The All Stars concept last year came into question because

NEW YORK -- Having finalized a $110 million, four-year contract with the New York Mets, Yoenis Cespedes declared: God willing, I will finish out my career with this team.Mets general manager Sandy Alderson quickly interjected: God willing, and a no-trade clause, by the way.Acquired by the Mets at the July 31 trade deadline in 2015, Cespedes helped the team reach the World Series, became a free agent and signed a $75 million, three-year contract that allowed him to opt out after one season and $27.5 million. The slugger hit the open market again, then agreed to a deal that calls for a $22.5 million salary next year, $29 million in each of the following two seasons and $29.5 million in 2020.This is the third time that we have acquired Yoenis in the last 17 months, and it appears that two legal separations have only strengthened the marriage, Alderson said at a Citi Field news conference Wednesday evening.Cespedes was the second free-agent regular retained by the Mets this offseason. Second baseman Neil Walker accepted a $17.2 million qualifying offer.The video board on the wall in the interview room featured a photo of the Cuban outfielder and the hashtag YOGotHim, a variation of last winters GotYoBack.New York was 52-50 when it acquired Cespedes in 2015, finished 90-72 and reached the World Series for the first time since 2000.This year, the Mets were 47-38 when he injured his right quadriceps on July 8, then went 13-23 as he hobbled and spent time on the disabled list. After he returned, the Mets closed with a 27-14 surge to finish 87-75. They made the playoffs in consecutive seasons for the second time in team history.When Yoenis Cespedes plays for the Mets, the Mets win, Alderson said. With all of the analysis and mathematics that litters professional baseball today, thats a pretty straightforward statistic and compelling one that I think everybody can understand.Cespedes had 31 homers and 86 RBI in 132 games this year as the Mets earned a berth in the NL wild-card game, which they lost to San Francisco.The way Im treated, just the way the fans support me and this team, it really makes this place feel like home, the two-time All-Star said through a translator.Obtained from the Detroit Tigers in 2015 for pitcher Michael Fulmer, the AL Rookie of the Year this season, Cespedes had 17 home runs and 44 RBI in 57 games with the Mets down the stretch, helping them reach the World Series for the first time since 2000.This year, New York drew nearly 2.8 million to Citi Field, its highest home attendance since the ballparks first season in 2009. The teams live SNY broadcasts averaged 264,000 viewers, the networks best since 2008. Cespedes star power was pointed out by his agent, Brodie Van Wagenen.He got a nice book from Brodie that showed us all the back pages, Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon said. New York wants a winner. He obviously makes us win ... and he obviously put butts in seats.While the previous agreement between Cespedes and the Mets was reached in January, talks had a much faster pace this offseason.Both sides had a desire to have this thing resolved sooner rather than later, Van Wagenen said.But a no-trade provision was essential to Cespedes.Ive experienced that now several times with Oakland, Boston, Detroit and then coming here, he said. I didnt like that feeling of just when I was starting to get comfortable with a team that I could be gone.To ease the strain on his legs, the Mets now intend to play Cespedes strictly in left field. Previously they used him in both left and center -- he was playing center field when he strained his quadriceps this year.It will help keep me fresh throughout the season, he said.Cespedes was criticized by some for playing golf while hurt. The Mets didnt press for any restriction on the links, but Alderson did offer: There is no free club membership in the contract.Game notes Cespedes didnt engage a question about the death of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro. Thats just not a topic Im ready to speak about right now, he said. ... With a crowded outfield that also includes Curtis Granderson, Jay Bruce, Michael Conforto and Juan Lagares, the Mets will explore possible trades. They are looking for bullpen help. Weve come a long way from no outfield to an overcrowded one, Alderson said. ... To open a roster spot for Cespedes, the Mets traded pitcher Logan Verrett to Baltimore for $50,000. 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Taysom Hill Saints Jersey . A lawyer for MLB, Matthew Menchel, confirmed Wednesday the league dropped its case against Biogenesis of America, its owner Anthony Bosch and several other individuals. The lawsuit had accused Biogenesis and Bosch of conspiring with players to violate their contracts by providing them with banned performance-enhancing substances. Mal Meninga has pleaded for the future of the NRL All Stars match despite being forced to overlook big names like Cameron Smith, Sam Burgess and Jason Taumalolo.World All Stars coach Meninga refused to pick many involved in the recent Four Nations tournament because of fear of player burnout and a packed schedule over the next 12 months.While both he and Indigenous All Stars coach Laurie Daley have picked strong teams, headlined by Jarryd Hayne, Johnathan Thurston and Greg Inglis, for the February 10 exhibition match, a host of big names werent brought up at the selection table.The list of unavailable players also includes Cooper Cronk, Shaun Johnson, Aaron Woods, Matt Scott and Jesse Bromwich.With the 2017 World Cup on the horizon, and a season which includes the Auckland Nines, trans-Tasman Test and State of Origin, as well as the NRL season, Meninga said it was important to give the cream of the crop a break.Theyve played a lot of footy so we made sure that anyone who was involved in the Four Nations - for Australia, England, New Zealand or Scotland - we wouldnt be making them play. They needed a spell, Meninga said.The All Stars concept last year came into question because of concerns about scheduling and a large number of player withdrawals.Meninga did pick Jake Trbojevic and Jake Friend who were part of the Kangaroos squad but they were given the all clear because of limited game time during the Four Nations.The Indigenous All Stars have named several Kangaroos representatives including Inglis, Thurston and Sam Thaiday.Meninga said the game meant a lot to thee indigenous people and pointed to the role rugby league played in reconciliation and addressing social issues.ddddddddddddIts estimated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders make up three per cent of the population but are over-represented in rugby league, especially at NRL and representative level.According to the NRL, indigenous people account for nine per cent of grassroots players, 10 per of coaching staff, 12 per cent of NRL players, 21 per cent of State of Origin players and 29 per cent of Kangaroo and Jillaroos players.Its the whole psyche of us being inclusive, no matter what culture you are, what gender, what social background - thats what this game represents, Meninga said.Meninga said Semi Radradra was not considered because he is awaiting a court hearing to answer domestic violence charges.World All Stars: Jarryd Hayne, David Mead, Joseph Leilua, Konrad Hurrell, Nene Macdonald, Mitchell Moses, Adam Reynolds, Nate Myles, Jake Friend, Jordan McLean, Gavin Cooper, Bryce Cartwright, Jake Trbojevic. Interchange: Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Sosaia Feki, Sione Matautia, Sam Lisone, Moses Mbye, Tepai Moeroa, Jordan Turner.Unavailables: Darius Boyd, Valentine Holmes, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Josh Dugan, Jordan Rapana, Cooper Cronk, Shaun Johnson, Matt Scott, Cameron Smith, Jesse Bromwich, Trent Merrin, Sam Burgess, Jason Taumalolo. Interchange: Matt Moylan, Aaron Woods, David Klemmer, Boyd Cordner, Matt Gillett, Tyson Frizell, Tohu Harris. ' ' '