aring hole in a very good team. 8) Liverpool (6) a€“ Teams lacks requisite speed to lead the line without Sturridge. Mario Balotelli

CHICAGO -- Manny being Manny has been a positive so far for the Chicago Cubs. President of baseball operations Theo Epstein praised Manny Ramirez on Friday for his work with the Cubs minor leaguers in Arizona, and said the former major league star could join Triple-A Iowa next week. Ramirez signed a minor league deal in May and reported to the teams facility in Mesa to get some at-bats in extended spring training. When Ramirez moves to Iowa, he will be a player-coach for Chicagos top farm club. "Ive gotten unsolicited emails and texts from a lot of the staff down there saying that hes been a breath of fresh air and the best thing that ever happened to the kids down in Mesa," Epstein said before the Cubs 6-3 victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates. "So Im really pleased with the impact hes making on the organization. "Probably sometime next week that hes ready to go to Iowa, but were not in a rush because hes making an impact with the young kids down there who are getting their first taste of pro ball as well as guys like Jorge Soler, who are there rehabbing. Mannys been a really nice influence so far." The 42-year-old Ramirez is a .312 hitter with 555 home runs in 2,302 games covering 19 major league seasons. But the Cubs brought him in to serve as a mentor for some of their young players and insist he is not a candidate for a promotion to the major league club. The addition of Ramirez was a bit of a gamble for Epstein, who was the general manager in Boston when the enigmatic slugger helped the Red Sox win the World Series in 2004 and 2007. Ramirez was suspended for 50 games in 2009 while with the Los Angeles Dodgers after testing positive for a banned drug. He retired in April 2011 instead of serving a 100-game ban for a second positive test while with Tampa Bay, but later agreed to a reduced 50-game suspension and played in the minors for Oakland in 2012. He also has been criticized in the past for lackadaisical play, but Epstein thinks he can be a valuable teacher for Chicagos rich minor league system. "Hes been meeting with the young kids there daily, pulling them aside, talking about hitting, talking about not making some of the same mistakes that he made off the field, really keeping them focused on working hard and having a passion for the game and doing things the right way," Epstein said. When Ramirez gets to Iowa, he will get a chance to work one of the majors best prospects in third baseman Kris Bryant. The No. 2 overall selection in last years draft hit .355 with 20 homers in 68 games with Double-A Tennessee, and then belted a two-run shot in his debut with Iowa on Thursday night. The promotion to Triple-A means Bryant is just one step away from joining the Cubs, but Epstein made it sound as if that would be next season at the earliest. "I dont forsee a scenario where hed be up this year," he said. "I dont think its the right thing to do for someone in his first full professional season, barring extraordinary circumstances both in respect to the player and whats going on at the big league club." Epstein also is pleased with what he has seen so far from this years first-round pick, Kyle Schwarber. The No. 4 overall selection from Indiana University was quickly promoted from Chicagos short-season Class A affiliate in Boise, Idaho, to Single-A Kane County. There is some question about whether Schwarber will play catcher or left field in the pros, but it looks as if that decision can wait for now. "We decided this year, his first exposure to pro ball, were going to have him see a lot of time in left field, let him catch about once a week, maybe twice a week, so he can stay fresh with his catching, DH some so that he can keep his bat in the lineup when he needs a day off," Epstein said. "Then were going to sit down at the end of the minor league season and see whether its an appropriate time to make a call." Cheap Air Max 270 Mens .com) - Maria Sharapova rallied for a three- set win over Ana Ivanovic on Saturday to capture the season-opening Brisbane International tennis tournament. Cheap Air Max 270 Free Shipping . -- Kael Mouillierat scored three times and set up one more as the St. http://www.cheapairmax270.net/. Nix is a career .218 hitter in 425 games over six seasons. The 31-year-old right-handed hitter batted .270 with a homer this spring for Tampa Bay. Cheap Air Max 270 Wholesale .com) - Joique Bells touchdown run in the fourth quarter gave the Detroit Lions a 20-14 victory over the Chicago Bears on Sunday. Wholesale Air Max 270 . New York then missed its next six shots and scored only two points the rest of the night. The Los Angeles Clippers defence and the Knicks general ineptitude both played a role in the unsurprising finish to a meeting of two teams headed in opposite directions.Matchday Four came with more surprises, Premier League debuts and standout performances coming out of the two-week international break. The week was highlighted by an unlikely result at Anfield, a back-and-forth thriller between title contenders, a hat-trick hero, and the return of attacking football to Old Trafford. Heres my Premier League Notebook: Around the Wheel: Five Thoughts from the Weekend 1) Diego Costa continues to feast on the Premier League. The Spaniard has made scoring look easy. Three more in Chelseas 4-2 win over Swansea, Costa became the first player to score seven goals in his first four games in Premier League history. Credit the supreme finishing, but also tip your cap to the service provided. Costa poached all three goals from on top of the six-yard box. Thats not to take anything away from the target-man. Finishing as such is the ultimate skill and separates good players from the great. Costas impact has been second to none in Chelseas team success. No more complaining from Jose Mourinho he doesnt have proper talent up front. Costa has set the bar that Falcao, Balotelli, and others will try to replicate. 2) The expectation and role of a striker came under debate last week with the commentary surrounding Danny Welbeck. The Englishman scored twice in EURO 2016 qualifying in a win against Switzerland. Welbecks proficiency in front of goal was called into question afterwards, with Louis van Gaal stating he wasnt up to standard at United. Welbeck can do a lot on the field, with speed and touch on the ball to be desired. Whether he can become an out-and-out goal scorer is worth questioning. Welbeck only scored 29 times in 142 appearances while at United. His first half miss against City, chipping Joe Hart but finding the post reflects the frustration with the player. Top finishers put opportunities as such into the back of the net. The move was eerily similar to Welbecks chip attempt in last years Champions League tie with Bayern Munich. Manuel Neuer stayed up and saved the breakaway chip attempt. The miss was a defining moment, with Bayern Munich taking control soon thereafter. Welbeck needs to become more clinical in front of goal to justify his ?￡16 million price tag. Arsene Wenger said himself he would have preferred to acquire Welbeck on-loan rather than purchase. So much for exuding confidence. 3) Does Manchester United have a proper midfield? For all the success United have had in recent seasons, a dominant midfield has noticeably been absent. Its testament to the team approach and quality elsewhere the team was able win so often and convincingly. The midfield diamond Sunday featuring Daley Blind as defensive midfield, Angel Di Maria and Ander Herrera on the left and right, with Juan Mata atop the diamond was strong, structured and dominant throughout. There was balance among the group in shape and collective understanding of positioning. The movement was positive, with the group intent on working the ball down the middle first, then looking wide. This is much different of previous and inferior models in Uniteds midfield. Blind was particularly effective, sitting on top of the back four while completing a match best 112 passes, the fifth highest number in a game this season. Wayne Rooney later took over at the top of the diamond and looked at home in the position. Those questioning United not acquiring a player of the ilk of Arturo Vidal in the summer will be pleased by initial returns. With Michael Carricks return on the horizon, the group will continue to have the components to bring stability to the midfield. 4) Liverpools Brendan Rodgers was the Premier Leagues biggest risk-taking manager a season ago. The manager continually tinkered with his formations and tactics early in the season. Although it didnt always work out, you could see the method behind his plans. The decision to not start Raheem Sterling in Liverpools 1-0 home loss to Aston Villa is a puzzling one. Rodgers clearly wants to give the player ample rest as the games come fast and furious. But whether that rest should come when Daniel Sturridge is unavailable should be questioned. Sterling has contributed to 50 per cent of Liverpools goals on the season and is essential to the creativity in the team. The depth players in the team have much to prove. Does Liverpool have enough quality to balance the league and European competition? 5) Its hard to take Manuel Pellegrinis decision to rest Yaya Toure and Fernando, while starting Edin Dzeko on the bench as anything other than putting this years priority on the Champions League. Manchester City plays Bayern Munich mid-week as group play kicks off. A central midfield featuring Frank Lampard and James Milner doesnt seem a preferred duo in a match against a Premier League contender. In fairness, the latter did well on the day. City still picked up the away point, but this is something to monitor as the season wears on. Will Pellegrini continue to play inferior starting XIs in league play before mid-week Champions League play? Team of the Week Speroni (CRY) Rafael (MUFC) a€“ Kompany (MCFC) - Baker (AVFC) a€“ Bertrand (SOU) Wilshere (ARS) a€“ Schneiderlin (SOU) - Fabregas (CHE) - Di Maria (MUFC) Pelle (SOU) a€“ Costa (CHE) Player of the Week: Angel Di Maria (Manchester United) a€“ A star player in a star performance. Di Marias opening goal, his first for United, was a replica of a set-piece he executed in training in the lead-up to the match: a wonderful in-swinging ball forcing the defensive backline and goalkeeper into a decision. The Argentine picked up an assist in the match, and played a part in all four United goals. His burst of speed, directness, and willingness to take on a man on the dribble is invaluable for United. His defensive commitment was likewise impressive, checking back and starting moves on the counter. The top all-around performance on the weekend. Honourable mention goes to Costa. Goal of the Week: Enner Valencia (West Ham) a€“ Known for his incredible athletic and leaping ability, Valencias first Premier League goal came on the ground with a composed, calculated strike of sheer quality. Getting the ball on his foot facing goal from 25 yards out, Valencia shook off defender Michael Dawson, playing the ball on his right foot making space before unleashing an unstoppable blast. The ball, clocked at 110 km/h, blew past Dawson and Curtis Davies before hitting the underside of the crossbar and into the back of the net. Dawson had his revenge in the last minute of time added on, chesting Valencias headed ball with eyes for goal off the bar and out of play, preserving the 2-2 draw. Surprise Performance: Ben Hamer (Leicester City) a€“ Making his Premier League debut for the injured Kasper Schmeichel (knee), the 26-year old goalkeeper made a double-save on Mame Biram Diouf and Victor Moses to keep the clean sheet and an unlikely victory. Bonus marks for rocking the most solid beard in the Prem. Best team performance: Manchester United a€“ A move to four at the back is getting Louis van Gaal all kinds of praise. The bigger difference was the midfield diamond that was balanced and in control throughout. With a healthy squad and genuine top talent introduced to the team, it shouldnt surprise any as this team rises through the table. 4-0 flattered QPR. United coasted; in control, dictating the tempo. The team rarrely got out of second gear, and when they did, it was a sight to see.dddddddddddd Its only just the beginning and first glance gives reason this team can be title contenders. The fear factor, the buzz and electric atmosphere at Old Trafford returned and more of the same is predicted. Worst team performance: Newcastle a€“ It was largely a lifeless performance from a team in desperate need of a spark. The visitors were on the back front from the opening minute, fortunate not to concede, before falling behind after six minutes. The ease by which Southampton carved up the backline will disturb, as will the failure to respond to on-field adversity. The finishing inside the 18 was just as ugly. A pitch invader and Pardew Out banner ended what was another dark day. Pardew remains, but has to be on his last legs. Another performance as such and there is no question hell be facing the sack. Goat of the Week: Ben Foster (WBA) a€“ West Bromwich Albion stayed in the match after falling behind after just two minutes after Jonas Olsson put the ball on a platter for Romelu Lukaku. There was nothing Foster could have done on that occasion. The second goal, the clincher, was all on the England International. A seemingly harmless strike by Kevin Mirallas turned into a mess, as Foster dove over the ball, failing to control what should have been a straightforward save. It was unfortunate for Foster, who is among the busiest and heavily relied upon keepers in the Premier League. Foster took to Twitter post-match to reconcile: [@BenFoster a€“ Sorry for a awful mistake today, at an important point in the game where we were still in it. Need to stick together and stay positive] Stat of the Week: Chelseas Diego Costa has seven goals in four Premier League games. Fernando Torres scored five goals in 28 games last season. Stat of the Week, Part II: Aston Villa limited Liverpool to one shot on target in their 1-0 victory. The only team to hold Liverpool to one shot on target last season? Aston Villa. Table Talk 1) Chelsea (12pts) a€“ Perfect record and no squad looks better on paper. Leaking goals is main concern. Six conceded in four matches will worry Jose. Centre-back duo getting caught out of position. 2) Aston Villa (10) a€“ Surprise outfit hasnt looked pretty but have proven difficult to break down. No goalkeeper has led from the back better than Brad Guzan. True test lay ahead over next four matches (ARS, CHE, MCFC, EVE). Christian Benteke (achilles) closing in on his return certainly helps. 3) Swansea City (9) a€“ Second half breakdown at Stamford Bridge will be a worry, but there is still much to like. Speed down the wings is a constant threat. Need to be better defensively, particularly through the middle. 4) Southampton (7) a€“ A walk in the park for the Saints. New players have acclimatized surprisingly quickly. Team has balance. Can compete for European football again this season. Morgan Schneiderlin has three goals in four games. Dusan Tadic is a pleasure to watch. 5) Manchester City (7) a€“ Earning a point away against top rival goes to script. Pellegrini complaining post-match about the officiating seems a reach, but rather a message for future matches. City needs whatever leg up they can as a marked target as Champions. They had a real difficult time trying to repeat two seasons ago. David Silva playing the number 10 role is one that seems a natural fit and lessens the loss of Alvaro Negredo, out on loan. 6) Tottenham Hotspur (7) a€“ Spurs will feel they should have come away with more. Mousa Dembele went off the post and there were signs of rebounding after a disastrous performance last time out. The team plays too narrow for what their squad selection dictates. Great start to the season for Nacer Chadli. 7) Arsenal (6) a€“ The Gunners will feel as though they were the better team and deserved all three points against City. The first goal conceded showed why Arsenal require a top defensive midfielder. Mathieu Flamini lost his legs then lost his mark, trying to get back and defend on the counter. Sergio Aguero punished him. Its a glaring hole in a very good team. 8) Liverpool (6) a€“ Teams lacks requisite speed to lead the line without Sturridge. Mario Balotelli looked unsettled and out of sync with his teammates. A lacklustre debut for Adam Lallana. Jordan Henderson continues to impress in the double-pivot. One shot on target is not good enough for a team with such positive movement off the ball. 9) Manchester United (5) a€“ What a difference two weeks can make. Four different goal-scorers and a stroll in the park in there 4-0 win. Louis van Gaal now has an embarrassment of riches and the flexibility to use players as he sees fit on a weekly basis. Showed contending quality disposing of an inferior side. 10) Hull City (5) - It will take time for the team to come together with new additions. Abel Hernandez was a debut scorer in the 2-2 draw with West Ham. Look a much more dangerous team this campaign. Potential here. 11) Everton (5) a€“ First win of the season and a much better performance. The wingbacks played their best game of the season and the entire back line was stout defensively after giving up six last time out versus Chelsea. Could have won by more. 12) Leicester City (5) a€“ Picked up first win of the season, marking third game out of four theyve picked up points. Superiorly organized, the team found another goal from big money signing Leonardo Ulloa and saw the debut of Esteban Cambiasso as a second half substitute. Things are looking good for the Foxes. 13) West Ham United (4) a€“ Completed 387 passes at Hull City, the most passes completed by the club in an away match in four years. Its a far cry from the long-ball play expected. Liverpool and Manchester United are the next two opponents. 14) Stoke City (4) a€“ A significant setback losing at home to a newly promoted side after defeating the Champions two weeks ago. It remains a challenge for Mark Hughes how to get the most out of this group in attack. 15) Sunderland (3) a€“ Coming from behind twice in the match to earn a point. The Black Cats show resiliency under Gus Poyet. There is a lot to like about left-back Patrick Van Aanholt. 16) Queens Park Rangers (3) a€“ Completely second rate against and underwhelming. Dreadful defensively and inept in attack, QPR has a league worst -8 goal differential. There is talent in the team. Harry needs to bring it together. And quick. 17) Crystal Palace (2) a€“ Goalkeeper Julian Speroni came to the rescue, with one of the better penalty stops you will see, helping Palace to a scoreless draw with Burnley. Eagles have experienced a shaky start under manager Neil Warnock. 18) Burnley (2) a€“ Positive work-rate. Very well organized. And a difficult team to play against. But they cant score goals. End of story. 19) West Bromwich Albion (2) a€“ WBA isnt a team capable of chasing games. A loss felt inevitable after falling behind after just two minutes. An average midfield and an average team. A long year ahead? 20) Newcastle United (2) a€“ An embarrassing weekend adds to already environment with dysfunction. There is some talent in the squad. Is Pardew capable of getting it out of them amidst the clouds of uncertainty hanging over his future? @WheelerTSN gareth.wheeler@bellmedia.ca ' ' '