NEWS » let down the organization, we let down

We asked some of our favorite female athletes what theyre asking for, or what theyd recommend giving someone, this holiday season.Here are the top picks for 2016. (Note: Although many of the pro athletes are sponsored by these big-name brands, each athlete picked the gear she likes best and uses most within the brand.)For my training:Ab Dolly (No. 13)I used an Ab Dolly at a gym, and my stomach has never been so sore. I want one to use at home twice a week. I am hoping my husband buys this for me -- wink wink! -Kara Goucher, U.S. long-distance runner and Olympic bronze medalist ($119.80; abdolly.com)Apple Watch Series 2 (No. 2)As a runner and an athlete looking to add more swimming to my regimen, the new GPS and swim functions of this watch are attractive to me. I also like the ability to receive emails and texts from clients so I never miss an opportunity. Im not one to pick up my phone while training clients, but at least I can respond with a quick preconstructed text from my watch so I never miss a beat. -Kira Stokes, celebrity trainer in New York City and creator of the Stoked method (from $269; apple.com)Garmin Edge 520 Bike Computer (No. 9)We really want a bike computer that automatically updates to Strava Live (a social networking and tracking site for athletes) and also gives midride Strava segment results. No more waiting until you stop to upload the ride before seeing if you got the Queen of the Mountain! -Laurel and Rebeccah Wassner, professional triathletes ($299.99; garmin.com)NormaTec Pulse Leg Recovery System (No. 15)OK, so totally a Santa, Ive been soooo good splurge, but Id love a pair of these boots. I realize Im far from an elite or pro athlete, but as I get older, I am continually reminded of how important recovery is. Despite being 44 years old, Ive still got some pretty ambitious athletic goals for myself, and being able to slide into a pair of high-tech recovery boots after a tough workout sounds like heaven to me. -Dimity McDowell Davis, runner, blogger and creator of Another Mother Runner podcast ($1,395; normatecrecovery.com)Wahoo Fitness KICKR Power Trainer (No. 16)Im asking for an indoor bike trainer. Ive looked at a few, and the reason I love this one is because you dont use the rear wheel and have rubber burning the whole time but instead it allows you to take off the back wheel and put the bike on the trainer easily, without wearing your back tire. -Jenny Fletcher, professional triathlete ($1,199.99; wahoofitness.com)For my kitchen:Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine (No. 7)My fiancé and I just bought a new house together and we should be moving in any day, so everything on my Christmas list is all home related. We are both huge coffee lovers and really want a new machine. -Nastia Liukin, Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics ($599.95; williams-sonoma.com)GEFU Spirelli 2.0 Spiral Slicer (No. 8)I save my cheat moments for my sweet tooth, but generally speaking I like to fuel my body with nutritious foods! So much can be made with a spiralizer as a healthier option for pasta! Its just a fun thing to add to my kitchen. -Ally Love, in-arena host of the Brooklyn Nets and professional dancer ($29.99; bedbathandbeyond.com)Cozy jackets:Team USA Nike Tech Fleece (No. 14)This is one of my favorite pieces of gear from Nike because of how warm it is. It also goes with every outfit. -Laurie Hernandez, Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics ($98.97; nike.com)Castelli Perfetto Jacket (No. 6)In keeping up with the holidays and the time to recover, recommit and enjoy the colder weather, I love the Perfetto jacket. Its warm when the temperature drops below 50 degrees, its beautifully cut -- just for women -- and its water repellent! -Mirinda Carfrae, three-time world Ironman champion ($199.95; competitivecyclist.com)Lacoste Womens Sport Geometric Printed Taffeta Jacket (No. 3)I love this jacket because its perfect now for the cooler weather, and I think the pattern is really different and flattering. -Christina McHale, pro tennis player ($185; lacoste.com)Shoes and socks:Bombas Womens Original Calf Socks (No. 12)Ive loved Bombas long before we started working together. These are one of my favorites because you can work out and snowboard in them. And for each pair of socks purchased, a pair is donated to the homeless. -Hannah Teter, Olympic gold-medal snowboarder ($12; bombas.com)Nike Air Presto Mid Utility Sneakerboots (No. 10)I love a good sneakerboot -- theyre my favorite weatherized shoes. I really enjoy hiking and I never want the winter to stop me from what I love to do, so these boots are crucial for being active in the outdoors. -Ali Krieger, U.S. soccer player and World Cup champion ($140; nike.com)Specialized Defroster Trail Mountain Bike Shoes (No. 1)I spend a lot of time in the Midwest, and my feet get cold easily. However, with these winter cycling shoes, Im able to train outdoors with warm feet. The shoe is durable [and] comfortable and keeps my feet warm at temperatures well below freezing. -Gwen Jorgensen, Olympic gold medalist in triathlon ($200; specialized.com for retailers)Ski and snowboard gear:Sweaty Betty Mountain Top Seamless Ski Top and Leggings (No. 17)I love these base layers because theyre quick-drying, sweat-wicking and temperature-regulating, making them perfect for a day on the mountain. And its such a cute print! -Heather Mitts Feeley, Olympic gold medalist in soccer ($105 each; sweatybetty.com)La Sportiva Vapor Nano Skis (No. 11)These are my favorite skis from my sponsor, La Sportiva. Theyre a perfect lightweight, rockered, mid-fat charging ski made for ski mountaineering, which is what I love doing. -Meredith Edwards, ultrarunner and member of the U.S. Ski Mountaineering Team ($1,200; sportiva.com)Indoor training:B Mat Strong Long Yoga Mat in Ocean Green (No. 4)Its the best yoga stuff out there! This mat helps me grip and stay strong in my poses. -Christen Press, U.S. soccer player and World Cup champion ($95; byoganow.com)New Balance Accelerate Tight (No. 5)My favorite gear is from New Balance, and Im so fortunate to be sponsored by such an incredible brand. These leggings are the best -- I wear them for every occasion. -Heather Watson, British professional tennis player ($54.99; newbalance.com) Nike Air Zoom Australia . Louis Rams wide receiver Stedman Bailey last Sunday. The fine is the fourth this season for Goldson. He was fined $30,000 for a hit on the New York Jets Jeff Cumberland in Week 1. Nike Zoom Australia . On Tuesday, Ottawa placed forward Cory Conacher and defenceman Joe Corvo on waivers as trade rumours swirl around the Senators. http://www.cheapnikezoomaustralia.com/ . Scott Kazmir allowed four hits in seven shutout innings, Michael Brantley hit a two-run homer in a three-run first inning and the Indians maintained their hold on an AL wild-card spot with a 4-1 win over the Houston Astros on Saturday night. Nike Zoom Australia Sale . The Clippers were angry about blowing a big lead; the Kings didnt like being in that kind of hole and nearly digging themselves out only to lose. Nike Zoom Womens Australia . Los Angeles star goalie survived those perilous gymnastics with no problem, and he eventually backstopped the Kings to a skid-snapping win. Quick stopped 27 shots in his return from a 24-game injury absence, Jeff Carter scored the tiebreaking goal with 7:55 to play, and the Kings snapped their five-game losing streak with a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday night. PHILADELPHIA -- With Charlie Manuel seated to his left, Ruben Amaro Jr. broke down in tears after announcing he fired his manager. It was that emotional for the general manager and many associated with the Philadelphia Phillies. Manuel was let go Friday in the middle of a terrible second half, ending the most successful run in club history. Hall of Famer and former Cubs second baseman Ryne Sandberg, the Phillies third base coach, replaced Manuel for the start of a 10-game homestand. The Phillies didnt play any better for Sandberg and lost 4-0 to the Los Angeles Dodgers in his debut. They have lost 20 of 24. It wasnt an easy night, or day, for anyone in the organization. "You people may not know the relationship Ive had with Charlie. Hes a special person. This is difficult for me. I hope he stays in our organization," said Amaro, who took over as GM after Manuel led the Phillies to the World Series title in 2008. The managerial change didnt help Friday night. Zack Greinke (11-3) pitched three-hit ball into the eighth inning and Hanley Ramirez homered to lead the streaking Dodgers to a victory over Sandberg and the slumping Phillies. "It was a roller coaster of a day emotionally," Sandberg said. "It affected me and I think it affects the players. ... Tomorrow hopefully well get back to work and the game goes on." The 69-year-old Manuel, the winningest manager in club history, was in the final year of his contract and wanted to manage another two or three seasons. "I never quit nothing and I didnt resign," Manuel said, making it clear he was pushed out the door. Manuel had been a folksy presence in the Phillies dugout since the beginning of the 2005 season. He wasnt a popular choice in Philadelphia when former GM Ed Wade hired him to replace Larry Bowa, but he became a beloved figure in a tough city. "I think were all a little upset, a little sad," second baseman Chase Utley said. "Its not easy to see the guy you play for, for nine years, not behind the batting cage right now watching batting practice. Its difficult. "Charlie brought out the most in his players. He was a man you could walk up to and he was the same every day. He was always going to give that positive energy and a lot of times that translated to the field." "I definitely enjoyed Charlie and liked playing for him," added left-hander Cliff Lee said. "I thought he did a good job. Its definitely our fault. We werent getting it done." Lee (10-6) pitched well on Friday night, but the Phillies couldnt provide any offence, finishing with three hits while getting shut out for the 11th time this season. Philadelphia hopes to turn things around under Sandberg. "Hes a quiet guy, but when he speaks everybody listens," All-Star slugger Domonic Brown said. "Guys definitely know he knows what hes talking about." Sandberg managed the Phillies Triple-A team at Lehigh Valley the previous two seasons. He was part of one the most lopsided trades in baseball history when the Phillies traded him and Bowa to the Cubs for shortstop Ivan DeJesus in 1982. "I must say that, for me, I recognize this day as Charlie Manuel Day," Sandbberg said at his first news conference.dddddddddddd "What hes meant to the Philadelphia Phillies organization, what hes meant to the fans, the championships, the World Series, hes tops in the organization for what he did here. I really enjoyed my nearly three years with him in spring training and being here in Septembers, and this year especially being with him on a daily basis. I wish Charlie the best with whatever he intends to do, and he left a big footprint here in Philadelphia." Amaro said Sandberg takes over on an interim basis and would be evaluated after the season. Sandberg inherits a team that dropped to 5-20 since the All-Star break and is 21 1/2 games out of first place. "These guys are professional players, theyre getting paid well," Sandberg said. "Sometimes players have to dig deeper, play with pride, play with heart and for the name on the front of the uniform." Manuel won his 1,000th game as manager on Monday in Atlanta. Two days later, he sat in the dugout knowing it would be his last game after Amaro informed him of the decision not to extend his contract. "I think sometimes people forget how much I love to win," Manuel said. "I think that goes unnoticed. I think sometimes I dont talk about it, because I push it to my team and how important it is. Every day, I say our No. 1 priority is to win the game. When we get away from that, we get into trouble. I love everything about managing, and I think for us, the last couple years to fall back, I get upset very much so. I want us to stay where we were at, I want to compete for a World Series every year." Manuel led Philadelphia to the franchises second World Series title in 2008 08 and brought the team back to the Series in 2009, when it lost to the Yankees in six games. Manuel was 780-636 with the Phillies and won five straight NL East titles from 2007-11. He also spent three years as manager with the Cleveland Indians, winning the AL Central in 2001. Even with an aging roster, the Phillies were expected to contend in the NL East this season, but the team has fallen apart. Two-time Cy Young Award winner Roy Halladay has missed most of the season with an injury. First baseman Ryan Howard also has been out with an injury. High-priced reliever Jonathan Papelbon has struggled to close, and apart from Utley and Brown, the Phillies havent hit much. "We let down not only him, we let down the organization, we let down the fans," said lefty Cole Hamels, who is 5-13. "But I think ultimately, we let each other down. We really have to get back up and discover who we are, and what were playing for. And go out there and do it." Manuels abrupt dismissal angered many fans, who called into talk-radio stations to express their bitterness. Most blame Amaro for the Phillies decline. Amaro has made several questionable moves since replacing Pat Gillick. His decision to give Howard a $125 million contract nearly two years before he was set to become a free agent has handcuffed the team financially along with other big-money deals. "This isnt a blame game," Amaro said. "Im not here to blame Charlie for our issues. We all have a part in it." ' ' '