oking for Giants have waived safety Cooper TaI really enjoy that, said Wrig

TORONTO - There he stood, possibly days away from a return to the bus trips and not-quite-five-star-hotel lifestyle of minor league baseball, to address the media after his latest incident of unlikely heroism. Munenori Kawasaki had hit a two-run home run in the seventh inning to pull his Blue Jays even with the Orioles, paving the way for Rajai Davis walk off single that would come two innings later. Toronto had won its ninth in a row, by a score of 7-6, and had gotten to .500 for the first time all season. Kawasakis fingerprints were all over the victory. With interpreter Yashushi Kikuchi of Kyodo News by his side, Kawasaki chose not to lean on his native tongue. He wished to describe in broken English his big hit and the subsequent crowd reaction. "Very happy and appreciate, thank you appreciate," said Kawasaki. "Yeah. Thank you, appreciate." It was Kawasakis first career home run in his 118th major league game. It came just days after an in jest debate on TSN 1050s "Macko & Cauz" show about a legitimate question: Did Kawasaki possess the ability to hit a home run in a major league park? The answer this writer gave was "no." This writer was wrong. Not only could Kawasaki drive a ball 380 feet, his knack for timing couldnt be ignored. "I would say that its no surprise but that home run was a surprise Ive got to say," said starter R.A. Dickey, who was taken off the hook by Kawasakis dinger. "The legend grows, you know. The Kawasaki legend grows and rightfully so." Who knows how Blue Jays fans will remember the summer of 2013. That chapter of this once depressing, suddenly thrilling yet perfectly even ride (see the record of 36-36) hasnt been written. What was made clear by the "Kawasaki" chants from 35,472 fans at Rogers Centre, the chants which darn near shook the building, is that the spring of 2013 belonged to Kawasaki. Edwin Encarnacions all-star caliber first half of 20 home runs and 59 RBI hasnt captured the imagination quite like Kawasaki, nor has Casey Janssens leadership of a dominant bullpen or Adam Linds offensive brilliance. Why is it that Munenori Kawasaki captivates? First, Kawasaki represents an idealism which often isnt reality. He exudes true joy. He is playful in a sport thats big business. His teammates are drawn to him. An example youve seen repeatedly: Kawasaki makes a put out and then turns to face Melky Cabrera in left field. The two bow to each other. Its how two men, one of whom speaks Japanese, the other of whom speaks Spanish and neither of whom speaks English well, communicate. Kawasaki draws out a side of Cabrera, a likable type but naturally shy, fans wouldnt otherwise see. Second, during his time in Toronto Kawasaki has maximized his talent. Hell never have the power of Jose Bautista; his throwing arm wont be mistaken for Jose Reyes. Think back to the April days immediately after Reyes got hurt. Alex Anthopoulos, a general manager notorious for keeping his cards close to his vest, was openly musing about the need to make a trade for a defensive shortstop. Little did he know Kawasaki would more than ably fill the role; a trade never was made. Even the statistics come up Kawasaki. Coming in to Friday night, having appeared in 56 games, he had a Wins Above Replacement (WAR) rating of 1.1. Hes the replacement whos played above replacement level. With Reyes due to return to the Blue Jays lineup no later than Monday in Tampa Bay, Kawasakis fate hangs in the balance. The natural move would be to activate Reyes and option Kawasaki to Triple-A Buffalo. He can be recalled, after all. But manager John Gibbons wont commit one way or the other. Maybe the underdog has given the brass something to chew on. "Hes added a lot, off the field," said Gibbons. "The teammates love him, the fans love him. You cant help it. You know, hes contributed big time on the field with some key hits here and there, good fundamental baseball." One things for sure, if Kawasaki goes, the Orioles wont mind. He seems to have their number. Jerome Boateng Bayern Munich Jersey .B. -- The Baie-Comeau Drakkar took over sole possession of first place atop the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League on Thursday with their sixth straight win. Thiago Alcantara Jersey . LOUIS -- Roman Polak was celebrating even before Alexander Steen scored the winning goal in Saturdays 4-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. http://www.soccerfcbayernshop.com/kids-james-rodriguez-munich-jersey/ . It is a cliché dragged out by fans and pundits regularly when discussions take place around which teams are better than others. Sinan Kurt Bayern Munich Jersey . PETERSBURG, Fla. Kingsley Coman Jersey . Tracey comes to the Blue Bombers after spending over a decade with Queens University. Most recently he was the schools assistant football coach. EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The New York Giants have waived safety Cooper Taylor and placed tackle Byron Stingily on injured reserve with a concussion.The Giants announced 12 moves Tuesday in reaching the 75-man roster limit. The cut to the final 53 players will be on Saturday.Taylor and Stingily were the only two players with regular-season experience. Taylor, who was the Giants 2013 fifth-round draft choice, played in 16 games, including six last season. Stingily played in 20 games with nine starts for Tennessee and Pittsburgh from 2012-15.Third-year defensive back Bennett Jackson, a 2014 sixtth-round draft choice who missed each of the past two years after undergoing knee surgery, was waived.ddddddddddddAlso released were running back Marshaun Coprich; wide receivers K.J. Maye and Kadron Boone; cornerback Joe Powell; offensive lineman Shane McDermott; defensive tackles Davon Coleman and Greg Milhouse and defensive end Mike Rose.Tight end Ryan Malleck, a rookie free agent, was waived/injured.---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL ' ' '