Ralston joins Houston as assistant coach

Soccer Betting Lines

07/22/2010 - Houston, TX (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Steve Ralston was hired as an assistant coach by the Houston Dynamo on Thursday, just two days after he ended his storied playing career in Major League Soccer.

Ralston had played in MLS since the league started in 1996, and played for New England since 2001. He retired as the MLS all-time leader in assists with 135, and helped the Revolution reach four MLS Cup finals.

"He's been a fantastic player over the years," Houston coach Dominic Kinnear said. "Being friends with him, we've talked soccer a lot, and I have a lot of respect for his views on the game. He's a person of excellent character, and he's very honest and loyal, and for me that makes a great addition."

Ralston also retired as the all-time leader in games (378), starts (372), and minutes played (33,143). Ralston was named an MLS All-Star seven times and to the MLS Best XI three times.

Ralston replaces John Spencer, Kinnear's assistant since 2006, who left the Dynamo earlier this month to pursue other opportunities.

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El Duque expected to throw Tuesday

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- New York Mets pitcher Orlando Hernandez, sidelined at spring training because of arthritis in his neck, is expected to resume throwing on Tuesday.

Hernandez received a cortisone shot Thursday after leaving camp and returning to New York to have his neck examined. The 41-year-old right-hander is penciled in as the team's No. 2 starter behind Tom Glavine.

El Duque's health is a major issue for the Mets, who won the NL East in 2007 and came within one victory of the World Series. Their aging and unsettled rotation is a big question mark this year.

MySportsbook.com has the Mets as -110 favorites to repeat as NL East champions odds. 

Hernandez went 11-11 with a 4.66 ERA last season, including 9-7 with a 4.09 ERA in 20 starts after the Mets acquired him from Arizona in late May. But he missed the playoffs because of a torn calf muscle.

New York already is without Pedro Martinez, out until at least midseason following rotator cuff surgery. Among those competing for starting jobs are prospects Mike Pelfrey, Philip Humber and Jason Vargas, plus veterans Chan Ho Park, Jorge Sosa and Aaron Sele.

Notes: Mets manager Willie Randolph is excited about two new utility players he could have on his bench: Damion Easley and David Newhan. ''Their value is really all over the place,'' Randolph said. Easley can play anywhere in the infield and could be used as an emergency outfielder, though Randolph said he would prefer to keep the veteran in the infield. Newhan, meanwhile, can play second base, third or any outfield position for the Mets. ''I love versatility,'' Randolph said. ''I love guys that can give me options when I need them to step in.''

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