Willkommen » ntroduction, the Magic fell behind by 27

TORONTO – The absence of Jose Reyes from manager John Gibbons lineup is forcing the skipper to do some less than desirable juggling. The star shortstops injury has been mitigated, somewhat, by the surprising offensive contribution of his replacement, Jonathan Diaz, but the bottom of the order remains subpar in an offence heavy division. Then theres the number two spot in the order, vacated by Melky Cabrera, whos moved into Reyes leadoff role. Colby Rasmus has occupied the bridge to Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion since Tuesday night in Tampa Bay. Hes off to a slow start this season with just two hits in 22 at-bats (.090), striking out at a 40 per cent clip (10 times in 25 plate appearances). The sample sizes are small and the Blue Jays believe Reyes will return on April 16, the day hes eligible to come off the disabled list, or soon after. Still, manager John Gibbons has considered something he did last year for part of the time Reyes was down, bumping up Bautista and Encarnacion in the lineup. "We thought about it," said Gibbons. "Right now we want to kind of split the lefties up as much as possible, as far apart as we can. Colbys had some success in that two-hole in the past. Right now, the way hes swinging its not ideal but, like I said, I think hes close." For his career, Rasmus has struck out in 24.2 per cent of his plate appearances. Thats not an ideal number for a top of the order guy and its why the Blue Jays, when healthy, dont use him there. "Hes going to strike out," said Gibbons. "Thats the kind of player he is. Hes going to have some strikeouts. But I think hes real close." "I dont ever like living with strikeouts," said hitting coach Kevin Seitzer, who says he speaks to Rasmus daily. "I think theres a way to patch things up, patch up holes and get yourself into a position with a mindset and an approach to where it gives you a better chance to barrel it up and not be vulnerable in certain counts, certain pitches, certain locations." It may surprise you to learn Rasmus has played more games batting second, 239 times in his career, than in any other spot in the order. It isnt close, either. Hes hit fifth 138 times, his second-most frequent spot in the order. Rasmus former manager, Tony La Russa, often hit him second. Those two are linked for their infamous falling out, although that wasnt related to Rasmus spot in the lineup. Seitzer is working with him on an adjustment related to where Rasmus hands start when the pitcher comes set. Previously, Rasmus had been starting his hands away from his body, effectively out and over the plate. He now starts with his hands closer to his body. "Hes not comfortable with it because its new," said Seitzer. "He hit all winter and all spring and I kind of had to let him go with his thing, getting to know him and getting used to him and then seeing what happens once the season starts. Were working on making adjustments. Hes just got to get himself in good position to give himself the best chance." The hitting coach wants the player to see the adjustment through. "I dont care where guys start their hands as long as they get to their launch position in time, on time, every time. Thats the only chance you have to hit big league pitching," said Seitzer. HAPPS REHAB START J.A. Happ was scheduled to make a rehab start for the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays on Saturday evening, weather permitting. Happ is on the disabled list, back dated to March 26 so hes eligible to return on April 10, with back inflammation thats plagued him since early in spring training. ROSTER MOVE The Blue Jays designated right-hander Jeremy Jeffress for assignment after Friday nights game. The intention was to recall Chad Jenkins from Triple-A Buffalo. In fact, the Bisons had issued a press release to that effect. Turns out Jenkins isnt eligible to join the Blue Jays until April 10 because, as a player optioned to the minor leagues, hes required to spend 10 regular season days in the minors. In Jenkins place is Marcus Walden, whose contract was purchased and the player added to the 40-man roster. Walden, a 25-year-old right-hander, was a ninth round selection of the Blue Jays in the 2007 draft. To be clear on the option rule: there is an exception to the 10-day window for players recalled due to injury. Erik Kratz is an example. He was recalled when J.A. Happ was placed on the disabled list. Wholesale NFL Jerseys Authentic . Then youve got to worry about the other up and coming teams in the two weaker divisions in the "Junior Circuit". 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Orlando has dropped eight in a row and there are reports that head coach Jacque Vaughn is in trouble. But the Thunder are the ones in real trouble. They have lost two straight, four of five and trail the Phoenix Suns by four games for the eighth playoff spot in the Western Conference. This season has been trying for Oklahoma City. Stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook missed considerable time with injuries, but both have been back long enough to make the Western Conference All-Star team. After losing to the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden on Wednesday without Durant, the Thunder were squashed in Memphis, 85-74, by the Grizzlies Saturday night. Durant was not effective in his return after a two-game absence with a toe injury. He and Westbrook each shot 5-of-16 for Oklahoma City as Durant, the reining MVP, finished with 15 and Westbrook had 14. Serge Ibaka was OKCs only other double-figure scorer with 13. The first three quarters were evenly played, but Memphis pulled away with an 11-2 run to start the final period. After Ibakas fadeaway cut Oklahoma Citys deficit to 11 with 5:17 to go, the Thunder went three minutes without scoring to end any chance of a comebback.dddddddddddd In the fourth quarter, Oklahoma City turned the ball over eight times and only had one assist on four made baskets. We lost our composure, Thunder head coach Scott Brooks said. When we got down three or four points, we didnt come together. The Magic havent won since Jan. 14 at home against the Houston Rockets. Three of the losses during the eight-game slide have come on the road and the Magic dont have it any easier as they visit the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. The skid continued Saturday night in a 108-93 home loss to the Dallas Mavericks. After Vaughn was booed during his introduction, the Magic fell behind by 27 before cutting the deficit to five in the fourth. Dallas, which played most of the game without Rajon Rondo, who was kneed in the face, pulled away again to seal the victory. Nikola Vucevic had 17 points and 16 rebounds, while Evan Fournier and Willie Green each scored 15 points. We have to come out with more of a sense of urgency, more aggressiveness, said Vucevic. Aaron Gordon chipped in 11 points and Channing Frye had 10 off the bench. The Thunder beat the Magic by 28 in Orlando on Jan. 18 and have won six of the last seven in this series. OKC has won five straight as the host and Orlando has just one victory as the visitor since the Thunder moved to Oklahoma City prior to the 2008-09 season. ' ' '