Clippers beat the Suns 112-108 Wednesday night, the

SAN DIEGO - Kevin Cash says he is excited, rather than nervous, about replacing Joe Maddon as manager of the Tampa Bay Rays.Cash, who has no managerial experience, was hired Friday to take over a team that made the playoffs four of the last seven seasons under Maddon.I look at it more as kind of an honour to be following him in what hes done over the course of his career here, Cash said Monday at baseballs winter meetings.I think its great. You embrace it. Im always somewhat appreciative what hes been a part of, a big piece, and kind of built and now the opportunity to join that group. We all know what a job hes done, what hes meant in the Tampa Bay community. Hes moved on but you still value and respect everything hes done.Maddon exercised an opt-out clause in his contract on Oct. 24 and was hired as the Chicago Cubs manager a week later.Cash, who turned 37 on Saturday, is the youngest active manager in the majors.Cash was a catcher for parts of eight big league seasons, including a brief stint with Tampa Bay in 2008. He was Clevelands bullpen coach the last two seasons under Terry Francona. Cash played for the Red Sox for parts of three seasons while Francona was their manager.He hopes to talk to other managers this week about what to expect.Id be open to hear anything, any opinion, he said. I think I have somewhat of a perspective but youre always willing to take more and learn more.Matt Silverman, the president of baseball operations, said the Rays are stable enough to take the risk with someone with no managerial experience.There certainly is risk, Silverman said. We talked about it. It was one of the questions that came up over and over again in the interview process. The risk of the first-time manager, the games speeding up, doing things for the first time, while we expect to compete. Its different if we were rebuilding. Its different if this were the 2005 Devil Rays. Its not. We have a club that can compete for a playoff spot. We recognize that risk and felt good about taking on an inexperienced manager, because of Kevins personality, because of his experience, and because of the coaching staff and clubhouse that we have in place.But he does get to forge his own path here. Hes not bound by constraints. He has to come in and put his mark on things, knowing that we have a really good situation already.Tampa Bay went 754-705 in nine seasons under Maddon. It made the playoffs four times, won two AL East championships and the 2008 AL pennant — all while operating under the constraints of one of baseballs lowest payrolls.The Rays finished 77-85 in 2014, ending a stretch of six consecutive winning seasons. Maddon was under contract through 2015, but exercised an option to leave when talks on a new deal broke down.Cash, a Tampa native, said the text messages and phone calls of congratulations are still coming in.I get a text message and a picture about every 30 minutes from my mom where theres something on the billboard at the high school, congratulations, he said. Saturday, the 6th, my birthday, I think my mom cried from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., good tears.So its been an exciting time. Its probably more beneficial that she was there and got to be a part of it kind of by herself, a lot of attention. So good for her and the rest of the family thats been down there.Cash still has to hire a bench coach and familiarize himself with the roster. Nothing too heavy, yet, like figuring out whos batting leadoff.Im trying to get everyones names right now, he said with a laugh. Dominic Solanke Liverpool Jersey . The Redskins announced Monday that the quarterback who led the team to the Super Bowl championship in the 1987 season will serve as a personnel executive. Divock Origi Liverpool Jersey . The Redskins announced Monday that the quarterback who led the team to the Super Bowl championship in the 1987 season will serve as a personnel executive. http://www.liverpoolgear.us/Authentic-Trent-Alexander-Arnold-Liverpool-Jersey/ .The Los Angeles Lakers star passed Michael Jordan for third on the NBAs career scoring list Sunday night in a 100-94 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Virgil van Dijk Jersey . Darren Collison and Blake Griffin scored 23 points apiece and the Clippers beat the Suns 112-108 Wednesday night, their fourth win in a row and 17th in the last 19 games. Caoimhin Kelleher Jersey .J. -- Tom Coughlin doesnt have many options at halfback for the winless New York Giants.ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Minnesota Wild left wing Zach Parise has been cleared to return from the broken left foot that has kept him out of the last 14 games. The Wild said after the pre-game skate Thursday morning that Parise will play against Chicago. He last suited up Dec. 22. Parise was hurt initially Nov. 25 when he blocked a shot at SSt.dddddddddddd Louis. He was held out of the next game but returned the game after and played another month, trying to push through the pain. Over those 12 games, Parise had only four goals and one assist. The Wild decided to shut him down and let him fully heal. In 37 games this season, Parise has 15 goals and 12 assists. ' ' '