Ibanez Monday, nine days after he was rele

MINNEAPOLIS - Raul Ibanezs first opportunity to be an everyday major league player came with the Kansas City Royals. Returning to the Royals more than a decade later, his hope is for another experience: post-season play. The Royals signed the 42-year-old Ibanez Monday, nine days after he was released by the Los Angeles Angels. "Its been in the works for a while. I was really excited about the opportunity to come here. I like the makeup of the club, and I like the possibilities. Theyre endless," Ibanez said in Minnesota before the Royals played the Twins. "Theres a great opportunity to do some special things here." The Royals entered Monday 3 1/2 games behind first-place Detroit in the AL Central and 1 1/2 games out of a wild-card spot. Manager Ned Yost said hell probably play Ibanez in the outfield, at first base and as the designated hitter. "Hes what we call a professional hitter," Yost said. "So we think hes going to be a big addition to our team." Ibanez, the second-oldest active player in the majors behind Clevelands Jason Giambi, who is on the disabled list, batted just .157 in 57 games for the Angels. Though 10 of his 26 hits were for extra bases, he said his balance was "totally off" at the plate. "Im just going to be myself and try to help this team any way I can," Ibanez said. This is his fifth team since 2011. Ibanez hit 29 home runs just last year for Seattle, the team that he broke in with in 1996. He didnt regularly crack the lineup until joining the Royals in 2001, and in 2002 he had his breakout year with a .294 batting average, 37 doubles, 24 home runs and 103 RBIs in 137 games. "I have some very fond memories of the city. My son was born in Kansas City. Nothing would please me more than to be part of something that hasnt been done here in a long time, and thats getting into the post-season," Ibanez said. "Ive been in from the other side, and when youre playing against them you look at that team and you realize how far the organization has come and how much progress theyve made." The Royals made several moves Monday. Ibanez and infielder Christian Colon were added to the roster, and infielder Pedro Ciriaco and outfielder Justin Maxwell were designated for assignment. Colon was recalled from Triple-A. The fourth overall pick in the 2010 draft was batting .296 with 48 runs, 14 doubles and 14 steals in 74 games for Omaha. Yost said Colon will play second base, shortstop and third base. Kansas City also traded left-hander Donnie Joseph to the Miami Marlins for cash. He was designated for assignment on June 24. The 26-year-old Joseph pitched in one game for Kansas City this season, getting two outs on June 16 in Detroit. The Royals got him during the 2012 season in a trade that sent reliever Jonathan Broxton to Cincinnati. Gerard Pique Spain Jersey . Right-hander Todd Redmond took the loss. Jose Bautista hit his second home run of the spring. Here are a handful of tidbits from around camp: Hutchison impressive The Blue Jays are being cautious when talking about their young arms but internally, excitement is building over the way Drew Hutchison is looking and performing this spring. Rodrigo Moreno Spain Jersey . The Bulls seem to be getting along fine without him. D.J. Augustin scored 27 points in a start for Kirk Hinrich and Taj Gibson matched a career high with 26 filling in for Carlos Boozer as the Bulls improved to 7-2 since trading the popular Deng with a 98-87 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night. http://www.spainsoccerpro.com/Saul-Nigu … n-Jersey/. Buffalos defensive co-ordinator had his second interview with Cleveland owner Jimmy Haslam and CEO Joe Banner on Tuesday night, a person familiar with the Browns plans told The Associated Press. Nacho Monreal Spain Jersey . -- Canadas Justin Shin shot an 8-under 64 on Thursday on PGA Wests Nicklaus Tournament Course to take the first-round lead in the Web. Koke Jersey . The rest of the team was already on the field stretching before batting practice while Puig was getting dressed in the clubhouse. He had been slated to start in right field for the afternoon game against the San Francisco Giants, who beat the Dodgers 8-4.The 2014 NBA Draft will be a historic one for Canadian basketball, with as many as seven players from Canada - three of them as high as the first round - possibly selected. In the days leading up to the draft, TSN.ca and TSN Radio basketball analyst Duane Watson looks at some of the names that will be headlining the event. Tonight, Michigans Nik Stauskas of Mississauga, Ontario. Watch the 2014 NBA Draft on TSN, Thursday at 7pm et/4pm pt. Name: Nik Stauskas From: Mississauga, Ontario Played: University of Michigan Height: 66 Weight: 207 Position: Shooting Guard 2013-2014 Stats: 17.5 points, .442 3P%, 3.3 assists Breakout Game: 26 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds in win vs. Iowa Jan 22nd. Accolades: 2013 - 14 Big 10 Player of the Year, Second team All-American Draft Projection: Middle of first round Comparable NBA player: Tim Hardaway, Jr. Nik Stauskas has become the poster boy for “hard work pays off.” After a solid freshman season, helping the Wolverines to compete in the NCAA championship game, two key teammates in Trey Burke (Naismith Player of the Year) and Tim Hardaway Jr. (NBA All-Rookie First Team) moved on to the pros. In only his sophomore year, Stauskas was expected to be a team leader, so he spent his summer adding muscle mass, working on his lateral quickness and creating his own shot off the dribble. Stauskass YouTube videos offer a glimpse into his incredible work ethic and the results of his second year were apparent;; a Big 10 title and trip to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament for the Wolverines, while leading the team in scoring and assists and named Big 10 Player of the Year.dddddddddddd Stauskass greatest skill is his ability to flat-out shoot the ball. Unquestionably the best shooter in the draft with a quick release, Stauskas has little issue getting his shot off. His playmaking has improved and he can facilitate for others off of the pick-and-roll, forcing defenders to play him honestly. His quickness allows him to beat slower defenders off the dribble, rounding out his offensive game to be more than simply a spot-up shooter. On the defensive end, Stauskas needs some work, particularly with strength and quickness defending at the next level.  Not a surprising drawback to elite shooters, but not one that cant be compensated for in team defences. Stauskas refuses to back down and that refusal to lose is one of those intangibles sought in any NBA prospect. When told that he would only be a shooter, Stauskas rounded out his game. When told that he couldnt carry a team, he led them deep into the NCAA Tournament. Steps to improve his defensive game are already underway, as any obstacle that is put in front of Stauskas has been overcome. His drive, coupled with his confidence, make it difficult to overlook a player with the aptitude and skills he possesses. Stauskas will continue to work and hone his game as he continues to prove that hard work pays off. Wholesale Hoodies NFL Shirts Outlet Jerseys NFL Wholesale Cheap NFL Jerseys Free Shipping Wholesale Jerseys Cheap Cheap NFL Jerseys China Wholesale Jerseys Wholesale NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys ' ' '