Boston Red Sox Extend Rick Porcello’s Contract

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Boston Red Sox Extend Rick Porcello’s Contract

Rick Porcello reuters.com

Christian Post Report – The Boston Red Sox go all in on Rick Porcello

Rick Porcello just got paid. Following an off-season trade to the Boston Red Sox and a year away from hitting the open market Porcello signed a four-year $82.5 million extension that will likely keep him in Boston and may even make him the ace of their staff.

The deal will pay Porcello $20 million per season for the first two years and then $21 million dollars for the last two. It also contains a limited no trade clause where Porcello can block trades to three clubs.

$20 million a season may be a lot to pay for Porcello, and the Red Sox have gambled big on their off season acquisition. They are betting he takes the next step in his development. In Detroit Porcello was a back-of-the-rotation starter with decent stuff. At 26-years-old he is entering his sixth full season in the major leagues but he has never shown that he has Ace stuff. He does induce a lot of ground ball, and that will serve him well in Fenway Park, but he is still somewhat unproven.

In Detroit he pitched behind some of the greatest arms of this generation. He has yet to earn an All-Star nod, a single vote for a Cy Young, and has only pitched more than 200 innings once. While he does have a lot of upside, he goes from being another rotation guy with the Tigers to being the guy with the Red Sox.

Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald sums up Porcello as a young player who fits the Red Sox roster, not necessarily a superstar on his own.

“Porcello’s youth is the main draw, but that youthful resume does not contain a surplus of markers that signal greatness,” he wrote. “There are some tantalizing hints that the right-hander will see his best years in the near future, and the chief reasons stem from his age. One reason why the Red Sox have faith in Porcello is that the ballclub believes its infield defense is superior to the one that he had behind him in Detroit.”

Now the Red Sox have to hope that Porcello take a giant step in his development so their bet on him can pay off.

Source : Christian Post

A Double Shot of Gospel!

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A Double Shot of Gospel!
A Double Shot of Gospel!

Currently there are about 12,000 Starbucks stores across the United States. These 12,000 stores are strategically located in high end strip malls, busy corners and Target Store entrances. They are designed to draw us in and give us the coffee (and snacks and atmosphere and, did I say coffee?) we love.

Christian Post Report – Starbucks has done the best job of any coffee company in existence of penetrating the market and saturating the nation. Their green and white circle sign of deliciousness draws us weary travelers in like a bee to a honey flavored Frappuccino (is there such a drink? Just wait and I’m sure there will be!)

So how can Starbucks saturate the physical cravings of decaffeinated Americans and the church cannot satisfy the spiritual thirst of Americans with the living water? After all, there are only 12,000 Starbucks coffee shops in the United States and there are over 300,000 Protestant churches! That’s right! We outnumber Starbucks by 25 to 1!

Read more at http://www.christianpost.com/news/5-things-starbucks-can-teach-about-effective-evangelism-137099/

Source : Christian Post

Detroit Lions NFL 2015 News, Rumors: Can Ryan Broyles Become an Impact Player for Lions?

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Detroit Lions NFL 2015 News, Rumors: Can Ryan Broyles Become an Impact Player for Lions?

Christian Post Report – Ryan Broyles for most NFL fans is a forgotten player. A second round draft pick (54th overall) in the 2012 NFL draft that has never made much of an impact. He has lost time due to injuries to both legs. However, in Detroit in a receiver corps that features Calvin Johnson and now Golden Tate, Broyles is one the players on the Lions roster who is most talked about. That may be because of General Manger Martin Mayhew’s Matt Millen like infinity for drafting wide receivers and tight ends that never live up to their draft status.

Ryan Broyles reuters.com

The Detroit Lions spent a second round pick on Ryan Broyles in 2012, but injuries have limited his effectiveness ever since

Now days Broyles is the fifth wide out on a team that dresses four. He has shown some flashes of greatness including a particularly good preseason campaign a year ago. He led the Lions in pre-season catches and then was basically unheard from during the regular season.

Mlive.comn reports that Head Coach Jim Caldwell has been watching tape this off season and they reported the coach saying, “I think he did show obviously some promises, particularly during the preseason,” Caldwell said. “He and Kellen (Moore) hooked up for quite a few. … He made quite a few plays over that time. Hopefully he’ll continue to improve, and find a way to work his way out on the field and do something for us.”

Mlive also reported statements made by Lions Offensive Coordinator Joe Lombardi.

“Listen, when the guy’s been in there, he’s been productive. And we’re excited to see where he is now after a full season of not coming back from an injury. He’s had a full year to be healthy, and we’re excited to see what he does here in the offseason and heading into camp,” he said.

If Broyles can return to the field and stay healthy he gives the Lions offense another weapon that can help stretch defense. If he cannot it is another story of a Mayhew high round draft pick that flamed well before his time.

Source : Christian Post

Priest Murdered in Mexico Yet Again; Archbishop Asks ‘When Will Bloodshed End?’

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Priest Murdered in Mexico Yet Again; Archbishop Asks ‘When Will Bloodshed End?’
Mexico murders (Photo: Reuters/Tomas Bravo)

Flowers arranged in the shape of a heart are seen during a protest to demand more information about the missing students of the Ayotzinapa Teachers’ Training College “Raul Isidro Burgos” at Zocalo Square in Mexico City, November 9, 2014.

Christian Post Report – A Roman Catholic priest has been murdered in Mexico yet again, which the Vatican has said is the most dangerous country in Latin America for clergymen. Father Francisco Javier Gutiérrez Díaz was found by authorities with a bullet wound in his head and abandoned on a dirt road.

The office of the Archbishop of Morelia released a statement reading: “United in prayer, we are indignant at the death of Father Francisco Javier Gutiérrez Díaz, of Capuchinas in Salvatierra Guanajuato. When will this end? Enough with so much blood spilled!”

Authorities said that the priest, who served as a pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary in Salvatierra, Guanajuato, was murdered on Monday. They found that his wallet, money, and phone were stolen, leading them to conclude that robbery was the main motive behind the attack.

The LA Times noted that Díaz, 60, is the 10th priest to be killed in Mexico in the past two years, with three priests being murdered in the nearby state of Guerrero in 2014 alone.

The Archbishop of Morelia, Cardinal Alberto Suárez Inda, confirmed the news of the murder, and noted that he ordained Díaz as a priest on Jan. 8, 1986.

“With deep sorrow I announce the death of Father Francisco Javier Gutiérrez Díaz, of the Congregation of the Workers of the Kingdom of Christ. After leaving his parish on Monday, April 6, he was killed and his body was found outside Salvatierra,” Inda told Fides News Agency.

“We ask the Lord to forgive those who caused this serious crime,” he said.

Father Prisciliano Hernández, identified as a friend of Díaz by El Observador, added: “I can’t find the words to express my pain at the death of my friend and my brother, who in his life cut down evil and hate. It’s a cruel injury that wounds the soul of his family, his friends and a community that prized and loved the priest [….] He’s one more victim of the violence that lives in our country. We pray that his soul rests in peace.”

Pope Francis has condemned the growing number of murders committed against priests in Mexico, including the killing of the Rev. Gregorio Lopez Gorostieta, whose body was discovered on Christmas Day in 2014. Gorostieta, who was kidnapped by armed men from a seminary in Ciudad Altamirano a week earlier, was found strangled to death.

The pope said that the priest was the victim of “unjustifiable violence.”

The Vatican released statistics last year that revealed Mexico is the most dangerous country in Latin America for priests, recording at least 47 attacks against members of clergy committed in the past 24 years.

Source : Christian Post

‘Nashville’ Season 3 Spoilers: Juliette Barnes is Back and She’s Quite Disappointed With Rayna

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‘Nashville’ Season 3 Spoilers: Juliette Barnes is Back and She’s Quite Disappointed With Rayna

Christian Post Report – Avid followers of the hit musical drama TV series “Nashville” Season 3 will be glad to know that the show’s upcoming episode will feature the return of one of its beloved characters.

Hayden Panettiere Facebook/ Nashville

Hayden Panettiere on Nashville

Juliette Barnes (played by Hayden Panettiere) has been seen for most part of the season staying at home and has only talked to Avery (Jonathan Jackson) over the phone. For those familiar with the actress who played the character of the country singer, they might know that she has to attend to her real-life pregnancy. Spoiler reports indicated that her return to the small screen will still see her with a huge baby bump.

Spoiler reports for this week’s segment said that Rayna’s (Connie Britton) plan for a “star-studded” baby shower will go awry as she is pulled into Sadie’s (Laura Benanti) family drama. This will make the mother-to-be really mad, the sneak peek video for episode 17 reveals

Rayna arrives to explain her absence, but Juliette seems a little bit too upset to hear her reasons.

“I have spent the day at the police station if you can believe it. Poor Sadie,” Rayna says in the promo video. Juliette, who appears to know the real situation, didn’t really care if Sadie’s abusive husband, Pete (Jay Wilkison) is dead or alive from the shooting.

“Sadie, she just gets all the attention,” Juliette retorts. “Sadie, I mean she decides to shoot someone and she’s your number one priority, isn’t she?”

Rayna tried to patch things up, but to no avail.

“I am relieved,” Juliette claims. “I am relieved since now I know exactly where I stand. Somewhere below your precious little label and your stupid, perfect hair.”

The verbal tirade went on and on. Then everything stopped when Juliette announced: “I think my water just broke.”

“Nashville” Season 3 airs Wednesday at 10 p.m. on ABC.

Source : Christian Post

LA Angels MLB 2015 News, Rumors: Angels Create Public Relations Mess With Josh Hamilton Statement

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LA Angels MLB 2015 News, Rumors: Angels Create Public Relations Mess With Josh Hamilton Statement

Christian Post Report – The Los Angeles Angels have made a complete mess of the Josh Hamilton situation. They now seem very callous in their treatment of one of their star players and rather obviously would have preferred he be suspended and they not be on the hook for his 2015 salary. That is an OK idea to have privately but creates large problems when the team than has to deal with its fans, the player himself, and the other 24 men on the roster.

Los Angeles Angels MLB, Los Angeles Angels

The Los Angeles Angels have created a PR nightmare with recent comments about Josh Hamilton

CJ Wilson had some comments about the ongoing saga of Hamilton that were reported on NBC’s Hardball talk via the Orange County Register. In those comments Wilson said that the team’s statement about his teammate were, “kind of disheartening.” Wilson went on to say, “The statement had multiple phases. I’m just going to focus on the last part of it, which was, ‘We are focused on Josh and his family.’ That’s the part that I agree with.”

Wilson, Hector Santiago and Huston Street have all been public supporters of Hamilton.

The curious tone from the Angels front office makes little sense. They may have had private hopes of a suspension that would ease some of their payroll for 2015.

The Angels entered into a the contract with Hamilton knowing the risks. His battle with addiction has been well documented and this is not the first time he has slipped. Knowing that going into the contract that should have been very prepared for the very real likelihood it would happen again.

Source : Christian Post

Star Wars Episode 7 The Force Awakens Release Date, New Trailer to Be Unveiled at April 2015 Event

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Star Wars Episode 7 The Force Awakens Release Date, New Trailer to Be Unveiled at April 2015 Event

Christian Post Report – Earlier reports indicated that the first “full” trailer for J.J. Abrams’ “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” will be featured in every showing of Marvel’s upcoming superhero film “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” which will be released this May 1, 2015.

Abrams, together with Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, is heard to be invited to speak at the annual “Star Wars Celebration” in Anaheim, California, IB Times reported. The event, according to the publication, will be on April 16 and will likely unveil the newest trailer of Star Wars 7.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Facebook/ Star Wars The Force Awakens

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

The fan-centric occasion will also feature the release of the upcoming title’s official poster.

“There’s no telling at this time how Abrams wanted the poster for his first foray into the “Star Wars” realm to look, but fans probably will get a glimpse on April 16 when it inevitably leaks online,” the media outlet said.

With regards to leaks, die-hard fansite Making Star Wars once again took the Star Wars fandom when they published a set of spoiler details for the trailer.

To mention a few, the teaser will include: A brief shot of “Captain Phasma” (Gwendoline Christie), Poe Dameron shooting down a TIE fighter, BB-8 socketed in the back of an X-Wing, Star Destroyers, The Falcon and Darth Vader’s helmet placed on a podium.

The teaser, as the site added, will run at “about a one minute and fifty seconds, just under two minutes.”

“Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens” is expected to hit the theatres on December 18, 2015.

Source : Christian Post

Apple Watch Release Date, Price, How to Order Yours? Smartwatch Available Via Online Reservations Only

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Apple Watch Release Date, Price, How to Order Yours? Smartwatch Available Via Online Reservations Only

Christian Post Report – With the release date of Apple’s highly anticipated smartwatch, the Apple Watch, already drawing nearer, a recent report indicated that for those who are planning to buy the device should first make their online reservations.

Gold Apple Watch Reuters/Photo

A report from IGN cited CNET saying that would-be buyers of Apple’s first wearable technology should bear in mind that unlike the company’s iPhone and iPad products, the Apple Watch won’t be available for them if they plan to just walk into their store to buy it.

The sales, according to the site, will only be made possible “through a reservation system” and this will be true “for the indefinite future.”

“Apple has no plans at this time to allow you to stop into a store and walk out with an Apple Watch, even after the device officially hits the market,” CNET wrote.

Buyers should be able to secure an appointment with a store representative before they can try the device for a fitting, not unless they are lucky enough to visit “an Apple Store during a lull.”

The Watch, which reportedly will cost from $349 to $17,000, will be made available on April 24. Pre-oders and online reservations will start this Friday, April 10 at 12:01 a.m. PT.

“The move to offer Apple Watch only by reservation is likely for two reasons — making sure Apple has the right inventory on hand for what consumers want and being able to walk through the process with potential buyers when they come into the store,” CNET speculated.

Source : Christian Post

‘Nashville’ Season 3 Spoilers: Juliette Barnes is Back and She’s Quite Disappointed With Rayna

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‘Nashville’ Season 3 Spoilers: Juliette Barnes is Back and She’s Quite Disappointed With Rayna

Christian Post Report – Avid followers of the hit musical drama TV series “Nashville” Season 3 will be glad to know that the show’s upcoming episode will feature the return of one of its beloved characters.

Hayden Panettiere Facebook/ Nashville

Hayden Panettiere on Nashville

Juliette Barnes (played by Hayden Panettiere) has been seen for most part of the season staying at home and has only talked to Avery (Jonathan Jackson) over the phone. For those familiar with the actress who played the character of the country singer, they might know that she has to attend to her real-life pregnancy. Spoiler reports indicated that her return to the small screen will still see her with a huge baby bump.

Spoiler reports for this week’s segment said that Rayna’s (Connie Britton) plan for a “star-studded” baby shower will go awry as she is pulled into Sadie’s (Laura Benanti) family drama. This will make the mother-to-be really mad, the sneak peek video for episode 17 reveals

Rayna arrives to explain her absence, but Juliette seems a little bit too upset to hear her reasons.

“I have spent the day at the police station if you can believe it. Poor Sadie,” Rayna says in the promo video. Juliette, who appears to know the real situation, didn’t really care if Sadie’s abusive husband, Pete (Jay Wilkison) is dead or alive from the shooting.

“Sadie, she just gets all the attention,” Juliette retorts. “Sadie, I mean she decides to shoot someone and she’s your number one priority, isn’t she?”

Rayna tried to patch things up, but to no avail.

“I am relieved,” Juliette claims. “I am relieved since now I know exactly where I stand. Somewhere below your precious little label and your stupid, perfect hair.”

The verbal tirade went on and on. Then everything stopped when Juliette announced: “I think my water just broke.”

“Nashville” Season 3 airs Wednesday at 10 p.m. on ABC.

Source : Christian Post

‘Law and Order SVU’ Season 16 Spoilers, Cast News: ‘Walking Dead’ Actor to Guest Star, What to Expect in ‘Granting Immunity’?

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‘Law and Order SVU’ Season 16 Spoilers, Cast News: ‘Walking Dead’ Actor to Guest Star, What to Expect in ‘Granting Immunity’?

Christian Post Report – Another week means another suspenseful and drama-filled episode on the 16th Season of the hit police procedural TV series “Law and Order: SVU.”

Law & Order: SVU Facebook/ Law & Order SVU

The official poster for Season 16 of Law & Order: SVU

A slew of spoiler reports indicate that Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and the rest of the Special Victims Unit will be fired from all sides in the upcoming episode titled “Granting Immunity” as they sought to prosecute a man accused of proliferating sensitive materials while at the same time, track a measles epidemic sweeping fast around New York City.

A synopsis posted by NBC reads that a series of pornographic photos featuring a 15-year-old individual named Savannah Biel (guest star Hayden Tweedie) which was taken during a teenage house party were quickly passed on around her Tribeca high school community.

Barba (Esparza) put on efforts to arrest the student pointed out to be responsible for posting the images on the social media. But the operation got stalled when another issue sprung up involving a “fast-moving measles outbreak.”

The situation escalates even further for the SVU people when Benson’s (Hargitay) son contracted the illness. Benson went out to investigate the group of parents “who may have falsified their children’s medical records.” Meanwhile, Amaro (Danny Pino) receives some dire news about his son. Could this be in relation to the disease outbreak?

In related news, a report from The Hollywood Reporter indicated former “The Walking Dead” actor Dallas Roberts’ slated appearance in one of the future episodes of the NBC series.

This particular segment, as further said by the publication, will be a special one as it will be a three-show crossover event between “Chicago Fire,” “Law & Order: SVU,” and “Chicago PD.”

The actor will play the character named Greg Yates, “a charismatic doctor who becomes the prime suspect in a string of brutal rape/murders,” the site revealed,

The crossover segments are scheduled to hit the small screens on April 28 and 29.

“Law & Order: SVU” Season 16 Ep. 19 airs this Wednesday, April 8 at 9 p.m. on NBC.

Source : Christian Post

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