taking a call from Paul Roos (then an academy coach at the Swans).

TOKYO -- Shohei Otani was honored for both his batting and pitching Monday when he was named MVP of Japans Pacific League.Otani helped the Nippon Ham Fighters win the Pacific League pennant and the Japan Series this season. The 22-year-old right-hander went 10-4 as a pitcher and batted .322 with a career-high 22 home runs.The fourth-year player earned 1,268 points in MVP voting, comfortably ahead of teammate Brandon Laird, who was second with 298 points.Otani renewed his own Japan record for the fastest pitch on three occasions this year, most recently clocking 165 kph (102.5 mph) during the playoffs.Last week, Otani was the first player ever to be named the Pacific Leagues best pitcher and best designated hitter. Phil Jackson Jersey . After Gasquet beat fifth-seeded Ivan Dodig of Croatia 7-5, 6-3, Tsonga followed up with a 6-7 (3), 6-2, 6-2 win against sixth-seeded Edouard Roger-Vasselin in an all-French match. Youth Knicks Jerseys . Cuban testified Thursday that he was upset when the companys CEO told him news that would reduce the value of his shares, for which hed paid $7.5 million. But he said he did nothing improper when he sold those shares over the next two days. http://www.cheapknicksjerseyschina.com/ . -- Patrick Reed got an early start in golf. Tracy McGrady Jersey . "I dont know that were close," said general manager Alex Anthopoulos. "I just think, right now, the acquisition cost just doesnt work for us right now. I dont know if I can quantify how far off or things like that that they might be but I would say we continue to have dialogue. Courtney Lee Jersey . Manuel was offered a position the day he was fired. He accepted earlier this week and the team made the announcement Friday. SYDNEY SWANS ROOKIE RICHESHEATH GRUNDY - A few clubs showed some interest but none acted on it until pick 42 of the 2005 rookie draft. The South Australian was recruited as a forward but is now one of the leagues best key defenders.KIEREN JACK - Rugby league convert who played for Sydney club Pennant Hills before being picked up in 2005 rookie draft. Started AFL career as a tagger but became a fine midfielder in his own right and replaced Adam Goodes as co-captain in 2013.JAKE LLOYD - Overlooked in two national drafts, with many clubs ignoring the Horsham products work ethnic and wrongly deeming him too small. Played in the 2014 grand final.SAM NAISMITH - Hails from north-eastern NSW town of Gunnedah. Was set to play university rugby before taking a call from Paul Roos (then an academy coach at the Swans). The ruckman has overcome some injury trouble to entrench himself at AFL level.TOM PAPLEY - Proved a capable goal-kicker for Gippsland in the TAC Cup but most recruiters doubbted the apprentice plumbers ability to do it at AFL level.dddddddddddd Booted a career-best four goals last Saturday to help the Swans win their semi-final.DANE RAMPE - Ignored after three seasons in the VFL. Came back to hometown Sydney and was playing for University of NSW when word got around at the Swans he might be worth a look. Was named in this years All Australian team.XAVIER RICHARDS - Young brother of Ted who joined the club in 2012, having been overlooked at two national drafts. The defender was swung forward in the NEAFL earlier this year and is now holding down a spot in the forward line alongside Lance Franklin.NICK SMITH - Represented Vic Metro in the under-18 national championships and played alongside Cyril Rioli at Scotch College. Despite being a great kick he was overlooked in the national draft. All Australian defender in 2014. ' ' '