ASS News » with their division rival Red Sox, designating for

TORONTO – The Blue Jays made a roster move of some significance prior to the start of an important four-game series with their division rival Red Sox, designating for assignment struggling reliever Sergio Santos. It was a move of some time in the making. “He hasnt thrown well, clearly some guys are being used more than him right now and the only way to get out of this funk is to pitch,” said general manager Alex Anthopoulos. “But its hard to find a spot for him right now, certainly not a long guy, and hes not going to be used late in the game.” That much is true. Santos had fallen out of favour with manager John Gibbons and had lost the confidence of other members of the coaching staff. In his last four outings, the most recent of which was July 12, Santos allowed five earned runs on seven hits and four walks in just 2 1/3 innings. He hadnt been used by Gibbons since the club returned from the All-Star break. Long man Todd Redmond had taken the role once reserved for Santos. After his July 12 outing in Tampa Bay, in which he allowed two runs in one inning, Santos alluded to difficulty harnessing his slider due to a lack of work. It became clear, then, that the two sides were at a crossroads. The manager had no faith in the pitcher and, therefore, wasnt using him in critical situations. The pitcher knew he was on the outs and his performance reflected that doubt. Theres also the business of the game. First, the Blue Jays: Santos makes $3.75-million. Thats a team-friendly number. The contract, as a whole, is club-friendly because the guaranteed portion expires at the end of the season. Santos has club options for three years, through 2017, at these escalating numbers: $6-million, $8-million, $8.75-million. If in any year Santoss option is declined, hed be due a paltry $750,000 buyout. If Santos is claimed on waivers, the deadline for a team to do so is Wednesday and the remainder of his salary would be off the Jays books. Its not a lot of money, but its something, if the club is working on a strict dollar in-dollar out policy as the trade deadline approaches. Anthopoulos reacted to the contrary. The plan, he said, is to keep Santos in the organization. “Like we told him, hes certainly not the first talented, good player to go through this before whether its the Linds or the Encarnacions,” said Anthopoulos. “The way to get things worked out is to go throw some innings. He was put on waivers today, Wednesday, well find out if he gets claimed or clears. Then, he would be active down there to pitch. We told him, hopefully, this is an Encarnacion scenario, go down there, throw a lot, hell be a priority guy, get back on track and be that dominant reliever we know he can be that we saw at the end of last year, that we saw at the beginning of the year before the rough trip with the Twins.” Its interesting that Anthopoulos references the “rough trip with the Twins.” Santos was part of that eighth-inning implosion the night of April 17. It was the back end of a doubleheader. The bullpen coughed up a late lead, allowing six runs on just one hit, eight walks and three wild pitches. Santos was responsible for three of the runs, three of the walks and all three wild pitches. Some believe he never recovered from the experience on that frigid night. Second, Santoss perspective: He surely knows the Jays are unlikely to pick up that $6-million option for 2015. It would be best for him to move to another organization, get a fresh start and, in the best-case scenario, find command of his wicked slider and finish the year strong. If that option isnt going to be picked up, at least a good final two months could result in a bump in next years salary. Santos wasnt happy. A source close to the pitcher told TSN.ca, hed recently made his feelings known to the organization. Anthopoulos said Santos did not request a trade. “No, no, not at all,” said Anthopoulos. “Hes a very accountable guy. He knows he hasnt pitched to his ability. He knows he can be a dominant closer, set-up guy, whatever is needed. Like anybody, he has all the belief in the world in himself, hell be fine. Hell get it back. He has way too much talent.” Chances are Santos gets it back somewhere else. Cody Ford Womens Jersey . CEO Steve Koonin on Tuesday told the Hawks flagship radio station that he made the decision to discipline Ferry but allowed him to keep his job managing the team. He did not say what the punishment was, but noted that he relied on a law firms three-month investigation of Ferry and him describing Deng as someone who has a little African in him. Dawson Knox Womens Jersey . Shot outdoors against the stunning backdrop of Banff, Alta., the networks 30-minute original production airs Friday at 8 p.m. ET on TSN2. The four All-Star teams will play for $100,000 in prize money during TSNs annual skins game, airing live this weekend on TSN from The Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre. http://www.shoptheofficialbills.com/Elite-Jordan-Poyer-Bills-Jersey/ .J. -- The New York Jets have promoted Tony Sparano Jr. Devin Singletary Jersey . -- Having already fallen behind because of the NFL lockout, Blaine Gabbert couldnt afford a lengthy holdout. Ed Oliver Womens Jersey . Al Horford said all he had to do was make the catch near the basket and then shoot a soft jumper.LONDON - Tottenham scored two minutes from the end of regulation time to nip Sunderland 2-1 in the English Premier League on Saturday.Christian Eriksens third goal in as many games against Sunderland, in the 88th minute, gave Tottenham the three points it looked like squandering because of poor finishing and a remarkable effort in goal by Costel Pantilimon.A poor clearance by Sunderland set up Jan Vertonghens early strike for Spurrs off a deflection, and Sunderland equalized thanks to Sebastian Larssons curled free kick, given for Vertonghens reckless foul on Jermain Defoe in his Sunderland debut.ddddddddddddDefoe completed his move from Toronto only on the eve of the match, 11 months after leaving Tottenham. He could not extend a notable record of scoring on debut for five clubs, never looking close at one of his former stomping grounds. ' ' '