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LOS ANGELES -- At this point, after all that has happened in the past year, this latest insult barely registers. Ten players were named to the WNBAs first and second teams on Friday, and not one of them was the woman who is still considered by many to be one of the best female basketball players in the world: Candace Parker.Less than a week earlier, shed been honored pregame as one of the 20 best players in the 20-year history of the WNBA, and somehow, at age 30, after leading Los Angeles to the WNBA Finals, she wasnt even recognized as one of the 10 best players in the league after a season in which she finished top 10 in points, rebounds, assists and steals?Its ridiculous. But this is what happens when a star female athlete doesnt play the role thats been expected of her.Parker hasnt won WNBA championships like she was expected to coming out of the University of Tennessee. Perhaps shes complained a bit too often for some tastes about working conditions or the need for physical and mental rest after year-round competition. She most assuredly didnt kiss the rings of the officials in charge of the Olympic team selection process, who could get away with leaving her off the squad that competed in Rio de Janeiro because the United States is so much better than the rest of the world that it can win without her.Yes, Parker can be inconsistent in her effort and play. But based on ability, production and talent, shes still one of the best two or three players in the womens game. So how in the world can she be left off the Olympic team and the all-WNBA teams?All season Parker has had to control her anger and disappointment at these slights.All season, shes kept it inside.She couldnt let these insults become the latest reason she hasnt won a WNBA championship after an illustrious career at Tennessee.Her legacy is on the line. One more win, and the title shes been searching for the past nine years will be hers. One more win, and all the dislocated shoulders, knee surgeries and ankle sprains will be worth it.That Maya Moore stands in the way of Parkers actualizing on the great promise she entered the league with as the No. 1 overall pick in 2008 is kind of perfect. Moore has had the career Parker was expected to have. The former Connecticut star, in her sixth season, already has three titles and an MVP award.Moore has also had a more stable, well-run organization and talented rosters with longtime co-stars Seimone Augustus, Sylvia Fowles and Lindsay Whalen. The Lynx have been one of the WNBAs best franchises. The Sparks nearly moved two years ago before a group led by the Los Angeles Dodgers owners stepped in to buy them at the last minute.The Sparks wouldnt be poised to win the WNBA Finals without Parker, and frankly, they wont be able to finish off Minnesota without Parker at her absolute best. Shes the engine who drives everything for L.A. Which is not a knock on the relentless Nneka Ogwumike, the WNBAs MVP, but more a reflection of Parkers unique all-around game. Think of Ogwumike as Draymond Green and Parker as some sort of combination of Stephen Curry and Andre Iguodala.For L.A. to win, Parker has to make her teammates better and be dominant at both ends of the court. She must create for others and herself. She must defend and rebound and force steals.Moore has to be phenomenal as well, but Minnesota has the depth and talent to survive an off night or off half from Moore. In Game 1, for example, Moore was scoreless in the first half. But the Lynx kept the game close because Whalen got it going.Parker has been fully aware of whats expected of her throughout her WNBA career: carry the league, her team, womens sports. Become a crossover star in the second-largest media market in the country. Win titles and MVP awards.Oh, and be quiet as the Sparks lurched aimlessly from one owner to the next. Say nothing and stay classy when shes snubbed by the Olympic team.Raise her daughter, Laila. Mourn her friend, coach and mentor, Pat Summitt.It is a familiar burden for the gifted and talented. An impossible standard that Parker has paid a heavy price for not conforming to.She can change that Sunday. All eyes, as always, will be on her.Carlos Zambrano Jersey . LOUIS -- Heading into the final stretch of the season, the issues for the Chicago Bears banged-up defence only seem to be getting worse. Willson Contreras Cubs Jersey .ca NHL Power Rankings for the second straight week, ahead of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Colorado Avalanche. http://www.thecubsteamshop.com/Cubs-Willson-Contreras-Kids-Jersey/ . -- Ty Montgomery had 290 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns, and fifth-ranked Stanford held on to beat No. Greg Maddux Jersey . Miikka Kiprusoff had just announced his retirement after a decade-long run in Calgary and it would be up to Berra and Ramo to fill the void. Anthony Rizzo Cubs Jersey . LOUIS -- Theres no telling how these wacky World Series games will end.A look at whats happening all around the majors Saturday:---DARVISH RETURNSYu Darvish makes his second return from injury this season when the slumping Rangers face the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Darvish has been sidelined since June 8 because of right shoulder pain, but is coming off two minor league rehab appearances. Hes 2-0 with a 2.87 ERA in three outings after a late start to his season following 2015 Tommy John surgery. The Japanese right-hander is expected to throw 85-90 pitches for AL West-leading Texas, which has dropped eight of 10.BUC IS BACKPirates ace Gerrit Cole (5-4) comes off the disabled list to start in Washington. The 25-year-old righty hasnt pitched since June 10 because of a strained right triceps. Cole, fourth in NL Cy Young Award voting last year, didnt know if there would be any limitations on him in his first start back. Im just excited to not sit on the sidelines all of the time, he said. Im sure theyll take it inning by inning, see how the game is unfolding. To open a spot in the rotation, Pittsburgh moved struggling lefty Jonathon Niese to the bullpen Friday.HOUSTON, WE HAVE A WINNER?The Houston Astros scheduled a news conference for Saturday amid reports the club has signed Cuban free agent infielder Yulieski Gurriel. The team had no official comment Friday night about the move, which was first reported by MLB.ddddddddddddcom. Gurriel defected from Cuba in February and has been one of the most sought-after international free agents. Until things are official, Im not going to comment on it, Houston manager A.J. Hinch said in Seattle. I will say that we worked him out, we had interest in him. Weve been all over the background check and things like that. Well have to wait for the official announcement.STAY RIGHT HEREJohnny Cueto (13-1, 2.47 ERA) makes his second consecutive start in San Diego, hoping for a better result this time when he pitches for the Giants against the Padres. Cueto was the starter and loser for the National League in Tuesdays All-Star Game at Petco Park, where he gave up three runs and five hits -- including two homers -- over 1 2/3 innings against the AL.BIG MACBrandon McCarthy tries to win his third straight start since returning from Tommy John surgery when the Los Angeles Dodgers visit Archie Bradley (3-5) and Arizona. McCarthy has a 2.70 ERA and 14 strikeouts in 10 innings. He has permitted only five hits. ' ' '