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News Headlines

Last Updated: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 -  1 p.m.

KINGS STARS PAST AND PRESENT HEADLINE 'LONG LIVE THE KINGS' RALLY

     SACRAMENTO, Calif. - (May 22, 2013) - The Sacramento Kings today announced programming details for the LONG LIVE THE KINGS RALLY presented by Sleep Train Mattress Centers, which will take place on Thursday, May 23 from 5-9 p.m. at Cesar Chavez Park in Downtown Sacramento.
    Kings legends Chris Webber and Mitch Richmond are set to join Sacramento fan-favorites Scot Pollard and Bobby Jackson alongside dynamic backcourt duo Tyreke Evans and Isaiah Thomas as the rally’s special guests.
    The star-studded group joins an elite event lineup that also boasts Kings majority owner Vivek Ranadivé, Mayor Kevin Johnson and Kings general partners – including Dr. Paul Jacobs, Raj Bhathal, Mark Mastrov, Mark Friedman, Andrew Miller and Chris Kelly – as well as Kings broadcasters Grant Napear and Jerry Reynolds, Kings announcer Scott Moak, community organizer Carmichael Dave, Slamson and Kings Dancers.
    Acclaimed father-son pair Chord and Paul Overstreet will headline the celebration’s musical acts, as the star of the hit TV series “Glee” and the renowned country singer/songwriter perform a memorable music set, including the Grammy-winning single “Forever and Ever, Amen”.
    “When my friends from the Kings called and told me about the Long Live The Kings Rally, I couldn't say no,” said NSAI Hall of Famer Paul Overstreet. “I have a great history in Sacramento, and it's one of my favorite cities to perform. Great fans and, considering the theme of ‘1985-Forever’, I can’t wait to play ‘Forever and Ever, Amen’. It's going to be an amazing night. Long live the Sacramento Kings!”
    The evening will also feature local rapper Alex Johnson’s anthem “NBA” and Tesla guitarist Frank Hannon performing “Love Song”.
    Nationally-recognized performance painter and the River City’s own David Garibaldi will be accompanied by Kings Breakers in another epic fusion of music and art.
    Fans who renew their Kings season tickets or place a deposit on new season tickets by visiting www.Kings.com or calling 888-91-KINGS by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22 will have the opportunity to win VIP access to hang out in the owners’ VIP tent at the festivities.
    Gates open at 5 p.m. for the FREE, public event. Those unable to attend are encouraged to watch the rally in its entirety on www.Kings.com.
 

CHARLES WOODSON REJOINS RAIDERS

     ALAMEDA, Calif. - (May 21, 2013) - Free agent defensive back Charles Woodson has rejoined the Oakland Raiders, the team with which he began his professional career in 1998, General Manager Reggie McKenzie announced Tuesday.
    Woodson, a veteran of 15 NFL seasons, is an eight-time Pro Bowler, including selections each of his first four seasons in Oakland and four of his last five seasons with the Green Bay Packers.
    The 6-foot-1, 210-pound defensive back has played in 206 career games with 203 starts, and ranks second among active players with 55 interceptions. His career totals also include 17 sacks, 24 forced fumbles and 11 interceptions returned for touchdowns, which is second-most in NFL history.
    The Raiders made Woodson the fourth overall selection in the 1998 NFL Draft following a record-setting career at Michigan. He was the recipient of the 1997 Heisman Trophy, becoming the first predominantly defensive player to win the award.
    Woodson played in 106 games with 103 starts with the Raiders from 1998-2005. He totaled 17 interceptions during his time in Oakland, and was named the 1998 Defensive Rookie of the Year after recording five interceptions and earning his first Pro Bowl selection in his first professional campaign. Woodson led the Raiders to three straight AFC West titles from 2000-02, and started for the Silver and Black and notched an interception in Super Bowl XXXVII.
    Woodson signed with the Packers as an unrestricted free agent in 2006, and started 100 games in seven seasons in Green Bay. He recorded 38 interceptions and returned nine picks for touchdowns during his time with the Packers, earning first-team All-Pro honors in 2009 and 2011. Woodson was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year after tying for the NFL lead with nine interceptions and returning a career-high three picks for touchdowns.
    In 2012, Woodson moved from cornerback to safety but had his season cut short to seven games due to a broken collarbone suffered at St. Louis on Oct. 21. Prior to his injury, Woodson had started at least 14 games in 10 of his previous 12 seasons.
 

KINGS HOST 'LONG LIVE THE KINGS' RALLY

     SACRAMENTO, Calif. - (May 21, 2013) - The Sacramento Kings will host a "Long Live The Kings" rally in Cesar Chavez Park (910 I Street, Sacramento), on Thursday, May 23, from 5-9 p.m.

    Expected guests will be Sacramento Kings prospective owner and CEO of TIBCO Vivek Ranadive, Mayor Kevin Johnson, current and former Kings players, Slamson, Kings Dancers and special guests as they pay tribute to loyal Kings fans and celebrate the Sacramento community for its unwavering commitment to the team. Event will feature live musical performances and special guest speakers throughout the evening.
 

EARTHQUAKES UNVEIL LIVE WEBCAM AT NEW STADIUM CONSTRUCTION SITE

     SAN JOSE, Calif. - (May 21, 2013) - The San Jose Earthquakes flipped the switch on the club’s webcam at the site of their new stadium Tuesday, allowing fans the opportunity to view a live feed of the construction site or pan through archived images. The camera can be viewed at www.sjearthquakes.com/newstadium/webcam.
    The project features a StreamCam HD provided by EarthCam, the global leader in providing webcam content, technology and services to businesses and government agencies. Both the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and the San Francisco 49ers’ stadium projects have featured video feeds courtesy of EarthCam.
    The Earthquakes’ camera is aimed at the future playing field. Fans will be able to keep tabs on each step of the construction process, including grading and utility installation in the coming weeks. The camera delivers crisp, uninterrupted views in high definition. The club will also have a time-lapse video of the entire construction process for fans to watch when the stadium opens, courtesy of EarthCam.
    Season ticket packages for the club’s new stadium are on sale now. For more information and pricing, visit www.sjearthquakes.com/newstadium.

A'S OUTRIGHT BARTON TO SACRAMENTO

     OAKLAND, Calif. - (May 21, 2013) - The Oakland A’s outrighted first baseman Daric Barton to Triple-A Sacramento, the club announced today.
    Barton was selected from Sacramento May 8 and hit .143 with a home run and three RBI in eight games with the A’s, including six starts at first base. He was designated for assignment May 18 and cleared waivers today. Barton is batting .287 with three home runs and 21 RBI in 29 games with the River Cats.

BILLINGS NAMED PITCHER OF THE WEEK

     WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. - (May 20, 2013) - River Cats right-hander Bruce Billings has been named the Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Week for the week of May 13—19.
    Billings went 2-0 with a 0.69 ERA, 16 strikeouts and three walks in 13.0 innings pitched in two starts last week. On Monday, May 13, Billings held the Nashville Sounds to three runs—one earned—and four hits with eight strikeouts in six innings for the win, then shut out the Oklahoma City RedHawks through seven, three-hit innings with eight strikeouts on Saturday, May 18. The two starts lowered Billings’ ERA on the year from 7.20 to 4.97, and brought his record to 4-2.
    Billings, who was named the Sacramento River Cats Pitcher of the Year for 2012 by the Oakland Athletics, finished last season with a 7-6 record and ranked seventh in the league with a 3.98 ERA. He also finished second with a 1.24 WHIP and fourth with a .250 batting average against.
    This is Billings’ first Pitcher of the Week award of the season, and the first weekly award won by a River Cats player in 2013. The River Cats won five Player/Pitcher of the Week awards in 2012.

A'S OUTRIGHT RESOP TO SACRAMENTO

     OAKLAND, Calif. - (May 20, 2013) - The Oakland A’s outrighted right-handed pitcher Chris Resop to Triple-A Sacramento, the club announced today.
    Resop was 1-1 with a 6.00 ERA and .293 opponents batting average in 18 games with the A’s. He did not allow an earned run over his first seven games this year, but surrendered 12 runs over his last 11 games and 11.2 innings for a 9.26 ERA. Resop was designated for assignment May 17 and cleared waivers today.

A'S REINSTATE YOUNG FROM DL

     OAKLAND, Calif. - (May 18, 2013) - The Oakland A’s reinstated outfielder Chris Young from the 15-day disabled list and designated first baseman Daric Barton for assignment, the club announced today.
    Young was placed on the 15-day DL May 4 retroactive to April 30 with a strained left quad. He is batting .172 with 15 RBI in 23 games with the A’s and 10 of his 15 hits are for extra bases, including five doubles, one triple and four home runs. Young had a one-game rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento, going 1 for 1 with two walks, a run and a stolen base in a start in center field Thursday against Oklahoma City.
    Barton was selected from Sacramento May 8 and hit .143 with a home run and three RBI in eight games with the A’s, including six starts at first base. He was with Oakland this spring but was designated for assignment March 29 before he cleared waivers and was sent outright to Sacramento April 4. Barton batted .287 with three home runs and 21 RBI in 29 games with the River Cats.

ANDERSON HAS STRESS FRACTURE IN FOOT

     OAKLAND, Calif. - (May 17, 2013) - The Oakland Athletics announced today that left-handed starting pitcher Brett Anderson has been diagnosed with a navicular stress fracture of his right foot which will require further rest and time on the disabled list. He will be reevaluated in four weeks.
    Anderson, 25, was placed on the 15-day disabled list May 1 with a sprained right ankle. He had posted a 1-4 record and 6.21 ERA in six games, five starts, this season, allowing 22 runs (20 earned), 32 hits and 15 walks while striking out 29 batters in 29.1 innings.
    The Midland, Texas native underwent CT and bone scans yesterday, which revealed the stress fracture.

A'S SELECT OKAJIMA FROM RIVER CATS

     OAKLAND, Calif. - (May 17, 2013) - The Oakland A’s selected left-handed pitcher Hideki Okajima from Triple-A Sacramento and designated right-handed pitcher Chris Resop for assignment, the club announced today.
    Okajima was a non-roster invitee with the A’s this spring but began the year at Sacramento. He was 0-1 with a 2.16 ERA and .193 opponents batting average in 14 games with the River Cats. He walked just two while striking out 18 in 16.2 innings. The 37-year-old left-hander held left-handed hitters to a .074 (2 for 27) batting average. Okajima has not allowed a run over his last nine games and 11.0 innings and has stranded all four of his inherited runners over that stretch. This marks Okajima’s sixth season in the Major Leagues as he went 17-8 with six saves and a 3.11 ERA in 261 games with Boston from 2007-11. He also pitched for 13 seasons in Japan with Yomiuri (1995-2005), Nippon-Ham (2006) and Soft Bank (2012).
    Resop was 1-1 with a 6.00 ERA and .293 opponents batting average in 18 games with the A’s. He did not allow an earned run over his first seven games this year, but has surrendered 12 runs over his last 11 games and 11.2 innings for a 9.26 ERA. Resop was acquired by the A’s from Pittsburgh Nov. 30, 2012 for minor league pitcher Zach Thornton.

RAIDERS SIGN FREE AGENT P CHRIS KLUWE

     ALAMEDA, Calif. - (May 17, 2013) - The Oakland Raiders signed free agent P Chris Kluwe, General Manager Reggie McKenzie announced Friday.
    Kluwe has played in 127 career games in eight NFL seasons, all with the Minnesota Vikings.
    In 2012, Kluwe played in all 16 games for the seventh straight campaign, punting 72 times for 3,237 yards. He averaged 45 yards per punt, third most of his career, and posted a career-best 39.7 net punting average.
    The 6-foot-4, 210-pound Kluwe owns the Minnesota franchise record with a 44.4-yard career punting average, having punted 623 times for 27,683 yards. He also ranks second in Minnesota history with a 37.3-yard career net punting average.
    Kluwe entered the NFL in 2005 as a non-drafted free agent with the Seattle Seahawks out of UCLA, where he was a finalist for the Ray Guy Award, presented annually to the nation’s top punter. He was claimed by the Vikings via waivers just prior to the 2005 season.
 

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCHUPS ANNOUNCED

     SACRAMENTO, Calif. - (May 17, 2013) - Sacramento Professional Soccer, LLC, (Sac Pro Soccer) today announced Mexico’s Dorados de Sinaloa will be playing during Sacramento Soccer Day against the English Premier League’s (EPL) Norwich City Football Club (Norwich City).
    Sacramento Soccer Day will take place on July 18, 2013 at Raley Field and pre-sale tickets will be available May 20 through 27, 2013. Sales to the general public will begin on May 28, 2013. Prices begin at $18 per person and increase up to $35 per person. Tickets can be purchased online through Ticketmaster or directly purchased from the Raley Field box office.
    Dorados de Sinaloa’s star player, Cuauhtémoc Blanco, will be part of the team roster during the event. Blanco is known for his captivating personality on the field and his strong level of talent. He is the only Mexican soccer player to earn the Silver Ball and Silver Show awards in the 1999 Fédération Internationale de Football Association Confederations Cup. He has also been awarded the MVP of the Mexican First League Division five times.
    “The game will give Sacramento soccer fans the opportunity to see two distinct styles of football – the short passing, inventive Latino style against the more direct physical approach from the English Premier League,” said Graham Smith, technical director of Sac Pro Soccer.
    Additionally during Sacramento Soccer Day, the team’s President, Warren Smith, will announce the official team name, color palette, shield and scarf of the Sac Pro Soccer team, which are currently being selected during a three-month, three-part naming contest that is involving the Sacramento community and soccer fans.
    Sacramento’s USL PRO franchise plans to host a series of exhibition matches during 2013 involving domestic and international professional soccer teams. In addition, supporter events, soccer clinics and player appearances will be scheduled leading up to the 2014 inaugural season.
    For more information about Sacramento Soccer Day or to purchase tickets to Sacramento Soccer Day, visit www.SacProSoccer.com. Supporters can also “Like” the team on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SacProSoccer or follow them on Twitter @SacProSoccer.

KINGS TO STAY IN SACRAMENTO

     SACRAMENTO, Calif. - (May 16, 2013) - By a vote of 22-8 yesterday, the NBA Board of Governors decided not to allow the Sacramento Kings basketball team to relocate to Seattle next season. Complete information can be found in a series of articles in the Sacramento Bee found here:

http://www.sacbee.com/2013/05/15/5422295/sacramento-kings-nba-dallas.html

http://www.sacbee.com/2013/05/16/5424671/sacramento-kings-ranadive.html

http://www.sacbee.com/2013/05/16/5426508/sacramento-mayor-kevin-johnson.html

RAIDERS SIGN FREE AGENT QB McGLOIN

     ALAMEDA, Calif. - (May 16, 2013) - The Oakland Raiders signed free agent quarterback Matt McGloin, General Manager Reggie McKenzie announced Thursday.
    The 6-foot-1, 210-pound McGloin is a non-drafted rookie out of Penn State. He set a career school record with 46 touchdown passes, and in 2012 set single-season program marks in completions (270) and passing yards (3,266), while tying the season standard in touchdown passes (24).

A'S REINSTATE CRISP FROM DL

     OAKLAND, Calif. - (May 15, 2013) - The Oakland A’s reinstated outfielder Coco Crisp from the 15-day disabled list, the club announced today.
    Crisp was placed on the 15-day DL May 1 retroactive to April 30 with a strained left hamstring. He was batting .283 with five home runs and 12 RBI in 24 games before injuring the hamstring in the 13th inning of the A’s 19-inning game against Los Angeles April 29. At the time of the injury, he ranked second in the American League in runs (24), tied for second in stolen bases (8), third in extra base hits (16), tied for fourth in doubles (10) and walks (17), tied for seventh in total bases (55) and eighth in slugging (.556). The DL stint was the seventh of his career, his fourth in four seasons with the A’s.
 

A'S OPTION TAYLOR TO SACRAMENTO

     OAKLAND, Calif. - (May 14, 2013) - The Oakland A’s optioned outfielder Michael Taylor to Triple-A Sacramento following the game tonight, the club announced.
    Taylor was recalled from Sacramento May 4 for his second stint with the A’s this year and went 1 for 17 with two walks in six games, including five starts. He was also with the A’s from April 13 to 22 and is batting .043 with no RBI in nine games overall with Oakland. Taylor has a .329 average, five home runs and 16 RBI in 18 games with the River Cats.
 

A'S RECALL CHAVEZ FROM RIVER CATS

     OAKLAND, Calif. - (May 10, 2013) - The Oakland Athletics have recalled right-handed pitcher Jesse Chavez from Triple-A Sacramento and optioned right-handed pitcher Evan Scribner to Sacramento, the team announced today.
    Chavez returns for his second stint with the A’s this season. He was recalled from Sacramento April 20 and had a 6.23 ERA in three relief appearances before he was optioned April 29. He was 1-1 with 3.09 ERA in two starts with Sacramento following his most recent option and is 2-2 with a 2.70 ERA and .285 opponents batting average in five starts overall.
    Scribner is 0-0 with a 5.30 ERA and .247 opponents batting average in 12 relief appearances with Oakland. He was on the A’s Opening Day roster and compiled a 4.26 ERA in eight games before he was optioned to Sacramento April 20. He returned April 30 for his second stint and posted a 7.50 ERA in four outings. Scribner tossed a career-high tying three innings yesterday afternoon. He is also 1-0 with an 8.10 ERA in two games with the River Cats.

49ERS GIVE NEW STADIUM A NAME

     SANTA CLARA, Calif. - (May 8, 2013) - Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) announced today that it will present the Santa Clara Stadium Authority a proposal for a 20-year, $220 million naming rights agreement for ”Levi’s® Stadium” on Thursday, May 9, 2013.
    The apparel company is proposing a naming rights partnership with the Santa Clara Stadium Authority and San Francisco 49ers that would make the company an official sponsor of the 49ers, and feature premium interior and exterior branding of the new Levi’s® Stadium.
    Levi Strauss & Co. CEO Chip Bergh said, “Levi’s® Stadium will connect two iconic Bay Area brands that share similar values, a rich heritage and a pioneering spirit. Joining the incredible legacy of the 49ers organization is a perfect fit for the Levi’s® brand – and a chance for us to engage with sports and music fans across the Bay Area and around the world.”
    San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York said, “49ers have worn Levi's® jeans since the Gold Rush era. We are so honored to have the perfect partner for the premier outdoor sports and entertainment venue in the world. A model of innovation and sustainability, Levi's® Stadium will bring to life all that is special about the Bay Area.”
    The San Francisco 49ers and Levi Strauss & Co. share deep roots in Bay Area history: in 1873, Levi Strauss & Co. created the first blue jean by adding copper rivets to denim pants for the working man of the American West. The 49ers franchise has won five Super Bowl trophies and was the first major league professional sports team to be based in San Francisco more than 60 years ago.
    City of Santa Clara Mayor Jamie Matthews said, "This partnership is a tremendous opportunity for Levi's®, the 49ers, the City of Santa Clara and the entire Bay Area. As powerful advocates for our communities, we share a vision for the new stadium constructed on the pillars of innovation, sustainability and an unparalleled entertainment experience. I am looking forward to this being brought for consideration by the Stadium Authority to approve aligning this great, global brand with our great City tomorrow evening."
    San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee said, “It is very fitting to see two of the Bay Area’s best-known brands coming together to showcase the best our region has to offer. Every time a fan turns on their television to watch a 49ers home game from Levi’s® Stadium, the entire region will be on center stage. And, in a few short weeks, we are hopeful that we will host Super Bowl 50 or 51 and experience the enormous economic boost and lasting legacy for the entire Bay Area.”
    Levi Strauss & Co. announced the proposal for Levi’s® Stadium today during its annual Community Day, in which thousands of employees around the globe give back by volunteering with local non-profit organizations in 170 projects in more than 46 countries around the world. San Francisco 49ers CEO, Jed York, today joined Levi Strauss & Co. employees at one of 31 volunteer projects in the Bay Area.
 

A'S PLACE REDDICK ON DL, SELECT BARTON

     OAKLAND, Calif. - (May 8, 2013) - The Oakland A’s placed outfielder Josh Reddick on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 7 with a sprained right wrist and selected first baseman Daric Barton from Triple-A Sacramento, the club announced today. To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, the A’s released left-handed pitcher Jordan Norberto.
    Reddick was batting .152 with one home run and 14 RBI in 29 games and has the third lowest batting average in the American League. He was 3 for 13 (.231) in five games in May after batting .139 in 24 games in April. This is his first career stint on the disabled list.
    Barton was hitting .287 with three home runs and 21 RBI in 29 games with Sacramento. He also ranked third in the Pacific Coast League with 24 walks for a .422 on-base percentage. The 27-year-old left-handed hitter was also batting .484 with runners in scoring position. He was 4 for 24 (.167) over the first six games in May after hitting .325 in April. Barton was with the A’s this spring but was designated for assignment March 29. He cleared waivers and was outrighted to Sacramento April 4. Barton is a .249 career hitter in 484 games and six seasons with Oakland.
    Norberto was also with the A’s this spring before he was optioned to Sacramento March 29. He appeared in just three games for the River Cats, allowing six runs on five hits and seven walks in 1.1 innings for a 40.50 ERA, before being placed on the disabled list April 13 with a strained left elbow. Norberto was acquired from Arizona in the Brad Ziegler deal at the trading deadline in 2011 and went 4-1 with a 3.37 ERA in 45 appearances over two seasons with the A’s.

RIVER CATS GAME SUSPENDED

     WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. - (May 7, 2013) - Last night's game between the Sacramento River Cats and Las Vegas was suspended due to rain at Raley Field. The game was suspended in the top of the first inning with runners on first and second and no outs, and will be completed as part of a doubleheader at Cashman Field in Las Vegas on a yet-to-be-determined date.
    Fans who attended Monday’s game are encouraged to keep their ticket and parking pass, which both can be redeemed for a ticket and parking to any future 2013 River Cats game at Raley Field.
    The River Cats now head to Tennessee for an eight-game road trip against the Memphis Redbirds and Nashville Sounds before returning home at 7:05 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, at Raley Field. Tuesday’s 5:02 pitching matchup at AutoZone Park in Memphis, Tenn., will be RedBirds lefty Nick Addition (1-1, 4.50) against a River Cats starter who is to be determined.

A's RECALL TAYLOR, PLACE YOUNG ON DL

     OAKLAND, Calif. - (May 4, 2013) - The Oakland Athletics have recalled outfielder Michael Taylor from Triple-A Sacramento and placed outfielder Chris Young on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left quad, retroactive to April 30.
    Taylor, who was batting .329 with six doubles, five home runs and 16 RBI in 18 games with the River Cats, was previously recalled by the A’s April 13 and appeared in three games, including one start April 15 against Houston in left field (0 for 4). He was 0 for 6 in three games with Oakland before being optioned to Sacramento April 23.
    Young, who suffered his injury during the Athletics’ 19-inning, 10-8 victory over the Los Angeles Angels Monday, was hitting .172 (15 for 87) with five doubles, one triple, four home runs, 15 RBI and five stolen bases. He had a pinch hit RBI single in eighth inning of Monday’s extra inning game and went two for four before leaving the game with a strained left quad in the 15th inning.
 

SACRAMENTO PRO SOCCER BRINGS PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM TO SACRAMENTO

     SACRAMENTO, Calif. - (May 4, 2013) - Sacramento Professional Soccer, LLC, (Sac Pro Soccer) today announced details about the team’s upcoming Sacramento Soccer Day event, taking place July 18, 2013. Multiple exhibition matches will be played during Sacramento Soccer Day, one of which will feature Norwich City Football Club (Norwich City), part of the English Premier League (EPL). This will mark the first time in history that an EPL team has played in Sacramento.
    During the event Warren Smith, president of Sac Pro Soccer, will be joined by his team to announce the official team name, color palette, shield and scarf of the Sac Pro Soccer team, which are currently being selected during a three-month, three-part naming contest that is involving the Sacramento community and soccer fans.
    “Sacramento Soccer Day will be a celebration of the rich history and bright future soccer has here in Sacramento,” said Graham Smith, technical director of Sac Pro Soccer. “Having Norwich City join us for the event is very exciting and shows just how great of a place this city is for the soccer community.”
    “These are exciting times for Sacramento with the emergence of Sac Pro Soccer and I understand we’re the first senior English club to visit there which is fantastic,” said Chris Hughton, manager of Norwich City. “We’re really looking forward to our trip to Sacramento and being part of their Sacramento Soccer Day.”
    Ticket pre-sales for Sacramento Soccer Day will take place May 20 through 27, 2013 and sales to the general public will begin on May 28, 2013. Prices begin at $18 per person and increase up to $35 per person.
    Norwich City’s tour to the US has been organized by PSC Ltd and First Wave Sports who have in recent years, been involved in organizing U.S. pre-season tours for numerous other EPL teams such as Everton, Aston Villa, Sunderland, West Bromwich Albion and Swansea City.
    Sacramento’s USL PRO franchise plans to host a series of exhibition matches during 2013 involving domestic and international professional soccer teams. In addition, supporter events, soccer clinics and player appearances will be scheduled leading up to the 2014 inaugural season.
    For more information about Sacramento Soccer Day, visit SacProSoccer.com and signup for the team’s newsletter. Supporters can also “Like” the team on Facebook at Facebook.com/SacProSoccer or follow them on Twitter @SacProSoccer.

RAIDERS RESIGN LS NICK GUESS

     ALAMEDA, Calif. - (May 1, 2013) - The Oakland Raiders have re-signed free agent LS Nick Guess, General Manager Reggie McKenzie announced Wednesday.
    Guess was with the Raiders briefly last season, joining the team’s practice squad on Sept. 12 and being signed to the active roster on Sept. 15. He was inactive for the team’s contest at Miami on Sept. 16, and was waived two days later.
    The 6-foot-2, 250-pound Guess entered the NFL last season as a non-drafted rookie free agent with the San Diego Chargers. He played four years at the University of Tennessee, earning Academic All-SEC honors three times.

A'S PLACE CRISP, ANDERSON ON DL

     OAKLAND, Calif. - (May 1, 2013) - The Oakland A’s placed outfielder Coco Crisp on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 30 with a strained left hamstring and added left-handed pitcher Brett Anderson to the 15-day DL effective today with a sprained right ankle, the club announced today. To fill their roster spots, the A’s have selected catcher Luke Montz and recalled right-handed pitcher Dan Straily, both from Triple-A Sacramento.
    Crisp was batting .283 with five home runs and 12 RBI in 24 games before leaving the game in the 13th inning Monday with the hamstring injury. He ranks second in the American League in runs (24), tied for second in stolen bases (8), third in extra base hits (16), tied for fourth in doubles (10) and walks (17), tied for seventh in total bases (55) and eighth in slugging (.556). This is his seventh career stint on the DL, his fourth in four seasons with the A’s.
    Anderson is 1-4 with a 6.21 ERA in six games with the A’s, including five starts. He was scratched from Monday’s start but ended up entering the game in the 13th inning and pitching 5.1 innings of relief. This is Anderson’s fifth career stint on the DL.
    Montz was batting .283 with five home runs and 12 RBI in 15 games with Triple-A Sacramento. He also had six doubles for a .679 slugging percentage and 11 walks for a .406 on-base percentage. The 29-year-old right-handed hitter appeared in eight games at catcher, five at designated hitter and two at first base. Montz last appeared in a Major League game September 28, 2008 at Philadelphia while playing for Washington. He hit .143 in 10 games that year, his only action in the majors.
    Straily was on the A’s Opening Day roster and started the fifth game of the season, an 8-3 victory at Houston April 5. He struck out a career-high 11 batters in a career-high tying 6.2 innings but was optioned to Sacramento the next day when Bartolo Colón was reinstated from the suspended list. Straily went 3-0 with a 0.96 ERA in three starts with the River Cats before he was recalled on Monday to start for Anderson. He allowed six runs on seven hits in 4.2 innings and had a no decision in the A’s 19-inning win. Straily was optioned to Sacramento yesterday and is 1-0 with a 6.35 ERA in two starts with Oakland this year.

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