those minutes because he plays defence, rebounds

Being as honest and blunt and usual, Brian Burke emphatically denied he would in any way consider tanking over the next couple of seasons to secure a top–end draft pick, even with his Flames in rebuilding mode. “If the coach made the suggestion I would fire him on the spot,” Burke said Thursday on TSN 1050. “If I made the suggestion I would suggest to ownership that they fire me on the spot.” The Flames president also discussed his timetable for hiring a new GM, the job Bob Hartleys done as Calgarys head coach and what made him deal for Phil Kessel following a draft day interview he deemed “pathetic.” Burke: Tanking would be a fireable offence Morten Andersen Saints Jersey . - Chris Davis hit a two-run double, scoring Nelson Cruz in his Orioles debut in Baltimores 9-7 win over to the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday. Wil Lutz Womens Jersey . Leaning forward with both hands on his knees, Buffon appeared to be resting or somehow trying to withstand the rain. Or perhaps the 36-year-old goalkeeper and Italy captain was reflecting on this: He is only the third player in history to be part of five World Cup squads, along with Germany great Lothar Matthaus and former Mexico goalkeeper Antonio Carbajal. http://www.saintsrookiestore.com/Saints-Chauncey-Gardner-Johnson-Jersey/ . His fellow Finn, 21 years his junior, had just arrived in Anaheim and was hoping to stick with the Ducks. Thomas Morstead Saints Jersey . According to the CFL Scouting Bureaus January rankings, four of the top five Canadian prospects line-up on the offensive side of the trenches, which is good news for Bombers general manager Kyle Walters. With only one selection in the first two rounds — Walters sent his second-round pick to Saskatchewan in the days ahead of the 2013 trade deadline — the No. Sheldon Rankins Saints Jersey . CHAUNCEY BILLUPS (Pistons): Yes they got Josh Smith and Brandon Jennings in the off-season and Andre Drummond is a beast (teams are kicking themselves for passing on him - he rebounds and block shots every game - thats two more discernable and significant skills than most guys in his draft class), but dont for a second discount the impact of having a savvy veteran like Billups on your team.The weak and weary need not apply for Sams Club. TSN basketball analyst and former Toronto Raptors head coach Sam Mitchell announced his midseason inductees to the illustrious self-titled club Thursday, and they all had one thing in common. “Sams Club members come in, we punch the clock, we do our job and we go home,” he told TSNs Cabrel Richards. “We know who and what we are. Were dirt diggers, were grimy, we get in the dirt, we can take it. You know why? Because were mentally tough and we wont give in.” The midseason entrants are not among the NBAs elite and none of them were invited to the All-Star Game in New Orleans on Feb. 16. Here are the selections for Sams Club through the first half of the season. Amir Johnson, PF, Toronto Raptors: “The most important things that Amir Johnson brings to Toronto are mental toughness, rebounding and defence. Hes added the three-ball to his game and you look at Amir Johnson, he had a stretch where he averaged about 18 points a game and shot way over 50 per cent.” Tony Allen, SG, Memphis Grizzlies: “Tough, single-minded, a defensive guy, a guy that fights through screens, a guy that dont need the basketball. Hes been out, missed some games, but theres no better on-the-ball defender than Tony Allen. Lance Stephenson, SG, Indiana Pacers: “Hes in the club because hes tough. Hes not an all-star to me but hes the most improved player. But Lance Stephenson brings a cerrtain toughness, he has a certain bravado that he gives to the Pacers.dddddddddddd Taj Gibson, PF, Chicago Bulls: “Taj Gibson is mentally tough. Hes a great defender, shot blocker, takes the toughest four or five every single night. Carlos Boozer has been complaining recently about his minutes in the fourth quarter. Taj Gibson has taken those minutes because he plays defence, rebounds the ball, and now lately hes scoring the basketball.” Nicolas Batum, SF, Portland Trail Blazers: “He takes the toughest offensive player every night, whether its point guard, two-guard or small forward. Very unselfish guy, doesnt call for the ball, excellent shooter, just plays his role.” P.J. Tucker, SF, Phoenix Suns: “Just tough. Just put him out there. See, part of being a part of Sams Club is you have to get better every year in and year out. Now P.J. Tucker is over a 40 per cent three-point shooter, a guy that can shoot, but hes the best defender on this Phoenix team. You talking about tough, gritty and grimy, theres nobody in the United States that I would rather walk down a dark alley with.” While Stephenson looks to be the front-runner for the NBAs Most Improved Player award, the other new members of the Sams Club will likely not see any league-wide recognition for their efforts. Mitchell, though, doesnt think a lack of attention will bother this group of “dirt diggers.” “We dont want it.” ' ' '