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The Charlotte Hornets are hoping to continue surging against the floundering Minnesota Timberwolves when the two teams square off Saturday at Charlottes Spectrum Center.After a four-game losing streak ended a week ago, the Hornets have won three of their last four games to boost their record to 11-8. Charlotte is in the midst of a stretch in which it plays five of six games at home -- and seemed to have found some flash from 7-2 center Roy Hibbert in a 97-87 victory over Dallas on Thursday.Hibbert hit 5-of-7 attempts for 11 points against the Mavericks with four rebounds and two blocks in 17 minutes. He missed five games at the start of the season for right knee soreness, but Hornets coach Steve Clifford called his performance against Dallas one of his top two outings of the season.Im not 100 percent yet, but Im getting there, Hibbert told reporters after the Dallas victory. Its come slower than I would have liked, but its a long season.While Hibbert continues to work out kinks, the Hornets have continued to rely most upon Kemba Walker. The point guard hit two 3-pointers in the final four minutes to help seal the triumph over the Mavericks.Walker leads Charlotte with 23.9 points per game, and his average of 24.4 points per game in November set a franchise record for that month.Forward Marvin Williams has missed the last four games with a hyperextended left knee, and is expected to be out until next week, Clifford said.The Timberwolves, meanwhile, are hoping to bounce back from back-to-back losses to the New York Knicks. In all, Minnesota has lost its last four games, and seven of the last eight games. They dropped to 5-14 with Fridays loss.Zach LaVine led the Wolves with 23 points in their 118-114 loss to the Knicks. Karl-Anthony Towns added 20 points while Andrew Wiggins chipped in 19.The thing about them is they have so many talented scorers who can have big nights, Hornets center Cody Zeller said. We have to come out and play defense right from the start and not really let them get into a flow.Minnesota will be trying to snap its losing streak on the second night of a back-to-back. The Timberwolves are 2-1 in such games this season.A hopeful spot of late was Towns performance Wednesday in a 106-104 loss to the Knicks. The 7-foot center had 47 points and 18 rebounds in the loss, numbers that set historic marks.Since 1963-64, only three players have scored 47 points or more at a younger age than the 21-year-old Towns -- Brandon Jennings, LeBron James and Kevin Durant. He also joined Kevin Garnett and Kevin Love as the only other Wolves to have a game with at last 45 points and 15 rebounds.It was a monster game, Wolves coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters. Its unfortunate that we couldnt pull out the win. Cheap Blazers Jerseys . Peter Gammons, an analyst for Major League Baseballs network and website, drew the ire of hockey fans on Sunday when he criticized the two NHL teams on Twitter for their physical game the night before. Custom Terry Porter Jersey . "I dont know that were close," said general manager Alex Anthopoulos. "I just think, right now, the acquisition cost just doesnt work for us right now. I dont know if I can quantify how far off or things like that that they might be but I would say we continue to have dialogue. http://www.customblazersjersey.com/ . One game after a miserable showing in Oklahoma City, Gay tied a career high with 41 points and the Sacramento Kings cruised to a 114-97 victory at the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night. Blazers Jerseys China . It just didnt show when he hit the ice. Berra made 42 saves and Kris Russell scored at 1:32 of overtime, lifting the Calgary Flames to a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday night. Custom Blazers Jerseys . The Redskins announced Monday that the quarterback who led the team to the Super Bowl championship in the 1987 season will serve as a personnel executive. The MLB winter meetings are happening in our nations capital, and rumors are swirling across baseball. Here is what our writers are hearing:Complete winter meetings coverage | Free-agent tracker | Rumor Central?Stark: Winter meetings shopping guide | Bowden: Checklist for all 30 teams?Thursdays buzzDavid Schoenfields take: If it goes down, this looks as if it would be a great signing for the Cubs at that price. Uehara will be 42 years old, he usually finds himself on the DL at some point and he gives up a few too many home runs, but his other numbers are still excellent: Opponents hit .200 against him and he averaged 12.1 Ks per nine. His fastball sits at only 86-87 mph, but the deception between his fastball and splitter still leaves batters flailing. Given that Hector Rondon and Pedro Strop both finished the season a little banged up, and that Wade Davis is a health question after two stints on the DL because of a forearm strain, the Cubs needed more depth to compensate for their potential injury risks. But if they add Uehara and everyone does stay healthy, this will be one of the best pens in the majors -- maybe the best when factoring in Carl Edwards Jr. and Justin Grimm. Those guys are all right-handers, but they can all get lefties out. I wouldnt overthink things too much about needing a southpaw.David Schoenfields take:?Theres nothing wrong with the Pirates keeping Andrew McCutchen. Ive written that his decline at the plate for a hitter of his caliber was basically unprecedented, signs that he was playing through injuries. They do have to move him out of center field, and if he bounces back at the plate, it either helps the Pirates as contenders or increases his trade value in July.Doug Padillas take:?Since starter Rich Hill signed with Los Angeles, there has been a sense that the Dodgers would bring back Justin Turner or Kenley Jansen -- but not both. Jansen seems like the priority now because he is the last elite closer available on the market, but as his price skyrockets, the Dodgers could put their resources toward Turner instead. Not that Turners offensive production and defense would be viewed as a consolation prize.Jim Bowdens take: The?Marlins have the best offer on the table for Kenley Jansen. The Nationals have asked his camp to come back to them before they make a deal, and the Dodgers would like to have him back -- but not at Chapman range.Wednesdays buzzEddie Matzs take:?The Nats finally joined the winter meetings party by acquiring Adam Eaton, but the cover charge sure was steep: two first-round pitchers (Lucas Giolito and Dane Dunning) and a top-50 prospect who throws high-90s cheese (Reynaldo Lopez). I guess they really wanted to move Trea Turner back to shortstop.David Schoenfields take: Hey, the Mariners just acquired a pitcher who threw a no-hitter! What, you dont remember Hestons no-hitter against the Mets in 2015? He had a solid rookie season with the Giants that year, posting a 3.95 ERA while relying heavily on an upper-80s sinker. The Giants werent buying into him, however. They signed Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija, and Heston pitched just five innings in the majors in 2016 and eventually went down to Triple-A with an oblique injury. Hell be something like the No. 6 starter for the Mariners and was attractive because he still has options left. This wouldnt preclude Jerry Dipoto from considering another veteran starter, such as Doug Fister, or maybe another minor trade.Jerry Crasnicks take:?A lot of people were surprised to see the Mariners considering Trumbo, given that Seattle general manager Jerry Dipoto traded him twice (from the Angels to the Diamondbacks in 2013 and from the Mariners to the Orioles in 2015).As it turns out, the dalliance was short-lived. The Mariners did, indeed, check in on Trumbo, but at the moment, theyre planning to stand pat and go with a Danny Valencia-Dan Vogelbach platoon at first base. Fellow free agents Mike Napoli and Chris Carter arent on Seattles radar, either. Barring a shift in direction, the Mariners will devote the bulk of their energy to improving the starting rotation.Jerry Crasnicks take:?Royals GM Dayton Moore isnt resigning himself to losing Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Lorenzo Cain and Danny Duffy when they become free agents after the 2017 season. I think well make a run at some of these guys to long-term contracts, Moore said. I cant tell you who. The Royals finalized a trade to send Wade Davis to the Cubs today. The addition of right fielder Jorge Soler gives the Royals more flexibility to listen to offers for Jarrod Dyson, who is also a year from free agency.Mark Saxons take:?Marlins manager Don Mattingly saw Jansen grow from a converted minor league catcher into one of the most dominant relief pitchers in baseball in their time together on the Dodgers, so its natural that Mattingly would push hard for a reunion in Miami. But the Marlins might have been fighting an uphill battle all along, considering the Yankees have made little secret of their desire to sign one of the top closers and the Nationals lost Mark Melancon and are still in need of a major splash. Also, you can never count out the Dodgers to swoop in and offer the most attractive contract.Jesse Rogers take:?Even though hes the oldest member of that group, Lackey might have the best chance of returning, if he wants to keep playing. Otherwise, the Cubs are likely to move on from most of those players, though depending on Jays initial season with the team, he could be a candidate for another year. The biggest storyline will revolve around 2015 Cy Young winner Arrieta. He made it clear after winning the award that he wanted max dollars and wouldnt give the Cubs a hometown discount. Its not clear whether he has changed his position, and his 2017 season will dictate a lot regarding his next contract.Buster Olneys take:?Possible Colorado lineup if Desmond plays first base:CF Charlie Blackmon2B DJ LeMahieuRF Carlos Gonzalez3B Nolan ArenadoLF David Dahl1B Ian DesmondSS Trevor StoryC Tony Wolters/Tom Murphy(With Gerardo Parra in the mix of outfielders)Jayson Starks take:?Don Mattinglys connection with Kenley Jansen is the biggest force driving the Marlins interest in him and his interest in them. But ultimately, this is still going to be about money. Teams and agents who have spoken with Jansens old team dont expect the Dodgers to approach the $85-$95 million price tag that is being floated. If Jeffrey Loria, the Marlins owner, wants to write a massive check, the door is wide open for Jansen to wind up in Miami.David Schoenfields take:?Both teams need a first baseman or DH, but can the Indians fit Encarnacion into their payroll? Theyre already at an estimated $103 million, which takes them just beyond where they sat in 2016. But with a low first-year salary, Encarnacion could be viewed as a replacement for Carlos Santana, who has one year left on his contract. For the Rangers, even if they give Joey Gallo a shot at first or DH, Encarnacion fits in, unless theyre planning on Shin-Soo Choo as a regular DH and going another direction in the outfield.Tuesdays buzzJesse Rogers take: As a big bargaining chip to try to acquire Royals closer Wade Davis, Cubs outfielder Jorge Soler has a lot of unrealized potential. He has endured leg injuries throughout his career, and those have landed him on the disabled list while slowing his progress as a player. He had a keen eye at the plate in the minors but has shown only flashes of that discipline at the major league level. When hes on, he can hit a ball a long way while adding on-base abilities. His best stretch came in the 2015 playoffs against the St. Louis Cardinals, when he reached based in nine straight at-bats. He admitted he wasnt always focused during the regular season, but he stepped up his game in October. Overall, he hasnt advanced as quickly as others in the Cubs organization and has shown little improvement on defense. Theres potential there, but will he reach his ceiling?Jesse Rogers take: Wade Davis would definitely fill a need, as the Cubs want to be deeper at the back end of their bullpen. The team is unwilling to commit long-term to a closer, as they believe they can develop one from within, but in the meantime, Davis would help in their goal of a repeat. Hector Rondon would set up, as he did for Aroldis Chapman, and he would continue to get save opportunities on days Davis couldnt go. The best part of a Davis deal for the Cubs would be that hes a free agent after next season, so they can expect his best effort, and they dont have to commit big dollars beyond the $10 million hell make in 2017. By then, Carl Edwards Jr. -- or someone else -- could be ready to take over the role.Jayson Starks take: Chris Archer might be the closest thing to Sale any team could theoretically trade for right now. But hes under control for the next five years, for a total of $39 million. As such, the Rays asking price for him is even higher than what the White Sox wanted for Sale, according to one team that checked in, and the Rays have no incentive to lower it. So theyre on the clock, one AL executive said. But theyre not necessarily on the clock with Archer.Instead, execs from two other clubs said, the two starters the Rays are most motivated to deal are Alex Cobb and Drew Smyly -- because Cobb is a year from free agency, and Smyly is two years away. Whats more, the new labor deal all but guarantees that if they walk, the draft pick the Rays would get in return would be so late that the team has more reason than ever to swap players such as this before they hit free agency.The Rays move so deliberately with most trades they make that the same exec said, Id be extremely surprised if they do something before the meetings end.David Schoenfields take: This is a strange idea, considering Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto has twice traded Trumbo -- once while GM of the Angels and then last offseason, when he basically dumped Trumbos contract on the Orioles. The Mariners have a thin farm system (though it is better than it was a year ago), so Dipoto should be reluctant to give up a first-rounnd pick to sign Trumbo.dddddddddddd On the other hand, few teams are in as desperate a win-now mode as the Mariners, given the ages of Nelson Cruz, Robinson Cano, Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma. Right now, they have a platoon of Dan Vogelbach and Danny Valencia penciled in at first base, which could be sneaky good, but Trumbo would add to a power-packed lineup with righty/lefty balance one through nine: SS Jean Segura, RF Seth Smith/Mitch Haniger, 2B Cano, DH Cruz, 3B Kyle Seager, 1B Trumbo, LF Ben Gamel/Valencia, C Mike Zunino/Carlos Ruiz, CF Leonys Martin.Mark Saxons take:?Most people seem to believe Fowlers decision will come down to dollars, and that and other factors could favor the Cardinals. He left money on the table to return to the Cubs and win a World Series. Now is his chance to cash in on free agency. Taxes, both federal and state, are far lower in Missouri than in Canada, so that is a factor. Also, St. Louis is far closer to his Atlanta home.Jerry Crasnicks take:?Now that the White Sox have traded Chris Sale to Boston, its only natural that general manager Rick Hahn will auction off some of his other veteran pieces in the quest to get younger, cheaper and more athletic. Frazier will be a free agent after the 2017 season, and hes a logical Plan B if the Dodgers are unable to reach an agreement with free agent Justin Turner. At last check, Turner was Los Angeles preferred option at third base. But a source said the Dodgers are aggressively exploring their alternatives at the position.Jim Bowdens take: The White Sox got the absolute maximum return possible in a Chris Sale deal, with headliners Yoan Moncada and Michael Kopech coming back from Boston. The Red Sox have put themselves in position to be the team to beat in the American League.Scott Laubers take:?Having traded for Tyler Thornburg to handle the eighth inning, the Red Sox are turning their attention to adding another bat to help replace David Ortizs production. According to team president Dave Dombrowski, it would ideally be a left-handed hitter who can play first base. Mitch Moreland fits that mold.Moreland, who won a Gold Glove this year, could push Hanley Ramirez into more of a designated-hitter role. After posting only a .720 OPS, Moreland isnt likely in position to command more than a one-year deal -- no small detail for a Red Sox team that is determined to stay below the $195 million luxury-tax threshold. The Cleveland Indians also have some interest as an alternative to free agent Mike Napoli.David Schoenfields take:?Despite hitting 47 home runs in what could be a career season, Mark Trumbo was worth just 1.6 WAR in 2016, thanks to bad defense and a below-average OBP. The power is nice, but if the rumors of a $75 million contract prove accurate, this could end up being one of the biggest overpayments of the offseason.Jerry Crasnicks take:?The Mariners currently have a platoon arrangement at first base, with Danny Valencia and Dan Vogelbach, so they can afford to stand pat at the position. Mike Napoli would provide an obvious power upgrade, but hes looking for a multiyear deal, and that might not be part of Seattles plan. The Mariners seem more intent on adding a starter after they traded?Taijuan Walker to Arizona. General manager Jerry Dipoto has said the team will most likely try to fill that need via a trade.Jayson Starks take:?Kinzer headed for the winter meetings last weekend, hoping to get Encarnacion signed with the Blue Jays, Astros or Yankees this week. But all three have moved on. If hes looking for a deal anywhere close to the four-year, $80 million offer from Toronto that he turned down early in the offseason, he essentially has to generate a whole new market.While the Indians and Rockies have showed legitimate interest at these meetings, there is no indication that a deal with either club is close. Rangers GM Jon Daniels has downplayed his teams chances of jumping into this bidding. A source who spoke with the Red Sox front office described the chances of Boston making a run at Encarnacion as very unlikely unless other moves change the look of their team and payroll.David Schoenfields take:?The Rangers need to make some big moves. Although Texas won the division handily, keep in mind that both the Mariners (plus-61) and Astros (plus-23) had better run differentials than the Rangers (plus-8). The Rangers, however, went 36-11 in one-run games, the best such record of all time. Meanwhile, the Astros have added offensive depth in Carlos Beltran, Josh Reddick, Brian McCann and Nori Aoki (and will get full seasons from Alex Bregman and Yulieski Gurriel), and the Mariners have made several moves to improve holes from last season. At the moment, the Rangers look like the third-best team in the division.David Schoenfields take:?The time is now for the Nationals, and if you can get Chris Sale, make it happen. Giolito was considered the top pitching prospect in the minors entering 2016, but he hasnt dominated at the upper levels of the minors and was terrible in 21 innings with the Nationals (26 hits, seven home runs, more walks than Ks, and his fastball velocity averaged just 93.3 mph). His stuff has backed up, and the command of his fastball and curveball need improvement. Is he a future ace or mid-rotation starter? Robles could be a star after playing well in Class A at 19, but hes likely two or three years away.Mondays buzzMark Saxons take:?Last season, 90 percent of Dysons plate appearances came against right-handed pitchers. If the Cardinals platoon Dyson with Tommy Pham in center field and move Randal Grichuk to left, they would still have a more dynamic fielding unit than they had in 2016, when Brandon Moss and Matt Holliday often were playing the outfield.Heres how Mozeliak characterized the teams thinking on a platoon: That is definitely part of our thinking or potential thinking. Its not necessarily what our goal is. It sounds like Dyson is more of a fallback.Eddie Matzs take:?This could just be posturing -- much like the Orioles did during last years winter meetings with Chris Davis -- in an effort to get Trumbos camp to flinch. If its sincere, and the Os are ready to move on, that isnt necessarily a bad thing. Sure, Trumbo led the majors in home runs last season, but hes a liability in the outfield, and Baltimore already has a first baseman (see: Davis, Chris). In other words, $70 million or $80 million is an awful lot to pay for a DH.Marly Riveras take: I just spoke to Aroldis Chapman about his contract negotiations. He told me he has not evaluated any offers yet and will do so this week.Chapman: The only thing I have expressed is that I would like a six-year contract. I know that doesnt mean that I will get it, but thats what I would like to sign. There are rumors out there that I requested $100 million, and thats not true at all. I believe he who deserves something does not need to demand it.Andrew Marchands take:?Add Rich Hill to the ever-growing list of guys the Yankees arent getting. Hill goes to the Dodgers, which leaves the free-agent starting pitching market very barren. Jason Hammel and?Doug Fister could be possibilities for New York.Buster Olneys take:?For now, it appears two clubs, maybe more, are all-in in the star closer market -- the Yankees and the Marlins -- with Aroldis Chapman and Kenley Jansen still on the board and?Mark Melancon joining the Giants.Jesse Rogers take:?If Kenley Jansen falls into their lap, the Cubs would be interested in adding him, but a trade for a closer -- either this winter or midseason, as they did last year -- is more likely. They have internal candidates who can at least start the year pitching the ninth inning, thereby giving the Cubs time to evaluate.David Schoenfields take:?In other words, the glut of the 1B/DH types wont all be paid what they might expect to get paid. Ill throw out one more team: The Royals could use a DH to replace Kendrys Morales (who signed with the Blue Jays), though they paid Morales just $9 million in 2016. Given all the free agents theyll have after 2017, the Royals want to make one final push, but theyll probably look for a DH on a one-year deal, maybe somebody such as?Pedro Alvarez or Chris Carter.David Schoenfields take:?I love the idea of Billy Hamilton on the Rangers. Although he hasnt won a Gold Glove, hes an elite center fielder with blazing speed. Ian Desmond held his own in transitioning from shortstop to center field, but Rangers center fielders combined for minus-4 Defensive Runs Saved, while Hamilton was plus-15 in just 119 games the past season. He also had a .369 OBP in the second half, and though Im not completely buying that improvement, at a minimum hed slot in as a nice No. 9 hitter in the AL.Jayson Starks take:?The Marlins have concluded that the tragic death of Jose Fernandez leaves such a hole in their rotation that their best path to contention is to build a dominant bullpen. While theyve mulled all three of the prominent free-agent closers, sources say Kenley Jansen is their top choice, with Mark Melancon as Plan B and Aroldis Chapman?a distant Plan C.Signing Jansen would cost the Marlins a first-round pick, which would be the 14th pick in the first round. But owner Jeffrey Loria is said to be contemplating whether to sign off on sacrificing that pick and making a potentially record-setting, five-year offer to Jansen, who pitched for manager Don Mattingly in Los Angeles. One friend said Mattingly was pushing hard for Jansen.Jim Bowdens take:?The Texas Rangers are the team to watch on Edwin Encarnacion, as team president Jon Daniels is always opportunistic during market changes, as he was last July, when the Indians deal with Jonathan Lucroy fell apart, and he swooped in to land him. The Indians are also a sleeper team if the market falls further. Encarnacions smartest option might be to do what Yoenis Cespedes did last year -- take a three-year deal with an opt out after Year 1, so he can go back on the market next offseason.? ' ' '