BUFFALO, N. Kyle Fuller Camo Jersey .Y. -- The Buffalo Sabres signed prospect defenceman Brady Austin to a three-year, entry-level contract. Austin, 6-foot-3 and 234 pounds, was selected by the Sabres in the seventh round of the 2012 draft. He is coming off a career season in which he had nine goals and 24 assists in 67 games split between Belleville and London in the Ontario Hockey League. The signing was announced Thursday. NHL teams have until Sunday to sign their 2012 draft picks to retain their rights. Kyle Fuller Black Jersey .Y. -- Before anyone gets any funny ideas, Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff wants to be clear on how hes approaching the team jetting off to Europe to open its season next week. Walter Payton Grey Jersey . Less than six minutes remained on the clock at TD Garden with the visitors warily protecting a one-goal lead.KISSIMMEE, Florida – It was Caesar who was warned to "beware the ides of March" in the famous Shakespeare play. The Blue Jays dont have a Caesar but they do have someone whos getting used to an annual March controversy. Hes J.A. Happ, who was back after two days away from the ballclub without the certainty of a spot in the rotation. General manager Alex Anthopoulos told the media on Thursday there are now two available starting jobs. Previously, there had been one. But Happ has struggled in two spring appearances as he works through what the Blue Jays say is a sore back. Happ has heard Anthopoulos comments but believes he will be among the group of five starters come opening day. "Yes," Happ told TSN.ca. "Uh huh. Still feel that way." Amid rumours the Blue Jays are players for Ervin Santana, the last marquee free agent starter available, the emergence of a healthy Drew Hutchison and the consideration being given to Marcus Stroman, the potential is there for Happ to be squeezed out of the picture. "As far as the Santana thing, Ive got no control over that," said Happ. "The Alex (comments,) Im not sure. That wasnt the impression I have had. I guess I dont have a comment for it." Happ hadnt been seen at camp since before Anthopoulos comment. He returned on Sunday in time to see off teammates who were about to make the two-hour bus trek to play the Astros in Kissimmee. The diagnosis is back inflammation, causing Happ general back soreness. "Its really nothing," said Happ, who didnt wish to describe the nature of the treatment hes been receiving. "Were just trying to take care of it. We needed to get a few days rest. We took care of a few things and I just kind of needed to be off my feet for a few days in order to recover from that. Well go from there. Well take it a day at a time. In my mind Im feeling better and feel like progressing and jump right back into an outing here soon." In two spring appearances, Happ has a 40.50 ERA, having allowed six earned runs in just 1 1/3 innings. Hes walked five hitters, but isnt willing to use his back pain as an excuse. "t;Its one of those things and Ive always said it, if you go out there theres no excuse," he said. http://www.nflbearsus.com/Customized/. "You find a way to pitch. It was by no means me having to find a way. I felt good enough. It may have contributed to it but hopefully it doesnt matter. I think, moving forward, I anticipate it not being an issue so that will feel good." DICKEY LOOKING STRONG R.A. Dickey pitched five scoreless innings in Sundays 4-3 loss to the Astros. The outing dropped his spring ERA to 2.45 over three starts. His knuckleball is dancing, the velocities are significantly varied and most of all, Dickey feels healthy. Hes more comfortable heading into his second year with the Blue Jays. "You look forward to a routine," said Dickey. "When that routine is interrupted sometimes it can mess things up, especially when youre older and thats something Im learning. "Getting to come into the clubhouse every day," he said. "Not having to depart and be away from my teammates; getting to really do relationships with those guys; getting to prepare in-between starts the way that I like to; take ground balls on the half-field in-between starts. All that is part of getting ready." There were high expectations for the 2013 Blue Jays. Those expectations werent met. Asked what he would say about the 2014 version of his club, Dickey offered a wry, deadpanned response. "I think were terrible," joked Dickey. "I dont want anybody to take us seriously and I think that because of last year were probably going to get walked over every game." DICKEYS REMAINING SPRING SCHEDULE Dickey has three spring starts left before opening day after his 82-pitch, five-inning performance on Sunday. He intends to throw about 100 pitches in each of his next two starts and then shorten his final appearance in preparation for opening day, March 31 in Tampa Bay. CAMP CUTS The Blue Jays reduced their major league camp roster by four after Sundays game. Catcher A.J. Jimenez, outfielder Kenny Wilson and pitchers Deck McGuire and Rob Rasmussen, all of whom are on the 40-man roster, were sent to minor league camp. ' ' '
