financing from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and aid in the selection and screening of new employees from the New York State Department of Labor.

Additionally, the Erie County Industrial Development Agency, working together with the Town of Evans and the Lake Shore School District, will offer property tax relief via a Payment-In-Lieu of Taxes, (PILOT) agreement and sales tax abatements. National Grid has also provided generous assistance for investment in electrical infrastructure and equipment through its own grant programs. The Buffalo and Erie County Workforce Development Consortium has offered assistance with New Era's training of new employees. welcome to viste:http://www.hatsvip.com/

Saturday, 9-Apr-2011 01:34

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New Era Cap Scores License to be the Official Cap for the Nation

BUFFALO, N.Y., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- New Era Cap Co, Inc., a global lifestyle headwear and apparel brand, is proud to announce it will be the official on-field cap for the National Football League (NFL). The five-year deal, approved by the league and its owners, adds to New Era's current licensing relationship with Major League Baseball, where they have been the official on-field cap since 1994.
Under the terms of the agreement, New Era will have exclusive distribution rights and branding for all on-field, sideline and locker room caps, as well as co-exclusive rights for fan headwear worldwide. Beginning April 2012 and running through March 2017, New Era will also produce hats for marquee events, including the NFL Draft Day Cap and the Super Bowl.
Best known for their signature 59FIFTY, New Era will have the rights to manufacture headwear with all 32 NFL team logos along with the co-exclusive U.S. rights for women's apparel. This merchandise will be found at all NFL stadiums, , http://www.hatsvip.com/, New Era Flagship stores and retailers throughout the world.
"New Era has evolved over the last 90 years and the joining of these prominent logos – the NFL Shield and the New Era Flag unites two of the most recognizable brands in our industry," says Christopher H. Koch, CEO. "We're excited to bring our unique combination of style and fashion to the NFL's passionate fan base while providing these fans with the opportunity to own the official on-field headwear worn by their favorite NFL players."
"The NFL and New Era are two iconic brands and we are pleased to team with this industry leader to produce headwear that will be seen on sidelines and in the stands around the country and on streets around the world," said Leo Kane, NFL's vice president of consumer products.
New Era currently holds over 200 licenses including premier sports leagues, such as the National Basketball Association, the National Hockey League, and other international sports leagues, as well as with organizations like Disney, Marvel and Ali Enterprises.
About New Era Cap Co., Inc.
New Era products have been a canvas for consumers to showcase their individuality and personal style for over 90 years. With billions of headwear styles, it's best known for being the official on-field cap for Major League Baseball as well as creating the iconic 59FIFTY fitted cap. New Era continues to be a lifestyle brand of choice not only with their headwear collections, but also accessories and apparel lines for men, women and youth. The Company is headquartered in Buffalo, N.Y., operates facilities in Canada, Europe, Japan and Hong Kong, and is a Participating Company (PC) of the Fair Labor Association. For more information on the brand, visit http://www.hatsvip.com/

Monday, 28-Mar-2011 03:09

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Things To Do In London On The Cheap: 19-25 March

Witness the ancient esoteric order of The Drummers of Tedworth create a “heady psychodrama” through drumming and their shamanic ritual through candlelight and incense at the Horse Hospital, 7.30pm, free. Take in Adrian Di Duca’s exhibition of life sized figurative creatures too (pictured). Part of the new NSEW Festival.

Saturday: Go to Kensal Flea: pick up a bargain, help some charities, enjoy art, comedy, tea and cake. £1 entry to the main bit. £2 donation for the after party 7.30-9.30pm. £3 for the Flea by night. Go and stay all day! At Paradise by Way of Kensal Green from midday.

Sunday: Phoenix Cinema presents a free screening of 1970s German thriller ‘The American Friend’ with Dennis Hopper at 2pm. Call and book: 020 8444 6789

Monday: The lunchtime lecture from Gresham College explains the essential work that goes on at night to maintain our 150-year-old underground system, but which no commuters ever see. 1pm at Museum of London, free.

The Ideas Factory brings you a night of free, fast and funky comedy on the middle floor at the Old Crown Pub, 33 New Oxford Street from 8pm. Promises are that there will be hats and it will be over by 10.30pm.

Tuesday: It’s a welcome return for the Grant Museum of Zoology’s free screening evenings with Inherit The Wind introduced by resident film boffin with a film star name, Dr Joe Cain. 6.30pm, free at JZ Young Lecture Theatre, UCL Anatomy Building, Gower Street.

Wednesday: Bone up on your Middle Ages history with a free evening lecture from Gresham College at Museum of London, 6pm.

Thursday: Go to the opening night of Twenty:Twelve an exhibition put on by fine art students of UEL at the CAMP, City Road, Old Street with performance, video and live music till 1am. Free entry.

Monday, 28-Mar-2011 02:32

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Cheap Fun: Seniors Save at The Strawberry Festival

The 76th Annual Florida Strawberry Festival has a full slate of entertainment, games, rides, attractions and vendors. And on Thursday, seniors can enjoy all of it at a discounted price.

The festival is known for its strawberries, and you can enjoy them in a milkshake, as part of strawberry shortcake, or just as they are.

There’s plenty of other food, too, from deep-fried Oreos to a pork chop on a stick to chocolate-covered bacon (seriously).

But in addition to eating, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a number of special exhibits featuring livestock, photography, art and plants. There’s even a demonstration of pioneer skills on display daily at Pioneer Village. You also don’t want to miss regular features like Rosaire’s Racing Pigs, with performances throughout the day that always attract laughs and cheers.

But the festival is also about games and rides, and there are plenty of both for those who want to test their skills and courage. A special section features rides for children, so they can join in on the fun as well.

There are concerts each day as well, with acts like Billy Ray Cyrus and George Jones performing for free (for those who get the limited general admission seats. Reserved seats are also available for purchase).

Vendors sell everything from candy to cowboy hats to wooden signs, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy throughout the day or evening.

On Thursday, seniors 60 and older will save $2 off the regular $10 admission. Children 6 to 12 are just $5, and visitors 5 and under are admitted free with a paid adult.

It’s a fun day for grandparents and grandchildren, a good way to save some money and a chance to enjoy one of our local annual events that help define the community. Plus, they have chocolate-covered bacon! You don’t want to miss that, do you?

The Florida Strawberry Festival runs until Sunday, March 13. For more information, call 813-752-9194 or visit www.flstrawberryfestival.com.

Monday, 7-Mar-2011 06:49

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Andrew Brackman knocking on the Yankees’ mound

Andrew Brackman would like to be the solution to a big mystery in this spring’s New York Yankees training camp.
The 6-foot-11 former N.C. State baseball and basketball standout is in Tampa, Fla., working to land what’s almost certain to be one of the most pressurized jobs in the 2011 Major League season - fifth starter in the Yankees’ pitching rotation.
Things were movingBrackman’s direction until a groin injury on Feb. 25 put his bid for a roster spot on hold.
"It’s not going to hurt me, but it couldn’t be a worse time," Brackman told reporters after the problem was detected.
With the retirement by longtime staff ace Andy Pettitte, coupled with the new york yankees hats failure to sign free agent Cliff Lee, one of the most famous teams and biggest spenders in America sports is left with a problem that for now money hasn’t solved.
"Somebody’s going to get that starting spot - somebody has to," Brackman said recently. "Obviously, I want that to be me.
"But what I want more is just to make the roster."
At age 25 and with a long history of injuries, Brackman hopes to finally be in good health at the right time and place to catch a break.
The competition for wholesale hats old job is crowded and complicated. Up to six candidates are being reviewed by manager Joe Girardi and new pitching coach Larry Rothschild.
Two of the hopefuls - Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia - have an edge in experience.
Three others - Sergio Mitre, Ivan Nova and Adam Warren - may now be deemed better prospects than Brackman.
"I have a lot of catching up to do," Brackman said. "I missed a whole year (after elbow surgery), and I’ve had to miss two whole spring camps. ...
"I think I still have the potential I had."
That potential led the Yanks to make the right-hander their No. 1 draft pick in 2007. He signed a contract for a reported $4.5 million even though the new era caps knew he would need immediate surgery on his throwing arm.
"The recovery period was so long it’s hard to even remember the whole process step by step," he said.

Monday, 7-Mar-2011 06:48

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Baseball Notebook: A-Rod smacks first spring HR

Houston's Matt Downs avoids the tag of the Yankees' Russell Martin and scores during the second inning of New York's 10-8 exhibition victory.

Alex Rodriguez hit his first home run this spring and the new york yankees hats outslugged the Houston Astros 10-8 Sunday.

Greg Golson also homered for the Yankees on a day when a strong wind blew straight out at Osceola County Stadium. Jason Michaels and Carlos Lee homered for the Astros, connecting off starter Phil Hughes.

With girlfriend Cameron Diaz cheering in the stands, Rodriguez kept his extra-base hit streak going — he's gotten at least one in all five exhibition games he's played.

Russell Martin had his first two hits of the spring for the new era hats , who collected 21 overall.

Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano, Andruw Jones and Justin Maxwell also had two each.

Blue Jays: Jose Bautista went 3-for-3 with two doubles against his old team and Ricky Romero pitched four scoreless innings as Toronto blanked Pittsburgh 5-0.

Romero struck out six and allowed just one hit, a ground-ball single up the middle by Pedro Alvarez in the first inning.

Braves: Tommy Hanson threw three hitless innings, his second shutout appearance of the spring, to lead Atlanta to a 5-0 victory against wholesale hats Washington in Viera, Fla. "I feel like I'm ahead of what I've been the last couple of springs, as far as how my body feels and how my arm feels," Hanson said. "I felt really good with my fastball. I felt really fast.

"I think the main thing for me is to find my fastball command and just get comfortable with hitters in there."

Hanson, Atlanta's projected No. 4 starter, walked one. He has given up just two hits in five innings this spring.

The rest of Atlanta's pitching staff was equal to the task, holding the Nationals to two hits.

Brewers: Right fielder Corey Hart said he could be out longer than originally expected after aggravating his strained left oblique muscle.

Hart, who strained the muscle during a throwing exercise a week ago, was taking fly balls when he turned to catch a ball and felt discomfort in his rib cage. He had been expected to miss two weeks.

Mets: Carlos Beltran tested his right knee new era caps in a game for the first time this spring, getting a hit and sliding home in New York's 6-5 win against Boston. Beset by knee problems that limited him to 81 games in 2009 and 64 last year, Beltran has been on a conservative program to strengthen the muscles around the knee.

Phillies: Cliff Lee threw four shutout innings, Ryan Howard hit his second home run of the spring and a Philadelphia split squad defeated Tampa Bay 5-4 in Clearwater, Fla.

Lee, the prize of the winter free-agent market, was in midseason form. He held Tampa Bay to two singles, struck out out five and walked none in his second start.

Howard hit a long homer in the second off Wade Davis.

Rangers: Pitcher Neftali Felizhas a bruised shin after being hit by a line drive during a round of live batting practice. X-rays were negative after the accident on Sunday morning. The AL Rookie of the Year was carted off the field as a precaution.

Rockies: Ty Wigginton homered and doubled and Jason Hammel threw three solid innings and as Colorado beat Cleveland 3-1 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

White Sox: All-Star reliever Matt Thornton agreed to a $12 million, two-year extension that takes him through the 2013 season. The 34-year-old went 5-4 with a 2.67 ERA and a career-high eight saves last season. He fanned 81 in 602/3 innings to become the first White Sox reliever to lead the AL in strikeouts since Keith Foulke in 1999.

Wake Forest: Radford rallied for three runs in the top of the ninth, then escaped a bases-loaded, no-out jam in the bottom of the inning to beat Wake Forest 5-4 Sunday at Wake Forest Baseball Park.

The loss spoiled a fine performance by starting pitcher Tim Cooney of Wake Forest. Cooney gave up two runs (none earned) and struck out 14 in six innings. Carlos Lopez went 3 for 4 with a homer and two RBIs for WFU.

Jason Patten picked up the win for Radford with two scoreless innings.

Friday, 25-Feb-2011 04:01

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Keep Your Hat Clean with White Collar Grime this Baseball Season

Baseball caps are some of the grimiest hats out there. It's next to impossible to convince a fan to wash his hat, and with good reason- a hat thrown in the laundry will lose its precious shape and never be the same. But in this day and age, there is a solution.

Instead of tossing it in the laundry, it is possible to retain a clean hat. Consumers are now able to stick White Collar Grime inside the hat band to protect it from sweat, dirt, oil, and makeup. Easily customizable for size, the product is used simply by cutting off the desired length, peeling off the backing, and sticking the product to the desired surface. When the 100% cotton strip gets grimy, it can be replaced with a fresh one. At $9.95 for a 10-foot roll, it's cheaper than buying a new hat and easier than the hassle of convincing a loved one to launder their favorite accessory.

Now nobody has to get stuck during baseball season with a grimy cap. White Collar Grime is available at SolutionsThatStick.com.

About Solutions That Stick:

Irvine-based, Solutions That Stick Inc. is the expert in boobs, sweat & farts. The all-women company develops, manufactures and markets innovative fashion and beauty solutions that make life easier and less embarrassing. Garment Guard™, the original disposable underarm shield, was their first innovation over ten years ago. They now have a line of 24 products and growing.

Founder Kim Leone Olenicoff is an inventor, entrepreneur, estate planning attorney, around-the-world sailor, and over-analyzer. Widowed at 31, she lives as best and as ridiculously as she can by offering all types of solutions on life's (and death's) little problems, personally, via TheDumbList.com and on the SolutionsThatStick YouTube channel.