Spain ought to be within one win of a

Spain ought to be within one win of a sixth Davis Cup title in this century after the semifinals this weekend. Isaac Redman Youth Jersey. A United States team led by John Isner will have to overcome considerable history to prevent Spain from travelling to Argentina or the Czech Republic in November to defend the cup in the final. The U.S. has won in Spain only once and that was 40 years ago, while Spains comfortable wins this year over Kazakhstan and Austria extended its 12-year unbeaten streak at home to 23 ties, all on clay. To clay it returns in Gijon, the port city on the Atlantic north coast. With Rafael Nadal still rehabbing the injured left knee which kept him out of the Olympics and U.S. Open, Spain is unchanged and led by David Ferrer, who is undefeated in Davis Cup at home and on clay. Nicolas Almagro is 4-0 in singles cup play this year, and Marcel Granollers and Marc Lopez will be the likely doubles team. Ferrer starred in the two most recent ties against the U.S., the semifinal win in 2008 and quarterfinal win in Austin, Texas, last year, and said being favoured at home meant nothing. "In Austin they were the favourite and we won. This time, we hope we will win again," he said. The U.S. has surprised this year, with wins in Switzerland and France, both on clay. Isner led the way with defeats of Roger Federer and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. The Bryan twins, formidable in Davis Cup, should win the doubles, leaving the pressure on Isner to win his singles against Almagro on Friday and Ferrer on Sunday. Isner has a losing record against both. Sam Querrey, who made his cup debut in the 2008 semifinal, was brought in as No. 2 for newcomer Ryan Harrison. "I know our team is going to go in there believing we can win. Weve had two already tough wins on the road so far," Isner said. "We really do believe that we can beat Spain and that we can win the Davis Cup." Argentinas hopes of beating the Czechs in Buenos Aires rest on the enduring fitness of former U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro. Del Potro came out of his U.S. Open quarterfinal loss with a wrist injury and a wrist specialists recommendation to rest it for 15 days, "but Ill do the impossible to play against Czech Republic," he tweeted. He practiced on Wednesday and was confirmed in the team, much to its relief. Already without standard-bearer David Nalbandian, who was sidelined by the same strained chest muscle which forced him out of the U.S. Open, Argentina wouldnt have the firepower without also del Potro to stave off Czech stalwarts Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek. Berdych hasnt lost in Davis Cup for 18 months, and won three points in the 4-1 win over Serbia in the quarterfinals. Hes the only survivor in either team from the Czechs last visit seven years ago, before Argentina moved into Parque Roca and made it a Davis Cup fortress. Argentina has been undefeated in Parque Roca since it opened in 2006. Del Potro was unbeaten there, and Juan Monaco has lost just once in the 14,000-seat stadium. The winner of the tie looks set to host the final, and a chance to possibly avenge recent final defeats to Spain. Argentina, yet to win the Davis Cup, lost the 2008 and 2011 finals, and the Czechs, who havent won the cup in 32 years, lost the 2009 final. The playoffs to make next years World Group are Kazakhstan vs. Uzbekistan, Germany vs. Australia, Japan vs. Israel, Belgium vs. Sweden, Canada vs. South Africa, Brazil vs. Russia, Italy vs. Chile, Netherlands vs. Switzerland. The draws are on Thursday. Ike Taylor Jersey. After nailing all four of his field-goal attempts and adding three punt singles in Montreals 36-26 win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Whyte explained how important it was that the Als (3-3) stayed ahead of the Blue Bombers (1-5) in the CFL East. Mel Blount Jersey. He just wants everyone to know hes ready to play next season, too. The Stanford quarterback said Thursday he could co-exist as Mannings teammate even though his preference would be to play immediately. http://www.officialpittsburghsteelersgear.com/drew-butler-jersey. The 23-year-old Thai dominated the early rounds and survived a late surge by the challenger to win in his third defence of the title. Jonathan Dwyer Jersey. PAUL, Minn. Casey Hampton Jersey. Two hours after declaring the Stade de France field fit to play on, referee Dave Pearson postponed the match moments before the 9 p.m. kickoff, when the temperature was minus-5 Celsius, with a wind chill of minus-11. CHICAGO -- Texas Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish was hit by a line drive during one All-Star game in Japan. Hes hoping to avoid that mishap on Tuesday. Darvish and St. Louis Cardinals third baseman David Freese are headed to the Midsummer Classic after fans voted them into next weeks showcase in Kansas City. "I feel very good," Darvish said Thursday through an interpreter. "I know the way that I got selected was a vote by the fans, so I appreciate all the fans who voted for me. Im looking forward to it." Darvish is the eighth Rangers player on the AL team managed by Texas Ron Washington. He beat out four other pitchers: Chicagos Jake Peavy, Baltimores Jason Hammel, Kansas Citys Jonathan Broxton and the Angels Ernesto Frieri. "It just wasnt meant to be," said Peavy, who was supported by an aggressive marketing campaign by the White Sox. "Obviously we knew its hard to outvote a country." Freese emerged from an NL field that included Atlanta outfielder Michael Bourn, Nationals rookie outfielder Bryce Harper and Arizona second baseman Aaron Hill. "Im happy, Im thrilled," Freese said before St. Louis hosted the Rockies on Thursday night. "Thank you Cardinal Nation. Unbelievable support from friends, family and Cardinals fans." Freese, the World Series andd NL championship series MVP last fall, joins teammates Carlos Beltran, Rafael Furcal, Yadier Molina and Lance Lynn on the NL roster. Cameron Heyward Jersey Freese began the day with a .285 batting average, 13 homers and 50 RBIs. "You stack up his numbers and hes deserving," St. Louis manager Mike Matheny said. "He made it happen." Darvish has made a smooth adjustment to the major leagues after the Rangers committed more than $107 million to bring him to the U.S. The 25-year-old right-hander got a guaranteed $56 million, six-year contract and Texas also paid a record $51.7 million posting bid to his team in Japan. Darvish responded by going 6-1 with a 2.60 ERA in his first eight starts. The rookie levelled off a bit but is 10-5 with a 3.59 ERA for the only team in the majors with 50 wins. And now hes into his first major league All-Star game. "I dont know where I stand amongst the team, I think I just want to stay quiet and stay out of the way of the players, not be a burden to them," he said. "Ill have (Rangers teammate) Matt Harrison act as my older brother, Ill just hide behind him all day." Atlantas Chipper Jones had been in the running for the NL spot before he was chosen as an injury replacement for Matt Kemp. Online voting for the final spots ended Thursday. ' ' '