Clan-Members » hamstring. Manager Joe Maddon sa

With the presidential election just around the corner, it seems appropriate for me to declare my allegiance, my commitment toward someone or something.Among my favorite quotes is: Stand up for what you believe in, otherwise you risk standing for nothing.That said, I am a tough sell, and getting tougher as I age.So please allow me to clear the air on a few things:I believe in the Chase.Its taken some time, and there have been a few bumps in the road, but I love this format, I believe it creates entertainment, its equitable for all 16 drivers, and most important -- its authentic.Its authentic because it rewards winning! Thats something I have campaigned for since I hung up my helmet.As I navigated the Dover Garage area Friday, I discovered only two teams -- drivers who appeared at peace with themselves -- Martin Truex Jr. and Kevin Harvick. Both demonstrated the value of having won a playoff race.Its the purest form of competition when you reward the winners and incentivize those who remain.This formula works; it has enhanced the pursuit of becoming a NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion -- period!I believe Dale Earnhardt Jr. should retire.Unless winning more races feels more critical than anything else in his life.I have no tolerance for anyone challenging my view on this who has never experienced the residual effects of concussions. Thats because its probably self-serving and comes from a perspective of not whats best for Dale but rather whats best for our sport, whats best for our ratings, whats best for our industry or our bottom line.Im not calling out anyone. I am well past that behavior, but I will fire this shot across the bow of anyone interested in challenging my view. I experienced it, I had to overcome it, and Im equipped to speak of it.Its personal for me because I worry about the long-term effects of my concussions. However, I have absolutely no regrets about any step of my driving career. None!NASCAR has contributed to my having a phenomenal life, and while I do have apprehension toward my quality of life 20 years from now, I have none regarding my first 50. Earnhardt is a wonderful person, among my favorite people. I trust him, I have confidence in him. He has helped make our sport better -- significantly better.What we owe him in return is the liberty to make this decision based on only one thing -- and this whats best for him.I appreciate Tony Stewart, and I hope he wins Sunday.I havent always liked Stewart, and in full disclosure I know he hasnt always liked me! But I like that he is real.I like that he speaks his mind, says what he truly believes. Theres not enough of that in this world, and when Tony is gone, the tell-it-the-way-it-is meter will ratchet down a couple of notches.I believe Tony is among the most talented Ive ever competed against. I admire that part of him.What I dont admire is his inability to control his temper, maintain his composure.You see, how you act in life contributes majorly your legacy. How you react in life probably contributes even more than that.Two weeks in a row, Tony lost his composure, essentially causing two wrecks.While I appreciated Tony not ducking from the responsibility of what happened, I shuddered at the thought of the contingent of people who would associate Tonys behavior with the volatility in his recent past.Ryan Newman didnt help any of that by telling the world to go to Google and YouTube all things Tony Stewart.Let me be clear: I respect Tony Stewart. I also believe he is a good guy, and while Im confident he wouldnt intentionally try to hurt anyone in a race car, those two weeks cracked the door open slightly for those interested in deriding him.I believe Tony deserves better than that, but I also believe he is the gatekeeper of how he will be perceived.I sincerely hope Tony Stewart wins Sunday. I want it for him, for his family, his team, his fans.Most of all, I want Tony Stewarts career to end with celebration. I believe he deserves that.The Bottom LineMost of you expected me to declare support for a presidential candidate. I tempted you with how I framed the beginning of this article.Fact is, I wouldnt do that. Its not who I am, not what I represent.I have no interest in trying to persuade someone to think the way I think, believe what I believe. Thats something Ive acquired with age, perhaps wisdom.Think for yourself, say what you believe while being sensitive to how it might affect other people. But do not deviate from being yourself. Its what I refer to as being real.I love my life. I love real. Willie Jones Jersey . -- Chicago Bears cornerback Tim Jennings was selected Monday to his second straight Pro Bowl, while guard Kyle Long made it after a solid rookie season. Sherry Magee Jersey . The 29-year-old Baines has established himself as one of the top attacking full backs in the country and was the subject of two bids from United during the last off-season. Everton manager Roberto Martinez says that keeping Baines at the club is a "massive boost and exciting for the future" because he brings "maturity and football knowledge in a very specialized position on the pitch" and an "infectious and positive influence to the rest of the squad. https://www.cheapphilliesjerseys.us/157n-bob-boone-jersey-phillies.html . The All-Pro lineman got the leg bent under him while trying to make a tackle during the first half of a 22-20 overtime loss at Miami on Thursday night. The medical staff initially thought hed torn the ligament, and the test a day later in Cincinnati confirmed it. Hector Neris Jersey .B. - Sebastien Auger made 44 saves as the Saint John Sea Dogs edged the visiting Acadie-Bathurst Titan 2-1 on Saturday in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action. Jake Arrieta Jersey . Note: The Calgary Flames announced Tuesday that Sean Monahan would not be made available to Canadas World Junior team. CHICAGO -- The bullpen flopped, the offense disappeared late and the Chicago Cubs again couldnt escape their worst funk this season.Tucker Barnhart hit a go-ahead, three-run homer off Trevor Cahill in the seventh inning, and the Cincinnati Reds beat Chicago 5-3 Wednesday -- the Cubs 12th loss in 17 games.A day after having seven players selected for next weeks All-Star Game, the Cubs lost to the last-place Reds for the second time in three days and dropped below the San Francisco Giants for the majors best record.I cant connect a bunch of negative dots. It just happened, said manager Joe Maddon, who believes this poor stretch is more a snapshot than a sign of bigger problems.Im not really that concerned, he said.Still, the Cubs had been atop the majors since April. Shortstop Addison Russell, part of the entire infield voted in as NL starters, couldnt explain how theyve lost their form.The past few weeks it hasnt been working, Russell said, but we still have high hopes and high faith.Chicago led 3-1 when Brandon Phillips and Jose Peraza hit consecutive one-out singles against Cahill (1-3) and Barnhart sent a 2-2 sinker into the basket in center field for his third home run this year.It brought everyone to life, I can tell you that, Reds manager Bryan Price said.Zack Cozart homered for the third straight game, starting Cincinnatis offense with his eighth career leadoff homer. The Reds lone All-Star, Adam Duvall, walked and scored on Carl Edwards Jr.s wild pitch in the eighth.Anthony DeSclafani (3-0) allowed three runs and eight hits in six innings, struck out six and walked none. Michael Lorenzen pitched two hitless innings, and Tony Cingrani got three straight outs for his 10th save in 15 chances.The Reds improved to 3-10 against their division rivals.We should be more competitive against everybody, I think, once we get our pitching into good shape, Price said. I think were closer.Adam Warren was called up from Triple-A Iowa to give the Chicago rotation extra rest with a spot start, and he allowed three hits in five innings, retiring his final 11 batters.Russell hit an RBI double in the seecond and scored on Miguel Monteros single, and Ben Zobrists fifth-inning homer gave the Cubs a 3-1 lead.dddddddddddd.But the Cubs didnt have a hit after the fifth inning. Theyre 1-5 in their last six home games after starting 25-8 at Wrigley Field.Listen, the big thing we need to do better in the latter part of the game is scoring runs, Maddon said. If its close, were behind or its tied were just not doing a really good job of finishing off games offensively.TRAINERS ROOMReds: RF Jay Bruce, left off the All-Star team, didnt start to rest assorted aches and pains. He pinch hit in the ninth and walked before being thrown out trying to steal second. Hes just beat up right now, manager Bryan Price said. Bruce took his All-Star snub in stride. Im not the first guy to be left off and Im not going to be the last, he said.Cubs: CF Dexter Fowlers first All-Star Game is uncertain as he recovers from a strained right hamstring. Manager Joe Maddon said the team will decide in the next few days whether Fowler is ready for a minor league rehab assignment. ... C David Ross was placed on the seven-day concussion disabled list after taking a foul ball off his mask Tuesday. While with Boston, he missed much of 2013 after taking foul balls off the mask that May 11 and June 14. ... Tommy La Stella (hamstring) was activated off the DL, started at third and went 1 for 4.PERFECT THIEFCincinnati stole four bases, two by Peraza. He is 12 for 12 in steal attempts, including 9 for 9 this season.WOODROW WILSON STYLEThe teams wore baggy throwback uniforms with high socks to commemorate 100 years at Wrigley Field. The Cubs and Reds played the first game at what was then Weeghman Park on April 20, 1916.UP NEXTReds: After an off day in Miami, RHP Dan Straily (4-5, 4.34 ERA) starts Friday night against Marlins ace Jose Fernandez (10-4, 2.69).Cubs: RHP Jason Hammel (7-5, 3.45) is to face Atlanta LHP Lucas Harrell (1-0, 1.50) Thursday night at Wrigley Field in the makeup of an April 30 rainout. ' ' '