SAN FRANCISCO — Last August, when the Red Sox were beginning their freefall into last place, they added by subtracting a quarter-billion dollars from their payroll in a blockbuster trade with the Dodgers.

It’s hard to fall in love with a move like that when it happens, but this August, there’s true love in the air.

The Sox now are at the top of the AL East, and yesterday they made an old-fashioned splash, an August surprise that fans will be able to feel, see and hear for years to come.

Xander Bogaerts was called up from Triple-A Pawtucket and joined the team for the opener of its West Coast trip. There is no way anyone can make too big a deal about what the move says about the Red Sox’ future, but it also helps the 2013 team.

This is not addition by subtraction. It’s the addition of a complete package who possesses every bit of the talent, smarts, poise and maturity that homegrown stars such as Nomar Garciaparra, Dustin Pedroia and Jacoby Ellsbury had when they got their calls.

Maybe more.

And it’s worth mentioning that at 20, Bogaerts is three years younger than any of those players were when they arrived.

Sunday night, he was playing dominoes with his Pawtucket teammates when he got the call.

Last night, he was on the bench in the visitors dugout at AT&T Park. The only way he could have looked more at ease or sounded more comfortable would have been if he was in the starting lineup.

That’s coming.

Like tonight.

“Oh man, I’ll probably try to get a walk,” Bogaerts said about how he’ll approach his first plate appearance, even if it came as a pinch hitter last night. “Be as patient as possible, not try to be too overaggressive, just enjoy the time.”

Most 20-year-old prospects don’t understand that they must swing at strikes and watch balls at the major league level. Bogaerts gets it. He drew 63 walks in 116 games combined at Double-A Portland and Pawtucket this year, good for a .388 on-base percentage. And when he swung at those strikes, the contact was meaningful. He had 23 doubles, six triples, 15 home runs and 67 RBI. With the PawSox, he was the youngest player in the International League.

Now he is the third-youngest player in the big leagues. Only Bryce Harper of the Nationals and Jurickson Profar of the Rangers are younger. Depending on which minor league guru you follow, he is somewhere between No. 1 and No. 5 on the lists of top prospects in the game.

The Red Sox traded away Jose Iglesias in large part to make room for Bogaerts, and they are going to make every effort to give him as much playing time as possible, mostly at shortstop and some at third base.

They do not want to come out and say what Bogaerts could mean to them because they still have Stephen Drew at shortstop and Will Middlebrooks at third base.

The Sox also have been struggling, with only three wins in the 10 games leading up to last night. They have not hit lefties well, and Drew is one of the biggest offenders.

They weren’t just doing Bogaerts a favor by asking him to fly across the country with them. They need his help, even more than they can say right now.

“The reason we brought Xander was a right-handed bat to complement (Drew),’’ manager John Farrell said.

Bogaerts will “rotate through the left side” of the infield. Farrell mentioned that he still had some development to do defensively and on the bases. His bat was left out of the scouting report.

“We’re talking about a young, exciting offensive player — a very good player all around that, at 20 years of age, is still developing,’’ Farrell said. “We feel like he, as a person, and his abilities will give us a shot in the arm and make an impact here.”

The key word with Bogaerts is “impact.’’

He is that good, and he knows that a passionate fan base is ready to drink the Kool-Aid.

“If you start thinking about those things, I think that’s when the pressure hits you,’’ Bogaerts said. “If you start feeling it, you’d probably go insane. I try not to think about that stuff and just try to concentrate on baseball. That’s really what I’m about.”

Bogaerts is here to help, down the road and right now.

He has six weeks to show us what he’s made of as a 20-year-old, and years and years to show us more.

As big deals go, Bogaerts is the biggest..

Jon Lester, Red Sox soar past Giants

SAN FRANCISCO — It wasn't merely the breeze blowing in from McCovey Cove that gave the feeling of April baseball here last night.
It also was the performance of Jon Lester.
With the Red Sox requiring a pick-me-up after their day-of-game cross-country flight, Lester delivered 8-1/3 scoreless innings in a series-opening 7-0 win over the Giants. He retired 16 of the first 18 batters, didn't permit a runner to advance beyond second base, and allowed only six hits, two of which came in the ninth inning and cost him a chance to complete his fourth career shutout.
If you didn't know better, you'd have thought it was a replay of one of his April starts.
"Coming out of the All-Star break, he's been back close to the form he started the season with," manager John Farrell said. "And we're going to need that from him."
Indeed, Lester is 3-1 with a 2.52 ERA since the break, and that includes a six-run beating by the Diamondbacks on Aug. 2 at Fenway Park. It's reminiscent of his first nine starts of the season, when he went 6-0 with a 2.72 ERA.
And considering the big lefty entered the All-Star break on an 11-start skid in which he posted a 6.27 ERA, it seems one of the Red Sox' most underrated decisions was rearranging the rotation in order to give him a nine-day midseason breather.
"I think any time you go through some struggles, having a break helps," Lester said. "Getting away, whether it’s one off-day or whether it’s the All-Star break, I think that really helped just kind of getting me back to neutral as far as just pounding my head against the wall with pitch selection or mechanics or whatever it may be at that particular time. I feel like that was a good mental break for me. I felt fresh when I came back."
In an attempt to stay as fresh as possible after playing Sunday night at Fenway Park, the Red Sox consulted Dr. Charles Czeisler, chief of sleep medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hopsital. And he recommended that they wait until 10:30 a.m. yesterday to make their cross-country haul rather than taking an overnight flight after Sunday’s game.
Czeisler reasoned that the players wouldn’t be as tired if they slept in their own beds, even if the unorthodox itinerary required that they go directly from the airport to AT&T Park to prepare for last night's game.
Turns out, Czeisler may be on to something.
Although Lester did fly ahead of the team and looked well-rested, the rest of the late-arriving Red Sox hardly appeared jet-legged. They were opportunistic on offense, taking advantage of a balk and a catcher’s interference call to push across three runs in the second inning against Giants starter Tim Linecum.
If anything, the Red Sox exhibited more energy than the Giants. Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Stephen Drew notched RBI doubles, while Daniel Nava and Shane Victorino picked up three hits apiece. The Sox were typically aggressive on the bases, hardly looking like the team that didn't complete an emotional three-game series against the rival Yankees until almost 12:30 yesterday morning.
And they didn’t even need top prospect Xander Bogaerts, whose major league debut will have to wait until tonight after being called up yesterday.
“We adjusted to what we thought was best for our guys,” Farrell said. “It was an adjustment to our really and really when to take off. I think the one thing we talked about before the game was not to make a big issue about the travel. We took a morning flight rather than a night flight. In the end, that’s kind of what it is.”
And in the end, it started with the starter, as Lester picked up his first win since July 28.
“It’s easy to feel comfortable out there when you get a performance like we got tonight from Jonny,” Nava said. “That helps a lot. You can go up there and take some good at-bats and not feel any pressure or anything. Then we got the lead, and he shut them down.”
It was a good sign for the Red Sox, who have lacked an ace since Clay Buchholz went down in June with shoulder inflammation. Buchholz is inching closer to a September return, but there isn't any guarantee he will pitch to his pre-injury level (9-0, 1.71 ERA). John Lackey and lefty Felix Doubront have been consistent throughout the season, but both have the look of middle-of-the-rotation starters. Jake Peavy has proven he still can be effective, although his days as a front-of-the-rotation starter are long gone. And lately, Ryan Dempster's problems go well beyond the potential suspension he will face for drilling Alex Rodriguez on Sunday night at Fenway Park.
That leaves Lester, who has made three straight Opening Day starts and would be a safe bet to start Game 1 of any playoff series, assuming he's able to end the season the way he began it.
"When another team knows that Jon Lester has his good stuff that night, I think there's a sense of defeat," catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia said. "He's a Cy Young candidate every year when he comes into spring training. Everybody knows what he brings to the table, so everybody's going to bring their 'A' game."
Lately, Lester has been bringing his, too.

Light Sport America…

Light Sport America was founded to manufacture and distribute light sport aircraft in the United States by J. Phil McCoy, a 38-year veteran of the general aviation industry.

With some of the finest light sport aircraft in the world to offer, Light Sport America (LSA), is approaching the market with fresh ideas to compliment it’s product line. McCoy has likened the early light sport aircraft market as something akin to the Old West, complete with gunslingers, riverboat gamblers, patent medicine hucksters, rustlers and everything in between. Early on, it wasn’t unusual for manufacturers to promise 90-day deliveries that stretched to 18 months. Dealers would make outlandish claims about the airplanes they sold. It truly was like the Old West.

McCoy and his team have brought new standards of experience and professionalism to the light sport market through Light Sport America. For example, instead of using dealers, LSA sells direct to customers through its network of independent factory representatives. We feel that this gives customers better service since our customers will basically be dealing directly with the factory, but just as important, it will save customers money by eliminating dealer commissions. But the differences don’t stop there!

LSA has built a professional marketing organization where service to the customer is the highest priority. It maintains professional lines of communication with its customers. For example, upon delivery of an aircraft, LSA takes the time to aid our customers in transitional training to assure they get the greatest satisfaction and utilization from their new aircraft.

Best of all, plans are already on the table to assemble and manufacture all Storm aircraft right here in the United States. This means jobs for America. It also keeps costs lower, since our products won’t incur ocean shipping charges and customs fees. It also eliminates long waits for parts and support.

Soccer ball Encyclopedia

Bladders: Latex or Synthetic Material

The bladder has a major influence on the ball’s playing qualities. It is the heart of the ball and gives it its bounce. While many manufacturers use butyl or other synthetic bladders, SELECT prefers to use proper latex, a natural product that comes from trees.

Butyl hardly lets out any air, whereas latex does (gradually). This means that a latex ball needs to pumped up more often, roughly once a week. But latex has much more liveliness, elasticity and bounce than synthetic materials, and unlike some synthetic materials, it retains its shape even when it is stretched and treated roughly. We are so demanding when it comes to bladders that we make them in our own factory. Each bladder is pumped up and tested for balance before it is inserted in a SELECT ball.

Foam

Foam is integrated as part of some of the outer materials used by SELECT and by other manufacturers. But SELECT never uses a separate foam layer as lining, like some manufacturers do, to make the balls seem softer. We think that the foam is squashed out when the ball is kicked, which will temporarily upset the ball’s balance, thereby ruining the perfect flight and ball control. Foam also absorbs water if it penetrates the surface after a lengthy period of use. Remember that even the slightest imbalance will make the ball’s flight uneven. Just ask any free-kick specialist.

Hand-Stitched vs. Machine Stitched vs. Glue (Thermobonding)

Hand-Stitched

 – provides for deeper seams that are consistent and protected. This greatly enhances the playability and durability of the outer layer of the ball.

Machine Stitched

 – very quick and inexpensive method typically used for low end balls. Seems are consistent but completely exposed. Exposed seams will stretch and eventually tear. Outer panels seem to cave in as seems stretch under stress.

Glue / Thermal Bonding

 – process through which a machine heats and presses panels onto a mold. Panel seems are very small. Glue can break down from elemental stresses, causing panels to peel off or become distorted.

Lining Materials and Layers

Manufacturers use different types of lining materials to support the ball’s outermost layer, usually made of polyester in different quantities. Some manufacturers claim that the more lining layers are used, the better the ball.

SELECT looks at this issue in a totally different way. As all balls need to keep within certain weight limits, we believe that the more layers of (cheap) polyester you use, the less room you will have for better materials like PU. So, our top ball Brilliant Super has the fewest layers of lining in our entire range of balls. We prefer to add the extra weight with a thicker top-quality PU layer instead.

PU vs. PVC

PU is the abbreviation for Polyurethane. PVC is the abbreviation for Polyvinylchloride.

Nowadays the vast majority of soccer balls, including the very best, are made from synthetic materials and not real leather. Most companies use polyurethane (PU) for the outer layer of their top balls. Polyvinylchloride (PVC) is used as the outer material for cheaper balls, but it is a less durable synthetic material. When compared with PVC balls, PU balls are softer, more like leather, while they also have better playing qualities and are not affected by cold weather. But not all PU balls are the same. In general, the thicker the PU layer, the better the playing qualities and touch. SELECT's Pro series balls have the thickest PU layer in our range.

Select Sport America is proud to announce that The United States Futsal Federation has chosen Select Sport America as the official Futsal ball supplier for the next 4 years.

The agreement takes effect on July 1st 2011 and the brand new Select Futsal Super ball is to be debuted at the US Futsal National Championships this July in Anaheim, CA.

The United States FUTSAL Federation (USFF) is the governing body for the growing sport of futsal in the United States. USFF is the only indoor soccer game sanctioned by FIFA - the International Federation of soccer Associations - the organizer of the World Cup etc. The USFF organize the league play of all ages and skill levels and welcomes players from all backgrounds.

As a part the agreement between Select Sport America and USFF, Select will supply the Futsal balls for all matches during all sanctioned US Futsal events including the Regional and the National Championships.

Select was chosen by USFF as the official ball due to their long history of innovation and commitment to making high quality soccer and Futsal balls.

Select Sport was founded in 1947 and is the inventor of the modern soccer ball and contributed to setting the standards used by FIFA today.

Futsal in itself is a simple game that requires a flat surface, two teams, and a ball.

Futsal is a great skill developer, demanding quick reflexes, fast thinking and pin point passing. It is an exciting game for children as well as adults. Just by playing with the ball develops precise ball control and technical skill, agility, lightening reflexes and decision making. As the balls have less bounce they tend to stay in play longer and promote close ball control. After playing in enclosed areas and learning to think and react quickly, players find when they play the full field soccer games they react well under pressure. Hence the ball is the most important piece of equipment on the court.

The Select Futsal Super has set itself apart in an extremely competitive market by using only the finest materials available. The highly durable yet soft hand-sewn FPUS 1700 Pearl casing delivers uncompromising touch and performance that the world’s best players have come to expect. The design of the Futsal Super incorporates Select’s world-renown and classic star design accompanied by subtle “carbon” detailing making the ball look unlike any other.

(Quote from Alexander J.C. Para) “Futsal has experienced substantial growth both in the US and across the globe over the past several years. It is very important that US Futsal stays in the forefront of development. Setting the stage for our nation’s premier Futsal tournament requires forming partnerships with organizations that bring a level of professionalism and exposure that elevate the status of futsal here in the US. Select’s international recognition and reputation will certainly go right along with this theme”.

Select Sport America: Heading into the future

Dear Customer,

The world is changing fast. Fortunately, Select Sport has been able to continually develop soccer balls to become as perfect as possible since 1947. As you probably know we are the inventor of all major improvements to modern soccer balls.

More uniform world-wide marketing appearance.

On the marketing front, we have been working hard to achieve a uniform world-wide appearance and we are proud to present a more modern website, new marketing material and new ideas to make it even more valuable for you to be an Authorized Select Dealer.

SELECT SPORT produces more than 2 million balls a year.

We make 2 million balls a year, but we are still able to customize balls and make special logo balls for clubs, conferences etc. – of course, all are hand stitched.

SELECT SPORT provides the highest quality in the industry.

For the players, we continue to develop and introduce the highest quality hand stitched soccer ball on every price point, because we believe that quality must never be compromised, even though the competition is becoming more intensive than ever. Players shall not worry about getting the biggest savings on their purchases, they shall care about getting the best product for the money and Select is able to challenge all competitors in this respect.

New dealer section on our website

For our dealers we introduce a special section on our website that allow you to download pictures, logos, read latest product information etc. Please call or e-mail us for a user login and a password. If you need posters, banners or new special Select Sport ball shelves, please do not hesitate to contact us.

New shorter website address.

Our new website address is www.select.us

SELECT becomes official supplier of Monta Street Soccer Balls and Apparel.

Select Sport America is now also the official supplier of Monta street soccer balls and apparel. Monta is a cool looking street soccer line from Holland endorsed by the famous soccer player Edgar Davids. Please check the Monta section on our website for more information about this rapidly growing soccer segment.

Review: Select Royale and Numero 10 Soccer Balls

Official match and training ball supplier of the Denmark and Belgium national soccer teams and UEFA Champions League campaigners FC Copenhagen, Select Sports has been known for some of the best balls in the sport for over 60 years now.

Select was founded by Danish national team goalkeeper Eigil Nielsen in 1947 when even the best players could not rely on soccer as their primary source of income. The company went on to create the first synthetic leather and 32-panel footballs in history. Select Sports also introduced the first balls without an external valve, the first waterproof balls and the first hand-stictched PU balls to the world.

While Select may not have the marketing prowess of adidas or Nike, its soccer balls are well-respected from the grassroots to international levels. We’ve seen many pickup, training and amateur club matches where Select balls were chosen for use over other prominent brands from the communal ball pool.

Recently, the soccer junkies at Football Fashion have been taking a look at two of Select Sports’ 2011 offerings – the Numero 10 and Royale. Here’s what we found.

Select Numero 10
Marketed as a training and club match ball, the Select Numero 10 is clearly built to endure the rigors of serious practice sessions, scrimmages and amateur league matches with its FPUS polyurethane synthetic leather outer layer and hand-stitching. We found it to react as expected of a quality soccer ball in terms of touches for on the ground and in the air passes. It also has trajectories as expected for all of the shots that we made with it (no surprises here as with a certain World Cup 2010 matchball). All in all it is a modern soccer ball that plays like a classic.

Inflate a Select Numero 10 properly and we think that it will survive at least two years of abuse on even the dry, sometimes grassless summertime training fields that many of us part-timers are forced to use. If your team or league is on a tight budget, at $40 each the Select Numero 10 is a suitable matchball as well.

Select Royale
Put a swoosh or three stripes on the Select Royale and its $60 pricetag would probably double. Not only is this one of the best balls that we’ve ever tried, it is also one of the best deals around. If your club has the funds, we highly recommend using it for your matchball.

The Select Royale plays as well as the Numero 10. However, with a seemingly better foam lining layer that makes the ball feel softer to the touch and no visible stitching on the outside of the ball, this ball is a dream to dribble, kick, trap and head. This especially nice in this age of ultralight and ultrathin soccer boots where kicking a lower level ball can be a bit painful on the foot.

With a higher-end synthetic outer layer (FPUS 1800 vs. the Numero 10’s FPUS 1500), the Royale does not retain as much of a film of moisture on its surface as many other high end club match balls on the market. How many times did we slip on those horrible adidas Jabulanis last fall? Not a worry here.

The Select Royale and Numero 10 both possess excellent shape that should last for the lives of the balls. After using them over the past few days, we see absolutely no shape distortion in either.

The Select Royale, Numero 10 and a host of other Select products are now available at World Soccer Shop.

Thanks to Collin for making this review possible.

FC Copenhagen Uses Select Sports Soccer Balls