VIERA, Fla. James Harden Jersey . - The Washington Nationals filled the last clear-cut need on their roster on the opening day of spring training, acquiring catcher Jose Lobaton and two prospects from the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday for pitcher Nathan Karns. Lobaton gives the Nationals insurance behind fellow Venezuelan Wilson Ramos, who has never played in more than 108 games in a season because of various injuries. "Hes a capable backup," general manager Mike Rizzo said, "in case something does happen with Wilson." Lobaton, 29, started 76 games for the Rays last season and batted .249 with seven home runs and 32 RBIs. He was expendable because the Rays re-signed catcher Jose Molina and traded for Ryan Hanigan. Rizzo said Lobaton has above average metrics on defence. A notable exception is a 16 per cent success rate throwing out would-be base-stealers. "We feel that he throws well enough that he should be better than 16 per cent," Rizzo said. It speaks volumes about the Nationals confidence in their talent-laden roster that a move for a backup can fill the last significant hole on the day that pitchers and catchers reported. Barring injury, Rizzo wont be shopping during spring training. "Theres not an obvious spot that we need to address," Rizzo said. "But, as we say, if an opportunity arises, well be aggressive and open-minded about it." The Nationals are giving up a top prospect in the 26-year-old right-hander Karns, who three made starts in his first taste of the major leagues last season, but theyre adding a pair of 22-year-olds from the Jays pool of talent: outfielder Drew Vettleson and left-handed pitcher Felipe Rivero. Karns would have been in a crowded race for the No. 5 spot in the rotation. The trade for a younger pitcher alleviates part of that logjam and helps the Nationals stagger their pitching prospects. To make room for the new players on the 40-man roster, Washington placed right-handed pitcher Erik Davis on the 60-day disabled list with a sprained right elbow. John Block Jersey . Hoefl-Rieschs exit — from the downhill course into safety nets, then airlifted from the slope by helicopter — left Anna Fenninger of Austria favourite to win her first giant crystal trophy one month after becoming an Olympic champion. Vernon Maxwell Jersey . -- Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew practiced in a limited capacity Friday, a positive sign he might be able to play against the Tennessee Titans.Justin Gatlin continued his preparations for the upcoming Olympic Games with a record fifth win at the Rome Diamond League meet on Thursday. The 34 year-old American recorded a seasons best time of 9.93 seconds to take victory in the 100m from lane three, ahead of compatriot Ameer Webb.Webb, who had earlier won the meets 200m event in 20.04 seconds, finished one hundredth of a second behind Gatlin in a new personal best time. Meanwhile, French sprinter Jimmy Vicaut also recorded a sub-10 second time - finishing third in 9.99 seconds.I felt Ameer out there - thats what Ive been training for this season. Last year you saw in Beijing the presence of Usain and I lost my form, Gatlin said, referring to last years world championships where he finished one hundredth of a second behind Usain Bolt. Gatlin is expected to challenge Usain Bolt for the Olympic 100m title later this year We all have flaws in our race, he added. For me, its Im not used to having someone next to me when Im running. So to be able to do that tonight was an accomplishment within itself.Gatlin overtakes compatriot Maurice Greene for the number of victories at the Rome Golden Gala.The controversial American sprinter, who has served two separate bans for doping ooffences, is expected to challenge defending champion Bolt for gold at this summers games in Rio de Janeiro. Cuttino Mobley Jersey. Meanwhile, Olympic long jump champion Greg Rutherford continued his unbeaten run in 2016 with victory courtesy of a season best 8.31 metres. Greg Rutherford dominated the event in Rome American Marquise Goodwin finished behind Rutherford, who will bid to defend his Olympic title in Brazil later this summer, with a best leap of 8.19m.Robbie Grabarz, a bronze medallist at the 2012 London Games, also turned in his best display of the season to finish second in the high jump. Grabarz cleared the bar at 2.30m in his first attempt.It was also a strong evening for GBs Andrew Pozzi, who finished third in the 110m hurdles, with a time of 13.37 seconds, while Lynsey Sharp crossed the line in 1m 59.03s to post a season best in the 800m.Steph Twell (5,000m) and Chris OHare (1,500m) also ran inside the Olympic qualifying standard in Rome. Also See: Van Garderen rules out Rio Jamaican athlete fails test IOC gets velodrome assurances Amnesty issues Rio warning ' ' '
top of page
bottom of page