Category Archives: Progress

President Trump outlined some recent accomplishments at a combined meeting on June 12. (The Washington Post)

President Trump on Monday used his first full-fledged Cabinet meeting to try to make a case that, despite the Russian investigation and other distractions, his administration is racking up accomplishments at a record clip.

Never has there been a president, with few exceptions case of FDR, he had a major depression to handle who has passed more legislation and who has done more things than what weve done, Trump, referring to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, said during the meeting at the White House.

I think weve been about as active as you can possibly be at a just about record-setting pace, Trump said.

The meeting was also notable in that Trump allowed his Cabinet members, in full view of the media, to take turns praising him and his policy agenda.

We thank you for the opportunity and blessing . . . to serve your agenda, White House chief of staff Reince Priebus said in remarks that were echoed by other senior members of the administration.

Tom Price, the secretary of health and human services, also lavished Trump with praise, saying what an incredible honor it is to lead his department at this pivotal time under your leadership.

I can't thank you enough for the privileges you've given me and the leadership that you've shown, Price said.

While Trump has issued a flurry of executive orders, Congress has yet to pass any of his marquee agenda items, including a revamp of the Affordable Care Act, a tax-code overhaul or an infrastructure package. Most bills that Trump has signed have been modest in nature, including several rolling back regulations adopted in the closing stretch of President Barack Obamas tenure.

Conservatives have also touted the confirmation of Trumps first pick forSupreme Court justice, Neil M. Gorsuch.

[Analysis: Trump is blaming Democrats for his own failure on nominations]

Trump began the meeting by berating Democrats for taking longer than he wanted to confirm his Cabinet picks and accused them of being obstructionists on his high-profile agenda items.

If we had the greatest bill in the history of the world on health care, we wouldn't get one vote from the Democrats, because they're obstructionists, Trump said. That's what they want to do. That's the game. They think that's their best political gain.

During the meeting, Trump also announced that he would hold a news conference in two weeks to lay out his administrations plan to fight the Islamic State terrorist group.

He said his administration had already taken steps to cut off funding for terrorist groups.

We are stopping the funding of terrorism, Trump said. You have to starve the beast, and were going to starve the beast.

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Trump touts 'amazing' progress, basks in praise of his Cabinet - Washington Post

The march Sunday was vibrant, in attire and color.

There were rainbow pride flags, trans pride flags, even American and Puerto Rican flags with rainbows as their stripes.

The energy was palpable, even as they lined up; sporadic cheers would overtake the crowd, interrupting percussive protest chants.

And then it suddenly got quiet. Soft singing soon overtook the soft fluttered of flags in the breeze

"Oh, say can you see..." The national anthem.

More and more joined the chorus as the song neared its apex, roaring towards the final lines.

As it concluded, the crowds let up a thunderous cheer. The march had begun.

Wayne Pawlowski and Ted carried one of those bright rainbow pride flags near the front of the parade. Ted declined to give CNN his full name; he knows that his marriage and his sexual orientation could get him fired.

Wayne and Ted have been together for 35 years, married for nine of them.

"There's a lot of basic rights that we as gay people don't have that a lot of Americans do and take for granted," said Ted. "We need to change that."

But Ted, 62, and Pawlowski, 71, have a unique historical artifact their rainbow pride flag.

They flew it at the capital's first ever LGBT protest on October 14, 1979. And they've brought it to every single Pride celebration and protest they've ever gone to since.

Jasmine and Nette Archangel made the trip North from Louisiana to be here they brought their whole family. For them, the march was about being visible.

"We want our family to be normalized, not just tolerated," said Nette, 32. "Our family's made out of love."

Last year, the couple made a big move from rural Louisiana into New Orleans, a place they feel "more accepted."

Jasmine, 33, is a bit more shy.

"I want my sons to know no matter what they decide to do, we love them regardless," she says through a smile.

The Archangels weren't the only family to travel from Louisiana. Erin Crisham and Monica Herbert brought their 3-year-old son Cullen to the march.

"We want to make sure that voices are still being heard," said Crisham. "Legislation continues to progress and not stall."

Crisham, like many in the community, saw a number of LGBT rights victories. Now, with a new President at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, they want to maintain that progress.

"We don't want to see anything stay stagnant," she said. "We don't want to see anything take steps back. We really want to see things continue to move forward."

The community won those hard-fought victories by the grassroots organizing of their organizations. They rapidly and fundamentally shifted American public thought on a variety of LGBT issues by coming out to their families, friends and coworkers and pressuring their politicians.

So how will the community pressure continued progress on LGBT issues in President Donald Trump's America?

They'll stay involved and start at home, just like they always did.

Crisham and Herbet are going to work with local LGBT family organizations just like the Archangels. And they agree with the Archangels; their family needs to be treated like anyone else's.

She says sometimes people just aren't used to having different types of families around them. It's a matter of getting them used to it.

"Sometimes, we're the educators for that," she said.

For Ted, it's simple. He's going to make sure he's at the ballot box each election voting for pro-gay candidates, "whenever we can."

His husband Wayne is going to support the organizations that helped make marriage equality the law of the land.

"We are going to go back to Florida tomorrow," he said. "The first thing we're going to do is send more donations (supportive organizations including Human Rights Campaign and the American Civil Liberties Union) ... the organizations that fight for us in ways that we can't individually."

Clayton Whitehead, 29, agrees. He sprained his ankle playing flag football earlier in the week but did not let that, or the crutch he has to walk with, stop him from marching.

The march was, "only the beginning."

"We have to get involved at the local level," he says. "Have the courage to speak up. Go to your community meetings. Your council meetings. Vote in your local elections. Those are just as important as our national elections."

Lou and John Thompson, both 69, came to Washington from Conway, Arkansas, for their first Pride and their first political protest.

They held a sign that reads, "We love our (single) gay son!" Their son Brock's sign read, "I love my (annoying but well-meaning) straight parents!"

"We need to make a stand at times," said Thompson, who thinks now is not the time to be silent. "In our churches. City council. Just every little opportunity that you get to make a stand, I think you need to say something."

Brock Thompson agrees.

"We're going to march every day if we need to," he says, beaming.

CNN's John Bena contributed to this report.

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'Equality' marchers push for progress on LGBT rights - CNN International

DETROIT, Mich. (WXYZ) - Tom Wilson, President and CEO of Olympia entertainment granted 7 Action News an exclusive interview to discuss the progress of Little Caesars arena. Click the video player to see what he told Ann MarieLaFlammeabout the timetable for construction, and how it's helping to train hundreds ofDetroitersfor jobs.

Wilson says the project is on schedule to be completed September first. He will speak publicly about the progress on Tuesday June13th at an event organized by JVS. You can see him at the "Strictly Business," annual networking luncheon at11 am at Motor City Casino.

Click the link for details on how to register to see Wilson speak at the luncheon.

JVS is an agency thatJVS helps people with counseling, training and support services, with the belief that the best way to help people is to make it possible for them to help themselves. Wislon says one thing he likes about the group is that they retrain people for the job force, giving more opportunities to workers in need.

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Exclusive: Tom Wilson talks progress, jobs linked to new Detroit arena - WXYZ

Edwin Diaz needed just 12 pitches to take care of the Blue Jays for the save on Friday night. (AP)

After a certifiably dominant performance by Edwin Diaz in the ninth inning of the Mariners 4-2 win over the Blue Jays on Friday, its easy to forget that he wasnt Seattles closer all that long ago.

The 23-year-old phenom had to go back to basics following a disastrous outing on May 15 when he walked four and registered just one out before being pulled from a win over the Oakland As. Since then, however, hes thrown seven innings over seven appearances, allowing just one run on three hits and (most importantly) no walks while reclaiming the closer role along the way.

No outing had been as good as Fridays, when he needed all of 12 pitches to put the Blue Jays away in order, striking out two on the way to his 10th save of the year.

Stecker: Mariners about to have a good problem with Haniger returning

I think all Mariner fans should be excited about it, manager Scott Servais said about Diazs performance. It was a little rocky beginning for Edwin early in the season. We backed off for good reason, got him to make a few adjustments.

Those adjustments, which were spearheaded by pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre Jr., have worked wonders. Diaz arrived in Seattle last season with minimal experience as a reliever, converting from a starter in May and joining the Mariners in June. As a result, he still had a lot to learn even though his otherworldly stuff which includes a fastball that reaches as high as 102 mph rocketed him into the closer role.

Diaz now looks like a more complete pitcher. He still throws with emotion, but hes clearly more in control of himself should trouble arise. And with that in check, theres not much opposing hitters can do when his pitches are on, as the Blue Jays learned on Friday night.

Mels done a great job with him and keeping him in check, and tonight I thought was the best fastball hed had all year and (he) commanded it, Servais said after Fridays game. It was down in the strike zone early, it was up late when he wanted to go, he wasnt missing spots, and once you get them swinging at 100 theyre gonna swing over the top of that slider. Really excited about where Diaz is at.

Notes

RHP Felix Hernandez will make his second rehab start on Sunday, but it wont be his last. On the 10-day disabled list since late April for shoulder bursitis, Hernandez will make another appearance in the minor leagues after he throws around 65 pitches for Triple-A Tacoma on Sunday. We want to make sure hes ready to go when hes out there at the big league level, Servais said.

RHP Hisashi Iwakuma (shoulder) will throw a simulated game Sunday at Safeco Field, and Servais said if all goes well the 36-year-old starter will go out on a rehab assignment three or four days later.

SS Jean Segura (high ankle sprain) took some ground balls on the field before Saturdays game, his first baseball activity since suffering his injury on June 1. General manager Jerry Dipoto spoke earlier this week on Danny, Dave and Moore about the surprisingly quick recovery Segura is making from an injury that typically keeps players out four to six weeks.

The Mariners are still without OF Mitch Haniger (oblique), who will play part of Tacomas game Saturday in the fifth game of his rehab assignment. He will most likely be activated from the DL for Sundays finale against Toronto. More on that, plus the lineups for Saturdays Game 2 of the Mariners series against the Blue Jays at 7:10 on 710 ESPN Seattle, in this post.

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Notebook: Mariners fans 'should be excited' about Edwin Diaz's progress, says Scott Servais - MyNorthwest.com

Author Sheryll Cashin believes that the future holds the hope for better race relations in the United States. But her optimism isnt merely dependent on population trends. What will matter, she told Salon in a recent phone interview, is how well we can adapt to being culturally dexterous that is, more willing to learn about and accommodate cultural differences and accepting of the notion that diversity requires negotiation and compromise.

Cashin discussed this concept at length in her new book Loving: Interracial Intimacy in America and the Threat to White Supremacy, published by Beacon Press. The nonfiction book hit shelves on June 6, a few day before the 50thanniversary of the 1967 Supreme Court ruling in Loving v. Virginia that struck down laws banning mixed-race marriages in 16states.

That decision and the relationship between Mildred and Richard Loving is at the center of Cashins book, but it doesnt comprise the entirety of its message. I really want to underscore this:You dont have to marry or sleep with or adopt a child of another race to acquire dexterity, Cashin said. Friendship, I think, an authentic friendship is enough for people to acquire insight. Thats a form of intimacy that I think has as much potential to have impact as anything else because increasingly people have somewhat of a different race ethnicity in their life, even if its at work, your co-worker. Thats powerful, and its radically different.

Even as socially polarized as we seem to be now, the concept of spending time with people of other races, whether in a platonic sense or romantically, is not as unusual as it was in the 1950s or the 60s. Cashin, for her part, noticed that interracial couples have become more visible in public in recent years as well. She began contemplating writing Loving, she said, a few years ago, although she originally envisioned it as fiction. I had this idea of representing some of the things that interracial couples have to get over, she said.

In the culture at large, the share of newlyweds in interracial marriages has grown sharply. A recent report by the Pew Research Centerhas indicated that 1out of every 6 newlyweds today is married to someone of a different race or ethnicity. The report further indicates that in 2015, 1out of every 10married people had a spouse of a different race or ethnicity around 11 million people.

And this is reflected in the latest U.S. Census Bureau statistics indicating that ethnic minorities will become the majority of the U.S. population in 2044. More than half of the births in the U.S. since 2013 have been to people of color.

The Georgetown University Law professor, however, is under no illusion that interracial romances and marriages will overcome the anxiety and tension surrounding race relations. Loving, in fact, looks much further backwardinto our nations history all the way back to the 1600s.

Looking at the whole history of interracial marriage, regulation of it, banning of it, I didnt realize that it has a longer history than anything else and a more formidable role in constructing white supremacy, Cashin said. People have been obsessed with this idea for a very long time.

Anti-miscegenation law was created to solve a class conflict between wealthy planters and poor, white indentured servants, she continued. They created whiteness. What they wanted to do is divide poor white people from potentially being allies with other struggling people, with bonded black people. That political function, this dog-whistling divide and conquer it continues to this day. We no longer have anti-miscegenation laws, but we still have that kind of politics.

In a sense, Cashin is hoping that calling attention to this aspect of interracial relationships will help further the cause of moving toward more harmony in our social and political lives. My hope is that as with each passing decade its just going to get easier and easier for a center-left coalition of culturally dexterous whites and people of color to become a political majority, she said. My hope is that that political majority starts to dismantle the structures of supremacy, one of which is ghetto isolation.

Added Cashin: I wanted to make that clear. If we dont have an intentional effort to dismantle mass incarceration, to really tackle these enduring structures, some of that stuff and the othering is going to continue.

And there will still be pus back, even as Americans make strides. This is a country whereMildred and Richard Lovings story was made into a film, Loving, widely released in November 2016. These days television and film productions are expected to feature racially diverse casts as a matter of course. This year, in fact, is featuringthe first African-American Bachelorette on ABC and an interracial teen romance, Everything, Everything, in movie theaters.

Nevertheless it wasnt so long ago that internet trolls created a furor over seeing an interracial couple featured in a Cheerios commercial. And yet, that example helps Cashin make her case. In authentic friendships, when we like someone and spend time with them, were probably going to sit down and eat with them. That can be very powerful. So yes, invite someone over for a meal.

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Loving author on how slow racial equality progress can be: We still have that kind of politics - Salon

Adam Eaton is moving around better. He can place some weight on his left leg. Most of the time he is still using crutches to help carry the burden during his rehabilitation from ACL reconstruction surgery.

Eaton was placed on the disabled list April 29 with what was initially called a left knee strain. He actually had tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Eaton chose the patellar tendon graft to fix the injury.

Washington announced the timeline for his return to be 6-9 months. Among the early steps in the recovery process are reactivating the quadriceps muscle, re-establishing full extension of the leg or hyperextension, if it was in place prior to the injury then building quad strength and harmony for the muscle to fire when asked. After that, its a strengthening progression that allows the leg to carry more weight, move faster and, usually in what has become a commonplace surgery, return to its normal state.

Eaton said he is ahead of schedule to some degree. He already has full extension and has found it odd that he had to retrain his quad to do what was always a normal function because of muscle memory.

Ive never had an experience where Ive told my leg to lift and it doesnt lift, Eaton said Sunday. Its really a surreal feeling. I have to tell my quad to contract to hold me knee in place. Its definitely a grind.

When asked if there was damage to the knee beyond the ACL tear, Eaton declined to comment. Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo had said previously that surgeons repaired other ligament damage and the meniscus in addition to the ACL.

Eaton chose to do his rehabilitation work around the team. He said he watches a lot of baseball he doesnt have much of a choice, at this point and hopes his presence around the team can be beneficial.

Just in the sense that Im dedicated to them, just as theyve been dedicated to me, Eaton said. The trade this offseason probably wasnt the most popular one. I love the city. I love the people within the organization. I love everyone that was involved.

When the team goes on the road, Eaton continues his rehabilitation work. He said physical therapy and occupational therapy combine to take about 3-4 hours per day, six day per week.

I think I do a very good job of focusing every single day, Eaton said. But, at times my mind wanders about big picture. Not even just this year. Not even just next year. But, the longevity of my career and how it may be shaped with my injury.

Prior to the injury, Eaton helped create a formidable duo atop the Nationals order where he hit in front of Trea Turner. Eaton had a .393 on-base percentage when he was injured. He has been replaced by Michael A. Taylor, who hits at the bottom of the lineup.

Sitting around has been a new experience for Eaton after being a fleet athlete throughout his life.

Its been the experience of a lifetime, hopefully I dont have to go through it again, Eaton said.

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Adam Eaton says he is making progress following ACL surgery - Washington Times

England have won their first major trophy since 1966, after Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Venezuela.

Three points from England's 1-0 win over Venezuela in the U20 World Cup final.

England are world champions

For the first time since 1966, England are champions of the world, albeit at youth level, after a 1-0 win over Venezuela in the Under-20 World Cup final in South Korea. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the scorer, and Freddie Woodman, the goalkeeper who saved a second-half penalty, were England's heroes in a pulsating final against an exciting Venezuelan team who have defied expectations even more than Paul Simpson's Young Lions.

This tournament has captured the imagination of the English public, and the jubilant scenes at the final whistle, when England's bench sprinted onto the pitch for a mass embrace, and the beaming trophy presentation, showed what it meant. This is not just youth football; it could prove hugely significant for English football.

England went into the game as favourites and had the best of the opening exchanges but Venezuela nearly took the lead after 25 minutes with an effort that would have gone down as one of the great World Cup final goals at any level. Mimicking a technique made famous by his namesake, Ronaldo Lucena thumped a dipping, swerving free kick against the post from a full 40 yards. Woodman was not alone in expecting a cross, but he would have struggled to save the effort even if he hadn't been 6 yards off his line.

The Venezuelan defence was having difficulty in dealing with England's two Dominics -- Solanke and Calvert-Lewin -- at the other end, and the latter opened the scoring with a goal that demonstrated England's superior strength and composure in the final third. The Everton forward won a high ball against his man and, although his first effort was saved one-handed by Wailer Farinez, he tucked in the rebound for England's first World Cup final goal since Geoff Hurst scored with "some people on the pitch."

England sensed blood before the half was finished as Calvert-Lewin got in behind again, only for Farinez to save with his legs.

On 52 minutes, Venezuela made a significant change, with Yeferson Soteldo replacing the ineffective Ronaldo Chacon, and with his very first touch, he dissected England's defence with a pass, leaving Sergio Cordova one-on-one with Woodman. His tame finish was smothered by the goalkeeper, who also held on to a header shortly afterward. The diminutive Soteldo helped put Venezuela on top and on 72 minutes came Woodman's moment, saving Adalberto Penaranda's penalty brilliantly after Jake Clarke-Salter was penalised. Venezuela pushed for a leveller, with even Farinez trying his luck in the dying seconds when up for a corner, but England held on to claim a historic victory.

VAR works

The most high-profile incident in the short history of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) trials was another positive advert for the technology. On 72 minutes and with Venezuela on top, Clarke-Salter clipped the heels of Penaranda and the referee immediately pointed to the spot. England's players implored him to consult the video assistants and he did, but replays showed it was the correct the decision. Woodman dived the wrong way but brilliantly kept out Penaranda's spot kick with a firm hand, and the Malaga forward seemed so stunned he failed to react to the rebound.

While Penaranda can hardly have savoured the extra wait, consulting the video assistants took barely a minute and ensured the correct decision at a pivotal moment in a World Cup final. There will always be detractors, people who fear further interference by a faceless official behind the scenes, and the questionable decision to uphold a red card in Italy's quarterfinal win over Zambia proves that there are still problems to be ironed out.

But this tournament has gone a long way towards suggesting that VAR works. It's time to have the conversation about introducing it to men's football -- and Serie A is leading the way by applying for FIFA approval for the start of the upcoming season.

England must translate success to senior team

This was England's first World Cup final appearance at any level since 1966 and the achievement of Paul Simpson's squad should not be underestimated. England have enjoyed relative success at youth level before, however, notably losing to Germany in the final of the European Under-21 Championship in 2009, but failed to build on these at senior level.

While Germany's youth team from that final went on to form the core of their World Cup winning team in 2014, England's stars from that tournament -- Theo Walcott, Micah Richards, Kieran Gibbs et al -- have largely failed to live up to their potential. A huge challenge for the Football Association, and English clubs, is to ensure the same fate does not befall this U20 team.

Key to that will be opportunities at club level and England's heroes will hope to use this triumph as a springboard. The closest thing to a Premier League regular in England's World Cup winning squad is captain Lewis Cook, who may have made more than six appearances for Bournemouth last season were it not for injury.

Cook's midfield partner Joshua Onomah, England's most impressive player in the final, is a good example. The Tottenham player made just four substitute appearances in the Premier League last season but this experience can only be a positive for him. He and his teammates will hope to use it and play more next term.

Dominic Solanke, who won the Golden Ball for the Player of the Tournament in South Korea, will jump ship from Chelsea due to a lack of first-team opportunities. It has to be hoped he will find more of a home when he completes his switch to Liverpool on July 1.

Dan is ESPN FC's Tottenham correspondent. Follow him on Twitter: @Dan_KP.

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England's young stars rule the world, but must progress to senior team - ESPN FC (blog)

Tigers outfield prospect Cam Gibson is in his second season at Single-A West Michigan.(Photo: Robin Buckson / Detroit News)

Maybe because they had learned earlier lessons about rushing players think of big-bonus outfielder Daniel Fields the Tigers these days are taking their time with promotions and upgrades.

It might have paid off in the 2017 rise of Cam Gibson, a 23-year-old outfielder who was asked to repeat a second season at Single-A West Michigan.

Gibson is batting .275 in his last 10 games and has nine home runs for the Whitecaps. On the year he has a .331 on-base average and .786 OPS. He tracks balls in the outfield with range reminiscent of his dad, Kirk, who three decades ago was a Tigers centerpiece on some elite teams that in 1984 won Detroits last world championship.

This progress Cam Gibson has made in 2017 is not, say his bosses, the product of a one-time Michigan State baseball star overmatching his pitching competition. Its simple development that, perhaps within a month, will see Gibson heading for a stiffer challenge at Single-A Lakeland.

Gibson ripped a double and had another hard-hit out in Fridays game against a starting pitcher from Daytona, Tony Santillan, who was firing a 99-mph fastball during Fridays game at Comstock Park. He had another single and a pair of RBIs in Saturday nights Whitecaps triumph.

This can happen when swing adjustments and simple maturation move a player from so-so prospect to a youngster the Tigers could eventually see in the big leagues, even as a fourth outfielder.

Hes adjusted his stance, and his hands set-up, and hes trying to limit excess movement trying to be more direct to contact, which hes doing better, said Bruce Fields, the Tigers roving batting instructor who was taking in the Whitecaps-Dayton series this weekend, and whos been monitoring Gibson for two years.

Hes hitting the ball hard and more consistently. His swing hasnt been in and out like it was last year. Last year, hed show you a couple of good swings, then lose it for a while, then show you another good swing.

Now you see that hes hitting the ball harder. With a little air under it. Hes improved his swing greatly from last year.

Gibson was a fifth-round pick in 2015 following his junior year at East Lansing. He batted only .221 last year at West Michigan, his first full season of professional baseball. It was not the start Gibson or the Tigers had in mind.

Rather than push him reflexively to high Single-A Lakeland in 2017, the Tigers decided to cool the timetable, not only with Gibson, but with one of his old Spartan teammates, first baseman Blaise Salter, a 6-foot-5, 245-pound, right-handed batting first baseman who last season worked at Single-A Connecticut. Salter is batting .319 for the Whitecaps, with an .859 OPS, five home runs and 48 RBIs in 60 games.

Put it this way, Fields said, speaking of Gibsons follow-up at West Michigan. When you repeat a league you expect better results. What Cam has shown is what was expected. Hes given us better results, been more consistent with his swing. Hes added the bunt (for base hits) game, as have some of the other young guys there.

Numbers dont lie, Fields continued. Let me ask you this: If this were another organization, any other organization, and you had a couple of kids one hitting .325, .330, another with a league-lead in RBIs what would you say?

Fields was speaking here of Salters RBIs, as well as another of manager Mike Rabelos outfield colts, Jacob Robson, an eight-rounder (Mississippi State) from last Junes draft, who is batting .321 for the Whitecaps and alternating outfield spots with Gibson and with Danny Woodrow, a 12th-round pick (Creighton) last June.

All of the outfielders have speed. All can and do play anywhere in the outfield.

A little fireplug, Fields said of Robson, an Ontario native who grew up in London and now lives in Windsor. He gets after it. Plays hard. I just love the way he goes after it.

Woodrow after watching him last night his swing is definitely improving. You see a better plane and path. Hes hitting hard, firm ground balls and using the whole field. And hes repeating his swing. At least he did last night.

Gibson, of course, is a left-handed batter, 6-1, 195, with an arm similar to his fathers (a bit beneath average) and defensive range that could help push him to Comerica Park

The Tigers hope for obvious reasons Gibson can make the cut. A defender with his range could be of immense help in a home ballpark that has surplus acreage. He also could decongest basepaths the 2017 Tigers too often tend to clog.

Gibson had 26 steals in 2016. He has 12 swipes in 2017. The Tigers would prefer seeing 30-plus by the time he wraps up his 2017 venture. Speed and power theyre difficult to ignore in a Tigers system hurting for position options.

I would say Gibby, if you were to grade his power, probably is slightly below average but hes got pop, Fields said. Its mostly pull power, but he has hit a couple of deep balls to right-center and center, and if hes doing that, hes making progress.

Obviously, the next step is you want to see it at the next level (Single-A Lakeland). You want to see if he can repeat his swing at that level. Well see where it goes.

This is where the Tigers are perhaps taking different tacks from some older, less strategic days when the likes of Daniel Fields, who had gotten a $1.6 million bonus from the Tigers, was rushed to high Single A and never spent a day getting a base at West Michigan.

The Tigers have different approaches these days. Gibson might be an eventual salute to more prudent development and patience.

lynn.henning@detroitnews.com

twitter.com/Lynn_Henning

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Cam Gibson rewards Tigers' patience with progress - The Detroit News

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Decades-long American chestnut restoration efforts show progress Pittsburgh Post-Gazette In the late 1980s, after more than 20 years of inactivity, another wave of restoration efforts began, and a recently published paper offers positive signs on the progress. It's a cautious optimism, said co-author Sara Fitzsimmons, the director of ...

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Decades-long American chestnut restoration efforts show progress - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Jacoby Ellsbury again is making progress in his recovery from a concussion, but not to the point that hes game-ready.

Joe Girardi said the centerfielder, who has been on the disabled list with a concussion and neck sprain since May 25, will not travel with the Yankees on Sunday night when they head to the West Coast for the start of a seven-game trip that begins Monday night in Anaheim. Instead, Ellsbury will go to Double-A Trenton, where he will work out with the club but not play in games.

That is not to say Ellsbury isnt feeling better. The headaches that had started to go away returned June 2 in Toronto, and he has been restricted to light exercise since then. That activity has been moderately increased in recent days because the headaches have not been as frequent.

He has been riding the bike, he has run on the treadmill, he is not sprinting yet, Girardi said. But hes played catch, so were starting to see progress.

Though Ellsbury certainly helps the Yankees outfield depth, all signs are that he will not be put back into the starting lineup immediately after he returns. Thats because Aaron Hicks entered Saturday nights game with a .318/.426/.584 slash line, 10 homers and 34 RBIs.

After watching Hicks hit two home runs Friday night, Girardi said his playing time wont decrease significantly when Ellsbury returns. Hes going to play a lot, thats the bottom line, Girardi said of Hicks. Hes going to continue to get a ton of at-bats.

Greg Bird (right ankle bone bruise) entered Saturday night hitting .280/.438/.360 in eight rehab games but still could be a little ways from returning.

I dont have a timetable on when hes coming back, Girardi said. Looking at the numbers, hes doing OK. Our people have determined hes not ready to come back yet. Could it be sometime soon? I guess it could be, but I dont have a date yet. Hes been off for a while and needs some at-bats.

Aroldis Chapman threw 18 pitches in a simulated game Saturday in Tampa with his fastball sitting at 97-98 mph, according to Girardi. He said Chapman will pitch for high Class A Tampa on Tuesday and Double-A Trenton on Friday and perhaps be back Saturday with the Yankees.

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Jacoby Ellsbury making some progress - Newsday