The shootout, theres nothing wrong with it, I t

WASHINGTON - Stephen Strasburg grew up in San Diego, admiring then-Padres star Jake Peavy. Theyve become friends, working out together in the off-season, chatting, trading texts.When Strasburg makes his first post-season start Friday for the Washington Nationals, two years after being shut down during the playoffs, Peavy will be the opposing pitcher for the San Francisco Giants in the NL Division Series opener.Not that the particular matchup means all that much to Strasburg.Im just excited for getting a chance to pitch in the post-season, the right-hander said in his usual monotone, betraying zero emotion, before Thursdays workout at Nationals Park. It doesnt really matter who Im facing.While Strasburg was Washingtons opening-day starter, the guy chosen to pitch the first game after the All-Star break, and has been much better at home than away, manager Matt Williams waited until Thursday to make the expected announcement.I do know this: I know hes ready, Williams said.Jordan Zimmermann, who threw a no-hitter in Sundays regular-season finale, will start Game 2 at Washington on Saturday against San Franciscos Tim Hudson. Nationals righty Doug Fister will start Game 3 at San Francisco against lefty Madison Bumgarner, who pitched a four-hit shutout in the Giants 8-0 wild-card victory against Pittsburgh on Wednesday night.Neither manager revealed who would pitch a Game 4, but Washington right-hander Tanner Roark said hell be heading to the bullpen, which means Gio Gonzalez stays in the rotation.In 18 starts at Nationals Park this season, Strasburg went 9-3 with a 2.56 ERA. In 16 road starts, he was 5-8 with a 3.82 ERA. One of his worst showings came at home against San Francisco: On Aug. 24, the last time the teams met, Strasburg left after only four innings, having allowed five runs.From his following appearance through the end of the regular season, covering six starts, Strasburg went 4-1 with a 1.13 ERA, 40 strikeouts and three walks.Asked if there were any change he made coming out of that rough outing against the Giants, Strasburg said: I wouldnt say there was anything in particular. ... I can sleep well at night. I cant really worry about whether Im missing a spot or one side.In 2012, his season was over by September, a move the club made to protect his surgically repaired right elbow.Him having to miss 12 a€” he loves competing and he loves being out there. ... So Im happy for him to be able to experience something like this, Washingtons Ryan Zimmerman said.Strasburg, the No. 1 pick in the 2009 amateur draft, was less willing to discuss his thoughts about making his post-season debut after not getting that chance when Washington lost to St. Louis in its other trip to the NLDS.I try not to look back on what it was like two years ago, Strasburg said. Im just trying to live in the present, and Im excited for getting the chance now.Peavy pitched in the 2005 and 2006 NLDS for the Padres, and was a member of the World Series champion Boston Red Sox last season.I am a Stephen Strasburg fan, Peavy said Thursday. For tomorrow, it will be different. I will be trying to beat him with everything Ive got. He will be doing the same. He is a great competitor. We all know how talented this guy is. He has as good of stuff as anybody in the game. Pierre Turgeon Jersey . 28 with a Vancouver entry for the first time in 10 years and a novel new collective bargaining agreement. Jeff Skinner Jersey . Williams withdrawal came less than 24 hours after losing in the final Auckland WTA tournament final. "I dont believe she has an injury," Hobart tournament director Mark Handley said. http://www.officialsabresfanstore.com/authentic-jason-pominville-sabres-jersey/ .I shared with him how much I appreciated all he had done for us, Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said of that Thursday night farewell. Jack Eichel Jersey . “The shootout, theres nothing wrong with it, I think its an exciting part of the game but its just one small aspect,” said Chicago Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman. “Its a skill exhibition. If you can get it back closer to regular hockey and have it decided that way; that would be my preference.” “I dont think its a knock on the shootout, I think more of the managers would like to see it end in overtime,” added Washington Capitals GM George McPhee. Gilbert Perreault Jersey .75 million contract for the 2014 season and avoided arbitration. The team announced the agreement on Tuesday. OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma City defensive specialist Serge Ibaka is expected to miss the rest of the NBA playoffs because of a left calf injury. The 6-foot-10 forward had an MRI on Friday, a day after the Thunder eliminated the Los Angeles Clippers and advanced to the Western Conference finals against the Spurs. Game 1 is Monday night in San Antonio. Thunder general manager Sam Presti called it a Grade 2 strain of the plantaris, which takes time to heal and strengthen because of a high re-injury rate. Ibaka was injured during the third quarter Thursday night. "I just want to express our disappointment for Serge, who, as we all know, is an elite competitor and someone that has proven to be a tremendous teammate," Presti said. "He was playing great basketball throughout the season. Hes had a huge impact on our season to date." Last year, All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook was knocked out of the playoffs with a torn ACL in the first round against Houston. The Thunder rallied to win that series before losing to Memphis in the next round. Presti believes the Thunder can rally and be ready for the Spurs. "We have had tthis group together for a while, and theyve been through some ups and downs, and this is just another one that hopefully is only going to make us better," Presti said.dddddddddddd Ibakas athletic ability and mid-range jumper have been keys for the Thunder. He averaged 12.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in 13 post-season games. During the 2013-14 regular season, he had career highs with averages of 15.1 points and 8.8 rebounds while leading the league in total blocks for the fourth consecutive season with 219. During his emotional MVP acceptance speech, Kevin Durant singled out Ibaka for stepping up and erasing many of the teams mistakes while Westbrook recovered from his most recent knee surgery. While Westbrook was out, the Thunder went 20-7, and Ibakas numbers jumped to 15.7 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks with 57 per cent shooting from the field. "For us, we as an organization have been in some situations in the past, and how we respond to those has always been the measure of the teams that weve had in Oklahoma City," Presti said. "Our expectation going forward is that well respond admirably." 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