th and Chelsea remain hopeful of a top six place, and their respective styles of football should still produce an entertaining game.After Guus Hiddinks unbeaten Premier League run ended at

WASHINGTON -- When it comes to the postseason, managers arent always saving their best for last.Closers have taken the mound for five-out saves, in non-save situations and even as early as the fifth inning so far in the 2016 playoffs. In one perplexing case, the best closer in baseball this season didnt take the mound at all.No longer is it easy for a manager to merely hand the ball to his closer for three outs in the ninth. Chicago Cubs skipper Joe Maddon considers managing the bullpen his biggest concern on a daily basis, and its all magnified in October when one decision backfiring can mean the end of the line.Thats what happened when Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter used six other relievers in an 11-inning loss at the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL wild-card game, leaving Zach Britton in the bullpen despite the All-Star closers 47 for 47 save success rate and 0.54 ERA in the regular season. Showalter was immediately second-guessed by everyone except his fellow managers who know their next call to the bullpen could be scrutinized just as much.I never question what anyone else does because youve got to make tough decisions, said Blue Jays manager John Gibbons, who got a five-out save and a six-out win from closer Roberto Osuna in the AL Division Series against Texas. You know what, most people dont ever agree with your decisions regardless.Showalter said playing on the road and the course of the game affected the decision-making process, not his philosophy. Across the majors, traditional closer practices are being challenged.In Game 1 of the Indians ALDS against the Boston Red Sox, Clevelands Terry Francona brought Andrew Miller into the game in the fifth inning because hes really good. Miller threw two scoreless innings and got the victory, brushing off the idea that what he did was unprecedented.The playoffs are a different animal, Miller said. Theres 30 closers, and most teams have a setup man. Theres seven (relievers) for most teams. The other five guys have to pitch from the first inning to the ninth every day. ... Whenever Tito asks anybody to pitch, were all going to be ready to go.Maddon tends to be less tolerant in the playoffs than usual and everyone has a shorter leash. Rookie Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has learned quickly that this time of year, you act a little more aggressively.Francona going to Miller in the fifth was about as aggressive as it comes, though players wonder if its more the start of a trend than an anomaly.Bullpens are being used a lot differently than they have in the past, as far as when youre going to use guys and when youre going to get your closer in the game for five outs, Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner said. The whole closer-pitches-the-ninth-inning thing, (it) doesnt mean those are always the biggest three outs of the game. Sometimes those three outs come in the eighth or the seventh.After preparing him with inning-plus saves during the season, Roberts wasnt afraid to use closer Kenley Jansen for two outs in the eighth and then three in the ninth in the Dodgers win over the Washington Nationals in Game 1 of the NLDS. That same night, the Nationals Dusty Baker put closer Mark Melancon in while trailing in the ninth to get important outs and give his team a better chance.Days off during the playoffs make it different than the regular season as far as bullpen usage, Baker said. Then theres also the immediacy of the situation that takes over.Theres in essence no tomorrow, Red Sox manager John Farrell said. So you may have the ability and the luxury to be a little bit quicker with some of your decisions, not balancing recovery or rest.Roberts bases decisions off his staff, his pitching coach and his gut. Sometimes a managers gut backfires, like when the New York Mets Terry Collins put closer Jeurys Familia into a tied NL wild-card game and watched as he allowed a three-run homer to the San Francisco Giants Conor Gillaspie.Hes got 51 saves and over 90 saves in two years? Ill take that, said Collins, while acknowledging Familias three blown saves against the Kansas City Royals in the 2015 World Series. He was the guy I wanted out there in the ninth inning, and well try to do a better job to make sure hes a little more rested going into the postseason.With no perfect recipe for relief, managers often resort to using top-tier starters out of the bullpen. The Blue Jays did it with David Price and the Mets with Noah Syndergaard last year, and over time that strategy has had mixed success.Managers generally want to put their players in the best positions to succeed. What pitchers want is the ball when it matters, no matter the situation.To me it doesnt matter -- sometimes it is in the seventh or the eighth, those might be the toughest times, Jansen said. Youve just got to put in your best pitcher. Andrew Ladd Jersey . Louis Blues. Shane Hnidy joins Brian Munz for the broadcast on TSN 1290 Radio at 7pm ct. Jason Chimera Jersey . Fred Couples, captain of the U.S. side, put it all into perspective. "We know whos in charge," he said. http://www.islandersauthority.com/authentic-jordan-eberle-islanders-jersey/ . The mixed zone is not a place to make friends. Thomas Greiss Jersey . "It doesnt get any better than that," Giambi said. "Im speechless." The Indians are roaring toward October. Giambi belted a two-run, pinch-hit homer with two outs in the ninth inning to give Cleveland a shocking 5-4 win over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night, keeping the Indians up with the lead pack in the AL wild-card race. Jaroslav Halak Jersey . 9. Price, heading to the 2014 Olympics for Canada, was named the First Star after posting wins in three starts with a 1.00 goals-against average and a .971 save percentage.As we approach the business end of the season, theres still plenty at stake at the top and bottom of the Premier League. All eyes turn to the title race later in the weekend with Leicester hosting West Ham on Super Sunday and Tottenham going to Stoke on Monday Night Football, while on Saturday the battle from the drop is in the spotlight.What questions will be answered come Monday, 10pm? Who will come out on top in the relegation six-pointer? (Norwich v Sunderland, Saturday 12.45pm)A real relegation six-pointer. Visitors Sunderland sit four points behind Norwich with a game in hand, but come into the game without a win in six. Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce takes his side to Norwich for a six-pointer Norwichs good form came to a halt last Saturday with the defeat at Crystal Palace, but the psychological advantage is with them after a last-minute victory over Newcastle last time out at Carrow Road.Sunderland need the win more, but the fixtures dont get much easier for either side after Saturday. Sunderland host Arsenal, Chelsea and Everton mixed in with trips to Stoke and Watford, while Norwich also face Arsenal (away), Man Utd (home), Watford (home) and Everton (away) before the season is out.Can Roberto Martinezs side give themselves a much-needed boost before the FA Cup semi-finals? (Everton v Southampton, Saturday 3pm)One thing Everton fans are desperate for is silverware. They were knocked out of the Capital One Cup at the semi-final stage this season by Manchester City, and are still without a trophy since 1995.Martinez has come under extreme pressure in recent weeks, underachieving in the eyes of Everton fans despite having a strong squad full of top internationals. Everton supporters hold a banner against Roberto Martinez at Watford last weekend They sit 12th in the Premier League with six games to go having had European aspirations in August, but all that will be forgotten if they are victorious at Wembley on May 21.The FA Cup, to some, is Martinezs last hope of redeeming himself, but first they must produce a positive performance and result to boot against a Saints side who have won three of their last four, before the Toffees face Manchester United at Wembley next Saturday.Will Villa finally give their fans something to cheer about as they head for the Championship? (Manchester United v Aston Villa, Saturday 3pm)It would be bizarrely fitting for Aston Villa to be relegated at the ground they have so often fallen short at in Premier League history. Aston Villa can be relegated at Old Trafford Villa, despite challenging United for the title in the first Premier League season in 1992/93, have won just once at Old Trafford since 1983, and are all-but guaranteed to start next season in the second tier of English football for the first time since 1987.United, meanwhile, have problems of their own, but have the chance to close the gap on Manchester City to one point in the race for the top four, with Manuel Pellegrinis side facing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the late kick-off.Will the lunchtime result boost Newcastles survival bid, or put more pressure on? (Newcastle v Swansea, Saturday 3pm)While rivals Sunderland compete in their six-pointer at Norwich, Newcastle host Swansea at St James Park, where the gap to the Canaries could be nine points by 3pm. Newcastle United players show their frustration after the defeat by Southampton Theyll have two games in hand, of course, but they face a Swansea side who have won four of their last six in the Premier League.Rafa Benitezs impact at Newcastle has not been as potent as first hoped, and their woeful performance in the 3-1 defeat by Southampton last weekend prompted the Spaniard to question his sides fight and hunger. It will be 50,000 Geordies doing the same, and much more vocally, if they produce the same on Saturday.Can Watford reach 40 points with five games to spare? (West Brom v Watford, Saturday 3pm)West Brom got there a fortnight ago, and Watford fans have been waiting since the end of February to reach the 40-point mark and all-but secure their Premier League safety. Jose Holebas celebrates scoring Watfords equaliser against Everton A win over the Baggies would do it, but having taken just two points out of a possible 18, form is not on their side.For the hosts, some goalmouth actiion would be a bonus for fans between now and the end of the season having already got to 40; theyve failed to register a shot on target in two of their last three games.ddddddddddddCan City tighten their grasp on fourth place? (Chelsea v Man City, Saturday Night Football 5.30pm, live on Sky Sports 1 HD)The return fixture in August was billed as a fight between first and second, but the bizarre Premier League season has taken a turn for both sides. Manchester City made it through to the Champions League semi-final in midweek Man City are looking to secure fourth and Chelsea remain hopeful of a top six place, and their respective styles of football should still produce an entertaining game.After Guus Hiddinks unbeaten Premier League run ended at Swansea, all eyes will be on Citys top-four push. Manchester United host bottom club Aston Villa hours before, so pressure should be on Manuel Pellegrinis side. Can Liverpool make a late charge for the top four? (Bournemouth v Liverpool, Sunday 1.30pm)Jurgen Klopps side are nine points behind Manchester City with a game in hand going into the weekend, and with City travelling to Chelsea, this could be Liverpools chance to make up ground. Liverpool have an outside chance of reaching the top four The hallmark of Klopps tenure has been too many draws, but with Bournemouth safe after a dream first season in the Premier League, the Reds could take over at the Vitality Stadium.However, theyve suffered from one or two Europa League hangovers this season, and after a challenging night against Dortmund on Thursday, Klopp may have to shuffle his pack again.Can Leicester put the pressure on Tottenham again in the title race? (Leicester v West Ham, Super Sunday 1.30pm, live on Sky Sports 1 HD)Harry Kane told Sky Sports last week it didnt matter who won first over the weekend, but White Hart Lane was anxious in stages in the first half against Manchester United last Sunday following Leicesters win at Sunderland. Leicester City fans could see their side move a step forward to the title on Sunday The roof was soon lifted after three goals in seven minutes proved Spurs werent out of the title race, but Leicester can once again pile the pressure on with a win over West Ham before their rivals trip to Stoke on Monday Night Football.This is arguably Leicesters biggest test in recent weeks, and with West Ham holding Champions League aspirations of their own, it will be a nervy and competitive affair at the King Power Stadium. Will Arsenal avoid a disastrous 2016 by securing the top four? (Arsenal v Crystal Palace, Super Sunday 4pm, live on Sky Sports 1 HD)With just seven points separating Arsenal in third and West Ham in sixth, the top four race is by no means done and dusted. Arsenal are looking to avoid a disastrous 2016 by finishing in the top four Another slip-up could find Arsenal clinging onto fourth with five games remaining, and even if the top four is secured, the same questions will be asked of Arsene Wengers tenure come the end of the season.Palace are edging closer to 40 points after a much-needed first victory of 2016 over Norwich last weekend was followed by a draw with Everton on Wednesday, and the pressure should be off as they travel to the Emirates, where they always give Arsenal a proper game. Can Spurs end their recent troubles against Stoke and keep their title hopes alive? (Stoke v Tottenham, Monday Night Football 8pm, live on Sky Sports 1 HD)It may be a good time to play Stoke, who have won just one of their last five, but Spurs have stuttered against the Potters over the past 18 months. Spurs have struggled against Stoke in the last 18 months They were beaten 2-1 at White Hart Lane last season before a 3-0 defeat at the Britannia, and despite being 2-0 up back in August of this term with 12 minutes remaining, Stoke fought back for a 2-2 draw.Nevertheless, Graeme Souness said after the 3-0 win over Manchester United that this Spurs side can challenge for years to come, while Jan Vertonghen insists they can do something special if Mauricio Pochettino stays. But for the moment, all that matters is the coming weeks. 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