Marktplatz » Martin spiked his bat and helmet in the batters box

CLEVELAND -- For eight seasons, DQwell Jackson did everything for the Browns. He overcame serious injuries to play at a high level. He led the team tackles. He became a locker room leader, showing the way for younger players. And, he did it all without complaint despite almost constant losing and change in Cleveland. Jacksons run ended Wednesday. The Browns released the veteran linebacker, cutting ties with one of their most popular players due a $4.1 million roster bonus next month. The 31-year-old Jackson, who made 96 starts in eight seasons with the Browns, is now a free agent and can sign with any team. Jacksons agents and Clevelands revamped front office tried to restructure his contract, but couldnt come to terms and decided to part ways. "We had positive discussion with DQwell and his agent over the last several days, and we came to the mutual agreement to go in different directions," said Browns general manager Ray Farmer, who was promoted into that role last month and had to make a tough decision on Jackson. "DQwell is the epitome of class, leadership and professionalism. Every day of his NFL career, DQwell has been a solid representative of the Browns and the city of Cleveland, both between the lines on Sundays and off the field in our area community. "We wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavours." Jackson overcame two serious chest injuries earlier in his career. He missed most of two seasons, but recovered and was a mainstay on Clevelands defence despite playing under four head coaches and four defensive co-ordinators. He signed a five-year, $42.5 million contract extension last year through 2016. The deal, which included $19 million in guarantees and bonuses, would have paid Jackson $3.93 million this season. He was set to make $7.73 million and $7 million the next two seasons. However, the Browns looked at his age and increasing salary, and although theyve got room under the salary cap, decided to make the change. The team wants to get younger, stronger and faster in its linebacking corps and Jackson no longer fit into their plans. Near the end of last season, Jackson said he would be "shocked" if he didnt come back. But now that the day has arrived, he can get a fresh start elsewhere. He thanked the Browns and their fans in a statement. "To the people of Cleveland and Browns fans everywhere: Eight years ago I began a journey that blessed me with the opportunity to be a part of a wonderful organization and community," Jackson said. "I want to take this time to thank each and every one of you for opening your arms and hearts to my family and me, and for making Cleveland an easy place to love and call home. Its been an honour playing in front of you. I also would like to thank the Browns players, coaches and staff for their tireless work and commitment. "From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all and will always carry you with me. For opening your arms and hearts to my family and me, and for making Cleveland an easy place to love and call home. Its been an honour playing in front of you." Custom Toronto Raptors Jerseys Pascal Siakam Jersey .com) - Roosevelt Jones had 19 points, seven rebounds and seven assists to lead No. http://www.nbaraptorsonline.com/Authentic-Jodie-Meeks-Jersey/ . -- Jacksonvilles offensive makeover is just getting starting. Marc Gasol Raptors Jersey . As if he had been rehearsing it, Vasquez looked around with a grimacing stare as he clinched two fists and flexed his muscles. What do you think of DeMar DeRozans face after he hits a big shot, he was asked moments earlier. Kyle Lowry Raptors Jersey . 22 because of a bruised foot and have added forward Sean Collins to the roster on emergency recall from Springfield of the AHL.PITTSBURGH -- Yovani Gallardo was pitching so well he just needed one run to get a win. His catcher got him all the support he needed, with some help from an eager fan. Gallardo pitched seven crisp innings, Jonathan Lucroy doubled and scored on Aramis Ramirezs groundout, and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 1-0 on Sunday. "Yo was outstanding," Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said. "Just hung in there and made some great pitches, got better as the game went on." Gallardo (4-4) had a season-high eight strikeouts in his second win in his last three starts. He allowed four hits and walked one. The Pirates had at least one baserunner in five of Gallardos seven innings, but the right-hander got sharper as the game progressed. "I was able to get out of some big situations and make pitches," Gallardo said. "Thats always something positive to go from." Jeff Locke also pitched seven solid innings in a spot start for the Pirates. Locke was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis to start in place of Charlie Morton, who was pushed back a day to Monday. Pittsburgh also put right-hander Gerrit Cole on the 15-day disabled list with shoulder fatigue. Locke (0-1) struck out five and walked one in his second start of the season. The left-hander, who made the All-Star team last season, allowed six runs and eight hits in 5 1-3 innings against San Francisco on May 5. "He gave us everything we could have asked for him to give us today," manager Clint Hurdle said. "And more." Locke said he benefited from being "on the same page" with catcher Russell Martin. "We just knew I was going to pitch my game," he said. "He just put down the right fingers and moved the ball around a little bit." Lucroy sparked the only scoring sequence of the game when he led off the seventh with a liner down the leeft-field line that was grabbed by a fan while it was in play.dddddddddddd Lucroy was awarded a ground-rule double on the interference. Lucroy went to second on Carlos Gomezs lineout to centre and scored on Ramirezs bouncer to first. The Pirates then loaded the bases with one out in the bottom half. But Gallardo struck out pinch-hitter Jose Tabata and Josh Harrison popped out to second to end the inning. Pittsburgh left 10 runners on base in its 10th loss in 13 games this season against NL Central-leading Milwaukee. Martin and Hurdle also were ejected in the eighth. With two out and Andrew McCutchen on third, Martin looked a called third strike on a curveball from Francisco Rodriguez on the lower-inside edge of the plate. Martin spiked his bat and helmet in the batters box. Hurdle then confronted umpire Ed Hickox about the call and was thrown out. Roenicke said he thought the pitch looked questionable based on the way his catcher reacted to it. "(Lucroy) made that pitch look a little not-as-good-as it probably was," Roenicke said. "Just because he was maybe in between trying to block or decide where the ball was going to end up." Lucroy said he did not think the pitch was a strike. The Pirates then put runners on first and second in the ninth, but Rodriguez got Travis Snider to hit into a fielders choice that advanced Starling Marte to third and retired Harrison for his 19th save. "I ended up making the right pitches to get out of (the jam)," Rodriguez said. "So its definitely a nice win." NOTES: Lucroy had three hits and improved his batting average to .335, third-best in the National League. ... Morton (2-7, 3.31 ERA) got an extra day of rest and will pitch against Chicago on Monday. ... Milwaukee RHP Marco Estrada (5-2, 4.19 ERA) starts when the Brewers begin a three-game series with the Mets on Tuesday. ' ' '