DAVIE, Fla. -- New Miami Dolphins general manager Dennis Hickey stepped to the microphone and apologized for his hoarse voice, explaining he wore it down in the past few days trying to build a winner. Hickey then introduced two big acquisitions in the first hours of free agency -- 316-pound left tackle Branden Albert, and 300-pound defensive tackle Earl Mitchell. Both signed Wednesday less than 24 hours after they agreed to terms. Hickey said he was optimistic defensive tackle Randy Starks would re-sign after becoming a free agent Tuesday. Starks has spent the past six seasons with the Dolphins, and the two sides were negotiating a deal Wednesday. The Dolphins shopping will continue, with additional offensive linemen, a tight end and a linebacker the most pressing needs. Theyre trying to end a 13-year drought without a post-season victory, and eager to put in the past their bullying scandal that involved tackle Jonathan Martin. The acquisition of Albert was a step in that direction. Hell take over the position manned at the start of last season by Martin, who was traded late Tuesday to the San Francisco 49ers for an undisclosed draft choice. "Im going to be here to play left tackle and make a difference," Albert said. "Thats the reason Im here. I feel like its a team I can help the most and make my legacy even better." Albert signed a $47 million, five-year deal that includes $26 million guaranteed. Dolphins officials, accompanied by a couple of players, treated Albert to dinner Tuesday night to celebrate the agreement. "Probably the happiest person at the dining room table was Ryan Tannehill," Hickey said. "He was really excited to have a player of his calibre on our team." Albert will protect the blind side for Tannehill, who was sacked a franchise-record 58 times last year. Mitchell was also part of the dinner celebration. He signed a $16 million, four-year deal. Like Albert, Mitchell envisions better days ahead for the Dolphins. "Im coming to produce and definitely trying to help this team reach new heights," Mitchell said. "Thats my reason for being here. Im trying to get us to a Super Bowl." Mitchell blossomed in his fourth NFL season with the Houston Texans last year, when he became a starter and won raves for the way he clogged the middle. He has been playing defence only since his junior year at the University of Arizona, and he and Hickey both said hes still improving. Alberts reputation has also been on the rise, and he made the Pro Bowl last year with the Kansas City Chiefs. He has had a home the past three offseasons 45 minutes from the Dolphins complex and will now move north, eager to go to work with his new team. "I live in downtown Miami, but I probably wont anymore because of the commute," he said with a smile. "Ive got to find a place close to the facility." Drew Stafford Jersey . - Vince Wilfork has played only two career games in Kansas City. Cory Schneider Jersey . At a news conference Tuesday where it was thought that the fiery Schallibaum may be shown the door after a dismal finish to the Major League Soccer season, team president Joey Saputo said no decision has been made on whether the Swiss Volcano will be back in 2014. http://www.cheapdevilsjerseys.com/?tag=adidas-martin-brodeur-jersey . Bradwell was scheduled to become a free agent Tuesday. Born and raised in Toronto, Bradwell is entering his sixth CFL season, with all six played for his hometown Argonauts. Cheap Adidas NHL Jerseys .Y. -- Mike Zigomaniss goal at 5:53 of the third period stood up as the winner as the Rochester Americans hung on to defeat the visiting Hamilton Bulldogs 3-2 on Saturday in American Hockey League action. Will Butcher Jersey . Hes the same player he always was, only now his efforts are being rewarded. The rookie manager has made a habit of heaping praise on others when things are going well, and accepting criticism when they arent. But in the case of Hurtado, its what the coach is NOT saying that may be the secret to a superb run of form.WASHINGTON - On a night that the Washington Wizards scored their fewest points of the season, Marcin Gortat made sure his points counted. Gortat had a season-high 24 points and 13 rebounds in the Wizards 83-80 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night.Washington had lost its last two games, and Gortat scored 12 points in each half.While the Wizards won despite scoring their season low, the Pelicans were also held to their fewest points — and have their first three-game losing streak of the season.Washington coach Randy Wittman was appreciative of Gortat.That was big for us, considering we didnt have a lot going on offensively, Wittman said. He had a complete game for us.The Wizards trailed only once — when Anthony Davis, who led New Orleans with 30 points, dunked with 3:48 remaining to give the Pelicans a 78-77 lead.Gortat guarded Davis most of the night, and felt he did a good job despite the 30 points.He can score in so many different ways. We have to make sure we have to stop him inside and outside, Gortat said.Its fun when youre scoring and scoring against one of the best defenders in the league. Its a lot of fun. I believe I should do this every day.Paul Pierce hit a layup and a 3-pointer, and Washington led 81-77 with 2:13 to play.Tyreke Evans missed a 3-point attempt that would have tied the score with 1.7 seconds to play. Evans, who is New Orleans second leading scorer, missed 13 of his 15 field goal attempts.Gortat was 5 for 7 from the field in the third quarter, as the Wizards, who never trailed, built a 65-57 lead after three.Davis had 13 rebounds, but the NBA blocked shot leader, had none for the first time in 15 games this seeason.ddddddddddddWere definitely frustrated. We gave away a couple of games we could have won. We have to find a way to get up out of it. Were playing our hearts out, Davis said.The Pelicans had a season-low 12 assists and lost on consecutive nights. In their first three back-to-backs this season they had lost the first and won the second game.TIP-INS:Pelicans: G Eric Gordon missed his third game with a left shoulder injury. . G Austin Rivers, who was 0 for 8 in his first start of the season on Friday, missed his first three field goals before finally hitting one with 1:32 left in the third quarter. . Rivers won the hearts of the Verizon Center crowd by missing two fourth quarter free throws, earning the fans free chicken sandwiches.Wizards: F Nene missed his third game with plantar fasciitis. Nenes a big part of our team. Theres no question about that, coach Randy Wittman said. Wittman said that adding front court depth in the off season helps make up for Nenes loss. Opportunities presented themselves with the guys we brought in.UP NEXT:Pelicans: Host Thunder on TuesdayWizards: Host Heat on MondayPEEVED PELICANS:Besides Davis, New Orleans scored just 50 points.Theyre frustrated. They just lost a tough game. Anyone would be frustrated, Pelicans coach Monty Williams said. The thing that bothers me is that we lost because we hurt ourselves.DEPEND ON PIERCE:Wittman finds Pierces presence a comfort. The 16-year NBA veteran, who declined to address the media, had those key five late points.He doesnt get excited in times when they came back, Wittman said. Thats what Paul kind of gives us, a little calming influence in those situations. ' ' '