Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

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Skanska signed on with Burrard Development to build the 40-story Nexus residential tower in Seattle as part of a $152 million contract, according to the company.

Construction on the condominium high-rise began last month and is expected to be finished in 2019. A presale event last June drew long linesof people seeking to put their name in for a unit.

The 55,000-square-foot tower aims to catch eyes with its design, which will feature a series of stacked cubes, each offset by 8 degrees to accommodate terraces and angled views. It will include 382 units, below-grade parking and ground-floor retail.

Seattles downtown is abuzz with construction activity, with 51 buildings scheduled for completion in 2017, according to a recent report by the Downtown Seattle Association. Of the 27 buildings finished there last year, more than half (16) were residential. Overall, the city added 2,199 residential units in 2016 and is slated to more than double that figure in 2017, with 5,975 new units.

On the commercial end, high-profile projects include new offices for Google and moves by Facebook and Amazon to expand their footprints with additional leased space. The latter company accounted for more than two-thirds of the office space added to the citys core last year, according to the Seattle Times. The market there is so hot that, in February, Skanska announced that it would spend $392 million to develop and build a 38-story, Class A office building near the citys waterfront district complete with retail and public space.

Nexus is located in the Denny Triangle district, which is poised for its own residential construction boom, according to Curbed Seattle. The area is home to roughly 8,000 housing units currently, but 17 approved and 16 pending projects in the pipeline could boost that figure to 10,000.

Such growth,as swift and extensive as it has been,has raised concerns over density. The city is considering up-zoning proposals that would require developers to build more affordable housing a move that could be a boon for a market fraught by housing affordability concerns. A new 15-member Renters Commission advisory group, whose creation was approved last monthto give voice to the more than half of Seattle residents who rent, could also help to balance discussions around the impact of greater density downtown.

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Skanksa to build Seattle's 40-story Nexus condominium tower - Construction Dive

The younger sister of a classmate of mine shares the most beautiful photos of her yard and gardens this year. Ive marveled at the pinks and purples and the other spring hues her camera captures and which she posts on social media. Jean Durand is indeed a gardener extraordinaire. I got to see her older sister, Jo, at a couple of our more recent class reunions and she looks as young as her younger sister. Maybe gardening and good genes run in the family.

I have other classmates with beautiful gardens and it seems everyone is eager to share the earths bounty as the vernal equinox rolls around whether its on social media or a bouquet of hand-picked daffodils delivered directly to your door. Whatever the case, this is a great time of the year to stroll through your neighborhood to view up close and personal the fruits of your neighbors handiwork or to take a leisurely Sunday afternoon tour via bicycle or car to enjoy whats growing at any of the city parks and gardens which are lovely this time of year.

My appreciation for gardening came from a lady who loved to sit right down on the ground as she planted whatever the new annual or perennial it was that had struck her fancy. Sometimes she would exit her kitchen door with a glass of sweet tea in one hand and a hand shovel in the other. It was a long time ago that I remember her carrying out this springtime ritual but its as clear to me as if it were yesterday. She always had room each spring for a few new annuals in addition to the things that were already coming up and her favorites were the old plants the four oclocks, pansies, foxgloves, sweet peas, and bachelors buttons. And she did very little to make them grow except to water them. I remember it all so well because I sat at her feet as she drank sweet tea and smiled on her handiwork. I remember it so well because she was my mama.

I must have been a fairly accepting little kid because I never questioned why anyone would name a plant after the time of day. Nor did I wonder or even ask if real foxes wore gloves. I took her word as all little ones do and I watched year after year as Mama made things grow. When I married and first planted flowers of my own I learned the hard way that it took a bit more knowledge about growing things than a garden spade and a glass of tea. I labored year after year before I finally realized that the missing ingredient in my gardening recipe was a little more love and a little less intent because all things grow with love.

The same is true for our actions and our words and it takes a long time to learn this life-gardening lesson as well. Ive lived 70 springs now and Im here to say that we never ever quit learning if our ears and our hearts are open to the good things around us. Tom T. Hall once sang a song about old dogs and children and watermelon wine and Ill never forget it. But, I think he left something out of that song title that might have made it mean even more to the rest of the people who also loved his old song flowers and anything else that grows. Theres nothing like the enjoyment that comes from the labors of your hands coupled with the good things from above like sunshine and rain and the warmth of Gods good earth.

Lots of people tend to buy flowers these days. You can go to just about any big box store and when you enter youll be hit in the face by bouquets of roses and carnations and each one of them as perfect as the day they were born. What I recall with so much child-like delight were the half-wilted flowers I picked from a neighbors yard on the way to school and presented to my teacher. It wasnt really stealing anything if you were doing something good with them. And I remember the apples and pears all of the neighborhood kids picked from trees that werent their own. They tasted, perhaps, better than anything our moms ever brought home from the corner store. And here I am in my 70th spring and not quite spry enough to steal from the neighbors fruit trees but I still find my heart welling up with joy at the mere mention of the season. Summer, winter and fall all have their good points but spring for me is just like Monday. Lots of folks are ill-content as Monday morning dawns but to me its always been a day of hope and starting over. A chance to do the week all over again and maybe this time to get it right. And so it is with spring.

Just as my classmates little sister is in awe of the flowers blooming in her own springtime garden, so am I all amazed as I sit each day in my sunroom chair and watch as ever so slowly each bud high in the ancient trees outside my windows opens up to let escape a glorious green leaf that will last all spring and summer and far into the fall. But its spring thats at the heart of it all and its spring that makes my old hometown so colorful. Slow down this season and look all around you and count the blessings of spring name them one by one. Count the many blessings of spring and see what God has done.

Carpe Diem!

Contact Rita Thurman Barnes at ritathurman barnes@swbell.net.

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Forgotten Bartlesville | Sweet tea and tale of 70 springs - Examiner Enterprise

The Best Roofers in Fairfax County VA Are the Ones Proven Safe To Hire The state of Virginia requires roofing contractors in Fairfax County VA to be licensed by the state with the correct license class for the cost of your project (Class C = less than $10,000, Class B = less than $120,000, Class A = no cost restriction), and the printed license for roofing companies must have at the bottom the three letter code for roofers, which is "ROC" for which they had to take an exam specific to roofing and demonstrate previous experience specifically in roofing.

But even the state license for roofing contractors is no guarantee that any particular roofer in Fairfax County VA is doing business ethically, providing real value, or satisfying customers.

This makes it all the more significant that all contractors for roofing in Fairfax County VA who bear The Prime Buyer's Report-TOP 10 symbol have been cleared by our research staff as passing all the requirements for Prime Buyer's Report-TOP 10 status such as survey phone calls to previous customers to verify high satisfaction, good complaint record, verified state license, only employees legal to work in the U.S., and more.

How long have they been in business as roofers in Fairfax County? This indicates how well they know the local city ordinances, codes, and permit requirements for your area.

How many roofs have they done specifically in Fairfax County? This indicates how well they know the performance of different materials and installation methods in your particular climate, rainfall and wind patterns.

How many roofs have they done of the same type as yours, i.e. same materials: clay tile versus asphalt shingle, same type: flat versus high slope, and same scope: repair only versus tear-off and reroof versus new roofing, etc.

Can the roofing company give you client names and numbers you can call as references? (All roofing contractors bearing the Prime Buyer's Report-TOP 10 symbol have already had their client references called by research staff at The Prime Buyer's Report so you don't have to.)

What is the projected time frame for completion of the new roof installation or roof repair?

Does the roofing contractor have active workers' compensation and general liability insurance for your protection? (All roofers in Fairfax County bearing the Prime Buyer's Report-TOP 10 symbol have already had their proof of insurance verified by our research staff so you don't have to.) How will the roofing companies calculate pricing for new roofs or roof repairs?

Will they provide a written estimate that specifices the exact amount of material to be used, including sizes, brand names, product numbers etc? (This is key because the cheapest roofing companies often only seem cheaper because they are quoting inferior materials or low quality brands compared to other roofers.)

Will the roofing contractors provide a written contract?

Will permits be needed? If so, will they be responsible for getting them or will that be up to you?

Can the roofing contractor prove that all their workers sent to your property are legally allowed to work in the U.S.?(All roofing companies in Fairfax County bearing The Prime Buyer's Report-TOP 10 symbol have already signed an agreement to only hire documented workers.)

How often and when do they clean up?

What is the manufacturer's warranty on the roofing system or material the contractor is suggesting?

What kind of warranties and guarantees on their labor do they offer besides the manufacturer warranty on the roofing materials?

Do they offer multiple types of roofing materials and brands, or are they restricted to quoting one manufacturer?

For new roofing or re-roofing, does their quote include replacing the flashings around chimneys and vents? Not doing so is one way that cheap roofing companies merely appear cheap.

What type of wood will be used on your roof and in what thickness? For example, using cheap plywood made from pine which is suseptible to warping is another way cheap roofers merely appear cheaper, as opposed to using plywood made from stronger Douglas fir.

Will they being using nails (proper) or instead using staples (cheaper and faster for them but lacks holding power and can invalidate a manufacturer's warranty)?

When you've chosen the best roofing contractor in Fairfax County VA for your specific needs, make sure they are licensed with a state or county license for roofing contractors.(All roofing companies in Fairfax County VA bearing the Prime Buyer's Report-TOP 10 symbol have already had their license verified by our research staff so you don't have to.)

Licensing & Trade Associations Related to Roofers in Fairfax County VA

BBB Better Business Bureau http://www.bbb.com Mid Atlantic Roofing Contractors Association http://www.marcaroof.com NRCA National Roofing Contractors Association http://www.nrca.net SRCA Slate Roofing Contractors Association http://www.slateroofers.org TRI Tile Roofing Institute http://www.tileroofing.org VARP Virginia Association of Roofing Professionals http://www.varoofingprofessionals.org Virginia Association of Roofing Contractors (804) 497-5917 Virginia DPOR http://www.dpor.virginia.gov/boards/contractors

Media & Web Resources for Roofing in Fairfax CountyProfessional Roofing Magazine http://www.professionalroofing.net RoofingRSIMagazine Roofing Contractor Magazine http://www.roofingcontractor.com Traditional Roofing Magazine http://www.traditionalroofing.com Roofing Magazine http://www.roofingmagazine.com Metal Roofing Magazine constructionmagnet.com/metal-roofing-magazine Spray Foam Roofing Magazine sprayfoammagazine.com

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the TOP 10 Roofing Contractors in Fairfax County VA within the following zip codes:

20121, 22152, 22301, 22315, 22116, 20194, 20190, 22305, 22043, 20170, 22033, 22311, 22107, 22030, 20171, 22038, 22308, 20172, 20124, 22161, 22009, 22199, 22307, 22040, 22032, 22151, 20152, 22304, 22180, 20192, 22027, 22031, 22041, 22181, 22306, 22150, 22044, 20120, 22313, 22039, 22314, 20153, 22046, 22312, 22182, 20122, 22042, 22003, 22309, 22079, 22183, 20191, 22101, 22124, 22015, 22122, 22302, 22153, 22066, 22303, 22106, 22103, 22102, 22310, 20195, 20151 and 22060

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the TOP 10 Roofers in Fairfax County VA within the following cities:

Merrifield, Huntington, Chantilly, Rose Hill, Fairfax, Newington, Lorton, Woodlawn, Falls Church, Fort Hunt, Bailey's Crossroads, Idylwood, Lincolnia, Oak Hill, Kings Park West, Reston, Hybla Valley, McLean, West Falls Church, McNair, Wolf Trap, Alexandria, Burke Centre, Kingstowne, Oakton, Groveton, Fairfax Station, West Springfield, Franklin Farm, Wakefield, Centreville, Dranesville, Springfield, Jefferson, Mount Vernon, Fair Oaks, Annandale, Tysons Corner, Great Falls, Franconia, Burke and Newington Forest

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TOP 10 Roofing Companies in Fairfax County VA The Prime ...

You can spend $20,000 or more on roof replacement. If you take on this major investment, the last thing you need is a contractor wholl rip you off, so its important to know about the three most common roofing scams.

One common scam is a contractor who insists on getting paid before work begins, or who wants an unusually large down payment. They may also ask you to sign over your insurance check to buy materials. Avoid this by hiring a well-known company with the proper credentials, bonding, insurance and a good reputation. These companies wont ask for full payment upfront.

These scam artist contractors will say, Hey, all we need is we need that first check. You give that to us, well get you scheduled to go, and then in the worst cases they just disappear, says Judd Haag, of Bone Dry Roofing.

Another common scam involves a friendly stranger going door-to-door in your neighborhood after a storm, offering quick, cheap labor for cash on the spot. Like the down payment ploy, they usually disappear once they have the cash. Some will do a little shoddy work first. Avoid this by just saying, No thanks, and remember, the best roofing companies are busy already and dont have to solicit.

Unfortunately, there might be scammers that come into town after a storm, so be sure that youre checking the company youre using that they have a valid license, they have insurance so that you know that youre working with a reputable company, says Angies List founder Angie Hicks.

The third common scam is the too-good-to-be-true low bid. You jump at the chance to save money, but soon come the upcharges. In the worst cases, contractors will remove your existing roof and demand more money to finish the job. The final bill can easily eclipse those other bids you once had in your hand. Avoid this by checking the Angies List pricing guide to see your market rate, and get at least three bids to compare.

You want an apples-to-apples estimate, so make sure you know exactly the type of material your roof is made of. Is it an asphalt shingle roof? Is it a tile roof? Also, youre going to need the full dimensions of your roof if youre going to get an accurate estimate, Angie says.

Nearly a dozen states dont require roofers to have a license. In this case, local reputation, online reviews and a confirmation of license and bonding is required. Paying by credit card is a great way to protect yourself in case the job goes wrong.

If you have major roof damage, its easy to get impatient and go with the first company that will come to do the work. Angie says even in a disaster situation, follow best hiring practices, which includes doing your homework on the company thatll work on your home.

States that do NOT require a roofing license, based on Angies List research:

1. Indiana

2. Kentucky

3. Maine

4. Missouri

5. New Hampshire

6. New York

7. Ohio

8. South Dakota

9. Texas

10. Vermont

11. Wyoming

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3 of the most common roofing scams - ABC2 News

Cleon Theodorides has 32 years in roofing, home improvement...

Cleon Theodorides, new general manager of Cazeault Roofing and Solar Repair Division (Cazeault photo)

Cleon Theodorides, a Mashpee, MA resident, has been promoted to General Manager of the Repair Division of Cazeault Roofing & Solar with offices in Osterville and Plymouth, MA. Theorides has 32 years of experience in the roofing and home improvement industry.

Cleon knows the industry inside and out and he is familiar with the areas housing conditions and weather challenges, noted Russell Cazeault, who heads the fifth-generation Cazeault Roofing and Cazeault Solar. He added, Cleon will help us prep and get our roofing crews on the road each morning and diagnose roofing problems and prescribe affordable, reliable solutions.

Theodorides hails from Canton, MA and is the father of two teenagers. He noted, It is great to be part of the Cazeault culture. We are a well know local company and customers can pick up the phone and actually talk directly to a local person. Everyone is on the same page and we all doing the job right from start to finish and stand by it down the road.

Paul J. Cazeault & Sons is a family owned and operated business that has been providing exterior and roofing services to home and business owners in Eastern Massachusetts since 1927.

Cazeault offers both roof replacement as well as exterior repairs including replacement windows, new siding, or gutters repairs and solar panel installation. Roofing options include asphalt shingles, metal roofing, cedar roofing, copper roofing and flat roofing. Roofing choice depends on the home's aesthetic style, budget, and energy efficiency needs.Cazeault Roofing & Solar also services many commercial customers for both repairs as well as replacement.

For more information about Cazeault Roofing, contact visit http://www.cazeault.com, call 508-428-1177 or arrange an appointment to visit the showroom at 1031 Main Street, Osterville, MA.

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Mashpee Man to Lead Repair Division for Cazeault Roofing & Solar - Cape Cod Today

(MENAFN Editorial) Roofers Brisbane, a roofing services website providing high-quality, certified roofing contractors to Brisbane clients, was officially launched.

More information can be found at [http://www.roofersbrisbane.com].

Roof maintenance and repair is essential for the structural integrity of any property, whether residential or commercial. Roofs are the first barrier against harsh environmental factors, and constant exposure to high winds, rain and dust inevitably affects all roofs. For this reason, professional maintenance and repair is essential to avoid serious structural damage.

Roofers Brisbane is a new website allowing Brisbane clients to connect with high-quality professional roofing contractors. Unlike other similar websites, Roofers Brisbane only works with licensed and certified contractors, constantly monitoring the quality of their services to ensure high client satisfaction and professional service standards.

Roofers Brisbane provides both commercial and residential clients with a variety of roofing services, from repair and guttering to complete roof replacement.

Roofers Brisbane contractors offer a variety of roof repair services, providing immediate assistance in cases of leaks, cracks and genel roof deterioration. The company works with experienced contractors that perform a thorough assessment of the situation before fixing or replacing broken tiles, repairing ridge capping and any other necessary interventions.

The website also offers clients professional roof replacement services. Roof replacement might be necessary when serious roof damage makes repair impractical, and many homeowners choose to have their roofs replaced with others made of more solid materials. Whatever the reason, Roofers Brisbane provides professional contractors offering thorough roof replacement services for both commercial and residential clients.

For homeowners looking for a reliable, high-resistance roof, Roofers Brisbane offer full metal roofing installation services. Metal roofs are economical and visually appealing, as well as being extremely energy-efficient and eco-friendly.

To ensure high-quality services and complete customer satisfaction, Roofers Brisbane constantly monitors its roofing contractors, working exclusively with licensed and certified roofing experts.

More information can be found at [http://roofersbrisbane.com](http://roofersbrisbane.com/).

MENAFN0104201700703206ID1095362976

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Brisbane Roofing Contractors Roof Repairs Replacement Website Launched - MENAFN.COM

DALLAS, March 30, 2017 After 27 years in business, A#1 Air has become the Metroplex leader in heating and air conditioning, plumbing and electrical services. Now the company is proud to announce the addition of A#1 Air Roofing & Remodeling.

Last Sunday, severe storms hit the DFW Metroplex with extremely high winds from golf ball to softball-sized hail. Although no injuries were reported, numerous homeowners suffered devastating damage to their roofs, siding, gutters, windows, and a/c units.

According to A#1 Air owner James Green, "Because of this recent tragedy, many fly-by-night companies are looking to capitalize on the immediate need for new roofing repairs." He went on to say that "Your home is probably the biggest investment you'll ever make. Don't trust its care to just anyone."

"We know that to be #1, it takes teamwork. And our team is the best in the business," said co-owner Sherry Green. "A#1 Air's home inspectors know how to make dealing with insurance companies as simple and stress-free as possible. Plus, we stand behind all our work with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee."

The plan to implement roofing and other exterior remodeling services has been in the works for some time. With its new launch, A#1 Air Roofing & Remodeling is fully-staffed with a team of professionals ready to immediately handle your home's hail-damage needs.

When considering a roofer, it's important to know their credentials. A#1 Air Roofing and Remodeling is a member of the Better Business Bureau and National Roofing Contractors Association. They handle all types of roofing needs, from basic shingle to high-end tile roofing, including DECRA Stone Coated Steel Roofing, as well as other hail-resistant roofing systems. The company is also a Certified Owens Corning Preferred Contractor offering labor warranties backed by the manufacturer.

A#1 Air Roofing and Remodeling is currently providing a free whole-home hail inspection to any homeowner whose roof or other area of their property was damaged by hail. For more information, they encourage homeowners to immediately contact one of their Hail Team Specialists at 972-810-1810 or click here.

About A#1 Air, Inc.A#1 Air has been in business for 27 years and is the leading home services company in the Dallas/Fort Metroplex. With over 300 employees, they also provide heating and air conditioning, plumbing and electrical services. For more information on A#1 Air, Inc. visit http://www.anumber1air.com.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/a1-air-now-provides-roofing-and-remodeling-services-300431558.html

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A#1 Air Now Provides Roofing and Remodeling Services - Yahoo Finance

ST. LOUIS (AP) Randal Grichuk smiled as he backed away from a mob of St. Louis Cardinals chasing him around the field. Then he stopped and jumped into the air for a celebratory collision with Dexter Fowler.

It was wet and wild, and far from a masterpiece. But opening day was a ton of fun for Grichuk & Co.

Grichuk hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning and a game-ending RBI single in the ninth, helping the Cardinals top the Chicago Cubs 4-3 on Sunday.

Its just a night I wont forget, Grichuk said.

Jose Martinez sparked the winning rally with a pinch-hit double against Mike Montgomery, who closed out the World Series in November for Chicagos first title since 1908. Yadier Molina then was awarded the first no-pitch intentional walk in major league history, part of baseballs offseason rule changes designed to speed up the game.

With two outs and the bases loaded, Grichuk lined a 1-1 pitch into the gap in left-center for his second career game-ending hit . He was mobbed as he rounded first in the rain, and what was left of a sellout crowd of 47,566 cheered wildly.

Every win is meaningful, but definitely not making the playoffs last year and seeing them win it put a little sour taste in our mouth, Grichuk said. So, its good to get any (win), but definitely opening day against them is a little sweeter.

The Cardinals appeared set for a tidy 3-0 win before the Cubs rallied in the ninth. Ben Zobrist was hit by a pitch from Seung-hwan Oh and Jason Heyward singled before Willson Contreras hit a drive to left for a tying homer.

A great at-bat, Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. The ball really did jump right there.

Before the dramatic finish, the night belonged to Carlos Martinez, who retired 12 in a row and 18 of 19 over one stretch against the defending champions. The ace right-hander struck out 10 and walked none in 7 1/3 innings in his first start on opening day.

Jon Lester kept Chicago in the game with five effective innings despite not having his best stuff. Kyle Schwarber reached three times in his first game as the leadoff hitter since Fowler left the Cubs over the winter for an $82.5 million, five-year contract with the Cardinals.

Sometimes youve got to tip your hat to the other team, too, Lester said. They fouled a lot of pitches off.

St. Louis went 86-76 last year and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2010, but the additions of Fowler and reliever Brett Cecil ramped up the optimism for this season. The Cardinals got another positive jolt when they announced a new contract for Molina earlier in the day that runs through the 2020 season.

Im just glad that we got it done because this is the right place to be, he said.

The crowd at Busch Stadium roared its approval when Molina was introduced before the game, prompting the catcher to doff his cap twice as the cheers continued.

He got another standing ovation when he came to the plate for the first time in the second inning, and there were chants of Ya-di! Ya-di! before he grounded a single back up the middle.

Fowler also heard all cheers all night long, and he used his legs to get St. Louis on the board in the third. He reached on an infield single, scampered over to third on Aledmys Diazs single to center and scored on Matt Carpenters fly ball to right.

MORE ON MOLINA

Molina made his 13th consecutive start on opening day, third most in franchise history behind Stan Musial (18) and Lou Brock (15), according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

TRAINERS ROOM

Cubs: LHP Brian Duensing was placed on the 10-day disabled list with lower back spasms. The move was made retroactive to Thursday.

UP NEXT

Following a day off, right-handers Jake Arrieta of the Cubs and Adam Wainwright of the Cardinals get the ball on Tuesday night. Arrieta went 18-8 with a 3.10 ERA in 31 starts last year. Wainwright is looking to bounce back after going 13-9 with a 4.62 ERA last season.

More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

Jay Cohen can be reached at http://www.twitter.com/jcohenap

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Grichuk, Cardinals top Cubs 4-3 in wild opener (Apr 3, 2017) - FOXSports.com

Feb 25, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jose Quintana (62) stretches during a workout at Camelback Ranch Practice Fields. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Braves 2017 Player Previews: Jaime Garcia by Andrew Scherer

Atlanta Braves Set Opening Day Roster For 2017And Its Kind Of Shocking by Jeff Schafer

In two completely and independently separate deals, the Atlanta Braves traded for White Sox big arm Jose Quintana and signed free agent Angel Pagan.

The numbers on the Pagan signing are not in yet, but initial details leaked early this morning point to an unprecedented free agent contract!

Pagan looks to be the highest paid bench warmer in history, with a front-loaded deal in the $50 million range is signed through 2025. Thats an AAV of $5.5 million. Incentives for most splinters from bench received, maintaining the blonde hair for more than 3 months, and number of days not being used off the bench, range in the $1 million area.

Rumor has it the artist formerly known as B.J. Upton quipped, Ha! Thats easy money for him. I did less than that, and still made bank!

Former Braves second baseman, Dan Uggla, also commented on the signing warning Pagan. Meh, Uggla said. Hell still be left of the postseason roster in favor of Elliot Johnson.

In a move only heard about by me, the Braves traded TWO L-Screens, a bucket of commemorative Sun Trust Park marked baseballs, leftover game used dirt from Turner Field, and a copy of GM John Coppolellas new book entitled Arizona Falling: Every GM Can Be A Dave Stewart.

All of this went to the White Sox for touted pitcher, Jose Quintana. On the surface, this looks like a steal. However, the departure of both L-Screens leaves the Braves in a bind. They now have to pull from the indoor batting cages for the use of the screens.

Rookie Dansby Swanson was overheard mumbling in frustration, as he was informed, that because he is a rookie, now has to physically move the L-Screens back and forth.

But honestly, who can complain about this? Its Jose Quintana! Suck it up Dansby, sheesh, this is for the greater good.

If by now, you havent figured it out, Its April 1st, 2017, April Fools Day. Enjoy the rest of it, and remember, NONE OF THIS IS TRUE. Tis but a ruse. Shenanigans. Utter non-sense.

Happy April Fools Day Everyone! Hope it was a good one!

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Atlanta Braves "Quietly" Make Big Time Additions on this 1st Day of April - Tomahawk Take

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Bob Melvin emphatically made his point. Twice.

What decisions did the Oakland Athletics still have ahead before opening day?

Stay healthy.

How about any tough roster choices?

Stay healthy.

Year after year, thats always a tough task for his injury-prone As. The Los Angeles Angels understand, as theyre already down key reliever Huston Street.

With Oakland ace right-hander Sonny Gray nursing a lat injury, he will miss his second straight scheduled start on opening day. Kendall Graveman, a 10-game winner a year ago, takes the ball for the As opposing right-hander Ricky Nolasco in Monday nights opener against Los Angeles at the snazzed-up Coliseum.

Gray had food poisoning last year and was scratched.

Street is sidelined with a strained back he sustained two batters into his first spring outing last month.

Neither Melvin nor Angels manager Mike Scioscia has named a set closer something each knows might develop early in the season.

We have some good arms we think are going to help us in high-leverage situations, Scioscia said. We need that depth and hopefully continuing to have that depth grow. You manage your bullpen to the talent level. If it means one guy evolves into that closer, now youre just worried about the seventh and eighth inning. There are a number of ways we can work things. If roles develop, great. If they dont, were going to have an effective bullpen with matching up.

The As are facing the AL West in six of their initial seven series covering the month of April, so Melvin is hopeful his club starts fast.

Oh, and stays healthy, of course.

Were in it right away with the division. We play everybody it seems like. I dont know what the number is, Melvin said. Youd like to get off to a good start in your division and the Angels present many challenges. They have some very high-profile guys, they like to move around a little bit, hit and run, and create some action, so we have to be ready for that kind of thing. They always have the potential to be a very good team, especially with guys like Mike Trout and Albert Pujols. Theyve added to their roster, added a little more speed and athleticism. So its going to be a very good team we have to deal with.

Its the first time since 2009 the As and Angels meet opening day.

Beforehand, Oakland will dedicate Rickey Henderson Field, named for the Hall of Famer who will be in attendance.

With Coliseum upgrades and the Rooted In Oakland theme as the NFL Raiders and NBA Golden State Warriors each plan to depart the East Bay in coming years, the As are ready to be this citys team that stays.

Photos of old greats and current players line the ballpark walls where players go to work each day, with food truck options for fans available outside.

It kind of makes it a different feel in our clubhouse, which is nice, Melvin said. Kind of spruced up a little bit. It does feel like the theme of whats been talked about leading up to the season is also kind of filtering into our clubhouse.

From old and also new faces like center fielder Rajai Davis, reliever Santiago Casilla and infielder Adam Rosales beginning second stints with the club and several other offseason additions such as Matt Joyce and Trevor Plouffe, Melvin likes his roster.

Even if the As have finished in last place among the AL West the past two years. They lost their final six spring games, too.

You see it every year, sometimes the team that finishes at the top of the standings is the worst in baseball and vice versa, catcher Stephen Vogt said. Were playing well. I think were having good at-bats up and down the lineup. Our pitching has been good and our defense has been really, really good.

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Excerpt from:
Athletics host rival Angels to start season Monday night (Apr 2, 2017) - FOXSports.com