LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Dodgers held a team meeting to address young star Yasiel Puigs baserunning blunders. Mike Ditka Jersey . Manager Don Mattingly called the meeting Tuesday after the 23-year-old Cuban defector made two mistakes on the basepaths during the Dodgers season-opening, two-game trip to Australia last weekend -- mistakes that made headlines in the media. "I thought it was a really good meeting, actually," Mattingly said Thursday. "But again, its one of those things that if guys want to talk about it, they can. I dont think its something we need to talk about. ... Were just looking to get better all the time." ESPN.com first reported the meeting. The dynamic right-fielder became an instant sensation last year when made his big league debut June 3 and helped lead the Dodgers from last to the NL West title. But Mattingly was often frustrated by Puigs decision-making in the field and on the bases. "He pushes the limit. He pushes it to the edge. But then you have to re-think it and think about all the great things he does to help you win games in ways only his talent can do," teammate A.J. Ellis. "So there is give and take, and hes learning. But its like we always say, wed rather make an aggressive mistake than make a conservative mistake." Problems arose again Down Under. Puig made two errors on the bases then struck out in the ninth inning Saturday against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He then did not take his position in right field for the bottom of the ninth, complaining of a back problem. An MRI was negative, but Puig missed the teams workout on Tuesday at Dodger Stadium to get treatment. "Its up to us to help him in that maturity process, and the way we do that is to support him and encourage him no matter what," Ellis said. "Hopefully we can all be good examples, and he can take stock and inventory of how the professionals in this clubhouse go about their business." Gale Sayers Jersey . Now shes ready to make waves in the U.S. Pace shot a 3-under 68 on Saturday to grab a share of the third-round lead with Laura Diaz in the Marathon Classic. She can barely express what a breakthrough win on the LPGA Tour might bring. Lance Briggs Jersey . NHL hockey is returning to the Manitoba capital. The True North Sports and Entertainment group announced on Tuesday that they have completed a deal to purchase the Atlanta Thrashers and move them to Winnipeg in time for the 2011-12 season.COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Jadeveon Clowney believes hes the NFLs No. 1 draft pick and says he took a big step toward that goal during South Carolinas pro day workouts Wednesday. The 6-foot-5, 266-pound defensive end did position drills in front of dozens of NFL personnel, including Houston head coach Bill OBrien and Jacksonville head coach Gus Bradley. And Clowney thinks he elevated his already elite status during the 40 minutes or so of running through cones, jumping over hurdles and catching tennis balls in workouts he passed on at the NFL combine in February. "Yes, I do feel like I should be the first pick," Clowney said after the session. Clowney did not lift weights or run the 40-yard dash, standing on his combine showings when he did 21 reps at 225 pounds and clocked a 4.53-second time. He also felt he eased anyones concerns about his work ethic. He was considered by many the No. 1 pick after his sophomore season in 2012, when he had 13 sacks and closed it with his helmet-jarring hit on Michigans Vincent Smith in the Outback Bowl. The footage of the hit was seemingly shown daily on highlight shows and Clowney immediately became a Heisman Trophy favourite, analysts projecting record-setting sack numbers. But Clowney couldnt live up to the expectations as injuries and opponents schemed him out of plays. He finished with a disappointing three sacks. A midseason tiff with coach Steve Spurrier -- Clowney pulled himself out of the Kentucky game with a rib muscle strain without following proper protocol -- intensified questions about Clowneys work habits and going hard every play. "I think my work ethic is pretty good. I think I proved that today, but Ive still got a lot of proving to do," he said. There were 30 of 32 NFL teams represented with Tennessee and Cleveland opting to pass on South Carolinas pro day. Clowney spent Tuesday night at dinner with the Texans, including OBrien, defensive co-ordinator Romeo Crennel and general manager Rick Smith. Clowney thought the visit went well and he answered their questions about what hed bring to the Texans iff they took him with the top selection in Mays draft. Matt Forte Jersey. Houstons leaders liked what they saw of Clowney on the field. "I thought he had a good day. He worked hard and did a bunch of different drills, which was good to see," said OBrien, the Texans first-year coach. Smith was happy to see Clowney move easily in space should the Texans draft him and use him at outside linebacker spot. Clowneys got a quick first step that lets him fly past offensive lineman, but hes also got sustained speed that allows him to chase down opponents other defensive lineman cant. "He could absolutely play outside linebacker for us," Smith said. Clowney wasnt the only former Game**** player working out. Leading receiver Bruce Ellington, offensive lineman Ronald Patrick and quarterback Connor Shaw -- all projected to go in the draft -- also worked out for NFL scouts and leaders. But the show, as its been since he packed a high-school auditorium on Valentines Day 2011 for his college selection, was the easygoing, hard-charging Clowney. Several hundred fans that turned out cheered his every move and gave him a loud farewell when the defensive linemen wrapped up their portion of drills. "I just wish I had pads on and could hit somebody," Clowney said with a smile. Clowney has individual workouts scheduled with the St. Louis Rams and Atlanta Falcons. Houstons Smith says Clowney will also visit the Texans complex before next months draft. While OBrien said his teams draft plans were still wide open -- the Texans traded starting quarterback Matt Schaub this off-season -- Clowney hopes hes made himself a bit harder to pass up. Clowney thought a defensive line that included himself and All-Pro end J.J. Watt would be unstoppable. "Id be great, a great fit for them," Clowney said. Clowney acknowledged it was a point of pride for him that he arrived at South Carolina as the No. 1 high school prospect and leaves as the NFLs top choice. "Im just going to keep on pushing," he said, "all the way to the draft." ' ' '
