Sonstiges » McCullers, the Astros most promising young

PITTSFORD, N.Y. -- As if the series of headline-grabbing suspensions and injuries werent enough, Bills coach Rex Ryan couldnt get through one of his final news conferences at training camp without distraction.Ryan was explaining what Buffalo needs to improve when he was drowned out by someone on the public address system announcing a fan promotion occurring on the nearby field.Pausing in mid-sentence, Ryan said: Maybe I should scream real loud or something.Who could blame him?After holding a closed walk-through session Wednesday, the Bills wrapped up one of their most tumultuous camps in 17 years in suburban Rochester. It began on July 29, when nine players -- including six projected starters -- opened camp on various inactive lists due to injuries or illnesses.By the time camp ended, Buffalo lost starting inside linebacker Reggie Ragland and backup outside linebacker IK Enemkpali to season-ending knee injuries.Starting defensive tackle Marcell Dareus was suspended by the NFL for violating the leagues substance abuse policy for a second consecutive season, and announced he was entering a rehab facility. The league is also investigating whether to suspend starting linebacker Manny Lawson for violating the personal conduct policy.Then there was backup running back Karlos Williams, who reported to camp out of shape a year after scoring nine touchdowns as a rookie. Williams never got an opportunity to serve his four-game suspension in Buffalo because he was cut on Saturday.And Buffalo couldnt close camp without someone getting hurt. On one of the final plays of practice Tuesday, injury-prone fourth-year receiver Marquise Goodwin sustained a possible concussion.Its been a piece of cake, really, Ryan said with a distinct roll of his eyes, when asked how taxing camp had been.Sarcasm aside, Ryan was defiant in saying he can look beyond the distractions and see a team showing signs of resilience.You know what, well deal with whatever happens, he said, noting how pleased he was with Buffalos performance in a 21-0 win over New York Giants on Saturday. Ive been impressed with the focus and work ethic. And I think youre seeing it a little bit of it on the field.Indeed, not all the news has been bad.The Bills signed quarterback Tyrod Taylor to a contract extension. Receiver Sammy Watkins has resumed practicing since having surgery in April to repair a broken left foot. Buffalo added experienced depth by signing running back Reggie Bush and linebacker Brandon Spikes.Concerns, however, remain for a team that sorely lacked focus during Ryans first season as coach. Led by defensive end Mario Williams, several Bills players openly questioned whether Ryans defensive philosophy fit the personnel.Williams was cut in March, and Ryan has emphasized the team adopting an All-In approach.So far, the Bills are buying in.No detractors. Its kind of just one team, one voice right now, guard Richie Incognito said. Weve lost some huge players for us that have contributed a lot. Everybodys got to step up. Everybodys got to pull their weight.LeSean McCoy is on board, too. The outgoing running back has been energetic on the field in showing his support for teammates, while mostly avoiding media interviews in an effort to stay out of the spotlight.Last year, it was different. I mean, there were a lot of players going back and forth, a lot of finger pointing, McCoy told The Associated Press. This year is more accountability. Everybodys more accountable. Everybodys focusing in, taking ownership.Its not lost on McCoy that he caused stirs last year with an ongoing feud with former Eagles coach Chip Kelly. And McCoy became a distraction in February, when he was investigated for his role in bar fight involving off-duty police offers in Philadelphia. No charges were filed against him.Distractions, McCoy said, are part of football. Whats important is how everyone responds.I was in that same predicament, so I cant sit here and act like every player on this team is innocent and perfect. Sometimes things just happen you cant control, he said. I can only speak for myself. Ive been working hard. 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HOUSTON -- One night after digging deep their bullpen and preceding the final two games of this pivotal four-game series, the Toronto Blue Jays needed precisely what Danny Barnes delivered while making his major league debut on Tuesday night at Minute Maid Park.Blue Jays starter R.A. Dickey earned praise for delivering seven strong innings on the heels of a 14-inning loss on Monday night, especially considering the three-start rough patch Dickey rode into his 23rd start on the season.But Barnes eight-inning performance as the bridge from Dickey to veteran right-hander Jason Grilli was worthy of plaudits. Facing the top of the Astros order and gifted with just a one-run lead, Barnes preserved that advantage by recording a pair of strikeouts while stranding All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve on first base in the Blue Jays 2-1 victory.Hes a strike-thrower and thats what he did in not an easy situation to come in now either, Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said of Barnes. Making your debut, nerves have got to be a little high. They said thats what he does (throw strikes). Hes got that invisible fastball that jumps on you. You dont see it well. To go through the top of their lineup like he did is that much more impressive.By helping save the bullpen, Barnes positioned the Blue Jays (60-47) to pursue at minimum a series split with right-hander Marco Estrada (6-4, 3.02 ERA) on the mound Wednesday night.Estrada is 1-0 with a 3.14 ERA in 10 career appearances (four starts) against the Astros. He will oppose Astros right-hander Collin McHugh (7-7, 4.75 ERA), who is coming off his worst start of the season.McHugh recorded just five outs last Friday against the Tigers, surrendering eight runs on 10 hits after entering that outing with six quality starts in his previous seven appearances.dddddddddddd McHugh is 1-0 with a 2.79 ERA in three career starts against the Blue Jays.The Astros (56-50) could enter Wednesday with a tense clubhouse. After enjoying a two-plus month stretch without placing a player in the disabled list, the Astros have been besieged by injuries over the past week. Third baseman Luis Valbuena and center fielder Carlos Gomez suffered right hamstring strains in consecutive games against the Yankees, with Valbuena landing on the DL and Gomez returning to the lineup Tuesday clearly hampered.Utility infielder Marwin Gonzalez battled a right wrist ailment during the series in Detroit and is finally scheduled to return on Wednesday. Setup man Luke Gregerson was placed on the 15-day DL with a left oblique strain earlier Wednesday and right-hander Lance McCullers, the Astros most promising young starter, departed his outing Tuesday night two outs into the fifth inning with discomfort in his right elbow.McCullers missed the first six weeks of the season with right shoulder soreness, and the image of him shaking his right arm before walking off the mound was a sobering one for a club pursing a postseason berth.I saw the guys start to motion him out, Astros manager A.J. Hinch said of McCullers. When I got out there, he said he was having a little elbow discomfort. At that point, I didnt ask a lot of questions, I just said, Youre done for the night. Lets go get evaluated by the doctor and see the trainer. Its never a good feeling to walk off the field with any of your players and a trainer. That was definitely a bummer. ' ' '