NEW YORK -- Joe Girardi is happy to see Jacoby Ellsbury in Yankees pinstripes instead of the uniform of the rival Boston Red Sox. "You are going to make my job a lot easier," the New York manager told his new outfielder. "You no longer are a thorn in my side. You are a flower in our clubhouse, and Im happy to have you." Ellsbury agreed to a $153 million, seven-year contract Dec. 3, and the deal was completed four days later. He was formally introduced Friday at a Yankee Stadium news conference, part of an off-season transformation that has seen New York add Brian McCann and Carlos Beltran while watching Robinson Cano depart. Ellsbury will wear No. 22 with the Yankees, taking over the number of Roger Clemens, another Boston star who moved south to New York. No. 2, Ellsburys uniform with the Red Sox, belongs to Yankees captain Derek Jeter. Ellsbury was No. 23 in college, but thats retired in honour of Don Mattingly. And Ellsbury started his big league career with No. 46, which was worn by Andy Pettitte and isnt being given out any time soon, if at all. "Twenty-two, Ive never worn that number, but 2 is my favourite number, so why not have two of them?" Ellsbury said. A lefty-hitting leadoff man, the 30-year-old led the majors with 52 steals despite a broken foot late this season. He finished with a .298 average, nine homers and 53 RBIs. Ellsbury spent 158 days on the disabled list in 2010 after breaking ribs in a collision with third baseman Adrian Beltre. He was on the DL for 90 days in 2012, when he dislocated his right shoulder when sliding into Rays shortstop Reid Brignac while trying to break up a double-play in Bostons home opener. "I play the game hard. I play the game I feel like the right way," Ellsbury said. "It was just two unfortunate things." He didnt go on the DL this year, when he was limited to 134 games by a broken bone in his right foot that he played on throughout the post-season before it completely healed. "I already made my mind up I would play in the post-season no matter how it felt," he said. "There was a risk -- a foul ball off my foot. ... The reward was worth the risk." New York general manager Brian Cashman thinks the injuries were anomalies. "Theres risk always when you make those type of commitments, but we signed the player because of the projected reward," Cashman said. "Hes a unique talent." Ellsburys arrival was linked to the slow negotiations with All-Star second baseman Robinson Cano, who left for a $240 million, 10-year deal with Seattle. "We have to start moving now," Cashman remembered telling his bosses. "And to move early, you have to step up and separate yourself from the pack." Ellsburys deal calls for salaries of $21,142,857.15 per season and includes a $21 million team option for 2021 with a $5 million buyout. Ellsbury gets a full no-trade provision and the right to purchase six Legends Suite tickets per year. "Ive seen him get base hits. Ive seen him hit home runs. Ive seen him steal second. Ive seen him steal third," Girardi said. "And I even had the pleasure of watching him steal home off of Andy Pettitte when I was standing right behind him and we were all screaming at Andy. "Ive seen him make great catches that changed the complexion of the scores between the Red Sox and Yankees. And thats why Im so excited to have him in our lineup on a daily basis, because theres so many different ways that he can beat you, whether its with his power, his speed or his glove." After seven seasons with the Red Sox and two World Series titles, Ellsbury took out a full-page ad in Fridays editions of The Boston Globe. "To the fans of New England, teammates and the many friendships made. Thank you!" the ad stated. He wouldnt be surprised if he receives a hostile reception when he returns to Fenway Park next season. "Fans like to boo. Its just kind of fun to boo," he said. But he cherishes his time in Boston. He had dinner Thursday night with former Red Sox teammates Dustin Pedroia and David Ross. "It was seven great years. The fans treated me great," Ellsbury said. "The guys in the clubhouse, those are relationships that Ill have for the rest of my life regardless of what uniform Im in or the uniform theyre in." NOTES: Wells wore 22 at the end of last season. With Ellsbury, Brett Gardner, Beltran, Alfonso Soriano and Ichiro Suzuki, there appears no room for Wells on the roster unless there is a trade or injury. . - While a fast-paced offence has become more of a fixture in recent years, the San Antonio Spurs can still grind out games when needed. . Kenny Miller scored from the penalty spot and Camilo Sanvezzo came off the bench to add two late goals as the Whitecaps kept their playoff hopes alive with a 3-0 victory over the sagging Impact on Saturday afternoon.
http://www.bearsrookiestore.com/Customized/. Luke Wileman and I stood in the corridor outside of the Vancouver Whitecaps dressing room at BC Place in Vancouver. . The 31-year-old, a two-time CFL lineman of the year, was among the most coveted free agents on the market. The Windsor, Ont., native will be especially important to a team that has lost veteran quarterback Anthony Calvillo to retirement and is expected to go with the less experienced Troy Smith and Tanner Marsh this season. . Called on from the college ranks to replace Andy Reid, Kelly implemented a whole new atmosphere in the City of Brotherly Love and now has the Eagles in the playoffs for the first time since 2010.Jacksonville Jaguars announced Tyrone Holmes and Brandon Allen from London and Sky Sports was able to go behind the scenes. Richard Graves was in attendance at the Jaguars London war room as they prepared for two sixth round picks having traded up earlier in the Draft for a second round call to bring in Myles Jack.Jacksonville have made London their second home in recent years and defensive tackle Michael Bennett, the Jaguars pick announced from London last year, was joined by fan Hamish Shilliday to make the announcement. Tower Hill was the backdrop and Shilliday named Tyrone Holmes as the Jags opening ssixth round pick with Brandon Allen coming later in the round.ddddddddddddSo with everything in place we take a closer look at how one of the most intriguing events in sport, the NFL Draft, unfolds with some great access from Sky Sports News HQ who were on hand to cover the announcement and give us a detailed look at proceedings behind the scenes. Also See: Jaguars announce London picks Duo drafted despite knee concerns Neil Reynolds Draft Pick Six Rams select Goff first ' ' '
