Dein erstes Forum » I look forward to working with Chris Canetti

PHOENIX -- The Arizona Diamondbacks took on the big boys of Major League Baseball in the competition to land Japanese pitching sensation Masahiro Tanaka only to see him sign, hardly to anyones surprise, with the New York Yankees. Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers, speaking to a handful of reporters in a conference call on Wednesday, thanked the teams ownership for allowing him, for what he said was the first time, to "sit at the table in a high stakes poker game for one of the elite free agents." Towers said the Diamondbacks made "a very competitive offer." But not competitive enough. The 25-year-old right-handers deal with the Yankees pays him $155 million over seven years, in addition to the $20 million due as a posting fee to his Japanese club. Now Towers moves on in search, via free agency or a trade, of help for the Diamondbacks rotation, seeking either a No. 1 starter or a strong No. 2. And, he said, those are hard to find. The Diamondbacks contingent of managing partner Ken Kendrick, Towers, manager Kirk Gibson and star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt met with Tanaka and his entourage about three weeks ago. "All you can do is put your best foot forward, which is what we did," Towers said. The Diamondbacks emphasized their family atmosphere, the weather, the fact that the team trains in Arizona. Tanaka would have been the unquestioned No. 1 pitcher on the staff. That and what undoubtedly was a substantial money offer, certainly by Diamondbacks standards, wasnt enough. There is no large Japanese community in Phoenix. Towers said international players often are lured by the "Yankee pinstripes." He noted the Yankees have two veteran Japanese pitchers who can ease Tanaka into his new life. The Diamondbacks will continue to see what the possibilities are for landing a pitcher. "It doesnt stop just because we didnt get Tanaka," Towers said. But the Diamondbacks dont want to sign any pitcher to a contract longer than three years, Tanaka being an obvious exception. Unsigned free agent starters include Ervin Santana, Matt Garza and Ubaldo Jimenez. Towers insisted that if Arizona does not acquire another starter, hes comfortable with the returning staff, specifically mentioning the possibility of talented young flame-thrower Archie Bradley competing for a spot in the rotation this spring. Because of their early-season trip to Australia to face the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Diamondbacks will be the first team to gather for spring training. Pitchers and catchers report Feb. 6 with the full squad due on Feb. 11. Adidas NMD R1 Clearance . -- Brandon Hope stopped 46 shots and Kurtis MacDermid scored with 27 seconds remaining in overtime as the Owen Sound Attack edged the visiting Kingston Frontenacs 5-4 on Saturday in Ontario Hockey League action. Adidas NMD Discount . -- Barry Bonds is all set to return to the San Francisco Giants. http://www.cheapnmdonline.com/adidas-nmd...8-unisex.html.J. -- Fabian Johnson scored his first international goal and Clint Dempsey doubled the lead after a defensive lapse as the United States beat Turkey 2-1 Sunday in the second of three World Cup warm-up matches for the Americans before they head to Brazil. Adidas NMD R2 Cheap . His absence against the Celtics comes a day after he scored 43 points in the Heats 100-96 win at Cleveland. Best Fake NMD Human Race . -- Creighton apparently has Villanovas number.MONTREAL - Matt Jordan resigned as technical director of the Montreal Impact on Tuesday to become vice-president and general manager of the Houston Dynamo.Id like to thank the Montreal Impact for seven great years, Jordan said in a statement. Ive always given my absolute best for this club both as a player and while working in the front office. Its been an experience of a lifetime. I truly appreciate the support and friendship of our ownership, staff, coaches, and former teammates through the years.This is not an easy decision, but is one that makes sense for me and my family with this new challenge ahead. The city of Montreal and this club will always hold a special place in the hearts of myself and my family.The 6-18-10 Impact finished last in the 19-team league this past season with 28 points. Houston (11-17-6) was eighth in the 10-team Eastern Conference with 39 points.Jordan was promoted to the position of technical director last December and was in his fourth year working in the clubs front office. The former goalkeeper previously served as the clubs director of soccer operations.Matt has been an important part of the Montreal Impacts growth since 2007, both as a player and in management, said Impact executive vice-president Richard Legendre. Although his departure saddens us, we understand that this is an exceptional opportunity for him both personally and professionally, and we wish him the best of luck in his new endeavour. Furthermore, we are actively working onn the 2015 action plan to improve the team for our first match of the Champions League, scheduled for late February.ddddddddddddJordan spent the last four seasons of his 13-year pro playing career with the Impact in the second division. He was named team MVP in 2008 and helped the Impact capture the league championship in 2009.I am pleased to be adding one of the brightest young technical minds in Major League Soccer to our staff, said Dynamo president Chris Canetti. Matt is hard working, experienced, intelligent, passionate, and committed to winning. I am confident that he is going to elevate our clubs technical operations to a higher level.Jordan will report to team president Chris Canetti and will oversee all aspects of the Dynamos soccer operations.Id like to thank the Houston Dynamo for the opportunity to join one of Major League Soccers most successful clubs, said Jordan. The Dynamo have a strong history of success, a dedicated and knowledgeable fan base, a beautiful, state-of-the art downtown stadium, an excellent training facility and a strong commitment to youth development, all key elements as we look to implement our vision into the future.I look forward to working with Chris Canetti and his dedicated staff, whose passion is evident throughout the club. We look forward to the challenge of putting a team on the field and in the community that the city of Houston can not only be proud of, but that is also a reflection of our dedicated supporters. ' ' '