Clan-Members » TCU is an underdog against only Oklahoma (+3)

SAN FRANCISCO -- A thoughtful meeting in the Bay Area with the San Francisco brass and Mark Melancon didnt need much convincing. Not to mention he is already looking forward to talking nutrition and sport science with Hunter Pence, his former Houston teammate and yoga pal.I think we get a kick out of one another, Melancon said Tuesday, a day after reaching a $62 million, four-year contract with the?Giants, the richest contract so far for a closer.San Francisco felt right to Melancon -- and the Giants needed him to stabilize the ninth inning.It was obvious that this organization knows how to win, and thats their top priority, Melancon said. Theyre set up with the Gold Glovers up the middle, Buster Posey, [Brandon] Crawford, [Joe] Panik. Being a ground ball guy, thats a huge priority. Just the character, being on the other side, you could tell how much character there is in that other clubhouse, so to be able to join it and join a group of guys that are veterans in winning, it was the total package in my opinion.He also gets to finish games following ace starters such as 2014 World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner, Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija. With a better bullpen this year, the Giants might have added another even-numbered-year championship following titles in 2010, 12 and 14.San Francisco blew 32 saves, including nine in September. Five relievers combined to squander Game 4 of the National League Division Series against the eventual champion Cubs, who scored four runs in the ninth inning to win 6-5.The Giants were willing to keep their payroll above the luxury-tax threshold for a third straight year to land Melancon. After paying $1.3 million for 2015 and about $3 million more for this year, their 2017 tax payroll already projects to $196 million, with plenty of moves left to make.One of the prices of getting Mark was paying the tax, as well, said CEO Larry Baer, who will have an overall payroll of more than $200 million for the first time. That was a pretty easy decision because of the value we believe Mark brings to the Giants.Melancon has saved at least 30 games in each of the past three seasons, recording a majors-best 51 in 2015. He went 47-for-51 in save opportunities in 75 relief appearances last season with Pittsburgh and Washington, tied for second-most saves with?Baltimores?Zach Britton and the Los Angeles Dodgers Kenley Jansen.The man gets big outs! Clint Hurdle, Melancons former manager with the Pirates, wrote in an email.Melancons three young children -- Brooklyn, 5; Jack, 2; and 1-year-old Ella -- are already learning about the iconic, bright orange Golden Gate Bridge and their soon-to-be new home. For Melancon, having some job security for four years means so much for his family to feel settled in a city and community.I saw the reason that they are such a good organization and why they want to win so much and the effort they will put into winning, Melancon said. Im a huge proponent.He was traded from Pittsburgh to Washington midway through last season.A true professional in all aspects of the game and a class act off the field, Hurdle said. Always hunting for an edge or a way to improve his craft.Also Tuesday, general manager Bobby Evans said the Giants were finalizing a minor league deal with right-hander Bryan Morris that includes an invitation to big league spring training. Morris was 0-0 with a 3.06 ERA in 24 appearances for the?Marlins?in 2016 over 17? innings. Cris Carter Youth Jersey . Nine days before the opening ceremony, organizing committee chief Dmitry Chernyshenko said Wednesday that Sochi is "fully ready" and will deliver safe, friendly and well-run games that defy the grim reports that have overshadowed preparations. Adam Thielen Youth Jersey . Murray beat Sam Querrey 7-6 (5), 6-7 (3), 6-1, 6-3 to clinch Britains opening-round victory against the United States on Sunday at Petco Park. "Im proud of the way Im playing just now, because I had to do a lot of work to get back to where I want to be," Murray said after celebrating with his teammates on the red clay court in a temporary stadium in left field of the downtown home of baseballs San Diego Padres. http://www.authenticvikingspro.com/Brett-favre-vikings-jersey/ . After dropping their final six games of December, the Wild opened the new calendar year with four consecutive wins. Following a loss to Colorado on Saturday, Minnesota rebounded the following night to blank Nashville 4-0, but then had the tables turned on them Tuesday. Chris Doleman Vikings Jersey .Y. -- Injured Buffalo Sabres forward Marcus Foligno did not practice with the team Monday and head coach Ron Rolston said its unlikely hell play in Wednesdays season opener in Detroit. Cris Carter Womens Jersey . "I wrote 36 on my sheet at the beginning of the game," the Cincinnati coach said, referring the yard line the ball would need to be snapped from. No. 14 Washington | No. 16 USC | Top 25No. 15: TCULast Season: 11-2?(7-2 Big 12)The Horned Frogs trail only Washington among my surprise teams in 2016. They lacked that tough Gary Patterson defense last season, allowing 398.4 yards per game after pacing the conference with just 340.3 allowed over the previous three years. Last years unit brings back eight starters, putting the defensive line, linebackers and secondary position groups all in my top 20. Though they lose QB Trevone Boykin, WR Josh Doctson and RB Aaron Green on offense, I do like the replacements. Kenny Hill, who transferred out of Texas A&M, where he threw for 2,649 yards in 2014, fits well with the offense, while Kyle Hicks figures to take over at running back after averaging 4.8 yards per carry last year. TCU is an underdog against only Oklahoma (+3), which it beat in 2014. If the Horned Frogs upset the Sooners again, they would have a clear path to the Big 12 title and a playoff berth, assuming they handle a depleted Baylor team in a toss-up game late iin the year.ddddddddddddTCUs chances to win each game 09.03 vs. South Dakota State: 94.6% 09.10 vs. Arkansas: 56.2% 09.17 vs. Iowa State: 88.3% 09.23 @ SMU: 85.4% 10.01 vs. Oklahoma: 19.6% 10.08 @ Kansas: 88.1% 10.22 @ West Virginia: 41.7% 10.29 vs. Texas Tech: 71.9% 11.05 @ Baylor: 36.8% 11.19 vs. Oklahoma State: 39.8% 11.25 @ Texas:?39.0% 12.03 vs. Kansas State: 80.7%Dont sleep on these Horned Frogs. Experienced defense, lots of offensive weapons, favorable schedule, supremely well-coached. All they need is the best version of Kenny Hill to lead the charge. If they can beat Oklahoma on Oct. 1, an 11-1 season and a playoff bid are attainable. -- Max OlsonThe pieces are in place on both sides of the ball for the Horned Frogs to challenge in the Big 12. One of those is transfer QB Hill, who will be consistent enough for TCU to finish 9-3. -- Jake TrotterNo. 14 Washington | No. 16 USC | Top 25 ' ' '