Nissan Europe has a tentative target of a 2

As the utility industry evolvesto embrace expanded real-time distribution system modeling and simulation,UISOL is well positioned to support its clients as they seek to upgradecurrent systems and deploy additional capabilities in support of smart gridinitiatives."About UISOLUtility Integration Solutions, Inc. (UISOL) is the utility industrybusiness integration specialist. Visit or call925-939-0449.UISOL CONTACTS:UISOL Media Relations: UISOL:Don McDonnellAli 404-583-0003 925-939-0449SOURCEUtility Integration Solutions, Inc.UISOL Media Relations: Don McDonnell, ,1-404-583-0003; or UISOL: Ali Vojdani, 1-925-939-0449, . PARIS (Reuters) - Nissan Europe (7201.T) aims to cut its stock of unsold vehicles to between 60,000 and 70,000 units by the end of March, compared with 93,000 at the end of December, sales vice president Francois Goupil de Bouille said.

RussiaThe Japanese company, along with other global carmakers, has been attempting to slash inventories, as the credit crunch and worsening economic climate have seen worldwide car sales tumble.Nissan Europe posted a 25.6 percent decrease in sales in December to 36,646 units, but calendar year 2008 sales as a whole rose 5.5 percent to 601,647 units for the region, which also includes Russia.In the Russian market, Nissan Europe's strongest, with sales of 154,340 vehicles in 2008, Goupil de Bouille said he expected "slight growth or stability" in 2009 sales. Russian sales were down 4.6 percent in December.Goupil de Bouille said the company had made "serious" cuts in its stocks in December, after seeing levels creep above 100,000 vehicles. It is now targeting stocks equivalent to around 6 weeks of sales instead of the current level of 8-9 weeks, he added during a conference call with journalists.Nissan Europe has a "tentative" target of a 2.8 percent market share for the fiscal year starting in April 2009, Goupil de Bouille said. Market share in December edged up to 2.7 percent from 2.5 percent in the year earlier period.(Reporting by Helen Massy-Beresford; editing by Elaine Hardcastle) Russia. Now that John Lackey is off the table, there are three basic categories under which the high-profile free agent pitchers lie.The first group consists of pitchers like Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, and John Smolt future Hall of Famers who are past their primes but still have some gas left in the tank.The second cluster is made up of former aces hoping to rebound from injuries and prove that they didn’t peak too soon. These include Erik Bedard, Justin Duchscherer, and Ben Sheets.The final, biggest set, is comprised of players who have accumulated solid, yet unremarkable career numbers and are coming off uncharacteristically good seasons guys like Jason Marquis, Vicente Padilla, and Joel Piniero.Each group has its appeals, and since at least half the teams in baseball went into the offseason looking to find rotation help, each is expected to draw significant interests. While some clubs have set about bolstering their pitching staffs with big-ticket acquisitions, most will be looking to this second-tier in search of bargain arms.Unfortunately, thanks to the ridiculous contract the Brewers recently awarded Randy Wolf, bargains might be tough to find.On the surface, giving Wolf more than $9 million a year makes sense after he went 11-7 with 160 strikeouts and a 3.23 ERA this season for a team that plans to contend next season.

This season was quite possibly the best of Wolf’s 11-year career, and at 33, it’s safe to say that the three years he’ll spend in Milwaukee won’t be his prime.For perspective on just how inflated the market is, Wolf is set to earn more money in 2010 than Cliff Lee and Zack Greinke.Why does this matter Because this deal established an expensive precedent for mediocrity.Players like Duchscherer and Sheets had been considered low-risk options for small-market teams. But if Randy Wolf can get close to $30 million, surely these former aces will be able to command eight digits a season.Derek Lowe is considered a failure after putting up a 4.67 ERA this season; the Braves are known to be regretting the $15 million-a-year contract they give him last winter. One would think that teams would show more restraint this offseason, but perhaps we humans really are slow learners.Just how much of an impact will this have on the sizes of contracts to come It remains to be seen. The $82.5 million Lackey got from the Red Sox was significantly less than what some analysts had expected (while the signing itself was excessive, the price was fairly reasonable).But then again, Lackey was in a class by himself.At any rate, small-market teams who had anticipated that the large supply of middle-of-the-road pitchers would drive down the price will have some trouble in the coming months.What do you think Is the equilibrium price truly higher than we had expected, or will the bubble soon burst. If you are an Oklahoma City Thunder fan you should be smiling right now. Through November OKC was 9-8 which is a far cry from what they were this time last year.

This team has the potential to make some noise in the Western Conference this year.In this monthly breakdown I will grade the offense, defense, as well as give 3 bright spots, and 3 low lights thus far.ACT I-NovemberOffense-From an offensive perspective Oklahoma City definitely has made strides since April but, there is still a lot of room for improvement. As the team continues to mesh I predict there will be less stagnate offensive moments as the season crawls along.My Offense grade: B-Defense-Ever since the OKC Thunder hired former Chicago Bulls assistant Ron Adams late in the 2008 season, defense has steadily made positive strides However, with a young team there are always growing pains. This can possibly account for about 12 to 15 extra points for the opponent all because leave someone open, thus losing games.My Defense grade: C Bright Spots:1. James Harden-Even since being drafted 3 overall in the 2009 NBA Draft Harden has made an Impact James Harden brings loads of energy of the bench. Often times he is the Thunder's 6th man and gives tremendous effort. His 3-point field goal percentage continues to climb, shooting in the 30s.2.