Termine » an opening round sweep of the Tampa Bay Lightning

Jacob Lindgren, the New York Yankees top selection, is ready for whatever pitching role his new organization has in store. The Yankees took Lindgren in the second round with the 55th overall pick Thursday night. New York hasnt told Lindgren whether they project the 5-foot-11, 203-pound pitcher from Bay St. Louis, Mississippi as a starter or reliever. "Its hard to make the big league club," Lindgren said. "Im sure the Yankees will do a good job monitoring" progress at each level to see where he fits best. Lindgren was a talented high-school pitcher taken in the 12th round of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft by the Chicago Cubs, yet chose college ball over the pros. He worked mostly in relief his freshman year before earning a spot in the Bulldogs rotation to start his sophomore season. Lindgren, though, was inconsistent and Mississippi State coaches moved him back to the bullpen where he said something finally clicked. Lindgren became more aggressive in late-inning situations, he said, and that helped the speed on his fastball improve from the upper 80s-lower 90s to mid-90s this season. He refined that at the Cape Cod League last summer and brought that new mindset to the Bulldogs bullpen. "My stuff was just playing out better," he said. "And I feel like its worked out." That showed in his performance as Lindgren was one of the best relievers in the Southeastern Conference. He led the country with more than 16 strikeouts over nine innings this season. His 100 strikeouts this year was tops among all relievers in Division I and his draft status perked up. "I knew my junior year was going to be a huge year for me because I had a lot to prove," he said. "Thats why I worked hard." Lindgren had heard from many clubs including the Yankees prior to the draft, but didnt have a strong feeling about where hed end up. He grew up a Minnesota Twins fan, but "everybody dreams of playing for the New York Yankees and wearing the pinstripes," he said. Mississippi States season ended last weekend, losing in NCAA regional play to top-ranked Louisiana-Lafayette. Lindgren came on early in the final game Monday and worked 4 1/3 innings of three-hit ball, but it wasnt enough in the Rajun Cajuns 5-3 victory. The Yankees took pitchers with their first five selections, including Lindgrens Mississippi State teammate Jonathan Holder in the sixth round Friday. They also selected Connecticut high-schooler Austin DeCarr in the third round, South Carolina lefty starter Jordan Montgomery in the fourth and Central Michigan right-hander Jordan Foley in the fifth. Lindgrens selection carries a slot bonus value of $1,018,700. He doesnt expect holdups in reaching a deal and hopes to get that wrapped up as quickly as possible and begin helping the Yankees win games. He said baseball is about winning championships and "hopefully, we can bring one back to New York." China Jerseys Wholesale . -- At the beginning of training camp, Andrew Bogut set a goal to play all 82 regular-season games and regain his place among the NBAs best centres. China Jerseys Cheap . -- Houstons All-Star tandem of James Harden and Dwight Howard refused to let the Rockets give in to fatigue. https://www.chinajerseyscheap.us/. Curtis Davies and Robert Koren secured the victory with goals inside 35 minutes of the fifth-round replay against the second-tier side. Cheap Jerseys From China . His brother — Red Lake chiropractor Richard Radford — is en route to Sochi to cheer on his younger brother. "Ive been getting texts from Eric and he just says the atmosphere is amazing, its special,” he said. China Jerseys Stitched . -- Henry Josey watched helplessly from the sideline last fall, rehabbing from a serious knee injury, while Missouri was getting pushed around in its first SEC season.MONTREAL - The Montreal Canadiens want to accentuate the positive after blowing a 3-1 lead in the third period of their playoff game in Boston. Coach Michel Therrien said on a conference call on Sunday that his team was happy to be home from Boston with a split of the opening two games of the best-of-seven NHL Eastern Conference second round series. The Canadiens pulled out a 4-3 overtime win in the series opener on Thursday, but let a lead slip away under relentless Bruins pressure in a 5-3 defeat on Saturday afternoon at the TD Garden. The third and fourth games will be played Tuesday and Thursday respectively at the Bell Centre. "We went to play two games where its tough for any team to play in the NHL and were out of there with the series tied," said Therrien. "Thats the big picture. "I think its a boost of confidence for our players that were able to compete with that team and play with that team. And one thing for sure, playing at the Bell Centre, with the fans and support weve got, is a tough place for the other team to play. Im sure the players will feed off our fans." The Canadiens were given the day off Sunday and will practice Monday at their suburban training centre to prepare for Game 3. While the Canadiens took home ice advantage away from Boston, the Bruins looked to have grabbed momentum in the series with four third-period goals. "Momentum, yes its a part of hockey, but theres nothing you can do about the past," said Therrien. "Whats important is the moment. "Our preparation for the next game has alreaady started.dddddddddddd From the coaching standpoint, there are going to be things well apply during practice and make sure we apply them in the next game. "Momentum starts when they drop the puck." He denied that the Canadiens were nursing a lead in the third period before the Bruins stormed back. He said Boston had only one scoring chance in the third 10 minutes and scored on their first real chance of the final frame. Defenceman Josh Gorges said the players want to put Game 2 behind them. "Theres no sense in celebrating too much after a win or beating yourself up after a loss," he said. "It doesnt do anything for you for the next game. We know where we stand. We know we have to be better." Therrien would not discuss any potential lineup changes. He said winger Brandon Prust, who looks to be struggling, is "totally healthy" and that he liked what he saw from rookie winger Michael Bournival, who returned to the lineup after sitting out a game in favour of veteran Travis Moen. "He had a really good first round,"said Therrien, who used Bournival in every game of an opening round sweep of the Tampa Bay Lightning. "We put him back in the lineup. I wanted to use his speed. I thought he did a good job with (Tomas) Plekanec." Therrien also said he hopes that popular singer Ginette Reno would be back to sing the Canadian anthem in Game 3. The Canadiens scored early after she sang in both home games against the Lightning. "Wed welcome her with open arms," he said. ' ' '