BLACKBOARD » at stops happening, it will likely be time for the Geelon

A look at whats happening all around the majors Friday:---A-RODS FAREWELLAlex Rodriguez will play his final game in pinstripes when the Yankees host the Rays. A-Rod asked manager Joe Girardi to play third base in his New York finale but was denied . Instead, Rodriguez will be the designated hitter in his final game before being released and transitioning into a role as special adviser and instructor. Rodriguez has been with the Yankees since 2004, costing New York $317 million while helping them win one World Series.ROOKIE ON A ROLLDavid Dahl can break the modern-day major league record by stretching his hitting streak to begin his career to 18 games when Colorado faces Philadelphia. The 22-year-old outfielder has matched Chuck Alenos mark from 1941 with the Reds while batting .358 with three homers and 10 RBI.STRASBURG GOES FOR 16Stephen Strasburg (15-2, 2.80) can tie J.A. Happ for the major league lead with his 16th victory when Washington hosts Atlanta. Strasburg failed in his first attempt at No. 16, allowing four runs in 4 2/3 innings in a 7-1 loss to San Francisco. Mike Foltynewicz (5-5, 4.37) is up for the Braves.STARTING STRONGOrioles right-hander Dylan Bundy (5-3, 3.05) looks to provide Baltimore with another quality start in a game at San Francisco. In five outings since finally getting a shot in the big league rotation, the 23-year-old is 3-2 with a 3.00 ERA, including quality starts in his past two games despite limited pitch counts. Last time out, he struck out nine over six innings of two-run ball in a 10-2 win over the White Sox. Matt Cain (4-6, 5.16) is up for the Giants.STRIPLING TO THE RESCUERoss Stripling (3-3, 3.79) is back in the Dodgers rotation and tries to provide more strong innings in a start against Pittsburgh. Stripling was pulled seven innings into a no-hitter in his major league debut April 8 but was removed from the rotation in May to limit his innings. He returned to starting with five shutout innings against Boston on Aug. 6, and may be a pivotal piece for Los Angeles banged-up pitching staff down the stretch. Ivan Nova (8-6, 4.83) makes his second start with Pittsburgh since being acquired from the Yankees.LEFTY REINFORCEMENTSeattle turns to rookie left-hander Ariel Miranda (1-0, 6.00) in a start against Oakland while it chases an AL wild-card spot. The 27-year-old Cuban was acquired from Baltimore for Wade Miley last month and got his first major league win in a surprise appearance Tuesday by pitching the 15th inning of a 6-5 victory over Detroit. The As will send out their own rookie left-hander in Sean Manaea (3-7, 4.58). Gerardo Parra Jersey .2 billion agreement with Rogers Communications for the leagues broadcast and multimedia rights. Trevor Story Jersey . - The Oakland Raiders re-signed offensive lineman Khalif Barnes on Friday. http://www.rockiesgearproshop.com/Customized/ . -- The St. Johns IceCaps weathered a wild first period with the help of goaltender Jussi Olkinuora, before finding offensive inroads in the second. Bryan Shaw Jersey . 4 Villanova with a 96-68 drubbing on Monday. Wragge hit 9-of-14 from behind the arc, matching Kyle Korvers school record for 3-pointers in a game set in 2003, as Creighton (16-3, 6-1 Big East broke a conference record with 21 treys in the rout. DJ LeMahieu Jersey . Fred Couples, captain of the U.S. side, put it all into perspective. "We know whos in charge," he said. The way Harry Taylor sees it, the fact he still gets nervous in the buildup to big AFL matches is a good thing.If and when that stops happening, it will likely be time for the Geelong backman to give it away.Friday nights preliminary final against Sydney will be Taylors 20th playoff match in the blue and white hoops.Only 10 Geelong players have participated in more finals, a select group that includes current teammates Jimmy Bartel, Corey Enright, Andrew Mackie and Joel Selwood.The 30-year-old Taylor debuted for the Cats eight years ago - a year after their drought-breaking 2007 flag - before going on to become a a key member of the 2009 and 2011 premiership teams.But he is no danger of ever becoming blase aabout the September action.ddddddddddddI still get nervous before games, he said on Monday.I spoke a bit earlier in the year about nerves, about how it can be a good thing.Nerves are a sign that youre going to care about what youre going to be doing, theyre a sign that youre passionate about what youre going to be doing.I still get that nervous feeling.The day when I dont get nervous is probably the day when I ask myself if this is what I should be doing.I love the footy club, I love playing in big games and this is the best time of year to be alive and be a Geelong footy player. ' ' '