Dein erstes Forum » and Jose Bautista both became free agents

As Rafael Nadal targets another title at the Barcelona Open, we asked Barry Cowan five key questions about the clay court tournament.The Spaniard made a triumphant start to this years clay campaign when he took the trophy at last weekends Monte Carlo Masters, beating Gael Monfils in the final.An impressive semi-final victory over Andy Murray was further evidence of Nadals improved form, but can he claim back-to-back titles in Barcelona, where Kei Nishikori is the defending champion? Are we watching Rafas revival? Nadal defeated Gael Monfils in the final of the Monte Carlo Masters I felt that first set between Rafa and Dominic Thiem was the biggest difference. Nadal saved 15 of 16 break points and the way he saved them - he was not playing with any fear. Nadal was playing with a lot of confidence and it was reminiscent of Rafa at his best.After that first set, he didnt look back. When you come through those moments it gives you a lot of self-belief. When he was set down against Andy Murray, or lost the second set to Gael Monfils, he moved on quickly and got on with the task. That is one of Rafas best attributes.Is Nadal the man to beat? The Spaniard has dominated the clay court campaign in past years Traditionally once Rafa builds momentum then he never looks back. He had the advantage last week of Novak Djokovic losing. I think he had to win a tournament like that, once Djokovic was no longer standing in the way.Again this week, Rafa must play with the same freedom, back himself, and I do expect him to do that. Rafa still has got great tennis in him and its amazing, even in two or three matches, how your aura can switch around.Can Kei ruin Rafas run? Kei Nishikori was beaten by Novak Djokovic in the final of the Miami Masters Kei played great in Miami. That match with Monfils was certainly one of the best matches that I saw during those two weeks.Given how well Gael played last week in Monte Carlo, it really shows Keis form at the moment. He is an exceptional player on clay and will be there or thereabouts. Nishikori will be hoping to kick-start his clay court season.Best of the rest in Barca? David Ferrer pulled out of the Monte Carlo tournament due to injury It will be interesting to see how third seed David Ferrer performs. Obviously he missed last week in Monte Carlo. Its a big week for him, because he needs to rack up some points, otherwise he will be going in the wrong direction.Benoit Paire gave Andy Murray a real scare last week, but he will continually flatter to deceive. One of the most talented players out there and at times he looks like a world-beater, but then in the flick of a switch, he can self-destruct.Important step towards Paris? Nadal will be seeking a 10th title at the French Open This is another key tournament for players to prepare for the French Open. Is Rafa able to play at that high level for two weeks running? When Rafa was at his best, it was a given. I was incredibly impressed with Rafa, but he needs to show that same form coming into this week.Hes the main man to be shot at and its something he has coped well with over the years. It will be fascinating to see how he performs.Watch live coverage of the Barcelona Open on Sky Sports this week.Also See:Sky Live: Barcelona OpenNadal claims Monte Carlo titleMurray: Best man wonRafa beats Murray in Monte CarloMookie Wilson Mets Jersey . PETERSBURG, Fla. Carlos Gomez Jersey . LOUIS -- Cardinals cleanup hitter Allen Craig says hes recovered from a foot injury and ready to be put on St. http://www.metsbaseballauthentic.com/tim-tebow-mets-jersey/ . But by the time the game started, the Toronto Raptors forward felt even worse. And, for three quarters, it showed as Gay shot a woeful three-for-13 from the field. Michael Conforto Jersey . The Cleveland Indians, Tampa Bay Rays, and Texas Rangers all won on Sunday meaning the Rangers will host the Rays in a play-in game on Monday. Brandon Nimmo Mets Jersey . Tuesdays surgery at Atlantas Piedmont Hospital was performed by Dr. Xavier Duralde and Hawks team physician Dr. Michael Bernot.TORONTO -- The Blue Jays have finalized a three-year, $33 million contract with free agent Kendrys Morales, and say the deal lowers the chances that slugger Edwin Encarnacion will return next season.Hours after the team announced the addition of Morales on Friday, general manager Ross Atkins said talks with Encarnacion are ongoing, theyre still continuing.Encarnacion and Jose Bautista both became free agents after helping Toronto reach the playoffs.We still feel that both are realistic for us, but again, when you sign someone like Kendrys Morales, that decreases the likelihood of Edwin coming back tto the Blue Jays, but by no means eliminates that possibility, Atkins said.ddddddddddddhe 33-year-old Morales hit 30 home runs with 93 RBI while batting .263 for Kansas City last season.Atkins said second baseman Devon Travis had surgery on his right knee and is expected to be fine. He was injured in the playoffs against Cleveland.Toronto also claimed right-hander Leonel Campos on waivers from San Diego. The 29-year-old pitched 25 times for the Padres over three seasons. ' ' '