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KANSAS CITY, Mo. Joe Crede Jersey . -- The Royals shook up their coaching staff Thursday in an attempt to jumpstart their failing offence, making Dale Sveum the hitting coach and Mike Jirschele their third base coach. Pedro Grifol, who took over as hitting coach last season, will now instruct catchers. The moves were announced after the Royals finished off a disastrous homestand that included a sweep at the hands of Houston, and before they opened a four-game series in Toronto. Sveum said the Royals havent done a good enough job this season of hitting pitches in the upper half of the strike zone. "The bottom line is weve struggled with elevation and weve swung at pitches down in the zone probably way too much," he said. "From thigh high to the top of the strike zone, were not doing enough damage." The Royals began the day last in the majors with 21 homers, putting them on pace to match the 1976 club for the fewest in franchise history for a non-strike-shortened season. Theyre also last in the American League in runs and slugging percentage. "There is not one man in the lineup thats hitting the ball well," Royals designated hitter Billy Butler said Wednesday. "Were just cold." Yost said "a different voice can make a difference," to struggling batters, but the Royals have heard plenty of voices about hitting: Sveum is Kansas Citys fifth hitting coach in less than three seasons. The Royals let go of Kevin Seitzer two years ago in the hope that somebody else would help the club generate more power. Seitzer was eventually hired by the Blue Jays, who currently lead the majors with 76 homers -- more than Kansas City is on pace for all season. Jack Maloof and Andre David were hired before last season, but they only made it a couple of months before they were reassigned within the franchise. It was at that point that the Royals hired Grifol and Hall of Famer George Brett on an interim basis. The Royals showed signs of life once that duo was in charge, slowly climbing into playoff contention. Grifol was given the job on a full-time basis after Brett stepped down in July, but lasted less than a year in the role. "Hes the one that pulled us out of our trouble last year," Yost said of Grifol Thursday. "A year later, we find ourselves in the exact same spot." Sveum, a former Brewers and Cubs manager, had been serving as the Royals third base coach. But he also has plenty of experience as a hitting coach, helping Milwaukee finish in the top three of the National League in homers in each of his three seasons. "Hes got experience, he studies hitting," Yost said. "Hes got a lot of knowledge. He helped Prince Fielder get, in my opinion, to the next level as an offensive performer." Ross Detwiler White Sox Jersey . The goals took Liverpools tally in the Premier League this season to 70, overtaking Manchester City as the top scorers, and left the fourth-place team just four points behind league leader Chelsea. Hugh Duffy Jersey . The thinking at the time was Clowney could have already been promised he would be selected first overall by the Houston Texans, therefore negating any need to meet with any other teams. The plot took another twist this week.Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Steve Delabar is going back to the minors. The righty was sent back down to Triple-A Buffalo for the second time this week in order to make room for Liam Hendriks who will get the start Friday night against the Cincinnati Reds. Delabar waas sent down Tuesday but was called back up for Thursdays game against the New York Yankees when Brett Cecil went to the disabled list. Jack Mcdowell White Sox Jersey . The 30-year-old has appeared in 30 games this season, recording a 4.91 earned run average and a 3-0 record. ' ' '

MADRID, Spain -- Atletico Madrid finally got the better of Spanish rival Barcelona on Wednesday as Kokes early goal guided his team to a 1-0 win and into the Champions League semifinals with a 2-1 aggregate victory. Yeezy 350 v2 2019 . Adrian Lopez filled in for injured striker Diego Costa and created the fifth-minute goal after hitting the post, as the Atletico forward headed an ensuing cross on to Koke to fire home. The boisterous atmosphere at the Vicente Calderon Stadium unsettled Barcelona early on, and Atletico striker David Villa hit the woodwork twice within the opening 20 minutes. Barcelona dug in but produced few tangible scoring chances apart from a pair of first-half misses by Lionel Messi. Atletico, which leads Barcelona by one point in the league, reached the last four of Europes top competition for the first time since 1974. The teams had played four previous games this season which all ended in draws, but Atleticos breakthrough kept Barcelona from the semifinals for the first time in seven seasons. "We just have to keep working hard and stay calm because we still havent won anything," said Atletico coach Diego Simeone, whose team will face either crosstown rival Real Madrid, Chelsea, or Bayern Munich in a two-legged semifinal. Bayern beat Manchester United 3-1 on Wednesday to eliminate the English champions 4-2 overall. Adrian replaced Costa after Atleticos star striker failed to recover from a hamstring injury and the little-used forward immediately made a mark by rocketing a shot off the near post just before the opening goal. Adrian eventually headed the ball back across the area for Koke to score from close range to the delight of the capacity crowd. Atletico, feeding off the roar of its home supporters, had Barcelona consistently on the back foot early on and Villa found the post in the 11th-minute. Barcelona controlled possession but Atletico was dangerous on the counter as Villa fired on the run over goalkeeper Jose Manuel Pinto but off the crossbar -- the teams third touch of the woodwork. Messi had Barcelonas lone scoring chances of the first half as he headed Dani Alves cross past the near post in the 13th before firing wide past the opposite post near the break after Neymars quick footwork created the chance inside the area. Barcelona took control from the restart as Atletico hung back, with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois doing well to poke the ball away at Messis feet as he darted through the area and then recover in time to ensure the ball was deflected over goal in the ensuing scramble. "There was a big difference between one team and another early on. We couldnt string together four or five passes like we needed to," Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino said. "If we had managed to equalize we might have been able to play the game we wanted." Adrian was taken off to a rousing ovation in the 61st and replaced by Diego Ribas, who scored Atleticos goal in the 1-1 draw in the first leg. Minutes later, Pinto was diving to save from the Brazilian on a counterattack before Atleticos penalty appeals were waved off when Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano tripped up Villa inside the area. Villa and Gabi Fernandez led another counter in the 70th, only for Pinto to kick out Gabis weak shot. Barcelona failed to muster up anything more and Pinto had to make a late save on Villa to keep it close, but the Catalans could not break through the hosts tight defence. "I thought we deserved the draw," Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez said, despite his team managing just five attempts on goal to Atleticos nine. "The game got away from us." After walking off the pitch to loud cheers, the Atletico players re-emerged again to celebrate a memorable victory with the nearly 50,000 fans. "The five games (between Atletico and Barcelona this season) all turned out nearly the same way, there werent any major differences except there was a clear winner this time," Martino said. Yeezy Wholesale Authentic .5 million. University officials released the term sheet signed by Harsin Wednesday, the day the former Broncos walk-on player and Boise native was named the successor to Chris Petersen, who left for Washington last week. Fake Yeezy 350 Citrin . FIFA said the suspension was requested by ethics prosecutor Michael Garcia, making Beckenbauer the first person to be punished as a result of the case. Beckenbauer refused "repeated requests for his assistance, including requests that he provide information during an in-person interview or in response to written questions provided in both English and German," FIFA said in a statement.LAS VEGAS -- Welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre says he has left no stone unturned for his weekend title defence against Johny (Bigg Rigg) Hendricks and is confident of winning at UFC 167. Hendricks, meanwhile, says he plans to keep the fight a standup affair and knock the champion out. And the challenger says while he likes GSP, he wants to kill him, adding -- in his words -- "not in that sense." The two welterweights face off Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. UFC president Dana White paid tribute to St-Pierre at tthe pre-fight news conference, calling the 32-year-old from Montreal his organizations "pay-per-view king. Fake Yeezy 350 V2 . ." White says choosing GSP to headline the UFCs 20th-year anniversary show was a no-brainer and that the UFC was fortunate that the Canadians fighting schedule fitted in. The UFC boss said all of Canada loves GSP and "it doesnt suck" to come to Vegas at this time of year. St-Pierre arrived wearing a suit and tie while Hendricks opted for a lime green T-shirt under a black baseball cap. ' ' '

Whats behind Erik Hurtados sudden and dramatic turnaround?   Why is he all of a sudden scoring highlight reel goals and game winners?   According to Whitecaps Coach Carl Robinson there is no difference. Fake College Jerseys . Hes the same player he always was, only now his efforts are being rewarded. The rookie manager has made a habit of heaping praise on others when things are going well, and accepting criticism when they arent.  But in the case of Hurtado, its what the coach is NOT saying that may be the secret to a superb run of form. Last year, you could almost see the Santa Clara grad thinking while he played.  "Should I go here?"  "Whos my man?"  "Do I shoot or do I cross?"  The amount of times a promising attack would fizzle out at his feet was frustrating for not just the fans, but his former manager as well.  When your coach loses faith, its tough to believe in yourself.  So the mantra this year for Hurtado and many of the other young studs in the Whitecaps stable is stop thinking.  Just go play. For the most part, its working.  Hurtado has been employed as both a lone striker, and a right sided weapon.  Hes looked equally dangerous in both roles.   One can only imagine what might happen when his freedom of thought becomes routine and instinctual.  Compare the Real Salt Lake game a month ago, when in the late stages, last years fifth overall pick burst down the right flank and instead of unleashing one of his palm stinging drives, he squared it up for a team-mate, with coach Robinson pleading for a shot.  From virtually the same spot in last Saturdays game against Seattle Sounders Hurtado blasted home off the cross bar, and the Whitecaps were back on level terms only minutes after cruelly falling behind.   There was no thought.  There was no passing of responsibility.  It was the same explosive drive the 23-year-old has unleashed hundreds of times in training, and throughout his formative years.    The ball doesnt seem to run away from "E-Money" anymore either.  His touch is tidier, the runs are becoming less predictable, and the end product is inherently powerful.  Youd be hard pressed to find a similarly statured player with the kinds of tools Hurtado possesses.  Hes been told more than once that a running back in the other type of football might have suited his skill set more.  Thankfully his dad wasnt having it. Now the one time Beaverton Oregon boy gets to return to the state of his youth, as a bona fide starter, and a legitimate threat.  Surely the family and friends in attendance will motivate him further, rather than distract.  Carl Robinson could also have the luxury of Darren Mattocks at his disposal for the June 1st tilt at Providence Park.  Mattocks will be racking up the air miles on Jamaican duty, but will still be available to face his old Akron Zips coach Caleb Porter, and best pal Darlington Nagbe. Might we see Hurtado, Mattocks and Manneh all on the park at once as some supporters had fantasized already last pre-season? Hopefully the manager can keep them all from thinking about it too much. Fake Jerseys From China . Mohamed Diame put West Ham ahead in the 47th minute before goals by substitutes Carlton Cole and Joe Cole condemned Fulham to a fifth straight defeat, keeping the visitors in the bottom three. Fake NHL Jerseys . The post-season, Pierce said repeatedly, is no time to panic. And the Heat, apparently, are nothing to fear. AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Rodney Stuckey pulled the Pistons out of trouble. Stuckey came off the bench to score 26 points and the Detroit reserves helped wipe out a 19-point deficit as the Pistons topped Boston 115-111. Stuckeys free throws with 57 seconds left broke a 111-all tie and gave Detroit the lead for good. "They got us back in with their energy," coach John Loyer said of his reserves, who helped the team end a two-game skid. The Pistons trailed by 19 points in third quarter and were down 95-85 at the start of the fourth before embarking on a 15-4 run that gave them their first lead since early in the game. The teams traded the lead several times before Stuckeys free throws. Bostons Jerryd Bayless tried for a go-ahead shot in the final seconds but his 3-point try rimmed out. Greg Monroe had 21 points and Brandon Jennings added 20 for Detroit, which also got 19 and 20 rebounds from Andre Drummond, who tied the game at 111 on a tip with 1:52 to play. Thirteen of his caroms were on the offensive glass, giving him 402 this season and making him the most prolific single-season offensive rebounder since 2000. "I pride myself on getting offensive rebounds," Drummond said. "Thats how I get my points." Jerryd Bayless had 25 points and Jeff Green added 22 for the Celtics, who lost their eighth straight and have dropped 12 in a row on the road. Bostons lead was 82-63 midway through the third before Detroit rallied produced a handful of runs to keep the lead from getting past 20. Pistons reserve Jonas Jerebko had consecutive 3-pointers midway through the final period to give the Piistons a lead. Fake Jerseys Free Shipping . Rookie Peyton Siva had all five of his career-best five assists in the fourth. "The reason we won the game was Peyton Siva," Drummond said. "His energy in the fourth quarter was tremendous. He ran the show. The Celtics looked sharp from the field in the first three quarters but had several droughts in the final period. They had just six field goals and 16 points in the fourth and did not score in the final three minutes. "I thought we let off the gas defensively a couple of times and all of a sudden, instead of a 19-point game, its a 13- or 12-point game," Boston coach Brad Stevens said. "We have seen that time and again in this league that those leads go quick." Bostons Jared Sullinger, one of the worst 3-point shooters (.253 per cent) in the league, made his first four tries from behind the arc. He scored 22 points and had 10 rebounds Saturday night in place of the injured Kris Humphries. Rookie Phil Pressey added a career-best 11 assists. Boston guard Rajon Rondo, who had a triple double in Fridays loss to Philadelphia, did not play Saturday. Hes missed the second game of back-to-back nights since he returned to the roster in January. NOTES: Drummonds offensive rebound total is the most since New Jerseys Jayson Williams (443) and Chicagos Dennis Rodman (421) during the 1997-98 season. . Detroits bench outscored Bostons 38-11. . Humphries missed the game after injuring his right patella tendon in the loss to Philadelphia. . The Celtics last road win was Feb. 10 at Milwaukee. . Detroit hadnt won consecutive home games since mid-February. ' ' '