As Michael van Gerwen dominates the world of darts, Rod Studd picks out five other Dutch players who have made their mark in the sport. World No 1 Van Gerwen can strengthen his reputation as the sports current top player when he faces Phil Taylor on night seven of the Premier League in Glasgow this Thursday, live on Sky Sports.But Studd has selected five other Dutch stars, including a man with a 100 per cent record against Van Gerwen. Raymond van Barneveld Van Barneveld remains one of the popular figures in darts Van Barneveld is obviously the doyen of Dutch darts, with five world titles which puts him up there with the very best, and just an iconic figure.None of the watching fans can ever forget that 2007 final against Phil Taylor when he famously won from three sets to nil down, winning the sudden death leg, and it was just a spine-tingling sporting occasion. It was something that I still get misty-eyed about.Van Barneveld has continued to stay at the top, despite all of the challenges that have been presented by numerous players. When people thought he was a fading force, Barney won the 2012 Grand Slam of Darts final, beating Van Gerwen in the final. Two years ago Raymond van Barneveld managed to pip compatriot and world champion Michael van Gerwen to the Premier League title Perhaps an even finer hour was the 2014 Premier League win when he beat Taylor and Van Gerwen on the same night and at last years World Championship, he became the Rocky Balboa of darts, who was coming back for one more title shot. Coming off the canvas to knock out Van Gerwen, I would say it was one of the greatest games ever played at Alexandra Palace. Hes just part of so many great moments and great games in the modern history of darts. Jelle Klaasen Jelle Klaasen defeated Raymond van Barneveld to win the BDO world title Everyone remembers when Jelle Klaasen burst onto the scene as this youngster in the 2006 BDO World Championship. He became the youngest winner at 21 years and 90 days when he memorably shocked Van Barneveld.This stylish young star, with real panache and a speedy throw was catapulted to the top, and everyone expected him to be the face of darts. But he would lose to compatriot Co Stompe in the first round at Lakeside in 2007, switched across to the PDC and almost disappeared off the darting map. Sixteen-time world champion Phil Taylor is out of the World Darts Championship after a 4-3 defeat to Jelle Klaasen in the third round Klaasen handed out roses during his ill-fated stint as El Matador in the Premier League in 2009, but then he changed his nickname to the Cobra and really struck back on the darting scene. He could have beaten Gary Anderson in the 2015 PDC World Championship, when Gary went on to win it. But he had a memorable run to this years semi-finals, with thrilling wins over Taylor and Alan Norris, using the most obscure routes to checkouts. The speed and idiosyncrasy of his throw make him such an attractive watch. Roland Scholten Roland Scholten celebrates with the UK Open title Scholten was one of the great characters in the early days of the PDC. You always felt the man nicknamed Tripod would be there or thereabouts in big tournaments. He won the UK Open in 2004 and beat John Part in the final.Probably his most memorable match was the 2005 semi-final of the Premier League against Phil Taylor, who was unbeatable at that time. Roland had him on the ropes at 11-7 up, but Phil then reeled off six legs to win 13-11. Scholten pushed Taylor to the brink in the Premier League He had that purple patch of 2005-06 when he was right up there and the great shame for Roland was he developed neck and shoulder problems which first hampered his game and then destroyed it. He never really recovered, despite operations, and it was a star that burned brightly for a quite a short period of time. Co Stompe Co Stompe was a firm favourite with the fans Co is a charming man. His pre-match and post-match celebration, that Karate Kid mimickry, makes him look like a stork and its wonderful, isnt it? The chant that used to go round the Alexandra Palace to the tune of the Pompey Chimes of play up Stompe, Stompe play up, is the finest darts chant of them all. Those patches of brilliance were too few and too far between for Co, but he was a character and always entertaining to watch. Rod Studd Co did play up at the Palace, he had some good runs there to the quarter-finals. His finest hour was arguably at the 2010 German Darts Open, where he beat Phil in the final with an average of 107. It was one of those games when Phil Taylor had to turn round and say you were too good for me today, Co. Those patches of brilliance were too few and too far between for Co, but he was a character and always entertaining to watch. He had a curious, stacatto throwing style which saw him jab his hand forward twice before releasing, which was not one to mimic. But it certainly worked for Co. Toon Greebe Toon Greebe holds two proud victories over Michael van Gerwen If you say to someone: name the only darts player who has a 100 per cent record against the great Michael van Gerwen? I think you would get down a lot of guesses before you got to the answer. And the answer is 27-year-old Toon Greebe, who has beaten Michael on both occasions they met. Its an amazing statistic and the fact that Toon has disappeared and plays local events in Holland, means its unlikely to be broken. Rod Studd In the first of their two tour matches, Greebe defeated Van Gerwen 6-2 in Austria, and he would complete another 6-5 win over Mighty Mike in Spain in 2012. Its an amazing statistic and the fact that Toon has disappeared and plays local events in Holland, means its unlikely to be broken. As a teenager in 2008, he played in his first PDC World Championship and had Peter Manley in a spot of bother before going down 3-2. He again played at Alexandra Palace two years later, losing to John Part, before he gradually drifted off the PDC circuit. Watch Premier League Darts on Thursday live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7pm. Or watch for £6.99 without a contract, on NOW TV. Also See: Sky Live: PL Darts night seven WATCH: Glasgow glory Custom Royals Jerseys . -- Washington Redskins tight end Fred Davis was charged Thursday with driving while intoxicated, a day after he was suspended for an NFL substance-abuse policy violation. Custom Royals T-shirts .ca NFL Power Rankings, overtaking the Denver Broncos and remaining ahead of NFC competition San Francisco, Carolina and New Orleans. http://www.customroyalsjersey.com/custom-george-brett-jersey-large-77h.html . "Theyve both been real good," said Babcock. "Havent changed our minds." A decision has seemingly been made - Sundays Group B-deciding tilt against Finland ahead - but it could not have been an easy one. Price opened the tournament with a sturdy 19-save performance against the Norwegians, yielding just one goal. Cheap Custom Royals Jersey . Emery skated the length of the ice and fought an unwilling Holtby during the third period of the Flyers 7-0 loss Friday night in Philadelphia. He was given 29 penalty minutes, including a game misconduct. But Emery did not face even a disciplinary hearing with NHL senior vice president of player safety Brendan Shanahan because rules 46. George Brett Jersey Large . Emery skated the length of the ice and fought an unwilling Holtby during the third period of the Flyers 7-0 loss Friday night in Philadelphia. He was given 29 penalty minutes, including a game misconduct. But Emery did not face even a disciplinary hearing with NHL senior vice president of player safety Brendan Shanahan because rules 46. With free agency underway, the offseason is about to pick up steam. What are the big questions facing all 30 teams? Weve already covered the AL East, NL East and AL Central and now were moving on to the National League Central.How do the Cubs set up their outfield?2016 record: 103-58Given the free-agent status of closer Aroldis Chapman, many believe the big offseason puzzle for the Chicago Cubs to solve will be their bullpen. But there isnt likely going to be much headline news in that regard. If Chapman gets a big, multiyear offer, hes probably gone, and the Cubs will augment their holdovers with some low-cost, decent-upside arms. Besides, they can win 100 games again with an average bullpen, all while shaping the relief staff for the 2017 playoffs on the fly.The more pressing question centers around Dexter Fowlers free agency. Fowler was an essential cog in the title run and the Cubs dont have an obvious replacement for a leadoff hitter. Yet overall, they can turn Fowlers defensive domain in center field over to Albert Almora. The big question: Is he ready for that gig offensively? Almoras glove is good to go, and the Cubs thought highly enough of his overall game to keep him on the postseason roster.But what if they dont think Almoras bat plays as an everyday guy just yet? Fowler will be 31 by Opening Day and this is likely his last shot at a big, multiyear deal. Knowing that Almora is waiting in the wings, the Cubs are unlikely to commit three or four years to a guy whose numbers are likely to regress. If the market again is a chilly one for Fowler, then maybe the Cubs can scoop him up late in the process as they did last year.Meanwhile, youve got Kyle Schwarber returning to full-time duty, possibly as a catcher/corner outfielder, and Jason Heyward, who can do spot duty in center and is ripe for an offensive regression in a good way. And dont forget about powerhouse corner outfielder Jorge Soler, jack-of-all-trades Ben Zobrist and the solid Matt Szczur. Soler, of course, may turn out to be the Cubs best trade piece -- if not this winter, then possibly during next Julys search for bullpen help.Losing Fowlers leadoff on-base ability would be a blow. But the Cubs know that manager Joe Maddon can get creative with his lineup choices, and they have a number of players whose improvement seems inevitable. So are the in-house holdovers enough? If not, is there a short-term option on the free-agent market that makes sense, like Cubs nemesis Rajai Davis? -- Bradford DoolittleCan the Cardinals close the gap on the Cubs?2016 record: 86-76The St. Louis Cardinals feel like they are at their best when they specialize in run prevention, which is why the teams very style irked some people in management positions last season. Now, their intention is to fix what ailed the teams pitching by focusing on the fielding that failed to support it.What set the world champion Cubs apart in the Central wasnt their lineup. The Cardinals scored nearly as many runs, finishing third in the NL in scoring. While the Cubs shut down other teams offenses with an athletic young infield and sound outfielders, the Cardinals often fueled big innings with plays not made. Fangraphs ranked the Cubs first in defense and the Cardinals 24th.General manager John Mozeliak will look to be aggressive in trade talks to acquire a center fielder so he can shift Randal Grichuk to left field. If that doesnt pan out, or even if it does, he also figures to have some conversations about acquiring a shortstop so Aledmys Diaz can move to second base. The Angels happen to have the best center fielder, if not player, in the game in Mike Trout and a brilliant-fielding shortstop in Andrelton Simmons, so Mozeliak figures at least to have a conversation or two with GM Billy Eppler to find out the asking price -- if there is one -- for either player. The Cardinals are less likely to fix their defense via free agency, though they could have some interest in Dexter Fowler if he can be signed on a relatively short-term deal.Depending how talks go, the Cardinals could have a very different look and feel next spring, and that is by design. ?-- Mark SaxonWhat do the Pirates do with Andrew McCutchen?2016 record: 78-83The Pittsburgh Pirates rotation fell from a 3.53 ERA in 2015, fifth in the NL, to 4.67, 11th in the NL, so they need a healthy Gerrit Cole and big gains from Jameson Taillon and Tyler Glasnow to get back into the playoff race. But the offseason will revolve around McCutchen -- who is signed for two more years -- and whether the five-time All-Star will be in the Pittsburgh outfield in 2017.At the minimum, hes proobably played his last game in center field for the Pirates.dddddddddddd He was charged with minus-28 defensive runs saved last season, the worst of any player at any position. He ranked second worst in ultimate zone rating (UZR), another rating system, so the metrics agree that he no longer has the range to play center. Its time for Starling Marte to take over.The tougher decision: Was his .256/.336/.430 line just a bad season? Did he play through an injury? Is this the beginning of the decline? Top prospect Austin Meadows hit .266/.333/.536 between Double-A and Triple-A, although just .214 in 37 games at Triple-A. If hes deemed ready, that could put McCutchen on the trade market.McCutchens contract -- $14 million in 2017, $14.75 million team option for 2018 - isnt so prohibitive that the Pirates couldnt get a starting pitcher in return. But will teams view 2016 as an aberration or his new level? Dont expect the Pirates to get anything resembling an ace if they do trade him; theres just too much uncertainty here. Yes, trading a fan favorite would be painful, but the Pirates cant afford to be sentimental. Theyll make the decision they deem best for the club. -- David SchoenfieldWhat do the Brewers do with Ryan Braun?2016 record: 73-89Braun had his best season since his suspension for performance-enhancing drugs in 2013, belting 30 homers in his age-32 season while posting a .903 OPS. It invites questions about whether hes an asset for a busily rebuilding Milwaukee Brewers franchise. While the Brew Crews 73-win season was a nice surprise in the first full year on GM David Stearns watch, its going to be a few years before they can punch their way into the same weight class as the Cubs and Cardinals in the NL Central. So why keep Braun around for their next few seasons of aspirational mediocrity?The problem is that the potential stumbling blocks to a Braun deal are daunting, demanding some extra creativity from the already very creative Stearns. Braun is due at least $80 million over the next four seasons, and $91 million over five if either party exercises a mutual 2021 option. To get the right kind of prospect back in a deal, the Brewers would have to eat a considerable chunk of that contract and make him less of a payroll hit for his new club. Then theres Brauns limited no-trade protection in which he can block deals to 24 teams. In 2016 the happy six-pack he could be peddled to comprised San Francisco, San Diego, both L.A. teams, Arizona and Miami. Thats a list with just one DH-league team for a guy heading deeper into his 30s.Working around all of that to free Stearns to deal with all 30 teams isnt impossible but would involve making it worth Brauns while to agree. And it takes two to tango -- does anyone want Braun that badly, given his checkered past? And do they have the prospects Stearns would want to add to an already-strong Brewers farm system? Thats a lot of ifs to answer, but Brauns potential market value will never be higher than it is right now. -- Christina KahrlWill the Reds trade Joey Votto?2016 record: 68-94In a relatively weak free-agent market, Votto would almost automatically be the most valuable hitter available if the Reds shop him. But thats in present-day value, and Votto is going to be heading into his age-33 season next year. If ever they were going to try and trade him, theres no time like the present.The challenge for GM Dick Williams is coming up with a deal that Votto would agree to given his full no-trade protection, essentially limiting the Reds to Vottos destinations of choice. So if Votto wants to go back to Canada and play for the Blue Jays (and a shot at contention), then its on Williams to come up with a deal, one that also makes sense for Cincinnati. And even then, Votto is signed for $179 million through his age-39 season in 2023 -- does anybody want to make a trade for that big a hit on their payroll?If a team wants Votto, theyre going to have to be very close to winning it all and lacking a first baseman and have strong reasons to prefer trading for Votto over signing a shorter-term deal for someone like Edwin Encarnacion. Thats all possible but far from easy to put together, and it might involve getting a relatively modest package of prospects while kicking in tens of millions of dollars. Is that even worth doing? The Reds already are stuck with a long-term rebuild, a tough sell in any market -- selling their fans on a Votto trade to boot might be mission impossible. -- Christina Kahrl ' ' '
