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The Irish Times - Tuesday, February 21, 2012

DICK AHLSTROM, Science Editor in Vancouver

THE OLD models of how much weight you can lose by reducing calories are seriously off the mark. It is a lot more difficult to lose weight than these models suggest, according to the authors of a mathematical approach to weight loss and obesity.

Dr Kevin Hall and Dr Carson Chow from the US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases improved on the old linear model that suggested a 250 kilocalorie (usually just referred to as calorie) cut in food intake would deliver a 25lb loss over a year.

This ignored the reality of human metabolism, however, they told a session at the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s annual meeting in Vancouver.

Weight loss when dieting comes quickly when you start but soon diminishes over time until finally hitting a plateau, as habitual dieters can attest. For this reason assumptions about energy intake and expenditure based on each pound of fat representing 3,500 calories was not useful for calculating energy balance, they said.

Dr Hall pointed to a US study that indicated 67 per cent of people there were overweight or obese. It suggested that if the government introduced a heavy tax on sugar-sweetened beverages this would quickly drop to 50 per cent on the basis of the older models. The researchers ran a “dynamic simulation model” on the data and found that in fact the tax would only reduce obesity to 62 per cent because of the plateau effect.

The two decided to build a new, more accurate model of energy balance and weight loss. It took into account metabolic factors including the weight to lean ratio, sex, physical activity and other factors. They also built a simpler online version so people could log on and set up a weight loss programme. ( bwsimulator.niddk.nih.gov)

This was very different from the older calculators that suggested reducing calorie intake by 500 a day would deliver a 1lb loss per week. Their calculator allows you to set goals – how much weight you want to lose over what period of time – and then does the calculations for changes to calorie intake and exercise.

A person should reduce food intake by 10 calories a day for each pound of weight change required. At that rate about half the weight change would be reached in about a year and about 95 per cent of the loss reached in about three years, the researchers calculate.

They also used their model to look at the US adult obesity epidemic. They showed that reaching the average population-based weight gain only required seven extra calories a day.

The calculations were much more sophisticated, however, and also took into account the energy demands required by an individual to carry around the extra average weight. The average person needed to burn up an extra 215 calories a day to haul around the weight. Changing the energy balance will deliver weight loss, Dr Chow said. Eating one fewer biscuit a day could deliver a 15lb weight loss over a year.

“The surprise is such a little change can deliver such a large result,” he said.

Read this article:
Researchers give less weight to established slimming tricks

BUFFALO, N.Y. After losing his shutout bid in the final minutes, Buffalo’s Ryan Miller quickly turned his attention to making sure the Sabres didn’t lose the game.

Miller made up for giving up what he considered a soft goal to Frans Nielsen by stopping Matt Moulson on the doorstep as part of a 30-save outing in a 2-1 win over the New York Islanders on Tuesday night.

“After that goal, I needed to shut the door there,” Miller said, referring to how he got across and got his pad out to stop Moulson’s one-timer with 4:04 left. “I was happy to be there.”

The save came 64 seconds after Nielsen cut the lead to 2-1 by beating Miller on the short side with a slapper from the left circle.

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff wasn’t complaining, crediting Miller for making several clutch saves, particularly a pair 6 ½ minutes into the second period. That is when Miller stopped Brian Rolston on a breakaway and then recovered in time to get his chest out to foil Josh Bailey on the rebound.

“You’re going to need big saves inside of every game,” Ruff said. “That was back-to-back great saves. The great saves like that usually lead to victories for you.”

Tyler Myers and Thomas Vanek scored, and Jason Pominville and Derek Roy added two assists in helping Buffalo improve to 2-0-1 since a three-game skid. The Sabres (26-27-7) jumped into 12th place in the Eastern Conference, a point ahead of both the Islanders and Montreal Canadiens.

The inconsistent Islanders are 4-5-1 in their past 10 games. They at least scored, as Nielsen’s goal snapped New York’s drought at 106 minutes, 51 seconds, a day after a 6-0 home loss to Ottawa.

This is no time to panic, said interim coach Doug Weight, who filled in behind the bench because head coach Jack Capuano was sick with the flu at the team hotel.

“If you sit on the plane, you look at it as catastrophic,” Weight said. “But as tough as it is, when teams are struggling, it can change in a hurry. So we have to get our swagger somehow offensively back. And it’s there to be had.”

Moulson, who leads the Islanders with 25 goals, was well aware of the opportunity he had in the third period.

“We’ve got to learn from the mistakes we made and some of the chances we gave up, and move on,” said Moulson, who said the puck bounced and prevented him from lifting a shot over Miller. “There’s no time to feel sorry for ourselves.”

Islanders goalie Kevin Poulin rebounded and stopped 35 shots, a day after he was yanked after allowing two goals on five shots against Ottawa in 1:35 of action.

Myers opened the scoring 1:21 in during a scramble in front. After Poulin stopped Roy and then Pominville, he had no chance when Myers streaked in from the point and flipped the loose puck over him.

Poulin also had no chance on Vanek’s goal, scored 3:41 into the second period after a bad line change by the Islanders.

Rather than going immediately to the bench, Rolston chased down the stick he dropped in the Sabres’ corner. He didn’t realize that teammate Matt Martin was still behind him, limping off.

Enjoying what essentially became a 5-on-3 advantage in the New York end, Roy parked himself behind the net and fed a pass into the slot, where Vanek snapped a shot in the open side.

Roy has suddenly rediscovered his offence. After managing four goals and two assists in 23 games, he has two goals and five assists in his past four.

“We’re happy, but at the same time, we’ve got to get some more points,” Roy said. “We’ve got to keep winning hockey games. We can’t win one, lose one anymore. We’ve got to put a streak together. We’ve got to gain some ground right now.”

NOTES: Ruff listed Sabres D Robyn Regehr as day to day after he left with an undisclosed upper-body injury in the first period. ... Bailey didn’t return for the third period because of back spasms. ... Capuano travelled with the team to Buffalo on Monday, but was unable to attend the team’s morning skate on Tuesday. ... The Sabres went 0-for-1 on the power play, and have converted just one of 33 chances in 12 games.

The Associated Press

See the article here:
Miller stops 30 in leading Sabres to 2-1 win over Islanders

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP)—After losing his shutout bid in the final minutes, Buffalo’s Ryan Miller quickly turned his attention to making sure the Sabres didn’t lose the game.

Miller made up for giving up what he considered a soft goal to Frans Nielsen by stopping Matt Moulson on the doorstep as part of a 30-save outing in a 2-1 win over the New York Islanders on Tuesday night.

“After that goal, I needed to shut the door there,” Miller said, referring to how he got across and got his pad out to stop Moulson’s one-timer with 4:04 left. “I was happy to be there.”

The save came 64 seconds after Nielsen cut the lead to 2-1 by beating Miller on the short side with a slapper from the left circle.

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff wasn’t complaining, crediting Miller for making several clutch saves, particularly a pair 6 1/2 minutes into the second period. That is when Miller stopped Brian Rolston on a breakaway and then recovered in time to get his chest out to foil Josh Bailey on the rebound.

“You’re going to need big saves inside of every game,” Ruff said. “That was back-to-back great saves. The great saves like that usually lead to victories for you.”

Tyler Myers and Tomas Vanek scored, and Jason Pominville and Derek Roy added two assists in helping Buffalo improve to 2-0-1 since a three-game skid. The Sabres (26-27-7) jumped into 12th place in the Eastern Conference, a point ahead of both the Islanders and Montreal Canadiens.

The inconsistent Islanders are 4-5-1 in their past 10 games. They at least scored, as Nielsen’s goal snapped New York’s drought at 106 minutes, 51 seconds, a day after a 6-0 home loss to Ottawa.

This is no time to panic, said interim coach Doug Weight, who filled in behind the bench because head coach Jack Capuano was sick with the flu at the team hotel.

“If you sit on the plane, you look at it as catastrophic,” Weight said. “But as tough as it is, when teams are struggling, it can change in a hurry. So we have to get our swagger somehow offensively back. And it’s there to be had.”

Moulson, who leads the Islanders with 25 goals, was well aware of the opportunity he had in the third period.

“We’ve got to learn from the mistakes we made and some of the chances we gave up, and move on,” said Moulson, who said the puck bounced and prevented him from lifting a shot over Miller. “There’s no time to feel sorry for ourselves.”

Islanders goalie Kevin Poulin rebounded and stopped 35 shots, a day after he was yanked after allowing two goals on five shots against Ottawa in 1:35 of action.

Myers opened the scoring 1:21 in during a scramble in front. After Poulin stopped Roy and then Pominville, he had no chance when Myers streaked in from the point and flipped the loose puck over him.

Poulin also had no chance on Vanek’s goal, scored 3:41 into the second period after a bad line change by the Islanders.

Rather than going immediately to the bench, Rolston chased down the stick he dropped in the Sabres’ corner. He didn’t realize that teammate Matt Martin was still behind him, limping off.

Enjoying what essentially became a 5-on-3 advantage in the New York end, Roy parked himself behind the net and fed a pass into the slot, where Vanek snapped a shot in the open side.

Roy has suddenly rediscovered his offense. After managing four goals and two assists in 23 games, he has two goals and five assists in his past four.

“We’re happy, but at the same time, we’ve got to get some more points,” Roy said. “We’ve got to keep winning hockey games. We can’t win one, lose one anymore. We’ve got to put a streak together. We’ve got to gain some ground right now.”

NOTES: Ruff listed Sabres D Robyn Regehr as day to day after he left with an undisclosed upper body injury in the first period. … Bailey didn’t return for the third period because of back spasms. … Capuano traveled with the team to Buffalo on Monday, but was unable to attend the team’s morning skate on Tuesday. … The Sabres went 0-for-1 on the power play, and have converted just one of 33 chances in 12 games.

Go here to see the original:
Miller stops 30 in Sabres' 2-1 win over Isles

Guardian News and Media/London

UK national guidelines that advise people how to lose weight are seriously flawed and grossly overstate how quickly they will reach their targets, scientists say.
Researchers found people lost only half as much weight as expected in a year if they followed the advice given by the NHS and US health organisations.
The problem came to light when government scientists at the US National Institutes of Health in Maryland realised standard weight loss advice - including its own - failed to account for changes in metabolism as people lost weight.
The rule of thumb used by the NHS and other health services assumes that if a person cuts 500 calories from their daily diet, they will lose about 450g (1lb) each week, regardless of how long they adhered to the regime.
But as people lose weight, their metabolism slows until they reach a new stable bodyweight. Their weight loss is further complicated by how much body fat and muscle they have when they start dieting.
“Dietitians and physicians have used this rule of thumb for a long time, but it turns out to be completely wrong. It doesn’t account for metabolic changes that happen when people change diet,” said Kevin Hall, who led the research.
“If you change calories, your metabolism slows down and eventually you reach a plateau.”
He told the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science: “If you want to lose 10lb of weight eventually, you need to cut 100 calories a day from your diet. You will get halfway there in a year, but then plateau after three years. The old rule of thumb predicts twice as much weight loss after a year and gets worse after that.”
The glitch has consequences that go far beyond the frustration of obese and overweight people who are trying to shed weight.
Public policies drawn up to tackle the rising obesity epidemic have to be reassessed, Hall said, and in cases where this has been done, their effectiveness looked much less impressive than before.
Hall re-examined a proposal for a “fat tax” that added 20% to the cost of sweet and unhealthy foods. Using the flawed weight loss guidelines, obesity rates in the US could be slashed from 67% to 50% in five years.
But when he did the calculation again, taking metabolism into account, the figures were less rosy. After five years of the tax, obesity might drop to 62%, but crucially fall no further.
Last year, researchers writing in the Lancet called on governments to bring in measures to reverse the rise of obesity, which could affect an extra 11mn people in the UK in the next 20 years.
Almost 50% of British men could be obese by 2030, they wrote.
Based on the work, Hall and his colleagues have created an online tool that people from adolescence to late middle age can use to get more accurate advice on how to lose weight.
The tool, which can be used by GPs and patients, then works out how many calories they need to cut, either through dieting or more exercise, and how they can then maintain the healthier weight.
Rather than demoralising people, Hall hopes more accurate advice would help overweight and obese people have realistic expectations.

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Weight-loss guidelines flawed, say researchers

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TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - CC Sabathia's weight is down, and the New York Yankees are hoping a few lost pounds might turn into a few more victories.

The five-time All-Star said Sunday he's shed 10 to 15 pounds and reported to spring training weighing about 290 — the same as a year ago when he pitched brilliantly early in the season but not nearly as effective down the stretch, when he appeared to be much heavier.

After winning 13 of his first 17 decisions, Sabathia finished 19-8 overall with a 3.00 ERA. The Yankees rewarded him with a contract extension that added $30 million and one season to an existing contract that now will pay him $122 million over the next five years.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman later arranged a meeting with Sabathia to discuss the importance of the 31-year-old lefty watching his weight as he gets older.

"When I was dealing with his contract, the weight stuff didn't come up. We wanted CC. We needed CC. We love CC," said Cashman, who bolstered the Yankees starting rotation this winter by trading for young right-hander Michael Pineda and signing former Los Angeles Dodgers righty Hiroki Kuroda to a $10 million, one-year free agent contract.

The GM said Sabathia is one of the hardest workers on the team and that the conversation about the pitcher's weight was not initiated because of any concerns about how he takes care of himself.

"CC's never let us down. He's the type of person that's fully committed," Cashman said. "So the only hard part really is to have these conversations. The easy part is watching him follow through."

The general manager stressed the discussion was more about trying to maintain what's helped Sabathia perform at a high level in the past than trying to force Sabathia to lose weight.

"He's obviously a big man. He's pitched with weight his whole career," Cashman said, adding he doesn't believe in placing weight clauses in contracts because they can be counterproductive.

Standing in his front of his locker at the Yankees spring training complex, where pitchers and catchers hold their first workout on Monday, Sabathia acknowledged he didn't pitch well late in the season but that his weight wasn't a factor.

"It's just one of those things," he said. "I wish I could pitch lights out every single time."

Pineda and Kuroda are joining a rotation that includes Ivan Nova, Phil Hughes and Freddy Garcia, in addition to Sabathia, who is excited about what — at least for now — appears to be a surplus of starting pitchers.

Pineda, who turned 23 last month, was 9-10 with a 3.74 ERA in 28 starts with the Seattle Mariners last year. Kuroda was 13-16 with a 3.07 ERA in 32 starts for the Dodgers.

"It's a good problem to have. Any time you can add guys like Michael and Kuroda it definitely helps. It should be a good battle," Sabathia said. "It's a win-win situation for us either way."

Cashman, who is still in the market to sign a left-handed designated hitter, said a team can never have enough starting pitching.

"I don't necessarily look at it as a competition for the fifth spot. I've been around long enough to realize that what appears to be a surplus ... can turn into a deficit rather quickly based on health and freak stuff," the general manager said.

"I'm not trying to jinx us by talking about it. But I've lived through it enough to know. Exhibit A is the Boston Red Sox last year. We go into spring training last year with not enough. They go into spring training armed and dangerous with more than enough. But with the spring training schedule, plus 162 regular season games, that can radically change things over time."

Cashman isn't speculating about how the rotation might look on opening day.

One thing he's not counting on is Pineda emerging from this camp as the No. 2 or 3 starter behind Sabathia.

"We don't have those illusions. ... Obviously he's got a lot of potential, but we can't forget he's still young," Cashman said, adding that it wouldn't be fair to place such high expectations on Pineda.

"We have some veterans clearly who have been there and done that, that have a history and track record. We have some young guys that are certainly high end and capable. And then we've got some kids who are knocking on the door that still in theory need more development time."

Notes: Manager Joe Girardi's flight to from Newark, N.J., to Tampa was delayed Sunday, and the Yankees pushed his annual pre-camp news conference back to Monday. ... Kuroda thinks being reunited with catcher Russell Martin, a former teammate in Los Angeles, will help his transition to the Yankees. "I played with him for three years. He knows me. Not just my pitches, he knows my personality, so it's going to be a real big help," Kuroda said through a translator. ... Reliever Mariano Riviera did not report with the rest of the pitchers, however Cashman was not concerned. "He knows what he needs to do," to get ready for the season, the GM said. "It's not a problem."

Link:
Sabathia Reports 10 To 15 Lbs Lighter

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- CC Sabathia's weight is down, and the New York Yankees are hoping a few lost pounds might turn into a few more victories.

The five-time All-Star said Sunday he's shed 10 to 15 pounds and reported to spring training weighing about 290 - the same as a year ago when he pitched brilliantly early in the season but not nearly as effective down the stretch, when he appeared to be much heavier.

After winning 13 of his first 17 decisions, Sabathia finished 19-8 overall with a 3.00 ERA. The Yankees rewarded him with a contract extension that added $30 million and one season to an existing contract that now will pay him $122 million over the next five years.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman later arranged a meeting with Sabathia to discuss the importance of the 31-year-old lefty watching his weight as he gets older.

"When I was dealing with his contract, the weight stuff didn't come up. We wanted CC. We needed CC. We love CC," said Cashman, who bolstered the Yankees starting rotation this winter by trading for young right-hander Michael Pineda and signing former Los Angeles Dodgers righty Hiroki Kuroda to a $10 million, one-year free agent contract.

The GM said Sabathia is one of the hardest workers on the team and that the conversation about the pitcher's weight was not initiated because of any concerns about how he takes care of himself.

"CC's never let us down. He's the type of person that's fully committed," Cashman said. "So the only hard part really is to have these conversations. The easy part is watching him follow through."

The general manager stressed the discussion was more about trying to maintain what's helped Sabathia perform at a high level in the past than trying to force Sabathia to lose weight.

"He's obviously a big man. He's pitched with weight his whole career," Cashman said, adding he doesn't believe in placing weight clauses in contracts because they can be counterproductive.

Standing in his front of his locker at the Yankees spring training complex, where pitchers and catchers hold their first workout on Monday, Sabathia acknowledged he didn't pitch well late in the season but that his weight wasn't a factor.

"It's just one of those things," he said. "I wish I could pitch lights out every single time."

Pineda and Kuroda are joining a rotation that includes Ivan Nova, Phil Hughes and Freddy Garcia, in addition to Sabathia, who is excited about what - at least for now - appears to be a surplus of starting pitchers.

Pineda, who turned 23 last month, was 9-10 with a 3.74 ERA in 28 starts with the Seattle Mariners last year. Kuroda was 13-16 with a 3.07 ERA in 32 starts for the Dodgers.

"It's a good problem to have. Any time you can add guys like Michael and Kuroda it definitely helps. It should be a good battle," Sabathia said. "It's a win-win situation for us either way."

Cashman, who is still in the market to sign a left-handed designated hitter, said a team can never have enough starting pitching.

"I don't necessarily look at it as a competition for the fifth spot. I've been around long enough to realize that what appears to be a surplus ... can turn into a deficit rather quickly based on health and freak stuff," the general manager said.

"I'm not trying to jinx us by talking about it. But I've lived through it enough to know. Exhibit A is the Boston Red Sox last year. We go into spring training last year with not enough. They go into spring training armed and dangerous with more than enough. But with the spring training schedule, plus 162 regular season games, that can radically change things over time."

Cashman isn't speculating about how the rotation might look on opening day.

One thing he's not counting on is Pineda emerging from this camp as the No. 2 or 3 starter behind Sabathia.

"We don't have those illusions. ... Obviously he's got a lot of potential, but we can't forget he's still young," Cashman said, adding that it wouldn't be fair to place such high expectations on Pineda.

"We have some veterans clearly who have been there and done that, that have a history and track record. We have some young guys that are certainly high end and capable. And then we've got some kids who are knocking on the door that still in theory need more development time."

Notes: Manager Joe Girardi's flight to from Newark, N.J., to Tampa was delayed Sunday, and the Yankees pushed his annual pre-camp news conference back to Monday. ... Kuroda thinks being reunited with catcher Russell Martin, a former teammate in Los Angeles, will help his transition to the Yankees. "I played with him for three years. He knows me. Not just my pitches, he knows my personality, so it's going to be a real big help," Kuroda said through a translator. ... Reliever Mariano Riviera did not report with the rest of the pitchers, however Cashman was not concerned. "He knows what he needs to do," to get ready for the season, the GM said. "It's not a problem."

Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Visit link:
Sabathia lighter as Yankees report

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- CC Sabathia's weight is down, and the New York Yankees are hoping a few lost pounds might turn into a few more victories.

The five-time All-Star said Sunday he's shed 10 to 15 pounds and reported to spring training weighing about 290 - the same as a year ago when he pitched brilliantly early in the season but not nearly as effective down the stretch, when he appeared to be much heavier.

After winning 13 of his first 17 decisions, Sabathia finished 19-8 overall with a 3.00 ERA. The Yankees rewarded him with a contract extension that added $30 million and one season to an existing contract that now will pay him $122 million over the next five years.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman later arranged a meeting with Sabathia to discuss the importance of the 31-year-old lefty watching his weight as he gets older.

"When I was dealing with his contract, the weight stuff didn't come up. We wanted CC. We needed CC. We love CC," said Cashman, who bolstered the Yankees starting rotation this winter by trading for young right-hander Michael Pineda and signing former Los Angeles Dodgers righty Hiroki Kuroda to a $10 million, one-year free agent contract.

The GM said Sabathia is one of the hardest workers on the team and that the conversation about the pitcher's weight was not initiated because of any concerns about how he takes care of himself.

"CC's never let us down. He's the type of person that's fully committed," Cashman said. "So the only hard part really is to have these conversations. The easy part is watching him follow through."

The general manager stressed the discussion was more about trying to maintain what's helped Sabathia perform at a high level in the past than trying to force Sabathia to lose weight.

"He's obviously a big man. He's pitched with weight his whole career," Cashman said, adding he doesn't believe in placing weight clauses in contracts because they can be counterproductive.

Standing in his front of his locker at the Yankees spring training complex, where pitchers and catchers hold their first workout on Monday, Sabathia acknowledged he didn't pitch well late in the season but that his weight wasn't a factor.

"It's just one of those things," he said. "I wish I could pitch lights out every single time."

Pineda and Kuroda are joining a rotation that includes Ivan Nova, Phil Hughes and Freddy Garcia, in addition to Sabathia, who is excited about what - at least for now - appears to be a surplus of starting pitchers.

Pineda, who turned 23 last month, was 9-10 with a 3.74 ERA in 28 starts with the Seattle Mariners last year. Kuroda was 13-16 with a 3.07 ERA in 32 starts for the Dodgers.

"It's a good problem to have. Any time you can add guys like Michael and Kuroda it definitely helps. It should be a good battle," Sabathia said. "It's a win-win situation for us either way."

Cashman, who is still in the market to sign a left-handed designated hitter, said a team can never have enough starting pitching.

"I don't necessarily look at it as a competition for the fifth spot. I've been around long enough to realize that what appears to be a surplus ... can turn into a deficit rather quickly based on health and freak stuff," the general manager said.

"I'm not trying to jinx us by talking about it. But I've lived through it enough to know. Exhibit A is the Boston Red Sox last year. We go into spring training last year with not enough. They go into spring training armed and dangerous with more than enough. But with the spring training schedule, plus 162 regular season games, that can radically change things over time."

Cashman isn't speculating about how the rotation might look on opening day.

One thing he's not counting on is Pineda emerging from this camp as the No. 2 or 3 starter behind Sabathia.

"We don't have those illusions. ... Obviously he's got a lot of potential, but we can't forget he's still young," Cashman said, adding that it wouldn't be fair to place such high expectations on Pineda.

"We have some veterans clearly who have been there and done that, that have a history and track record. We have some young guys that are certainly high end and capable. And then we've got some kids who are knocking on the door that still in theory need more development time."

Notes: Manager Joe Girardi's flight to from Newark, N.J., to Tampa was delayed Sunday, and the Yankees pushed his annual pre-camp news conference back to Monday. ... Kuroda thinks being reunited with catcher Russell Martin, a former teammate in Los Angeles, will help his transition to the Yankees. "I played with him for three years. He knows me. Not just my pitches, he knows my personality, so it's going to be a real big help," Kuroda said through a translator. ... Reliever Mariano Riviera did not report with the rest of the pitchers, however Cashman was not concerned. "He knows what he needs to do," to get ready for the season, the GM said. "It's not a problem."

Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Sabathia 10-15 pounds lighter as Yankees report

TAMPA, Fla. (AP)—CC Sabathia’s weight is down, and the New York Yankees are hoping a few lost pounds might turn into a few more victories.

CC Sabathia finished this season with a 19-8 record and a 3.00 ERA.
(AP photo)

The five-time All-Star said Sunday he’s shed 10 to 15 pounds and reported to spring training weighing about 290—the same as a year ago when he pitched brilliantly early in the season but not nearly as effective down the stretch, when he appeared to be much heavier.

After winning 13 of his first 17 decisions, Sabathia finished 19-8 overall with a 3.00 ERA. The Yankees rewarded him with a contract extension that added $30 million and one season to an existing contract that now will pay him $122 million over the next five years.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman later arranged a meeting with Sabathia to discuss the importance of the 31-year-old lefty watching his weight as he gets older.

“When I was dealing with his contract, the weight stuff didn’t come up. We wanted CC. We needed CC. We love CC,” said Cashman, who bolstered the Yankees starting rotation this winter by trading for young right-hander Michael Pineda and signing former Los Angeles Dodgers righty Hiroki Kuroda to a $10 million, one-year free agent contract.

The GM said Sabathia is one of the hardest workers on the team and that the conversation about the pitcher’s weight was not initiated because of any concerns about how he takes care of himself.

“CC’s never let us down. He’s the type of person that’s fully committed,” Cashman said. “So the only hard part really is to have these conversations. The easy part is watching him follow through.”

The general manager stressed the discussion was more about trying to maintain what’s helped Sabathia perform at a high level in the past than trying to force Sabathia to lose weight.

“He’s obviously a big man. He’s pitched with weight his whole career,” Cashman said, adding he doesn’t believe in placing weight clauses in contracts because they can be counterproductive.

Standing in his front of his locker at the Yankees spring training complex, where pitchers and catchers hold their first workout on Monday, Sabathia acknowledged he didn’t pitch well late in the season but that his weight wasn’t a factor.

“It’s just one of those things,” he said. “I wish I could pitch lights out every single time.”

Pineda and Kuroda are joining a rotation that includes Ivan Nova, Phil Hughes and Freddy Garcia, in addition to Sabathia, who is excited about what— at least for now—appears to be a surplus of starting pitchers.

Pineda, who turned 23 last month, was 9-10 with a 3.74 ERA in 28 starts with the Seattle Mariners last year. Kuroda was 13-16 with a 3.07 ERA in 32 starts for the Dodgers.

“It’s a good problem to have. Any time you can add guys like Michael and Kuroda it definitely helps. It should be a good battle,” Sabathia said. “It’s a win-win situation for us either way.”

Cashman, who is still in the market to sign a left-handed designated hitter, said a team can never have enough starting pitching.

“I don’t necessarily look at it as a competition for the fifth spot. I’ve been around long enough to realize that what appears to be a surplus … can turn into a deficit rather quickly based on health and freak stuff,” the general manager said.

“I’m not trying to jinx us by talking about it. But I’ve lived through it enough to know. Exhibit A is the Boston Red Sox last year. We go into spring training last year with not enough. They go into spring training armed and dangerous with more than enough. But with the spring training schedule, plus 162 regular season games, that can radically change things over time.”

Cashman isn’t speculating about how the rotation might look on opening day.

One thing he’s not counting on is Pineda emerging from this camp as the No. 2 or 3 starter behind Sabathia.

“We don’t have those illusions. … Obviously he’s got a lot of potential, but we can’t forget he’s still young,” Cashman said, adding that it wouldn’t be fair to place such high expectations on Pineda.

“We have some veterans clearly who have been there and done that, that have a history and track record. We have some young guys that are certainly high end and capable. And then we’ve got some kids who are knocking on the door that still in theory need more development time.”

Notes: Manager Joe Girardi’s flight to from Newark, N.J., to Tampa was delayed Sunday, and the Yankees pushed his annual pre-camp news conference back to Monday. … Kuroda thinks being reunited with catcher Russell Martin, a former teammate in Los Angeles, will help his transition to the Yankees. “I played with him for three years. He knows me. Not just my pitches, he knows my personality, so it’s going to be a real big help,” Kuroda said through a translator. … Reliever Mariano Riviera did not report with the rest of the pitchers, however Cashman was not concerned. “He knows what he needs to do,” to get ready for the season, the GM said. “It’s not a problem.”

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Sabathia reports 10 to 15 pounds lighter

ST. ANSGAR - When a car suddenly struck champion cyclist Dale Blakestad while he was riding his bike a few miles from his home in St. Ansgar in August 2010, few would have guessed it would be the catalyst for a local fitness craze. 

Blakestad survived serious injuries that included a severe concussion, broken vertebrae and broken ribs.

But by November of that year, he was trying to figure out how he would get back on his bicycle by the next spring.

His neighbor, Mindi Vervaecke, had participated in indoor cycling classes held in Mason City and thought it might be the way for Blakestad to speed his rehabilitation.

With assistance from Wayne's Ski and Cycle of Mason City and the St. Ansgar State Bank, Vervaecke was able to secure five indoor cycling bikes and an inexpensive space - in building space behind Farmers State Bank - to hold classes.

Vervaecke spread the word that she was starting indoor cycling classes in St. Ansgar. Interest grew before the classes began, and Vervaecke quickly found more bikes - some borrowed from class participants - so that 10 people, plus an instructor could ride at one time.

Classes started on Jan. 3, 2011, with six different groups riding two days per week.

One year later, the St. Ansgar Saints Spinning (SASS) group has about 180 people participating in 30 class times offered each week. Over 250 people are on a SASS email list and jump into classes as openings show up on the online scheduling calendar.

Seventeen instructors volunteer their time to lead the weekly classes. The group owns 19 bikes, although only 15 are typically used during each class, with the others used as backups for extra riders or breakdowns.

The $3 fee per class has helped pay for the additional bikes and parts, as well as a remodeling of the space where the classes are held.

The room now boasts bold black and red colors, mirrored walls, wall-mounted fans, a new sound system and disco lights. Several of the indoor cyclists donated labor and materials to assist with the remodeling process.

The cyclists in the group range in age from 16 to 72 and include married couples, cancer survivors and a legally blind woman who would not be able to ride a bike outside.

Cycling classes are typically intense workouts but a few classes offered each week are geared toward low-intensity riders. Occasionally the group offers free classes for children.

SASS has held different themed weeks to benefit charities, including donations to the Mitchell County Food Bank and Toys for Tots.

On Saturday, Feb. 25, the group will hold 15 hours of indoor cycling classes for $20 per class to raise money for the Lyle Area Cancer Auction. All 210 spots that day have been filled, meaning the group will raise $4,200 for cancer research.

Vervaecke said she is pleased with the progress SASS has made in the last year.

"I never dreamed that helping Dale recover from his injuries would have resulted in this," said Vervaecke. "It is just amazing the number of people that are sharing his passion for cycling and making themselves healthier in the process."

One of those healthier individuals is Stephanie Duckert, one of the volunteer instructors. She began cycling in an effort to lose weight but experienced much more.

"In just a few months I had lost weight and greatly improved my health, but I am more excited about finally finding a type of exercise that I actually like and look forward to," said Duckert.

"And the people who have participated in the classes have developed this great camaraderie. We compare ‘war stories' about how difficult some of the routines have been and we talk about our favorite songs to bike to."

As for Blakestad, he is still going to physical therapy, but recovered from his injuries enough to bike competitively last summer, competing in two time trials and a 26-mile road race.

He came in first place in one of the time trials and finished in second place in the other two events.

 

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Near tragedy sparks fitness craze

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